COPPERBELT permanent secretary Bright Nundwe says there are a lot of teachers that are reporting for work drunk.

And teachers shouted “Insala, insala (hunger, hunger)” after Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia president Felix Wakyembe greeted the teachers and said they were not looking happy.

During the commemoration of World Teachers Day at Broadway Hall in Ndola, Nundwe said it was sad that a crop of teachers had continued to report for work drunk.

“We respect teachers very much. I will be the last person to condemn or attack a teacher. But we have a crop of teachers that report for work drunk. Some teachers are drinking beer like fish and goats,” Nundwe said.
“I want to see a crop of teachers that are outstanding and have significance. I don’t want to see a crop of teachers getting drunk in class. Therefore, we have machines that will detect the levels of alcohol in teachers. We can’t have teachers that drink like fish and goats. We are getting into exams, don’t involve yourselves in malpractices.”
He further told teachers to support the government of the day.

“For now, we have the PF in government. You have no option but to support it. I have some bad reports. Work with the government of the day. Don’t get involved in unnecessary politics. Leave politics to politicians,” said Nundwe.
And Wakyembe said it was wrong for ministers to increase their salaries, while teachers received nothing.
“We need to see a state of hygiene in this country. How can the State (President, Cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries) give themselves huge salaries and teachers nothing? We need hygiene in this country,” Wakyembe said.
He said teachers should be considered.
“Fuel has (been) increased, salary for teacher nothing. If we were mature in Zambia we could have parked our vehicles and walk (ride) in bicycles, so that they see,” Wakyembe said.
During his address, Wakyembe noted that the teachers looked sad.
“How are you teachers? Why are you not happy? This is your day. Be happy,” said Wakyembe, but the teachers shouted; “insala, insala!”