SW Radio Africa
By Alex Bell
12 June 2013
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has raised concerns about an alleged ‘purge’ of its members in Harare, who blow the whistle on corruption at their respective schools.
The teachers’ union is seeking answers over the forced transfer of teachers in the Mbare/Hatfield district of Harare, in what they say are unclear, suspicious circumstances.
PTUZ Secretary General Raymond Majongwe told SW Radio Africa that there still needs to be a proper explanation from the education authorities about the transfers. But he said it was suspicious that the teachers facing these measures are the same PTUZ members who have reported corruption and financial abuse at their schools.
“There is nothing wrong in rationing personnel in schools and transferring teachers from overstaffed schools to those with a shortage. But we are disappointed that the process is targeting those PTUZ members who crossed paths with their corrupt school heads, by acting as whistle-blowers,â€Â Majongwe explained.
He said the process of transferring the teachers to deal with overstaffing has become a “circus,†and “criminal.â€
“All the affected teachers are PTUZ members. There is, therefore, more than what meets the eye,†Majongwe said.
According to the PTUZ, teachers from Allan Wilson, Queen Elizabeth and Hatfield High Schools have so far been affected. But Majongwe said they are receiving fresh information that “no school in Harare Metropolitan Province is going to be spared of the ongoing purge.
He also questioned the timing of this process, adding it is “highly suspicious that this is happening and targeting active PTUZ members, this close to elections..
The PTUZ will next week deliver a petition to Education Minister David Coltart, calling on the Minister to intervene and help stop the victimization of its members. That petition will be delivered next Wednesday after a planned march by the teachers’ union.