Govt must close schools immediately
IT is a pity that we are being led by Education minister Cain Mathema who has no respect of the sanctity of life.
Human beings are treated like pigeons and dogs. The leadership has of late redefined the term overcrowding to mean social distancing (go to schools and get onto Zupco buses and compare what you see with the situation in their offices or when they attend Cabinet briefs or Parliament). They don’t care to know how commuting children are finding their way to and from school.
The overcrowding we witness each day is their new definition of social distancing. They don’t care to visit bus terminuses let alone get onto the Zupco buses to see the situation for themselves. They prefer speaking from the comfort of their offices.
How many times have we called upon the minister to desist from making unilateral decisions that affects thousands of students as he sits comfortably in his office? Why this high-level of arrogance? Why is Mathema exposing children and teachers to COVID-19? What measures has the ministry taken to promote social distancing in schools and on public transport?
How different is it from exposing children and teachers to naked live wire? Why are you not sympathetic to the vulnerable and defenceless children in schools?
How many children have the potential to contract the coronavirus and what practical action have you taken apart from continuously lying and misleading the nation?
Please, take note and be advised that you only have one option between now and Friday that is to close schools for both examination and non-examination classes.
Come December 7, we further advise that we shall encourage teachers not to mix anymore with the pupils.
This effectively means that they must stop teaching if no reasonable action is taken to decisively deal with the situation.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa must desist from unilateralism and respect views from unions, Parliament, parents and children.
Heading the ministry and ownership are two different things. You should hold consultations with stakeholders whom you are ignoring. We find this sad, unfortunate, very unprofessional and retrogressive.
M Nyawo Zinatu national executive