By A Correspondent

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has expressed strong support for the March 31 protests, advising both teachers and students to stay home on the day due to concerns over safety.

In a statement issued ahead of the protests, ARTUZ highlighted the security risks posed by the widespread deployment of security forces across the country.

The union, which represents teachers, emphasized that the safety of both educators and learners could not be guaranteed under such conditions.

“We advise teachers and learners to stay home on 31 March 2025. We have noted massive deployment of security operatives nationwide. Safety of learners and teachers cannot be guaranteed in such a context,” the union said in its statement.

ARTUZ further pointed out the historical context of security forces’ actions, noting that they have often been involved in brutalizing citizens during previous unrest. “Both the security operatives, who have a history of brutalizing citizens, and whoever they are going after, pose a serious security threat to ordinary citizens,” the statement continued.

The teachers’ union’s endorsement of the protests underscores growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the nation’s ongoing crisis, as well as concerns over public safety during times of unrest.