Matabeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa has called for an urgent investigation into reports that hundreds of young people employed under government-funded Independence legacy projects in Matobo district have not received full payment for work completed several months ago.
Raising a point of national interest in the Senate yesterday, Sen. Mlotshwa said the young workers were recruited to take part in projects aimed at improving schools, clinics and other public infrastructure ahead of the Independence Day celebrations held in Maphisa.
She said many of the youths participated in the projects with the expectation that the Government would fulfil its payment obligations.
“Many reportedly worked for months and provided their own food while working. Some sustained injuries during construction. Yet today, several months later, they remain unpaid,” she told the Senate.
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Sen. Mlotshwa said if the allegations are confirmed, the issue goes beyond unpaid wages and raises concerns about public trust, youth employment and the credibility of Government.
“It touches on public trust, it touches on youth employment, it touches on government credibility. Most importantly, it touches on the dignity of labour,” she said.
The senator warned against encouraging young people to participate in national development programmes only to leave them uncertain about whether they will be compensated for their labour.
She urged relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, establish the status of any outstanding payments and ensure all workers who rendered services are paid without further delay.
“The development of infrastructure must never come at the expense of those who built it,” Sen. Mlotshwa said.
In response to the matter, the Deputy President of the Senate, General (Rtd) Michael Reuben Nyambuya, advised Sen. Mlotshwa to submit the issue as a written question to the responsible minister so that it can receive a formal response.
The Independence legacy projects were undertaken in Matobo District in preparation for this year’s Independence Day commemorations held in Maphisa.
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