Tinashe Sambiri– The Mnangagwa government has come under sharp criticism for publicly defending Chinese investors in Zimbabwe, even as reports of widespread abuse of workers’ rights continue to surface across various Chinese-run enterprises.
Speaking at the China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Awards Ceremony and the 45th Anniversary Essay Contest celebrations in Harare on Friday, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava lauded China’s support for Zimbabwe’s education and innovation sectors. He said the partnership is “pivotal in advancing human capital development, strengthening industrialisation, and accelerating the country’s progress towards Vision 2030.”
Dr Shava described the China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship programme as “a tangible testament to this enduring relationship” and insisted it demonstrates China’s commitment “not only to human capital development in Zimbabwe but also to our shared vision of advancing national development through skills, knowledge, and innovation.”
However, critics argue that the government’s celebration of Chinese partnerships conveniently ignores ongoing labour abuses in Chinese-run companies operating in Zimbabwe. Reports have documented unsafe working conditions, underpayment, and exploitation of local employees, sparking protests and public outrage in multiple sectors.
“While the regime praises Chinese support in education and infrastructure, ordinary workers continue to bear the brunt of exploitation,” said a labour rights activist who asked not to be named. “It is deeply troubling that the government prioritises foreign investment over the rights and dignity of Zimbabwean workers.”
Dr Shava also noted that scholarships for local students would “enhance Zimbabwe’s capacity to build an innovation-driven and industrialised economy” and that “the Second Republic has placed human capital development at the heart of our national transformation agenda.” Yet, critics contend that these long-term development goals offer little comfort to the workers facing immediate mistreatment in factories, mines, and construction sites run by foreign investors.
The government has repeatedly framed Chinese investment as essential to modernising Zimbabwe and accelerating progress towards Vision 2030, with Dr Shava praising support in infrastructure, agriculture, health, and technology. But the celebratory rhetoric has done little to address growing accusations of labour abuse and the perception that Zimbabweans are being sidelined in favour of foreign interests.
“This is a government that applauds investors while turning a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens,” the labour activist added. “It is difficult to reconcile these scholarships and awards with the reality on the ground for ordinary workers.”
As Zimbabwe continues to court Chinese investors, the tension between showcasing international partnerships and protecting local workers’ rights remains unresolved, raising questions about whose interests the Mnangagwa regime truly serves.