Political Reporter
...as ZCTU sets date for congress
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) has set 27 to 29 October this year as dates for its elective congress and its president, Peter Mutasa, is reportedly splashing money to leaders of affiliate unions with a view to manipulating the electoral process in his favour as he desperately seeks re-election.
Mutasa, who is facing stiff competition from his deputy Florence Taruvinga, is using part of the money he received from the European Union (EU) to sway eligible voters in his favour.
A source within the ZCTU confided in this publication that Mutasa was given US$60 000 by the EU as a token of appreciation for his ‘bravery’ and is now using the money to buy votes.
“Mutasa is splashing money to leaders of affiliate unions in a bid to manipulate them into voting him again at the October congress. Unlike his challenger, Taruvinga who has no financial backing, Mutasa is being sponsored by the EU and is not hesitating dishing out money to eligible voters to lure them into voting him ,” said the source.
According to the same source, only 12 of the 37 affiliate unions are fully paid up. However, the source said Mutasa was using part of the US$60 000 to pay subscription fees for the unions that had not paid. The source added that Mutasa also had the backing of the MDC Alliance, which is also sponsoring him.
“Mutasa is using part of the money he received from the EU and some funds he got from the MDC Alliance to pay subscription fees for the affiliate unions which are not paid up. According to the ZCTU constitution, only fully paid up unions are eligible to vote at the congress. This is the reason Mutasa is paying subscription fees for some unions so that they could vote for him,” added the source.
According to the source, the MDC Alliance has diverted funds it received from its local and foreign donors that was meant for voter mobilization and rural penetration programs to finance Mutasa’s re-election bid.
The source said some Western Embassies were also backing Mutasa as he is seen as a foot soldier for the opposition. The Western funders who include the Solidarity Centre of the United States, and Federation Voor Open Scoutisine of Belgium are also supporting Mutasa and they want to be fully involved in the elective congress in order to influence the outcome in favour of their preferred candidate.
However, Mutasa is fast losing grip of the labour body as most affiliate unions are now against his leadership owing to his tendency of politicizing the ZCTU. He is also accused of maladministration and embezzlement of donor funds.
