EFF leader, Mwenda, condemns ‘shark investors’ for allegedly exploiting Zambia

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has raised the alarm over the rise of predatory “shark investors” across various sectors of Zambia’s economy, accusing them of violating labour laws and sabotaging the nation’s economic progress.

EFF party leader, Kasonde Mwenda, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, described the situation as a betrayal by the government and a disservice to voters who entrusted it with their aspirations for economic and social justice.

“These investors have brazenly violated Zambia’s labor laws with impunity, operating under the protective watch of a government that has chosen to prioritize profits over people,” Mwenda said.

He accused foreign and local investors of exploiting vulnerable groups, including the youth, women, truck drivers, security guards, domestic workers, construction workers, and casual laborers.

Mwenda likened the predatory investors to “sharks,” devouring vulnerable workers while disregarding labor laws.

He detailed abuses, including underpayment of wages, overworking employees beyond legal limits, denying overtime allowances mandated by the Employment Code Act, and neglecting workplace safety and insurance provisions.

“This rampant abuse is happening in broad daylight while the Ministry of Labour—mandated to protect Zambians—turns a blind eye,” Mwenda alleged.

The EFF leader criticized the government for failing to defend workers’ rights, claiming it had instead chosen to shield exploitative investors.

“Zambian workers, desperate for employment amidst rising poverty, are being forced to endure these harsh conditions,” Mwenda said.

He further accused these investors of undermining fair competition, exploiting natural resources without reinvesting in Zambia, and abandoning the country after profiting, leaving behind environmental degradation and a weakened economy.

Mwenda’s remarks come as calls for stronger labor law enforcement and government accountability grow, with Zambian workers demanding better protections and improved conditions in the workplace.

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