Zimbabwe says not all teachers are on strike

HON. SIKHALA: What I asked the Minister is: that question was, THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order – [HON. SIKHALA: What are the Government measures to control moral decadence currently happening in the schools.  I want the answer on that one.  We have got children at school.] – Hon. Sikhala, you address the Chair, do not have a duel here.

THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. PROF. MAVIMA): Thank you Hon. Speaker.  My colleague indicated clearly that when the opening for the examination classes were done, we were in the middle of the negotiations and there was no indication at that particular point in time that there was going to be an industrial action on the part of teachers because negotiations were already under way and those negotiations are not yet conclusive.  This is why I have indicated that the industrial action is premature because there is no stalemate that has been declared between the Apex Council and the Government team.  So that industrial action is premature.  We are to go into the third round of negotiations and that process should be given a chance.  Meanwhile, in the interest of preserving the quality of education in the country, the teachers should be on duty as the negotiations take place.

HON. SIKHALA: What is Government doing on the moral decadence currently happening in our schools?

HON. MATHEMA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  At schools we do not expect any children or teachers to act or behave in an immoral way – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – all schools have school heads, the school administration is there, the inspectors are there. We will do everything we can to protect the children and I am ready if any Hon. Member has that evidence let them come to my office and show me and we will do the investigations.  We will go out of our way to stop every criminal activity that may be taking place in schools. We are ready to listen to everybody, every parent, every guardian or community member; adult if you see any indecent activity by any child, please bring that information to my office.  I thank you

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