By Beaven Dhliwayo
Group Features Editor
WITH the construction of the massive Manhize steel plant progressing well, the miner emphasized that significant attention has been given to the well-being of the workforce.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the mantra “putting workers first” is gaining traction as a cornerstone of sustainable success.
According to Project Director Wilfred Motsi prioritizing the well-being, growth, and satisfaction of Disco employees is not only fostering a positive work environment but also reaping significant benefits in terms of productivity, innovation, and overall performance.
“Employees at Manhize receive an average wage of US$9, which surpasses the minimum wage set by the National Employment Council.
“Workers are also paid for overtime and are given a mandatory four off days a month. While we acknowledge that we are not perfect, we are committed to becoming an employer of choice and achieving the highest standards for our workers’ living and working conditions,” said Motsi.
The company, Motsi said employs over 2,000 local individuals, with a greater percentage coming from Mashonaland East, Midlands, and Mashonaland West providing a significant opportunity for earning a livelihood in a country where unemployment is widespread.
Further, the company is focusing on skills development by training students from local universities and colleges through internship programmes.
“This previous year, the Dinson Group entered into a partnership with training institutions to channel learners to the company, bridging the gap between tertiary learning and industry.
“The company is working on a long-term partnership with the Zimbabwe School of Mines, and local artisans are also gaining experience at the company through skills exchanges with Chinese technicians at the plant.”
Motsi said the company provides three meals per day to all its employees.
“We serve breakfast, lunch and supper. Our meal plans vary: we serve tea and bread in the morning and for lunch and supper we serve sadza with relish, ranging from meat, kapenta, vegetables, and beans.
“We do not serve any one dish repeatedly as this is not healthy or in our standards,” he said, speaking in a large kitchen, south of the plant.
Manhidze iron and steel plant has also been undertaking various community-focused projects and assistance.
“The company has unveiled its Community Investment Fund that will be used to channel resources into various projects to empower the communities and make sure that no one is left behind.
Motsi emphasised that both current and future workers at Manhize are the essential driving force behind this initiative.
Disco public relations manager, Joseph Shoko, said they had so far relocated 23 families affected by the mega-project, adding that they were also in the process of building better houses for them.
“Most families who were immediately affected by the project have already been relocated to three-bedroomed houses. They also have a separate rondavel (round) kitchen as well as two separate toilets and a bathroom.”
“More families will be relocated. We are in the process of building four-bedroomed houses and two standard houses for those who were affected by the expansion of the industry,” he said.
Staff houses, warehouses, and other critical aspects of the infrastructure had been constructed in preparation for the commencement of production.
The US$1, 5 billion iron ore mine and carbon steel plant are set to be one of the largest in Africa, with production set to reach two million tonnes a year.
Tsingshan employs approximately 130,000 people worldwide across its projects in China, Indonesia, Argentina, India, and the United States.
Dinson Group currently operates three units in Hwange, Selous, and Mvuma-Chivhu, forming an integrated steel value chain that will culminate with the opening of the Manhize Iron and Steel Plant.
According to a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the parent company and the Government of Zimbabwe late last year, the company plans to expand into cement production and lithium value addition.
In Zimbabwe, Dinson Group will directly employ 5,000 people at the Manhize steel plant, located about 200km south of Harare, with up to 20,000 more involved in upstream, midstream, and downstream activities.
Of the total workforce that Dinson Group will have in Zimbabwe, 5,000 people are going to be employed directly at the Manhize steel plant, some 200km south of Harare, while up to 20,000 will be economically involved in upstream, midstream, and downstream activities.
