Moving to end a controversy over the taxation of cash incentives to low-paid Zimbabwean teachers by parents and schools, Finance Minister Tendai Biti has promised to direct the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority to stop taxing such compensation.
Biti's decision followed a meeting Tuesday with Education Minister David Coltart on the contentious issue. Teachers had hinted that they might strike over the tax question.
ZANU-PF Secretary for Education Sikhanyiso Ndlovu had condemned the tax authority’s moves to begin taxing the incentives paid by parents to top up low teacher salaries, warning that the unpopular tax could lead to further labor unrest in the sector.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association Secretary General Richard Gundani told Jonga Kandemiiri the decision was welcome at a time when the nation’s children are writing examinations.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Takavafira Zhou, taking exception to the intervention by ZANU-PF education specialist Ndlovu, said ZANU-PF should speak out against harassment of teachers by its members, especially in rural areas.
