ZCTU Position on the Outcome

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has not been surprised by the failure of the SADC Summit to break the impasse between ZANU PF and the Movement for Democratic Change. This was inevitable because the two will never mix, like water and oil as the two parties have a totally different agenda.

The ZCTU has previously stated that these so-called talks were as a result of a flawed process and that only a Transitional Authority needed to be put in place as Zimbabwe moved towards fresh, free and fair elections. The ZCTU has been vindicated as the outcome of the talks has not been what most Zimbabweans had hoped for. We have always stated that it would be foolhardy for anyone to trust ZANU PF as ZANU PF and Robert Mugabe are not to be trusted.  

ZANU PF has totally failed the people of Zimbabwe. They have had the War Cabinet’ which dismally failed and then came the Development Cabinet’ that did nothing during its tenure. The current cabinet that was given a lifeline by Mugabe through extension of its term has been described as the worst by none other than Mugabe himself.  

The SADC region leadership have shown their dictatorial tendencies by ordering that the inclusive government be formed forthwith and that the Ministry of Home Affairs be co-managed between ZANU PF and the MDC. The SADC bloc leaders have shown to be an Old Boys association that stands by any leader in office and ignore the opposition. SADC has no authority in imposing its SADC Cabinet’ on Zimbabwe, as the whole process though flawed, was all about negotiations. It would seem the region is failing to understand the problem of the people of Zimbabwe and would try by all means to want to be seen to be doing something. The ZCTU says no to this sham of an approach. 

The bait being dangled by SADC, if swallowed, would be unfortunate for the majority of Zimbabweans as this arrangement’ does not and will never reflect the will of the people of Zimbabwe. The will of the people was reflected by the March 29 2008 elections.  

The darkest hour is before dawn but victory is certain.    

Wellington Chibebe

SECRETARY GENERAL