Broke Zimbabwe government hires 2 300 teachers

Zimbabwe’s cash-strapped government has hired an additional 2 300 teachers, effectively lifting a ban on public sector recruitment put in place to reign in on spending.   

The southern-African nation whose budget is entirely funded on taxes is struggling to contain employment costs for its workforce estimated at over 250 000.

The country’s wage bill for 2017 is expected to chew $3 billion of the $4.1 billion budget.

The state ordered a freeze on hiring last August but some critical departments such as health and education were allowed minimum employment.

“Please be advised that, acting in terms of Section 8 (1) (a) of the Public Service Act (Chapter 16:04), the Public Service Commission hereby appoints 2 300 teachers with effect from date of assumption of duty,” said Public service commission secretary Pretty Sunguro in an official memo.

The education ministry says it has 7 000 teaching vacancies.

In June this year finance secretary Willard Manungo said the education wage bill accounts for $1.1 billion annually. – The Source

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