Teachers who participated as election candidates axed
Close to 70 teachers have been relieved of their duties by the Zimbabwe Public Service Commission after running as election candidates in the 23 August harmonised elections.
However, unions argue that the government has taken advantage of the situation to punish teachers who contested on opposition party tickets.
Public Service Commission (PSC) general manager Grace Machakaire, in a circular said the commission was replacing 66 teachers who lost their jobs by reason of contesting in last month’s election.
“In line with the Public Service Commission General Letter referenced D/16, dated 17 May 2023, the Commission intends to replace sixty-six (66) teachers who resigned from the Public Service to participate in the 2023 harmonised elections.
“In view of this, you are requested to urgently provide learning areas for the Teachers (copy attached) to enable the Commission to make an informed decision,” Machakaire said in the circular.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has accused government of playing dirty by axing teachers that participated as Citizens Coalition for Change candidates and sparing those who participated under Zanu PF.
“Shockingly teachers like Enock Chevedza (of Gokwe South) and Garikai Makwakwa (Makonde, Mashonaland West) who won as councillors for Zanu PF remain in office,” ARTUZ posted on microblogging site X.
In the build up to the August 23 elections, this publication reported on the PSC’s warning to civil servants who run for elections.
At the time, PSC secretary Tsitsi Choruma released a circular invoking Section 200 (3) and (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 20) Act of 2013.
“A member of the Public Service who wishes to become a candidate for elections to a local authority or has been nominated as a candidate by a political party, political organisation or political movement or declares himself/herself as a candidate for elections to Parliament or local authority shall submit, in writing a letter notifying the commission of his/her intentions.
“The member shall be deemed to have resigned from the Public Service with effect from the date that the authority is granted for those seeking election to a local authority.
“A member of the Public Service who wishes to seek election to Parliament shall be deemed to have resigned from the Public Service with effect from the date of acceptance of his nomination by the Nomination Court,” read the circular.
