By Staff Reporter
MANHIZE — Workers at Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in Manhize have accused contracted caterer Hotplate Grill of serving unsafe and poor-quality food, alleging that the meals have caused stomach illnesses and now pose a serious health risk at Zimbabwe’s largest steel project.
Employees who spoke on condition of anonymity said food standards have sharply deteriorated in recent months, with their complaints repeatedly ignored by both management and the caterer.
Hotplate Grill, owned by businessman Benson Muneri, is accused of serving “tasteless and sometimes contaminated” meals, with workers claiming they have on several occasions found maggots in the food. Some employees say they have suffered stomach pains and diarrhoea after eating the meals.
Workers further allege that the caterer sources beef from sick or dead livestock in nearby communities. They claim Hotplate is in the habit of buying frail cows from local villagers and has been serving beef only at the canteen for months.
“Hotplate buys these weak animals from locals, that’s why it’s always beef every day,” one worker said.
Concerns have also been raised about conditions facing Hotplate employees, with claims that staff sometimes go two to three months without pay. Workers believe this has contributed to poor hygiene and morale.
“They are desperate, and it is affecting how they work,” an employee said.
Muneri was once regarded as a major player in Zimbabwe’s fast-food sector, operating several Hotplate Grill outlets across Harare. Workers say many of these branches have since closed. In 2020, Muneri made headlines after offering one of his Harare outlets to the Angel of Hope Foundation for charitable use a gesture that drew significant public attention.
Some employees at Manhize allege that the businessman enjoys political backing, including perceived links to the First Lady claims which this publication has not independently verified.
The situation reportedly worsened after DISCO terminated its previous caterer, Tsebo, over hygiene concerns. Workers say that during Tsebo’s tenure, Ministry of Health officials conducted regular inspections, but these visits have allegedly stopped since Hotplate took over.
Attempts to formally raise the concerns have reportedly been shut down. Some workers claim they were told to “leave if they are not satisfied”.
Employees also accuse Chinese management at DISCO of refusing to intervene, insisting the matter is “between Zimbabweans”.
“This is a simple food safety issue, but at Dinson there are many labour problems. Workers are treated like they have no rights,” one worker said.
