Masaraure wins prestigious US human rights award

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure has expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for his courageous team members and the labour rights lawyers who have stood by them in their ongoing battle for the right to education and the protection of Zimbabwe's democratic space.

In a recent interview with ZimRights on #MemberShipTuesday, where Masaraure was awarded the prestigious US Ambassador's Human Rights Defender Award, he acknowledged that the honour was not his alone. He dedicated the recognition to the dedicated and committed teachers across Zimbabwe who, despite facing immense challenges, continue to fight for a better future for students and for the preservation of democracy.

“This is a brilliant team that has been working so hard to fight for the right to education for our learners in Zimbabwe. This is a team that has been working so hard to defend our democracy as a nation," Masaraure said.

He expressed pride in being the face of this "big group of fighters," noting the personal sacrifices many teachers have made. "Some of them have lost employment, some of them have been in prison, while some of them are always appearing before the courts of law, being accused of frivolous offences," he said.

Masaraure added that the US Ambassador's recognition was for the entire group of fighters who have weathered years of persecution, including arrests, abductions, and torture. Reflecting on the hardships they endured, he emphasized that the struggles only strengthened their resolve.

"Every time they hit us, our resolve was stronger. We have been through hell and back, but we are more determined to push back against autocrats and to push back against the looting of our wealth," he stated. “We are prepared to defend our country, even with our lives, if the need arises."

He spoke about the long-standing persecution Artuz members had faced, beginning with their involvement in student unionism. “We were still students, faced with bans, arrests, and even getting suspended from college and university," he recalled. “We have been arrested, abducted, and tortured. They have done literally everything to us, but every time we rise."

Masaraure's passion for his cause and his team was clear. He hailed the award as a recognition not just for his work but for the collective efforts of all those who have stood alongside Artuz in their tireless pursuit of justice.

The US Ambassador's Human Rights Defender Award honors individuals who, despite facing persecution, continue to fight for fundamental rights such as education and labour justice. Masaraure's recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to his cause and the many sacrifices made by those who stand with him in the struggle for a better, more equitable Zimbabwe.