By Wezhira Munya*
Tomorrow 1st May 2024, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Masvingo district’s commemorates Workers’ Day. The esteemed guest of honor for this year’s May Day celebration would be Vice President Chipamaunga from Railways Organization, hailing from Gweru. The event is scheduled to take place in Mucheke Hall in ward 1 Masvingo urban, starting at 8 am and concluding at 5 pm. Mr. Meso, one of the organizers, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
The overarching theme chosen for this year’s Workers’ Day celebration is “Workers demand an inclusive Zimbabwe free from poverty, corruption, and oppression.” This theme resonated deeply with the current situation faced by majority Zimbabwean workers, who are grappling with meager salaries and the recent introduction of the new Zimbabwe currency, ZiG, which had already fallen victim to inflation. While the official exchange rate stood at 1 US dollar to ZiG$13.5, the black market rate had surged to ZiG$23 to 1 US dollar.
The majority of workers in Zimbabwe earn wages below the poverty datum line, leaving them unable to afford basic necessities such as rent, education fees, food, and clothing. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has issued a heartfelt appeal to both the Zimbabwe Government and employers, imploring them to ensure that workers receive salaries amounting to $US500 or more. Regrettably, it seems that the Zanu-PF led Government, under the leadership of president Mnangagwa, has yet to acknowledge or respond to the ZCTU’s entreaty. Consequently, workers find themselves confronted with persistent trials and tribulations, as they grapple with the enduring difficulties brought about by this lack of action.
In light of these challenges, prominent figures like Pro-Chamisa Masvingo urban member of parliament and renowned human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri urged all residents and workers of Masvingo urban to attend the ZCTU Masvingo District Commemorations on May Day. Mureri emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Tomorrow, I will attend the ZCTU Masvingo District May Day celebrations in Mucheke Hall, and I urge all citizens to be part of this great event”.
Alongside Advocate Martin Mureri, several esteemed guests are expected to grace the occasion. Pro-Chamisa Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe, Masvingo City councillors, including councillor Sabina Chikwangwani (ward 1), councillor Maxwell Madhuma (ward 3), councillor and deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe (ward 5), councillor Sitemere (ward 6), councillor Tafara Masimba (ward 7), councillor Richard Musekiwa (ward 8), councillor Bernard Muchokwa, Masvingo city’s former Mayor Shantel Chiwara, and Masvingo deputy Mayor Serina Maridza, are all set to attend the Workers’ Day event. In addition to the local representatives, other notable figures, such as Senator Maggie Chakabuda and Masvingo Proportional Representative parliamentarian Honourable Matara, are also expected to grace the event with their presence.
Former Masvingo senator Mr. Godfrey Madzikanda, who have been illegally recalled by the fake Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, called upon all supporters of President Nelson Chamisa from across Masvingo Province to participate in the ZCTU May Day celebrations. Madzikanda highlighted the close association between President Chamisa and ZCTU, emphasizing that the labor body had played a pivotal role in the formation of the MDC party, led by the late President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, with whom President Chamisa had worked closely.
The event promised to be a lively affair, with various forms of entertainment planned. Attendees would be treated to engaging dramas, thought-provoking poems, and solidarity speeches from different organizations affiliated with or under the umbrella of ZCTU. Furthermore, food and drinks are assuredly arranged to provide sustenance and refreshment throughout the day, ensuring a pleasant experience for all participants, said Mrs Chisirimunhu.
With the stage set for the ZCTU Masvingo District Commemoration of Workers’ Day, the organizers and attendees anticipated a significant event that would shed light on the plight of Zimbabwean workers and advocate for a more inclusive society, free from poverty, corruption, and oppression.
