By 
Many schools across Zimbabwe experienced teacher absenteeism yesterday as the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) claimed overwhelming participation in an indefinite nationwide strike demanding fair wages and improved funding for the education sector.
By Vongai Masuka
FOZEU Secretary General Obert Masaraure declared the industrial action a “revolution of dignity,” citing reports of drastically reduced teacher attendance in both urban and rural schools.
In a statement issued yesterday, Masaraure highlighted examples such as a school with 54 teachers seeing only 10 at work, and a rural institution with 21 teachers having just one present.
“Yesterday, you answered the call! From every corner of Zimbabwe, from bustling urban centres to the deepest rural reaches, you rose up. The reports are a thunderclap: schools with 54 teachers saw only 10 at work! A rural school with 21 teachers had but one solitary soul within its gates. This is not just a job action; this is a revolution of dignity, and it has begun!” Masaraure said in a statement.
He rejected calls for unity with established unions, accusing some leaders of betraying the teachers’ struggle and going to bed with the oppressor.
FOZEU urged rank-and-file teachers to sever ties with these unions and instead join a FOZEU-affiliated union, emphasizing that the only unity that will deliver us from this economic bondage is the unity forged in every staffroom, in every classroom.
FOZEU has pledged legal support to all participating teachers and appealed to parents and learners to join a ‘Save Our Education’ campaign, including organizing pickets at schools.
Masaraure also took aim at Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro, stating that Ndoro’s prediction of a failed strike had been proven wrong by the strong turnout.
“Let the motor-mouthed Taungana Ndiro choke on his words. He predicted a flop, but instead, he was left with an egg on his face as our job action soared!” He stated.
He drew inspiration from an ongoing strike at the University of Zimbabwe, showing FOZEU’s intent to keep schools shut until the government agrees to negotiate.
“This is just the beginning, comrades. Let the inspiring struggle at the University of Zimbabwe ignite an unquenchable fire within us. We will not budge. We will not retreat. We will close these schools and keep them shut until the government is forced to the negotiating table.” Masaraure added.
The statement further condemned the perceived enrichment of individuals like Wicknel Chivhayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, labeling it an outrage while civil servants face hardship.
FOZEU has extended its call for solidarity to all civil servants, including security services, asserting that a successful teacher strike would ultimately benefit all government employees.
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