Zimbabwean Striking Teachers Forced To Revolt Against Tsvangirai

Masvingo, March 06 2010 - Three teachers in Masvingo are nursing wounds at Gunikuni clinic after they were severely beaten by Zanu PF youths for refusing to demonstrate against Prme Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for failing to end western sanctions on Zimbabwe.

The teachers have been on strike for nearly a month now, together with other civil servants for a salary increase of  USd 600 up from USd 150.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavira Zhou said three teachers were on Friday night severely beaten for questioning the logic on criticising the Prime Minister. The three were on Saturday still admitted at Gunikuni clinic.

"We have just received reports that a lot of our members who were on strike are now forced to demonstrate against the Prime Minister. The thugs who have visited schools such as Maungwa in Gutu, Gunikuni and Zishumbe are calling teachers to join them in attacking Tsvangirai on the sanction issue," said Zhou.

The west which include the European Union, America and Britain have all announced that they will extend sanctions on Zimbabwe until there is rule of law and a stop on human rights abuses. This has angered President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party.

"This is happening country wide, teachers are forced to condemn Tsvangirai and in some cases they are told to arrange demonstrations. "This has affected the profession and most teachers are starting to leave schools again," said Zhou.

Zanu PF youths have since given Tsvangirai up to March 14 to act on the issue of sanctions.