HARARE, Jul. 24 (NewsDay Live) – The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has called on the government to urgently establish a policy framework to facilitate the registration, absorption and re-employment of Zimbabwean teachers returning from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.
In a petition dated July 21, 2026, addressed to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, the union urged authorities to intervene to protect the livelihoods of affected educators.
EUZ secretary-general Tapedza Zhou said while the government had introduced measures to support learners returning from South Africa, similar assistance should be extended to teachers forced to return home.
“Teacher returnees are equally victims of the same unfortunate circumstances and should not be left behind,” Zhou said.
“Like the students, these teachers are returning involuntarily after their livelihoods and personal security have been threatened. They deserve equal consideration and support as they seek to rebuild their lives in their home country.”
The union pointed to the government’s 2009 amnesty, which enabled teachers who had left Zimbabwe during the country’s economic crisis to return to the public education system, as a model for responding to the current situation.
Keep Reading
- Hebrew scriptures: History of the Swastika
- Chinese firm to set up plant for Gwayi-Shangani pipeline
- Hebrew scriptures: History of the Swastika
- Teachers to embark on a go-slow
“That intervention helped restore valuable human capital to the education sector and demonstrated government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during difficult periods,” Zhou said.
“Teacher returnees remain loyal citizens of Zimbabwe whose knowledge, professional skills and experience are assets that can contribute significantly to national development.”
EUZ said the petition comes as Zimbabwe’s public education sector continues to face teacher shortages, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and in remote rural districts.
The union argued that reintegrating returning teachers would not only provide humanitarian support to affected professionals but also help address staffing gaps in the education sector while fulfilling the state’s obligation to protect its citizens during times of crisis.