derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
GOVERNMENT has declared zero tolerance on child labour, with Vice President Kembo Mohadi describing the practice as a stain on the nation’s conscience and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Speaking at the National Child Protection Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo last week, Vice President Mohadi said Zimbabwe was committed to ensuring that every child enjoys a safe, dignified childhood free from exploitation.
The Vice President made the remarks while officially launching the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026-2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy, two key frameworks aimed at strengthening child protection systems and addressing emerging threats to children’s welfare.
“For far too long, the sight of children in hazardous working conditions, particularly in the informal sectors, has been a stain on our conscience and a barrier to our development,” said Vice President Mohadi.
He said the National Action Plan for Children IV provides a clear roadmap, backed by resources and accountability mechanisms, to translate existing legal frameworks into practical protection for children.
“It reaffirms that childhood is a time for learning, play and growth, not for labour that steals their health, education and dignity. We are united in the resolve that no child in Zimbabwe shall be left behind or forced to bear the economic burdens of adulthood before they are ready,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi said Government had intensified efforts to combat child labour through institutional and legislative reforms designed to strengthen enforcement and deter offenders.
He said Government had revitalised the Labour Administration Department through the establishment of a fully-fledged Labour Inspectorate Department tasked with enforcing labour laws and promoting compliance with decent work principles.
In addition, labour legislation has been amended to increase penalties for perpetrators of child labour from two years to a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment.
“The amendment of labour legislation to increase penalties for perpetrators of child labour from two years to 10 years of imprisonment represents a significant policy shift towards deterring and combating child labour,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi said the development of a National Child Labour Framework and the establishment of a national hazardous work list marked critical milestones in the country’s efforts to eradicate child labour.
“These measures signal the beginning of a new era where every Zimbabwean child is protected, educated and empowered to reach their full potential,” he said.
The Vice President also acknowledged concerns raised during the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Child Protection Financing, where delegates called for increased funding for child protection, prevention and response programmes.
He said Government recognised the importance of child-friendly budgeting and would urgently consider recommendations made during the conference.
“The deliberations have not fallen on deaf ears but will be considered with the urgency they deserve. Recommendations from the various panel discussions will be followed up with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the discussions translate into meaningful action,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to support child protection initiatives, particularly at a time when donor funding has declined.
“At a time when donor support has dwindled, it is up to us as a nation to look inward and invest in our children by strengthening public sector financing and fostering partnerships with development partners and the private sector,” he said.
He said the National Action Plan for Children IV incorporates evidence-based strategies to address key child protection challenges, including child labour, online violence and commercial sexual exploitation.
The plan is complemented by the development of a Multi-Sectoral Prevention and Response Strategy for Adolescent Pregnancy, which seeks to address vulnerabilities affecting young people.
Online Reporter