Zimbabwe Teachers' Strike Turns Violent: Assaults and Shifting Allegiances

Zimbabwe's teachers strike, called by the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) for better salaries, has taken a violent turn with incidents of assault reported. Duncan Mapasure, a teacher at Mtasa Primary School, was beaten up by ZANU PF militia for refusing to join the strike. The Progressive Teachers Union (PTUZ) has accused ZIMTA of being motivated by politics, aiming to undermine the unity government and frustrate the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The strike, which began almost two weeks ago, has seen a significant number of teachers refusing to report for duty, with some reports suggesting that almost 90 percent of public schools in towns like Bulawayo have few teachers present.

Key Takeaways:

Duncan Mapasure, a teacher at Mtasa Primary School, was assaulted by ZANU PF militia for refusing to join the strike.
ZIMTA's motivation for calling the strike appears to be political, aiming to undermine the unity government and frustrate the MDC.
The PTUZ has accused ZIMTA of coordinating the strike with ZANU PF.
Almost 90 percent of public schools in towns like Bulawayo have few teachers present, as teachers demand better salaries.
The strike began almost two weeks ago, with teachers seeking salary increases from US$140 to US$540 per month.
School Development Associations in low-density areas have begun supplementing teacher salaries, leading to some teachers reporting for duty.
The incident highlights the tension between the ZIMTA and PTUZ unions, with both demanding better salaries for teachers.

Statistics:

Almost 90 percent of public schools in towns like Bulawayo have few teachers present.
Teachers are demanding salary increases from US$140 to US$540 per month.
The strike began almost two weeks ago, on a date other than the provided source's publication date.

Sources:

The Youth Alliance for Democracy
SW Radio Africa
AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)