Teachers demand pay based on qualifications
Victor Sibanda
Educators in Matabeleland North are calling for a shake-up of the salary system, arguing it discourages them from pursuing higher degrees.
“Heads and some teachers hold Bachelors and Masters Degrees but earn the same salaries with a Diploma holder and this doesn’t look logically good,” said Sicelo Dube, headmaster of Tsholotsho High School. “Salaries should be paid according to one’s qualifications and experience.”
Dube appealed for a “de-bunching” system that reflects teachers’ educational achievements in their pay. He also requested the return of the Manpower Development Leave (MDL) program, which allowed teachers paid leave to pursue further studies.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, a former MDL beneficiary himself, expressed support for its revival, stating, “This is a great initiative. I will chase up to see to it that MDL is revived.”
The revival of the MDL program would align with Statutory Instrument 1 of 2000, Section 40(1)(f), which defines manpower development leave as leave granted for the purpose of enhancing “the efficiency, effectiveness and motivation” of educators.However, the power to determine salary structures lies with the Public Service Commission, as outlined in Section 19(1) of the same instrument. The Commission sets salaries “in consultation with the minister of finance.” Minister Moyo acknowledged this and indicated his willingness to advocate for the teachers’ demands.
