The National Teachers’ Union (NATU) has written to the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, requesting her urgent intervention into serious allegations that educator and school management posts are being sold, manipulated or improperly allocated within the public education sector.

These claims, if proven, strike at the heart of fairness, merit and public trust. Reports suggest that vacant posts in Provincial Departments of Education are, in certain cases, influenced by financial inducements, personal connections or other improper considerations. Officials at various levels — including principals, circuit managers, chief education specialists, district directors and provincial officials — as well as some School Governing Body members, have been implicated. Particularly troubling are suggestions that candidates may receive preferential treatment based on union affiliation, a practice fundamentally at odds with equity and transparent recruitment.

One incident has heightened public concern; a widely circulated social media video in which the wife of an education official allegedly threatened to expose irregularities linked to the sale of posts involving her husband. Although the relevant Head of Department indicated that an investigation would follow, NATU remains unaware of any publicly communicated progress or outcome.

If substantiated, such practices would deny suitably qualified educators legitimate opportunities, risk the quality of education through non-merit-based appointments, and further erode morale and public confidence. This is not a collection of isolated disputes; it raises fundamental questions of governance, ethics and accountability. The Constitution demands high standards of professional ethics, impartiality and transparency in public administration.

NATU has therefore asked the Minister to facilitate an independent investigation and to consider approaching the President to appoint a commission of inquiry under section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution. Such an inquiry must examine the alleged sale of posts, manipulation of selection processes, improper interference, preferential treatment linked to union affiliation, abuse of authority, and the adequacy of existing safeguards.

We do not seek to prejudge any individual or institution. Our purpose is clear, allegations of this gravity must be tested through a thorough, independent and transparent process. Only then can public confidence be restored and the integrity of the education sector protected.

The credibility of our education system depends on appointments that are fair, transparent and based on merit. Anything less is unacceptable.