By Stephen Chadenga
The death of veteran trade unionist, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) second deputy secretary-general and City of Gweru employee Kudakwashe Munengiwa has robbed council of a dedicated and hardworking worker, Mayor Martin Chivhoko has said.
Munengiwa died on Tuesday at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of council, Chivhoko expressed shock at Munengiwa’s death, describing him as a dedicated worker who contributed immensely to the local authority’s operations and service delivery in the Midlands capital.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the City of Gweru learnt of the passing of Mr Kudakwashe Munengiwa on 13 October 2026. We extend our deepest condolences to the Munengiwa family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” Chivhoko said.
Born on July 28, 1979, Munengiwa joined council in April 2004 as a contract meter reader in the finance department.
In May 2005, he was appointed revenue collector before being promoted to traffic supervisor in August 2014.
In September 2016, Munengiwa was transferred from the traffic department to the position of credit controller supervisor, which he held until his death.
Munengiwa also served as a workers’ representative at the City of Gweru.
His career in the labour movement began when he served as the ZCTU Central Region (Midlands Province) regional chairperson before rising through the ranks to become the union’s second deputy secretary-general.
A close friend and ZCTU vice-president, Valentine Chikosi, said Munengiwa’s death was a “major blow to the trade union”, describing him as a “dedicated and fearless fighter for workers’ rights”.
Munengiwa is survived by his wife and four children.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.