Zimbabwe politicians, army chefs blamed for exploitation

The Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a siege on the country's workforce by politically connected elites, military figures, and foreign investors. In an interview, ZFTU secretary-general Kennias Shamuyarira accused unscrupulous actors of dominating industry while exploiting workers through low wages and unsafe working conditions.

"We are under siege from neoliberals. We are under siege from politicians who have become employers. We are under siege from scrupulous employers who are coming in disguised as investors, but are taking our people into cheap labour and slavery," Shamuyarira said, highlighting the growing entrenchment of political and military interests in Zimbabwe's labour market.

Shamuyarira specifically singled out Chinese-owned Dinson Iron & Steel, alleging that the company enjoys political protection while undermining workers' rights. "They are protected by politicians. We are told: you cannot recruit here, you cannot set foot there. Where are we going? This is going to be resisted, fought vehemently. There is no place that is untouchable," he said.

The union warned that Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 development goal cannot be achieved without ensuring decent work, safe working environments, and fair wages. Shamuyarira emphasised that rapid industrial expansion is unsustainable without robust labour protections, describing the current situation as a "political capture of the labour market," with political and military ownership of mines, factories, and farms shifting power away from workers.

Dinson Iron & Steel has denied the accusations, with project manager Wilfred Motsi asserting that the company operates within the law. "Each worker has the right to join any trade union they prefer and pay their union subscriptions themselves. Why should we interfere?" he said, disputing claims that the company restricts labour freedoms.

The ZFTU is preparing to escalate its concerns internationally, signalling growing tensions between Zimbabwe's development ambitions and the realities facing its workforce. The federation insists that foreign investment must be balanced with strong labour protections to prevent exploitation.