Staff Reporter

Parents and education stakeholders have strongly condemned the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) for planning a protest next Friday, accusing the union of trying to destabilise the country under the guise of salary grievances.

With crucial national examinations fast approaching, many parents have expressed outrage, saying ARTUZ’s planned demonstrations will disrupt learners’ preparations.
They argue that teachers should be prioritising students' education instead of engaging in disruptive protests.
"Why are they choosing this time to protest? If they care about students, they would not disturb them ahead of exams. This is unacceptable. They should find other ways to push for salary increases without jeopardising our children's future," said Mavis Nkomo, a concerned parent from Harare.
Critics accuse ARTUZ of being a foot soldier for opposition elements seeking to create unrest under the pretext of fighting for better wages.
They argue that the union’s actions are politically motivated rather than genuinely aimed at improving the welfare of teachers.
"We send our children to school to learn, not to be caught up in political games. ARTUZ is clearly working with people who want to destabilise the country. If they have grievances, they should engage in dialogue with the government instead of using children’s education as a bargaining chip," said Tendai Moyo, a parent from Mutare.
Another parent, Jacob Chisvo from Gweru, echoed similar concerns, accusing ARTUZ of pushing a hidden political agenda.
"Other teachers’ unions are negotiating for better salaries, but ARTUZ just wants street drama. This is not about education anymore—it’s about causing chaos," he said.
Government officials have also dismissed the protest plans as reckless and unnecessary, urging teachers to follow official salary negotiation channels instead of taking to the streets.
Many Zimbabweans believe that while teachers deserve better wages, ARTUZ’s decision to stage protests at this critical time is irresponsible and harmful to students.
As the country braces for the planned demonstration, parents and education stakeholders are calling on responsible teachers to put learners’ interests first and reject ARTUZ’s disruptive agenda.