The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has called for stronger regional working-class solidarity, urging South African labour movements to move beyond national struggles and unite against what it described as the effects of neoliberalism and "capitalist barbarity".
In a solidarity message delivered by an ARTUZ delegation led by resident Obert Masaraure to the 13th National Congress of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) — taking place from Friday until tomorrow — the union said the socio-economic challenges confronting southern Africa stem from neoliberal economic policies rather than migration.
"We meet at a time when the southern African region is bleeding," the statement read. "South Africa is facing a severe crisis of xenophobia, but let us be dialectical and clear: this is a direct response to the crisis of neoliberalism".
ARTUZ said the struggles of Zimbabwean teachers, who continue to face low wages and state repression, are closely linked to those of South African workers.
The union argued that millions of workers across the region are "suffocating" under austerity measures, deteriorating public services, and rising inequality, warning that migrant workers are being unfairly blamed for a crisis created by economic systems.
Commenting on the congress theme, Advance workplace organisation to defend collective bargaining, heighten class consciousness and advance internationalism, ARTUZ said strengthening workplace organisation is key to empowering workers and advancing broader social change.
"These victories do more than put food on the table — they embolden the working class," the union said. "They build the confidence necessary to... march decisively towards socialism."
The union also urged Nehawu to continue promoting class solidarity and reject xenophobic narratives.
"The real enemy is capital, not the migrant worker," ARTUZ said, concluding its message with the rallying call: "Workers of the continent must unite; we have nothing to lose but our chains!".
The Nehawu congress, one of South Africa's key public sector labour gatherings, is expected to deliberate on collective bargaining, wage negotiations, and the future of organised labour.