Luxury for Celebs, Crumbling Schools for Rural Learners: ARTUZ
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has lashed out at controversial businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, accusing him of neglecting the country’s dire education crisis while lavishing luxury gifts on celebrities and religious figures.
In a statement yesterday, ARTUZ condemned Chivhayo for what it called “a deliberate conspiracy with those in power to deny learners basic social services,” amid worsening conditions in rural schools.
“Wicknell Chivhayo is denying millions right to education,” read the statement.
“Batanai Secondary School in Masvingo’s Chivi District is struggling to build just one classroom block.
“It is a satellite school of Gwamakunguvo High School, learners from Badza, Utete, and Tichagwa are currently walking up to 15 km to access education.
“The government policy prescribes a maximum distance of 5 km to school.”
ALSO READ: Masaraure Condemns Child Abuse at Masase High as Ministry Confirms Scandal
The union highlighted that Zimbabwe has a deficit of approximately 3,000 schools.
“Constructing one low-cost school may cost up to US$40,000,” the union said.
“Meanwhile, Wicknell Chivhayo siphoned over US$500 million from Treasury in a space of months.
“That money alone could have built thousands of schools and changed lives in rural communities.”
This comes just days after Chivhayo gifted Mutare based gospel singer Dorcas Moyo a 2025 Toyota Fortuner and US$20,000 in cash an act ARTUZ said symbolises the growing disconnect between Zimbabwe’s elite and its struggling masses.
Moyo had posted lyrics from her song “Ranganayi Henyu Asi Zvichakona”, perceived by many as dismissive during a period of rising national tension and calls for protest action led by expelled ZANU-PF card holder Blessed Geza.
While Moyo’s post was seen by some as a call for patience and faith, others interpreted it as an attempt to pacify the public and steer attention away from the planned demonstrations.
However, Chivhayo’s public show of support for her further fueled suspicions of coordinated efforts to neutralize dissent using religion and celebrity influence.
“Instead of addressing the real crisis in education, Chivhayo rewards silence and complicity.
“He must be brought to account without delay,” said ARTUZ.
The union called on citizens and civil society to reject “elite complicity in oppression” and demanded urgent state investment in rural education infrastructure.
