THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. MATHEMA): Thank you Hon. Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Members for the questions that have been put forward to me.
Yes, Hon. Chikwinya, most teachers have not reported to work as we expected them and this question has been raised by most of the Hon. Members, which is something to do with the remuneration, that is why the teachers have decided not to come to work.
The issues have to do with their salaries, their conditions and that responsibility belongs to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare but that does not mean that Government does not know that teachers indeed want salary increment and better working conditions.
Both the Ministry of Public Service as well as Public Service Commission are aware of that. As Minister responsible for Primary and Secondary Education, I am aware that this is what teachers have requested for.
Indeed, they are into Trade Unions; about 10 Teacher Trade Unions exist. I would not, Madam Speaker go into detail because the relevant Ministry is there.
That issue is being handled by the relevant authorities, both the Ministry and Public Service Commission. They are handling that issue with the Trade Unions.
Indeed, the National Joint Tripartite Meetings are taking place. So I would not want to go much into that, but as the Minister responsible for Primary and Secondary Education,
I am aware that this is what teachers have requested for. Indeed, they have a right to go on strike because after all, they are into trade unions.
We have around 10 teacher trade unions in Zimbabwe. So that issue, I would not want to go into detail because the relevant Ministry is handling that.
We are interfacing with them. I am part of the team – in a way, and we are very much aware as a Ministry that indeed teachers have made these requests. As for PPEs, let us remember that the 28th was only on Monday.
I am still monitoring the situation to find out exactly what is happening. I was in Masvingo, Mwenezi and Chivi and all the schools that I visited have the PPEs for the teachers.
The Deputy Minister was out there as well, right across the country and other officials. Where there is a lack..