Govt. Dismisses ARTUZ Three-Day Work Plan

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dismissed a recent resolution by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) to limit teaching to three days a week.

ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that the union had unanimously agreed to the move in response to poor working conditions and inadequate salaries.

However, Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro criticised the decision, saying such tactics undermine the union’s credibility and suggest a greater interest in appeasing external agendas than engaging in meaningful dialogue. Said Ndoro:

Such actions contravene the Education Act, Labour Act and public service regulations. While we acknowledge the right to advocate for 12 members’ interests, this deliberate disruption undermines our shared mission to deliver quality education.

It is regrettable that ARTUZ persists in tactics that erode its credibility. The union’s recurring campaigns, characterised by disproportionate alarm and theatrical despondency, appear designed more to appease external interests than to advance constructive dialogue.

Ndoro said Zimbabwe’s education system cannot be held hostage by a fringe entity whose influence is limited, claiming that ARTUZ represents only 12 members.

He argued that such a small group does not have the mandate to disrupt national learning or dictate the direction of education policy, especially when their actions appear to prioritise political grandstanding over genuine engagement.

He stressed that the Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue with bone fide unions such as ZIMTA and PTUZ, but would not tolerate actions that compromise learners’ right to education. Said Ndoro:

Zimbabwe’s education system cannot be held hostage by a fringe entity whose influence rests solely on its 12 members: Obert Masaraure, Gerald Tavengwa, Takemore Mhlanga, Richard Siasongwe, Edwin Mudhara, Maxwell Basiyawo, Linda Muzoremba, Tawanda Chiusiwa, Ronald Hondongwa, Hope Mangoro, Sabelo Mhlanga, and Robson Chere (the latter already distinguished by his flair for disorder).

We, therefore, urge all teachers to reject this self-defeating agenda and continue serving the nation with the diligence that defines Zimbabwe’s teaching profession.

Resources will be deployed decisively to safeguard pupils’ futures and non-compliant actions will incur appropriate consequences.

The ministry will instead prioritise engagement with reputable, solution-oriented unions such as ZIMTA [Zimbabwe Teachers Association] and PTUZ [Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe], whose commitment to dialogue aligns with our pursuit of inclusive education.

More: NewsDay

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