Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has intensified workplace inspections across all sectors, completing 5 059 out of a targeted 5 343 inspections by September this year. The exercise forms part of the ministry’s nationwide campaign to curb labour violations and reinforce compliance with occupational safety and health standards.
Workplace inspections are a core mandate of the ministry, which is tasked with ensuring adherence to national labour laws, promoting fair labour practices, and enforcing occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations.
These responsibilities are carried out by labour officers within the ministry and inspectors appointed under the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) Act — a key enforcement arm under the ministry’s oversight.
Of the total inspections conducted this year, 217 were in the mining sector, which has increasingly come under scrutiny due to rising reports of worker abuse, unsafe working conditions, and non-compliance, particularly involving some foreign-owned companies.
According to ministry statistics, Matabeleland North recorded the highest number of mining inspections (76), followed by Matabeleland South (35).
Mashonaland West conducted 32 inspections, Midlands 28, Mashonaland Central 18, and Mashonaland East 17. Masvingo recorded six inspections, while Manicaland and Bulawayo registered three and two respectively.
The ministry stated that intensified monitoring is part of a broader effort to restore order in the mining sector, where cases of exploitation, wage violations, and hazardous working environments have been frequently reported.
“There are plans to engage foreign investors in rigorous training on Zimbabwe’s labour laws and regulations, especially in the mining sector, to address issues of non-compliance and cases of abuse which are regularly reported,” said the ministry.
Last week, the Government issued a stern warning to foreign investors operating in the country, stating that those who violate labour laws risk losing their operating licences.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s stance, emphasising that the welfare and dignity of workers remain paramount. He said the increase in inspections this year is a direct response to the growing number of labour violation reports.
“That increase is in direct response to the heightened abuse of our workers,” said Minister Moyo.
He added that the ministry has escalated unannounced inspection visits across workplaces to ensure employers are complying with national labour standards. To strengthen oversight, an inter-ministerial task force led by the ministry has been established to investigate reported cases of worker abuse.
Additionally, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) now has a permanent labour officer attached to it to guide new investors on Zimbabwe’s labour requirements before operations commence.
“Through Zida, every investor is educated on labour laws and the dignity that our workers deserve. Investors should adapt to the national legal environment just as our people must be truthful when reporting violations,” said Minister Moyo.
He noted that while some reported cases were found to be exaggerated upon investigation, a significant number were confirmed and corrective measures have been implemented.
The increased enforcement drive comes as Zimbabwe continues to attract new investors in the mining and manufacturing sectors — a development the Government says must be matched by strict adherence to labour laws to prevent exploitation.
