Non-Ndebele speaking teachers probe on ice

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE proposed probe by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education into the deployment of non-Ndebele speaking teachers in Matabeleland has reportedly been shelved.
Professor Paul Mavhima, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education had told Chronicle that he                                                                                                        would lead a delegation to assess the increasing number of non-Ndebele speaking teachers in Matabeleland South, starting last week.

Indications are that the probe that Prof Mavhima had said would start in Beitbridge has been shelved.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Prof Mavhima said he could comment on any educational matter, except the issue of non-Ndebele speaking teachers.

“I can’t comment on that issue. Please talk to the minister. We can talk about other issues but this one please talk to the minister,” said Prof Mavhima.
On Friday Cde Dokora distanced himself from the issue, saying his ministry was not responsible for the training and deployment of teachers in schools.

He told Chronicle that it was not the responsibility of his ministry to train and deploy teachers.
“The training of teachers is done by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development and the deployment is done by the Civil Service Commission.

“I therefore cannot comment on the issue,” said Cde Dokora, soon after donating fresh milk to Matabeleland North schoolchildren at Butabubili Primary School in Tsholotsho District.

A source from the ministry yesterday confirmed that the probe had been shelved.
The issue has sparked debate in the region with political leaders blaming the poor pass rates on non-Ndebele speaking teachers.

People have called on politicians in Matabeleland to push for the establishment of more teacher training colleges in the region to address the problem.
The Zanu-PF party’s education secretary Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said he plans to visit all the country’s 10 provinces to  consult the people on the issue before preparing a policy report to be presented to the party’s central committee.