Outgoing Secretary General for Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has raised concerns over a sentence on theft of trust property which was given to the organisation’s president, Tafadzwa Munodawafa.
In a scathing letter, the outgoing SG, Tapedza Zhou, said, they are concerned with the news that their president, was charged before Bulawayo Magistrate’s Court.
“The charge, theft of trust property, emerges not from clear or compelling facts, but from a contentious reinterpretation of a previously unsubstantiated allegation of fraud.
“This sudden pivot in legal framing raises serious questions about the intentions and fairness of the entire process.
“What began as a personal misunderstanding between two individuals has now been distorted into a criminal matter, one that seems designed to tarnish the reputation of a respected leader.
“That the case culminated in a non-custodial sentence, despite the gravity implied by the charge, underscores how tenuous and speculative the prosecution’s claims truly were.
“We stand firm in affirming that Tafadzwa maintains her innocence,” he sai.
He also said, she has exercised her constitutional right to appeal, and a stay of sentence has been filed.
“This means the sentence is unenforceable until the appeal has been heard and determined.
“We therefore urge all members, stakeholders, and the public to respect the principle of presumption of innocence and to resist the lure of premature conclusions or politicised narratives.
“This matter, at its core, is a civil dispute between individuals over an old debt.
“To criminalise such a common issue, and to involve the Union’s name, is not only mischievous but deeply damaging to our collective integrity.
“Even more worrying is the role some within our Union, and some popular figures in the labour movement have played in escalating this case. Instead of resolving the issue they have chosen to weaponise legal institutions in pursuit of narrow, short-term political gains.”
Zhou is of the view that leadership must be about building, not breaking; about lifting others, not pulling them down for political advantage.
“When legal systems become campaign tools, and prosecutions replace ballots, our democratic culture is in jeopardy.
“This is a critical time for our Union.
“We are in the middle of a leadership transition period, an opportunity to showcase integrity, vision, and collective renewal.
“Sadly, instead of healthy engagement, we are witnessing factional manipulation, abuse of state institutions—including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), and sections of the media—to discredit individuals and destabilize the Union.
“We deeply sympathise with friends of the oppressor that are within our ranks, working tirelessly to capsize our ship under stage managed guises of transparency, democracy and accountability.
“This path leads only to destruction.
“A Union divided by petty rivalries and legalised vendettas cannot hope to stand as a progressive force.
“We must urgently recommit to our core values: solidarity, justice, democracy, and unity.”
He asked many questions.
“Now is the time for serious reflection.
“Are we still the Union we vowed to build?
“Do we still honour the principles of comradeship and collective responsibility?
“Can we sit silently while a leader who has tirelessly defended members’ rights is vilified for political expedience?
“Cde Tafadzwa stood for many of us, in courtrooms, at negotiating tables, and on picket lines.
“Today, we must stand for her.
“If we do not defend our comrades in moments of injustice, we betray the very ideals on which our movement stands.
“Cde Tafadzwa now becomes the latest victim of a disturbing trend of state repression targeting popular trade union leaders.
“Her sentencing adds to a growing list of unionists across the country who have faced intimidation, criminal charges, and character assassination simply for standing up for workers’ rights.
In light of this, we call upon all progressive trade unions in Zimbabwe, the region, and beyond to stand in solidarity with her through statements, legal support, and continued vigilance against the shrinking of democratic space in the labour movement.
“Therefore, we call for:
“An end to internal witch-hunts and the masquerade of political vengeance as accountability;
“A return to the founding principles and democratic spirit of our Union;
“A collective stand against the weaponisation of state and legal institutions for internal factional battles.
“Let us choose unity over division, truth over distortion, and principled leadership over personal ambition.
“At this critical juncture, we send our unwavering solidarity to Tafadzwa Munodawafa—a brave leader facing an unjust storm.
“The road to a stronger Union is paved with integritynot intrigue.”
