Stephen Chadenga
Newly elected Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president, Valentine Chikosi, says his victory belongs to workers and has pledged to rebuild a strong, independent and united labour movement.
Chikosi was elected ZCTU president on 31 October 2026, taking over from outgoing president Florence Taruvinga.
In his acceptance speech, Chikosi said he accepted the mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
“This victory is not about Chikosi. This victory belongs to the workers of Zimbabwe,” Chikosi said.
“It belongs to every worker whose sweat and labour sustains our economy, our families and our nation. It belongs to the men and women in our factories, mines, farms, offices and public institutions, as well as those in the informal economy who continue to struggle for recognition, protection and dignity.”
He said his leadership would focus on fighting for a living wage, secure employment, comprehensive social protection and quality public services that improve the welfare of working families.
Chikosi said economic development without social justice was meaningless, adding that those who create wealth must enjoy a fair share of that wealth.
He said his five-year tenure will be guided by this year’s conference theme: “Constitutionalism, Social Justice, Workers Unite for Decent Work and Economic Empowerment,” which he said must become the federation’s ideological compass.
“We must rebuild where we have weakened, reposition where circumstances demand change and re-establish the ZCTU as a formidable voice of organised labour,” he said.
Chikosi said the ZCTU’s independence would remain sacrosanct, noting that while the labour body will pursue constructive social dialogue, dialogue must never become “social surrender.”
He saluted his challenger, Peter Gift Mutasa, for a fair contest and paid tribute to his predecessor, Taruvinga, for leading the movement with resolve and bravery.
Chikosi said he will be president of the entire ZCTU and called for unity among affiliates.
“I promise my service, my availability and my unwavering commitment to the workers’ cause,” he said, adding that his leadership will be judged by improvements in wages, collective bargaining and workers’ rights.
The ZCTU 10th General Elective Conference has elected a new leadership that will steer the labour federation for the next 5 years. The elected are :- President; Valentine Chikosi (ZIMRATU)
1st Vice President- Cuthbert Chikwekwete (CWUZ)
2nd Vice President – Douglas Chiradza (NEWUZ)
3rd VIce President: Enock Dongo (ZINA)
THE SECRETARY GENERAL’S POSITION WAS NOT CONTESTED
1st Deputy SG – Nhamo Bepete (ZARWU)
2nd DSG – Runesu Dzimiri (FFAWUZ)
Treasurer General – Constantine Rutsate (ESWUZ)
Trustees
Austin Muswere (GAPWUZ)
Fozert Mugabe (ZCATWU)
Enos Mwerenga (ZFTAWU)
