By Fanuel Chinowaita<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mutare, May 1, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Workers across Zimbabwe gathered under the banner of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) to mark Workers\u2019 Day, with a strong call to end corruption, exploitation, and social injustice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year\u2019s theme, \u201cEnd Corruption, End Workers\u2019 Exploitation: Workers Unite for Social Justice,\u201d<\/em> resonated deeply as speakers highlighted the struggles faced by Zimbabwean workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ZCTU President Florence Mucha Taruvinga<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cToo much fear breeds misery in the land. As workers, we have nothing to lose save for the chains of bondage,\u201d she declared. She criticized the widening wage gap, where some executives earn up to US$30,000 monthly<\/strong> while most workers struggle on less than US$250<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taruvinga also accused the judiciary of siding with employers in labour disputes, turning Zimbabwe into a \u201cpariah state\u201d<\/strong> in the eyes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)<\/strong>. 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Workers Union (ZIDAWU)<\/strong>, represented by Proud Nyakunu<\/strong>, highlighted the plight of miners facing unfair dismissals, poor wages, and deadly working conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUnfair labour practices are rampant, with many cases going unreported due to mistrust in the system,\u201d Nyakunu said. He condemned the casualization of labour<\/strong>, massive retrenchments, and workplaces that fail to meet safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ZIDAWU demanded: A 100% USD living wage, an end to job losses and unfair dismissals, accident-free workplaces and stronger enforcement of labour laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition,Nadine Black<\/strong> of the Conscious for Development and and Empowerment Trust(CODET)<\/strong> criticized the systemic exclusion of young workers, arguing that labelling them as \u201clazy\u201d<\/strong> under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)<\/strong> was unjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFailing to empower the youth is corruption\u2014corruption of opportunity, potential, and the future,\u201d Black said. She urged organizations to create pathways for young workers to thrive, rather than sidelining them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreso, The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Mutare (CCJP)<\/strong>, represented by Coordinator Elliot Vengesa<\/strong>, echoed the call for transparency and accountability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCorruption diverts resources meant for workers and perpetuates inequality,\u201d Vengesa said. He urged workers to stand united against exploitation, emphasizing that social justice is not a privilege but a right<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the commemorations concluded, the message was clear: Zimbabwean workers remain united in their fight for dignity, fair wages, and an end to corruption<\/strong>. With rising informality, economic instability, and youth unemployment, the labour movement vowed to keep pushing for systemic change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA luta continua! The struggle continues!\u201d<\/strong> declared ZIDAWU, capturing the spirit of Workers\u2019 Day 2025\u2014a day of defiance, solidarity, and hope for a just future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Fanuel Chinowaita Mutare, May 1, 2025 \u2013 Workers across Zimbabwe gathered under the banner of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) to mark Workers\u2019 Day, with a strong call to end corruption, exploitation, and social injustice. 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