Education Minister, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, has reaffirmed the importance of regulating teachers due to the profound impact they have on shaping society and nurturing future professionals.
Speaking during a meeting with the Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) management today, Hon. Syakalima described teachers as “custodians of all other professions.”
The Education Minister noted that the integrity and competence of teachers directly affect the quality of every profession, from medicine to engineering.
“The damage of having unethical teachers is huge on society. You see, at the core of any society with qualified doctors, engineers, and Agriculturists is a teacher. But if we have an unqualified and unethical teacher, these professions will be non-existent.” Hon. Syakalima said.
He said it is for this reason that the Ministry of Education supports the initiatives of the TCZ of ensuring that all teachers are regulated.
Hon. Syakalima, urged all teachers to uphold the standards set by the TCZ and secure their practicing licences, noting that professionalism among teachers is non-negotiable for national development.
Earlier in the meeting, TCZ Registrar Dr. Ebby Mubanga, reported that as of June 2025, the number of teachers with valid practicing licences stood at 68,762.
He reiterated the Council’s commitment to tracking all professional teachers across both public and private schools, ensuring compliance with practising licenses.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure every qualified teacher in Zambia is properly licensed. TCZ is monitoring institutions to ensure standards of teachers are maintained.” Dr. Mubanga said.
