THE failure by employers to properly remunerate workers is not a new thing in Zimbabwe, but very few people would expect that from those providing services to companies involved in the lucrative mining of diamonds in Chiadzwa.
Workers from Allfix Security, a company contracted by Canadile Mining have a story of hard labour and poor remuneration.
“The employer is failing to pay us despite our sacrifices,” said one disgruntled guard.
“Imagine spending the whole day or night guarding diamonds and failing to get even the smallest appreciation for your labour.
“The employer says the contractor is not paying hence the failure to pay salaries.”
Most of the disgruntled guards are former soldiers and police officers who were employed by Allfix Security in September last year, specifically to provide security services to Canadile’s Chiadzwa claims.
Canadile is one of the two companies that were controversially given licences to mine diamonds in the area after entering joint ventures with the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation.
Mbada Diamonds is the other company.

“We were promised a lot of benefits when we were recruited but the good times only lasted when the security department was still part of the mining company and headed by a white director called Graham,” another guard said.
“But since Graham’s departure and the subsequent sale of the security department to form an independent company, a number of benefits have been withdrawn and the employer has been trampling on our rights willy-nilly.”
The guards, who earn a $300 gross salary per month, said they were only paid $100 in March, another $100 in April and have not yet received their May salaries.
“We work for 21 days per month instead of 16 days as required by the sector’s rules,” a guard said.
“There used to be a bus to carry employees between Chiadzwa and other areas like Harare but that is no longer available.
“We also used to get good supplies of medicine at the clinic but now we suffer if we fall ill.”
The guards also complained they were not provided with bush, risk, firearm, horse-riding and transport allowances.
They also said while the company used to provide them with good meals from breakfast to supper, they now got poor quality food, usually sadza with kapenta fish, cabbages or vegetables.
“The bosses have also dismissed a number of former soldiers and police officers and employed their relatives who never received military training,” another guard said.

“Twenty-two guards were unprocedurally dismissed in November on allegations of panning and they have taken their case to the National Employment Council (NEC).
“Another group of more than 20 was unilaterally transferred to Conway College in Harare and had their salaries reduced by half without any explanation; they too are challenging this at the NEC.”
Allfix owner Time Kurotwi was uncooperative when contacted for comment.
“I do not know what you are talking about madam,” he said.
“What do you want me to comment on, I am driving and I am nearing a roadblock and you want me to comment, what do you want me to comment on?”
A former sergeant in the army, Kurotwi is the elder brother of former Canadile Mining chairman and now board member Lovemore Kurotwi.

By The Standard