Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) spokesperson, Patrick Craven said they are confident she would push the cause of African workers.
Matibenga was elected into the international labour body on Monday at the ILO Annual Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland.
“She richly deserves this honour and we are confident that she will be a worthy representative of the workers of Africa on this important world body. She has fought resolutely for the workers of Zimbabwe for many years, despite being the victim of ruthless persecution by the Mugabe
regime,” said Craven.
The ILO governing body is responsible for guiding the ILO between conferences. It also takes decisions on actions to give effect to the ILO policy, prepares the draft programme and budget which it then submits to the Conference for adoption. Â
It also elects the director general of the ILO.
Matibenga is a prominent politician-cum-trade unionist.
She has on numerous occasions been arrested and tortured by Zimbabwean police for her involvement in the struggle to retain democracy in crisis torn Zimbabwe and in one incident, she was seriously beaten on her feet and could not walk.
Craven said it underlined her courage.
“The federation wishes her every success in her new position and will give her our full support,” he added–CAJ News.
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