LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Education Bright Msaka has ignited a storm of anger across Malawi’s teaching profession after accusing teachers of neglecting their duties in favour of side businesses — and threatening them with dismissal if they do not comply.
In remarks that many educators have described as cruel, arrogant and out of touch, Msaka claimed that teachers are responsible for declining education standards because they are running small businesses instead of focusing on the classroom.
The Minister said he has observed teachers operating Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba booths, running small shops and farming during time meant for school work.
“Some teachers are more focused on businesses than on teaching. Any teacher found doing this will be relieved of their duties.
“It is better they concentrate on their businesses, and we employ teachers who are committed to teaching,” Msaka declared.
But his statement has landed like a slap in the face to a profession already drowning in poverty, overwork and neglect.
Teachers have reacted with fury, arguing that government itself has pushed them into survival mode through low wages, rising taxes and a collapsing cost of living.
Many point out that their salaries can no longer cover rent, food, transport, school fees for their own children, or basic healthcare, forcing them to find extra sources of income just to stay afloat.
“Teaching alone cannot feed a family anymore,” one secondary school teacher told Manna News. “We are not doing businesses because we want luxury. We are doing them because we are being slowly strangled by this economy.”
Educators also reject Msaka’s claim that running side businesses means they are neglecting their duties, saying they still report for work, teach full schedules, mark scripts and supervise students — often in overcrowded classrooms with few or no learning materials.
What has angered teachers even more is the double standard in government.
Doctors, engineers and other professionals in public service are allowed to do private work, yet teachers are being singled out for punishment simply for trying to survive.
Critics say Msaka’s remarks reveal a dangerous mindset — one that sees teachers as expendable rather than as the backbone of Malawi’s education system.
The controversy has reopened the wider debate about teacher welfare, pay and working conditions, with unions and education advocates warning that unless government addresses the real problem — poverty wages and brutal PAYE deductions — no amount of threats will improve learning outcomes.
For many teachers, Msaka’s message was loud and clear: struggle quietly, or leave.