Zambia and South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which seeks to protect the interests of their nationals working in the two countries.
The MoU which was signed in Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday this week aims to define the basis for institutional relations under which cooperation would be developed between the two parties in the fields of employment, labour and social security.
Areas of cooperation will include collective bargaining, dispute resolution systems, and labour inspections.
Press Secretary at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa Nicky Shabolyo told ZANIS in a statement that the MoU will also cover social dialogue, labour market information, occupational health and safety, HIV and AIDS, and Wellness in the workplace.
Mr. Shabolyo disclosed that the MoU will include other areas such as international labour cooperation issues, social security issues relating to unemployment insurance and compensation, and productivity issues.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Mr. Fackson Shamenda signed on behalf of the Zambian Government while his counterpart, Ms. Mildred Oliphant, Minister for the Department of Labour signed on behalf of the South African Government.
Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ms. Philomena Kachesa, South Africa’s Labour Deputy Minister Mr. Sango Patekile Holomisa, representatives from Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and South African Government agencies witnessed the signing ceremony held at Parliament Buildings in Cape Town.
Mr. Shamenda said the signing of the MoU enhanced the strategic co-operation and partnership on employment, labour and social security between the two countries to which Zambia was fully committed.
He said there are many South Africans working in Zambia adding that South Africa also hosts a lot of Zambian migrant workers which he said demonstrates the two nations’ mutual interests.
And Ms. Oliphant referred to South African President, Mr. Jacob Zuma, whom she said had emphasised before that such warm historical ties between the two countries should translate into stronger economic, social and developmental relations between the two countries.
Ms. Oliphant said the signing of the MoU seeks at the very least, to ensure that the relations between the two countries remain stronger as the two countries continue with the quest for social justice and the betterment of the people.
She said that South Africa will always remain indebted to Zambia for the selfless support in the struggle against apartheid and that the role the country played would always be remembered as the two countries forge ahead to ensure that the fruits of the liberation of South Africa are experienced by the citizens and, most importantly, workers of the two countries.
This can’t be Fackson Shameda in this picture – LT have you gone Bonkers?
HE IS SHAMENDA @1 PUT ON GLASSES TO SEE CLEARLY IWE UOND SUPPORTER WAIT AFTER NEXT WEEK WE NAILING THE LAST NAIL IN YOUR PAYMASTERS COFFIN HH YOU JUST SUPPORT WITHOUT THINKING KAMBWAMBWA IWE