Online Reporter
We publish here the speech by President Mnangagwa in commemoration of this year’s International Workers Day celebrations.
Fellow Zimbabweans, today, the 1st of May, is an important date on the calendar, which stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of workers across the world and here in Zimbabwe.
It reminds us that labour is the foundation of our socio-economic development. As Government, we are, therefore, pleased to join the rest of the world in reaffirming that the dignity of work must always be protected, respected and advanced.
We honour every worker across Zimbabwe. The woman rising before dawn to open her stall market; the farmer who ensures that there is food on our tables, along with the miners who ensure the strength of our economy and the supply of raw materials for industrialisation.
A healthy nation is a productive nation. We pay tribute to our health workers who keep their eyes open throughout the night for the well-being of all.
Acknowledgement also goes to the teachers for their patience and compassion, as they impart knowledge to our learners and refuse to leave a child behind. To the civil servants who ensure that Government continues to function, the builders, drivers and artisans, I say to you all, thank you.
This day belongs to us all.
Fellow Workers of Zimbabwe; My Administration is guided by the Constitution, particularly Section 65, which guarantees fundamental labour rights.
These rights are operationalised through the Labour Act and Public Service Act, among other statutes that govern employment relationships, in both the private and public sectors.
As we journey towards Vision 2030, the principle of decent work stands at the core of our development trajectory.
Through the National Development Strategy 2, we are placing the Zimbabwean worker at the centre of economic transformation, social development and stronger institutions.
The resilience, ingenuity and dynamism of our workforce is evident across all sectors of our economy.
At the macro-economic level, notable strides continue to be made in stabilising our economy, which is now characterised by a one-digit inflation rate and foreign currency exchange stability.
This achievement is a critical safeguard of the real value of workers’ earnings and a testament to the confidence in our economy.
Government is, however, aware that some workers continue to endure challenges, occasioned by the global shocks and supply chain disruptions, among other factors. My Government, through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum, is actively engaging towards fair and sustainable wage frameworks.
Dialogue remains our chosen path for win-win solutions.
With regards to broader employment relations, my Administration has intensified labour inspections across the country.
On occupational safety and health, workplace safety is not negotiable.
It is both a legal obligation and a moral imperative. We are, therefore, modernising occupational safety and health regulations, while enforcement will be more stringent to ensure compliance.
The challenge of casualisation must be confronted and addressed.
Where work is continuous, employment must be secure.
The practice of keeping workers on perpetual ‘short-term contracts’, undermines the dignity and stability of workers.
The provisions of the law must be upheld without fear or favour and exploitation, which is often disguised as flexibility, expunged.
The adoption of the National Employment Policy and Formalisation Strategy is set to have a transformative impact on overall economic growth.
Through these policies, Government is creating pathways so that formalisation protects workers without burdening them.
This will extend access to social security, legal protection and economic opportunities.
Formalisation is, thus, a social justice imperative aimed at restoring pride to millions of hardworking Zimbabweans.
Similarly, my Administration is strengthening the Labour Market Information Systems towards better understanding of labour dynamics and evidence-based policy decisions.
To complement these policy initiatives, skills development and youth empowerment remain central priorities.
The alignment of education with industry needs is being enhanced to broaden opportunities for our young people, more so, as we industrialise and modernise our economy.
Through our National Labour Migration Policy, we are promoting safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour migration.
Engagements with countries on the African continent and beyond leverage Zimbabwe’s diverse human capital base and reflect ongoing efforts to protect our citizens within the global workspace.
As we reflect on these achievements, we must also reaffirm our collective responsibility to build the future we all want.
My Government will do its part.
I call upon employers to uphold high labour standards and workers, on their part, to remain committed to productivity, excellence and quality.
Social partners are equally challenged to scale up constructive engagements as we nurture the culture of consensus, stability and progress.
As we look ahead, we do so with hope grounded in policy, driven by action, and sustained by the resilience of Zimbabwean workers.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”
Together, we are the builders of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
Our hard honest work, committed and dedicated labouring has shaped our past and is now defining our present and future.
Let us continue moving forward, united in purpose, with unwavering determination and confidence in the ongoing works of building our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, brick by brick, stone upon stone, and step by step.
It is now my honour and privilege to wish all the workers of our great country, including those who are in the Diaspora, a happy and restful Workers’ Day.
God bless you all.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.
