Thursday, March 28, 2024

Embrace modern technologies to enhance productivity – Labour Minister

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Labour Minister Hon. Joyce Nonde Simukoko
Labour Minister Hon. Joyce Nonde Simukoko

Government says there is need to embrace a work culture that promotes productivity through efficient use of modern technologies.

ZANIS reports that Minister of Labour and Social Security Joyce Simukoko said technology is changing the way work is organised the world over and is improving productivity to levels unseen before.

Mrs Simukoko said although the use of technology in Zambia is still slow, its application is already demonstrating positive influence in sectors such as Information, Communication and Telecommunication (ICT).

She said though technology has displaced labour in developed countries, Zambia cannot afford to be left behind in the application of technology because fears that workers will be displaced by robots are unnecessary.

The Minister of Labour said this last night when she officiated at celebrations to mark the 100 years of existence of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as well as 50 years of operation in Zambia.

Mrs Simukoko praised ILO for its outstanding and positive contribution to the improvement of workers welfare around the world.

The minister said ILO has in the last 50 years of operation in Zambia made immense contributions to the promotion of decent work in the country.

She said her ministry has continued to receive significant technical support from the ILO Lusaka country office in various labour related areas to enhance decent work for all in the Zambia.

Mrs Simukoko said ILO contributed to the development and implementation of the 7NDP and Vision 2030 to help Zambia realise the goal of becoming a middle income country by advancing sustainable development goals on decent work and economic growth.

The minister disclosed that Zambia has been selected by ILO to participate in the pilot project on the preparation of article 22 of the ILO constitution baseline reports to improve International Labour Standards Reporting.

And speaking at the same function, acting United Nations Resident Coordinator George Okeche said ILO has in the last 100 years advanced the agenda of promoting social science and decent work around the world.

Mr Okeche ILO will continue to increase collaboration and partnerships with governments, employers and workers to cement social economic development.

ILO Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique George Okutho said ILO has become a locomotive of social progress, peace and development to its 187 member states.

He said Zambia has been part of a strong voice in the ILO family whose role after 100 years of existence still remains relevant despite the many challenges the organisation has faced since establishment as the first UN specialised agency in April 1919.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Chishimba Nkole praised ILO for helping to improve the welfare of workers and building the capacity of the labour movement in the country.

And President of the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) Stephen Sikombe said ILO has set the pace and trend for social justice and progress in the world through the formulation of sound labour policies.

Mr Sikombe pledged that employers in the country will continue to work and partner with ILO to protect the rights of workers.

The centenary celebrations of ILO were held under the theme “advancing social justice and promoting decent work”.

Several Cabinet Ministers, permanent secretaries, members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of UN agencies, labour leaders, and employers among others attended the ILO centenary celebrations in Lusaka.

Minister of Labour Joyce Simukoko also launched the Coffee Table Book detailing the history of ILO work in Zambia.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Alah, I though Joyce died sometime back so she is still among the living? And what’s the decay chrystalizing on her lower front teeth, did she kiss Sata before he died, I mean, Zondwe’s teeth were like an act right out of Thriller!

  2. We are caught between a rock and a hard place. Adopting new technologies is a good thing, however we need creative leaders in government that will facilitate creation of new jobs. Imagine i buy 4 tractors with lawn mowers and get a contract to mow the grass on the sides of our highways, how many young men with hand held slashers will be put out of that casual but important employment.

  3. YOU ARE A WRONG PERSON TO ADVOCATE FOR THAT,MECHANIZATION OF WORKS IS THE OPPOSITE OF JOB CREATION (LABOUR) .YOURS IS TO ADVOCATE FOR A MORE LABOUR-INTENSIVE INDUSTRY.

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