adminthe labour body into two distinct camps.
There was acrimony at last weekend’s regional elections with members of the rival factions intensely jockeying for positions.
Incumbent president Mr Lovemore Matombo – who is seeking re-election – is leading one faction while former vice president Ms Lucia Matibenga heads another.
Mr Matombo’s camp is supported by Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe who is vying for the powerful post of secretary-general.
Acting secretary-general Mr Japhet Moyo, who is also eyeing the secretary general’s post, is backing Ms Matibenga.
There was chaos last weekend when the labour body conducted its regional congresses across the country.
Members loyal to Mr Matombo protested over the manner in which Mr Moyo, who is heading the secretariat conducted, the elections.
The regional congresses sought to elect provincial chairpersons and secretaries, posts that are key in influencing voting patterns in the forthcoming national elections.
Members loyal to Mr Matombo are now pushing for a review of the electoral process while those behind Ms Matibenga gave the just-ended polls thumbs up.
Another contention that the labour movement will have to contend with is the legality of Mr Matombo who has now served the mandatory two terms, but is seeking another term.
Those supporting his hold onto the post argue that the two term limit was included in the constitution in 2006, and he is deemed to have served one term as counting commences when the relevant legal instruments were effected.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Majongwe castigated Mr Moyo for trying to “smuggle” the two-term limit in the ZCTU constitution.
“Moyo and his cartel wants to smuggle this idea of two term cap, we don’t know where he took it from,” said Mr Majongwe.
He said he would be pushing to have the regional congress elections revisited with a view to have re-runs.
“They have created their executive and as PTUZ we participated in those elections in protest.
“There should be a revisit of the process,” he said.
Some members of the general council, the supreme decision making arm of the labour body, say the election was riddled with many irregularities and could not pass as a legitimate poll.
General council members spoken to yesterday accused the secretariat, of excluding them in the preparation and subsequent conduct of the elections.
“We don’t even know the people who were conducting the elections because they were handpicked by Moyo.
“We should have considered the proposals, and pass a resolution adopting,” said one member.
When contacted, Mr Moyo said the regional congresses were held above board.
“In its last meeting the general council passed a resolution allowing the elections and the dates, but for the modalities on how they are run, it is up to the administration,” said Mr Moyo.
“The congresses should be held as scheduled unless the general council decides otherwise.
“There is documentary evidence that these issues of two term limits were discussed and adopted.”
Online Reporter