Scores of teachers have deserted schools in Rushinga in Mashonaland Central province fleeing marauding Zanu (PF) youths, who have vowed to punish them for defying orders not to make contributions during the constitutional outreach exercise.In many rural areas Zanu (PF) youths and activists handpicked party loyalists to make contributions during the outreach exercise that ended last October. Those selected to speak were coached what to say and invariable spoke in support of the views of President Robert Mugabes party on the new constitution.
Suspected MDC supporters and professionals working in rural such as teachers and nurses were barred from speaking during the exercise whose findings must make the basis of the proposed new governance charter.
Ironically the local MP, Lazarus Dokora, is the deputy minister of education in the coalition government. The youths behind the threats against the teachers have been known to move around with him during election campaigns in the past.
The youths are said to have visited each school in the area, fingering teachers who contributed during the outreach meetings. But instead of the Dokora of taking an interest in the welfare of the teachers he has allowed seven schools in his constituency to close indefinitely, because the teachers have had to flee.
Locals say the MP is hardly seen in the constituency since winning his parliamentary seat but he is understood to be fully aware of the problem of the schools closing down. Police say their hands are tied, a polite way of saying the youths are receiving protection from the MP and other powerful people in Zanu (PF).
Post published in: Politics