The ManicaPost
Post Reporters
Students and school authorities have called on Government and teachers’ unions to hastily settle the ongoing labour dispute after some teachers did not report for duty citing incapacitation when schools re-opened early this week.
However, some schools are operating at full throttle with teachers conducting lessons.
While it was a hive of activity at most schools in Manicaland on Monday, it was a different story as the week progressed with teachers not conducting classes, thereby leaving student teachers in charge.
Most teachers were reported to be coming in the morning to clock-in and then disappear.
Learners could be seen milling around school premises and making noise. At most schools, they are being dismissed around lunchtime.
From the brief survey conducted by The Manica Post, there was minimal monitoring of general scholarly order at some schools.
Some teachers have already offered to conduct extra lessons until examination time for charges ranging from US$10 to US$20.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema on Tuesday revealed that Government has 10 000 qualified but unemployed teachers on standby to replace those engaging in the illegal industrial action.
Manicaland has over 30 000 students who are due to sit for their exams in December.
In Mutare, some teachers were busy lessons while others could be seen milling around the premises.
Rusape students said the strike will have a negative effect on them as well as their parents as they will be forced to fork out more money for private tutorials.
A Form Four Vengere High School student said he had not attended any lessons since Monday as his teachers have not reported for duty.
“We cannot do group studies as we are aware of the need to maintain physical distancing. So we are just seated here doing our own things. We are appealing to Government and our teachers to find a lasting solution to this issue because it is affecting our learning strategies as we prepare for the examinations,” said the student.
Another one said: “The impact on us is huge. We are losing learning time as there are no teachers to take us through our lessons.”
But in Chipinge District, learning was progressing on well at most schools. Interviewed school authorities said the situation at their schools is improving with each passing day.
Mt Selinda High School Development Committee chairman, Mr Ashirai Mawere, said lessons began on opening day with everything in place.
“At Mt Selinda, we can comfortably say everything is going on well. Lessons started well and many learners are already in school. Everyone is ensuring they abide by the Covid-19 safety guidelines. Learners are showing great zeal to continue with their studies,” said Mr Mawere.
Gaza High School headmaster, Mr Stanley Thodhlana said: ““Our staff reported for duty and the situation is improving each day. Learners reported for their classes in their numbers.”
But at Gedion Mhlanga High School, lessons were yet to begin by Wednesday as authorities were “waiting for officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care to enlighten them on Covid-19”.
At Tanganda Primary School, parents who declined to be named said the school was charging exorbitant fees for them to buy hand sanitisers.
“We were told that each Grade Seven student should bring US$10 to buy sanitisers. That’s just too much,” said one parent.
National Association for Secondary Heads (NASH) president, Mr Arthur Maphosa said the situation on the ground is dire as some teachers are not reporting for duty.
“Government needs to address the issue as soon as possible because it is risky for the students to be assembling without the assurance that teachers will report for duty.
“Government and teachers’ unions should quickly settle the labour dispute so that the students are not short-changed,” said Mr Maphosa.
He said with the classes spilt into smaller classes, more teachers need to be engaged.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba, directed all questions to Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary, Mrs Tumisang Thabela.
However, Mrs Thabela could not be reached for comment.
