By Delicious Mathuthu
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has condemned the continuing ‘mbinga’ culture in the country amid a sea of poverty as workers struggle to get by.
In a speech read on her behalf by the First Vice President Valentine Chikosi during the union’s Central Region May-Day celebrations at Mkoba Stadium yesterday (1/05/2024), ZCTU president Florence Taruvinga said it makes no sense to have individuals splashing millions of dollars while workers are barely getting by.
The sentiment comes in the wake of controversial businessman and ZANU PF loyalist, Wicknell Chivayo, known for his lavish spending and charity, splashing millions on cars and other gifts.
“The mantra nyika inovakwa nevene vayo is indeed resonating to the inclusive Zimbabwe that we all want. But how does that happen with the level of inequalities that are currently obtaining where the citizenry is looking at the so-called Mbingas for crumbs?” She said.
“How do you explain a situation where an individual has access to millions of dollars they do not know how to use it except dishing out when workers cannot afford one decent meal or send children to government school?
“We have seen the elderly in the streets selling anything to feed themselves and their great-great children when some people do not know what to do with the money.
“The pro-poor mantra is forgotten. The dignity of the working people is the beginning of human capital development,” Taruvinga said.
Hundreds of workers and invited guests which include Gweru Urban Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Josiah Makombe, Mkoba South MP John Kuka, former Mkoba North MP Amos Chibaya, Gweru City Councilors and Aldermen, ZCTU Central Region top officials, local companies and civil society organisations gathered at Mkoba Stadium to celebrate the day.
Taruvinga went on to say there is need for social security guarantees in the country amid the El Nino drought effects, and also ensure fair food aid distribution.
She said consulting workers when coming up with key economic policies is a must to ensure their sustainability.
On workers’s salaries, she said there is need to revive the essence of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum with members dialoguing in sincerity.
She said with the Poverty Datum Line now pegged at US$570, it has become a pipe dream for workers as salaries have been eroded.
“Civil servants and parastatal employees who had good wages in the past have not been spared by the obtaining wage erosion.
“The worker’s dream for a good life is fast becoming a fairy tale. Employment and social conditions are deteriorating at an alarming pace,” She said.
