PTUZ mobilises members to form housing co-ops

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PROGRESSIVE Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has embarked on nationwide campaign to encourage teachers to form housing co-operatives so that they can also be proud owners of urban homes.

PROGRESSIVE Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has embarked on nationwide campaign to encourage teachers to form housing co-operatives so that they can also be proud owners of urban homes.

BY SILAS NKALA

Matabeleland South PTUZ chairman Urgent Moyo yesterday said it was disturbing that the majority of teachers were living in rented properties.

teachers

He said the union has carried out a survey on the status and situation of teachers in Zimbabwe and discovered shocking results on housing for teachers.

“Out of 1 687 teachers interviewed only 8% owned houses, of the 8%, one percent had saved money and the remainder had inherited these houses from parents,” Moyo said.

“Basing on the results of the survey, PTUZ is embarking on a nationwide programme to encourage teachers to form housing co-operatives for its members.”

Moyo said 13 housing co-operatives involving teachers have already been established.

“Matabeleland South has four housing schemes, in Gwanda, Umzingwane, Beitbridge and Plumtree.

“Teachers remain lodgers at houses that belong to the parents of the pupils they teach. We cannot expect children to respect such teachers.”

He called upon the government to take responsibility over providing houses to teachers, giving them allowances and benefits that enable teachers to build their own houses.

“In Kenya, teachers are given houses and cars. If it is happening in other countries what can stop it from happening here. We are demanding houses and land from government so that teachers also own houses.” he said.