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TAMBATAMBA UNVEILS CONSTRUCTION OF BUDGET HOTEL IN CHINSALI DISTRICT

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba says Government is in hurry to bring rural development for decent and wealth creation in various provinces.

Ms.Tambatamba noted that it is for this reason that over 160 million Kwacha is being spent by the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board on the construction of the first ever modern Budget hotel in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province.

She said this when she paid a courtesy call on the provincial Permanent Secretary for Muchinga Province, Henry Mukungule.

The Minister added that there is urgent need to activate investments in the province inorder to potentially uplift the status quo especially in the tourism sector so as to spur the social and economic development of the country.

She noted that Government will do everything possible to ensure that Muchinga Province gets it’s fair share of development by way of encouragement investment into tourism among other economic activities.

” This Government’s focus is on maximising the untapped economic ventures in various provinces and in particular, for the Northern circuit, the focus is tourism,” She explained.

And Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Henry Mukungule bemoaned the lack of infrastructure development in the area hampering development strides.

Mr.Mukungule said government officials are at times forced to held important meetings or gathering outside the Provincial headquarters which is Chinsali due lack to adequate infrastructure in the hotel industry.

He is therefore, hopefully that the upcoming exposition that the Muchinga Province is expected to unlock the potential of the province in various sectors of the economy.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security in touring Workers Compensation Fund Control Board investment projects in the Northern Circuit.

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SENIOR CHIEF NKULA REQUESTS FOR KK’s MONUMENT

Senior Chief Nkula of the bemba speaking people of Chinsali district has requested that government consider putting up a monument and facelift the place where Zambias first president Kenneth Kaunda was born for tourism proposes.

Senior Chief Nkula bemoaned the deplorable state of the place where the First President of the Republic of Zambia was born, adding that the place needs to be developed.

The Chief said if the place where Dr. Kaunda was born would be turned into a monument , it will be a tourist site for both foreign and local tourists.

Meanwhile the Chief commended Workers Compensation Fund Control Board for putting up a modern Hotel in Chinsali worth over K160 million, stating that he is happy that his subjects will benefit from the project.

He was also quick to mention that the same development be taken to other districts.

The Senior Chief said this when a team from workers Compensation Fund Control Board and officials from Ministry of Labour and Social Security , led by Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba paid a courtesy call on him at his place in Chinsali

Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on senior Chief Nkula ‘s palace, Hon. Tambatamba said Government is committed to updating Chiefs on developmental projects taking place in various places of the country.

Ms TambaTamba is in the Northern part of the country to check on projects under the workers compensation fund control board

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ABSA ZAMBIA CELEBRATES EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEME

Absa Bank Zambia has officially launched the eKhaya Colleague Share Scheme, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to its esteemed workforce. Commencing on September 1, 2023, this initiative, orchestrated by Absa Group, aims to benefit employees across its African operations and aligns with the Group’s overarching ambition to play an active and positive role in all its endeavors. The eKhaya Scheme is designed to allow Absa Bank Zambia’s employees to partake in the Colleague Share Scheme, thereby enabling them to share in Absa’s achievements both locally and continent-wide.

During a press briefing held at Absa House, graced by the presence of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, it was emphasized that this endeavor undertaken by the bank exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation, values that the nation deeply embraces and encourages. Ms. Tambatamba extended her congratulations to Absa Bank Zambia for taking a bold step toward empowering its workforce and promoting inclusivity within the Zambian community. She highlighted that the eKhaya Scheme perfectly aligns with the government’s labor policies and objectives, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, employee well-being, and equity. The Minister underscored the importance of fostering a workforce that is not only productive but also fully engaged and invested in the success of their respective organizations.

Ms. Tambatamba noted that such initiatives are instrumental in nurturing a thriving labor force where every worker can contribute their best without apprehension for their welfare. She urged other private sector organizations in Zambia to draw inspiration from Absa Bank’s exemplary initiative, viewing it as a beacon of hope. Absa Managing Director, Mizinga Melu, also revealed that a portion of Absa Group’s shareholding, valued at approximately R11.2 billion, will be allocated to employees.

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THE LAUNCH AND DISSEMINATION OF THE 2022 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT AND 2020 CHILD LABOUR REPORT

Honorable Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, delivered a speech during the launch and dissemination of the 2022 Labour Force Survey Report and the 2020 Child Labour Report, Held at Taj Pamodzi 5 Star Hotel in Lusaka Zambia. The key points of her speech included:

  1. Purpose of the Reports: The Minister highlighted that these reports provided crucial statistics needed for informed policy decisions and interventions in both the public and private sectors. The Labour Force Survey Report covered vital labor market indicators such as employment status, sector-wise employment, youth employment, and unemployment rates, which were essential for setting national development goals.
  2. Unemployment and Job Creation: The Minister expressed concern about high levels of unemployment, particularly among the youth. The government had implemented various measures to address this issue, including the Constituency Development Fund, Youth Empowerment Fund, and plans for significant public service worker recruitment.
  3. Youth Empowerment: To enhance youth employability, the government was offering bursaries and scholarships, while also partnering with the European Union and the International Labour Organization for a skills development program.
  4. Informal Employment and Social Security: A significant portion of the workforce operated informally, lacking social security benefits and job security. The Ministry was working on extending social security coverage to the informal sector and addressing informality in sectors like agriculture, trade, households, and construction.
  5. Protection of Workers’ Rights: The government was taking steps to address the casualization of workers and had initiated labor law reforms, starting with revisions to the Employment Code Act.
  6. Child Labour: The 2020 Child Labour Report revealed that child labor, especially hazardous work, remained a concern. The government had strengthened child protection legislation and increased access to free education to reduce child labor.
  7. Launch of Handbook: The Minister also launched a “Frequently Asked Questions and Responses Handbook” to explain the Ministry’s mandate, statutory bodies, and the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  8. Gratitude: Honorable Brenda Tambatamba expressed gratitude to all attendees, cooperating partners, and the International Labour Organization for their support in producing the reports. She declared the reports officially launched.

This speech underscored the government’s commitment to addressing labor-related challenges, promoting youth empowerment, extending social security, protecting workers’ rights, and combating child labor in Zambia.