Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE Government has called on National Employment Councils (NECs) to build a strong foundation by embracing innovation, strengthening institutional capacity and positioning themselves as strategic partners in national development.
Zimbabwe has 48 NECs which are statutory, bipartite bodies that regulate minimum wages, working conditions and dispute resolution within specific industries.
In a keynote address and officially opening the 1th Annual Symposium for Chairpersons, Councillors and General Secretaries, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said as the labour market continues to evolve, NECs must build on a strong foundation by advancing.
“Embrace innovation, strengthen institutional capacity and position yourselves as strategic partners in national development. Beyond their traditional responsibilities, NECs should support enterprise competitiveness, promote productivity, facilitate skills development and generate labour market information that contributes to evidence-based policy formulation,” he said.
“I am encouraged by the progress already being made by many NECs. The increasing use of digital technologies and social media has improved stakeholder engagement, communication and public awareness of NEC services.”
He said these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that labour institutions remain accessible and responsive in an increasingly digital environment.
The Minister said equally commendable was the expansion of some NECs’ operations through the establishment of provincial and district offices, bringing labour administration services closer to employers and workers throughout the country.
“This decentralisation improves access to justice, strengthens compliance and enhances service delivery. It is also pleasing to note that many NECs have also invested in staff development, stakeholder engagement, public awareness programmes and strategic partnerships,” he added.
“These initiatives continue to strengthen social dialogue, improve compliance with labour standards and contribute to increased productivity, investor confidence and sustainable economic growth.”
He said while they celebrate these achievements, they must also acknowledge that the world of work is undergoing unprecedented transformation.
Minister Moyo said the continued expansion of the informal economy, rapid technological advancement, automation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, climate change and global economic uncertainties are reshaping employment patterns and the skills required for future success.
“These developments require labour market institutions that are agile, forward-looking and capable of anticipating change rather than merely responding to it.
“NECs must therefore continue to promote innovation, lifelong learning and practical solutions that prepare employers and workers for the future while strengthening Zimbabwe’s labour market resilience,” he said.
The two day event convened through the partnership between the NECs and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare is running under the theme, “Enhancing NECs’ Resilience and Adaptability in a Dynamic Labour Market Towards Vision 2030.”
The symposium provides an important platform to reflect on the future of labour administration, exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships and identify practical solutions that will enable NECs to remain effective, relevant and responsive in a dynamic labour environment.
In attendance this year are also a delegation from the Namibia Labour Inspection Exchange Programme.
