Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation, and like any other profession, they deserve to be rewarded for their work.
Understanding teachers’ salaries becomes crucial, especially when you are considering a teaching career.
A Comparison between Two Countries
The South African compares salaries of the public school teachers between Zimbabwe and South Africa. This comparison shows a huge difference between these two countries. This could be largely influenced by the state of the economy as well as government policies.
How much do South African Teachers get?
In South Africa, various factors influence teachers’ salaries, such as qualifications, experience, and location. Business Tech reports that South African teacher salaries are structured around specific bands and ‘notches’ that vary according to experience level and position. So when a teacher gets promoted, he or she moves up a notch. This means deputy principals and principals earn much more than ordinary teachers with the same qualifications.
As determined by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the salaries are split across 432 ‘notches.’ According to the DBE, as of April last year, the lowest notch (001) receives a minimum of R154 671 per annum. Notch (432) reflects the highest salary in the sector, with a total of R1 209 279 per annum.
Including packages, South African teacher salaries can reach up to a maximum of R1.6 million, according to Business Tech.
How much are Teacher Salaries in Zimbabwe?
For many years, Zimbabwe has been regarded as one of the best countries when it comes to education. However, Zimbabwean teachers face lower salaries as compared to South Africans. Teachers in Zimbabwe are always threatening to strike, advocating for salary increments. Due to the situation, some of them have left the country for greener pastures.
Most Zimbabwean teachers are paid in Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) and the United States dollar (USD).
According to New Zimbabwe, teachers get paid not more than $350 (R6 804) a month. The weakened local currency and worsening economy make life difficult for the teachers in the country. In October 2024, a labour organisation, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union, called on the Zimbabwean government to increase the teacher salaries to at least $ 1 260 (R24 448)a month. However, nothing has changed.
What do you think about the teacher salaries in these two countries?
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