Educators across Zimbabwe are reportedly being compelled to attend Teachers for Economic Development (Teachers4ED) workshops, with claims that attendance is not only mandatory but also comes at a personal cost of US$35 per participant.
Teachers4ED is known to be affiliated with the ruling Zanu PF party and was established as part of efforts to support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.
While early versions of the programme were reportedly financed by schools, it has since emerged that individual teachers are now footing the bill—something many say they cannot afford on their current salaries.
Teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared frustrations over being pressured by school administrators to attend these gatherings, including one reportedly planned for Gwanda in Matabeleland South. Some allege they were threatened with consequences if they declined.
Despite their financial struggles, teachers say they are being “dragged” into what they describe as “pointless” political events, causing widespread resentment.
“We are already earning far too little to survive, and now we’re being forced to pay for events we never asked to be part of,” said one teacher. “This isn’t just unfair—it’s abusive. Some of us are seriously considering quitting.”
Prominent teacher activist Obert Masaraure criticized the programme, urging educators to stand up for their rights.
“Teachers must stop acting like second-class citizens,” he said. “Why should anyone be paying US$35 to attend a partisan event that adds no value to their profession? If teachers are being forced into this, we’re ready to take legal action against the organisers. But teachers must stop acting like sheep and resist.”
Takavafira Zhou, president of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), said he had not received current reports of forced attendance but acknowledged that coercion had occurred when the programme launched.
“While it appears to have died down, there could still be subtle pressure from school heads with political affiliations,” Zhou noted. “Teachers must understand their rights, particularly the right to freedom of association. They shouldn’t be manipulated at the workplace.”
Zhou urged those who feel forced to attend to report incidents to teacher unions, but also cautioned against teachers who voluntarily participate expecting future benefits, then later claim coercion.
In response to the allegations, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro maintained that participation in Teachers4ED is entirely voluntary.
“The right to associate freely is protected under Zimbabwean law,” Ndoro said. “Teachers4ED enjoys significant support from the teaching community because of its alignment with government reforms. Its events are well-attended by those who choose to engage.”
He further asserted that Teachers4ED currently has a larger following than other teacher unions such as ARTUZ or PTUZ and rejected claims of coercion as misleading.
“Any teacher who feels their rights are being violated is encouraged to follow proper channels and file a complaint with the ministry,” he added. “We are committed to ensuring the welfare and professional autonomy of all educators.”
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