s, harassment and torture by ruling Zanu (PF) militia and war veterans who accuse them of campaigning for the opposition MDC.
Dozens of schools, have since the emergence of the MDC in 1999 as a potent rival to Zanu (PF), been forced to close and send children home every election time after teachers were beaten and forcibly expelled from classrooms by ruling party militants as punishment for allegedly backing the opposition.
“There has been a systematic brutalisation of teachers in the country for too long and as teachers we have resolved to fight back because if we don’t do that, no one will do it for us,” said PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou.
As well as fighting in the courts to protect teachers’ rights, the PTUZ plans to print and distribute pamphlets to parents explaining how harassment of teachers and closure of schools have a huge and negative impact on their children’s education.
“If parents understand our position they will come to our side and it will be difficult for the militia to victimise us,” said Zhou.
Education Minister Aeneas Chigwedere was not immediately available for comment on the matter. – ZimOnline
6.9.2007
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Teachers targeted in pre-election violence
HARARE
A Zimbabwe teachers union says it is setting up a distress fund to assist teachers who fall victim to political violence as the country prepares for crucial parliamentary and presidential elections next year.
Teachers, especially in remote rural areas, are often targeted for beating