Teachers Slam Govt's Garrison Shops Decision As 'Obnoxious, Callous & Unjust'

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has condemned a Cabinet resolution to set-up subsidised shops for members of the uniformed forces as it considers the move to be discriminatory.

PTUZ President Takavafira Zhou told NewZimbabwe.com that the move is a clear violation of the Constitution as soldiers are now being treated as first-class citizens. He said:

This cabinet‘s decision to establish special shops for the uniformed soldiers is madness of the highest order. This is a clear violation of the Constitution because soldiers are now going to be treated as first-class citizens.

The government is simply telling other Zimbabweans that they need to possess arms in order for them to be respected as well. Everybody is wallowing in poverty. What the government is doing is tantamount to fire-fighting.

Zhou vowed that his organisation will resist the “obnoxious, callous and unjust measure” and will mobilise teachers and all citizens to resist the move.

Last week Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa revealed that the government had introduced a 2.5% tax for civil servants for the setting up of civil servants loan fund as well as the opening up of garrison shops to sell cheap products uniformed forces.

More: NewZimbabwe.com