CHIGWENDERE, Ignatius (b 1939)

Notes and transcript of [? Brian Willan's] interview of Ignatius Chigwendere, trade unionist and activist, dealing with Rhodesian trade union movement and nationalist politics (1959-1966); partucularly Chigwendere's work as National Organising Secretary for the Tailors and Garment Workers' Union, 1961 and as Disputes Secretary for the Southern Rhodesia Trades Union Congress, 1961-1963; also his involvement with the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), 1962-1963, and his arrest and deportation from Rhodesia in 1963-1964.

Julius Chigwendere b 1939, Chilmani Reserve, Rhodesia; educated at Government Schools in Gwelo and St Francis Xavier's College, Kutama; returned to Gwelo to work, 1959, had a succession of six jobs in a year; became involved in trade union activity when employed at Charles W Hall (hosiery manufacturers) 1959; National Organising Secretary, Tailors and Garment Workers' Union in Bulawayo, Jan 1961; Minutes Secretary at inauguaral meeting of Southern Rhodesia Trades Union Congress (SRTUC), Apr 1961; appointed Disputes Secretary of SRTUC, 1961; became a member of Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), c 1962; also involved with the formation of Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), 1963; awarded International Labour Office scholarship to Switzerland, the UK and Sweden, 1963; arrested and detained by Rhodesian Government, Aug 1963; in prison until Sep 1964, then left for the UK; unofficial ZANU representative 1970-1973; official ZANU representative from Sep 1973.

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Compiled by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

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