Education officials in Matabeleland express optimism

Education officials in Matabeleland have expressed optimism that the second school term which starts today would run smoothly as schools had been adequately staffed.

Bulawayo provincial education director Dan Moyo said he expected lessons to start today, as all vacant teaching posts in the city had been filled.

"As a province, we believe that we have done our part. Our colleagues conducted interviews for new teachers. I am convinced that today it will be all systems go in schools with no problems," he said.

"We are more than ready and we are looking forward to a good term. So far we haven't come across any problems that could affect our operations."

Matabeleland North deputy provincial education director Mathias Luphahla said recruitment of teachers to fill vacant posts was concluded on Friday.

"You know that Matabeleland North is a big province, but we have been liaising with our district officers," he said.

"The information that we have is that recruitment was completed last Friday and we are ready to work."

He said from today, his officials would visit schools with district education officers to ensure that teaching was taking place.