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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter

THERE is a need to build trust between business, the Government and workers to enable positive win-win outcomes when debating major socio-economic policy interventions that drive development.

Concern over lack of trust, speculation, profiteering and corruption among others, are topical challenges at the ongoing Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) conference for social partners in Victoria Falls.

Speaking at the event, TNF social partners expressed optimism that when social partners find each other, it will be the turning point for progress.

The strategic planning workshop began on Monday under the theme: “Social dialogue for nation-building” and ends today.

In his remarks, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, July Moyo, who is also TNF chairperson, said this year’s retreat was an exciting moment for Zimbabwe as it drew attendance from various ministers who represented Government.

Organised business and organised labour also brought representatives from their sectors and deliberations touched on the need to strengthen social dialogue, collaboration and common vision.

“We brought people from the international community and some of them had been told the worst things about Zimbabwe and some had even reported to the International Labour Organisation.

“So, this was an opportunity for them to see what we are doing and we are very happy that they listened to our regional organisation of labour,” he said.

“So, going forward we are going to work together as Zimbabweans, trade unions and business in order to assist the economy.

The Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube was able to give the Government position on how we want to work as a tripartite.”

Minister Moyo said the workshop had so far identified areas that need tightening and legislation that needs strengthening.

“I am very happy with the developments and think that gives us the impetus. Our President (Mnangagwa) likes dialogue, he has done so on the political end and he is willing to see business and labour dialoguing and we have assured everyone that

‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ as he wants to move this country to another level,” he said.

“We need to trust each other, we need to open up and bring everyone to the table to discuss and compromise but at the end of the day dialogue must be based on moving the economy forward.”

Organised business representative Mr Demos Mbauya, who is the president of the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe said business leaders were eager to engage social partners.

“The expectation was to engage social partners and improve dialogue with the Government and labour so that we can create an environment that is conducive for economic growth,” he said.

“It was clear at the workshop that there is a meeting of minds between ourselves, labour and Government on the need for us to map a destination towards a social contract, which would cure our current issues in terms of economic stability but also thrust us forward in terms of achieving National Development Strategy 1 goals.

“Issues of trust and nation building came out very clearly and there was significant commitment from everyone concerned that we need to trust each other, collaborate, build consensus around major economic and social policy interventions and this year looks very exciting,” said Mr Mbauya.

The TNF Act is being worked on and a secretariat has been established, while the platform has helped reduce animosity between Government, business and labour.

Representative of organised labour, Ms Florence Taruvinga, who is Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions president, said workers have learnt to trust the employer and Government.

“Issues of trust are issues that can be built. As of now after these discussions we are learning to trust. We have to come from a point of clean sheet to see how best we can try and find each other for the best of Zimbabwe with best workers rights being implemented as well as salaries and other issues that are still outstanding,” she said.

 

International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions secretary general, Mr Apostolos Xyraphis, who is attending the conference said Zimbabwe’s tripartism can be emulated.

“I discovered a nation with a culture of dialogue and exciting views. This is my message here, to build consensus on every issue of the association,” he said.

“I am certain because I have seen the willingness of stakeholders. This is the message I am also taking back home as a good example as we all go together into the future.”