Centre News Education Hub
Harare- The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has bemoaned the demise of Public schools in the country saying teachers and other supporting staff are ditching the once prosperous learning institutions for the bourgeoning private learning establishments that offer better welfare and working conditions.
ARTUZ President, Obert Masaraure, said they traversed the country during the schools opening week to mark the 2026 academic calendar and the reality on the ground was heart-wrenching.
“We have witnessed firsthand the systemic collapse of our public education system, crumbling infrastructure, plummeting enrollments, and teachers living in a state of constant distress. While the masses suffer, a predatory class of Zvigananda, many of whom sit in the very government responsible for this decay, are cashing in. Their private schools thrive while our public institutions are deliberately starved of resources.” said Masaraure.
The death of public schools is a direct attack on the poor in vulnerable communities like Hopley where there is lack of public schools forcing parents into “makeshift” private institutions.
Centre News established that most of these schools are not state-registered, and the most desperate learners are denied the BEAM facility and ZIMSEC fee subsidies.
“We are watching a generation of children from marginalized families being priced out of a future, unable to even sit for their Ordinary Level exams. This is not just a policy failure; it is a moral crisis.” added Masaraure.
ARTUZ has proposed measures for public schools to survive, and prioritizing a need for the dignity of the teacher to be restored.
The union is demanding a minimum of USD 1,260 per month to reflect the value of teachers labour and constitutional compliance in which fully state-funded education is provided in line with Section 75 of the Constitution.
ARTUZ has also pleaded for infrastructure justice with the immediate establishment of an Education Equalisation Fund to rebuild schools.
Masaraure also said the government must adopt makeshift schools in under-served areas, providing them with technical support and BEAM access for their learners.
“A revolution is not televised; it is documented by those who live it. For this campaign to break through the silence, we need our members support. We are calling on all fighters across the country to become the eyes and ears of the union” concluded Masarure in his solidarity message.
Efforts to get a comment from Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro were fruitless after he said he was no longer commenting on ARTUZ claims.
