Centre News Hub
Workers at the Chinese owned Bikita Sino Lithium mine are allegedly lamenting that assaults of black employees by the Asian foreigners are rapidly increasing including the recent assault of a black worker by a Chinese boss at the mine while working.
The workers also allege a myriad of labour laws violations that protect workers from abuse by the employers.
A worker who preferred anonymity because for fear of victimization said they work long hours without being paid over time and at times without protective clothing.
Recently a black supervisor Talent Moti was allegedly severely assaulted while working by his Chinese boss only identified as Wang.
Some black workers are scared to make police reports because if investigations are carried, they are victimised and may lose their jobs.
“The situation is really bad, nothing has changed after workers’ rights and Human rights activists tried to intervene,” said the worker who could be named.
Local community leaders like the Bikita Institute of Land and Development (BILAD) and Bikita Residents and Rate Payers Association (BIRRA) have tried to intervene but to no avail.
BILAD, Director, Mountain Mujakachi, said they have met the management several times on this and other issues affecting villagers around the mine but the management paid deaf ears.
“The issues of workers’ rights violations including beatings, workers working overtime without being paid and violations of rights of surrounding villagers in the community are rampant and they ignore our concerns when we engage them,” Mujakachi said
He added that black workers are treated inhumanly and a few weeks ago a worker lost his life while on duty, while 3 children were left with severe wounds injuries from debris from blasting at the mine.
Centre for Natural Resources Governance(CNRG) Director, Farai Maguwu, bemoaned that the country laws are not being implemented fully to their all weather friends from Asia.
“Zimbabwe has good labour laws, which are now being rendered ineffective due to the government’s preferential treatment of the Chinese nationals. In those moments when Police move to arrest, the courts are found wanting. I think we need a concerted effort – litigation, advocacy and political action. Workers ought to unite and defend each other from abuse. If a Chinese national assaults a worker, then the workers have a national duty to drag him to the nearest Police Station We must not allow them to continue abusing our people in their own country. A line must be drawn in the sand,” Maguwu said.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Secretary General, Tirivanhu Marimo said its high time government deal with their friends from Asia once and for all.
“ZCTU is gravely concerned about the alarming escalation of labour rights violations in Chinese-run mining operations, particularly at the Sino Bikita Lithium Mine. Reports of workers being beaten, intimidated, and subjected to degrading treatment by both foreign managers and their local accomplices are not only barbaric but out rightly unlawful “said Marimo
He added that such conduct flagrantly violates the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Section 51, 53& 65) which guarantees every person’s inherent dignity, freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and the right to fair and safe labour practices.
Adding that the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], section 4A which prohibits forced labour, workplace violence, requires employers to provide conditions consistent with the health, safety, and respect of workers.
ZCTU demanded an immediate investigation and prosecution of perpetrators under Zimbabwe’s criminal law, including both foreign nationals and local enablers.
In response to the Media Bikita Minerals’ public relations officer Collen Nikisi acknowledged reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, which he said stemmed from a “minor work-related misunderstanding that escalated.”
“Yes, Bikita Minerals is aware of the altercation between two employees at the mine. Our internal investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a minor work-related misunderstanding that escalated.
“Both employees will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Labor Act Statutory Instrument SI 165 of 1992 Collective Bargaining Agreement (Mining Industry), as we emphasize maintaining a professional and respectful work environment. We are committed to ensuring that all employees adhere to our code of conduct and workplace policies,” Nikisi told a local media house.
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