-to pocket US$200 a day each
Tonderai Saharo
Parents, teachers and other stakeholders are up in arms against the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Masvingo for sending a bloated delegation to the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo this week.
The Provincial office seconded a staggering 18 member delegation to the premier business expo against the directive of the Ministry of Finance’s directive which advised that the delegations must be as small as possible since the country is grappled with a severe drought this year.
The Midweek Watch gathered that the Provincial Education Director, Shylatte Mhike took with her an 18 member delegation composed of mainly her close friends in violation of a Government directive which said only essential staff should attend the business expo.
In a secular addressed to all government’s ministries, secretary for Finance Ministry George Guvamatanga said as part of cost cutting and saving measures for government ministries departments and agencies (MDA) only a few must be cleared to attend on government ticket.
“The president has declared a nationwide state of disaster due to the El nino induced drought.
“Given the severity of the drought and the need to mobilize resources to cater for vulnerable members of society, it is imperative that treasury institutes immediate measures to curtail expenditure and direct savings towards priority interventions.
“The delegation size shall be limited to those who have a critical role to play,” reads part of the memo.
Chances of double dipping are high as the delegation has gotten money from Better Schools Program Zimbabwe which will be reimbursed once the Government pays them
However, Mhike’s delegation to the trade fair included the ministry of primary and secondary education provincial staffers at Wigley House comprising all the three directors, five deputy directors, one driver and two inspectors.
In addition to the provincial staffers all the inspectors from the seven districts in Masvingo province are also in attendance.
The delegation withdrew US$10 000 for their five days upkeep from the BSPZ to pocket a cool US$200 in daily allowance.
When contacted for a comment, Mhike said she was in a noisy area and enjoying herself hence could not talk to this reporter.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director of Communication and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro appeared to be in support of the PED’s move as he said that this reporter could have gotten his facts wrong as some delegates could be catered for by their respective schools which are doing mass displays and providing entertainment.
