Zanu+PF+turns+to+Parliament+over+ZCTU,+ZCTU+Media+Release




 * ZCTU Media Release, 17-Oct-2006**

=Zanu PF turns to Parliament over ZCTU=

AFTER realising that the report produced by a government-appointed investigator into allegations of maladministration in the operation of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) does not hold water, the Zanu PF Members of Parliament will today debate a motion in Parliament that seeks to put in place what they call “new look ‘ ZCTU.”

Leo Mugabe, President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, proposed the motion.

Presently, President Mugabe has two nephews and a sister as Members of Parliament.

The ZCTU views this as an attempt by the government to silence the ZCTU for calling for an investigation into the brutal beatings and torture that took place on 13 September 2006, following a ZCTU-led mass action.

While the ZCTU has nothing to hide, it is perturbed that Parliament stoops so low to debate an issue that is before the courts. We believe this is //sub judice// and an attempt by the government to continue smearing the image of the ZCTU. What will happen if the ZCTU is cleared on the allegations?

The ZCTU calls on members of Parliament to be open minded, mindful that the report has nothing new. As people are aware, the case is before the courts over the report.

We also believe that the debate is politically motivated as seen by the following statements in the motion:

a) Condemns the ZCTU leadership for unethical business practices with vital business services and the non-remittance of Pay as You Earn for its employees;

b) The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and ZRP should move in and bring in to book all the people involved;

c) The Trustees who had been relived of their duties should be reinstated with immediate effect;

d) The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare should in terms of section 130 subsection 3(b) ii put a new look management at ZCTU;

e) The new look ZCTU should concentrate on its core business of representing the workers rather than stay aways that have failed to address bread and butter issues in this country; and

f) The new look ZCTU should play their part in NEDPP in order to turn around the economy.

It is not the business of Parliament to choose who runs the ZCTU. The recent ZCTU National Congress of 19 and 20 May 2006, confirmed the wishes of the Zimbabwean workers and no one is entitled to tamper with that.

405 words