Crisis in Zimbabwe’s classrooms as teachers quit en masse
Zimbabwe is facing a major crisis in its education sector, with teacher unions warning that about 15,000 educators are leaving the profession every year.
The mass move is being blamed on low salaries, poor working conditions, and political interference in schools.
Two leading unions, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), say morale is very low.
Many teachers are either resigning early or walking away from their jobs altogether, local reports say.
Science subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and ICT are among the worst affected, leaving critical gaps in classrooms across the country.
The PTUZ says delays in processing retirement benefits have worsened the situation, with some teachers reportedly dying before receiving their pensions.
The union also accuses the government of pushing through changes without consulting educators, creating a system where teachers feel disrespected and demoralised.
Union leaders say political interference has also made the situation worse.
Teachers have been suspended for refusing to follow political instructions, and schools are sometimes forced to send pupils to political events.
This, they say, has turned learning spaces into politically charged environments that are unsafe and unprofessional.
Some teachers have started small businesses or other ventures to survive.
ARTUZ says it now handles dozens of early retirement cases every month, as educators seek to escape what they call a "thankless" profession.
Union officials are calling on the government to urgently open talks to improve conditions and stop the talent drain.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is yet to respond to the concerns.
