Clawuz

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE CEMENT, LIME AND ALLIED WORKERS UNION OF ZIMBABWE (CLAWUZ)

01/09/2025

The National Executive and the entire membership of the Cement, Lime and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe (CLAWUZ) extend our revolutionary congratulations to Comrade Tiri Marimo on his election as the new Secretary Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions - zctu.

This resounding victory, achieved at the ZCTU Extraordinary Congress held on Saturday, 30 August 2025, is a clear mandate for Comrade Marimo's visionary leadership and a testament to his deep rooted commitment to the labour movement. His background, from his foundational role as the former ZCTU Young Workers Chairperson to his leadership at the Zibawu Bankunion, provides him with a unique and powerful perspective that bridges the energy of youth with the wisdom of experience.

CLAWUZ is particularly inspired by the spirited and dynamic campaign led by the YOUNG WORKERS. Their overwhelming support was not only instrumental in this victory but also sends a powerful message about the future of our movement. It demonstrates a thriving, intergenerational solidarity that is essential for the strength and relevance of the ZCTU in the years to come.

Comrade Marimo’s triumph over Comrade Michael Kandukutu in a democratic process is a celebration of internal democracy and a united path forward for all affiliates.

As a union representing a critical sector of the Zimbabwean economy, CLAWUZ looks forward to working closely with the new Secretary General and the ZCTU leadership. We are confident that under your stewardship, we will collectively champion the rights of all workers, advocate for social justice, and confront the economic challenges facing our members with renewed vigour.

Once again, congratulations, Cde. Secretary General. We pledge our unwavering support and solidarity.

IN UNITY and STRUGGLE,

For and on behalf of CLAWUZ,

Blessing Barney Nhende
PRESIDENT

Congress photos

"Brothers and sisters in struggle,
Today, we not only celebrate International Workers’ Day, but also honor the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for the eight hour workday, safe conditions, and the dignity we strive to uphold. Yet, as we stand here shoulders dusty from kilns and mills, hands calloused from labor we know our fight is far from over. This year’s theme, *‘End Corruption, End Workers Exploitation: Workers Unite for Social Justice,’* calls us to confront the chains that still bind our progress."

Current Challenges
"In our cement and lime industries, corruption is not just a word it’s the unsafe machinery purchased through backdoor deals, the wages stolen by greedy contractors, and the contracts awarded to those who silence whistleblowers. Corruption lets bosses cut corners on protective gear, ignore hazardous dust levels, and deny healthcare to those coughing through shifts. Exploitation? It’s the overtime paid in empty promises, the temporary contracts that trap families in poverty, and the silenced voices fearing retaliation."

The Power of Unity
"But history teaches us: when workers unite, mountains move. Recall how our collective strikes won safer protocols, how our petitions forced companies to replace crumbling equipment. Every victory was born from solidarity. Today, we face a system that profits from dividing us contract workers against permanent, young against old. But we say: NO MORE.

Call to Action
"Let us demand transparency in every contract and accountability for every life endangered. Let us expose the rot of corruption and rebuild systems that value workers over profits. Organize relentlessly in unions, in committees, in whispers on the factory floor. Report malfeasance; protect one another.

Closing Rally
"Comrades, our labor builds nations. It’s time our nations protect us. When we unite, corruption trembles. When we unite, exploitation crumbles. Let this be our pledge: No worker left behind. No voice unheard. Together, we will breathe justice into every kiln, every quarry, every heart.

*‘End corruption! End exploitation! Workers united NOW AND FOREVER!’*

Happy Workers Day

Cde Nhende Blessing
Clawuz President
Thank you.

Today, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, we, the Cement Lime and Allied Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe,unite and stand in solidarity to honor colleagues lost to occupational illnesses and injuries especially those silenced by the invisible killer: *dust*

In our industry, dust is not just a nuisance, it is deadly. Prolonged exposure leads to silicosis, lung diseases, and irreversible harm. Yet, too many workers still work without adequate protection, proper ventilation, or enforceable safety standards. Today, we say: *Enough is enough.*

*We Remember*
Every worker lost to workplace hazards, injuries and dust-related illnesses. Their lives were not sacrifices for profit. Their absence is a call to action.

*We Resist*
- *Lax safety practices* that prioritize production over lives.
- *Inadequate PPE* and poor dust-control systems.
- **Silence** from employers and regulators who ignore this crisis.

*We Renew Our Fight*
- *Demand advanced dust suppression technology* in plants and quarries.
- *Enforce regular health screenings* for early detection of lung diseases.
- *Strengthen laws* to criminalize negligence and hold companies accountable.

To employers and policymakers: Invest in clean air, not coffins. Every breath matters.

To our members: Report unsafe conditions. Demand your right to respirators, training, and a workplace free from deadly dust.

*“Dust doesn’t discriminate—but prevention can. Let’s fight for lungs that breathe freely and futures untainted by neglect.”*

*Clawuz President*
Cde, Nhende Blessing