Chinese investors defend selves from workers exploitation at South mining, new accusations mirror 2023 labour dispute resurfaces

Hwange-SOUTH Mining LIMITED (Pvt) Ltd is once again under scrutiny, facing fresh allegations of employees abuse and inadequate safety measures, despite its claims of prioritizing worker welfare,Express Mail Zim can report.

A recent video circulating on social media has ignited public outrage, with many accusing the company of neglecting employee safety and exposing workers to exploitative conditions. This controversy adds to the ongoing calls for accountability, as South Mining has a history of similar issues.

In its official response to the video published by Express Mail Zim, South Mining denies the allegations and instead shifts the focus to the worker who violated safety protocols, questioning the motives behind the recording and suggesting it was intended to harm the company’s reputation. However, this defensive stance does not address the fundamental concerns of worker safety and labor rights that have long plagued the company.

Despite claims of providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with labor regulations, this is not the first serious allegation against South Mining. In 2023, the company faced similar accusations in Hwange, where employees alleged exploitation, unfair labor practices, and months of unpaid wages.

The Solidarity Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe reported that workers were frequently arrested for demanding their salaries from the HR department. In one instance, 17 employees were taken into custody merely for inquiring about their unpaid wages.

Union representative Prince Mpala criticized South Mining for creating a hostile work environment, where employees fear reprisals, including arrest, when they voice legitimate concerns about unpaid wages or poor working conditions. He condemned the company’s practices as akin to “modern-day slavery” and highlighted its ongoing refusal to pay terminal benefits to employees whose contracts have ended.

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During the 2023 scandal, when approached for comment, South Mining’s HR Manager, Kudakwashe Mutunja, declined to engage, stating he was “in a mine” and later failed to respond to additional inquiries. This pattern of avoiding discussions about worker grievances is a recurring issue that the company appears unable or unwilling to address.

The company’s latest denial in response to the recent video reflects its historically dismissive approach. While South Mining claims to have launched internal and external investigations, there is little evidence that it is genuinely addressing the systemic issues within its operations. Instead, its response seems primarily focused on damage control rather than implementing meaningful reforms to protect worker rights and improve safety conditions.

In its official statement the company said :

SOUTH MINING (PVT) LTD.

RE: REFUTATION OF ALLEGATIONS OF WORKER ABUSE AND NON-PROVISION OF PROPER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

South Mining is aware of the video circulating on social media and is deeply concerned by the unhygienic and unsafe act performed by one of our employees. We are also troubled by the intentions behind recording such a blatant violation of basic behavior and safe working practices.

We categorically refute the allegations made against South Mining regarding worker abuse and the non-provision of proper protective clothing, as stated in your inquiry.

Regarding the mentioned video, we have initiated thorough internal and external investigations to review the circumstances behind this unsafe act and the motives that may be intended to tarnish the reputation of the company. South Mining will also involve relevant external regulatory authorities and government agencies in these investigations.

Preliminary findings indicate that the individual in question breached safe working standards while cleaning the toilet for reasons unknown and was assisted by a fellow employee in creating the video recording. The motives and root causes of these actions are currently under thorough investigation.

At South Mining, we have a culture that takes the well-being and safety of all our employees very seriously. Our company adheres to all relevant laws and regulations, guided by HR and Safety policies that ensure fair treatment, respect, and dignity for all employees. The company has always prioritized the provision of PPE to all employees and is committed to ensuring that the workplace is safe and healthy to the extent reasonably practicable.

We uphold the highest standards of employee safety and well-being. Should you require further clarification or discussion, please do not hesitate to contact us.

K. Mutunja
Group HR Manager

With public pressure increasing and the company’s history of labor abuse becoming more apparent, South Mining’s attempts to deflect criticism are increasingly ineffective.

After over a decade in operation, the company now faces heightened scrutiny, with growing demands for transparency, accountability, and improved worker protections. Without decisive action to resolve these ongoing issues, South Mining’s reputation is likely to continue deteriorating, and its labor practices will remain under close examination.