Confusion over dismissal of teachers

Sunday Mail

10 December 2011 

The Government has denied reports it intends to dismiss the over 1 000 teachers who were given a reprieve after migrating to greener pastures.

This comes after teacher representatives indicated Government was moving to fire the teachers who had sought employment in neighbouring countries since 2000.

The Government employees migrated alongside other professionals at the height of Zimbabwe’s economic downturn. The multi-currency system introduced in 2009 stabilised the economy and, thereafter, saw them trooping back home.

In an interview last week, Public Service Deputy Minister Cde Andrew Langa said the country still faces a shortage of teachers and needs to recruit more to fill vacant posts, especially in rural schools.

“We are not aware of such developments (to fire the rehired teachers). What I can tell you is that the country has a critical shortage of qualified teachers. Government needs to recruit more staff to fill the gaps,” he said. Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Senator David Coltart concurred, saying there was need to train more teachers. However, Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association president Mrs Tendai Chikowore maintained some members received dismissal notices on the grounds that they were re-engaged unprocedurally.

“How can they (the ministers) say there is no such thing when our members have received notices? They should check with their offices to get the true picture.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe confirmed receiving reports that some members got dismissal letters.

He said there was confusion over the issue.

“A lot of teachers are receiving dismissals from their respective district offices. We have been trying to get in touch with the relevant ministers over the issue, but nobody wants to be fingered as the culprit behind this chaos. It is very sad given that these teachers came back after an invitation from Government. The authorities should take this issue seriously,” he said.

At present, Zimbabwe employs about 97 000 teachers against a demand of 111 000.