adminSenior Reporter
THE Government plans to re-appoint retired teachers and other professionals as it seeks to revitalise provision of key services, especially in remote rural areas, Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Mrs Pretty Sunguro said.However, civil servants’ worker representatives immediately slammed the move, saying the Government must pay enough to attract young workers and let the elderly enjoy their pensions.
In a statement at the weekend, Mrs Sunguro said interested persons should register their names at the nearest PSC offices.
“The Public Service Commission intends to re-appoint all teachers and other professionals such as agricultural and veterinary extension officers.
Priority will be given to those who are willing to work in rural district council areas,” she said.
“Interested persons should report for registration at their nearest PSC offices at district, province and head office in Harare. Qualified and unemployed teachers should also report for registration.”
Although she could not disclose the number of people to be recruited, Mrs Sunguro said appointment would be on one-year renewable contract. She said those who were interested should report to the PSC in person with the required original documents.
These include copies of academic and professional qualifications, birth certificate and identity card.
Applicants are requested to bring three copies of each of the above stated documents.
The president of the Apex Council, an umbrella body representing civil servants unions, Mr David Dzatsunga, accused the Government of taking advantage of its members while giving them “peanuts” as pay.
He said the Government should recruit young professionals.
“I am actually shocked to hear this and one wonders if this is a sign that there is lack of skilled young professionals in our country.
“The Government is taking advantage of the desperation of retirees whom it pays peanuts in pensions,” said Mr Dzatsunga.
“This shows that our Government has lost appreciation of first choice workers, the skilled and valuable young professionals. What are they trying to do?
“These old men and women need to rest and the only thing Government needs to do is to pay them adequate pension that will allow them to survive and be happy.”
A number of ministries are operating with a skeletal staff due a recruitment freeze imposed by Government citing lack of funds to pay its staff.
The education sector for instance is said to be running short of about 22 000 teachers.
Online Reporter