PRESIDENT BLASTS FOREIGN INVESTORS WHO BREAK LA

Mozambican President Armando Guebuza on Friday declared that foreign investors are welcome provided that they are willing to abide by the country’s labour legislation.Addressing a rally in the southernmost tourist town of Ponta do Ouro, as part of his “open and inclusive presidency”, President Guebuza criticised foreign investors who were accused by local residents of ignoring the country’s labour law, while also barring trade unions in the workplace.In Ponta do Ouro some foreign investors have been accused of abusing Mozambicans and firing workers without just cause. According to residents, this often ends up degenerating into poorly handled labour disputes due to the lack of regular labour inspections.“Investments in Mozambique are governed by the country’s legislation; therefore, it is unacceptable to break those laws. All investors, irrespective of their origin and identity, are welcome provided they abide by Mozambican legislation and respect people as human beings”, warned President Guebuza.According to the President, this is the only way “we are going to build the society of tolerance and harmony that we all want”.The President pointed out that workers have rights, duties and responsibilities which are dictated by the country’s rules and laws which must be respected by all.He stressed that the war Mozambicans waged against colonialism was precisely to restore human dignity. “Anything that is against this principle is reprehensible”, said the President.During the rally, residents also complained that some foreign investors have privatised access roads to the beach by erecting fences. As a result, they are forced to walk several kilometres even when the beach is not more than 500 metres away.Answering this particular concern, the President stressed that the land is owned by all Mozambicans, hence people must not be held hostage in their own space.