BY STAFF REPORTER 

A dark cloud has fallen over Zimbabwe’s labour movement following the death of veteran trade unionist, political activist, and human rights champion Kudakwashe Munengiwa, who passed away at St. Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a period of illness. He was 47.

Cde Munengiwa was laid to rest at the Destiny Memorial Park Cemetery in Gweru, surrounded by grieving family members, friends, civic leaders, and hundreds of workers and trade unionists from across the country.

Born in 1979, Cde Munengiwa spent decades at the forefront of the struggle for labour rights, social economic justice, and fair working conditions. Widely described as a "working-class ideological fortress," his rise within the labour movement was marked by unwavering principle, fearless advocacy, and deep devotion to municipal and national workers alike.

His distinguished track record of public and union service included:

• 2nd Deputy Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), a position he was elected to in 2021.
• General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Urban Councils Workers Union (ZUCWU), where he championed the rights of local government workers nationwide.
• Regional Chairperson for the ZCTU Central Region, driving grass-roots labor mobilization in the Midlands.
• Dedicated Employee at the Municipality of Gweru, where he served for years while organizing workers.

In an official statement signed by ZCTU Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo, the labour center described Cde Munengiwa as a monumental figure whose legacy will endure for generations:

"Cde Munengiwa brought unmatched vigour, vast trade union experience, and unwavering principles to every platform he graced. He stood firm in the face of adversity, never wavering in his commitment to the emancipation and dignity of the worker. To many, he was not only a leader but a beacon of clarity, courage, and solidarity."

Gweru Mayor Martin Chivhoko also paid tribute to the late unionist, describing his death as a colossal loss to both the City of Gweru and the local government sector.

"His passing robs the council and the nation of a dedicated, hardworking, and courageous champion of workers' welfare," Mayor Chivhoko stated.

The Tripartite Negotiating Forum also extended its condolences describing Munengiwa as a committed worker representative.

“The Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr Kudakwashe Munengiwa, a member of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and a former member of the TNF Management Committee. Mr Munengiwa’s contribution and his involvement in the work of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum will be remembered with deep respect. His service as a representative of Organised Labour reflected the importance of collaboration, consultation and collective engagement,” reads the TNF message.

Following his passing in Harare, Cde Munengiwa’s body was transported to Gweru, where colleagues, civic organizations, and local residents paid their final respects.

He was laid to rest at Destiny Memorial Park Cemetery, located just off the Harare-Gweru Highway. Speakers at the burial praised his ideological clarity, humility, and steadfast resilience in the face of economic and social challenges affecting Zimbabwean workers.

Cde Munengiwa is survived by his wife and four children.

May his revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace.