Justice Chinhema, the General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), has assumed the role of deputy secretary-general for the newly established African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth (AFMMW). This federation, comprised of African workers’ unions, aims to address the challenges faced by mine workers across the continent.
Chinhema’s appointment took place during the AFMMW inaugural conference held in Cairo, Egypt. Mohamed Samara, representing the General Trade Union of Mines, Quarries, and Salinas Workers Union in Egypt, was elected as Secretary General. The position of President was bestowed upon Chewa from the Zambia Mine Workers Union, supported by representatives from Egypt and Morocco.
In his address at the conference, Chinhema underscored the imperative for workers’ unions to actively combat oppressive working conditions reminiscent of slavery within the African mining sector. He emphasized the significance of regional and international trade unions uniting in solidarity to confront governing systems, policies, and capital that oppress workers across countries.
Chinhema conveyed a message from Zimbabwe, emphasizing the importance of beneficiation and value addition to minerals for real development. He called for concerted efforts to push governments and capital to contribute to the economic development of countries through the empowerment and involvement of workers.
Chinhema expressed concerns about the recolonization of Africa and the introduction of exploitative labor practices in the guise of investments, particularly by Chinese investors.
Highlighting the role of trade unions, Chinhema urged for clear policies addressing inequality in mining communities, fostering economic development, and transforming lives. He called upon workers to advocate for resource-sharing with governments and capitalists, emphasizing the need for meaningful consultation with workers in decision-making processes.
