Zimbabwe: Teachers to demonstrate in Chinhoyi March 29 /update 2

Event

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) are slated to stage a demonstration in Chinhoyi on Friday, March 29. Protesters will gather at 09:00 (local time) at Chinhoyi Park and proceed to the Public Service Commission office, via Magamba Way. After the march, demonstrators will reportedly deliver a petition to the Provincial Public Service Commission Inspector. A heightened security presence, along with associated transportation disruptions, are expected along the march route. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Teachers are protesting to obtain a review of their rural allowances and to be paid in US dollars, among other issues.

In December 2018, teachers staged a 270 km (168 mi) protest march from Mutare to the capital Harare, where many camped outside the Ministry of Finance building to demand salary payments in US dollars. The Chinhoyi rally comes after a similar demonstration was held in Harare on January 7.

The country has been experiencing a deteriorating economic situation for more than a year, due in part to a lack of liquidity. Inflation rates continue to accelerate as the government prints "bond notes" in response to cash shortages linked to foreign currency shortages. The government had hoped that the July elections would lead to increased and much-needed foreign investment, but this has not materialized.

Advice

Individuals in Chinhoyi are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any related public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.