Gov’t should convert temporary teachers to permanent positions
CATERPILLAR HIKUAMA | Tuesday January 27, 2026 08:11
The current government stance is exploitative and undermines decent work principles. Apparently, the government has been hiring temporary teachers for over a year without converting them to permanent positions, which is against the spirit of the Public Service Act. The best way for the ministry to remain in alignment with the Public Service Act will be to convert those served beyond the limit to permanent once, not to abandon the recruitment of a new cohort of temporary teachers. This is a highly exploitative and abusive stance on the part of the government.
The back-and-forth surrounding the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education regarding temporary teachers has indeed demonstrated a confused government and a sign of inconsistent policy-making and 'flip-flopping.'
• The Termination Directive: A savingram was issued citing Section 13(2) of the Public Service Act, which limits temporary employment to one year. This led to instructions that school heads stop engaging temporary staff who had served beyond this limit. • The Retraction: Following a public outcry and a visible shortage of teachers in classrooms, the Ministry (through Permanent Secretary Akanyang Mmoi) retracted the directive. They clarified that temporary teachers are 'vital' and would continue to be engaged to cover for those on leave or to manage school expansions. This back –and –forth communications highlights several systemic challenges within the government and the nation as a whole; one lack of centralised coordination, and secondly, this trial-and-error approach creates confusion for job seekers. Unemployed teachers may travel long distances to submit applications, or raise high hopes amongst them, only to be told the recruitment is on hold. It further creates extra work for school heads and regional directors who must constantly pivot.
The tendency to write and rewrite suggests a government struggling to balance a growing demand for services (more teachers), with a shrinking budget. It also points to a need for more digitalised, real-time coordination to replace the traditional, sometimes slow moving paper –based savingram system. The Impact on Education The lack of a clear, stable policy on temporary staff has real-world consequences: * Learner Performance: Frequent turnover of temporary teachers disrupts the continuity of learning, which many blame for declining results. * Teacher Morale: Constant uncertainty about contract renewals and chronic delays in salary payments have left many educators 'dehumanized' and 'demoralized.' * Increased Workload: When temporary contracts are suddenly halted, permanent teachers are forced to take on double the workload, often exceeding the recommended 1:30 teacher-student ratio.
Caterpillar Kainangura Hikuama is MP for Maun West, Opposition Whip, and BCP Shadow Minister for Child Welfare, Basic and Higher Education.