Shortage of Maths, Science teachers hits Matabeleland Dr Lazarus Dokora
Dr Lazarus Dokora

Dr Lazarus Dokora

Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
THERE is a shortage of Science and Mathematics teachers in Zimbabwe with the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces the hardest hit.

Addressing a curriculum review meeting attended by school heads, provincial and district education officials in Harare on Monday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora said efforts were being made to address the shortage.

As of 2013, Zimbabwe had a shortage of 1 521 Maths and Science teachers.

“We are trying to relook at that deficit to see what today’s deficit looks like. In Matabeleland South already we know that we need about 199 Mathematics and Science teachers. In the Midlands there is quite some deficit there. There is need for 74 science teachers . . .,” said Minister Dokora.

He said Harare was in a much better position.

“Harare is much better. You are almost at the saturation point of your requirements. We only have a deficit of 24 Science teachers and two Mathematics teachers at ‘A’ Level otherwise you have all you need in terms of teachers.

“At ‘O’ Level Mathematics you are okay.

“You do not have some situations where we have had to ask certain persons qualified in some disciplines to assist in teaching Mathematics. You only need two Science teachers at ‘O’ Level,” said Minister Dokora.

The country lost a number of Science and Mathematics teachers to its Sadc neighbours at the height of the sanctions- induced economic hardships.

Most Science and Mathematics teachers left en masse for South Africa, Botswana, Malawi and Namibia in search of greener pastures.

Some of them are, however, finding the going tough outside the country especially in South Africa and are heading back home.

Reports, especially from South Africa, say that country now prefers employing its own citizens.

Some Government schools in South Africa have not renewed contracts for Zimbabwean teachers whom they have since replaced with their own.

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