The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has distanced itself from a little-known group calling itself M-31, which has reportedly called for a national shutdown.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 22 May, ARTUZ Secretary-General Robson Chere suggested that M-31 may have links to the ruling ZANU PF party, and added that the union does not engage in partisan politics. Said Chere:
ARTUZ was formed more than a decade ago before the current protagonists in ZANU PF are where they are today. We slugged it out with Old Bob, and here we are.
From MDC to CCC, we have seen it all, and at no single occasion, have we ever been part of any internal or external dynamics of Zimbabwe’s political parties. They are all too small for our agenda. We are for workers, Simple.
We have never dabbled in the alleged factional shenanigans in ZANU PF. We will never involve ourselves in any factional arrangements in ZANU PF.
Our membership is ZANU PF, CCC, NCA, MDC, apolitical, Christian, Muslim, African Traditional, or even atheist.
We are not political. Neither are we religious. We are organised labour. Our mandate is to enhance the productivity of labour and the rewards thereof.
Chere said ARTUZ has no link, communication, or affiliation with M-31, and stressed that the union has no appetite for partisan political power. He said:
We are a serious organisation with no time for kindergarten alarmists and political self-pleasuring individuals. This position is categorical, clear, and unequivocal.
We are aware of some intended infiltration within a few elements of the rank and file, and ARTUZ has no room for those who have apetite for partisan political power. We are neither naive, blind nor uninformed.
He warned that ARTUZ will respond firmly and decisively to any agents attempting to derail the workers’ struggle.
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