Teachers Union of Malawi hail Nsanje DC Rapozo for ensuring teachers arrears are paid

The Teachers Union of Malawi has applauded the Nsanje District Commissioner (DC) Gift Rapozo for his stout stand to ensure that Nsanje Primary School Teachers’ arrears are paid.

TUM Secretary General, Charles Kumchenga credited the Nsanje District commissioner on Tuesday when he was addressing the disgruntled teachers on the current situation regarding the commitment government has made as to when they will be paid their April 2016 salary arrears.

The development comes barely a day after concerned parents of primary school learners threatened to hold demonstrations the same Tuesday to force government to pay the salary arrears.

Kumchenga said TUM and the District Commissioner have been tirelessly working hand in hand to ensure that the teachers receive their arrears.

“In the first place, as TUM, we were in support of the teacher’s sit-in as government was not showing commitment to address the issues. The District Commissioner and us have been working together in trying to force the government to pay the teachers. We have to appreciate what the DC has done,” said the TUM General Secretary.

He said TUM and the District Commissioner thought it wise to force the government to pay the arrears this year as it was budgeted for in the 2015/2016 financial year.

“Now that we have a copy of a letter from the Accountant General that teachers will get their arrears this month end, we have asked the teachers to call-off the sit-in. let me also thank the Accountant General for the support rendered so that teachers should get their arrears this month,” he said.

According to Rapozo, the Auditor General has certified the payment of salary arrears to the tune of K49, 598, 554, 59.

As a result of the commitment, the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) has called off the strike after meeting the concerned parties including teachers, parents and education authorities where the teachers were assured that they would get their money this month.

In his remarks, District TUM Chairperson, Christopher Siyanyalo confirmed calling off the strike following an assurance that the treasury has approved payment of the salary arrears.

Siyanyalo was however quick to say TUM Secretariat will mobilize teachers across the country to go on a nationwide strike if government does not honour its promise.

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