via Majongwe’s ‘Zanu PF links’ split union 16/10/2014
THE Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has split amid allegations that the union’s secretary general has become too cosy with President Robert Mugabe’s ruling Zanu PF party.
The splinter union, called Progressive Professional Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PPTUZ), is now led by former PTUZ information and publicity secretary for Manicaland, Wilson Makanyaire.
Makanyaire said their biggest grievance against PTUZ was that the union had effectively abandoned teachers and was now focusing on promoting the ruling Zanu PF agenda.
They also accused PTUZ secretary general, Raymond Majongwe, of failing to consult them on key issues and running the union as a one-man show.
Makanyaire said the problem was that Majongwe “is the union, he drives the union, claiming he formed the union”.
He accused Majongwe of betraying teachers.
“We agreed that we were going to form one body of teachers’ union, to fight along with other democrats but surprisingly Ray is dining with the devil and at the end of the day we cannot distinguish whether Ray is Zanu PF or belongs to us.”
Makanyaire said Majongwe’s true colours came out soon after the 2013 general elections when he publicly declared them free and fair and quickly forgot teachers concerns and issues.
President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF party stormed to a thumping victory in the elections against the main opposition MDC-T party led by Morgan Tsvangirai. The MDC-T and major Western powers rejected the outcome of the elections alleging massive electoral irregularities.
“Ray was demanding $1,200 for per month as a salary for teachers but soon after elections he started talking about $300 yet he was the one saying teachers were being underpaid,” he said.
“He primarily talked about teachers being paid salaries below the poverty datum line but surprisingly he is now singing a different song.”
Makanyaire said it is important that teachers’ unions remain apolitical with individuals being allowed to join political parties of their choice.
Contacted for comment, Progressive Teacher’s Union president, Takavafira Zhou, said they wished Makanyaire well in his new endeavour.
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