Zambia today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Labour Day. In Lusaka, Republican President Michael Sata who arrived at the freedom statute at 10: 20 hours local time graced the event.
In his address, President Sata disclosed that officers working for a named defence wing were allegedly offered poor conditions of service to its employees compared to other defence forces.
M. Sata said there is need to harmonise the disparities among the defence forces so as to motive them.
He further said he is not impressed with the salary structures for workers at the National Assembly and he requested the Speaker to consider tabling the matter in parliament.
He added that workers who opt to go on work stoppages should utilise the normal established channels of bargaining as it was retrogressive to the nation and the practice should be avoided at all costs.
The Head of State also presented awards to some of the deserving workers and reiterated government’s commitment to addressing the plight of workers in the country such as reviewing the statutory instrument on labour laws, ending casualization and child labour.
Mr Sata advised employers in the country to adhere to labour laws but emphasised the need Union Labour leaders to approach management in resolving impasse at work places.
Mr Sata regretted that HIV/AIDS was robbing the nation out of productive people whose inputs were invaluable.
Speaking earlier, Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda disclosed that he will soon be announcing the minimum wage for the public service workers in the country.
Mr Shamenda said government is aware of the ‘long sufferings’ that retirees go through but was quick to assure that his ministry is working round the clock to address the problem.
Mr Shamenda, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, ticked off opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema for his continued attacks on the government of the day.
He said the opposition leader is frustrated and ‘off side’ and does not know how government operates.
Mr Hichilema is quoted in one the tabloids published today that Zambians should brace themselves for more intimidation and sufferings.
Zambia Congress of Trade Union President Leonard Hikaumba demanded for a full-scale transformation of the national economy that puts the interests of the people first and guarantees the respect for human rights.
Mr Hikaumba urged the PF government to seriously address social injustices of high poverty levels, inequality, discrimination and exploitation in working places.
He lamented that despite Zambia ratifying the major international labour Organisation conventions on promoting and protection of fundamental rights, a lot of Zambian workers have not benefited as provided for in the Conventions.
He warned that his organisation would evaluate the PF government next year to account for its six months after settling down in power from the latter, MMD government.
This year’s labour day is being commemorated under the theme“ Enhancing workers’ rights for sustainable national development”.
And in Chipata, the Zambia Congress Trade Union(ZCTU ) has expressed concern over the low turnout at this year’s International Labour Day celebrations in Chipata district in eastern Province.
ZCTU Secretary General Roy Mwaba said the low turnout is an indication that most employers in the district do not encourage their workers to participate in the important day which is celebrated World over.
Mr Mwaba was speaking at this year’s International Labour Day Celebration held at David Kaunda stadium in Chipata this morning whose theme is “Enhancing Workers Right for Sustainable National Development,”
He urged government to ensure that employers in the region allowed their workers to participate fully in Labour Day celebrations.
The ZCTU National Secretary has since reiterated ZCTU’s commitment to work with the government of the day to improve workers condition of service.
And officiating at this year’s International Labour Day celebration Minister of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba said government requires a committed workforce to contribute to the growth and expansion of the companies, organizations and public sector in the country.
Mr Mwamba stated that government is aware that the process of having committed workforce will contribute to the sustainable economic development of the nation.
He stated that there is need to address the work culture of employees which is currently characterized by unproductive practices such as absenteeism, reporting late for work and also lack of respect for superiors among other concerns.
He said to address the negative attitude towards work, government is developing and implementing strategies that will inculcate a positive work culture.
And speaking at the same function Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) representative Wamui Changani said the federation has received numerous complaints from foreign investors who have already invested in the country that the Immigration Department is refusing to issue work permits for expert employees.
Mr Changani said the complaint is that even when the companies meet the legal requirements as provided for in section 65 of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) which allows a foreign investor who has invested a minimum of US 250,000 to employ five expatriates there is rigidity from the department.
He said the reality is that there is a serious skill shortage in a number of fields in the industry and over restriction on the employment of required number of experts in managerial and technical positions may retard development of industry in the country.
ZANIS
power of money moneni ba Newstead kwati tabali ba minister. Viva sata, its there time to gwada
Chi Newstead, stand up! Why are you kneeling? This is what creates bullies and dictators. Learn to look your leaders in the eye.
The man wants a job iwe ! Boma ni boma !
Did you expect Newstead Zimba to be standing while talking to a sitted President Sata? Is this what you do when talking to your father/elders?
spot on! I shall neva kneel down for anybody and dont expect the same from others.
Its not true that investors are denied work permits, check how many chinese are in zambia with legal papers how many wazungus are masqerading in zambia and have no legal papers ..too many , why ? too much lawlessness in zambia, in the diaspora i can’t even stay one day without being caught if my permit has expired. Are you sure an investor who invests us$250,000 NEEDS ONLY 5 expertriate workers???? my foot ..then if that was followed alot of zambians would be employed in these companies, but what is on the ground is the opposite, these investors bring one person per dollar invested in zambia. check this outu!!!!
The Culture of Kneeling before Zambian Presidents continues. This might have started in the Kafupi Error/Era ( may peace NOT be upon his soul). They Kneeled before Levy. They kneeled before Banda and now they are kneeling before Satan. What a pathetic country of losers and Zeroes.
Knelt mate not kneeled.
Ba N Princess mwaitaya! you cant be standing while talking to your father or any elderly person. Whats wrong with kneeling kanshi? Maybe you do that to yowa father or yowa mother. When are you going to accept that ba Sata is the president? Long live PF!
EVERY NOBLE AFRICAN ZAMBIAN PERSON WOULD KNEEL NOT JUST TO AN ADULT BUT TO ANY RESPECTABLE PERSON ESPECIALLY IF THAT RESPECTABLE PERSON IS SEATED. IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR SOMEONE TO STAND AND TALK TO AN ADULT WHO MAY BE SITTING IN A CHAIR. A STATURE HAS TO BE LOWERED FOR IT TO MAKE SENSE. UNLESS SOMEONE IS AN ARMY OFFICER AND IN UNIFORM. EVEN IN THAT CASE THE OFFICER IS EXPECTED TO STAND IN A SALUTING POSTURE.
#4 Nhongo, this is not about tradition. I have tremendous respect and love for my parents, and when I speak with them, I pull up a chair or if they are standing, we stand together. Submission and respect are two different things.
Do you kneel to your boss at work? Newstead Zimba and the rest of the kneelers should stand shoulder to shoulder and eye to eye with the President. That will build a stronger country, it is called democracy.
Mind you not all sectors of tradition are healthy and wholesome.
So what is your suggestion, NZimba to pull up a chair in this case?
Pf government stop accusing HH for your faillure to deliver to the country. Go to work stop politicking. Tell the Zambians your development plans not attacking people who have nothing to do with your failures. Meanwhile, HH just know that PF is afraid of you. Just continue hammering them. You are the next president for all Zambians.
Dream on, Zambia will not develop overnight and not by a few pipo in government. I guess you believe that HH and UPND can develop Zambia in less than one year. Joker. Why are you people so bitter, pray for your leaders as the bible says instead of cursing all the time then maybe you can get whatever it is you call development, which to you means HH being president, since according to you he is the only one who can do it. How shallow?!
@Yelebwebwe, there is nothing like being bitter here. We can give you another 50 years, but you will yield nothing at the end of the day. If you have ever built a house you will understand that a foundation is of paramount importance. Not this shaky foundation marred with antagonism and oppression you pf are laying.
Yangu Ba Newstead Zimba. He was with campaigning for RB in the last election. Why can’t folks just retire and let the young ones take over.
HH continue attacking this headless government, let no amount of intimidation affects you. We know that the pf failled government is feeling the heat.
Why HH at a labour day celebration, this is a pure indication that pf & Ukwa are having sleepless nights because of HH is heat. HH thumbs up. We need a unitary government not this tuma- ukwa government.
Well, Newstead needs to start farming instead of attending functions where he is not invited. This is why there was no chair for him to sit and he ended up kneeling like a small boy despite him being order than Sata.
If the kneeler in the picture was a little boy, perhaps it would be appropriet to kneel. But this kneeler is an old man himself who may deserve to be kneeled to by Sata and Shamenda. All that gray hair kneeling sure mwe bantu, what kind of tradition is that.
Sata is older than NZ. Also, he’s teh President. So 2 things there to kneel to – age and the office.
#6 Iwe Nubian Princess, they dont provide extra chairs at such functions for people to pull and sit closer to the president and talk to him. I hope yours is not the case of perceived ‘exposure’ wrapped in arrogance and disrespect. Be reasonable and realistic to the situation at hand.
I’m loving the pros and cons about kneeling. Shamenda’s posture on that chair is unusual, is it some culture or tummy ache?
@Bricklayer u are an ***** and u are worse than a dead dog.Whats wrong with kneeling?But uli chipuba kwena! When are u idoits going to accept that SATA is a president?If u cnt swallow the bitter pills,then hung yourself or go to your fellow dogs and losers ZWD.
Newstead Zimba making a fool of himself. Such foolish kneelings can easily be avoided by staying at home and let the young ones do the rest. Anyway Bembas say sebana wikute I hope I have got this right! Disgusting mwe! I end here!
culture ni culture, thats why people like nubian pricess if you were a woman are often referred to as chitongo, meaning un cultured woman or man. we dont always kneel for our bosses but try and imagine mr zimba standing whilst talking to the president, chiminine chiminine fyo bushiki (2) napabakulu chaimininafye ubushiki chiminine.
Well spoken #6 Nubian Princess.
SYCOPHANCY.
Let`s play trivia-“Memories are for those who make them. “ A little refresher on News Z`s infamy:
From The Independent- Saturday 09 October1993
Zambia’s Home Affairs Minister, Newstead Zimba, had his wife arrested after she assaulted a pregnant woman she suspected was her husband’s girlfriend, AFP reports from Lusaka.
Nora Zimba and three of her sons stormed the woman’s house, breaking window panes and destroying household items. She packed some things into her car, claiming they had been bought by her husband. The woman fled in a bath towel but was captured by one of the sons.
I thought Newstead Zimba was Dead!!! Fuseke chi Zimba!!
Embarrasing to see Newstead kneeling, but he looks relatively comfortable if you compare with the agony Shamenda is in. Whoever planted a nail on that chair, did not do the labour minister any favour
Imwe bantu sure i dont know what you are hating about, Can someone just tell me if it was going to be okey for him to stand up while everyone else is seated, you the same people would have said he has no manners. tradition or no tradition its good manners to go the same level with the person you are talking to, can we all talk sensibly and responsibly please especially iwe Nubia
n Princess.
@14 Shamenda’s posture is called ” ukunya Icisushi bwino ” and he is good at that if his recent rants and raves are anything to go by
WHO IIS THIS HH WHO IS MOANING EVERY DAY IN THE MEDIA? IS HE THE SAAE BLOKE WHO LEFT THE PF BOAT THINKING THAT IT WAS GOING TO SINK.HH SHOULD KNOW THAT HE IS NO THREAT TO PRESIDENT SATA.THIS YOUNG HH SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAT HE CHOPPED HIS OWN LEGS FOR RUPIA BANDA. HH SHOULD NOW WAIT UNTIL HIS HAIR GROWS WHITE BECAUSE FOR NEXT 20 YEARS ZAMBIA WILL BE RULED BY PF.VIVA PF ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION AND ONE LEADER AND THAT LEADER IS BA M C SATA PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA.
@ # 20 …. Yes it was going to be okay if he stood upright. It should have been the other two who should have stood up to his level if they deemed it could have been awkward. Also, this may not have been the right time for Zimba to appraoch and start a conversation. He should have waited for a better time when Sata was upright. There is also a lot that can be said about the African presidents who accept this gesture. I get the impression that these fools feel they deserve this worship and wamuyaya syndrome. A good leader would have motioned for the kneeler to stand up (I am not your God … blah blah blah). A good leader would also have motioned for a seat to be brought for this kneeler. Thats how we did it in the village. Nobody should be worshiped, Nobody!!!
Sata is a very hurt person, does he ever laugh? I feel pit for his children. Imbwa ya mukali taichenjela.
@Natasha kwena ulichipuba! Do u think b4 u comment?How can hh give SATA sleepless nights in one province only?I think u are not a dog but u are also a bitch.
Used oil everywhere. Young turks, when are you taking over from these guys? They’ve run out of ideas. All they can do is react to what HH says. They can’t develope the country for us.
BUT THIS GOVERNMENT HAS NKALAMBA, ALL ARE OLD FINISHED CHARACTERS, NO CHANCE FOR YOUNG GENRATION, THAT IS WHY THEY DO NOT WANT YOUNG BLOOD IN THIS GOVERNMENT COZ ITS FOR OLD OLD FINISHED GUYS AND GILS. ALL YOUNG PEOPLE BEEN FIRED. BUT HOW WILL ZAMBIA DEVELOPIF THE NEW GENERATION IS MADE TOLEAVE ROOM FOR NKALAMBA LIKE THOSE KNEELING BEFORE SATAN, SATAN HIMSELF ALSO FINISHED KALE KALE. AWE MWANDIGOD WHY. THIS WAS AMISTAKE THAT ZAMBIA HAS TO UNDER GO FOR THE NEXT 20 TO 30 YEARS WA MUYA YAYA. I WILL NOT COME BACK HOME NOT ANTIL AFTER THESE NKALAMBAS ARE ALL GONE. NEXT YOU WILL HEAR THAT KK IS A DIPLOMAT. INFACT IT WOULD BE BETTER COZ IT WILL SAVE SATAN FROM PUTTING HIS RELATIVES LIKE HE HAS DONE IN CANADA ZAMBIA EMBASSY WHERE THE WHOLE NEW TEAM IS HIS RELATIVES, THE SECRETARY IS HIS SISTER IN
iwe chikaala have respect for the president mwana wa koswe iwe.
# 6….There is a very thin line between democracy and anarchy and you are tethering on to the latter.
National assembly workers get more more money than civil servants actually to be specific their salaries are three times more than civil servants. Does Sata want these salaries to be increased or reduced?
Shamenda recently told unions for civil servants not to talk about minimum wage but he now wants to introduce it. What is wrong in the heads of these old chaps? They have selective forgetfulness. When PF were in opposition they were cerebrating when workers went on strike but now it is a sin for them for anyone contemplating about a strike. When they were in opposition Sata never attended any state function but he expects HH to be dancing to his tune by attending his functions. We want more money in the pockets not filling our hearts with insults
no 7uli tole
#23 The Bricklayer, Spot on my man. The two guys should have stood to greet NZ!
this dirty shamenda is scared of HH..hahahahahahaha..viva HH..Newstead Zimba.shame on you..!
HH for Presidency
I like Shamenda’s casual lounging stance in the chair. Donchi kutina chiShetana.
The picture shows that Newstead is job-seeking so he has to kneel for his master. Sorry Newstead, there are no VACANCIES. I am also on the waiting list. You have chewed enough as Minister and in foreign service. By the way, how is your ka young wife?
PF thugs have HH for breakfast, lunch and supper. Soon the air they breath will be made of HH. He has scared them with his principled stance. VIVA Hakaindeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
@40 Mimi, how can MCS breath HH or hav him for breakfast, lunch and supper? It is the other way round. It is UPND, sycophants like yourself and HH who have been having sleepless nights since 20th September 2012. HH can take any stance, it wont change things for now. You cowards thought you would win without Michael, mwailasha you mabisi/cow dung chaps. HH is aging with envy. You must be regretting the day you pulled out of the pact.
Sata is older than Zimba, so culturally Zimba is correct in kneeling here.
Secondly, Sata is State president, the office demands respect from everyone regardless of age and political afficliation.
Thirdly there seems to be no spair chairs to pull up by Zimba.
How Zimba can be condemned in this case is unreasonable. A bit of thinking can help.
Also remember Sata and Zimba are friends. From MMD days.
HH na pa labour day??????????? do these guys have sleepless nights on HH??
@41 MIMI, ha ha ha chakubaba ayi, well the adage goes, truth hurts lol.
Az an adult, if I must reazon with a seven year old, I’d proudly and gladly kneel in order to get the same level az we converse. Are “chairz” alwayz near-by at every scenario in so that two people can sit while talking?
HH the president for all Zambians.
It is time for all the old fellors to get the jobs while the younths are waiting on the sideline. Younths need not worry since the retirement age is now 60 years, implying they will work when in their 50s. How can the entire govt adopt a system of retaining old people on jobs at the expense of the young ones…..the power of the youthful vote to empower the old only.
What is the matter Santa Claus Shamenda? Is he suffering from backache?
MR PRESIDENT WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH VIVA SATA!!!!!!!!!!
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