What NEC covers gardeners in Zimbabwe?

Gardeners employed in private households fall under the Domestic Workers National Employment Council (NEC). Gardeners employed by commercial companies, estates, or municipalities may fall under different NECs such as the Horticulture NEC or the Local Authorities NEC, depending on the employer.

Gardener Contract Zimbabwe — Free Employment Template & Guide

Q: Does a gardener need a written contract in Zimbabwe?

Yes. The Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] requires all employers to provide a written statement of employment particulars within 30 days. This applies to gardeners and groundskeepers whether they work full-time, part-time, or on specific days of the week.

Q: Who provides the gardening tools?

The employer is generally responsible for providing all tools and equipment needed for the job, including lawn mowers, spades, rakes, hosepipes, and protective clothing. This should be specified in the contract. The gardener is responsible for the proper care and return of tools upon termination.

Q: How many days leave does a gardener get?

Under the Domestic Workers NEC, gardeners are entitled to 22 working days of annual leave per year, sick leave (90 days full pay + 90 days half pay), maternity leave (90 days), and all 12 gazetted public holidays.

Q: Can I employ a gardener for specific days only?

Yes. Many households employ gardeners for 2-3 days per week. The contract should specify the exact days and hours. Leave entitlements are calculated pro rata based on the days worked. You still need a written contract and must comply with minimum wage requirements (calculated pro rata).

What Is a Gardener Employment Contract?

A gardener employment contract is a written agreement between a household employer and a person hired to maintain gardens, grounds, and outdoor areas of a residential property. In Zimbabwe, gardeners are among the most commonly employed domestic workers, yet many work without any formal contract, leaving both employer and worker vulnerable to disputes about duties, wages, and termination.

Gardeners employed in private households fall under the Domestic Workers National Employment Council (NEC), which sets minimum wages and conditions of employment. They are also protected by the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] and Statutory Instrument 116 of 2020 (Domestic Workers Employment Regulations). These laws require a written contract, set maximum working hours, and establish minimum leave entitlements.

Whether you employ a full-time gardener who comes every day, a part-time worker who comes two or three days a week, or a groundskeeper for a larger property with extensive gardens, a written contract is both a legal requirement and good practice that prevents misunderstandings and protects both parties.

Full-Time vs Part-Time: If your gardener works specific days per week rather than every day, this is a part-time arrangement. The contract should state the exact days and hours. Leave entitlements and minimum wages are calculated pro rata based on the number of days worked per week.

Typical Gardener Duties

A gardener's duties will vary depending on the property and the employer's requirements. Common duties include:

Lawn maintenance — Mowing, edging, fertilising, and watering lawns
Planting and cultivation — Planting flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees
Pruning and trimming — Pruning hedges, shrubs, roses, and trees
Weeding — Keeping garden beds and pathways free of weeds
Watering — Operating irrigation systems and manual watering
Pest and disease control — Applying fertilisers, pesticides, and fungicides as directed
Garden cleaning — Raking leaves, clearing debris, maintaining compost heaps
Swimming pool maintenance — If agreed: cleaning, chemical treatment, filter maintenance
Security garden checks — Checking perimeter fences, gates, and garden security
General outdoor maintenance — Painting garden furniture, cleaning gutters, minor repairs
Vehicle washing — If agreed between the parties

It is important to list the specific duties in the contract to prevent disagreements. Duties not listed can be added by mutual agreement.

Key Contract Clauses

1. Working Hours and Days

Under SI 116/2020, maximum working hours are 10 hours per day including overtime, and 48 hours per week. For part-time gardeners, specify the exact days (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and hours (e.g., 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Include rest break provisions (minimum 1 hour per day).

2. Tools and Equipment

The employer is generally responsible for providing all gardening tools and equipment. Common tools include lawn mowers (manual or powered), spades, forks, rakes, hoes, pruning shears, hedge trimmers, wheelbarrow, hosepipes and sprinklers, and protective clothing (gloves, boots, overalls). The contract should specify that tools remain the employer's property and must be returned in good condition upon termination.

3. Chemical Handling

If the gardener will handle pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals, the employer must provide appropriate protective equipment (gloves, masks, goggles) and basic training on safe handling. This is an occupational health and safety obligation.

4. Wages and Payment

Wages must meet or exceed the Domestic Workers NEC minimum. For part-time gardeners, calculate the daily or weekly rate pro rata. Specify payment frequency (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) and method (cash, bank transfer, or mobile money).

5. Leave Entitlements

Leave Type	Full-Time	Part-Time (3 days/week)
Annual Leave	22 working days/year	Pro rata: ~13 working days/year
Sick Leave	90 days full + 90 days half pay	Same entitlement
Maternity Leave	90 days	90 days
Public Holidays	12 per year (if falls on working day)	If holiday falls on a scheduled working day

6. Termination

Either party may terminate with one month's written notice (for monthly-paid workers) or two weeks' notice during probation. The employer must follow fair disciplinary procedures before any dismissal. Summary dismissal is only for gross misconduct.

Safety Note: Gardeners work with sharp tools, chemicals, and in outdoor conditions that include sun exposure, rain, and potential snake or insect encounters. Employers should provide basic first aid supplies, ensure the gardener has adequate shade and drinking water, and register with NSSA for work injury protection.

Free Gardener Contract Template

Contract of Employment — Gardener / Groundskeeper

Made in terms of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] and the Domestic Workers NEC

BETWEEN:

Employer: [Full Name] ID Number: [______________]
Property Address: [_________________________________]
Contact: [Phone] Email: [______________]

AND

Employee (Gardener): [Full Name] ID Number: [______________]
Address: [_________________________________]
Contact: [Phone]

1. COMMENCEMENT AND TYPE
(a) This contract commences on [DATE].
(b) This is a [full-time / part-time] position. The Employee shall work [NUMBER] days per week: [list specific days, e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday].
(c) The first [1/2/3] month(s) shall be a probation period.

2. JOB TITLE AND DUTIES
The Employee is employed as a Gardener / Groundskeeper and shall perform the following duties:
(a) Mowing and maintaining the lawn(s), including edging and fertilising
(b) Planting, watering, and cultivating flowers, vegetables, and shrubs as directed
(c) Pruning hedges, shrubs, roses, and trees
(d) Weeding garden beds, pathways, and driveways
(e) Raking leaves, clearing garden debris, and maintaining the compost heap
(f) Operating and maintaining irrigation/sprinkler systems
(g) Checking and reporting on perimeter fences, gates, and garden security
(h) [Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance]
(i) [Vehicle washing — if agreed]
(j) Such other reasonable outdoor duties as may be assigned from time to time

3. WORKING HOURS
(a) Normal working hours: [TIME] to [TIME] on scheduled working days.
(b) Total normal hours per day shall not exceed 8 hours.
(c) A rest break of not less than [1 hour / 30 minutes] shall be provided.
(d) Total hours including overtime shall not exceed 10 hours per day (SI 116/2020).
(e) Overtime: 1.5x normal rate on weekdays; 2x on Sundays and public holidays.

4. REMUNERATION
(a) Monthly salary: USD [AMOUNT] / ZiG [AMOUNT], payable on the [DATE] of each month.
OR for part-time: Daily rate of USD [AMOUNT] per working day, payable [weekly / monthly].
(b) Payment method: [cash / bank transfer / EcoCash].
(c) The Employer shall deduct and remit NSSA contributions as required.
(d) A payslip or payment record shall be provided with each payment.
(e) Wages shall be reviewed annually in line with NEC determinations.

5. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
(a) The Employer shall provide all tools, equipment, and materials required for the duties, including:
Lawn mower, spade, fork, rake, hoe, pruning shears, wheelbarrow, hosepipe
(b) The Employer shall provide protective clothing: [gloves, gumboots, overalls, hat].
(c) All tools and equipment remain the property of the Employer.
(d) The Employee shall take reasonable care of all tools and report any damage or need for replacement.
(e) Upon termination, all tools and equipment shall be returned to the Employer.

6. CHEMICAL HANDLING (if applicable)
(a) The Employee may be required to handle fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, and pool chemicals.
(b) The Employer shall provide appropriate protective equipment (chemical-resistant gloves, face mask, goggles).
(c) The Employer shall provide basic instruction on safe handling and storage of chemicals.
(d) The Employee shall follow all safety instructions when handling chemicals.

7. LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS
(a) Annual Leave: [22] working days per year [pro rata for part-time workers].
(b) Sick Leave: 90 days full pay + 90 days half pay per 12-month cycle (medical certificate required after 2 consecutive days).
(c) Maternity Leave: 90 days.
(d) Public Holidays: All 12 gazetted holidays (if falling on a scheduled working day). Work on a public holiday paid at double rate.
(e) Compassionate Leave: [3–5] days for death of immediate family member.

8. TERMINATION
(a) Either party: 1 month written notice (or payment in lieu).
(b) During probation: 2 weeks written notice.
(c) Summary dismissal: Only for gross misconduct (theft, violence, intoxication on duty, wilful damage to property).
(d) Disciplinary procedure must be followed before any dismissal.

9. GENERAL
(a) This contract constitutes the entire agreement.
(b) Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.
(c) Disputes shall be referred to the Domestic Workers NEC, then the Labour Court if unresolved.

SIGNED at [PLACE] on this [DAY] day of [MONTH], [YEAR].

____________________________
Employer
Full Name: _______________
Date: _______________

____________________________
Employee (Gardener)
Full Name: _______________
Date: _______________

WITNESS 1: Name: _______________ ID: _______________ Signature: _______________

WITNESS 2: Name: _______________ ID: _______________ Signature: _______________

Download Free Gardener Contract Template

Get this template in editable format for your gardener or groundskeeper

Request at RegisterCompany.co.zw

Step-by-Step Filling Guide

Step 1: Record Personal Details

Fill in full legal names and ID numbers for both parties. Include the property address where the gardener will work, as this identifies the workplace for labour purposes.

Step 2: List All Duties Clearly

Be specific about what the gardener is expected to do. If you want the gardener to handle pool maintenance, vehicle washing, or security checks, list these explicitly. Tasks not listed may be refused by the gardener, and tasks added later should be agreed upon in writing.

Step 3: Set Days and Hours (Especially for Part-Time)

If the gardener works specific days, list each day and the working hours. For example: “Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.” This determines the work schedule, overtime calculations, and pro rata leave entitlements.

Step 4: Agree on Wages

State the wage clearly. Check the current Domestic Workers NEC minimum. For part-time workers, calculate the daily or weekly rate. Specify whether the wage is gross or net (before or after deductions).

Step 5: List All Tools Being Provided

Create an inventory of tools provided by the employer. Both parties should sign this inventory. At termination, check all tools against the inventory.

Step 6: Sign with Witnesses

Both parties sign with two witnesses. If the gardener cannot read English, explain the terms in Shona or Ndebele and note this on the contract. Give the gardener their signed copy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. No Written Contract

Many employers treat gardener employment as informal. This is illegal and risky. Without a contract, any dispute will be resolved using Labour Act and NEC minimums, which may be more than you verbally agreed.

2. Not Providing Tools

Expecting the gardener to bring their own tools is unfair and may breach employment standards. The employer should provide all necessary tools and equipment.

3. Ignoring Safety Requirements

Gardeners face physical risks: sharp tools, chemicals, sun exposure, and outdoor hazards. Provide protective clothing, first aid supplies, and drinking water. Register with NSSA for work injury coverage.

4. Unclear Part-Time Arrangements

If the gardener works some days but not others, specify exactly which days. This affects leave calculations, public holiday pay, and minimum wage compliance.

5. No NSSA Registration

Even for part-time gardeners, NSSA registration is required. If the gardener is injured on duty and you are not registered, you bear full liability for medical costs and compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a gardener need a written contract?

Yes. The Labour Act requires all employers to provide written employment particulars within 30 days. This applies to gardeners whether full-time or part-time.

What NEC covers gardeners?

Private household gardeners fall under the Domestic Workers NEC. Commercial gardeners may fall under the Horticulture NEC or Local Authorities NEC depending on the employer.

Who provides the gardening tools?

The employer provides all tools and equipment, including lawn mowers, spades, rakes, and protective clothing. Tools remain the employer's property and must be returned upon termination.

How many days leave does a gardener get?

22 working days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time), 90 days sick leave on full pay + 90 on half pay, 90 days maternity leave, and all 12 public holidays.

Can I employ a gardener for specific days only?

Yes. Specify the exact days and hours in the contract. Leave entitlements and minimum wages are calculated pro rata. A written contract is still required.

Gardener / Groundskeeper Employment Contract Zimbabwe