South Mining (Pvt) Ltd is once again in the spotlight, facing new allegations of employee abuse and inadequate safety measures, despite its claims of prioritizing worker welfare.
A recent video circulating on social media has sparked public outrage, with many accusing the company of neglecting employee safety and subjecting workers to exploitative conditions. This latest controversy adds to ongoing demands for accountability, as South Mining has a history of similar issues.
In its official response to the video, South Mining denies the accusations and instead focuses on the worker who violated safety protocols, questioning the motives behind the recording and suggesting it was aimed at damaging the company’s reputation. However, this defensive approach fails to address the fundamental issues of worker safety and labor rights that have long troubled the company.
Despite claims of providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to labor regulations, this is not the first serious allegation against South Mining. In 2023, the company faced a similar situation in Hwange, where employees accused management of exploitation, unfair labor practices, and unpaid wages for several months.
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According to the Solidarity Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe, workers were often arrested for demanding their salaries from the HR department. In one case, 17 employees were taken into custody simply for asking about their unpaid wages.
Union representative Prince Mpala criticized South Mining for fostering a hostile work environment, where employees fear reprisals, including arrest, when they raise legitimate concerns about unpaid wages or poor conditions. He condemned the company’s practices, describing them as “modern-day slavery,” and pointed out its ongoing refusal to pay terminal benefits to terminated employees.
When contacted during the 2023 scandal, South Mining’s HR Manager, Kudakwashe Mutunja, declined to comment, stating he was “in a mine” and later did not respond to further inquiries. This pattern of evasion regarding worker grievances is a recurring issue that the company appears unable or unwilling to resolve.
The company’s latest denial in the recent video incident reflects its past dismissive attitude. While South Mining claims to have initiated internal and external investigations, there is little evidence that it is genuinely addressing the systemic problems within its operations. Instead, its response seems more focused on damage control than on making meaningful changes to protect worker rights and enhance 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 video mentioned, we have initiated thorough internal and external investigations to examine the circumstances surrounding this unsafe act and the motives intended to tarnish the company's reputation. 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 prioritizes the well-being and safety of all our employees. 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. We have always prioritized the provision of PPE to all employees and are 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
As public pressure mounts and the company’s history of labor abuse becomes more evident, South Mining’s attempts to deflect criticism are increasingly ineffective. Operating for over a decade, the company now faces intensified scrutiny, with growing calls for transparency, accountability, and better worker protections.
Without decisive action to tackle these enduring issues, South Mining’s reputation will likely continue to decline, and its labor practices will remain under close examination.
