By Dr Takavafira Zhou
As Ptuz we have always amplified the prioritisation of teachers and pupils’ health and safety in schools apart from the crux of the welfare of teachers that currently is fueling incapacitation struggle. The gvt has always claimed that it had placed covid abatement equipment in all schools in Zimbabwe.
Against our advice not to prematurely open schools without addressing the welfare, health and safety concerns, gvt has gone forward headlong to open schools anyhow. Currently, more that 75% of schools do not have simple things like access to clean water and masks, with poor parents asked to pay US$5-US$10 for masks apart from paying exorbitaht fees. History has absolved us as Ptuz as several students in Manicaland, Masvingo, Midlands, Mat South, Bulawayo and Mat North provinces have tested positive to covid 19. The recent John Tallach case in Mat North is the worst scenario, and more cases may be witnessed within the next two weeks consequent of congregation of students and teachers in schools without testing them, let alone with poor sanitation conditions in schools.
The health and safety threat has aggravated the plight of incapacitated teachers. The gvt, therefore, needs dialogue with teachers over their welfare, health and safety. Threats would not yield the best results as they would not take away industrial disharmony of educators. At worst threats are ill- conceived and at best an affront to fair labour practice as outlined in the Labour Act, section 65 of the National Constitution, and ILO Conventions 87 and 98 which Zimbabwe has ratified.
Venceremos
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)
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