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Teachers Union Challenges Mnangagwa To End Violence During Public Hearings On Constitutional Amendment Bill<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has strongly condemned what it describes as widespread violence, intimidation, and exclusion during the ongoing public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure an immediate end to the unrest.<\/p>\n
In a press statement issued on 1 April 2026, ARTUZ announced its \u201ctotal withdrawal and disengagement\u201d from the hearings, arguing that the process has been compromised by partisan interests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) strongly condemns the wave of violence, threats, intimidation, and systematic exclusion of dissenting voices that have characterized the ongoing public hearings,\u201d the union said.<\/p>\n
The teachers\u2019 body said its initial participation was driven by \u201cmoral duty and civic responsibility,\u201d despite concerns over the legitimacy of the process. However, it now believes the hearings have been reduced to \u201cviolent platforms that no longer reflect the will of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
ARTUZ described the consultation process as deeply flawed, saying, \u201cWhat was constitutionally intended to be a democratic platform for citizens to freely express their views has instead degenerated into a theatre of coercion, fear, repression, ruling party rallies, violence, and intimidation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The union emphasized the need for a transparent and inclusive process, stating, \u201cWe believe in a transparent process where citizens can freely express themselves without fear, coercion, or manipulation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citing recent incidents, ARTUZ pointed to the alleged assault of human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart at a public hearing in Harare, where he was attacked and had personal belongings damaged while leaving what the union described as a hostile environment.<\/p>\n
According to ARTUZ, similar incidents have been reported across the country, with \u201csocial media evidence and eyewitness accounts\u201d indicating a pattern of violence and intimidation against citizens opposing the Bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cCitizens opposing the Bill have been silenced through abductions, threats, and denial of the opportunity to speak during public hearings,\u201d the statement read, adding that consultations have been dominated by partisan actors.<\/p>\n
The union warned that such developments are not isolated but part of a broader effort \u201cto suppress democratic participation and manufacture false consensus around a deeply controversial constitutional amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n
ARTUZ expressed concern for the safety of ordinary citizens, teachers, and workers, saying the current environment is no longer conducive for free expression. \u201cThe voices of educators and other stakeholders are being deliberately excluded, and the constitutional consultation process has been compromised and lacks credibility,\u201d the union said.<\/p>\n
The organization demanded \u201cthe immediate end to all forms of violence, intimidation, and harassment at public hearings,\u201d as well as guarantees for the safety of participants and professionalism from law enforcement authorities.<\/p>\n
It also called for \u201ca genuinely open, inclusive, and transparent consultation process where all voices are heard without fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reaffirming its position, ARTUZ declared its withdrawal from the hearings and urged citizens to do the same. \u201cWe urge all citizens to withdraw from this flawed and illegitimate process, and nullify the entire process,\u201d the union said.<\/p>\n
The teachers\u2019 union further pushed for a referendum conducted under fair and democratic conditions, encouraging citizens to seek alternative ways to express their views.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe future of Zimbabwe cannot be built on fear, coercion, and exclusion. A legitimate constitutional process must be people-driven, not force-driven,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n
ARTUZ concluded by urging citizens to remain vigilant and defend democratic values. \u201cIt is either we stand with the bill or with the people, ARTUZ chooses to stand with the people. No to intimidation. No to violence. Yes to democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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