Radio VOP

3 December 2011

Bulawayo – The Minister of Education and Culture, David Coltart said his Ministry will not allow distribution of condoms in secondary schools saying no parent would want his or her child to indulge in sex whilst at school.

Responding to a question by an anti-HIV/AIDS activist in Bulawayo on Thursday commemoration of World Aids Day,  who wanted know why his Ministry was not dishing out condoms to secondary schools claiming that most children are indulging in sex, Coltart said he won’t allow that.

“There is no way we can allow distribution of condoms in schools. Parents want their children to abstain from sex at school age. School children should focus on their studies; we can’t have condoms in school toilets, classrooms and libraries. Those who would want condoms should go outside the school premises maybe at nightclubs and street corners not at schools,” said Coltart.

Recently the National Aids Council (NAC) also said it was proposing amendments to a number of laws that could see the distribution of condoms at schools as a way of fighting the HIV/Aids scourge.

NAC said there were bringing out a view on what they had found out in their survey and what the general public felt would be the panacea to the spread of the HIV virus.

If Zimbabwe allows the distribution of condoms in schools it will be following on the footsteps of South Africa which in 2007 introduced the Children’s Act that gives children who are 12 years and above the right to access condoms.

Zimbabwe used to be one of the worst affected by HIV/Aids in the world although transmission rates have been declining in the last few years.

Researchers say fear of infection and mass social change have driven a huge decline in HIV rates in Zimbabwe  offering important lessons on how to fight the Aids epidemic to the rest of Africa.

The Herald

2 December 2011

Parents have been meeting across Zimbabwe in recent weeks to consider proposals to increase the levies at many State schools and the fees at many mission and trust schools.

At most schools the majority of parents, usually a substantial majority, have been approving these proposals and they are now being forwarded to the Secretary of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture for approval or amendment.

Minister David Coltart, who has no say in the approval process, has expressed his support for the parents and schools seeking rises. He believes strongly that education has been grossly under-funded for more than a decade, with even much of the small sums budgeted for schools development this year simply not there for dispersal from the Treasury.

The minister sadly notes that either the schools continue to run down or parents fill the gaps. There is no other option.

Fortunately, the Education Act dating from the 1980s, with a few amendments a few years ago to sort out anomalies, ensures that parents basically have the final say in what they are prepared to pay.

Schools wanting to raise levies or fees have to call a meeting of parents for specifically this purpose, the school development association or board of governors, as appropriate, has to present the budget and the proposals and has to justify these to the parents.

And then parents decide by a vote. Although the majority binds all, very few association executives or boards desire a close vote, with most aiming for at least a two-thirds majority so that the final decision does reflect the views of an overwhelming majority.

The attendance sheets of parents, meeting minutes, amended budget and proposals, and voting figures are all then sent through to the Ministry which tends to accept parents have the right to choose their own levies and fees and, so long as all proper procedures have been followed and there are no anomalies, usually gives approval. We presume most attention is given to close votes, although these are rare, to ensure that the proposals are fair.

More schools these days are splitting their operational levies or fees from the capital levies, a welcome trend so that parents can see more precisely where their money goes and can make more useful suggestions in meetings.

Operational budgets tend to produce the most debate. More and more State schools are regularising the inducements for teachers through their SDAs, abandoning ad hoc arrangements of parents paying teachers directly.

This ensures that teachers do treat all in their class the same, since they have no idea of which parents still owe levies, a welcome move. Some non-government schools are having to cope with a pay award for support staff that was designed to raise the basic minimum, but which retained a complex inherited grading system designed for other circumstances.

So in many cases parents have to make tough choices. We, like the Minister, see little choice for parents. And the system does at least ensure that parents have to agree to the choices they make; these are not imposed.

Parents have to be involved in their children’s schools, and skipping crucial meetings means that they really cannot complain later. If they have something to say they need to say it at the meeting called for that purpose.

More and more parents are now learning how to budget for levies and fees, and how to manage their financial affairs so that the cash does appear regularly for these purposes.

This is presumably why “bonus madness” now seems to be confined to very young adults who have yet to even start worrying about what the pre-schools charge. Families and Zimbabwe both benefit from this parental investment in education.

We hope that most parents are, even at this time of year when money is a little easier, paying levies and fees now, rather than waiting for the last minute and, if they have a little left over are putting it aside for the rest of next year.

There has been a welcome rise in competition among retailers stocking school uniforms, and far more sources for these plus the stationery that most children seem to consume in quantity.

So parents need to shop around carefully when buying. Some schools are even placing wholesale orders so parents can cut costs there.It is unfortunate that despite the education ministry having easily the largest budget allocation, Zimbabwe cannot afford almost free schooling for all.

But Zimbabwe is a developing country and one of the very few in its income band that does have enough places so every child can attend school for at least 11 years. But that provision means that parents are going to have to supplement the State.

Metro Zimbabwe

1 December 2011

Harare — The kitting deal between sportswear giant Puma and Zifa is expected to be concluded by year end.

Puma’s deal was among key issues discussed during a Zifa board meeting last Friday.

Zifa, who currently have no kit sponsor, hope that the kit deal will be concluded before the end of the year to enable the national football authority to unveil merchandise to the public ahead of the 2013 and 2014 Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa World Cup qualifiers, respectively.

The Zifa board also resolved that Zimbabwe should bid to host the next available Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The 28th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations be will be co-hosted next year by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea whilst South Africa has been asked to replace conflict-hit Libya as hosts of the 2013 Caf Africa Cup of Nations.

North African giants Morocco will host 2015 African Cup of Nations with Libya taking over the 2017 tournament from original hosts South Africa.

Zimbabwe were recently given the rights to host the 8th Africa Women Championship next year on condition that government provides the necessary guarantee.

Another matter that came for discussion is the much-touted football indaba expected to tackle the financing of football which was supposed to be held last month but will now be held at a new date to be advised by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).

Education and Sports Minister David Coltart has repeatedly insisted on the need for a football indaba that should unpack the financing challenges faced by Zimbabwean football.

The board meeting also approved the co-option of Zifa lawyer Ralph Maganga in the Constitutional Review committeee tasked with ensuring that the much maligned Zifa constitution conforms to Fifa statutes, the SRC Act and the laws of Zimbabwe.

The committee, whose other committee members are Chicken Inn secretary Tawengwa Hara, Tim Sangarwe and Tinoda Hove, is chaired by Cosmas Mukwesha.

The Zimbabwe soccer controlling body also resolved during the meeting to take charge of touchline advertising space in line with Zifa and Fifa statutes.

The issue of touchline advertising has also been a matter of concern to the Premier Soccer League who are in discussion with the Harare City Council.

Zifa, who have been a constant subject of derision because of the shambolic way they have run football over the years, hope to make amends by putting in place a strategic plan expected to be rolled out by February next year.

Cricket 365

Tristan Holme interviews David Coltart

1 December 2011

Zimbabwe have just completed their first full home season in six years, playing one-off Tests against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand.

Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart has been widely praised for turning cricket around in Zimbabwe since his appointment in February 2009.

Tristan Holme caught up with him to discuss Zimbabwe’s Test return, the reaction in the New Zealand press and England’s reluctance to resume ties.

When you look back at the past few months, are you fairly pleased with how things have gone, and do you feel Zimbabwe have justified their return to Test cricket?
I think that when we withdrew from Test cricket we were losing within three days, and I think there was even a match against South Africa where we lost within two days, and that makes a mockery of Test cricket. We’ve taken every Test match (this season) into the last day, and that in essence is what Test cricket is about – the ability to play the entire match. So I think that these three matches demonstrate that our return to Test cricket is entirely justified. There’s one caveat, and that is that we haven’t played away yet, and that’s going to be the next test of whether it’s justified or not.

You must feel that bringing cricket to Zimbabwe has a lot of benefit to the people, but have you felt a growing support for the team over the course of the three series?
Well to be frank I’m disappointed by the turnout at a lot of matches, not just the Tests. I still feel we’ve got a lot to do to get the public out here. I feel as Minister of Education, as opposed to Minister of Sport, that we’ve got a lot to do to get schoolchildren along to these matches.

But in answer to your question, I think that confidence in Zimbabwe cricket is being restored. I think there’s a growing understanding amongst the cricketing public that this is an increasingly competitive team, and I think that that will result, in the longer term, in more public support at matches.

There weren’t any New Zealand journalists who came out for the tour, but quite a few of them back home were quite critical of New Zealand’s decision to tour, terming it a “disgrace”. How would you respond to that?
Well I’ve already responded to those articles published by the web newspapers, and in both articles I’ve read I believe they’ve been written by people who are ignorant to the current situation in Zimbabwe, and they’re articles that are pretty much three years out of date. None of us argue that the situation in Zimbabwe is perfect – far from that, there are still appalling things taking place in this country but it’s unrecognisably better than it was three years ago politically and our cricket has made huge strides – not just in the playing field but also in terms of accountability and inclusivity in the last three years, and that needs to be rewarded.

I’ve said many times that I think Zimbabwe is at a very similar junction in its history to where South Africa was in the early 1990s. It’s a country in transition, it’s a fragile transition. There are setbacks, and there are still events taking place in the political arena that are very negative. But overall the country has chosen a non-violent route, and that should be encouraged. So far from it being a disgrace, I’m delighted that New Zealand has made this tour.

And I would say one thing in closing to these journalists, which is that they’re sitting in New Zealand; they’re not Zimbabweans, they’re not here, they’re not in a position to judge. Here you have a person like myself who has been a human rights lawyer for 30 years, who supported someone like the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who has sacrificed greatly for this, and if we say that it’s alright for this tour to come, how can any New Zealand journalist possibly claim to have any moral authority to dispute that? It’s a bit like telling Nelson Mandela in the early 1990s, that South Africa should not have the 1995 World Cup. It’s ridiculous.

The one country that remains resistant to resuming tours is England. You must find that frustrating?
I find it very frustrating. I’ve been in London and I met with Minister Henry Bellingham, who is the UK’s Foreign Office Minister for Africa, and I raised this issue again with him. I find it entirely contradictory – I’ve had a letter from the British Ambassador confirming that our Olympic team is going to be welcome in London next year. We know that, for example, this year our Polocrosse team got to the final of the world championships in Britain, we’ve had the British Barbarian schoolboy rugby team out here, and there’s just an inconsistency. Why is it that cricket is singled out for this treatment? It does not appear to be a general policy of the British government, and I just think it’s wrong and needs to be reviewed.

The main concern with cricket in Zimbabwe has to be finance. Do you see it being sustainable in the long run?
I think that cricket is sustainable in the long run, but there’s no doubt that there are huge pressures that are present because in most countries the bulk of sponsorship comes from domestic companies, not international receipts, and our economy is still in a bad shape although it’s gradually stabilising and picking up. I am concerned in the short term, because the long term success of cricket is inextricably linked to the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy, which is going to take some time yet.

So I just hope that the cricket authorities can manage this transition and keep cricket alive and keep these tours coming on the understanding that when the economy stabilises, cricket inevitably is going to get more support. And with that support and growing strength in Zimbabwe cricket we will get more of the English and Indian tours that bring the huge amounts of money that we need to sustain cricket.

Daily News

By Margaret Chinowaita

1 December 2011

Harare - Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart on Tuesday presented $10 000 each to four artists who took part in the 54th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale.

Coltart said the renowned artists; Tapfuma Gutsa, Calvin Dondo, Berry Bickle and Misheck Masamvu were able to showcase what Zimbabweans are capable of.

“We have limited resources to market artists. We appreciate their contributions and we are delighted to offer them $10 000 each as a token of appreciation to express the gratitude of the people of Zimbabwe.”

He said the artists aided government’s bid to market the country:  “These artists were able to market the country. It could have cost more to market Zimbabwe on CNN than it did with these artists so from our perspective it was a good deal.”

The minister hoped the gesture would encourage and inspire other artists to be creative in the future.

He however, said art was not really appreciated in the country and he is working to convince his colleagues in Cabinet.

“The Cabinet do not fully understand the impact of the exhibition at Venice Biennale. However, it was successful, we received 30 000 visitors on our pavilion and rare reviews.”

Deputy chairman of the National Art Gallery board Hosea Mapondera said this was a major development in the history of art.

“It is very big in the history of art in Zimbabwe. It is a milestone, pity that a lot of people did not turn up to witness this gesture of appreciation. However, artists deserve more support than we are giving them in terms of financial and material.”

Mapondera said government was trying to support but there was room for improvement.

Only Dondo and Gutsa were present at the presentation with Bickle and Masamvu out of the country.

“I would like to thank the minister with his gesture of appreciation. I hope it will inspire other artists. We are old but the beautiful ones are not yet born. They have paved way for opportunities,” said Dondo.

However, in an interview after the presentation, Gutsa said he welcomed the token of appreciation but felt it was too little.

“We got too little. Munyaradzi Chidzonga was given a lot and we are being paid ‘damages’. Zimbabwe needs to take artists seriously.”

Doreen Sibanda, director of the National Art Gallery was quoted earlier saying: “Participation in Venice was an expensive exercise, it required money for pavilion rental, work freighting, travel and upkeep, publications, invigilators and so on.

“We were able to raise $300 000 which included cash and kind, of which $100 000 was from our government. We were fortunate to garner sponsorship from British Council in Zimbabwe, the European Union, Institut Francaise, Museum of Monaco, and Principality of Monaco in addition to the Zimbabwean government.”

“We are very appreciative of these partners and do hope they are fully satisfied with the outcome.”

The exhibition of the artists’ work was curated by the National Art Gallery curator Raphael Chikukwa under the theme, “Seeing Ourselves: questioning our geographical landscape and space we occupy from yesterday, today and tomorrow”.

Chikukwa said the artists were powerful and their works were phenomenal leaving a mark at the Venice Biennale known as the Olympics of the art.

Chikukwa used his vast international network to secure Zimbabwe’s ticket to the Venice Biennale.

The curator hopes to take Zimbabwe to the next international art event in the coming years.

New Zimbabwe

30 November 2011

Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor has been named Cricketer of the Year at the annual CBZ Bank Zimbabwe Cricket Awards 2011.

Taylor, named captain in June, also scooped the Croco Motors Batsman of the Year award, while Keegan Meth was named the South African Airways Bowler of the Year.

Taylor played three Test matches in the 2010/11 season, scoring 358 runs at an average of 71.6 runs with his highest score being 117 in the Test match against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club, making that his second century for the season.

His highest score in ODIs was an unbeaten 145 against South Africa in 2010. From the 27 ODI matches he has played, Taylor scored a total of 1096 runs – including four centuries – at an average of 45.66.

Brian Vitori was rewarded for his explosive entrance into top flight cricket with two awards on the night. He was named Tour Africa Rookie of the Year and Interfin Bank Most Promising Cricketer of the Year.

Vitori made his international cricket debut in August 2011 in Zimbabwe’s return match to Test cricket against Bangladesh in Harare. In just two Test matches, he claimed five wickets at an average of 48 runs – with a personal best of four wickets for 66 runs in the match.

He took two consecutive five wicket hauls from his debut ODI matches against Bangladesh, helping Zimbabwe win both matches and ultimately the series 3-2.

Matabeleland Tuskers were the most decorated franchise of the year after being named Castle Franchise Team of the Year and the Best Administered Franchise.

They were also officially presented with the Castle Logan Cup title and had two of their team members winning awards as well. Team coach Dave Houghton was named the Afdis Coach of the Year while, and Meth Bowler of the Year.

Sports Minister David Coltart officiated at the awards, while the United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray was guest of honour.

Newsday

By Daniel Nhakaniso

29 November 2011

National cricket team captain Brendan Taylor — who walked away with two awards at the annual CBZ Cricket Awards on monday night — dedicated the accolades to his teammates.

The high-scoring Taylor shone during the year under review with outstanding performances since taking over the captaincy from Elton Chigumbura.

He was deservedly named the country’s cricketer and batsman of the year.

“It was a great honour to receive the two awards. It’s nice to be recognised, but I think the awards are a reflection on how well the team has done this year.

“Everything I managed to accomplish would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the support from my teammates.

“The whole team put in a fantastic effort. From here we can only keep improving. We beat New Zealand on the ODIs (one-day-internationals) and we were almost within the touching distance of a victory in Test match. I believe when we tour there next year we will be capable of beating them,” said Taylor.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to tour New Zealand in January where Taylor would lead Zimbabwe’s quest for glory against their more fancied opponents.

Taylor was the stand-out player in Zimbabwe’s triumphant return to Test cricket, scoring a magnificent century on his debut as captain during the win against Bangladesh.

He scored two hundreds in three Tests this year and also became the first Zimbabwean to score back-to-back ODI centuries — against New Zealand in September.

The New Zealand tour was particularly the best for him where he scored two centuries in the three- match ODI series to end on 310, the highest by any batsman in a three-match series.

This season he has averaged 49,53 in 17 ODIs so far and his performances earned him a contract with Wellington to play in New Zealand’s HRV Cup.

Taylor took Zimbabwe Cricket’s top prize ahead of fellow short-list nominees Vusi Sibanda and Malcolm Waller.

The glittering ceremony was attended by various stakeholders in local cricket including the of Education Sport, Arts and Culture minister David Coltart guest of honour American Ambassador Charles Ray, who delivered a motivational speech and Zimbabwe Cricket president Peter Chingoka.

Zimbabwe Cricket sponsors Croco Motors, South African Airways, Interfin Bank, Coca-Cola, Castle Lager and Afdis were also represented.

SW Radio Africa

By Alex Bell

29 November 2011

The education sector is witnessing growing anger from both parents of school learners and Zimbabwe’s teachers, because of rising school fees and stagnant salaries.

Some parents have expressed their anger to the media about proposed fee increases, which could be as high as 25%. Reports have said that state schools want to boost fees for day students from US$160 to US$180, and increase boarding fees to US$585 from US$560 a term.

SW Radio Africa has been told that some private school boarding fees are set to rise to about US$13000 for the year. The situation is so serious and the fees so high that many parents are said to be leaving for South Africa, where good government schools are still available.

Education Minister David Coltart said on Tuesday that the fee hikes are unavoidable, because the sector has been underfunded for more than a decade. He added that it is the government’s fault for not playing its part in ensuring the sector improves.

“This year we were allocated about US$60 million for education but we only saw about US$14 million of that to run all the schools. This is woefully insufficient and we’ve had to turn to parents and this means a fee hike,” Coltart explained.

He added that he hopes to make the process of fee increases as transparent as possible, saying nothing is yet set in stone. He said that “even when the fees are set, I plan to make the accounts for each school available on the bulletin boards every month so parents can see where their money is going.”

Finance Minister Tendai Biti last week announced more than US$700 million set aside for education in the national US$4 billion Budget. Coltart welcomed this commitment, but he was also cautious.

“The challenge is to turn this theoretical budget into a reality,” he said.

SW Radio Africa meanwhile has also been told that private school gardeners are earning more than government school teachers, who are still only earning about US$180 a month. PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou told SW Radio Africa that state teachers are earning “starvation wages.”

“It is unfortunate that the national budget didn’t make any room for salary increases because teachers are now condemned to perpetual poverty,” Zhou said.

Biti has previously admitted there is little money for salary increments, and made no direct reference to a much needed increase during his Budget speech last week. Instead, he adjusted the tax requirements so civil servants won’t be paying such high tax. Their ‘allowances’ have also been declared tax free as on January 1st.

Biti is already facing resistance to his 2012 Budget from within Cabinet, with MPs reportedly holding back approval of the proposals, until he gives in to their demands for new cars and outstanding allowances. Legislators from ZANU PF and the MDC-T have told the Daily News they would not give their approval until their ‘needs’ are met.

VOA

By Gibbs Dube

28 November 2011

Education Minister David Coltart said parents and school development associations usually agree on fee rises before submitting them to the government for approval.

A number of Zimbabwean state-run and private primary and secondary schools have asked the Ministry of Education for permission to increase tuition fees and levies next year by 40 percent or more, alarming financially strapped parents.

Sources said state schools want to boost fees for day students from US$160 to US$180, and increase boarding fees to US$585 from US$560 a term.

Some private schools have applied to raise boarding fees by US$25 to US$395.

Many parents say they cannot afford these higher school fees.

Education Minister David Coltart said parents and school development associations usually agree on fee rises before submitting them to the government for approval.

“The permanent secretary is empowered to increase fees and levies and if he decides not to approve them an appeal is made to our ministry and it is only at that stage that I get involved in such issues,” Coltart said.

Bulawayo housewife Mercy Sibanda said most parents cannot afford any increases in school fees as they are struggling to make ends meet.

“Any increases will force us to withdraw our son from boarding school where we are currently paying US$370 a term,” Sibanda said.

Angry Harare parent Friday Tendai told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira that parents should unite to refuse to pay new fees until the government and business have raised wages for civil servants and general workers.

Ambrose Sibindi, former chairman of the Cyrene Mission Development Committee, said such large fee increases are unjustifiable as Zimbabwe now uses multiple currencies that are more stable than the Zimbabwean dollar used to be.

The Herald

By Wenceslaus Murape 

28 November 2011 

Schools have been warned against inviting unlimited prospective pupils for Form One entrance tests to compete for very  few places.

This follows complaints from parents who are accusing boarding schools of using entrance tests for fundraising.

Some schools are reportedly charging up to US$55 per pupil, up from US$20 which was standard in August when entrance tests began.

The scramble for form one places at boarding schools has intensified as the year comes to an end and most parents are seeking to have secured vacancies by December.

The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Senator David Coltart issued the warning yesterday.

“Some unscrupulous schools are cashing in on desperate parents by inviting hundreds of pupils for interviews against limited places available.

“I’m not against the payment of interview fees, but the system should not be abused.

“Why does a school have to call 2 000 pupils for interviews yet they only have space for just 100? The schools should have some sort of refund policy,” said Sen Coltart.

He said while schools were justified in charging fees to cover administrative costs, the charges should be fair.

Some schools are reportedly charging an extra US$5 for a pupil to obtain the entrance form.

Ms Chipo Bewu of Harare said the practice “had created education imperialists some of whom hide behind religious courts.”

“They are ripping off parents and capitalising on the poor and the laxity of the system, something that we never experienced even during the early days of independence,” said Ms Bewu.

She said education was becoming a privilege and not a right to most poor children. This worked against the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

Another Harare parent who refused to be identified said some members of staff from certain schools were openly demanding bribes.

Parents are told that places can be secured by the pupils who pay a bribe rather than those who excel in the entrance tests.

“It is no longer a secret that some mission school officials are openly demanding bribes of up to US$500 for your child to be offered a place, irrespective of writing entrance tests,” she said.

Dating back to the colonial era, mission boarding schools have always been considered the best option for pupils whose parents cannot afford private schools.

Rural day schools are perceived as the worst with high-density schools considered only marginally better.

However, some of the schools that are being inundated by applicants do not necessarily have the best pass rates.

2010 results indicate that St Ignatius College, Goromonzi, Kutama and Gokomere are among the schools who are still riding on their reputation yet they are being beaten by little-known schools when it comes to results.

According to the 2010 pass rate rankings, Monte Casino, Kriste Mambo High, Hartzel High, St Faith, Daramombe High, St Ignatius College, John Tallack, St Dominic’s and Shungu High were among schools with the best O Level results.

Zaka High, Marange High and Daramombe Secondary School, Wanezi High, Emmanuel Secondary, Lundi Secondary, Msengezi High and Mazowe High had the best A Level results.