Chaos in schools as teachers continue go-slow

By Tererai Karimakwenda
18 January, 2008

As the first week of school this year comes to an end, the situation at most institutions is reported to be chaotic. Oswald Madziva, National Coordinator of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), said even more teachers have left the country, although no exact figures have been compiled. Those at work are currently on a “go-slow.”

Madziva explained that teachers are leaving for greener departures even though government offered them a 1000% increase in salaries. He said the raise means the lowest paid teachers make Z$260 million, including housing and transport allowance. Madziva explained that even this is not enough because of the hyperinflation.

Madziva said another crucial issue has been the cash shortages. Teachers and students are having a hard time accessing enough money to pay for transport and other educational needs, because the banks run out of notes every day. Bus fares were also hiked this week. Madziva said a trip from Harare to Bulawayo now costs Z$35-50 million. Teachers and students had not budgeted for these increases.

As for school fees, Madziva said schools are not making enough money to remain open because government is controlling the fees. This has forced many schools to devise other ways of raising funds. The recent decision to make students at boarding schools bring their own food is one of the ways in which schools are trying to save money.

Madziva said the “go-slow would continue until the salary dispute is resolved. He said teachers want to be at work, but it is impossible for them to make ends meet.