Unending chase of Wenela cheque

Theseus Shambare 

IN the 1970s, young men faced risks that separated the true men from boys.

As embedded within the annals of history, the adage rings with undeniable truth: the youth represents the greatest wealth and strength of any nation.

Some joined the liberation struggle which brought Zimbabwean independence – the chapter celebrated a week ago.

Some sought a different path down south in search of underground treasures.

John Tatire, just 21 years old, found himself experiencing both sides in his youth – the gold rush and the liberation war.

Driven by the allure of South African gold mines, Tatire and other young men embarked on a journey to break free from the shackles of poverty that haunted their families for generations under the white rule.

In the booming gold mines, they found employment and became part of the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (Wenela), the largest union of gold mine workers at the time.

Wenela, a name difficult to pronounce, transformed into “Wenera,” a symbol that came to define South Africa.

However, the dream of finding wealth in the golden depths of “Egoli” soon turned into a harsh reality.

Life in the mines became a perilous struggle, where danger lurked around every corner and survival was uncertain.

As Zimbabwe prepares to celebrate International Workers Day on Wednesday, the courageous route followed by these youths could not go unnoticed as they risked their lives in pursuit of a better future.

Their sacrifices are a stark reminder of the importance of honouring and protecting workers’ rights on this special day.

Tatire opened up to this publication on the harrowing experiences he had working in South Africa.

April 13, 1976, an accident left Tatire unconscious for three days, and his hospital stay was plagued by unhygienic conditions.

“I just heard a huge burst and nothing else,” Tatire said as he started to narrate his experience he had almost 15 kilometres underground.

“I only opened my eyes three days later in an isolated ward of a hospital. I tried to wake up but failed,” he said.

Three months down the line, he said, were spent in hospital.

“I survived but with a fractured pelvis, which to date is problematic to me.

“The hospital was unhygienic as they would just remove my clothes and place a bucket for me to use as a toilet. It would be collected after some days with all the stench I survived,” he said.

He returned back to Marange in Manicaland, his rural home.

Due to economic pressures, after unpaid sick leave, Tatire returned to South Africa but he couldn’t endure the worsened conditions.

In 1978, Tatire said, he decided to return and join the liberation war as ‘mujibha’ – a Shona term for young male couriers responsible for carrying along ZANLA guerrillas’ war paraphernalia and scouting for Rhodesian government soldiers’ whereabouts during the country’s war for Independence.

“Like what we are now saying ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ (Zimbabwe is built by its citizens), indeed, to have better lives, we fought for our freedom,” he said.

“Imagine working in a space where danger looms overhead, where your first paycheck is reserved for funeral expenses in case tragedy strikes during your shift,” shared the 70-year-old in an interview.

“Those fortunate enough to survive are burdened with lasting physical ailments and emotional wounds that haunt them forever.

“This was the reality of my life for two years and it was far from idyllic.”

His story is a reminder to honour and protect workers’ rights.

Cheap Labour 

Little did Tatire and his companions realise that their departure from the country was leading them into the clutches of a sinister system even more malevolent than the one they sought to escape.

“The discovery of gold in Witwatersrand transformed South Africa into the world’s leading gold producer.

“However, the mines required a steady supply of cheap labour for the gruelling and perilous work,” he said.

Driven by promises of instant wealth, a recruitment campaign enticed desperate workers from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia to venture into the mines.

“In 1976, I left the then Rhodesia and returned in 1978.

“Opportunities for black people were scarce back then.

“When I learned about the South African mines recruiting young men from Zimbabwe, I seized the chance. It seemed a better alternative to the economic oppression we endured under the white rule.”

Recalling the journey, he continued, “I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, having never stepped foot on an airplane before.”

Upon arrival in South Africa, reality caught up with him.

The demanding nature of the mines required robust and fit individuals, leading the recruits to endure gruelling two-week training sessions upon their arrival.

“The first two weeks were filled with excruciating training,” he recounted.

“We underwent physical fitness exercises that determined our suitability for the mine work. We would be confined in a closed room with excess heat for more than three hours. “Additionally, we were taught foreign languages, particularly Afrikaans.”

He further shared that, what was demeaning was the requirement to wear short dresses instead of shorts, a choice that didn’t sit well with most men.

“Unfortunately, we had no say in the matter,” he said.

He was later assigned to Eastrand Proprietary mines.

Life in the compounds was a stark contrast to the familiar community and village settings they had known.

“We were placed in compounds resembling hostels, devoid of any privacy.

“Each room has 28 occupants,” Tatire said.

These compounds, he said, housed individuals from diverse nationalities, encompassing various cultural and religious backgrounds, leading to immense animosity among the workers.

“Frequent clashes between foreigners and locals, as well as among different foreign groups, often resulted in tragic fatalities

“The mining companies seem to purposely create the environment of mistrust and conflict among the black workers as a way to thwart any unity against their exploitative system,” he said.

The food, he said, was of poor quality.

“We were like slaves in that place. Many Zimbabwean men sought solace in relationships with foreign women or mistresses to find some respite.

“However, this brewed more conflicts with some men eventually getting murdered by rival suitors, while others chose to marry local women, forsaking their families in Zimbabwe. Families were broken due to this set up,” he said.

While living conditions were abysmal, the working conditions proved even more perilous.

The mines were constant death traps, capable of collapsing at any given moment.

“Although we were provided with protective gear, there were instances where our superiors, driven by meeting targets, forced us to work in hazardous areas,” Tatire revealed.

“Despite the obvious risks, we had no choice but to follow orders and proceed with the work.

“Many men lost their lives due to cave-ins and falling rocks within the mines. Some of their remains still lie in mine shafts across South Africa.”

Numerous men contracted tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis due to prolonged exposure to silica dust.

While he did not develop TB or lung diseases, his fractured pelvis always gives him challenges, especially during winter.

“My friend (name withheld) developed TB and died in 2001.

“It pains me because he died without having enjoyed the sweat of his years of hard labour in South Africa,” said Tatire.

He strongly believes that they should be compensated for the years of labour they dedicated in South Africa, as they were denied any benefits or compensation.

“Compared to our South African counterparts, we received nothing.

“I understand that our South African counterparts received pensions and benefits, but we were disregarded as cheap labour. We hope they acknowledge our contributions,” Tatire concluded.

To make matters worse, at least 1 000 Zimbabweans who contracted respiratory diseases while working in South African gold mines from the 1960s to the 1980s will have to wait a little bit longer to get compensation, as the organisation responsible for facilitating payment of the funds is yet to commence operations locally.

Tshiamiso Trust executive for stakeholder relations and communications Ms Lusanda Jiya told The Sunday Mail that they are still working towards completing several essential steps before they start operating in Zimbabwe.

“This includes establishing agreements with the Government, engaging with ex-mineworkers’ associations and securing collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

“While the trust currently utilises The Employment Bureau of Africa (TEBA) Limited as a lodgement service provider in all other countries where there are operations, it is important to note that TEBA does not have a footprint in Zimbabwe,” said Ms Jiya.

Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi have not had miners at Wenela from around 1983 and databases have been hard to find compared to workers from countries like Eswatini, which has more recent data.

As a result, she said, the preparatory exercise for Zimbabwe differs from other countries.

“The trust is working to navigate these complexities and ensure that the necessary groundwork is laid before initiating operations in Zimbabwe,” Ms Jiya explained.

Last year, Tshiamiso Trust members visited Zimbabwe, Ex-Wenela workers’ hopes were raised as windfall promises were made.

Despite the fact that pay outs were expected this month, ex-Wenela workers’ plight seems to be a soap opera, with no known ending.

Will they get their hands on the paycheck? Only time shall tell.

Tatire and Ex-Wenela workers’ story is a stark reminder of the human cost of economic disparity.

The Southern African Migration Management Project (SAMM), launched in 2020, seem to offer a potential solution.

SAMM aims to improve migration management in Southern Africa by advocating for fair treatment of migrant workers.

Their initiatives include lobbying for reforms in recruitment practices, social security portability and recognition of qualifications as well as compensation to workers.

This would ensure that migrants like Tatire are protected from exploitation and have access to the same rights as local workers.

Currently, estimations from organisations like the Zimbabwe Community in SA (ZCSA) and MyRight2Vote suggest that between three and five million Zimbabweans are living in South Africa.

The vast majority of these migrants entered South Africa illegally.

Their undocumented status leaves them exposed to exploitation, making them easy prey for employers who offer low wages and poor working conditions.

It is a precarious existence, far removed from the dreams that drove them across the border.

In an interview, SAMM project manager, Ms Gloria Moreno Fontes, said the United Nations’ “TOGETHER: Respect, Security and Dignity for all Refugees and Migrants” campaign launched in 2016 has the purpose of promoting global action in promoting non-discrimination and addressing the problem of rising xenophobia against migrants and refugees.

“TOGETHER is a growing coalition of Member States, private sector, civil society representatives and individuals committed to combat hate speech, change negative narratives on migration and to strengthen the social cohesion between host communities and refugees and migrants.

“There are existing shared benefits of migration to economies and nations,” she said.

“How can we combat hate speech? The answer is it requires a multi-faceted approach. This should involve government regulation, civil society engagement and media responsibility.

“Governments in Southern Africa have a duty to enact and enforce laws, that address hate speech while respecting freedom of expression, ” added Fontes.

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