Lovemore Matombo is the President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.
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08 October 2008
By Lovemore Matombo (ZCTU President)
ON 13 September 2006, thousands of workers around the country took part in the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) demonstration against poverty afflicting 80percent of Zimbabweans.
They were demanding wages that were linked to the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) and Government's commitment to fight inflation. They also wanted to benefit from the HIV and AIDS fund through free distribution of anti-retroviral drugs.
They also demanded a stop in the implementation of the compulsory National Health Insurance Scheme that was to be administered by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
The result of the action shocked the world. With tacit approval from State, a number of trade unionists were battered and tortured in the streets and police cells. President Robert Mugabe approved the beatings. He told those that were gathered at the Zimbabwe Mission in Cairo that:
“If you want an excuse for being killed, be my guest go into the streets and demonstrate. The police were right in dealing sternly with Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions leaders during their demonstration….because the trade unionists want to become a law unto themselves. '
'We cannot have a situation where people decide to sit in places not allowed and when the police remove them, they say no. We can't have that, that is a revolt to the system. Vamwe vaakuchema kuti tarohwa, ehe unodashurwa. When the police say move, move. If you don't move, you invite the police to use force”.
The injuries were particularly serious for those who were detained at Matapi Police Station.
Besides the above, a number of citizens were beaten up and some suffered severe injuries. Today were remember the gallant trade unions who are at the forefront of defending the rights of workers under immense state brutality. Some of the injured have become permanently disabled.
As we gather here today, we hear they are talks going on in the country, we hope the talks will usher in a new era in Zimbabwe were no any Zimbabwean will be beaten up for trying to demonstrate in the streets. This is what we have been fighting for, our freedom.
Lets we forget, I would like to remind you that the ZCTU is not against the current talks.
However, our position, as espoused by the ZCTU general council was and remains that of a neutral transitional authority leading to a free and fair elections. We remain convinced that this is the only feasible way forward.
Let me end by saying that the ZCTU believes that a better Zimbabwe is possible.
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