File picture: Renco Mine employees during a strike action in 2023
Trymore Tagwirei
Over 2 200 workers employed by RioZim Limited have gone for five months without pay as the company reportedly teeters on the brink of collapse should ongoing negotiations with a new lender fail.
RioZim owns Cam and Motor mine in Kadoma (gold), Renco Mine in Masvingo (gold), and Murowa Diamonds Mines Zvishavane (diamonds).
In a letter to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo dated April 4, 2025, General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union Justice Chinhema said employees of the once-thriving company have been rendered destitute and require assistance from social welfare programmes.
“We are writing to urgently bring to your attention the dire situation faced by the employees who have been without a salary for the past five months. This prolonged period of unpaid wages has created a humanitarian crisis affecting workers and their families, leading to severe financial hardship and emotional distress.”
“As of 2023, RioZim employed 2 267 people, including 1 347 permanent staff and 920 fixed-term contract workers, making it a significant employer in the country. Workers are struggling to meet basic needs, such as providing meals for their families, paying children’s school fees, including examination fees for those taking national exams, and covering rent. The company has repeatedly extended unpaid leave for workers, offering little hope for a resolution,” the letter reads in part.
In a cautionary statement to stakeholders on March 6 this year, RioZim indicated that it faced operational challenges, and was in final stages of negotiations with a potential lender.
The union, however, urged government to intervene including by distributing food hampers to distraught employees.
Former Renco Mine Workers Committee Representative Member Ben Shuro confirmed that workers were in a dire situation.
“Renco Mine is still down and we are waiting for the see the promised turnaround. At the moment, even electricity has been cut off because the company has failed to pay ZESA bills.
