Nurses Defend Protests Amid Mounting Pressure – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– The Zimbabwe Nurses Association has strongly denied that the recent protests by nurses at public hospitals are politically driven, insisting they are a desperate response to worsening working conditions and financial strain.

Secretary-General Chiedza Mukwekwezeke said many nurses are now battling to survive on their earnings, with some reportedly unable to afford to report for duty.

She stressed that despite their commitment to saving lives, the current conditions are making it increasingly difficult for nurses to deliver the quality of care they are trained to provide.

“We have also tried to knock at several doors, you know, even at the beginning of the year, and nothing has materialised from the negotiations that we have done,” Mukwekwezeke said. “It’s a promise after promise, and nothing has materialised. So it’s unfortunate that things took a turn in this direction, but I think it’s also a way to be heard.”

She dismissed claims that the demonstrations were politically motivated, adding: “The nurses are just asking to be heard, and there’s nothing more; there’s nothing political about what they are doing. They’re just asking to be heard.”

ZINA also confirmed that 11 nurses were arrested at Marondera Provincial Hospital after gathering on 25 March 2026 to discuss their concerns over low salaries and poor working conditions.

Police reportedly surrounded the group and detained them at Marondera Police Station.

The association said it acted swiftly by sending legal representation, which secured the release of the nurses. Each of the 11 was fined $30 for public nuisance, with ZINA covering the cost of the fines.

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