Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-20 17:27:15
The University of Zimbabwe has sparked controversy with its decision to pay Adjunct Lecturers a meagre sum of US$2.50 per hour, drawing criticism from various stakeholders. The Adjunct Lecturers, who were previously part-time employees, recently transitioned to permanent roles within the institution only to be met with disappointment over the new remuneration policy.
The memorandum announcing the new payment structure was issued on March 13, 2024, under the title “Remuneration of Adjunct Lecturers” by Thulani Sheila Makamure, and addressed to the Deans of Faculties and Chairpersons of Departments. The Vice-Chancellor approved a blended remuneration system for Adjunct Lecturers, which involves receiving salaries in both Zimbabwean dollars and United States dollars. The rate for the latter is set at two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per hour, with the total capped at sixty (60) hours per month.
Many within the academic community have expressed concerns about the impact of such low wages on the quality of teaching at the university. Fadzayi Mahere, a prominent lawyer and former Member of Parliament, highlighted the challenges of expecting qualified academic staff to work for such a meagre wage. Others, like Jonathan Moyo, a former ZANU PF politburo member in exile, have suggested that the memo was misinterpreted. Moyo clarified that the US$2.50 per hour rate applies only to part-time lecturers, now known as Adjunct Lecturers, and not full-time faculty members.
Moyo explained that part-time lecturers often have other commitments and engage in teaching for reasons beyond monetary gain. He emphasized that the limited teaching hours for part-time staff must be taken into consideration when looking at the remuneration package. The ongoing debate surrounding the university’s decision reflects broader concerns about fair compensation and working conditions for academic staff in Zimbabwe.
The controversy surrounding the University of Zimbabwe’s payment policy for Adjunct Lecturers has raised questions about the value placed on education and the treatment of academic staff within the country. As the institution faces an exodus of lecturers due to dissatisfaction with their working conditions, the need for fair compensation and support for educators becomes increasingly apparent.
In conclusion, the University of Zimbabwe’s decision to pay Adjunct Lecturers a meagre sum of US$2.50 per hour has drawn criticism and sparked debate within the academic community. The concerns raised about fair compensation and working conditions for educators highlight broader issues within the education sector in Zimbabwe. It remains to be seen how the institution will address these challenges and ensure the well-being of its academic staff in the future.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
