CSC workers urge government to act quickly on failed “British” investor

Masuka, who was on the CSC board for two years before the Boustead Beef take over, said the simple answer was “No”.

“However, to clarify that further, I think certain aspects of that agreement were premised on certain preemptive processes that were time bound and that did not happen, which I think government did the right thing to proactively look and see at if these preemptive processes have not been fulfilled in the first year or so – what is the likelihood that the performance parameters in year 2022 could be fulfilled,” Masuka said.

“So I think government ought to be applauded for having reacted this fast to begin the process of reversing this process before we went far in it and saying the partner can you do more.  So I think the government has capacity to vet possible partners and government has done the right thing. Very soon government will be able to indicate the way forward so that CSC can play its rightful role.”

Masuka did not give a time frame which has caused concern among some of the workers as they claim that Boustead Beef management has been stripping the company of its assets.

The government may be cautious to avoid breaching the present agreement as this result in penalties.

Masuka said the government might only be looking for a new partner or partners, next year.

Responding to a question from Marondera Central  MP Caston Matewu on the utilization of CSC assets dotted around the country, Masuka said: “It is very saddening that a parastatal of that magnitude has assets lying idle and not fully utilised for the benefit of the nation.

“The aspect that I have referred to that we are looking at very quickly revamping CSC by bringing on board partners to my expectation, Mr. Speaker Sir, is that in the early part of next year, we will have partners who with demonstrable capability, ability to turn around these assets so that they can be sweated sufficiently to yield the dividend we are looking for.  So may the Hon. Member be patient into next year.”

Next year, though just three months away, might be late for the workers.  Boustead Beef has started retrenching more than 100 workers, ostensibly on behalf of the government.

Some workers have already accepted packages that are an insult to the government.

Details tomorrow.

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