malvernmugadzikwa
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE’S move to institutionalise social dialogue through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) is a good development that calls for a human-centred agenda for the future of work, reinvigorating the social contract by placing people and the work they do at the centre of socio-economic and business practices.
These remarks were made by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) director-general, Mr Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo, while addressing the media soon after arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday afternoon.
The TNF is a platform where the Government, organised business and organised labour movements come together to discuss and negotiate on social and economic issues.
It aims to foster social dialogue and cooperation among these key stakeholders, promoting social justice and economic development in Zimbabwe.
“What is important for us is the social dialogue. This is why we really welcome the Tripartite Negotiation Forum by Zimbabwe. This is impressive.
“I am happy I have just met the chairman of the forum and it will be part of our discussion during my time here.
“I know trade unions have issues with their Governments, but not even one country in the world that does not have such issues. What impresses is how Zimbabwe came up with this forum,” said Mr Houngbo.
Zimbabwe, he said, plays an important role in ILO programmes.
“We have a very vibrant partnership with the authorities and with our social partners.
“And, as part of Africa Group, Zimbabwe is quite very, very present. Zimbabwe’s mission to Geneva is quite very active in ILO-related matters,” he said.
He expressed optimism to work with Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo as Zimbabwe is set to assume the International Labour Conference presidency next year after being elected to the vice presidency earlier this year.
Houngbo, who is making a first-of-its-kind two-day visit to Zimbabwe by an ILO director-general, was received at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Minister July Moyo, Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mr Simon Masanga, member of the TNF- Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) president Mr Demos Mbauya (Business Team leader), among other officials.
Minister Moyo said he is looking forward to a fruitful meeting with the director-general.
“We are delighted that the director-general has found time to come to Zimbabwe.
“We have lined up productive discussions, as he has indicated, with social partners, with Government and he will be seeing the President and together with social partners,” said Moyo.
During his visit, Houngbo is expected to promote social justice, fight inequalities and discrimination in the world of work as Zimbabwe seeks to achieve better working conditions both through national action and by building more effective multilateral coordination and leadership.
Houngbo is expected to attend a dinner today with the ILO resident coordinator and United Nations heads of agencies.
Tomorrow morning, he will pay a courtesy call on the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Professor Amon Murwira and July Moyo, respectively.
On Tuesday, Houngbo is expected to meet President Mnangagwa at State House as he rounds off his visit.
Online Reporter