By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, May 1, 2025 – Workers across Zimbabwe gathered under the banner of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) to mark Workers’ Day, with a strong call to end corruption, exploitation, and social injustice.
The commemorations, held at Moffat Hall in Mutare, featured solidarity messages from labour unions, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups, all demanding better working conditions, fair wages, and youth empowerment.
This year’s theme, “End Corruption, End Workers’ Exploitation: Workers Unite for Social Justice,” resonated deeply as speakers highlighted the struggles faced by Zimbabwean workers.
ZCTU President Florence Mucha Taruvinga represented by Treasurer General Douglas Chiradza delivered a fiery address, condemning rampant corruption and government inaction, which she said costs the country US$2 billion annually.
“Too much fear breeds misery in the land. As workers, we have nothing to lose save for the chains of bondage,” she declared. She criticized the widening wage gap, where some executives earn up to US$30,000 monthly while most workers struggle on less than US$250.
Taruvinga also accused the judiciary of siding with employers in labour disputes, turning Zimbabwe into a “pariah state” in the eyes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). She called for labour law reforms, an end to workplace victimization, and the formalization of the informal economy, which now employs over 84% of workers.
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Workers Union (ZIDAWU), represented by Proud Nyakunu, highlighted the plight of miners facing unfair dismissals, poor wages, and deadly working conditions.
“Unfair labour practices are rampant, with many cases going unreported due to mistrust in the system,” Nyakunu said. He condemned the casualization of labour, massive retrenchments, and workplaces that fail to meet safety standards.
ZIDAWU demanded: A 100% USD living wage, an end to job losses and unfair dismissals, accident-free workplaces and stronger enforcement of labour laws.
In addition,Nadine Black of the Conscious for Development and and Empowerment Trust(CODET) criticized the systemic exclusion of young workers, arguing that labelling them as “lazy” under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) was unjust.
“Failing to empower the youth is corruption—corruption of opportunity, potential, and the future,” Black said. She urged organizations to create pathways for young workers to thrive, rather than sidelining them.
Moreso, The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Mutare (CCJP), represented by Coordinator Elliot Vengesa, echoed the call for transparency and accountability.
“Corruption diverts resources meant for workers and perpetuates inequality,” Vengesa said. He urged workers to stand united against exploitation, emphasizing that social justice is not a privilege but a right.
As the commemorations concluded, the message was clear: Zimbabwean workers remain united in their fight for dignity, fair wages, and an end to corruption. With rising informality, economic instability, and youth unemployment, the labour movement vowed to keep pushing for systemic change.
“A luta continua! The struggle continues!” declared ZIDAWU, capturing the spirit of Workers’ Day 2025—a day of defiance, solidarity, and hope for a just future.