Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE)-listed agro-industrial outfit, Ariston Holdings, slipped into turmoil recently, after workers staged a shock industrial action amid allegations of racism at the firm’s Southdowns Estate, east of Chipinge.
It was not clear if management had convinced staff to return to work. But businessDigest can report that an independent human resources firm had moved to probe harassment, racism, and nepotism allegations against chief of operations Nicholas Botha.
Informed sources said tempers had boiled over after staff accused Botha of targeting black workers in the shocking racial scare, the first to hit one of the country’s biggest tea operations. Protesting workers were also alleged to have slammed Botha over nepotism, and neglecting their welfare.
Harassments at such scale were rampant in the tea estates during colonial times, before Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980. However, in the past few decades, reports of such cases had decreased. Leon Nortier, chief executive officer (CEO) at Ariston Holdings, confirmed the fallout this week. However, he was not at liberty to give full details.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” he told businessDigest.
“Ariston Holdings is committed to ensuring a fair and just workplace for all employees. To uphold transparency and objectivity, we have appointed an external and independent HR (human resources) firm to conduct a thorough forensic investigation. Given the sensitivity of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific points at this time, as doing so could prejudice the involved parties,” the Ariston CEO added.
“We ask for your patience and understanding as we allow the investigation to follow its due course. Please rest assured that Ariston Holdings is committed to acting in accordance with the findings and will adhere strictly to the letter of the law. We value our workforce and are dedicated to creating a workplace where all employees are treated with respect and have equal opportunities for growth.”
“We look forward to showcasing our ongoing investments in these areas as part of our dedication to a positive future for both our employees and the country,” Nortier added. However, informed sources said, the crisis at Ariston ran deeper that the racial allegations.
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They said discontentment had also been triggered by remuneration issues - a crisis that is rocking many of Zimbabwe’s businesses currently.
A source said the workers' committee had also failed to engage with employees to address pressing welfare concerns, including delayed salary payments. “There are allegations that employees have been discriminated against based on race, with preferential treatment given to relatives of management.
” Sources said concerns had also been raised over a lack of equal opportunities and insufficient compensation in the current economic climate. Listed in 1948, Ariston operates five business centres around Zimbabwe. Its business interests span a variety of products including tea, macadamia, row crops and poultry.
The operations of the tea growing units are fully integrated with the Blended Tea Factory for value addition.
