By Byo24News
Truck owners contracted by Ingwebu Breweries, a company owned by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), have voiced concerns over unpaid services, with some claiming they are owed thousands of U.S. dollars.
The truckers allege that Ingwebu’s management is offering only partial payments, leaving significant debts unpaid.
“We are transport operators contracted by Ingwebu Breweries to deliver their products across the country,” said one truck owner. “Despite providing reliable services for a long time, we remain unpaid, even after some of our vehicles have broken down.”
Another truck owner said they have repeatedly tried to raise their concerns with Ingwebu’s management, but have received little response.
“They promised improved payments after expanding production but have failed to follow through,” said the truck owner. “They even continued using our vehicles until they broke down, then purchased their own trucks, reducing their reliance on us.”
The truckers reported that some of their colleagues have abandoned their job due to non-payment, seeking opportunities elsewhere.
“We go out on deliveries with cashiers who collect money, and we’ve seen that the company is making good profits, yet they refuse to pay us,” said one trucker. “We urge management to be fair and compassionate towards those of us who gave up other businesses to work with Ingwebu.”
Ingwebu Breweries’ managing director, Dumisani Mhlanga, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Earlier this year, in June, Ingwebu Breweries requested a water bill payment holiday from the Bulawayo City Council after accumulating a debt of over US$400 000. The request was denied, with the council citing the financial loss it would cause and the precedent it would set. The council also noted that Ingwebu should contribute to rehabilitating the city’s recycled water infrastructure.
