With external examinations scheduled for early next month, learners at Maphalaleni High School are under pressure after going for over a year without Mathematics and Science teachers.
Headteacher Bongani Magongo confirmed the shortage, noting that pupils only recently began receiving lessons from contracted teachers. However, he admitted that the intervention had come too late.
“Means have been made though it’s late for the pupils as they are now being taught by teachers employed by the school. The Ministry of Education and Training can shed more light on this,” Magongo said.
He added that he had been given a timeframe for when permanent teachers would be deployed.
Pupils Feel Unprepared
Form V learners expressed frustration, saying they felt underprepared for the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECoS) papers.
“We only started learning Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics recently, hence we are far from being prepared. It’s unfair for us to write examinations for subjects we were not properly taught,” said a Form V pupil.
Parents also voiced concerns, noting that they had paid full school fees but were not receiving value in return.
“This is not the first time the school has had a shortage of teachers. In 2021, learners were without a headteacher, History, and English teachers for almost a year. Government does not prioritise rural schools, yet when results are released, the ministry will blame poor performance,” said a parent.
A National Crisis
The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) described the situation as part of a wider education crisis.
Secretary General Lot Vilakati said rural schools were the hardest hit, with an estimated shortage of 4 000 teachers nationwide.
“Pupils will face serious problems as they are expected to write exams for subjects they have not been equipped in. The most disadvantaged are learners in rural areas from humble backgrounds, while those from privileged families are not affected as much,” he said.
Vilakati added that many teachers were on short-term contracts or volunteering without pay, while posts left vacant by deceased teachers remain unfilled.
Government Responds
Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi acknowledged the shortage of Mathematics and Science teachers, blaming limited resources and migration to better-paying careers abroad.
“The ministry has a serious challenge in supplying Mathematics and Science teachers. The country has a shortage, while those available often leave for engineering careers abroad. Schools should use available resources to ensure pupils learn. I was unaware that learners at Maphalaleni have not been taught these subjects since last year,” Mnisi said.
