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Teachers Condemn Mnangagwa Regime Violence, Vow to Resist \u201cThird Term\u201d Agenda<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned what it describes as escalating government violence against educators and unconstitutional interference, following a brutal attack on its members during a union meeting in Tsholotsho.<\/p>\n
In a press statement released on 16 March 2026, the union said the assault was not an isolated incident but part of a broader effort to suppress dissent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recent disruption of our meeting in Tsholotsho, where our members were brutally assaulted, is not an accident. It is a deliberate attempt by those in power to crush our resistance,\u201d said the union in its statement.<\/p>\n
ARTUZ reaffirmed its 2025 Congress goal of protecting the dignity of teachers and upholding the Constitution.<\/p>\n
The union described the government\u2019s proposed constitutional amendments and the so-called \u201cThird Term\u201d ambitions as an attack on democracy and an effort to retain power illegally.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis plot is an attempt by some to hold power beyond the law. ARTUZ strongly opposes this abuse.<\/p>\n
We will mobilize our members at school, district, and provincial levels to defend the term limits in our Constitution,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
The union also highlighted the ongoing economic struggles faced by teachers, many of whom are living in poverty while government officials continue to enrich themselves. It called for a fair wage of US$1,260 to restore teachers\u2019 purchasing power and the creation of a genuine collective bargaining platform to replace the outdated National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).<\/p>\n
ARTUZ further demanded that the Public Service Act be aligned with Section 65 of the Constitution to protect teachers\u2019 right to strike and organize.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe National Working Committee has activated measures to assist our injured members in Tsholotsho, and we are improving security for our President, Obert Masaraure, who remains under threat,\u201d the union said.<\/p>\n
The statement also announced internal reforms, including the removal of \u201cghost members\u201d and those not adhering to union principles, as well as measures to address security lapses in Matabeleland North.<\/p>\n
ARTUZ said it would lodge a formal complaint with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, demanding accountability for the attack and an end to harassment of unionists.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also working with allies to expose the regime\u2019s crimes globally. Victory is certain!\u201d the union declared.
Members and supporters were urged to remain steadfast in defending the rights of educators.<\/p>\n
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