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Proposed Reforms Will Modernise Pensions and Deliver Customer-Centric Services – Tambatamba

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba has called on Members of Parliament to rise above political divides and unite behind key social security (pension) reforms aimed at safeguarding the future of Zambian workers.
Ms. Tambatamba reminded lawmakers that the pension reforms being undertaken under the National Pensions Scheme Authority, (NAPSA), Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) are aimed at reestablishing trust and serve their purpose of preserving dignity for workers in retirement through the provision of an income stream every month.
The Minister was speaking when she officially opened the stakeholders’ forum on pension reforms with the parliamentary committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters including members from other parliamentary committees.
Ms. Tambatamba emphasized that the reforms are not merely technical adjustments but a profound national commitment.
“These reforms are not just policy changes; they are a promise of dignity, security, and hope for every Zambian worker who has spent a lifetime building this nation,” she said.
Among the challenges that have persisted in the social security landscape, are: low coverage, inadequate benefits, fragmented systems, delayed payments, and inconsistencies in legislation.
In January this year, Cabinet approved the initiation of comprehensive pension reforms to remedy the following; the timely and predictable benefit payments to retirees, harmonising pension schemes to improve efficiency, strengthening governance and transparency in pension fund management, expanding coverage so that no worker is left behind.
Other curative measures are the promotion of sustainability and adequacy of the schemes and funds by aligning contributions and benefits with economic realities, and modernizing the pensions legal framework to make it customer-centric.
Ms. Tambatamba emphasized that endorsing progressive laws being implemented by the New Dawn Administration, the country will have a pension system that is sustainable, equitable, and aligned with the needs of both current and future generations.
“Government has shown goodwill and commitment to make these reforms a reality, because we believe that every citizen deserves a retirement that is secure and meaningful. your support will ensure that we deliver a system that is fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our people. together, let us make history by giving our workers the future they deserve.”
The Minister urged Members of Parliament to approach the matter with unity and patriotism.
“Let us rise above politics and personal interests, and unite for a cause that speaks to the heart of every family in Zambia, because when we protect the worker, we protect the nation. Together, let us make history by giving our workers the future they deserve. The opportunity is here and the time to act is now,”said Ms. Tambatamba.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee of National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters, Sibeso Sefulo said there’s need to build a transparent pension framework by creating laws that harmonize the country’s pension funds and schemes, a move that will improve efficiency and expand benefits for workers across Zambia.
And Emoluments Commission Director General, Chebo Mbula urged participants to openly discuss the key areas of concern, emphasizing that such dialogue would provide valuable input that will shape and strengthen the ongoing reform process.
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TAMBATAMBA CALLS FOR PROACTIVE SAFETY IN INDUSTRY, NOT POST-ACCIDENT RESPONSES

Lusaka, Zambia 28th November, 2025-Minister of Labour and Social and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba has urged industry to make workplace safety paramount, as it is the foundation of national productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Ms. Tambatamba was speaking During a Courtesy visit paid on her office by Chilanga Cement Chief Executive officer, Chai Jianping. The Minister remarked that occupational safety and health is not an optional corporate exercise but a legal obligation that protects workers against physical harm and exposure to hazardous substances.
Ms. Tambatamba said Government expects all companies especially those operating in high risk sectors, to adopt a proactive, preventive and systematic approach to occupational safety and health and encouraged Chilanga Cement to work proactively with the Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSH) under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
“We must desist from having a reactive approach to matters of safety and health. Instead, we must be proactive; engaging the OSH Department before accidents occur,” the Minister said.
Ms. Tambatamba extolled Chilanga Cement for championing productivity and job creation, promoting a safety culture, maintaining an accident free record and engaging Government on critical labour matters. The Minister further emphasized Government’s broader economic agenda anchored on productivity, job creation and value addition.
“Work is not visitation at your place of work, it’s about delivering a product for the country’s economic growth. Work starts from the community; hence President Hakainde Hichilema is promoting the culture of work through cooperatives,” Ms. Tambatamba said.
She indicated that while the private sector will drive economic transformation under the Eighth National Development Plan, Government remains committed to providing an enabling environment through sound policy, regulation and infrastructure.
On human capital development, Ms. Tambatamba encouraged enterprises like Chilanga Cement to continue building synergies with the National Productivity Development Department, whose mandate includes supporting organizations in strengthening competitiveness, fostering continuous improvement and nurturing harmonious labour-management relations.
Chilanga Cement reported exceptional progress in safety, announcing that all major projects undertaken over the past three years were completed with zero lost-time injuries.
The projects include: the expansion of the Chilanga Plant, raising daily clinker output from 2,300 to 2,800 tons, construction of a new Lime Production Line at the Ndola Plant, the upgrade of Kiln 1 in Ndola, increasing capacity from 500 to 1,500 tons per day, development of a Dry Mortar Production Line at Chilanga and the procurement of a 2-ton waste-management shredder to manage garbage within the community.
In his remarks Mr. Jianping said teams in production, maintenance, and laboratory operations have been sent for specialized training in Tanzania and Malawi, while Zambian experts in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Legal affairs, have provided technical support to sister operations across Africa and the Middle East.
Chilanga Cement Human Resource Officer, Wamusheke Simenda revealed that several contractors trained during these projects have since transitioned into full-time employment, and 50 graduates have been onboarded on the Company’s step-up platform for training, demonstrating how investment-led skills development directly supports job creation.
The delegation assured the Honourable Minister that Huaxin Group remains committed to long-term, sustainable investment in Zambia and continue maturing to make Chilanga Cement the leading cement producer in the country, while preserving its decades-old legacy.
Issued by:
(Original Copy Signed)
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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NO ZAMBIAN WORKERS WILL LOSE JOBS THROUGH NEW INVESTMENTS-PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

President Hakainde Hichilema has vowed that no Zambian worker will be declared redundant as the country attracts new investments.
Addressing the Press this morning, the Head of State said Government is commitment to safeguarding jobs and expanding employment opportunities.
The President cited Mopani Copper mines as an example in creating opportunities for citizens through the 2,700 jobs offered to the locals.
President Hichilema recalled how he shut out an investor for not being aligned with his vision of employment creation and economic empowerment when the said investor proposed on declaring 5,000 workers redundant on the Copperbelt Province.
“I remember one day my colleagues in Cabinet were not happy with me. I said, “This bid, don’t talk to me about it. Why is it that they want to declare 5,000 workers redundant? We are here to employ, to create employment. How can a bidder tell me they will remove 5,000 citizens from the mines when people have been waiting for a revival?” I said, “Ouch”. There was a debate, then I ruled: “This debate is over. This bid is out.” If they want to send 5,000 Zambians home, we cannot accept that,” he said.
“And then an investor came who promised no redundancies; instead, an additional 2,000 jobs, and even more people employed. That is what we are doing for the people, even for those who may not realise that 2,000 jobs, multiplied by a family of eight, multiplied by another factor of ten for the extended family, means thousands more people benefiting.”
President Hichilema underscored that employment preservation and creation are non-negotiable, as Government’s commitment under pillar number one of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) is to expand employment opportunities and grow the economy.
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Government’s Focus Is On Creating Economic Opportunities for Every Zambian, Says President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has maintained that job creation remains a priority of the New Dawn Administration, stressing that the government’s economic and governance reforms are driven by a core mission: to offer opportunities that uplift every Zambian regardless of their political affiliation or background.
Addressing the Press at Statehouse this morning, President Hichilema emphasised that Government’s focus is on improving the lives of citizens by ensuring that economic growth translates into real jobs, enhanced skills and the formalisation of artisanal mining.
“We have a simple mission, single mindedness, to work hard, to work smart, all of us in our respective roles for one agenda only, one agenda only to offer opportunities to all our people, to better their lives. That’s our agenda. In all that we do,” he said.
“Since you put us in public office, we have a single mindedness, and that’s what I’ve just articulated; to work, to better the life of somebody, to create an opportunity for an additional job, because that additional job or employment will feed, eight family members, just one job.”
The President said the Country’s improved economic performance fueled by renewed market optimism, and debt restructuring has positioned Zambia to expand employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
“we are in a position where the country is now a meeting place for the East. They come to talk to do business with us. It is the hard work that we undertook to having acknowledged the difficulties we had,”President Hichilema said.
“Today, we are seeing a resurgence in investments, and I want to thank all our cooperating partners, all of them: Americans, Chinese, Europeans, British, Japanese, for coming to the table to help us resolve an intractable problem. Remember, we called it a mission impossible. If there’s anything we need to celebrate together as a nation, this is one of them.”
He said Government’s reforms have already created room for thousands of new public sector jobs, in education, health and defence.
“It was difficult to get a job in the public sector, but since we came in, we are advertising for jobs: nurses, teachers, doctors, the military. Collectively, we are nearing 100,000 of young people employed in four years, even with a debt burden, even with Covid and even with many challenges,” President Hichilema said.
The Head of State emphasized that every citizen is eligible for employment provided that they have the necessary qualifications, regardless of their place of birth.
“You don’t have to be born in a particular province to get a job. Let us be inclusive; when you see other Zambians now coming into the public sphere, we should cherish it, where do you want the to work? You want them to work in Malawi? We have moved from exclusion to inclusion and we must celebrate that,” President Hichilema emphasized.
The President stressed on the need to train citizens for opportunities, underscoring that skills development is a central pillar of employment creation.
“Skills training for those that may have no opportunity to go to college. They are Zambians. Skills training curriculum has been changed. Thank you, Minister of Education. A child who is good in plumbing must be allowed to go into plumbing early and must not be called a failure. These are the reforms. We want to create even more employment,” he said.
The President said Government is promoting formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) through initiatives that provide support services, training, and access to markets, to improve the livelihoods of the youth.
“Many governments grappled with how to deepen the benefits from the mining resource for the people of Zambia, starting from ZCM IH, our company. We’re increasing shareholding, which had gone low. Give an example, Mopani was around 20 to 25%. We’ve now renegotiated that to be 49% shareholders in Mopani and our partners, 51% as part of our deepening process,”The Head of State said.
“Many don’t see it. We see it, and we take an opportunity like this to share what we are doing to better your lives, that of your children, including the unborn ones. We have now managed to legislate what we call Local Content Bill to allow Zambian citizens to have more opportunities in the mining sector.”
He warned that informal and illegal operations can fuel insecurity, referencing patterns observed in neighboring countries.
“We want your support to see legal mining, safe mining, not polluting our environment, not damaging forests. We want you to earn more money. That’s why we are pushing market opportunities to buy off, especially for artisanal miners who are vulnerable,”President Hichilema said.
“let’s not create militias in the mining areas, where, in eastern DRC( Democratic Republic of Congo), a 13 year old boy keeps a gun in the house and probably has already killed 3, 4, 5 people. That’s what illegal mining areas can breed. We’ve already seen it in Kikonge, in Mufumwe, Kasempa and Mpika. We call for your support as citizens to structure, to formalize our activities. We have your back. These minerals are yours. We would like to do to our miners, what Arabs have done to their oil.”
The Head of State also discouraged the selling of artisanal licenses but instead encouraged partnerships to support and adopting sustainable mining practices to improve livelihoods.
With mining being one of the sectors targeted for formalisation, the President indicated that formalisation is a national effort designed to improve incomes, expand social protection and create sustainable employment.
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Government Breaks Ground for Kasempa’s Inaugural Shopping Mall Project

Kasempa District of Northwestern Province has stepped in a new phase of economic growth with the official launch of construction works for its inaugural shopping mall, a project Government has described as a historic catalyst for regional development.
The ground breaking ceremony of the Kamusongolwa shopping center symbolizes the commencement of a major commercial investment which will usher in a new era of job creation, economic growth, and inclusive development for the district.
In his keynote address Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga who graced the event, said the K50, million project will create 300 direct and indirect jobs in the first phase.
“The mall is expected to create over 150 permanent jobs in retail management, sales, logistics, security, and maintenance, providing stable careers and fostering skills development for the local workforce in the second phase of the project,” he said
“The development of the shopping mall will also lead to the establishment of a formal, high-value market for local goods and services. Anchor tenants, such as supermarkets, are expected to source fresh produce from local farmers, while other businesses will require services from local suppliers, thereby building a resilient supply chain and empowering entrepreneurs and small-scale producers.”
Mr. Mulenga said the development is aligned with the New Dawn Administration’s agenda to drive economic growth in both urban and rural communities as part of its efforts to decentralise development and ensure that all regions benefit from meaningful infrastructure investments.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba who is Kasempa member of parliament said the project is a bold statement of confidence in Kasempa’s potential and a powerful signal to investors that the district is ready for large-scale economic activity.
Ms. Tambatamba highlighted several achievements reshaping the district, among them improved road networks such as the completed 137.7 km Nyoka road, therecent groundbreaking of the Mutanda–Kasempa–Kaoma Roadofficiated by President Hakainde Hichilema
“These developments send one clear message, development in Kasempa is no longer a promise it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,”she said.
Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga said there is need to stimulate complementary enterprises that can supply essential goods and services to the expanding workforce.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gift Sialubalo emphasized on the effective utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to improve living standards across the constituency by driving community-led development and strengthening essential services.
Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba said generating interest in sustained tourism growth demands an environment that encourages tourists to stay longer, spend more, and explore the area fully.
“This is where infrastructure development becomes essential. A modern shopping mall or commercial hub, provides visitors with familiar and reliable touchpoints through established supermarket chains, giving them confidence in product quality and availability,”he said.
And Board chairperson of the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board, Emmanuel Mbambiko said the investment goes beyond responding to Kasempa’s promising economic trajectory, marked by a growing population and expanding mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
He said the investment stands as a clear demonstration of the Board’s commitment to heeding Government’s call to deliver meaningful development in every part of the country.
The construction of Kasempa’s first-ever shopping mall marks a historic achievement for both the district and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), which has added the project to its growing investment portfolio. The mall represents a strategic shift toward long-term, sustainable investments that not only secure value for the Fund’s members but also drive national development.
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Zambia Marks World Children’s Day With Call to Protect and Empower Every Child

Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Children’s Day, with national celebrations held under the theme “My Day, My Rights. From Promises to Action.”
The event brought together government officials, children, civil society organisations, and development partners to honour the rights, voices, and dreams of the country’s youngest citizens.
Officiating at the national commemoration, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Ms. Doreen Mwamba, in a speech read on her behalf by Acting Minister, Brenda Tambatamba, pledged government’s commitment to uphold children’s rights and continue to protect, nurture, and empower every child.
“This is a day dedicated to honouring the rights, voices, and dreams of every child. It reminds us to recommit ourselves to building a Zambia where no child is left behind,” She said.
She acknowledged that the World Children’s Day serves as an important reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that every child in Zambia grows up safe, healthy, educated, protected, and empowered.
She stated that this year’s theme comes at a critical time, as children across the globe face increasing violations of their rights, including early and forced marriages, various forms of violence, teenage pregnancies, alcohol and substance abuse, and defilement.
“Our children deserve to grow up in an environment where their rights to survival, protection, development, and participation are fully realized, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential,” she said, further emphasizing the need to invest heavily in child welfare and development in order to have a stable, safe, and sustainable future for our country.
The Minister outlined key actions government has taken in a bid to advance children’s rights which include the enactment of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, the introduction of free education, and the establishment of national frameworks aimed at enhancing child safety and participation.
Other notable measures highlighted were the establishment of the Parliamentary Caucus on Children and the Children’s Parliament, the strengthening of the Zambia Police’s Victim Support Unit and Child Protection Unit, increased Constituency Development Fund allocations for bursaries, and the implementation of the Keeping Girls in School programme aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and early forced marriages.
She appealed to the young people to avoid harmful behaviours such as substance abuse, child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and the misuse of social media.
UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Saja Abdullah reiterated the organization’s commitment to working alongside Government, partners, communities, and children themselves to ensure that no child is left behind.
“When a child escapes poverty, the whole nation rises. When a girl is educated, her community thrives. When a child is protected, the cycle of violence ends,” she added, and urged leaders at all levels to move decisively from promises to action in advancing children’s rights.
Addressing children directly, both those in attendance and those participating online across the country, the representative stressed that their rights are guarantees, not gifts and encouraged young people to speak out and share their experiences, noting that “when children speak, the world must listen.”
Giving her vote of thanks, 15 year old Einess Bwalya of Chinsali District commended government and Cooperating Partners for prioritizing the welfare of children.
The day which is commemorated on 20th November annually, marks the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a landmark commitment to safeguarding children worldwide.
Unicef Zambia
Plan International Zambia
Story and picture credit: Ministry of Community Development and Social Services
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LUSAKA TELECOM SOLUTIONS COMPANY FINED K80,000 FOR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES, MULTIPLE LABOUR LAW VIOLATIONS

Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Press Release (For Immediate Release)
LUSAKA TELECOM SOLUTIONS COMPANY FINED K80,000 FOR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES, MULTIPLE LABOUR LAW VIOLATIONS
Lusaka, Zambia, 19th November, 2025-The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has slapped an K80,000 administrative penalty on Lusaka Telecom Solution Company for underpayment of wages, lack of employment policies, and failure to attest employees contracts of employment.
This follows an integrated inspection conducted at the company, led by Assistant Labour Commissioner for Lusaka Province, Ellen Moyo. The inspection was initiated following reports of poor conditions of service at the company.
Among the violations established were; failure to issue payslips, contrary to Section 105 of the Employment Code Act (ECA) No. 3 of 2019, non-attested employment contracts, contrary to Section 25 of the ECA and failure to register as an employer with the Office of the Labour Commissioner, despite having a workforce of over 400 employees.
Other violations were underpayment of wages, contrary to Statutory Instruments No. 49 and 50 of 2023, lack of employment policies, contrary to Section 95 of the ECA.
As a remedial measure the company has been directed to begin issuing payslips effective November month-end 2025, and submit all employment contracts for attestation at the Labour Office.
Telecom Solution Company has also been directed to register as an employer with the Labour Commissioner, ensure all employment policies are made available to employees and regularise remuneration for all workers earning below the statutory minimum wage through contract addendums.
Employers are urged to comply with the provisions of the Employment Code Act, as non-compliance attracts administrative penalties, possible prosecution, and further enforcement measures, depending on the gravity of the offence. The Ministry will continue to scale up inspections, both scheduled and impromptu, to safeguard workers’ welfare and uphold labour standards.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa(MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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NO RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY AT MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
PRESS STATEMENT
NO RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY AT MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Lusaka, Zambia, 17th November 2025-The Ministry of Labour and Social Security wishes to inform members of the public that the job adverts currently circulating on various social media platforms, suggesting that the Ministry is hiring, are fake and ought to be disregarded.
The Ministry has not issued any recruitment notice and is not undertaking such an exercise at the moment.
All official Government job announcements are communicated exclusively through the Public Service Management Division (PSMD), the Civil Service Commission, and the Ministry’s verified official platforms.
We advise the public to verify any information related to employment opportunities directly through our official communication channels before responding to any job advert.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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GOVERNMENT UNVEILS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION REFORMS TO IMPROVE LUMP SUM BENEFITS

Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Press Statement (For Immediate Release)
GOVERNMENT UNVEILS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION REFORMS TO IMPROVE LUMP SUM BENEFITS
Lusaka, Zambia 12th November 2025 -Government has announced a comprehensive package aimed at strengthening Zambia’s pension system and improving access to lump sum benefits, while maintaining the sustainability of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and ensuring income security for retirees.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, said the reforms are designed to give members more flexibility and options at retirement, without compromising their long-term income security in form of monthly pensions that protect retirees from poverty in old age.
The Minister was speaking in Parliament today, in response to a private members’ motion moved by Kanchibiya member of Parliament, Sunday Chanda who proposed that Government reforms the retirement benefit structure under the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), to give contributors an option of accessing lump sum payments upon retirement.
Among the key proposed measures are increased flexibility lumpsum access. The current 20% partial withdrawal benefit will be expanded to allow members to access this amount at retirement as a lump sum.
Government is also considering on increasing the percentage beyond 20% to enhance members’ financial flexibility at retirement.
Another measure is that a voluntary sub-scheme will be introduced under NAPSA to allow members to make extra contributions beyond the mandatory rate. The extra savings will entitle members to access additional lump sum benefits upon retirement.
Government is also introducing a Second-Tier Pension for Civil Servants. Civil servants such as teachers and health personnel employed after 2000 who currently only contribute to NAPSA, will be allowed to also contribute to the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) while workers under local authorities and utility companies will contribute to Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF).
This will create a two-tier system where NAPSA serves as the first pot and PSPF or LASF as the second, enabling civil servants to access up to 40% lump sum benefits.Other measures are the promotion of Private Occupational Schemes.
Government is encouraging employees in the private sector to either create or join existing occupational pension schemes under the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), as over 230 Private Occupational schemes already provide lump sum options for employees.
Ms. Tambatamba emphasized that the reforms are anchored on sustainability and global best practices, in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 102, which permits lump sums under regulated conditions to protect retirees’ monthly income.
She disclosed that the reforms are nearing completion and Government will undertake further consultations in all the provinces, prior to presenting them to the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC) and ultimately Cabinet for approval.
“Our goal is to build a pension system that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all Zambians,” said Ms. Tambatamba.
Issued by:
(Original Copy Signed)
Mwaka Ndawa(MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
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GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS NATIONAL VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Press Release (For Immediate Releases)
GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS NATIONAL VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR
Ndola, Zambia, 10th November, 2025 -Government has transferred the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (NVRC) from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, under the administration of the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB).
The move signifies a huge step in transforming the Centre into a modern Occupational Injury Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre aligned with the New Dawn Government’s inclusive development agenda.
The NVRC was established in 1977 by the then Workmen’s Compensation Board with funding from the Finnish Government and WCFCB to provide rehabilitation services to workers injured in occupational accidents. It was later transferred to the Ministry of Community Development in 1990 to expand its mandate to persons with disabilities.
In recent years, the Centre has faced numerous challenges including inadequate funding, dilapidated infrastructure, limited staff competencies, and an accumulation of unpaid emoluments.
Cabinet’s decision to reassign the NVRC follows a realisation that the country lacked a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre for workers injured on the job, which is essential to help them return to good health and productivity.
Speaking during a visit to NVRC, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, MP, said the realignment of the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (NVRC) demonstrates Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and decent work for all Zambians.
“The New Dawn Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema remains steadfast and committed to ensuring that policy re-alignments are made to invigorate the vital role of NVRC in the provision of rehabilitation and skills training for persons with disabilities,” she said.
“The handover of NVRC to the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board will link the Centre to national priorities of inclusivity, skills development and the promotion of the Decent Work Agenda for persons with disabilities.”
Ms. Tambatamba said the handover will ensure that the Centre is reestablished to effectively serve both injured workers and persons with disabilities through rehabilitation and skills development programmes.
“Government is aware that the transfer of the Centre will cause anxieties among stakeholders, especially employees and learners. However, I wish to assure you that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a smooth conclusion of the transition of NVRC. The transfer of the Centre to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board will prevent further deterioration of the infrastructure and enhance its productive capacity through investment in human capital, infrastructure and equipment,” the Minister explained.
Ms. Tambatamba reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to transforming NVRC into a regional centre of excellence that will provide comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training in accordance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and the employment policies of the New Dawn Administration.
“WCFCB, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, undertakes to develop a regional centre of excellence for the provision of world-class rehabilitation programmes to integrate persons with disabilities into the labour market,” she said.
The Minister expressed gratitude to Cabinet for approving the realignment and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for its collaboration under the One Government approach.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, MP, assured staff of Government’s support, emphasising that the transfer was not meant to disrupt operations but to enable progress and stability.
Ms. Mwamba urged employees to embrace change and build a stronger rehabilitation and vocational centre capable of empowering persons with disabilities, thereby setting new standards of excellence in vocational rehabilitation and training.
Issued by:
(Original Signed Copy)
Mwaka Ndawa(MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security