HUNDREDS of young people, recruited for the government-funded Independence legacy projects in Matobo district, Matabeleland South province, have reportedly gone for months without pay while some of the infrastructure work they were hired to undertake is still unfinished, Senate heard.
The projects, undertaken in preparation for the 45th Independence Day celebrations held in Maphisa on April 18, included the construction and rehabilitation of schools, clinics and other public infrastructure.
However, sources indicate that some projects remain incomplete, raising questions about contract management and oversight.
Matabeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa said the workers, who were employed under projects tied to this year’s Independence Day commemorations, had not received full payment months after undertaking construction and rehabilitation work.
She further noted that while the programme was rolled out as a flagship initiative, a number of sites are yet to be finalised, leaving communities without the benefits originally promised.
Mlotshwa said youths accepted the work in good faith, believing the government would honour its obligations.
“These young women and men were encouraged to participate in projects aimed at improving schools, clinics and public infrastructure in preparation for the Independence Day celebrations held in Maphisa,” she said while raising a point of national interest in the Senate.
“They worked believing that the government will honour its obligations.”
- Violent storm destroys Matobo homes
- Matobo villagers restore wetlands to counter climate change induced water shortages
- Zanu PF abandons violence-marred primaries in Matobo
- Chief laments village’s neglect
Keep Reading
She told the Senate that many of the workers reportedly spent months on the projects providing their own food, with some getting injured at work.
“Yet today, several months later, they remain unpaid.
“If these allegations are true, the matter goes beyond unpaid wages.
“It touches on public trust, it touches on youth employment, it touches on the government’s credibility.
“Most importantly, it touches on the dignity of labour.”
Mlotshwa warned that failure to pay the workers can undermine confidence in government-led development initiatives, particularly as incomplete projects fuel perceptions of inefficiency.
“We cannot encourage young people to participate in national development programmes, then leave them uncertain about whether they will be paid for their work.”
Mlotshwa called on the responsible authorities to urgently establish the status of the alleged outstanding payments and ensure that all workers who rendered services receive their dues without further delay.
She urged a full audit of all legacy projects to determine the ones that remain unfinished and to expedite completion of others.
“The development of infrastructure must never come at the expense of those who built it.”
The government invested in infrastructure development in Matobo ahead of the national Independence Day celebrations hosted at Maphisa earlier this year, with works focusing on upgrading public facilities and improving service delivery in the district as part of the event's legacy programme.
Officials are yet to comment on the status of outstanding payments or the reported unfinished works.
