Harare – (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid glowing tribute to the nation’s workforce, describing labour as a critical cog in the prosperity of the nation.
In a Workers’ Day statement on Thursday, President Mnangagwa said the occasion is not only a time to honour the immense contributions of Zimbabwe’s workers but also a call to action to entrench decent work, improve working conditions, and fortify the country’s development trajectory under the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
“May Day is a time to pay homage to labour who are central to the production processes and value chains across all sectors, for the ultimate prosperity of our great Motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of all workers, the President highlighted that decent work remains a core pillar of the country’s broader economic vision.
“Decent Work is a core principle under the Growth and Stability Pillar of the National Development Strategy. It remains a building block for the attainment of our national vision as well as inclusive growth, poverty reduction and the consolidation of a sustainable and competitive economy,” he added.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged progress made in labour reform, noting that the review of labour laws is underway to ensure they remain responsive to a dynamic job market.
“Inclusive and broad-based dialogue with social partners will always be key characteristics of my Government’s engagements,” he said.
Efforts to improve workplace safety and compliance with labour regulations are also being intensified. President Mnangagwa revealed that following joint inspections of the mining sector in 2024, Government will now expand this initiative to other sectors.
“We are determined to continually raise awareness on the importance of compliance to occupational health and safety standards,” he said.
On social protection, President Mnangagwa pointed to ongoing strategies aimed at extending coverage to vulnerable groups, particularly in the informal sector.
He challenged the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to
intensify efforts to extend social security coverage to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, particularly women and youth.
Turning to industrial relations, the President cited progress in wage negotiations and affirmed that the operationalisation of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum remains a top priority, saying it will entrench the shared national vision among social partners.
He also applauded Zimbabweans working abroad, noting that increased diaspora remittances highlight the value of the nation’s skilled human capital.
He pledged that his administration will continue engaging with international bodies such as the International Organisation for Migration and the International Labour Organisation to strengthen labour market conditions.
He added that the National Employment Policy Framework is under review to provide clear strategies for job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
These will be complemented by a national drive to formalise the informal economy and integrate it into mainstream economic activity.
“As we commemorate Workers’ Day, let us remain inspired by our national development philosophy: Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said.
Despite external challenges such as illegal sanctions and climate change, the President called on both the public and private sectors to continue supporting workers.
“In our pursuit to attain decent work and a higher quality of life, no worker must be left behind,” he said.
New Ziana
