Zimbabwe hotels accused of modern day slavery – interns getting US$50 despite 12 hour shifts
Zimbabwe’s private hospitality sector is under fire following explosive claims that interns are being exploited, working 12-hour shifts for as little as US$50 a month. The allegations, described as “modern day slavery,” were raised in Parliament by Marondera Central MP, Caston Matewu.
“Interns must be paid – full stop!”
MP Caston Matewu, of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), took to the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, to expose what he called a “national scandal.”
“Mr. Speaker Sir, my point of national interest arises from the new day modern slavery which is happening in the private sector,” he declared.
He pointed a finger directly at Zimbabwe’s hotel and tourism industry, alleging that many establishments were using unpaid interns to cut costs.
“Most of the institutions are employing at least 70% interns who are not paid. Some who are given less than USD50 but have to work 12-hour shifts,” he said.
“Most of these institutions are doing this to save costs.”
Matewu warned that this practice was pushing qualified professionals out of work while overworking and underpaying interns in the name of training.
“It means that those in such industries and qualified do not have jobs and that brings our unemployment rate high,” he said.
“It is also slavery to those who are being made to work on the basis that we are training them but actually they are covering for profits of these institutions.”
Parliament responds to call for action
The Speaker of Parliament, in response, advised Matewu to formally bring the issue to debate.
“Why do you not come up with a motion to address the issue in detail so that it covers the responsible ministry to respond accordingly?”
Matewu confirmed he would do just that.
Later on X (formerly Twitter), Matewu doubled down on his position, saying:
“Today in the August House; Interns must be paid full stop! No to modern day slavery. Next week I will move a motion to that effect.”
— @cmatewu
He also shared a video clip of his parliamentary remarks, which has since gained traction online.
No official response has yet come from the Hotel Association of Zimbabwe or the Ministry of Tourism. But pressure is mounting for the government to step in.
Matewu has pledged to continue pushing for reform, calling for new policies to stop the alleged exploitation of interns across the private sector.
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The post Zimbabwe Hotels Accused Of Exploiting Interns With US$50 Monthly Pay appeared first on iHarare News.
