UNION OUTLINES AGENDA

Teachers’ body calls for urgent reforms in welfare, payroll systems, and education funding

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusala, Zambia24  --- (18-06-2026) - The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia has announced new leadership and called for reforms in teacher welfare, payroll systems, and the wider education sector.

The newly elected Executive President, Dr Charity Kampamba Tembo, said the union has entered a new phase following the departure of former president Mr Victim Jumba.

She said the focus will be stronger engagement with government and stakeholders to improve working conditions and education quality.

Dr Tembo welcomed the Education Amendment Act of 2026, which introduced free education from early childhood to secondary level, saying it has increased enrolment and reduced dropout rates.

However, she said rising pupil numbers must be matched with more classrooms, teachers, and funding. She warned that overcrowding and high pupil–teacher ratios remain a major challenge.

The union also praised government for recruiting over 40,000 teachers and implementing salary adjustments and promotions. However, it noted that delays in confirmations, promotions, and upgrades are still affecting many teachers.

It further welcomed the school feeding programme, saying it has improved attendance and performance, especially in rural areas, and urged its expansion to all districts.

On pensions, the union raised concern that teachers nearing retirement may benefit less under the new system due to shorter contribution periods, urging early retirement planning.

Dr Tembo also condemned delays in payment of allowances such as housing, rural, responsibility, and double-class allowances, saying they are demotivating teachers.

“We demand immediate action to ensure all affected teachers receive their allowances without further delay. Those responsible for unnecessary delays must be held accountable,” she said.

General Secretary Misween Phiri criticised payroll inefficiencies, saying transfers between districts often result in teachers being placed on wrong pay points, causing delays and loss of benefits.

The union also called on the Bank of Zambia and regulators to strengthen oversight of lending institutions and introduce a centralised system to track loans and prevent excessive deductions.

Teachers were also urged to maintain professionalism and avoid political conduct in schools.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and stakeholders to strengthen reforms and improve Zambia’s education system.