By Staff Reporter
Harare — The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has raised alarm over what it describes as attempts by some individuals to enlist State institutions in influencing the labour body’s internal constitutional processes ahead of its regional and national conferences scheduled for later this year.
In a statement issued by ZCTU Secretary General Trivahnu Marimo, the Congress said it had received information suggesting that individuals who failed to secure leadership positions during the August 2025 General Conference were allegedly seeking the support of State institutions to achieve their objectives outside the democratic processes of the union.
“The ZCTU has received information indicating that certain individuals allegedly associated with those who unsuccessfully did not support the election of the Secretary General at the ZCTU General Conference held in August 2025 are allegedly seeking to enlist the support of State institutions and processes in an attempt to achieve administratively or judicially what they failed to secure democratically through the ballot,” the statement reads.
The labour federation said any interference with its constitutional affairs would undermine the independence of the organisation and disrupt preparations for its upcoming regional, youth, women’s and 10th General Conferences.
According to the ZCTU, the individuals in question do not represent the views of the organisation’s constitutional structures but rather constitute “a small minority pursuing personal interests and ambitions.”
“It is important to emphasise that the individuals allegedly promoting this course of action neither represent the collective will of the ZCTU nor the overwhelming majority of its constitutional organs,” the statement said.
The Congress further warned State institutions against becoming involved in what it described as internal organisational matters, arguing that any such intervention would undermine labour relations and the constitutional autonomy of the trade union movement.
“The Government should therefore exercise the utmost caution and decline any invitation to become an instrument for individuals who are afraid to get into a free and fair election process in accordance with ZCTU’s internal constitutional processes,” reads part of the statement.
The ZCTU also revealed that it is investigating reports that certain external actors, including professionals who have previously provided services to the organisation, may have collaborated with individuals seeking to interfere with its governance structures.
“The Congress has also received credible information suggesting that certain external actors… may, allegedly, be collaborating with these persons seeking to influence, undermine or interfere with the constitutional processes, democratic governance and institutional independence of the ZCTU,” the statement says.
It warned that, should the allegations be substantiated, the organisation would pursue all available legal and regulatory remedies, including referrals to professional regulatory bodies and possible civil or criminal proceedings where appropriate.
Reaffirming its independence, the ZCTU stressed that its leadership derives authority solely from its members through constitutional elections.
“The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions is an independent, democratic and autonomous workers’ organisation… No external institution, political actor or State agency possesses any lawful authority to determine the leadership, administration or constitutional processes of the Congress,” the statement emphasised.
The labour federation also cited Zimbabwe’s obligations under International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, arguing that public authorities are required to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of trade unions.
It warned that any State interference in the governance or elections of the organisation could amount to a violation of internationally recognised principles on freedom of association and could be the subject of proceedings before the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association.
The ZCTU concluded by calling on all State institutions to act impartially and independently and to refrain from involvement in matters that fall within the constitutional mandate of its membership and elected organs.
