Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zambia

Make a date with the Director Social Security, Anthony Dumingu, today, 10th December 2023, at 14:00hrs on ZNBC TV 1.

Picture highlights of the Acting Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zechariah Luhanga at Seseli Open Pit mine in Chingola today, 06th December 2023.

When crisis strikes, it is the strength and determination of the human spirit that shines through.
The Ministry joins the nation in sending prayers and support to the the families of the victims and to the rescue teams at the Seseli Open pit, as they work tirelessly to bring the trapped miners to safety.

SPEECH DELIVERED BY ACTING PERMANENT SECRETARY ON TECHNICAL AND POLICY FORESIGHT WORKSHOP ON SKILLS FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION (STED) FOR THE MINING SECTOR

06TH DECEMBER 2023

• THE COUNTRY DIRECTOR FOR ZAMBIA, MALAWI, AND MOZAMBIQUE-MR. WELLINGTON CHIBEBE;
• THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE EU DELEGATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA AND COMESA- MS. PAOLA GASPARINI;
• SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS;
• DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL PARTNERS
• FRIENDS FROM THE MEDIA;
• LADIES AND GENTLEMEN;

FIRST AND FOREMOST, ALLOW ME TO SINCERELY THANK THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO) FOR INVITING ME TO OFFICIATE AT THIS IMPORTANT WORKSHOP AND APPRECIATE THEIR CONTRIBUTION THROUGH THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR INCREASED EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME (SDEP). AS GOVERNMENT WE WELCOME PARTNERSHIPS THAT BETTER THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA.

DISTIGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY IN KEY SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, SUCH AS MINING ARE KEY FOR JOB CREATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ULTIMATELY DEVELOPMENT. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR INCREASED EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTE TO GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO ENHANCE THE EMPLOYABILITY OF THE YOUTH, WHO CURRENTLY MAKE UP A LARGE PROPORTION OF OUR POPULATION.

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I AM DELIGHTED TO LEARN THAT THIS WORKSHOP IS BASED ON THE TRADE AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION (STED) TO SKILLS DEVELOPMENT APPROACH WHICH LOOKS BEYOND JUST SKILLS BUT THE APPLICATION OF THOSE SKILLS TO TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. IT SHOULD BE PUT FORWARD THAT THIS APPROACH -STED CAN HELP MEMBER STATES TO IMPROVE CAPACITY AND IMPROVE TRADE THROUGH DIVERSIFICATION AND EMPLOYING AN EXPORT-ORIENTED SECTOR SKILLS STRATEGY.

WE NOTE THAT THE QUALITY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF PRODUCTS DEPENDS ON THE QUALITY OF HUMAN CAPITAL ENGAGED IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS HENCE, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE A CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND STED CAN HELP ANTICIPATE FUTURE SKILLS NEEDS. WITH STED METHODOLOGY, THE POLICYMAKERS WILL NOT BE LOOKING FOR SKILLS OF TODAY, BUT ANTICIPATE FUTURE SKILLS NEEDS AS TRAINING IS USUALLY A LAGGING INDICATOR. WE HAVE SEVERAL EXAMPLES AROUND THE WORLD WHERE THE STED APPROACH HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND ARE THEREFORE HOPING TO REPLICATE SOME OF THOSE BEST PRACTICES IN ZAMBIA. HOWEVER, AS WE BENCHMARK, WE MUST TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE PERCULARITIES OF OUR ECONOMY IN TERMS OF STRUCTURE AND THE CURRENT BARRIERS TO PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH. I TAKE SPECIAL NOTE, THE CHOICE OF THE MINING SECTOR FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE STED APPROACH AS IT OFFERS IMMENSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VALUE ADDITION, EMPLOYMENT CREATION AND EXPORT GROWTH. AT THE SAME TIME, THE MINING SECTOR, DUE TO ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT PRESENTS GREAT NEED FOR GREEN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND HENCE MOST APPROAPRITE.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TO THE COUNTRY’S ATTAINMENT OF THE EIGHTH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND THE VISION 2030, GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO PUT IN PLACE INTERVENTIONS SUCH AS THE EXPANDED BURSARIES AND EDUCATIONAL LOANS SCHEMES. A KEY MILESTONE WORTH MENTIONING IN THIS REGARD IS THE INCLUSION OF SKILLS TRAINING UNDER THE CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF). THE AIM OF THIS MEASURE IS TO ENHANCE THE EMPLOYABILITY OF THE YOUTH THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. BY EQUIPPING THEM WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED TO SPUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THEIR CONSTITUENCIES, THE ZAMBIAN YOUTH WILL NOW ASSUME A PROMINENT ROLE IN CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION OF THE ECONOMY. IN ADDITION, WITH INCREASED PARTICIPATION THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ENHANCED PRODUCTIVE CAPACITIES, WE EXPECT IMPROVEMENTS IN DECENT WORK ESPECIALLY AMONGST THE SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES OPERATING IN KEY SECTORS SUCH AS MINING.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
THE ONGOING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY POLICY IS YET ANOTHER AVENUE GOVERNMENT IS LEVERAGING UPON TO INSTILL A POSITIVE WORK CULTURE AND ENHANCE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF ENTERPRISES.

THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY IS ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING A CRITICAL SKILLS LIST AS WELL AS REVIEWING LEGISLATION ON WORK-BASED LEARNING TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS IN THE COUNTRY. IN ADDITION, PLANS ARE UNDERWAY TO REVIEW THE SKILLS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MAKE IT MORE EFFECTIVE.

I THEREFORE WISH TO CALL UPON YOUR COLLECTIVE SUPPORT AS TRIPARTITE CONSTITUENTS BECAUSE TOGETHER WE CAN DEVELOP A STRONG MECHANISM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS TO BRIDGE THE GAP FOR SKILLS DEMAND AND SUPPLY, AS WELL AS ANTICIPATE THE FUTURE SKILLS NEEDS OF THE COUNTRY.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
AS I CONCLUDE, LET ME EXPRESS GOVERNMENT’S APPRECIATION OF THE SUPPORT BY THE COOPERATING PARTNERS TO STRENGTHEN THE COUNTRY’S SKILLS BASE.

WITH THESE FEW REMARKS, ALLOW ME TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR COMING TO THIS WORKSHOP. I HOPE TO SEE THE FRUITS OF OUR ENGAGEMENT IN PRACTICE SOON.

I THANK YOU ALL.

Picture highlights from the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) 42nd Annual Conference in Livingstone.
The AAPAM Annual Conference is taking place in Livingstone Town from 05th to 08th December 2023 under the theme "Building Resilient Societies in Africa through Effective Governance and Public Administration: An Imperative for the Realisation of the SDGs and Agenda 2063 Aspirations".

Productivity Zed360 is on today, 05th December 2023, at 15:30 hrs. Follow the link below to participate.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCerj5tBdTjOe_oqiwh6xDtg

Copperbelt Province Labour Officers and Inspectors took part in a training on the prevention of Sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the workplace. This initiative took place from 28th November to 01st December 2023, aligning with the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of Labour Officers to address gender-based discrimination and promote a safe and inclusive work environment.
Section 5 of the Employment Code Act No. 3, 2019 explicitly prohibits gender-based discrimination in the workplace, alongside other forms of discrimination, it is a vital legal framework that promotes equal opportunities and fair treatment for all employees, regardless of their gender.

Make a date with the Acting Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga, today the 01st of December 2023 at 15:00hrs on ZNBC TV1.

Let's put integrity in motion and end corruption, one step at a time!
This Saturday, 02nd December 2023, let us sweat it out together in a high-energy aerobics class. Together, we can create a world where honesty and transparency reign supreme. Are you ready? 💪💥

CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR LABOUR ENQUIRES.
7010(Zamtel toll free)

Please Join in as the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mrs. Kasanda, explains Labour regulations in SiLozi on ZNBC TV1.

24th November 2023… The Ministry of Labour and Social Security would like to commend and congratulate the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mrs. Emelda N. Sichone on attaining the Director General’s Integrity Award from Anti-Corruption Commission. Mrs Sichone was presented the award on 22nd November 2023 at Muulungushi International Conference Center during the Integrity Committee CEOs’ Forum.
Mrs. Sichone started work at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security about 18 years ago as a Labour Officer. She rose through ranks and now holds the position of Assistant Labour Commissioner. During the ex*****on of her duties, Mrs Sichone has exhibited high levels of professionalism and integrity
She had an instance when an employer asked her for a favour to write a positive report for a work permit application but she refused and following an inspection recommended rejection of the said application. Another occasion involved a complaint filed about employees' rights and an inspection was conducted that proved the complaint valid but the employer's representatives tried to bribe her, which she refused and insisted on the employees' rights to be upheld. These are a few of the many times Mrs. Sichone has stood her ground on being morally upright.
Her philosophy is that whether she is in need or not, an employee should never suffer because of the decisions that she makes. A bribe will always compromise one’s decision therefore, she never desires to find herself in a situation where she is compromised. She looks at the bigger picture. The bigger picture being those vulnerable employees receiving help, the development of the country and above all, a smile from God giving approval that she has done the right thing.
Furthermore, the Ministry’s Integrity Committee is fully committed to upholding uprightness and ensuring a corruption free environment among the staff members as it recognizes the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and fostering a culture of integrity with the Ministry.
The Committee also emphasizes the importance of training and awareness programs. It provides regular training sessions to educate staff members on the principles of integrity and the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices. These programs aim to empower employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and report any unethical behavior they may come across.

Additionally, the Committee has established a confidential reporting mechanism, where staff members can report any suspected acts of corruption or misconduct and the general public can safely whistle blow through the Call Center on toll free line – 7010 (Zamtel). This ensures the protection and anonymity of those who come forward, encouraging a culture of reporting and accountability.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba has continued engaging traditional leaders in explaining Government policies and explaining the importance of productivity in relation to whatever economic activities the citizens of this country are involved in.

This afternoon, the Minister paid a courtesy call on Chief Mushota of Kawambwa district where many developmental issues were discussed with the traditional leadership. The Chief appreciated the policies of the New Dawn Government for introducing free education and the CDF that has brought desks and given a good deal to the citizens.

He appealed to the Minister to intervene in insuring the enterprise in the district gives meaningful benefits to the locals.

The Minister was accompanied by Kawambwa District Commissioner and officers from Government and Statutory bodies under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Make a date with Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zambia as we continue to expand the reach on ZNBC Radio 1, Ci Nyanja Segment today at 12:05 hrs.

Amidst the busy schedule that started with inspections within Mansa, the Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba (MP), the District Commissioner Mansa and the statutory bodies under her Ministry this morning paid a courtesy call on Chief Kasomalwela of Chembe District and Chief Chisunka of Mansa District.

Tune in and participate.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda M. Tambatamba, continues leading integrated Labour Inspections in Western Province, Mongu District.

Today, 15th November 2023, she conducted inspections at Mongu Joinery and Country Millers. Hon. Tambatamba further visited Workers Compensation Fund control Board Beneficiary,83 year old, Alice Muliya in Mongu during the Care and Support programme.

Following the release of a Bulletin Minute dated 17th October 2023 were the Labour Commissioner, Givens Muntengwa, gave Security Companies a directive to comply with varies Labour Laws with a emphasis on paying salaries. The Assistant Labour Commissioner, Charles Muwowo, had a successful meeting with a total of 24 security companies in Kabwe district at Government Goma conference.
The agenda for meeting was " non payment of salaries/ outstanding salary arrears"

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda M. Tambatamba is in Western Province where she paid a courtesy call to The Litunga. She also paid a courtesy call on the Western Province Permanent Secretary and the Kalabo District Commissioner.
The Minister also took some time to visit the differently abled beneficiaries of the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board to appreciate the impact of the scheme.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba will feature live on Sunday Interview, ZNBC TV1. Join in and enjoy the program.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCerj5tBdTjOe_oqiwh6xDtg

The speech by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Mwika Tambatamba on the revision and formulation of the Minimum Wage.

PRESS BRIEFING:THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY IS LIVE ON ZNBC TV 1 AND MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES FACEBOOK PAGE ON THE REVISION AND FORMULATION OF THE MINIMUM WAGE.
JOIN IN AND PARTICIPATE