As the global community celebrates World Teachers Day, educators in Zimbabwe are amplifying their calls for a significant salary increment. They are demanding a monthly wage of at least US$1,200, a stark contrast to the current earnings of no more than US$350. This amount falls well below the food poverty line (FPL) of over US$500, a situation exacerbated by a weakening local currency and a deteriorating economy.
In a statement released by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) to mark the occasion, the organization urged the government to reassess teacher salaries to provide a living wage that can adequately cover essential needs and allow for savings. “ARTUZ calls upon the employer to review salaries and pay a fair wage that enables teachers to cater for basics and have savings. A minimum of US$1,260 is all that teachers are demanding,” the statement emphasized.
This year’s World Teachers Day theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” aligns closely with ARTUZ’s ongoing struggle for better working conditions. The union criticized the government for allegedly prioritizing political maneuvers over the welfare of educators, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
The statement also comes in the wake of a troubling incident involving ARTUZ’s secretary-general, Robson Chere, who was forcibly removed from a plane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, subsequently tortured, and later abandoned at Harare Central Police Station. “The state is urged to stop the relentless attack on ARTUZ and focus on protecting the freedom of association of ARTUZ teachers,” the statement declared.
ARTUZ condemned the ongoing state-sponsored harassment of its members, citing office raids, abductions, torture, and wrongful suspensions as part of a broader pattern of repression. The union’s president, Obert Masaraure, has similarly faced state violence, underlining the perilous environment in which educators are advocating for their rights.
As teachers across Zimbabwe rally for equitable compensation and improved working conditions, their struggle reflects the broader economic challenges facing the nation. They seek to ensure that their voices are not only heard but valued in the pursuit of a fairer education system.
In other news – Retired colonel Tshinga Judge Dube has died
Retired Colonel Tshinga Judge Dube, a celebrated war hero and former Member of Parliament for the Makokoba constituency, has passed away at the age of 83. Dube died on the evening of October 3rd at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in Zimbabwe’s history.
As a senior member of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) during the 1970s, Dube was instrumental in the fight for the country’s independence from colonial rule. His contributions both on the battlefield and in leadership roles solidified his status as a pivotal figure in the liberation struggle. Read More
