ARTUZ Calls for Urgent Action on Teachers’ Debt Crisis

20.09.24

Effort Moyo

11:00-14:00

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has called for urgent intervention to address the worsening debt crisis faced by teachers.

Proposing a debt audit, community dialogues, debt bargaining meetings, and advocacy for debt relief, ARTUZ seeks immediate solutions to the financial struggles of educators.

According to the union, 30% of Zimbabwean teachers earn less than $80 a month, while 70% lose over half of their income to debt repayments. Shockingly, only 5% are debt-free. The crisis dates back to 2018 when civil servant salaries were slashed due to currency devaluation, reducing teachers’ monthly earnings from $540 to as low as $30.

ARTUZ is advocating for government intervention, citing past efforts to assume public debts in 2013 and 2015. The union demands similar action to relieve teachers’ financial burdens.