Malawi govt promotes 20 000 teachers: Critics say an elections ploy
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has announced that it has promoted 20 210 teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary schools effective this month to motivate them and promote quality education.
But critics have cautioned that this could be a ploy to woo voters as the May 21 Tripartite Elections approach.
MoEST Principal Secretary (PS) Justin Saidi and PS in Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Charles Kalemba confirmed in a statement seen bu Nyasa Times that the promotions are with effect from 2nd April 2019.
According to the statement, 15491 primary school teachers in rankings of Grades K, J and H have been promoted.
It adds that 4719 secondary school teachers have also been promoted.
The names of the teachers have been directed to Education Managers accross districts.
But Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) board chairperson Benedicto Kondowe cautioned that government could be taking action “because we are approaching elections”.
Saidi, however, dismissed the fears, saying the move has nothing to do with campaign or elections.
Kondowe said promotion of teachers should be done periodically.
Meanwhile, Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) secretary general Charles Kumchenga says the union has agreed with government to start promoting secondary and primary school teachers without subjecting them to interviews.
The agreement was made last week at a meeting in Lilongwe where Secretary to the Treasury Cliff Chiunda, Kalemba and Saidi, respectively were present
Initially, TUM gave government up to March 31 to address the issue of teachers’ promotion and settling of K1.7 billion arrears or face industrial action from April 1.
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kugula mavoti. bwanji gulu ina lija munangowauza kuti afile maform kuti alandile ndalama zao,now its 3 years.
aphuzitsi azanga mundikhulupilila kuti kulibe kulandila ndalama zoonjrzera. a dpp afuna angokugulani kuti mwaavotere.
wait until olo after 21 may,muzakhala toilet paper olo condom. mark my word
Most teachers like other civil servants will vote for Chakwera to see if there can be change for the better
Boma lingopanga kuti ma civil servants amene azipanga upgrade pawokha asamapite ku ma interviews koma azingowakweza pa ntchito kuwasintha grade mmene zinalili kale. But for new recruits be interviewed
Where is the money coming from???? I thought the government is bankrupt??? Zimenezo mufunse Joyce Banda! Adagwa nadzo chagada!
These promotions are triggering a lot of questions in the teaching fraternity. What were the criteria for those who have been promoted? The yardstick lies in interviews which assist in appreciating one’s professional prowess. It is possible that cronyism is an open page for the loud party functionaries. A compromise of teaching efficiency is endorsed in this way education standards are lowering. Whichever party comes to power wear party colours no headteachers will touch you upon whatever professional lapses. The carrots are just too big to throw away all at expense of our children’s quality education. Teachers are now robots… Read more »
BUT WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES OF PROMOTING SOMEBODY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE? HE HAS TO UNDERGO INTERVIEWS AND PASS. OTHERWISE THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING ITS DISSERVICE BY PROMOTING INEFFICIENCY. AND THESE PROMOTIONS CAN BE CHALLENGED BY ANYONE.
Please promote others as well who have struggled to up grade themselves with degrees in other ministries and departments
Late Bingu (MHSRIP) did not struggle to win his second term, in fact he won by a landslide. From all corners of the country Why? Ntchito za manja ake zinamuchitira umboni.
But when in politics you start stealing, being corrupt, give positions on the basis of nepotism; these are the consequences.
Pressing panic buttons. Mwambi wa ukatambatamba, DPP kwayichera tsopano.
DPP my govt well done
TOO LATE, your problem dpp is that you think malawians are stupid, teachers you are promoting have been suffering for years, these promotions doesnt change how they feel about you, this also proves that you have the power to make instant changes in govt but you rather let civil servants suffer while you steal their monies
Kkkkkkk
Dpp oyeee.mbwandi mbwandi sopano
Akamazakumbukila kuti aiwalana gulu lina 2 late.