The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) said proceeds from Marange diamond sales should be used to pay their salaries.
The union president Takavafira Zhou was quoted by SW Radio Africa as saying that the teachers would launch a “crippling” strike if their demands for higher pay and better working conditions are not met.
He said the discovery of the “wealthy” diamond deposits should have by now changed the welfare of civil servants.
‘[Marange diamonds] are not being harnessed by the government for the benefit of Zimbabwe or civil servants,” Zhou said.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti had projected revenue of $600 million from Marange diamond sales this year but only $25 million was said to had been remitted to treasury so far.
Biti said the Chinese owned Anjin mine had not been remitting anything to the treasury, despite making super profits.
Anjin denied the minister’s claims.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
