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production policy and the money is going to come through production,” he said. He, however, declined to reveal what the production policy entailed.
The retention allowance helped bring back hundreds of lecturers who had deserted colleges at the height of the economic meltdown.
Fears abound that the new policy will heighten tension between the Government and the lecturers who were on strike last month demanding improved salaries and better working conditions.
College Lecturers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr David Dzatsunga said Dr Mbizvo had sent a circular to all colleges confirming the latest development.
Mr Dzatsunga described the move had demoralised lecturers.
He said lecturers were not happy with the salaries they are getting and the decision to scrap the retention allowance was “ill-advised” and Government had made lecturers a “laughing stock”.
Most lecturers, Mr Dzatsunga said, were contemplating leaving the profession while others want to rejoin the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture where teachers get incentives.
“The circular has brought shock in the colleges because the (retention) allowance was a pull factor to the majority of lecturers. This is demoralising considering that our salaries are far below the poverty datum line.
“Moreover, how can a lecturer be expected to do menial jobs to get an incentive? With the removal of that allowance, it means teachers are now getting more than we are getting and this is reducing lecturers despite the contribution that we make to the country,” he said.
Said Mr Dzatsunga: “Government guaranteed us way back in 2009 that the allowance would stay, but now we realise that we were tricked by remaining in the system.
“This is an ill-advised decision, which is going to cause mayhem in the education sector. Consultations are going on to see what action to take.”
Lecturers from the country’s 28 colleges and polytechnics last month went on strike demanding a minimum salary of US$1 200.
They are also demanding salaries similar to their university counterparts.
The lowest-paid college lecturer gets about US$300 while the minimum salary for a university lecturer is US$1 200.
Online Reporter