Rural Teachers Work Two Days Weekly As Side Hustles Take Priority

Teachers at many rural schools in Manicaland Province are reportedly only reporting for duty two to three days a week, leaving pupils unsupervised as they seek better-paying opportunities in urban areas.

A two-week investigation by The Manica Post revealed that in districts such as Nyanga, Mutasa, Marange, Chipinge, Buhera, Makoni, and Chimanimani, a growing number of teachers are absent from their workstations for extended periods.

Many are turning to alternative sources of income in cities, resulting in learners being left without guidance for much of the school week.

Despite these findings, Manicaland Provincial Education Director (PED), Richard Gabaza, said he was unaware of the situation in the affected schools. He said:

I am not aware of the situation. This requires research or investigation. Findings will inform decisions. I cannot make uninformed comments.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the pursuit of supplementary income is not unique to the teaching profession, but a long-standing response to economic pressures affecting many sectors. He added:

Teacher absenteeism is not systemic negligence. As confirmed by our 2024 audits, absenteeism rates have declined by 18 percent since 2023 due to attendance registers deployed in all schools, both urban and rural to ensure accountability.

Rural educators receive subsidised housing, and transport as they stay at the schools. Our teachers are heroes, not villains.

However, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Association of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) national president, Obert Masaraure, urged the government to address teachers’ salaries in order to restore their motivation and work ethic.

More: The Manica Post

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