Chaos: Mutare Airport Renovation Workers Unpaid Ahead of Sanganai Expo

By Post On Sunday Reporter

MUTARE – Casual labourers engaged in renovation works at Mutare Airport ahead of the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo have raised alarm over unpaid wages, accusing the woman responsible for payments, identified only as Kudzi, of failing to honour agreements.

The workers, who were hired on a short-term basis by The Gap Construction Company to refurbish the facility in preparation for the tourism showcase, said they were initially paid for only two weeks of work between 10 and 23 August at a rate of US$8 per hour. However, they claim Kudzi has since failed to pay for the remaining days up to the present.

One labourer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said when he approached Kudzi for his dues, she dismissed his request, alleging they had not signed contracts. “She told us we cannot claim anything because there are no contracts, but that does not change the fact that we worked,” he said.

Another worker added that the late payments have left many struggling. “We are under pressure to finish the work quickly, yet we go home with empty pockets. Some of us have already stopped coming because the stress is too much,” he said.

The disgruntled workers said several appeals to Kudzi have not yielded results, leaving them uncertain about when, or if, they will be compensated.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Kudzi or The Gap Construction Company were unsuccessful by the time of publishing.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, scheduled for 10–12 September in Mutare, are reported to be at an advanced stage. Pitching of tents and setting up of exhibition spaces are currently in progress, with organisers working against tight deadlines to ensure the venue is ready for both local and international exhibitors. Technical teams are also reportedly installing electricity, sound systems, and other infrastructure needed to support the three-day tourism showcase.

The Expo is expected to draw hundreds of exhibitors from across the country and beyond, showcasing Zimbabwe’s tourism, arts, culture, and hospitality sectors. Organisers say the event will provide a platform for business networking, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange.

Labour experts note that cases of non-payment of casual workers are common in Zimbabwe’s informalised job market, with workers often left vulnerable due to weak enforcement of labour laws on short-term contracts.