KEY POINTS
- Teachers in Zimbabwe face delays in receiving their November salaries.
- PTUZ demands urgent action to resolve erratic salary payments.
- Payment delays disrupt schools, impacting education and teacher morale.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has voiced concerns over irregular salary payments, describing the situation as unprecedented since the nation’s independence. For November 2024, teachers reported significant delays in receiving their local currency wages. Many told NewZimbabwe.com they were still waiting for payments long after the expected payday.
Investigations revealed that similar issues affected security sector employees, with many confirming delayed Zimbabwean dollar (ZWG) payments. These developments follow Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s announcement of funding cuts for foreign trips, citing depleted government coffers.
Banking insiders disclosed that local currency shortages have persisted for months, leaving banks unable to cover for delayed government disbursements. “We used to manage by paying the ZWG component upfront, but we can no longer do so as we haven’t received funds from Treasury on time,” an anonymous source said.
PTUZ petitions government over wage delays and concerns
Frustrated by the delayed salaries, PTUZ penned a letter to Labour and Public Service Minister July Moyo on November 21, 2024, copying Finance Minister Ncube. PTUZ Secretary-General Raymond Majongwe condemned the payment process as “shoddy and unprofessional,” stressing the negative impact on teachers and their families.
Majongwe highlighted that banks like POSB and AFC had not yet credited salaries, creating tensions and uncertainty among teachers. “This situation is unacceptable, especially as teachers expect meaningful bonuses and timely wages during the festive season,” he said. The union urged the government to prioritize addressing the payment delays to avoid further disruptions in schools.
Adding to their grievances, PTUZ pointed out discrepancies in the $80 teaching allowance meant to track the U.S. dollar exchange rate, which was not accurately reflected in salaries.
Delayed salaries disrupt education and teacher livelihoods
The consequences of the erratic salary payments extend beyond individual hardships. Teachers’ financial struggles have resulted in decreased morale and disrupted service delivery in schools. This has further strained Zimbabwe’s education system, already grappling with challenges.
PTUZ warned that these payment delays undermine the government’s responsibility to support hardworking teachers. “We expect better from the government, especially now when stability is crucial,” Majongwe added.
The union’s plea underscores the urgent need for Treasury and other stakeholders to resolve these delays and restore confidence among educators. Meanwhile, banking officials cautioned that without stable disbursements, payment disruptions could continue, exacerbating tensions in the sector.
Teachers, parents, and students await a resolution, hoping for swift action to stabilize wages and improve working conditions in Zimbabwe’s education system.
