Govt announces plan to recruit additional 4,200 teachers

The Zambian government has announced plans to recruit an additional 4,200 teachers this year, bringing the total number of teachers recruited in the past three years to 41,422.

However, Education Minister, Douglas Syakalima, clarified that the recruitment process would not involve new advertisements.

Instead, the government would rely on the existing database of applicants from previous recruitment cycles.

Syakalima made the announcement during a media briefing on Monday at the Ministry of Education’s headquarters in Lusaka.

He explained that the recruitment initiative aligned with the ruling UPND’s manifesto and is a direct response to the need to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio, which had grown following the introduction of free education.

The goal is also to improve learning outcomes in schools.

“My Ministry remains committed to ensuring that this year’s recruitment process is transparent.

“It will be subjected to an objective validation process to ensure only eligible candidates are selected,” Syakalima said.

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The Minister also reminded all unemployed teachers who had previously applied that the government would not tolerate corruption in the recruitment process.

“We expect all those involved in the recruitment to uphold the public service code of ethics. Any officer found in violation will face severe consequences,” Syakalima warned.

He urged prospective teachers to act ethically and refrain from offering bribes in exchange for recruitment. “Do not engage in any form of corruption, as doing so will only harm your chances,” he cautioned.

Syakalima also encouraged those recruited to report any Ministry officials who solicited bribes for recruitment, transfers, promotions, or upgrades.

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