Zimbabwe: Chibebe Appointed to Global Trade Union Post

SW Radio Africa (London)

Tererai Karimakwenda

29 June 2011

The outspoken Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Wellington Chibebe, has been appointed to a global trade union post in Brussels, in recognition of his commitment to the rights of workers in Zimbabwe.

The veteran labour and political activist was unanimously elected to the position of Deputy Secretary General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Council, a position he is to take up in August.

Chibebe is also known to Zimbabweans as a strong critic of ZANU-PF and its policies, and an inspiring public speaker who uses music to get his message across. He has led the ZCTU since 1999 and received global awards for his work.

Politically, Chibebe has played a key role in the struggle for democracy through his involvement with the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), the pressure group advocating for a new “people-driven” constitution in Zimbabwe.

“I remember many incidents where he was brutalized or jailed by the police during our protests,” recalled Madock Chivasa, who is spokesperson for the NCA. The ZCTU is a member organization of the NCA.

Chivasa described Chibebe’s appointment as “significant” in terms of its effect on the trade union movement in Zimbabwe. “That recognition shows that the international community recognizes what the ZCTU and, in particular, Mr. Chibebe, has been doing”, Chivasa said, adding; “It will enable him to highlight the issues affecting ordinary workers in Zimbabwe,” he added.

A statement by the NCA described Chibebe as a “multi-talented union leader, powerful orator and gifted singer who mesmerizes crowds at most gatherings he addresses with his captivating, inspiring songs and oratory skills”.

And those skills will certainly be missed in a country with unemployment rates higher than 80% and from where most professionals have fled for greener pastures.

The NCA said they hope Chibebe continues to work for better working conditions, good remuneration for workers and a democratic society.

Japhet Moyo is currently serving as the acting secretary general of the ZCTU.

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