ROSELINE MUTARE
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has claimed there is systemic exploitation of mine workers which does not match their sacrifices that are driving the country’s mining growth.
The Union claims for their sacrifices, mine workers have been rewarded with “poverty wages” and unsafe working conditions.
In an end of year statement, ZDAMWU highlighted 2025’s ‘profound struggles’ because of inflation- ravaged salaries, casualization of labour, fatal accidents, and victimisation of retirees.
“Despite the mining sector’s billions in exports, workers reaped poverty,” said ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema.
The union welcomed incoming Mines Minister Polite Kambamura’s pledge to consult stakeholders, saying it’s important to consult workers in policy-formulation.
Meanwhile, ZDAMWU said it plans a massive 2026 membership drive, pushing for a National Employment Council (NEC) reforms, safety laws, and anti-corruption drives.
“No more tolerance for a system where miners’ blood oils the economy while they starve,” Chinhema said.
The union also lauded China’s call to end alleged worker abuses by Beijing based firms in Zimbabwe.
ZDAMWU vowed to fight for dignity, fair pay, and justice. “United, we triumph,” the statement read.
