March 10, 2025
Citizens First (CF) has thrown its weight behind the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ), calling on the UPND government to immediately fulfill its promise of employing 4,500 teachers who were left out of the recruitment process.
In a strongly worded statement, CF President Harry Kalaba criticized the government for failing to address the worsening teacher-pupil ratio, warning that the current situation is severely affecting the quality of education in the country.
“The government cannot claim to provide free education when there are not enough teachers in classrooms. What we are witnessing is ‘no education under free education,’” Kalaba stated.
He further backed NAQEZ Chief Executive Dr. Aaron Chansa’s appeal for at least 10,000 teachers to be recruited to bridge the deficit. Kalaba accused the government of misplaced priorities, pointing out that while the state claims to lack funds for teacher recruitment, it continues to offer tax holidays to foreign mining companies.
“Prioritizing teachers’ employment is not an expense; it is an investment in Zambia’s future,” he added.
CF also condemned the government for reneging on its campaign promise to employ more teachers, calling it a betrayal of public trust. Kalaba urged the government to act immediately rather than focus on constitutional amendments and the delimitation exercise, which he described as non-urgent.
“As Citizens First, we recognize the vital role teachers play and will ensure better policies for a manageable teacher-pupil ratio,” Kalaba assured.
He reaffirmed CF’s solidarity with teachers across Zambia, urging the government to honor its commitment and employ the 4,500 teachers without further delay.