18 lecturers suspended over strike

others for participating in an “illegal industrial action.”
Those affected mostly are from Morgenster, Masvingo, Mkoba, Bondolfi and Joshua Nkomo Colleges

Lecturers at all the country’s 28 Government-run teachers’ colleges and polytechnics went on strike last week demanding a minimum salary of US$1 200.
This followed Government’s failure to respond to a notice of an intention to go on strike.
However, Government responded to the notice last Friday ordering the striking lecturers to channel their grievances through Apex Council, a body that represents civil servants.
College Lectures Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr David Dzatsunga, yesterday confirmed the suspension saying their members were being nailed for taking part in the September 19-28 “collective job action”.
Colaz also falls under Apex.

He said Government was trying to silence them from demanding what was due to them.
“The 11 suspended are from Morgenster while seven others are from Mkoba Teachers College. Others are being victimised through this misconduct charge letters. Our members are defiant and are now threatening closing the colleges. The principals are the ones leading in this victimisation but it is obvious the mandate of the ministry can never be delivered if one works under protest,” he said.

The lecturers were served with the misconduct charge letters signed by their respective principals.
“Following the receipt of alleged misconduct behaviour, I inform you that a charge of misconduct is preferred against you. Accordingly you are hereby charged with misconduct in terms of Section 44 para (2a) as read in paragraph 3, 5, 23 and 24 of the Public Service regulations 2000 as amended.

“The grounds on which these allegations are based are that you did not perform your duties from the 19th to the 28th of September . . . ” read part of the letter.
The letter was also copied to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Dr Washington Mbizvo.

The lecturers are also accused of missing result based management workshops at their respective institutions as most colleges are now preparing for examinations.