News / National
Zimbabwe teacher and human rights activist struggles after 4 years without salary
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Robson Chere, a 40-year-old trained teacher and passionate human rights activist, has spent the past four years without receiving a salary after the government halted his payments. As the secretary-general for the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz), Chere has been a vocal advocate for teachers' rights, particularly those of rural educators, and has clashed with the government on several occasions, especially over salary issues.
Despite the challenges, Chere continues to fight for justice in the education sector, especially for teachers in rural areas. However, his commitment has come at a significant personal cost. Every month, Chere is forced to make difficult decisions, attending classes - his "modern-day slave yard" - while trying to provide for his family without any financial support. In the absence of a salary, he has been surviving on handouts.
Chere has been arrested more than 20 times in connection with his activism, but the courts have acquitted him on multiple occasions. These experiences have only fueled his determination to continue his work, advocating for teachers' welfare and the right to education for all children.
"It's been a challenge for me to survive without a salary for the past four years," Chere said. "What hurts me most is the government's decision to transfer me and stop my salary. I feel like it was a deliberate attempt to frustrate me so that I would quit my teaching job."
Chere's transfer came after he raised concerns about security threats from suspected Zanu-PF members who were making life difficult for him due to his outspoken stance. "Some well-known Zanu-PF politicians were always after me, threatening me. I was then transferred from Arcturus High School to Chitida Secondary School in Wedza district," Chere explained. "The government transferred me without considering that my family lives in Goromonzi, about 180 km away from my new school in Wedza. This made my life even more difficult."
Chere described his situation as one of victimization. He believes that the government is retaliating against him for advocating for teacher rights. "They have targeted me and other Artuz members, cutting our salaries, arresting us, torturing us, and detaining us. All this because we speak for the voiceless and fight for education rights," he said.
Married to a teacher, Chere and his wife have four children, with their eldest in Form 3 and two others in primary school. Chere's dedication to education is evident in his achievements. He trained as a science teacher at Hillside Teachers Training College and has been with the government for over 10 years. Over the years, he has won several awards, including being named Overall Best Science Teacher at Arcturus Secondary School for eight consecutive years and receiving the Best Science Model Exhibition Teacher award in Mashonaland East in 2015.
Despite the financial and emotional strain, Chere finds solace in his work. "My talent has won the battle for me silently. I am still fighting for justice. My achievements prove that my name cannot be tarnished because of my activism," he said. "No one can destroy my passion to help children through education. We must empower them, no matter the cost."
Chere's struggles are not isolated. According to an Artuz legal report dated December 31, 2024, several members of the union have faced similar challenges, with some being discharged from government service. Members like Ronald Hondongwa, Hope Mangoro, and Sabelo Mhlanga continue to work without pay, echoing Chere's plight.
Chere dreams of receiving a lump sum payment that could change his life and provide a better future for his family. His journey has taken him from Arcturus High School to Dimbe Secondary School in Svosve, Marondera, and now to Chitida Secondary School in Wedza. Yet, his fight for justice and teachers' rights remains as strong as ever.
"I've been transferred from one school to another due to political pressure, but I'm not giving up," Chere concluded. "I will continue to fight for teachers and for the right to quality education, no matter the cost."
Despite the challenges, Chere continues to fight for justice in the education sector, especially for teachers in rural areas. However, his commitment has come at a significant personal cost. Every month, Chere is forced to make difficult decisions, attending classes - his "modern-day slave yard" - while trying to provide for his family without any financial support. In the absence of a salary, he has been surviving on handouts.
Chere has been arrested more than 20 times in connection with his activism, but the courts have acquitted him on multiple occasions. These experiences have only fueled his determination to continue his work, advocating for teachers' welfare and the right to education for all children.
"It's been a challenge for me to survive without a salary for the past four years," Chere said. "What hurts me most is the government's decision to transfer me and stop my salary. I feel like it was a deliberate attempt to frustrate me so that I would quit my teaching job."
Chere's transfer came after he raised concerns about security threats from suspected Zanu-PF members who were making life difficult for him due to his outspoken stance. "Some well-known Zanu-PF politicians were always after me, threatening me. I was then transferred from Arcturus High School to Chitida Secondary School in Wedza district," Chere explained. "The government transferred me without considering that my family lives in Goromonzi, about 180 km away from my new school in Wedza. This made my life even more difficult."
Chere described his situation as one of victimization. He believes that the government is retaliating against him for advocating for teacher rights. "They have targeted me and other Artuz members, cutting our salaries, arresting us, torturing us, and detaining us. All this because we speak for the voiceless and fight for education rights," he said.
Married to a teacher, Chere and his wife have four children, with their eldest in Form 3 and two others in primary school. Chere's dedication to education is evident in his achievements. He trained as a science teacher at Hillside Teachers Training College and has been with the government for over 10 years. Over the years, he has won several awards, including being named Overall Best Science Teacher at Arcturus Secondary School for eight consecutive years and receiving the Best Science Model Exhibition Teacher award in Mashonaland East in 2015.
Despite the financial and emotional strain, Chere finds solace in his work. "My talent has won the battle for me silently. I am still fighting for justice. My achievements prove that my name cannot be tarnished because of my activism," he said. "No one can destroy my passion to help children through education. We must empower them, no matter the cost."
Chere's struggles are not isolated. According to an Artuz legal report dated December 31, 2024, several members of the union have faced similar challenges, with some being discharged from government service. Members like Ronald Hondongwa, Hope Mangoro, and Sabelo Mhlanga continue to work without pay, echoing Chere's plight.
Chere dreams of receiving a lump sum payment that could change his life and provide a better future for his family. His journey has taken him from Arcturus High School to Dimbe Secondary School in Svosve, Marondera, and now to Chitida Secondary School in Wedza. Yet, his fight for justice and teachers' rights remains as strong as ever.
"I've been transferred from one school to another due to political pressure, but I'm not giving up," Chere concluded. "I will continue to fight for teachers and for the right to quality education, no matter the cost."
Source - newsday
