The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia has rejected the claim that teacher indebtedness comes down to financial illiteracy. The cause is the cost of living.

NUPPEZ Executive President Victor Muyumba said rising prices continue to erode take-home pay, leaving many civil servants borrowing to cover household basics.

Mr. Muyumba also criticised Members of Parliament for raising labour-related debt swap matters on the floor of the House. Those matters sit with the unions, through collective bargaining.

NUPPEZ called on government to deal with the causes of teacher debt through the proper bargaining channels, and to review teacher pay against what things actually cost.