Paul Nyathi

MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa has sent an early Sunday morning from Buhera where he has condemned the ZANU PF led goverment for falling to address concerns raised by teachers who have remained on strike completely collapsing the education sector.

In a Twitter post, Chamisa called on the government to pay teachers “real money.”

Zimbabwe, like other African countries, is trying a phased re-opening of schools after closing in March due to COVID-19.

But teachers are refusing to return to class, pointing to low pay and unsafe conditions.

The teachers said they want at least US$520 per month or equivalent in local currency and equipment like masks, face shields, and hand sanitizer to protect themselves against COVID-19.

In response, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said his government will stop paying the more than 100,000 teachers who have not reported for duty.

Speaking from an event in Mutare during the week, Mnangagwa said his goverment will never be held at ransom by the teachers.

“I have heard that after schools reopened in Manicaland, only 30 percent of teachers have reported for duty. Let me assure all of you that government will never be held to ransom by the teachers. By failing to report for duty, they think they will push us to do what they want. No, we are very principled on that. However, we are happy that some have gone back to work. We will apply the principle that those who work will get paid. Those who are at home are not considered to be at work.”