The Prime Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, has instructed all local councils to use their internally generated revenue to pay volunteer teachers, rather than leaving the responsibility to parents.
He made the directive on Saturday, March 14, 2026, while addressing residents during a public rally at Kibaoni Grounds in Kibaoni Ward, Mpimbwe District, Katavi Region, where he is on a working tour.
Dr. Nchemba noted that councils have adequate local funds that can be allocated to support volunteer teachers in areas with staffing shortages. He said it is unfair to burden parents with these payments.
“The government should not assign parents the responsibility of paying volunteer teachers. Councils have their own revenue and it should be used to support teachers where additional staff are needed,” he said.
The Prime Minister clarified that while councils should fund volunteer teachers, the provision of food for students remains the responsibility of parents, as children also rely on meals from their guardians at home.
He directed directors of all 184 councils nationwide to take charge of supervising and coordinating the payments to volunteer teachers using internal revenues, stressing that this is a government responsibility.
Dr. Nchemba also emphasized the need for accountability among leaders in addressing citizen concerns.
“There must come a time when everyone fulfills their responsibilities. We should stop ignoring the problems of citizens. Leaders must be at the forefront of resolving challenges affecting their communities,” he said.
On land disputes, the Prime Minister highlighted that many complaints in the areas he visited were linked to conflicts over land management.
He urged security agencies, including the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), to investigate thoroughly, identify those responsible, and take appropriate action.
“We are directing security agencies to investigate all land disputes carefully to establish their causes. Those who exploit these situations for personal gain must face legal consequences,” he said.
