PAST SUCCESSES & IMPACT
Proof That Organised Teachers Can Win
Empowering Teachers, Empowering Voices.
ARTUZ is not just a voice—it is a force that has delivered results under pressure.
From court victories to national campaigns, from protecting schools to defending workers’ rights, the union has consistently challenged power and forced accountability.
This is what organised teachers have already achieved.
Defending Schools from Political Abuse
Taking the Fight to Power
In 2017, under the Safe Schools Campaign, ARTUZ challenged the abuse of schools by political actors.
The union filed a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission against ZANU PF for using schools, teachers, and learners for political purposes.
The result:
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A national investigation exposing the abuse
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A damning report confirming violations
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Recommendations to outlaw political activities in schools
ARTUZ, working with Veritas Zimbabwe, went further and secured a High Court order barring political interference in schools.
Even when challenged at the Supreme Court, the message was clear:
Schools are not political playgrounds—and teachers will resist.
Fighting for Teachers’ Voting Rights
Challenging Electoral Exclusion
The Problem:
In June 2018, ARTUZ secured a court order compelling the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to allow teachers working as polling officers to vote.
ZEC failed to comply.
Over 40,000 teachers were disenfranchised.
ARTUZ did not stop there:
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Documented affected teachers through its research department
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Produced verified evidence of disenfranchisement
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Contributed to a Constitutional Court election challenge led by Nelson Chamisa
This was not just about voting.
It was about refusing to let teachers be used and discarded by the system.
Training a New Generation of Teacher Leaders
Building Capacity Across Zimbabwe
ARTUZ has directly trained:
- 1,200 teachers
- 525 community members
Through the Thandiwe Dube Leadership School, the union has delivered training in:
- Labour law and workers’ rights
- Digital literacy
- Leadership and organising
- Climate change and social justice
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Entrepreneurship and economic survival
In partnership with Pada Platform, ARTUZ has expanded digital literacy in rural schools.
This is how movements grow:
Not by speeches—but by building capable, informed leaders.
Direct Support to Learners and Communities
Acting Where the System Fails
ARTUZ does not only fight—it responds.
- Through its welfare work, the union has:
- Provided exercise books to 3,200 learners in Mashonaland East
- Distributed sanitary pads to vulnerable girls
- Mobilised books and clothing for Cyclone Idai victims through international solidarity
These are not charity acts.
They are interventions in a broken system where teachers are forced to fill the gaps left by the State.
Influencing National Education Policy
Influencing National Education Policy
ARTUZ played a role in shaping the 2019 Education Amendment.
Key areas the union pushed for:
- Banning corporal punishment
- Establishing an Education Equalisation Fund
- Promoting safe schools
- Decentralising education planning
- Improving teacher welfare
Even More Success Scores
Producing Evidence That Cannot Be Ignored
The State of Education Reports
ARTUZ produces a quarterly State of Education Report.
These reports track:
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Teacher welfare
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Learner conditions
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Quality of education delivery
This work turns lived experience into documented, undeniable reality—used for advocacy, campaigns, and policy pressure.
Growing a National Movement
From Small Union to National Force
ARTUZ has grown into a significant national structure:
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35,320 associate members
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5,670 full members
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Active in 8 rural provinces, now expanding into urban areas
This growth reflects one thing:
Teachers are choosing to organise.
Rapid Response to State Repression
Standing With Members Under Attack
ARTUZ has built systems to support members facing state violence and intimidation.
Support includes:
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Prison visits
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Legal representation
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Court support
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Family assistance
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Documentation of human rights violations
When teachers are targeted, the union responds immediately.
No member stands alone.
Driving Labour Justice Through Action
From Protest to Policy Change
ARTUZ has been at the forefront of labour resistance.
Campaigns such as:
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Pockets Out Protests
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Salary Caravan
have forced national attention on the wage crisis.
These actions have contributed to:
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Moves to repeal the Public Service Act
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Reform of Statutory Instrument 141 of 1997
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Pressure for a new labour framework aligned with the Constitution
This is what matters:
Without pressure, nothing moves. ARTUZ applies pressure.
Building Strategic Alliances
Strength in Solidarity
ARTUZ has built strong partnerships with key organisations, including:
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Citizens Manifesto
The union is also engaging the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and working with the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe.
Because real change does not happen in isolation.