Weekly update
Week ending 25 September 2020
Update leads:
- ZIMSEC Students—Happy to be back but worrisome of COVID 19threat
- Civil servants salaries, a cause for concern
- CYDT activities
ZIMSEC Students: Happy to be back but worrisome of COVID 19 threat
After months of schools closure as a result of Corona virus, ZIMSEC students are set to return to school in a bid to prepare for their upcoming final examinations scheduled for December.
The government announced that schools will reopen in three phases starting with the exam classes and the last phase being that of the lower grades including ECD classes in November.
A survey carried out by CYDT shows that a host of students are happy that schools are reopening so they can finish up their studies but they are also extremely concerned about the threat posed by the pandemic.
Economic instability exacerbated by high levels of corruption involving high profile figures like the former Minister of Health, Obadiah Moyo have left the health sector in a crisis. Based on the fact that the health sector is not fully equipped to stand against the deadly pandemic, the young academics are of the view that the country does not have the capacity to avail enough materials needed to ensure safety of students from being infected by Corona virus when schools open next week.
Parents are also critical of the decision arguing on financial constraints as a result of the drastic effects of the pandemic that saw economic activities being grounded. As such many parents were heavily affected hence they will not be able to meet the demands and requirements needed by the schools specially on school fees that are being pegged at US300 yet civil servants are paid in RTGS.
It is significant to note that a bottom up approach communication rather than the traditional top down approach that ignores the grievances of the citizens was needed regarding the opening of schools.
Mat-South parents are appealing for the government to step up and provide all necessities for learning environments needed under the new normal. In other words, the government must give 100% guarantee regarding the safety of young people when schools reopen.
Civil servants salaries, a cause for concern
Majority of workers are still receiving their monthly salaries in RTGS despite the currency being weak and unstable.
Salaries paid in RTGS can only afford less due to inflated prices in the markets. To add salt to the already bleeding wound of civil servants, markets are pegging prices in forex as a result of the RTGS instability. Currently the annual inflation rate is at 721% that is a cause of concern.
Majority of Mat South residents are civil servants who earn the local RTGS and cannot afford the USD and Rand pricing. The few shops that charge in the local currency charge exorbitant prices compared to buying in forex.
The foreign currency pricing system is being implemented across the country but in Mat-South due to its proximity to South Africa its worse; only a few shops take the local currency, therefore, the government must consider the plight of civil servants by pegging their salaries in forex.
CYDT Activities
The organisation this week conducted a he4she forum in Beitbridge. This meeting aimed at encouraging young men to stand with young women in all spheres of life so as to enhance gender equality. The input of men is necessary in eradicating challenges that women face. Gender stereotypes that oppress women still exist and are a contributing factor to gender inequalities that exist in Mat-South local communities.
Another social accountability forum was conducted in Gwanda North where youths had the opportunity to discuss on service delivery challenges with the ward development committee and the village development committee. This meeting availed an opportunity for the discussion on a way forward especially with regards to the water challenges that the communities were facing.
Remember to follow these tips proposed by the WHO to prevent getting infected with COVID-19;
- clean your hands more often using alcohol based hand rub or soap and water
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Contact emergency COVID-19 numbers near you, if experiencing any symptoms related to the pandemic
Social Distancing Tips
- Shop alone, do not shop in groups
- Stay/Stand two metres away from other customers (especially in mealie meal queues)
TOGETHER WE CAN DEFEAT COVID-19!
Dial 2019 if suspecting any COVID-19 Symptoms!
STAY SAFE!!!!!!!!!!
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