Matebeleland stakeholders sidelined in Uhuru tenders

Stakeholders in Matebeleland have raised concerns over the exclusion of local companies and workers from key development projects linked to the upcoming Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations scheduled to be held in Maphisa, Matobo district in 2026.

Critics say the awarding of tenders and the treatment of local labour reflect the region's continued marginalisation decades after independence.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the United Movement for Change, Lovemore Moyo, said most construction contracts tied to the preparations have been awarded to companies from outside Matebeleland.

"About 90% of the construction companies that have won tenders to develop Maphisa for the independence celebrations come from outside the region," Moyo told Southern Eye.

He said only one local firm, JR Goddard Construction Company, was involved in major works such as road rehabilitation.

"This shows how Matebeleland is lagging behind," Moyo said.

"Yes, it's good that this will bring investment, but why should we wait for over forty years since independence to experience such development?"

Moyo questioned the logic of tying meaningful development to national events rather than pursuing continuous infrastructure growth.

"There must be a development plan. Development should be continuous," he said.

"We will not accept substandard development to meet targets, like what we saw in Gokwe where some infrastructure projects collapsed."

He also cautioned against attributing the planned developments solely to the legacy of late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, saying other liberation icons from the region should also be recognised.

"There were other big names such as JZ [Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo] and others who hailed from the same region and were pioneers of the liberation struggle," he said.

"We need respect. We are national leaders, but we have regions where we come from."

Concerns over tenders have been compounded by allegations of unfair labour practices at the Joshua Nkomo Vocational Training Centre, a key site for Independence Day preparations.

Workers at the institution claim locals are being paid half the wages of workers brought in from outside the region and are subjected to poorer working conditions.

"They are given a light breakfast and sadza [and] meat is reserved for those coming from outside at supper, when the locals have knocked off," a source said, alleging that harassment of local workers was also common.

The complaints have reportedly been formally lodged with local traditional leader Chief Bidi.

Chief Bidi confirmed receiving the grievances.

"We have received such complaints from locals and we will engage the responsible authorities and map the way forward," he said.

However, Matobo district development co-ordinator Obey Chaputsira dismissed the allegations of marginalisation, insisting that preparations for the celebrations were progressing according to plan.

Chaputsira confirmed that several infrastructure projects, including the construction of a new stadium, were underway.

He said the Joshua Nkomo Vocational Training Centre was a national facility, similar to one recently commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Marondera in Mashonaland East province.

"The one in Marondera is in the northern side, while J Nkomo is in the southern side," Chaputsira said.

"At capacity the college accommodates 2 000. Some of the developments will be completed before Independence Day, while others will be completed later.

"No one is being sidelined. Everything is being done according to what was agreed upon."