Marima, who is one of the Zanu (PF) committee members who fundraises for President Robert Mugabe's 21st February Movement national celebrations owns several hotels, supermarkets, farms, bakeries and a couple of buildings in the city.
Marima's workers who spoke to the Zimbabwean this week complained that they last received their full salaries in May this year while others said they have been getting part of their pay since then.
"We have not received our salaries since May this year. We have tried to engage Marima over the issue but it seems he is not interested in the workers' welfare. All he is interested in is donating to Zanu (PF) while his workers are suffering "said a worker employed at one of the Hotels who refused to be named for fear of victimization. Another worker who also refused to be named said following numerous complaints of starvation by the workers and their families, the workers were recently asked by the management to take groceries on account at one of the businessman's supermarket.
"This facility has even made things worse for us. Some workers have received shocking bills for groceries which they did not take. They are simply told that the money will be deducted from our salaries" said the worker.
The workers said their plight was also worsened by the fact that they do not have a workers committee to represent them.
The workers said they have now resorted to other means of raising money for transport, school fees and food.
When reached for comment, Marima said his businesses are facing liquidity problems.
"It's true that a number of our workers are yet to receive their salaries.
Like all other businesses, we are facing challenges. It is also not true that workers are being victimized," said Marima.
Marima, along other Zanu (PF) activists was in 2008 appointed a special councilor for the city of Bulawayo by Ignatius Chombo, the Minister of Local government .The MDC-T dominated Bulawayo city council however fiercely resisted the appointees, insisting that the councilors were not representing any special interest. Marima has donated at various Zanu (PF) functions in the province. One of his Hotels, Royal Hotel is used by Zanu (PF) to hold meetings free of charge.
Post published in: News