The Education sector in Mozambique’s Inhambane province has announced the disbursement of more than 200 million meticais (approximately $3.17 million USD) to pay overtime wages owed to 5,142 teachers for the years 2022 and 2023.
The phased payment process comes after a period of protests by teachers, who had even threatened to halt classes if the outstanding amounts were not settled. The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 18, by O País newspaper.
In statements to the publication, the provincial director of Education and Culture, Manuel Liquelique, explained that payments are being processed nationwide in stages.
“The first phase has already been completed, and we are awaiting confirmation for the second phase, which will happen soon. We can say that 74% of the teachers have already been paid, which is why they are back in classrooms working,” he stated.
Despite this progress, around 50 million meticais (roughly $793,000 USD) for 2023 overtime is still pending. As for 2024, payments are awaiting approval from the General Inspectorate of Finance.
“The 2024 overtime is still being processed. This week, the General Inspectorate of Finance visited us and is doing its work. After that, our colleagues will be paid,” assured Liquelique.
The partial payments have helped ease tensions in schools, although the remaining debt continues to be a concern.
“We are committed to settling all payments. Our goal is to ensure that everyone receives what they are owed, but the process follows a logic of phases and priorities,” he added.
The information was shared during the provincial education sector planning meeting, where, in addition to payment issues, strategies for the upcoming academic year were discussed. The meeting also served as a forum to reflect on ways to improve sector performance and prevent teaching disruptions.
Participants stressed the need for greater transparency and faster processing of payments, highlighting the key role of teachers in the province’s development.
“We cannot allow ongoing delays to affect the motivation of our teachers. They are the pillars of the future of our communities,” concluded Manuel Liquelique.
Source: Diário Económico
