SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is in grief following the death of Chikato Primary School teacher Desderia Mandizvidza (pictured) who collapsed and died in the staff room.
Mandizvidza is believed to have been suffering from a chronic illness which was triggered by emotional stress caused by poor remuneration.
Mandizvidza died on February 28, 2026 and was buried in Masvingo.
In a statement, the union called for urgent action to address teachers’ remuneration in order to restore dignity to the teaching profession.
“We have received reports that the late educator had been in distress over the continued erosion of salaries. Before her death, she was reportedly in tears over the financial hardships she was facing. She tragically collapsed and passed away.
“As ARTUZ, we categorically state that this is not an isolated incident but it is the painful consequence of a broken remuneration system that has pushed educators into extreme psychological and economic distress. When teachers are overworked, underpaid, and denied their rightful allowances, the State becomes complicit in the suffering that follows,” reads part of the statement.
ARTUZ claims that the incident reflects a wider crisis in the education sector, with many teachers facing financial hardships.
“We mourn not only a dedicated teacher, but a victim of systemic neglect. No educator should die worrying about unpaid salaries and allowances. No teacher should be reduced to tears because of government indifference.
In USD terms, teachers reportedly earn around $270-$350 per month, which is below the poverty datum line of over $500. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is demanding a minimum salary of $1,260 to ensure teachers can afford basic needs and have savings.
