Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has joined the fray condemning Zanu PF attempts to push for the controversial and unconstitutional bid to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028.
The influential trade union, which is an affiliate of the African National Congress, also issued a stern warning against presidential term extension which is being pushed by Mnangagwa’s supporters.
The ruling Zanu PF is pushing to implement resolution No1 made during an annual people’s conference in Bulawayo, while a meeting in Mutare resolved to push government structures to implement it.
Mnangagwa has, however, indicated that he is a constitutionalist and will step down and let Zanu PF and Zimbabweans choose their next leaders when his term ends.
In a statement, Cosatu international secretary Bongani Masuku said the labour body was against term extension, deeming it undemocratic.
“Cosatu joins the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in calling for the defence of democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law in Zimbabwe and throughout the Sadc region.
“Cosatu expresses unwavering solidarity with the workers and people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to defend democracy, advance constitutionalism and ensure good governance.
“To that extent, Cosatu as part of the Southern African Trade Union Co-ordinating Council family and the broader international trade union movement remains a key part of the struggle for democracy, social justice, accountability and end to corruption and abuse of public office.”
Masuku said “undemocratic” extensions were becoming a major threat in the region, with the same evidenced in neighbouring countries, where leaders have served against their constitutional mandates.
“Cosatu emphasises the point that the struggles of the workers of Zimbabwe are firmly intertwined with our collective struggles as the workers of the region, and given the role we play in building a new and democratic Sadc, we cannot be silent when the advances we have made as a region are being undermined and workers gains eroded,” he said.
“Indeed, an injury to one is an injury to all. It is for that reason that as the progressive trade union movement of the region, we remain actively seized with the democratic developments of our region and to advance social change to the conditions of our people.
“The biggest threat to our region is those individuals who go to lengths to tear apart constitutions and democratic norms to stay in power for self-interest, thus sacrificing national progress, justice and good governance.”
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
