Paul Nyathi

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has said the Government will not be held at ransom by teachers who have refused to resume duty demanding for a salary review from goverment.

Teachers are currently earning a salary equivalent to US$30 per month and have been asking government for a minimum salary of US$520 or the equivalent in local currency using the prevailing auction rate.

Government has indicated that it is not in a position to pay in US dollars given that the local currency has been reintroduced.

Government gave all examination classes the nod to resume a fortnight ago, but the reopening of schools has been marred by the teachers’ industrial action, forcing some schools to send pupils back home.

Speaking during a briefing in Mutare on Wednesday, the President said there was no going back in ensuring the smooth flow of lessons in schools.

“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,” said President Mnangagwa.

Earlier this week, teachers’ unions vowed to continue with the industrial action as negotiations with Government.

Some teachers were only clocking in, marking registers, giving pupils assignments and vanishing from their work stations.

Others are allegedly conducting private lessons for a premium US$10 per subject or US$20 for Grade Seven classes monthly.

Source: State Media