Union raises alarm over labour abuses in Chinese-run mines

Chinese companies in Zimbabwe face widespread allegations of labour abuse, leading to heightened tensions between Chinese employers and Zimbabwean workers, with the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) raising concerns about deteriorating labour conditions in Chinese-operated mines.
Justice Chinhema, the unionโs secretary-general, called for decisive government intervention to safeguard workers’ rights. He highlighted issues such as poverty wages, poor labour standards, and excessively long working hours in Chinese-operated mines.
โAbout 95% of workers in Chinese mines are employed on short-term fixed contracts with no medical care, pension, or other retirement benefits. Worse still, they are often intimidated and victimised for participating in trade union activities or joining unions, making it almost impossible to bargain collectively for better conditions,โ Chinhema said.
His remarks followed the circulation of a viral video depicting a violent altercation between a Zimbabwean worker and Chinese managers.
The video, widely shared on social media, shows an incident that occurred on January 21, 2025, at Bijou Farm in Gweru. Kholwani Dube, an escalator operator employed by Ming Chang Sino-Africa, is seen in a heated dispute with his employers over unpaid wages.
In the footage, Dube repeatedly shouts, โGive me my money, I want my money, shoot me!โ The situation escalates as Chinese nationals restrain him, tying his hands and legs with wire while one of them points a firearm at his head.
ZDAMWU stated that the conflict began after Dubeโs supervisor declared he was fired and ordered him to “go home” without pay.
โThis did not sit well with Dube, who demanded his dues immediately. Such incidents are alarmingly common in the mining sector, especially in Chinese-operated mines across the country,โ Chinhema said. โWorkers in these mines are heavily frustrated by poverty wages, poor labour standards, and being forced to work up to 12 to 14 hours daily.โ
Chinhema also noted that Chinese mines are notorious for physical attacks on workers, with cases like Dubeโs being disturbingly frequent.
โThe use of physical violence and even firearms during labour disputes is unacceptable. It reflects a broader pattern of abuse by some Chinese employers,โ he said.
ZDAMWU expressed concern over the growing trend of violence and criticised the government for its inaction. The union urged authorities to hold abusive employers accountable.
โWe are deeply disturbed by the escalation of physical attacks and the use of firearms by Chinese nationals during labour disputes. ZDAMWU demands decisive action against Ming Chang Sino-Africa and other companies guilty of such violations,โ Chinhema said.
The union also called for dialogue with Chinese investors and the Chinese Embassy to address these issues. Chinhema proposed forming an all-inclusive inspection committee under the National Employment Council (NEC) to investigate labour abuses, inspect working conditions, and recommend appropriate action.
As part of its 2025 agenda, ZDAMWU plans to engage both Chinese managers and Zimbabwean workers in dialogue aimed at fostering mutual respect and industrial harmony.
โWe are committed to initiatives that reduce tensions between Chinese employers and local workers,โ Chinhema said. โThis includes providing orientation for Chinese managers on handling labour disputes to prevent future conflicts.โ
The incident has also drawn criticism from political leaders. Admire Dube, Secretary for Information of The Patriotic Front (TPF), described the events as a stark reminder of the exploitation faced by Zimbabwean workers in foreign-owned businesses, particularly Chinese companies.
โThis unacceptable behaviour highlights the mistreatment of Zimbabwean workers. While we do not condone Mr. Dubeโs actions, his demands for unpaid wages must be taken seriously,โ Dube said. โMany Chinese businesses are accused of exploiting local workers while enjoying protection from Zanu-PF leaders and government officials.โ
The TPF pledged to review all contracts and trade agreements with foreign-owned businesses, prioritising the interests of Zimbabweans.
โWe demand justice for Mr. Dube and all workers who have been exploited. A TPF government will ensure that Zimbabweans are treated with dignity in their own country,โ Dube added.