ARTUZ condemns alleged forcing of teachers into ideological workshops
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has raised alarm over the alleged compulsory participation of teachers and school administrators in the Teachers for Economic Development (TRS4ED) National Administration Workshop being held at Dadaya High School from August 19 to 22, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement, ARTUZ accused authorities of potentially using professional development programmes as a platform for political or ideological orientation. The union argued that teachers should not be compelled to participate in activities outside their professional mandate.
According to ARTUZ, the circulated workshop notice indicates that the programme covers the implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, compliance with Government policies and statutory requirements, the attainment of Vision 2030, emerging geopolitical trends, and the integration of teachers into the mainstream economy.
While the union said it supports professional development for school administrators, it insisted such programmes should remain focused on improving teaching, school leadership and learner outcomes.
“Teachers and school administrators must not be subjected to political or ideological orientation under the guise of professional development,” the union said.
ARTUZ also questioned the reported financial requirements attached to the workshop. The union said delegates are expected to pay US$70 towards administration, food, accommodation and identification.
The organisation further raised concerns over reports that some participants could seek additional allowances or payments from school funds after attending the programme.
The union argued that diverting school resources towards such activities would be difficult to justify at a time when many schools are facing shortages of learning materials, infrastructure challenges, teacher shortages and limited operational funding.
“Schools must not be milked dry while learners lack basic resources,” ARTUZ said.
The teachers’ union has called on the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to clarify whether teachers and administrators are being required or pressured to attend the workshops, and whether public school funds are being used to cover attendance, allowances or related activities.
ARTUZ also wants the Ministry to explain the statutory authority governing participation in the programmes and how the workshop fits into the Government’s official professional development framework.
The union further demanded clarification on whether political or ideological content is being delivered to education personnel under the cover of professional development.
ARTUZ said the Heritage-Based Curriculum should remain an educational framework and should not be transformed into a vehicle for partisan political mobilisation.
The union urged school heads, teachers and other education workers who feel coerced into participating to document their experiences and seek appropriate representation and protection of their professional rights.
ARTUZ maintained that Zimbabwe’s education system should prioritise teachers, learners, infrastructure and learning materials rather than political mobilisation.
The union said it would continue defending the professional dignity, rights and welfare of teachers while advocating for what it described as a professional and politically neutral public education system.
