NRZ AND THE MEDIA
Posted on 26 March 2009 by Railways Africa Editor
According to The Chronicle, published in Bulawayo, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has suspended Trainmen Workers’ Committee secretary Abel Mahlangu, for “unauthorised
communication with the press and other media”. According to a letter of suspension written by area engineer (traction and rolling stock) (Southern) D S Mlambo dated 18 March, Mahlangu was suspended for an article which appeared in the Chronicle on 13 March headlined “NRZ workers in uproar over salaries”. The article was published after angry workers stormed the parastatal’s headquarters when they failed to get their salaries on time.
“Mlambo said that in the article in question Mr Mahlangu alleged that NRZ employees last received their salaries in August 2008.
He said Mahlangu had also inferred ‘that NRZ Management had diverted funds meant for the February 2009 employees’ salaries towards the purchase of management vehicles.’ Mlambo also said Mahlangu had alleged that NRZ workers ‘were being ill-treated yet bosses were treating themselves lavishly’.
“Given the gravity of the above allegations which seriously compromise the organisation’s integrity and coupled with the provisions of staff regulations no 55 (a) to (e) barring employees from communicating with the press on any matters connected with the railways, you are required to submit a report substantiating the allegations cited above. Your report must reach my office within seven days from the date of receipt of this letter failing which this matter will be concluded on the basis of information and evidence available to the administration. You are duly suspended from duty with effect from the date you receive this letter until further notice.”
NRZ Public Relations Manager Fanuel Masikati confirmed Mahlangu’s suspension.
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