The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) has pulled out of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), accusing the umbrella labour representative body of continuously dabbling in opposition politics, undermining the cause of workers.

Zimta’s move will prompt other affiliates to follow suit amid reports that some members are accusing ZCTU of deviating from its mandate of fighting for workers’ rights.

There has been simmering discontent within the rank and file of ZCTU’s membership and affiliates who feel that the labour body was dabbling in partisan politics, in particular recent events where Workers’ Day commemorations, held annually on May 1, were being turned into an MDC-Alliance rally and anti-Government event.

Zimta provincial structures have since conveyed the message to their regional counterparts.
“This note serves to notify you, that a resolution was made at our national annual general conference to withdraw from ZCTU. Following this, we have recalled all our members, hence they will not be able to participate in any ZCTU business,” wrote Zimta Manicaland provincial officer Mr Kudakwashe Mbaura to the ZCTU regional office.

In an interview yesterday, Zimta chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu confirmed the development, saying the decision was made by their national executive who noted with concern the continued dabbling in opposition politics by the ZCTU leadership.

Mr Ndlovu said it was also noted that ZCTU was making “major and fundamental decisions with financial implications” unilaterally without consulting affiliates.

“Zimta has been pursuing an ideology of non-partisan political activities. In our view, it would be improper for a teacher who by heart and commitment does not believe in partisan politics to be dragged into opposition politics.

“The decision to pull out was made by our national executive meeting, although it has not been formally communicated,” said Mr Ndlovu.State media