As ARTUZ we take note and takes exception to the ridiculous and absurd utterances made by Minister Mavhima on Studio 7 on the 8th of September 2021. In an interview, the excitable minister stated that ARTUZ is an organisation funded by hostile foreign handlers to cause despondency in the country in general and the education sector in particular.
We wish to categorically and unequivocally posit that ARTUZ is a progressive revolutionary teachers’ union formed on the behest of perennial abuse of teachers in Zimbabwe since time immemorial. ARTUZ is a Zimbabwean organisation, formed by Zimbabwean educators to represent the collective interests of Zimbabwean teachers and learners. The existence of ARTUZ is provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and we exist as a result of the correct provision of the same. ARTUZ was not formed to go to bed with the employer, but to further the interests and welfare of teachers and learners in Zimbabwe. That is our sacred moral and constitutional duty. We will serve.
The minister insinuated that ARTUZ leaders are driving cars hence are being funded by outside donors since ARTUZ has what he said to be 300 member. The fact that minister Mavhima is not wise has never been in doubt, that he is a pathological lier is an unfortunate revelation. To begin with, ARTUZ does not have 300 members. It surpassed that number before it was launched. ARTUZ is the fastest growing teachers’ union in Zimbabwe. ARTUZ is led by teachers, classroom practitioners who are employed by the government. Is the minister implying that Zimbabwean teachers can not and should not buy cars? And is he proud to be part of a government that employs poor teachers? The minister is a strange fellow.
We wish to clearly state, as we hereby do that Zimbabwean teachers do not owe anything to the government. We have a quid pro quo and symbiotic relationship with government as employers and employees. We reserve our right to make reasonable demands to the employer and to use all legal means to get the same. We make no apology for being conscious of our non negotiable rights and for insisting on our dignity. We will continue to fight for the welfare of teachers and learners in Zimbabwe and neither minister Mavhima nor anyone else can intimidate us. We are proud of our record, we celebrate everything and regret nothing!
Source: ARTUZ
