Roseline Mutare
Workers at Anjin Investments, a diamond mining company in Chiyadzwa in Marange, Mutare have gone on strike to demand urgent answers and accountability from management over unpaid salaries and alleged misconduct.
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) announced the development in a press statement, citing the workers’ deep concern and resolve to stand up against injustice.
According to ZDAMWU, the workers have not been paid their salaries for the past four months, resulting in immense financial and personal suffering. The situation took a tragic turn when a fellow worker, Comrade Clever Chiobvu, died after being denied medical assistance due to lack of financial support from the company.
“We are deeply concerned about the reckless disregard for worker welfare by the management,” said Justice Chinhema, ZDAMWU General Secretary (pictured).
“The workers are demanding justice and accountability, and we will continue to fight until their rights are protected,” added Chinhema.
The workers are also alleging that Chinese managers are engaging in irregular procedures within the diamond sorting process, which may constitute theft or misappropriation of resources. This has further eroded worker trust and threatened the integrity of the industry.
Chinhema said the workers are demanding immediate payment of all overdue salaries, a transparent investigation into the allegations of misconduct, accountability from management regarding the failure to support the sick colleague, and assurance of fair and safe working conditions moving forward.
“We call upon the authorities and relevant regulators to intervene swiftly to protect workers’ rights and ensure that justice is served, our collective action is a testament to our resolve to stand up against injustice and uphold the dignity of every mine worker,” he said.
“ZDAMWU remains committed to defending workers’ rights and will continue to fight until justice is achieved,”
