RTUZ March Update- Day One

RTUZ yesterday embarked on its 200km walk from Mutawatawa in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) to Harare as part of advocacy for the betterment of rural education.
The demand for the day was that all forms of violence against teachers in rural areas be stopped to allow them to deliver their work in safe schools.
The march commenced at 1600hrs after delays at the UMP district education offices where a petition was being handed over.
RTUZ leaders who submitted the petition where interrogated by various security agents operating in the area. One of the agents went so far as to give threats that they would not tolerate ‘penetration of ZANU PF territories by the opposition.’
The overzealous agent went on and asked the RTUZ leaders to ‘to pack and leave the area or they would be heroes in the grave yard.’
However the march continued peacefully without incident and the union leadership was joined by dozens of villagers.
The walk went on until 2100hrs and a total of 15 km had been covered by end of Day One.
At around 0200hrs on the morning of 16 August 2016, some food stuffs and water containers were stolen by a group of youths who passed by Nyagande School turn off where camp had been set.
The rest of the night proceeded without incident and the march will resume today (16 August 2016).
The demand for the day is a 100% salary based rural allowance so as to compensate for the hardships of working in rural areas.
More villlagers and parents are expected to join the walk along the way and RTUZ leaders will also take the opportunity to tour schools and assess infrastructure and other challenges.
The march will cover 20km for the day.
RTUZ Information department.
 

14 August 2016
RTUZ STATEMENT ON THE MARCH SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TOMORROW.
All is set for the RTUZ leadership 10 day march, covering 200km, from Mutawatawa growth point in Mrehwa district to Harare beginning tomorow. The march is expected to stretch
from 15th to 25th of August, advocating for the betterment of rural education.
At 1000hrs in the morning RTUZ will hand over a petition of ten demands
at Maramba Pfungwe, Ministry of
Education district offices and immediatly the march gravitates towards the Head Office in Harare.
RTUZ DEMANDS,
1. A salary above PDL on time every month
2. An upward review of rural allowance at
100% of the salary
3. Cessation of the non-transparent pension
contributions
4. Restoration of vacation leave and full
maternity for teachers on probation
5. Infrastructural development in rural schools
and communities
6. An end to all forms of violence against Rural
Teachers
7. A solution to the cash crisis ravaging our
economy
8. Full salaries for Student Teachers
9. Awarding fully recognised school status to
all satellite schools
10. Dissolution of incumbent Government and
fresh elections if our demands are not met.
This is a clarion call to all teachers and parents based in the areas, which we will walk through, to join us and march for the betterment of rural education.
Meanwhile we thank our stakeholders who have sent delegates just joining us and ready to march in solidarity with our noble cause.