MALAWI: Blame Game Erupts Over Delayed Teacher Recruitment in Malawi

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

A dispute has arisen between the Ministry of Local Government and the Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA), regarding the delayed recruitment of primary school teachers under IPTE (Integrated Public Finance Management and Reform Programme),14, 15, 16, and 17.

The Ministry’s Principal Secretary, Richard Hara, claims that local councils are responsible for the recruitments, while MALGA Executive Director Hadrod Mkandawire counters that the government has not provided the necessary approval.

Mkandawire emphasises that although district councils are tasked with recruiting teachers, the central government controls the budget for their salaries.

He therefore said MALGA cannot proceed with the recruitment without government approval.

This explanation highlights the interconnectedness of local governments and the central government in Malawi, where local governments reinforce national policies through local programs and activities.

IPTE is a government initiative aimed at improving public financial management in Malawi.

The program is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources. The recruitment of teachers under IPTE 14, 15, 16, and 17 is part of this initiative, which aims to improve the quality of education in Malawi.

The delayed recruitment has caused concern among unemployed teachers, who are anxiously waiting to be employed.

Many of these teachers have completed their training and are eager to start their careers.

The blame game between the Ministry and MALGA has raised questions about the efficiency of the recruitment process and the communication between the government and local councils.

The Malawi government has been facing challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers, particularly in rural areas.

The delayed recruitment under IPTE 14, 15, 16, and 17 has exacerbated this problem, leaving many schools without adequate teaching staff.

The government and local councils must work together to resolve this issue and ensure that schools have the necessary teachers to provide quality education.

In a statement, MALGA urged the government to provide the necessary approval and funding to facilitate the recruitment of teachers.

The association also called on the government to improve communication with local councils and to provide clear guidelines on the recruitment process.

By working together, the government and local councils can resolve the current impasse and ensure that teachers are recruited and deployed to schools in a timely manner.