CHINHOYI — The Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU) is reportedly mobilising farm workers to stage demonstrations against their white employers over a litany of alleged unfair labour practices, in a move suspected to be aimed at forcing the farmers off the properties.
The Alfred Makwarimba-led ZFTU, which is aligned to Zanu PF, launched its farm workers’ campaign last week in a move believed to be an extension of the party’s land reform programme.
The targeted farms, which were recently gazetted for compulsory acquisition by government for resettlement, include Pondoro owned by Douglas Tailor-Flame and the 7 200-hectare Zawi Estates belonging to 76-year-old Danny and Marie Bosman. Both farmers are contesting the gazetting of their properties.
ZFTU national spokesperson Rhodes Madyira Kudawafeya confirmed the planned demonstrations yesterday.
“ZFTU is intervening in the affairs at these farms in response to an outcry by workers. There are cases of gross violations of the country’s labour laws and we suspect the farmers are venting their anger on the hapless workers, some of whom have not regularised their employment,” said Kudawafeya.
“In as much as we appreciate the dispute over Pondoro is before the courts, our actions are not going to be stopped by anything or anyone.” He alleged that one worker who had served nearly 25 years at Zawi was recently sacked for ensnaring wild birds.
“Workers are being victimised and fired over flimsy reasons, as ZFTU we cannot sit and watch.” Kudawafeya said since May to date, 159 workers at Pondoro Farm had been fired, while 17 were contesting their dismissal from Zawi Estates.
Tailor-Flame is locked in a protracted land dispute with Mashonaland West Paramount Chief Milton Nemakonde, while the Bosmans have held fort in a wrangle against 14 suspected invaders who include members of the dreaded Zanu PF militia group, Top Six. Both farmers could not be reached for comment.
