ZANU PF youths set up militia ‘bases’ in schools

By Violet Gonda
17 June 2009

ZANU PF youths have set up bases in at least two schools in the Zvimba West constituency in Mashonaland West. The province’s MDC chairman Jephat Karemba told SW Radio Africa on Wednesday that up to 20 youths in each school, wearing ZANU PF regalia, have set up base. He said although they have remained peaceful, there are fears among the teachers that violence could flare up at any time.

“The teachers are the one’s being targeted,” Karemba said. “I have a meeting with the police tomorrow (Thursday) to see what we can do to remove these youths from the schools.”

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) meanwhile reported on Tuesday that ZANU PF youths have ‘moved a gear up in their trail of violence by establishing offices in schools throughout Zimbabwe.’

PTUZ President Takavafira Zhou said the teachers had thought violence would end after the formation of an inclusive government, but recent events across the country were clear indicators that teaching is still an endangered profession in Zimbabwe.

He claimed that ZANU PF youths have established bases in schools like Chikarudzo primary and secondary schools in Masvingo province, and other schools in Mt Darwin, Goromonzi, Gokwe and Mberengwa.

“PTUZ condemns out rightly such machinations and urges ZANU PF in particular to desist from destroying the education system in Zimbabwe. There is an urgent need to provide security in schools if ever the education system is to recover from the effects of lawlessness in the past 10 years,” said Zhou.

The group also threatened to go on strike due to the slow pace of improving salaries and conditions of service for teachers. The PTUZ president said: “The political will of some of the major players is doubtful. If the current insecurity and low salaries continue unabated teachers will have no option except to withdraw their labour. A threat to teachers at any school is a threat to all teachers in Zimbabwe.”

We were not able to reach Education Minister David Coltart.