Chronicle Editor
Chronicle Reporter
ZIMBABWE has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Malawi and Zambia to establish a legal framework for institutional relations on cooperation between the parties in the fields of labour and employment.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the development was tabled before Cabinet on Tuesday by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, in his capacity as chairperson of the Cabinet committee on legislation.
He told journalists in a post-Cabinet media briefing that the signing of the MoUs demonstrates commitment by the country and its peers to co-operate in different aspects of labour related issues.
The minister said Zimbabwe and Malawi have jointly decided to co-operate in areas such as labour dispute resolution and social dialogue, labour law reform, social security, employment services, labour migration, occupational safety and health, and child labour.
“It is important to note that Zimbabwe has similar agreements with Botswana and South Africa and that the co-operation promotes the exchange of technical expertise on policy development and programme implementation,” said Dr Muswere.
On the MoU with Zambia, he said the main objective was to establish a legal framework for co-operation between the two countries in the fields of employment, labour and social welfare.
“The Memorandum of Understanding also provides for the establishment of a joint committee whose responsibilities include co-ordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating activities to be carried out,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the Government has also approved the memorandum on the International Labour Organisation Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the workplace.
Convention 190 was the first international treaty to recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
The Convention was adopted on 10 June, 2019 by the International Labour Committee of the International Labour Organisation at the 108th Session in Geneva, and came into force on 25 June 2021.
“The nation is further informed that governments that ratify the Convention are required to put in place necessary laws and policy measures to prevent and address violence and harassment at workplaces. The Convention represented a historic opportunity to shape a future of work based on dignity and respect for all,” said Dr Muswere.
“Cabinet wishes to advise the nation that Zimbabwe is already complying with this Convention. However, ratification of the Convention will regularise the country’s membership of the International Labour Organisation Convention 190 on violence and harassment at the workplace.”
Further, Dr Muswere said the Cabinet has approved the signing of a MoU on the co-operation agreement between Zimbabwe and the International Social Service Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.
He said the country has worked with the international body in areas of inter-country child protection, refugee protection and family welfare, but without a founding agreement.
“The agreement to be signed will establish the nature of the relationship that should exist between Zimbabwe and the International Social Services, based on the principle of reciprocity,” said Dr Muswere.
“The nation is advised that the desire to sign the agreement was informed by the need to protect Zimbabwean citizens or adopted children who may be ill-treated outside the country.
“Becoming a signatory of the International Social Service will cut the cost of managing related cases outside the country’s jurisdiction.”
Meanwhile, the country is gearing up for the 44th Independence Day celebrations and Children’s party to be held in Manicaland province.
Online Reporter