Tinotenda Hove- Matabeleland South Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has called for underperforming teachers to be removed from the education system, arguing that Zimbabwe now has a growing pool of unemployed teachers returning from South Africa.

Nguluvhe made the remarks last week during the recently concluded Provincial Schools Sports, Science and Arts Festival (PASSAF) in Beitbridge, where he expressed concern over the province’s poor academic results.

The minister questioned the province’s educational performance, pointing to the low number of Matabeleland South students graduating from Gwanda State University.
According to Nguluvhe, only three of the 68 students who graduated from the institution last year came from Matabeleland South, a situation he described as unacceptable.

The province’s Grade 7 results have also raised concern, with 11 schools recording a zero percent pass rate in 2025.
Nguluvhe said authorities should take action against teachers whose performance continues to fall short of expectations, particularly given the availability of qualified teachers seeking employment.

“We need to identify teachers who are failing to deliver and remove them from the system. There are many qualified teachers looking for work, including some who have come back from South Africa,” Nguluvhe said.

He argued that teachers have a major responsibility in shaping the academic performance of learners and urged them to put greater effort into their work.

“If teachers demonstrate commitment, our children are more likely to take their education seriously and perform better,” he said.

Nguluvhe also questioned why the province continues to produce poor educational outcomes despite having a local university.

“Of the 68 students who graduated from Gwanda State University last year, only three were from Matabeleland South. That is a situation we cannot simply accept,” he said.

His comments come amid ongoing concerns over teachers’ working conditions and remuneration.

Teachers have repeatedly raised concerns about low salaries and inadequate incentives, with average earnings reportedly standing at about US$250 plus ZiG5,500 before statutory and other deductions.

After deductions, many teachers reportedly take home approximately US$200, adding to concerns about morale and motivation within the education sector.

While Nguluvhe placed emphasis on teacher performance, the remuneration and working conditions facing educators remain part of the wider debate over Zimbabwe’s education crisis.