ZCTU Alleges Plot To Oust Secretary General Ahead Of Key Conferences

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has warned of what it calls “credible attempts” to interfere with its constitutional processes and remove its Secretary General ahead of four major conferences scheduled between July and October 2026.

In a statement, ZCTU Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo said individuals linked to those who opposed his election at the August 2025 General Conference were allegedly seeking support from State institutions to overturn that outcome “administratively or judicially”.

“The objective appears to be to disrupt the administration of the Congress and interfere with preparations for the forthcoming constitutional conferences, including attempts to remove or suspend the Secretary General from office outside the democratic processes prescribed by the ZCTU Constitution,” Marimo said.

The union’s Regional, Youth, Women’s and 10th General Conferences are set for July, August, September and October 2026, respectively.

Marimo described those allegedly behind the move as a “small minority pursuing personal interests and ambitions” and accused them of seeking “privileges such as top of the range vehicles and business class travel” rather than advancing workers’ interests.

He urged State institutions not to be drawn into what he termed internal disputes, warning that any attempt to influence ZCTU governance would violate the International Labour Organisation’s Conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association.

“Zimbabwe is duty-bound to respect these conventions in law and in practice,” the statement read. “No external institution, political actor or State agency possesses any lawful authority to determine the leadership, administration or constitutional processes of the Congress.”

Marimo also alleged that “external actors, including individuals who have previously rendered professional services to the Congress,” may be collaborating with those seeking to interfere.

He said they were verifying the information and would pursue legal, regulatory and disciplinary action if claims were substantiated.

“If any attempt is made to interfere with the internal affairs of the Congress contrary to international labour standards, the matter will be reported without delay to the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association,” Marimo said.

He insisted the conferences would proceed “strictly in accordance with the Constitution of the ZCTU, free from intimidation, manipulation or external influence.”