Teachers’ unions in Zimbabwe have strongly condemned a controversial proposal made at the recent Zanu-PF National People’s Conference in Mutare, which suggested employing “ideologically grounded” cadres within the civil service. Critics argue that the move threatens to politicise state institutions and erode professional standards in sectors critical to national development, particularly education.
The conference, which concluded last Saturday, instructed the government to deploy public servants who are “aligned with the party’s values” into key positions across the civil service. Education, health, and other strategic sectors were specifically mentioned, sparking immediate backlash from teachers’ organisations concerned about the neutrality and professionalism of public institutions.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) issued a statement condemning the directive, describing it as both dangerous and unconstitutional. The union argued that public servants, particularly teachers, should serve the interests of the nation rather than those of any political party.
“Teachers are public servants, not political agents. Turning schools into ideological spaces threatens classroom neutrality, compromises curriculum integrity, and exposes learners to partisan manipulation,” ARTUZ said. “Education must be a space for inquiry, not indoctrination. Such priorities reveal a widening disconnect between the ruling elite and the realities faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.”
The union further pledged to resist any attempts to politicise the education sector, urging the government to uphold professional standards and safeguard the civil service from partisan interference. ARTUZ emphasised that teachers play a critical role in shaping the next generation, and using them as instruments of political ideology would fundamentally undermine their mandate.
Teachers’ Unions Warn Against Politicising Civil Service After Zanu-PF Conference Proposal
Similarly, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) spoke out against the proposal. PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou warned that the ruling party was attempting to fuse State and party functions, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for democratic governance.
“There is no need to introduce ideological principles in the civil service. What matters are ideas and professional expertise from a broad spectrum of citizens,” Zhou said. “Zanu-PF leaders must respect diversity and avoid cultivating narrow-minded partisanship. The State must remain distinct from the party.”
Zhou also criticised the suggestion that teachers and civil servants should attend the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, stating that such requirements would encourage partisan loyalty at the expense of national unity. “This approach risks creating an environment where civil servants feel compelled to prioritise party allegiance over professional duties and national interest,” he added.
Not all voices, however, have interpreted the directive as overtly partisan. Goodwill Taderera, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), offered a more nuanced view. He suggested that the ruling party’s call for “ideologically grounded” cadres could be understood as promoting a shared national vision, rather than imposing narrow party dogma.
“I think what Zanu-PF means is that the country should have a shared national ideology, similar to the Americans or the British who speak with one voice on national issues,” Taderera explained. “It should not be about following Zanu-PF’s or MDC’s ideology, but about embracing a unifying national vision.”
Taderera added that ideology, if framed correctly, could support the government’s Education 5.0 policy, which focuses on fostering innovation, technological development, and industrialisation. By embedding a coherent national framework in teaching and public service, he argued, civil servants could align their work with strategic development goals without compromising professional independence.
Despite Taderera’s perspective, the overwhelming consensus among teachers’ unions remains one of caution and concern. ARTUZ and PTUZ both reiterated that politicising public institutions could undermine public trust, reduce accountability, and compromise service delivery. They stressed that the civil service should remain merit-based, drawing on expertise and competence rather than political affiliation.
Education analysts have also weighed in, warning that introducing party ideology into schools could erode critical thinking and compromise the integrity of the curriculum. By encouraging teachers to act as ideological enforcers, such policies risk turning classrooms into spaces for political socialisation rather than learning and inquiry.
For now, the debate over the Zanu-PF conference proposal has sparked nationwide discussion on the balance between national cohesion and professional autonomy. Teachers’ unions continue to advocate for the protection of civil service neutrality, insisting that public institutions should serve the people rather than any single political party.
As Zimbabwe grapples with political, economic, and educational challenges, unions stress that safeguarding professionalism in the civil service is essential for national stability, quality education, and sustainable development. The coming months will likely see continued scrutiny of government policies aimed at blending party ideology with state administration, with teachers’ unions at the forefront of defending impartiality and institutional integrity.
Source- Bulawayo24
