President Mugabe’s ruling party splashed $8 million to hold its five-day congress in Harare amid reports that the party was broke and owed creditors $11 Million.
Even groundsmen and sweepers, who are the least paid, have not been paid their November salaries.
Inside sources said state universities were forced by the ruling party to donate money towards the congress. “The universities were told they would be refunded by the parent ministry,” said one source.
“We were supposed to get our salaries on November 25 but up to now nothing has been deposited into our accounts,” said a lecturer at Great Zimbabwe State University.
A circular written to all staff advised that the institution was having problems in raising salaries and was looking to the parent ministry for help.
Some lecturers said that they had been promised that the salaries would be deposited into their bank accounts by Friday last week but nothing had come through by the time of going to print.
Sources said morale had reached its lowest ebb at most universities, with lecturers now threatening to take to the streets to press for payment.
It also emerged that the state was planning to cut their salaries. Lecturers earn between $1,500 and $3,000 a month. The money is considered too high given that some government workers take home a mere $240 a month.
Minister Muchinguri confirmed the development but said that she was still new and would know what is actually happening after spending weeks in office.
“I know that there is an issue of payment at our universities but since I am new I would be able to know the clear picture after spending a few weeks in office,” said Muchinguri.
Post published in: News