The Zimbabwean government has given in to pressure and resorted to appease teachers so to avert a looming strike.

Teachers last week announced they would not be intimidated the way nurses were and threatened to shut down schools.

In a response, the Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima has since said the government has made progress in addressing the demands. “I am not taking a proactive role in the issue, you have to talk to Minister (of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Simbarashe) Mubengegwi for further clarity. However, I can say we met with the Elders and paved a way forward with the issue,” he said.

Mavima is further quoted by the state owned Sunday Mail saying  “we are happy with the progress made so far in addressing the concerns to avert the intended strike.

“Teachers wanted a 100 percent salary increment. However considering the budget, it is already strained, we cannot afford to address all the demands to be paid in cash.

“Thus we have suggested to accommodate their demands in both cash and kind terms. We will also look at specific allowances and make adjustments on vacation leave issue.

“In addition, interested teachers will be offered accommodation under the Command programme; and in terms of allowances, Government will make appropriate offers to meet their demands.”