The Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) is a Statutory Body established through an Act of Parliament: ‘The Teaching Profession Act No. 5 of 2013’ enacted on 21st March, 2013. In June, 2014, a fourteen (14) member Council was appointed by the then Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education current Minister of General Education (Dr. John T. Phiri. MP). The Act primarily provides for the regulation of teachers, their practice and professional conduct. It is also intended to provide for the accreditation and regulation of colleges of education.
The Teaching Profession in Zambia like many other countries in the region has been under constant pressure to be more effective and responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country. These pressures have been in existence for a long time and thus necessitated the development of The Teaching Professional Act to improve the teaching profession and enhance the delivery of quality of education.
In a quest to become operational as a newly established institution, since February this years (2014), the TCZ embarked on setting up an office, mobilise working documents, gather as much information as necessary. Among these priorities was to benchmark with other teacher regulatory authorities. The South African Council for Educators (SACE) was identified as one of the regulatory bodies in the sub-region worth consulting and visiting. A request was made to SACE on how best the TCZ can learn from them as SACE has been in existence for more than 20 years. SACE took the pleasure to invite TCZ to undertake a three-day bench-marking tour from 12th to 14th October, 2015.
In line with this invitation, a six (6) member delegation form the Teaching Council of Zambia toured the South African Council for Educators particularly to learn about the teacher registration process, requirements, challenges, achievements and other experiences. On the first day a lot was shared by SACE staff. On the same first day, TCZ delegates paid a courtesy call on the Zambian High Commission Office in Pretoria. The following were the delegates:
- Christopher K. Yalukanda- Chairperson
- Hildah Pima Chilufya M’hango-Councilor
- Ebby Mubanga- Registrar
- Josephine Shamputa- Deputy Registrar
- Michael Mundambo- Assistant Director Technical and Standards
- Bishop Fred Mwale-Assistant Director Inspections
Sincere thanks to embassy staff for the warm reception and encouragement for the Teaching Council of Zambia.
It is expected that by the end of third day, a lot will have been done in line with the aim of the TCZ tour.
By Ebby Mubanga, E. Registrar-TCZ
