Zimbabwe chaos affects education

John Nyashanu
As cases of violence in Zimbabwe escalate, school teachers in rural areas (most of whom were election agents) have become targets, prompting many to flee and schools to shut down.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe estimates that over 1000 teachers have been beaten up and more than 100 schools closed. This as the ruling Zanu PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) are still to compete in a runoff election for the presidency. They fear a crisis in the country's education.

Raymond Majongwe, Secretary General of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe says: "What is most regrettable is that we are approaching June and some children are set to write exams. They will definitely fail because there are no teachers, 2008 will be the worst year for Zimbabwean education."

Most victims accuse militia linked to the ruling party for the violence, but the police disagree. Augustine Chihuri, Police Commissioner General says: "We all know who is behind the violence, it's the MDC. They are the ones calling for mass stay away, for violent removal of the president. They are just a violent party."