Elinciya Witman
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has concluded a four-day national technical workshop aimed at developing a Statutory Instrument SI to define, regulate and penalize child labour as well as hazardous work.
The event brought together legal experts, government representatives, child protection advocates, industry players and in partnership with partners such as UNICEF, the Tobacco Industry, to craft a robust legal framework aligned with both national and international labour standards.
Speaking at the workshop, Mrs T. Utsiwembanje, Deputy Legal Advisor in the Ministry, said Zimbabwe’s Constitution already guarantees children’s rights, but there was a need to strengthen enforcement.
“The Constitution provides fundamental rights and protections to children. Acts like the Education Act and Criminal Law Act already prohibit child labour, but this statutory instrument will help clarify and enforce those protections.,” she said.
The second day focused on regional best practices, with presenters highlighting how countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Gambia and Mozambique strictly prohibit employing children under 18 in hazardous work.
Children are not allowed to use sharp tools in these countries unless they have personal protective equipment (PPE),” one presenter explained.
On the final day, participants refined key definitions such as child labour, employer, education safeguard, child protection officer, heavy load and child sexual performance, which will form the legal basis of the SI.
UNICEF Child Protection Officer Mrs Kudzai Jiri and the Zimbabwe Regional Director of the Tobacco Industry addressed delegates on the need for civic penalties, particularly targeting overtime violations involving minors.
“We need penalties that truly reflect the seriousness of child labour, especially in industries where children are most vulnerable. The new instrument is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s ability to monitor, prosecute and prevent child labour, while promoting safer environments for children.”
The Ministry says the draft SI will now undergo final legal vetting before being gazetted.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over the exploitation of minors in informal sectors, especially in agriculture, mining, and domestic work. While Zimbabwe’s Constitution and existing laws, such as the Education Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, already prohibit child labour, gaps in enforcement and clarity have made it difficult to hold offenders accountable.
The new SI seeks to bridge that gap by clearly outlining what constitutes child labour, who qualifies as a child, and what work is deemed hazardous.
