Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
ZIMBABWE and Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on labour, employment and social security following an engagement held in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
The two countries are expanding collaboration through the exchange of knowledge and best practices to improve labour administration, occupational safety and health, social security systems and the protection of workers’ rights.
Deputy Director for International Relations in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Miss Tariro Jongwe said the engagement would promote regional integration while strengthening labour administration in both countries.
“This engagement is going to contribute towards regional integration on employment and labour issues as we try to strengthen our labour inspectorate systems. There has to be common ground and common international labour standards that guide us and enable us to contribute to the socio-economic development of our countries.”
National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Director of Occupational Safety and Health Services, Dr Betty Nyereyegona said the discussions would focus on occupational safety, health and social security.
“As part of the discussions, we are going to be discussing issues related to occupational safety and social security, which are within the mandate of NSSA. From this engagement, we expect to share experiences that can enhance the way that we are managing social security as well as occupational safety and health.”
Namibia’s Acting Director of Labour Services in the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Ms Petrina Nghidengwa said the longstanding relationship between the two countries provides a strong platform for collaboration.
“Namibia and Zimbabwe Labour Ministries have a long history in terms of relationship. We are looking at the possibility of extending social security benefits to the informal economy so that they also benefit from social protection in the labour market. Child labour is one of the key and prominent subjects that we are discussing during this engagement.”
Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Clement Vusani said the partnership is anchored on a shared commitment to international labour standards.
“An important foundation of our cooperation is our shared commitment to international labour standards. Both Zimbabwe and Namibia have ratified the Fundamental ILO Conventions, demonstrating our collective resolve to uphold the fundamental principles and rights at work.”
He said these include freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced and child labour, the eradication of workplace discrimination and the promotion of safe and healthy working environments.
The engagement is expected to strengthen labour governance, enhance social protection and improve workplace safety in both countries while advancing regional cooperation.
