Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
THE 63rd National Conference on Safety and Health at Work (SHAW) 2026 has commenced in Victoria Falls, with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, expected to officially open the three-day event.
Running under the theme “Vision Zero: Safety. Health. Wellbeing”, the conference is coordinated by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
The conference aims to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) leadership, governance and systems to advance the Vision Zero agenda across all economic sectors in Zimbabwe.
It also seeks to drive innovation, collaboration and a culture of wellbeing through digital technologies and the sharing of best practices, while creating a platform for networking among OSH professionals, researchers, academics and policymakers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and chairman of the National Occupational Safety and Health Council, Mr Pfungwa Kunaka, said the gathering reflected the shared responsibility needed to build safer workplaces.
“This three-day conference brings together a diverse and distinguished group of professionals and leaders committed to advancing health, safety and well-being in Zimbabwe and beyond. Among us are chief executive officers and their senior business leaders. They are also occupational health practitioners, human resource practitioners, engineers, academics and indeed Government representatives who are also here.
“For Zimbabwe, we are pleased that our national social security authority is playing a very prestigious role in coordinating this conference where we are at. So we are grateful that everyone who is here is showing commitment to the cause. The diversity of our delegates is a reflection of the important needs underlying Vision Zero, which is getting safe and healthy workplaces and which is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and collaboration of everyone,” said Mr Kunaka.
The official opening programme will feature an OSH Bill update by NSSA general manager Dr Charles Shava, and a brief introduction to Vision Zero by Africa Vision Zero Network president Dr Elizabeth Lungu-Nkumbula.
Minister Moyo is expected to deliver the official opening address, after which a symbolic Vision Zero relaunch and unveiling of the banner and flag will take place.
Delegates will discuss leadership and governance, digital OSH and innovation, mental health and psychosocial safety, construction and infrastructure, healthcare and infection prevention, agriculture and climate-related risks, among other issues.
