Teachers reject Zanu-PF proposal on govt jobs

Teachers have condemned a ZANU PF conference resolution proposing that the ruling party recommend candidates for government employment, warning that the move could undermine the constitutional separation between the party and the State.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) rejected the proposal adopted at the party's Chinhoyi Conference, which calls for candidates seeking government jobs to be seconded by ZANU PF.

In a statement, the union argued that the proposal threatens the principle of a politically neutral public service and could undermine merit-based recruitment.

"We reject the reported proposal to give the party exclusive authority to recommend candidates for government employment. These positions are threatening the distinction between a political party and the State," ARTUZ said.

The union cited sections of the Constitution, including Section 2 on constitutional supremacy, Section 3 on multiparty democracy and the rule of law, and Sections 194 and 200, which address the principles governing the public service.

ARTUZ also pointed to Section 203, which assigns public-service appointment functions to the Public Service Commission, arguing that recruitment should be guided by qualifications, competence, fairness and impartial procedures rather than political affiliation.

The controversy comes amid calls by some ZANU PF figures for government employees to enrol at the ruling party's Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.

ARTUZ warned that closer integration of party and government authority could expose public servants to political pressure and discourage them from raising workplace grievances for fear of victimisation.

"Where Government and party authority are fused, an ordinary workplace grievance can be recast as opposition to the ruling party. Collective bargaining risks being displaced by demands for political obedience," the union said.

The organisation added that workers could face pressure to attend party activities or demonstrate political loyalty to protect their careers.

"ARTUZ rejects any system in which a teacher's professional future depends on party endorsement. Qualifications, competence and fair procedures must determine recruitment and advancement," the statement read.

The union maintained that schools should remain focused on education, with teachers and school leaders assessed on their professional performance, educational standards and the welfare of learners.