By Kudakwashe Vhenge
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) members and lawyer, Doug Coltart who were facing charges of criminal nuisance were yesterday (Thursday) acquitted by Magistrate Rudo Mugwagwa.
They had been arrested on 23 August 2019 following a protest against poor working conditions and meagre salaries dubbed ‘pay day funeral’ at Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare.
The nine accused were ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure, Nation Mudzitirwa, Gerald Tavengwa, Andrew Munguri, Godfrey Chanda, Tryvine Musokeri, Shepherd Tazvivinga, human rights lawyer and board member Doug Coltart and activist Simon Drury.
They had been on trial since December last year.
In a statement ARTUZ said the lengthy period taken by the courts to clear them was an aim to frustrate their efforts of fighting for teachers improved welfare.
“The time taken by the state on this case amounts to judiciary persecution of innocent trade unionists and human rights defenders. The state’s aim was to cripple the fighting spirit so that we stop advocating for better welfare of teachers.
“The sleeping in lice infested-dirty police cells and judiciary harassment that we went through on the case strengthened our resolve. We are going to keep on fighting for improvement of teachers’ welfare. There’s no law that bars workers from organizing, petitioning and demonstrating against the poor salaries and poor working conditions.”
The teachers union reiterated that its members and the rest of the teaching fraternity should not report for duty when schools reopen on 28 September due to incapacitation until their concerns are addressed.
Teachers are demanding improved salaries, working conditions and personal protective equipment at their workstations to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“We have declared that no teacher is going back to work on 28 September until the government restores back a minimum monthly salary of USD520. We are urging every teacher in Zimbabwe to remain resolute and defend labor justice. Teachers should not shy away from enjoying labor rights that are enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe”, read the statement.
Meanwhile, government has remained adamant that schools will reopen in the next two months in a phased approach beginning with exam classes on the 28th of this month.
