Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
WORKERS across various sectors and labour unions gathered at the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) offices in Bulawayo yesterday to commemorate Workers’ Day.
The event drew scores of workers and representatives from a broad spectrum of labour organisations, including the Food Federation and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Security Guards Union (ZISEGU), Zimbabwe Revenue and Allied Workers Trade Union (ZIMRATU), Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association, Energy Sector Workers Union of Zimbabwe (ESWUZ), Zimbabwe Educational Health, Scientific and Cultural Workers Union, Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers Union and the Zimbabwe Passengers Association.
In his keynote address, ZCTU western region chairperson Mr Ambrose Sibindi called for strengthened dialogue among workers, employers and the Government, warning that lack of collaboration negatively affects productivity and workplace harmony.
“There should be a clear dialogue between the workers, managers or employers and the Government because it has since been established that if these three organs don’t work together in harmony, it results in a lot of problems in governance set up,” he said.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “End Corruption, End Workers Exploitation: Workers Unite for Social Justice.”
“If there’s disgruntlement, workers won’t put maximum effort in their work and as such production is affected,” said Mr Sibindi.
He bemoaned the wide salary disparities between managers and workers in both the public and private sectors describing the obtaining situation as exploitation.
“I can tell you for the record that in the western region and Zimbabwe in general, companies are paying workers wages and salaries that are far much below the poverty datum line.
“What the companies are doing is serious exploitation of workers,” said Mr Sibindi
He said the wide salary disparities between managers and workers was unacceptable and should be addressed urgently.
“Most companies’ profits are being enjoyed by a few managers while ordinary workers suffer.
“Employers, please treat us fairly so that we strive to do our best in improving productivity and quality of service. We need to work together to grow the economy,” said Mr Sibindi.
Workers, Mr Sibindi said, are central to economic growth yet their contribution is often not recognised.
In his solidarity message, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) president Mr Akuneni Maphosa echoed calls for stronger partnerships between Government, employers, trade unions and civil society to ensure decent work and national development.
“Workers must transcend transactional relationships and build transformative partnerships that protect their rights while enhancing productivity and sustainable livelihoods,” said Mr Maphosa.
He applauded Zimbabwean workers, particularly educators, for their resilience in the face of economic hardship and social inequalities.
“Zimta salutes the enduring spirit of Zimbabwean workers, especially our educators who continue to nurture the future of this nation under increasingly complex socio-economic conditions,” said Mr Maphosa.
He emphasised that decent work is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
Mr Maphosa said for teachers, this includes fair wages that reflect the cost of living, safe working conditions including mental health support, access to professional development, social security and the right to collective bargaining.
He said decent work is the glue that holds society together as it creates industrial harmony, enhances service delivery and builds national trust.
However, the institute is available to assist farmers in planting the genetic materials and harvesting more seeds for future use,” she said.
Ms Tenesi said the gene bank conserves 8 517 different plant genetics, acquiring seeds from farming communities and preserving them under controlled conditions. Each crop’s material undergoes rigorous characterisation, a process where about 32 traits such as germination period, flowering time and drought tolerance are documented, to help farmers and researchers identify suitable varieties.
“We may not provide large seed quantities because we serve a wide region but farmers are encouraged to plant the samples, harvest and preserve seeds for larger plantings in future,” said Ms Tenesi.
The free plant genetics offer comes at a time when the Government is encouraging farmers, particularly in dry regions, to shift from water-intensive crops like maize to drought-tolerant small grains.
Nyamandlovu farmer Ms Agnes Moyo, who was recently recognised for her efforts in championing small grains production, said many farmers are unaware of the free resources available at Icrisat.
“I switched to small grains a few years ago and before I engaged Icrisat, I struggled to find the right sorghum and millet varieties,” said Ms Moyo.
She said farmers, especially from areas that receive low rainfall, need to be educated about the benefits of growing small grains.
In the past, small grains were seen as “crops for the poor,” but perceptions are slowly changing as climate change threatens food security. Small grains are now valued for their ability to withstand moisture stress, nutritional value and their potential to improve livelihoods.
Bongani Ndlovu