THE decline of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) mirrors the broader collapse of the country’s technical labour market.
Once a thriving pillar of the nation’s economy, NRZ was brought to its knees largely due to the abandonment of vital apprenticeship systems that had previously supplied the skilled technicians and artisans essential for its operations.
This article will explore how replacing practical apprenticeship programmes with academic qualifications contributed to NRZ’s downfall and examine the ripple effects across Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape.
To fully grasp NRZ’s demise, it is essential to understand its illustrious past. Established during the colonial era, NRZ was the lifeblood of Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across the country and beyond.
Until the mid-1980s, the railway’s technical departments flourished, driven by a robust system of apprenticeship training.
Careers such as diesel fitters, boilermakers, and electricians were highly respected, and those who completed their training were celebrated in their communities.
Graduating as an artisan meant more than earning a qualification. It was proof of mastery gained through years of rigorous, hands-on training under the mentorship of seasoned experts.
These artisans were instrumental in maintaining and repairing rolling stock, and their deep knowledge of machinery kept NRZ running efficiently.
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The ethos of “learning by doing” was central to NRZ’s success, creating a workplace culture that valued craftsmanship, technical competence, and practical problem-solving.
The shift from apprenticeships to hiring graduates without practical experience marked the beginning of the end for NRZ.
Following the country’s independence in 1980, there was a substantial Mugabe's push towards increasing the number of university graduates across various sectors.
While the intention to produce more educated professionals was commendable, the policy was myopic and failed to take into account the need for practical skills in a burgeoning economy.
Instead of fostering a healthy balance between theoretical knowledge and practical training, a trend emerged where managerial roles began to dominate, often occupied by individuals without any practical grounding.
Consequently, the technical departments of NRZ found themselves staffed by individuals who, despite holding degrees, lacked the essential hands-on experience and understanding of the operational skilled that were critical for the railway’s success.
The reliance on graduates rather than skilled artisans meant that NRZ struggled with maintenance issues.
Maintenance backlogs grew, service delivery slowed, and operational inefficiencies worsened.
Out-dated equipment fell into disrepair, as the practical expertise needed to maintain and innovate was no longer available internally.
The consequences of disbanding the apprenticeship system extended far beyond NRZ. Zimbabwe’s entire industrial sector suffered from a severe and growing shortage of skilled artisans.
As older artisans retired or emigrated in search of better opportunities, industries struggled to fill critical roles.
Sectors such as mining, construction, and manufacturing were increasingly forced to hire foreign experts, adding financial strain to businesses already grappling with a challenging economic environment.
Moreover, the neglect of the apprenticeship system has culminated in a culture that does not value craft expertise.
Young people have a growing disinterest in pursuing technical training, often perceiving it as less prestigious than university education.
This perception has contributed to a vicious cycle where industries face skill shortages, driving them further to depend on external hires rather than cultivating local talent.
The crux of the issue lies in the lack of investment in vocational training and the wrong policy focus. Historical data underscores a systemic neglect of the vocational training sector, the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund, intended to finance the development of skilled manpower, has often been underutilised.
Registered companies contribute a training levy, but the funds are frequently not directed toward enhancing apprenticeships and skills development.
Moreover, without a robust national policy aimed at rectifying the artisan shortage, the future of many industries, including Air Zimbabwe and NRZ, hangs in the balance.
The emphasis remains on producing higher numbers of graduates, with a glaring lack of strategic planning to create pathways for technical education that can bridge the skills gap.
Restoring a focus on vocational training and apprenticeships will provide a pathway towards revitalising industries such as railway services, mining, and manufacturing.
Policymakers must reconsider their approach by prioritising investment in vocational institutions, creating a balanced educational framework that equips young Zimbabweans with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
By rekindling the spirit of apprenticeship, Zimbabwe can reclaim its legacy of skilled craftsmanship, ensuring that the story of NRZ serves not as a cautionary tale but as a catalyst for a brighter future.
- Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or chair@zict.org.zw
