Online Reporter
The Herald, 1 May 1985
THOUSANDS of workers throughout Zimbabwe will celebrate the fifth Workers’ Day at various centres in the country today.
In a May Day statement, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union steering committee, Cde Jeffrey Mutandare, expressed concern at the mass dismissal of more than 15 000 black mineworkers in South Africa last weekend.
He said the liberal image which Anglo American Corporation had been cultivating during the past few years with regard to social and political reform in South Africa was in sharp contrast with its industrial relations which revealed an exploitative spirit.
“The ZCTU believes that the industrial dispute between Anglo American and the National Union of Mine workers in South Africa could have been resolved through negotiation without resorting to Draconian tactics.”
Highlights of the occasion will include processions by workers at all main provincial centres, the presentation of the Worker of the Year award by the Prime Minister Cde Mugabe, displays by companies and rallies to be addressed by ministers.
At Rufaro Stadium in Harare celebrations start at 7am with a procession by workers carrying banners affirming their solidarity with the world’s workers and other displays. Cde Mugabe is due to arrive at 10.30am.
After the Prime Minister’s arrival, various groups and companies will proceed with their displays. ZCTU officials will address the workers at noon followed by the Minister of Labour, Manpower Planning and Social Welfare, Dr Frederick Shava.
The Prime Minister’s address to the workers in the afternoon will be followed by the presentation of the Worker of the Year trophy. Transport has been arranged to pick up people from various points in Harare to Rufaro.
In Bulawayo, workers will make a procession to the White City Stadium to hear speeches by the Minister of Education, Dr Dzingai Mutumbuka, and the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Cde Robson Manyika.
Lessons for today:
Today Zimbabwe is celebrating its 46th Workers’ Day today. Zimbabwe officially recognised International Workers’ Day (May 1) as a public holiday in 1981, shortly after attaining independence in 1980.
May Day, observed on May 1, is still a special and important national day in Zimbabwe today. It remains a public holiday recognised by law, with workers’ commemorations, union events, and official observances continuing every year, even though the form and spirit of celebrations have evolved since the 1980s.
May Day is still special for Zimbabwe but in a different way. Then (1985) May Day was a mass celebratory and mobilising event, marked by large processions, company displays, awards, and speeches by top national leaders such as the Prime Minister.
Strong trade unions mattered. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) played a visible role, issuing statements and expressing solidarity with workers beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
