Vungu Rural District Council Faces Property Attachment Over Unpaid Wages

By Dumisani Ndlovu

Gweru - Vungu Rural District Council (RDC) is on the brink of losing its property due to unpaid wages owed to its workers.

Inside sources indicate that the council currently owes US$200,000 and US$500,000 in wages arrears.

One insider, who prayed for anonymity, said the issue dates back to a 2021 agreement made by the National Employment Council (NEC) that the council failed to honor.

"After prolonged and fruitless discussions with the local authority, the workers' committee had no choice but to pursue legal action," the source revealed.

On December 10, 2025, the Deputy Sheriff’s office took action against the council, attaching several of its assets, including a fire tender vehicle, the Chief Executive Officer’s vehicle, a grader and a tractor.

The council has been given an ultimatum of 48 hours to pay the outstanding amount and failure to do so resulting in the auction of the equipment to recover the unpaid wages.

Gordon Svondo, Chairperson of the Workers Committee, declined to comment in detail on the issue however revealing that it was not them that took the council to court, but the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Workers Union (ZRDCWU) from Harare.

"Yes, I am the Chairperson of the Workers Committee, but it is not our committee that took the council to court, it is the Union based in Harare that dragged the council to court.”

He directed inquiries to the union for further information.

James Gumbi, the ZRDCWU General Secretary, confirmed the property attachment.

“Yes, it’s true. We represent more than 30 workers. In 2021, the council was ordered by the NEC to adjust workers’ salaries by 25 percent, but they failed to comply," he said.

Gumbi added that legal action was initiated against the council in June and November 2024.

“The salary arrears will increase if we continue to claim for the subsequent months," he said.

Gumbi clarified that the current owed amount is closer to US$202,000, rather than the US$500,000 previously reported, but acknowledged that this figure could increase if additional claims are pursued.

He criticized the council for awarding a 50 percent salary increase to top officials while failing to raise junior workers' salaries.

“Both groups should share the benefits," he said.

When asked if the council could establish a payment plan, Gumbi indicated a willingness to negotiate.

"We must strike a balance between service delivery, senior workers’ salaries and junior workers’ salaries," he said.

Efforts to reach the Gweru District Development Officer, Tarisai Mudadigwa, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable.