Teachers across the country have responded overwhelmingly to Zimbabwe Teachers Association’s (ZIMTA) declaration of incapacitation and they have not reported for duty in almost 80 percent of the public schools.

In a flash survey conducted by the Union, it was noted that most schools were closed due to the absence of teachers and most learners had to go back home.

In an interview, a   Masvingo based ZIMTA School Representative said, “All our members have headed to the call of incapacitation declared by the Union. We will stand guided by our leadership on the way forward but, for now we are sticking to incapacitation.”

A Midlands Province   based teacher, Ms Mirirai Mapurazi said, “it was not business as usual today as most of my fellow educators where attending to their fields instead of running around at the school as it was opening day.”

In Mashonaland East Province   teachers also headed to the call of incapacitation.

“What is the reason for teaching other people’s children when l myself cannot even afford to send my own children to school.  I think it’s better to stay at home and hustle around so that l fends for my family and send children to school,” said the educator, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Harare based teacher, Mr Trynos Kurebwa said “we are tired of earning peanuts, I want a meaningful salary which enables me to live a decent life with my family. The days of selling Freezits, Sweets and Maputi to students are over, we are staying home until the employer restores our salary to USD540.”

On February 3, 2022, ZIMTA declared Incapacitation of teachers, citing poor remuneration levels, resulting from unfruitful engagements at NJNC meetings. Poor working conditions for educators   have become the norm in Zimbabwe and all workers within the union are saying enough is enough, it is time for action. Meanwhile teachers in public schools remain incapacitated and therefore are stationed in their homesteads whilst the school term has just begun.