Zimbabwe govt responds to deployment of non-Ndebele teachers

In response to widespread concerns about the increasing number of non-Ndebele teachers in Matebeleland, the government has implemented a decentralization strategy for teacher deployment.

The deployment of non-Ndebele-speaking teachers in Matebeleland has sparked criticism from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, activists, and politicians, who attribute it to the region's low pass rates.

In 2022, the Silobela community rejected non-Ndebele-speaking teachers assigned to early childhood development (ECD) classes in the area.

Sithembiso Nyoni, the Nkayi North legislator and Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister, disclosed during a virtual discussion organized by the Nkayi Community Parliament that the government has addressed these concerns by localizing teacher recruitment.

According to Nyoni, the recruitment process is now decentralized, allowing local authorities to collaborate with the Education Department in determining teacher deployment.

The issue of teacher deployment in the region has been a recurring topic in Parliament, with parents advocating for the removal of teachers who do not speak the local language.

Previously, the government emphasized the importance of having teachers fluent in the local language for ECD classes.

Now, local communities are responsible for ensuring that recruited teachers have the necessary language skills. Nyoni emphasized the need for collaboration between local authorities and the Education Department to recruit teachers proficient in the local language.

Last week, Binga South legislator Fanuel Cumanzala raised concerns in Parliament about the deployment of non-Tonga-speaking teachers in Binga, questioning why qualified Tonga-speaking teachers were being overlooked.

Critics argue that recognizing all 16 languages in the country's Constitution is crucial in addressing this issue.