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Herald Reporter

Norton-based tile manufacturing company Sunny Yi Feng (Pvt) Limited has flung its doors open to Government scrutiny as part of efforts to guarantee fair labour practices in compliance with local laws.

The company management made the commitment during an engagement yesterday at its premises with Government officials, labour representatives, its workers and other stakeholders fronting employee interests.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister, Lovemore Matuke said the company had made a huge investment in the country which was in line with President Mnangagwa’s industrialisation drive.

He said such an investment should be accompanied with a faultless working environment. We are mandated to promote industrial harmony which is a precondition for economic progress and growth.

“The Second Republic is committed to promoting investment in Zimbabwe, through the open for business mantra as enunciated by His Excellency, the President.

“Therefore, it becomes our collective responsibility that we provide businesses and investors, a conducive environment for business. The Government of Zimbabwe is also aware of the need to protect the rights of its citizens through fair labour practices,” said Deputy Minister Matuke after touring the factory.

Through its huge production, some employees said they tended to work overtime, but deputy Minister Matuke told management that they could address this through the employment of more personnel.

The giant Norton-based firm employs nearly 2 000 people in the manufacture of floor tiles, roofing tiles, bricks, cement pipes, cups, plates, wooden pallets and cardboard boxes and now exports into the region.

Sunny Yi Feng managing director Mr Cheng Guofeng said the company had invested $40 million into the project and was looking at expanding its operations in Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa’s administration has identified the manufacturing sector as a key enabler in attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030.

The country has plans to boost the manufacturing sector under its economic revival strategy, as it has a critical role to play in satisfying the local and export markets.

Yesterday, an agreement was reached for a labour expert seconded from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), to be based at the company.

The company’s assistant director Mr Terrify Taruvinga said they were open to such an arrangement.

“We are open to learning and we are willing to work with the Government and various stakeholders,” he said.

Public relations manager Mr Abel Mukumba said: “We have nothing to hide. That is why we are always allowing various stakeholders to tour our premises. We believe that we can learn from others,” said Mr Mukumba.