News / National
Abandoned to Christmas poverty: AMH staff given US$50 after 11 months without pay
2 hrs ago |
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HARARE - Hundreds of employees at Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), one of Zimbabwe’s leading private media groups, say they have been left in despair after receiving just US$50 ahead of Christmas, following nearly 11 months without salaries.
Workers told Bulawayo24.com that management issued the once‑off payment days before Christmas, while senior executives, including editors, reportedly received US$100. The disparity has fuelled anger among staff, who accuse the company of exploitation while they continue to publish newspapers, run digital platforms and meet deadlines without pay.
"This is not goodwill. It is an insult. Some companies are giving bonuses to thank workers for surviving a difficult year," said one employee, speaking anonymously for fear of victimisation.
"We are being sent into Christmas with money that cannot feed a family for a day," the employee added.
AMH, which owns several high‑profile titles and commands a significant share of Zimbabwe’s news audience, has struggled financially amid falling advertising revenues and rising costs. But workers say the burden of the crisis has been unfairly transferred onto them, leaving many facing eviction, unpaid school fees and mounting medical bills.
Anger is increasingly being directed at the company’s leadership. Staff have openly blamed chief executive Kenias Mafukidze, accusing him of incompetence and detachment from the realities facing ordinary employees.
"There is no transparency, no accountability and no empathy. Management looks after itself while workers are abandoned," another employee said.
Efforts to obtain comment from AMH management were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
Workers told Bulawayo24.com that management issued the once‑off payment days before Christmas, while senior executives, including editors, reportedly received US$100. The disparity has fuelled anger among staff, who accuse the company of exploitation while they continue to publish newspapers, run digital platforms and meet deadlines without pay.
"This is not goodwill. It is an insult. Some companies are giving bonuses to thank workers for surviving a difficult year," said one employee, speaking anonymously for fear of victimisation.
"We are being sent into Christmas with money that cannot feed a family for a day," the employee added.
AMH, which owns several high‑profile titles and commands a significant share of Zimbabwe’s news audience, has struggled financially amid falling advertising revenues and rising costs. But workers say the burden of the crisis has been unfairly transferred onto them, leaving many facing eviction, unpaid school fees and mounting medical bills.
Anger is increasingly being directed at the company’s leadership. Staff have openly blamed chief executive Kenias Mafukidze, accusing him of incompetence and detachment from the realities facing ordinary employees.
"There is no transparency, no accountability and no empathy. Management looks after itself while workers are abandoned," another employee said.
Efforts to obtain comment from AMH management were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
Source - Byo24News
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