Employees at AmeriWorld Mahindra Zimbabwe have gone unpaid for five months, leaving many struggling to survive and provide for their families.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!AmeriWorld Mahindra, an automobile dealership established in 2012 and based in Harare’s New Adbernie area, has failed to pay salaries, leading to growing frustration among workers.
Some employees have lost their homes, while others are unable to afford basic necessities.
During a visit to the company’s premises, The Observer Zim found that many workers were in desperate situations, with some unable to cover rent or school fees.
One affected employee, who requested anonymity, shared how his family was evicted due to the non-payment of wages.
“We’ve been living under a tent because I could not pay rent for months. I tried speaking to management, but no solution has been provided,” he said.
Another worker’s wife expressed her distress, saying the financial strain had forced their children out of school.
“My eldest son could not register for his final exams last year. Now, he spends his days on the streets, and I worry he might get involved in drugs,” she said tearfully.
When contacted, Mrs. Shailet Chikowore, who reportedly holds multiple positions at the company, including manager, accountant, and workshop supervisor, refused to comment.
“The company owner is available; find his contact and call him. I’m just a worker here,” she stated.
Company owner Mr. Sanjay Babbar acknowledged the issue and promised to meet with employees on Monday to discuss a way forward.
“I have already spoken with Lameck. I can’t address ten journalists at once, but I will meet my employees,” Babbar said.
The National Union of Metal and Allied Industries in Zimbabwe (NUMAIZ) has condemned the company’s actions, calling the non-payment of salaries a violation of workers’ rights.
“Failure to pay wages is unacceptable. Workers are unable to afford rent, school fees, or daily essentials. This situation is particularly harming children, who are being forced out of school,” said NUMAIZ General Secretary Henry Tarumbira.
Tarumbira encouraged employees to join labour unions without fear of victimisation, assuring them that the union would support their fight for fair treatment.
Affected workers are now urging authorities to intervene and help secure their overdue salaries.
