Sunday Mail
16 August 2009
THE country has lost more than 20 000 teachers due to migration over the past two years with the majority of them being Mathematics and English teachers, while a bulk of the remaining teachers are threatening to strike, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking before the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee on Education last week, the Minister of Education, Sports Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart, said Mathematics and English teachers were leaving in droves as their skills were the most sought-after in the region.
He said there was evidence of foreign recruiters going on head-hunting missions for teachers with Matabeleland South Province being the worst affected because of its proximity to South Africa and Botswana.
“We have lost over 20 000 teachers since 2007. In Matabeleland South, there is a shortage of Maths and English teachers,†said Senator Coltart, adding that it was necessary for parents to help the Government in giving incentives to teachers. He said he had approached the donor community for assistance without success, resulting in the Ministry being left with no option but to engage parents.
A number of teachers are already getting their incentives from levies that are being paid by parents. Sen Coltart said the incentives were meant to retain staff and match perks offered in regional countries.
“In South Africa, an entry teacher earns about R8 000, which does not commensurate with what local teachers are getting,’ said Senator Coltart. The committee, however, raised concern over the number of schools that are demanding exorbitant levies. The committee felt that parents were being left out in the crafting of levy structures, resulting in imposition of hefty amounts.
In response, Senator Coltart said it was a requirement for parents to be involved in determining levies. “We need now to enforce the law and see that parents themselves take charge,†he said.