Matthias Ruziwa
Summary
Independent Labour Arbitrator appointed by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare since 2012 with over 13 years’ practical experience in arbitration. Proven record in presiding over labour disputes and issuing well-reasoned, legally sound and review-resistant arbitration awards in compliance with the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01 and applicable jurisprudence. Seasoned Human Resources and Corporate Governance professional with deep expertise in employment relations, disciplinary processes, dismissals, retrenchments, CBAs, NEC processes and tripartite dialogue. Recognised for independence, integrity, procedural fairness and ethical conduct in dispute resolution.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Engineering, Iron & Steel Association of Zimbabwe (EISAZ)
01.2017 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership and executive direction in line with the Constitution and Board/NEC resolutions.
- Serve as principal advisor to the Board and NEC on labour law, industrial relations, governance and compliance.
- Lead industry-wide collective bargaining and represent the sector in NEC and TNF structures.
- Oversee development and execution of strategic plans, policies and annual workplans.
- Ensure member compliance with labour legislation, statutory instruments and CBAs.
- Manage stakeholder relations with Government, regulators, employers’ bodies and trade unions.
- Oversee dispute resolution frameworks and provide guidance on conciliation, arbitration and discipline.
- Ensure sound corporate governance, board support and secretariat effectiveness.
- Manage budgets, subscriptions and resource mobilisation.
- Lead, supervise and develop the Secretariat team.
- Drive policy advocacy on industrialisation, local content and skills development.
- Represent EISAZ in public forums and media engagements.
- Oversee preparation of management reports, policy briefs and submissions to Government.
- Strengthen member value propositions through training and compliance support.
- Ensure effective risk management, internal controls and ethical conduct.
Independent Labour Arbitrator
Ministry of Public Service, Labour & Social Welfare
01.2012 - Current
- Appointed by the Minister to preside over labour disputes referred for arbitration.
- Conducted hearings involving dismissals, unfair labour practices, retrenchments and contractual disputes.
- Issued legally sound, reasoned and enforceable arbitration awards grounded in statute and case law.
- Ensured compliance with audi alteram partem, procedural fairness and natural justice.
- Engaged legal practitioners, employers, employees, trade unions and NEC structures in dispute resolution.
Group Human Resources Executive
Steelmakers Zimbabwe Group of Companies
01.2007 - 01.2017
- Provided strategic leadership to Group HR and Industrial Relations functions across subsidiaries.
- Developed HR and labour relations strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Led collective bargaining and represented the Group at NEC platforms.
- Managed disciplinary processes, dismissals, retrenchments and appeals.
- Advised Executive Management on labour law compliance and IR risk.
- Presided over disciplinary hearings ensuring procedural and substantive fairness.
- Led engagement with trade unions and works councils.
- Oversaw talent management and leadership development.
- Implemented HR policies, codes of conduct and grievance procedures.
- Managed workforce restructuring and change management programmes.
- Represented the employer in conciliation and arbitration proceedings.
- Ensured compliance with contracts, CBAs and statutory standards.
- Strengthened internal dispute resolution to reduce litigation risk.
- Oversaw remuneration structures and grading systems.
- Built HR governance systems and compliance reporting frameworks.
Education
MSc - Strategic Human Resource Management
Women’s University in Africa
Executive Master of Business Administration - undefined
Midlands State University
Executive Certificate - Practical Labour Law, Conciliation & Arbitration in Zimbabwe
Women’s University in Africa
Higher Diploma - Human Resource Management
Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe
Diploma - Personnel Management
Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe
Certified Professional Director - undefined
Governance Solutions
CanadaSkills
- Labour Arbitration & Award Writing
- Conciliation & Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Interpretation of Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] & SI 15 of 2006
- Disciplinary Hearings, Appeals & Terminations
- Collective Bargaining & NEC Processes
- Procedural & Substantive Fairness
- Case Management & Hearing Facilitation
- Principles of Natural Justice & Administrative Justice
- Ethical Conduct, Independence & Impartiality
Affiliations
- Associate Member – Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe
- Fellow Member – Institute of Corporate Directors of Zimbabwe (FICDZ)
- Certified Professional Director – Governance Solutions (Canada)
LANGUAGES
English – Excellent
Shona – Excellent
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Engineering, Iron & Steel Association of Zimbabwe (EISAZ)
01.2017 - Current
Independent Labour Arbitrator
Ministry of Public Service, Labour & Social Welfare
01.2012 - Current
Group Human Resources Executive
Steelmakers Zimbabwe Group of Companies
01.2007 - 01.2017
Executive Master of Business Administration - undefined
Midlands State University
Executive Certificate - Practical Labour Law, Conciliation & Arbitration in Zimbabwe
Women’s University in Africa
Higher Diploma - Human Resource Management
Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe
Diploma - Personnel Management
Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe
Certified Professional Director - undefined
Governance Solutions
MSc - Strategic Human Resource Management
Women’s University in Africa
PUBLICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTION
- Columnist on Human Resources & Labour Relations – The Herald (since 2014)
- Facilitator on Labour Relations, Governance and Leadership
KEY PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
- Board Member – National Employment Council (Engineering, Iron & Steel Industry)
- Board Member – Engineering Medical Fund
- General Council Member – Standards Association of Zimbabwe
- Former CZI Midlands Chamber President
- Former CZI National Council Member
- Independent Arbitrator – Ministry of Public Service, Labour & Social Welfare (Midlands Province)