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Theseus Shambare
THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) director-general, Mr Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo, is expected in the country today for a two-day visit, during which he will meet President Mnangagwa and other labour stakeholders.
Zimbabwe is set to assume the International Labour Conference presidency next year after being elected to the vice presidency earlier this year.
Mr Houngbo, who is from Togo and the first African to lead ILO, is expected to touch down at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this morning, marking the first-ever visit to Zimbabwe by an ILO director-general.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Simon Masanga told The Sunday Mail that Mr Houngbo’s visit will set a new tone in the country’s commitment to labour issues.
“We happened to meet Mr Houngbo in Durban last year when Zimbabwe was invited to participate as an observer at the labour and employment sector meeting for the BRICS,” he said.
“To us, it was procedural that we invited him as it is a tradition that the incoming president of the conference should be visited in their home country prior to assuming the position, but we never thought he would respond to the invitation positively.
“We got a pleasant surprise last week when the Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated to us that Mr Houngbo would be in the country on Monday and Tuesday.
“All the member countries of ILO would want to be visited by the director-general, so we are really excited.”
Mr Houngbo, Mr Masanga said, will first pay a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira before meeting Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo.
He will then meet with President Mnangagwa before engaging labour organisations and trade unions.
“He will be received by the Minister of Public Service (Labour and Social Welfare) and the president of the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe, ZCTU (Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions) and other leading organised labour organisations in this country,” added Mr Masanga.
“Pleasingly so, and in line with the fact that Zimbabwe is open for business, Mr Houngbo has requested to meet His Excellency, the President, and we are following proper procedures to communicate this request to the highest office. We are also finalising the preparations for him to interact with the various stakeholders.”
Mr Masanga said the high-level visit will primarily focus on Zimbabwe’s preparations for assumption of the International Labour Conference presidency next year.
“It is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to share successes that we have scored.
“It is a tradition that we present statements indicating the strides that the country is making.
“We have established a tripartite cooperation involving Government, business and labour,” he said.
“This has helped to turn around the negative stories that were being peddled by the enemies of this country; that Zimbabwe has gross abuses of workers.”
Upon assuming the presidency, Mr Masanga added, Zimbabwe will direct efforts towards climate change mitigation. “We need to create jobs for the young people. We are working with ILO to review our employment policy. We are for a pro-employment budget.”
Mr Masanga expressed Zimbabwe’s commitment to working with other members of ILO and other member states to address global labour challenges.
He said, by sharing its experiences and best practices, Zimbabwe will aim to contribute towards development of innovative solutions that promote decent work and social justice for all.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter