By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI –
THE Government has dismissed 79 teachers in Southern Province for various offences ranging from fraud to absenteeism and carnal knowledge of the pupils.
Provincial education officer Florence Chikalekale said of the 79 teachers, 41 joined the teaching profession with fake papers.
Ms Chikalekale, who was speaking in Choma when General Education Minister Dennis Wachinga met all the district education broad secretaries (DEBS) said 14 teachers were fired for having carnal knowledge of female pupils.
The rest was ejected for absenteeism.
Ms Chikalekale said the province still had a number of disciplinary cases for teachers awaiting hearing.
“We are still waiting for other disciplinary cases,” Ms Chikalekale said.
Meanwhile, Dr Wachinga urged the DEBS to preserve the teaching profession.
The minister said teachers should not be involved in partisan politics.
“Teachers are public servants and are expected to support the Government of the day,” Dr Wachinga said.
He said teaching was a noble profession that needed to be protected.
Southern Province Permanent Secretary Mwangala Liomba urged all the DEBS to work towards improving the grades seven and nine pass rates.
The General Education minister is currently touring Southern Province and is today expected in Sinazongwe.
