Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Correspondent
ZIMBABWEAN workers have been commended for their resilience in the face of ongoing economic challenges, amid renewed calls to strengthen harmonious industrial relations as a means of fostering improved productivity.
This was the key message emerging from the recent Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) Annual 2025 Human Resources Convention, held in Victoria Falls under the theme: “Empowering People Through Digital Transformation.”
The convention brought together industry leaders, policymakers and human resources professionals to explore innovative strategies for navigating the evolving world of work.
Mr Nomore Nhema, Chairperson of the NEC Co-ordinating Committee and representative of the National Employment Council (NEC) for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, applauded Zimbabwe’s progressive strides in labour relations and ethical governance.
He explained how statutory bodies, established under the Labour Act, have become key pillars of stability by promoting fair labour standards, resolving disputes and facilitating collective bargaining.
“Behind a successful business is a workforce that feels empowered, respected and valued,” said Mr Nhema. “There is a shift from viewing productivity as simply the output of machinery, to recognising human capital as the cornerstone of economic growth.”
He noted that NECs have played a pivotal role in reducing industrial unrest by mediating disputes early, conducting workplace inspections, and ensuring compliance with sector-specific agreements.
“By the third quarter of 2024, a total of 95 589 employees had lost their jobs. However, NECs helped mitigate further disruptions through proactive dialogue and consistent policy enforcement,” he said.
Mr Nhema emphasised that the vision for NECs now extends beyond traditional mandates, advocating for the establishment of sector-specific skills databases and employee wellness programmes to future-proof Zimbabwe’s workforce.
“Productivity thrives where industrial harmony prevails. As Simon Sinek said, emotionally invested employees are driven to contribute, not merely to perform.”
Speaking at the same event, Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Hopewell Zinyau, tackled the moral imperatives shaping Zimbabwe’s contemporary workplaces.
In an era marked by digital transformation, economic volatility and evolving employee expectations, Mr Zinyau stressed that integrity must remain non-negotiable.
“Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It is the bedrock of trust and organisational resilience,” he said.
He acknowledged Zimbabwe’s unique challenges, including currency instability, high unemployment and the rise of the informal economy, while proposing pragmatic, values-driven solutions.
Mr Zinyau addressed ethical dilemmas such as nepotism, recruitment bias and mental health confidentiality. He urged human resources leaders to uphold both legal compliance and human dignity.
He called for the establishment of structured, merit-based recruitment panels and psychological safety initiatives.
“Human resources must walk the talk, admit mistakes, and correct unethical practices swiftly. Ethics is not a luxury; it is the foundation of sustainable success,” he said.
Mr Zinyau praised Zimbabwe’s dual strengths: a robust institutional framework for labour relations and an emerging culture of ethical leadership.
The gathering also explored NECs’ role in stabilising employment trends, while reaffirming the human resources community’s commitment to integrity, positioning Zimbabwe to transform its challenges into opportunities.
As the country grapples with technological disruptions and global economic headwinds, the convention’s insights offered a practical blueprint for national resilience.
Participants concluded that the event’s core takeaways, centred on collaboration, fairness and innovation, were not abstract ideals, but actionable steps towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. —@nyeve14
