One of the teachers expressed deep frustration over the government’s apparent lack of commitment.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Public primary and secondary school teachers in Western Bahr el-Ghazal now want the government to settle their 13 months salary arrears before schools reopen.

The teachers voiced their grievances on Friday morning during their union general assembly at the State Ministry of General Education and Instructions, with a clear message that they had gone out of patience waiting for their rights to be respected.

Under the theme “We stand together for peace, unity, and deserve equal rights in the country,” the meeting centered on the challenges teachers face and their demand for greater respect for the teaching profession.

One of the teachers, Justin Mathew Uku, expressed deep frustration over the government’s apparent lack of commitment.

“We are demanding our money. There is no equality because some people have already received their salaries, but we in the Ministry of Education have been ignored,” Uku said. “This shows that teachers are not taken seriously. If we are not working, then let the government close down the Ministry of Education.”

Uku also warned of consequences if their grievances remain unaddressed. “We will not teach if we are not given our salaries. We need to be physically and emotionally fit when we go to teach.”

Betheria Edward Harun echoed Uku’s sentiments, emphasizing the economic hardship faced by educators.

“As a teacher, you are responsible for future generations. If a teacher goes to class while worried about their family, they cannot deliver well,” Harun said.

Meanwhile, Moses Stephen underscored the magnitude of their demand. “We are demanding that the government pays our salaries on time and that the arrears be cleared,” he said.

The teachers argue that their ability to teach and nurture future leaders is compromised when their basic financial needs remain unmet. With just weeks left before schools are set to reopen, their message to the government is clear: fulfill your promise or risk a standstill in the education sector.

The Ministry of Education has yet to comment on the demands. However, the teachers’ call for equality and timely payments highlights a broader issue of public servant treatment in South Sudan’s challenging economic climate.

Last month, over 9000 primary and secondary school teachers in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State protested delay in payment of their salary arrears, stating that their demands should be prioritized since they contribute to the development of the country.

“The delay in teacher salaries is really bad. We have now gone thirteen months without pay. Our families are suffering because we can’t afford to meet our basic needs,” Geng Garang, a teacher from Warkuac Primary School in Aweil town.   

“As a teacher, you are responsible for future generations. If a teacher goes to class while worried about their family, they cannot deliver well,” said Betheria Edward, a primary school teacher.