ZCTU suspends Secretary General Marimo amid leadership dispute

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has suspended its Secretary General, Tirivanhu Marimo, following a stormy National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that reportedly descended into chaos as divisions within the labour federation deepened. According to NewZimbabwe.com, the NEC on Thursday resolved to suspend Marimo over allegations of misconduct, including claims that he was moonlighting. The federation has not publicly detailed the allegations.

Sources familiar with the meeting said proceedings became heated, with executive members exchanging insults in confrontations that nearly turned physical. Marimo reportedly walked out before the meeting ended. The turmoil allegedly continued outside the boardroom, with the tyres of Marimo's official vehicle reportedly deflated by unknown individuals believed to be aligned to a faction seeking his removal. Locksmiths were also allegedly called in to prevent him from accessing his office.

The legality of the suspension has been challenged by some within the labour movement, who argue that the NEC lacks constitutional authority to suspend an elected office-bearer. A senior trade unionist, who sits on the ZCTU General Council and spoke anonymously to NewZimbabwe.com, cited the federation's 2011 Constitution.

"Based on the 2011 ZCTU Constitution, my view is no. The National Executive Committee does not have an express constitutional power to suspend an officer or official of the Congress," the official said.

The official argued that disciplinary powers are expressly vested in the General Council.

"Clause 16.5.2.4 provides that the General Council has power to consider, set aside or suspend, after charges have been preferred, a member trade union, associate member organisation and officer or official."

In a brief statement, ZCTU President Florence Taruvinga confirmed Marimo's suspension and announced that Kudakwashe Munengiwa had been appointed acting secretary-general.

"The ZCTU would like to notify all affiliates, stakeholders and cooperating partners of the suspension of the ZCTU Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo over acts of misconduct," Taruvinga said.

"Marimo is suspended and relieved of all official duties on behalf of ZCTU. Meanwhile, the acting Secretary General is Kudakwashe Munengiwa."

Marimo was elected secretary-general during the ZCTU Extraordinary Congress held on 31 August 2025. His suspension comes only days after he publicly alleged that there was a coordinated attempt to remove him through unconstitutional means ahead of the federation's Regional, Youth and Women's Conferences, as well as the 10th General Conference, scheduled between July and October 2026. Marimo had not publicly responded to the suspension at the time of publication.

ZCTU suspends Tirivanhu Marimo