The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has suspended its Secretary General, Tirivanhu Marimo, following a chaotic National Executive Committee meeting on Thursday that descended into heated exchanges amid an escalating leadership dispute.
Sources familiar with the proceedings told NewZimbabwe.com that the National Executive Committee (NEC) tabled a motion to suspend Marimo on allegations of misconduct, including moonlighting.
The meeting reportedly became chaotic, with some executive members shouting at each other in scenes that nearly degenerated into physical confrontation. Marimo is said to have walked out before the meeting concluded.
Sources alleged that Marimo’s official vehicle had its tyres deflated by unknown individuals believed to be aligned to a faction seeking his removal. Locksmiths were also reportedly called in to prevent him from accessing his office.
The legality of the NEC’s decision has, however, been questioned by some within the labour movement.
One senior trade unionist, who sits on the ZCTU General Council and requested anonymity, argued that the federation’s constitution does not empower the National Executive Committee to suspend an elected office bearer.
“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 Constitution is structured so that powers are allocated to specific organs. Where a disciplinary power is intended to exist, it is expressly assigned.
“The Constitution expressly gives the power to 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 organization and officer or official,” the official said.
In a brief statement, ZCTU president Florence Taruvinga confirmed Marimo’s suspension but did not disclose the specific allegations against him.
“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. Marimo is suspended and relieved of all official duties on behalf of ZCTU. Meanwhile the acting Secretary General is Kudakwashe Munengiwa,” Taruvinga said.
Marimo was elected secretary-general at an Extraordinary Congress held on August 31, 2025.
His suspension comes just days after he publicly warned of an alleged plot to remove him from office through unconstitutional means ahead of the ZCTU’s Regional, Youth, Women’s and 10th General Conferences scheduled for July, August, September and October 2026.
“The ZCTU has received information indicating that certain individuals allegedly associated with those that unsuccessfully did not support the election of the Secretary General at the ZCTU General Conference held in August 2025 are allegedly seeking to enlist the support of State institutions and processes in an attempt to achieve administratively or judicially what they failed to secure democratically through the ballot,” Marimo said in a statement issued earlier this week.
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