Zimbabwe’s Economic Challenges: ZCTU Chair’s Insight
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) western region chairperson, Ambrose Sibindi, has portrayed the country’s high employment crisis as a hindrance to successful implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Speaking at the Voluntary National Review workshop held at Impala Lodge on 8th April 2024, Sibindi emphasised the urgent need for solutions to combat the growing challenges faced by Zimbabweans.
Sibindi began by highlighting how the crippling unemployment rate has deeply affected the economy.
Economic Challenges
He explained, “The economy is being adversely affected because even businesspeople are unable to maximise their income or profit due to a lack of market interest. With a significant portion of the population unemployed, poverty levels have escalated, leading to issues such as food insecurity and high crime rates, especially amongst the youth.”
Addressing the root causes of the employment crisis, Sibindi noted, “The majority of the population lacks skills and sustainable training needed to start their own businesses. Many who receive small loans from empowerment programs struggle because they have not been adequately trained and lack the necessary financial management skills.”
Sibindi underlined the urgent need for the national budget to allocate funds for skills training programs.
“We advocate for a budget that assists individuals in acquiring sustainable skills. After completing the training, they should have the capability to establish successful businesses and no longer rely solely on empowerment initiatives.”
Financial Support
Furthermore, Sibindi urged for improved financial support systems as he emphasised the necessity of proper financial management.
“We require adequate training for individuals who receive these loans so that they can effectively run their businesses and handle income and expenditure accounts.”
The ZCTU chairperson also expressed concern about the impact of the economic crisis on Zimbabwe’s ability to compete internationally. “If our industries do not recover and operate up to international standards, we cannot meet export demands. This impacts our economy and prevents us from tapping into potential revenue sources for national development.”
Sibindi stressed that these challenges are not only detrimental to the economy but also hinder progress towards achieving the SDGs, particularly in areas of poverty reduction and addressing food insecurity. “We need a healthy nation where individuals have access to adequate food and can break free from the cycle of poverty. To achieve this, comprehensive interventions addressing employment and economic stability are imperative.”
Prioritise the Unemployed
Sibindi called upon the government to prioritise unemployment and economic revival.
“It is essential for the government to invest in skills training and provide adequate support to ensure sustainable businesses for the population. Only then can we overcome these pressing challenges and work towards a brighter future.”
On a similar note, a representative from Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA), Sarudzai Dube appealed to local authority to provide vending bays to women so they can sell without having their goods confiscated by Bulawayo City Council.
Licensing Concerns
“We have a problem as independent women because we don’t have more licensed vending bays. We no longer sell because if we sell at unlicensed venues City Council confiscates our goods so we need more bays,” said Dube.
The Voluntary National Review workshop served as an important platform for stakeholders to share their perspectives on Zimbabwe’s current socio-economic landscape. The insights provided by Ambrose Sibindi shed light on the urgent need for targeted interventions to address unemployment and revitalise the struggling economy to promote growth and prosperity for all Zimbabweans.
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