MASVINGO, May 8 2009 – Proprietor of BW supermarket, restaurant, butchery and bakery as well as Renco Mine, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Walter Mzembi, who employs over 35 workers, has reportedly failed to pay workers salaries for the past three months.

Angry workers who spoke to RadioVOP said they were now contemplating dragging Mzembi to the labour court.
“We have been working without salaries for almost five months now but he (Mzembi) is refusing to come here and address us. Most of us are already looking for alternative employment.
“Our workers’ committee is already working on the papers so that we can take Mzembi to the labour court,” said one of the workers.
Mzembi could not be reached for comment, as his mobile was unreachable.
However, the companies General Manager Alex Musheche agreed that workers had not being paid for some time now. He was however, quick to point out that efforts were being made to give workers their dues as soon as possible.
“Like any other company, there might be problems here or there but that must not ring an alarm. Yes workers are yet to be paid and there is a lot of effort from the management to make sure that the workers get their salaries soon,” said Musheche.
It is also reported that Mzembi has failed to pay telephone, water and electricity bills. BW’s electricity and water supplies were disconnected at the beginning of this week, a development that has reduced his supermarket to a mere egg selling point.
Ironically, Mzembi donated bandages, gloves, sheets and blankets to Masvingo General Hospital recently.
“We are shocked that Mzembi is donating while we are suffering. They say charity begins at home and we think it is high time Mzembi respects us,” said another worker.
BW used to be among Masvingo’s best supermarkets.

Source:  Radio VOP