Mthuli’s tax system prompts educators to seek a salary of $1,000 USD
In order to start classes on Tuesday, TEACHERS affiliated with the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) are requesting a $1,000 pay.
They mentioned the recently adopted wide variety of levies by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube as a major motivator for their demands in a press release distributed to the media.
In his 2024 budget, Ncube proposed a wide range of levies, some of which have drawn harsh criticism. His budget increased passport and toll prices during what is considered to be a challenging time for the majority of Zimbabweans.
“Teacher remuneration should be pegged at $1 260, this is the acceptable minimum living wage that can capacitate teachers to go and open schools on the 9th of January 2024,” reads the communique.
“Our demand for a salary review is engraved in the national budget for the first quarter of the year 2024 as announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
“The Minister introduced fresh taxes and hiked the existing taxes and levies which will see the government milking money from our paltry salaries. The cost of living has also shot through the ceiling.
“If the employer is not prepared to pay a living wage, teachers are incapacitated to go and open schools.”
Teachers earn just about US$300 at a time Zimbabwe’s Poverty Datum Line is US$1,000.
Added ARTUZ: “Teachers should not attend to any duties until salaries are reviewed. Teachers should share pictures of teachers sitting in on the opening day from their respectful schools.”
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