MP wants sex workers to be protected by law

A legislator has called for the inclusion of sex workers in the proposed Occupational Safety Bill, arguing that all categories of workers should be protected under occupational health and safety laws.

Shamva South MP Joseph Mapiki said sex workers should not be excluded from legal protections designed to safeguard workers from occupational hazards, injuries and unsafe working conditions.

"We cannot leave out issues to do with sex workers; if we leave them out, I do not know, but in reality, that is happening," Mapiki said. "We need to ensure that those workers and employers have enough protection."

Mapiki also raised concerns about foreign employers operating in Zimbabwe's mining sector, citing allegations of exploitation and poor working conditions affecting local employees.

He called for tighter regulation and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards, particularly among foreign-owned mining operations.

His remarks come amid growing national concern over occupational safety, especially in the mining industry, where workplace accidents and labour disputes have drawn attention from lawmakers and labour groups.

The Occupational Safety Bill is intended to establish a comprehensive framework for protecting workers' health and safety across multiple sectors of the economy.

Mapiki said the legislation should take an inclusive approach that ensures protection for all workers, regardless of profession, while also strengthening enforcement mechanisms to improve compliance across industries.