Labor Leaders

"Women are fully capable of excelling in positions of authority and should feel confident embracing these responsibilities."

"Zimbabwe once held the strongest record for upholding workers' rights in the region."

"The deep desire to show that mass resistance and challenging ZANU (PF) at the ballot box was possible pushed fear aside. Life had become so unbearable that those who truly cared had to risk everything for a better Zimbabwe. I chose to put myself on the line and became one of the fighters for democracy. For the record, neither I nor my family have ever been part of ZANU (PF)."

"For the people I represent in Parliament, I believe so, although it’s not exactly how I envisioned their social, political, and economic welfare. Every household should have sufficient food on the table. Jobs must be accessible to all who seek them, with salaries and wages that are fair and capable of sustaining families above the poverty line. Additionally, pensions should be meaningful and supportive."

"Paurina Mpariwa responded to the question, "What have you done so far as the Public Accounts Committee considering that corruption at ministries and parastatals has been topical in the media?"

"I envision a Zimbabwe that is truly free, where human rights are upheld, the media operates freely, and men and women have equal opportunities. It’s a nation that respects workers' rights, provides fair wages and pensions, and ensures social support for those in need. A Zimbabwe where the rule of law, democracy, regular free elections, and food security are guaranteed, along with many other essential provisions."

"Paurina Mpariwa responded to the question,"What kind of Zimbabwe do you envision?""

"It essentially functions as a post-mortem committee, as we are still examining audited reports from as far back as 2009. We work closely with the Auditor-General’s Office and aim to detect irregularities early. However, a major challenge is that ministries often fail to submit their financial reports promptly, delaying the auditing process."

"I will continue studying until I die since acquisition of knowledge is meant to be a lifelong commitment. I am proud of my diversified education. Whichever post I am I appointed to, I will never disappoint"

"It's inaccurate to say that I "joined" politics; rather, I transitioned my labor union activism into political action when we formed the MDC in 1999. I am proud to be one of its founders. ZANU (PF) was anti-people, and its arrogance and refusal to address issues affecting workers and the broader nation motivated me to act."

"Paurina Mpariwa responded to the question, "When did you join politics, and why?""

"I was born 50 years ago in Karoi into a family of four. I was fortunate that my father, a businessman who owned construction companies, was able to provide us with an education."

"While we aim to incorporate new ICT tools in political campaigns, social media can be a challenging space for female politicians. In my view, it can sometimes discourage women who might be interested in pursuing leadership roles."

"What are your words of encouragement to other women who might want to get into politics?"

"This approach will help them avoid risks that arise from enthusiasm without sufficient knowledge. From my own experience, I can confirm that, in politics, people sometimes suffer due to a lack of awareness and understanding."

"As a deeply committed believer, I hold a personal conviction that Christians can and should serve as salt and light within the realms of politics and government. I believe it is not only desirable but essential and achievable for believers to have a positive influence in these areas."

"As women, you also represent men in your constituencies, making it essential to present yourself professionally to be taken seriously. Always be open to learning and seek guidance on best practices from others."

"I chose not to file for nomination in this year's election because I believe I have made meaningful contributions as a political leader and fulfilled my roles as a mother, a woman of this nation, and a representative of my constituency."

"After 23 years as a legislator, I feel it’s time to share what I’ve learned in politics with other women. Through this initiative, my focus won’t be limited to women within my party but will extend to those outside the MDC-T as well. I've decided to remain available to civil society groups working to mentor other parliamentarians, and I am open about this commitment."

"Paurina Mpariwa respond to the question "Who is Honourable Paurina Mpariwa and how did you become active in politics?"

"It was quite a dramatic experience. We went through it step by step hearing things in the media, discussing issues in meetings until we reached the final stage. Throughout, I was following along with everything that was unfolding."

"Yes. By day, we speak of free and fair elections, but by night, it's about winning at any cost even if it means repeating or surpassing the violence of 2008."

"At one point, I overheard a security personnel discussing my situation, mentioning that I had been recommended for removal from my leadership positions rather than being fired."

"I wasn't the first to be dismissed; there had been others before me, making it feel like waves we were all enduring."

"My government service ended in December 2014, and my political career came to a sudden close in May 2015."

"Considering that the population of women in Zimbabwe exceeds that of men, it implies that there is a greater need for resources and support tailored specifically for women."

"It was an essential experience, impacting me on a personal level as well as affecting my family, constituency, and party."

"Today, Zimbabweans celebrate Heroes Day, marked by the Second Republic introducing a new initiative to honor civilians and civil servants for their heroic contributions to the advancement of Zimbabwe."

"I was dismissed from ZANU-PF while attending a graduation ceremony with Mugabe at Midlands State University."

"This visit coincided with the SADC election observer mission, led by Zambian Nevers Mumba, which has been closely monitoring the electoral processes in Zimbabwe to ensure transparency and fairness."

"We are thinking big. As you are aware, recent developments, including the selection of the Cabinet, reflect our serious intentions. We aim to expand opportunities and ensure that the benefits are shared, particularly with those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us to reach our current position."

"The strong bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia, highlighting the significance of cooperation in defense and security."

"I am pleased that war veterans are integral to this portfolio. The new Constitution clearly outlines the vital contributions made by war veterans and collaborators, emphasizing the need to address their concerns as thoroughly as possible."

"The announcement was made on national radio immediately after the graduation ceremony."

"Since then, cooperation has steadily grown, with numerous initiatives, particularly in agriculture. China has also supported Zimbabwe by providing COVID-19 vaccines, which played a significant role in helping Zimbabwe contain the virus."

"As the women of Zimbabwe, particularly within Zanu PF, we truly value this acknowledgment. It was long overdue, given that we stood alongside our male counterparts during the liberation struggle. We owe our gratitude to the new and second President of the Republic, who is sensitive to gender issues and recognizes that the fight for this country's liberation was a joint effort by both men and women. We sincerely appreciate this recognition."

"This has allowed many developing nations to establish critical infrastructure for power generation, food production, and security. South-South cooperation has intensified, creating new trade routes and promoting intra-regional trade that strengthens the productive capacities of BRICS members and their allies."

"Most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are well-acquainted with the crippling effects of programs from Western-dominated global lenders, as they "cannot access credit from these international institutions without facing predatory conditions imposed upon them.""

"By aligning our policy guidelines and development strategies, China and Zimbabwe are set to unlock immense potential in their bilateral cooperation. The opportunities are promising and ours to shape. Let us move forward together, steadfast as oxen, for in unity, we will succeed."

"Men and women are known to complement each other, highlighting the importance of including women in various organizational structures."

"It's important to recognize that this power is delegated. The Commander-in-Chief is the President. I am eager to discuss with the President whether the reforms you're mentioning are necessary, as this has been a recurring issue. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues still in the defense sector and am open to learning as much as I can. Additionally, it's essential to note that our forces are recognized globally; they have served at both UN (United Nations) and AU (African Union) levels. Regarding the challenges you mentioned, I believe these agencies see not problems but the excellence demonstrated by our forces."

"The developing world has started to access alternative development and infrastructure financing through BRICS, free from stringent terms."

"My dismissal from the Senate was officially finalized in May 2015."

"Developing countries face numerous challenges rooted in the imbalanced relationships created by current international mechanisms and organizations. Certain nations have used their financial and military dominance to shape the global order to their advantage."

"Africa has endured decades of external political interference, a challenge that persists today, particularly in the West African region, where troubling signs of regional destabilization are increasingly evident."

"Neo-colonialism poses a significant threat by hindering investment and redirecting resources to powerful nations through illicit financial flows, leading to current account deficits for developing countries."

"Chinese investors have played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe's industrialization, with Chinese private capital driving key projects nationwide. Notably, China's Tsingshan Holding Group established a $1.5 billion integrated steel plant in the Midlands Province."

"If Zimbabwe fails to recognize women's potential for influential leadership positions, the country risks falling behind and undermining its democracy."

"On this special occasion, I extend my wishes to the Chinese leaders and people for endurance, strength, health, and as much happiness as these times permit," Mutsvangwa said in an interview with Chinese media."

"The very first Buck Dinner cause was unemployment, both in its financial support and the efforts of the participants. Times being what they were, employment, hunger and workers organizing were high in the hearts of activists during the 1930s. As the labor movement developed Maurice Sugar and younger lawyers such as Ernest Goodman and George Crockett developed the emerging specialties of labor law, workers compensation and civil liberties. These skills were sorely needed. In the 1930s and extending into the 1950s, the Dies Committee (which became the House Un-American Activities Committee) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation intensified their harassment of civil libertarians. These pioneering legal minds also pursued defending African-Americans from unjust, racist charges, and eventually became strong legal supporters of the Civil Rights and peace movements during the 1950s and 1960s. The Buck Dinner distinguished itself by also being a financial supporter of these causes. But back in the late 1930s, the rise of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy were also on the minds of many in the Buck Dinner community. When those countries supported Franco rebels in Spain, several of our own Detroit progressives volunteered to fight on the loyalist side. When 11 Detroiters were arrested and charged with conspiracy to recruit Americans for a foreign army in 1940, the NLG through Sugar and Goodman led the legal team that freed them."