Foreign companies must comply with Zimbabwe's labour laws

Zimbabwe must strengthen the enforcement of its labour laws to safeguard local workers employed by foreign businesses, particularly Chinese-owned mining firms, according to Dr. Wayne Malinga, a senior researcher at the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ).

Dr. Malinga raised concerns over the treatment of Zimbabwean workers by some foreign investors, calling for stricter oversight to ensure fair working conditions. His remarks follow a recent case where a Chinese miner was taken to court for allegedly shooting a Zimbabwean employee accused of stealing gold dump.

Speaking on the program This Morning on Asakhe, under the theme "The Chinese in Zimbabwe: Labour and Social Issues", Dr. Malinga emphasized the need for Zimbabwe to take charge of its labour regulations.

"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 noted that foreign companies, including Chinese-run businesses, must adhere to Zimbabwe's existing labour laws to ensure fair treatment of employees. He highlighted additional legal frameworks, such as the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Act, which guarantees pensions and compensation for workplace injuries.

"It's crucial that companies, including Chinese-run businesses, compensate workers for workplace injuries as required by law," he said.

The researcher also pointed out challenges such as wage disparities and the absence of formalized employment contracts in some foreign-owned firms.

"Employment contracts must be formalized and written, detailing whether jobs are fixed-term, permanent, or casual. Without this, many workers are left vulnerable," he explained.

Dr. Malinga urged companies to comply with Zimbabwe's minimum wage regulations, which 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 added.

The enforcement of regulations governing working hours, overtime pay, and leave entitlements, such as sick leave and maternity leave, was another critical issue raised.

"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 said.

Dr. Malinga also addressed the issue of unfair dismissals and retrenchments, stressing the importance of access to legal recourse through institutions like 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 emphasized.

Trade unions, Dr. Malinga noted, play a crucial role in safeguarding workers' rights through collective bargaining. He called for efforts to strengthen unions to enhance protections for Zimbabwean workers.

"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 reiterating the importance of strict enforcement of labour laws to ensure foreign companies operate within Zimbabwe's legal framework.

"There must be strict enforcement of labour laws to maintain fairness. Foreign businesses should not operate outside the legal framework," he said.

The call comes as the government seeks to balance attracting foreign investment with protecting the rights and welfare of local workers, a crucial aspect of sustainable economic growth.