NANGO Statement on the International Workers Day

Uncertainty, Abuse and Infringement of Workers’ Rights

Harare – The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins our nation and the rest of the world in honouring workers across the globe. It is worth noting that we are commemorating this important day in the midst of various challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, deteriorating welfare of workers in various sectors of the economies and poor working environment within different economic sectors of the nation. The day, ideally, is supposed to be a celebration of the work being undertaken by workers in different sectors as we fight to achieve the Agenda 2030 and attain sustainable development for the country and the globe at large.

The association take this opportunity to salute Zimbabwean workers and millions of their colleagues across the globe on the frontline who have continued with the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, saving lives in the process. Further, we salute our labour force for their continued dedication despite having to deal with poor working conditions, low salaries and low recognition of their work especially by those with the responsibility to ensure that workers’ needs are taken care of.

Also, NANGO take this opportunity to celebrate workers in the NGO Sector who have continuously put dedication to their humanitarian efforts even though faced with the shrinking operating environment. We are cognisant of the numerous challenges that the NGO workers are facing such as the pending PVO Amendment Bill, Covid-19 pandemic, and the decrease in funding opportunities. We appreciate the continued support that workers in the NGO sector have been offering to communities as they complement government efforts in building the Zimbabwe We Want. The service you provided exceeded all expectations. Thus, your dedication is imperative for the sustainable development of our country in the spirit of Leaving No One Behind and Leaving No Place Behind.  We say “Thank you, and keep up with the good work to everyone involved”.

As we celebrate workers today, the current situation in our country reminds us of how far we have to go insofar as catering for the labour force. The covid-19 pandemic had adverse effects on the labour sector. Businesses and institutions have been forced to reduce the labour force resulting in increased unemployment rates, underemployment leading to work overload on individuals, and deteriorating welfare of workers due to reduced funding. In addition, workers’ rights have and continue to be ignored, trembled upon due to the currently prevailing circumstances. In such situations, the government is required to intervene and develop sustainable ways to cushion those affected by the current environment may it be political, economic, social or technological. The association also urge the government to address the issue of the economic meltdown and support the operating environment of the informal sector. The economy is in dire need of an economic incentive that will be supported by a zero-tolerance of corruption, nepotism, and poor corporate governance. The government need to safeguard and promote the realisation of workers’ rights.

In this regard, NANGO shares recommendations with the following stakeholders:

Employers (Private Sector, CSOs, Churches)

• Ensure to strike a balance between viability and the welfare of workers.
• Ensure and protect the rights of workers by developing and implementing policies that deal with issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, nepotism, racism, tribalism, corruption, extortion, etc.

Employees

• Utilise non-violent methods of engaging employers during difficult times.
• Utilise available avenues to report mishaps at the workstation to ensure a safe working environment.
• Ensure engagement of employers in a progressive way to foster good working relations and find sustainable solutions to the current challenges in the operating environment.

Government

• Ensure consistency of policies, legal frameworks and institutions that deal with the welfare of workers.
• Ensure availability of funds to purchase the necessary equipment and install the required infrastructure for workers to efficiently carry out their duties.
• Improve the welfare of workers through putting together measures that address deprivations dogging the labour sector.
• To upgrade and render full support to public office bearers who in dire economic conditions have remained resolute to the call of national development and service delivery.
• Promote good governance, transparency and social accountability as we rally to see an end to corruption, maltreatment of public service personnel and temporal solutions to their needs and aspirations.
• To align labour laws with international labour law standards.
• To provide work opportunities that can support a decent standard of living.

NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is a non-party political, non-profit making and non-denominational official coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.

For further engagement during this period please don’t hesitate to get in touch with NANGO Acting Executive Director Ernest Nyimai at director.nango@gmail.com, NANGO Board Chairperson Lamiel BK Phiri at lamielbkp@gmail.com or NANGO Board Secretary Michael Ndiweni at bulawayovendors@gmail.com.