Teachers ambush govt with new salary demands

Teachers' unions have renewed pressure on the government for a salary review, threatening to disrupt the start of the first school term as classes resumed yesterday.

The renewed pay dispute underscores long-standing tensions between educators and the government over remuneration, working conditions and the long-term sustainability of Zimbabwe's education system. Thousands of learners could be affected if the impasse is not resolved quickly.

However, the government has dismissed the latest demands, insisting that schools are ready to operate normally.

Primary and Secondary Education ministry director of communications and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said the government remained focused on ensuring an uninterrupted start to the 2026 academic year.

"The ministry's focus remains on its core mandate, which is the uninterrupted delivery of quality education. All preparations for the 2026 school year are on course," Ndoro told NewsDay.

"Learning materials are being distributed, infrastructure is ready and our schools are prepared to receive learners. We expect all teachers to report for duty as scheduled, in fulfilment of their professional obligation to the nation's children. Remuneration issues are addressed through appropriate separate channels."

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has formally requested a salary review and declared teachers incapacitated ahead of the new school year.

In a letter dated January 12, 2026, addressed to Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo and copied to the Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion minister and the Public Service Commission, Artuz secretary-general Robson Chere said teachers could no longer cope under current pay levels.

"We write to remind you on behalf of our members demanding an urgent review of salaries for teachers and to remind you that teachers remain incapacitated to report for duty," Chere said.

Artuz said its assessment of teachers' living and working conditions showed that a minimum salary of US$1 260 was needed to align with the poverty datum line and basic household requirements.

"This will enable teachers to afford a living standard that upholds human dignity," Chere said, adding that the union was concerned by the government's failure to address what it described as persistent underpayment.

The union also called for a US$200 hardship allowance to be paid at the start of every term to enable teachers to report for duty, and urged the government to engage in genuine collective bargaining to ensure a well-funded education system.

"As schools open, we are worried that teachers will fail to report for duty because of financial incapacitation. The government should find a permanent solution to this perennial crisis," Chere said.

Meanwhile, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said the government must take teachers' concerns seriously, warning that continued neglect would further marginalise the profession.

"Teachers are tired of so many people attacking them for doing so much, with so little," Zhou said.

He urged unity among teachers' unions and civil servants, arguing that collective action was necessary to push for improved salaries and working conditions.

"While engagement is the first pursuit, industrial action must also be considered as part of the pursuit of engagement," Zhou said.

He added that a professional group unwilling to fight for its legitimate rights would never be taken seriously, calling on teachers to organise and mobilise in defence of their welfare.