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Mnangagwa \u201cSugarcoats\u201d Economic Struggles in Workers Day Message<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 President Emmerson Mnangagwa has delivered a Workers\u2019 Day message that has drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing that it presents an overly optimistic picture of the country\u2019s economic situation amid ongoing hardship faced by many workers.<\/p>\n
In his 1 May 2026 statement, Mnangagwa praised the contribution of workers across Zimbabwe and in the diaspora, describing them as central to national development. \u201cTogether we are the builders of our great motherland Zimbabwe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that workers\u2019 efforts have shaped the nation\u2019s past and continue to define its future, saying, \u201cOur hard honest work, committed and dedicated labouring has shaped our past and is now defining our present and future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Calling for unity and perseverance, he urged citizens to remain focused on national development. \u201cLet us continue moving forward, united in purpose, with unwavering determination and confidence in the ongoing works of building our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, brick by brick, stone upon stone, and step by step,\u201d he said, also wishing workers well, adding, \u201cIt is now my honour and privilege to wish all the workers of our great country, including those who are in the diaspora, a happy and restful Workers Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mnangagwa also highlighted the government\u2019s National Development Strategy 2, saying it places workers at the centre of economic transformation. <\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the National Development Strategy 2, we are placing the Zimbabwean worker at the centre of economic transformation, social development and stronger institutions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He pointed to macroeconomic improvements, stating, \u201cAt the macro-economic level, notable strides continue to be made in stabilising our economy, which is now characterised by a one-digit inflation rate and foreign currency exchange stability.\u201d
According to the President, \u201cThis achievement is a critical safeguard of the real value of workers\u2019 earnings and a testament of the confidence in our economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mnangagwa also paid tribute to workers in different sectors of the economy. \u201cWe honour every worker across Zimbabwe. The woman rising before dawn to open her stall market; the farmer who ensures that there is food on our tables, along with the miners who ensure the strength of our economy and the supply of raw materials for industrialisation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He further acknowledged health workers, stating, \u201cA healthy nation is a productive nation. We pay tribute to our health workers who keep their eyes open through-out the night for the well-being of all.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the message emphasised progress and resilience, it comes at a time when many citizens continue to face rising costs of living and economic pressure, with critics arguing that official statements do not fully reflect conditions on the ground.<\/p>\n
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