Steadier economy safeguards workers’ earnings: President

Wallace Ruzvidzo, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating Workers’ Day, with President Mnangagwa reaffirming the central role of labour in national development and underscoring the importance of protecting workers’ rights and dignity.

In a message posted on his official X handle, the President said labour remained the backbone of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic progress and stressed that respect for workers must remain a constant priority.

“Happy Workers’ Day! Labour is the foundation of our socio-economic development. Today, we reaffirm that the dignity of work must always be protected & respected,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to workers across all sectors of the economy, recognising their contribution towards the country’s ambition of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.

“We honour the vendors, farmers, miners, & professionals whose toil builds our great nation,” said the President.
He reiterated the Second Republic’s commitment to creating conditions that allow workers to thrive, highlighting the need for fair wages and safe working environments.

“Together, we are building a prosperous Zimbabwe, leaving no one & no place behind,” said President Mnangagwa.
In his May Day address, the President raised concern over the continued use of short-term contracts, saying the practice undermines workers’ stability and dignity. He stressed the need for secure employment where work is ongoing.

“The challenge of casualisation must be confronted and addressed. Where work is continuous, employment must be secure,” he said.

The President described Workers’ Day, observed annually on May 1, as a significant occasion that honours the sacrifices and resilience of workers both in Zimbabwe and globally.

“It reminds us that labour is the foundation of our socio-economic development. As Government, we are, therefore, pleased to join the rest of the World in reaffirming that the dignity of work must always be protected, respected and advanced.

“We honour every worker across Zimbabwe. The woman rising before dawn to open her stall market; the farmer who ensures that there is food on our tables, along with the miners who ensure the strength of our economy and the supply of raw materials for industrialisation,” he said. Despite the progress made, President Mnangagwa acknowledged that workers continue to face challenges linked to global economic shocks and supply chain disruptions. He said Government is working to address these issues through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum by promoting fair and sustainable wage frameworks.

“Dialogue remains our chosen path for win-win solutions. With regards to broader employment relations, my Administration has intensified labour inspections across the country. On occupational safety and health, workplace safety is not negotiable. It is both a legal obligation and moral imperative. We are, therefore, modernising occupational safety and health regulations, while enforcement will be more stringent to ensure compliance,” he said.

He noted that the Second Republic remains guided by the Constitution, particularly Section 65 which guarantees fundamental labour rights, supported by legislation such as the Labour Act and Public Service Act.

“As we journey towards Vision 2030, the principle of decent work stands is at the core of our development trajectory. Through the National Development Strategy 2, we are placing the Zimbabwean worker at the centre of economic transformation, social development and stronger institutions. The resilience, ingenuity and dynamism of our work force is evident across all sectors of our economy,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged employers to uphold labour standards while encouraging workers to remain productive and committed to excellence.

“Social partners are equally challenged to scale up constructive engagements as we nurture the culture of consensus, stability and progress. As we look ahead, we do so with hope grounded in policy, driven by action, and sustained by the resilience of Zimbabwean workers,” he said.

“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”
He added that the National Employment Policy and Formalisation Strategy would play a key role in boosting economic growth, providing pathways for workers to move into the formal sector with greater protection.

“Formalisation is, thus, a social justice imperative aimed at restoring pride to millions of hardworking Zimbabweans,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President also highlighted efforts to strengthen labour market systems and skills development, particularly among young people, to align education with industry needs.

“The alignment of education with industry needs is being enhanced to broaden opportunities for our young people, more so, as we industrialise and modernise our economy. Through our National Labour Migration Policy, we are promoting safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour migration.

“As we reflect on these achievements, we must also reaffirm our collective responsibility to build the future we all want,” said President Mnangagwa.

He called on Zimbabweans to remain united in driving national development.
“Brick by brick, stone upon stone, and step by step. Together we are the builders of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.

“Our hard, honest work, committed and dedicated labouring has shaped our past and is now defining our present and future,” he said.

At a macro-economic level, the President said the country continues to record signs of stability, with inflation now in single digits and exchange rates showing improved steadiness.

“This achievement is a critical safeguard of the real value of workers’ earnings and a testament of the confidence in our economy,” he said.