By Khokhelani Xhame-Change Radio
In a bold move, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) gave Zimsec a 24-hour ultimatum to pay outstanding allowances to teachers involved in the ongoing examinations process. ARTUZ President, Obert Masaraure, warned that the state’s refusal to pay is a stark reminder that “the life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” – a phrase that rings true for Zimbabwe’s beleaguered teachers.
“War is declared,” Masaraure declared, referencing Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan. “We submitted a petition at 11am giving Zimsec a 24-hour ultimatum to settle T and S for examiners. At 12:00 pm, they made a 30% payment, showing the state has capacity to pay but chooses not to.”
Masaraure accused the state of perpetuating a “Crisis of Capitalism” on the backs of working people, echoing Hobbes’ notion that “might makes right” in a state of nature. The swift payment suggests Zimsec is keen to avoid confrontation, but ARTUZ remains vigilant, demanding full payment of outstanding allowances.
