The Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) will host its 2026 HR Symposium in Victoria Falls, bringing together over 300 delegates and 15 speakers to explore the issues shaping the modern workplace.
Speaking ahead of the event, IPMZ Acting Executive Director Tinotenda Mushapaidze said the symposium aims to create a platform where HR practitioners, business leaders, and other stakeholders can engage with the issues shaping the modern workplace.
"We want delegates to leave with practical knowledge, new perspectives and meaningful professional connections that they can take back into their organisations," Mushapaidze said.
She said the symposium is also about moving HR beyond an administrative or compliance-focused function and strengthening its role as a strategic business partner that contributes directly to organisational performance, employee experience, and sustainable growth.
Why Victoria Falls
Mushapaidze said Victoria Falls offers a unique combination of business, learning, networking, and destination experience.
"We deliberately chose Victoria Falls because the symposium is not only about sitting in a conference room listening to presentations. We want delegates to have opportunities to connect, have meaningful conversations and build relationships in a different environment," she said.
She added that the choice also reflects IPMZ's commitment to supporting local industry and promoting Zimbabwe as a destination for business tourism.
"We are also incorporating the destination into the overall delegate experience, including opportunities to experience the Mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy a sunset Zambezi experience. So, it is very much business meets destination experience, while supporting local tourism and creating a positive economic impact for the community," Mushapaidze said.
Delegates and speakers
Mushapaidze said over 300 delegates are expected, drawn from HR and people-management professionals, business leaders, and other stakeholders. There will be 15 speakers and contributors, bringing expertise across labour law, leadership, occupational safety and health, employee relations, and the future of work.
"The diversity of perspectives is important because HR does not operate in isolation. The issues affecting people at work are connected to business strategy, technology, legislation, leadership and the broader economy," she said.
New elements
Mushapaidze said one of the key additions this year is the introduction of breakaway sessions, allowing delegates to engage more deeply with areas relevant to their professional and personal development.
Two breakaway tracks will be offered: Employee Wellness & Labour Relations, and Entrepreneurship & Mentorship.
"These breakaway sessions give delegates an element of choice, allowing them to participate in discussions that align more closely with their interests, career aspirations and organisational needs," she said.
She added that the symposium will place a stronger emphasis on experience and engagement, with interactive conversations, panel discussions, and practical learning opportunities.
"So, compared to previous symposia, we are creating a more interactive, diverse and holistic experience—one that speaks not only to the technical aspects of HR, but also to employee wellbeing, labour relations, career development, entrepreneurship, mentorship and the broader development of the HR professional," Mushapaidze said.
Key issues facing HR
Mushapaidze identified several major issues facing HR practitioners in Zimbabwe, including labour-law compliance and changing employment relations, employee attraction and retention, occupational safety and health, managing different generations in the workplace, leadership development, technology and AI, employee wellbeing, and demonstrating the business value of HR.
"The symposium responds to these issues by bringing them into one space and putting practitioners in conversation with people who have practical expertise," she said.
Dr Rose Mbambo, a labour relations practitioner, will address Labour Law Essentials for HR Practitioners, while other sessions will cover occupational safety and health, leadership, employee relations, and strategic people management.
"We are not simply identifying the challenges. We want practitioners to leave with ideas, tools and perspectives that they can apply in their organisations," Mushapaidze said.
Positioning HR for the future
Mushapaidze said the future of HR is about becoming increasingly strategic, technology-aware, commercially minded, and people-centred.
"Technology and AI are changing how organisations recruit, manage performance, communicate and make decisions. But at the same time, the human element remains critical," she said.
"Our role is therefore to equip HR professionals to understand both sides: how to leverage technology while continuing to build workplaces where people can perform, develop and thrive."
She added that IPMZ is encouraging HR professionals to become stronger voices in the boardroom, understanding business strategy, using data, anticipating workforce trends, and demonstrating how people decisions affect organisational outcomes.
Regional perspective
Mushapaidze said the symposium provides a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and dialogue among HR practitioners, business leaders, and other stakeholders.
"This year, we are particularly excited to have regionally acclaimed speaker Pepe Minambo joining us. His session will bring a broader regional perspective to the symposium and challenge HR professionals to think about their influence beyond their formal positions and titles," she said.
"Most importantly, we see the symposium as a space where the profession can ask difficult questions, exchange ideas, challenge existing approaches and explore what HR needs to look like in the future."
She concluded: "Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure that HR professionals are not simply responding to workplace change — they are helping to shape it, both within their organisations and across the wider HR profession in Zimbabwe and the region."
