AT long last, a message long overdue has been made clear: Chinese nationals who invest in Zimbabwe must do so within the bounds of our laws and with full respect for the people of this nation.
For years, communities across the country have raised alarm over the conduct of some Chinese investors operating in mining, manufacturing and construction sectors.
What should have been mutually beneficial partnerships have, in too many cases, turned into stories of exploitation and abuse.
Reports of physical assault, unpaid or underpaid labour, unsafe working environments and environmental destruction have repeatedly surfaced.
The tragic incident in Mutoko last week, where a Chinese national, Quijun Yu, allegedly shot and killed a local villager, Fungai Nhau, has brought a sharp and painful relief for these grievances.
It is an incident that has reignited long-standing frustrations about how foreign investors, particularly those from China, have interacted with local communities and workers.
In response, the Chinese embassy in Harare has issued a statement reminding its citizens doing business in Zimbabwe that compliance with local laws is “non-negotiable”.
The statement urges investors to operate within Zimbabwean legal frameworks, seek advice from qualified legal counsel and resolve disputes through proper legal channels.
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“Compliance with Zimbabwean laws and regulations is the non-negotiable foundation of all operations,” the embassy said.
It is a welcome message, though one that raises uncomfortable questions.
Why has it taken repeated reports of abuse and even loss of life for such a basic principle to be restated?
Respect for the host country’s laws and its people should be the starting point for any form of investment, not a belated reminder issued amid a crisis.
The embassy’s statement goes further, urging Chinese companies to act as partners in Zimbabwe’s development, engage respectfully with communities, uphold fair labour practices and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
It also encourages corporate social responsibility initiatives as a means to build goodwill and trust.
These are noble sentiments — but they must go beyond rhetoric.
Zimbabwe’s experience with some investors has too often been one of unfulfilled promises, environmental degradation and communities left worse off than before the arrival of the so-called development.
True partnership requires accountability, transparency and genuine respect for Zimbabwean sovereignty.
This is not a rejection of investment.
Zimbabwe welcomes investors who bring capital, technology and opportunity.
Our economy depends on productive partnerships that create jobs, transfer skills and promote sustainable development.
What must be rejected is the notion that investment grants a licence to disregard local laws or to treat workers and communities as disposable.
The responsibility for change lies not only with the investors, but also with our authorities.
Government regulators, law enforcement agencies and local leadership must be vigilant in enforcing the country’s laws.
Too often, abuses have been met with silence or weak enforcement, creating an environment where some foreign investors feel emboldened to act with impunity.
Zimbabwe has strong legal frameworks governing labour, environmental protection and mining operations.
What is often lacking is consistent enforcement.
If our laws were applied without fear or favour, much of the misconduct we have witnessed would not have occurred.
Investors, no matter where they come from, must understand that operating in Zimbabwe is a privilege that comes with obligations.
Equally, local communities must be empowered to know their rights and to demand fair treatment.
They must not be silenced or intimidated when raising legitimate concerns about labour conditions, environmental damage or unfair compensation.
Development should uplift, not impoverish, those who live closest to the source of wealth.
The Chinese embassy’s statement is a positive step — but it must be followed by concrete action.
Chinese companies should be required to demonstrate compliance with local laws through regular audits, transparent reporting and open engagement with local authorities and workers.
Likewise, the Zimbabwean government must hold all investors, regardless of nationality, to the same standard.
Investment should be a tool for shared progress, not exploitation.
Our sovereignty is not for sale and our people’s dignity is not negotiable.
The time has come to ensure that economic co-operation with any nation — East or West — is grounded in mutual respect, lawful conduct and a shared vision for equitable growth.
Zimbabwe does not seek charity, nor does it owe deference to those who bring capital.
What this country seeks — and deserves — is fairness, accountability and genuine partnership. The embassy has spoken the right words; now both sides must turn those words into action.
Only then can we say that investment in Zimbabwe truly serves the interests of its people.
