The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) has called on the government to intervene against the decision by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to suspend eight employees who participated in a demonstration against corrupt dealings and abuse of state resources by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Addressing the media in the capital on Tuesday, ZCTU Secretary General, Japhet Moyo said ZESA suspended eight of its workers who are officials of the Energy Workers Union over a demonstration that took place at ZESA Head Office on 21 December 2017.
“They have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing for a demonstration that took place at ZESA Head Office on 21 December 2017.
“The demonstration was cleared by the police, before the action, there were efforts by ZESA to apply for a Show Cause Order but this was scrapped off the role by Judge Manyangadze at the Labor Court.
“The demonstrations were basically on the corruption that is prevalent at ZESA such as the awarding of tenders to dubious characters like Wicknell Chivhayo and people like Highfield National Assembly Member of Parliament Psychology Maziwisa and former ZBC News anchor Oscar Pambuka,” said Moyo.
He added that they are demanding their immediate reinstatement, with all benefits and will escalate the issue by writing to President Emmerson Mnangagwa if their call is not heeded.
“We demand an immediate reinstatement with its members and will take every, measure at our disposal to make sure that the officials are back at work.
“The ZCTU is going to write to the state President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene as well as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Labor and Energy over the ill-advised decision by ZESA to suspend the union leaders.
“We are prepared to picket at the Parliament to make sure that this decision is reversed,” said Moyo.
Chivayo was awarded a $7 million tender to install solar power generation plant in Gwanda but a visit by the parliamentary portfolio committee on mines and energy two weeks ago revealed plunder of national resources by the youthful businessman.
