GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS NATIONAL VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR

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