SUBJECT: DEATH OF 10 FARM WORKERS IN A VELD FIRE.

SUBJECT: DEATH OF 10 FARM WORKERS IN A VELD FIRE.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions is concerned about the death of 10 farm workers who perished while attempting to put out a veldfire on Monday in Esigodini in Umzingwane rural district in Matebeleland South Province.

As we mourn the workers who perished in the unfortunate incident we would want to make it clear that we are worried about the circumstances that led to the deaths. We believe the deaths were a result of negligence on the part of both the employer and to some extent, the government.

It is very unfortunate that the deaths occurred soon after workers around the world commemorated the World Day for Decent Work. There is serious deficiencies in civil protection measures and preparedness by the government and local authorities that have caused unnecessary deaths. The deaths would have been avoided if the civil protection unit was prepared to deal with perennial veld fires that occur around the country during this time of the year.

The employers are also equally guilty of failing to create and maintain fire guards, availing adequate personal protective clothing and occupational safety and health education particularly on fire fighting.

The ZCTU is of the firm belief that the country must not lose workers to such avoidable accidents. We urge the government and employers to put in place sufficient measures to curb such occurrences in future. We call upon relevant bodies like the Environmental Management Authority and the Civil Protection Unit to genuinely monitor and enforce compliance on safety measures to avoid a recurrence of such unfortunate accidents.

Japhet Moyo

SECRETARY GENERAL

12 October 2022