Source: Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ)
A Mrewa District Education Officer, DEO, today refused to sign a RTUZ petition with ten demands for the betterment of rural education saying she required clearance from the President’s Office.
RTUZ members that resumed marching today, after a break, following the arrest of six members on Friday, were asked to wait at the Murehwa District offices as they intended to handover a petition to the District Officer. The DEO, Ms Mazengwe called in three CIO agents that stressed point that RTUZ members needed to obtain clearance from President’s Office.
Our executive members refused to leave the DEO premises before the petition was signed. CIO agents later called in 3 ZANU PF youths who immediately asked the RTUZ leaders to leave the premises or they would be assaulted.
These bully tactics came barely 72hrs after six RTUZ leaders appeared in court on malicious charges of criminal nuisance and contravening POSA.
The actions of the DEO at Mrewa are clearly unconstitutional and manifestly illegal. It goes without saying that attempts to produce a copy of the constitution were fruitless as the irate agents described it as just another ‘piece of paper.’
It is sad that the education sector relies on donors yet it fails to meet some of the basic requirements such as openness and respect for fundamental rights.
It is time that the ministry’s conduct should be scrutinised before resources are given.
Today, RTUZ executive members were marching for the awarding of full school status to the over 1 500 satellite schools in Zimbabwe. The walk is continuing today and will be concluded on Thursday, 25th of August.
Source: Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ)
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