Mnangagwa slams short-term work

Published: 1 hour ago

As Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating Workers' Day, President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered a strong warning against the continued use of perpetual short-term contracts, saying such practices undermine workers' dignity and job security.

In his May Day address on Thursday, Mnangagwa said employers must ensure that where work is continuous, employment conditions should reflect stability rather than exploitation disguised as flexibility.

"The provisions of the law must be upheld without fear or favour and exploitation, which is often disguised as flexibility, expunged," he said.

The President highlighted the Government's ongoing policy initiatives, including the National Employment Policy and Formalisation Strategy, which he said are designed to transform the labour market while protecting workers.

"Formalisation is a social justice imperative aimed at restoring pride to millions of hard-working Zimbabweans," he said, noting that the strategy would expand access to social security, legal protections and economic opportunities without placing undue burden on workers.

Mnangagwa also underscored the importance of strengthening Labour Market Information Systems to enable evidence-based policymaking, while placing emphasis on skills development and youth empowerment.

"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," he said.

He added that Zimbabwe's National Labour Migration Policy seeks to promote safe and mutually beneficial labour mobility, while safeguarding citizens working abroad.

Calling for collective responsibility, the President urged employers to uphold high labour standards and workers to remain committed to productivity and excellence.

"Social partners are equally challenged to scale up constructive engagements as we nurture the culture of consensus, stability and progress," he said.

Mnangagwa said his administration remains guided by the Constitution, particularly provisions guaranteeing labour rights, which are enforced through legislation such as the Labour Act and the Public Service Act.

He noted that under the National Development Strategy 2 and the broader Vision 2030 framework, workers are central to Zimbabwe's economic transformation.

At the macroeconomic level, the President pointed to what he described as progress in stabilising the economy, including single-digit inflation and exchange rate stability, which he said help preserve the value of workers' earnings.

However, he acknowledged that many workers continue to face hardships due to global economic shocks and supply chain disruptions. He said Government, through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum, is engaging stakeholders to establish fair and sustainable wage structures.

"Dialogue remains our chosen path for win-win solutions," he said.

Mnangagwa also stressed the importance of workplace safety, describing it as both a legal obligation and moral imperative, with Government stepping up inspections and modernising occupational health and safety regulations.

Marking the significance of Workers' Day, the President paid tribute to Zimbabwe's workforce across sectors — from informal traders and farmers to miners, health workers, teachers, civil servants and artisans.

"This day belongs to us all," he said, praising the resilience and contribution of workers in building the nation's economy and shaping its future.
- The Chronicle

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