Zambia National Union of Teachers - ZNUT

12/01/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Kasonde Mulabita, Esnart Banda, Bethshebah Bwalya

12/01/2025

*THE 2% OF BASIC SALARY TRADE UNION MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION. WHAT IS IT FOR?*

22nd November, 2022

By Wilfred Musape *(The Union Perspective)*

The Public Service Management Division (PSMD) currently has 18 trade unions that emanates from the 6 Public Service Commissions established by the Public Service Commission Act No. 10 of 2016 namely;

1. The Judicial Service Commission *(for Judiciary workers)*
2. The Civil Service Commission *(for Health workers and others)*
3. The Teaching Service Commission *(for Teachers)*
4. The Zambia Correctional Service Commission *(for Correctional workers)*
5. The Zambia Police Service Commission *(for Police)*
6. The Local Government Service Commission *(for council workers and others)*

Henceforth, all the 18 public service trade unions unanimously in a long time now have been deducting a 2% union subscription of the basic salary of every public worker who happens to be a member of that union through their pay slips in accordance with the Industrial and Labour Relations Act (ILRA), Chapter 269 of Laws of Zambia subsection 22 (1) which states that *“An employer may by agreement with an eligible employee, to deduct the amount of subscription prescribed by the constitution of the trade union from the wages of such eligible employee if the employee is a member of such trade union”.*

*WHAT IS THE 2% FOR?*

Firstly, it is worth mentioning that a trade union is equated to the status of a government ministry such as the Ministry of Education as it is expected to work side by side with the Ministry of Education from *School, District, Province and National* level using its own resources mobilized from the member’s monthly subscription in the following ways on daily basis;

The first usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to affiliate a *25% of from the total subscriptions* collected from all members to the trade union mother bodies such as the Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU), Federation of Free Trade Union in Zambia (FFTUZ) and Confederation of Trade Union in Zambia (COTUZ).

The second usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to pay *income tax* at the current rate as prescribed in the national budget of every year of the the total subscriptions collected from union members to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

The third usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to affiliate a prescribed percentage to *International Labour Organization* of from the total subscriptions collected from all members in that trade union.

The other usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to pay monthly *rentals and maintain of union offices* from district to national level.

Another usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to *purchase and maintain all union vehicles* bought for the operations of the union at district to national level.

The other usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to pay salaries of full time auxiliary workers such as *accounts, secretaries, general workers, office orderlies, drivers, mechanics* present from the province to national level as well as their pensions when they retire.

Another usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to pay salaries to full time union employees at province to national level which include *Deputy Directors, Directors, General Secretaries and their Deputies* as well as their pensions when they retire as they don't draw any salaries from the government whilst working full time at the union.

The other usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to purchase and distribute union regalia bought for members either at *Women's day or Teacher's day* which in the actual sense is outside the mandate of unions.

Another usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to pay *allowances* to National Executive Committee (NEC) members and Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) members who work in the unions as part time employees since they are on government salaries.

Another usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to fund *District Executive Committees (DEC) in the 116 districts* across the country for the operation of districts on a monthly basis.

The other usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to attend to member needs whenever called upon such as *sickness, funerals, studies, courts* and many more.

Another usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to pay for attending all *meetings called upon by the Government* that requires union involvement from the District to National level in terms of transport, lunch and lodging were necessary to the extent of going outside the country.

The meetings ranges from *Disciplinary, Examinations, Recruitments, Promotions, Transfers* and many more. Henceforth, if union leadership does not show up for these meetings, the meetings proceed with or without union in attendance at the expense of the intended benefetiaries who happens to be teachers.

Lastly, but not the least the other usage of the 2% union monthly subscription is to invest in membership empowerments programs such *as loans, land empowerment* and many more.

*SHOULD THE 2% BE REDUCED?*

Colleagues, any calls to have the union subscription reduced from 2% to any percentage are misplaced as it will make the running of unions from District to National *incapacitated and fail to meaningfully participate* in any program once called upon by government at whatever level. This is *(AWEAH-Yo Maps Song)* as it will make teachers have poor representation by unions in government meetings.

A clear reference point can be made on the move made by government to reduce *school fees in 2019 to K600.* Colleagues, from 2019 to 2021 we saw how schools became empoverished to the point of failing to buy tissue and paper due to inadequate funds. This forced some HeadTeachers to deep the figures in their pockets to bail out the schools.

On the hand, the *Mission Schools* refused to reduce school fees arguing that *cheap is expensive* as maintaining high standards in schools requires a good amount of the monies. True, to their arguments the mission schools are still ticking in terms of performance and standards because of the huge injection of monies from the parents. So do we want teacher unions to become empoverished for them to do more? *(AWEAH- YO MAPS SONG).*

Fortunately, the once empoverished government schools courtesy of *New Dawn Government* have received *school grants 4 times* in *2022 meaning each paid K200 x 4 = K800* at secondary schools. Today schools can afford to buy tissue and paper with ease without the Head Teachers deeping the hands in their pockets. So do we want teacher unions to become empoverished for them to do more? *(AWEAH- YO MAPS SONG).*

In conclusion, monies brings high standards in life, *the more the monies the higher the standards the lower the monies the lower standards.* So any move aimed at taking us backward to a situation where teachers unions were empoverished should not be tolerated. So do we want teacher unions to become empoverished for them to do more? *(AWEAH- YO MAPS SONG).*

We need to promote high standards that comes at a greater cost. So instead of advocating for reduction of teacher union subscription let us all call for more *ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY* from all teacher union leaders as they use the members subscriptions at any level from District to National.
So do we want teacher unions to become empoverished for them to do more? *(AWEAH- YO MAPS SONG).*

Let us all reflect as teachers before calling for the calls to reduce 2% subscription when our colleagues in *Health and Judiciary* are quite about it because of wanting to maintain high standards *in unionism as unionism is politics in another sphere.* Therefore, it calls for self introspection as to whatever the reduction of 2% will make teacher unions better or worse from the current situations.
So do we want teacher unions to become empoverished for them to do more? *(AWEAH- YO MAPS SONG).*

*Zikomo chintu chabwino maningi*

12/10/2024

Done with offloading, Monday our Leadership collects for the Provinces.
GS will be issuing a statement over the same
Good night Comrades

11/10/2024

Good Evening comrades
Finally the long awaited cargo is in Lusaka and POS have been called to collect on Sunday to begin the distribution
We thank and appreciate ours members for being patient and royal

04/10/2024

Good morning fellow academician

26/06/2024

For more Details, contact: 0972630947

01/05/2024

04/01/2024

TERM ONE SCHOOL OPENING DATE DEFERRED

Government has postponed the opening of Schools for 2024 term one from 8th to 29th January due to the increase in the number of cholera cases.

Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima has announced this in Lusaka today Wednesday January 4, 2024.

Hon. Syakalima said in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of the disease, All public, private, aided and community learning institutions, Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers, primary and secondary schools will remain closed for a further three weeks after the official opening date of 8th January, 2024.

” This means that schools will only open on Monday, 29th January, 2024. Further, the grace period which was earlier given to Grades Eight (8) and Ten (10) learners has now been overtaken and all learners are expected to open on 29th January, 2024.” Hon. Syakalima said.

The Minister has further explained that in order to catch up on the time lost, the First Term holidays will only run for one (1) week instead of four (4) weeks.

“This implies that schools will close for term one on 26th April instead of 5th April, 2024, and reopen for Term Two (2) as scheduled on 6th May, 2024.” The Minister explained.

The Minister has therefore advised parents and guardians to ensure that they prepare their children for tern two even before term one closes, in view of the short holiday time.

Hon. Syakalima said his Ministry has taken a cautious approach to reopening schools and has therefore called for consented efforts from all stakeholders in ensuring that schools are safe and ready to reopen.

He has directed that during the prolonged closure, all learning institutions should be thoroughly cleaned up, have clean water and sanitation facilities, adequate hand washing points and disinfectants.

The Education Minister said this is in addition to the provisions of the preventive guidelines already in schools.

He has further instructed that all learning institutions should maintain a high level of hygiene at both personal and institutional levels as guided by the Ministry of Health.

“In addition to the above, school inspections and sensitizations will be intensified at all levels in order to ensure compliance to the above guidelines.” Hon. Syakalima said.

Meanwhile, the Minister said in order to keep the learners busy during the extended school closure, the Ministry of Education is encouraging parents and guardians to allow their children to make use of the available alternative modes of learning provided by the Ministry, which include: the Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation (ZNBC) Television on Edu TV Channel and Education Broadcasting Services (EBS) Radio.

On 14th December 2023, the Ministry of Health announced that the country has in the recent past seen an increase in the cholera cases and subsequent deaths due to the disease.

In order to prevent and mitigate the spread of the disease, the Government has put in place measures affecting different wings of society including the Ministry of Education.

23/12/2023

Compliments of the season teachers, wishing you all success,accomplished goals and prosperous 2024💕

23/12/2023

APPLICATION FOR 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR TEVET BURSARY AWARDS

The TEVET Bursary Committee invites applications from successful School Leavers in need of Bursary support for the 2024 academic year at all Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) Training Institutions.

1.0 THE SCOPE OF THE SCHEME

The Bursaries shall be awarded to applicants who apply for programs offered by TEVET institutions under the Ministry of Technology and Science (MOTS) and registered with Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA). These TEVET programs range from Skills Awards to Diploma Level (Technologist) and the durations of study range from a few weeks up to three (3) years. TEVET Bursary award shall cover the following key areas:

i. Tuition fees to institution (100%) paid directly to training providers;

ii. Boarding fees particularly to rural institutions (to those that deserve boarding) paid directly to the training providers; and

iii. Examination fees at 100% shall be paid directly to the training providers.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

The Bursary will be offered to students that will meet the vulnerability selection criteria under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare.

The applicant shall also meet the following:
i. Must be Zambian and in possession of a Green National Registration Card (NRC);

ii. Must possess an acceptance letter from a MoTS Institution;

iii. Must possess any of the following qualifications:

Grade 12 School Certificate or its equivalent for those applying for (Craft/Certificate, Technician/ Advanced Certificate, Technologist/ Diploma programmes); Grade 9 Certificate, or Grade 7 Certificate for those applying for Trade Test Level programmes.

iv. Must not be on any other Bursary or Scholarship;

v. Must not be more than 35 years; and

vi. Must meet the vulnerability criteria from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) in the District they reside in and a Vulnerability status report should be obtained.

Application should be done online on https://tevetbursary.mots.gov.zm Note that all applicants for the TEVET Bursary are expected to attach PDF documents that meet the eligibility criteria, and any other necessary documents in support of their application. e.g. for orphaned applicants – copies of death certificate of deceased parents or guardians. Females and Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

https://www.facebook.com/share/61KqKUQFqpbpNYi7/?mibextid=xfxF2i

The TEVET Bursary, under the Ministry of Technology and Science (MOTS) is offered to vulnerable students who are not able to pay user fees for them to access skills training. This is in line with the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) Policy which has one of its ob...

22/12/2023

*GRADE 7 AND 9 RESULTS 2023 TO BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY 26TH DECEMBER, 2023*

Make a Date!!!!!

Tuesday, 26th December 2023 as Education Minister, Hon. Douglas Syakalima will announce the 2023 Grade 7 and 9 Examination results. .

*Source: Ministry of Education*
https://www.facebook.com/100083304282399/posts/343724861747654/?mibextid=Nif5oz

21/12/2023

Implementation of 2023 curriculum will start in 2025 – Syakalima

By Precious Daka
EDUCATION Minister Douglas Syakalima says the implementation of the 2023 education curriculum is envisaged to start in 2025.

Addressing the media yesterday, Syakalima said curriculum implementation was done in a phased manner, and further urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the 2023 curriculum.

“As you are aware, curriculum implementation is done in a phased manner. Thus implementation of the 2023 curriculum is envisaged to start in 2025 with ECE, grade 1, grade 4, form 1, colleges of education, as well as youth and adult literacy…

21/12/2023

Names of recruited teachers will be released this month – TSC

By Precious Daka
THE Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has disclosed that the recruitment process of 4,500 teachers has been completed, and further assures that the names of successful candidates will be published this month.

During the official opening of the third session of the 13th National Assembly in September this year, President Hakainde Hichilema announced that government would this year recruit 4,500 teachers to further reduce the teacher deficit in schools.

Earlier this week, government published names of successful candidates in the recruitment exercise of 3,000 health workers, who are expected to report for work between December 26 and 28.

And in an interview, Wednesday, TSC Chairperson Daphine Chimuka said the commission had completed the teacher recruitment process and was now only awaiting the official announcement from the minister…

21/12/2023

*The Ministry of Education is in the process of coming up with a Teacher Policy in Zambia. We are thus asking you to kindly answer this questionnaire so that you can help with correct information about different teacher issues in Zambia. Although your participation is voluntary, we would greatly appreciate your participation in this very important exercise that concerns you as a teacher. Click on the link below to go to the questionnaire.*

*https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/zqV1J2Nf*

Queued records, except those marked as draft , are uploaded automatically, in the background, every 5 minutes when the web page is open and an Internet connection is available.

15/12/2023

Good morning comrades, this day was necessary for a day like today, finally we have been given the ACCESS TO INFORMATION LAW.
Ezra Sekelani Zulu (National youth secretary)

12/12/2023

*A SNAP SHOT OF THE 2023 SCHOOL CURRICULUM EDUCATION LADDER*

09th December, 2023
Musape

The Ministry of Education through the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Educational Services Dr Kamoko Joel in liaison with the Directorate of Curriculum Development (DCD) has developed a marvelous 2023 School Curriculum that if implemented it will transform the Education System from the traditionally bookish to practical one.

The 2023 School Curriculum aims to solidify the Free Education reintroduced in 2022 by the New Dawn Government (NDG) by bringing on board, in Government Schools the provision of education from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Secondary School level.

Below is the developed ladder of education in Zambia;

*A. Early Childhood Education (ECE)*
1. Day Care (0-3 years)
2. Nursery (3-4 years)
3. Reception (4-5 years)

*ECE Transitional Assessment*
They will be a transitional assessment to be administered to all learners before graduating to Primary School in Grade 1 so as to ascertain the acquisition of correct Knowledge, Skills and Values at ECE.

*B. Primary School Education*
Has been divided into Lower and Upper Primary

*1. Lower Primary*
a. Grade 1: 6 years
b. Grade 2: 7 years
c. Grade 3: 8 years

*Lower Primary Transitional Assessment*
They will be a transitional assessment to be administered to all learners before graduating to Upper Primary School in Grade 4 so as to ascertain the acquisition of correct Knowledge, Skills and Values from Grade 1-3.

*2. Upper Primary*
a. Grade 4: 9 years
b. Grade 5: 10 years
c. Grade 6: 11 years

*Upper Primary Transitional Assessment*
They will be a transitional assessment to be administered to all learners before graduating to Secondary School in Form 1 so as to ascertain the acquisition of correct Knowledge, Skills and Values from Grade 4-6. This assessment will be administered by the *Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ)* on behalf the Ministry of Education.

*C. Secondary School Education*

*1. Ordinary Level Secondary School Education*
a. Form 1 (12 years)
b. Form 2 (13 years)
c. Form 3 (14 years)
d. Form 4 (15 years)

*Ordinary Level Secondary School Assessment*
They will be an assessment to be administered to all learners before graduating to Colleges or Pre-University of Form 5 and 6 so as to ascertain the acquisition of correct Knowledge, Skills and Values from Form 1 to 4. This assessment will be administered by the *Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ)* on behalf the Ministry of Education.

Therefore, after the assessment given at the end of Form 4, learners will have the two options as follows;

*D. College Education*
The learners who have passed the Form 4 ECZ examinations and wishes to go Colleges of Education or Skills Development will be allowed to proceed using the Form 4 Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) results.

1. Year 1 : 16 years
2. Year 2 : 17 years

*NB:* At the end of Year 2 the Student will graduate with the Diploma and begin job hunt.

*E. Advanced Level Secondary School (Pre-University) Education*

The learners intending to go universities and obtain Degrees in various fields will have to undergo two of years of A Levels Education thus;

1. Form 5 (16 years)
2. Form 6 (17 years)

*Pre-University Assessment*
They will be a transitional assessment to be administered to all learners before graduating to University so as to ascertain the acquisition of correct Knowledge, Skills and Values at Form 5 and 6.

*F. University Education*
The learners to be administered in any universities will have to show proof of both *Form 4 ECZ certificate* and *Form 5 and 6 A Level Completion Certificates* .

1. Year 1: 18 years
2. Year 2: 19 years
3. Year 3 : 20 years

*NB:* At the end of Year 3 the Student will graduate with the Degree and begin job hunt.

In short the requirement to go *College of Education or Skills* will be *Form 4 ECZ certificate* whereas *Universities* will be *Completion of Form 5 and 6* A Levels Education.

*I submit*