Since attaining power, President Robert Mugabe has used state security forces to quash worker movements trying to stand up for the suppression of workers. He has even gone to the extent of initiating parallel labour movements sympathetic to the Zanu (PF) regime to cause confusion in federation circles.
However, as Zimbabwe is joined by other countries in the region to close down mass action by worker movements, COSATU called for more leniencies on the workers.
The organization, which is also a member of the tripartite formation ruling South Africa – the African National Congress (ANC), called for the regional worker movement – the Southern Africa Trade Union Coordinating Council (SATUCC) to act on the continuing oppression.
“We condemn this brutal crackdown on workers and activists and call on our regional body, SATUCC to take strong stand against the growing arrogance by governments in the SADC region,” said Bongani Masuku, COSATU’s International Relations Secretary.
“From Zimbabwe to Swaziland, from Angola to Mozambique, from Malawi to Lesotho, governments are unleashing brutality against workers and activists in general.”
The organisation called on governments to stop the persecution of workers, address the issues raised in their demands and allow free union and political activity, including freeing the airwaves for workers and people to communicate and get information on developments.
Post published in: News