EUZ now Zimbabwe's third-largest teachers' union

The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has grown to become the country's third-largest teachers' union, with nearly 7,000 members across all ten provinces, marking a significant milestone in just four years.

At the 2025 EUZ annual conference, Secretary General Tapedza Zhou attributed the union's rapid growth to its dialogue-focused approach with government, which contrasts with the often confrontational tactics of other teacher organisations.

"The union has distinguished itself by employing a more dialogue-oriented approach with government," Zhou said, describing this strategy as central to EUZ's success.

EUZ founder and President Tafadzwa Chikwangwani Munodawafa said the union was founded on a vision of "teacher emancipation" and restoring the dignity and respect of the profession. She highlighted grassroots welfare initiatives such as bereavement support and housing schemes to ensure teachers do not retire into poverty.

"Supporting teachers during moments of vulnerability is central to our mission. Imagine losing a spouse or parent, and having something to start with—not just tears, but dignity. That matters," Chikwangwani said.

Looking ahead to her second term as president, she pledged to intensify member recruitment, expand training programmes, and scale up welfare initiatives.

"Writing letters and making noise is not enough anymore. We need numbers, unity, and strategy to restore the dignity of the teacher," she said, emphasizing EUZ's commitment to transforming the teaching profession in Zimbabwe.