Investigations revealed that only two out of the 19 Zimbabwe National Army (Z NA) schools across the country managed to open when the first term started on January 12. The schools are Brady and Garrison Primary Schools. The armys director of education, Brigadier General Itai Mujaji, confirmed teacher shortages at the Army Trust Schools had led to the problem.
Mujaji attributed the shortage to a recent policy by army commanders directing that headmasters should not employ temporary teachers.
There were 300 vacant posts at the army schools. Teachers continue to quit the profession and trek to neighbouring countries, especially South Africa and Botswana, in search of better pay and working conditions. Recently, Education Minister, David Coltart revealed a total of 12,000 teaching posts vacant across the country at government schools.
Post published in: News