Govt Pushes for Resilient Employment Councils

The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has called for the strengthening of National Employment Councils (NECs) as Zimbabwe moves toward its goal of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Speaking at a workshop held at Clevers Lakeview Resort in Masvingo, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Honourable Mercy Dinha, encouraged participants to reflect on how labour market institutions can respond to transformation and harness opportunities in a fast-evolving economy.

The symposium comes as Zimbabwe embarks on the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which aims to drive economic growth, create decent jobs, and promote social inclusion.

“The success of Vision 2030 depends not only on economic growth but also on inclusive, fair, and sustainable labour practices. National Employment Councils are key actors in this process as they promote decent work and safeguard industrial harmony,” said Minister Dinha.

A key part of the discussion focused on the impact of technology on the labour market. Digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, and platform-based work are transforming how work is organised and delivered, reshaping industries such as agriculture, mining, and services.

“While these technological advances are creating opportunities, they are also raising concerns about job security and social protection for workers in the gig economy,” Minister Dinha stated.

NECs were urged to play a proactive role in ensuring that new forms of work are recognised in law, included in collective bargaining agreements, and provided with adequate labour protection.

“If we do not adapt, we risk a situation where large segments of our workforce remain unprotected, invisible, and excluded from social dialogue,”  the Minister warned .

NECs were called upon to align their sectoral agreements with national development priorities under NDS2, contribute data-driven insights, and anticipate future labour trends, particularly in ICT, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Zimbabwe’s membership in the International Labour Organization (ILO) and commitment to international conventions was highlighted as a guiding framework for NEC operations. Alignment with ILO principles, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work was seen as key to boosting investor confidence and protecting workers’ rights.

“Decent work goes beyond wages to include dignity, equality, security, and opportunity. NECs must adopt policies that address mental health challenges such as stress and burnout, promote gender equality, protect young workers and persons with disabilities, and ensure safe and healthy workplaces,” the Minister added.

Minister Dinha encouraged participants to remain committed to strengthening labour market institutions.

“Together, let us build resilient institutions that will not only withstand the pressures of a changing environment but thrive in it. Let us ensure that Zimbabwe enters 2030 with NECs that are strong, inclusive, and capable of advancing the dignity of work,” she said.