ARTUZ Accuses Finance Minister of “Economic Genocide” Over Teachers’ Salaries

Harare– The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has accused Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube of presiding over what it termed “economic genocide” against teachers and civil servants, following the government’s failure to review salaries in the first quarter of 2026. Masaraure said the government had reneged on its commitment made during the 2026 national budget presentation to review civil servants’ wages. “We were promised that salaries would be reviewed during the first quarter of 2026, but this has not been effected,” he said.

“This is why we are saying that Minister Ncube has committed an economic genocide against the working people of Zimbabwe.” He also accused senior government officials of benefiting from the ongoing fuel crisis, arguing that Zimbabwe’s fuel prices remain disproportionately high compared to global trends. “We are not in Iran, and it does not make economic sense that we are being charged more for fuel than any other country in the world,” Masaraure said. “We are aware that some of the big wigs, including the minister, are profiteering from this chaos.” Masaraure further criticised Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa for reportedly claiming in Parliament that civil servants’ salaries are competitive, dismissing the assertion as misleading.

In its petition, ARTUZ outlined what it described as a “ten-count indictment for economic justice,” warning of escalating industrial action if grievances are not addressed. Among the union’s key demands is an upward review of salaries to US$1,260. The union raised concerns over the lack of payslips due to a malfunctioning payroll system, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

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The petition highlighted delays in the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which supports vulnerable learners. ARTUZ warned that failure to address the concerns could result in intensified protests and disruption of learning. Planned actions include daily pickets, participation in a March 31 protest dubbed the “Morgan Walk,” and a potential total withdrawal of labour at the start of the next school term. ARTUZ is defiant and declared “No solution, no school,” in its petition

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