By Staff Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has elected Tirivanhu Marimo as its new Secretary General, succeeding long-serving leader Japhet Moyo, who retired last year.
Marimo secured 55 votes against Michael Kandukutu’s 38 in a contest involving 93 delegates. His election is being viewed as a potential shift towards a more independent and issue-driven labour movement.
A qualified lawyer, Marimo holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Africa and a Master’s in Human Rights Litigation from the University of the Witwatersrand. He has previously chaired the ZCTU National Young Workers’ Committee and served in various roles within the Zimbabwe Banks and Allied Workers’ Union, where he currently holds the position of National Organising Secretary and Legal Manager.
Known for his human rights advocacy, Marimo has been a vocal critic of abuses that he argues undermine Zimbabwe’s progress. Supporters within the labour movement cite his commitment to linking workers’ struggles with broader political dynamics while maintaining a non-partisan approach.
In his acceptance speech, Marimo pledged to safeguard ZCTU’s independence from political interference and to strengthen the voice of affiliate unions.
“Our movement grows stronger not in the absence of competition, but in the presence of unity after competition. As Secretary General, I pledge to safeguard the independence and integrity of the ZCTU, strengthen the voice of every affiliate union and ensure that no worker feels excluded from our collective shield,” he said.
Marimo also appealed for solidarity across the workforce, warning that restoring the ZCTU to its former strength would be a demanding task.
“ZCTU belongs to the workers — it is their shield, their voice, their weapon of justice. History shows that workers united cannot be defeated,” he added.
