“We Are Bleeding” – Zimbabwe Teachers Reveal Why They’re Quitting
Zimbabwe’s education system is in crisis as more than 5,000 teachers abandoned the profession in 2023, according to official government figures. However, teachers’ unions claim the real number is nearly triple that, with educators fleeing low salaries, deteriorating working conditions, and a lack of government support.
The mass exodus has left schools understaffed, with remaining teachers forced to handle overcrowded classrooms and dwindling resources. The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) estimates that 15,000 teachers resigned last year alone, many seeking better opportunities in neighbouring countries or abandoning the profession entirely.
Government Admits Brain Drain But Disputes Union Figures
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro acknowledged the teacher shortage but insisted the departures were lower than unions claim.
“Our verified data shows annual departures are significantly lower than the figures cited by unions. The 2023 attrition rate was 5,217, which is 3.8% of the workforce,” Ndoro said.
He broke down the departures as:
2,109 resignations
2,866 retirements
242 other reasons (including dismissals and deaths)
Ndoro added that the government had recruited 8,500 new teachers to fill the gaps and highlighted recent efforts to improve conditions, including:
A 10% salary increase plus a US$300 (R5,400) monthly supplement
Construction of 2,800 new classrooms in 2024
Expanded teacher housing schemes
However, unions argue these measures fall far short of what is needed.
Teachers Demand Living Wages as Inflation Bites
Zimbabwean teachers once earned at least US$540 (R9,720) per month before October 2018. Today, their average salary is just US$250 (R4,500) or ZiG3,000 (R4,500)—far below the poverty line in a country where inflation has eroded purchasing power.
Many educators say they can no longer afford basic necessities, forcing them to quit.
“How can I survive on US$250 when a loaf of bread costs US$1.50 and rent is at least US$100?” asked one Harare-based teacher who left for South Africa. “The government keeps promising improvements, but nothing changes.”
The PTUZ recently escalated its demands, sending a delegation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office after failed negotiations with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
“We are bleeding. Every month, more teachers leave because they can’t feed their families,” a union representative said. “If this continues, Zimbabwe’s education system will collapse.”
Where Are the Teachers Going?
Many former educators have moved to:
South Africa, where salaries are higher
Botswana and Namibia, which actively recruit Zimbabwean teachers
Private schools and international NGOs, offering better pay
Other professions, such as sales or informal trading
With no resolution in sight, experts warn that Zimbabwe’s education crisis will worsen unless the government takes urgent action.
