Zim’s MDC-T party emphasises workers’ rights in campaign

THE leader of a splinter faction of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T)‚ Thokozani Khupe‚ officially launched the party’s election campaign and manifesto at a rally in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The theme is “Building an Economy to Support Transformation”.

The MDC-T is the second party to officially launch its election campaign after the ruling Zanu-PF party, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, did so last weekend.

The launches are the strongest sign yet that the country is inching closer to elections which are expected to take place in July or August.

Party spokeswoman Linda Masarira said the MDC-T’s election manifesto was mainly focused on the problems afflicting Zimbabwe’s economy.

Masarira said the party’s manifesto had realistic targets to drive the country forward.

Khupe promised to address the same key issues targeted by Zanu-PF‚ but a difference is that as an offshoot of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, workers’ rights are emphasised.

“The MDC-T is very aware of the present weak state of the country’s economy to recover without huge external financial support. Our government shall re-engage with the international community and all progressive forces for [support],” she said.

“We believe in the right of workers to organise and full respect of labour rights.”

Meanwhile‚ Zanu-PF’s $200-million (R2.45-billion) campaign went into full swing with the first rally being the interface with the country’s veterans of the 1970s war against the colonial settlers’ regime.