Malawi 6,000 teachers go five months with no pay

Six thousand (6000) teachers under the seventh Initial Primary Teachers Education (IPTE7) and Open and Distance Learning (ODL2) have gone five months without receive their salaries.

The teachers, who were employed in May but reported to their work places in June, have complained that they are finding it hard to survive since they have been deployed away from their homes.

One of the teachers said despite knowing that the government takes a bit of long to incorporate new recruits on payroll, he is surprised that it has taken five months this time around.

“We understand that sometimes it takes long for government to start paying its staff particularly teachers but this time it is too much. How can one survive without salary?”

The teacher said it was hard for them to operate under such circumstances.

“Most of us do not have other means of sourcing income which is even making it harder for us. It is even difficult for us to concentrate on our work. The governments should do something,” said the teacher who opted for anonymity.

Another teacher, who opted for anonymity said life is even harder for teachers that have deployed in rural areas as they do not access proper social services especially when the fall sick.

“We cannot get good hospitals here and we need money to travel to town to go to hospitals. The government must consider because our salaries already as primary school teachers are pathetic. Teaching should not be punishment we need to be motivated,” the teacher said.

While confirming the development Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer Rabecca Phwitiko said details of newly recruited teachers are being included on the payroll and they should expect to receive their salaries soon.

She also said some teachers have received their pay while the remaining will be paid outside the payroll.

“The insertion of IPTE 7 and ODL 2 teachers onto the payroll is ongoing and will continue until all newly recruited teachers are taken on board.Out of 10,000 who were employed in May, some 2738 have already been added to payroll and receive salaries in September including outstanding arrears,” Phwitiko said.

“The ministry has made the necessary arrangements with relevant departments to pay the remaining 6636 outside of the payroll as the ministry continues to ensure all these teachers are added to the payroll and receive their salaries including outstanding arrears.”