By Own Correspondent

TRADE unionist and Labour Economic Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Masarirahas castigated  Simbisa Brands Limited  for allegedly enlisting the services of desperate youths, mostly at its fast-food outlets disguised as internships before summarily firing them.

Simbisa Brands Limited is the largest fast-food restaurant operator in Zimbabwe and owns, operates and franchises a selection of well-known quick service restaurants, including Pizza Inn, Chicken Inn, Nandos and Steers.

“We strongly condemn Simbisa Brands, a listed food company in Zimbabwe, for the alleged egregious exploitation of vulnerable individuals through its deceptive internship programme.

“Simbisa Brands’ practice of recruiting interns, requiring them to work for two weeks under the guise of ‘training’, and subsequently failing to offer employment or compensation is unacceptable. This is nothing short of modern-day slavery, violating Zimbabwe’s labour laws and basic human rights,” Masarira noted.

“By taking advantage of Zimbabwe’s high unemployment rates and people’s desperation for decent livelihoods, Simbisa Brands demonstrates a callous disregard for its social responsibility and ethical standards.”

LEAD demands the immediate cessation of this exploitative internship programme, fair compensation and employment opportunities for affected individuals and for the company to comply with Zimbabwe’s labour laws and international labour standards.

She called for responsible authorities to institute a probe into the labour violations.

“We urge relevant authorities to investigate and hold Simbisa Brands accountable.”

Masarira said consumers must boycott Simbisa Brands until reforms are implemented.

“In the spirit of Pan Afrikan Social Democracy, we stand in solidarity with the affected individuals and all workers allegedly being exploited by Simbisa Brands. We demand justice, fairness, and dignity for all,” the opposition activist said.