International Mine Worker Unions Impressed by ZDAMWU’s Growth
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) continues to garner international recognition, with several mine worker unions from across Sub-Saharan Africa expressing their admiration for the union’s rapid growth and organizational achievements.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia, who were in Zimbabwe for ZDAMWU’s second elective congress, shared their insights on the union’s progress and its significance within the broader labour movement in the region.
Mr. John Adaji, Co-Chair of IndustriAll, Sub-Saharan Africa, and a representative from Nigeria, expressed his approval of the strides made by ZDAMWU since its inception.
“In terms of organization, they have done wonderfully well,” Adaji remarked.
He noted the excellent coordination observed during the congress, from the participants to the facilitators and the leadership, highlighting the union’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Abdul-Moomin Gbana, General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, echoed Adaji’s sentiments, commending ZDAMWU for its well-structured organization and strong democratic processes.
“Being a union that is barely five or six years old, they have made significant strides,” Gbana stated.
He praised the open and participatory nature of the congress, where delegates freely engaged in discussions, a practice he noted is not always prevalent in other jurisdictions.
Gbana also acknowledged the union’s proactive stance on critical issues affecting the mining industry, such as job insecurity, anti-union practices, and challenges associated with foreign investments, particularly from Chinese companies.
He commended ZDAMWU’s commitment to tackling these issues head-on, stating, “They are on the right path, and we can only urge them to do more.”
One of the key takeaways from the congress, according to Gbana, was ZDAMWU’s recognition of its forebears.
“An organization or society that does not recognize its forebears is not worth working for,” he emphasized, lauding the union for acknowledging the individuals who laid the foundation for its current successes.
Gbana also stressed the importance of international collaboration among mine worker unions across Africa.
“Internationalism exposes you to your strengths and weaknesses and gives you the opportunity to leverage the strengths of others.
“The presence of multiple mine worker unions from different African countries at the congress exemplified the spirit of internationalism and underscored the value of shared experiences and mutual support,” he said.
John Silungwe, Deputy General Secretary of the Zambia Mine Workers Union, shared his observations on ZDAMWU’s progress, noting the union’s potential to become a significant force in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“Considering how many years they’ve been in the union business, I think they are progressing very well,” he said.
However, Silungwe raised concerns about the lack of government representation at the congress, which he believes could undermine the union’s efforts.
“A congress of this nature is supposed to be supported by the government,” he stated, calling for greater collaboration between ZDAMWU and government officials to ensure the union’s continued growth and influence.
Despite these challenges, Silungwe expressed confidence in ZDAMWU’s ability to manage its affairs and expand its membership base.
He noted that the union’s well-organized approach, particularly during an elective congress, demonstrated its capacity for growth and stability.