PETITION TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE
Subject: Request for Urgent Investigation into Gross Labour Injustices at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA)
Petitioner
Mambokadzi Tsungirirai Consultancy, acting on behalf of affected ZINWA workers and in the public interest of safeguarding labour justice and essential service provision in Zimbabwe.
1. Background
We have previously submitted correspondence to relevant ministries and institutions regarding persistent and escalating labour injustices within the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). Despite these appeals, no meaningful redress has been achieved, and the conditions continue to deteriorate, further demoralizing the workforce and compromising service delivery to citizens.
This petition is submitted in accordance with Section 149 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees the right to petition Parliament, and aligns with:
▪︎The Labour Act [Chapter 28:01],
▪︎The Constitution of Zimbabwe (Sections 65 and 65A),
▪︎ILO Conventions on labour rights,
▪︎The SADC Charter on Fundamental Social Rights, and
▪︎The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2. Grounds of Petition
2.1 Perpetual Casualisation of Labour
Workers have been engaged for years, even decades, on fixed-term or part-time contracts without being offered permanent employment. This is a direct violation of Section 12 of the Labour Act and constitutes exploitative and unjust labour practice.
2.2 Non-Remittance and Mismanagement of Pension Contributions
Deductions for Old Mutual-administered pensions are not remitted monthly, leading to retirees receiving heavily taxed lump-sum payouts without sustainable monthly pensions. Lower-grade workers receive only once-off pensions with no post-retirement income, while some receive government pensions only if they served before ZINWA’s formation. Old Mutual has gone on record indicating ZINWA is not remitting pensions regularly, exposing workers to loss of income security.
2.3 Salary Discrepancies, Delays and Lack of Transparency
Workers are subjected to an unclear and discriminatory payment system splitting salaries between ZiG and USD without transparency. Salaries are not paid timeously, causing financial distress. Payslips have not been issued for over two years, denying workers the ability to verify earnings, deductions, or pension remittances.
2.4 Unfair Performance-Based Bonus System
Instead of the standard 13th cheque, workers are subjected to a non-transparent performance-based bonus system. This has created dissatisfaction, uncertainty, and a breach of legitimate employee expectations and norms.
2.5 Workplace Safety and Protective Clothing
Many workers have been forced to work without protective clothing or occupational safety equipment, in violation of safety provisions under the Labour Act and ILO conventions.
2.6 ZINWA Loan Guarantorship Scandal
ZINWA has guaranteed loans (e.g., with FBC Bank) but failed to remit deductions, placing workers at risk of legal action and blacklisting, despite deductions appearing on payslips. This is not only negligent but also exposes workers to severe financial and reputational harm.
2.7 Manipulation of Leave Days
Workers are forced to apply for leave they cannot take, often being told to take minimal days (e.g., 10–15 days) and return, with denial of encashment. This violates fair administrative labour practices.
2.8 Collapsed Medical Aid Scheme
Medical aid coverage for workers has become highly unreliable, with shortfalls and exclusions rising. Parents and dependents are excluded, even when employees are willing to fully fund them. The current scheme contrasts with previous years when ZINWA offered robust medical aid for all staff.
2.9 Illegitimate Establishment of NEC Water
The National Employment Council (NEC) for Water was unilaterally formed by management, without consultation or worker consent. This violates freedom of association and undermines collective bargaining rights.
2.10 Imposition of ZIWATU Union
A union, ZIWATU, was established under the guise of inclusivity by management, but has no clear structures, no elected leadership, and does not represent workers. It was used to bypass proper union representation and silence dissenting workers.
2.11 Poor Governance and Mismanagement
The management of ZINWA continues to impose structures and systems without meaningful engagement with workers. The situation has eroded employee morale, which now poses a serious risk to delivery of water — a basic and essential service — to the general population.
3. Petitioner’s Demands
▪︎Institute an urgent investigation or parliamentary enquiry into the ongoing labour violations at ZINWA.
▪︎Compel ZINWA to regularize long-term contract workers and fully comply with the Labour Act and Constitution.
▪︎Direct the Auditor General and the Ministry of Finance to audit ZINWA’s pension remittances and establish the status of the Old Mutual pension fund.
▪︎Suspend the operations of NEC Water and enforce full freedom of association, including an independent review of ZIWATU’s legality and mandate.
▪Investigate the loan scandal, specifically non-remittance of deducted loan payments, and ensure legal protection of affected employees.
▪︎Enforce compliance with occupational health and safety laws, and ensure that protective clothing is provided across all departments.
▪︎Mandate the issuance of payslips monthly and full transparency in salaries, deductions, and benefits.
▪︎Compel reform of the medical aid scheme, ensuring coverage is restored, shortfalls addressed, and dependents accommodated.
▪︎Facilitate legal, financial, and emotional redress for affected workers, including those already retired but prejudiced by the pension scandal.
4. Our Prayer
In the spirit of justice, transparency, and good governance, we humbly pray that Parliament:
Uphold the dignity and rights of ZINWA workers by acting swiftly and decisively to address these abuses.
Restore accountability, fairness, and lawful labour practices at ZINWA, and protect the essential public service of clean water delivery that is now at risk due to the collapse of worker morale.
Ensure that no parastatal becomes a haven for labour exploitation.
Let this petition mark the beginning of a new era of labour dignity in Zimbabwe.
5. Conclusion
The case of ZINWA is not isolated. It reflects systemic rot in the treatment of workers across state institutions. We urge the Portfolio Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.
Submitted respectfully,
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
Head Consultant
Mambokadzi Tsungirirai Consultancy
Date: 17 September 2025
On behalf of ZINWA affected workers
Name of Employee Department Signature Date
Bion Machokoto Hydrology
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