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LABOUR PS IMPLORES OFFICERS TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY FOR TIMELY SERVICE DELIVERY

Ministry of Labour Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga has urged labour officers across the country to fully embrace technology in their daily operations to enhance efficiency, transparency, and timely service delivery in resolving labour-related cases.
Mr Luhanga said the Ministry has prioritised the use of e-services to transform how labour matters are handled, ensuring that workers and employers receive quicker and more effective responses.
Speaking when he officially opened the training on digital case resolution virtually, Mr Luhanga emphasised that the adoption of digital platforms is no longer optional but essential to achieving government’s goal of modernising public service delivery in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s digital transformation agenda.
“Through e-services, officers can now resolve complaints, conduct virtual hearings, and guide both employers and employees through online platforms, reducing delays and costs associated with manual processes,” he said.
Mr Luhanga said the Ministry has already introduced several digital platforms, including the Call Centre, the Citizens’ Support Portal, and the Zambia Employment Labour Market Information System (ZELMIS), which are all integrated on the Government Service Bus to provide real-time reporting and case tracking.
“These platforms are not just about convenience; they represent accountability and innovation in public service. This will also reduce the perception of corruption, so when you tell someone to pay through the system, they will not accuse you of corruption,” the Permanent Secretary said.
“Workers can report unfair treatment, unsafe conditions, or non-compliance directly and safely, while employers can seek guidance on compliance and dispute resolution.”
Mr Luhanga urged officers to embrace change management and view digital tools as enablers that simplify their work rather than replace it.
“As government, we have attached great importance to digital transformation across all sectors. So colleagues (Labour officers), you must adapt to this new way of working because efficiency, transparency, and service excellence are at the heart of our mandate. After this training, there will be consequential management for not resolving cases on time. So let’s take this matter seriously,” He said.
Mr Luhanga said by leveraging e-services, the Ministry will not only improve turnaround time in resolving disputes but also ensure that workers in even the most remote areas of Zambia can access justice and protection under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
“Our people deserve prompt service. Technology gives us the power to serve better, faster, and smarter. It will help people in those places and remote areas where we have no offices to reach us and access our services on time,” he said.

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Productivity Zed360 Expert Talk — 7th Edition

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security — National Productivity Development Department — invites you to the 7th Productivity Zed360 Expert Talk 2025.

When: Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Time: 10:00 (Zambian Time / CAT)
Where: Live (virtual) on our YouTube channel — subscribe below to join.

The Productivity Zed360 Expert Talk is a virtual forum that brings together eminent experts to share practical insights on improving productivity across sectors. This series aims to raise public awareness, share lessons from frontline practitioners, and support the effective implementation of the National Productivity Policy.

Featured speaker: Sampa Salome Mwansa — Resilient Youth Entrepreneur
Theme: “Achieving Business Growth through Resilience and Productivity”
Moderator: Yvonne Kanenga Nawila

Don’t miss this powerful conversation on building resilient, productive businesses in Zambia.
Subscribe and join us live:

Productivityzed360 – YouTube

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HEAT MAPS GUIDE LABOUR INSPECTIONS TO TACKLE WORKER ABUSE – HON TAMBATAMBA

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, says the Ministry has intensified workplace inspections using risk-based heat maps to identify and respond to areas with the highest levels of worker abuse and non-compliance with labour laws.
Ms Tambatamba told Parliament yesterday that the Ministry has conducted over 2,545 inspections covering more than 35,000 employees as part of a renewed effort to protect workers from unfair dismissal and unsafe working conditions.
This was in response to a parliamentary question raised by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda, who raised concerns over worker welfare in the private sector.
Ms. Tambatamba acknowledged that some employers were in breach of the law.
She said the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is implementing measures to promote
compliance and protect workers’ rights through regular labour inspections, awareness
campaigns advisory support to employers and administrative sanctions.
The Minister revealed that Zambia currently has 178 labour inspectors across 116 districts, with
inspection efforts focused on highly industrialized areas such as Lusaka, the Copperbelt, Central, Southern, and North-Western provinces.
“This means that, on average, there is almost one labour inspector per district. Of course, we realize that industry varies in different regions. Some areas are more industrialized than others, especially urban regions compared to rural spaces. Therefore, the allocation of inspectors is based on the size and extent of industrial activity,”she said.
“Our goal is to adequately support industry, the workers, and the employers – because we are a tripartite system. In every resolution made on matters of industry, the employer must be there, the worker must be there, and the government must be there.”
She said to enhance enforcement, the Ministry has adopted a multi-sectoral inspection model involving statutory bodies such as National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA), the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), and the Occupational Health and Safety Institute(OHSI), alongside employer and worker representatives to promote transparency.
“Madam Speaker, we have been targeting our inspections based on early risk assessments we conducted when the New Dawn Administration came into office. We developed heat maps to identify areas that required urgent attention in promoting decent work and harmony in industry,”Ms. Tambatamba said.
“Through these exercises, we know which areas are in the red, orange, or green zones, and we capitalise on the strengths in the green zones to push the agenda of decent work. Before we came into office, inspections were very limited: rarely reaching the thousands. Today, our inspectors, led by the Labour Commissioner, conduct joint inspections that are more comprehensive.”
As part of its digital transformation, the Ministry has also launched an online integrated
grievance reporting system into the Zambia Employment Labour Market Information System
(ZELMIS) through the Government Service Bus, Citizens’ Support Portal, and the call centre,
allowing workers to report any forms of abuse anonymously without fear of victimisation.
“When we came into office, many workers in industry were timid and lacked confidence in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Some had negative experiences with the previous administration and did not believe there was anyone to help them. That is why we immediately set up the labour call centre; so that even those who fear being seen reporting abuses can pick up a phone or use a computer and communicate safely,”the Minister said.
“Madam Speaker, we have observed that there are employers who have done very well” model employers. Particularly in the mining and financial sectors, some large companies are more mature in their labour relations.”
In response to a question raised by Kansanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba, on why miners working under contractors are being paid as little as K1,500 per month, with no clarity on Workers’ injury scheme, pension and health insurance schemes;
Ms. Tambatamba noted that while large companies have demonstrated improved compliance, contractors in mining, construction, and transport continue to lag behind.
“We established that most grievances were not from the mine owners themselves, but from workers employed by contractors. These contractors are often less compliant than the main mine owners. We have therefore made it clear that the mine owners, being the first line of responsibility, must ensure that contractors operating under them comply with labour laws,” she said
“Madam Speaker, I assure the Honourable Member that we are coming to the Copperbelt, including Kantanshi and Mufulira, as part of our ongoing inspection calendar. On the issue of low salaries and worker welfare in the mining sector, discussions have already begun between the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Mines to develop measures that ensure our people are not taken advantage of.”
She said the Ministry is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines to strengthen joint inspections and hold contractors accountable.
“We will not relent in ensuring that every Zambian worker enjoys their rights in a safe, fair and dignified work environment,” said Ms. Tambatamba
   
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No More Unfair Dismissals- Tambatamba Puts Employers on Notice

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has restated its position to protect workers’ rights by ensuring full compliance with the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019, following concerns that some employers in the private sector are terminating employees without following the prescribed grievance procedures.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba reiterated that protecting workers from unfair labour practices and conditions remains a cornerstone of the Government’s agenda to promote decent work and industrial harmony in Zambia.
The Minister was speaking in Parliament yesterday in response to a parliamentary question raised by Kanchibiya member of parliament, Sunday Chanda, who inquired about the steps taken by Government in addressing wrongful dismissals of employees in the private sector.
Ms. Tambatamba indicated that Government was aware of such cases and has intensified measures to promote fair labour practices and compliance with the law.
“The Ministry acknowledges that some employers terminate contracts of employment without adhering to the provisions of the Employment Code Act. To address this issue, the Ministry has taken a multifaceted approach to ensure compliance with the law,” she said.
She explained that the Ministry conducts regular inspections at workplaces and undertakes awareness campaigns to educate both employers and employees on their rights and obligations under the law. In addition, the Ministry imposes administrative sanctions on errant employers who fail to comply with the provisions of the Act.
“The Ministry also advises employers to provide contracts, policies, and codes on dispute handling to their employees, promoting transparency and fairness in the workplace,” she said.
The Kasempa member of parliament emphasised that the Ministry plays a key role in resolving labour disputes by providing a platform for dialogue between employers and employees to foster harmonious industrial relations.
“In line with Section 10(1) of the Act, the Labour Commissioner is empowered to carry out workplace inspections, including examining records, interviewing employees, and ensuring adherence to legal standards. These inspections are critical in safeguarding workers from unfair dismissal and unsafe working conditions,” Ms. Tambatamba said.
She further reminded employers that all employment contracts exceeding six months must be put in writing, as stipulated under Section 22 of the Employment Code Act, and must include essential terms such as provisions for termination.
Employers are also required to develop key employment policies, including grievance procedures, codes of conduct, and health and wellness policies, in accordance with Section 95(1) of the Act.
“Where non-compliance is established, the Ministry enforces administrative sanctions as provided for under Section 133, which include reprimands, suspension of business activities, or financial penalties of not less than K80,000 under Section 135,” said Ms. Tambatamba.
“The Ministry will continue to ensure that the law is respected, and that both employers and employees operate within a fair, safe, and productive work environment.”
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NAPSA TO REDEVELOP PETAUKE OFFICE INTO MODERN COMMERCIAL BUILDING BY 2026- Hon. TAMBATAMBA

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, says the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) will soon develop its Petauke office into a modern commercial office building, which will also house the NAPSA administrative offices for the district.
The Minister made the pronouncement in Parliament yesterday, in response to a question raised by Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Mr. Simon Banda, who sought clarification on whether NAPSA had any plans to rehabilitate its building in Petauke District and when such plans would be implemented.
Ms. Tambatamba indicated that the Authority intends to reconstruct the existing property into a commercial structure as part of its broader infrastructure investment strategy, aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing visibility, and promoting local economic growth.
She emphasized that the development is aligned with Government’s agenda to modernize public infrastructure and improve access to social security services across the country.
The Minister said the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Board of Trustees approved the disposal of several old commercial properties, including the one located in Petauke District.
“Following approval by the Board of Trustees, the NAPSA property in Petauke District was advertised for sale in May 2024. The redevelopment project is scheduled for implementation in 2026,” the Minister stated.
During the session, a follow-up question was raised by Nyimba Member of Parliament, Menyani Zulu, who expressed concern on whether the project would be completed during the UPND’s second term.
He also sought clarity on whether Government had already secured land for the new building, noting that the sale of the old NAPSA property at Tower Gate had been advertised since 2024.
In response, Ms. Tambatamba explained that the process of securing land for the new building was underway.
“Every construction project has a full cycle which is followed. The process is what we talk about from the design up to approvals,” she said
Ms. Tambatamba added that the project will be completed in 2026.
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MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY LIFTS SUSPENSION AT UNZA RIDGEWAY CONSTRUCTION SITE

Operations have resumed at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Ridgeway Campus Construction Site, after the company complied with worker safety requirements earlier pointed out by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
The site, which is managed by WahKong Company, had been temporarily suspended after an inspection revealed that workers were operating without Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in violation of occupational safety and health regulations.
Following the Ministry’s intervention, the company has since rectified the violations by providing the necessary safety gear and improving working conditions in line with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards.
The Ministry has since lifted the suspension and has urged management to maintain strict adherence to labour laws to prevent future disruptions.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security inspectors have indicated that they will continue monitoring WahKong Company to ensure full compliance with statutory obligations under NHIMA, NAPSA, and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board.
During inspections, it was observed that some employees were not registered under these schemes, and the inspectors advised that during the next visit, all workers should present their National Identity Cards and valid phone numbers to facilitate bulk registration and verification of payslips.