By Own Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says the country's defence forces must respect the heroes pledge to end poverty.

In a statement to mark the 45th Heroes and Defence Forces commemorations, the acting ZCTU secretary general, Runesu Dzimiri decried the conditions under which workers and some surviving heroes are living under.

"We note with sadness that some of our heroes and heroines continue to live in abject poverty and their lives do not reflect what they fought for. There are also some who live flashy lives from ill-gotten riches who use their positions to loot from the state.

"Our organisation is mindful of the harsh economic realities that have made life unbearable for many workers in Zimbabwe. The economic hardships have eroded the purchasing power of wages, making it difficult for any workers to access basic necessities," he said.

Dzimiri said in the face of challenges, workers must remain united and focused in pursuit of a collective voice to catalyse the attainment of the desired change.

"The ZCTU takes this opportunity to urge freedom fighters and those in the defence forces to continue to stick to their founding principles of the liberation struggle," he said.

The ZCTU leader also decried the fragmentation of trade unions in Zimbabwe saying it has contributed to the challenges faced by workers.