Parking employers launch new organisation to enhance welfare

Blessing Chidakwa

Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe Employers Association for Parking and Allied Partners (ZEAPAP) has been officially registered with the National Employment Council (NEC) to ensure proper standards and to create uniform conditions of service.

This new employer association aims to provide a structured platform for engagement and policy shaping within the parking services sector. Historically, the parking services sector has struggled to find adequate representation within existing NEC frameworks. The new body will now join the employer teams while workers will remain represented by municipal union or commercial union representatives.

Thus, the successful registration of ZEAPAP with the Ministry of Labour and the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) marks a turning point for the industry.

The launch took place in Kwekwe, and was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, EMCOZ, and various member organisations such as City Parking, Car Safe, Tendy Three Investments, and Gweru City Parking.

An official from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Ms Mary Mapfaka, commended the  ZEAPAP formation, saying it has the potential to foster stakeholder engagement and create an investor-friendly environment.

“The formation of vibrant employer organisations like ZEAPAP will be instrumental in engendering a fair, inclusive economy.”

Mr Alphanette Gemu of Gweru City Parking, was elected president and will be deputised by Ms Ethel Ngirazi from Car Safe. Mr Bongani Nyathi from Tendy Three Investments was elected treasurer general while Mr Charles Chigiji of Harare City Parking was elected general secretary.

The committee members are, Mr James Mukura (Harare City Parking), Mr Wilford Matewe (Car Safe), Ms Mhlandah Chigaba (Gweru City Parking), Ms Melisa Mabeza (Tendy Three Investments) and Mr Godfrey Mupoperi (interim administrative assistant).

Mr Gemu outlined the primary goals of the association, stating that it aims to represent employers in the parking sector, providing a unified voice to tackle common challenges.

 Key objectives include, fostering partnerships among employers to improve operational efficiencies and service delivery standards; offering training to equip employees with essential skills, thereby elevating professional standards within the sector and engaging with Government authorities on regulatory issues and advocating for fair policies that support both employers’ and workers’ rights.

Mr Gemu noted that the establishment of ZEAPAP reflects a broader trend toward formalisation in Zimbabwe’s economy.

As parking services become increasingly vital to urban infrastructure, organised representation is essential for addressing regulatory frameworks and economic sustainability.