Sunday News

By Stanford Chiwanga

27 November 2011

The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart, is without doubt a newsmaker, not because he ruthlessly uses the media to promote his political career but because of his hard-working nature and commitment to reversing the decay in the education sector.

When Senator Coltart took over the Ministry of Education more than two years ago, few thought that he would solve the catalogue of challenges that bedevilled the education sector. Most teachers had left the profession, those that remained were not motivated as they were always striking, temporary teachers outnumbered qualified teachers and the student-textbook ration was wretched.

But fast forward to today and you see that the teachers that left want in, teachers are not getting enough but somehow they are motivated and have rarely gone on strike, the temporary teachers no longer outnumber qualified teachers and the student-textbook ratio is going back to 1:1.

Without a doubt Senator Coltart has set an example for other ministries and deserves the favourable ratings that are a tribute to his work ethic. It is because of all this and more that Let’s Talk went out of its way to remove the minister from his work for minutes to interrogate him about his achievements and inspirations in the education sector.

There has been no turnaround

The media and some experts in the education sector are convinced that Senator Coltart has turned an education sector that was infamous for disorganisation and chaos into a model of tranquillity with his dedication and hands-on policy.

But Senator Coltart does not agree with the assessment that he has done wonders and is adamant that education is far from a turnaround.

“I don’t think there is any turnaround to talk about here, I still feel that we are not yet out of the woods. My ministry has managed to stabilise it and I did not do that alone, I have a dedicated team at my ministry. For me it’s too early to say we have turned it around.

“Believe me when I took over education I had no idea what to expect. I was appalled by what I found; the whole sector had broken down. There were massive challenges and they are still there and if I was light-hearted I could have walked away but I decided to tackle all those challenges because I believe children have a right to education,” said Senator Coltart.

Nothing but respect

At the time Senator Coltart filled one of the hottest seats in the Government, the relationship between Government and teachers’ unions was beyond acidic. The Government was unmoved by the unions’ unrealistic salary hike demands and in turn the unions adopted a confrontational approach exemplified by never-ending strikes, when the Government refused to give in to their demands.

For Senator Coltart the re-establishment of good lines of communication was a must for teachers to start teaching again.

“Communication has broken down but I was determined to restore respect to the teaching fraternity so I came up with an open door policy. I got out of my way to make contact with the teachers’ unions. Now we meet regularly and I always give them an audience when they request a meeting and because of those talks my reign has hardly had any strikes.

“The secret of my success with teachers is respect that teachers are entitled to that and that if held in high esteem teachers will act in a responsible and patriotic manner. This year we hardly had any strikes or stay-aways; this is not rocket science but a policy of respecting teachers. I respect teachers and I treat them as human beings with needs like every citizen of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Teacher incentives

Parents and guardians give the thumbs-up to almost all policies that Senator Coltart has crafted for the education sector but there is one blemish that they are quick to point out when given the opportunity to do so – the controversial and much-debated teacher incentives.

To them the introduction of teacher incentives was a grave error because they have been compelled to take the position of the employer regardless of the fact that they like of teachers earn little.

“Incentives are serving a purpose because they help teachers stay in the profession as they supplement the survival salaries that teachers are still earning. They have stabilised the sector and I have no doubt that they have motivated teachers to teach with vigour,” said Senator Coltart.

Some proponents of teacher incentives have gone on to say that they have contributed to the development of the education sector but Senator Coltart is not convinced.

He said: “I don’t believe incentives have contributed to the development of the education sector in terms of progression. Development involves improvement and transition to another better level and that is not the scenario we have on the ground.  Their purpose is to keep teachers happy.”

Senator Coltart revealed that the scrapping of the incentives is not a decision to make alone and said for that to happen it will need the consent of the teachers’ unions.

“Incentives will be scrapped as soon as the teachers’ unions unanimously agree that they must go. I am not going to abolish them without the input of the unions and I don’t think the unions would want them to be abolished until teachers earn a decent salary,” he said.

The above sentiments are not surprising as Senator Coltart is on record for saying incentives are a necessary evil.

“I am sorry that as parents you have to pay incentives. I want to put an end to them but I should do so at a time that is responsible. I cannot to the thing that is popular and abolish incentives only to reverse the gains we have achieve since I became Minister of Education,” said Senator Coltart.

Decent salary

It is obvious that if teachers earned a decent salary the problems in the education sector would be few and far between. The awarding of a decent salary is one way of getting out of the deep end.

And Senator Coltart heartily agrees: “In the 1990s the salary of a teacher was the equivalent of US$500. I am not talking about the current valuation of the US dollar but that of the 90s, so if everything was in order teachers should be earning way more than US$500. For me then absolute minimum benchmark teacher salary should be in that level.

“If we are to restore dignity to the teaching fraternity, we need to look beyond that and model our education sector in the lines of countries such as Singapore that accord teachers the same respect as accountants and doctors. Our vision should be to remunerate teachers accordingly.”

Senator Coltart believes for Zimbabwe to make a transition from Third World status to First World there is a need to prioritise the education and welfare of teachers.

“In Finland even if you teach Grade One you need a masters degree and because of that requisite teachers are paid as much as other professionals who earn high salaries. Our teachers need to upgrade themselves as well because they are tasked with educating the future of the nation. And on our part as Government we should set ourselves a long-term goal, a national goal to give teachers what is due to them,” said Senator Coltart.

Teacher re-entry

The irresistible pull of the multi-currency system saw a number of teachers who had left in frustration developing a desire to come back into the system and the Government crafted an amnesty policy to make their re-entry smooth.

But it has been anything but smooth as some teachers who reapplied for their old jobs are being frustrated, some have their salaries delayed, some are blatantly denied re-entry and some have not even been paid months after being re-employed.

Senator Coltart had this to say: “I am aware of those incidents and subsequent complaints and I am deeply concerned and frustrated that some elements in acts of sabotage see it fit to put obstacles in the path of our teachers. I have talked to the Public Service Commission and we are investigating all those allegations. I hope we will uproot such elements and allow the education sector to have sanity.”

Free primary school education

In the 80s Zimbabwe used to have a free primary school education policy that gave a right to children to education but sadly it was scrapped.

Advocates for the reintroduction of free primary education are born every day and Senator Coltart is part of those advocates.

“The scrapping of that policy was a poor decision. We cannot deny those who cannot afford to pay fees the right to education because they have no money. The problem is that we are not making education an absolute priority. Free education is one of the things I always argue for in Government but I have sadly realised that we only pay lip service,” he said.

Senator Coltart believes that Zimbabwe has misplaced priorities and the changing of attitudes is the only way that free primary education will return. .

He said: “When money is being allocated in the budget, the Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs are given huge amounts of money while the education sector is given little. As long as we have such attitudes as a county, I don’t see education improving significantly.”

Condoms in schools

A controversial approach to reduce rates of sexually-transmitted diseases and pregnancies in schools, the distribution of condoms in schools was proposed by some non-governmental organisations and it raised such a stink that those who had no interest in education made noise about it.

However, Senator Coltart attacked that proposal saying the distribution of condoms in schools conflicts with common sense.

“I am opposed to condoms being introduced in schools, it’s inappropriate and will no way lower STDs and pregnancies, but will promote promiscuity.”

He believes that the implementation of abstinence education in schools is the only way to lower rates of teen pregnancies out of wedlock.

Textbooks

If there is one policy that has earned Senator Coltart adulation and accolades it is his goal to make sure that textbook sharing in schools is a thing of the past. He is already done with primary schools after convincing UNICEF and other Western agencies to donate 13 million textbooks worth US$50 million to the country’s primary schools.

Recently he launched the US$85 million education fund by the Government, the United Nations and other Western donors, which is aimed at improving education in the country’s secondary schools.

Other ministries have dismally failed to source such funds from the sceptical Western world which still treats Zimbabwe like a leper. So what is Senator Coltart’s secret negotiating tactic?

“It is easier to promote the interests of children than for other ministries, let’s say transport, to get funds for roads. Western donors are concerned about the welfare of children, the might be fighting the political leadership but they strongly believe that children should not be made to suffer,” said Senator Coltart.

He revealed that at first the donors were reluctant as they feared that the money could be abused.

Senator Coltart said: “To assure them that their money would be used well, we set up the Education Transition Fund which is managed by UNICEF, the donors and the Government. I am not against that arrangement because it is a win-win situation. The Government is not dictated in any way, it sets the agenda and the money is released to meet that goal.”

Infrastructure development

It is an undisputable fact that school infrastructures leave a lot to be desired as some students have lessons under tree, a scenario that also exists in urban areas.

Something needs to be done and Senator Coltart is already doing something.

“The Education Transition Fund Phase 2 will be looking at the rehabilitation of school classrooms, water and toilets.

“We are glad that the Ministry of Finance has given us US$27 million but it’s necessary to point out that it’s not enough. We have more than 8000 schools and if you divide that US$27 million each school gets US$3300 which is only sufficient to paint classrooms and offices. By my estimates we require amounts that run into hundreds of millions if we want to really rehabilitate our schools,” he said.

The distorted history of Zimbabwe

Senator Coltart and many others believe the history of the liberation of Zimbabwe is distorted and there is a need to rewrite it for students to know what really took place during the struggle for independence.

He said: “I believe that a distorted history gives birth to a lost and ignorant generation and does not give us a true identity of who we are, where we came from and where we are going. For us to have our true identity, we need to teach our children the true and objective history of Zimbabwe.

“That can only happen if we take politics out of the equation and allow neutral and apolitical historians to rewrite our history curriculum. Besides history, our curriculum is outdated and needs updating, we now live in a technology-driven world and our children need a curriculum that is computer-based. There is also terrorism, all these new happenings and innovations need to be captured in the curriculum.”

Sunday News

27 November

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi has said it was unfair for the Movement of Democratic Change (MDC-N) to burden Senator David Coltart with running the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, as he has very little knowledge of the cultural discipline of the portfolio because of his background.

Speaking in Bulawayo on Wednesday last week, Eng Mzembi said although he had nothing personal against Sen Coltart, he felt there was an oversight on the part of MDC-N and the principals in the Inclusive Government on the important cultural discipline that he was let to preside over when it was clear that he has little appreciation of that aspect as he was from a culture alien to Zimbabwe.

“Although Sen Coltart may not say so himself, I felt giving him that ministry with the important culture aspect was n oversight on the part of the Inclusive Government. They looked at the wholesome education and trivialised the culture aspect which is an important cog at the ministry.

“Those are some of the clear iniquities of the Inclusive Government and perhaps that is why there is so much talk of it having failed the nation and the incessant call to wrap it up,” said Minister Mzembi.

He said President Mugabe could have noticed the anomaly but he had no latitude to refuse the MDC their preferred candidate for that portfolio.

“The issue is that Dave (Sen David Coltart) is a white man. He belongs to a minority by was tasked with presiding over the blacks’ divergent cultures. It is obvious that he has little knowledge and appreciation of the importance of our culture and as a result is doing little in improving that discipline which when properly promoted will give some impetus to the tourism sector as well.

“It was just unfair for him. I am however, positive that all those anomalies will be dealt with by President Mugabe next year when he puts in place a Cabinet that will not be inclusive as I am sure that Zanu-PF is going to win the forthcoming elections with a thud,” sad Eng Mzembi.

Sen Coltart, however, said he felt he was working hard to balance all the disciplines that fall in the ambit of his portfolio.

He said the people involved in those disciplines were the ones who were best able to judge his performance so far.

“I think it is not ok for me to comment on those allegations. I will not be able to judge myself. It is better, therefore, that you get a comment from the people directly involved in the arts and culture disciplines of the ministry,” he said.

Amakhosi director, Mr Continueloving Mhlanga, gave substance to Eng Mzembi’s assertions saying the arts were not fully represented.

He said there was gross marginalisation of the arts and culture disciplines in the country something he said was leading to the retarded growth of the industry.

“I used to believe that the marginalisation of arts and culture was perpetuated be people from Bambazonke (Harare). Now I have come to realise that even ministers from this region are not better. The arts and culture have continued to suffer from neglect and the description of our predicament by Oliver Mtukudzi that the problem faced with the arts and culture industry in the country is that of attitude is apt.

“For the record Minister Coltart went to china and was given some arts instruments that he gave to an upper class institution that is patronised by whites. We thought he was going to give the instruments to an institution that nurtures talent from the poor, to people who cannot afford to buy guitars for themselves but he did just the opposite and that clearly shows the attitude problem and the levels of marginalisation that we in the arts and culture industry continue to be subjected to. Whether it is the Treasury or our own ministry we don’t know but the bottom line is that there is very little representation,” said Mr Mhlanga.

He added that it was shocking how the arts and culture disciplines were financially crippled saying the authorities continue to show their neglect by inadequately financing the disciplines.

He said despite the high levels of education of the ministers they continue to overlook the arts and culture industry because they have  no appreciation of the disciplines.

• Methinks Australia need to take note of Zimbabwe's run chase against New Zealand – 168 runs needed with 7 wickets remaining should be easy #
• There is nothing quite like a #Zimbabwean thunderstorm, especially after weeks of blazing hot weather. Zimbabwe at its most glorious. #
• Now you see why Bulawayo is such a good #cricket Test venue – we had 28 mm of rain last night but we have woken up to a perfect day #
• I should not display bias I know but must confess am loving the Tuskers' performance in #ZimT20 Having Chris Gayle playing is wonderful. #

The Standard

By Jennifer Dube

27 November 2011

The year 2011 was the best teaching year in a long time, although more still needs to be done to make education more accessible in the country, Education minister David Coltart said last week.

Coltart said unlike in other recent years, there were less strikes this year, allowing pupils and students more days in class. “We spent much of this year laying a good foundation for the rehabilitation of the sector,” Coltart said. “The Education Transition Fund (ETF) went a long way in ensuring that primary and secondary schools got enough textbooks for all children.”

The international donor community, led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), early this month launched the second phase of the ETF, starting a massive nationwide distribution of at least seven million textbooks to the country’s secondary schools.

This exercise brought to more than 22 million the total number of textbooks procured and distributed to primary and secondary schools as a way of assisting government as it struggles to restore normalcy in the sector, once the envy of the region.

Other positives this year include embarking on a curriculum review and Statutory Instruments relating to education which will come into effect next year, Coltart said, adding that a lot was also done towards assisting schools to improve their administrative duties, especially in the area of data capture with computers being distributed to many schools.

“We have also completed a five-year strategic plan and that will be presented to cabinet soon,” he said.

More still needs to be done: Students

Students Solidarity Trust coordinator Simba Nyamanhindi agreed that there were some positives which justified the celebration of this year’s International Education Week a week ago.

“There was a marked improvement in terms of availability of education although accessibility remains an issue especially because of the fees which remain high,” Nyamanhindi said.

“The multi-currency system and the prevailing political environment all helped bring some normalcy in the sector. “The ETF has also gone a long way in alleviating the plight of especially primary school pupils.

“Generally, education is now available but more needs to be done to make it universally accessible.” Nyamanhindi said the re-establishment of the grants scheme for tertiary education is one of the ways which can help improve accessibility.

He added that although halls of residence at the University of Zimbabwe were re-openned, accommodation too remained a problem as these were unaffordable to many and students continued renting in nearby suburbs.

In a statement, the MDC Youth Assembly equated tuition fees to “exorbitant learning fines”. “As the students of Zimbabwe, we are the gross source of the much needed human capital for the attainment of economic growth and sustainable development, or at least equitable development,” part of the statement read.

“Demanding the reinstatement, in full, of the grants, the scrapping of the insane user fees, the accordance of fundamental freedoms and our rights is what our blood is worth.”

Coltart admitted that gaps remained, citing dropout rates as an example. “Sadly, we are a long way away from attaining the millennium development goals, especially regarding primary school education,” he said. “Education remains very inaccessible to an unacceptably high number of children.

“Dropout rates are unacceptably high as parents and guardians cannot afford the fees.”

Governmnet urged to give more priority to education

Coltart said government needed to prioritise education and allocate more funds to the sector for it to fully recover. “While I am grateful for what the minister of finance allocated us, the funds are still insufficient,” he said.

“We are spending way more on foreign travel than on education and that is a warped priority. “We were allocated a non-salary amount of US$66 million last year and only US$14, 8 million has been received so far compared to US$50 million spent on foreign travel.”

Coltart said the US$27 million allocated for the rehabilitation of schools in last week’s budget was also very little as he had 8 000 schools,  which meant that each school would get US$3 300 to cater for its needs.

Bulawayo 24 News

By Sehlule Zondo

27 November 2011

Renowned playwright and artist Continueloving Mhlanga of Amakhosi Township Square in Bulawayo has lambasted Cabinet Ministers from Matabeleland region accusing them of having a hand in marginalizing the arts sector.

In an interview, Umalume – as Mhlanga is affectionately called in the arts sector said, “I used to think that the marginalization of arts and culture was perpetrated by people from Bambazonke (Harare).

“Now I have come to realize that even ministers from this region (kithi khona) are not better.

“The arts and culture has continued to suffer from neglect and the description of our predicament by Oliver Mutukuzi is true,” he said.

Mutukuzi once said the problem faced with the arts and culture was the attitude problem.

Mhlanga picked up Senator David Coltart as one minister who has done a disservice for Matabeleland saying, “For the record Minister Coltart went to China and was given some arts instruments that he gave to an upper class institution that is patronized by whites.

“We thought he was going to give the instruments to an institution that nurtures talent from the poor, to the people who cannot afford to buy guitars for themselves but he did just the opposite and that clearly shows the attitude problem and the levels of marginalization that we in the arts and culture industry continue to be subjected to,” said Mhlanga.

Senator Coltart is the minister of Education, Sports and Culture and belongs to the Movement for Democratic Change formation led by Professor Welshman Ncube.

In a veiled attack at Finance Minister Tendai Biti, the Nansi LeNdoda author said, “Whether it is Treasury or our won ministry we don’t know but the bottom line is that there is no representation,” said Mhlanga whose Amakhosi is situated in the squalid Makokoba Township and has produced some of the country’s finest artists.

Bulawayo 24 News

By Noel Munzabwa

25 November 2011

Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart has congratulated Zimbabwean born Qantas Wallabies and Western Force flanker David Pocock for being named Western Australia’s Young Australian of The Year.

The Gweru-born 23-year-old was named Western Australia’s Young Australian of the Year at a ceremony at Government House in Perth on Saturday evening.

In an interview at Kwekwe Sports Club on Monday, Coltart said Pocock had done the country proud.

“He might not be playing for Zimbabwe but the fact that he is Zimbabwe-born makes us proud as it displays the potential our children have in rising to the top.

“This should go a long way in encouraging aspiring sports persons that they can make it at the top as long as they remain focused and hungry for success,” said Coltart.

Pocock was one of four finalists in the state’s Young Australian category and was acknowledged for his extraordinary achievements on and off the rugby field.

The star loose forward is an inaugural Western Force player who made his Super Rugby debut as a teenager and quickly established himself as a vital member of the West Australian side. He progressed into international ranks in 2008 and won the 2010 John Eales Medal as the best performing Wallaby. In the past two years he has been among elite company as a nominee for the International Rugby Board Player of the Year.

In a short period of time the 23-year -old has not only made an immense impact on the rugby field but his humanitarian efforts have brought hope to disadvantaged communities in his native Zimbabwe.

In 2009, Pocock established the charity EightyTwenty Vision alongside close friend Luke O’Keefe. He has worked tirelessly to raise funds for projects focusing on health care for HIV and Aids sufferers, education for children, food and water security, and human rights. He regularly travels to Africa to assist in projects and ensure they’re delivering real outcomes.

Rugby WA chairman Russel Perry accepted the award on behalf of Pocock who was unable to attend the ceremony as he was in transit to England as part of the Wallabies Spring Tour squad but before departing the star backrower said he was humbled to have won the award.

“It is a great honour to be recognised in such a way especially given the calibre of young West Australians who were nominated this year, all of whom are doing wonderful work in their own fields,” Pocock said.

Also attending the Awards Ceremony was RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid who said it is easy to forget that Pocock is just 23 years of age given the amount he has already achieved and the maturity and dedication he applies to every part of his life.

“David is truly an extraordinary young man whose life is much more than just being an internationally acclaimed rugby player,” Reid said.

“He has an incredible drive for the things he is passionate about and undertakes a huge amount of work to help those who are a lot worse off than himself. It is wonderful to think that his efforts have achieved such positive change in so many lives. It has been a pleasure to see his growth as a rugby player and person in the seven years he has been in Western Australia as part of the Western Force squad and he is a very worthy recipient of this award.”

Pocock is now in contention alongside other Young Australian category winners from across the country for the National Award which will be presented on the 25 January 2012 in Canberra. The Young Australian of the Year has been awarded since 1979 and to be eligible nominees must be aged between 16 and 30.

The Zimbabwean

By Zwanai Sithole

Matjinge Primary School in Matabeleland South was crowned this year’s national winner of the Jikinya Primary Schools Dance festival.

The school walked away with a cash prize of $1 500. The school also scooped the best coach of the year award.

The second prize went to Chifamba primary school from Mashonaland Central who walked away with a cash prize of $1000 while Zimburu Primary School from Mashonaland East came third and pocketed $500. The fourth price of $300 went to Mhlabangubo primary school from Matabeleland North.

Chifamba Primary School also scooped the harmonious group award, while champions, Matjinge primary school won in the Best Costume category.

Sakubva primary school pupil, Freddy Ferendende, is this year’s best drum player, while the best boy dancer award went to Tafadzwa Dzangare of Zimburu primary school. The festival, which was inaugurated in 2002, aims to encourage children to appreciate and preserve the country’s traditional dances.

The festival, which was held outside Harare for the first time since its inception, was organised by the National Arts Council in conjunction with the National Association of Primary School Heads (NAPH) and sponsored mainly by Delta Corporation and the European Union. Some of the dignitaries who attended the function are the minister of Education, Arts, Sports and Culture David Coltart, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe , Aldo Dell” Ariccia, Bulawayo mayor Thaba Moyo and NAC director, Elvas Mari. This year’s festival was held under the theme “Expressing Zimbabwean Culture through dance”.

Speech by David Coltart at the Opening of NZEVE

Mutare

24 November

I am delighted to be in Mutare today. This is an important day in the history of NZEVE. NZEVE is opening a new workshop for deaf youth as well as expanded office space. The extensions will increase the capacity of the organisation – to train more young people and administer the project efficiently.

The Deaf community of Manicaland never had a special school or centralised services in the past.  Since 2000 NZEVE has acted as a focal point for the Deaf community and for teachers of the deaf employed within the Ministry of Education. There are 15 special resource units in Manicaland. I am told that this high number in Manicaland is in part due to the diagnostic and referral activities conducted by those now connected with NZEVE.

NZEVE helps to increase awareness of the needs of the deaf.  The preschool programme was started to give early intervention to very young deaf children so that they can learn sign language with their families and help them to communicate.  More awareness is necessary so that parents understand the importance of bringing their children when they are still very young. Since almost all parents of deaf children have hearing, the need to teach sign language to their parents must not be underestimated.

It is reported that one out of three children who are out of school in Zimbabwe is a child with a disability. We all have a responsibility to change this and make sure that parents and school authorities are aware that children with disabilities have the right to go to school. But then we must ensure that they do not just sit at the back of the class learning little. It is vitally important that our teachers and schools provide education to all children appropriate to their individual needs.

The government of Zimbabwe is working to make all schools “Child Friendly”. What this means is to make sure every school and every teacher is able to cater for every child appropriate to his or her ability. Placing children with disability in ordinary schools is the preferred option so that they can learn with other children. But this will only be possible for deaf children if Zimbabwe Sign Language is understood and used by more Zimbabweans. I am happy to report that earlier this year I launched a new Sign Language Dictionary prepared by King George VI School. I encourage everyone here to continue learning sign language and if you haven’t started yet, talk to NZEVE and find out how you can start learning ZSL through the courses run at this centre. I would encourage the parents of deaf children to carry on learning with your children and involving the whole family in communication in sign language.

Deaf Youth who are out of school now have more space where they can learn vocational skills. But as we all know, acquiring skills does not automatically mean Deaf youth can become self sufficient.   Marketing the goods that they produce is challenging especially in the current adverse economic environment in Zimbabwe. I would like to encourage business people here today to assist the development of market linkages for these Deaf young people or even employ some of them as they graduate after three years at NZEVE’s youth training project.

One of the most important indicators of the maturity and humanity of any nation is given in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. In times of economic hardship it is often the disabled who are neglected first. This needs to change and I commend all those involved in NZEVE for what they have done. I hope this inspires other communities.

This is a great occasion and it is good to be here today in this most beautiful part of Zimbabwe! Carry on the good work everybody and let’s build a better place for deaf children and youth.

Newsday

By Blessed Mhlanga

23 November 2011

Government has ruled out a salary review for civil servants in January amid reports that unions are pressing for another pay rise.

Finance minister Tendai Biti and Education, Sport, Arts and Culture minister David Coltart said Treasury could not afford another increment six months after government was forced to use diamond revenues to calm down restive civil servants with a modest pay rise.

Biti said civil servants were being paid 67 cents for each dollar in government revenues every month and another increment would severely cripple the unity government.

The minister, who presents the 2012 National Budget on Thursday, stressed that the cost of labour in the country was not proportional to the size of the economy.

“Civil servants, we hear your concerns, but right now without an increase next year we are spending 67 cents of a dollar on government salaries and we have not had the energy to deal with ghost workers perhaps we could have saved money,” Biti told a recent budget consultative meeting.

“To me, there is a problem when you spend 67 cents on 235 000 people and 33 cents on 13 million.”

Coltart said government was trying to improve the working conditions of professionals particularly teachers, but owing to the limited fiscal space it was highly unlikely that there would be a salary review in January.

“We will only see an increment being awarded as our economy begins to perform and revenue inflows to government improve,” Coltart said on the sidelines of a cricket match on Monday.

The minister said while teachers’ incentives had caused problems, they would not be scrapped until such a time government was able to pay its workers a decent wage.

“I recognise that incentives are a problem and need to be dispensed with, but that can only happen once we know teachers have a stable salary that can sustain them,” Coltart said.