The Cement and Lime Allied Workers Union (CLAWUZ) held its 7th National Congress virtually on 6 and 7 June 2025 and in person on 13 June in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. On the final day of the congress, CLAWUZ elected its top six leaders.
Blessing Nhende was elected as President, while Thandiwe Mupani made history as the union’s first woman General Secretary. Since January 2024, the two had been entrusted with stabilising CLAWUZ’s financial and operational affairs and were tasked with convening the congress in their capacities as Interim President and Interim General Secretary.
The rest of the top leadership includes Mushavi Nhamo, elected as Vice President; Chatenga David, elected as Deputy General Secretary; Sibekithemba Mbewe, elected as Treasurer General; and Madhume Maxwell, elected as Trustee. BWI is pleased to note that all elected leaders have actively participated in and contributed to BWI’s projects and regional/global initiatives.
Blessing and Thandiwe stand as living proof that youth and women are ready to lead and shape the future. Their election to top union positions signals a new wave of inclusive and youthful leadership—bringing energy, vision, and determination essential to revitalising the labour movement in the region. The union proudly celebrates their leadership as a beacon for a brighter future for workers in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“We have come a long way. Although it was a difficult journey, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished. The Congress stands as a testament to the fruits of sustained investment in leadership development, teamwork, and partnership with our national federation ZCTU, sister unions, and BWI,” said President Blessing Nhende.
The newly elected leadership has been entrusted with a clear mandate: to rebuild member trust through transparency and accountability; to vigorously defend workers’ rights and champion their demands; to lead a just transition in the face of the climate crisis; and to advance gender and youth representation across all union structures. This comprehensive mission seeks to forge a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for every CLAWUZ member.
“A win for me is a win for all women in the cement and building materials industries, for female activists in Zimbabwe, and for women everywhere fighting for equality and justice in their workplaces and communities,” said General Secretary Thandiwe Mupani.
BWI extends its warmest congratulations to CLAWUZ for this historic milestone and to the newly elected executive committee. The union’s journey serves as an inspiration to others across the region—proving that with determination and renewed commitment, the power of workers can and will prevail.
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