The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) acknowledges the government’s decision to release annual bonuses for public sector workers in two installments. However, while this gesture is appreciated, it falls short of adequately addressing the economic hardships that teachers and Civil Servants continue to face.
Staggering the payments may help ease strain on banking systems, but it does little to resolve the immediate and pressing challenges experienced by our members. Teachers face unique struggles, including low and inconsistent salaries, poor working conditions, and limited access to essential services. The announced salary adjustment, though an effort to offset devaluation, has not been sufficient to safeguard teachers’ purchasing power amid relentless inflation and rising costs of living.
The piecemeal approach to addressing the needs of public servants, particularly those in rural education, highlights a persistent issue of undervaluation of teachers’ contributions to national development. ARTUZ remains committed to advocating for meaningful reforms that truly reflect the hard work and dedication of Zimbabwe’s teachers, who are integral to the nation’s future.
We urge the government to work toward sustainable solutions that ensure fair compensation, timely payment structures, and improved working conditions for all public sector workers. ARTUZ will continue to advocate tirelessly for the fair treatment of teachers and quality education in rural Zimbabwe.