Teachers halt exams in Maputo and Matola over unpaid overtime
Primary school teachers in public institutions across Maputo and Matola initiated a partial boycott of exams today, defying calls from the government and the National Teachers’ Organization (ONP) to maintain normal operations. The protests stem from delays in overtime payments, an issue that has persisted despite repeated assurances from authorities.
At Unidade 2 Secondary School in Maputo, teachers refused to enter classrooms during the morning session, chanting, "money in the account, teacher in the classroom." Videos shared on social media show teachers at Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Secondary School in Boane, singing and holding signs demanding payment of overdue allowances.
At São Dâmaso Secondary School in Matola, students joined their teachers in disrupting exams, calling for the government to honor its promises. Similar scenes were reported at Liberdade Secondary School, where students shouted, "Pay the teachers, we want to take our exams."
While some schools managed to proceed with exams using interns and administrative staff, many institutions experienced significant disruptions.
Teodoro Meodumbe, the ONP Secretary-General, confirmed sporadic protests in Maputo and Matola but stated that exams proceeded as scheduled across the rest of the country. He dismissed the demonstrations as misconduct and reiterated the ONP’s disapproval of the boycott.
“We have made it clear that teachers should be in the classroom. We’ve engaged with the government, and they assured us that payments will be made. We must wait. To disrupt exams after a year of work would be counterproductive,” Meodumbe stated.
The ONP leader also accused certain groups of attempting to incite teachers to sabotage the exam process, calling for restraint during this critical period for the education sector.
Meanwhile, protesting teachers have demanded immediate and tangible resolutions to the unpaid allowances, warning of potential escalations if their grievances remain unaddressed. The partial strike underscores the growing frustration within the education sector over unmet commitments, threatening to disrupt a critical juncture in the academic calendar.
