Source: Govt reaffirms commitment to workers’ welfare – herald
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
GOVERNMENT remains committed to workers’ welfare and various laws are being put in place to legally support the observance of international labour standards, a Cabinet minister has said.
Addressing thousands of workers at Dzivarasekwa Stadium to commemorate International Workers’ Day yesterday, Acting Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima said the Government will always support workers as they negotiate with their employers through their national employment councils.
The commemorations drew labour unions, Government officials, captains of industry and representatives of political parties.
Prof Mavima highlighted that the day belonged entirely and unreservedly to the men and women who, in their quiet and tireless dignity, hold this nation together.
“Workers are the cornerstone of society. They are the cornerstone of our economy. They take the leading role in developing not just this nation, but all nations of the world. They create wealth and bring up future generations. So, we indeed salute you, our workers,” said Minister Mavima.
He further stated that the National Development Strategy 2, Government’s guiding national blueprint from 2026 to 2030, is unambiguous.
Inclusive growth, he said, can only be achieved when the workforce is protected, well remunerated and empowered to participate meaningfully in social dialogue.
“It is within this strategic context that my ministry, representing Government, executes its mandate of governing the world of work through, among other instruments, the Labour Act, Chapter 28:01, the Public Service Act, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Act, the National Employment Council framework, the occupational safety and health regulations, and the full architecture of our industrial relations system,” he stated.
Prof Mavima stressed that the Government is working towards upper-middle-income status by 2030.
“As Zimbabweans, let us think even further and say we will build one of the best economies in the world.
“As we do that, let us always remember that it is the sweat and the blood of the workers that will move this country forward.
“The Government remains fully committed to ensuring that all Zimbabweans who work for a living go home and are able to feed their families through our 48 national employment councils.”
He further noted that Government will always support workers as they negotiate with their employers through their national employment councils.
Government, he said, is working on providing non-monetary rewards to improve the quality of life for workers.
He emphasised the importance of occupational safety and health in the workplace.
“In 2025, our inspectors issued 847 improvement notices and 143 prohibition notices following workplace inspections. NSSA processed 12 400 workforce injury compensation claims,” Minister Mavima said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu PF Harare provincial chairman Cde Godwills Msimirembwa said the ruling party is serious about workers’ rights and empowerment.
He said President Mnangagwa is the champion for the empowerment of workers, the creation of a conducive environment and the earning of better wages.
“When His Excellency talks about Vision 2030, an upper-middle-income economy, it means workers are very much a part of the equation, because it is the workers who go out there to labour, to build the economy, in the farming sector, in the mining sector, in the commercial and industrial sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Dr Vincent Hungwe said workers are the true engine of national development and must be protected, fairly rewarded and empowered in a rapidly changing world of work.
In a statement, Dr Hungwe said the importance of labour often becomes most visible when it is absent, stressing that the strength of a nation lies in its workforce rather than in its institutions alone.
“There is a profound truth that the true power of a nation does not sit in palaces, but in the hands of those who show up to work every day,” he said.
Held under the theme “Honouring the dignity of labour: Defending workers’ rights, fair wages and social protection for all,” this year’s celebrations called for renewed commitment to improving conditions for workers across the public sector. Dr Hungwe paid tribute to teachers, health workers, administrators and other civil servants whose contributions, he said, are often unseen but critical to the functioning of Government and society.
“Your presence here is not just symbolic; it is a statement that the dignity of labour must be upheld, fairness must not be deferred, and social protection must be strengthened as a matter of justice,” he said.
Dr Hungwe, however, noted that the global world of work is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological change, urging workers to adapt and embrace new systems being introduced across Government.
He said the ongoing job evaluation and organisational optimisation, rationalisation exercise was aimed at improving efficiency, fairness and performance within the public service.
“Job evaluation is not an adversary of the worker; it is an instrument of fairness, clarity and efficiency, ensuring that jobs are properly defined and contributions appropriately recognised,” he said.
Addressing concerns over automation, Dr Hungwe dismissed fears that technology would replace workers.
“Technology does not replace the worker; it amplifies the worker. It removes inefficiencies and allows you to focus on higher-value work that truly makes a difference,” he said.
Dr Hungwe said the Government’s goal is to build a digitally empowered workforce capable of thriving in a fast-evolving global environment.
On remuneration, Dr Hungwe said the new framework introduced on April 1 was designed to align jobs within a fair and structured system, rather than serve as a direct cost-of-living adjustment.
However, he acknowledged that concerns over the rising cost of living remain valid and would be addressed through established negotiation platforms.
“The question of cost-of-living adjustment is both legitimate and pressing, and it deserves priority and careful consideration. Let us move forward with a shared commitment to uphold the dignity of labour, strengthen fairness and opportunity, and ensure every worker is valued and empowered,” he said.
