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Teacher fired over protest placard sparks outcry
2 hrs ago |
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A teacher in Tsholotsho District has been dismissed from the public service after participating in an online protest over low wages, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from a teachers' union.
Bridget Dhliwayo, who taught at Zibungululu Secondary School, was dismissed following disciplinary proceedings by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Zimbabwe.
In a letter dated April 10, 2026, signed by Chief Director for Provincial Education Services in Matabeleland North, Jabulani Mpofu, Dhliwayo was found guilty of misconduct and discharged from service with effect from May 14.
Authorities said the incident dates back to May 13, 2025, when she took a photograph inside a classroom holding a placard that read: "We demand a fair wage; we say no more to slave wages. Sifuna imali now." The image was later shared on a WhatsApp group associated with the Amalgamated Rural Teachers of Zimbabwe.
The ministry also accused Dhliwayo of failing to conduct lessons over several days in May 2025, in violation of her professional duties.
"This is not the first time that you have been found guilty of misconduct," the dismissal letter stated, noting that she had previously received warnings.
However, ARTUZ strongly condemned the decision, arguing that it amounts to the criminalisation of labour activism.
"Since when has exercising labour rights become a dismissible offence?" the union said in a statement, adding that Dhliwayo's actions were part of a broader online protest campaign over poor salaries.
Teachers in Zimbabwe, particularly those aligned with unions such as ARTUZ, have long raised concerns over low pay and deteriorating working conditions, often clashing with authorities over industrial action, which is tightly regulated under public service rules.
Dhliwayo has been advised of her right to appeal the decision to the Labour Court or seek a review through the Public Service Commission within 21 days, although such appeals do not automatically suspend the dismissal.
The ministry had not publicly responded to the union's criticism at the time of publication.
Bridget Dhliwayo, who taught at Zibungululu Secondary School, was dismissed following disciplinary proceedings by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Zimbabwe.
In a letter dated April 10, 2026, signed by Chief Director for Provincial Education Services in Matabeleland North, Jabulani Mpofu, Dhliwayo was found guilty of misconduct and discharged from service with effect from May 14.
Authorities said the incident dates back to May 13, 2025, when she took a photograph inside a classroom holding a placard that read: "We demand a fair wage; we say no more to slave wages. Sifuna imali now." The image was later shared on a WhatsApp group associated with the Amalgamated Rural Teachers of Zimbabwe.
The ministry also accused Dhliwayo of failing to conduct lessons over several days in May 2025, in violation of her professional duties.
"This is not the first time that you have been found guilty of misconduct," the dismissal letter stated, noting that she had previously received warnings.
However, ARTUZ strongly condemned the decision, arguing that it amounts to the criminalisation of labour activism.
"Since when has exercising labour rights become a dismissible offence?" the union said in a statement, adding that Dhliwayo's actions were part of a broader online protest campaign over poor salaries.
Teachers in Zimbabwe, particularly those aligned with unions such as ARTUZ, have long raised concerns over low pay and deteriorating working conditions, often clashing with authorities over industrial action, which is tightly regulated under public service rules.
Dhliwayo has been advised of her right to appeal the decision to the Labour Court or seek a review through the Public Service Commission within 21 days, although such appeals do not automatically suspend the dismissal.
The ministry had not publicly responded to the union's criticism at the time of publication.
Source - VicFallsLive
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