The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has honored First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda with a Solidarity award for his outstanding contribution to the development of the labour movement in Zambia.
Speaking at the award presentation ceremony at Holiday Inn in Lusaka last evening, ZCTU President, Leonard Hikaumba said ZCTU decided to award Dr Kaunda because it appreciates and recognizes the important and pivotal role the former President played not only in the formation of the labour movement but also in Zambia’s struggle for independence.
Mr. Hikaumba noted that Dr Kaunda worked closely with the Labour union and other freedom fighter for the fight of Zambia’s independence adding that he also ensured that there was industrial harmony in the Labour union.
He called on the MMD government and employers in the private sector to emulate the industrial relations that existed in the First Republic adding that harmony was critical to the enhancement of the production sector in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Kaunda dedicated the award to people who sacrificed their lives for the struggle of Zambia’s independence.
Dr Kaunda explained that the trade union movement sacrificed their lives for the sake of the rights of workers adding that they also played a critical role in the independence struggle.
He emphasized on the need for government and other employers to respect workers rights in order to promote and enhance industrial peace, which is critical to productivity at the work place.
Dr Kaunda explained that workers have the right to freedom of expression, assembly and to industrial action among others.
He further appealed to employers to committee themselves to developing and implementing HIV/AIDS workplace policies to cover employees and their families.
Dr Kaunda noted that industries need healthy workers to achieve maximum productivity in order to effectively contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Earlier, Labour and Social Security Minister, Ronald Mukuma said Dr Kaunda deserves the award because he marked the begin of economic liberation by introducing the Mulungushi reforms in 1968 and the subsequent nationalization of mines in Zambia.
Mr. Mukuma noted that Dr Kaunda’s government fought the political struggle adding that the onus was now on the new deal government to fight the economic struggle.
He however said government can not do this alone but that it requires the trade union’s closeness and support to attain economic development.
Mr. Mukuma further urged the trade unions to remain non partisan in the execution of duties.
Congratulations my former classmate, keep it up.
CONGRATS MWAICHE WANDI KK.
How about Chiluba, Sampa, Zimba and Katilungu? I think they deserve this award more than KK. KK destroyed the economy of ZED. Remember those lies for Sugar, Salt, Mealie meal, Cooking oil (formerly called Saladi), Washing Powder (So called Surf). The list is endless. Come on ZCTU, don’t be political. You can do better. Chiluba and his gang did more to have ZCTU survive the KK onslaught.
abena kalos2020 u are 100% correct the katilungus and chilubas were the ones who made ZCTU an influential institution but they go and give an award to the guy who suppressed them, it defies logic, bufontini even though its sleeping with the enemy…. not like this leonard!
“Dr Kaunda explained that the trade union movement sacrificed their lives for the sake of the rights of workers adding that they also played a critical role in the independence struggle”.
Was ba KK correctly quoted? Surely Chiluba and his gang did more like kalos2020 #3 also observed. And am sure it is the source of Chilubas’ differences with ba KK.
#3-4, mwalasa gental monsters. FTJ may be a fallen hero but he really deserves this award, and so do Katilungu, Zimba and Sampa. These did their jobs for the labour movement at the time under an all powerful authoritarian. It’s indeed ironic that it’s the authoritarian who ends up with the award.
It’s normal.
What is normal?
Iwe #1, it’s time you changed your abominable name! How do you feel when you look into the mirror? You’re seriously in need of deliverance!
Motherfuker #1 you need JESUS!
#10 With that kind of language you need JESUS more than the #1. Leave him dont you know that some tribes have got such names, make the easternians, mwambo abale!
#1 To settle the dust just rename yourself as nyopa kopa.