ZIMTA Circular Letter Number 27 Of 21 September 2020

DISTRIBUTION

National Executive Members, Provincial Executive Members, District Executive Members, Branch Executive Members, ZIMTA Sub-Associations, ZIMTA Secretariat, ZIMTA Members

SUBJECT: DECLARATION OF INCAPACITATION AND OPENING OF SCHOOLS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This circular conveys the ZIMTA National Executive decision of 20 September 2020 on declaration of incapacitation of teachers with regards to opening of schools on the 28^th of September 2020.

1.2 Teachers have been hard hit by economic decline since the adoption of RTGS as an official currency. As a result the living conditions of teachers are now unparalleled to anything human. Worsening the plight of teachers is the Covid-19 environment.

2.0 CONCERNS

2.1 The ZIMTA National Executive declaration of incapacitation cites the following concerns.

Concerned that the economy has self-dollarized and transport fares are now charged in United States Dollars and Rands in most routes.

Worried that the teachers’ salaries have been eroded to an equivalent of between US$30-US$35

Appalled by the wide and unjustified disparities in basic salaries between teachers and other public servants.

Concerned on the continued rise in the cost of living.

Concerned that school fees, rentals, medical insurance, funeral insurance and clothing are now out of reach for the educators.

Disturbed by the unilateral pronouncement of opening of schools dates without consultation of other stakeholders, and

Concerned for the safety of teachers since most schools lack Covid 19 preparedness.

3.0 POSITION ADOPTED

3.1 After a wide consultation of all our forty two thousand (42 000) members across all ten of the country’s provinces, the ZIMTA National Executive hereby declares that all educators will not be able to report for duty on the 28^th of September 2020 for opening of schools as they are INCAPACITATED. 

3.2 The following conditions must be met;

1. Implementation of World Health Organization guidelines against Covid-19.
2. Restoration of the purchasing power parity of teachers’ salaries to US$520
3. Implementation of meaningful sector specific allowances which consider teachers’ status and responsibilities.
4. Payment of Covid-19 allowances that are results of a negotiation 

4.0 CONCLUSION 

4.1 Unless the above conditions are met educators remain incapacitated and hence willing but unable to report for duty.

Yours Comradely,

Sibanda Tapson Nganunu

NATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL

Source: Zimbabwe Teachers Association