The R5.00

Voice of the Labour Movement Established 1988 Issue No: 212 MARCH , 2014 Register ed at the GPO as a N ews paper Marvo, workers Goche, Chinamasa in 13 month clash over LMF the meeting. who continue to disrupt or refuse to “He was quite sensitive to some of sanction most of our activities using salary the issues such as labour market the Public Order and Security Act flexibility but he gave us a political which should not be applied to trade commitment. The government has unions. The police have made it very dispute shown willingness to work towards the clear to us on several occasions that fulfilment of the recommendations,” they do not take their orders from the Page 3 he said. courts but from above,” said ZCTU The revelation by Goche spells secretary general Japhet Moyo. discord in government circles over the “The ZCTU is of the view that the concept which was introduced in ILO needs to remain seized with this cabinet by the former finance minister matter until the government fully Tendai Biti but was shelved after it complies with the recommendations. failed to garner enough support. The government is not fully committed Sources said the concept was not to satisfy the recommendations supported by the then Minister of although there are some few trainings Labour Paurina Mpariwa, Minister of which have been done after the ILO Public Service Lucia Matibenga and had availed funds. The legislation is President Robert Mugabe despite still limiting the freedoms of workers being supported by many. despite some provisions of the new The ILO delegation also discussed constitution which guarantee our other issues on the implementation of freedom. We have to go to the courts to the recommendations which the ZCTU enjoy our right which is costing the said was taking too long. trade union unnecessarily,” he said. Meet the Doumbia said the social partners Nkiwane added that the ZCTU is need to work together in mapping out open to engagement by all social implementation strategies such as the partners in working towards the full training of the military and the police implementation of the new on dealing with trade union activities. recommendations. “Joint activities would be necessary “Our desire is to see things to validate the trainings. We want all happening on the ground. We have had CWUZ partners to feel ownership of the tools a lot of motions going nowhere but we so that they work. It will take time to hope and expect that this time around see real change on the ground but you the process will be speedy. We hope we President need to be vigilant and keep pointing it will be honest with each other and Page 8 out to the government that there is need assist one another in the Minister of Labour - Nicholas Goche for transformation,” she said. implementation process,” he said. She added that the ILO would The government withdrew all BY STAFF REPORTER country. Chinamasa claims that the continue to render its technical outstanding cases against the ZCTU country's labour laws are too friendly assistance to Zimbabwe after realising save for two which are at the Supreme HE Minister of Public to workers such that they scare away that social partners were willing to Court. Service Labour and Social potential investors. work towards a common goal. The ILO delegation met with TServices, Nicholas Goche The visiting ILO technical “We hope the number of incidents several stakeholders including the says that he will not support the delegation of Cleopatra Doumbia will drop to zero from now. We have Prosecutor General, Attorney General, adoption of the concept of labour Henry (ILO director of International noticed that the government is trying to the Labour Court, the Police, Judiciary market flexibility during his tenure Standards) head of delegation and implement all the recommendations Services Commission, Human Rights of office. Oksana Wolfson revealed Goche's but there is a problem of resources. Commission and the Civil Service Goche revealed his sentiments on remarks on the concept to the They have made progress but the pace Commission $6 million the concept which is being fiercely Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions of implementation is not very The ILO commission of inquiry resisted by labour to the visiting (ZCTU) leadership in a consultative pleasing,” said Doumbia. came to Zimbabwe in 2009 after International Labour Organisation meeting. The ZCTU leadership expressed reports of workers' rights abuse by Page 16 high level technical delegation which “The strongest statement that he dismay at the lack of pace by labour and employers. ICC loan was in the country last month to review made during the meeting was about government in implementing the After its visit the commission found progress on the implementation of the labour market flexibility when he said recommendations citing continued out that there were systematic and recommendations of the ILO 'not under me'. He said he would not sit violation of trade union rights. systemic patterns of arrests, commission of inquiry. and watch workers being hired and ZCTU President George Nkiwane detentions, torture and violence against mismanaged Labour market flexibility is being fired randomly,” said Doumbia. said the ILO needs to closely monitor trade unionists by the state championed by Finance Minister ILO country director Tabi Abodo the government on the implementation countrywide. Page 16 Patrick Chinamasa who claims that the said Goche gave them a political of the recommendations. concept will boost investment in the commitment without a deadline during “We are still seized with the police Page 2 The Worker, MARCH 2014 Cost of justice rises for underpaid workers

Court, the Acting Chief Registrar of their case can be ready for set down. If By Christopher Mahove difficult for dismissed workers who the Supreme Court, Walter Chikwana, the appellant fails to deposit the money can not afford the huge amounts said all courts were now required to put with the Sheriff, their case will be demanded by the Sheriff. It effectively rbitrator and Zimbabwe in place mechanisms to operationalise deemed abandoned and will be means that workers will not be able to Congress of Trade Unions the two Practice Directions. dismissed. appeal their cases and this is likely to Legal Advisor, Zakeyo A “Subject to the provisions of the The same goes for failure to file lead to a drastic drop in appeals by Mtimtema, says the two Practice Constitutional Court, Rules of the appeal papers within the stipulated workers at the Labour Court and Directions issued by Chief Justice Supreme Court, Rules of the High time frame directed by the Order of the Supreme Court. Only employers will Godfrey Chidyausiku directing that Court, Rules of the Labour Court and Court or within five days from the date be able to appeal against Arbitrators all notices of set down be served by Rules of the Administrative Court it is filed with the registrar of the and Labour Court decisions.” he said. the office of the Sheriff are a big regarding the service of process, with Supreme Court, or to comply with the He said in making his decision, the blow to dismissed workers who are effect from 1 February 2014, all Practice Direction. Chief Justice should have considered already hard pressed for cash. notices of set down shall be served by “If no arrangements have been that the Labour Court was for the poor Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku the Sheriff. made for the preparation of the record workers who were currently earning issued two Practice Directions, “At the time of filing an appeal, within the time limits specified, the far below the Poverty Datum Line. Practice Direction Number 1 of 2014, application or a pre-trial conference appeal shall be deemed to have been “This is taking away justice from on Standard Directions for Services of request, as the case may be, a party abandoned and shall be dismissed,” the poor workers and giving it to the Notices of Set Down and Practice shall deposit with the Sheriff an read part of the Practice Direction. rich employers. Direction Number 2 of 2014 on amount as determined by the Sheriff as Mtimtema said the two directives Imagine a farm worker earning Appeals from the Labour Court to the Zakeyo Mtimtema security for costs of service of all set the cost of justice beyond the reach US$65 a month and the sheriff requires Supreme Court, both effective from notices set down,” reads part of the of the poor workers, most of whom a deposit of US100-00 for a distance of consulted other stakeholders, adding the first of February 2014. Practice Direction 1 of 2014 would have been dismissed while more than 5km from the court house, that this was tantamount to reducing In a letter addressed to Registrars of The practice direction stipulates already underpaid and not able to save where do you expect such an employee the backlog at the Labour Court in a the High Court, the Labour Court, the that an appellant has to first furnish the any penny. to get the money? negative way. Administrative Court, the Sheriff and court with proof of payment before “These directives make life He said Chidyausiku should have the Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Rationalise Remunerate workers parastatals’ well - Mugabe

BY STAFF REPORTER resident Robert Mugabe has added his voice on calls for salaries Pemployers to pay Poverty Datum Linked remuneration despite his government's failure to award the BY STAFF REPORTER rationalise state enterprises salaries. least paid civil servant a living wage in Mudenda said during the HE Zimbabwe Congress of the first round of the 2014 constitution-making process, a negotiations. Trade Unions (ZCTU) is clause that governs salaries of those Mugabe revealed his wish during set to embark on a th T heading parastatals was included an interview on the eve of his 90 campaign to lobby government to only to disappear in the final draft birthday. rationalise and publicise salaries adding that there is need for the He said he wanted the government to in all state enterprises to curb legislature to revisit that clause as a deliver and ensure that civil servants got looting and corruption. way of dealing with the now decent salaries and urged the Finance This follows revelations of publicised salary gate. Minister Patrick Chinamasa to pull up massive looting and obscene salaries “During the constitution-making his socks when he appeared to be in state enterprises which have process, there was a lot of debate dragging his feet on awarding civil rocked the nation. around salaries and the draft had that servants salaries in line with the poverty “The ZCTU, since 2010, has been datum line. clause but with the time element, in “I have said our Government must vigorously campaigning that the final draft it was lost and we were salaries of executives be made not repeat the ills of the Government of surprised and we don't know how. I National Unity of yesterday, therefore, it President Robert Mugabe public as most are earning obscene believe we need to go back to that must not even have the shadow of it,” he Dube ikokowo kuPSMAS and he has poverty datum line requirement and I salaries compared to what ordinary clause to rationalise salaries of said. got marates and rents to pay, transport to hope by June they will have come there, workers are taking home but until “It must work as a Government that everyone,” he said. pay even though maybe a little given by but that is alright and our workers are recently the calls have been falling is in control of full resources that takes The National Assembly speaker way of those charges and mafees understanding.” on deaf ears. Despite recent into account the fact of the hardships the said there is need to strengthen the kuchikoro, medical fees when people Although he pointed out that it was revelations of scandalous hefty people have gone through all along, the Office of the Auditor General as it is get sick, food. not necessary to have demonstrations loss they suffered through salaries and benefits at the constrained, hence it's failure to “Ndaimbobvunza (Tendai) Biti kuti and strikes, President Mugabe ruled out hyperinflation and the difficulties Zimbabwe Broadcasting bring out salary structures, adding nhaiwe Biti do you think we can really the possibility of unleashing the military imposed not just by sanctions, but even Corporation, Public Service Medical make a living nemasalaries aya on demonstrating workers especially that there is no transparency in the by the traumatic conditions by the Aid Society, Harare City Council zvichinzi aah ndinomboenda civil servants demanding salary appointment of boards since drought and so on and so we must have and a host of quasi government kumasupermarkets neUS$100 increments. positions are not advertised. normal salaries. ndinodzoka nechange? NdiBiti uyu. “We do not also want unnecessary owned institutions and parastatals, “Posts of board members are not “Yes, we cannot have them from day Hanzi ndinenge ndazadza kutenga demonstrations and strikes. When they the state response has been advertised, hence a major weakness one, but we must have them on paper for zvemumba. ( I asked Tendai Biti are well based with grievances that are ambivalent signalling connivance in which leaves the Minister looking a start and work towards their being (Former Finance Minister) if people genuine, well, do we have to say totuma some quarters,” reads a ZCTU fulfilled in practice and that is what around for the people he knows. could make a living on the meagre mapurisa to quell them when they have statement. Chinamasa is doing. There is need for strengthening the salaries and he said he goes to the genuine grievances? You cannot do that. The calls by the ZCTU are not “First, he was saying we could not do Office of the Auditor General to supermarket with $100-00 and buys all “Ya, this might affect adversely our it and I said well, if you cannot do it then isolated as the general public is also ensure that salaries are exposed,” basics and could afford change from capacity to undertake maobjectives tell me we can get someone who can do demanding transparency and Mudenda said. that). eZim-Asset, but we will be trying to it. That is why I announced that salaries accountability in state enterprises “Aenda neUS$100 and (Elton) derive capacity from our mining sector The office of the President and have got to be slightly above poverty which are largely funded by tax Mangoma was there to say yes yes, but and other areas which can yield some Cabinet directed all parastatals to datum line. You know, let us think about payers money. that is nonsensical. Even the President monetary capacity for us.” submit their salary structures and the their situations also. A person gets wants to be paid well now so let us pay Mugabe's remarks come at a time when The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob state is expected to act on the US$200-00, US$250-00, USS$300-00 our people the salaries they deserve. most workers in the private sector are Mudenda also weighed in by saying salaries. or so, taxes, a portion goes and ndiyo “I am glad they have gone some earning salaries in the range of $150-00 the august house should come up yokunge yaidyiwawo nanaCuthbert with a remuneration commission to three-quarters way in meeting the to $400-00 a month when the PDL is 2014 MARCH, The Worker Page 3 ZCTU calls for a holistic approach to curb corruption

disapproval of the breakdown of BY STAFF REPORTER the workers do not have adequate blower vulnerable to legal protection after whistle management and the authority,” public accountability, HE Zimbabwe blowing. What we are now he said. widespread corruption in public Congress of Trade demanding is that the authorities Other civic organisations like institutions and death of Unions (ZCTU) has take action on corrupt the Combined Harare Residents conscience in public officials T who have become shockingly called for a comprehensive individuals,” he said. Association, Zimbabwe Human approach to issues of Mutasa said the ZCTU started Rights and the College Lecturers parasitic on the state by corruption and obscene by exposing corruption in the Association of Zimbabwe also siphoning large millions of salaries. private sector because it had condemned the corruption public funds through obscene Speaking at a civic society challenges in accessing the plaguing the nation calling for salaries, and shadowy press conference, ZCTU 3rd Vice public sector utilities. holistic measures to bring sanity. transactions,” read the statement. President Peter Mutasa said there “ZCTU views corruption as In their joint statement the The organisations are also is no political will in government corruption both in the public and organisations said they were demanding an urgent institution circles to decisively deal with private sectors. We want alarmed and concerned by the of a commission of inquiry to corrupt individuals bleeding the thorough investigations on the reckless behaviour, uncaring further investigate the obscene economy by plundering public boards and management to find attitude, corruption and bad salaries, tenderpreneurship and sector institutions. out who did what before any governance that is being other underhand dealings in the “As the ZCTU we have been action is taken because the small exhibited in local government, public sector as well as dismissal calling against and exposing fish may be sacrificed on behalf parastatals and quasi and punishment of those found obscene salaries in the private of the big fish,” he said. government bodies. guilty. Peter Mutasa sector since 2011 but nobody He said the state needs to put “We deplore took our campaign seriously but in place credible institutions and such levels of now it has become an issue. systems well grounded to deal corruption, which Labour has been disclosing these with corruption. are a manifestation obscene salaries but we had a “We are facing a big challenge of lack of corporate NATIONAL ENGINEERING challenge of lawsuits whenever from our members when it comes governance and a our members disclosed such to the disclosure of corrupt disservice to the information. We currently have activities because the reporting public. We would cases before the courts because authority is also corrupt which like to register our WORKERS UNION eventually leaves the whistle s t e r n e s t Marvo, workers battle over 2014 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 13 months salary arrears The National Engineering Workers Union executive, members and union staffers joins the rest of the BY MUSA MAKINA placed on a short time claimed that the few stationary in Bulawayo effective from Thursday to the items they have manufactured Zimbabwean workers in commemorating the end of October 2013 as were taken to Marvo sister U L A W A Y O granted by National Executive company Browns globally celebrated International Women’s Day based Marvo Council Retrenchment Wholesalers for sale. BStationery Committee". Currently at least six which is being held under the theme Manufacturers has gone for While the strike was not former workers have taken the 13 months without fully that effective, workers at the beleaguered organisation to WONEN UNITE AND NSPIRE CHANGE. paying about 170 of its company have endured the court over its failure to remit struggling workers as the worst. pension contributions to the NEWU wishes that the commemorations will be court battle between the two One of the workers National Social Security parties continues. representative Mbonisi Authority (NSSA). celebrated peacefully without fear of arrest, The company started Gumbo told The Worker in an When The Worker visited having challenges with interview that there lacked Marvo premises the Managing paying its workforce in utmost will on the part of the director Soul Mushamba intimidation or harassment through the February last year. employer. refused to attend to this However, this comes "The situation is just dire at reporter. Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions organised against the backdrop of the this company, the employers In March last year, workers organisation being one of the are just stubborn and they are approached the Labour Court gatherings. For the achieveme nt of equal opportunities, 31 companies that received a not willing to settle the arrears. with a view to force their loan of more than $750 000 We have engaged them several employer to settle salaries access to education, democracy and under the Distressed times but nothing positive back dated to 2009 but Marvo Marginalised Areas Fund seems to come out all they can through its lawyers decent work, women should play their equal part. (Dimaf) at the beginning of do is to promise," Gumbo said. Majwabu and Partners 2013. "All they have done this contested arguing that the As we celebrate this day lets us do so with The situation on the ground year is to pay us $50 each per arbitrator appointed by the suggests that nothing notable month and who can survive on Ministry of Labour was INSPIRING CHANGE in mind. improved as a result of the that. As you can see we have biased. Fund injection. all been reduced to vagabonds The court granted them the The time has come now to do away with all forms of In October last year despite having worked and right to an independent disgruntled workers went on contributed to the growth of arbitrator and workers won the discrimination against women, but to take every measure strike in protest over the the company for years. case with Marvo being company's decision to send "Here we have all the ordered to pay them in full towards socio-political and economic them on a two months forced equipment to manufacture all before July 31 2013 but it has leave without pay. the required quantity and not done so. empowerment of women In a memorandum dated quality of products but instead The dispute comes at a time September 12 2013 seen by the company is merely when several companies in the The Worker the company's importing from South Africa. second largest city have either managing director Soul We wonder if money from shut down or relocated to Mashamba said: "Due to non- Dimaf was ever put to use," Harare resulting in a massive availability of raw materials Gumbo added. unemployment rate in the within the factory employees The workers further region. are advised that they will be KWIRA MUDZIMAI KWIRA-A ...... PACHIGARO Page 4 The Worker, MARCH 2014 The

Voice of the Labour Movement Comment Act on obscene salaries AFTER what appeared to be an effort to combat corruption by exposing outrageous salaries and packages earned by chief executive officers of parastatals and government linked companies, it appears Zimbabweans were taken on a garden path as the individuals involved will get scot free after all. This is because most of these people appointed to parastatals and government linked companies are political appointees placed there to serve the interest of the ruling party and chefs. It was not surprising that at party events, these companies fell over each other making donations. These companies were at the forefront of supporting the ruling party materially and financially. While some Ministers expressed ignorance of what was happening, it is the highest point of stupidity to think that Ministers that were responsible for those companies were not aware of the hefty salaries and packages these chief executive officers were receiving. They were accomplices and beneficiaries in the looting of resources for their selfish end. It appears the whole issue behind the exposure had to do with the succession fights in the ruling Zanu PF. No wonder why Vice-President Joice Mujuru, though putting her reputation at stake, tried to defend the looting chief executives, exposing the factional fighting in Zanu PF. What we find immoral is that after the exposure nothing happened. It is as if its back to business as usual. The issue of hefty salaries of chief executives is not new. The ZCTU started the campaign in 2010 during May day celebrations and no one took them seriously. Some laughed it off as a political gimmick, while the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) dismissed it out rightly. Interestingly, a Service delivery will get

company called Industrial Psychology dismissed the ZCTU figures which had the highest executive earning US$11 000 in addition to a wide range of packages. But what is coming out is shocking with heads of some companies earning over US$200 000. What is disheartening is that these companies pay peanuts to their Zimbabwe working again employees, with some workers getting as little as US$200 per month. They refuse flatly to pay PDL wages claiming that the companies are in dire straights. The PDL stands at close to $600 and how many workers would $200 “ Delivery! Delivery! that is ruining the nation. We need problems are rooting from Whites. 000 pay? And what so special would someone earning that money be doing ? Delivery...!” reads an interesting serious action on service delivery. Zanu PF wants to make us think Some of these companies always used sanction as an excuse for their part of a high grade speech done Our national infrastructure that we are suffering because of poor performance. by the once exuberant, silently demands renovations. Our Britons and Americans. What is needed now is to have a paradigm shift in the manner in which promising politician Arthur industries loudly demand action. Fortunately Zimbabweans are heads of government institutions and boards are appointed. Currently the Mutambara whose most public Ministers are too powerful when it comes to the appointment of heads of Zanu PF must stop wasting time on intelligent enough to know that our parastatals and boards. These appointments cannot be left to an individual speeches can be remembered as party politics, propaganda madness problems root from Zanu PF's ill who can be biased or can appoint someone on the basis of how much he or some of the powerful messages and act on service delivery. governance, not Whites' hands! she knows him or her. There is bound to be nepotism in such cases. In other Zimbabweans want to hear from We are tired of mere words of Zimbabweans know their situation countries, these people have to go through public scrutiny before being leaders in Zimbabwe today. mouth Zimbabwe needs serious better that there is no need for appointed. They can go through parliamentary scrutiny and even have their Professor Arthur Mutambara action! We are not oblivious that the anyone to try to hide behind fingers names published in papers for anyone with objections to do so. deserves some honour for his loud turnaround of our economy cannot that whites or sanctions took our Let words be turned into action. Those who are known to have looted the voice on service delivery for country's resources must be made to account for them. The government must be done overnight. Zimbabweans nation aback. be seen to be serious in fighting graft and greediness among its workers. If Zimbabwe. just expect leaders to work hard Zimbabwe needs high quality there is no action taken against those who have been awarding themselves Zimbabwe is currently in dire towards that, and eventually results service delivery. Images of hefty wages, people will slowly lose faith in the system and will always see this need of a government that is Botswana president emerging as a way of trying to cover up for the government failure . committed to deliver out of a cave opening in services which make up the The Gcwihaba caves recently in quality of citizens' lives. Ngamiland district, Our quality of life and the Botswana still shine in my nation's position in today's mind as I think of service uncertain and competitive PERSPECTIVE delivery. President Ian world depend on the Khama toured his country's government's service WITH nature reserves, observing delivery. KIMION TAGWIREI what his government can do The If the government to improve Botswana's remains still on water, tourism sector, and to boost electricity and health challenges of hard work will make up his country's economy. Zimbabwe. The Worker is published by the affecting the nation, As I watched president Khama Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Zimbabweans' suffering will Recently I questioned Zanu PF on Botswana television, I got 9th Floor, Chester House, 88 Speke Ave continue and the constitution national spokesperson about the tempted to ask myself if our P.O Box 3549, Harare cannot work as expected. I used to government's position on service president can do that in Zimbabwe TEL/FAX 04-702474/705602 pay close attention to Mavambo delivery. Cde Rugare Gumbo E-mail: [email protected] today. And I quickly dismissed promised that Zanu PF will do well Www.theworker.co.zw President Simba Makoni when he myself from such thoughts, www.theworkerzimbabwe.com voiced about “getting Zimbabwe for the nation, “Things are shaping remembering that boring talks working again”. He seems to argue up, Britons and Americans tried about how sanctions ravaged our EDITOR that Zimbabwe is not 'working' and hard to denounce us but we didn't nation may rise if such tours are LAST TARABUKU [email protected] it is “us” (all Zimbabweans) who fall, we are working well for done in Zimbabwe. Zanu PF must make it work again. Zimbabwe and soon everything blames everything on sanctions. REPORTERS Our leaders must deliver needed will get clear that we are here to Where will we go with such ADMORE MARAMBANYIKA serve our people” [email protected] services and lead us to work helpless blame-shifting? Why towards the Zimbabwe we want. What worried me from his words don't we focus on what we need to CORRESPONDENT is that it appears Zanu PF is not DICKSON CHAERUKA We are not concerned with party do than wasting time on pointless infightings and masqueraded repentant on blame-shifting. Zanu politicking? voices against endemic corruption PF wants us to believe that our To page 9 2014 MARCHMARCH, , THE WORKER PAGE 5

Press Statement 8 March 2014 ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, EQUALITY FOR WOMEN MEANS PROGRESS FOR ALL

IN OBSERVANCE of International Women's Day, Zimbabwe detaining female patients for failing to settle their medical bills and Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) joins the women's movement thereby violating their right to personal liberty. around the world and reaffirm our commitment to the equality, In the rural areas, women continue to bear the brunt of human rights freedom from discrimination, dignity and advancement of women's violations; they are continuously discriminated against especially by the rights. cultural and traditional practices that hinder them from enjoying and asserting their rights. Celebrated under the theme "Equality for women is progress for all", International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Development is crippled if women are deprived of economic economic, political and social achievements of women, also opportunities. Without education women and girls cannot pass highlighting the plight of women in the private and public spheres. knowledge to their children and the next generation.

On this day we also celebrate acts of courage and determination by We remind the government that women are vital to any solution to the the extraordinary women in Zimbabwe and around the world who myriad problems that Zimbabwe is encountering and as a country we have labored to transform their own societies creating the foundation will not sow the seeds for a brighter future or reap the benefits of the of a more peaceful and prosperous world for all of us. change we need without the full and active participation of women and girls. We hold these long suffering women who have achieved substantial advances politically, socially and economically as examples of hope, The enfranchisement of women can no longer be a simple aspiration. strength and compassion. With or without awards or We believe that women are essential agents in bringing about change acknowledgement, women have taught us about hope, and are often overlooked as a resource in the preservation of human perseverance, courage, leadership and determination. security, managing threats arising from oppression as well as alleviating ZLHR notes with concern that in Zimbabwe women continue to diseases, hunger and poverty. suffer social and economic injustices perpetuated by acts of omission or commission of state and non state actors. Women have We remind the government that realising human rights and equality been deprived of their shelter after callous demolitions of their should not be just an aspiration; but an obligation that government must houses leaving their children exposed to the harsh elements of fulfill. weather, deprived of education, health and sanitation. ZLHR demands for legislative reforms that will advance the rights of Overzealous police officers have also continued to disregard women as enshrined in the new constitution to create an environment fundamental rights and freedoms by arresting, and detaining women that recognizes the genuine advancement of women's rights in together with their babies on flimsy charges and without any Zimbabwe. The government should have the political will to advance reasonable suspicion of commission of an offence. Peaceful principles of equality and non-discrimination. members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise have been at the receiving end of this brutality, and being targeted for simply expressing ZLHR urges men and boys to play their part, shun patriarchy by themselves through peaceful protest marches against the growing protecting and upholding the rights of women as all of us profit when scourge of corruption, and continued disregards of social and women and girls are assisted to realise their full potential. Equality for economic rights of citizens. In broad daylight, police have breached women means progress for all. the nation's new Constitution by breaking up peaceful demonstrations although the Constitution guarantees freedoms to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights demonstrate and gather. 6th Floor, Beverley Court In Hwange, some women are still nursing the scars of police assault 100 Nelson Mandela Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe after they were bludgeoned for peacefully demonstrating against Phone+263 4 764085/705370/708118 their spouses' employer's failure to pay them their wages. Email: [email protected] www.zlhr.org.zw CROWNED THE HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR 2013 There has been continued disregard of the right to maternal health with evidence of some hospitals taking the law into their hands by FOLLOW US:@ZLHRLAWYERS ON TWITTER | ZIMBABWE LAWYERS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ON FACEBOOK Page 6 The Worker, MARCH 2014 ZESSCWU embarks on UNION NEWS IN BRIEF Ministry of labour intervenes in job evaluation exercice NMWUZ leadership wrangle BY STAFF REPORTER By Dickson Chaeruka new developments arising in the CBA. industry. ''We need to establish all the job HE ministry of labour has disregarded the congresses held by the he Zimbabwe Scientific, ''There was great need to descriptions before coming up with warring National Mine Workers Union (NMWU) formations Social and Cultural categorically realign our job grading grades across the sectors because Trecognising the initial executive elected at the union's initial Workers' Union system so that they correspond with there had been a lot of members who congress. T had been subscribing with the union (ZESSCWU) has embarked on a developments in the industry. Of late, The registrar of labour Grace Kanyai, at a meeting convened at the ministry comprehensive job evaluation we realised that there had been a host but were not aware of their job of labour offices in Harare on 17 January said the arrangement would be in exercise across its member sectors of occupations falling within our grading,'' he said. place until the courts determine on the matter. which is set to be completed by this scope of coverage which had not been The ZESSCWU Administrator The determination by Kanyai overturns her letter of 9 January 2014 which year end, The Worker has been covered by our CBA. These new job warned workers of some employers recognised the Sithole led executive which was elected at the June 29 2013 informed. descriptions without identity in our who have tendencies of manipulating congress elbowing out the Tinashe Mugwira faction. The exercise, which began last current CBA include welders, the job grading exercise through Kanyai said the registrar's office should not legitimize either congress since year, is being carried out by the mechanics, builders a well as under-declaring job descriptions at a lot of anomalies were observed. industry's National Employment electricians in various institutions. the respective institutions. “After the admission by both camps that from the time the certificate was Council (NEC). The evaluation exercise we have ''It's unfortunate that there are issued, every process that followed was done outside the registered In an interview with The Worker, embarked on would accommodate all some employers who want to cripple constitution, gives no room for the registrar's office to enforce or recognise soon after addressing hundreds of these trades,'' he said. the smooth sailing of this exercise. them, hence they should be guided by what is obtained from the file,” she said. members who had gathered at the Mutindindi said they were also in Workers should be vigilant to alert the The union was operating with two parallel structures which held different Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions the process of engaging a specialised office as soon as possible where there congresses. The other executive led by Ndodana Sithole held its congress in (ZCTU) Eastern Regional Centre, consultant towards the exercise and are such problems with the June last in Bulawayo while the other rival faction led by Tinashe Mugwira had ZESSCWU General Secretary; they had resolved to employ the employer,'' he said. its congress in Kadoma . Sylvester Mutindindi said the Patterson job grading system which ZESSCWU sectors' of The two rival factions are battling to control the union and efforts to merge exercise was the union's inaugural job marks the highest grade of non- representation included non teaching the rivals have proved fruitless. The rival factions worked together for a short evaluation within its sectors'. managerial employees at grade C5 in staff members at Government & period leading to the congress but the Mugwira led executive boycotted the ''I can safely say this is the first the system's 13 grade descriptions. Independent Schools, Mission congress which went on to elect a new leadership. comprehensive job evaluation He revealed that orientations of Schools and staff at Ware fare Mugwira's executive has applied to the High Court case number HC 6277/13 seeking to bar Sithole and his executive from acting on behalf of the exercise across the sectors of our members across all sectors to do job Institutions, Religious Organisations union. representation. For over the years, we evaluations at their respective as well as staff at Non-Governmental Their application seeks the court to declare the June 29 congress unlawful. have been relying on an ad hoc job workstations were conducted last Organisations (NGOs). The initial NMWUZ congress had elected Tinashe Mugwira President, S grading system which now have year and these were expected to scout Mutindindi said they were Pelowelo Vice President, William Seremani General Secretary, S Bwanali numerous shortcomings ,'' he said. and report back to the union on all job working hard towards the new descriptions existing at their comprehensive job evaluation Treasurer, K Gondwe Organising Secretary and A Paraiwa Gender He said the job evaluation was representative. workstations which ostensibly have exercise with a target to implement it triggered by the need to update the The meeting determined that the Sithole led faction may negotiate to be not been covered by the industry's next year. industry's Collective Bargaining accommodated under the registered union while the registration certificates of Agreement (CBA) to accommodate the union would be in the custody of the registrar until the court rules on the matter. Dzikiti said he was available to offer Meanwhile Seremani on the 4th of February wrote to employers in the Detergents union holds congress any advice and guidance to the union mining industry Advising them to stop remitting union dues to the other when required. By Christopher Mahove members of the executive. faction. “This is a congress with a difference FFAWUZ National Organiser, “The ministry of labour has made its final determination concerning the Runesu Dzimiri, reiterated the need for he continued harassment of held not as per constitution but out of leadership wrangle of National Mine workers Union of Zimbabwe . previous the new executive to be wary of bogus trade union leaders at the developments that unfolded within the correspondences by the ministry should therefore be disregarded since the unions trying to hoodwink members into workplace and the closing executive. We know because companies latest correspondence supercedes and invalidates earlier correspondences. T joining them. down of some companies has seen a are closing down, workers are being May you please stop forthwith remitting the union dues to the ZB Bank account “If you want your members to get number of executive members of the victimized and this has resulted in many and remit them into our Standard Chartered Bank Account,” he said. good salaries you have to fight for it, but Detergents, Edible Oils and Fats gaps that needed only another congress if you let bogus unions into the industry Workers Union being retrenched to fill,” he said. you will continue to suffer,” Dzimiri from their respective companies. He urged those elected into the new said. All set for IWD commemorations General Secretary of the Food executive to work hand in hand with his He said disunity among workers Federation and Allied Workers Union of office so that their members also officer Tecla Masamba said remained the biggest contributor to poor LL is set for the Zimbabwe (FFAWUZ), for which the benefited from various programs wages as employers took advantage of International Women's Day preparations were underway. union is an affiliate, John Peter implemented by FFAWUZ. Outgoing that to delay negotiations and pay slave commemorations “We have secured the venue and Gwatiringa, said this had necessitated President, Dzikiti said the detergents A wages. worldwide on the 8th of March everything is in order. We are only the holding of an early congress at the union had benefited a lot from the shop waiting for the day. We will hold a steward training conducted by FFAWUZ Simplisio Madzongo was elected under the theme INSPIRING union. clean-up exercise and donate the th in conjunction with the ZCTU in President, with Stephen Gwatikunda CHANGE. The congress was held on the 8 of retaining his position as the union's Vice goods that we have sourced. We go February, mainly because of the partnership with 3F of Denmark. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade “I am happy to see that most of the President. Unions will be holding localised out to the communities as a way of retrenchment of the union President, Thinkwell Fundira landed the interacting with people to give them a Matthias Dzikiti, who had served at delegates here present are products of commemorations in its six regional Olivine Industries since 1971 and other such training programmes,” he said. centres and preparations are clear understanding of our core Continued on page 12 underway with meetings and business and activities as a trade fundraising activities taking place union,” she said. in the six centres. The southern regional officer Elliot OK Zimbabwe bid to dismiss worker flops The main commemorations will be Mposhi said the region is holding its Chigame implied that he was capable of counselling must be provided to the held in Harare at Kuwadzana Poly preparatory meetings and is ready for BY ADMORE MARAMBANYIKA performing the tasks and to carry them employee to meet the set standards Clinic where labour activists in the the commemorations. out with reasonable efficiency. before dismissal can be justified. Northeastern region will hold a In the eastern region, he Labour Court has ordered “The appellant incurred a shortfall he “The employer in this case submitted clean-up exercise and donate wares commemorations will be held at the the reinstatement without loss could not explain and that is evidence of that the appellant was trained in 2002 as Mutare Remand Prison where labour of benefits of an OK to the clinic for use by patients. T the fact that he failed to perform his a till operator. He was therefore ZCTU Northeastern regional activists intend to donate various Zimbabwe Buying Assistant who had duties with reasonable efficiency,'” read expected to meet the set goods to the prisoners. been dismissed for incurring a the employer's submissions. standard…..this was several years back shortfall when he relieved till The court noted that it is the position when he was initially engaged and operators. of the law that a worker should not be operated as a till operator. Now, the Protect whistle blowers ZCTU The supermarket had dismissed terminated for unsatisfactory work manual tills for which he was trained Persuade Chigame in January 2012 for performance unless the employer has had been replaced by computerised tills BY STAFF REPORTER incurring a shortfall of $40.26 because given the worker appropriate and he had received no training to the company has a policy which states instructions and written warning and the operate those. He was now engaged as a HE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is urging that till operators are liable for dismissal worker continues to perform buying clerk and would only be called government to come up with legislation that protects whistle if they incur a shortfall above $30.01. unsatisfactorily. to assist at the tills in crisis times.” blowers if it is serious in fighting graft and looting. In his appeal against dismissal T “An employer has the prerogative to “The employee in this case is alleged In a statement the ZCTU said blowers are exposed and left at the Chigame submitted that he could not be set the standards that employees are to have failed to perform to an expected dismissed for lack of skill as a till mercy of company authorities in the event that they expose unethical expected to meet. The court will not standard. He is not alleged to have acted and unlawful practices. operator when he was not employed as interfere with such standards unless it is dishonestly. He has shown that he was a till operator and only relieved at the till a 'grossly unreasonable' standard.” never trained or supervised to perform “The ZCTU is concerned that there is no protection of workers who in times of crisis but his contract with “The employer set the standard of 'no up to the standard. The law provides that act as whistle blowers in the current efforts to expose corrupt top the employer was that of a buying shortfalls above the upper limit of under such circumstances, dismissal officials who are involved in both the private and public companies. assistant. $30.01 and asked the till operators to would be unfair and unjustified,” said Unlike in other countries where whistle blowers are protected, in He also submitted that though he had sign an agreement that any shortfall Labour Court Judge Lilian Hove in Zimbabwe whistle blowers, particularly workers who raise concern at been trained and worked as a till above $30.01 would result in dismissal, dismissing the case. their workplaces, risk victimisation, recrimination and dismissal,” operator between 2004 and 2006 when as stated, the court cannot intervene with Chigame was represented by said Japhet Moyo, the ZCTU Secretary General. he initially joined the company he was this standard. No allegations have been Jokoniah Mawopa of the Commercial using manual tills so he did not possess Moyo said protection of whistle blowers was key to the fight against made that the standard set was grossly Workers Union of Zimbabwe while OK corruption and can bring confidence on those who disclose the requisite skills to operate a unreasonable,'” the court noted. Zimbabwe was represented by R.T L computerised till. In setting aside the dismissal the court Matsaka of Wintertons legal malpractices at the workplaces. However, the employer submitted noted that adequate evaluation, practitioners. “Without legal protection, workers and individuals will be too that by agreeing to operate the till instruction, training, guidance and intimidated to speak out on malpractices they note,” he said. 2014 MARCH, The Worker Page 7 Proton workers complain for transport allowances

By Kimion Tagwirei “The two buses are only with directors. But no one is being transporting workers from very far underpaid at Proton. For other details MARONDERA - Proton Bakery's locations. Managers told us that those talk to the workers, they will confirm workers are raising noise against their from around two kilometers radius that we are doing well. You can even employer to pay transport allowances must walk to work. Why can't they just see their pay slips,” he said. which were cut early 2011 due to give us our transport allowances so “You see. We are not allowed to unconfirmed reasons, The Worker can that we come to work safely? We are show anyone our pay slips, kana reveal. risking our lives as we walk to work ukangonzwika kuti waratidza anyone Instead of addressing workers' every night!” complained Godfrey pay slip basa rapera pano!” said one of needs, Proton management is Mautsa. the workers. reportedly silencing voicing workers. Meanwhile the bakery dismissed Mautsa accused management of Proton workers committee more than 100 permanent workers and conniving with the employer because chairman Godfrey Mautsa said, “We hired almost 800 contract workers it is well paid. are disgruntled with our managers. We whom managers allegedly fire or “These managers are working are paid peanuts. Currently the main demote easily when they complain tirelessly to silence us because they are issue seriously affecting us is of against poor remuneration and covered. Managers pocket more than transport allowances which was working conditions. $2000-00 every month as basic salary. scratched in 2011, we made noise and “This company has dismissed more They get more other benefits which we the employer bought two buses which than 100 permanent workers to pave do not enjoy. What we just want is cannot transport all of us to work. I way for contract workers whom Poverty Datum Line linked wages and Proton Bakeries must make it clear that workers need managers can fire any time without all allowances we deserve,” he said. transport allowance. One of us faced a hustles. Any worker who voices Meanwhile dismissed catering employees who requested anonymity employees were complaining. bloody robbery while walking to work against poor working conditions and workers of Buffallo-24 have dragged to avoid victimization. “I am aware that some former at night. It is disturbing that our financial gets victimized.” said one of their employer to court over unpaid Buffalo-24 hour food outlet employees are taking this company to employer remains inconsiderate like the workers' committee members. overtime allowances and workers said they work overtime court. None of those currently that.” Proton Human resources manager, underpayment. almost every day. employed have raised any complaints. The workers said shift workers are Thomas Rugoho refused to be “We raised complaints last year and “We are very few. We cannot It happens when one is fired,” he said. risking their lives as they walk to work interviewed. our employer just ignored our manage to withstand high service Asked if Buffalo-24 is paying every night because the company's “I am sorry I cannot meet you, I am grievances. Some of us eventually got demands here and that automatically workers well, the manager said he is two buses are not transporting all very tired, I am just from a meeting fired and this is why we have taken our force us to work overtime. We oblivious of his workers' salaries. workers. case to Labour Court. We are just therefore deserve overtime payments “I am not aware of how much our waiting for a but our employer just takes us for workers are being paid. Here wages are hearing date and granted,” they said. a secret between each employee and 9500 jobless as 75 companies fail to open our case will take Buffalo 24 General Manager, the employer,” he said. off.” said one of the Godfrey Dube denied that their ORE than 9500 workers have been which are giving us problems especially on payment rendered jobless as 75 companies of salaries. Workers have gone for more than five Mhave failed to reopen for business months without salaries and we are not even sure in 2014 after the 2013 annual shutdown while that the companies will be reopening. The union has 149 companies have so far applied for written and engaged with management of the ZIMBABWE CHEMICALS, PLASTICS liquidation. companies but they have not been forthcoming,” he The Zimbabwe congress of trade unions said. & ALLIED WORKERS (ZCTU) said the affected companies are in the The sector has more than 250 workers who were clothing, engineering, tobacco, textiles, affected by the failure to reopen for business by the UNION chemicals, commerce, food , agriculture companies. catering, pulp and paper and metal sectors. Another sector which has been hard hit by the “The ZCTU notes with concern that a number closures is the construction sector which has more of companies failed to open for 2014 after they than 2000 affected. (ZCPAWU) closed business in December 2013. A survey by Nicholas Mazarura the general secretary of the the ZCTU among its affiliates noted that from Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trades Workers reports of the 15 out of its 30 unions affiliated to Union said most companies in the sector were the ZCTU, 75 companies closed shop throwing closing. 2014 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 9617 workers out of employment. Once again “We are seized with company closures while the ZCTU calls upon the government to move those afloat are claiming that they are failing to get with speed to avert a disaster as more workers contracts and are also not being paid by contractors. lose their jobs under a very harsh economic Workers are being sent home with nothing as environment,” said Japhet Moyo the ZCTU employers only promise to pay them when they have secretary general in a statement. been paid by contractors.” THEME : WOMEN UNITE AND INSPIREG CHANGE Union general secretaries who spoke to The “The challenge that we are facing is that these Worker said they were not satisfied with some of workers are failing to claim their benefits as most the reasons by employers over their failure to companies which are closing shop have not been reopen. remitting deductions to the pension fund, national Smaller companies in the tobacco sector have social security authority and others. We are seen some workers going for several months engaging the employers with a few to make without salaries but have not proffered solid compulsory deductions at the national employment reasons. council for onward submission to the relevant The Zimbabwe Tobacco Industries Workers bodies to avoid prejudicing the workers,” he said. Union general secretary Emson Sibanda said Mazarura added that the union will soon be workers were on the receiving end as employers approaching the ministries of labour and finance to were reluctant to pay them. find a way in solving the hiccups of non-remission of “It's a few small companies in the sector dues. Female security guard raped on duty The Zimbabwe Chemicals, Plastics and Allied Workers Union approached by an unknown three months. By Dickson Chaeruka man who produced a knife Zimbabwe Security Guards' wishes all women of Zimbabwe, especially the n unknown assailant before demanding to sleep with Workers Union (ZISEGU) recently pounced on a her. Eastern Regional Officer, working woman a fruitful commemoration of their global day. Afemale security guard ''The guard refused and tried Justin Muwonda said the union who was manning a mobile to run away, but the man gave was appalled by the incident telecommunications booster chase and grabbed her. He adding that it was imperative It is time to take stock of achievements and map the way forward in achieving and raped her once before ripped off her pair of trousers for employers to consider the disappearing into the secluded with a knife and raped her security of their workers first bushy area situated near once,'' he said adding; '' the before any deployment. goals. The women and the girl child are the backbone of every nation, the burden Marymount Teachers' College rapist vanished into the bushes ''This is an unfortunate in the eastern border town of around that Marymount incident that has befallen our bearer and the mother of the nation. Mutare, The Worker can booster.'' industry. Employers' ought to reveal. Inspector Chishiri said the consider the security of the The incident occurred on guard sent a please call me back guard first before effecting May all the women of this country INSPIRE CHANGE on each and Sunday the 5th of January around message to her employers, but deployments. In this case, it 9: am. she got no response. was reported the victim send everyday of their lives and make a difference. Manicaland provincial police ''She had to wait to finish her message alerts to the employer spokes person Inspector Enock duty after which she reported and got no respond. This Chishiri confirmed the incident the case at Sakubva Police essentially shifts the blame to The season for change is now and should be grabbed and embraced revealing that the rapist was still Station,'' he said. the employer for not being alert on the run and the case was being It was confirmed that the at such a desperate moment. I investigated. medical examinations she went said and always say that He said that the female guard, under on the 6th of January security systems in all security 25, who resides in Sakubva tested negative pending another firms should always be water Kwira Mudzimai Kwira .....pachigaro high-density suburb was round of tests after a period of tight,'' said Muwonda. To page 14 Page 8 The Worker, MARCH 2014 Tanyanyiwa vows to revive CWUZ

The Commercial Workers Union of Zimbabwe, (CWUZ) has been characterised by squabbles, factionalism, and non payment of subscriptions to the mother body among other matters. For long the union has been in shambles but now that they have finally held a congress. People wonder if there is hope for better. The Worker's Jacqueline Mbayiwa (JM) caught up with the newly elected President of the union, Barbara Gwangwara Tanyanyiwa (BGT) for an overview of the plans that she has for the union.

the meantime we are using the interim congresses. We however held those Zimbabwe and has the potential to order granted to us which states that councils' secretaries at the main grow. We will then train the recruited we are the legitimate CWUZ, but after congress, we also managed to amend members and strengthen our the case has been heard I am sure our constitution as the secretaries and organising department which has everything is going to work out for us. chairpersons of the above mentioned been lying idle for long; they have BGT: JM: You held a congress councils could not sit in the national been concentrating on politics and in- which elected a substantive executive council, before the fights instead of doing their jobs. We leadership, so are you going to amendment only the chairpersons will also strengthen our branches unfreeze your bank accounts? could sit in the executive councils. because that is where people are BGT: Yes in the meantime we JM: How are you going to deal found. We will visit shop flow opened another bank account which with factionalism in the union, do members and train them, including we are using, but since our case is to you think since you are now the workers' committees. We will come be heard soon, we are surely going to president, you will end it? with a project to run the CWUZ house see our accounts unfrozen. If the case BGT: I do not think squabbles will to generate income for us because it takes too long we may involve the continue because I believe I will unify has not been fully utilised also. We labour minister if anything fails to both sides. Factionalism is between will come up with strategies to give come up so we believe soon the full time staff and members of the back to members like funeral plans so accounts will be unfrozen. union of which we will take action that we regain members. We will also JM: Administratively, you have against the full time staff. As for make sure that every ZCTU function been facing resistance from some of members, we work well with them is fully attended and that members your employees in cahoots with and it is only that they do not know from the other faction are involved in rival formation leaders, are you their rights and what trade unionism our programmes and catch up as a Barbra Tanyanyiwa going to take any disciplinary is, so they are being led astray. We way of motivating members. action against the full time staff therefore have a task to educate them JM: Do you have any burning JM: Congratulations on your BGT: We had made a provisional members? so that we become one. We have issues that we might have left out? election as CWUZ President. plan of paying a minimum of $500 per BGT: Yes because the auditors handed the education department to BGT: I would like to assure our BGT: Yes thank you so much month but we are planning to pay 35 recommendations stated that March Makanya who is an members that CWUZ is still alive and JM: You could start by telling cents per member to ZCTU appropriate disciplinary action has to experienced trade unionist; we know kicking, I would want them to trust readers about your plans for the depending on the remission of union be taken. They also have to pay back he is capable of making a change to me as I promise to make CWUZ a union? dues to us. We are going to try and the money that they took from the the union. union of their choice and I still need BGT: My plans are to revamp clear the debt as we go as it also was union. JM: Are you up to the task of their support. CWUZ, the theme of our last congress our congress resolution, we will JM: What is the procedure to being president considering the JM: And your last words to was, “Revamping CWUZ to a supervise the secretariat and make congress, does not your gender inequalities and attitudes in readers? membership driven union.” Why that sure that the resolution is fulfilled. constitution require you to hold the trade union movement? BGT: To the union, the sky is the theme, I suggested that theme and it JT: So when do you plan to do Young Workers Council (YWC) BGT: I am hundred percent up to limit, they must not fear anything but was adopted, it was my vision to this? and Women's it, I was contested by three men and I participate and contribute wherever restore the union to what it was in the BGT: We are Advisory Council beat them all, not because I am a they are and make sure that their past. The crisis at the union is because planning a (WAC) congresses woman but because people believe in voices are heard. People have ears and of the full time staff that is interfering strategic workshop before the main me, people were looking for if we talk they will listen to us. I would with members in the day to day at the beginning of congress, which you capability and not at gender. If you also like to thank the ZCTU for activities of the union. March, we will see did not hold first, is work hard as a woman, men will see capacitating me to get this position, I JT: The union has passed then how we will that not an that you are capable. thank Fiona Magaya for grooming through the hands of people like move forward. anomaly? JM: What strategies do you have me, and ZCTU Vice President Chifamba and Lucia Matibenga, J T : T h e BGT: No those to make CWUZ the vibrant trade Thokozile Siwela has been my who sustained it when it seemed to headquarters of two come as sub union of the past? inspiration and mentor, the WAC as a be going down, how are you going to the union offices committees of the BGT: I am going to get into whole for the support and run it yourself? are occupied by members of national executives, so financially we membership recruitment drive, ours encouragement. The achievement is BGT: We are going to educate our another formation of CWUZ do could not hold the WAC and YWC is an industry that still is functional in not mine alone, but theirs too. members who are not even aware of you have any plans to repossess the what is in the constitution,. from there offices? we will strengthen the structures, BGT: We are going to deal with it branches and regions are the only at the strategic workshop which will ZCTU affiliates say no to LMF be held at the CWUZ official offices. active ones, women and young was not helpful in determining what The property is ours and we are going By Christopher Mahove for workers and trade union leaders. workers are docile so we are going to Speaking at the one day workshop, workers would get as productivity make them come to life. to reposess it. We have the provisional residents and General Labour and Economic Development would differ depending on value. Secretaries of affiliate unions “So productivity cannot be used in JT: CWUZ has been facing order from the High Court which is Research Institute of Zimbabwe of the Zimbabwe Congress of wage determination in Zimbabwe still valid, granted to us on July 12, P (LEDRIZ) Economist, Nyasha some problems which include Trade Unions (ZCTU) have Muchichwa, said government's because of the complications that failure to pay its own workers, how 2013. We did not want to fight them unanimously agreed to take the proposal for production linked wages come with it. It is highly subjective,” government head-on in their fight he said. are you going to address this? all along because we were busy was not feasible as it posed a number of against the proposed Labour Market ZCTU Legal Advisor, Zakeo preparing for the congress but now challenges. BGT: It is not that they were not Flexibility. “The problem with productivity linked Mtimtema, said the Zimbabwean being paid but the problem has to do that we are done with that, we are The union leaders, who met in Harare wages is that we cannot aggregate what government was now under obligation with our frozen accounts which we going to concentrate on getting what to discuss the principles of Labor Law everyone does in the production chain to domesticate all international Reform, rejected most of the as we will be valuing output to every treaties, adding that the labour body believe will be unfrozen soon. When belongs to us. government's proposals for the reforms worker,” he said. had the right to take the government to that happens we are definitely going JM: How are you going to of the legislation governing worker Muchichwa said it was also difficult to court if it failed to comply. to pay the staff. convince membership and relations saying they pointed to labour tell whether the productivity referred to The major principles that came under market flexibility, which would take discussion included the Right to JT: How about union employers that you are the was national, sectoral or enterprise away their rights and dignity. based since some sectors, like security, Maternity Protection, registration of bonafide leadership of CWUZ? subscriptions to the mother body, The union leaders agreed that any did not produce tangible products. awards by arbitrators, the right to they are lagging behind, what BGT: The case is going to be heard reforms to the country's labour laws He said, therefore, the definition of organise, collective bargaining, th should be bench-marked with the protection against child labour among strategies do you have to clear the on the 6 of March and it is going to be productivity, which was the rate at provisions of the new constitution, which goods and services were others. very easy for us to convince them. In backlog? which guaranteed fundamental rights produced over output per single unit, 2014 MARCH, The Worker Regional and International News Page 9 Tazara workers form trade union BY THE GUARDIAN REPORTER THE Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has signed Minimum wage a Recognition Agreement with Tazara Workers Union–Tanzania (TAWUTA) - a new body that has been formed within Tazara to represent the interests of Tazara workers in Tanzania. TAWUTA effectively became the fourth union to be officially recognised as a body representing Tazara workers after Tazara Acting Managing Director Eng Ronald Phiri and the Union’s Chairman, Johansen Lwekamwa signed a Recognition Agreement rise 'insufficient’ over the weekend. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Eng Phiri said in view of VERNON SMALL AND STACEY KIRK labour laws permitting the existence of multiple unions in an to the Government. Ad Feedback industry, he was bound to accept and welcome an additional union "It's a strong incentive to the market, but we "That compares to the $35,500 a year increase in that has been legally registered to represent the interests of the NEW ZEALAND -Labour has joined unions in won't make it compulsory." the prime minister's salary over the same time," she workers. attacking the Government's 50 cents-an-hour hike Council of Trade Unions economist Bill said. “I therefore, take this opportunity to welcome TAWUTA and to the minimum wage. Rosenberg said the increase, announced Labour's associate spokeswoman for labour look forward to positively interacting with the Union for the Prime Minister John Key yesterday announced yesterday, was unfair given several years of Darien Fenton said Key had missed an opportunity to the decision to lift the minimum wage from $13.75 betterment of Tazara,” Eng Phiri said. stagnating wages, an economy that was starting to send the message that "in his 'rock star' economy, the He said since TAWUTA was a Tazara-specific union, he hoped to $14.25 from April 1. grow, and widespread concerns about how that low paid can expect a fair share". that TAWUTA would contribute more significantly on Tazara- However the raise has been criticised by growth would be shared. "While salaries at the big end of town might have specific issues for the benefit of Tazara. unions as "unfair" and Labour leader David The first step should be an increase to $15.50 continued their upward trajectory under this Cunliffe called it "insufficient". this year. government, in real terms the minimum wage has For his part, Lwekamwa said workers are happy that now they "We've been saying at least $15 for quite a "The minimum wage is the only way, other than actually decreased," she said. have a union to deal entirely with Tazara-specific issues, in an while, and I've said yesterday not only will we raise through the tax and benefit system, that the Turei said the Greens would also lift the minimum apparent reference to their decision to break away from the it to $15 in our first hundred days, but we'll raise it Government has to ensure wage and salary wage to $15 immediately and work quickly towards a Tanzania Railway Workers Union (TRAWU), which represents again six months later in our first year - April or earners, and particularly people on low incomes, living wage for all workers. interests of workers in both Tazara and the Tanzania Railways May," he said on Breakfast. benefit from a growing economy," he said. "Well-paid CEOs might claim that a fair minimum Limited. Cunliffe said the second increase would be "Instead, almost half of employees are getting wage would cost jobs but evidence from around the The leadership of TAWUTA comprises Lwekamwa, Equipment another "significant raise", but he would not say no wage or salary increases at all. This minimum- world shows that is just not true," she said. Controller (Chairman), Waziri Bakari, Locomotive driver (Vice how much it would be. wage increase goes little distance to addressing "A higher minimum wage puts more money in Chairman), Benedict Mwakyusa, Statistician (General Secretary) "What's clear is working New Zealanders will the inequalities in society." families' pockets, giving them more money to spend, and Abdallah Sumbizi (Vice Secretary). be far better off under Labour," he said. Key said the decision to lift the minimum wage and that creates jobs." The formation of TAWUTA implies that about 2,800 Tazara Cunliffe said it was important the living wage - was made against the background of an improving Rosenberg said more than 100,000 people were workers now have four unions to represent their interests. currently defined as about $18.80 an hour - economy, with a fall in unemployment to 6 per cent. on or close to the new minimum wage and well over Initially, all Tanzanian workers were represented by TRAWU remained separate from the minimum wage. The rise would have a negligible effect on jobs, 200,000 would have benefited from an increase to whilst those working in Zambia were represented by the Workers The living wage is defined as the minimum although it was estimated 2300 would have been $15 according to official figures from 2012. Union of Tazara, Zambia (WUTAZ). In Zambia, a second union, the income necessary for a worker to meet their needs lost if the minimum wage had gone up to $14.50, he \Meanwhile, Minister of Labour Simon Bridges Crews and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CRAWUZ) was that are considered to be basic. said. said the starting-out and training minimum wages formed in 2012 after breaking away from WUTAZ. "The minimum wage applies to everybody, the "I accept people will always want more." would also increase, from $11 an hour to $11.40 an SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN living wage is a very good and useful thing to have, Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said the rise hour - 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage. and we're going to require that for the core state represented an increase of just $2.25 an hour in six The increase keeps the minimum wage at about service and we're going to make it easier for years under National, or $4500 a year for a fulltime 50 per cent of the average hourly rate. Union sues for freedom companies who are living-wage employers to sell worker. - © Fairfax NZ News of association of workers LAGOS - The National Union of Shops and Distributive Employees (NUSDE), yesterday urged employers of Labour to allow their employees Trade Unions lodge complaint over ‘excessive’ working week to join any union of their choice. By Noel Baker - Senior Reporter Impact and Siptu claim health employers are Siptu health division organiser Paul Bell said: The General-Secretary of NUSDE, Mr Sule Babatunde, told not treating these hours as working time, newsmen in Lagos that ‘it is the legitimate right of the worker to associate Trade unions representing residential staff “Managers are ordering staff to work as many freely. looking after children, the elderly and others meaning staff working overnight receive a as seven sleep-overs a fortnight, in flagrant “The freedom to associate is guaranteed in the Nigeria Constitution have lodged an official complaint with the “sleep-over” allowance of just €5.40 an hour, breach of Irish and EU working time laws and and the Labour Laws of our country,” he said. European Commission over excessive below the statutory minimum of €8.65. for less than the minimum wage. It’s an insult to According to him, once workers have expressed the desire to join a working hours. The unions want staff to work only one sleep- the staff and the people they serve.” union, it is compulsory for the management to allow them to join and the It has been claimed that some staff offering over a week and only then as part of the As part of the complaint, the unions have cited union must be given recognition. “It is unfortunate that some managements have aversion for residential care are working 63-hour weeks, contractually obliged 39-hour working week. the 2002 European Court of Justice ‘SIMAP’ The unions also claim any sleep-over duties unionism; they always oppose the idea of bringing their workers into the way above the legal maximum of 48 hours. judgment, which ruled all time spent on-call fold,’’ he said. Impact and Siptu have lodged the complaint beyond this should be treated as overtime, with must be regarded as working time if a worker is Babatunde urged employers to jettison the idea that once the union and said health employers and management in workers paid accordingly. required to be at their place of employment. was introduced into the work place, the management will start having some cases were continually breaching the Impact national secretary Louise O’Donnell They also claim there is a breach of the Irish problems, stressing that “ It is a wrong assumption”. 1993 EU Working Time Directive and were also said: “It is neither fair on the staff nor Organisation of Working Time Act, which put “Employers must see the unions as partners in progress, because failing to respect a decade-old European Court sustainable for the service. It’s not unusual for the EU legislation into Irish law. apart from agitating for improved waelfare for their members, they also help the management. of Justice ruling on working time. staff to work a full shift, then work an The Labour Court this month directed both interrupted overnight ‘sleepover’ before “Our role as a union is dual as we always try to protect the interest of The official complaint lodged with the EC is sides in the row to return to LRC-facilitated the management because we see the company as the goose that lays primarily over union claims about the immediately coming on shift again in the talks no later than May 31. the golden eggs,” he said. substantial hours workers spend on-call while morning. © Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved Babatunde urged the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to always they are in situ at residential facilities overnight. “This is not safe for staff or the vulnerable act promptly when disputes were reported, stressing that “it will help in clients they serve.” averting most crises in the work place”. Service delivery will get Zimbabwe working again

Continued from page 4 new political leadership is motivated by Zimbabweans always question if Zanu the need for service delivery. High quality PF really doesn't know where and what the service delivery is what people need. Zimbabwean crisis shoots from, or it just History talks can only frighten, but cannot swelters on power-keeping as the late help Zimbabwe. Eddison Mudadirwa Zvobgo once said. Zimbabweans are grateful of liberation This is why Zimbabweans cannot take sacrifices that made us independent, but Zanu Pf serious on talks of service pointing backwards when the future delivery. We are tired of mere talks. demands service delivery now cannot get Leaders must walk their talks. Zimbabwe anywhere ahead. Pointing What can we do about the fallen backwards will only get us backward! industries, after scaring away investors? Zimbabwe currently needs leaders who What can we do to restore investors' can point and lead citizens to the future. confidence? What needs to be done to The government must do away with many professionalize parastatals, after Muchecheteres and Dubes who are just militarizing them for political reasons and milking instead of serving this struggling affecting service delivery? These are some nation. questions Zanu PF must act on. Let irresponsible opportunists go home Zimbabweans will continue shouting and open doors for new blood to serve for new leadership when the current fails. Zimbabwe! We must never forget that public noise for Feedback; email Page 10 The Worker, MARCH 2014 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - INSPIRING CHANGE History and origins of IWD The majority of women in Africa have remained largely marginalised crowded in the informal sector and lowly paying formal sectors of the economy

nternational Women's Day was specified at that conference. (IWD), originally called Delegates (100 women from 17 IInternational Working Women's countries) agreed with the idea as a Day, is marked on March 8 every strategy to promote equal rights, year. In different regions the focus of including suffrage, for women. The the celebrations ranges from general following year, on March 19, 1911, celebration of respect, appreciation IWD was marked for the first time, by and love towards women to a over a million people in Austria, celebration for women's economic, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. political, and social achievements. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire alone, Started as a Socialist political event, there were 300 demonstrations. In the holiday blended in the culture of Vienna, women paraded on the many countries, primarily Eastern Ringstrasse and carried banners Europe, Russia, and the former honouring the martyrs of the Paris Soviet bloc. In some regions, the day Commune. Women demanded that lost its political flavor, and became women be given the right to vote and to simply an occasion for men to express hold public office. They also protested their love for women in a way against employment sex somewhat similar to a mixture of discrimination. Americans continued to Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. celebrate National Women's Day on the Women pick the tea and then have it weighed and get paid by how much they pick. In other regions, however, the last Sunday in February. political and human rights theme In 1913 Russian women observed designated by the United Nations runs their first International Women's Day of World War I and an end to Russian Women's Day was declared a non- the state council proclaimed on strong, and political and social on the last Sunday in February (by food shortages. Leon Trotsky wrote, working day in the USSR "in December 23 that March 8 would be awareness of the struggles of women Julian calendar then used in Russia). "23 February (8th March) was commemoration of the outstanding made an official holiday with women in worldwide are brought out and Although there were some women- International Woman's Day and merits of Soviet women in China given a half-day off. examined in a hopeful manner. led strikes, marches, and other protests meetings and actions were foreseen. communistic construction, in the In the West, International Women's This is a day which some people in the years leading up to 1914, none of But we did not imagine that this defense of their Fatherland during the Day was first observed as a popular celebrate by wearing purple ribbons. them happened on March 8. In 1914 'Women's Day' would inaugurate the Great Patriotic War, in their heroism event after 1977 when the United The earliest Women's Day International Women's Day was held on revolution. Revolutionary actions were and selflessness at the front and in the Nations General Assembly invited observances were held on many March 8, possibly because that day was foreseen but without date. But in rear, and also marking the great member states to proclaim March 8 as different dates: May 3, 1908, in a Sunday, and now it is always held on morning, despite the orders to the contribution of women to strengthening the UN Day for women's rights and Chicago; February 28th, 1909, in New March 8 in all countries. The 1914 contrary, textile workers left their work friendship between peoples, and the world peace. York; and February 27, 1910, in New observance of the Day in Germany was in several factories and sent delegates to struggle for peace. But still, women's Actress and human right's activist York. In August 1910, an International dedicated to women's right to vote, ask for support of the strike… which led day must be celebrated as are other Beata Pozniak worked with the Mayor Women's Conference was organized to which German women did not win until to mass strike... all went out into the holidays." of Los Angeles, the Governor of precede the general meeting of the 1918. streets." From its official adoption in Russia California, and members of the U.S. Socialist Second International in In 1917 demonstrations marking Following the October Revolution, following the Soviet Revolution in Congress to achieve official Copenhagen. Inspired in part by the International Women's Day in Saint the Bolshevik Alexandra Kollontai 1917 the holiday was predominantly recognition of the holiday in the USA. American socialists, German Socialist Petersburg on the last Sunday in persuaded Vladimir Lenin to make it an celebrated in communist and socialist In 1994 Pozniak spearheaded Luise Zietz proposed the establishment February (which fell on March 8 on the official holiday in the Soviet Union, and countries. It was celebrated by the introduction of the first bill in the of an annual 'International Woman's Gregorian calendar) initiated the it was established, but was a working communists in China from 1922, and history of the U.S. Congress (H.J. Res. Day' (singular) and was seconded by February Revolution. Women in Saint day until 1965. On May 8th, 1965 by by Spanish communists from 1936. 316) to recognize International fellow socialist and later communist Petersburg went on strike that day for the decree of the USSR Presidium of After the founding of the People's Women's Day in the United States. leader Clara Zetkin, although no date “Bread and Peace" - demanding the end the Supreme Soviet International Republic of China on October 1, 1949 Energy sector 2014 negotiations stalled by employers

The association argued that its reporting to. over the non payment of allowances “Zesa is arguing that its grades By Staff Reporter members do not have boards. “Employers are corporate bodies to contract employers when the start from A3 instead of A1 as well mployers in the energy Moreover, the Employers' and the absence of the boards does CBA does not exclude them, the as that it does not have money to sector are seeking to delay Association indicated that the non not stop them from functioning. employer is just evading pay. ZESA invited us to be part of collective bargaining existence of the boards meant they They are reporting somewhere to responsibility but we will fight them the delegation to the ministry of E could not get a mandate which is some principals and they should get to the end,” he said. labour in which it sought us to negotiations for 2014 because the boards in the major companies crucial for negotiations. As a result their mandate from whoever they Meanwhile the 2012 CBA support its position that the 2012 have been dissolved. engagement will only be possible are reporting to in the meantime. dispute in which the Zimbabwe CBA cannot be implemented In a letter to the unions, the once the boards are in place,” reads The move is in breach of the Electricity Supply Authority is because ZESA has no money but we National Employment Council the letter to the unions. constitution and we are going to refusing to comply with the grading turned it down. (NEC) for the Zimbabwe energy The National Energy Workers resort to collective job action if they system is still raging and parties “We want to assure our members industry wrote to unions in the Union (NEWUZ) has said the remain adamant. We are currently have appeared before the High court that the union shall continue to sector advising them of the employers are giving flimsy mobilizing our structures for an and resolved that a consent order discharge its constitutional mandate development. excuses to delay negotiations at a effective job action,' he said. setting aside the arbitral award be of protecting the rights and “The NEC would like the trade time they are still seized with Masvingwe added that there are filed on condition that a retired advancing the interests of its union to take notice that Employers' fulfilling the 2012 CBA dispute. many contentious issues which judge be appointed to arbitrate members. In executing this mandate th NEWUZ general secretary need urgent attention such as Association advised on the 25 of within a specific timeframe and we shall act professionally, Thomas Masvingwe said he casualisation of labour and issues to February that it is currently not in a failure to agree on the arbitrator the diligently and lawfully without fear believes that the employers still with occupational health and safety. position to engage for collective matter be referred for commercial or favour,” said Masvingwe. have a mandate because they still “We are at war with employer bargaining negotiation for 2014. arbitration. have authorities which they are 2014 MARCH, The Worker Page 11 KNOW YOUR UNION KNOW YOUR UNION ZIMBABWE TOBACCO INDUSTRIES GAPWUZ WORKERS UNION History of GAPWUZ History is not a collection of dead facts about the past, but a story of how the GAPWUZ came to exist; it is (ZTIWU) a record of the struggle. The sad story about Agricultural and Plantation Workers in Zimbabwe is that before independence they were not regarded as workers. Farm workers were excluded for the definition of “employee” as was contained in the industrial Conciliation Act. This was the only Act that provided for some rights of workers during the rule of the colonial regimes. Instead, the farm workers were regarded as servants and therefore were governed by the Master and Servant Act. Under the Act, the employers were the Masters and workers were servants. This meant, farm workers laboured at the mercy of Master without any rights. After Independence, the plantation and agricultural workers formed their first trade union in April 1980, known as the Zimbabwe Agricultural and Plantation workers union (ZAWU). In November 1982 a group led by Michael Mawere split from the union and formed the General Agriculture and Plantation workers union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ). ZAWU suffered a natural death and disappeared. GAPWUZ was registered as a trade union in June 1985 and certified in 1986. At registration, GAPWUZ had only 15 000 members.

GAPWUZ is a voluntary, democratic trade union organization that represents the rights and interests of Agriculture workers in Zimbabwe.

Overall Goal the overall goal of the union is to promote and protect workers` rights and to improve the living and working conditions of workers in the agriculture industry. BACKGROUND

Vision : “An agriculture industry in Zimbabwe where Agricultural workers are free from all THE Zimbabwe Tobacco Industrial Workers Union (ZTIWU) forms of exploitation, discrimination and victimization, where they enjoy good living and was formed in the early 1980's but was eventually working conditions . certified and registered in 1986. Mission Statement : “To provide quality and efficient service through empowering, protecting At its inception the union was bankrolled by activists such as Silus and enhancing the living and working conditions of agriculture workers” Mhembere and others who took it upon themselves to Aims and Objectives : These are laid down in the Constitution of GAPWUZ; organize membership from the proceeds of their meager hard earned wages.  To regulate the relationship between members and their employers and protect The activists were foot soldiers who moved from company to company further the interest of members in relation to their employment, recruiting membership which also later chipped in with resources towards  To promote or establish provident fund and other benefit schemes for members the reinforcement of the union.  To encourage the settlement of disputes by conciliatory methods After its registration in 1986 and having crafted a constitution, structures were established accordingly.  To promote, support or oppose by lawful method any proposed legislative or other Mhembere passed on and a number of general secretaries measures affecting the interest of members including Mr Maburutse and later Alex Maposa who became  To use lawful means to induce all persons who are eligible for membership to be acting general secretary until the 1999 Congress members. which ushered Nimrod Noruwana as general secretary  To assist members in obtaining employment and the Presidency before the 1999 congress had Agrippa Mapurisa and his predecessors were J. Mugura.  To provide when deemed necessary legal assistance to members on matters connected Nehemiah Shoko was elected President at the 1999 congress with or arising from employment. but was later retrenched and left the industry and  To do such other lawful things as may appear to be in the interest of members. Claudius Makurumure took over in 2008 and his deputy was Why should one join GAPWUZ now? Elson Chiseya who later left the union. The current General secretary Emson Sibanda who is GAPWUZ has collective bargaining power which enables the union to win better working and living deputized by Enock Makuyana was ushered into office conditions. It has enough resources to run the union and represent you in any employment matter, at following the death of Estevao Cumbulane in 2007. any level. GAPWUZ provides Legal assistance, offers education, trainings and skills development. Cumbulane was deputized Mr Makombore.

Trainings carried out by GAPWUZ ZTIWU's national organizer is Emmanuel Mariro who Trainings on; Human rights, Collective Bargaining, Women and gender, Organizing skills, was appointed following the death of Health and safety, Para-legal, Grievance Handling, Governance Phoeb Madziva in 2006. GENERAL COUNCIL GAPWUZ is present in all the country’s provinces divided into three regions, 1. Eastern Region covering Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East ZTIWU general council has 25 members 2. Nothern Region comprises Harare, Mashonaland West and Central 3. Western Region covers Midlands, Matebeleland North and South MEMBERSHIP

GAPWUZ has 15 offices and 2 satellites offices spread through out Zimbabwe and have its Head Office Membership 4500. Membership is shrinking because grading sheds branches are not operational, company closures and seasonal employment HEAD OFFICE Bulawayo Office Room 20 4th Floor Sanders House 105 Robert Mugabe First Street, Harare Bindura Office PROJECTS Way Tel-04 762896/7 Kushinga Driving School Elite Bulawayo Cell: 0772 588 684/ 0774 164 357 Room 99 Cell: 0773 248 825 Email:[email protected] Jason Moyo The Union is construction of an office block that is expected to be Bindura Gweru & Kwekwe [email protected] Development House Cell: 0774 129 112 completed by the end of 2014. Office 403 Karoi Office 4th Floor Stand 758 Marondera Office Mvurwi Office Gweru Industrial Site, Karoi Stand No 249 Chinhoyi&Banket Community Hall Cell: 0772 306 781 Cell: 0772 556 073 The Green Office Mvurwi Marondera Billtmts Building Cell: 0773 465 193 Head office Chegutu & Kadoma Mutare Office Cell: 0773 884 003 Room 11 44 Abercon Street 23b 3rd Floor 2ND Floor Chinhoyi Ruwa 13 Simon Mazorodze Chegutu Cecil Chambers,Mutare Chipinge Office Cell: 0773 922 790 Cell: 0772 560 865 Cell: 0772 625 458 Cell: 0773 285 847 Stand No 9 0777 068 063 Opposite zindoga 0772 895 842 0773 792 391 Main Street Beatrice Chipinge Concession Office Cell: 0772 206 373 Malvern Shopping Centre Norton Office Rusape Office Cell: 0774 711 809 Concession Depot Waterfalls, Harare Ngoni Hall Matambo Garage Cell: 0773 273 940 Kariba Cell: 0773 057 062 Opposite Dairiboard Cell: 0772 225 017 Contacts : Tel: 04-610978/610979 Rusape Cell: 0773 412 707 Fax : 04- 610977 Page 12 The Worker, MARCH 2014 MDC-T is bigger than Mangoma

Mangoma has taken it Zimbabweans who support the MDC-T? part to a grand plan that has been there AFTER the high profile naming and upon himself to fight Why should he want Tsvangirai to go before elections to scuttle Tsvangirai's shaming of chief executives that were Tsvangirai and become a 'hero' now before the Congress scheduled for ascendance to State House. It appears getting outrageous salaries, it seems to those who are opposed to 2016? Why not wait? Its only two years the whole thing was well planned before nothing is going to happen to them. As Tsvangirai's leadership. I to go and after the congress they will and what this means is that during the we said before, nothing will indeed admit that Mangoma is have another two years to prepare for elections on 31 July last years, happen to them. After all these people entitled to his opinion. He is elections. Is he the congress? Tsvangirai was not only fighting Robert were not awarding themselves this also entitled to seek change in Besides Bennett, Kay and Mudzuri, Mugabe, he was also fighting his own amounts as there are boards set to his party. But unfortunately, I Chigumura is eager to know who else in men who wanted him to lose so that they oversee these parastatals. It is not am also entitled to say in doing the top hierarchy of the MDC is behind get an excuse to get rid of him. surprising that all of a sudden there is so, Chigumura thinks Mangoma? Is it true that Tendai Biti is Of cause if indeed this conspicuous silence because most of Mangoma is digging his own the master behind? If he is he was beaten up at these chief executives in parastatals political grave. man enough he should Harvest House, that were appointed to those posts by the Granted Tsvangirai has his come up and clear the air. CHIGUMURA was the highest level of ruling party with the aim of syphoning own flaws, and they are many - If this is the team that intolerance by money to feed the big chefs. Surely you that include his well- want to take over the Tsvangirai's cannot tell Chigumura that Ministers documented weakness for MDC-T then, we are in for supporters. Beating who were responsible for parastatals did women- but blaming him a rough ride as workers. people for their views not know how much chief executive solely for the loss during the They are capitalists to the can never be officers were earning! They were July 31, 2013 harmonised cough and are good friends supported. But what benefiting somehow! This is Zimbabwe, elections is being unfair. I of business. During his Mangoma is doing is it was a hullaballoo for nothing. though it was team work term of office as Minister playing into the hands FINALLY the first daughter Bona during elections and everyone of Energy, Mangoma was very of Zanu PF. No wonder why the police, Mugabe wed on 1 march 2014. As we should shoulder the blame. unpopular with workers and trade after Mangoma reported his case to wrote this article, it was all glitz and All the MDC-T is to blame, unionists. He refused to implement them, gleefully rushed to Harvest House glamorous. It also appeared it was going Elton Mangoma and surely if Tsvangirai has to agreements between Zesa and workers. to arrest MDC activists. For them it was to be a wedding made in heaven. The life go, the whole team must also We all wondered if he was from a part an opportunity to show how violent the of money. But looking at the groom, LTON Mangoma, the MDC- go. that claimed to have workers at heart. MDC-T is. Chigumura just wondered how old he is. T deputy treasurer has joined It also appears Mangoma is not Talking of Biti, he is the one who Mangoma must realise that MDC-T But then, age is just a number, I am out of Ethe likes of Elias Mudzuri, Ian gifted in reading people's mood started the labour flexibility mantra. He is a bigger institution than him. He must here! Kay and Roy Bennett in trying to oust particularly when it comes to Tsvangirai. has made it known that he wanted labour let the 5 000 delegates who gave Morgan Tsvangirai from the MDC-T. The man is hugely popular among the laws to be amended to the benefit of Tsvangirai the mandate to run as MDC- The reasons are that he has failed to grassroots. What it means is that if employers. He was against PDL wages T president decide. remove Robert Mugabe, alleged Tsvangirai goes, them the MDC-T must claiming that they misappropriation of funds as well as kiss state power goodbye. caused inflation. his liaisons with a host of women In any event, why should Mangoma Chigumura believes which, Mangoma claims, cost the think that he is speaking on behalf of all Mangoma was and is ZTWU presses for Karina revival party at the last election. BY DICKSON CHAERUKA ''It can be unfortunate if such a company cannot find a bidder once it is put on an auction. HE Zimbabwe Textiles Workers Karina enjoyed monopoly in its trade and that is Union (ZTWU) is advocating for the why we were even against liquidation in the resuscitation of Karina Textiles (Pvt) first place. With its unique operations, almost in T the whole of Southern Africa, we don't foresee Ltd three months after the High Court approved the company's liquidation the reason why it cannot find a bidder as an application, The Worker has learnt. ongoing concern,'' he said. The company was granted the liquidation Karina was established in 1959 under the order in December 2013 following a protracted name Ferguson Shiers manufacturing carpets in High Court dispute with its workforce, which the eastern border town of Mutare but was accused the latter of clandestinely seeking the expanded 10 years later when the company court order when they had preferred a judicial ventured into manufacturing knitting yarn and manager to run the firm. wool . ZTWU General Secretary, Silas Kuveya The company was one of the city's top INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2014 said the union was still convinced the company employers with over 1 000 workers during its had fair chances of revival even after the prime liquidation was granted citing a host of factors. It became the second largest textile industry He said the union preferred the company to reported to have succumbed to viability THEME: WOMEN UNITE AND INSPIRE CHANGE be sold as a going concern. challenges after David Whitehead was put ''We understand very much the provisions of under judicial management in 2011. liquidation. The union preferred the company to Following the liquidation, it was established be deposed as an ongoing concern. This way is that Karina has a debt totalling to $558 880 better because there would be employment owed to its 168 factory workers in terminal created by the new investor. A development benefits including accrued wage arrears NATIONAL ENERGY WORKERS where all workers or part of them are reengaged The liquidator was identified as Theresa after it is revamped is much favorable. It's up to Grimel and she had so far auctioned some of the the liquidator to decide but finding a new company vehicles. UNION OF ZIMBABWE investor is possible because primarily, the Grimel said the company's other movable purpose of liquidation is to make something that and fixed assets were also set to be auctioned. is liquid solid,'' he said. The ZTWU General Secretary confirmed (NEWUZ) Kuveya said chances were very high for the the deposed assets expressing that the company to find a new investor once that liquidator was obliged to do so, so that she can avenue is opened citing that Karina was a sole cover her day to day operation costs. JOINS unique firm across the country that Kuveya further stated that the union urge the manufactured peculiar products on demand liquidator to make an effort to consider the THE ZCTU such as knitting yarn and wool. workers first in the liquidation proceedings. AND THE ZIMBABWEAN WORKERS AT LARGE Detergents union holds congress Continued from Page 6 constitutions, which often led 'There are so many problems IN COMMEMORATING out there, including low wages Secretary's post while Letticia to factionalism. and non-payment of salaries. Togara was elected his deputy. “Your constitution stipulates My wish is for you to negotiate The post of Treasurer went to that you have a congress after INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. good wages that give workers Edson Muzarurwi while five years, so you have to dignity, that in turn gives them a Daniel Padare, Melicia religiously adhere to your sense of purpose and look Musvipa, and Mgcini Moyo constitution,” Machikiti said. WE CALL FOR MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION forward to work,” Machikiti were elected committee He called for unity of said. members. Meanwhile purpose among the elected Machikiti called on speaking at the same congress leaders of trade unions in the OF WOMEN IN DECISION MAKING negotiators from trade union a Labour Officer with the struggle for their rights. organisations to try by all means Ministry of Labour and Social “Those elected must be to solve their differences with Welfare has called on trade concerned about the workers' AT THE WORKPLACE employers through dialogue as unions to adhere to their concerns and shun factionalism confrontation usually ended up constitutions in order to avoid because what workers want is costing the workers. unnecessary squabbles that led food on their tables,” Machikiti “I encourage you to engage Shinga Mushandi Shinga, Qina Sisebenzi Qina to factionalism in most unions. said. in dialogue as opposed to Speaking at an elective He said there were so many confrontation as most congress of the Detergents, problems affecting workers in employers deliberately frustrate KWIRA MUDZIMAI KWIRA PACHIGARO! Edible Oils and Fats Workers all sectors of the economy and it you into confrontation so they Union in Harare recently, Elvis was the duty of their elected can apply for a show cause order Machikiti, said most trade leaders to negotiate for better which gives them an unions were known for working conditions and REWARD LABOUR FOR PRODUCTIVITY opportunity to fire you,” he said. flouting their own salaries. 2014 MARCH, The Worker Page 13 ZimAsset No Panacea - Part 1

ollowing the overwhelming electoral Fvictory by ZANU PF in the 31 July harmonised elections the government the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio- Economic Transformation (ZimAsset) as the new economic blueprint to guide economic development over the next five years from October 2013 until December 2018. The government argues that ZimAsset was developed through a consultative process involving political leadership in the ruling Zanu PF Party, Government, Private Sector and other stakeholders. The Vision of the Plan is “Towards an Empowered Society and a Growing Economy”. The execution of this plan will be guided by the following Mission: “To provide an enabling environment for sustainable economic empowerment and social transformation to the people of Zimbabwe”. ZimAsset is a cluster based development and these clusters include: Food Security and Nutrition; Social Services and Poverty Eradication; Infrastructure Local industries are underperforming and need massive recapitalisation and Utilities; and Value Addition and Beneficiation. Two sub-clusters environment since the year 2000 1995/96. The incidence of extreme viability of producers. sanctions on 18 February 2002 were also developed namely: Fiscal caused by illegal economic poverty (households that could not Budgetary problems were marking the deterioration in the Reform Measures and Public sanctions imposed by the Western meet basic food requirements) deeply exacerbated in August 1998 relations with the Government of Administration, Governance and countries. This resulted in a deep increased from 16.7 per cent to 35.7 when government unilaterally sent Zimbabwe. Performance Management. The economic and social crisis per cent over the same period. troops to the Democratic Republic While the reality of sanctions is Office of the President and Cabinet characterised by a hyperinflationary Declining public expenditure on of Congo (DRC) to assist that indisputable to attribute our will monitor and evaluate the environment and low industrial education and the imposition of user country's government repel rebels economic problems to these will be implementation, monitoring and capacity utilisation, leading to the fees affected the quality of who were threatening to assume self-delusion of the highest order. evaluation of the Plan. Among the overall decline in Gross Domestic education and access to education. power. Zimbabwe's involvement in For starters the inability of the positive elements in ZimAsset are Product (GDP).' A careful and The overall result of fee imposition the DRC war was estimated to cost country to access lines of credit was the adoption of Results Based diligent analysis of the economic was a decline in enrolment rates. US$33 million a month and was not not caused by sanctions but rather by Management and a clear history of Zimbabwe will however ESAP compromised the access of provided for in the regular budget. the inability of the country to pay its implementation matrix. show that the economic crisis in the poor segment of society to Against this background, the arrears beginning in 1998 when the Zimbabwe was not caused by education and health facilities as relationship between Zimbabwe country defaulted and there were no The total financial requirements 'illegal economic sanctions' but most people failed to pay the and its multilateral and bilateral sanctions in 1998. More importantly for ZimAsset is USD27 billion up to required user fees. development partners deteriorated the high cost of doing business in U S D 2 7 As early as 1993, the country as government defaulted in 1999 on Zimbabwe caused by decades of billion up experienced its first "IMF" riots its arrears payments such that underinvestment in the productive to 2018 and when the lifting of subsidies and Zimbabwe earned itself a pariah base of the economy (aging most of this decontrol of market prices sent the status. Investors and donors began machinery and obsolete money is price of bread soaring by 30 per to desert the country, resulting in an technologies) and underinvestment earmarked cent. A "bread boycott" by township acute shortage of foreign currency. in infrastructure such as roads, water for energy, consumers lasted more than two As a result, a thriving parallel and energy have conspired to make w a t e r , weeks, and saw running street market emerged. Zimbabwe unattractive for both sanitation battles between riot police, and The Fast-Track Land Reform domestic and foreign private and social women and the youth. In 1996, the Programme which was officially investments. Uncertainties and sectors. In longest and most acrimonious launched in June 2001 though noble policy inconsistencies have also o r d e r t o public sector strikes occurred, was conducted in a violent and earned the country a high risk raise this especially involving health workers chaotic manner which adversely premium which makes it more money the and teachers. The largest number of affected commercial agricultural expensive to invest in Zimbabwe. p l a n h a s strikes since independence occurred production. As a result agricultural No sane and rational investor is identified in 1997 when 232 strikes were production and productivity going to invest in a country when a s recorded. Following the failure of plummeted and Zimbabwe became they are unsure of their expected financing rather with the implementation of ESAP, and the hardships that a net food importer from being the returns and security of their mechanisms: tax and non tax ESAP in 1991 and exacerbated by resulted in growing discontent and bread basket of the region. This investments period. The policy also revenue, leveraging resources, the implementation of politically the rise of civil society from its negatively affected the rest of the does not make any reference to our Sovereign Wealth Fund, issuance of convenient but economically slumber, subsequent economic economy in a number of ways own internally-induced sanctions bonds, accelerated implementation irrational policies beginning from policies were generally mainly because agriculture being that include: state capture of of Public Private Partnerships, 1997. characterized by irrational controls, the backbone of the economy had resources by a few elites; various securitisation of remittances, re- policy inconsistencies and strong linkages with other sectors forms of corporate malfeasance at ESAP decimated the country's engagement with the international reversals. such manufacturing. Therefore both private companies and industrial base by exposing it to and multilateral finance institutions The massive crash of the problems in agriculture had a spilled parastatals (which have continued to external competitive pressures. The and other financing options, Zimbabwe dollar on 14 November over onto the rest of the economy. drain the fiscus); and other rent- external debt as a percentage of focusing on Brazil, Russia, India, 1997 by 71.5 per cent, commonly In response to the violence seeking and other corrupt GDP which averaged 44 per cent China and South Africa (BRICS). referred to as 'Black Friday', marked accompanying the fast track land behaviours and tendencies. before ESAP rose to an average 77 the onset of the economic crisis and reform programme the US While the policy blueprint per cent during the ESAP period. It Prosper Chitambara Researcher paralysis. The crash was government imposed restrictive correctly identifies a number of key stood at about 71 per cent in 1998. A & PhD (Economics) Candidate. precipitated by the announcement measures against targeted binding constraints to development study by the Central Statistical Labour & Economic by government to pay unbudgeted government officials on 21 in Zimbabwe it however makes a Office (1998) suggests that the Development Research Institute gratuities to war veterans. As a result December 2001, the Zimbabwe wrong diagnosis of the causal incidence of poverty in Zimbabwe of Zimbabwe (LEDRIZ) of the massive depreciation of the Democracy and Economic factors. The policy argues that increased from 40.4 per cent in Zimbabwe dollar, input costs Recovery Act (ZDERA). The EU Zimbabwe, 'experienced a 1990/91 to 63.3 per cent by deteriorating economic and social soared, thereby undermining the followed suit with targeted Page 14 The Worker, MARCH 2014 ZIMBABWEAN LABOUR LAW Is labour market flexibility the way to go?

HE debate on whether the working hours were there is our labour laws need to be really no work to be done so as to Tflexible, if at all rigid, prevent himself from paying gathered momentum when the employees for the hours they would Finance Minister alluded to it not have been doing any work at all. during the presentation of the 2014 Flexibility of labour laws is budget statement. therefore seen by its proponents as The views regarding the effects way of matching costs related to of making labour law flexible are employment with production output quite divided between the employers levels. Where output levels have and the employees with the gone low and there is no indication of government appearing to be leaning any rise, an employer will easily in favour of the employers if the adjust his workforce. Long term sentiments expressed by the Finance employment contracts can be Minister in the said budget statement replaced by short term employment are anything to go by. contracts and there can be an In his budget statement, the increased use of part time Minister of Finance made reference employees. to the need to have flexible labour A country with flexible labour laws. He stated that: laws is also seen as a first choice “Government has already destination by investors in that they alluded to the need to review the can easily exploit labour laws in country's existing labour laws, which order to ensure maximum profits as tend to be skewed in favour of compared to what they would earn in employees, without taking due countries that do not have a flexible cognisance of productivity and the labour market capacity of companies to pay. This It be noted however that a The concept of Labour Market Flexibility is set to increase precarious jobs threatening has contributed to numerous flexible labour market comes with the livelihoods of thousands of workers through casualisation of labour company closures. This is also number of serious disadvantages Upon reaching retirement age, a be a lack of training for workers. It is What can be noted is that constraining potential investment mainly for the workers. Flexibility person who has been employed by quite obvious that an employer flexibility of the labour market into the country. Government will, tends to reverse a number of the various employers for very short cannot devote his resources to train a negatively affects the rights and therefore, expedite the finalisation of gains of the workers especially if term contracts may realise that he person employed on a short term interest of the working class. It the ongoing review of labour laws looked in the context of Zimbabwe would not have made any contract such as one month contract. effectively takes away the right of with a view of making them flexible where there has been a growth in the contributions in respect of pensions. The eligibility of such person to be trade unions to bargain. The role will and linking remuneration to realisation of labour rights meant to This would mean that there would be employed in the long run will be taken over by market forces of productivity, that way promoting ensure that workers play a role in the an increase in pensioner poverty in therefore have been affected. supply and demand. interests of both the investor and making of decisions that affect their the long run. Productivity is also affected in B Makururu is a registered employees.” rights. The fact that a there would be a the long run in that there will always legal practitioner who writes in his Flexibility of labour laws entails Although flexibility can result in rise in short term contracts be new employees and time will be personal capacity. Your views are a number of things such as flexible the reduction of the unemployment necessarily means that there would wasted due to inductions being welcome. working hours and contracts of rate, the jobs are not permanent at all. constantly conducted. employment. It also entails flexible They are mainly short term contracts ways of hiring and dismissing and as such there would be a rise in workers and greater flexibility in job insecurity. With job insecurity payment arrangements as well as the comes a number of problems for the introduction of shifts. In essence, it workers such as failing to make long The right to cheat . . .? refers to the relaxation of legislation term plans in live. that seeks to protect workers. The aspect of collective From page 14 to ignore the fact that sexual and romantic betrayal hurts The proponents of flexibility of bargaining will also be eroded. The cheat more than men, and have more sexual experiences men just as much as women. Interestingly, it is usually labour laws regard it as a way of relationship between an employer than men, but does that mean they have the right to do so. not any specific sexual or romantic act that hurts the reviving an a n d a n Some women are usually interested in sex that most. Instead, it's the keeping of secrets and the constant industry and employee includes or at least hints at some sort of emotional or lying that causes the most pain. the economy will thus relationship connection, while men are typically seeking One thing men must understand is that they are going at large. A be a strict a purely objectified sexual experience. to get caught at one point or the other. May be it may be n u m b e r o f m a s t e r Sometimes women feel betrayed by their partner the scent of another perfume, some fallen hairs, lipstick e x a m p l e s a n d usually either financially or sexually, and they use marks or different behaviour than normal because they give will s e r v a n t infidelity as a way to retaliate. Typically, women seeking women are smart, no offense meant. Many men have lost suffice in this relationsh revenge are not secretive about what they are doing. their money, property, health and wealth by opting for regard. A i p i n Others miss the exhilaration of meeting, flirting, dating, relationships outside marriage. But that still does not company can engage in a system of which the employee, being the and forming new relationships. They find their on-going prevent them from doing it again. After all, Men are men! shifts in order to try and limit the servant, will have no say in respect of stable partnership boring so they chase the emotional Cheating or relationship infidelity can be incredibly working hours of employees and to all aspects governing the employer- high of finding and bonding with someone new. damaging on many levels. As for women, the day your ensure that they will be paid employee relationship. This means Women are also sexual creatures. They usually enjoy partner finds out that you are cheating is most likely the particularly for the hours they would that such issues as working hours, the physical act of lovemaking as much as men do, and day your relationship with him ends. This however does have worked. salary and duration of contract will they also enjoy the feeling of being wanted, needed, and not give men any right to cheat just because women are Another example would be that be determined solely and exclusively desired. Sometimes women are much more sexual than more forgiving. of the flexibility of working hours. by the employer. their partner which can be problematic. Rather than end To all women who will be celebrating the An employer may change the The increase in short term the relationship, they may seek a little sex on the side as a International Women's Day this March: no man has a working hours of his employees so as contracts may negatively affect way to meet their physical needs. right to cheat on you, and you have no right whatsoever to be in line with the work available. eligibility for pensions and thus Sadly, women who cheat often don't realize or choose to do the same for whatever reasons. For instance, he can be able to reduce giving rise to social implications. 2014 MARCH, The Worker Page 15 The right to cheat.....?

here have been interesting continue to cheat, because this is that's the stories of women being what his “organ” demands. His number one Taccused and some even “organ" rules his brains, and it tells reason they caught red-handed cheating on him that he must have a variety of the do it. their partners: A lot of men have female organ. Accordin also been accused, caught red- The percentage of men unfaithful g to a survey handed cheating on their partners to their partners is said to be many that Inomira too and Inomira will share some of folds than women cheating on their did, sex was the reasons why men and women partners. Whatever the case is men said to be the cheat. are less forgiving of their partner m o s t Whose sin better than the other, cheating than women are about their i m p o r t a n t who has the right to cheat and who cheating partners. Overall, only r e a s o n t o does not; women or men? about a third of marriages survive w h y m e n Cheating is responsible for the affairs as it is hard to forgive, c h e a t o n destruction of marriages, long term redevelop trust and make the t h e i r relationships, and families. It is a marriage more intimate and spouses. It is horrendous thing, not only does it satisfying. Naturally men cheat more possible for ruin the trust between man and than women because they have a m a n t o woman but it also ruins the trust stronger sexual impulses than their h a v e s e x between a woman and her family. female counterparts, and some w i t h a Even though men know the because they have weak self-control. w o m a n negative consequences of cheating Some men feel that since his w i t h o u t CHE ATING...most of our societal beliefs about females are grossly distorted and many are completely erroneous they still do it anyway. There are woman doesn't come with having any many reasons why interchangeable e m o t i o n a l by some that men do it for "sex," men cheat and in organs that he has the attachment to her whereas it is not there is a narrowing gap between men while women do it for "love." It is a my opinion, none right to have sex with very easy for a woman to do so. It is and women when it comes to lot easier for women to cheat than it is of them are valid as many females as he also said that men only need a place to infidelity. Men are often thought of for men because they can always find because cheating is possibly can just in have an affair whereas a woman first when you mention cheating in a a willing partner without having to do the cruellest way to case he gets tired of his needs a reason. Even if the man have relationship, but it seems that women too much work. treat someone you main woman. I was a loving spouse who takes take of his are reversing that trend! Women have Inomira found women to be very care about. told that men get tired every need physically a man may become more financially sexual and they also tend to cheat Men choose to cheat on their of having sex with the same woman cheat on his wife if he gets an independent, social stigmas have more for sex than for some mere significant others simply because over and over again. Even though the opportunity to do so. Moreover, the been lifted, and attitudes about emotional need and they tend to be that's what they want to do. Most men relationship should be been built on thought of sex can get majority of women engaging in sex have more secretive than men, as a result believe that it's perfectly fine to have better things; all that he is concerned men excited so they may not leave the changed. But truly women have would hardly admit to their a main woman and then other females about is the newness of her private chance of getting another women to always cheated. indiscretions, sometimes even to on the side. As long as he can keep the parts not who she is as a human being. bed. Men are considered manipulative, themselves. This has led me to the two of them separate where there Men cheat simply because they want However according to another while women are considered conclusion that on average women won't be any problems then he should to, and as simple as that may sound source it has been discovered that "conned," into cheating. It is believed To page 14 CROSSWORDS BY MELULEKI NCUBE The letters falling inside the red circles spell a WORKER...... Who is it?

ACROSS DOWN 1.Quitting(11) 1.Creditor-debtor 7.Cop(11) agreement(9,4) 8.Abominable snowman(4) 2.Wages(8) 10.Ogle(3) 3.Reptile(5) 12.Strange flyer(abb) 4.Ever(6) 14.Region(4) 5.Prisoners(6) 16. 6.ZUCWU employers(5,8) 17.Line managers(11) 9.Zimbabwean city(8) 11.Idolise(7) 13.Leather processor(6) 15.Elsewhere excuse(5)

SOLUTIONS FOR LAST MONTH

ACROSS: 1.Conglomerate 6.Unpaid 8.Leave 11.Artists 12.Ideas 13.Farai Katsande 15.Court 16.Laptops 17.Scary 18.Shashe 20.Manufactures

DOWN:2.Own 3.Old 4.Rallies 5.Trade unions 7.Peter Mutasa 9.Easters 11.Affects 14.Into You 18.Gland 19.Hoe

HIDDEN WORKER : UNDERTAKER High time coaches and players form a Union

Page 16 The Worker, MARCH 2014

Bvute accused Zimbabwe Cricket of alleged insurance fraud Ozias Bvute officially mismanaged $6m stepped down as ZC's managing director in June 2012, but in a press release issued at the time, Peter Chingoka confirmed Bvute would remain involved in the ICC loan organisation. protest over salaries by "I am delighted to confirm Zimbabwe's cricketers has that his expertise will not be Aagain brought to the fore lost entirely to the game as Zimbabwe Cricket's financial he has accepted our request problems, which have continued to be on hand to offer advice despite at least US $9 million being and consultation, loaned by the ICC to the board. particularly with matters ESPNcricinfo can reveal that one reason for the financial mess is that pertaining to the commercial ZC's top leadership apparently opportunities in the game," used a $6 million loan from the ICC said Chingoka. to enrich a bank on whose board In February 2013 Bvute they sit and ignored a key condition was appointed chairman of of the loan. the board of Air Zimbabwe, The issue also raises an apparent the country's state-owned conflict of interest: ZC chairman national carrier. Under his Peter Chingoka, vice-chairman leadership, the board Wilson Manase and former managing director Ozias Bvute all sit on the appointed Metbank as Air board of Metbank, one of Zimbabwe's Zimbabwe's principal leading banks. While Chingoka is a banker. The airline has since non-executive director on the become embroiled in a Metbank board, Manase is chairman series of corruption of the board and Bvute is a major scandals, leading Transport shareholder in the institution. and Infrastructure ZC said the main purpose for the Development minister Obert ICC loan was to service the current Mpofu to sack Bvute and the facilities with local banks so that it could borrow again but the plan was board three weeks ago, upset by the status of the financial BACK THEN ....when all was still well with the national cricket side saying it had failed to market. Chingoka also said it was observe good corporate on December 14, 2011; on January 18, "wrong and malicious" to allege loss head again in negotiations over Metbank, the ICC loaned the cricket governance. A week later 2012, ZC repaid $75,000 to Premier of money when Metbank themselves payments for the upcoming World board $6 million with one rider: the Bvute was accused of Bank, and another $50,000 to the were owed the most amount of Twenty20, which have been money should be used to immediately same institution on March 15. It then complicity in an alleged money. The ICC, meanwhile, has deadlocked but due to resume on retire ZC's existing debt. Instead ZC repaid $1,758,211 to Interfin Bank on multi-million dollar declined to respond to specific March 3. deposited the money in a non-interest- April 23, 2012 and $829,167 to FBC insurance fraud by a sacked questions. ESPNcricinfo has learnt that from bearing account with Metbank for Bank on May 3. Air Zimbabwe secretary Recent effects of that debt have 2009, ZC took out US dollar loans more than five months. Metbank been public knowledge: last from Metbank at interest rates of would have benefited from the The writers Liam Brickhill is a during a court hearing in September, ZC called off a proposed more than 20 percent and possibly as interest accruing on their high- freelance journalist based in Cape Harare. visit by Sri Lanka on financial high as 24 percent despite knowing interest loan to ZC, as well as from Town and Tristan Holme is a Bvute did not respond to a grounds and the current domestic the ICC could arrange loans at having ZC's money in the non- freelance cricket journalist who written request for season was delayed by two months international interest rates far below interest-bearing account available to divides his time between South comment, despite promising after players went on strike over those that Metbank was offering. loan to third parties. ZC would, by the Africa and Zimbabwe. to do so during a telephone same deal, have lost out twice. unpaid wages. That matter raised its In December 2011, after learning © ESPN Sports Media Ltd. conversation. of ZC's high-interest loans from The ICC loan was received by ZC Warriors’ CHAN display reaping rewards

he Zimbabwe national soccer The day will be an opportunity for Ian “As you all know, as ZIFA we have in the newly-established Ministry of also start next year. team’s heroic exploits at this Gorowa to continue the process of come under fire from soccer players and Sports, Arts and Culture. Although the Warriors exhibited a Tyear’s edition of the African building a strong Warriors squad coaches for poor planning, but this is the Egypt had proposed to play the crisp passing team effort at CHAN, Nations Championships have not following a sterling performance at the time for us to pay them back, we should Warriors ahead of their Brazil 2014 first coach, Ian Gorowa singled out, skipper, gone unnoticed as at least five African African Nations Championship. make the best from these invitations,” leg final qualifier against Ghana which Patisson Jaure winger, Kudakwashe countries have expressed their Malawi, Dubai, Botswana and Gabon h e s a i d . was played last year, but the request Mahachi and goalkeeper, George interest for a dance with them for have reportedly written to ZIFA about Zimbabwe will soon battle for a berth at came at too short a notice for the match Chigova. International friendly matches. the request, but Gwesela says the the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and the to take place. The trio have since established Eventual tournament winners, football mother body is yet to decide on 5th of March will be an ideal platform With the North Africans handed a 6- themselves as the cornerstone of Libya, who knocked the Warriors in the a n o p p o n e n t . for Gorowa to continue building a team. 1 drubbing, they will be hoping to Dibango’s team,it is likely, he will build semi-finals of the tournament on penalty ZIFA has in the past Under the current prepare better and the Warriors could his team around them. shoot outs after a goalless draw are still come under fire for qualifying format, benefit since the Pharaohs proposed to As a reward for the team’s keen to engage the vastly improved Ian failing to capitalise on Zimbabwe will first pay for the trip. exemplary display at CHAN,the Gorowa’s team once again. international friendly have to progress from a Gabon, who also played at Chan and Warriors moved slightly up on the Fifa Other teams which are interested to dates which give preliminary round were in Group D together with the DRC, rankings although they remain outside play the Warriors are minnows, coaches an qualifier before battling Burundi and Mauritania, had hoped to the top 100 in the world according to the Botswana, Malawi, Gabon and little opportunity of trying for a top two finish in pass through Harare on their way to latest Fifa/Coca-Cola World Rankings known Dubai. out players that can the group stage. South Africa for a warm up match ahead released last month from Zurich, Zimbabwe Football Association represent the country The Warriors’ opponent of the tournament. Switzerland. They moved two places up communications officer Xolisani in competitive encounters. in the preliminary round will be decided Warriors coach Ian Gorowa is from 107 to 105 on the world stage while Gwesela confirmed receipt of the Gwesela added that this will also at a draw to be held in Cairo on the 27th hoping to continue with the impressive their continental rankings is now at 29, requests from four countries asking for give Gorowa a chance to assess the of April. performance from Chan which many up from 30 December last year. an international friendly tie with the foreign based players in time for the Like other sports associations, Zifa believe laid the foundation for the Warriors on the 5th of March. African Cup of Nations qualifiers. is placing hopes for financial recovery Warriors’ Afcon 2015 qualifiers which