Ministry of Labour Staff Embrace Tradition and Cleanliness to Commemorate Zambia @ 60

As Zambia celebrates its 60th Independence Anniversary on 24th October 2024, staff members at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are marking this milestone in a unique and meaningful way. In line with the celebration’s theme, “60 Years Strong; Honouring Our Heritage, Embracing the Future,” the staff have committed to wearing traditional outfits every week and participating in the “Keep Zambia Clean, Green, and Healthy” campaign as part of the commemorations for Zambia @ 60.
The initiative not only reflects the pride in Zambia’s rich cultural heritage but also supports the Government’s efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability across the country. By donning traditional attire, Ministry employees are showcasing Zambia’s diverse cultural identity, from the vibrant chitenge fabrics to other iconic garments that represent various regions and ethnic groups. This act of cultural expression serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity in diversity and its journey towards development over the past 60 years.
As Zambia @ 60 celebrations continue the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s weekly activities serve as a vibrant reminder of the country’s cultural richness and the collective responsibility to improve our country, embodying the true spirit of independence.

Empowering Communities Through Safety: AfriSAFE Free Empowerment Training Program

On 22nd October 2024, the AfriSAFE Free Empowerment Practical Training Program took place at the New Government Complex, Lusaka, with the goal of equipping participants from various sectors with essential emergency response skills. The event brought together key stakeholders, marking a significant step towards fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across Zambia.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Cyprian Mayamba, Director of the National Productivity and Development Department, highlighted the Government’s unwavering commitment to safety as a fundamental right and moral obligation. He underscored the importance of occupational safety for the nation’s workforce, which directly contributes to economic development and prosperity. Mr. Mayamba applauded the collaborative efforts of AfriSAFE and its partners, stating that empowering individuals with practical life-saving skills would play a crucial role in advancing Zambia’s safety standards and economic resilience​.

AfriSAFE CEO, Mr. Femi Da-Silva, addressed the audience, emphasizing that safety is a collective responsibility that starts with individual commitment. He pointed out that the program aims to change the narrative by equipping participants with vital skills such as First Aid, Emergency Evacuation, and Mental Health Management. “Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and timely intervention can save lives,” he noted, reinforcing the initiative’s mission to cultivate a safety-first mindset across communities​.

Ms. Hellen Mwamba, Managing Director of SMTS Zambia Ltd, echoed these sentiments in her speech, encouraging participants to view safety as a continuous process. “Safety is not just a gadget; it’s a mindset. It’s the vigilance we practice every day to prevent accidents and protect lives,” she stated. Ms. Mwamba stressed the importance of integrating the lessons learned from the training into daily routines and reminded attendees that even small actions, such as ensuring proper equipment handling or avoiding phone use while driving, contribute significantly to a safer environment​.

The event featured participation from various organizations, including teacher unions, Zambia Occupational Health and Safety Association, youth groups, and trade unions like the Federation for Free Trade Unions of Zambia. Their involvement underscored the shared commitment to workplace safety across sectors. The presence of diverse stakeholders highlighted the role of social dialogue in enhancing safety standards nationwide.

Mr. Mayamba and other speakers emphasized the economic benefits of prioritizing safety, noting that a healthy workforce leads to increased productivity, reduced costs, and higher morale. The Ministry’s ongoing collaboration with AfriSAFE and other stakeholders aligns with its strategy to promote safety awareness and advocate for continuous improvements in occupational health standards.

The AfriSAFE Free Empowerment Practical Training Program concluded with a strong call to action: safety is an ongoing responsibility that involves everyone. Participants were encouraged to apply the skills gained during the training to help ensure a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Zambia. This initiative not only provided immediate benefits to attendees but also laid the groundwork for a long-term cultural shift towards safety-first practices.

COPPERBELT TRANSPORT SECTOR LABOUR INSPECTIONS

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is on the ground conducting special inspections focused on the Transport Sector in Copperbelt Province. Today, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Ms. Chibesa Lupili, led a dedicated team of inspectors, joined by Copperbelt Province Labour Officers, the General Secretary of the Zambia Union of Truck Drivers and Allied Workers (ZUTDAW), Mr. Brian Habeenzu, and members of the press.
The team, divided into multiple groups, carried out inspections at Saraji Logistics and Usangu Logistics Limited in Ndola, as part of an ongoing operation. A total of 30 companies in the transport sector have been inspected so far in Ndola, ensuring compliance with labour standards and promoting workplace safety.
Together, through social dialogue and a commitment to industrial harmony, we can grow every industry and create safer, fairer workplaces across Zambia. 🤝💼

Minister of Labour Leads Key Initiatives in Eastern Province

On 8th October 2024, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, led several important activities in Chipata District, Eastern Province. The visit focused on strengthening labour infrastructure and promoting productivity through the handover of the rehabilitated Chipata District Labour Office and the launch of the National Community Productivity Sensitisation Programme.

The newly refurbished Chipata Labour Office, costing K530,000, is part of the government’s effort to modernize administrative infrastructure, enhancing labour dispute resolution and promoting industrial harmony. The Minister emphasized that the office will play a crucial role in improving service delivery for both employers and employees.

Minister Tambatamba also launched the National Community Productivity Sensitisation Programme, aimed at equipping communities with productivity tools to drive innovation and resource efficiency, especially in the face of challenges like climate change. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster resilience and growth across Zambia.

The Ministry also conducted Child Labour Monitoring in Chipangali District, Kapara Village, focusing on the agricultural sector. Findings showed many children involved in hazardous farming activities like tobacco and cotton production. With the ARISE Project, over 400 children have been removed from child labour and reintegrated into the education system.

Additionally, the Ministry’s team carried out inspections in the transport and agriculture sectors, visiting companies such as Gatoma Assembly Port, Badat Agencies, and Agro Good Nurture. Critical labour violations were identified at Gatoma Assembly, leading to a suspension of operations till employees were given proper protective equipment. On a positive note, Agro Good Nurture was praised for its innovative employee share scheme as part of its social security offerings.

These activities underline the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring fair labour practices, improving public service delivery, and eradicating child labour, while promoting productivity for sustainable national development.

FINAL SPEECH

The Minister leads Integrated Labour Inspections at Juba Transport

Earlier today, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, led by Minister Brenda Tambatamba, conducted Integrated Labour Inspections at Juba Transport ltd in Chinika, Lusaka, alongside a team of inspectors from the Ministry and the statutory bodies.
The inspections focused on promoting compliance, improving workplace safety, and fostering social dialogue between employers and employees to ensure fair labour practices across Zambia.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda M. Tambatamba, today received a courtesy call from the Her Excellency, Ofra Farhi, Ambassador of the Republic of Israel in Zambia

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda M. Tambatamba, today received a courtesy call from the Her Excellency, Ofra Farhi, Ambassador of the Republic of Israel in Zambia. These are some of the key points raised by the Minister during the courtesy call:
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Israel: Zambia and Israel have maintained strong bilateral relations, and this partnership can now be extended into the areas of labour and employment.
Labour Migration Focus: Labour migration is a growing global phenomenon, (an estimated 761 million people migrate within their countries and 281 million people are international migrants, of which 169 million are migrant workers). Zambia is committed to developing rights-based, migrant-centered policies. The Ministry has developed the National Labour Migration Strategy (2024-2028) to improve governance and outcomes for both Zambian and migrant workers.
Key Thematic Areas in the Strategy:
– Governance of labour migration.
– Protection of migrant workers’ rights.
– Harnessing the development potential of labour migration.
– Collection and use of labour migration data.
Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs): Zambia seeks to sign BLMAs with Israel, focusing on sectors like agriculture, health, and construction, to utilize surplus labour in these fields.
3 memoranda of understanding have been signed with 3 countries, namely:
– South Africa on labour migration in 2016, to protect the rights of migrant workers;
– Seychelles, signed in 2019. This agreement has facilitated recruitment of teachers in the Seychelles; and
– Angola in 2023, which allows for Zambia to send health workers to work in Angola.
Zambia also has a social security bilateral agreement with Malawi
Labour Surplus in Zambia: Significant numbers of unemployed nurses, midwives, teachers, and agricultural graduates in Zambia could be engaged in Israel through labour migration partnerships.
As at 2022,
– The nursing and midwifery council of Zambia and the health professional’s council of Zambia had registered a total number of 101,934 out of which 47,323 were not employed.
– Further, the teaching council of Zambia had registered 211,810 teachers, out of which 71, 350 were unemployed; and
– Graduates with certificates and diplomas from colleges of agriculture were 635.
Zambia’s Commitment: The Zambian Government is eager to work with Israel on human resource capacity building, enforcing labour laws, and sharing job opportunity information to improve the welfare of Zambian workers.Talking Notes for Hon. Minister on Israel Courtesy Call_1st October 2024