Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere-Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT is set to recruit 8 000 teachers into the public education system this year as part of measures to address a shortage of educators.
The recruitment drive is expected to fill about 85 percent of the 9 425 vacancies in public schools, significantly improving teacher-pupil ratios and the overall quality of education.
Currently, Zimbabwe’s average teacher-pupil ratio stands at 1:45, well above the optimal 1:33, a gap that has severely compromised the quality of learning, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The proposed recruitment will help restore balance in classrooms and reduce the workload on existing teachers.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s request for the recruitment has already received approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC) and is now awaiting funding clearance from Treasury.
In an interview, Ministry of Education director of communications and advocacy at Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said the teacher shortage is being addressed as a matter of urgency.
“The Ministry is addressing this urgent priority, the PSC has committed to recruit 8 000 teachers this year to fill the posts,” said Mr Ndoro.
“As of today, Zimbabwe faces a national teacher deficit of 9 425 against an optimal teacher-pupil ratio of 1:33. This shortfall has pushed the current ratio to 1:45 and is compromising learning quality nationwide.
“The PSC has committed to filling 8 000 posts in 2025, which would resolve 85 percent of this deficit, pending Treasury approval.” The teacher shortage is not uniform across the country.
Midlands province is the worst affected, with 2 446 vacancies, followed by Mashonaland East (1 336) and Matabeleland South (1 281). Urban centres like Harare and Bulawayo also face critical shortages, particularly in STEM subjects and Early Childhood Development (ECD).
To tackle these imbalances and ensure a more equitable distribution of educators, the Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach.
“Firstly, the PSC’s 2025 recruitment of 8 000 teachers prioritises high-need provinces and subjects, with decentralised hiring to expedite placements,” said Mr Ndoro.
“Secondly, School Development Committees now engage temporary para-professionals to fill immediate gaps where funding permits.
“Thirdly, enhanced rural incentives aim to retain teachers in underserved zones.”
In tandem with the recruitment initiative, the Government is also investing in school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to create a more conducive learning environment.
As part of a collaboration with UNICEF, 150 rural schools will be fitted with solar power systems to support digital learning.
Many of these schools are located in off-grid areas where lack of electricity has long hindered access to modern educational tools.
“Infrastructure upgrades, like solarising 150 schools with UNICEF support, will enable digital learning in off-grid communities,” he said.
