Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima says the government is unable to pay teachers in US dollars given that it has reintroduced the local currency.
Speaking during a meeting by a team of ministers with teachers unions to address their concerns after teachers had complained that their salaries were too low, Professor Mavima said government has heard teachers concerns but the teachers should also be reasonable concerning the economic conditions.
“They have raised their concerns and we are taking these concerns to the President and Cabinet. We have heard their concerns, but we also appealed to them to be realistic in their concerns and consider the economic conditions prevailing in the country.” He said.
Professor Mavima urged teachers to be patient.
“The salary negotiations between the Government and the National Joint Negotiating Council are ongoing. But Government decided to cushion its workers, while waiting for these negotiations to be finalised and the appeal to civil servants is to be patient while waiting for the outcome,” he said.
