Zimbabwe to recruit 8,000 teachers

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is set to recruit 8,000 teachers in the upcoming second term, pending final approval from the Treasury. The recruitment drive, announced yesterday, is aimed at strengthening staff capacity in schools, reducing the teacher-pupil ratio, and improving the overall quality of learning in Zimbabwe's education system.

Speaking at the 40th Annual Conference of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) held in Bulawayo, Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the ministry is working closely with the Public Service Commission to expedite the hiring of qualified teachers, with priority given to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and science subjects at the secondary school level.

"We are committed to improving teacher recruitment to enhance pupil-teacher ratios, particularly in critical areas such as ECD and STEM," said Moyo. "The Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has assured me that we will soon get the green light from Treasury to begin the recruitment of 8,000 teachers. That number applies to new posts only and does not include positions vacated through retirement or transfers."

In tandem with the recruitment effort, the ministry has also moved to establish a Teaching Profession Council, a regulatory body designed to uphold professional standards in the teaching sector and ensure continuous development among educators.

"As a ministry, we are making significant strides in establishing the Teaching Profession Council, which is essential for protecting the integrity of our profession and ensuring continuous professional development," Moyo added.

He revealed that the Attorney-General has completed drafting the Bill that will give legal effect to the council, and it is set to be tabled in Parliament next week. The government expects the legislation to be passed before the end of the year.

Zimta chief executive officer, Dr Sifiso Ndlovu, welcomed the announcement, saying the council would play a pivotal role in professionalising the sector by eliminating unqualified individuals and enhancing ongoing teacher training.

"With the establishment of this council, we will uphold the highest standards of teaching. It will facilitate ongoing training for teachers, aligning their skills with emerging trends and methodologies in education," said Ndlovu. "Most importantly, it will root out imposters, as all teachers will be required to register with the council and comply with its regulations."

The recruitment of new teachers and the creation of a professional council are seen as major steps in overhauling the education sector, ensuring that Zimbabwe builds a competent and well-supported teaching workforce.

The Zimta conference, which ran from Monday to Wednesday under the theme "Strengthening efficiency and effectiveness in teaching organisations: The role of constitutionalism," brought together educators from across Zimbabwe as well as representatives from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including members of the Southern Africa Teachers' Organisation (SATO).

These latest developments are expected to significantly bolster education delivery in Zimbabwe, with educators and stakeholders expressing optimism about the positive impact on both teachers and learners.