News / National
Workers, management clash over Ngamo Safaris takeover
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Employees at Ngamo Safaris in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North, are protesting a controversial decision by management to lease the safari camp to a new investor without following the proper tender procedures. The move has left over 24 workers facing uncertain futures, with many of them having worked for the company for decades.
Ngamo Safaris, originally established by the Forestry Commission to generate revenue for conservation efforts in Zimbabwe's indigenous forest areas, is located in an expansive 8,000 square kilometre hunting zone. The safari camp has long been a crucial part of the region's eco-tourism sector.
According to Molise Mkandla, a representative from the Tourism and Conservation Workers Union of Zimbabwe, the new investor, Richard Cook Safaris (RC), was granted a lease for the camp last month without a tender process. "The workers woke up to be told to pack their belongings and vacate the premises within two weeks, a deadline that is fast approaching," Mkandla said. "They were given an ultimatum to either vacate or sign new fixed contracts under the new investor's terms."
Workers had initially requested a month to make decisions about their futures, but this was reportedly rejected. The sudden shift has caused distress among the employees, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to Ngamo Safaris. "Some of the workers have been with the company for as long as 30 years. They know no other employer, and now they face losing all their benefits, including pension entitlements," Mkandla explained.
The new investor, Richard Cook Safaris, has reportedly proposed a nine-month probation period for the affected workers. After this period, they would be evaluated to determine if they will be offered full-time employment. However, this has done little to calm the concerns of the workers.
The issue has also raised questions about the process behind the leasing arrangement. Mkandla stressed that while other safari camps, such as Kazuma and Masume, have undergone smooth transitions with due process followed, the leasing of Ngamo Safaris is shrouded in controversy. Sources suggest that some stakeholders are planning legal action over the failure to adhere to proper procedures.
Efforts to reach Forestry Commission officials for comment have been unsuccessful. Enock Mandura, the Commission's business development and marketing manager, declined to provide further details, referring inquiries to the Commission's headquarters in Harare. "I am in a meeting, maybe they are in a meeting that is why they are not picking calls," Mandura said.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo has expressed surprise at the development. "I will check with the Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) to find out about the issue," he said, acknowledging that he was unaware of the move.
The leasing of Ngamo Safaris without following due process has sparked outrage among workers, and the controversy continues to escalate, with many questioning the transparency of the arrangement and the long-term implications for both the staff and the local community.
Ngamo Safaris, originally established by the Forestry Commission to generate revenue for conservation efforts in Zimbabwe's indigenous forest areas, is located in an expansive 8,000 square kilometre hunting zone. The safari camp has long been a crucial part of the region's eco-tourism sector.
According to Molise Mkandla, a representative from the Tourism and Conservation Workers Union of Zimbabwe, the new investor, Richard Cook Safaris (RC), was granted a lease for the camp last month without a tender process. "The workers woke up to be told to pack their belongings and vacate the premises within two weeks, a deadline that is fast approaching," Mkandla said. "They were given an ultimatum to either vacate or sign new fixed contracts under the new investor's terms."
Workers had initially requested a month to make decisions about their futures, but this was reportedly rejected. The sudden shift has caused distress among the employees, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to Ngamo Safaris. "Some of the workers have been with the company for as long as 30 years. They know no other employer, and now they face losing all their benefits, including pension entitlements," Mkandla explained.
The new investor, Richard Cook Safaris, has reportedly proposed a nine-month probation period for the affected workers. After this period, they would be evaluated to determine if they will be offered full-time employment. However, this has done little to calm the concerns of the workers.
The issue has also raised questions about the process behind the leasing arrangement. Mkandla stressed that while other safari camps, such as Kazuma and Masume, have undergone smooth transitions with due process followed, the leasing of Ngamo Safaris is shrouded in controversy. Sources suggest that some stakeholders are planning legal action over the failure to adhere to proper procedures.
Efforts to reach Forestry Commission officials for comment have been unsuccessful. Enock Mandura, the Commission's business development and marketing manager, declined to provide further details, referring inquiries to the Commission's headquarters in Harare. "I am in a meeting, maybe they are in a meeting that is why they are not picking calls," Mandura said.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo has expressed surprise at the development. "I will check with the Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) to find out about the issue," he said, acknowledging that he was unaware of the move.
The leasing of Ngamo Safaris without following due process has sparked outrage among workers, and the controversy continues to escalate, with many questioning the transparency of the arrangement and the long-term implications for both the staff and the local community.
Source - newsday
