The Zimbabwean
By Leona Mwavera
19 October 2011
As the country braces itself for a possible election next year, rural schools are already suffering from the harassment of the Zanu (PF) militia.
A Zimbabwe Teachers Association official in Manicaland revealed that some of their members were given an ultimatum by war veterans and youth militia.
“We are very worried with this culture of violence and our members are being victimised in most parts of the province. Most of our members are being told to vacate their schools and this will definitely affect the learning environment for pupils as they approach examination time,” said the official.
He added that schools in Zimunya, Mutare South, Mutasa, Nyanga, Makoni and Chimanimani were the worst affected. Teachers who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that they were being intimidated by war veterans and gangs of militia.
“We were visited by some youth militia who ordered us out of the school, accusing us of supporting MDC. We can’t risk our lives, we have to leave for our safety,” said one teacher from the Zimunya area.
Political analyst, Marlon Bvunzwabaya, said it was the responsibility of those in power to protect innocent citizens from harassment and intimidation.
Minister of Education, Sport and Culture, David Coltart is on record warning war veterans to keep politics out of schools, saying such behaviour reverses the gains of the inclusive government.