Gift Ostallos Siziba Walks Out on ZCTU President During Workers' Day Speech Amid Allegations

Gift Ostallos Siziba, a close ally of former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, reportedly left during Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Florence Taruvinga's Workers' Day speech at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe on May 1, 2024. The incident occurred amid allegations of ZCTU's state capture and misleading the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Zimbabwe's human rights record.

According to sources, Siziba made efforts to address the workers but was not given the opportunity. As Taruvinga was speaking, Siziba departed the event, and a crowd followed him. It is claimed that Siziba was angered by Taruvinga's use of a 'Nyika inoshandirwa nevene vayo' mantra, which is similar to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's 'Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo' slogan.

Taruvinga later distanced herself from any political affiliation, stating the need for workers to remain focused and not be influenced by politicians. Chamisa was invited to be a speaker at the event but did not attend and was represented by Siziba. Reports suggest that Chamisa and his allies are skeptical about the current ZCTU leadership, particularly the president, who is believed to be close to the system.

However, Siziba denied claims that they left during the ZCTU leadership's speech, saying they had to depart Gwanzura early due to other commitments. In July 2023, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) accused ZCTU of being captured by the State, and ZCTU affiliates accused ZCTU leaders of misleading the ILO about Zimbabwe's human rights record.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had issued warnings to the ZCTU against holding a procession and roadshows during the Workers' Day commemorations, citing security reasons and warning the ZCTU not to turn the event into a political activity. Despite being granted permission to hold the procession in Bulawayo, the police blocked the activity halfway through, citing a decision from 'above'. Tight roadblocks were also mounted around the Gwanzura Stadium venue in Harare, which was speculated to be an attempt to bar opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from attending.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the government, opposition parties, and trade unions in Zimbabwe. It also raises concerns about the independence of the ZCTU and the state of workers' rights and freedom of assembly in the country.

Taruvinga, in her speech, emphasized the need for workers to focus on their issues and not be swayed by political influences. "As workers, we must remain focused. We must not be used by politicians who want to drive their own agendas," she said. The events at the Workers' Day commemorations underscore the complex political landscape in Zimbabwe and the challenges faced by trade unions in advocating for workers' rights while navigating political pressures.

Key Takeaways

• CCC ally Ostallos Siziba walked out of ZCTU Workers' Day event amid allegations of ZCTU's state capture.
• Siziba angered by ZCTU president's use of Mnangagwa's 'Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo' slogan.
• Chamisa and allies skeptical about current ZCTU leadership, believed to be close to the system.
• Police blocked ZCTU's Workers' Day procession in Bulawayo, citing 'decision from above'.
• Incident highlights tensions between government, opposition, and trade unions in Zimbabwe.