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month, a top official has said.
Addressing the ZCTU women’s conference in Harare yesterday, secretary-general Mr Wellington Chibebe condemned those involved in such acts and urged delegates to shun such individuals.

“The position has been that those with resources will normally use the resources to influence the outcome of elections. I urge you to chew the money and decide when you are in the ballot box. Money is a problem these days. Get the money, chew it, and decide independently,” Mr Chibebe said.

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He said the MDC-T-aligned ZCTU should have a culture of trade unionism “and not that of politicians”.
Mr Chibebe also admitted the congress, scheduled for August 19-20, had created tension within ZCTU as people jostle for positions.

“When we go for congress we talk about positions. We end up sacrificing our issues because of fights for positions. Our vying for positions does not mean that we are enemies,” added Mr Chibebe.
ZCTU president Mr Lovemore Matombo, who of late has been clashing with Mr Chibebe in the media, yesterday chose to close ranks with the secretary-general saying public fights were tarnishing the union’s image.

“The whole country is watching whether the ZCTU will deliver what it always preaches. The ZCTU is such an organisation that is respected in this country. It remains a pillar that is respected,” he said.
Mr Matombo urged delegates not to believe what they read in the media about fights within ZCTU.

“Get it from the people concerned. Do not take anything from the newspapers,” he said.
Mr Matombo said squabbles in the ZCTU over positions of authority were now compromising the organisation’s operations.

Factions have emerged in the umbrella labour representative body ahead of its congress with Mr Matombo leading one camp while former vice president Ms Lucia Matibenga leads the other.
Mr Matombo’s camp is supported by Progressive Teacher’s Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe who is vying for the powerful post of secretary-general. There was chaos a fortnight ago when the labour body conducted its regional congresses across the country.

Members loyal to Mr Matombo protested over the manner ZCTU acting secretary general Mr Japhet Moyo conducted the elections.
Mr Moyo is also vying for the secretary general’s post and is in the Matibenga faction.