Online Reporter
Judith Phiri-Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Government has called on the country’s 48 National Employment Councils (NECs), covering 40 economic sectors, to evolve from conventional dispute-resolution platforms into dynamic, future-ready institutions that drive economic growth.
This comes at a time when new technologies are rapidly transforming the modern workplace, enabling more flexible work arrangements, enhancing collaboration and improving productivity through automation and data-driven insights.
Speaking at the annual NECs Symposium in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha said the traditional employment models were being disrupted and changing due to various factors.
“We live in a world where traditional employment models are being disrupted by digital technology, climate change, globalisation and shifting demographic patterns.
“Against this backdrop, NECs must evolve from conventional dispute-resolution platforms into dynamic, future-ready institutions capable of guiding industrial harmony and productivity in a complex world,” she said.
“As we close the final phases of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and transition into NDS2, our goal remains clear to build a high-performing, inclusive and resilient labour market that propels us toward the realisation of Vision 2030, which strives towards achieving an upper middle-income society by the year 2030.”
She said this year’s theme, “Building Resilient National Employment Councils in a Rapidly Changing Environment and the Future of Work towards Vision 2030,” was both timely and strategic.
The Deputy Minister said it reflected the urgent need for labour institutions to adapt to the realities of the present day while also preparing for the future.
