South Mining (Private) Limited has denied allegations of worker abuse and the lack of proper protective clothing and said the workers who recorded a video showing an employee cleaning a toilet with bare hands want to tarnish the reputation of the company.
On October 7, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDMWU) Secretary General Justice Chinhema wrote to the company expressing outrage following a viral video showing an employee cleaning a toilet without appropriate protective equipment.
In the letter addressed to South Mining’s Human Resources Manager, M. K. Mutunja, Chinhema condemned the “blatant disregard for workers’ safety and their well-being,” calling for immediate action.
In response, Mutunja said the company has initiated both internal and external investigations into the incident.
He also claimed that the workers behind the viral video wanted to damage the company’s reputation. Said Mutunja:
<blockquote>
Regarding the video mentioned, we have initiated thorough internal and external investigations to review the issues behind this unsafe act, and the motives intended to tarnish the reputation of the company. 
South Mining will also involve relevant external regulatory authorities and government agencies in the investigations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the individual in question breached safe working standards while cleaning the toilet for reasons unknown and was assisted by a fellow employee to create a video recording.
The motives and root causes of these acts are now under thorough investigation.
</blockquote>
Mutunja said South Mining prioritises the well-being and safety of all its employees. He added that the company strictly adheres to all relevant laws and regulations, guided by HR and safety policies that promote fair treatment, respect, and dignity for every employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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South Mining denies treating workers badly and says workers wanted to make them look bad by sharing video of someone cleaning a toilet without gloves. The workers' union is angry and wants action taken. The company is investigating the incident to find out why it happened. They say they follow safety rules and treat employees with respect. They are looking into the workers' motives for sharing the video. The company says they care about the safety and well-being of their workers. The workers' union is upset and wants the company to do something about it.

South Mining Accuses Workers Of Malicious Intent Behind Controversial Toilet Cleaning Video

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDMWU) is outraged by the treatment of workers at South Mining (Private) Limited following a viral video that showed an employee cleaning a toilet without appropriate protective equipment.
In a letter addressed to South Mining’s Human Resources Manager, M. K. Mutunja, dated October 7, ZDMWU Secretary General Justice Chinhema said the “blatant disregard for workers’ safety and their well-being” has to stop. He wrote:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that your management has been constantly failing to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to workers, forcing them to work in hazardous conditions.
This egregious abuse of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated. We demand immediate action to address this critical issue.
</blockquote>
Chinhema called on South Mining to immediately provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers, including general hand workers, and to implement regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The ZDMWU also demanded that the company conduct training on the proper use and maintenance of PPE and take disciplinary action against supervisors and managers responsible for neglecting safety protocols.
In the letter, Chinhema warned South Mining that failure to meet ZDMWU’s demands within seven days would lead to the matter being referred to the relevant regulatory authorities and the filing of a formal complaint with labour authorities.
ZDMWU also threatened to organise protests and demonstrations against the company’s management and consider industrial action, including a potential strike. Added Chinhema:
<blockquote>
Occupational health and safety of workers should be priority of your management not profit, cases of unsafe working environment has been reported by workers at your mine with so many accidents happening unreported due to lack of safety standards.
The labour requires your management to take appropriate actions that promote health and safety of workers because they have a rights to safe work and fair labour standards not what we have seen on social media.
We seek to so your management addressing and build a work environment that promote, protect and observe workers ‘rights, job security, safety and health.
</blockquote>
South Mining is a prominent coke-producing company which operates primarily out of Hwange, with its head office located in Harare.
The company runs three coke oven batteries with a total production capacity of 250,000 tons of coke annually.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDMWU) is upset about a video showing workers cleaning toilets at South Mining without proper protective gear. They sent a letter demanding the company provide safety equipment and training for workers. If South Mining doesn't act in seven days, the matter will be reported to authorities. ZDMWU may protest or even go on strike if things don't improve. They want the company to prioritize the safety and health of workers over profit, as there have been reports of unsafe conditions leading to accidents. The company is based in Hwange and produces 250,000 tons of coke a year.

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