Bernard Mutambudzi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said most problems would disappear if people talked to each other more, instead talking about each other.

Speaking during the launch of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) Act, President Mnangagwa said TNF had been in existence for close to two decades championing dialogue on many issues affecting the socio-economic landscape of our country.

He said the Second Republic would accelerate legislative reforms to improve development and improve the quality of life to the people of Zimbabwe.

“In keeping with our new culture of openness and dialogue, l am optimistic that the enactment of TNF legislation will enable the emergence of a stronger and more responsive social dialogue platform capable of contributing to the speedy resuscitation of the economy and attainment of Vision 2030," said the President.

He implored social partners to craft innovative strategies that conform to new realities.

“I further call for the development of a Social Contract that facilitates the intricate balance between needs of all partners and quest to grow our economy and national interest," said the President.

He implored citizens to shun the culture of militancy, disharmony and demonstrations.

“We must develop greater understanding of each other's perspectives," the President said.

He said violence must never be used as a tool to gain temporary advantage at the expense of the people who must be served and protected.

“Retrogressive culture will only serve to widen our fissures and exacerbate our socio-economic challenges and further delay the prosperity that our country so much needs and our people deserve," said the President.

He implored for peace and unity in workplaces.

"As a listening Government, we will remain available to dialogue, prescriptions and recommendations to built trust and confidence among all partners," said the President.

He said Government would continue to hold more frequent meetings with representatives of social partners to discuss matters of mutual concern.

He said Government remained unwavering in its commitment to enhance the social welfare and interests of workers.

“We shall also remain the guarantor of the constitutionally enshrined rights of workers as expressed in Section 65 of our Constitution and Principles of the International Labour Standards, which we ratified," said President.

He said Zimbabwe was Open for Business and Dialogue, and the ongoing Ease of Doing Business Reforms must never be deemed as tantamount to the erosion of workers’ rights but as a means to create a competitive environment to attract investment, profitable enterprises and sustainable jobs.

He said Technical Committees of the TNF, in line with devolution are encouraged to hold provincial and district consultations to ensure that more representatives reports are tabled before the Forum.