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Teacher unions slamed for ‘sleeping on duty’

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Teacher unions slamed for ‘sleeping on duty’

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

The Zimbabwe Teachers Remuneration Struggle Movement (ZTRS) has slammed 13 Unions representing teachers in Zimbabwe, accusing them of sleeping on duty failing to advocate for better salaries and working conditions.
Some of the Unions include Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) Professional Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe (Peuz), the Zimbabwe National Teachers’ Union (Zinatu) and others
ZTRS Interim president, Zvikomborero Nyabadza said as a movement they wanted to remind unions to play their role while urging teachers to save their hard earned money rather than paying subscriptions to the 13 unions.
“We wanted to remind unions of their sole mandate of representing teachers on the negotiating table not introducing funeral policies and loans. Secondly it is wise for a teacher to save the little peanuts they are getting than feed sleeping unions.
“It is unacceptable to continue paying subscriptions in the economic situation we are in right now in Zimbabwe. One should get the services being paid for and be satisfied if not then one has to call it a day and withdraw.
“A lot of teachers have withdrawn from paying subscriptions and the unions can testify. It is not a forced withdrawal but it is an individual’s desire to show dissatisfaction,” said Nyabadza.
Nyabadza condemned the unions for dividing the teaching fraternity and he said that they had emailed all 13 unions in April 2025 reminding them of their duties but they never responded.
“Unions are the ones causing all divisions in the teaching fraternity, now there is no unity. This is clear that the 13 unions are milking teachers’ pockets hustle free without delivering.
“We are saying it’s enough (nyaraiwo) as you cannot even bring the employer to the negotiating table. They should not blame the government but they should blame their abilities. So far we have not conducted a meeting with any union since we emailed them on April and none of them responded,”said Nyabadza.
Responding to Nyabadza’s sentiments, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure told TellZim News that there was lack of willingness from the members’ side to actively participate in having their matters addressed.
“The Union and the worker are a single entity. Decisions in Trade Unions should be made by the members. Unfortunately most members surrender power to a layer of bureaucrats who then betray them. In ARTUZ we always consult the members to get guidance on how to force the employer to listen to us. We are an organizing Union. As leaders we have no power, our power is in the participation of members. If members tell us to call for a strike we call for one. If they tell us to go to the streets we go to the streets.
“We are servants of the membership. If one tactic fails we sit down and evaluate as a collective. Unfortunately most Teachers choose to join T shirts Unions that are only known for distributing fancy regalia but are not ready to fight,” said Masaraure.
Masaraure said that mases action will drag the government to the table and teachers should stop complaining and join Unions to fight the struggle.
“The government will never be begged to come to the table. The employer has to be dragged to the table kicking and screaming. Only mass action will drag the employer to the table. The history of the workers’ struggle have taught us that there is no generous employer. Employers have to be forced to improve working conditions by the workers. Teachers should stop whining and groaning, they should join fighting Unions and join the fight,” he said.
He condemned teachers who pay subscriptions to yellow Unions but encouraged teachers to team up with them to fight government, so that their demands will be addressed.
“Those who pay subscriptions to yellow Unions are funding their own exploitation. If you subscribe to a Union in bed with government what do you expect? You will get lemons every month end. Teachers should read what Unionism is all about and stop funding government proxies.
“ARTUZ struggles to collect subscriptions because barriers are created for us but we fight on regardless. The fight is not about the money. Our thousands of members struggle to pay Union subscriptions because of known barriers but we fight shoulder to shoulder regardless. We are confident that as soon as more teachers join us and start fighting from our corner we will force employer to address our demands,” said Masaraure.
PTUZ president Dr Takavafira Zhou said unions were also facing challenges of counter unions like Teachers4ED that were working on the side of government.
“It is sad that the employer has created renegade teacher unions like Teachers 4ED and Zimbabwe Teachers for Remuneration whose main thrust is to fight from the employer’s corner and criticise bona fide unions, when they hardly say anything on how teachers’ salaries can be improved. The employer is deliberately underpaying teachers and Unions are trying under difficult conditions to ameliorate the challenges. What must be stressed is that a United Front and collective action of teachers can bring better results,” said Dr Zhou.
Dr Zhou said incentives in urban areas were reducing enthusiasm among teachers while teachers in rural areas lacked the will power to act towards the matter.
“Leaders in PTUZ will not declare social media strikes that have no takers. Teachers in schools must realise they must unite across teacher-union divide in order to deliver an unflinching message to the employer. Incentives have diluted enthusiasm for industrial action in urban areas, while teachers in rural areas assume they are far away from the corridors of power to make an impact.
“In short action by teachers in school is a remedy to underpayment of teachers. Teachers cannot remain to watch a game they should be playing and assume things will change for the better. As PTUZ leadership we are ready to lead, but the best foot forward remains a united front punctuated by action in schools,” said Dr Zhou

MoPSE fails to payUS$180 000 CDU workshop allowances to teachers

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MoPSE fails to payUS$180 000 CDU workshop allowances to teachers

By TellZim Reporter

Nearly a year after conducting syllabus review workshops, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) is yet to pay over US$180,000 owed to participants, sparking growing frustration among education officials and raising concerns over accountability within the ministry.
The workshops, run through the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU), were conducted across the country, with each of the estimated 600 participants promised a flat allowance of US$300 equivalent in ZiG per session, as well as transport reimbursements which varied depending on where one was coming from. However, participants said they werestill waiting to be paid, despite filling claim forms and following protocol.
Contacted for comment, MoPSE Communications Director Taungana Ndoro dismissed the inquiry, calling it “a wild goose chase” and questioning the basis of the claims and further queried how many people were actually complaining.
“Where is the evidence? Is this not a wild goose chase?” said Ndoro.
Chief Director for Curriculum Development Unit, Cyprian Kent Masocha asked the reporter to send questions on WhatsApp and was yet to respond at the time of writing.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official who attended the sessions said the ministry had remained mum on the payments.
“We used our own money for travel, accommodation, and meals, expecting reimbursement. Each session lasted a week. Not even transport refunds have been made,” said the source.
Another participant who spoke to TellZim News said they feared that any eventual payment made in local currency will be eroded by inflation as the exchange rate has since changed.
“If they pay us now using old exchange rates, our dues will be worthless, especially since the rate at the time of the sessions was US$1 to ZiG13, significantly lower than the current exchange rate,” said the other participant.
The workshops were held at venues such as Redcliff Hotel in Kwekwe, Pumpkin Hotel and Golden Peacock in Mutare, with many educators footing the bill themselves.
Insiders claim the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) recently visited MoPSE headquarters to investigate reports that some senior officials were allegedly paying themselves allowances while neglecting workshop participants.
Each workshop reportedly hosted about 60 people, with at least 10 sessions conducted nationwide. That puts the ministry’s total unpaid bill at more than US$180 000 not accounting transport costs.
The case is part of a broader trend in which government ministries and departments delay or avoid paying service providers and employees. The Civil Registry Department, for instance, only recently cleared arrears for officials who conducted the mobile voter registration exercise last year.

Married Chikato cop juggles 2 fellow officers, two civilians

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Married Chikato cop juggles 2 fellow officers, two civilians

By TellZim Reporter

A scandalous love triangle has embroiled Chikato Police Station in Masvingo, involving a married police officer, Magret Mupinga and four men, including two colleagues from the same station, a town vendor, and an employee at a local hotel.

The officer, married for 17 years to a teacher based in Zaka, has been leading a double life, and juggling multiple relationships.

A relative to Mupinga’s husband confirmed the incident and said the husband had been suspecting that his wife was cheating but it took him time to get evidence which he finally got in her phone after returning home unexpectedly.

“He had left home that day and came back without her expecting. Her phone was always locked and she did not know he was studying her password when she entered it. While she was asleep, he took the phone and got the shock of his life,” said the source.

The source said Mupinga’s clandestine meetings with her lovers often took place at local lodges, particularly those along Great Zimbabwe Road on the outskirts of Masvingo. Sources claimed that she would frequently sneak out of her way to meet her paramours.

“She was said to be frequenting some lodges on the outskirts of the town and was seen in shops like Edgars with lovers buying her clothes and that was all confirmed in the phone,” said the source.

The situation has raised eyebrows within the police force, with concerns about professionalism, loyalty, and potential conflicts of interest.

The fact that two of the men involved are her colleagues has sparked questions about her integrity and judgment as a law enforcement officer.

Some decent pictures have surfaced showing the married officer enjoying herself at various resorts, Hunter’s Dry in hand.

Some of her nudes as well as those of her two boyfriends were leaked and are making rounds on social media.

1.6 tonnes of smuggled chicken intercepted in Masvingo

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1.6 tonnes of smuggled chicken intercepted in Masvingo

By Virginia Njovo

The City of Masvingo’s Department of Health and Environmental Services, in collaboration with the anti-smuggling unit on Friday intercepted a consignment of smuggled chicken meat, about 1.6 tonnes en route from South Africa to Harare.
The consignment which was destined for Harare was caught at the 30km peg from Masvingo near Mushagashe Training Center along Masvingo-Harare Road.
Speaking with TellZim News Masvingo City Council Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika said the meat had no veterinary clearances and documentation and was therefore deemed unsafe for human consumption.
“The meat had no proper veterinary clearance and documentation, was deemed unsafe for human consumption and posed a serious public health risk.
“The importation of meat is illegal so we confiscate to safeguard the community from GMOs and also protect our local market because smuggled goods are usually stolen and do not pay duty so they become cheap,” said Jinjika.
She said the local authority was urging residents and vendors to be cautious when sourcing meat and said the council will remain vigilante.
“Council urges residents and vendors to only source meat from licensed and inspected suppliers to ensure community safety and prevent the spread of diseases and we remain committed to protecting public health through strict enforcement of food safety standards,” said Jinjika.
In line with Public Health Act, the meat was confiscated and safely destroyed at Cambria Landfill under the supervision of Council health inspectors and veterinary team.
Chicken chunks coming from South Africa are dominating local restaurants, backyard food outlets and fast-food chains which is a threat to public health.
In April 2025, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) intercepted a truck laden with four tonnes of chicken cuts believed to have been smuggled from South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post and seven people were arrested in Mashonaland East near Mahusekwa Province.

Presidential inputs recipients ordered to deliver grain to GMB

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Presidential inputs recipients ordered to deliver grain to GMB

By Beverly Bizeki

Farmers who received free agricultural inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme are now required to deliver 10kg of grain each to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), a move government says was aimed at boosting the country’s Strategic Grain Reserves (SGRs).
The matter was disclosed at a Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting held recently where ,Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said this was meant to assist the vulnerable people in the near future.
“Every beneficiary is expected to deliver 10kg of grain be it maize or wheat and have their names recorded. In the event of a drought in the near future those who would have given back to government will be given first preference because they have kept their grains in the silos,” said Chadzamira.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, confirmed the directive, describing the grain delivery as both a ‘mandatory contribution’ and a ‘gesture of appreciation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“After the vulnerable beneficiaries got support from the President during the devastating El Niño-induced drought, they now need to deliver the 10kg (of grain) as a gesture of appreciation to His Excellency, as well as contribute to the Strategic Grain Reserve,” said Prof Jiri.
The order applies to all farmers who received Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs during the 2023–2024 farming season.
Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa was recently quoted saying the province had a surplus of grain from the 2024/2025 farming season with only one district, Chivi that will need assistance after about 10 months.
Zimbabwe currently has about 500,000 tonnes in its Strategic Grain Reserves, far below the target of 1.5 million tonnes by 2028, a goal set to cushion the country against growing threats of climate change and recurring droughts.

Six arrested over Mapanzure High protest

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Six arrested over Mapanzure High protest

By Virginia Njovo

Six people were reportedly arrested at Mapanzure High School in Masvingo province where they were protesting against the school head over various issues including poor management and lack of transparency.
Sources close to the matter told TellZim News that parents had gathered at the school blocking learners from attending classes demanding that the authorities should address their concerns.
The police was notified and reacted swiftly before arresting the six who were taken for questioning at Muchakata Police Station.
“Six of the parents were taken to Muchakata for questioning and we do not know how they are going to deal with them, if they are to pay fines parents are willing to assist with the required money and we are waiting to hear the outcome,” said the source.
The source said the parents were expecting officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) who were supposed address some of the issues but failed to show up.
“We were expecting officials from MoPSE to come and address the issues on the ground but they did not show up. However, parents have vowed that they will not rest until their concerns are addressed,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shylatte Mhike said she was aware of the situation and the district office was handling the matter.
She said the situation was tricky and had a number of processes t be followed before a lasting solution is found.
“I am aware of the situation, the district office is handling the matter, however, the challenge is when parents are angry over something, they want to see results immediately where as we follow procedures which in a way may seem like we are not doing anything.
“They have to bear with us, we are handling the matter and a solution will be there soon to put an end to the challenges at the school,” said Mhike
Another parent who spoke to TellZim News said their concerns emanated from the school bus but were now beyond that and they wanted the head to be transferred saying he was mismanaging the school.
“It’s not only the bus issue which is beyond repair but there are various issues including poor management, lack of transparency, closure of Advanced level classes which clearly states lack of development at the school.
“We no longer have confidence in the school head and we call upon the authorities to address the issue because we will not rest,” said the parent.
The demonstration was initially planned for June 11 at the school but failed after the police intervened and dispersed the angry parents before representatives were called for a closed door meeting. The meeting however failed to yield any results
The issue of the school bus has reignited deep-seated tensions between parents and the school’s administration, triggering public outrage and calls for accountability over broader issues of mismanagement and stagnating development.
The bus was hired by Zanu PF women’s league who were going to the first lady’s cook out competition in Vic Falls in 2022. It was then involved in an accident near Mashava.

Former Zanu PF Cllr hangs self after impregnating married woman

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Former Zanu PF Cllr hangs self after impregnating married woman

Cephas Shava

MWENEZI – Former Mwenezi Ward 5 Zanu PF councilor Tinashe Yingi of Dhuvai Village under Chief Neshuro was recently found dead hanging himself on a tree in the mountain two days after he went missing following the unearthing of his adulterous relationship with a married woman from the same village.
Yingi, whose dead body was found in a decomposing state in a mountainous area of Chihlahla village was buried on Monday, June 23 at his home village of Dhuvai.
Chief Neshuro born Rodwell Gudo confirmed Yingi’s death, saying the former councilor hanged himself after consuming some poisonous substances following an ‘undisclosed’ dispute.
“Yingi disappeared on a Friday morning and his dead body was discovered on Sunday. On the fateful day he is said to have been spotted drinking some beer at Sarahuru business centre for the first time in his lifetime before collecting some poisonous substances which he consumed before hanging himself,” said Chief Neshuro.
However, sources close to the incident said Yingi who had for long been in an adulterous relationship with a married woman whose husband works in South Africa succumbed to pressure after his own wife threatened to report him to the husband of the women whom he was having an affair with.
“The married women resides in the same village with Yingi and the two had been dating for a longtime but all hell broke when Yingi impregnated the women. After discovering that his husband had impregnated another married woman Yingi’s wife was irked and she vowed to inform the woman’s husband.
“The women in question, whose husband is in South Africa, is five months pregnant and Yingi was afraid that the man would ruthlessly deal with him and also societal pressure forced him to commit suicide,” said the source.
Another source said Yingi had pressure from the two women with the pregnant woman demanding that he marries her while his own wife could have none of it.
“The matter was the talk of the society and the married woman was also pressuring him to marry her while his own wife was also disgruntled. So to make sure that he won’t make any slight mistake of surviving, Yingi consumed some poisonous substance before hanging himself on a tree,” said a source.
After serving as Councillor for the then Ward 5 for one term, Yingi’s bid for re-election in 2023 election foiled after the delimitation process divided his ward leading to his loss during the primaries.

Chiredzi Town Council embroiled in US$18k advance salary scandal

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Chiredzi Town Council embroiled in US$18k advance salary scandal

… Seven receipt books missing

By Beatific Gumbwanda

Chiredzi Town Council is facing a financial scandal after US$18 000 paid to workers as advance payments went unaccounted for, with some employees having already left the local authority and failing to repay the funds.
The shocking revelation came out during a Full Council meeting held recently where the audit committee revealed that the Chiredzi Town Council has not yet recouped nearly US$18 000, allocated to employees as advance salaries in 2024.
Audit Committee Chairperson Sekai Njanjure said the committee discovered that the local authority was owed close to half a million Zimbabwean dollars (ZIG), which is equivalent to a staggering US$18 000.
“There is need for a policy to govern issues related to employees’ advance salaries. The council is currently owed US$18 000 or half a million ZiG and there is concern that some of the beneficiaries are no longer with the institution,” said Njanjure.
Njanjure said the committee also unearthed that there were seven missing receipt books from January to December 2024 that were not properly accounted for, and there were no records regarding the issuance of new receipt books.
Ward 5 councillor Philip Muchaendepi said there was need to have a sound resolution to deal with salary advances to recover the money
“We need to make a resolution to help us recover our money immediately. Some of the employees have supposedly left their jobs and need to return the money,” said Muchaendepi.
He called for a complete change of the revenue collection team at Chiredzi Polyclinic while investigations are underway.
“People have been stealing from the council and resigning before investigations can even begin. We need a complete overhaul of the receipting department at Chiredzi Polyclinic during this investigation,” said Muchaendepi.
Ward 2 Councilor Danford Chikanyau blamed the finance department for its failure to recover the funds, suggesting they should have taken initiative instead of waiting for the Human Resources department to make the deductions on the employees still at the council.
However, Finance Director Lloyd Musasa defended his department saying the Human Resources Department was responsible for processing the payroll, while his role is merely to facilitate payment.
“The Human Resources Department processes the payroll and submits it to the Finance Department for processing. They are responsible for making the deductions,” said Musasa.
Musasa indicated that they are currently gathering evidence to prepare a police report regarding the missing funds.
“We are compiling all the necessary evidence before making a police report,” he said.
Another councilor Vimbai Ushe pointed out the necessity for implementing the resolutions passed by the council rather than just discussing them.
“The audit committee has been providing resolutions, and we are passing them, but it should not end there. We need to implement how the council will address the missing receipt books and recover our money from employees,” said Vushe.

ERSL battle for supremacy heats up

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ERSL battle for supremacy heats up

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Eastern Region Soccer League is heating up as the top three teams FC Hunters, Tenax FC and a resurgent third place contender Masvingo United FC continue to vie for supremacy.
With teams having covered almost half of the season and the tension on the pitch is palpable with the mid-season break drawing closer from June 30-July 18, 2025.
Currently, FC Hunters known as the Clever Boys in football circles are locked in a fierce battle for the top spot with only a difference of one point. As of last weekend match day 14, FC Hunters reclaimed their first position with a narrow victory having 32 points, now sitting just one point ahead of Tenax FC who has been relentless in their pursuit and now has 31 points.
The two top teams exchanged the lead twice this season so far firstly when FC Hunters lost 3 points to Masvingo United FC with a goal to nil in the last minute at Mucheke Stadium, Tenax moved to the top but lost the position after their lose to Hunters FC.
Speaking to TellZim News Tenax FC Vice Secretary General responsible for Media Liaison and Publicity David Marufu said they were not happy with losing the three points to FC Hunters.
“It was unfortunate that we lost our first 3 points n to make matters worse at-home. It was just a mere blunder which made our day dark. However, it happens in football and we have to accept both positive and negative outcomes, though our top priority will be win and win throughout. Definitely, it wasn’t our day but we learnt from that game,” said Marufu.
Marufu said as the ERSL continue to blow hot wind they aim to keep their focus on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) ticket which the top three teams are fighting for.
“Our focus is now on our next game away against Masvingo United which is going to be a tough match for us. But as our motto speaks we are the Lion and fighting is in our DNA.
“Like in any other competition, top competing teams will be a tooth biting affair. As such matches pitting Tenax, FC Hunters and Masvingo United FC are the hottest in the league and surprises are expected in any game. We take each match as a new challenge and we are sure of our objective this season, no matter what, PSL is our end goal,” said Marufu.
FC Hunters Team Manager, Liberty Mudandaureni said the team was happy with their win over the weekend and returned to the top of the log.
“We are happy to be back at the top of the table after outclassing our rivals Tenax with a 1-nil victory at Mutare Showgrounds. We had a good game and we scored a goal in the early minutes.
“We will not rest until the battle is over. As we approach our next game we are going to give it our all because football is the same. As the battle for PSL intensifies we promise our fans that we are going to collect maximum points in every game since we want the PSL promotion just like all our rivals,” said Mudandaureni.
While the focus remains on the top two, the third-place team Una Una is not to be overlooked. With just three points separating them from the log leaders, they are self-confident to capitalize on any slip-ups from the leaders since they have one lose and a game in hand. Their recent form has seen them climb the standings, making the final stretch of the season even more interesting and they are to face Tenax FC in their next fixture second placed against third placed.
In next round of fixtures FC Hunters will face Deportivo La Murambinda FC at Rudhaka stadium, while Tenax FC is scheduled to play against Masvingo United FC with 29 points at Mucheke stadium that could potentially upset the current log standings as the home team never recorded any lose at their home ground.
As the ERSL approaches mid-season break, the battle for supremacy between FC Hunters, Tenax FC and Una Una exemplifies the competitive spirit of the league. With only one point separating the top two teams, every match could see the team losing points and position.

Zimbabwe advances in HIV/AIDS combat, sets ambitious goals for 2025

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Zimbabwe advances in HIV/AIDS combat, sets ambitious goals for 2025

By TellZim Reporter   

Zimbabwe’s health authorities are celebrating major advancements in the battle against HIV/AIDS emphasizing how far the nation has come toward meeting the ambitious 95-95-95 goals by 2025.

The goals call for 95 percent of people living with HIV to be diagnosed, 95 percent of those diagnosed to get sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on treatment to have viral suppression. 

Speaking during a belated World AIDS Day commemorations in Bikita recently, National AIDS Council Provincial Acting Secretary, Rosemary Chingwe, pointed out that the pace of fresh infections had plateaued, with particular attention given to the alarming rates among women and teenagers, who are unfairly impacted by the epidemic.

“Our war is far from over; we have to tackle fundamental problems including gender-based violence, child marriage, and poor estimates of HIV risk urgently.  To address these inequities, planned interventions including self-testing projects, gender-focused programs like DREAMS and Sister-to- Sister, and HIV case-based surveillance, are being applied,” said Chingwe.

Chingwe also highlighted the urgent need for sustained funding for HIV response as donor support was shrinking.

To guarantee a dependable resource flow devoted to combating the pandemic, she offered plans to investigate original techniques like national health insurance and public-private partnerships.

She also emphasized that special focus should be given to at-risk groups and reminded people of the need of integrating health services to help achieve the ambitious aim of ending AIDS by 2030. 

As Zimbabwe negotiates the complexities of health and social-economic issues, the dedication displayed on World AIDS Day acts as a ray of hope, strengthening the common objective of a healthier, HIV-free future. The call to action is evident: in the continuous fight against this public health threat, Zimbabwe is trying to make sure that no one is left behind.

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