Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Malilangwe Conservation Trust is in the middle of a storm after workers accused one of the managers of fomenting anti-government sentiment by repeatedly showing employees videos clips of #ThisFlag, #Tajamuka and of xenophobic attacks in South Africa as a way of inciting them, TellZim News has learnt.
Disgruntled employees at Singita Pamaushana Lodge, which is part of the trust, are complaining over tourism department head Jason Turner’s alleged acts of incitement by forcing them to watch the videos as a way of inculcating in them a sense of revulsion against government mismanagement of the economy.
This comes ahead of the visit by the trust’s benefactor, American billionaire Paul Tudor Jones II, who is scheduled to arrive on the June 19, 2017.
The workers told TellZim News that Turner, who is said to be an American citizen, was always mocking President Robert Mugabe’s age and health, showing a determination to make them rise against the government.
Though no comment could immediately be obtained from Turner himself, Malilangwe Conservation Trust director Mark Saunders denied the reports which he said was a misrepresentation of facts although leaked minutes of a staff meeting held on October 17, 2016 show that workers had indeed raised objections.
“We did our investigations and found out that it was misrepresentation of facts,” said Saunders.
The Trust’s Human Resources manager Tendai Nhunzvi acknowledged that there were issues at the lodge but was quick to say it had all been resolved internally.
“What you saw from those minutes you read was true but we internally solved the issue,” Nhunzvi said.
The minutes, among a host of other things, allege that Turner had threatened to unleash scouts against them.
“Jason often states things of a political nature that undermine the president and present government. This puts the staff in a difficult position when they are asked about the political opinions of Malilangwe Management.
“How are staff expected to protect someone who has a complete disregard of the law? At work, staff are shown inappropriate videos of xenophobic and This Flag Tajamuka clips,” reads part of the minutes.
One of the employees who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing his job claimed that many people were already leaving their jobs fearing victimaisation.
“We are forced to watch these inciting videos while at work and he even extends to mocking the President over his age. He is inciting terrorism as he seems to be influencing us to revolt against the President and the current government,” said the source.local
