Zimbabwe must enforce its labour laws to protect local workers employed by foreign companies, particularly Chinese-owned mining firms, a researcher has said.
Dr Wayne Malinga, a senior researcher at the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ), raised concerns about the treatment of Zimbabwean workers by foreign investors. He called for stricter implementation of labour laws to ensure fair working conditions.
Recently, a Chinese miner was hauled before the courts for allegedly shooting a Zimbabwean employee accusing him of stealing gold dump.
Speaking on This Morning on Asakhe on the topic “The Chinese in Zimbabwe: Labour and Social Issues,” Dr Malinga called for a stronger local approach to handling labour rights, particularly when dealing with foreign businesses.
“We need to take control of how we enforce our own labour laws. The Labour Act already outlines critical aspects such as working conditions, employee rights, and collective bargaining, but it must be properly implemented,” he said.
Dr Malinga stressed that foreign companies must abide by existing laws when operating in Zimbabwe to ensure fair treatment of workers.
He also highlighted other legal protections, such as the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Act, which guarantees pensions and workplace injury compensation.
“It’s crucial that companies, including Chinese-run businesses, compensate workers for workplace injuries as required by law,” he added.
Dr Malinga also pointed out wage disparities and the need for clear employment contracts in foreign-owned companies.
“Employment contracts must be formalized and written, detailing whether jobs are fixed-term, permanent, or casual. Without this, many workers are left vulnerable,” he said.
He insisted that Chinese-run companies must comply with Zimbabwe’s minimum wage regulations, as wages vary across sectors and should be standardized.
“The government has set minimum wage laws for different sectors, and all companies, including foreign ones, must adhere to them,” he said.
Dr Malinga further noted the need to enforce working hour regulations, overtime pay, and leave entitlements, such as sick leave and maternity leave.
“Are workers being paid overtime at the correct rates? Are companies respecting working hour limits? Are employees receiving their entitled leave? These are key concerns,” he noted.
He also raised concerns about unfair dismissals and retrenchments, stressing that workers should have access to legal recourse through the Labour Court, National Employment Council, and the Ministry of Labour.
“If workers are unfairly dismissed, they must be able to file complaints and seek justice. These legal protections exist, but they must be enforced,” he said.
Dr Malinga also underscored the importance of labor unions in protecting workers’ rights through collective bargaining.
“Trade unions play a key role in negotiating better wages and working conditions. Strengthening them will improve protections for Zimbabwean workers,” he said.
Dr Malinga concluded by stressing that Zimbabwe must consistently enforce its labour laws, ensuring that foreign companies comply and that local workers are adequately protected.
“There must be strict enforcement of labor laws to maintain fairness. Foreign businesses should not operate outside the legal framework,” he said.
