Zimbabwe warns foreign investors against labour law violations

Government has warned foreign investors operating in Zimbabwe to fully comply with national labour laws or risk losing their operating licences.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo issued the warning during an interview on the sidelines of his ministry's five-year strategic planning workshop held in Bulawayo this week.

Moyo said the Government is intensifying inspections across workplaces to curb the growing reports of worker exploitation, particularly in foreign-owned companies.

"We are doing a lot in terms of our inspections, and figures show that this year we have conducted far more visits than in previous years," said Minister Moyo. "This is in response to the heightened abuse of our workers. We want to ensure that as investors come into our country, they follow our laws."

He revealed that an inter-ministerial taskforce-led by his ministry-has been established to investigate reported cases of labour violations.

"If anyone is found to be flouting our regulations, the law takes its course without fear or favour. As a ministry, if we can cancel those licences, we will certainly do it," he said.

To promote compliance, the minister said the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) now assigns labour officers to engage with investors upon entry into the country. These officers educate them on Zimbabwe's labour standards and workers' rights.

Moyo emphasized that investors must adapt to the country's legal framework rather than focus solely on exploiting natural resources.

"Investors must understand that Zimbabwe is not just about resources; our people deserve dignity and respect in their workplaces," he said.

The minister also urged citizens to report genuine cases of abuse, noting that while some reports turn out to be exaggerated, most have been found to be valid upon investigation.