The Government has launched a recruitment drive to fill vacant positions for school inspectors, heads, and deputy heads in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened 419 school inspector positions, 1,137 school heads, and 843 deputy heads posts.
A Vacancy Circular from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply. Reads part of the notice:
<blockquote>
Reference to the Public Service Commission’s minute referenced G/8/1/638 and dated 7 January 2025. The Public Service Commission has granted authority to advertise the above posts internally and the ministry has since prepared an advertisement for the posts of Heads and Deputy Heads (see copy attached) for use by all Provinces.
In view of the above, you are hereby requested to urgently post the advertisement on your noticeboards. With regards to the posts of Schools Inspectors, you are expected to prepare your advertisements based on the requirements you submitted to Head Office.
</blockquote>
The recruitment drive officially began on 17 February, with candidates required to submit their applications by 7 March.
The masterlisting and shortlisting of candidates will take place between 10 and 12 March, followed by interviews from 24 to 28 March.
The list shows 463 vacancies for secondary school heads, 100 for secondary deputy heads, 674 for primary school heads, and 419 for school inspectors nationwide. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Qualifications and experience include a Degree in Education, a certified University Graduate and a holder of a Primary Secondary Teachers’ Certificate or Diploma.
Applications for ‘A level schools should be holders of a degree with a teaching subject. At least two years- experience as a Senior Teacher.
The candidates must be prepared to reside in the district. A relevant Master’s degree would be an added advantage. Thorough understanding of the Education Act, as amended.
Knowledge of the Public Service and Education regulations and procedures governing the administration of the schools.
They should also have the ability to handle confidential information and good management and leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team plus good communication skills at all levels.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education communications and advocacy director, Taungana Ndoro, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-in-recruitment-of-school-inspectors-heads-and-deputies/">The Sunday News</a> that the nationwide recruitment drive aims to address the issue of numerous positions being filled by acting personnel.
Ndoro explained that appointing substantive personnel would enhance accountability and efficiency in schools, as it is easier to monitor individuals in permanent positions.

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The government is looking to hire 419 school inspectors, 1,980 school heads, and deputies for primary and secondary schools. They want more females and people with disabilities to apply. The recruitment drive started on February 17, with applications due by March 7. Interviews will be held from March 24-28. Candidates need a degree in education and teaching experience. They must also know the Education Act and have good leadership and communication skills. The job requires living in the district of the school. The government wants qualified and experienced people to apply for these important roles in schools.

Govt To Recruit 419 School Inspectors And 1,980 School Heads and Deputies

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo has backtracked on his remarks that school heads and teachers’ qualifications will be reviewed so that a PhD will be the minimum qualification for school heads and diploma holders will be deemed unqualified to teach in public schools.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/phds-not-required-for-school-heads/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, 31 January, Moyo said his message was misinterpreted, adding that there were no new requirements on qualifications for school heads. He said:
<blockquote>
I never said that for you to be a headmaster, you need to have a PhD. People misinterpreted the message that I gave to the headmasters.
We were in Bulawayo last week, and my message to teachers and headmasters was that they needed to upgrade their qualifications.
I told them that there was a time when holders of ZJC and O’ Levels were teaching without teaching qualifications, and I motivated teachers and headmasters that they needed to upgrade their qualifications.
If they have diplomas, they can have a first degree; if they have a Master’s, they can have a PhD. That was the message.
</blockquote>
Addressing heads of primary and secondary schools, district school inspectors and education officials at St Columbas High School in Bulawayo on Thursday last, Moyo said (<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/qualifications-review-for-teachers-school-heads-2/">via The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
I want to encourage you to continuously upgrade yourselves, I started with a Diploma in Education but I had to continue aiming for the self-actualisation stage. I see youthful faces among you who were lucky to be promoted and are headmasters.
There will come a time when we will come up with a circular to say for you to become a headmaster of a high school you must have a PhD, and for you to become a teacher, teaching in our primary schools you must have a degree.
</blockquote>
He also reminded school heads that there was a time when teachers of Grade One were holders of the Zimbabwe Junior Certificate and were later removed.
Ordinary Level certificate holders were allowed to teach early grades but they were later removed as well.
The Minister’s remarks stirred controversy on social media platforms, with some teachers worried they may soon find themselves unqualified to teach in public schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

PhDs Not Required For Headmasters | Minister Backtracks On School Heads Qualification Remarks

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has said school heads and teachers’ qualifications will be reviewed so that a PhD will be the minimum qualification for school heads and diploma holders will be deemed unqualified to teach in public schools.
No specific timeframes have been set for the review but Moyo urged teachers to upgrade their qualifications to ensure that they remain relevant to the demands of the ever-advancing world and be able to deliver education of the highest quality.
Moyo said the manpower development leave is set to be resuscitated.
He said this while addressing heads of primary and secondary schools, district school inspectors and education officials at St Columbus High School in Bulawayo on Thursday. Said Moyo (<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/qualifications-review-for-teachers-school-heads-2/">via The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
I want to encourage you to continuously upgrade yourselves, I started with a Diploma in Education but I had to continue aiming for the self-actualisation stage. I see youthful faces among you who were lucky to be promoted and are headmasters.
There will come a time when we will come up with a circular to say for you to become a headmaster of a high school you must have a PhD, and for you to become a teacher, teaching in our primary schools you must have a degree.
</blockquote>
He reminded school heads that there was a time when teachers of Grade ones were holders of the Zimbabwe Junior Certificate and were later removed.
Ordinary Level certificate holders were allowed to teach early grades but they were later removed as well. The Minister added:
There will come a time when diploma holders will no longer be wanted, so why don’t you take this opportunity to take time to do your studies? The sky is the limit for each one of you to continue to aim higher.
Minister Moyo, who is the MP for Gokwe Chireya (ZANU PF) and a former chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education in the 9th Parliament, shared his experience as a beneficiary of manpower development leave and how he advanced his education. He said:
<blockquote>
During the course of my profession as a teacher, I went on study leave to do an undergraduate degree.
We need to resuscitate the manpower development leave so that our teachers will also be beneficiaries of that very important programme.
For three years when I was studying for a Bachelor of Arts General in my first year and my Honours in my second year, I remember I was entitled to a salary for those three years, of course, it was reduced to half pay.
I was also a beneficiary of pay-outs. When I did my Master of Arts, it was a full-time programme, I was also entitled to my salary.
When I went to study for my PhD at Rhodes University in South Africa I was also on a full-time programme between 2015 and 2017, I was on full pay.
At that time, I was already teaching at the University of Zimbabwe as a History lecturer.
</blockquote>
Moyo also reminded school heads that standing rules and orders stipulate that when one is promoted to be a school head and assumes duty, they cannot transfer before they complete probation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"A PhD To Become The Minimum Qualification For Headmasters"

Headmasters from government schools in Zimbabwe are demanding to be paid in US dollars starting from the upcoming term. Currently, school heads and teachers earn at least US$300 and about ZWL$600,000, but they argue that the local currency component is being eroded by inflation. The Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) has called for unity among school heads to press for improved working conditions and salaries in hard currency. ZUSH secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021623/headmasters-confront-govt-over-zimdollar-salaries">NewsDay</a> that they believe that their salaries and allowances should be entirely in US dollars to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. He said:
<blockquote>
We take note of the recent monetary statements which are to the effect that the US dollar allowance shall be pensionable come January 2024.
By implication, our members who are retiring from 2024 are expected to get lump sums in USD. We acknowledge this movement by the employer. However, we take this as a case of too little too late. In the shortest possible time, our salaries and allowances must be entirely in hard currency so that we get value for our hard labour!
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been grappling with hyperinflation and a depreciating local currency. The value of the Zimbabwean dollar has plummeted, leading to a steep increase in prices of goods and services. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the local currency, making it difficult for workers to meet their daily needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
Teachers in Zimbabwe have been at the forefront of demanding better wages and working conditions over the past few years. Strikes and protests have become common as they seek to address the financial hardships they face. The Zimbabwean government has attempted various measures to address the economic crisis, including introducing a foreign currency auction system and implementing price controls. However, the effects of these measures have been limited, and workers continue to struggle with the devalued local currency. 
In addition to the call for US dollar salaries, the school heads also raised concerns about the government’s decision to pay school fees for teachers’ children. While they acknowledged the introduction of this facility, they criticised the implementation process, describing it as discriminatory and burdensome. They recommended that the facility be accessible to all education sector employees, similar to other sector-specific allowances in different departments.
The demand for US dollar salaries extends beyond the education sector. The Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Union (ZCPSTU) supports the call for exclusive US dollar payments, emphasizing that the hybrid system of payment with both US dollars and the local currency causes inconvenience and loss of earnings due to inflation. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe also supports this demand, arguing that the country’s fee structure, which is in US dollars, recognizes the US dollar as the preferred currency and therefore earnings should be in US dollars entirely.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Headmasters Are Demanding US Dollar Salaries Starting From The Upcoming Term

The Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) has demanded that the Government should pay retired school heads’ pensions in United States dollars, instead of in “useless” Zimbabwe dollars.
In a statement, ZINUSH secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni said retired school heads are wallowing in poverty even though they once made their pension contributions in hard currency. Said Majoni:
<blockquote>
We noted that this problem was caused by the model where salaries were in RTGS and only allowances were paid in US dollars and we sent our recommendation to the employer lobbying for the dumping of payment of salaries in RTGS (Zimdollars).
We raised concerns about why our retiring members were getting retirement packages in useless RTGS terms even though these members once made their pension contributions in hard currency.
</blockquote>
Majoni said teachers were demanding an urgent review of the pensions to ensure pensioners live dignified lives. He said:
<blockquote>
Our recommendation, as was espoused in our May Day statement to the employer, was that we start with converting the US dollar allowance to a salary so that pension emoluments could be in a more stable currency.
</blockquote>
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, announced in his 2024 budget statement that United States dollar allowances for civil servants will now be taxed to ensure they receive part of their pension in foreign currency.
Majoni acknowledged the development but said it was a case of too little too late. He said:
<blockquote>
However, we take this as a case of too little too late. In the shortest possible time, our salaries and allowances must be entirely in hard currency so that we get value for our hard labour.
</blockquote>
When contacted for comment by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021418/dollarise-pensions-govt-urged">NewsDay</a>, Public Service Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga noted the concerns of the teachers. He said:
<blockquote>
It is a PSC [Public Service Commission] issue. They house the government pension fund.
</blockquote>
According to the PSC, a member may retire from service upon reaching the pensionable age of 65 years. Upon retirement, a member is entitled to a lump sum payment and a monthly pension calculated based on his or her pensionable emoluments and service of at least 10 years.
It also says a member may retire from service upon or after having attained the age of 55 years. Upon retirement, a member is entitled to a lump sum payment and a monthly pension calculated the same way as for normal retirement.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

School Heads Demand USD Pensions For Retirees

Three school heads from Masvingo Province died in an accident on Thursday morning while travelling to Harare.
According to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/3-masvingo-school-heads-die-in-accident-full-details/">The Mirror</a>, the three school heads were travelling to Harare to plead to the Social Welfare Department for the release of Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) Funds for their pupils when the accident occurred.
They were all from special schools for physically and mentally children. The learners had not received a cent from the government to run the schools since the third term opened on 4 September.
Two of the heads, Ratidzo Zimcare’s Sabelo Zuvurawa and Margaretha Hugo (Copota) School for the Blind Primary head, Clever Madzokere died on the spot.
The third school head, Tapiwa Madamombe, of Margaretha Hugo Secondary School passed away on Sunday at Harare Hospital.
A fourth headmaster, Stanley Tavonga Feya of Henry Murray School for the Deaf was lucky to escape possible injury or death as he got to the pick-up point late and was left behind.
The vehicle, a Ford Ranger, belonged to Margaretha Hugo Schools and was donated by Leonard Cheshire.
It reportedly overturned several times near Mvuma at around 7:30 AM. It was being driven by Madzokere.
The Mirror reported sources as saying mist covered the road when they reached Fairfields. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and overturned as Madzokere tried to steer it back onto the road.
Feya confirmed the travel arrangements to The Mirror, saying the four school heads agreed to meet at Wigley House in Masvingo at 6 AM and use the Margetha Hugo vehicle for the trip. He said:
<blockquote>
We had agreed to travel to Harare together to meet the Social Welfare department heads to air our concerns.
Schools opened recently and we have not received a cent from Social Welfare which funds our operations.
I was overwhelmed with work and arrived late at Wigley House and found the other three gone.
It is shocking how they died while travelling to create a better environment for their pupils.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the director of Chosen Generation, an organisation which works with children with disabilities, Vimbai Chase, said they were devastated by the loss. She said:
<blockquote>
We had just planned a talent show at Margaretha Hugo School for next week.
It is indeed a sad day for us as we worked closely with the deceased three heads.
</blockquote>

Three School Heads Perish In Car Accident

The government says it intends to appoint 2 988 headmasters and deputies to fill primary and secondary school vacancies.
According to a memorandum from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education seen by <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/vacancies-for-3000-school-heads-and-deputies/">The Sunday News</a>, the government is seeking to employ a total of 1 318 primary school heads and a total of 532 secondary school heads.
The recruitment of heads and deputies began on 30 August, with prospective candidates set to have handed in their applications by 21 September.
Primary and Secondary Education communications and advocacy director Taungana Ndoro said that the recruitment of school heads will help improve pass rates and maintenance of infrastructure at schools across the country. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
The significance of these appointments is that there are a lot of headmasters or deputies that are currently in their roles in an acting capacity because in most cases, the incumbents would have moved elsewhere, retired or promoted.
So, by appointing substantive heads, we are making sure that there is binding responsibility that comes with the role because once appointed, a head becomes the custodian of whatever institution that they lead.
As we approach a crucial part of the education calendar, we intend to make sure that pass rates go up as well is make sure that school infrastructure is well maintained which is the responsibility of those in positions of leadership.
We are yet to see where we are in terms of vacancies for teachers. A lot of the headmasters and deputies are also teaching heads so they will also assume duties in the classroom while running the school. 
Afterwards, we will then assess to see where we stand in terms of vacancies and then we shall see what the Public Service Commission allows us to do to remedy those vacancies should they be any.
</blockquote>

Govt Set To Appoint 3 000 School Heads And Deputies

School heads who were suspended by the Public Service Commission (PSC) for failing to report for duty when schools opened for the 2022 first term on 7 February said they have resolved to approach the courts for redress.
Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni on Tuesday told NewsDay that they have no other option but to pursue the legal route. Said Majoni:
<blockquote>
As a union, we did not receive what we intended to get from the last collective bargaining engagement, but we decided to acknowledge the little movement which had been done by persuading our members to resume duties while anticipating improved offers from forthcoming engagements with the employer.
The union has been using a three-pronged approach to deal with the illegal suspensions of our members with the third being taking the legal route in the event of the other two failing.
We realise that the other two approaches are slow to yield results and we have now activated the legal route. Our lawyers are now taking up the issues of the suspensions to the courts.
</blockquote>
At the weekend, the PSC published names of newly-recruited teachers after suspending 1 500 teachers and 50 school heads for “striking”.
Thousands of teachers and some headmasters failed to report for duty when schools reopened citing incapacitation.
Last month, teachers who had also been suspended by the PSC, approached the High Court and Justice Fatima Chikapamambo Maxwell set aside their suspension.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/03/parly-backs-striking-teachers/">NewsDay</a></h4>

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