Five Years, No Passes: Ministry Moves to Purge Failing Bulilima Educators
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has announced plans to charge teachers with incompetence following a disturbing trend of zero percent pass rates in several secondary schools across Bulilima District.
The move comes after more than 15 teachers failed to produce a single passing student in key subjects over the past five years.
In a circular addressed to school heads, Bulilima District Schools Inspector Mr. Gobile Gobile warned that any teacher who records a zero percent pass rate in the current academic year will face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.
The subjects under scrutiny include Mathematics, Combined Science, Geography, Heritage Studies, Agriculture, Commerce, and English.
“For the past five years, teachers of the above subjects have been scoring 0%, and that can’t be tolerated anymore.
“Any 0% record from the teachers this year will attract a charge for incompetence that will result in member’s discharge from service,” said Gobile.
The circular highlights nine schools that have consistently underperformed.
Zenzele Secondary has failed to produce a single pass in Heritage Studies, Geography, Combined Science, and Mathematics.
Ntunungwe has struggled with Mathematics, while Mzwanyana has recorded zero passes in Agriculture, Commerce, English, and Combined Science.
Mazwaligwe has shown poor results in Agriculture and Geography, and several other schools — including Maqhekeni, Madlambudzi, Himago, Matjinge, and Siyaphambili have also posted dismal results in Mathematics.
School heads have been instructed to submit signed and commented marks schedules for the August mid-year examinations.
They must also attach detailed reports analyzing pupils’ answer scripts to justify the results.
“Heads please, may I have the results, marks schedules for August Examinations (mid-year examinations) from the teachers in charge of the subjects below.
“The schedules should be signed and commented on by the Head of school,” Gobile wrote.
Critics say the Ministry may be missing the bigger picture. In Bulilima, many teachers work without textbooks, science kits, or proper classrooms. Overcrowded classes and students facing poverty make learning even harder.
Accountability matters—but blaming teachers alone ignores the real crisis. Zero percent pass rates reflect a system lacking support. Without investment, we’re not solving the problem. We’re just shifting the blame.
-Herald
