Terrence Mawawa |Masvingo | Tongaat Hulett, the country’s largest sugar producing company faces closure following the invasion of productive land by Zanu PF supporters and senior government officials.
The land grab exercise has triggered massive job losses and further economic demise. Zanu PF supporters, senior police officers and CIO bosses took over Tongaat productive land in a controversial manner two months ago.
Sources told ZimEye.com 5000 workers casual were likely to lose their jobs following the land grab programme. Zimbabwe Sugar Milling and Industry Workers Union president Freedom Madungwe last week said he was concerned about the drastic reduction in the production of sugar at Tongaat Hulett.
“Initially it was reported that the controversial land invasion programme would affect 2000 workers. The truth is that it will affect about 5000 workers.3000 workers have already lost their jobs and the situation is very unfortunate,”said Madungwe.
Economic experts have warned Tongaat would crumble like other large companies in the country.
It is understood machinery is no longer regulary maintained because of the uncertain future the company faces.
Iron and steel giants like Zisco and asbestos producers Shabanie and Mashava mines shut down as a result of President Robert Mugabe’s harsh economic policies. The 92-year-old President is largely blamed for the current economic quagmire the nation is experiencing.His supporters also took over productive farms at the turn of the millennium, thereby crippling the country’s economy.