National
Hwange Power Station strike escalates as MP, unionist clash
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Negotiations between striking workers at the Hwange Power Station expansion project and their Chinese employer ended prematurely on Friday after a top official from the Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Workers’ Union (ZCATWU) walked out.
ZCATWU secretary general Machapuwa Mazarura was said to have objected to the presence of Hwange Central Member of Parliament Daniel Molokele and left in a huff.
The workers went on strike this week demanding that their employer Sino Hydro, which is contracted by the Zimbabwe Power Company to add two units at the country’s largest thermal power station, must pay them in foreign currency.
They are also protesting about alleged abuse by their supervisors, lack of protective clothing, transport allowances and poor diet, among other issues.
Molokele said he had been invited by some of the workers to observe proceedings at Friday’s meeting.
“Mazarura said he can’t chair the meeting whilst the MP is inside,” one of the worker, who was at the meeting told VicFallsLive.
“The MP then told him that he was only there to observe the proceedings as the project is in his constituency and had been invited by the aggrieved workers, but Mazarura insisted that he wouldn’t chair the meeting if the MP was there together with some cameraman who was filming the proceedings.
“So the meeting didn’t resolve anything because of the back and forth.
“Mazarura abandoned the meeting and walked to his car, and he was followed by some Chinese officials and through our committee, we understand that the Chinese told him that they are ready to pay us in United States, but they only wanted us to organise ourselves.”
In a leaked audio, Mazarura and Molokele can be heard exchanging harsh words.
“I told you that I am not leaving, do whatever you want,” Molokele was heard shouting.”
Mazarura shot back: “So if you are not leaving we will leave it you,”
Molokele responded: “I am within the law and I sit as the MP.
“Go and check the constitution and my role as the MP and if you haven’t read it, I can open it for you right now.
“You are a sell out, you want to negotiate with them in private.”
The workers said during the meeting, which started around 9 AM outside the company’s premises before moving to the main offices, there was no hint Sino was prepared to pay employees in foreign currency.
“The lowest grade (4) workers are paid $20 000 while those in the upper grade (1) gets paid between $20 000 to $35 000,” another source revealed.
“No one here gets more than that except those in the top management.
‘ That’s why we are trying to negotiate. We are frustrated by the way our supervisors are treating us and we are also given poorly cooked meals.
“Those that work from their homes are not being given meals here yet the work is straining us.”
Both Molokele and Mazarura could not be reached for comment.
The expansion project, which will add 600 megawatts into the national grid is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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