As the world commemorate International Workers’ Day, a call to action has been made to prioritise the welfare and safety of mine workers amid growing concerns about the deplorable working conditions many are forced to endure.
Mr Justice Chinhema, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), has expressed deep concern over the working conditions of mine workers, which he described as “modern slavery.”
ZDAMWU represents about 15 000 mine workers, a significant portion of the sector’s formal workforce of 52 000 people.
The sector accounts for Zimbabwe’s 13 percent of the gross domestic product and generate roughly 80 percent of the country’s exports.
Mr Chinhema”s call comes amid growing concerns, not only about working conditions, but also as Zimbabwe and much of southern Africa battle the effects of climate change that threaten lives and livelihoods.
The country faced a serious drought caused by El Niño, and the general well-being of mine workers had not been spared.
“Compatriots, 2024 workers day has come at a moment when mine workers are fighting tooth and nail to reclaim their rights, for a living wage and protection against excessive exploitation,” said Mr Chinhema.