Mugabe admits demise of education
2010-04-17 18:01
Special Report
A classical music presenter for the BBC has been arrested and is in custody in Zimbabwe.
Harare - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has admitted that teachers earn "a mere pittance" and pledged to restore the quality of the country's education system, state media said on Saturday.
"To the teachers, it is with regret and apologies that your reward has been nothing but a mere pittance, not worthy to be called salaries at all but just allowances," The Herald newspaper quoted Mugabe as saying.
"Quite a number of children have dropped out of school and it pains us because we had developed our system to a level that it was admired by many in Africa, if not the world," he added.
Mugabe was addressing teachers and pupils at the annual children's party he hosts before the country celebrates independence day.
Sunday marks 30 years since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain, an occasion that has sparked extensive commentary about the country's deterioration during Mugabe's three-decade-long rule.
Zimbabwe was hailed as a model for Africa at independence in 1980, but is struggling to escape a spectacular economic collapse that has ground the country to a virtual halt.
The country's public education system, once considered the best on the continent, has crumbled over the last decade, with up to 15 pupils sharing a textbook.
Government school teachers in Zimbabwe earn $165 a month. Around 20 000 teachers have left in search of better pay.
"Our standards have fallen," Mugabe said. "But, of course, there is always room for improvement and the hopes that things will get better.
"Let's keep the spirit that shows there is always optimism on the part of parents, children and government that we are moving ahead, that there is progress not regression," he said.
- AFP