The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
DIRECTORS of a gold mine in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North Province are allegedly abusing workers, forcing them to work long shifts, some lasting 12 hours a day and subjecting them to constant threats of dismissal if they complain.
Mohem Mine, which is alleged to be breaking labour laws, violating health and safety conditions has been operational for the past four years and employs 30 workers. Disenchanted workers gave a horrid tale of alleged abuse by management, saying the employment conditions violate normal standards, if compared to other mines.
“Operations started in 2015 and there are 30 workers employed at the mine. We are subjected to harsh working conditions and are paid poorly if ever we are.
“Shifts can last up to 12 hours a day and we are not allowed to go on public holidays. We are only allowed to take three days off a month.
“We were not even allowed to vote during the election period and were told that if we left our posts we would be fired,” said one worker who refused to be named during an interview when Sunday News visited the mine last week.
Other workers claimed that at times they would be called back from the compound after working hours.
“We have on several occasions tried to engage the directors but they always threaten us. Initially we thought the conditions were like this because it was a new venture but the situation never improved,” said another worker.
The workers said they are working under poor health and safety standards that include failure to replace damaged protective equipment.
“We are routinely threatened with dismissal if we refuse or complain about the poor standards at the mine. We fear that we may suffer from serious injuries and health complications.
“We are already being forced to work long hours and the safety standards are just poor. Sometimes we are threatened if ever we report these issues.
“We are also paid meagre wages of $200, which is below the gazetted standard wage of mine workers. All what we are requesting is that we be treated as humanely as possible and that the working conditions be civilised,” said another worker.
Contacted for comment, one of the directors of the mine only identified as Martin said the workers were lying, adding he was not bothered by their claims before referring all questions to the manager of the mine — a Mr Ncube.
Mr Ncube said he could not comment on the matter without consulting the mine owners.
“I really can’t comment on the matter but what I can say is that they saw the list of questions you gave me and all they commented on was the working hours. The rest they said they were not bothered about. I will have to seek authority from the directors of the mine to comment further,” said Mr Ncube.
Zimbabwe Miners Federation chief executive officer Mr Wellington Takavarasha expressed concern over the matter saying authorities should hastily look into the issue.
“Respecting labour laws and ensuring workers’ safety should be standard operating practice,” he said.
Mr Takavarasha noted that as a federation they were pleased that there was substantial investment in the mining sector.
“There has been quite some investment in the sector and it is pleasing to note jobs have been created for the people of Zimbabwe but respect for human life is essential, as well as laws governing our mining sector,” he said.
@peterkmatika
