Centre News Hub
Chiyadzwa-A deepening crisis has engulfed the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), where employees have gone for five months without salaries while senior executives allegedly continue to enjoy lavish benefits, raising serious concerns over corporate governance and accountability.
Investigations done by Centre News reveal a growing divide within the state-linked diamond miner, with ordinary workers struggling to survive amid worsening working conditions, while a select group of managers and executives reportedly benefit from a parallel system of financial privileges.
Sources within the company allege that nearly 80 managers are on a separate payroll, receiving monthly vehicle allowances of up to US$2 000 at a time when the majority of employees have not been paid since October 2025.
“It’s a painful situation as we cannot afford basic needs, yet the management is living comfortably,” said one employee who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.
The disparity is further highlighted by reports that executives have access to as much as 160 liters of fuel for personal and routine use, while operations on the ground remain constrained due to limited resources.
At the center of the controversy is the alleged procurement of luxury vehicles, including at least two Toyota Land Cruiser LX300 series units for senior executives.
Insiders say the purchases come despite the company’s financial distress and lack of operational vehicles.
Critics argue that the cost of a single luxury vehicle could have supported core business needs, including the acquisition of multiple utility vehicles essential for mining operations.
Further allegations point to questionable disposal of company assets, with some executives reportedly acquiring vehicles at heavily discounted prices.
In one case, a senior official is said to have purchased a Land Cruiser in Zimbabwe Gold currency (ZiG) before reselling it for approximately US$55 000.
Meanwhile, conditions for workers continue to deteriorate as employees report inadequate safety clothing, poor accommodation, and rising safety risks at mining sites, as these issues are not being addressed.
The crisis is also being linked to leadership challenges following the appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Douglas Zimbango under Mutapa Investments.
As multiple sources claim the current executive lacks a coherent mining strategy, with uncertainty reportedly surrounding key operational decisions, including where to mine.
“There is no clear direction as the company is operating like a shell. Strategic decisions are either delayed or nonexistent,” says another insider.
Additional concerns have emerged over the handling of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, particularly those linked to Manica Diamonds.
Sources allege that some expenditures fall outside audited oversight, raising further questions about transparency and internal controls.
Efforts to get a comment from ZCDC Public Relations Officer Tsungirirayi Dhambuza were unsuccessful.
Dhambuza did not respond to questions sent via text and voice calls.
