Employees Slam Cashington Mavhunduke Over Conditions

Security guards unions have slammed Zimbabwe entrepreneur, Cashington Mavhunduke over conditions of service at his Real Star Security. Mavhunduke is a popular businessman who also owns Wellcash Debt Collectors.

The guards union allege that: 

1. Wage Underpayments – Workers reportedly receive wages below applicable minimum wage requirements.

2. Non-payment of Statutory Obligations – Failure to meet statutory employment obligations.

3. Unpaid Overtime – Workers allegedly required to work five days instead of the agreed four-day working arrangement without appropriate overtime compensation.

4. Denial of Leave Entitlements – Employees reportedly face restrictions when attempting to access their lawful leave entitlements.

5. Non-issuance of Payslips – Employees reportedly do not receive payslips detailing earnings, deductions, and other employment information.

6. Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Concerns raised over inadequate PPE, potentially exposing workers to occupational hazards.

7. Pregnancy Discrimination – Female employees who fall pregnant allegedly face threats of dismissal or are treated as though pregnancy constitutes an employment offense.

8. Non-remittance of Union Subscriptions – The company allegedly refuses to remit union subscriptions for employees who have voluntarily joined the union (a statutory deduction/remittance obligation tied to employment).

Below is the full statement

ZIMBABWE SECURITY GUARDS UNION (ZISEGU)

 

PRESS STATEMENT

 

 *ZISEGU RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED SYSTEMATIC LABOR RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AT REAL STAR SECURITY* 

 

The Zimbabwe Security Guards Union (ZISEGU) expresses grave concern over mounting allegations of labor rights violations, worker intimidation, and unfair employment practices at Real Star Security

 

The concerns brought to our attention by security guards employed by the company point to a troubling working environment in which workers allegedly face restrictions on their fundamental labour rights, poor conditions of service and threats for attempting to organise collectively.

 

Among the serious allegations raised are:

 

1. Violation of Freedom of Association: Workers are allegedly being intimidated and discouraged from joining a trade union of their choice, including through threats of disciplinary action and dismissal.

 

2. Non-payment of Statutory Obligations: Allegations of failure to meet statutory employment obligations.

 

3. Wage Underpayments: Workers reportedly receive wages below applicable minimum wage requirements.

 

4. Obstruction of Trade Union Activities: The company is accused of interfering with lawful trade union organising and activities.

 

5. Denial of Leave Entitlements: Employees reportedly face restrictions when attempting to access their lawful leave entitlements.

 

6. Pregnancy Discrimination: Disturbing allegations suggest that female employees who fall pregnant face threats of dismissal or are treated as though pregnancy constitutes an employment offense. Such allegations require urgent investigation.

 

7. Unpaid Overtime: Workers are allegedly being required to work five days instead of the four-day working arrangement without appropriate overtime compensation.

 

8. Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment: Concerns have been raised regarding the provision of inadequate PPE, potentially exposing workers to occupational hazards.

 

9. Non-issuance of Payslips: Employees reportedly do not receive payslips detailing their earnings, deductions, and other employment information.

 

10. Non-remittance of Union Subscriptions: The company is alleged to be refusing to remit union subscriptions for employees who have voluntarily joined the union.

 

WORKERS ARE NOT SLAVES. THEY HAVE RIGHTS!

 

Of particular concern is the reported intimidation of workers following ZISEGU’s efforts to establish communication platforms for security guards interested in union organisation.

 

Communications brought to our attention allegedly include threats to identify workers participating in union activities, demands that they leave union communication groups, and warnings of possible replacement or disciplinary consequences.

 

We find such allegations deeply concerning. No employer should create an environment in which workers are forced to choose between their livelihoods and exercising their fundamental rights.

 

ZISEGU is an independent, registered trade union. Our mandate is to organise, represent, and defend security guards. We do not require management permission to educate workers about their labor rights or to engage workers who voluntarily seek union representation.

 

OUR DEMANDS

 

ZISEGU calls upon Real Star Security management to:

 

Immediately cease any alleged intimidation, harassment and victimisation of workers.

– Respect employees’ freedom of association and their right to join a union of their choice.

– Ensure compliance with applicable minimum wages and statutory employment obligations.

– Respect workers’ leave entitlements and protect female employees against pregnancy-related discrimination.

– Ensure fair compensation for overtime and compliance with agreed working arrangements.

– Provide adequate personal protective equipment and issue employees with proper payslips.

– Honor applicable obligations concerning union subscriptions.

– Engage ZISEGU through constructive and lawful social dialogue.

 

We further call upon the relevant labor authorities to take an interest in these allegations and investigate any substantiated violations.

 

A MESSAGE TO SECURITY GUARDS

 

To all security guards at Real Star Security and across Zimbabwe: your uniform does not take away your dignity, and your profession does not make you inferior to any other worker.

 

You have the right to organise, the right to fair remuneration, the right to safe working conditions, and the right to be treated with dignity.

 

Do not allow fear to silence legitimate workplace concerns. Report intimidation and labor violations to your union and preserve any evidence that may assist in pursuing appropriate remedies.

 

ZISEGU remains open to engaging Real Star Security management and welcomes an opportunity for constructive dialogue. However, such engagement must be founded on mutual respect, accountability, and recognition of workers’ rights.

 

We will not remain silent when workers’ dignity is at stake. We will continue to document concerns, engage relevant authorities, and pursue lawful avenues to ensure accountability.

 

The security industry must be built on decent work, respect for labor rights, and the protection of those who protect others.

 

WORKERS ARE NOT SLAVES. ORGANISING IS A RIGHT. DIGNITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.

 

ONE GUARD. ONE UNION. ONE ZISEGU.

 

United We Bargain. Divided We Beg.

 

Issued by: ZISEGU Information Department