Author: Tandy Kuda Lungu

Delivering his inaugural speech after being sworn into office for his second tenure by Chief Justice Mumba Malila, upon emerging victorious in the August 13, 2026 General Election, President Hichilema said economic growth cannot only be measured in figures and statistics, but must be felt in the lives of ordinary Zambians, particularly young people completing their education and entering the labour market.

He said economic growth must ultimately translate into jobs and better opportunities for citizens.

“Economic growth must mean a job to a graduate,” President Hichilema said.

He said Government would continue to scale up investment in education, and skills development to equip citizens with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the economy.

“Through the Grow Zambia Agenda, we will more than double to size of our economy, to create more jobs, business opportunities and treasury revenue,”President Hichilema said.

The Head of State said the country must also strengthen social protection for those who genuinely need support, while at the same time encouraging citizens to build livelihoods that can sustain them in future.

He called for a fundamental change in mindset, urging Zambians to move away from the culture of expecting handouts and instead embrace hard work, saving, investment and production.

The President said the mentality of consuming today without thinking about tomorrow must be challenged if Zambia is to build a stronger and more prosperous future.

“We must think of tomorrow. We cannot consume today and forget about tomorrow,” he emphasized.

President Hichilema said Zambia must become a country that produces as much as it consumes, urging citizens to take advantage of economic opportunities and contribute to job creation through entrepreneurship, investment and productive work.

“Let us not be a nation of consumers only, but producers as well,” he said.

The President made an undertaking to continue sharpening the Public Service to ensure it delivers quality, efficient and responsive services to citizens.

The President stressed that service delivery is more than simply reporting for work between 08:00 and 17:00 hours, but should be about deliverables.

He urged public officers to put the interests of the nation first, unlike personal interest.

“Every public officer must put national interest first, and personal interest will be taken care of,” President Hichilema said.

He challenged public officers to work harder and smarter, saying Zambia has the human capacity and resources to create jobs and grow the economy if citizens and institutions focus on productivity.

President Hichilema said the future Zambia wants will not be built through consumption alone, but through a productive population that creates, invests, innovates and works.

He added that the responsibility for economic transformation therefore extends beyond Government as it requires every citizen, worker, entrepreneur and public officer to play their part.

Mr. Luhanga said digital platforms such as the Government Services Bus and the Citizens Support Services Portal, would enable the Ministry to reach citizens in areas where it does not have physical offices, allowing labour services to be accessed beyond the Ministry’s existing network of offices.

The Permanent Secretary was speaking when he addressed staff who underwent training in resolving cases submitted through the Citizen Support Services Portal and the Zambia Employment and Labour Market Information System (ZELMIS) on the Government Services Bus.

Mr. Luhanga said the Ministry is not wide spread, as it is only present in 72 districts out of the 116 districts in the country, making technology an important tool for extending its reach and ensuring that citizens are not disadvantaged simply because they live in areas without a physical Labour Office.

“Through digitalisation, we can cover parts of the country where we do not have a physical presence. Even if we do not necessarily have a Labour Officer physically stationed in every district, we can still provide services to the citizens,” he said.

He challenged staff to make effective use of the platforms by responding to cases professionally, promptly and accurately, saying the quality of service provided through digital platforms would be critical in changing public perceptions of the Ministry.

Mr. Luhanga said staff should help change the negative narrative sometimes associated with the Ministry by ensuring that citizens who seek assistance receive professional and satisfactory responses, regardless of whether they access services physically or digitally.

He said the ZELMIS would further strengthen the Ministry’s ability to manage labour market information, track cases among others to enable the institution respond more effectively to the needs of workers and employers.

The Permanent Secretary said digitalisation should not be viewed as the introduction of new technology, but as an opportunity to make Government services more accessible, efficient and responsive.

Mr. Luhanga encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge gained by improving the experience of citizens and employers seeking labour services across Zambia.

Addressing the Nation on August 18, 2026 after he was declared President-elect by the Electoral Commission of Zambia in the just ended August 13, 2026 election, President Hichilema said Government’s focus is to grow the economy and create an environment where more jobs and business opportunities can emerge, while generating the revenue needed to support vulnerable members of society, including young people, retirees and persons with disabilities.

He said economic growth remains critical to addressing the cost of living, stressing that Zambia cannot continue to be a nation of consumers without equally becoming a nation of producers.

“We must work hard; working hard is key in every situation. I want to urge citizens to choose hard work over laziness, to be willing to take opportunities that come, to earn your livelihood at work. We can’t be a country of consumers over and over; we must be a country of producers. That will buy food for the families and the communities that will not be able to farm. There are markets for those who produce,” the Head of State said.

He emphasised that skills training was opening doors for people who may not have had an opportunity to attain tertiary education, with training opportunities in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying and other trades.

President Hichilema said every form of honest work is significant and contributes to the economy.

“Whatever work you do is of value. Kusiyana siyana kwanchito but Kwacha ni imozi,” he said, emphasising that regardless of one’s occupation, every worker contributes to economic growth.

He challenged workers in both the public and private sectors to take their responsibilities seriously and focus on deliverables.

“Public sector workers, let’s earn our right to work in the public sector. Work is not about hanging around from 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours. What have we delivered on the working day?” he asked, calling for a cultural shift towards greater productivity and efficiency.

“There’s no working day; every day is a working day because work has to be done. That’s the cultural shift we would like to see in this country,” President Hichilema emphasised.

The Head of State particularly urged teachers, lecturers and health workers to recognise the impact of their work on people’s lives. He cautioned teachers against failing learners for their own failure to deliver and health workers against being distracted by social media when patients are in need of medical care.

“Teachers work hard; lecturers work hard. Don’t be the one who makes that kid fail an exam because you did not do the work. I was talking no nurses that day at UTH; do not go to the ward and start playing with the phone when the patient is screaming in pain. That is a no-go area as well. You get an opportunity for a job; take it seriously, work hard, and serve the patients. Even health personnel get sick; today you are the caregiver, tomorrow you are the patient. Not when a patient is in pain but you are on social media,” President Hichilema warned.

He said public service should be about serving citizens rather than pursuing personal interests, urging those entrusted with public responsibility to put the national interest first.

The Head of State indicated that Government’s responsibility is to continue creating opportunities while protecting and growing national resources so that the economy can sustain existing jobs and create new ones.

The President further acknowledged the confidence placed in his administration through the 2026 elections, thanking those who voted for the United Party for National Development and those who chose otherwise.

“To those who voted for us, thank you for your confidence in us. To those who did not vote for us, thank you for your participation in the 2026 election. We respect that decision,” he said.

President Hichilema said his administration would continue working to earn the trust of all Zambians, particularly young people, by delivering on its responsibilities and creating opportunities for them to build better lives.

He called on elected leaders to approach public office with humility, courage and a commitment to serving the people.

“Public service is to serve the people, not your personal interest,” President Hichilema said.

He urged Zambians to remain united and peaceful while working together to build a productive economy capable of creating opportunities for present and future generations.

This victory is significant to further advance the national development agenda and priorities outlined in the UPND 2026 Manifesto, particularly Pillar number one, which seeks to double the size of country’s economy, while ensuring that economic growth translates into creating decent work, skills development, protecting workers’ rights and strengthening social security, to improved livelihoods for workers and their families.

The Ministry will continue supporting Government’s development agenda by promoting a productive, safe and inclusive labour market where workers are protected, employers are supported to thrive, and every Zambian has an opportunity to participate meaningfully in growing the economy.

Congratulations Mr. President May this second mandate usher in renewed opportunities, greater prosperity and improved social and economic wellbeing for the people of Zambia.

LABOUR PS URGES EMPLOYERS TO RELEASE WORKERS TO VOTE BEFORE VOTING CLOSES

Lusaka, Zambia, 13th August, 2026 – Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga has urged employers across the country to ensure that employees are given adequate time to exercise their right to vote, warning against any practices that may disenfranchise workers on Election Day.

During a spot check at Levy junction mall Mr. Luhanga in the company of Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Blake Mulala encountered workers who were initially prevented from leaving work to vote at some food outlets, but were released after their intervention.

Among the companies visited was, Pizza Inn, Creamy Inn, Hungry Lion, Crispy King, Pick n Pay and Zamtel.

The Permanent Secretary engaged supervisors and advised them to facilitate the release of the workers to cast their ballots before the close of voting at 18:00 hours, noting that the right to vote is fundamental and should not be compromised by work obligations.

“We appeal to employers to make sure employees are released to go and vote. The closing time for voting is 18:00 hours,” the Permanent Secretary said.

Mr. Luhanga commended employers who had made arrangements to allow workers to vote, including those who had staggered working hours to enable some employees to vote while others remained at work.

“We appreciate that there are employers who have put mechanisms in place to allow others to go and vote while others come to work. Others have literally closed their businesses, and we thank them for that,” the Permanent Secretary said.

The Permanent Secretary further reminded employers that workers must be paid for work performed, emphasising the importance of respecting employees’ rights and lawful conditions of employment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mulala said the situation observed during the day had highlighted the need for stronger labour inspections to ensure that workers are treated fairly and labour laws are respected.

Mr. Mulala called out Crispy King from preventing its workers from casting their votes. Following intervention, the workers were released and expressed relief at being given an opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

“This has given us an eye-opener into what may be happening to workers. If an employer can deny workers time to vote when Election Day has been declared a public holiday, the question is: what more is happening regarding labour laws and conditions of service?” Mr Mulala said.

Mr. Mulala said the ZCTU will continue working in collaboration with the Ministry to strengthen labour inspections after the elections, to establish how workers are being treated in workplaces and ensure compliance with the employment code.

The Ministry therefore urges employers to facilitate workers’ participation in the electoral process and ensure that no employee is disadvantaged, intimidated or prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Issued By:

(Original Copy Signed)

Mwaka Ndawa(MS)

Principal Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Some drivers threatened to down tools over their conditions of service as they demanded for an increment of their subsistence allowances.

Government this morning held a stakeholders’ consultative meeting aimed at addressing long-standing concerns affecting truck drivers, with renewed focus to review subsistence allowances, strengthen collective bargaining, and faster resolution of workplace disputes through structured social dialogue.

Speaking during the meeting Mr Luhanga said the concerns raised by drivers present an opportunity for the industry to strengthen labour relations through constructive dialogue and collective bargaining rather than confrontation.

“The transport sector thrives when dialogue takes precedence over confrontation. Strong institutions and structured engagement provide lasting solutions that safeguard both workers’ welfare and the uninterrupted delivery of services the nation depends on,” Mr Luhanga said.

He indicated that drivers spend prolonged periods away from their families while transporting goods across the country and beyond Zambia’s borders, hence daily subsistence allowances are an important component of their conditions of service.

The Permanent Secretary indicated that discussions on reviewing the allowances should take into account the operational realities of the sector, the welfare of drivers and the sustainability of businesses.

He said the recent signing and approval of the Transport Sector Recognition Agreement provides the appropriate platform for employers and trade unions to negotiate wide-sector matters, including daily subsistence allowances, wages and other conditions of service through structured collective bargaining.

The Transport Sector Recognition Agreement which was signed and approved on June 24,2026, establishes a formal framework through which employers, trade unions, federation mother bodies and affiliate unions can engage in collective bargaining on issues affecting drivers and other transport workers.

The Permanent Secretary observed that drivers are central to Zambia’s economy, linking producers to markets, keeping supply chains operational and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods and essential commodities. He said safeguarding their welfare is not only beneficial to workers but also critical to maintaining an efficient and competitive transport sector.

Mr. Luhanga further explained that the designation of the supply and distribution of petroleum services as an essential service under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act recognises the strategic importance of the sector to the national economy.

“The declaration of an essential service is not intended to diminish workers’ rights. Rather, it reinforces the shared responsibility of employers, employees and their representative bodies to resolve differences through dialogue and established dispute-resolution mechanisms without disrupting services that are critical to the public and the economy,” he said.

Mr Luhanga warned that interruptions at any stage of the chain can trigger far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to public transport, commerce, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors that rely heavily on a steady fuel supply.

He emphasised that while essential services must remain uninterrupted, workers retain the right to pursue improved conditions of service through lawful social dialogue and established industrial relations mechanisms.

The Permanent Secretary urged employers, trade unions and other stakeholders to utilize the Recognition Agreement to build consensus on the issues affecting drivers, expressing confidence that genuine dialogue would produce practical and balanced outcomes that advance workers’ welfare while supporting the continued growth of the transport sector.

Mr Luhanga added that sustainable industrial relations are built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared responsibility

Director planning at the ministry of Finance, Davison Mapizya who represented the permanent secretary, economic management and finance Mr. Mulele Mulele said Government’s objective is to move away from repeated negotiations over allowance adjustments and instead establish a fair and predictable mechanism that responds to changes in economic conditions.

He acknowledged that the current K100 daily allowance for drivers spending extended periods away from home, no longer reflects the realities of the rising cost of living.

Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa said Government had to bring stakeholders together upon receiving reports of growing frustrations among some truck drivers over their conditions of service.

Mr. Mutengwa said reports that some drivers had abandoned their trucks and surrendered their vehicle keys in protest over their concerns, highlighted the urgency of finding solutions through dialogue.

He said that while unionised drivers would have an opportunity to negotiate improved conditions of service through the recently approved Transport Sector Recognition Agreement, many drivers remain outside formal union structures and continue to rely on statutory labour protections.

The Labour Commissioner implored employer organisations and trade unions to collaborate in expanding union representation among truck drivers and ensure that workplace concerns are resolved through established negotiation platforms.

Zambia Federation of Employers Executive Director, Harrington Chibanda urged employers to respect workers’ right to join trade unions. He called for transparent and balanced negotiations that protect the welfare of drivers, while ensuring the continued competitiveness and sustainability of Zambia’s transport sector.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Blake Mulala said workers have the right to operate in a safe, conducive, and secure working environment that protects them from harm. He noted with concern the increasing reports of attacks on truck drivers in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and other regions.

He called on the labour movement to condemn all forms of violence against workers and advocate for the protection, dignity, and respect of truck drivers. Mr Mulala urged stakeholders to ensure that the conditions of service for drivers are continuously reviewed and improved to safeguard their welfare.

Government will provide an update to the public on the outcome of the discussions once stakeholders reach a mutually agreed position.

From occupational health screenings on wheels to award winning exhibitions and digital public services, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and its statutory bodies are demonstrating how labour and social protection are contributing to Zambia’s trade and investment agenda.

During his tour of the pavilions yesterday, Mr Luhanga witnessed the innovations first hand, where he commended the institutions for translating government policies into practical services that support businesses, protect workers’ rights and stimulate economic growth.

His first stop was the Ministry’s pavilion, where he praised staff for effectively engaging members of the public and showcasing programmes aimed at building a productive workforce and creating an enabling environment for investment.

At the Workers’ Compensation stand, Mr. Luhanga congratulated the institution after being presented with the awards it earned at this year’s show, as the best exhibitor, commercial, pension fund and second prize in public service industry exhibition. He described the recognition as evidence of the institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation in public service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary was equally impressed with the exhibitions at the Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) stand, where he observed members of the public undergoing occupational medical examinations aboard the Institute’s state of the art mobile medical truck. He said the initiative was a practical demonstration of taking critical occupational health services directly to workers and employers.

Mr. Luhanga also toured the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) stands, where he interacted with officials and encouraged them to continue developing services that respond to the evolving needs of workers and businesses.

He called on the Ministry’s statutory bodies to deepen collaboration by undertaking integrated inspections, saying a coordinated approach would improve compliance, eliminate duplication of efforts and provide more efficient services to employers and workers.

“The strength of our institutions lies in working together. Integrated inspections will not only enhance compliance but also make it easier for businesses to access government services while ensuring workers’ rights are protected,”said Mr Luhanga.

Officiating at the inaugural NAPSA Pensioners Marathon yesterday, themed “Your Health is Your Wealth,” Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga said the reforms were informed by the real life challenges faced by many elderly citizens, including pensioners that struggle to afford basic necessities when they exit employment after years of dedicated service.

Mr Luhanga said Government had taken note of the concerns of retirees across the country, from grandparents sacrificing meals to care for their families to former public servants uncertain whether their savings would sustain them throughout retirement.

He said such experiences compelled Government to take decisive action to enact comprehensive pension reforms that place people at the centre of national development.

Mr Luhanga said the signing into law of the National Pension Scheme Act, no. 72 of 2026, by President Hakainde Hichilema on June 4, 2026 is a transformative reform that restores dignity in retirement by improving pension benefits and strengthening social protection.

He said Government has increased the minimum monthly pension to ensure that no pensioner is left behind while also strengthening the Public Service Pensions Act to guarantee regular and reliable pension payments for retired civil servants.

Mr Luhanga said Government has reconditioned the Local Authorities Superannuation Act to provide municipal and council employees with improved retirement security, ensuring they receive the recognition and protection they deserve after years of serving their communities.

“The reforms have expanded access to pension savings through advanced payments and partial withdrawals, allowing members greater financial flexibility to respond to life’s challenges while restoring confidence in the country’s pension system,” The Permanent Secretary said.

He stressed that, the UPND administration is keen on building a pension system that offers every worker confidence that their years of service will be rewarded with a secure and dignified retirement.

Mr Luhanga commended the National Pensions Scheme Authority for promoting a healthy lifestyle among members of the community, emphasizing that national progress is not only measured by infrastructure and economic growth, but by the health and wellbeing of the citizenry.

He also extolled NAPSA for placing pensioners at the centre of the event, saying retirement should not be viewed as a period of inactivity but as a stage of life that can remain active, healthy and fulfilling.

Pensioners were encouraged to continue exercising regularly, maintain healthy diets and remain socially engaged to improve their quality of life, as they continue to contribute to society by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Addressing the thousands of participants, Mr Luhanga described the overwhelming turnout, as evidence that Zambians are increasingly embracing fitness, preventive healthcare and a healthy living.

He was optimistic that the Pensioners Marathon will turn out to be one of Zambia’s flagship annual wellness events.

Photo Credit: Pensioners Marathon

Speaking during the commencement of the Basic Communication and Call Handling Training, at the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM), Mr. Luhanga said every interaction with members of the public should be guided by respect, impartiality and timely communication, as these values are essential to building confidence in government services.

He emphasized that listening attentively to clients is just as important as providing information, noting that understanding people’s concerns enables officers to offer accurate guidance and appropriate solutions.

“Pay attention when people speak. Listening is a critical part of communication because it helps you understand the needs of the people you are serving,” he said.

Mr. Luhanga indicated that although the Ministry has presence in 72 districts out of 116 districts across the country, the call centre plays a critical role in extending the institution’s reach to communities where physical offices are not available.

He said the call centre bridges the gap between citizens and the Ministry by providing information remotely, saving members of the public the time and cost of travelling long distances to access services.

The Permanent Secretary further reminded staff to remain neutral and professional when handling enquiries and to properly document every interaction to ensure accountability, consistency and quality service delivery.

He said the combination of the officers’ labour administration background and the communication skills acquired during the training had equipped them to respond effectively to public enquiries and deliver a high standard of customer service.

Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Executive Director, Kennedy Mwila encouraged the officers to use the knowledge gained during the training to foster positive engagement with the public and reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to accessible, responsive and people-centred service delivery.

And speaking during the closing ceremony Assistant Director Human Resource and Administration, Pemba Phiri who delivered a speech on behalf of Director Human Resource and Administration, Greatson Chipalo, said the knowledge gained during the programme should translate into professional, efficient and courteous service for every member of the public interacting with the Ministry.

“Every interaction with a client shapes the public’s perception of the Ministry. Your professionalism, communication skills and telephone etiquette will play a critical role in enhancing the Ministry’s image and ensuring citizens receive quality service,” Mr Chipalo said.

He expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for providing the financial support and making the training possible, describing the investment as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to building a skilled and responsive workforce.

Mr Chipalo also commended the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) for successfully facilitating the training, acknowledging the institution’s expertise and dedication in equipping staff with practical skills in communication, customer service, telephone etiquette and effective call handling.
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