The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned and rejected the summary dismissal of its President, Obert Masaraure, from his teaching post at Chemhanza High School.
Masaraure, a vocal unionist and human rights campaigner, received a termination letter dated March 30, 2024, citing his absence from duty for over 30 days as the reason.
In a social media post, he revealed the dismissal, stating that the letter was filled with lies and that he was denied the right to be heard.
“Today I received a summary dismissal from my teaching post. The letter dated 30 March was pregnant with lies, but because no one accorded me right to be heard they acted on falsehoods,” he said.
“I have served government since May 2014 and they chose to just terminate my contract.” He added.
In a statement, the teachers’s union stated: “Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) wishes to categorically and unequivocally reject, here and now, the illegal discharge of the President.”
The union has vowed to fight the decision, saying: “We wish to make it clear, as we hereby do, that we will use all means necessary and unnecessary to fight and reverse this monumental injustice.
“We will leave no stone unturned and no turn unstoned as we claim justice for the President. All legal apparatus have since been activated to correct this illegality.”
The union has accused the government of employing its usual tactics of concocting false charges against Masaraure and engaging in bad faith negotiations.
ARTUZ has also highlighted the government’s failure to pay teachers a reasonable salary, which Masaraure has been advocating for, as a key factor in his dismissal.
The union has also declared its unwavering support for Masaraure, stating that he remains a teacher in good standing.
“Let be known that all teachers in particular and all workers in general stand behind and with our Union President against this injustice. We will provide leadership and direction until Cde Masaraure is reinstated and restitution is effected. That is a promise.
“For now we declare without any avoidance of doubt that Cde Obert Masaraure remains a teacher in good standing,” the statement reads.
