Staff Writer
A milestone in leadership
National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NMWUZ) President Kurebwa Javangwe Nhomboka has turned 44, marking another milestone in a career defined by trade unionism, workers’ advocacy and development-oriented work in his community in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
Nhomboka, who works at Ngezi Zimplats, is also a councillor in Mhondoro-Ngezi and a member of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) General Council.
Commitment to workers and community
“I am grateful to the Almighty for the life he has given me now that I have turned 44 years. I will not tire from representing workers and the community I represent in my ward.
“I would also like to pay gratitude to the residents in my ward for the confidence they have shown in me and the opportunity they have given me to pursue development in my ward,” said Nhomboka.
Championing workers’ rights
Nhomboka has over the years emerged as a prominent labour voice on issues concerning wages, working conditions, workers’ rights, occupational safety and conditions of employment in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
His trade union activities have included engagements with employers, the National Employment Council for the Mining Industry, Government and Parliament over concerns affecting mine workers.
Mining sector advocacy
In February 2025, Nhomboka signed a petition to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe concerning allegations involving Chinese-owned mining companies.
In September 2025, he called for amendments to the mining sector’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, raising issues including transport and housing allowances, job grading, job evaluation and other employment benefits.
That same month, Nhomboka handed a petition to the Speaker of Parliament calling for greater attention to alleged labour and environmental violations in mining communities.
Nhomboka has also used the union’s platform to raise concerns over alleged labour rights violations at some mining operations, including claims of poor working conditions, inadequate protective equipment, non-payment or delayed payment of wages and restrictions on workers joining trade unions.
Push for better wages
A major focus of his leadership has been mine workers’ remuneration. In early 2026, Nhomboka said NMWUZ was advocating for a minimum wage of US$1 200 for the lowest-paid mining worker, arguing that workers’ earnings had not kept pace with mineral prices and the cost of living.
Beyond wages, he has highlighted occupational health and safety, housing, education benefits, casualisation of labour and workers’ social protection as areas requiring attention.
2026 union programme
In the union’s 2026 programme, Nhomboka outlined plans to engage Government and mining companies on improved working conditions, workplace safety, labour rights education and the recruitment of more workers into the union.
In July 2026, he criticised a reported seven percent annual wage increase, saying it fell short of the union’s position on a minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers.
He has subsequently continued to comment on wage negotiations in the mining sector.
Supporting young workers
In August 2026, Nhomboka congratulated the newly elected ZCTU young workers’ executive and called on the new leadership to continue addressing the bread-and-butter concerns of young workers.
Looking ahead
Nhomboka’s public profile has consequently been shaped largely by his role as a mining-sector trade union leader and his advocacy around wages, labour rights, workplace safety and the welfare of mine workers.
As he celebrates his 44th birthday, Nhomboka remains committed to representing workers while contributing to development in the community he serves.