Harare — A local beverage company fired 48 workers last week for refusing to wear corporate uniforms they believe were taken to a traditional healer for ritual purposes "to increase sales".

All the fired workers are from the sales department.

Matonjeni, which manufactures or bottles Citralain Orchardlain and Citrade concentrate drinks, had a uniform made which their staff believe was taken to a traditional healer for ritual purposes.

The uniform was later taken to Holiday Inn last Sunday for a launch ceremony.

Matonjeni workers who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity said they refused to wear the uniform because they did not want to be associated with rituals.

"It is better to be unemployed than to have work where you are used for ritual purposes."

Holiday Inn workers and guards who preferred anonymity expressed their amazement at the event.

"The company indeed held a function to launch the uniform, but everyone was shocked at the way the ceremony was conducted," said one worker.

In letters written to the affected workers by Mr Buddy Jani, who calls himself "Chief Hunter", it was stated that the uniform would not change and anyone who did not want it would be fired.

The reference of the letter was titled "Empire greetings"

"We are in receipt of your letter stating that you are unable to perform your duties in the corporate uniform of your department. I inform you that the corporate uniform is not changing, at least not in the short term.

"Since there is no option to work in any other apparel and there are no vacancies elsewhere with a uniform you would find comfortable, I regret to inform you that we have no option but to terminate your contract with immediate effect.

"Should the situation change or your position change, you will be offered the option to reapply for your position if it is still available," read part of the letter to a fired employee.

Mr Jani refused to comment on the matter last Friday, saying the company director was out of the country on business.

"The person who talks to the Press is out of the country, I cannot comment," he said.

National Employment Council for the Beverage Industry officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said they heard about the issue, but were yet to receive a formal report.