-ARTUZ embarks on ‘Operation Dignity’ campaign
By Takudzwa Madondo
MUTARE-The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says teachers across the country are now trapped in poverty, debt and endless survival struggles, warning that the worsening salary crisis is threatening the future of education’s education system.
This emerged during the launch of the Teachers’ Basket of Needs Survey Report held online on Tuesday, where ARTUZ leaders painted a grim picture of the living and working conditions facing educators.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said the report exposes what he described as the “systemic exploitation” of teachers under the current economic environment.
“We gather here today not just to launch a report filled with dry numbers but to ignite a powerful movement against the systemic exploitation of educators in Zimbabwe,” said Masaraure.
According to the survey findings, many teachers are now relying on farming, poultry projects, informal trading, artisanal mining and extra lessons to survive as salaries continue to lag behind the rising cost of living.
The report revealed that nearly 80% of teachers are trapped in debt through loans and microfinance schemes, while others are spending between 10 and 30 percent of their salaries on energy costs alone.
Masaraure said the findings reflect the collapse of social protection systems for educators.
“This survey shows that teachers’ living conditions have deteriorated beyond the limits of human tolerance,” he said.
The union further revealed that 63% of teachers now rely solely on their salaries despite wages remaining below the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL), while close to 18% have turned to farming as a survival mechanism.
“An educator, a keeper of knowledge, must work in dangerous conditions on weekends just to afford basic necessities. The state should be ashamed,” Masaraure added.
ARTUZ national secretary for education and research Gerald Tavengwa (pictured) said the salary crisis was now negatively affecting the quality of education in schools, as many teachers are being forced to focus on side hustles to make ends meet.
“Side hustle is destroying our children’s future as teachers are spending most of the time thinking about how to make ends meet,” said Tavengwa.
He added that some teachers were neglecting classroom duties in favour of extra lessons that provide additional income.
Following the launch of the report, ARTUZ officially announced “Operation Dignity”, a nationwide campaign aimed at pushing for better salaries, improved working conditions and the restoration of dignity among civil servants.
As part of the campaign, the union declared the implementation of a controversial two-day working week, arguing that teachers can no longer afford transport costs associated with reporting for duty five days a week.
“Our current pay isn’t enough to cover transportation for five days, and we will not take loans to go to work for a corrupt system,” said Masaraure.
The union also urged teachers to abandon expensive formal dress codes, saying educators should not be forced to maintain “colonial-era” standards while living in poverty.
“Starting immediately, Operation Dignity calls on all teachers to abandon expensive suits and ties. We will wear affordable and practical clothing that reflects our real financial situation,” he said.
Tavengwa warned that Zimbabwe’s education system risks collapse if authorities fail to urgently address teachers’ welfare concerns.
“This report is not going to sit on shelves but will be used as a basis for negotiations for better salaries and improved living and working conditions,” he said.
ARTUZ is demanding a living wage indexed to the real TCPL, improved housing, affordable transport systems, free healthcare and better welfare support for teachers across the country.
