Matabeleland needs 4 000 qualified teachers

Matabeleland region is in need of nearly 4 000 qualified teachers, a development viewed as likely to negatively impact on the pass rate during this year's public examinations.

Bulawayo needs about 170 teachers, Matabeleland North 2 541 and Matabeleland South 1070 teachers.

The requirement for Bulawayo is for secondary schools while the figures for Matabeleland North and South are for both secondary and primary.

Matabeleland region has always faced a critical shortage of teachers especially in sciences, Mathematics and practical subjects as qualified teachers either shun remote areas or have left the country for greener pastures. The most affected areas are Binga, Nkayi, Lupane, Bulilima, Matobo and Mangwe.

In separate interviews, provincial education directors for the three provinces said the provinces were facing critical shortages, which was compromising the standard of education.

The provincial education director for Matabeleland North, Mrs Boithatelo Mnguni, said the situation was worrying especially in terms of practical subjects as even the schools she regarded as good were also having serious shortages.

"Most pupils in good schools, those who have accommodation and electricity, are redundant al their schools because there are no teachers to take them for subjects like woodwork and metalwork,? she said.

The provincial education director for Matabeleland South; 'Mrs Tumisang Thabela, said her province was still in great need of teachers and the hardest hit districts were those along the border, Bulilima, Mangwe and Matobo.

She said the most likely to be affected examination classes would be those sitting for the Ordinary Levels.

"Grade Seven pupils-will not be greatly affected by this but the Form Fours still do not have teachers to take them for Sciences and practical subjects and we can anticipate a challenge there," said Mrs Thabela.

"Insiza and Mzingwane districts are better off because they are closer to Bulawayo."

She said among other reasons, the challenges facing the province were compounded by the fact that most people had left for South Africa or Botswana.

The provincial education director for Bulawayo, Mr Dan Moyo, said his province was in need of teachers especially for Mathematics, Sciences and technical subjects.

"We are not yet certain but the district education office needs about 170 qualified teachers to assist in Mathematics, sciences and practical subjects," he said.