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Voice of the Labour Movement Established 88 19 Is u e No: 2 41 JAN - F EB 2 20 0 Regist er e dt e at h G wPO as a Ne p s aper Cricket: importance of Furore over domestic countries Zim Tours workers’ wages cannot be over emphasised PAGE 6 PAGE 16 MINIMUM WAGE NOW No TNF joy .… workers plot action National labour migration policy on the cards By Own Correspondent ollowing the recent approvals by the cabinet, social partners will Fsoon launch the National Labour Migration Policy which will clarify procedures on the handling of migrant issues. The policy was crafted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with International Organisation for Migration and the tripartite partners - Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare; Employers' Confederation of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). “The aim of the policy is to promote good governance in labour migration; ensure effective regulation of labour migration; empower and protect labour migrants against abuses, malpractice and exploitation; promote the welfare of labour migrants' families; and ultimately, File photo: Workers demonstrating against a proposed wage freeze in the streets of Harare in 2016 maximize the benefits of labour migration for development,” reads the policy in part. BY STAFF REPORTER salaries to the interbank rate. Information minister Monica ZCTU's Michael Kandukutu who is As a result of this stalemate, workers are Mutsvangwa presenting the cabinet representing labour in the crafting of the he Tripartite Negotiating Forum plotting a national action to knock sense into decisions said; “Update on the Tripartite policy, told The Worker that the policy is (TNF) meetings have come and the minds of government and business. The Negotiating Forum (TNF) meetings held on now going through final touch ups. Tgone without anything tangible for ZCTU wants the minimum wage to be 5th and 7th February, 2020. Cabinet “The policy which is still in draft form is workers. implemented through the promulgation of a considered and approved the currently going through the final phases of With expectations high that the meetings Statutory Instrument under the country's recommendations from the Tripartite finalisation through stakeholder input by would address the issue of wage value and labour laws by government. Negotiating Forum (TNF) as presented by stakeholders representing the social probably come up with a position for salaries The ZCTU is now in the process of the Minister of Finance and Economic partners. It will soon be launched by that are indexed to the interbank rate, the consulting its constituency on the appropriate Development as Acting Minister of Public President Emmerson Mnangagwa once this opposite came out. While government and form of action. A number of labour forums Service, Labour and Social Welfare. phase has been completed,” he said. labour agreed on the introduction of the have been planned throughout the country. Regarding the matter on the financing of In a recent communique released by national minimum wage as an interim relief Public Service, Labour and Social minimum wage, Cabinet directed that social partners soon after convening a on the hard pressed workers as government Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima dialogue be pursued to ensure an urgent win- workshop on the policy, chief director in the work to stabilise the currency in the next six acknowledged that the salaries and wages win solution to the matter given the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and months, business remained adamant against issue as an urgent matter which he took to prevailing economic conditions,” she said. Social Welfare, Clifford Matorera speaking the issue preferring negotiations to be done at cabinet for guidance. However, cabinet The labour constituency which was on behalf of the Permanent Secretary the National Employment Council (NEC) directed that more consultations be made on hoping for a positive cabinet outcome on the level. Business is also against indexing To Page 5 the issue. To Page 5

+263772637608 Page 2 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 Pressure mounts for Zim govt to respect workers' rights

BY STAFF REPORTER case postponed to February 24, 2020 at their last appearance on 4 International pressure is February. Court officials said the mounting for the Zimbabwe trial magistrate was out of town government to respect labour hence the trail could not continue. rights following condemnation “We are also concerned that by the International Trade Union Thomas Masvingwe who leads the Confederation (ITUC). National Energy Workers Union of ITUC launched a global Zimbabwe is still facing criminal solidarity campaign in support of th charges arising from the 2018 the ZCTU on the 4 of February demonstration. Another activist demanding that government stop who is the ZCTU secretary general, harassment of trade unions, John Chirenda remains dismissed withdraw criminal charges, amend by the Zimbabwe Revenue draconian laws. Authority,” she said. In a letter to President Emerson Masvingwe was arrested for Mnangagwa, ITUC's General leading a demonstration against the Secretary, Sharan Burrow Zimbabwe Electricity Supply condemned Mnangagwa's Authority over non implementation administration for suppressing of the sectors 2012 Collective workers' rights and demanded that Bargaining Agreement while the state withdraws criminal Chirenda was dismissed for alleged charges against trade unionists. insubordination. The ZCTU activists facing bigotry charges in Mutare “I am writing on behalf of the Burrow said the unions the ITUC representing 207 million world over were also worried about state repressive apparatus, the police · Training of judicial officers on in order to stop an announced workers in 163 countries including the economic decline in Zimbabwe and army in suppressing workers' Freedom of Association and demonstration clearly imposing Zimbabwe to strongly condemn the which have resulted in spiraling strikes, interference in trade union Liberties, human rights and of practical restrictions on workers' continued harassment and judicial cost of living triggered by affairs by government and lack of adequate resources to courts. rights. persecution for trade unionists in impractical economic policies. She judicial independence that had been · Strengthen Social Dialogue. In 2018 the military shot at the your country for carrying out their raised by the ZCTU. demanded the immediate · Provision of technical ZCTU offices in Harare in an legitimate trade union activities,” The commission found the amendment of the Criminal Law assistance by ILO. operation that killed 6 people in she said. Zimbabwe government guilty of Codification and Reform Act, In over a decade, after the the streets of Harare as it quashed Burrow questioned why the case violating workers' rights. It said “The Maintenance of Peace and Order recommendations, there remain demonstrators who were calling of 19 Zimbabwe Congress of Trade commission sees a clear pattern of Act, the Labour Act, the Public some grey areas and visible trends of on the Zimbabwe Electoral Unions (ZCTU) activists who were arrests, detentions, violence and Service Act and the Health Services regression. The government has not Commission to speedily arrested in Mutare in October 2018 torture by the security forces against Act among other statutes. shown any seriousness towards announce the 2018 Presidential for staging a demonstration against trade unionists that coincided with The ITUC successfully called abiding by the ILO Election results. government's unpopular ZCTU nationwide events, indicating for the global day of action on recommendations and sometimes Last year Zimbabwe was introduction of a 2 % tax on that there had been some centralised February 4, 2020 to lobby the acts in bad faith at the eleventh hour listed among the top ten labour electronic transactions had not direction to the security forces to take Harare administration to withdraw towards the annual ILO General violators by the ITUC. The listing been finalised over such a long such action”. all criminal charges against the Conference. came on the backdrop of a brutal period of time when other activists The Commission recommended: activists. In 2016 the ZCTU reported crackdown on ZCTU leaders for including ZCTU President Peter The Zimbabwe government has · Harmonisation of Labour Laws. calling for the January 2019 Mutasa and Secretary General, serious violations against the been found on the wrong side of · A stop to all anti-union government which included a police stayaway. Government reacted Japhet Moyo who were labour law by the international practices. by deploying the military instrumental in organising the crackdown on a ZCTU community. In 2009 the · Establishment of a Human demonstration in which workers resulting in more than 16 people demonstration, and were arrested International Labour Organisation Rights Commission. dying with thousands arrested on the same charges were acquitted were demanding the payment of dispatched a Commission of · Training of security forces on and injured during the military last year. their salaries. On 8 August 2015, Inquiry to Harare to investigate Freedom of Association and liberties crackdown. The Mutare activists have police besieged the ZCTU offices in systemic and systematic use of the and Human rights. appeared in court 11 times had their Harare, arresting trade union leaders No respite for 19 ZCTU activists facing bigotry charges ZCTU snubs POLAD invite BY STAFF REPORTER “The problem that happened frustrated. POLAD is not an institution recognised The Magistrates Court in today was that the trial magistrate ZCTU Eastern regional women BY STAFF REPORTER who is also the provincial Secretary Deliwe Munyongwa at law by the Constitution or any Mutare has further postponed to HE Zimbabwe Congress of th magistrate for Manicaland said it was unfortunate that the legislation hence its use of national the 24 of February the case in Trade Unions (ZCTU), has province is not available and for courts keep postponing their trial. resources in organising and hosting the which 19 ZCTU activists are snubbed an invitation to that reason the matter could not go “The courts appear to taking us T event was unconstitutional. facing 'bigotry' charges after the ahead since it's a partly head matter for granted and have been giving attend the Political Actors Dialogue “The ZCTU would like to thank you trial magistrate failed to turn (POLAD) Economic Summit saying up. which was before her before so we us flimsy reasons for over a year. for your invitation to our President th they cannot associate themselves th are going to proceeding on the 24 We now want the issue finalized. Peter Mutasa to partake in such Appearing in court on the 4 of with an “unconstitutional February the 19 activists were of February we are hopeful that she We now want to be heard and we important discussions. However, as a would be back in office and the now want our freedom,” she said. platform”. matter of principle, we do not support or disappointed to have their case POLAD had invited ZCTU to be th trial would proceed. There was The 19 said the continued associate ourselves with a process or postponed for the 11 time. part of its economic summit but the Passmore Nyakureba, the nothing we could do in the absence dragging of the case was weighing platform that is clearly of the magistrate,” he said. in on them as they could not make labour body declined the invite saying unconstitutional. It (POLAD) cannot be lawyer representing the 19 said he it does not recognise the platform. was hopeful the trial would be The trial has not been long term plans out of Mutare as allowed to stifle and compete with concluded since October 2018 and they were expected to appear in The summit's co-convenor, constitutional institutions that are concluded at their next appearance Retired Justice Sello Nare On as it had dragged for long. the accused are beginning to be court regularly. supposed to be carrying out nonpartisan February 5 2020, wrote to the ZCTU agendas like those institutions found in Moyo said the 'hunt' on inviting its President Peter Mutasa to Chapter 12 of the national charter,” Hands off Mutsiba - ZCTU Mutsiba could be a ploy to silence be a panelist at its forthcoming Moyo said. discontent within the civil service. summit on February 20 organised by He said POLAD could not be BY STAFF REPORTER “We note that the police is looking for Mutsiba for him to “The ZCTU also views the POLAD's Economic Thematic allowed to usurp the functions of a he ZCTU has answer to charges of 'participating 'hunt' on Mutsiba as a threat to Committee which aims to capture the constitutional body like the TNF. condemned the in a public gathering with intent to workers who might want to views of all stakeholders. “Again it cannot be allowed to usurp Tgovernment for hunting promote public violence, breach express themselves in any manner “As a panelist, you are expected to a function that is legally provided for in down Brian Mutsiba, a teacher of peace, or bigotry and insulting over unfavourable working reflect and share your observations. the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) for allegedly leading a students' the flag.' Mutsiba, is alleged to conditions,” he said. Therefore, in preparation of your Act. The ZCTU holds the view that it demonstration while have incited 153 pupils to He added that demonstrations presentation, you are expected to borders on corruption that politicians abrogating on its mandate to participate in a march from their must not be criminalized and that indicate and table issues negatively use national resources for political address the welfare of its school. We are worried by the government should give an ears to impacting the Zimbabwean economy expediency without any legal basis. We workers and that of ordinary state's response to a mere citizens' grievances instead of and make recommendations on how to will therefore not associate ourselves citizens. demonstration while abrogating clamping hard on them when they solve the problem in order to take the with an illegal process,” the letter Mutsiba is alleged to have led its duty of addressing the micro express themselves. Nation forward,” Justice Nare said in explained. pupils to demonstrate against an issues that catalysed the “The Zimbabwe Constitution his letter. Moyo said ZCTU would only attend guarantees under section 59 that increase in fees and teachers' poor demonstration. The issues raised In response to Retired Justice to POLAD when satisfied on the every person has the right to salaries. by the students in their Nare's invitation, ZCTU Secretary platform's legitimacy to use of demonstrate and to present In a statement, ZCTU demonstration are real and General, Japhet Moyo said the ZCTU taxpayers' money. petitions. The students' action on Secretary General, Japhet Moyo justified. They deserve does not partake in unconstitutional POLAD is a dialogue platform said the government was government's urgent attention as the day was not harmful to anyone platforms adding that the ZCTU was and was exercised in peace. It comprising political party leaders who expending its energies on the school fees remains unaffordable pursuing the same agenda at the contested contested the July 2018 wrong target as the pupils were for many while teachers' salaries therefore, does not make sense to Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF). hunt down an ordinary teacher for presidential election which was formed raising legitimate grievances are still far below the food He said the ZCTU believes by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. during their demonstration. basket,” he said. To Page 7 2020 JAN - FEB The Worker Page 3 Japhet Moyo wins top human rights award SOLIDAR has 60 BY STAFF REPORTER contributed greatly to the intolerance, exclusion, and member organisations based struggle for a just and civil where the rights of freedom of he Zimbabwe in 27 countries (22 of which society. association and the right to Congress of Trade are EU countries), and is Unions (ZCTU) Winners are sometimes organise are often arbitrarily T active in 90 countries denied (Zimbabwe is ranked 5 well-known; others are Secretary General Japhet worldwide. Member ordinary people leading in the ITUC Global Rights Moyo has won the organisations are national extraordinary lives, reaching Index and as one of the ten prestigious 2020 SOLIDAR NGOs in Europe, as well as out to the most vulnerable world worst countries for Silver Rose Jury Award for some non-EU and EU-wide groups in their societies, workers' rights). fighting for social justice, organisations, working in one advocating their rights, Japhet's fight for workers' human and trade union or more relevant fields. campaigning for their needs, rights, decent work and social rights in Zimbabwe. The network is brought and providing essential justice has earned him seven The award goes to Civil together by its shared values services such as soup arrests. He is also a former Society Organisations and of solidarity, social equality, kitchens, housing, children's spokesperson of the Crisis in individuals, who dedicate and participation. holidays and literacy classes. Zimbabwe Coalition, an their work to social justice, SOLIDAR works in As SOLIDAR's member umbrella civil rights human rights and global cooperation with its organisations work on watchdog with a membership solidarity. Press Freedom, members, trade unions, projects with local partners from trade unions, Decent Work, Women's political institutions, and civil both in Europe and around nongovernmental Rights and Access to society actors. SOLIDAR the world, examples of organisations and churches. Education for All are the four aims to influence policy at the worthy recipients are found. He also promotes unity in the categories for which the prize EU and international levels, Comrade Japhet Moyo, who Movement for Democratic will be awarded this year. and link members together to won a Special Award by the Change (MDC) (…) These SOLIDAR is a European learn from each other and jury was nominated by roles promote democracy and network of NGOs working to help them carry out projects. Sharan Burrow (ITUC) & good governance in advance social justice in The organisation is affiliated Luca Visentini (ETUC). This Zimbabwe, and all are held on Europe and worldwide. with the Progressive Alliance. was the citation: a voluntary basis. (...) SOLIDAR voices the The Silver Rose Awards were “Brother Japhet Moyo Through his administration, concerns of its member launched in 2000 to help raise has a long-standing history of ZCTU has made significant organisations to the EU and the profile of individuals and 32 years of militancy as a progress in promoting decent international institutions organisations whose ZCTU Secretary General : Japhet Moyo trade union and civil society work and freedom of across the policy sectors of outstanding work is fuelled activist and leader. He is a association, and organising Forum (PCFF), a joint Aminatou Haidar – social affairs, international by vision and tireless dedicated trade unionist workers - including informal Palestinian Israeli President of the Sahrawi NGO cooperation, and lifelong commitment and whose working in a country in crisis economy workers - despite the organisation, to which we Collective of Sahrawi Human learning. achievements have with high levels of political government hostility”. gave a Silver Rose Award in Rights Defenders, which SOLIDAR's Secretary 2007. The organisation expose the human rights General Conny Reuter gathers over 600 families, all violations committed by IFJ condemns harassment of journalist by MDC-A describes the overall priority of whom have lost a close Morocco in the occupied of the award being to promote family member as a result of territories of Western Sahara social justice in Europe and the prolonged conflict. With Morgan Tsvangirai – the elsewhere in the world. its joint activities, the Parents late President of the “We consider it to be a very Circle shows that Zimbabwean Movement for political and progressive reconciliation between Democratic Change and a key award – not meant to honour individuals and nations is figure in the fight for human charity but distinctive possible. rights in Zimbabwe. political engagement,” she Brother Moyo said he had National League for said. won the award in recognition Democracy of Burma – helped She said their choices of the collective efforts of the turn the spotlight on their were equally progressive and ZCTU in fighting for social struggle against Burma's political – and often vanguard. justice. military junta Chapitô “In 2001 for instance, we “We fought for social (Portugal) – an arts centre, dedicated a Silver Rose to justice together and sacrificed professional school of arts and Morgan Tsvangirai, at the together. I owe this to the circus school for young time opposition leader in movement itself,” he said. disadvantaged people and Zimbabwe and opponent of The ZCTU Secretary General adults at risk of social President Robert Mugabe. was in 2018 and 2019 arrested exclusion The award was given to him for organising ZCTU Filo D'Argento (Italy) – a for his outstanding activities demonstrations spending helpline set up for the elderly, to bring about a fairer and weeks in remand prison, has offering support, conversation, more just society – regardless been threatened with death and acting as a watchdog of the many threats, arrests and harm to his family against abuse. Robert Tapfumaneyi mobbed by MDC-A security details and attacks he had to face. members. The Awards are presented Eight years later, Tsvanigirai The winners are always each year at a ceremony held at BY STAFF REPORTER attack on Robert Tapfumaneyi threatened by the security was a deliberate attempt to details and that needs to be became Prime Minister on the advocates of change, united the European Parliament in he International stop him from performing his solved”, the ZUJ added. basis of the historical power- by their passion, commitment Brussels. This year, it will take Federation of work. We support ZUJ's call In a statement MISA- sharing agreement with and vision for bringing about a place on the 14th June in the Journalists (IFJ) on MDC officials to apologise Zimbabwe condemned the Mugabe - and contributed a lot fairer and more just society. European Parliament where he T to the shift of his country Among the winners from wil alo have an opportunity to has condemned the attacks for the attack, fully refund and attack on Tapfumaneyi on perpetrated by the compensate Robert for describing it as barbaric. towards more democracy and previous years are people, and address the European Movement for Democratic damage caused and issue a “MISA-Zimbabwe justice. Another example is organisations providing social Parliament. Change following attacks media protocol for their condemns in the strongest The Parents Circle - Families support: on Robert Tapfumaneyi, a workers that clearly terms possible the barbarism journalist working for Syl guarantees journalists' exhibited by the MDC A media, who was assaulted freedom and protection when security details more so as it Only 27% Zimbabweans survive on salaries comes on the backdrop of by the party's security covering their events”. About 11 percent and 8.9 source of income is salaries This new attack adds to the similar incidences against By Own Correspondent personnel on, 21 January percent state gifts, transfers and wages. long list of journalists who journalists by the party's while covering the party's and own business as their have been threatened, beaten supporters in the run-up to the paltry 27 percent of The average annual gross event in the capital Harare. respectively as their main primary income in IFJ joins the Zimbabwe or arrested by security forces 2018 general elections. The Zimbabweans are source of income. Zimbabwe is $3 777 which Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and political activists in party should keep their surviving on salaries A In Harare and Bulawayo ranges from $ 1 795 in the and the Media Institute of Zimbabwe in recent months. security details on a short while the majority are Southern Africa (MISA- ZUJ's General Secretary, leash and above all educate earning a living from other provinces, 71.3 percent and 20-24 years age group to $6 Zimbabwe) in condemning Foster Dongozi, condemned them in particular and sources of income, the 57.9 percent respectively of 746 in the 55 – 59 years age this attack on press freedom the attack and called on MDC supporters generally on the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency the adults mentioned salaries group. and urged the MDC to refrain officials to apologise publicly lawfulness of journalism as a (ZIMSTAT) has reported. and wages as their main “On average, males have from such acts of violence to Robert Tapfumaneyi and profession which is enshrined According to the document source of income. Sale of higher primary income than and protected under section against journalists. “replace his equipment if it entitled, “Poverty, Income, agricultural own produce as females in most occupations, was damaged during the 61 of the Constitution of Taphumaneyi w a s Consumption and Expenditure main source of income except in occupations such harassed and attacked by scuffle”. Zimbabwe which provides ranges from 43.6 percent in as managers, technicians and ZUJ also urged the MDC for freedom of the press. The Survey” only a third of security staff who accused Zimbabweans are surviving Matabeleland South others. Managers have the him of working for the State to establish a clear protocol for party should conduct its own on salaries. province to about 75 perecnt highest gross incomes Broadcaster, Zimbabwe security personnel on how to internal investigations into in Mashonaland Central followed by professionals,” these unlawful and shameful “Overall, it is observed that Broadcasting Cooperation deal with the media at their province. the report said. public events. This new acts that pose a great risk to 26.6 percent of the adults state (ZBC). The security staff also The study observes that in Persons with lowest grabbed his camera and protocol must guarantee the safety of journalists that salaries and wages are journalists' safety. undertaking their legal and their main source of income. rural areas, 67 percent of average annual gross threw it to the floor and households have sale of primary income are skilled prevented him from covering “Several journalists have professional duties,” read the Slightly over half of the adults agricultural produce as their agriculture, forestry and the event. indicated that they are now statement. sale their own agricultural main source of income while IFJ General Secretary, afraid of covering MDC produce as their main source fishing workers. Anthony Bellanger said: “the events because they feel of income,” the report said. in urban areas the main Page 4 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 The

Voice of the Labour Movement Comment Its time workers flex their muscles As we went to press, there was a stalemate on the issue of a minimum wage at the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF). The main culprits are employers that are refusing to give a minimum wage to workers. That workers are in a more serious situation than when we were officially using the US dollar, need no debate. When the government promulgated SI 142, everything went haywire expect wages and salaries. Employers started charging goods and services as indexed obtaining parallel market rates to US dollar. The food basket is now over ZWL$6 000. Workers lost big time because of SI 142. Workers who were earning US$500 found themselves earning ZWL$500. At the current inter bank rate of US$1: $17 translate into An agenda for decent jobs in Africa US$30. Worse still if you use the parallel market rate of US$1: ZWL$27 (by Mid February 2020), Celestin Monga developing countries have tried to economies with good fundamentals. tackle unemployment and By using fiscal and monetary ew people would think that the figure is just US$19. underemployment by improving the policies whenever possible to Africa's labour markets are What the ZCTU is calling for is just that business environment, typically support economic growth, the most dynamic in the workers be paid ZWL$3 800 as the government F through reforms aiming to increase governments can help to reduce world. labour market flexibility. This uncertainty, thereby making firms work in stabilising the economy. Employers are Yet, according to the International means making it easier for firms to more inclined to invest and hire even Labour Organisation (ILO), African offering ZWL$1 200 which translates into hire and fire workers, scaling back in economies with no lingering countries had some of the lowest US$44 on the parallel market. This is an insult! employee benefits, reducing the tax excess capacity. Furthermore, unemployment rates in 2018. They wedge (the difference between the macroeconomic policies specifically No one will blame workers if they go into the include Niger (0.3%), Rwanda (1%), cost of employing a worker and their geared toward job creation make streets in the near future. They have been Burundi (1.5%), Madagascar take-home pay), weakening trade active labour market programmes (1.7%), Togo (1.7%), Ethiopia placed between a hard rock and a stone. unions and pursuing active labour much more likely to succeed. (1.8%), Tanzania (1.9%), Liberia Everything around them is sky rocketing every market policies (including Second, therefore, African (2%), Benin (2.1%) and Chad minute. From health care, electricity, food, and employment subsidies and training). governments need to consider a (2.2%). Unfortunately these range of labour market initiatives to school fees they have all gone up. Transport But the reality in these countries conventional measures generally are help create jobs. For example, when alone is literary pegged at US$1 per trip and is that most must work to survive more appropriate for advanced fiscal and debt conditions permit, because governments have limited indexed to parallel market rates. economies with high levels of full- they should accelerate the capacity and no fiscal space to It is high time workers say NO to exploitation. time employment and relatively implementation of carefully support social safety nets. African expensive labour. In developing designed, labour-intensive public If there is anything that workers in Zimbabwe economies also have some of the economies with far less full-time works programmes. Well-targeted can find common purpose, it is the need for a world's highest underemployment employment and persistent labour public infrastructure projects rates, caused by erroneous policy living wage. This is what unites workers. surpluses, these measures rarely (whether new investment, repair, or choices, low levels of productivity By settling for ZWL$ 3 800. Workers have produce the hoped-for results. And maintenance) provide much-needed and insufficient growth, despite the because traditional policies neglect incomes, typically to the urban poor, been modest and have even considered that the commitment and hard work of an the most glaring features of low- and can help to ease social and country is facing a huge challenge abundant labour force. income countries' labour markets — political tensions. Moreover, such Defining unemployment and economically. a shortage of good formal sector jobs schemes remove bottlenecks to underemployment, and comparing In fact, trade union leaders risked being and widespread informal growth and contribute to increased them across countries, can itself be employment — empirical evidence productivity. labelled 'sell outs' by workers who want nothing problematic. According to the ILO, of their effectiveness is ambiguous. Evidence from Latin American less than the Poverty datum Line wages of an unemployed person is someone As a recent study from the and Caribbean countries suggests who was not employed during a around ZWL$5 000. Unfortunately, business African Development Bank points that infrastructure investment can specified recent period, and is both sees this as a weakness. It is high time workers out, for too long much of the have a sizable effect on employment. available for and seeking work. developing world neglected the key Yet, poorly targeted public works flex their muscles. The underemployed comprise the principle of successful job-creation schemes may crowd out some private unemployed plus those who are strategies — ensuring that sector jobs, so policymakers should employed less than 30 hours a week economies develop in a manner set wage levels carefully to ensure and want to work full time. Yet, consistent with their comparative that these programmes are cost although most African economists advantage and are internationally effective. In addition, governments and statisticians accept the official competitive. should refrain from hiring the definitions of these terms, Instead of focusing on labour- unemployed directly, but instead policymakers continue to debate intensive sectors, African contract with private firms or their practical significance. governments often tried to replicate nonprofit organisations to provide What is clear is that African per the capital- and technology- jobs. capita gross domestic product (GDP) intensive industries characteristic of Governments could also consider The growth has been insufficient in high-income countries. Such a introducing temporary, transparent recent decades — both in absolute misguided “modernisation” drive and targeted wage subsidies for terms and compared with other parts explains why many African industries that are clearly of the developing world — and economies stay commodity- competitive but are facing The Worker is published by the employment has remained dependent and job-scarce six provisional shocks. Wage subsidies Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions overwhelmingly informal. decades after independence. would allow businesses to keep Africa's population growth poses 2nd Floor, Gorlon House, A better way to circumvent employees on their payroll instead of a further problem. The United 7 Jason Moyo Ave constraints on growth, and boost laying them off, and to hire younger Nations expects the continent's productivity and job creation, workers and women for a given P.O Box 3549, Harare working-age population (those aged African governments should focus period while paying part of their TEL/FAX 04-749256 15 to 64) to double to 1.5-billion by on three policy priorities. First, they salary, enabling them to acquire or 2050 and to reach 2.8-billion in 2100. www.theworkerzimbabwe.com need to gear macroeconomic develop skills that eventually could Providing decent jobs for this huge policies toward ensuring external lead to long-term employment. labour force is perhaps the biggest competitiveness, including the Because some employers may EDITOR problem facing the world, not just adoption of flexible exchange rates regard subsidies simply as a LAST TARABUKU Africa. to mitigate trade shocks. Economic temporary means of securing cheap [email protected] No restrictive immigration policy stability is a precondition for labour, governments must consider in advanced economies would stop sustained growth and hence the the risk of deadweight losses and be the influx of migrants from a REPORTER creation of decent jobs, particularly prudent in determining the level and continent burdened by poverty, ADMORE MARAMBANYIKA in small developing countries that duration of support. Furthermore, joblessness, conflict and climate [email protected] are most vulnerable to shocks. some regions can be caught in a self- change. Demand-boosting policies play fulfilling cycle of dependency in The wrong approach an important role in combating which public sector jobs become the Traditionally, governments in unemployment, especially in To page 12 2020 JAN - FEB, THE WORKER PAGE 5 NUMAIZ desires to unify NEC under its scope of coverage ZCTU mourns former President Matombo

BY JAMES MUTASA work including working hours, health and safety issues, wages and salaries,” he said. he National Union of Metal and According to Nyashanu the Allied Industries in Zimbabwe harmonization of the said 5 NEC will T(NUMAIZ) is mooting an idea to present NUMAIZ with an opportunity to amalgamate the 5 National Employment bring together all its human resources in Councils operating in the Metal Industry terms of negotiators thereby forming one to bridge the widening difference of formidable negotiating team which will minimums in the Metal Industry. negotiate on behalf of all sectors. The industry has the Automotive and “Apart from that,” added Nyashanu, Allied, Electronics Communications and “amalgamation of NEC will further activate Allied, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, negotiations in the Motor Manufacturing Ferro Alloy, Engineering and Iron and Steel. which were last held around 2008 and this NUMAIZ President Anthony Nyashanu has a negative bearing on the employees as said amalgamation of the NEC's would employers refuses to negotiate with them in assist in bridging the salary gap in the their respective works council. industry. Canaan Samukange the Human “NUMAIZ is saddened by the difference Resources Executive of Willowvale Mazda in salaries and wages yielded at various Motor Industry is on record saying that his NECs which falls under our scope of company has withdrawn from the NEC for coverage for example the lowest paying motor manufacturing while David Dumba sector is Motor Manufacturing which still of Quest Motor manufacturing maintains have the audacity to pay employees, among that the NEC was dissolved in 2012 a notion them coach builders, a paltry monthly refuted by Author Mhondo the NEC salary of ZWL$286,” said Nyashanu. secretary general. Nyashanu who was speaking to the Mhondo' assertion was supported by Worker at the sidelines of the ZCTU Sylvester John the Human Recourses General Council meeting held recently Manager of AVM Africa who said that the went on, “the Automotive sector still pays NEC for Motor Manufacturing is still The late Lovemore Matombo December 2019 salaries whose basic operational. minimum is a mere RTGS $361 with ferro It remains to be seen if Nyashanu's quest he labour movement in Zimbabwe was robbed of an illustrious trade unionist alloy paying ZWL$1100 and Electronics to unify the NECs succeeds bearing in mind Lovemore Motombo who died on the 27th of January 2020 in Harare. has its minimum pegged at ZWL$2300. that other secretary generals of the said T “Considering the wider gap of minimums NECs notably Samson Zengeni of National Matombo served in various capacities in the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions which existed among NUMAIZ sectors the Employment Council of the Motor Industry where he served as Vice President in the mid 1980's and at the helm as president from lasting solution to this problem is to work is assumed to be one of the antagonists of 2001–2011. He represented Zimbabwean and regional workers at various platforms hard and fight hard in quest to have one NUMAIZ . locally regionally and globally as ZCTU President, and also President of CASWUZ. NEC which will regulate conditions of In a statement, ZCTU secretary General Japhet Moyo said the labour movement had been robbed with the death of Matombo. “The (ZCTU) has learnt with great shock and sadness on the passing on of Comrade Tongaat Hulett floats voluntary retrenchment package Lovemore Matombo, on 27 January 2020. A humble and fatherly character, he dedicated his entire life to the service of the labour movement by fighting for justice at the workplace. Matombo led the ZCTU during its most trying times 2001 – 2011 when it was under the full might of state repression,” he said. He said Matombo was a fearless trade unionists who led and bore the brunt of the the struggle at a time the enemies of the labour movement were ruthless “Famed for leading from the front, he was arrested several times and was victimised and fired by TelOne over his commitment to trade unionism. Matombo led the most notable September 13 2006 ZCTU demonstration which left him and other leaders heavily brutalised by the police at the infamous Matapi police station in Mbare. Matombo and his deputy Lucia Matibenga, Secretary General Wellington Chibebe, the late General council members Rwatipedza Chigwagwa and Moses Ngondo and other activists were left with broken limbs from their ordeal at Matapi just for leading a bona fide trade union demonstration demanding better welfare for the working poor and citizenry,” said Moyo. He said Matombo's determination on workers issues inspired many trade unionists and gave direction to many who are leading trade unions today. “Many trade unionists of today were groomed by Matombo to become opinion leaders Tongaat Hullet workers. Online Pic in the labour movement, the community and the country at large. He shall forever be remembered for his bravery and resoluteness to cause of the working poor. The ZCTU BY JOKONIAH MAWOPA take. In terms of the law the employer can conveys its sincere condolences to his family, the workers of Zimbabwe and the entire give notice of retrenchment to the affected labour movement over the loss of a trade unionist par excellence,” said Moyo. he country's biggest sugar employees and the package provided by the Condolences for the late Matombo poured from all corners of the world with trade manufacturing company Act is two weeks' salary per each year unionists expressing their last respects. TTongaat Hullet has floated a served unless if parties agree to a better He was laid to rest in his rural home Mutasa district, Manicaland. voluntary retrenchment package to its package. Voluntary retrenchment packages, May his soul rest in peace. employees targeting an unspecified in nature offer improved packages, whether number. the offer is sufficient or not. Employees due According to a memorandum that was for retirement are encouraged to take up the No TNF joy .… workers plot action sent out by the Managing Director Aiden offer given that retirement has no special that it would not rest until the Mhere on the 11th February 2020, the benefits save for your pension. The process From Page 1 negotiating team's position of company has “initiated a process to of voluntary retrenchment may indicate a minimum wage is effected and issue quickly met for a way a minimum wage of ZWL$ 3 wage value is restored. At invigorate its human capital capabilities as a likely compulsory retrenchment exercise in 800-00 as proposed by the response to tough trading conditions”. the near future.” forward as it was becoming TNF, ZCTU had proposed the government as relief measure adoption of the South African The effective date of the mutual Tongaat Hulett's is the sole sugar clear that the other social partners were not grasping the while the government rand in the interim as an termination shall be 1st march 2020 manufacturing company in Zimbabwe and urgency of the matter. stabilises the currency within alternative measure to curtail The company is offering a gratuity they have three sugar estates in Zimbabwe The ZCTU General six months. the sinking Zimdollar and halt equivalent to two-weeks pay for every year are in the Chiredzi District and they border Council met and approved the While labour was economic meltdown but served, retirement bonus, 6 months one another. These are , Triangle Estate in national action after noting proposing ZWL$3800-00, business opted for the severance pay based on basic salary plus Triangle , Hippo Valley Estates and that the working people of business was proposing as low continued use of the local COLA, 12 months medical cover, Mkwasine Estate in Chiredzi. Zimbabwe have suffered as ZWL$1200-00 per month. currency. relocation allowance and Normal terminal Tongaat has workforce of around 20 000 immensely as wages have For the ordinary worker, The ZCTU said business benefits that includes three months salary in and the number varies with the period of the failed to keep pace with the who was anticipating their was not sincere in its options lieu of notice , cash in lieu of accrued leave year as a great percentage of their work is inflationary trends and that it October 2018 salaries which as it was indexing or out days and payment of pension benefits. seasonal. Sugarcane was first planted in the was now practically were denominated in the US rightly charging in US dollars The company has appealed to its region in 1931 by Thomas Murray impossible for workers across dollar to be indexed to the for goods and services but was employees to take up the opportunity to McDougall and was first processed in 1939. all sectors to earn the current interbank rate, it was a blow as not willing to do the same for voluntarily terminate their contracts in Due to the economic decline the country is salaries and sustain their negotiated salaries from most salaries and wages. order to take an early rest or take up the going through, like at Hippo Valley, families or be able to go to national employment councils “The ZCTU noted with entrepreneurial challenge to create wealth production of sugar has fallen in recent work. fall short of the Poverty disappointment that although through other gainful economic projects. years. The decline in production has been The council also Datum Line. In October 2018 business is against indexing Commenting on the voluntary package, compounded by a large body of displaced reaffirmed its position for the poverty datum line was salaries and wages to the US Gift Maoneka the FFAWUZ legal officer farmers who have settled on some of its Zimbabwe to use the South USD579-00 per month but the dollar and exchange rate, said “The voluntary retrenchment offer productive fields, further hampering African Rand as an alternative average salary is now below business itself is profiteering USD50-00 per month. made by Tongaat is as a matter of procedure, production. and ratified labour's by indexing goods and The ZCTU made it clear the initial process which an employer may To Page 8 Page 6 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 Furore over gazetted domestic workers' salaries UNION BRIEFS on bread alone because a loaf of The announcement sparked a Agric sector approves 75% salary increments BY STAFF REPORTER bread per day because that will cost row on twitter with people he government has her $600 per 30 days. By condemning the wages. BY OWN CORRESPONDENT torched a storm after implementing austerity measures Lawyer, Fadzayi Mahere on her THE National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry of Tannouncing pathetic government is indeed re- handle said, “Gardener's wage = Zimbabwe has awarded employees a salary increment of 75.4 % in a domestic workers' salaries introducing slavery,” he said. $160. A whole Minister of Labour bid to cushion them from the ever rising costs of living. gazetted through Statutory To put these figures translate to and Social Welfare sat down and According to a latest Collective Bargaining Agreement published in Instrument 37 of 2020 which sets US$6.40 per month for the declared that the minimum wage the government gazette, the Labour Minister recently approved the the minimum wages for domestic gardener, US$6.74 per month for for a gardener should be US$6.40 agreement published in statutory instrument 116 of 2020, registered in workers in Zimbabwe. the cook or housekeeper US$7.16 per month. This Govt is the biggest terms of section 79 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01]. According to the Statutory per month for the child minder and enemy of the poor. A gardener has “The least paid workers under grade A1 will be earning $465 up from Instrument, the minimum wage for US$7.59 per month for the to work for 12 months without $265 while those in grade A2 $ 283 to $497 .Workers in the middle band a gardener in Zimbabwe is now disabled/aged minder using black paying school fees, eating or who used to earn $300 will now be earning around $500 while the highest ZWL$160 per month, the market rates. For interbank foreign buying anything else to earn paid workers in grade C 2 who used to earn around $523 to $918,” said the agreement. minimum wage for a cook or currency rates the figures translate enough for one of his children to Both employees and employers have been given room to apply to the housekeeper is now ZWL$168.48 to US$9.26 per month for the write exams in 10 O-level subjects”. National Employment Council within 14 days for an exemption from per month, a child minder, is set to gardener, US$9.75 per month for paying wages as set up in the above schedule, stating the reasons why that David Coltart said “This is a earn a minimum of ZWL$179.00 the cook or housekeeper US$10.36 application should be considered. and a disabled or aged minder is to per month for the child minder and regime which is seriously out of The representatives between the sector's employers through earn a of ZWL$189.70 per month. US$10.98 per month for the touch with reality - they have Zimbabwe Agricultural Employers Organisation, Zimbabwe The wages have been disabled or aged minder. The legislated that a gardener only be Commercial Farmers Union, Zimbabwe Farmers Union and Commercial condemned and described as slave Poverty Datum Line (PDL) reached paid RTGS$160 per month. I just Farmers Union as “the employers. wages by some quarters of the $3 700 last November, a 15,7 wonder how much, or rather little, On the employees' side, the General Agriculture and Plantation society. Reacting to the percent rise from October's $3 160 the ZANU PF heavyweights are Workers' Union of Zimbabwe and Horticulture, General Agriculture and announcement, the Zimbabwe according to data released by the paying their farm workers, who Plantation Workers' Union of Zimbabwe were the representatives. Domestics and Allied Workers Zimbabwe National Statistics traditionally earn even less than Union deputy general secretary Agency. gardeners”. Toindepi Dhure said the CWUZ legitimacy duel rages on government was not sincere in gazzetting old wages when there BY STAFF REPORTER was a recent agreement of October THE fight for control of the Commercial Workers Union of 2018 which pegged the minimum at Zimbabwe (CWUZ) continues at the Supreme Court as one of the ZWL$700.00. warring factions has filed for condonation to resubmit its appeal “Those wages have already been which was thrown out by the court. overtaken by inflation. The Supreme Court struck off the roll an appeal by the factions led by Government took time from June David Tunhira citing that the 'the notice of appeal is fatally defective. 2019 to gazette those wages. There The Tunhira faction had appealed against a High Court ruling of 10 was another negotiation that was July 2019 which nullified both factions' congresses ordering the union to concluded in October 2019 whose revert to its 2010 leadership which was then led by Cuthbert Chikwekwete minimum wage and allowances but the faction led by David Tunhira went on to file an appeal against the were ZWL$700.00 per month. High Court ruling spoiling for a protracted fight for control of one of the Why does government not gazette largest workers' unions in Zimbabwe. these wages?” he said. In dismissing the appeal CWUZ factions have been embroiled in a Dhure said the announcement fight for control for the union for the past six years. shattered domestic workers as they Justice Benjamin Chikowero ordered Tunhira, Godwin Munjoma, no longer afford even the barest of Farai Mupango, Takawira Masocha, Morgan Gumede, Wellington Ncube, basics. Lameck Makwenjere and Phelystus Wazulu to stop masquerading as CWUZ leaders. The eight, were interdicted from acting on behalf or using “Zimsec exam fee for 1 subject any of the CWUZ property including letter heads saying their purported is pegged at $ 190.00 at O level. congress was a meeting since it was not held within the confines of the This means government in its sense CWUZ constitution hence and they are not bona fide leaders of is saying a domestic worker will commercial workers union of Zimbabwe. All actions done by the Tunhira have to work for 5 months without faction behalf of CWUZ from 4 July 2013 up to now is null and void. spending a single cent from his or Justice Chikowero ruled that; “The CWUZ constitution has no her wages in order for them to raise provision relating to co-presidents and the 4-6 July 2013 congress was enough for her child to write 5 ultra vires the provisions of the CWUZ constitution and therefore is null subjects. Similarly a domestic and void.” worker cannot even afford to live The other grouping led by Barbra Tanyanyiwa also had its congress nullified for using an unregistered resolution to elect some leadership position. SDMWU expelled from FFAWUZ Ferro-Alloys sector effects 35% salary increment BY JOKONIAH MAOPA BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

he Food Federation and Allied Workers THE Ferro-Alloy Industry key stakeholders representing both employers and Union of Zimbabwe (FFAWUZ) has employees organisations has approved a 35 percent salary increase across the Texpelled the Soft Drink Manufacturing board. Workers Union (SDMWU) for non- payment of The announcement was made recently under Statutory Instrument 48 of 2020 affiliation fees since 2015. sets out salaries for the period July to December 2019. FFAWUZ, is the Federation of food and allied “Under the new salary scales , the least paid employee in grade 1 who used to industries unions in Zimbabwe and each affiliate, earn $502 will be earning $678 per month while the highest paid employee in according to the Constitution pays 60 percent of its grade 12 who was getting $979 will now be taking home $ 1 300 per month,” said the instrument. income to FFAWUZ as monthly affiliation fees. Employees in grade 3 who used to earn $526 have now been placed on $710; The decision to expel SDMWU was made by the grade 4 workers have been placed at $713 up from $529: grade 5 are now at FFAWUZ Central Executive Committee during its $759 from $562: grade 6 $805 up from $596 and grade 7 are now earning th constitutional meeting on the 11 of January 2020 after $836. noting that the union had not complied with a congress The Collective Bargaining Agreement was approved by Labour Minister, Paul resolution compelling it to start paying subscription Mavima section 80 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], published in the fees from September 2015. schedule, which was registered in terms of section 79 of the Labour Act. Asked for comment the FFAWUZ GS said “Yes the Representing the employers in the crafting of the agreement was Ferro Alloy its painful to loose membership but at the same time as Industry Employers' Association, and the Zimbabwe Metal, Energy and Allied Workers' Union represented the workers. a union we have to religiously follow our constitution The National Employment Council for the Ferro Alloy Industry in Zimbabwe both in spirit and practise, the decision was inspired was also a party to the agreement. and motivated by Section 5(6;1)(ii) of the FFAWUZ Runesu Dzimiri “The increase covers the current salary scales for July 2019 and are a CONSTITUTION which spells out that….Failure to multiplication wage minimum by 35% for the period 1st August, 2019 to 31st pay monthly subscriptions for three consecutive Dzimiri said “it's unfortunate and a pity that the of December, 2019, for employees in Ferro Alloy grades 1–16. Should the months without reasonable excuse . " Constitutional decision made by CEC affects Soft economic situation deteriorate, the parties shall reconvene to negotiate,” the CBA said. However despite the union being disaffiliated Drink members whom we think are innocent to this because of none payment of subscriptions it is still The percentage awarded at 35 percent is way far behind the inflationary rate matter. We observed that Soft Drink manufacturing which currently stands at an estimated 520 percent. reliable to the payment of outstanding affiliation fees workers union is an oligarch organization hence we are Workers in Zimbabwe are currently going through the worst experience in in terms of the constitution section 5(6;1)(vii) which appealing to the members that they must regroup history owing to a series of poor economic measures being implemented by states that "Upon such termination of membership by themselves and choose Leadership with workers at government which has seen the Zim-dollar depreciation accelerating at a time whatever means,the affiliate Union(s) Shall be heart, loyal, focused and committed and rejoining the market is indexing prices against parallel market exchange rates. indebted for all outstanding dues up to the date of FFAWUZ- ZCTU. Thus the Only local federation in termination ". According to the NEC resolution the the Food industry recognized Nationally, Regionally Federation had already initiated legal proceedings to and Globally”. recover the outstanding subscriptions. However the SDMWU President Karipache did not Commenting on the effects of the decision to the ordinary Union members the General Secretary Mr respond to calls for his comment over the disaffiliation. 2020 JAN - FEB, The Worker Page 7 Economic literacy for NER Young workers ILO launches landmark Bulawayo informal economy project initiative BY OWN CORRESPONDENT he Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has partnered with the Employers' Confederation of TZimbabwe (EMCOZ), Government and the International Labour Organisation to launch an initiative which facilitates the transition from informal to the informal economy in Bulawayo. The initiative is part of the Employment Promotion and Labour Market Governance Programme (2019 -2020), which in part, seeks to facilitate transition to formality in Zimbabwe, in the process, deepening the respect for workers' fundamental rights and ensuring opportunities for income security, livelihoods and entrepreneurship. The intervention is also contributing to the broader efforts to promote the creation, preservation and sustainability of enterprises and decent jobs in the formal economy and the coherence of macroeconomic, employment, social protection and other social policies. Speaking at the inititiative's launch recently, ZCTU's Head of the Health and Safety Department, Nathan Banda said the initiative has come at an opportune moment. “I would like to take this opportunity to express our support for the NER young workers who attended the economic literacy workshop intervention as employees towards this initiative which will positively impact on job creation, economic growth and more importantly improving the observance of Health and Safety in the informal sector,” BY STAFF REPORTER government's obligations to politics to the economy and respect, protect and fulfil socio- eventually participation in the trade he said. he ZCTU North-eastern economic rights. union and in civic processes. Our Also speaking at the event, the ILO country director, Hopalang Region Young Workers The Participants analysed the goal is to have them engaged in Phororo said the city of kings will be the project's starting point and Trecently held a Youth state of the 7 socio-economic rights campaigns and advocacy and the key lessons drawn from there will be shared with key stakeholders. Economic Forum in Harare, in Harare and came up with capacity that we are building needs “Lessons learnt from Bulawayo will be of use to national actors which discussed in depth, proposed solutions where there are to be showcased where there are and beyond by informing us to develop better insights to develop more economic and Trade Union issues deficits. programmes that affect us be it in responsive policies. We also hope that the project be helpful to deepen and gave insights into the state of ZCTU national organiser politics, society and community the respect for workers' fundamental rights and ensure opportunities socio-economic rights in the city. Michael Kandukutu said the forum movements. We want each of them for income security, livelihoods and entrepreneurship,” she said. The young workers called for a was a sensitisation programme to be an organiser for their unions and The project's brief seen by The Worker says the site in Bulawayo stable currency, practical economic enlighten young workers on the for the ZCTU,” he said. was selected on the potential it presents to become a model for other policies and an end to corruption as prevailing socio-economic He said the young workers micro-enterprises. measures to guarantee economic fundamentals. need to lead the process of The informal sector association representing the traders at this stability, restoration of wage value “We are discussing and defending the trade union ideology selected site has been able to collaborate with private property owners and stimulate job creation. capacitating young workers to be and developing new trade union and negotiate long-term leases. Despite being progressive, the site Ledriz researcher and able to engage in matters of policy, packages to entice new remains with many decent work deficits, which could provide an economist said it was the the economy. We are marrying membership into the trade union. opportunity for policy lessons. Only 200 companies own $17 billion as workers wallow in poverty

serious unequal distribution of Under the new wage structures, wealth. the least paid government worker The horror script was revealed who used to earn $1 045 will be by RBZ governor, John Mangudya taking home $2 500 per month, while presenting a Monetary Policy while those earning $1 885 will Statement on February 17 2020. pocket $4 631. “The level of liquidity or money The new salaries which are set supply in the economy stood at to be received end of February 2020 $34.5 billion as at December 31 have already been wiped out by 2019 and out of the total, 50 percent inflation prompted by exchange is concentrated on only 200 entities rates devaluation which stood at with the highest out of the 200 has around ZWL$30 against US$1 at $1.5 billion dollars while the least the time of publishing. has $2 million,” he said. Within this salary matrix civil Participants at the launch of the initiative John Mangudya The RBZ governor said out of servants, by the country's standards the total $34.5 billion is composed can be deemed the highest paid BY OWN CORRESPONDENT of $22 billion being 64 percent in considering most sectors are AFROCHINE to fork out local currency and $12.5 billion awarding salaries lower than REVELATIONS by the Reserve equivalent to $785 million or 36 ZWL$2 000. Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) this $48k for unfair dismissals percent in foreign currency. The sad part is that these richest month (February) that half of the Just less than a month ago, 200 firms have had influence on the country's $34.5 billion worth of BY JAMES MUTASA government decided to increase movement of exchange rates, price total bank balances is in the civil servants' wages by a margin increases and common economic abour Court Judge Betty Chidziva recently ordered hands of only 200 companies is a ranging from 133 percent to 172 trends further pushing the country's Chinese owned smelting company Afrochine Smelting (Pvt) tip of an iceberg hinting on percent depending on salary grade. working class into abject poverty. LLtd to pay a combined $48 125.11 to its former employees as compensation for unfair dismissal. The affected employees, Notpah Janhi, Tawanda Chikaka and Tafadzwa Jukwa had their initial claim of $56 878.83 reduced by the Hands off Mutsiba - ZCTU court. Chidziva, in a Labour Court order which upheld a ruling granted by From Page 2 Plumtree before jumping the border said was not ready to come back Designated Agent for the Ferro Alloy Industry Princes Chachoka in then eventually made it to without safety guarantee. August 2019 meant that the unfairly dismissed employees' initial claim the actions of school children,” said Gaborone. I lay low once again. “There is a famous adage that says of $56 878.83 was reduced by a significant amount of $8 753.22. Moyo. rd When security details were close I 'Life begins where fear ends'. If the “ 3 Respondent (Afrochine Smelting Private Limited) is hereby Mutsiba has since fled the nd skipped another border into ordered to pay 2 Respondents who are Notpah Jani, Twanada Chikaka country for Namibia. cause is worthy, at times we are Namibia and for now I am safe,” he and Tafadzwa Jukwa $48125.11 by not later than 28 February 2020,” He told the media that he fled compelled to make that sacrifice. said. confirmed the operative part of judge Chidziva' order. persecution by the country's The fight for freedoms and rights “I am a father of three. My family According to the Labour Court order Jani should be paid $18377.73 security agents adding that he did therefore demands some who are was left behind in Zimbabwe under while Chikaka is owed $ 14881.82 and Jukwa $14 865.56. not organise the demonstration but willing to defy the odds and make the upkeep of relatives. My eldest It remains to be seen if Afrochine Private limited abides by the only supported the children in their such sacrifices. As long as I still daughter is a 6th form student at Labour Court order considering that the Chinese owned smelting gaint noble cause. fear for my life I do not see myself Njube High School and did take part absconded the Labour Court proceedings despite being notified by the “I escaped the country after lying coming back. The growing concern in the demonstration. So she was Labour Court Registrar one Mutendamambo to attend the hearing. low for four days since the police is that I may first face a court harassed for a while by the police so “The Chinese owned company is known for disregarding the labour and security agencies had marshal before I appear a civilian as to coerce her into revealing my laws of the land, they did not attend all proceedings from conciliation at instigated a manhunt for me. I gave court as I have served under the whereabouts,” Mutsiba said. the NEC up to the Labour Court deliberately,” said Henry Tarumbira the impression that I had headed for corrections department before I Mustiba said government was General Secretary of NUMAIZ whose union represented Afrochine Zambia on social circles but moved joined the Ministry of Education. A slowly destroying the education employees from hearings at company level to the Labour Court. in the opposite direction and court marshal by any standards is sector and believed it was his moral ruthless. However I aim to keep “If Afrochine ignores the labour court order we will not hesitate to headed for Botswana. “I walked a obligation to advocate for justice, total distance of 30km deep into talking on the rights of the take further legal action against them,” Tarumbira added. especially on the part of children but voiceless, the children,” he said Page 8 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 Zimbabwe exchange sex for jobs: Study

“At times you get asked for sexual form of non-monetary bribe they favours in return for tenders or had experienced. Sextortion is thus a business. What makes the situation part of the bribery culture in difficult, especially for state Zimbabwe. contracts, is how women in “Women who do not have business are perceived by men in money to pay for bribes are thus control of these processes. When forced to use sex as a form of they see a woman, for most of them payment. 15% used employment sex is the first thing that comes to favours as a form of bribery,” reads their mind. Hence women are the report. sexualised and seen as sex-preneurs Women in business were also rather than entrepreneurs,” TIZ found to have faced sexual reports. harassment when seeking More than 57% of women government tenders. surveyed by Transparency “At times you get asked for International Zimbabwe (TIZ) said sexual favours in return for tenders they had been forced to offer sexual or business. What makes the favours in exchange for jobs, situation difficult, especially for medical care and even when state contracts, is how women in seeking placements at schools for business are perceived by men in their children. control of these processes. The survey says Zimbabwe has “When they see a woman, for w w w .m yjoyonline.com an unprecedented number of most of them sex is the first thing women reporting being forced into that comes to their mind. Hence corrupt deals in Zimbabwe. Sexual “All the key informants who Although Zimbabwe has made sextortion: the exchange of sex for women are sexualised and seen as harassment is institutionalised, and took part in the research indicated progress in advancing gender employment, business favours or sex-preneurs rather than women have been suffering for a that Zimbabwe lacks a robust equality through the establishment other favours. entrepreneurs,” TIZ reports. long time. There is need to actively corruption reporting system. They of various institutional, legal and The study by TIZ found women Studies carried out by TIZ in deal with all forms of sexual also highlighted the need for a policy frameworks, the country still in the informal sector experienced 2019 showed women are vulnerable harassment in all sectors,” says the system to promote and protect ranks low on the UN gender sextortion as the main form of non- to sexual abuse when seeking land report. whistleblowers,” TIZ reported. inequality index. monetary bribes by various for residential, business or The study shows women are “Even the police officers require Sexual extortion is rarely officials. agricultural use. being coerced into corruption, while some form of payment to help you. recognised as a form of corruption, About 45% of women said they Sextortion is a global many fear reporting sextortionists They may ask for transport or fuel to yet gender activists say it reduces had received requests for sexual phenomenon that causes serious as some police are thought to be part enable them to investigate. In the women's access to land and markets favours to access a service and 15% harm, robbing women of dignity and of the corruption chain. end they also get bribed by the and reinforces social and economic had used sex to get employment. opportunity, and undermining “For some respondents it was perpetrators.” marginalisation. The report, entitled Gender and confidence in public institutions, fear of reprisal that stopped them Globally, the poor suffer most Lack of political will to deal Corruption, found women were according to rights groups. from reporting whilst others from extortion, paying the highest with corruption has frustrated the increasingly vulnerable to sexual Zimbabwe ranks 158 out of 180 indicated that there was no reward percentage of their income in efforts of the Zimbabwe anti- abuse amid the deteriorating countries included in the for reporting corruption. Regarding bribes, according to the World corruption commission, which has a Zimbabwean economy. Transparency International sextortion, respondents cited the Bank. Zimbabwe loses close to mandate to investigate corruption “57.5% of these respondents corruption perceptions index. justice system as too masculine, $2bn (£1.5bn) to corruption cases in the country. (Online) noted that sexual favours are the “Sex is a currency in many hence they opted not to report. annually. No TNF joy .… workers plot action Teachers Union launches #EXAMFEESMUSTFALL campaign, gvt panics reverses fees From Page 5 services to this exchange rate. The 2015.” The teachers group however said Zimbabwe through significant BY OWN CORRESPONDENT General Council noted with concern the The reversal followed the lowering the fees will compromise investments in education post 1980 high levels of corruptions in the country, he government has Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union the quality of our examinations which statistics on the current rates the illicit financial outflows, and state rescinded its decision to of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has launch hence government should assume of literacy has pointed as good capture by cartels and resolved to join hike this year’s Zimbabwe of the #EXAMFEESMUSTFALL its constitutional mandate of indicators of our progress on T inclusive access to education risk other progressive organisations in Schools Examinations Council campaign to pressure government funding education. (Zimsec) exam fees following an to rein in the Zimbabwe The examinations organ was being lost under the new fighting these scourges bleeding the outcry by parents and teacher Examinations Council's (ZIMSEC) criticised for its inhumane approach dispensation. country,” read a statement released after organisations. move to index examinations fees synonymous to the world of The union said in the long term, following a general council meeting on Education minister Cain Mathema, against the US$ parallel market business despite being a public services like education and 12 February. in a statement said there was need to exchange rates despite the fact that entity partly surviving on taxpayers' healthcare do not benefit the ZCTU President Peter Mutasa called carry out further consultations salaries have remained static. revenue. individual citizens who access them for unity of purpose among workers in before effecting any increases. In a statement, the rural teachers “The ZIMSEC has joined the but the nation which boasts of fighting for the minimum wage and “While the examination fees that union said relevant authorities must band wagon of service providers educated and healthy citizens and restoration of wage value. were published are based on the be sensitive to the plight of who are indexing prices of their any disturbance will have a direct “It is either we get our living wage so actual cost of each examination, the Zimbabweans who have become services to the interbank rates. This impact on economic development. that we restore our dignity, or we fight so ministry would like to inform poorer under President Emmerson is coming at a time when salaries “We are reaching out to a lot of that the oppressive class does not back parents and guardians that following Mnangagwa's administration. have remained stagnant and progressive organisations and their business through our toiling and that further representations, the recently “It is against this background that unemployment is at an all-time citizens, Zimbabweans are ready to those who are ruling, do not enjoy ruling released circular on the 2020 ARTUZ has launched the high. According to the United defend the right to education. us. We will defy every anti-people and Action will be consistently examination fees has been cancelled #EXAMFEESMUSTFALL Nations over 7 million people are anti-workers policies and practices if the communicating from now going with immediate effect,” he said in a campaign. The campaign is facing extreme hunger,” the government does not consider the statement said. forward and government has been statement. informed by both our ideological suffering of workers and review or The backlash comes against a advised of the urgency of this case, “New fees will be announced after standpoint and our love for reverse policies and laws such as SI background where the examinations we pray they will play ball before further consultations have been Zimbabwe. We pledge to do [statutory instrument] 142 of 2019. If anything and everything within our council has pegged fees for 2020 at this nation is engulfed in protests,” made with all the relevant employers continue to pay slave wages means to force government to $190-00 per Ordinary Level subject added ARTUZ. stakeholders. Parents and guardians and commit all workers into abject are, therefore, advised to continue subsidise examination fees,” and Advanced Level at $351-00 per poverty, then workers only have one paying the old fees approved in ARTUZ said. subject. ARTUZ said the gains earned by option. Workers will have to embark on sustained non-violent resistance and fight back against these bad policies and practices,” said Mutasa. J Davies closes Mutare factory, 13 jobs lost The ZCTU said the industrial action was an avenue to boldly show the BY DICKSON CHAERUKA 2020, stated that the firm Chawira. interests. We have requested that succumbed to the adverse In the same letter the the company should follow the seriousness of workers but did not mean economic environment currently company offered to settle the outlined procedure. The company that they were abandoning the negotiating table. . Davies factory, a prevailing in the country. employees' terminal benefits at never brought this issue before Calls by the ZCTU for an industrial subsidiary of Moonlight ''It is with regret that the board two weeks' salary per every year the Works Council neither were action are resonating with those of other JFuneral Assurance of directors have resolved to shut served as service pay, gratuity the employees given a notice. We civic society organisations calling on the Company, has terminated down J Davies (Private) Limited have also challenged the and a three months notice. government to arrest the economic operations at its Mutare due to incapacitation to imposition of a two weeks service The employees', represented meltdown. Factory citing viability pay. The law only provides the resuscitate operations. The by the Zimbabwe Furniture, In January last year, the ZCTU challenges, The Worker has factory has not been operating for Timber and Allied Trades Union two weeks' salary as a minimum learnt. mobilised for a crippling protest over a the past 18 months due to the (ZIFTATU) have challenged and parties are allowed to bargain 150 percent fuel price hike by It has been established that a adverse economic environment their disengagement from the above the minimum,'' said the total of 13 employees lost Mnangagwa, but government moved in therefore the company is forced to factory citing that it was not union's Eastern Regional and ruthlessly crushed arresting ZCTU employment through an close down officially on the 31st of procedural. Organizer, Ezekiel Ngorima involuntary retrenchment at the leaders and killing 17 people in the January 2020. The closure will ''One of the fundamental adding that if the company fails to clampdown. firm. ultimately result to involuntary objectives of the Labour Act give the union audience, they The company, in a letter retrenchment for all employees,'' Chapter (28:01) is the promotion shall be left with no option but addressed to one of its affected cited the letter signed by one of its of the participation of employees litigation. employees dated 29 January managers identified as Elijah in decisions affecting their 2020 JAN - FEB , The Worker Page 9 Insurance, pensions bills on the way

BY STAFF REPORTER regulatory gaps, and especially strengthening of IPEC. he insurance and The Pensions and Provident pensions bills are Fund Bill, in particular, would be Texpected to be out by expected to foster better corporate June as the government moves to governance practices within the implement recommendations of industry while adequately the Justice Smith Commission of providing the legal basis for a Inquiry into the Conversion of troubled entities' resolution Insurance and Pensions values framework as well as increasing the from Zimbabwe dollar to United commission's enforcement powers. States (US) dollar. Finance and Economic The inquiry revealed that loss of Development Minister Mthuli value in insurance and pension Ncube, has said the bills in this benefits was mainly caused by respect should appear before macro-economic regulatory and Parliament during the first half of institutional factors. this year. The commission recommended “The Ministry is seized with reformation of Zimbabwe's legal reforms targeted at the legislation around the insurance legislation governing insurance and pensions sectors as part of and pensions. I understand the Bills initiatives to guard against loss of took long at drafting stage. value and fair compensation after However, I wish to give you noting serious loss of value. assurance that all the three Bills Pensioners are forced to sleep in bank queues waiting to access cash Regulatory failure on the part of will be introduced in Parliament Government and the regulator for during the first half of this year,” he following issues among others: upon dollarization, arguing that the insurance and pensions were million. Pensioners across all said. · To establish the total value, amounts were too small to warrant identified as having caused loss of sectors who retired between 2007 “The macroeconomic reforms nature and type of assets owned by monthly payments. Pensioners were value. and February 2009 lost their that we are implementing, insurance companies and pension paid commutations as small as a few Government was accused of pension lump-sums largely due to particularly currency stabilisation, funds; hundred dollars or one or two failing to guide the industry during the adverse impact of ease of doing business reforms and To determine the causes of loss thousand in rare cases although life- the hyperinflation and currency hyperinflation which whipped off re-engagement efforts are meant to of value of insurance and pension time pensions were expected. debasing and during conversion of their balances in banks. Upon ensure stability, predictability and benefits; A number of pension funds got insurance and pension values when demonetization of the Zimbabwe growth of the economy. I believe ·To assess the conversion away with unremitted pension the economy was dollarized from dollar, pensioners only received as predictability of macroeconomic methods and processes of contribution arrears, employers 2009. little as US$5 as their one third fundamentals is critical for insurance and pension assets and deducted monthly pension The Insurance and Pensions lump-sum benefit. informing pricing assumptions of liabilities to Unites States dollars; contributions from workers'salaries Commission (IPEC) is said to have Lack of transparency on the insurance products and in guiding ·To establish the extend of for all their years of service. That failed to conduct on-site conversion methods, processes and objective determination of the prejudice if any to policy holders included the Mining Industry supervision and investigate its formulae used by insurance present value of future liabilities.” and pensioners; Pension Fund, the Local Authorities licensees, allowing arbitrary companies and pension funds on The Commission was appointed ·To recommend compensation Pension Fund, the National Railways insurance product terminations by the dollarization of the economy in by former President Mugabe and where prejudice has been of Zimbabwe Pension Fund, the insurance companies, poor 2009 was cited as one of the causes the report of the Commission of established and; Unified Council Pension Fund, the investment management practices, of loss of value. Most Inquiry was gazetted on 5th March To examine instances of ZUPCO Pension Fund, the Cold poor record keeping and failing to complainants indicated that their 2018 through General Notice regulatory failures and finally; Storage Company Pension Fund and deal with predatory administration pensions were reduced from Number 149 of 2018. The inquiry · To assess the soundness of the the Fidelity Printers Pension Fund expenses among other issues, several hundreds or thousands of was conducted over an 18 month industry and the role of the and some other insurance short-changed members. dollars to a few United States period from September 2015 to insurance and pension sector in the companies. Consequently, upon Amendment of legislation on dollar cents. Some pensioners got March 2017 and covered a 20 year economy. retirement, pensioners could not insurance and pensions, namely as little as US$0,8c in pension period from 1996 to 2014. A nine Commutations of the full receive their pension benefits from Amendment of the Insurance Bill, cheque sent to them by a life member Commission. pension upon dollarisation, saw a the pension funds. As at December the Pensions and Provident Funds insurance company in 2014 as Its terms of reference of the number of occupational pension 2015, cumulative contribution Bill, and the Insurance and settlement of a life policy and no Commission mandated the schemes and NSSA paying once- arrears for the post-dollarization Pensions Commission Bill is explanation was offered on how Commission to investigate the off pension benefit to pensioners period amounted to about US$328, 5 expected to cover the identified such a figure was arrived at. 4 food sectors reach Q1 wage agreements Capacity building for ZCTU/ZCIEA structures in the Eastern region By Jokoniah Mawopa our sectors in the food industry have concluded wage negotiations for the first quarter of 2020 with Fthe lowest getting above ZWL$3000-00 inclusive of allowances. The four, Meat Fish, Poultry, Abattoir and Meat Processing srector, Brewing and Allied Industries, Sweets and Confectionery and Sugar Processing sector have agreed to reduce life span of their agreements to three months from four months citing the inflationary environment. The first agreements will run from 1st of January 2020 to 31st of March 2020. The increments range from 80 percent to 134.71 percent of basic wages and corresponding percentages for other allowances. The minimum basic wage for the Brewing and sugar processing sectors is now ZWL2400 and for the Sugar Processing is now ZWL 2200 whilst the lowest paid in Meat fish will get ZWL2000 for January and ZWL2100 for February and March 2020. Further to the agreed basic wages the National Employment Council agreed on transport and housing allowances ranging from ZWL500-00 to ZWL660-00 and ZWL400-00 to ZWL500-00 respectively. This will translate to gross basic wage of ZWL3038-00 for the lowest paying sector and ZWL3380-00 for the highest paying sector. The increments are however below the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions proposed national minimum wage of ZWL3800- 00. Commenting on the increments the Food Federation and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe general secretary Runesu The ZCTU and the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economies Association held a two day capacity Dzimiri said they were optimistic of attaining the national building workshop in Mutare to develop the capacities of formal and informal workers to engage with minimum wage in the food industry. policy makers. The workshop also enhanced the capacities of workers in understanding the processes “Our biggest challenge was on our baseline that was far much and procedures used by government in policy formulation as well as identifying the most effective entry low hence we have to employ a strategy of gradual increases points for participating and influencing policy formulation as well as discussing lobbying, advocacy and until we reach the ZCTU benchmarks, we have not abandoned engagement skills with various stakeholders including government organs like parliament and local neither ignore the call by our National Center,” he said. authorities. It was attended by 40 participants with 20 representing each organisation. The remaining sectors to conclude negotiations in the food industry are Food Processing, Milling and the Baking sector. Page 10 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 Mixed reactions to civil servants’ new salaries

BY STAFF REPORTER increment offered by Government, while alleged negotiations for a The new salaries for civil servants better package continue as a said have been met with mixed compromise for the sake of civil reactions from the different servants who are in a desperate quarters of government situation. We believe Apex council employees with some sections has sold out on the workers it dismissing them while others purport to represent. As ARTUZ we embracing the offer. are demanding a salary in US$ The new wages which are a indexed to the interbank rate. Our culmination of negotiations by the salaries should be in tandem with APEX Council and government the changing economic will see the increments ranging environment. What has been agreed between 133 percent and 172 is a far cry from our demands. As percent, with the lowest-paid ARTUZ we are resolute that our worker earning $2 500 while the members deserve better salaries that highest paid getting $4 631per are commensurate with their labour. month starting this month. We will not go back on our demand The agreed wages have embraced for a US$ indexed salary to the by some quarters within the civil interbank rate,” said Masaraure. service and dismissed as damp He said their members, mostly Civil servants demonstrating over low salaries. File pic squib by others. The Zimbabwe based in rural areas were heavily Teachers Association welcomed the incapacitated go to work. chewing the bones of betrayal. Let Government to consider paying the adjust accordingly relative to development and advised its “We have received unfortunate us see how it goes. Government is January shortfalls over three prices, but prices moved up. We members to resume work with reports of harassment of our abusing the loyalty of its darling months after failing to agree on a know that the cost of living has gone immediate effect. incapacitated members that are sweetheart unions,” Majongwe once-off payment. The next up and we will make sure that we try ZIMTA secretary general, Tapson failing to report for duty, this is said. increment for civil servants will be to limit the increases in school fees, Sibanda said the teachers welcomed unwelcome, and we are taking legal PTUZ disengaged from the APEX at the end of April. we also want to stabilise the the outcome and appealed to all measures to stop that insanity. The council accusing the body of being Meanwhile the minister of Finance currency, we want to make sure that members to return to work with government must stop victimizing insincere in its deliberations with and economic development Prof there is more electricity available immediate effect. incapacitated teachers. To save our government. Mthuli Ncube has acknowledged and also food.,” said Prof Ncube. “We appeal to our members to do country from the current economic The APEX council President that salaries remain subdued He said prices should remain stable everything possible to deliver the malaise, we urge the government to Cecilia Alexander said the agreed compared to the prices of goods and and to create that stability the public services required of them,” urgently restore the purchasing position was a compromise services. currency to be stable. said Sibanda. power parity of civil servants to constituting a mere 31 percent of He said government was aware that “We need to make sure that there is The Progressive Teachers Union of stimulate productivity….The their demand. Their initial position the cost of living had gone up and currency stability, which means Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary genocide in the education sector was was based on the October 2018 their focus now would be on price stability and then we allow general Raymond Majongwe and brought by the underpayment of salaries, which they wanted indexed stabilising prices, and adjusting wages to drift up and trying to close Amalgamated Rural Teachers' teachers. Destroying our education to the interbank rate. wages to levels commensurate with that gap.” Union of Zimbabwe president staggers the developmental plans of “We wish to advise our members prices obtaining in the market to Government introduced Statutory Obert Masaraure said the our nation. It is imperative that we that as NJNC we have reached a cushion consumers from Instrument 142 of 2019 which government and the Apex Council urgently reverse the erosion of our provisional agreement as we inflationary pressures that have had agreed on the new salary education system,” he said. continue with negotiations. Having been caused by the parallel market removed the multi-currency regime structure in bad faith. Majongwe described the outcome as taken note of the challenges being exchange rate. which Zimbabwe adopted in Masaraure said Apex council had a sad development. faced by our members due to rising “Relative to prices, wages are way February 2009 to pacify inflation sold out as the outcome was a “We have just noted that cost of living and the state of the behind price increases and that's which had reached unprecedented complete departure from government is in a five-day economy. In our wisdom we agreed what we mean by wage government workers' agreed marathon meeting in Victoria Falls that let's continue to negotiate, but compression. When we adjusted the levels. The result, however, was a postion. with civil service unions. at least let's reach some point where currency towards a market- sharp devaluation of the local “As Amalgamated Rural Teachers Government continues to negotiate we can say for now we sign for determined currency by currency triggering prices of goods Union of Zimbabwe, (ARTUZ) we with its favourite unions. We will something so that our members can introducing the Zimbabwe dollar and services beyond the reach of reject an agreement reached by the keep making noise get something to live on,” she said. away from the 1:1 exchange rate Apex Council to accept a salary “They were in Victoria Falls She said they had pressured with the US dollar, the wages didn't many...... as salaries under threat as Zim-dollar depreciates By Own Correspondent the value in US$ terms. 31 ex-WMMI employees cry foul as 'Zambezi Gas' As of the second week of THE recently announced civil February, exchange rates on the ruling is used to settle 8-year terminal benefits battle servants salaries are already parallel market stood at $28 against under threat owing to the the US$1 while the prices of goods part of Munyanyi' ruling "The Act states that all obligations, continuous depreciation of and basic commodities have not By Staff Reporter Finance Act states that all including contractual obligations, recently incepted Zim- dollar remained stagnant. obligations, including contractual their value shall be deemed to be against the US$ on both the Market watchers have since ore than 31 former obligations, their value shall be rate of 1:1. interbank and parallel markets predicted that by the time civil employees of deemed to be rate of 1:1.". "It is the duty of the tribunal to owing to continuous inflation. servants receive their salaries, the MWillowvale Mazda "It is the duty of the tribunal to interpret the law and from my Recently, government reached exchange rates would have Motor Industries lost out after a interpret the law and from my interpretation, the law is at an agreement with the Apex surpassed $30 against US$1. Council to increase civil servants' Ministry of Labour based in interpretation, the law is at variance with the claimants' Apart from the depreciation wages by a margin ranging from Harare Labour Officer variance with the claimants' position of wanting to be paid challenges, experts have also 133 % to 172 % depending on Munyanyi recently ruled position of wanting to be paid using interbank rate," he adds. warned the decision to effect salary salary grade. against their claim to be paid using interbank rate," he adds. increments will further cause "In the circumstances, the claim Under the new wage structures, their 3 months outstanding "In the circumstances, the claim serious problems in the economy at for paying interbank rate is the least paid government worker salaries accrued in 2012 using for paying interbank rate is dismissed. The respondent is large. interbank rate. who used to earn $1 045 will be Labour and Economic dismissed. The respondent is ordered to pay the outstanding taking home $2 500 per month, The former employees who were Development Research Institute of ordered to pay the outstanding salaries in full using RTGS$ at a while those earning $1 885 will represented by R Muchenje of Zimbabwe economist, Naome salaries in full using RTGS$ at a rate of 1:1 within 14 working days pocket $4 631. Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Chakanya predicted that overall rate of 1:1 within 14 working days from the date the ruling was ZIMTA secretary general, Makoni legal practitioners had from the date the ruling was delivered," concluded Munyanyi. government expenditure will Tapson Sibanda said the teachers exceed the initially set budget. argued that their outstanding delivered," concluded Munyanyi. Taking advantage of Munyanyi' welcomed the outcome and “Government will be forced to salaries accrued in 2012 were paid Taking advantage of Munyanyi' ruling, Human Resources appealed to all members to return spend beyond what is budgeted due in US$ and in that regard they ruling, Human Resources Executive of WMMI Canaan to work with immediate effect. to the imminent risk of resorting to were supposed to be paid either in Executive of WMMI Canaan Samukange immediately “We appeal to our members to do money printing. The new wage foreign currency or at the Samukange immediately transferred $34443.00 to Mbidzo, everything possible to deliver the structures also calls for government prevailing interbank rate as they transferred $34443.00 to Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni legal public services required of them,” had suffered irreparable harm to immediately unveil the Muchadehama and Makoni legal practitioners as payment for the said Sibanda. supplementary budget because the following the unjustifiable practitioners as payment for the outstanding salaries which is to be At the time when the new resources that had been set aside withholding of their salaries by outstanding salaries which is to be distributed to the 31 affected ex- salaries were announced, the Zim will eventually be wiped out,” she WMMI for over 9 years. distributed to the 31 affected ex- employees. dollar exchange rates on the said. In his ruling, Munyanyi had said, employees. "We have lost out," said Anthony parallel market stood at around She said expenditure will be the issue before me for "We have lost out," said Anthony Chiponda one of the affected $24 against US$1 and around $17 overstretched again, throwing the determination is whether or not Chiponda one of the affected employees, "the highest earner on the interbank market. nation into the backyard of budget the outstanding salaries should be employees, "the highest earner will get a mere $1629 while the However, barely three weeks deficits. paid in the old currency or using will get a mere $1629 while the least paid we receive as little as before the government workers Chakanya said such adjustments interbank rate. list paid we receive as little as $687. "It is unfortunate that $687 have laid their hands on their hefty will impact, in turn causing high "The argument by the claimants $687. in 2012 was a lot of money as packages, after enduring a levels of inflation which will that they are owed must be "It is unfortunate that $687 in compared to today.” prolonged period earning amounts worsen the poverty situation for converted using interbank rate is 2012 was a lot of money as far below US$50, events obtaining Zimbabweans. not supported by the law," reads compared to today." "The Finance in the market are already reducing 2020 JAN - FEB , The Worker Page 11 Unionised informal economy workers GAPWUZ empowers Cyclone Idai survivors

gain more rights and recognition “We are at a Crossroads! Unite, Fight Neoliberalism and Austerity”

axi drivers in Ghana, tortilla vendors in Honduras and Asian domestic workers in countries across the Gulf Tregion—all are part of the world's informal economy, comprising 2 billion workers or 61 percent of the global workforce. Although informal economy workers create more than one-third of the world's gross national product, most are either not covered or insufficiently covered by laws or working arrangements guaranteed to formal workers, and have little power to advocate for living wages and safe and secure work. But by joining in unions or other worker associations, workers in the informal economy can gain the collective power they need to make change, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) study. “Interactions Between Workers' Organizations and Workers in the Informal Economy: A Compendium of Practice,” highlights 31 examples of how unions around the world have reached out to workers in the informal economy, improved their working conditions, and supported their transition into the formal economy. “Most people enter the informal economy not by choice but as a consequence of a lack of opportunities in the formal economy and the absence of other means of livelihood,” according to the ILO's 2015 Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation Cyclone Idai survivors (No. 204). “The transition to formality is essential for inclusive development and decent work for all.” ''We went to Chizengu and economic means,'' he said. Collective Power for 100,000 Zimbabwe Informal Economy BY DICKSON CHAERUKA Dhombera Estates with a 12 tonne Goneso further stated that the Workers truck load of a variety of goods for union had also broadened its The vast majority of workers in Africa, nearly 86 percent, depend on he General Agriculture Plantation and Allied the survivors. This was in intervention to skills capacitation the informal economy to make a living. partnership with the CWGH and on disaster preparedness to the While globally, more men (63 percent) than women (58 percent) TWorkers Union (GAPWUZ) has joined forces also with the consent of the survivors and other un-affected work in informal employment, in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, with the corporate world in government. We donated goods workers in the regions. the reverse is true. In Africa, nearly 90 percent of employed women are extending the much needed which included building materials, ''We do not want our members in informal employment compared to 82 percent of men. Women assistance to the survivors of utensils, lightening gadgets and to be caught unaware anymore and working in the informal economy are often in more vulnerable Cyclone Idai which caused an some basic commodities,' said without educating our members on situations than their male counterparts, for example, as domestic intense humanitarian crisis after Goneso. disaster preparedness, our workers who labor in private homes away from the public. it struck the eastern part of the He said the union in intervention would be incomplete. In Zimbabwe, where the proportion of informal employment is more country in March 2019. partnership with its funding It is in this light that the union than 94 percent of total employment (including agriculture), the The union, which has a large partners has also donated some implemented an intensive crusade Compendium of Practice explores how the Zimbabwe Congress of membership base in the affected blankets, sanitary ware to the around the estates in Manicaland Trade Unions (ZCTU), undertook a pathbreaking partnership with areas of Chimanimani and survivors and have funded a teaching membership on disaster informal economy workers to advocate for legal changes that would Chipinge Districts plying their poultry project being implemented preparedness. We carried out the improve their working conditions and livelihoods. trade in the surrounding farms and by some woman at Chisengo campaigns at 6 estates under In 2002, ZCTU, a Solidarity Center partner, joined with the estates, had over 500 of its Estate in Chimanimani. Border Timbers, Allied Timbers Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Labor to membership affected by the The donations he said were an and Forestry Commission where form the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations disaster. ongoing program by the union we met over 2000 employees,'' he (ZCIEA). The association now has 30 territories, each with between ''It is sad news that our until a time the survivors are fully said. five and 10 chapters of 500 informal economy members each. As of membership stationed in the empowered to manage self Tropical Cyclone Idai was 2019, there were 100,000 members in 150 associations. Districts were also part of the 270 sustainability. recorded as one of the worst Market Vendors Harassed, Bullied by Authorities 000 people affected by the disaster. ''In our environment, farm tropical cyclones to affect Africa One of the key challenges informal economy workers face in The most affected were around workers have long been vulnerable and the Southern Hemisphere. It Zimbabwe is harassment and criminalization of the informal economy. 400 members at Dhombera and given their meager income and was ranked as the second-deadliest Most informal workers often lack the required licenses to operate, Chizengu Estates under Allied difficult working conditions hence tropical cyclone on record which which often cost more than they can pay or only can be procured in Timbers. They lost their homes they have little or no capacity to caused a humanitarian crisis in cities hundreds of miles from where they live. and were left with virtually fully rehabilitate themselves from Mozambique, Malawi and As a result, informal workers report widespread harassment and nothing,'' said the GAPWUZ the effects of this disaster. It was Zimbabwe leaving more than 1300 bullying by authorities. In a 2016 ZCIEA survey, 81 percent of 514 Eastern Regional Coordinator, thus imperative for us to extend people dead and many more informal workers said they have been bullied, with 22 percent James Goneso. our humanitarian arm to assist our missing. In Zimbabwe, the storm members although our target and subsequent flooding and specifying that the harassment involved both confiscation of goods and The union, in partnership with group with the partners has even landslides left 340 people dead and threats of violence. Some 36 percent noted the source of harassment the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) recently donated gone beyond just our membership. many others missing. stemmed both from the local authorities and the Zimbabwe Republic The gesture shall continue until a Chimanimani and Chipinge Police, the national police force of Zimbabwe. hordes of basic commodities and construction materials to the time the survivors manage to have were the hardest hit in the country. In highlighting the Zimbabwe example among its case studies, the a strong foot on their own Compendium of Practice points to how ZCIEA has negotiated for and survivors at the two estates. come into agreement with various local government authorities on new approaches, such as reviewing laws to regularize informal workers. “ZCIEA has increased the engagement of informal economy All set for IWD commemorations workers in policy discussions,” according to the study. She added that the day was The commemorations will be in Working with partners like ZCTU throughout the world, Solidarity HE Zimbabwe Congress very important for women in the the ZCTU's six regional centres Center provides trainings and programs to help informal economy of Trade Unions (ZCTU) labour movement and was namely Northeastern (Harare), workers better understand their rights, organize unions to mitigate Twill join the rest of the expecting huge crowds for the Central (Gweru), Southern job vulnerabilities, and learn to bargain for improved conditions and world in commemorating commemorations. (Masvingo), Northern (Chinhoyi) wages. We connect workers with unions, legal services and pro- International Women's Day She said the ZCTU was and Western (Bulawayo). The worker organizations to challenge exploitation. (IWD) in its six regional centres venues for the next month. commemorations have not ZCTU national women been finalized but members and gender coordinator Fiona would be advised. Magaya said preparations for Commemorations on the day commemorations were at an will start with community advanced stage and all work followed by an address regions were raring to go. by the ZCTU Women's “So far our structures have committee. been meeting and fundraising The theme for International activities are going on in Women's Day (8 March) 2020 preparation for the day. We is, I am Generation Equality: have also engaged national Realizing Women's Rights. organisers from our affiliates The theme is aligned with UN and regional officers who are Women's new part of the organising multigenerational campaign, As many as 95% of Zimbabweans work in the informal economy. committees. We want to looking into going into the Generation Equality, which marks When they aren't being ignored, informal entrepreneurs are often capitalize on that and the current communities on the day as a way the 25th anniversary of the Beijing disrespected and exploited by politicians for political purposes. Yet they environment to bring a lot of to sensitise communities on the Declaration and Platform for are eager to sit at the table and engage politicians as the significant people to the commemorations,” work of the ZCTU as well as Action. contributors to the economy that they are. she said. popularizing Page 12 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 Retention of company assets after termination of employment

There has been a worrying trend where improvement lien, also valid against all the employees who would have had their right of retention or contractual right.” of a lien. Applicant's case does not fit in any world, for the amount of the enhancement: contracts terminated hold on to property of The courts have stated that a person who of the three categories. The judgment is cited Fletcher and Fletcher v B u l a w a y o the employer. This has been due to the fact is in possession of the property of another here extensively; Waterworks Co. Ltd 1915 AD 636. The third that the employees would not be aware of will not receive sympathy if he holds such type of lien, is available to anyone who has, the law pertaining to the right of an owner to property without justification. Whether non ''The respondents, it is evident, did not by contract, performed work or incurred vindicate his property. Employees who hold payment of terminal benefits or challenging read and understand the circumstances expenditure on the property of another. It on to the property of an employer has in the termination will constitute a proper which give rise to a lien. They are, in this confers a personal right available only most cases found themselves at the High justification will be looked at later in this regard, referred to the remarks of SANDURA against the other party to the contract (or Court and being saddled with legal costs article. JA who discussed that matter at length in third parties with the knowledge of the lien) which would have been avoided had they That the person will receive no Nexbank Investments (Pvt) Ltd & Anor v to retain the property until paid the contract merely surrendered the property and sympathy from the court can be noted from Global Electrical Mfrs (Pvt) Ltd & Anor, price” (emphasis added).'' followed the prescribed remedies in the following passage in CFI Holdings 2009 (2) ZLR 270 (D) at 273 G-H and 274 A- A nopayment of terminal benefits or a claiming what the employer owes. This Limited v Peggy Rambanapasi and Others C wherein the learned judge, quoting a text in challenge to the termination of employment article will look at the right of an employer HH838/17. Professor R.H. Christie's Business Law in does not fit within any of the categories of a to vindicate and why it is not prudent for 'A man who, without justification, holds Zimbabwe p 454-455, stated as follows: lien. It would not be wise to hold on to the employees to hold on to property which is on to another person's property receives 'The respondents, it is evident, did not property on the basis of any of these two not theirs in order to force an employer to little, if any, sympathy from anyone let alone read and understand the circumstances issues. accede to a demand. the court. A fortiori when he, directly or which give rise to a lien. They are, in this Faced with an application for rei Where any employee refuses to indirectly, pleads a non-existent claim of regard, referred to the remarks of SANDURA vindication, an employee has limited surrender the property of an employer, an right to the property. Where such has been JA who discussed that matter at length in grounds upon which he can ward it off. The application is usually filed at the High Court demanded by its owner, the possessor must Nexbank Investments (Pvt) Ltd & Anor v defences were summarized by Dube J in the for an order that the employee surrenders simply hand it over to him without further Global Electrical Mfrs (Pvt) Ltd & Anor, case of Hwange Colliery Co v Savanhu 2013 the property. This application is known as an ado. It is a complete waste of time for the 2009 (2) ZLR 270 (D) at 273 G-H and 274 A- (1) ZLR 555 as follows: application for rei vindication. The issues possessor to cling on to what he know does C wherein the learned judge, quoting a text in The defendant had acquired the property for determination by the court which are not belong to him under the pretext that he Professor R.H. Christie's Business Law in by prescription. basically requirements for rei vindicatio can has the right to retain the property. This is all Zimbabwe p 454-455, stated as follows: The third party is the owner. be have been laid down as follows in the the more so where he cannot prove his “A right of retention or lien, arises The property was alienated or case of Minister of Higher and tertiary purported right of retention.'' by operation of law from the principle that no destroyed. Education v Rudolph Pimai Matsanga An employee who holds on to the one should be unjustly enriched at the The defendant has a superior HH104/19 property must have a justitication. A legally expense of another. A person who has contractual right to possess.'' '' Whether or not the applicant is the recognised justification usually takes the incurred expenditure on the The right to possess the property of an owner of the property in question. form of a lien. As to what constitutes a lien, property of another, movable or immovable, employer does not extend beyond Whether or not the property is in the court stated the and who is in termination of a contract of employment. possession of the respondent without the following in possession of that This is due to the fact that the property is consent of the applicant. National Blood property, is entitled usually given to advance the business of an Whether or not the respondent has a S e r v i c e to retain possession employer. It is a benefit linked to right to retain the property as against the Zimbabwe v until paid sufficient employment and cannot therefore extend owner.'' E m m a n u e l compensation to beyond termination of employment. That the owner of the property can M a s v i k e n i prevent the owner The right of first refuse does not entitle claim it from anyone holding on to it HH539/17 that; being unjustly an employee to retain the property after emanates from the nature of ownership. 'A lien is only enriched at his termination of employment. It is only a right Possession of the thing lies with the owner. exercisable expense. that can be utilized in the event that the Any person holding on to the property must against the owner The amount of employer intends to dispose the property. do so on the basis of some legally of a thing that has this compensation It is not necessary for employees to hold recognized justification. This can be noted been improved at the expense of another. will depend on the circumstances. A on to property belonging to their employers from the following judgment in The person who has incurred expense in possessor who has incurred necessary in order to force the employer to accede to Chitungwiza Municipality v Maxwell improving the other's property is then expenses- i.e. expenses which must be certain demands. An employee who fees Karenyi HH 93-18; protected by ius retentionis pending incurred to prevent the destruction or aggrieved by any determination must follow “It is trite that the owner may claim his compensation for the improvement or, in the deterioration of the property, has a right of the laid down procedures and therefore avoid property whenever, from whoever is holding case of a mechanic, pending payment for the retention until paid the amount of his unnecessary legal costs. Retaining property it. It is in terms in the nature of ownership services rendered in respect of the particular expenditure. This is known as a salvage lien, which belongs to an employer does not assist that possession of the rei should normally be motor vehicle.' and it gives the possessor a real right against unless if there is reasonable justification with the owner and it follows that no other The High Court has dealt at length with all the world. Useful expenses, i.e expenses which can defeat the employer's right to person may withhold it from the owner the issue of lien in the case of CFI Holdings which have enhanced the value of the vindicate. unless he is vested with some right Limited v Peggy Rambanapasi and Others property, g i v e r i s e t o a n enforceable against the owner and such as HH838/17 where it listed the three categories An agenda for decent jobs in Africa

From Page 4 connect domestic companies to only source of income, foreign firms and global value entrepreneurship is discouraged chains, and provide platforms for and the private sector does not developing capacities and skills. develop. That often results in the If carefully designed, well- emergence of powerful political equipped, and managed, SEZs and constituencies of public sector industrial parks can be enclaves of employees and unions that oppose excellence that attract foreign direct labour market reforms. investment, help local small- and Finally, government-sponsored medium-size enterprises connect to training programmes that help new global value chains, and allow firms and unemployed workers to gain or to operate efficiently even when the regain skills could boost overall business environment is productivity if they target the suboptimal. neediest segments of society, such African policymakers must also as young people, women and address long-standing problems disadvantaged groups. Youth- related to poor investment climates oriented programmes designed in and weak governance. For example, collaboration with private firms, limited financial resources mean academic institutions, and that active labour market policies in nongovernmental organisations Africa often are either random or can yield good results. To maximise politicised, especially with respect the effect of such initiatives, to their sectoral and geographic policymakers should tailor them to targeting. Jobless: Africa has an abundant supply of labour and almost everyone must work because governments the needs of potentially competitive The presence of vested interests cannot provide social safety nets. But the unemployment rate on the continent remains stubbornly high. can make it too politically costly to industries. politically difficult and often take abolish some binding constraints on worries are overblown. Robotics president Franklin D Roosevelt Enclaves of excellence time. growth and job creation, such as and artificial intelligence could once said, “The only thing we have African governments' third Furthermore, some fear that the rigid labour laws. And many help to reorganise workflows in to fear is fear itself.” By policy priority should be to so-called fourth industrial African governments are unable to agri-processing, manufacturing implementing bold policies based establish special economic zones revolution will impede the creation afford national public infrastructure and modern services, thereby on sound ideas, African (SEZs) and industrial parks to of formal sector jobs in Africa, and programmes. The reforms needed to creating new labour-intensive governments in 2020 can work facilitate the development of thus deprive the continent of its remove these obstacles to activities. Such innovation offers toward creating enough decent jobs sectors with strong competitive comparative advantage in labour- sustainable economic growth are infinite possibilities for Africa. for almost everyone. mg.co.za potential. Such initiatives help to intensive industries. But such As former United States 2020 JAN - FEB, The Worker Page 13 Zanu-PF’s theory of diversion From Matutu, Tsenengamu, Hodzi, Khupe and Matombo

Prosecutor General Kumbirai Hodzi

Agents of diversion. Godfrey Tsenengamu and Lewis Matutu elcome to the year and a lost generation; all this as if Victor Matemadanda called them 2020! How time flies its first hand information to to order, they all recanted and Wand how things Zimbabwe. went back into their shells. They remain the same! Noone would Zimbabweans were all glued even agreed to go the Hebert begrudge Chigumura by to the television and social media Chitepo School of Ideology. That saying there is no difference in awe. When they were is Zanu PF for you! Zanu PF is a between today's rulers and that 'suspended' from the party and cult once you are in it you will of yesteryear. directed that they undergo find it difficult to exit. Zvigure To be precise, Mugabe's era. 'ideological' training at Zanu PF's chaizvo. Today's rulers are worse. They Hebert Chitepo School of As if that was not enough! were Mugabe's enforcers and Ideology, the youths leaders even Enter the Prosecutor General they learnt their lessons well. vowed not to attend. Chigumura Kumbirai Hodzi admitting Nelson Chamisa Thokozani Khupe They do not hesitate to point a as usual, was sceptical. Zanu PF is that the state is captured by gun at you (of cause at 45 good at sideshows. Something cartels. That admission by the But somehow I get a sense POLAD. Its time Dr Khupe degrees) something unheard of was brewing. prosecuting office tells a lot. that there is something missing in smells the coffee. during Mugabe's era! The two musketeers thought No meaningful prosecutions her brain called common sense. Lastly, Chigumura would Talking about rulers, what a they had Zimbabweans spell would be held for corruption and Where the hell does she think she like to pass condolence messages way to start 2020 with all the soap bound by their theatrics. They other economic crimes. It would is going with her MDC-T? to the Matombo family opera from (mis)ruling Zanu PF's even tried to organise a be the usual catch and release as Has her hatred of Nelson followind the death of a trade youths league bosses. In an the soap opera seasons unfold. Chamisa clouded her mind to union stalwart comrade attempt to divert us from the Chigumura has to confess such an extent that she does not Lovemore Matombo. Comrade maladministration of the CHIGUMURA that he has always had a soft see beyond her nose? Surely by Matombo was at one time Vice country by the dinosaurs from spot for the MDC-T President santitizing such platforms like President of ZCTU in 1985 Shake Shake building, the Thokozani Khupe. This is Political Actors Dialogue before emerging again to be the Lewis Matutus and Godfrey primarily because of her trade (POLAD), she has dug her ZCTU President from 2001 to Tsenengamus claimed to have union back ground. political grave. POLAD is seen 2011. all of sudden discovered that She rose from being an by every right thinking A true pan Africanist and this country is captured by ordinary worker in the railways, Zimbabwean as President socialist, he led from the front. cartels. What a discovery after joined the Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa's plan to He was arrested several times 40 years of Zanu PF (mis)rule. Amalgamated Railwaymen bring under his armpit and tortured by the Robert To them it was a scoop to conference on corruption and Union and then her role in the troublesome opposition. Mugabe regime. I remember him discover that Sakunda owner and tried to hoodwink everyone, ZCTU General Council. As a It is composed of people like for spending long hours talking business mogul Kudakwashe including the MDC into their single mother, she worked hard, Lovemore Madhuku who do not about Karl Max. Tagwirei is one of the cartel nefarious acts. went to school and acquired a hide their bitterness over Nelson We ended up giving him the master. The Zanu PF youths This time Zimbabweans doctorate degree. That was an Chamisa. Even her best friend nickname “dialectical talked about corruption as if they refused to buy such bull dust and amazing achievement that any Obert Gutu has seen that he is materialism'. Fare thee well have just discovered it, patriotism when party political commissar person would applaud. going nowhere with MDC-T and Mastones! Mugabe struck off from EU sanctions, Mnangagwa on the noose he late former President individuals (Grace, Chiwenga, reforms in the country, as well as Robert Mugabe who Shiri and Sibanda) are suspended.” for the formal political dialogue, Tpassed on September last In a statement, the EU Council which was resumed in 2019. year has been removed from the said sanctions have been extended “The conclusions note the European Union (EU) sanctions for another year on the Zimbabwe ongoing acute humanitarian crisis list but his widow, Grace Defence Industries. in the country, and renew the EU's remains on the “restrictive “Taking into account the support for the people of measures” but President situation in Zimbabwe, including Zimbabwe in various sectors, such Emmerson Mnangagwa remains the yet to be investigated alleged as economic development, on the noose in a revised role of the armed and security primary health care, resilience sanctions lists that was released forces in human rights abuses, the building, as well as through February. Council today agreed to renew its humanitarian assistance,” read the Top politicians who are still on arms embargo and targeted assets statement. the sanctions list include Vice freeze against one company, The Council conclusions President Constantino Chiwenga, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, for emphasise that the EU is prepared Agriculture Minister Perrance one year until 20 February 2021. to review its position on The Late former President Robert Mugabe Shiri and Zimbabwe Defence The arms embargo, as well as the Zimbabwe once the council is regards to serious human rights freeze and travel ban on targeted Forces commander General Philip asset freeze against Zimbabwe satisfied that the government has violations by the country's people and entities. The current EU Valerio Sibanda who were placed Defence Industries, do not affect genuinely reformed on grey areas government in the run up to the sanctions regime on Zimbabwe is under the 2003 EU travel and asset the Zimbabwean economy, foreign highlighted by the council. 2000 election and the fast track imposed pursuant to Council freeze for their role in suppressing direct investment, or trade,” EU The targeted sanctions were land reform programme. There Regulation (EC) No 314/2004 (as the enjoyment of democracy in said. first imposed in February 2002, by was widespread intimidation of amended) and Council Decision Zimbabwe for their previous roles The Council also adopted Common Position 2002/145/CFSP political opponents and the 2011/101/CFSP (as amended), and in the Zimbabwe National Army. conclusions on Zimbabwe when the Council expressed grave harassment of the independent likewise consists of an arms EU said, “the existing affirming the EU's continued concern at the situation in press. The sanctions comprised an embargo and targeted asset freezes restrictive measures against four support for economic and political Zimbabwe, in particular with arms embargo, as well as an asset and travel bans. Page 14 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 Labour standards at the multilateral Zimbabwe economy to development banks: leverage for workers’ power and accountability contract by 5.5% - UN Trade union action has led to imbabwe's economy will UN said, are major downside The expansion of debt is binding labour register a negative risks across the continent which gradually moderating as a result of safeguards at Zgrowth of 5.5 percent and can affect the short-term outlook in fiscal consolidation efforts; multilateral 2.5 percent in 2019 and 2020 many countries in the region. however, there are large variations development respectively owing to foreign “There is also an elevated risk among countries. banks. A new currency shortages, elevated that difficult economic conditions While giving outlook for the ITUC manual public debt and uncontrolled in some countries in southern year, Economist John Robertson shows how to use inflation, a recent report shows. Africa could become more said the government has lost its these safeguards It is, however, poised to grow by entrenched, leading to more worry on production. to fight for labour 3% in 2021. prolonged recessions in Angola, “Mining is still working but in rights and a This year's projection is against Namibia and Zimbabwe. difficulties because of regulation development model with decent work for all. the 2.7 percent and three percent The upsurge in external and illegal activities from gold The World Bank and regional multilateral development banks provide forecasted by the World Bank sovereign bond issuances has also miners and that has done much billions in loans every year to fund projects and private companies in (WB) and the Treasury. raised debt sustainability concerns damage to the environment and the developing countries. A vast number of workers are linked with this Southern Africa's economy in some countries, which could be production sectors,” he said. funding, from construction workers paving roads on a project funded by deteriorated in 2019, with several exacerbated by external or “There are still difficulties in the African Development Bank to workers at a private fertilizer economies stagnant or in recession domestic shocks, including investing, electricity as it is manufacturing facility that expanded with funding from the International amid weak investment, energy slippages in fiscal management.” affecting factories, water, foreign Finance Corporation. Thanks to years of dedicated trade union shortages, high unemployment Fiscal consolidation continues currency to pay for machinery and mobilisation, most loans from multilateral development banks now have and catastrophic weather. in most parts of Africa. In 2019, the none of them is being attended to safeguards requiring safe, decent working conditions and respect for the After an estimated expansion of aggregate fiscal deficit is estimated even though each one of these core labour standards of the ILO. only 0.3 percent in 2019, GDP to have declined moderately due to problem were identified as “Attacks on human and trade union rights are mounting around the growth is projected at 0.9 percent expenditure cuts, especially in oil- problems many years ago. We world, and workers face an uphill battle in organising for decent work. in 2020 before gradually importing countries. know what's wrong but we are not The labour safeguards of the multilateral development banks are leverage recovering to 1.9 percent in 2021. But, fiscal deficits among oil fixing what is wrong.” in these fights. Trade unions have demanded and won such protections. In per capita terms, economic exporters widened as a result of the Basing on the WB and treasury Now it is time to use the labour safeguards to build power and hold the activity in the sub region will slower-than-expected increase in economic growth projections, development banks to account when workers' rights are violated,” said continue to contract until at least oil prices. Economist and Reserve Bank of Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary . 2021. “Meanwhile, in southern Africa Zimbabwe board advisor Eddie The manual provides useful information on how the banks operate, the The number of people living in fiscal deficits are deteriorating as a Cross said: “I see no reason why contents of the labour safeguards, tracking proposed and ongoing loan extreme poverty (those subsisting result of difficult economic we cannot achieve these targets”. projects, engaging with the banks and how to raise complaints when on less than $1.90 per day) conditions in Angola, South Africa “We have to deal with the need workers' rights are violated. A quick guide provides the essential continue to rise in sub-Saharan and Zimbabwe and lower-than- to import up to 2 million tonnes of information to take action, followed by thorough information on Africa and currently account for expected oil prices in Angola,” it grain and oilseeds in the next 12 successful use of the safeguards. more than half of the extreme poor said. months. We need to maintain The guide describes trade union action from Iraq to Poland to force the globally. UN noted that elevated public stability and fiscal targets and get development banks to fully implement the safeguards. Trade unions have In its latest report, World debt is a challenge in several on with the reform program used the safeguards to improve working conditions, organise and Economic Situation and Prospects African countries, limiting the already agreed.” collectively bargain. When disputes arise, unions can find out if a 2020, United Nations (UN) said capacity to implement The country is still recovering development bank is connected to the worksite and use the safeguards. In the country is experiencing a countercyclical and socially from the shocks of cyclone Idai other cases, unions can monitor proposed loans and ensure that labour severe crisis. inclusive policies. Public debt and El-Nino induced drought rights are upheld by the bank and borrower from the start. “In Zimbabwe, economic and levels exceeded 100 percent of which characterised the 2018/19 Although the safeguards are binding, violations by borrowers and financial conditions have GDP in countries such as Cabo cropping season resulting in crop subcontractors remain too common. Trade unions continue to demand deteriorated substantially, Verde, the Congo, Djibouti, failure, livestock and wildlife that the multilateral development banks conduct adequate due diligence prompting the return of Eritrea, Mozambique and Sudan. deaths. and monitoring to ensure respect for the safeguards. Some of the hyperinflation,” UN stated. “Some economies with lower Last year, the country and other problems in implementation arise from gaps in the labour safeguards, The short-term risks across debt ratios, including Zimbabwe, international organizations such as restrictive language on national law and the freedom of African sub regions are tilted to the face increasing repayment launched a revised humanitarian association. The guide provides trade unions with the information to press downside. burdens.” appeal amounting to US$331.5 for better safeguards when the banks conduct periodic policy reviews. On the domestic front, Over the past decade, the rise in million to address the “We need a sustainable development model that fosters decent work agricultural output is highly public debt has been driven by humanitarian needs of 3.7 million and a new social contract between workers, government and business to exposed to weather-related expansionary fiscal policies and people between the periods July fulfil Sustainable Development Goal 8. shocks, with potential for dire knock-on effects from the 2019 to April 2020. All multilateral development banks should adopt and implement economic and social commodity price shock of This and among other issues labour safeguards consistent with the labour protection floor described in consequences. 2014/15, while search-for-yield has brought more pressure to the the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work. In that way they Political conflicts, social behavior among investors has fiscus. Source – FinX can contribute to realising the new social contract that is so urgently instability and security concerns, encouraged external borrowing. needed,” said Burrow. www.ituc-csi.org Cartels are untouchable-Prosecutor-General would make such revelations Cartels are people who are mandated to fight corruption, BY FANUEL CHINOWAITA exposes the octopus links that the fingered in gross corruption which even members of the public and rosecutor-General criminal cartels have on State is crippling the economy of businesspeople, they are also Kumbirai Hodzi has said institutions, key among them the Zimbabwe. involved in these cartels,” he had cartels are difficult to deal country's Presidium,” he said. Recently, Zanu PF suspended earlier told participants at a P He added that Hodzi's Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) with for they have captured state Youth League Deputy Secretary institutions. revelation laid bare the lies by the Lewis Matutu and Political economic thematic committee Hodzi said, "It is difficult to ruling Zanu PF party that the Commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu capacity-building workshop in deal with cartels because of their country's problems were a result of for holding a press conference Bulawayo. stranglehold on key State sanctions. exposing saying Kudakwashe “The cartels are well organised, institutions such as the judiciary, "While Zanu PF has gone Tagwirei, Tafadzwa Musarara and they are organised in the sense that the media, the Zimbabwe Anti- hoarse lying to the world that others are the cartels who are their organisation is deliberate and Corruption Commission, the sanctions are the problem in the working with some government meant to frustrate the discovery of police and political parties." country, recent revelations by Zanu officials to cripple Zimbabwe's their corruption. They make sure Hodzi's acknowledgement has PF senior officials, including the economy. they are not discovered and PG Kumbirai Hodzi since caught the ire of many startling admission by the PG Zimbabwe is said to be losing frustrate the prosecution and the Zimbabweans who are suffering as himself, have exposed the fact that US$1 billion every year to work of law agents,” Hodzi said. elements. When he came into a resulting of corrupt individuals at the heart of the country's rot is the corruption, according to anti-graft “They are taking advantage of power, Mnangagwa fired the and entities holding the country at unbridled culture of sleaze, avarice watchdog, Transparency the technological advancement in Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption ransom. and corruption by the well-heeled International but Hodzi, who was the society and we need to up our Commission commissioners and The PG's sentiments were and the politically connected. The appointed by President Emmerson game and have a cyber-forensic replaced them, raising hopes but castigated by MDC Deputy Prosecutor-General has Mnangagwa in July 2018, laid the laboratory. We need to change our nothing tangible has been Spokesperson Luke unwittingly revealed his impotence blame on the growing laws which will allow cyber as achieved so far. Tamborinyoka, who in his because of the intricate web of sophistication of cartels which he evidence and everybody needs to In August last year, statement said; connections that these cartels have, said were responsible for most of understand the computer-based Mnangagwa fired Priscah "Hodzi, who is mandated to including with the judiciary. It was the high-level corruption. transactions,” he said. Mupfumira, who was then prosecute crimes in the country, lost on Hodzi that as an officer of “The nature of the cartels cuts There have not been any Tourism minister after she was said that it is difficult to deal with the court, he was also implicating across all the institutions, media, meaningful prosecutions on charged with corruption involving cartels because of their himself through his revelation that legal profession, judiciary, corruption since Mnangagwa who $95 million. Her case is still stranglehold on key State the judiciary is part of this festering National Prosecuting Authority took over from Mugabe promised dragging in the courts. institutions. That the country's PG rot", Tamborinyoka said. and all other institution that are to deal decisively with corrupt 2020 JAN - FEB, The Worker Page 15 Nearly half a billion can't find decent work, unemployment set to rise: UN labour report

round half a billion better futures. That's an extremely people work fewer paid serious ?nding that has profound Ahours than they would and worrying implications for like, or are not getting enough social cohesion.” access to paid work, shows a Earlier in January, a UN report study published by the on the economy showed that International Labour developed countries are Organization (ILO), which also experiencing slow growth, and forecasts that unemployment some African countries are will rise by about 2.5 million this stagnating. The consequence is that year. not enough new jobs are being After nine years of relatively created to absorb the growing stable global unemployment, the labour force as it enters the market. World Employment and Social In addition, many African countries Outlook: Trends 2020 puts the are experiencing a drop in real rising jobless numbers down to a incomes and a rise in poverty. stagnating global economy. Eradicating poverty is an The number of people important element of the UN's 2030 unemployed around the world Agenda for Sustainable stands at some 188 million. In Development but, according to the addition, 165 million people don't ILO study, moderate or extreme have enough paid work, and 120 working poverty – de?ned as million have either given up earning less than the equivalent of actively searching for work or $3.20 per day – is expected to edge education or training, and many The report's authors The annual World Employment otherwise lack access to the labour up in 2020-21 in developing more endure substandard working recommend that countries ensure and Social Outlook (WESO) market. countries. condition. that economic growth and Trends report analyses key labour “For millions of ordinary Inequalities related to gender, The rise in trade restrictions and development occurs in a way that market issues, including people, it's increasingly di? cult to age and geographical location protectionism, which could have a leads to the reduction of poverty unemployment, labour build better lives through work”, continue to plague the job market, significant impact on employment, and better working conditions in underutilisation, working poverty, said ILO Director-General Guy with the report showing that these is seen as a potentially worrying low-income countries, through income inequality, labour income Ryder. “Persisting and substantial factors limit both individual trend, as is the significant drop in structural transformation, share and factors that exclude work-related inequalities and opportunity and economic growth. the share of national income in the technological upgrading and people from decent work. exclusion are preventing them Some 267 million young people form of wages, compared to other diversi?cation. news.un.org from ?nding decent work and aged 15-24 are not in employment, forms of production. What is WESO? Interests of sacked KZN members come ahead of relations with ANC Algeria in dangerous crackdown on independent trade unions Independent trade unionists in Algeria face escalating repression for their role in the ongoing democracy movement.

For the past two decades, workers and allow the independent Algerian rights defenders have November of last year denounced the in Algeria have been fighting for the organizations to function free of documented the cases of hundreds growing attacks on civil and political right to form trade unions harassment and victimization. The of civic and political activists known rights and called for the release of all independent of the government and government response has been more to be in detention detained activists. the official trade union of the same. Rym Kadri of the COSYFOP- The European Union continues organization UGTA. Raouf Mellal, president of the affiliated education workers, was to fund legal 'training' for Algerian And, for decades, the government independent union of workers in the arrested on November 24 for her judges who execute the military's has responded with systematic public gas and electricity company participation in a sit-in demanding the orders harassment and repression. A 2014 SONELGAZ as well as the national release of political prisoners. The words 'trade union', however, Human Rights Watch article, Algeria: confederation COSYFOP, continues Released after 4 days, she remains occur only once, where they are Cosatu General Secretary Workers' Rights Trampled, traces to face new punitive charges, most subject to strict legal and police subsumed in a long list of victimized Bheki Ntshalintshali. their struggle and sums it up in these recently a defamation lawsuit filed controls. Hirak activists. Meanwhile, the Picture: Reinart Toerien/EWN words: “The government punishes against him by the then Minister of Hamza Kherroubi, president of the European Union continues to fund peaceful protesters and strikers, Labour in retaliation for COSYFOP-affiliated union of nurses' legal 'training' for Algerian judges DURBAN – The Congress of South including with retaliatory suspensions …complaints against the government assistants, was arrested on December who execute the military's orders. African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says or dismissals from public service jobs, at the ILO. Mellal's persecution, for his support for the general strike Resolutions and recommendations it is not worried that it may severe its and arbitrarily arrests and prosecutes which began in 2017 when he called by COSYFOP beginning have, at the very least, shown their relations with the African National union activists on politically exposed a financial scandal at December 8, charged with 'incitement' limitations. The ILO, when its Congress (ANC) by criticizing it in motivated charges.” SONELGAZ, has intensified with and sentenced to a year in prison. governing body meets in March, can KwaZulu-Natal. Trade union militants now face a COSYFOP's engagement in the Hirak Provisionally released due to his be expected to again provide strong Cosatu has announced it will stop double-barreled repression. They are and successful calls for strikes in medical condition, he was placed in criticism and strong all meetings with the governing targeted as trade unionists challenging March and again in December last police detention on January 21. recommendations, but it has no power party in the province until axed the monopoly of the UGTA, and under year. On February 5, police sealed the Trade union activists not yet to sanction governments. attack for their role in driving and municipal workers in Newcastle and COSYFOP headquarters in Algiers. behind bars or subject to strict police The independent unions in Algeria sustaining the ongoing democracy Mellal has now been convicted Ugu districts are reinstated. supervision are at imminent risk of have been in the forefront of every movement, the magnificent Hirak and sentenced in absentia dozens of being arrested as the authorities seek struggle in defense of democratic civil Over 300 workers have been fired which erupted in February last year. times, including another defamation to destroy the democracy movement. society. They have built committees at the two municipalities in the past The Hirak dislodged Bouteflika, lawsuit stemming from his union's Algerian rights defenders have of the unemployed, defended press three months. but could not shake the structure of defense of a victim of sexual documented the cases of hundreds of freedom, organized solidarity with The two district municipalities power, at the heart of which is the harassment. He faces cumulative civic and political activists known to sub-Saharan migrants. SNAPAP, the have fired workers en-masse military. The street could not prevent penalties of years in prison and be in detention for having joined independent union of workers in the because they took part in illegal the December 12 electoral farce which punitive fines. peaceful demonstrations or for public administration founded in protests and hampered service millions of Algerians understandably Kaddour Chouicha, president of criticizing the government on social 2003, and the unions grouped together delivery. view as thoroughly illegitimate. the independent union of higher media, including the young student with it in CGATA, have anchored the However, Cosatu says the Behind the façade of an election in education workers SESS, member of activist Nour El Houda Oggadi, fight for autonomous democratic which citizens were asked to select the executive committee of CGATA, dismissals were unlawful and they imprisoned since December 19. trade unions (the police closed their one of five presidential candidates the independent union confederation The actual number of the arrested Algiers headquarters in December demand the reinstatement of the approved by the military, the which has been fighting for legal is certainly higher. Virtually no last year). The persistent struggle of workers. crackdown on civic activists, recognition since 2013, and information is allowed to escape from SNAPAP and the organizations it has General Secretary Bheki including trade unionists, has representative on the governing body the south of the country, and freedom inspired by its example helped sustain Ntshalintshali says although they are intensified. of the ITUC, was arrested and of movement is severely restricted a democratic space before the Hirak, affiliated with the ANC, they will not Human Rights Watch, in the 2014 immediately sentenced to one year's everywhere. Farcical legal and when the mass protest emerged, allow the governing party to take article, called on the International imprisonment on December 10 - proceedings are carried out in the independent unions played a vital advantage of them. Labour Organization (ILO) to “urge International Human Rights Day - for absentia; those found guilty are often role. “For us the first point is to defend Algeria to end its repression of criticizing the military and civil informed of the sentences only at the Many-sided international support - the interests of our members. We independent union activity.” In authorities. Provisionally released moment of arrest. from unions, human rights defenders, response to complaints filed with the will support the ANC where it's after one month, he was rearrested on Human rights defenders governments - is needed now, more ILO, with the support of international January 14. Chouicha is vice- internationally have done a good job than ever, to ensure that the necessary, but we will be the first, trade union organizations. The ILO president of the Algerian League for of documenting the ongoing independent trade unions survive the when the ANC or the ANC has done just that. The ILO the Defense of Human Rights and repression, in real time, but the new wave of repression and remain in government does something wrong, Committee on Freedom of president of its Oran section. specific role and contribution of the the forefront of the fight for to be on the street to protest and Association and its Committee of Union militant Ibrahim Daouadji independent unions is scarcely, if at democracy – and can play their role as communicate a message.” Experts on the Application of was arrested on October 12 on similar all, appreciated or acknowledged. An essential guarantors of freedom in the The trade union has vowed to Standards have systematically urged charges and remains in prison. He was exemplary resolution of the European democratic society millions of mount pressure on the provincial the government to register the arrested together with his 3-year-old Parliament On the situation of Algerians are committed to winning. government until the workers are independent unions, reinstate son, who was only released after freedoms in Algeria adopted in www.opendemocracy.net reinstated. (Online) dismissed trade unionists to their jobs lawyers intervened. Page 16 The Worker, JAN - FEB 2020 CHAN 2020: Warriors drawn Importance of countries ‘Zimbabwe tours' with hosts, Mali & Burkina Faso The Warriors will be involved in the opening match of the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals on 4 April, having been drawn in Group A with hosts Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso. The draw was conducted on 17 February in Yaounde. cannot be overstated' – Masakadza During our most successful CHAN campaign to date -a semi final exit in 2014, the Warriors beat Burkina Faso [1-0] and Mali [2-1] in the group stages erbyshire and and quarter finals respectively. Durham will become Preparations for the tournament are set to begin in March. Coach Zdravko Dthe first major English Logarusic has already proposed a 10-day intensive training period to select a teams to travel to Zimbabwe competitive team for the games. since 2004 next month, with Zimbabwe will play its group matches in the capital Yaounde. both sides accepting Zimbabwe was drawn as one of the four least ranked teams placed in the invitations from Zimbabwe fourth POT. The draw procedure announced by the Confederation of African Football on 16 February shows four levels of seeding used to separate the 16 Cricket (ZC) to go to the teams participating in the 6th edition of CHAN finals. country for pre-season tours. As is the norm, hosts Cameroon were A1 while Morocco (no explanation given England have not played an by CAF) are automatically C1. Libya and Zambia complete the level 1 seeded international fixture against quartet. Zimbabwe since 2007, and ZC's Other teams in level Vi together with the Warriors are Niger, Togo and director of cricket Hamilton Tanzania. Masakadza claimed that the The final tournament will take place from 4 to 25 April in the cities of Yaoundé, Douala and Limbe. importance of the counties' pre- Appearing at the finals for the fifth time in six attempts, Zimbabwe will be season visits "cannot be looking to surpass their best effort to date, a fourth-place finish in 2014. overemphasised". Zimbabwe was represented at the draw where hotels and training Derbyshire, whose head facilities were also allocated by South African based consultant, Robert coach Dave Houghton played 22 Moutsinga, who is also the representative of Warriors coach Logarušic. Tests and 63 ODIs for Zimbabwe Meanwhile there is speculation that the Confederation of African Football between 1983 and 1997, will (CAF) is proposing a new arrangement for the 2020 tournament. play two T20s, two one-day Hamilton Masakadza The continental showpiece is a preserve for local based players only but there is a suspicion that CAF is contemplating allowing at least four players games and two three-day games based in Africa, even outside their country, to take part. The suggestion, if it against a Zimbabwe Select XI, new chapter that will hopefully see between the UK and Zimbabwe more English county teams touring have improved significantly. The comes to pass might benefit some countries including Zimbabwe, who have while Durham will play two numerous stars plying their trade in Africa. three-day fixtures against a ZC Zimbabwe as that will go a long way UK's Africa minister Rory Stewart Complete draw Chairman's XI. in preparing our players for the visited the country soon after Group A <> Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe "Hopefully this tour will open rigours of high-level and Mugabe's fall from power, with a Group B <> Libya, DR Congo, Congo, Niger the door for further English international cricket." foreign ministry spokesperson Group C <> Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo Group D <> Zambia, Guinea, Namibia, Tanzania county tours in future, which Relations between the United describing relations as "cordial" may help Zimbabwe cricket get Kingdom and Zimbabwe last month. back on its feet," Houghton said. deteriorated significantly during Whether the tours have any Silas Songani returns to PSL "We will be facing some strong Robert Mugabe's presidency, wider significance in paving the opposition during the tour, primarily due to consistent human way for England to travel to which will provide ideal rights abuses, leading to several Zimbabwe remains to be seen. The preparation for the 2020 season. high-profile cricketing disputes. ECB declined to comment on the "We also want to give the In 2003, England decided to pull developments, and there are no players some life experiences out of their scheduled World Cup fixtures scheduled between the two because as cricketers, we can game in Harare following death sides in the current cycle of the become solely focused on the threats, though decided to fulfil an Future Tours Programme, which game sometimes and it's ODI series in the country a year later runs until the end of 2023. important make the most of these despite opposition from the British Zimbabwe will not compete in opportunities." government. the T20 World Cup in October, No county team has visited The teams played one another at having had their ICC membership Zimbabwe since Worcestershire the World T20 in 2007 but a year suspended due to political in 1997, and Masakadza said that later Andy Burnham, the minister inference soon before the ZC were "thrilled to be hosting for culture, media and sport wrote to qualifying tournament, and the Derbyshire and Durham". the ECB to instruct them to cancel a teams were not drawn to play one "The magnitude and tour by Zimbabwe to England another in the 2020-22 ODI Super importance of their visit cannot scheduled for 2009, and Zimbabwe League. Former Zimbabwe international Silas Songani has returned to the be overemphasised," he said. pulled out of the World T20 weeks Zimbabwe's players were Premier Soccer League after six years in Europe. "While our players will learn big later after being informed that their recently forced to take a pay cut, The 30-year old midfielder has joined FC Platinum as a free agent after leaving lessons and gain invaluable players may not be granted visas. while several games in the Logan Danish third-tier club FC Sydvest 05. Since Mugabe was removed Cup, the domestic first-class Songani who last played for Harare City in the PSL confirmed his move to the experience from playing against Zimbabwe champions on his Twitter. such top opposition, we believe from power following a successful competition, were postponed coup in November 2017, relations without notice. (Cricinfo) FC Platinum has so far signed Donald Dzvinyai from Triangle United, Denzel this marks the beginning of a Khumalo from Highlanders and ZPC Kariba's Godswill Gwara, Stanely Ngala and Last Jesi both from Manica Diamonds and Nomore Chinyerere from Hwange. Taibu eyes coaching role in IPL Man City facing Premier League points deduction Tatenda Taibu made history in Festival of Letters 2020, Taibu said: leagues in other countries, but Manchester City is reeling from their two year ban in the UEFA 2008 when he became the first “Recently I had applied for the nothing comes close in any aspect, Champions League and now reports are that the club is facing Zimbabwean player to play in the position of fielding coach for the Sri be it the number of players, their Premier League points deduction, as punishment for “serious Indian Premier League (IPL). Lanka national team. quality or the way IPL has been breaches” of Uefa Financial Fair Play rules as it touches on the He was bought by the Kolkata “I was shortlisted in the last marketed. domestic competition's regulations as well. Knight Riders (KKR) for US$125 three, but narrowly missed it. I “You name any aspect of cricket, The English giants were sanctioned with a two-year ban from the 000, but did not get enough playing would love to be a coach at one of IPL is head and shoulders above Champions League plus a €30m fine, after Uefa's Adjudicatory chances because of the presence of the IPL teams or Ranji Trophy everything else,” said the former Chamber found the club had overstated its sponsorship revenue in destructive opener Brendon teams. I am confident that I can be a wicketkeeper. accounts submitted to the European governing body between 2012 McCullum in the team. valuable addition.” He believes that India was and 2016. Twelve years later, Taibu is He said India is the toughest always full of talented players. But According to the rules, any club has to supply true information to eyeing a coaching role in the IPL. opposition to beat in world cricket with the advent of IPL, this talent get a Premier League licence, and that information will have had to He still has very fond memories at the moment and also emphasised has been nurtured and grown in a have matched that supplied to Uefa. of his time in India and expressed on how grand the IPL is. drastic manner. City has said that they will appeal Uefa's decision at the Court of his desire to coach in the world- “India is the team to beat now. He further pointed out that IPL Arbitration for Sport at “the earliest possible opportunity”. famous Twenty20 competition, the They are the team to beat in all has helped in the holistic The points deduction would not affect any title race or see them IPL and India's domestic first-class aspects and are totally dominant,” development of Indian cricket, relegated, while the Champions League race has been temporarily cricket championship, the Ranji he said. “IPL is one of the biggest adding that IPL is the reason behind rendered moot. Trophy. events in the world of cricket now. India's domination in every aspect While no one sees an expulsion from the Premier League as likely, Speaking on the sidelines of “Everything else stops for the of the game. — the Football League have recently changed their rules so that any club Mathrubhumi International IPL. There may be similar T20 Cricketaddictor.com in that situation must start again in League Two.