Mnangagwa has taken a decisive step toward addressing long-standing concerns over low salaries and poor working conditions in the higher education sector, following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s approval of a new salary structure for university lecturers and staff. The move, which comes after years of lobbying by educators, is expected to bring much-needed financial relief and restore morale in the country’s higher learning institutions.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira. He was addressing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education at the Parliament Building in Harare, where he confirmed that the President had given the green light for the new pay structure. However, he noted that the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, led by Professor Mthuli Ncube, is yet to release the required funds.
“What we have done is factor in the salaries that His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) approved in our proposed budget,” Professor Tagwira said, adding that the ministry was hopeful Treasury would prioritise the allocation soon.
According to Professor Tagwira, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education requires more than ZiG46 billion to fully fund its operations for the coming financial year. This includes financing the new salary framework as well as several infrastructure projects being implemented under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
Mnangagwa approves pay rise for lecturers
He described the salary approval as a “critical development” that underscores the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education through better support for the country’s educators. “The approval of salaries for university staff is a critical development. It aligns with our commitment to improving the quality of education and supporting our educators,” he said.
University lecturers in Zimbabwe have long decried poor remuneration, citing the rising cost of living and brain drain as major challenges affecting the sector. Many highly qualified academics have left the country in search of better pay abroad, leaving institutions struggling to retain experienced personnel. The new salary structure is therefore seen as a key intervention to reverse this trend and strengthen the higher education system.
In addition to salary adjustments, the Government is also expanding its investment in teacher training. Professor Tagwira revealed that the State plans to establish new teacher training colleges for secondary school educators across all provinces. Some existing institutions that currently train only primary school teachers will be transformed to accommodate the training of secondary educators, in line with resolutions made at the 22nd ZANU–PF People’s Conference.
“As part of this initiative, we will be opening a new college in Mhangura and transforming some colleges that currently train only primary school teachers to also train secondary school teachers,” Professor Tagwira explained.
He emphasised that the expansion of training facilities will require additional resources from the Treasury under the PSIP, further highlighting the importance of adequate budgetary support to sustain the Ministry’s ambitions.
Professor Tagwira also gave an update on the performance of the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef), which has made a strong recovery after years of financial difficulties. “In 2018, Zimdef was almost non-operational and even borrowing for salaries. However, it is now fully operational, and we are ensuring that its resources are exclusively used for teaching and infrastructure development,” he said.
As an example of efficient use of limited resources, Professor Tagwira cited the Midlands State University (MSU) Law School project, which was completed successfully despite receiving only ZiG8 billion from the Government. The university, he noted, managed to raise the remainder through innovative fundraising efforts, demonstrating resilience and accountability.
Dr Josiah Makombe, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, commended the ministry’s efforts and pledged to advocate for increased funding during the national budget deliberations. “Development cannot be achieved under the current budget constraints. We will continue to lobby for increased funding to ensure the success of these important educational projects,” Dr Makombe said.
He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability once the proposed budget is approved, noting that every dollar must be used effectively to achieve tangible results in the education sector.
Once implemented, the new salary structure is expected to mark a turning point for Zimbabwe’s higher education system. It is anticipated to boost staff morale, attract skilled professionals back into academia, and enhance the overall quality of teaching and research across the country’s universities. For many lecturers who have endured years of financial strain, President Mnangagwa’s approval represents more than a pay rise—it is a sign of renewed Government commitment to building a strong, well-supported education system capable of driving national development.
Source- BYO24
