The Bus and Taxi Drivers Association of Zambia (BTDAZ) has praised government for extending social security to bus and Taxi drivers in the country.
BTDAZ Secretary General Amisi Daudi said the introduction of social security for his members is undebatable and long overdue as it will ensure that bus and taxi drivers are socially protected.
Mr Daudi was speaking at a consultative meeting in Lusaka today that drew participation from National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), RTSA, Zambia Public and Private Drivers Association, BTDAZ and Bus and Taxi operators.
Under the law, bus and taxi drivers along with their employers will be required to contribute to NAPSA to secure the social protection of informal workers in the transport sector.
Mr Duadi who was supported by other stakeholders especially bus and taxi drivers urged government to curb pirating as it affects operations of bus and taxi drivers.
He said with the coming of social security for the informal transport sector, there is need to ensure that pirating is addressed so that BTDAZ can operate at a fair and competitive footing as compared to pirated taxis who have unlimited leeway in their operations.
And Speaking at the same function, Lusaka Mayor Wilson Kalumba commended stakeholders for agreeing with the introduction and implementation of the social security initiative.
In a speech read on his behalf by Councilor for Lusaka Central Business District (CBD) George Daka, Mayor Kalumba pointed out that social security is a human right that is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and urged the parties to support and abide by the initiative.
And President of the Zambia Bus and Taxi Workers Union President James Lyambai said government’s decision to extend social security to the sector will help address the social injustices that are faced.
Meanwhile the Zambia Police Traffic Section Superintendent Yoram Phiri assured the stakeholders that the Police Service is working round the clock to ensure that all misunderstandings between bus and taxi drivers are ironed out.
Mr Phiri said it is imperative that the police, bus and taxi drivers create a sound working relationship to ensure that there is sanity and less congestion on the roads.
NAPSA Regional Manager South Tapeya Phiri said his organization will work flat out to ensure that bus and taxi drivers are provided with social security.
Akantu ako!
Social Security here means free rent, free food, free bus tickets.
YOU MEAN BUS DRIVING AND BUS CONDUCTING TAYALI NI JOB SANA PA ZAMBIA? SHOCKING INDEED. YOU MEAN THEY WERE NOT EVEN PAYING TAX TO THE TO GOVERNMENT REVENUE?
The idea is good but the years its too much 55 years. Again after 55 years they start giving you like salary per month instead of get the all money you build something.
Good idea these characters have been operating under the radar. we need them to realise that they are employers, they must take care of there employees.may be this drivers will start looking smart.
Nikufuna ndalama boma uku konse?
HaZaluza Under Five because he has no sense!
What about the workers especially miners who had made contributions to NAPSA, where is their pension? Does any one know of an individual who gets a state pension as a result of contributions to NAPSA?
Worse when we start paying Lungus debts
What these guys don’t understand is now their incomes will have to be declared and therefore taxed, which is also “undebatable and long overdue”
Please my Brother’s and sisters. In leadership Let us help our people. Zambians are going through problem Hagen we are putting more problem on them coming up with the I dear that we know that it cant work. As leads we just want to still from our people. And we know that they will not get this benefits. we are just taking advantage of there igonorance.
It cant be policed so it is a non event. Maggie is at IMF , IMF says increase your tax base. Thes transport pipo is all cash so jf thsy register for social security they then become paye at 35% then napsa, then employer has to provide wages as per labour award then transport goes up then less money in economy but more tax collected, who will account for napsa payments, how will call boys , conductors, drivers and taxi drivers be identified. Pipo wake up its just to get more money in treasury. How long are retirees waiting to get payments, please thinn it thru pipo. You are being promised smoke, smoke disappears
If pension takes average 4 years to receive it, where will the money to pay you as SS come from? Where does Zambia investment the money to generate funds to pay perpetual salaries to people not working? I am not being persimistic, but you won’t see that money come retirement time. Yes, give your money to Lungu. The Bible encourages to take from the poor to give to the rich. Yes, go ahead. I promise you would be better off investing on your own.