By Dalphine Tagwireyi
Zimbabwean teachers are being coerced to fund workshops believed to be campaigns of the ruling Zanu-PF ahead of elections.
The move is said to have been made by the government-run group called Teachers For Economic Development (ED).
The group has been accused of forcing teachers to fork out R180 (US$10) each while schools are expected to pay R9,000 (US$500) or lose their jobs for failing to comply.
Teachers from schools in Harare who spoke to Scrolla.Africa complained about the abuse they were being subjected to.
“This Zanu-PF project should stop abusing us,” said Titus Chinomona.
“It’s not fair. We are paid peanuts and then they come again to ask from the little we get to fund their campaigns”
Chinomona said that he is not a Zanu-PF member and he doesn’t support the Teachers for ED campaigns.
“Let those who want to join and financially support the movement do so and leave those who don’t want in peace,” he said.
“Last year, we were also forced to attend the events and a launch held in Harare. I think what they are doing to us is not good.”
Another teacher said that they have been threatened that they risk losing their jobs if they don’t participate in programs organised by Teachers for ED.
“This is a direct coercion to join the ruling party. It’s unconstitutional. It’s not the first time teachers have been harassed this way,” she said.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) spokesperson Thembakuye Mabhikwa said that Teachers4ED is not a government institution nor is it a legitimate arm of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
“It’s just a dodgy private enterprise established to support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s candidacy for the forthcoming elections,” Mabhikwa said.
“We condemn the syphoning of education resources by the Teachers 4ED group. This money is coming from school fees and levies paid by struggling parents while the government has failed to fund education.”
Mabhikwa urged school heads to act responsibly since they are employed by the government and added that they will be personally arrested for abusing funds.
The ministry of primary and secondary education director of communication and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said they are yet to receive any reports.
Pictured above: A signage of Harare High School
Image source: Dalphine Tagwireyi
