Source: RioZim secretary quits over corporate misconduct – herald
Business Reporter
Ms Diedre Niehaus, the RioZim company secretary, has resigned amid a dramatic breakdown of trust and serious allegations of corporate misconduct.
Sources close to the matter claim she was constructively dismissed due to an intolerable and hostile work environment allegedly orchestrated by fellow executives.
Her key grievances reportedly include claims that the company suppressed a sexual harassment complaint and exposed her to an ongoing authority inquiry into allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering within the company’s operations.
Furthermore, she was reportedly “incensed” by the systematic undermining of her statutory duties as company secretary, head of legal and human resource and administration. This included exclusion from key deliberations, interference with her functions and a unilateral breach of her employment contract.
This internal crisis comes as the diversified resource giant already faces serious financial and operational challenges, with some employees having petitioned the High Court to place the entire group under corporate rescue.
A director told this publication that the board acknowledges the resignation of Ms Niehaus and the serious allegations she has raised.
“We understand the market and our stakeholders are concerned,” said the director, who requested anonymity, citing protocol issues. “While these matters, particularly the claims of an intolerable work environment, suppressed complaints, and undue interference in statutory duties, currently represent one side of an internal human resources matter, the board treats all such claims with the utmost gravity.”
The director added: “We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Therefore, the board will immediately launch a thorough, independent investigation into all points raised by Ms Niehaus to ascertain the full facts and ensure complete transparency and accountability.
“Our focus remains on the integrity of the company’s operations and addressing the ongoing financial challenges.
“Notwithstanding these internal developments, management remains singularly focused on navigating . . . out of its current operational and financial challenges, securing the future viability of the business.”
RioZim spokesperson Dr Wilson Gwatiringa confirmed the resignation of Ms Niehaus, a South African expatriate, but declined to provide reasons, citing confidentiality.
“We can confirm that Ms Niehaus resigned from her position as RioZim company secretary,” said Dr Gwatiringa. “However, due to the need for confidentiality and her privacy, we are not in any position to give any further details on the issue except to say that this is a normal occurrence in the corporate world.”
Her departure was effective on October 24, 2025 after joining the mining giant on July 1, 2024. Efforts to get a comment from Ms Niehaus proved fruitless by the time of going to press.
In an interview recently, RioZim chief executive Mr Rajgopal Swami publicly urged the workers to cease creating “hurdles” to the company’s revival, arguing the corporate rescue application was hindering recapitalisation efforts and delaying the process of settling employee arrears.
Mr Swami maintained that a successful turnaround was “definitely possible,” asserting the company was “at the cusp of a breakthrough.”
He also emphasised that the company’s future hinged on unity and a shared commitment to long-term recovery among all stakeholders.
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