CSO queries composition of Teachers’ Council

Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec) has faulted the composition of the Teachers Council, saying the list is devoid of the dictates of the Education Act (2013) besides ignoring the Gender Equality Act (GEA).

The sentiments follow the announcement of the council by Secretary for Education Chikondano Mussa last week. The nine-member council has three women.

In a statement released yesterday, Csec executive director Benedicto Kondowe and board chairperson Limbani Nsapato expressed concern over the appointments, saying there was lack of consultations in the appointment process.

They argued that the Education Act enlists the institutions or sectors where the members of the council should be drawn, and stipulates the requisite numbers allowable.

The statement reads in part: “Therefore, the failure to meet this expectation undermines the internal governance of the said institutions or sectors.

“In addition, such an unprocedural act by the government undermines the trust and confidence that Malawians ought to have with the council.”

With just three women appointed to the council, Csec  said this breaches Section 11 of the Gender Equality Act of 2013, which obligates the appointing or recruiting authority in the public service to appoint no less than 40 percent and no more than 60 percent of either sex.

The appointees are Joseph Chimombo, Regina Sambakunsi, Matilda Kabuye, Simon Mundisiye, John Kazembe, Bishop Wycliffe Chimwendo, Kwacha Kulemeka, Elton Chauluka and Foster Lungu.

In an earlier interview, Minister of Education Agness NyaLonje said the council will ensure that the teaching profession remains respected and everybody adheres to the rules.

She said: “The council shall ensure that the teaching profession is respected. We don’t want any unruly behaviour in the profession.”

The council falls under Sections 57 to 73 of the Education Act (No. 21 of 2013) which provides for the establishment of the Teachers’ Council.

Under Section 62, the Education Act provides that the council shall establish and maintain a register of teachers and a roll of licensed teachers and take part in all matters affecting the education and training of teachers.

The Act further says the council shall also be responsible for promoting professional and ethical standards in the teaching profession.