adminWimbainashe Zhakata Manicaland Bureau
HUNDREDS of people and other labour organisations converged at Moffat Hall in Sakubva, Mutare, to commemorate International Workers’ Day, where leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) called for an end to xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans working in South Africa.
ZCTU vice president Ms Florence Taruvinga, who read the labour representative body leader Mr Gift Mutasa’s speech, said xenophobic attacks were worsening the economic situation of workers.
“ZCTU denounces the appalling xenophobic attacks directed against foreigners living and working in South Africa by some locals in that country,” she said.
“We kindly call upon the South African government to put in place practical policies that safeguard migrants and bring a lasting solution the ever resurfacing xenophobic attacks.”
Ms Taruvinga condemned the price hikes on basic commodities, which she said was eroding the workers’ income.
“Price hikes of products have gone up by over 300 percent in the last few months and prices continue to rise at break neck speed and this has seriously eroded the income of ordinary workers who are finding it hard to survive on their meagre wages,” she said.
Ms Taruvinga called upon Members of Parliament to speak on the rights of workers in Parliament to change the workers’ conditions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the commemorations, Mutare mayor Blessing Tandi said workers were facing hardships because of dwindling incomes as a result of price increases.
Clr Tandi said the situation needed to be immediately addressed as it was triggering social problems such as abuse and stress.
Online Reporter