By Victor Fanuel
HARARE — The president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Obert Masaraure, has fiercely rejected the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ (ZCTU) announcement suspending Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo, describing the decision as “illegal,” “corrupt” and a “nullity.”
Masaraure’s remarks came hours after ZCTU President Florence Mucha Taruvinga issued a press statement announcing that Marimo had been suspended over alleged acts of misconduct and relieved of all official duties.
The statement further named Kudakwashe Munengiwa as acting Secretary General and directed all official communication to the union’s official email address.
However, Masaraure, whose union is one of the ZCTU’s affiliates, dismissed the announcement, insisting that those behind the decision lacked the constitutional authority to suspend the labour federation’s elected Secretary General.
“Cde Tiri Marimo cannot be suspended by unelected officials who corruptly assumed office. We hope stakeholders take note that Tiri remains in charge,” Masaraure said.
He maintained that ZCTU workers and affiliates continue to recognise Marimo as the legitimate Secretary General.
“The workers recognize Tiri as a popularly elected SG,” he said.
Masaraure also launched a blistering attack on ZCTU President Florence Mucha Taruvinga and those backing the suspension, alleging that they had unlawfully taken over the organisation.
“Only the General Council has the mandate to make a decision on this matter.
“For us, the ZCTU affiliates, the suspension is a nullity.
“Those who claim to have suspended the SG illegally assumed office after engaging in blatantly corrupt practices,” he said.
The outspoken union leader further accused Taruvinga and her allies of political interference, claiming they were aligned with the ruling Zanu PF party.
“Florence and her Zanu PF mafia can go hang!” Masaraure said.
ZCTU’s statement announcing Marimo’s suspension did not provide details of the alleged misconduct but said the decision had already taken effect and that Marimo had been relieved of all official responsibilities on behalf of the labour federation.
The developments have exposed deepening divisions within Zimbabwe’s largest labour movement, with affiliates openly disputing the legitimacy of the leadership behind the suspension and raising questions over governance and constitutional processes within the federation.
As of Thursday, Marimo had not publicly responded to the suspension announced by the ZCTU leadership.
The dispute is expected to intensify as rival factions continue to challenge the legality of decisions taken within the organisation.
