TONSE ALLIANCE TELLS ZCTU TO FOCUS ON WORKERS, NOT POLITICS

LUSAKA – The TONSE Alliance, a prominent political grouping in Zambia, has issued a stern admonition to the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), urging the labour body to refocus its efforts squarely on the welfare of Zambian workers and disengage from partisan political activities. This directive came from Mr. Chanoda Ngwira, the Alliance's National Chairman for Labour, who articulated concerns that the ZCTU might be straying from its foundational principles. Mr. Ngwira's statement, delivered from Lusaka, underscored the historical and crucial role of the ZCTU as the vanguard of workers' rights in Zambia. He highlighted that the union's mandate is unequivocally to champion better working conditions, fair wages, and social protection for its members across various sectors of the economy. Any perceived deviation into the political arena, he argued, risks diluting its effectiveness and compromising its non-partisan standing, which is essential for maintaining credibility with both government and employers. Historically, the ZCTU has played a pivotal role in Zambia's socio-political landscape, often acting as a critical voice for the populace, particularly during periods of economic hardship or political transition. Its influence has been significant, even extending to the political sphere, notably in the lead-up to the 1991 multi-party democracy. However, Mr. Ngwira's current remarks suggest a growing sentiment within political circles that the ZCTU's engagement should remain within the confines of labour advocacy, avoiding overt political endorsements or criticisms that could be perceived as biased. The TONSE Alliance's intervention is particularly pertinent given Zambia's current economic climate, where workers face myriad challenges including rising cost of living, unemployment, and the need for improved social security. In such an environment, a strong, focused, and non-politicized ZCTU is seen as indispensable for ensuring that labour issues receive the att