By Wezhira Munya
The Masvingo District Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) celebrated International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2024, at Mucheke Hall, the oldest Masvingo City-owned hall in Masvingo urban ward 1. The event served as a platform for workers to voice their concerns and demands for an inclusive Zimbabwe free from poverty, corruption, and oppression, which was the theme of the 2024 ZCTU celebrations.
The atmosphere during the celebrations was somber as the majority of workers in Zimbabwe are grappling with socio-economic challenges such as low salaries and the high cost of goods and services. The situation has been further exacerbated by widespread retrenchments and inadequate pension benefits for retired workers. The Zanu PF-led government’s policies have left many Zimbabwean workers in dire straits, and the stress-related problems caused by the tough economic situation are affecting a significant portion of the adult population.
ZCTU’s national third vice president, Mr. Anesu Mupamaunga, was the guest of honor at the Masvingo celebrations. In his address, Vice President Mupamaunga expressed the lack of confidence that Zimbabwean workers have in the newly introduced Zimbabwean dollar, known as ZiG. He predicted that ZiG would fail because the people of Zimbabwe have little faith in its stability and value. The fact that crucial services and goods, including passport acquisition and fuel, are still exclusively priced in United States dollars is evidence of the rejection of ZiG. Moreover, ZiG has already been affected by inflation, with the bank rate of $1 US being equivalent to $13.6 ZiG, while on the black market, the rate is as high as $20 ZiG to $25 ZiG.
VP Mupamaunga called upon the Zimbabwean government and other employers to pay their workers salaries above $500 US in order to address the prevailing economic challenges faced by the workforce.
In his address at ZCTU gathering, Advocate Martin Mureri, a lieutenant of President Nelson Chamisa and the Member of Parliament for Masvingo urban, echoed similar sentiments. He urged the government to ensure that retired workers receive pensions that are above the poverty datum line. Many pensioners are currently living in extreme poverty, unable to afford basic necessities such as healthcare, food, clothing, and other essentials.
Representatives from the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) also spoke at the event, expressing their solidarity with the workers. They called upon the government and all employers to pay workers salaries that meet the poverty datum line, as this would enable parents to afford their children’s education. They highlighted the commodification of education in Zimbabwe, which has led to a rise in the number of students dropping out of tertiary institutions. They urged the government to reduce fees and introduce scholarships and bursaries to support marginalized students.
Senator Maggie Chakabuda, a pro-Chamisa representative, spoke on behalf of women in Masvingo. She urged the government to reduce the high cost of menstrual pads, maternity expenses, and other services and goods that affect women. The economic hardships in Zimbabwe have disproportionately affected females, both in rural and urban areas, and they are struggling to access basic necessities.
Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe, also aligned with Chamisa, commended the ZCTU for its tireless efforts in advocating for workers’ rights. He recognized the importance of their work in fighting for better conditions and improved livelihoods.
Mrs. Sabina Chikwangwani pro-Chamisa, a councilor from Masvingo urban ward 1, appealed to the government and other stakeholders to support disadvantaged community members with food and other essentials. The El-Nino-induced drought has caused poor harvests in Masvingo, exacerbating the food security situation in the region.
The celebrations in Masvingo were not without entertainment. The Great Zimbabwe University workers’ dance group delivered an outstanding performance that delighted the audience. Attendees were treated to delicious food and drinks throughout the event.
Among the notable figures present at the Masvingo ZCTU Workers’ Day celebrations were the pro-Chamisa Masvingo Proportional Representative parliamentarian, Honorable Matara; pro-Chamisa Masvingo City Council Proportional Representative councilor, Esther Zishiri; pro-Chamisa former Masvingo City councilor for ward 1, Mrs. Serina Maridza; Masvingo West pro-Chamisa candidate for the 2023 harmonized elections, Honorable Pedzisai Gasva Chifamba; and prominent ZCTU leaders from Masvingo, including Mrs. Chisirimunhu and Mr. Meso. People with disabilities and leaders from Masvingo ZINASU also attended the event, making it a diverse gathering representing various sectors of society.