Former Chivi South legislator, Killer Zivhu, has raised concerns over the treatment of Black employees by Chinese employers in Zimbabwe, claiming that white employers treat their Black workers more fairly. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zivhu expressed his shock at the poor conditions faced by his cousin, who works as a driver for a Chinese employer.
Zivhu alleged that his cousin is made to sleep in his car and cook meals in Bulawayo, which he then takes with him to Harare to eat over three days, while his Chinese employers stay in comfortable hotels and enjoy lavish meals. He stated:
“I am appalled by the treatment of Black people by Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe! My cousin, a driver, has to sleep in cars while his bosses enjoy hotel stays. He cooks his meals in Bulawayo and eats them over three days in Harare, while they dine in luxury. White employers have shown more dignity to Black workers than the Chinese.”
Concerns Over Chinese Employers’ Treatment of Workers in Zimbabwe
Since Zimbabwe adopted the “Look East” policy in the early 2000s, following the government’s land reform program that saw the seizure of farms from white farmers, Chinese nationals have become increasingly prominent in the country, particularly in the mining sector. However, there have been persistent reports of mistreatment of Black workers by Chinese employers, including low wages and harsh working conditions.
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In September 2023, Daniel Molokele, the Member of Parliament for Hwange Central, condemned Chinese coal mining operations in his district for not complying with local laws. He highlighted concerns raised by residents of Ingagula township in Hwange about excessive dust pollution from the mining trucks and operations, which he claimed were harming the community.
Molokele further alleged that Chinese businesses in Zimbabwe often receive protection from scrutiny due to their connections with powerful politicians in the capital, Harare.
In August, Farai Maguwu, the director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, also criticized the rise of Chinese mining operations in Zimbabwe. He described their practices as exploitative and labeled them as a form of “organized crime.” Maguwu argued that Chinese-run mines, particularly those established since the year 2000, have failed to contribute meaningfully to the development of the local communities where they operate.
Maguwu added:
“Mining in Zimbabwe, especially by Chinese companies, is not formal or properly regulated. If you look at mines like Zimplats, they have invested in infrastructure and built towns that will continue to exist even if the company leaves. But Chinese companies seem uninterested in improving the areas they mine; they have no long-term intentions to benefit the communities.”
