ZimOnline
By Andrew Moyo
7 July 2009

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s teachers have threatened to go on strike if they do not get a pay rise by month-end, accusing the country’s power-sharing government of duping them in the past with false promises to review their salaries.
The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA), the largest of two unions representing teachers in the country, vowed not to accept anymore “hoaxes” from the government over salaries and warned of “backlash” from disgruntled teachers that could scuttle the unity administration’s impressive attempts to revive public education.
“The much talked about road map by the Minister of Education was nothing but a hoax, and diversionary tactic, the donor agencies appeal process was indefinite and undependable,” ZIMTA said.
The union was referring to an action plan drawn up by the unity government weeks after its formation and under which the administration undertook to restore basic services such as education and health and get Zimbabwe working again.
While schools and hospitals have reopened, the failure by the unity government – which says it requires a total US$10 billion to get Zimbabwe on its feet again – to convince rich Western nations to release grants and soft loans has hampered its ability to sustain the recovery effort.
A three-week trip to America and Europe by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai managed to lay the foundation for revival of relations with the West but achieved very little in raising aid.
A US$950 loan that China has apparently agreed to give Zimbabwe is not enough to meet the government’s needs and there is no clear indication as to when or whether it will eventually be released to Harare.
Meanwhile, there are increasing clamours from not only teachers but also the rest of the civil service for more pay or they will down tools.
ZIMTA said: “ZIMTA will call for a nationwide strike, if demands are not addressed. This is the last resort should current engagements with authorities fail to yield results this July. ZIMTA members have exhausted their patience and will soon find it irresistible to embark on industrial action.”
Education Minister David Coltart was not immediately available for comment on the matter. Coltart has in the past met teachers’ union leaders to urge them to be patient as the government tries to mobilise resources from donors to improve salaries and working conditions.
The coalition government is seen as offering Zimbabwe the best opportunity in a decade to restore stability and end a devastating economic and humanitarian crisis that had seen the once prosperous country suffer rampant inflation, acute food shortages affecting more than half of the country’s population, record unemployment and deepening poverty.
But skepticism remains on the government’s ability to deliver in the absence of donor support and its long term durability given the animosity and mistrust that persists between Mugabe’s ZANU PF and Tsvangirai’s MDC parties – the main pillars of the administration.

Radiovop
5 July 2009

HURUNGWE- There is been a serious exodus of temporary teachers in Zimbabwe’s Hurungwe rural area following non-payment for the past five months.

The untrained teachers had heeded a call by the government in February and submitted their contract forms at Magunje education offices where they have been gathering dust ever since and were not forwarded to the Salary Service Bureau (SSB).

The various teachers had been deployed in rural schools and were battling to make ends meet.

Teachers in full time employment receive USd 100 allowance from the government which has said it has no money to adequately renumerate them.

Zimbabwe’s coffers are dry following a decade long decay of its economy due to political instability and economic mismanagement. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has just returned from a trip to European Union States and America to raise funds for the country which need about USD 10
billion to revive its economy. Very little, so far has been raised as most countries have demanded a stop to human rights abuses and a return to rule of law before they can committ meaningful support.

Teachers returned to schools when a new unity government was put in place in February following an appeal from Tsvangirai and long discussions with the new Education minister David Coltart who appealed to the teachers to resume work while government sought solutions of how to raise their
salaries.

Schools in Zimbabwe were seriously disrupted last year with teachers attending an average 23 days of work the whole year.

”Initially our contract forms were just for a month until it was reversed to three months covering the whole term and we have been battling to have them submitted to Harare SSB for payment with education officials at Magunje blocking our efforts” said a temporary teacher who has since given
up to remain in the remote area of Kazangarare.

The teachers accused the district education officer Muchineripi Ndewere of not acting on their contract forms with urgency.

Ndewere refused to comment over the issue when contacted referring Radio VOP to provincial education officer Sylvester Mashayamombe who only said, ”Mashonaland West has enough qualified teachers”.

However teachers within Hurungwe gave a different accounts of the reality on the ground with Dete primary school being understaffed by 15 teachers.

”There are many schools that do not have adequate teaching staff but Hurungwe education officers are bungling over the contract forms and this will affect the enrollment of children. It’s unfortunate the officials believe those teachers who went out of the country will return soon with such unprofessionalism at Magunje education offices,” said another frustrated teacher from Mjinga area.

Newsnet
4 July 2009

A statue has been unveiled in honour of one of Zimbabwe’s legendary actors, Safirio Madzikatire, who was better known as Mukadota.

The occasion which was led by Harare Mayor, Mr Muchadeyi Masunda coincided with the opening of the culture fund offices which was witnessed by many artists and government officials.

Minister of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture, Senator David Coltart officially opened the offices.

Senator Coltart applauded the Swedish government for availing funds for buying the Culture Fund Zimbabwe Trust offices.

He said such initiatives allow artists to participate in creating employment as well as contributing to the economic growth of the arts industry.

Board Chairperson of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Mr Luxon Zembe said the development will go a long way in providing a resource centre for artists.

The Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Stan Rylander and some government officials also witnessed the event.

The Standard
By John Mokwetsi
4 July 2009

IT has been a long journey since The Standard newspaper successfully launched the Cover to Cover Short Story Writing Competition in 2006.
The innovative competition showcased amazing talent that provided young people throughout Zimbabwe with an opportunity to develop their writing skills and nurture their talent.
For three years the project has seen the publication of brilliant stories from young people that culminated in the production of an anthology titled Children Writing in Zimbabwe last year.

The book published with the support of The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe, carries 42 stories that showcase the variety, creativity, and expression of young people from diverse backgrounds.

It was therefore befitting that last Wednesday the Culture Fund handed over 2 000 copies of the anthology to the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart for distribution to schools.

The handing over was done at the official opening of the Culture Fund offices.

“I take note of the donation of these books. I am grateful. It is saddening when one looks at the situation in terms of availability of books. There is a terrible shortage of textbooks in the country,” Coltart said after receiving the books.

“At rural schools the ratio of students sharing textbooks is 30-1 while in urban areas it is mostly 15-1 or 20 – 1.”

The executive director of Culture Fund of Zimbabwe, Farai Mpfunya said although there was a wealth of literature from all over the world by young people it was not a substitute for locally produced literature.

“To date 3 000 books have been distributed in the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe to schools, universities and local libraries at no charge in a bid to promote the reading and writing culture,” Mpfunya said.

The function was attended by top personalities such as Albert Nyathi, Oliver Mtukudzi, acting director of the National Arts Council, Elvas Mari, Harare mayor, Muchadeyi Masunda and the wife of the late comedian and musician, Safirio Madzikatire, Ntongasi.

Swedish Ambassador, Sten Rylander whose country is the largest donor to the fund said its impact in the country’s arts sector was growing.

The Culture Fund is a non-partisan civic society organisation established and registered as a Trust in June 2006.

Its establishment came as a result of the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and stakeholders’ desire to address inconsistent funding of the Culture sector in Zimbabwe.

The Herald
By Innocent Ruwende
3 July 2009

TEACHERS threatening to strike over unfulfilled pay promises have been told that civil servants are likely to get proper salaries when Finance Minister Tendai Biti presents the mid-term fiscal policy on July 16.

Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart told representatives of teachers at a meeting on Wednes-day that the Government was working to address their salaries and working conditions and those of other civil servants.

The announcement was expected in the mid-term fiscal policy review.

In an interview, Minister Coltart said he had received notices from teachers unions’, among them the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association and Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, threatening to go on strike if the Government does not start paying them salaries.

At the moment, all civil servants are getting a US$100 monthly allowance.

“We told them that Government was aware of their concerns and it realises that the US$100 allowance teachers are getting was not adequate and did not recognise their professional qualifications.

“Finance Minister Tendai Biti is running around to secure money to pay their salaries as well as those of other civil servants. I am hopeful that we will be able to address their concerns and those of other civil servants but it will depend on the amount of money coming into the fiscus,” Minister Coltart said.

But Zimta yesterday expressed frustration over unfulfilled pay promises and said it had twice restrained its members from striking but was now being left with no option.

“The National Executive Committee met on 26-27 June 2009 in Harare to deliberate, among other issues, concerns from members about the remuneration levels.

“The general membership was concerned that the review of the educators’ remuneration was long overdue, the much talked about roadmap by the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture was nothing but a hoax, and diversionary tactic, the donor agencies appeal process was indefinite and undependable, and the SDA/SDC school-based incentives were not a substitute to educators’ salary right.

“The sum of the concerns was that educators remained prisoners of hope as no real progress has been realised,” Zimta said in a statement.

Minister Biti’s mid-term fiscal policy on July 16 comes amid reports that revenue from taxes has risen substantially. Last month Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Commissioner-General Mr Gershom Pasi said Zimra had collected US$100 million in taxes and hoped the figure would keep rising.

Minister Coltart said at the moment Government had limited ability but he was very optimistic that teachers and all civil servants’ concerns would be addressed soon since there were indications that the economy was stabilising.

“My appeal to teachers is that they should recognise we are working under difficult circumstances to seek funds for their salaries so they should bear with Government during these hard times.

“When we get revenue into Government coffers I am sure we will be able to deal with their salary concerns,” he said.

Last week, a group of more than 70 teachers marched in Harare and presented a petition to Minister Coltart demanding an urgent address of their working conditions and salaries.

Minister Coltart has said the country’s education sector requires at least US$100 million to re-equip schools with textbooks and pay teachers’ sala- ries.

In May, Government held a crisis meeting with teachers’ unions over the salary issue after they had decided not to report for work when the second term began.

The Government, through the United Nations, has since sent an appeal to western donors and western governments for financial aid to revive the country’s education system.

The Herald
Herald Reporter
3 July 2009

THE 2008 Grade Seven results are finally out, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council has announced.

Zimsec director Mr Happy Ndanga yesterday said the results were being sent to all regional offices and would be available to schools from today.

School heads should liaise with their Zimsec regional managers.

Grade Seven results are traditionally released between the end of November and the first week of December, but the examinations council was faced with numerous problems resulting in the late release of the results.

Last year’s Grade Seven candidates are already attending Form One classes after they were admitted on the basis of their mid-year examinations.

“The delayed June Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations will commence on Monday, as previously announ-ced by the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart.

“From July 3 onwards, question papers and other related materials will be available from Zimsec regional offices or as per information from Zimsec regional managers.

“Heads and centre supervisors are advised to liaise with their Zimsec managers on this matter,” he said.

On November O and A Level examination fees, Mr Ndanga said Zimsec was awaiting information adding that the council would advise on dates and other logistics for these examinations.

A Level results were only released in May with O level results being released on June 5.

Results of all levels were delayed after markers downed tools over a payment dispute.

The Herald
Herald Reporter
3 July 2009

A National Library and Documentation Service Council has been appointed with an audit on the current state of the country’s libraries its first task.

Harare lawyer Ms Nokuthula Moyo will chair the council. Announcing the appointments on Wednesday, Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart said the council would advise him on general matters pertaining to the administration of the National Library and Documentation Service Act.

“The functions of the council will be to promote the widespread enjoyment in Zimbabwe of publications of an educational, scientific, cultural, recreational and sporting value.

“The council will also ensure, maintain and develop a high standard of library facilities, operate a documentation facility and an inter-library loan facility and to train librarians and to ensure, maintain, coordinate and develop a high standard of librarianship,” he said. Minister Coltart said the term of office of the previous council expired in 2005 but no new appointments had been made since then.

Other members of the council are the dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science at the National University of Science and Technology Dr Lawton Hikwa, chartered accountant Mr Tapiwa Chizana and lawyer Ms M Rusere. Also appointed were Ms A Mafukare (director in the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture), Ms Jean Kanengoni (bookshop co-ordinator) and Ms Jean Mandewo (documentation officer). Mr Berry Mushonga (library director), Ms Eunice Pfende (programme officer), Mr Ronald Munatsi (principal librarian), Ms Ann Padmore (the director of Library and Information Services), Mr Roger Stringer, Ms Deborah Barron, Ms Cathrine Shadwell, Mr J Maenzanise and a librarian Mr C Mutomba complete the list.

Zimbabwe Telegraph
By Getrude Gumede
3 July 2009

ZIMBABWE-HARARE-The Zimbabwean government has mobilised an undisclosed amount of money from donors and Western governments to be used to acquire textbooks and other learning materials after sending an appeal last month.
Education, Sport, Art and Culture Minister David Coltart told The Zimbabwe Telegraph that he would soon meet the donors, publishers, printers and booksellers to map a way forward.
“We have made substantive progress towards raising money to acquire textbooks. I have been advised by our donors among them UNESCO who were helping to source the funds that a significant amount of money from Western governments and donors has been availed.
‘It is in this light that we are meeting the donors, publishers, printers and booksellers so that they can print more textbooks in order to put the text book student ratio to acceptable levels,” he said.
However Coltart could not be drawn into revealing the sources and the amount of money that was channeled towards the acquisition of textbooks.
The Minister said textbooks were essential in maintaining standards of quality education and direction to the curriculum especially in situations where there where shortages of teachers.
He added that textbooks were important and could not be replaced by teachers. Minister Coltart said it was imperative for teachers to be provided with relevant and up to date teaching and learning materials.
In May this year, Minister Coltart said an average 30 pupils in Zimbabwe’s schools were sharing one textbook as a result of under-funding of the education sector.
On Wednesday this week, the Minister appointed a National Library and Documentation Service Council tasked to audit the current state of the country’s library among other functions.
Harare lawyer, Nokuthula Moyo who heads the council said she was aware of the challenges ahead of the council and they would embark on a serious fundraising campaign to seek funds to reequip the country’s libraries.
“We are also looking at setting up electronic libraries across the country and we hope with the help from the private sector, we will be able to achieve our goals in a short period of time,” she said.