Harare (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe government on Thursday said it has suspended without pay, all Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education staff who have been absenting themselves from duty since schools opened for the first term on 7 February 2022.

In a statement, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said action would be taken against the suspended officials.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to inform the Nation and its valued stakeholders that all officials within the Ministry who absented themselves from duty since the official opening of schools on 7 February 2022 have been suspended without pay forthwith, for a period of three months.

“During this period of suspension, members are not to hinder or interfere with any investigation or evidence relating to the alleged misconduct.

“Appropriate action will be taken against members who abrogate their duties and responsibilities,” she said.

Some teachers boycotted classes when schools opened for the first term while a large number ignored the call to go on strike.

Civil servants, through their representative unions, have been demanding a payment of their full salaries in United States dollars and on Tuesday the government announced a new pay package which will see them taking home US$175 per month and the other portion in Zimbabwe dollars.

Workers representatives on Wednesday welcomed the new pay package, describing it as a milestone that paved the way for further negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service.

New Ziana