The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has called for all teachers to strike on 28 March 2025 because the government has not raised salaries to match the rising cost of living.
In a statement released on 19 March 2025, ARTUZ said the government has a history of adjusting civil servants’ salaries every three months. However, as the first quarter of 2025 ends on 31 March, the government has ignored all requests for a salary increase.
The union pointed out that the lowest-paid teacher currently earns around US$300, which is not enough to cover basic needs like education, healthcare, and housing.
ARTUZ repeated its demand for a minimum salary of US$1,260 for teachers, which it believes can only be achieved through regular and meaningful salary increases. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
The government also continues to undermine genuine collective bargaining by negotiating through the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC)—an unconstitutional platform dominated by yellow unions that do not represent the real interests of workers.
These co-opted leaders receive incentives to suppress civil servants’ demands, leaving teachers without a legitimate voice in salary negotiations.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ urged teachers to ignore “compromised” unions and take direct action against the employer through the 28 March strike.
They said this is a chance for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without outside interference.
The union also made it clear that they do not support the War Veterans’ call for President Mnangagwa’s resignation. It said:
<blockquote>
Some teachers have expressed concern that the strike coincides with the War Veterans’ call for President Mnangagwa’s resignation. ARTUZ remains non-partisan and firmly focused on the economic welfare of teachers. Our fight is for fair wages—regardless of who is in power.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ warned teachers that changing leadership doesn’t always mean better pay. They pointed out that even after Robert Mugabe was removed in 2017, teachers’ salaries continued to decrease. The union said:
<blockquote>
It is therefore critical to demand a fair wage now, from Mnangagwa, and from any future leader.
Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is rooted in corruption and mismanagement. ARTUZ notes the widespread allegations of corruption against government officials, particularly those involved in illicit wealth accumulation—the so-called “Zvigananda”.
We call upon law enforcement agencies to conduct full investigations and hold all culprits accountable. Teachers will only receive fair wages when national resources are properly managed.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ said the government should review teachers’ salaries before 28 March 2025. If this doesn’t happen, teachers across the country will hold protests to show their frustration and demand fair pay.

Pindula News

The teachers' union in Zimbabwe, ARTUZ, wants teachers to go on strike on March 28 because they are not paid enough. They say the government has not increased their salaries as the cost of living goes up. They want the minimum salary to be $1,260, but currently, the lowest-paid teacher only earns $300. ARTUZ is also against corrupt leaders and wants fair wages for teachers no matter who is in power. They want the government to review teachers' salaries before the strike, or else teachers will protest for fair pay.

ARTUZ Calls For Teachers' Strike On March 28 Over Low Salaries

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has warned that Dalny Mine 2 Primary School in Sanyati District, Mashonaland West Province, is at risk of collapsing due to tunnels being dug by artisanal miners beneath the school infrastructure.
In a statement, ARTUZ warned that unless authorities intervene urgently, the fate of Dalny Mine 2 Primary School could mirror that of Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe District, Midlands Province. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
Illegal artisanal mining is leaving a trail of ecological and infrastructure destruction in the said community. We are worried that when schools open in January 2025, Dalny Primary will be no more.
Dalny 2 Primary has an enrollment of over 600 learners attended to by 22 Patriotic Teachers. If Dalny Primary School collapses when schools are open these lives can potentially be lost.
The closest school to Dalny Primary is Dalny 1 Primary which already accommodates 1,500 learners.
There is no room for the 600 learners from Dalny 2. If Dalny Mine 2 Primary School is allowed to collapse 600 learners will be out of school.
</blockquote>
The union said Zimbabwe already has a shortage of over 3000 schools, we cannot afford to lose a great school like Dalny Primary.
In 2023, Dalny 2 Primary School had a Grade 7 pass rate of 26.8%, which marginally improved to 26.9% in 2024 despite challenges in the education sector.
ARTUZ has appealed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Environmental Management Agency, and other stakeholders to take action to save the school from potential collapse.
On March 16, 2023, a classroom block at Globe and Phoenix Primary School collapsed into an illegal mine shaft due to uncontrolled underground mining activities, injuring at least 14 pupils but fortunately resulting in no fatalities.
Since the collapse, the school has been declared too risky for lessons to continue, and students have been learning in makeshift tents at a nearby school.
The government has identified a new site for the school, but construction progress has been delayed due to the need for a geological survey to evaluate the impact of mining on the site.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Illegal miners are digging tunnels under a school in Zimbabwe, risking its collapse. The union warned that unless action is taken, the school may suffer the same fate as another school that collapsed. The school has over 600 students and losing it would mean 600 children out of school. The union asked for help from the police, education ministry, and others to save the school. Another school collapsed before, injuring students. The government is trying to move the school but is facing delays. It's important to protect schools from illegal mining to keep children safe and in school.

Dalny Mine 2 Primary School At Risk Of Collapse Due To Illegal Mining

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has said the union’s Secretary for Projects and Investments, Leonard Mabasa, was attacked on Wednesday, June 19, during the night.
In a statement issued this Thursday, ARTUZ alleged that at around 8:04 PM, a brick or stone was thrown at the roof of Mabasa’s residence, shattering it into pieces.
Mabasa was at home with his wife and their young son when the attack, which has since been reported at the ZRP Chirozva Base in Ward 23 of Buhera Central, occurred. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
This deliberate attack on a family unit within our community is deeply alarming and suggests a calculated attempt to instil fear and vulnerability.
The fact that this incident took place late at night, in a neighbourhood close to Cde Mabasa’s workplace and a shopping centre, only heightens the sense of concern.
Our members should feel safe in their homes and communities, free from the threat of violence or aggression.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ has demanded that the police take immediate and decisive action to investigate the attack, identify the perpetrators, and ensure the safety of its members. The union said:
<blockquote>
As the ARTUZ we will not tolerate any acts of violence, intimidation, or aggression against our members.
We stand united in our commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of our educators and their families.
We call on the community and local authorities to join us in condemning this incident and working towards a resolution that brings the responsible parties to justice
</blockquote>
ARTUZ further alleged that Mabasa has been targeted by unknown assailants for some time. The union said in October 2023 a local community member tipped him to be careful about the comments made on cotton bales that were soaked by rains that were broadcasted on a local community radio station.
ARTUZ said in mid-December 2023, Mabasa was again advised by “another Good Samaritan” to avoid the shops during the evenings and festive holidays as his security was compromised.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Union Official's Residence Attacked, Roof Shattered In Nighttime Assault

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has written to some local authorities requesting free operating space for a new scheme that will see its members providing free holiday lessons this April.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/rural-teachers-offer-free-holiday-lessons-write-to-councils-requesting-vacant-space/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure expressed optimism despite the lack of responses to their requests. He believes that the councils, who were copied on the letters, will recognize the nobility of the proposed idea. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
There is no response received yet, but councils have an obligation to provide education as a service. The move by the government to ban holiday lessons in schools leaves councils as the only authority with the potential to serve the poor.
The letters are being distributed to all provincial capitals and local authorities. We have covered all provincial capitals so far.
</blockquote>
One of the letters addressed to a local authority by ARTUZ reads:
<blockquote>
ARTUZ kindly requests the free usage of any of your communal facilities such as municipal community halls, in conducting holiday lessons for students in your locality.
</blockquote>
He said rural district councils will also be receiving the letters.
This comes as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education decided not to grant authority for Vacation School during the April holiday for Grade 7, ‘O’, and ‘A’ level candidates, as well as other non-exam classes.
In a statement released on Monday, March 25, the Ministry emphasized that pupils deserve a well-earned break for rest and independent learning.
The statement, which was signed by the Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Chris Mhike, was addressed to Chief Directors, Provincial Education Directors Directors, District Schools Inspectors, Heads of all Primary and Secondary Schools, National Association of Primary School Heads, National Association of Secondary School Heads, Teacher Organisations, Responsible Authorities, Association of Church Education Secretaries, Association of Trust Schools, and Independent Colleges Association.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rural Teachers Resolve To Offer Free Holiday Lessons

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has demanded that teachers should be paid to invigilate the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) final examinations.
In a letter addressed to ZIMSEC, ARTUZ said teachers should be given contracts so that they get payments for doing extra work, that is, invigilating examinations. Wrote ARTUZ:
<blockquote>
By signing contracts with teachers specifically for invigilation, ZIMSEC will establish a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities involved in this role.
This will help ensure that teachers are adequately compensated for their extra efforts and time dedicated to invigilating exams.
Moreover, having a formal agreement in place will provide a legal framework that protects both parties’ rights and obligations.
</blockquote>
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017528/teachers-demand-invigilation-contracts">NewsDay</a>, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said ZIMSEC is “exploiting” teachers by failing to pay them for invigilating public examinations. He said:
<blockquote>
Teachers are being exploited and ZIMSEC is not remunerating the teachers for their invigilation efforts.
We had held several meetings with ZIMSEC on this issue, but nothing has come out.
Now we are having a situation whereby teachers are no longer willing to invigilate as long as they are not sure whether they are going to be paid.
</blockquote>
However, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro, said invigilating ZIMSEC examinations was part of teachers’ official duties, therefore, they should not demand extra payment. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
It’s part of the teacher’s job description to invigilate from the Public Service Commission’s point of view. So briefly, it is part of their role to invigilate.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC does not pay teachers for invigilating its examinations but teachers who successfully apply as examination markers get paid for their work.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Demand Payment For Invigilating ZIMSEC Examinations

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has suspended one of its members in Masvingo over suspected links to ZANU PF-linked groups.
ARTUZ Masvingo provincial spokesperson Kudakwashe Runeso was suspended for allegedly participating in activities organised by ZANU PF’s shadowy groups.
Several ZANU PF-linked groups such as Teachers4ED and the <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Forever_Associates_Zimbabwe">Forever Associate Zimbabwe</a> (FAZ) have sprouted to push for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election.
A suspension letter addressed to Runesu seen by <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200013209/union-leader-booted-out-over-zanu-pf-links">The Standard</a> showed that the union leader was being removed from his post with immediate effect pending further investigations. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
Having received a report from Masvingo provincial leadership on your involvement in working with retrogressive groupings created by the state to thwart and undermine unions, a decision of you being suspended from being an ARTUZ member and from your current position as the Masvingo provincial spokesperson has been adopted.
This suspension is with immediate effect and you shall be served with dates and all relevant material to prepare for your disciplinary hearing.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ president <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure">Obert Masaraure</a> confirmed Runesu’s suspension. He said:
<blockquote>
I am told by our secretary general (Robson Chere) that they received a recommendation to suspend the member from Masvingo province.
It is alleged that the member was engaging in conduct that is inimical to the values of the union.
Investigations are ongoing and a disciplinary hearing will be conducted.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ was founded in 2002 and advocates for the rights and welfare of rural teachers and promotes quality education for all children in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers' Union Leader Suspended Over ZANU PF Links

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has blamed Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s economic policies for the death of a female school head who allegedly committed suicide.
ARTUZ said one Mrs. Muzenda, the Deputy school head at Sarahuru Primary School in Mwenezi took her own life due to “slave wages”. <a href="https://twitter.com/ARTUZ_teachers/status/1671104730083328002">The teachers’ union said</a>:
<blockquote>
[Mthuli Ncube] policies have killed Mrs. Mzenda the D/Head at Sarahuru Primary Mwenezi. She committed suicide. Slave wages are the new guillotine claiming our Teachers.
The government of [President Emmerson Mnangagwa is presiding over the killing of civil servants and untold suffering for those who live on!
</blockquote>
In February 2022, teachers embarked on a week-long strike, demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries when they earned US$540.
The Government responded by awarding civil servants a token salary increment and suspended scores of teachers for taking part in the job action.
Currently, teachers, like other civil servants, are earning US$250 in allowances per month while their RTGS salary is less than US$50.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/18/missing-headmaster-found-dead-near-dam/">the Gwindingwi Secondary School headmaster Stanford Tsindikwa was recently found dead</a> near Rusape Dam in a case of suspected suicide.
Tsindikwa was reported missing after he allegedly made several calls and sent text messages to his wife informing her about his intention to take his own life.
Below are some suicide warning signs suicidal thoughts by <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048">Mayo Clinic</a>:
<ul>
<li>Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born”</li>
<li>Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills</li>
<li>Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone</li>
<li>Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next</li>
<li>Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence</li>
<li>Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation</li>
<li>Increasing use of alcohol or drugs</li>
<li>Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns</li>
<li>Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly</li>
<li>Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there’s no other logical explanation for doing this</li>
<li>Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again</li>
<li>Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Blame Mthuli Ncube For Deputy Headmistress' Suicide

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says the decision by the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) to open a mop-up registration window for November candidates does not go far enough in addressing the plight of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
ARTUZ suggested that ZIMSEC should allow all prospective candidates to register and then the public examinations management body comes up with ways of getting the fees from the Government and parents. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
The mop-up exercise by [ZIMSEC] will not address the exclusion of the poor from sitting for public examinations.
Registration for examinations shouldn’t be tied to any fee, ZIMSEC should devise means of recovering their monies from the Government and parents after registering all learners.
</blockquote>
On 17 April 2023, ZIMSEC announced that it will open a mop-up registration window to allow candidates who failed to register before 14 April to be able to register.
ZIMSEC said the window will be open from the 8th to the 12th of May 2023. Part of the statement read:
<blockquote>
ZIMSEC will carry out a registration mop-up exercise from Monday 8 May 2023 to Friday 12 May 2023 to allow centres to ensure that all their candidates have been registered for the November 2023 examinations.
Candidates who wish to sit for their examinations should ensure that they register at their centre of choice during this period.
Examination registration fees during that window are pegged according to the normal registration.
The registration fees are accepted in the currency parents and guardians are comfortable paying in.
For parents who wish to pay in ZWL, payments will be made at the prevailing exchange rate which will be communicated on Friday, 5 May 2023.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ is a trade union that advocates for better working conditions and salaries for rural teachers, who often work in difficult circumstances with limited resources. 
The union has been involved in various protests and strikes to draw attention to the challenges faced by rural teachers and to push for reforms in the education sector.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Registration Mop-up Exercise Insufficient - Teachers

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has reiterated its demand for the restoration of teachers’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.00.
In a letter dated 9 January 2022 addressed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Chere said a meeting between the Commission and teacher unions should be convened to address teachers’ incapacitation. Wrote Chere:
<blockquote>
We write to remind you that the incapacitation of teachers remains unaddressed and is an obstacle to the efficient discharge of duties by teachers.
As the schools open this January of 2023, Our members have advised us to engage you on the need to restore the salaries to pre-October 2018 figures of USD $540.
As a Trade Union, we are also passionate about the development of the Education sector in our country and we are alarmed by the continued prejudice of learners who continue to suffer, as long as this matter remains unaddressed.
Even the development of our nation is being compromised as each year students with potential do not get the best from their teachers.
We implore your office to give this matter the urgency it deserves.
We reiterate our call for a legitimate conversation between yourselves and bona fide workers’ representatives from the education sector.
</blockquote>

Rural Teachers Write To PSC, Reiterate Demand For Restoration Of US$540 Salaries

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has unveiled a digital learning model for the benefit of learners in rural schools.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said the model was being piloted in Binga District, in Matabeleland North Province. He said:
<blockquote>
This intervention ensures that we have uploaded all the content and all the books needed by learners and they have access to Wikipedia and access to all research materials from different academies created by teachers with videos on different subjects and all materials covered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council is there.
What this means is that when we commission the set of the server and other related materials to a particular school, they can connect their desktop to that local internet we would have created and they can be able to access these learning materials.
This is going to be a game changer, particularly in communities that have always been left out because even if there is no electricity, the server itself does not use much battery power.
It just needs five volts to set it running which means that even with a power bank, learners can be able to access the internet.
</blockquote>
Masaraure said the initiative is also meant to alleviate the challenges caused by a shortage of teachers and reading materials in many rural schools.
ARTUZ project technician Edwin Magaramombe said:
<blockquote>
I work with a volunteer organisation called Open Source Software, which campaigns on the idea that there is such a big digital divide across the world and this model will bridge the gap.
</blockquote>
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, learners in rural schools missed out when e-learning was being promoted as an alternative to in-person classes which were suspended to curb the spread of the coronavirus. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004465/artuz-unveils-learning-model-for-rural-schools">NewsDay</a>

Artuz Latest News

Latest Jobs