PIGG’S PEAK: Mbongiseni Zikalala, a Semi-Skilled artisan fitter under the Department of Mechanical Field at Rocklands Sawmill has been ‘fired’ shortly after getting injured while on duty.
This is contained in a letter dated 03 August 2023, where the company stated that Zikalala’s services were being terminated.
“We confirm that your employment with the company will terminate on the 3rd August 2023 due to the operational requirements. This letter serves as a notice of termination,” reads the letter in part.
Speaking to this Swaziland News this week, Zikalala said, he was struggling with the injuries after the company terminated his services without a proper medical healthcare plan.
"My biggest worry is that the company does not care about my injuries, they don’t cater for my medical expenses.They have abandoned me said," said the former employee at Rocklands Sawmill.
Reached for comments Martin Motsa, the Manager of Rocklands Sawmill Company said,he will not comment on the matter for now.
"I wont comment on the matter for now, I'm at home," said the Manager.
Speaking to this publication on Wednesday, Wander Mkhonza, the Secretary General of the Almalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) said, retrenching a worker that was injured on duty is a criminal offense.
“It is the duty of the employer to stand by an injured worker until recovery stage.To retrench a worker who was injured on duty is criminality.The company must reinstate Zikalala indefinitely and continue to pay his salary and medical expenses in full. Even after he has recovered, he must also be compensated and be allowed to continue to work at any Department where he will be productive," said the ATUSWA Secretary General.

Rocklands Sawmill worker injured and lost fingers on duty,company ‘fires’ him with mere R10,000.00 compensation.