Samia to grace May Day celebrations

NJOMBE: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officiate this year’s International Workers’ Day (May Day) national celebrations, scheduled to take place in Njombe Region tomorrow.

The announcement was made yesterday in Njombe by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Deus Sangu.

He confirmed that President Samia has accepted the invitation and called on citizens and workers to attend in large numbers.

“I would like to inform the public that President Samia will be the guest of honour at this year’s May Day celebrations here in Njombe Region. This is a valuable opportunity for Njombe residents,” said Sangu.

The celebrations will be held at the Njombe Town Council grounds under the theme: “Decent Work is a Strong Pillar for Sustainable Development in the Implementation of the National Vision 2050.”

In a related development, Mr Sangu urged employers across the country to comply with labour laws, including issuing formal employment contracts to workers. He noted that such contracts enable employees to contribute to social security schemes.

“When a young person is not given a contract, they are effectively denied the opportunity to contribute to social security funds, thereby missing out on benefits in old age,” he said.

“The government will continue to take strict action against employers who fail to meet this obligation.”

On enforcement, the minister directed the Labour Commissioner to intensify inspections to ensure full compliance with labour regulations and to safeguard workers’ rights.

Sangu also visited exhibition booths at Mji Mwema Primary School grounds in Njombe, where he commended the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) for coordinating the exhibitions.

The event has attracted participation from more than 200 public and private institutions.

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Meanwhile, Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi is expected to be the guest of honour at this year’s Workers’ Day celebrations, to be held nationally at Dole grounds in the Urban West Region.

Zanzibar Minister for Labour and Investment, Mr Shariff Ali Shariff called on the public, workers from both public and private sectors and other stakeholders to turn out in large numbers.

Speaking to journalists, the minister urged participants to arrive as early as 6:00 am to ensure the event starts on time.

“May Day is not only for workers, but also a day to reflect on the contribution of labour to social welfare and national development,” said Mr Shariff, appealing to all Zanzibaris to take part in the celebrations.

The commemorations aim to recognise the critical role of workers in driving economic growth, assess labour conditions including wages, safety and health and strengthen cooperation between the government, employers and employees.

He noted that the eighth phase government under President Mwinyi remains committed to improving workers’ welfare, describing them as a key pillar of national development.

“The government recognises that a conducive working environment is essential for productivity and national progress. Workers, therefore, must carry out their duties with discipline, integrity and patriotism,” he said.