By Alfred Zacharia
In a night marked by celebration and recognition, Tanzania Breweries Plc (TBL) was crowned the overall winner of the prestigious Employer of the Year Award (EYA) 2024.
The event, held on Friday, November 29, recognized excellence in human resource management and best workplace practices.
Barrick North Mara Gold Mine Limited and Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) were named first and second runners-up, respectively, in a ceremony that highlighted the remarkable contributions of Tanzania’s leading employers.
The event, organized by the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), featured the introduction of two new award categories: Occupational Health and Safety, and HIV & AIDS Response.
These additions made the competition more engaging and underscored ATE’s commitment to promoting workplace safety and public health initiatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko (MP), officiated the ceremony, extending greetings from Vice President Hon. Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango and expressed his pleasure at attending EYA for the first time.
Dr. Biteko praised ATE for its flexibility in accommodating his schedule and commended the rigorous survey methodology employed by AUDITAX International, the consulting firm responsible for the evaluations.
Hon. Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities), presented awards to the winners in various categories.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing employers who uphold high standards in human resources management, noting that the addition of new categories was a testament to ATE’s dedication to continuous improvement.
The Occupational Health and Safety Award recognized employers with exemplary workplace safety standards, while the HIV & AIDS Response Award honored companies committed to supporting Tanzania’s goal of eliminating AIDS by 2030.
This criterion was introduced in response to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa’s call at the 2023 EYA ceremony, urging employers to enhance workplace support for employees living with HIV.
The evaluation process for this year’s awards began in May and involved thorough assessments, including physical visits to shortlisted participants.
AUDITAX International led the process, ensuring that the winners met the highest standards. With the introduction of the two new categories, the total number of criteria increased to 15, and awards were presented in 10 categories.
During the event, ATE paid special tribute to long-standing members under the theme “Old is Gold.”
Companies recognized for their enduring partnership with ATE included Tanzania Breweries Limited, formerly Tanganyika Breweries Limited; TANESCO, formerly Tanganyika Electric Supply Company Ltd.; TTCL, formerly part of East African Posts & Telecommunications Corporation; Tanzania Railways Corporation, formerly East African Railways and Harbours Corporation; and Tanzania Ports Authority, also formerly under East African Railways and Harbours Corporation.
ATE CEO Ms. Suzanne Ndoma-Doran welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to ATE members for their participation in the awards.
She emphasized that the Employer of the Year Award, established in 2005, aims to recognize ATE member organizations that excel in human resource management and business practices.
She reiterated ATE’s commitment to fostering a supportive business environment that promotes excellence in labor relations.
ATE Board Chairperson Mr. Oscar Mgaya assured attendees that the organization would continue to improve the EYA to sustain a healthy business environment, particularly in employment and labor relations.
He thanked the government for its ongoing support in creating a conducive business climate.
Ms. Caroline Mugalla, Director of the ILO Office for Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda, expressed her honor in participating in the event.
She highlighted the importance of promoting youth employment and formalizing the informal economy as critical steps in advancing decent work practices.
The Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) also commended ATE for organizing the event and praised the government’s willingness to engage with employers and workers to improve labor relations. The 2024 EYA not only celebrated excellence but also underscored the crucial role of employers in driving Tanzania’s economic growth and social progress.