Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga has urged Ministry staff to emulate the late Director for Occupational Safety and Health Services Department, George Patrick Kashinka in achieving professional excellence, if they intend to continue serving in the civil service.
Mr. Luhanga said Engineer Kashinka’s untimely death is a huge blow to the Ministry as it will be demanding to find a suitable officer to step into his shoes.
“He Joined the civil service as an inspector of factories on March 28, 2003, he was promoted in 2005 and again in July 2010 as chief inspector of factories. He attained the highest position of Director in February 2018, all because of his hard work. Cabinet approved in principle the amendment of the Factories Act and Occupational Health and Safety Institute Act due to his immense contributions,” Mr Luhanga said.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking during the funeral service of the late Director, which was held at Shalom Embassy Church in Lusaka.
Mr. Luhanga remembered Eng. Kashinka for leading a devotional life.
“I used to call him my engineer, we have lost a great man as a Ministry. He (Mr.Kashinka) always executed assignments diligently, we thank God for his gift, he was always ready to pray. As civil servants we need to portray our virtues both at work and church,” he said.
“He worked for the Ministry for 22 years and he could not be transferred to any other Ministry largely because his expertise was relevant to our Ministry. He was very kind, he was very hard working. For those in the Ministry, if you want us to keep you long, copy and paste what George did.”
He urged the children of the late Engineer Kashinka to follow in his footsteps as he pledged Government’s support, as they pull through a difficult time.
“To the children be the engineer George was, we will give you support as Government in any ways possible to ensure we reduce the suffering,”said Mr. Luhanga.
Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president, Blake Mulala remembered Mr. Kashinka for his proficiency.
“He was a spring of knowledge in the Ministry of Labour, who will be difficult to replace. George was a man full of joy, he imparted knowledge to others. We need to take care of the family and children beyond putting him to rest. We must live a life of service to others like he did,”said Mr. Mulala.
Shalom Embassy overseer, Pastor Sunday Sinyangwe urged mourners to always strive to leave a legacy that society will always remember.
Former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Fackson Shamenda and the four former Permanent Secretaries Trevor Kaunda, Chola Chabala, Owen Mugemezulu and Ngosa Chisupa who once worked with the late Director Kashinka joined the Ministry in paying last respects at the Memorial Park.
Eng. Kashinka who died at the age of 52 on March 19, 2025, around 02:00 hours after a short illness, was inhumed today at Lusaka’s Memorial Park.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia and two children.
