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University takes steps to retain faculty and key staff

Africa University officials are taking steps of keep academic and other staff at a time when many professionals are leaving
Zimbabwe because of the country’s struggling economy. The Africa University Board of Directors approved a policy for staff retention during
its Nov. 28-Dec. 1 meeting. The policy is aimed at keeping professional and skilled staff.
Greener pastures
In the past three years, nearly 20 experienced staffers have left Africa
University for jobs outside the country. The school has a faculty and staff of about 250 people, serving nearly 1,400 students. News media have reported that some 25,000 teachers of primary, secondary and
higher education have left Zimbabwe for greener pastures. The devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar, shortages of commodities and
continuous power outages and water shortages are contributing to the exodus of staff across the country. The official hyperinflation
rate is 8,000 percent, and news media report the current inflation of food and fuel at 14,841 percent.
“The combined impact of these and other related factors has made it extremely difficult for the university to recruit and retain critical
professional staff,” said Zimbabwe Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, chair- man of the finance committee.
The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rudukzo Murapa cited experts as saying the best coping strategies are those that address working conditions and include “an incentive and motivation system” as the most effective way to pay staff. “They maintain that attractive salaries and better working conditions are the key to retaining skilled professionals in their home countries.” Africa University has received support
from numerous foundations and agencies. However, compensation of staff and staff career development are critical issues that
need solutions, Murapa said.
The retention policy approved by the board provides for a housing and vehicle scheme, similar to what state universities
have already implemented for their staff. It implements a retention allowance in convertible currency for eligible staff, provides two levels of sabbatical leave and offers money for research for individuals who excel in their work.
“We are in a critical time of tran- sition in the life and work of Africa University,” said the Rev. Dr. Jerome King Del Pino, in
his report to the board about the mission and ministry of Africa University. “Times of intensive transition are both a blessing and a burden. They offer time to anticipate and plan for new beginnings, a
fresh start on a journey that continuously unfolds new possibilities and challenges. They also afford us an opportunity, retrospectively,
to take stock of the big picture,” he said.
Del Pino, the top executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, told the university board that it
must fulfill its governance and policy-making role by: Minimizing draw-downs of its reserves and holding forth the university as a tuition-fee-driven institution rather than one that’s apportionment-driven. Bringing the fees and tuition for international students more in line with those
for Zimbabwean students.
Maintaining a U.S.$2 million reserve. Helping management develop a plan
for at least a 60-40 ratio of enrollment of international and Zimbabwean students to be a truly pan-African school. Developing a comprehensive building maintenance plan. Improving quality of life for students,
including living environment, food service, nutrition, dormitory life and student support services.
Maintaining quality faculty and staff. Initiating new programs only when
human and financial resources are available and sustainable.
“While support for Africa University by the U.S.-based part of our church is indeed prominent, it cannot be assumed that continuation of the apportionment is not being strongly challenged,” Del Pino said.
In other action, the board adopted a recommendation that an interim dean of students be appointed within 30 days, and
that the interim dean report to the board at its March 25-28 meeting on the 10 most urgent priorities for student welfare. It also
adopted a developing disaster management and recovery plan for the university.
-Story by Linda Green, a UMNS news writer based in Nashville, TN. USA