Pilila Jere

"I was shocked to find out that the pupils had been sent away from the school without proper investigation or formal communication with my office."

"My people have no issues with the amendments recommended by the Select Committee; they fully support them. According to the Select Committee’s report, we invited witnesses to provide input, and we agreed with the majority of their suggestions. It’s about honoring the voice of the majority. I support all the clauses as outlined in the Select Committee’s report, though I may not be able to list each one individually."

"Teachers should address their grievances through their union representatives."

"Confrontation has never resolved any dispute; solutions are only achieved through peaceful and constructive interventions."

"Teachers should remain patient as their union representatives are in discussions with the government regarding their concerns. The Provincial Education Officer expressed disappointment over the sit-in protests by teachers in some districts, noting that this action was disadvantaging students in the affected schools."

"Teachers in Chadiza district were commended for not resorting to industrial action, despite having similar grievances as other teachers in the province."

"Teachers should prioritize the well-being of their students, as it is the pupils who suffer most when teachers neglect their teaching duties."

"Some teachers in Eastern Province, especially in Petauke, have joined the sit-in protest alongside colleagues from other regions to urge the government for better working conditions and the payment of rural and remote hardship allowances."

"My office will meet with school authorities to determine the way forward."