Five ministries tasked to address unemployed teachers concern

Dodoma. The government has formed a team of experts comprising five ministries to address the challenges faced by the Non-employed Teachers Organisation (Neto) from 2015 to 2023. 

The team includes the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), the President’s Office – Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Finance. 

Neto’s Secretary-General, Daniel Mkinga, made the announcement on March 13, 2025, during a press conference following a meeting with three ministers. 

The ministers they met with in Dodoma were the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr George Simbachawene; the Minister of PO-RALG, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa; and the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda. 

Mkinga stated that during their meeting, which included representatives of unemployed teachers from various regions across the country, they presented a 22-page report detailing the challenges faced by teachers who have not secured employment. 

He mentioned that the discussions covered various issues, including curriculum concerns, recruitment processes, retirement age, and teacher production. 

“We agreed to form a team comprising five ministries that will follow up on the challenges we presented. The minister asked us to be patient for 30 to 45 days, during which the ministries will convene and form a team to address the issues we raised,” he said. 

Regarding the issue of economics teachers being unable to attend interviews for past job vacancies due to the recruitment system’s restrictions, Mkinga noted that this challenge was resolved on the spot by Mr Simbachawene and Prof Mkenda. 

He clarified that these teachers who studied economics will now be allowed to attend interviews for future job openings. 

“I urge Tanzanians, Neto members, and unemployed teachers across the country to wait for 30 to 45 days, as this period could bring significant and hopeful results,” said Mkinga, who was accompanied by senior officials from the union. 

“I also advise our younger colleagues who are currently in various field training programs to continue paying attention to the government’s updates on the new competency-based curriculum,” he added. 

Mkinga emphasised that their meeting provided clear answers, confirming that some issues cannot be changed in the short term due to existing laws and policies, which is why the team has been formed for further negotiations and solutions. 

“I want to assure Tanzanians that this is not political. Let’s remain patient, maintain unity, and uphold our peace, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan, through her representatives, has welcomed and listened to us as her own children,” he said. 

Earlier, Neto’s Chairman, Joseph Kaheza, stated that, in line with President Hassan’s philosophy of 4Rs (Reconciliation, Reform, Resilience, and Rebuilding), their discussions with the government were highly productive. 

“This has been a unique opportunity to engage with the government on finding the best solutions that will benefit young Tanzanians and the nation as a whole,” he said. 

The meeting followed a statement made by Simbachawene on March 3, 2025, when he addressed heads of institutions and organizations in Dodoma, announcing his intention to meet with the young professionals to hear their concerns. 

Neto’s efforts have received support from the Mwanza Regional Youth Wing of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (UVCCM), which has urged the government to take measures to reduce youth unemployment.