Sibanda apologises for his approach, stands by his...

Sibanda apologises for his approach, stands by his principle

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Former Higher and Tertiary Education, Deputy minister Simelisizwe Sibanda has issued a public apology to the nation for how he dealt with a teacher’s local language proficiency and stood by his belief that learners deserve teachers who can communicate effectively with them.

“I, Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda, former Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, do hereby express my sincere apologies for the concerns arising from my recent actions. I understand that my approach to addressing the issue of a teacher's language proficiency was misguided and inappropriate, leading to perceptions of tribalism, Sibanda wrote in a letter shared to social media.

The apology comes after Sibanda was fired on Monday, raising speculations that his recent reaction to a teacher stationed in Matabeleland who could not speak Ndebele.

Sibanda allegedly demanded immediate transfer of the teacher after public humiliation.

Sibanda apologised for the unintended ethnic fall out and with the explanation that he only wanted the best for the learners.

“I want to assure the public and especially the teachers that my intention was solely to ensure that our children receive quality education,” Sibanda wrote.

The issue has seen mixed reactions on social media with some people saying Sibanda was being tribalist and discriminatory while others questioned if he was wrong to say that a teacher who could not communicate with the learners could not be appropriately effective at their job.

Sibanda acknowledged that he could have dealt with matter in another way.

“However, as a national leader, I should have addressed this issue through appropriate channels, avoiding public platforms that may have fueled the tribal connotations. I take full responsibility for my actions and acknowledge that my approach was wrong. I understand that my actions may have perpetuated tribal divisions, and for that, I truly apologise to the whole teaching fraternity and nation at large,” he said.