Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata in Darwendale
THE Retrenchment Board has been urged to uphold fairness, integrity and strict adherence to the law in handling job termination processes as Zimbabwe pushes towards Vision 2030.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Simon Masanga, said the board’s mandate was central to maintaining stability in the labour market while protecting both workers and businesses.
“I congratulate you on your appointment and commend you for accepting this important responsibility at a defining moment in our nation’s development trajectory,” said Mr Masanga.
He said the work of the Retrenchment Board went beyond fulfilling statutory requirements, describing it as “a strategic investment in institutional excellence” that directly influences economic stability and social protection.
Mr Masanga said Zimbabwe’s aspiration to attain upper-middle-income status by 2030, as outlined in Vision 2030, is being implemented through the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which prioritises economic resilience, job creation, private sector growth and strong institutions.
“As our economy modernises and adapts to global and domestic realities, transitions in employment are inevitable,” he said.
“However, how we manage these transitions will determine whether we build trust or erode it.”
Mr Masanga said the board must be guided by the principle of leaving no one and no place behind and that retrenchment processes must uphold dignity, equity and due process.
“Behind every retrenchment application are individuals — breadwinners, parents and young professionals — whose lives are directly impacted by our determinations as a board,” he said.
Mr Masanga said the board’s operations are anchored in the Labour Act and Statutory Instrument 191 of 2024, adding that transparency and consistency in decision-making would enhance investor confidence.
“A well-functioning Retrenchment Board enhances investor confidence while at the same time strengthening worker protection,” he said.
“It demonstrates that economic adjustments in our country are governed by law, not arbitrariness.”
The induction workshop was aimed at strengthening board members’ understanding of the legal framework, compliance obligations and ethical standards governing retrenchment processes as the Government seeks to enhance labour administration systems in line with national development goals.
