The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube Sunday News Reporter
TEACHERS have slammed the Civil Service Commission accusing the Government employer of displaying what they termed colonialist tendencies in dealing with issues affecting educators. In an interview ahead of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association 35th annual conference that will be held in Victoria Falls from Wednesday to Saturday, the organisation’s chief executive officer, Mr Sifiso Ndlovu, said CSC was coming up with many demands aimed at undermining the teaching profession.
“It is worrying that the commission has adopted a master-servant attitude which we feel is wrong, taking for example their move to recall teachers who were on leave. This will be an issue high on our agenda in terms of engaging them and ensuring that the teacher gets the necessary support.
“As Zimta our goal is to defend the educator and influence change, which we will do without fear or favour. We will also develop strategies of ensuring that the Government harmonises its laws to promote collective bargaining rather just consulting, which they are currently doing, what we are saying is that instead of going to the streets we look for other ways of engagement, even if it means taking the legal route,” said Mr Ndlovu.
At least 250 teachers across the country are expected to attend the conference which will be held under the theme “Equitable quality education; a public human right good, for sustainable societies”.
Mr Ndlovu also said this year their main thrust will be to scrutinise how the country has moved towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal number four which dwells on education as a basic human right.
He said they would explore what is needed to be done to ensure that everyone in the country accesses State funded education.
“We will obviously look at the welfare of the teacher, looking at their status in the country, which is in terms of them getting respect and support in their carrying out of their duties. Welfare of the educator should be taken seriously.
“Most importantly we want to ensure that the profession is not reduced into a mere vocation, where anyone can be a teacher. The learner should get the best possible educator for them to have the best service,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Among the key presenters expected at the conference will be Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora and officials from the Ministry Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
