Member of Parliament for Maun West, Carterpilla Hikuama, has urged the government to take immediate action and pay temporary teachers who have been left in a state of uncertainty. His call comes after a petition by temporary teachers earlier this week, highlighting the government’s reluctance to absorb them into the workforce to fill existing vacancies.
Hikuama voiced his concerns, emphasizing that temporary teachers, who are an integral part of the education system, should not be left without proper compensation and job security. These teachers have long been in a precarious situation, with no clear path to permanent employment, despite the vacancies that exist within the sector.
The petition, which was directed to Minister of Labour Pius Mokgware, sought answers as to why the government has been hesitant to integrate temporary teachers into full-time roles. According to the teachers, they have contributed significantly to the education system, yet their requests for permanent positions and appropriate remuneration have not been adequately addressed.
The matter was initially raised with Minister Nono Mokoka, who has yet to provide a comprehensive solution. Hikuama, however, expressed frustration at the lack of substantial progress, underscoring that temporary teachers are facing severe financial and professional hardships as they continue to serve without the benefits and stability offered to permanent employees.
By raising the issue in Parliament, Hikuama aims to highlight the urgent need for the government to prioritize the welfare of these teachers. With the education sector already under strain, he argues that integrating temporary teachers into permanent roles would not only improve their working conditions but also enhance the overall quality of education in Botswana.
As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive action to address the plight of temporary teachers and provide a clear pathway to permanent employment. For now, many teachers remain in limbo, hopeful that their long-standing concerns will finally receive the attention they deserve.
