Anesu Pedzisayi
It has been about three weeks, since the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) called for protests against Government, which turned out to be catastrophic. Most people, ordinary citizens, business people, school children and affected security forces, the police in particular, are yet to recover from the misfortune.
There has also been an ongoing impasse between Government and teachers, with most unions representing the teaching sector urging members not to report for work, until their monetary demands have been met.
At a moment when the economy is facing temporary economic challenges, Government has been making efforts to cushion its civil servants so that they are not hard hit by the current situation. Non-monetary incentives have been proposed, including housing stands and schemes that would empower them financially. Disappointing to note, is that most unions have been adamant and are pushing only for monetary increment.
It has been an open secret however, that the opposition and some purported human rights organisations have been influencing teachers’ leaders to make outrageous demands meant to put pressure on Government and meant to portray an image that authorities have failed. There has been constant and increasing attempts by some politically influenced saboteurs, bent on furthering regime change agenda.
Notably, there also have been some elements who clandestinely tried to register their displeasure on the democratic political space advanced by Government, and tried to influence public emotion by calling for demonstrations and open criticism against the authorities, in efforts to aid their selfish political agendas.
It is against this background that some teachers’ trade unions have been captured, and are now riding on these mischievous shenanigans. These unions are colluding to cripple the education sector and keep school children out of school, a fundamental basic right that no child should be starved of.
Zimbabwe is a democratic and peace loving country, with citizens who abide by the law. As much as there is democracy in the country, there has been a proliferation of activists taking advantage of genuine concerns by Government workers and making them politically motivated concerns.
Previous demonstrations organised by teachers’ and or trade unions have proven that they cause unnecessary disturbances and are retrogressive. In this case, children are being deprived of the opportunity to acquire education and lost time would be difficult to get back. Already, school children already lost almost two weeks of their school time due to last months’ demonstration.
What is critical to ask the teachers is; when would they want to commit in fulfilling their duties of imparting knowledge to school children. Soon, school holidays would be upon us and unfortunate to parents, they would have to fork out money for extra or supplementary lessons that would be offered by some these teachers.
Citizens have the obligation to protect the image of their nation and Government workers should be on the forefront of encouraging dialogue with the employer than engaging in strikes. Downing tools, whether peaceful or not, contribute wholesomely as a barrier to social, political and economic development. The more these strikes take place, the more the nation loses on building the country and focusing on more pressing issues that carry the country forward.
Currently what is needed is to find the best ways and means of moving forward as a nation. Zimbabweans are aware that economic distress is a phase that is temporary and will pass, eventually. It is therefore, everyone’s responsibility to contribute towards economic revival. Government needs support from individuals, the private and the public sector to be united and to proffer tangible solutions that will move the country forward and resuscitate the economy.
It is encouraging to know however, that most people are aware of the efforts that Government is making in an attempt to normalise the economic status. Engagement and dialogue is key at this moment so that Government is given time to implement permanent measures so that social and economic welfare of teachers is perpetually addressed. Teachers should not take heed of the industrial actions and collectively work towards building the country to greatness.
