adminMutsawashe Mashandure and Rumbidzai Mushonga
The National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry in Zimbabwe (NECAIZ) is taking significant steps to address issues of child labour in the country’s agricultural sector.
Addressing delegates in Harare last week, (NECAIZ) chief executive director, Mr David Madyausiko, highlighted that child labour is a grave global issue that is particularly prevalent in the agricultural industry, exposing children to hazardous conditions that can hinder their health, education, and overall development.
He also acknowledged that poverty was a key driver of child labour, but emphasised that it cannot be used as an excuse, as it perpetuates a cycle of deprivation that traps children into child labour.
Mr Madyausiko said they are committed to leaving no stone unturned in the quest to eradicate child labour and forced labour in all its forms from the agricultural industry.
“As National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry in Zimbabwe, take cognisance of these laws that bind us all. We are at the same time conscious of our role as custodians of these protections by virtue of the inspectorate capacity that has been reposed in us by the laws of the land. From Labour Inspections, Education campaigns, and industrial trainings, we are leaving no stone unturned in the quest to eradicate child labour and forced labour in all its forms from the agricultural industry.”
He said that they also seek to protect children against hazardous equipment and machinery.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter