Business Reporter

As the world commemorate International Workers’ Day, a call to action has been made to prioritise the welfare and safety of mine workers amid growing concerns about the deplorable working conditions many are forced to endure.

Mr Justice Chinhema, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), has expressed deep concern over the working conditions of mine workers, which he described as “modern slavery.”

ZDAMWU represents about 15 000 mine workers, a significant portion of the sector’s formal workforce of 52 000 people.

The sector accounts for Zimbabwe’s 13 percent of the gross domestic product and generate roughly 80 percent of the country’s exports.

Mr Chinhema”s call comes amid growing concerns, not only about working conditions, but also as Zimbabwe and much of southern Africa battle the effects of climate change that threaten lives and livelihoods.

The country faced a serious drought caused by El Niño, and the general well-being of mine workers had not been spared.

“Compatriots, 2024 workers day has come at a moment when mine workers are fighting tooth and nail to reclaim their rights, for a living wage and protection against excessive exploitation,” said Mr Chinhema.

“We are at a critical stage of history where we are not retreating in confronting the mistreatment of workers and believe May Day should not only be an occasion for gatherings, but it should be a day to salute the mine workers for their continued sustenance of the economy and expression of a deep appreciation to them and those who died or have been injured at the work place in mines across the country.

“Mine workers are an important stakeholder in the extraction of mineral resources worldwide, they are the vital cog that drive any economy and Zimbabwe has been one good example.

“This therefore means mine workers welfare should always be a priority. The Government and employers in the sector need to lend an ear to the concerns of the mine workers as much as possible to see that they are addressed not the current situation where workers have been turned into slaves by employers, mine workers have nothing to celebrate on this May Day as they are subjected to poor working conditions and ‘slave wages’ which have thrown them into abject poverty despite being a vital cog in our economy.”

Mr Chinhema noted that some large mines were even failing to pay salaries when due, even when production was stable.

In addition, he said many workers were forced to work long hours in dangerous environments with no guarantee of a permanent job or fair pay. ZDAMWU has called for an end to these exploitative practices and a living wage that reflects the value of the minerals being mined.

The union also wanted to see the National Employment Council (NEC) reformed to better serve the needs of mine workers, and existing safety and health laws enforced.

The union is particularly focused on protecting the rights of female mine workers.

It has since implemented a Gender and Sexual Harassment policy to address these issues in the workplace and communities. Additionally, it is advocating for the ratification of ILO C190, which protects workers from violence and harassment.

“As ZDAMWU we would like to reiterate that mine workers welfare is the reason of our existence.

“As a union we shall be pushing for the implementation of ILO C176 in Zimbabwe and other existing safety and health laws. We need to continue pushing for the criminalisation of deliberate cause of accidents particularly where it is proved that the employer has failed to comply with the safety rules and regulations,” he said.

He said the union was cognisant of the challenges being faced by female mine workers in the country.

“As a union, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to protect the rights of female mine workers. The union is committed to the emancipation of women both at the world of work and outside.

“We have recognised the challenges women face in general and have put measures and programs in place to address such anomalies and emancipation of women workers in particular,” he said.

Campaigns would be rolled at mine level, communities as well as pushing through works council for work place policy on Sexual Harassment, Gender Based Violence in the world of work.

As we push this policy to be adopted across all mines, we will continue to extensively campaign for the ratification of ILO C190 by the government of Zimbabwe through parliament.

Engagement of female parliamentarians has also begun.

Mr Chinhema said ZDAMWU was committed to organising all mines across the country and becoming a stronger voice for mine workers.

Leonard Ncube, [email protected]

WHEN the Government initiated the Land Reform Programme, which led to the establishment of Matetsi Ward in Hwange in 2000, the area had no social amenities such as schools and clinics.

Matetsi Ward 1 is both a wildlife and crop farming area located on the boundary between the Hwange National Park, Sinamatela National Park and Chamabondo National Park in the Hwange Rural District Council.

It covers Breakfast, Matetsi, Masuwe, Lubangwe and Woodlands areas where there are A 1 and A2 farmers.

The ward is shared among three Chiefs, Mvuthu, Shana and Wange who preside over some areas with a total of about 1 360 homesteads and a population of approximately 7 000 people, according to area councillor, Clr Vulindlela Mhlanga, popularly known as Gasela.

Since 2000, six schools – Masuwe Primary, Sikabelo Primary, Matetsi Primary, Breakfast Primary, Nyongolo Primary and Matetsi Secondary School have been built to enhance access to education.

The schools were built using funds generated from proceeds of hunting, HRDC funds and the help of some development partners.

“Since the establishment of Matetsi ward in 2000, six schools have been built using various sources of revenue. As Matetsi ward, we do hunting and we use the proceeds to do different projects while the HRDC also provides building material,” said Clr Mhlanga. 

“We have other partners like Buy a Brick Foundation and Jafuta Foundation who have helped us a lot and as we speak we have six schools that have been built and some are still under construction.”

Matetsi Secondary, the only secondary school in the area, operates as an annex of Mashake Secondary School in Jembezi.

In last year’s Ordinary Level examination, a learner from Matetsi was the overall best with seven subjects, four of them As, beating candidates from the mother school.

Clr Mhlanga appealed to authorities to expeditiously give the school an examination centre status to improve the pass rate.

Distance to school has over the years been identified as a key driver for dropouts and low pass rates in many schools in Hwange and Matabeleland North.

Nationally, the Government intends to build more schools in high-density suburbs and resettlement areas where the shortage of learning infrastructure is severe.

The country has a deficit of about 2 800 schools, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is looking for public-private partnerships to fund the construction of new schools. 

“The day I won the elections, I stopped being a politician and became a policy maker. There are a number of projects that we promised people, like building schools and clinics and doing irrigation,” said Clr Mhlanga. 

“We will continue with these projects as we have seen the problems we made before and we are correcting them now. We want to first educate our people as that will empower them.”

He was speaking recently at a thank you rally organised by the Zanu-PF party, to thank its supporters for voting wisely in the ward.

The party’s Secretary General, Dr Obert Mpofu addressed the gathering. Meanwhile, Clr Mhlanga said several other projects are being implemented using proceeds from hunting and with help from development partners.

These include drilling of boreholes to reduce the distance to the nearest water source to less than 1km for any household.

A ward clinic is also under construction and at roof level and being plastered in Breakfast while two health posts will be established in Sikabela and Nyongolo areas.

Currently, people from the ward travel to Ndlovu, Jambezi and Victoria Falls for health services.

Clr Mhlanga applauded the Government for development programmes including the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, which he said has helped in the upgrading of the road network.

Michelle Moyo, [email protected] 

MRS Estinah Mashingaidze from Hillside, Bulawayo recounted her life-changing calling to serve prisoners. She never considered prison ministry until a powerful vision from God compelled her to preach to a specific inmate, complete with a cell number.

Guided by Hebrews 13:1-3, which instructs us to remember those in prison and those suffering, Mrs Mashingaidze (71) embraced this mission. In 2004, she received a vision about catering to prisoners, but it took five years for her to fully respond to this calling. 

Finally, in 2009, she embarked on her prison ministry — she reached out to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).

ZPCS was more than delighted to work with her as they believe that rehabilitation extends beyond them. It necessitates a collaborative effort across society, with churches playing a vital role by providing spiritual guidance and support to inmates. Despite having no prior experience with prisons, Mrs Mashingaidze was welcomed by the ZPCS, granting her access to their institutions.

“The calling was clear. During a prayer group session, a vision for prison ministry emerged. Together, we began praying for it to become a reality. Fifteen years later, this ministry has flourished, though not without its challenges.

“One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring we have necessities to share with the incarcerated. Food is particularly important when sharing the word of God. It fosters a sense of community and allows us to connect on a deeper level.

“Our ministry offers hope and support. We preach the word, reminding them of the possibility of freedom and reconciliation with loved ones. Additionally, we provide tangible support with toiletries, food and clothing. However, the true power lies in human connection. Society can play a crucial role by showing love through visits, counselling and even offering food donations.

“Their need for connection is profound. We are not just a ministry; we become their extended family. Over the years, we have assisted with examination fees, food containers, clothing, hygiene products and even educational resources. We have even held a bead and necklace-making workshop at Mlondolozi Prison, fostering creativity and a sense of accomplishment,” said Mrs Mashingaidze.

Mr John Mwembe, from Binga and a former inmate who served over eight years in prison, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the amnesty declared, which led to his release on April 19, 2024. His freedom came as a result of the impactful ministry of Mashingaidze, which he greatly benefited from during his incarceration.

“In 2015, I found myself facing a 15-year prison sentence. However, thanks in large part to the ELCZ Prison Ministry, I was released after only eight years and six months. Their impact on my life was truly transformative.

“The ministry brought me spiritual growth through powerful preaching. They instilled hope in me, reminding me that one day I would be free again. They encouraged me to hold onto my faith and trust in God. Today, I am incredibly grateful that their message of hope became a reality. They were more than just mentors; they felt like prophets sent by God.

“Beyond spiritual guidance, the ELCZ Prison Ministry provided invaluable support. Reverend Mbongeni Dube’s counselling sessions were a lifeline and his positive influence will forever be a part of my story. They even gave me the opportunity to sing in their churches alongside fellow inmates, fostering a sense of community even behind bars.

“Their material support was also crucial. They provided clothing, food, and toiletries like soap, toothpaste and hygiene products. These necessities may seem small, but they made a significant difference in my daily life. The ELCZ Prison Ministry offered me a beacon of hope, guidance and support during a difficult time. Their dedication to the well-being of incarcerated individuals is truly inspiring,” said Mr Mwembe.

He added that upon his release, Reverend Dube, on behalf of the ELCZ Prison Ministry, welcomed him back to society by hosting him and inviting him to preach and sing alongside his brothers.

“The ELCZ Bulawayo East Parish continued their incredible support upon my release. They provided a new phone, money for groceries, and even helped my daughter, Delicate, enrol in a computer course at the ELCZ Njube Centre. They truly went above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition back into society.

“My time in prison wasn’t entirely wasted. I learnt valuable lessons about trust, faith and the importance of community. Participating in the ‘Voice of Praise Choir’ fostered a sense of belonging, and I am proud to have completed my high school education and even become a maths teacher.

“Now, my focus is on rebuilding my life. My top priorities are reuniting with my family, reintegrating into the community and finding a job or starting a project. To my fellow brothers who were released: Never give up hope. Stay on the right path. Seek God’s guidance and find a church community for support. Counselling and spiritual guidance can be invaluable tools for your journey,” he said. 

Reverend Dube of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe, serving in the Bulawayo East Parish, stressed the church’s commitment to ministering to prisoners. He drew inspiration from the book of Hebrews, which urges the faithful to empathise with those incarcerated and mistreated, reminding them that they are all part of one body.

“Our church feels a deep responsibility to serve our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated. We minister to them in two ways: through the word of God and acts of charity. We share the message of hope and redemption found in scripture. Additionally, we donate essential items like food, clothing and hygiene products.

“We firmly believe that those in prison deserve compassion, not rejection. Many find faith in Christ during their incarceration. We support their rehabilitation and offer a welcoming community upon their release. Our inspiration comes from Matthew 25: ‘For I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and in prison and you visited me.’ We see the face of Christ in these individuals and believe they are worthy of God’s love.

“Furthermore, we recognise the challenges faced by the Government and prison services. We strive to alleviate those burdens by providing essential needs. We understand the economic hardship in our country, which can limit access to basic materials like clothing for work projects. Finally, recognising the spiritual hunger of many prisoners, we share the word of God, offering them an opportunity for solace and transformation,” said Reverend Dube.

ZPCS National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi acknowledged the pivotal contribution of churches in supporting the correctional system’s efforts to rehabilitate inmates.

“Churches play a crucial role in supporting the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Collaborating with correctional authorities, they develop programmes focused on practical skills and knowledge. These programmes might include vocational training, life skills development and educational initiatives to equip inmates for a successful reintegration into society.

“The support doesn’t end upon release. Churches often offer after-care programmes that provide ongoing assistance. This can range from helping ex-convicts find employment and secure temporary housing to offering crucial counselling and spiritual guidance.

“Beyond churches, society as a whole can contribute to the reintegration process. Collaboration with correctional facilities and rehabilitation institutions opens doors for various forms of support. Volunteering within these facilities, providing skills training workshops, and offering resources for inmate rehabilitation initiatives are all impactful ways to make a difference,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi.

She further stated that the ZPCS has introduced a range of programmes and initiatives aimed at enhancing the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

“ZPCS facilitates regular visitation programmes that allow inmates to maintain contact with their families. These visits provide an opportunity for bonding and re-establishing connections, which can contribute to a smoother transition upon release and have introduced the Family Week concept, where offenders are provided with extended time and allowed many visitors inside correctional facilities to interact. This initiative aims to strengthen family ties and encourage family support during the rehabilitation process.

“ZPCS in collaboration with a local television station runs Another Chance Programme, a television factual series that gives offenders a platform to meet those they wronged to apologise for the wrongs they did. This programme promotes accountability, reconciliation and the potential for forgiveness.

“ZPCS also organises meetings with traditional leadership where some community members are invited to understand the role of ZPCS and the need to give offenders second chances. These engagements aim to foster community understanding, support, and reintegration for inmates,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi. — @Lo7246Lovelyn