adminVusumuzi Dube Sunday News Reporter
THE South African government is reportedly not renewing contracts of Zimbabwean teachers working in the neighbouring country, leaving a significant number stranded. Thousands of Zimbabwean teachers left the country for South Africa and other neighbouring countries around 2008 in search of greener pastures. However, in
2014 the South African government did not include teaching as part of the critical skills list.
The list was published in June 2014. In the latest development it is reported that some provinces in the neighbouring country are not renewing contracts of Zimbabwean teachers in their system to open up employment opportunities for suitably qualified South Africans.
Confirming these developments, Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu said they had received reports that some Zimbabwean teachers were not retained after their contracts expired.
He said while this was unfortunate, there was a need for the affected teachers to realise that they were best needed back in the country to help revive the education sector. “According to reports which we are receiving, we are told that one province where our colleagues have been most affected, is KwaZulu-Natal where the government did not renew the contracts of these teachers.
“I cannot give you the estimated figures of the affected teachers but we will surely investigate and liaise with them to find out how many have been affected and what we can do to support them,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He further called on the Government to create a conducive environment in terms of welcoming back these teachers and encouraging them to return to the country. “Our affected colleagues should simply accept their fate and come back to the country because their skills are surely needed this side.
“The Government on their part should be encouraged to accept these teachers back into the system as their skills are gravely required noting the shortages which we have especially in Maths and Sciences,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Online Reporter