The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has called on the government to put in place a policy framework to facilitate the registration, absorption and re-employment of Zimbabwean teachers returning from South Africa following disturbances linked to illegal migration.
The union said the framework should be similar to the measures introduced to support learners returning from South Africa who are being absorbed into local schools.
In a petition dated 21 July 2026, EUZ secretary-general Tapedza Zhou wrote 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, urging them to intervene to protect the livelihoods of affected teachers.
“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.”
EUZ has called for measures similar to the government’s 2009 amnesty, which allowed teachers who left Zimbabwe during the economic crisis to return to the public education system, to be used as a model for the current situation.
The union said teachers returning from South Africa remain loyal citizens whose knowledge, professional skills and experience are valuable assets that can contribute to national development.
EUZ argued that reintegrating the returnees would not only provide humanitarian support to affected professionals but also help address staffing gaps in the education sector, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and in remote rural districts where shortages persist.
The union said such action would also fulfil the state’s obligation to protect its citizens in times of crisis.
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