Zimbabwe Airways is suffering from a high staff
turnover amid revelations that some
workers are leaving the government-linked airline after being frustrated by
alleged poor management practices.
At least 12 workers have left the company since January
with the latest being company secretary
Bertha Zakeyo, who was allegedly fired just over a week ago by former president
Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law Simba Chikore. Chikore is reportedly helping
the government to set up the airline.
According to insiders, Chikore, who is the head of the
airline although without a contract, has been dismissing workers while some resigned.
“No one is safe at Zimbabwe Airways; anyone can be fired
any time. Chikore is mistreating people and he acts as if he is the law even
though he is not in the company structures,” said a source.
Chikore was recently picked up for questioning by
police on allegations of kidnapping Zakeyo after he had fired her for refusing
to respond to questions related to the alleged
leaking of company information and holding unsanctioned meetings.
Documents seen by The Standard show that on June 5, Chikore
wrote to Zakeyo seeking an explanation
over allegations that she took a company vehicle without authority and attended
unsanctioned political meetings.
“It has come to my attention that a few things have happened
in the recent days and weeks. I require a full report either on email or on my
desk by 15:00 hours today, responding to the following allegations: that you have taken the company vehicle to have
unauthorised meetings outside the company premises and lied about where you
were going to accountable managers,” reads part of the email.
Zakeyo demanded further information from Chikore, but the
stand-in boss opted to terminate her contract the following morning.
The two are now locked in a legal battle with Zakeyo
dragging Zimbabwe Airways and Chikore to the Labour Court for unfair dismissal.
According to sources, at least four locals have been
dismissed while six foreigners who were helping to set up the airline have left
the company since the beginning of the year.
“It’s beyond labour issues. more is happening at Zim
Airways and soon the truth shall be known. Zakeyo can’t be fired over those
allegations unless we are not being told the truth,” said a source.
Attempts to get a comment from Chikore were fruitless as he
said he was locked in a series of meetings last week.
Zimbabwe Airways was set up by the government under
controversial circumstances and recently bought aircraft from Malaysia.
However, the airline is yet to take to the skies because it does not have
pilots and is yet to secure the necessary permits.
Chikore’s involvement in the airline fuelled speculation
that the Mugabe family owned Zimbabwe Airways, but the government has
consistently denied the allegations. Standard
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