National

ZIMTA calls for quarterly salary reviews to address inflation

Published

1 month ago

October 31, 2024

BY NOTHANDO DUBE & NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Educators in Zimbabwe have been crying out for decent salaries for over five years, with their salaries eroded by the high cost of living and harsh economic conditions.

We recently had a one-on-one interview with the ZIMTA president, Akuneni Maphosa, who shared his insights on the issue.

“Allow me to explain briefly about salaries for heads and teachers generally. Our issue is that, in October 2018, teachers were generally getting a US$540 salary. Such that, we put it across to the government that they stole from us, because, with the mix-up that came with the RTGS currency, whereby 1 US dollar was said to be equivalent to 1 RTGS, that is where we lost our value for money.”

Maphosa emphasized that ZIMTA has a research department that tracks the market and determines the minimum salary required for teachers to survive.

“We found out that a teacher must earn US$1 200, but what we wrote to the government, looking at the average figure, considering that we still have not reached US$540 of 2018, we submitted US$840 to National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), where we negotiate with the government on salaries.”

He highlighted the shortfall in the recent US$40 increment offered by the government.

“When you look at the amount of the US$40, we were given recently, as we know that our salaries have a component of US dollars and Zim dollars, but when we look at it from the US dollar value, our entry grade is US$479, such that there is a shortfall of US$361 for us to get to the US$840, that is for grade D1.”

Maphosa stressed that ZIMTA is pushing for quarterly reviews to reach the desired salary.

“We are saying the government should have quarterly reviews of these salaries.”

He outlined ZIMTA’s three-pronged approach to address the issue: negotiating at NJNC level, pursuing job evaluation, and professionalizing the teaching service.

“We believe that this is the route that will enhance the earnings for the educators in the country.”

Additionally, Maphosa mentioned that ZIMTA is also pushing for the establishment of a Civil Service Bargaining Council, which would allow for collective bargaining and binding agreements with the government.

“We are currently working with the government and Public Service Commission to ensure that this is put in place.”

Maphosa concluded by emphasizing ZIMTA’s commitment to engaging with the government.

National

Zimbabwe’s power crisis: A new dawn?

Published

23 hours ago

December 3, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to alleviate the crippling load shedding that has left Zimbabweans frustrated and angry, ZESA Holdings chairman Sydney Gata has announced a 720-megawatt thermal power project.

This ambitious initiative aims to add much-needed megawatts to the national grid, bringing relief to households and businesses alike.

Speaking at the launch, Gata acknowledged the nation’s pain, saying, “I know you are angry and frustrated about the load shedding. I am tired of being insulted for these power cuts.”he was quoted at a video captured by the Ministry of Information.

His words echoed the sentiments of many Zimbabweans who have grown weary of the constant blackouts.

The project, set to be completed by December 2025, will be complemented by a 200-megawatt solar station and additional solar projects in Selous and Gweru.

This multi-pronged approach is expected to mark the end of load shedding in Zimbabwe.

Gata emphasized that this initiative is one of 18 projects spearheaded by companies in mining, industry, and commerce.

These projects were invited after the Kariba disaster, which highlighted the need for alternative power sources.

National

Victoria Falls mayor suspends town clerk amid corruption allegations

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Moyo has suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube with immediate effect amid allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

According to a letter seen by this publication, Dube’s suspension is in terms of Section 139 of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter 29:15.

The letter, dated November 2, outlines several allegations against Dube, including:

– Allocating stands 9816 and 9945 to Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Saritsozo without following Council procedures

– Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without following tender processes

– Selling and transferring stand 1829 in Chinotimba Township without receiving payment or following procedures

The letter states that these allegations, amongst others, have led to Dube’s suspension, and he is required to leave Council offices immediately.

“The Council will notify you on the way forward,” the letter reads.

This publication will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

National

How long will Zimbabweans endure darkness?

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY FARAI MACHAMIRE

Zimbabweans face at least two more years of power shortages as the government works to stabilize electricity generation and meet demand, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, has revealed.

The country’s daily power generation currently averages 1,232 megawatts (MW) against a demand of 1,735 MW, with imports and load-shedding bridging the shortfall.

Speaking in Parliament (Senate) on Wednesday and quoted on ZimLive, Moyo painted a grim picture of the nation’s energy landscape but assured citizens that ongoing and upcoming projects would eventually close the gap.

“The refurbishment of Hwange Power Station’s Unit 5 will add 160 MW to the national grid by August 2026, helping address the electricity shortfall,” he said. Additionally, Unit 7 at Hwange will undergo maintenance in January 2025 to ensure its long-term efficiency.

Water shortages have further constrained electricity generation at the Kariba Power Station, which produces only 104 MW out of its 1,050 MW capacity due to low water levels.

However, Moyo highlighted a 68.75% increase in water allocation for power generation in 2025, stemming from an anticipated above-normal rainfall season.

“This will significantly increase power availability next year,” he noted.

A recent nationwide blackout on November 24 disrupted the fragile energy system, with power restored after seven hours. The cause of the disturbance is still under investigation.

To mitigate load-shedding, the government plans to rely on Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which currently contribute over 200 MW, and accelerate renewable energy projects like solar farms. Projects such as the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Plant, with a potential capacity of 1,200 MW, and the Devils Gorge Hydro Project, expected to generate 600 MW, are also in development.

“The repowering of Hwange units 1 to 6 over the next 48 to 60 months will restore the station’s capacity to 840 MW, significantly stabilizing the power supply,” Moyo said.

On nuclear energy, the minister disclosed that the government is exploring prospects with Russia’s ROSATOM and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Thirty Zimbabwean students are currently training in nuclear physics abroad as part of the initiative.

Despite these efforts, Moyo acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Without significant interventions, the forecast demand of 1,735 MW will continue to outstrip supply, resulting in ongoing load curtailment,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s path to reliable electricity hinges on the successful completion of these projects and the implementation of efficient energy policies. For now, the nation must brace for continued power outages.

The prolonged outages, now extending to 18-hours a day, have taken a toll on households and industries, affecting productivity and increasing operational costs for businesses reliant on backup power. Critics argue that the government’s reliance on imports and promises of future projects have not eased the immediate burden on citizens.

SOURCE: ZIMLIVE