Zimbabwe urged to rehire teachers fleeing SA xenophobia

The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has called on the government to urgently introduce a policy to integrate and re-employ Zimbabwean teachers returning from South Africa, arguing that educators displaced by xenophobic violence deserve the same support already being extended to returning learners.

In a petition addressed to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and other government institutions, the union urged authorities to establish a coordinated framework to register, absorb and redeploy teachers forced to return home after their safety and livelihoods were threatened.

The appeal comes as the government rolls out measures to assist Zimbabwean students returning from South Africa following recent outbreaks of xenophobic violence.

While welcoming the initiative for learners, the union said teachers affected by the same circumstances should not be overlooked.

"The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has already demonstrated commendable leadership by putting in place measures to support Zimbabwean students returning from South Africa due to xenophobic violence.

"While this initiative is highly appreciated, we respectfully submit that teacher returnees are equally victims of the same unfortunate circumstances and should not be left behind," the union said.

EUZ said many returning educators possess valuable qualifications and professional experience that could help address teacher shortages in Zimbabwe while strengthening the country's education system.

"Their return presents an opportunity for the country to strengthen its teaching workforce while simultaneously fulfilling the Government's obligation to protect and support its citizens during times of crisis," the union said.

The union also reminded authorities that Zimbabwe had previously implemented a similar intervention.

It noted that during the economic crisis around 2009, the government introduced an amnesty that allowed teachers who had left the country to return and rejoin the public service.

According to EUZ, the current situation presents a comparable humanitarian and national development challenge.

"Teacher returnees remain loyal citizens of Zimbabwe whose knowledge, professional skills and experience are assets that can contribute significantly to national development. They should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control or for seeking livelihoods during periods of economic hardship," the union said.

Among its recommendations, the union urged the Public Service Commission to conduct a dedicated registration and verification exercise for returning teachers, enabling eligible former public servants to regularise their employment status and be considered for reappointment.

It also proposed that returning teachers be deployed to rural and other hard-to-staff schools where shortages persist, saying the move would help fill staffing gaps while enabling educators to rebuild their careers.

EUZ further called on the government to recognise qualifications and teaching experience acquired in South Africa, arguing that exposure to different education systems could enhance the quality of teaching in Zimbabwean schools.

The union also urged authorities to issue a public policy statement outlining the support available to returning teachers.

According to EUZ, such an announcement would provide certainty to teachers who have already returned while encouraging others stranded in difficult and unsafe conditions in South Africa to come home.

The union appealed to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Public Service Commission, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to work together to implement an expedited reintegration programme.

"We trust that our appeal will receive your favourable consideration in the interest of protecting Zimbabwean citizens, strengthening our education system and advancing national development," the union said.