Captain Fasters Gono
The Zimbabwe Sugar Milling Industry Workers Union (ZSMIWU) has strongly rejected a proposal by Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe (THZ) to subdivide workers into three subsectors, citing detrimental effects on the national economy.
In an interview with The Blast, ZSMIWU General Secretary Captain Fasters Gono labeled the proposal as “MISGUIDED,” arguing that it fails to recognize the unique nature of THZ.
“As the Secretary General of ZSMIWU, I strongly oppose THZ’s suggestion to subdivide employees into security, agriculture, and milling clusters,” Gono said. “This proposal is flawed and ignores THZ’s distinct history and structure.”
Gono highlighted THZ’s 120-year history, well-established business model, and unparalleled operations in Zimbabwe, with over 26 000 irrigable hectares, as well as even more than 30 000 hectares of dry land for their infrastructure.
He argued that comparisons to other agricultural industries are unfair due to THZ’s size, integrated business model, and resources.
“The proposed creation of subsectors would lead to increased inequality, job losses, and negatively impact the local economy,” Gono warned. “A fragmented NEC structure could prioritize efficiency gains over people, resulting in job displacement and reduced industry growth.”
Gono proposed that THZ focus on its core business model or consider surrendering its agricultural farming hectares to individual farmers who can operate independently and pay competitive salaries. He suggested that if given 1000 hectares, he could employ a similar number of employees as THZ’s two sections and pay over $300 monthly salary.
“If 26 000 hectares of agricultural land were given to serious farmers like myself, the sugar agriculture business would grow significantly,” Gono said.
In conclusion, Gono urged the government to reject the proposal, emphasizing that creating subsectors within NECSMI would be detrimental to the sugar industry and local economy. Instead, he called for maintaining the industry’s unique strengths and promoting fair labour practices.