TNF gets equipment boost
THE Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) that brings together the Government, labour organisations and business organisations has received a donation of laptops, computers and consumables for its secretariat.
The donation was courtesy of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice by setting international labour standards. It is under the process of operationalisation and requires capacitation.
The donation of the equipment to the TNF secretariat comes after a meeting held in Victoria Falls for a TNF social dialogue retreat last month where the ILO pledged to support the secretariat, which is a standalone concern.
At the Victoria Falls meeting, the dialogue sought to create a platform for cohesion between labour, Government and business.
In her remarks, at a brief ceremony held at ILO offices yesterday, ILO director country office for Zimbabwe and Namibia, Ms Philile Ntombikaise Masuku, reaffirmed the organisation’s pledge to building strong, representative and influential tripartite constituents and effective social dialogue.
“We are here today for the office to present to your constituents the equipment and supplies I mentioned in Victoria Falls during the TNF retreat,” said Ms Masuku.
“I hope the equipment we have provided today, will go a long way in facilitating the TNF to effectively play its role towards building tripartite solidarity and consensus in issues facing the labour market and the economy at large.”
Ms Masuku said the ILO would consider the Government and TNF request for capacity building of the secretariat and technical assistance towards a social contract in Zimbabwe. The handover ceremony was witnessed by workers, business and Government constituents.
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare’s chief director Mr Clifford Matorera welcomed the donation which came at a time when the Government is in the process of operationalising the TNF.
He said the Government was also trying to gather resources to empower the TNF to stand on its own and ensure effective social dialogue.
“I hope the equipment will facilitate our secretariat undertaking important research so that we are able to benchmark with other countries how they are handling social dialogue and the tripartite negotiating system,” he said.
“We also needed to enhance our workflow processes as an organisation. We need modern tools.
“We cannot still rely on old tools of trade to accomplish the latest phenomenal desires of this world.”
ZFTU secretary-general, Mr Kennias Shamuyarira welcomed the donation.
“We fully understand for our voices to be heard and for our needs to be articulated and embarked on.
“We need effective tools of trade in organisations. TNF is one of them which we all put all our trust on,” he said.
He said the forum needed to be equipped with efficient modern tools of trade so that the tasks and expectations that are being promulgated in the TNF were promptly availed to the workers and to the Government.
“I hope this is not your last gesture,” said Mr Shamuyarira who is also part of the TNF management and principal committee.
“This must also be extended to the social partners, particularly the worker constituency.
“It is a very good gesture that will leapfrog all the aspirations that we seek to have under the TNF.”
Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe representative Dr Winfred Goromonzi said the donation will make the TNF secretariat more efficient.
ILO is committed to support tripartite constituents and social dialogue institutions through comprehensive and tailor-made capacity building packages, including policy advice, advocacy, and training as well as global knowledge products and tools to help them engage in efforts towards an enhanced model of tripartism and social dialogue for inclusive and effective governance of work.