By Dickson Chaeruka   

Zimbabwe Urban Councils Workers Union (ZUCWU) Harare Branch has ushered in a new executive as the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) implores workers to rally behind the incoming office bearers in the Capital.

Hundreds of workers comprised of the union's over a thousand membership thronged the City Sports Centre to cast their vote in a tightly contested election held on Thursday 14 April.

Officiating at the elections, the ZCTU National Organizer, Michael Kandukutu urged workers to desist from following fragmented unions but work on building one big workers' voice and consolidate bargaining power under a single union in the city.

"I wish to reiterate that unity of purpose and unity in terms of numbers will achieve more than fragmentation of workers voice...We know that there is freedom of association as pronounced in our Constitution but we speak differently to issues of freedom of association when we are talking of trade unionism because it is a game of numbers which is important to consolidate bargaining power," he said adding that elected office bearers were mandated to organize as many workers as possible so that members start to benefit and believe in one union voice.

Kandukutu stated that elections were the hall mark of trade union democracy saying the vigor with which members participated in Harare was important for the newly elected leaders to harness it for the continuity and desired transformation by the workers.

The branch’s leadership committee elected on the day was consolidated with the election of auxiliary structures being the young Workers and the Women Advisory Council (WAC).

All eyes were on the branch's committee top 6 main wing posts which drew fierce contests amongst nominated candidates in a well organized election which folded up at the start of the evening.

The much anticipated Branch Chairperson's position had a close contest after Charles Matsika won by 202 votes ahead of Shadreck Chikore who garnered 200 votes whilst the other two contestants:- Christmas  Maposa had 27 votes and Witness  Muzawazi had 22 votes whereas a total of 6 votes were recorded as spoiled votes.

On the Branch Deputy Chairperson’s post, Austin Chamisa clinched the position after garnering 195 votes against Vanhuvaone John Majoni who had 162 votes, Walter Ruzande 73 votes and Charles Makaza who attained 6 votes.

Blessing Keith Phiri returned the Branch Secretary's position after sweeping a total of 225 votes against Toendepi Dangarembwa who had 183 Votes, M Makanyire who had 19 votes and D. Chikombo who had 18 votes in a round of election which recorded 13 spoiled votes.

The Deputy Secretary's post which had dual contestants was won by Allan Matambo with 217 votes against Nicholas Magaya who garnered 210 whereas a total of 32 votes were spoiled.

Mikiwe Malenzi overwhelmingly took over the Treasurer's post after garnering 219 votes against T Gondo who had 160 votes, Passmore Shava 60 votes and 20 votes were spoiled.

On the Trustee's post, Stewart Dzuwa won the position after bagging a total of 216 votes against Listen Muderedzi who had 176 votes, Rockwell Makusha 20 votes and Collins Magorosa who had 27 votes whereas 19 votes were spoiled.

The branch's WAC structure elections ushered in the following office bearers; Chairperson, Netsai Tangai, Deputy Chairperson; Everson Kuduta ,Secretary; Blessing Ruzvidzo Dabvu  Deputy Secretary; Magret Nyatsanga, Treasurer; Helen Hangaika ; Organizing Secretary; Dubikele Dandara.

The Branch Young Workers Structure office bearers who won the votes were; Chairperson, Saul Muchichwa, Deputy Chairperson; Bruce Mapuranga ,Secretary; Hazvinei Chimhunga, Deputy Secretary; Admire  Mazanza,  Treasurer; Anesu Teera , Organizing Secretary; Kelvin Chirovapasi

Speaking soon after the elections, ZUCWU General Secretary, Kudakwashe Munengiwa who is also the ZCTU 2^nd Deputy Secretary General  said elections were part of the union’s democratic culture revealing that a total of 14 branches were due for elections this year.

“We want to renew mandate of branch leaders in our branches so that they continue to drive their mandate from the membership. I have confidence in the elected Harare team being led by Chairperson Charles Matsika and the Secretary BK Phiri. I wish them well as they execute their duties in this difficult period marked by chronic inflation. I also wish to congratulate the other contestants who did not make it because eventually we only have one winner. But importantly we congratulate them for their participation and we still look to their guidance as well as support of the union.” he said.

In his acceptance speech, the incoming branch chairperson, Charles Matsika said his executive shall work hard to enhance the social- economic welfare of the membership.

“Our vision is to attain decent work for our membership. Our thrust is that workers should work in dignity with a fair income and provision of dignified basic amenities which include housing/ stands and funeral assistance. My executive is extending arms to all contestants who participated in the election including those who were in the previous office. In unity we can achieve more and more membership recruitment is our first goal. We shall leave no stone unturned in defending the member’s rights and advancing their interests,’’ he said.   

Speaking at the same occasion, ZUCWU National President, Maxwell Takavingofa said the Harare Branch Elections were a milestone in achieving democracy as dictated by the union’s constitution.

  “The very nature of the democracy is that workers at a time are given by our constitution an opportunity to elect the leaders that they need without fear or favor. I am happy that these comprehensive elections have ushered in an inclusive leadership. Representatives of the Young Workers and WAC which are Chairpersons and Secretaries seat in the Executive Committee of the branch,’’ he said.

ZUCWU, an affiliate of ZCTU, has a total of 29 branches comprised of urban municipalities nationwide and currently commands over 6000 membership across the country.