Marking the first of May 2026, the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Honourable E. Moyo (MP), addressed the nation with a powerful commitment to worker safety, fair remuneration, and the total eradication of child labour. Under the strategic framework of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the Minister outlined a vision for inclusive growth that prioritizes the dignity and protection of the Zimbabwean workforce.
Economic Recovery and Wage Progress
Minister Moyo reported significant economic recovery as of the second quarter of 2025, a trajectory expected to reduce job losses across the country. Key highlights regarding wages and negotiations include:
- Collective Bargaining Success: In the past 12 months, 17 National Employment Councils (NECs) successfully concluded agreements with meaningful wage adjustments.
- Public Sector Harmonization: The Government is working toward a “single spine salary structure” to promote industrial harmony within the public and health sectors.
- Beyond Monetary Rewards: The Minister emphasized that discussions are shifting toward non-monetary benefits, such as property ownership, funeral assurance, and basic needs support.
The “Zero Harm” Safety Philosophy
Workplace safety took center stage in the address, with the Minister revealing stark statistics from 2025: 847 improvement notices were issued, and NSSA processed over 12,400 injury compensation claims.
“No worker should leave home for work and not come back home alive,” Minister Moyo declared, affirming a “Zero Harm” governing philosophy.
To support this, the Government is finalizing a new Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill in Parliament. The legislation will enforce stricter penalties for non-compliance and mandate the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in all hazardous environments.
Zero Tolerance for Child Labour
The Minister issued a stern warning against the exploitation of children, particularly in the informal economy, domestic service, and agriculture.
- Inspections: The labour inspectorate conducted 2,340 targeted inspections in the past year to identify violations.
- National Action Plan: Zimbabwe is working to eliminate the worst forms of child labour by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8.7.
Expanding the Social Safety Net
Social security coverage has reached 85 percent of the formal sector, but the Minister set a goal for universal coverage. Under NDS2, the Government is building a “Social Protection Floor” to ensure that those in the informal economy also receive protection during illness, old age, or industrial injury.
Strengthening Social Dialogue
The Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) remains the bedrock of Zimbabwe’s industrial relations, where Government, Business, and Labour negotiate socio-economic policies. The Minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together, citing an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.
The address serves as a recommitment to international labour standards, with the Minister promising the ratification of all relevant ILO conventions to support the welfare of Zimbabwean workers.