Zimbabwe Employment Contract Template (Free Download)

Q: Can I use this template for any type of employee?

This template is designed for permanent (indefinite) employment contracts. For fixed-term, casual, or seasonal contracts you will need to modify the duration and termination clauses. We can prepare customised contracts for any employment type from $30.

Free Employment Contract Template

Below is a comprehensive employment contract template that complies with section 12 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01]. It includes all mandatory particulars and common additional clauses. Copy and customise it for your business, replacing the placeholders in [square brackets] with your specific details.

How to use this template: Replace all items in [square brackets] with your company and employee details. Delete any optional clauses that do not apply. Have both parties sign two copies — one for the employer, one for the employee.

Contract of Employment

Parties

This contract is made between:

Employer: [Company Name], registration number [CR number], of [registered address] (hereinafter “the Employer”)

Employee: [Full Name], National ID number [ID number], of [residential address] (hereinafter “the Employee”)

1. Commencement and Duration

1.1. This contract commences on [start date] and is for an indefinite period unless terminated in accordance with the provisions below.

1.2. The first [1/2/3] months shall constitute a probation period, during which either party may terminate with one week’s written notice.

2. Job Title and Duties

2.1. The Employee is employed as [job title] and shall perform the duties outlined in the attached job description (Annexure A).

2.2. The Employee shall report to [supervisor/manager title].

2.3. The Employer may reasonably require the Employee to perform additional duties consistent with the role.

3. Place of Work

3.1. The Employee’s primary place of work is [address/location].

3.2. The Employer may require the Employee to work at other locations with reasonable notice.

4. Remuneration

4.1. The Employee shall receive a gross salary of $[amount] per [month/week], payable by [bank transfer/cash/cheque] on or before the [date] of each [month/week].

4.2. Statutory deductions (PAYE tax, NSSA employee contribution of 4.5%, and AIDS levy) shall be deducted from the gross salary.

4.3. Salary reviews shall be conducted annually in [month], at the Employer’s discretion.

5. Working Hours

5.1. Normal working hours are [e.g., 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday], totalling [40/44/48] hours per week.

5.2. The Employee is entitled to a lunch break of [30/60] minutes per day.

5.3. Overtime work may be required and shall be compensated at 1.5 times the normal hourly rate, or as specified by the applicable NEC agreement.

6. Leave Entitlements

6.1. Annual leave: The Employee is entitled to 1 day of annual leave per month worked (12 working days per year after 1 year of service).

6.2. Sick leave: 90 days on full pay, followed by 90 days on half pay, in any 2-year cycle. A medical certificate is required for absences exceeding 2 consecutive days.

6.3. Maternity leave: Female employees are entitled to 98 days’ maternity leave, with 2/3 salary funded by NSSA.

6.4. Paternity leave: Male employees are entitled to 10 days’ paternity leave.

6.5. Public holidays: The Employee is entitled to all 12 gazetted public holidays. Work on a public holiday shall be compensated at double the normal rate.

7. NSSA and Pension

7.1. The Employer shall register the Employee with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and remit contributions of 4.5% (employer) and 4.5% (employee) of insurable earnings monthly.

7.2. [Optional: The Employer operates a company pension scheme through [provider name]. The Employee’s contribution is [X]% and the Employer’s contribution is [X]% of basic salary.]

8. Termination

8.1. After probation, either party may terminate this contract by giving [2 weeks / as per NEC] written notice.

8.2. The Employer may summarily dismiss the Employee (without notice) for gross misconduct, including but not limited to theft, fraud, violence, or gross insubordination, subject to a fair disciplinary hearing.

8.3. Payment in lieu of notice may be made by either party.

9. Retrenchment

9.1. In the event of retrenchment, the Employee shall be entitled to a minimum package of 1 month’s salary per year of service, in accordance with section 12C of the Labour Act.

10. Confidentiality

10.1. The Employee shall not, during or after employment, disclose any confidential information belonging to the Employer without prior written consent.

11. Code of Conduct

11.1. The Employee agrees to abide by the Employer’s Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures, a copy of which has been provided.

12. Applicable Law and NEC

12.1. This contract is governed by the laws of Zimbabwe, in particular the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].

12.2. [If applicable: This employment is subject to the [name] National Employment Council agreement, registered SI [number].]

13. Entire Agreement

13.1. This contract, together with any annexures, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Any amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Signatures

Employer:

Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Employee:

Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Witness:

Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes and as a starting point. It should be customised to your specific business needs and reviewed by a legal professional, especially if your industry is covered by an NEC agreement with additional requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this employment contract template legally valid in Zimbabwe?

This template includes all mandatory particulars required by section 12 of the Labour Act. However, it should be customised to your specific circumstances and ideally reviewed by a legal professional before use, especially for senior roles or specialised industries covered by NEC agreements.

Can I use this template for any type of employee?

This template is designed for permanent (indefinite) employment contracts. For fixed-term, casual, or seasonal contracts you will need to modify the duration and termination clauses. We can prepare customised contracts for any employment type from $30.

Do I need to register the contract with any government body?

Employment contracts do not need to be registered with a government body. However, you must register the employee with NSSA for pension and accident insurance contributions, and with ZIMRA for PAYE tax deductions. Both registrations should be done before the employee starts work.

What happens if my contract does not include all mandatory particulars?

Failing to provide all mandatory particulars is an offence under the Labour Act. In a dispute, the Labour Court will apply the statutory minimums (e.g., notice periods, leave entitlements) where the contract is silent. The employee will benefit from any ambiguity.