Sunday, June 29, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 1013

Africa still loses 384,000 people through malaria annually-Chanda

Chief Editor
-
5
Africa still loses 384,000 people through malaria annually-Chanda

Zambia has today joined the rest of the globe to commemorate world malaria day, under the theme “Zero Malaria” which falls today April 25, 2021.

Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said as the country fights the Covid-19 pandemic, every individual should not lose focus of other deadly diseases like malaria.

Dr. Chanda stated that although notable tremendous progress has been made in curbing malaria worldwide, the African continent and Zambia still grieve a preventable 384,000 malaria deaths annually.

“Zambia remains steadfast in its prevention programmes including distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, testing for and treatment of malaria as well as use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women,” he said.

He expressed excitement to note that there is remarkable progress in the development of an ant- malaria vaccine, with successful trials conducted by international health experts in Burkina Faso showing 77 per cent efficacy and now in the final stages before starting large scale clinical trials.

“Many global health experts believe an efficacious and safe malaria vaccine is a game changer in the progress towards malaria elimination,” he said.

And Dr. Chanda has reiterated that incidents of blood clotting after receiving the Covid-19 vaccination are extremely rare and where they occurred, they are detected early and are treatable.

“I am pleased to report that the Covid-19 vaccination campaign has now been rolled out to all the ten provinces in the country. Yesterday 1,469 people received the vaccine country-wide, bringing the cumulative number of vaccinated persons to 14, 012,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda said 41 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours, out of 3,338 tests conducted.

He said this translates into the cumulative number of confirmed cases to date to 91,358.

And 39 patients are admitted to isolation facilities nationally with 32 on oxygen therapy and eight critically ill.

“We report 171 dicharges from both home Covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 89,574. And regrettably we lost one patient to Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of deaths recorded to 1, 246,” he explained.

Edith Nawakwi rubbishes claims by the Hatembos that she wants to Kill them

Chief Editor
-
33
Edith Nawakwi rubbishes claims by the Hatembos that she wants to Kill them

Forum for Democracy and Development President Edith Nawakwi insists that United Party For National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema is hiding the Pheluna and Milton Hatembo in his house.

Ms. Nawakwi said that Mr. Hichilema knows that what he did was evil and it might dent his political career hence hiding them at his place.

Speaking in an interview today, ms Nawakwi said that Mr. Hichilema and his minions are now forcing the Hatembos to accuse her of having plans to kill them that is why they are in hiding when in fact not.

The FDD leader said that she has nothing to do with the Hatembos but it is Mr. Hichilema who has done evil against the innocent people.

“See what is happening, they have now captured them in the video saying ill about me. They were being told what to say by Hichilema and his minions who are hiding them.

See how they are looking, so vulnerable. They were pushed into the wall when talking. You even tell that these people are not in safe hands,” she said.

The video has gone viral where the Hatembos are accusing Ms. Nawakwi of having plans to kill them. They said that they are hiding and suffering because they are scared of Ms. Nawakwi.

But Ms. Nawakwi rubbished the claims, saying it is Mr. Hichilema who is pushing the agenda of showing that she is evil when not.

“If these people are safe why are they keeping them in Hakainde Hichilema’s house. There is something fishy. Hakainde Hichilema is evil and all that is doing will haunt him,” Ms. Nawakwi says.

Ms Nawakwi has since appealed to the police to ensure that this matter is expedited so those found wanting are arrested.

The Improved Road System has led to Significant Improvements in the Agriculture Sector-Luo

Chief Editor
-
11
The Improved Road System has led to Significant Improvements in the Agriculture Sector-Luo

Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Nkandu Luo says Zambia has the potential to be the food basket for the African continent because she is endowed with favourable resources to produce food.

Professor Luo said government has continued to prioritise the development of the agricultural sector in order not to only guarantee national food security but to also be able to export to other countries.

She said this during the Patriotic Front interactive forum in Lusaka today.

She said government has continued to put in several measures in order to support the sector.

The measures she cited are the farmer input support programme (FISP) and the massive road infrastructure development.

Prof. Luo stated that the road system has led to significant improvements in the agriculture sector as most farmers are now able to ferry their produce to markets across towns and borders.

She reiterated that the Patriotic Front government is committed to developing all key sectors of the economy, with the agriculture sector being one of them, as highlighted in the PF’s 2021-2026 manifesto.

She explained that the decision by the PF government to link the country through good roads is critical and has led to the successful improvement in the agriculture sector.

The Minister said contrary to critics who have downplayed the PF’s government resolve to improve roads across the country, farmers are having it easy to transport their agriculture produce to the readily available markets.

“The agriculture sector will only flourish if we build on the successes of massive infrastructure development that the PF government has embarked on. If the PF 2021 – 2026 manifesto is implemented, Zambia is poised to be a food basket for Africa and also a transport hub due to massive development in the road, rail and air transport sector,” she said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Luo has called for diversification in the agricultural sector in order to develop the sector more.

She said there is need to promote livestock farming in all the ten provinces of Zambia.

The minister has also encouraged farmers to form cooperatives in order to effectively benefit from the many empowerment programmes that are currently being implemented.

She said cooperatives help in the smooth resource mobilization for the establishment of businesses which ultimately leads to job and wealth creation.

“Cooperatives are key, they bring people with different abilities for easy management of resources. Every citizen must see the value of belonging to a cooperative going forward,” she said.

President heads Eastern Province, Expected to Meet Bishop who rejected Empowerment Funds

Chief Editor
-
22
President heads Eastern Province, Expected to Meet Bishop who rejected Empowerment Funds

President Edgar Lungu is expected in Eastern Province today, for a one-day working visit. President Lungu is expected to arrive in Chipata in the morning and later proceed to congregate with Christians at the Anglican Diocese of Chipata St. Pauls Congregation.

The President is expected to pay a courtesy call on the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Chipata George Lungu at St. Anne’s Cathedral in the afternoon.

Catholic Diocese of Chipata George Lungu had directed all Catholic Churches in the province not to receive Government empowerment funds in the light of Zambia’s debt and poverty levels.

The Head of State will later in the day pay a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people at his Ephindukeni palace.

According to a programme made available to the media by Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Veronica Mwiche, President Lungu is expected to depart for Lusaka later in the afternoon.

Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Rev. Godfridah Sumaili
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Rev. Godfridah Sumaili with Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Veronica Mwiche

Meanwhile, Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Rev. Godfridah Sumaili has thanked the church, Religious and Faith-Based Organisations for the massive response towards the Empowerment scheme being implemented by her Ministry.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Rev. Sumaili said her Ministry was in receipt of over 1500 applications across the country.

She said the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs technical team and other stakeholders were currently sitting to scrutinize applications and is hopeful that successful applicants will be announced soon.

She stated that Government is ready to work with the church and continue uplifting their welfare through the empowerment scheme and other initiatives to enable the church continue running it’s mandate without fail.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Veronica Mwiche has applauded governments relations with the church in the Province.

Ms. Mwiche said her office is delighted to see the Churches eagerness to work with government whenever they are called upon.

She said the church are critical partners in development and deserves to be supported.

She said her office had received hundreds of applications towards the Church, Religious and Faith-Based Organisations empowerment scheme.

She said the Church is a meeting place for people from all walks of life, and that church leaders are influential in speaking messages of peace, love and unity.

.

Government Warns illegal Miners invading Mopani Copper Mines as One Person is Shot Dead

Chief Editor
-
9
Government Warns illegal Miners invading Mopani Copper Mines as One Person is Shot Dead

The government has warned of stern action against illegal miners invading Mopani Copper Mines in Mufulira, where one person was on Friday shot dead as police struggled to push back the scavengers.

Mines Minister Richard Musukwa said that the illegality perpetrated by illegal miners locally known as Jerabos will not be tolerated.

Mr. Musukwa however said that the loss of life in a tussle between the illegal miners and police is regrettable, adding that police should not have used live ammunition but non-combat tactics during the tense crowd control.

Mr. Musukwa said that government has devised proper mechanisms for youths participation in mining hence will not condone illegal activities.

He has told ZNBC news that some aspiring parliamentary candidates have contributed to the invasion of Mopani Mine due to false promises to secure mineral resources for the jerabos if elected.

He said government and Mopani Mines will not be held to ransom by dishonest politicians pushing selfish agenda ahead of the August elections.

Mr. MUSUKWA said youths and other citizens must follow government devised schemes to legally participate in mining as opposed to the use of illegal and violent means.

He said security will be beefed up to secure the mine premises and further cautioned Kankoyo residents against daring the police whenever they riot.

Mr. Musukwa said the mine sinkhole is a dangerous site that would spell disaster if people are left to conduct illegal activities unchecked

One person was shot dead as the police battled to repel illegal miners that invaded the sinkhole at Mopani Mine in Mufurila yesterday.

Inonge Wina urges Chiefs to promote peace ahead of general elections

Chief Editor
-
17
Inonge Wina urges Chiefs to promote peace ahead of general elections

Acting President Inonge Wina, has called on traditional leaders in the country to play a pivotal role in promoting peace as the country heads to the general election on August 12, 2021.

Mrs Wina says traditional leaders are key players in safeguarding peace in the country adding that the government will continue to value the contribution chiefs are making in uniting the people of Zambia.

The acting President said this when she addressed traditional leaders in Ikelenge district yesterday.

Mrs Wina also urged the chiefs to ensure that the source of the Zambezi River in Ikelenge is protected from encroachment to safeguard the Livelihood of wildlife and the people that depend on the water channel as it meanders through seven other African countries.

Meanwhile chiefs in Ikelenge district have assured the acting President that traditional leadership in the border town will rally behind President Lungu to ensure that he is re-elected to continue with his development agenda for the country.

Speaking on behalf of three other chiefs, Chieftainess Ikelenge said traditional leadership in the district is fully behind the leadership of President Lungu to continue beyond 2021 because of the president’s commitment to taking development to all parts of the country.

The chiefs present in the meeting were chief Mwininyilamba, chief Nyakaseya, sub chief Mukangala and Chieftainess Ikelenge.

Mrs Wina is on a three-day working visit to Northwestern province.

She is accompanied by provincial Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu, member of the PF central committee Kabinga Pande and other senior government officials.

No Right Turn Directive on Busy Roads by Lusaka Mayor is Right Move for Decongestion

Chief Editor
-
24
No Right Turn Directive on Busy Roads by Lusaka Mayor is Right Move for Decongestion

THE Zambian Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) welcomes the decision to close all right hand turns on all newly built roads and on busiest roads within Lusaka as announced by the Lusaka City Mayor, Mr Miles Sampa

The Group believes closing all right hand turns will lead to a faster and a smoother flow of traffic around Lusaka as those in the inner lane or the fast lane move faster without any delays or disturbances.

The Group believes this move will also help reduce the many incidences of accidents recorded on these busy roads.

The Group therefore welcomes the Mayor of Lusaka’s recent announcement that all islands starting with the newest roads will be closed permanently thereby making Lusaka a No Right Hand Turn city.

The Zambian Roads and Highway Safety Group has always advocated for turning busiest roads into a No Right Hand Turn roads in the Lusaka CBD- Central Business District – and instead use traffic circles or roundabouts – to enable traffic intending to turn right to go round and make U turns at the traffic circle for them to come around and have access the other lanes.

This will effectively make the busy roads in Lusaka “Turn Left Only” roads and free the inner lanes for fast lanes.

Most delays on the fast lane or inner lane are caused by vehicles blocking the fast lane as they wait for their turn to turn right.

These waitings or dead stops on busy roads like on Addis Ababa, Los Angeles Boulevard, Great East Rd, Kamloops, Burma, Chilimbulu, Katima Mulilo, Tokyo Ring Road among others, have been a cause of many road traffic accidents recorded on these roads.

The Group is hopefully the Lusaka City Council will go further and make by laws that will compel road constructors that all new roads built in Lusaka be “No Right Turn’ Roads.

Another area the by laws will come in handy is to demand that new roads have space for cyclists and pedestrians to walk or use these roads safely.

“When all roads have their islands closed and no vehicles allowed to turn right or cut across busy roads, there will be faster flow of traffic, reduced time spent on the road and reduced number of road traffic accidents recorded. There will also be enough space for pedestrians and cyclists to use.

The Group urges RDA, RTSA and other road safety and transport agencies to develop a habit of listening to advise from advocacy groups like the way the Mayor Miles Sampa has done.

PF considers education as a fundamental basic human right that every Zambian citizen is entitled to

Chief Editor
-
2
PF considers education as a fundamental basic human right that every Zambian citizen is entitled to

Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary-General Hon. Davies Mwila says the PF government under the leadership President Edgar Lungu considers education as a fundamental basic human right that every Zambian citizen is entitled to.

Speaking when he officiated at the fundraising luncheon organized by St. Peter and Paul Church in Chingola, Hon Mwila stated that the PF views education as an investment and not a cost.

He explained that this is the reason why the PF government under the leadership of President Lungu has continued to invest billions of Kwachas in the education sector to ensure access to quality and affordable education for all.

“The PF Government, being a pro-poor Government, believes in universal access to general education for all citizens,” Hon. Mwila said.

The party Chief Executive Officer explained that the PF Government has in the past 9 years constructed 14,235 primary schools, 4,690 secondary schools, 14 trades schools, and increased the number of public universities from 3 to 7.
And Hon. Mwila said the PF party recognize and appreciates the great works that the Catholic Church in general and St. Peter and Paul, in particular, are doing in complimenting the government’s efforts in the provision of education.

“It is for this reason that when we saw your invitation we did not hesitate to come and be a part of this fundraising luncheon,” he said.

Hon.Mwila stressed that the PF will continue to work with the Church in fostering national development, unity and peace.

He said the party believe that apart from preaching the good news, the church has an obligation to meet the physical needs of people adding that this is why the party has been working hand in hand with the Church to uplift the living standards of Zambians.

“Father MUTUNU, I know that we are here to raise money for the school that your parish is building; according to the information I have, your target is K700,000. This money will go towards the completion of the school for our children here,” he said.

The PF Secretary General has since appealled to the business Community and members of the public to contribute towards the construction of the school.

Over K400, 000 cash was raised during the luncheon from the invited guests.

Among the notable people who attended the event include Chifubu Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Frank Ng’ambi, Health Minister Dr. Jonas Chanda, former Sports Minister and Nchanga Member of Parliament Hon. Richard Kazala and other party officials.

PF should be judged not on their plan for the next five years, but failure to implement their old Manifesto

Chief Editor
-
22
PF should be judged not on their plan for the next five years, but failure to implement their old Manifesto

By Joseph Lungu UPND Head of Policy and Research Bureau

The UPND has taken time to peruse through the newly launched ruling Patriotic Front-PF-88-page 2021-to-2026 Manifesto.

Our findings as a Government in waiting is that the document is full of ambiguities as it falls short of giving a clear-cut guideline of how the PF would make “manna rain from heaven” and how they intend to create the so-called jobs that the country desperately needs.

How could a government that promised heaven on earth, but delivered hell in the wrong run continue insulting the innocence and dignity of Zambians by pledging to use the same failed methods to fix the country’s ever-increasing and complex problems?

Like we have already stated, it is not a new piece of writing that is lacking in Zambia to provide the numerous solutions needed by the people, but new, credible, tested and tried leadership like that of President Hakainde Hichilema.

The PF should be judged not on their plan for the next five years, but on the failure to implement their manifesto for the last five 10 years they have been at the helm of national leadership.

The PF’s failures are there for all to see. Zambia is in an economic, social, political and cultural crisis. Our young people are unemployed. The price of food, fuel, cooking oil and other essential commodities is on a daily rise. Parents cannot afford to feed their children, late alone take them to school. There are no medicines in hospitals. There is intermittent load shedding. Rural and most township roads are in a deplorable state and impassable. Water is scarce and most households depend on water from shallow wells, or, they have to queue for long hours at communal taps to have a bucket full of water. The list of problems is endless.

After 10 years in office, this government has failed. Whatever they promise, we know they will not deliver and that another term of Lungu will not bring the much-needed change. With Lungu as president, nothing will change, and the next five years will look like the last five – if not worse. HH and UPND are the only solution to a better Zambia. It is Time for Change!!

Indeed, a party with a manifesto like the one for the PF is both a danger to itself and the people of Zambia.

We, therefore, urge the people of Zambia not to fall cheap traps by the PF and buy into the numerous lies that is contained in the 88-page long Manifesto not worth the salt.

Lungu, Tshisekedi hold bilateral talks

Chief Editor
-
17
Lungu, Tshisekedi hold bilateral talks

President Edgar Lungu and his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart Felix Tshisekedi have held talks in Kinshasa and discussed a wide range of issues of common interest.

President Lungu said Zambians and Congolese share a lot of similarities among them culture, traditions and others.

He said at the African Union arena building that the discussions were fruitful as they bordered on issues of enhanced cooperation in order to increase economic development in both counties.

He said it was important that African Presidents learn from each other on how to govern their countries and ensure development.

And President Tshisekedi, who spoke through an interpreter, said the resolutions of the discussions should be shared with other presidents in the region.

He also said plans between the two countries to build a Kasomeno-mwenda bridge across Luapula river would enhance cooperation and integration.

President Tshisekedi noted that the Kazungula bridge linking Zambia and Botswana was a masterpiece.

He was accompanied to DRC by Foreign Affairs Minister, Joe Malanji, Presidential Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe, Luapuala Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa and Minister of Infrastructure Vincen Mwale.

President Edgar Lungu and his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart Felix Tshisekedi
President Edgar Lungu and his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart Felix Tshisekedi

Lusaka Dynamos Lift 2021 ABSA Cup Title

sports
-
0

Zesco United failed to defend their ABSA Cup title on Saturday after Lusaka Dynamos beat them on post-match penalties in the final played at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

Dynamos beat Zesco 3-1 in the shootouts following a scoreless draw.

Tady Etekiama, Collins Sikombe and Monga Ndala converted for Dynamos while Zesco’s only successful penalty was slotted in by Adrian Chama.

The ABSA Cup triumph handed Dynamos only their second domestic cup honour since they beat Zesco 1-0 in the 2008 BP Top 8 final.

Zesco now switch their sole attention to the FAZ Super League race where they currently enjoy a seven-point lead and have won their last seven games with twelve games left to play.

And Zesco return to league action this Wednesday when they host Red Arrows in a Week 26 fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Nkana Lose on Ngonga and Chambeshi’s Debut

sports
-
4

Nkana have lost 2-1 to Indeni at home in Kitwe to remain stuck in the FAZ Super Division relegation.

Newly appointed coach Beston Chambishi watched from the stands due to FAZ registration glitch.

Indeni took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to defender Cephas Handavu’s 12th minute strike from close range.

New Nkana striker Alex Ng’onga missed a chance to equalise for Kalampa two minutes later when missing a penalty he won at Nkana Stadium.

Referee Audrick Nkole pointed to the spot after debutant Ng’onga was brought down in the Indeni box but his penalty kick was stopped by keeper Charles Lawu.

Fifteen minutes after the break, Indeni doubled the lead when Tika Chiluba beat Moses Mapulanga in a goal mouth scramble.

The Oil Men were heading for a 2-0 victory when Ng’onga reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a solo effort on 78 minutes.

Meanwhile, Indeni have completed a double over Nkana whon they stunned 2-0 in Ndola last December.

The win pushes Indeni to 30 points after playing 24 matches as Nkana remain second from the bottom with 21 points from 21 matches.
Attachments area

President Lungu leaves for DRC

Chief Editor
-
28
President Lungu leaves for DRC

President Edgar Lungu has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a one day working visit.

President Lungu’s aircraft touched down at Nd’jili International Airport in Kinshasa at 10:30 hours local time (11:30hrs Zambian).

He was welcomed at the airport by Kinshasa Mayor Jeantinie Ngobila Mbaka.

President Lungu is accompanied to DRC by Minister of Foreign Affairs Joe Malanji, Presidential Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe and on hand to welcome him were Minister of Infrastructure Vincent Mwale, Zambia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Friday Nyambe and that country’s Ambassador to Zambia Chantal Maloba.

President Lungu said in an interview at the airport that his visit to DRC was important as the two neighbouring countries have a lot to share.

President Lungu and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi are scheduled to hold talks on a range of issues, among them economic matters that will benefit their two countries’ citizens.

And the two ambassadors Mr. Nyambe and Mrs. Maloba have described the bilateral meeting between the two countries’ heads of states as important for enhanced economic development and unity of their peoples.

Mr. Nyambe of Zambia and Mrs. Maloba of DRC underscored the importance of the meeting between the two heads of states.

Mr. Nyambe said there was a lot of economic and social interaction between the people of DRC and the people of Zambia hence the need for Dr. Lungu and Mr. Tshiseke to hold talks.

He cited the Mwenda-Kasomeno toll road and bridge project as one of the economic infrastructure projects that will have a huge economic impact on the people of the two countries.

“The DRC is an important strategic neighbour to Zambia. This visit by President Lungu is to catch up on opportunities existing between us and the DRC,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Maloba said the citizens of Zambia and of DRC will be more united once they realise the unity that exists at Presidential level.

She said the meeting will enhance the two countries’ relations and promote trade between Zambians and Congolese.

“We need the 2 heads of state to unite and this will strengthen the relations, Mrs. Maloba said.

President Lungu is scheduled to return to Zambia this afternoon.

175 boys ditch lessons opt for work in Mumbwa

Chief Editor
-
18
175 boys ditch lessons opt for work in Mumbwa

About 175 boys dropped out of school in Mumbwa district majority of whom have opted for work in the mines in the area.

District Education Board secretary (DEBS) Mwewa Mwewa says increased mining activities have lured school going boys to drop out and start making money in 2020.

Mrs Mwenya noted that from January to December 2020 the district had a higher number of dropouts for boy as compared to girls

‘’ We had 151 girls who dropped out of school due to early marriages and unplanned pregnancies, ’’ she said.

Ms Mwenya said that the boys opted to engage in informal employment in the nearby farms and in the mine within the district.

‘’When these boys do some mining and piece works, they are given some money hence they opt to go for informal employment than being in school, ” she said.

Ms Mwenya noted that it is however gratifying that Women for Change ( WfC) in the area has been assisting pupils from vulnerable households by paying school fees and providing school materials to help learners to acquire an education.

She added that some learners do not drop out of school deliberately but due to circumstances in their homes, adding that some girls are performing well.

‘’We are hopeful that once they complete their education, the district will produce leaders in the near future’’ she said.

She observed that most of the girls who are sponsored are doing well.

‘’Government has a lot of pupils and it can’t be everywhere, nongovernmental organisations such as the Women for Change and their partners are supplementing government effort and we grateful’’ Ms. Mwenya said.

And Women for Change Executive Director, Lumba Siyanga said that most pupils who drop out of school leave mainly due to financial constraints.

Ms. Siyanga noted that without investing in girl’s education, the country will continue reproducing children out of poverty.

The WfC Executive Director said that if the country does not invest in girls’ education it will be difficult to break the poverty circle

‘’ For the nation to move forward we need girls to be educated so that we equalize the opportunities for future engagements’’ she noted.

Government committed to review minimum wage-Labour Minister

Chief Editor
-
12
Government committed to review minimum wage-Labour Minister

The government has reiterated its commitment to the Decent work agenda through the continued review of labour issues and the provision of sector-based minimum wage in line with the Patriotic Front (PF) party manifesto.

And Minister of Labour and Social Security, Joyce Simukoko says there is a need to bring out tangible solutions to labour issues in all sectors as evidenced by past results such as the revision of the minimum wage for workers in 2012.

Ms Simukoko was speaking when she officially opened the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council meeting held at the Government Complex in Lusaka yesterday.

“My ministry always looks forward to these meetings as they are a platform for resolution of many issues that negatively impact the labour market, through this forum, we have made notable strides such as the revision of minimum wages for the vulnerable employees in 2012 and subsequent revision of the same in 2018” she said.

She has further disclosed that the labour advisory committee will consider Mining, Information and Technology and media sectors going forward and that consultations in the media sector have already commenced.

Mrs Simukoko has, however, cautioned employers against the abuse of Statutory Instrument number 48 0f 2020, through which employers have applied for relief as a result of COVID19 effects on business but rather provide guidance and open dialogue with employees on issues faced by the companies.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zambia Federation of Employers, Acting President, Sakala Ngoma called on the Government to consider suspending the Tobacco and Nicotine products bill to allow all stakeholders to carefully analyse the proposal and its effects on the labour market.

“We request you as Minister responsible for labour in the country to engage your counterpart in the Ministry of Health on this matter and ask him to hold on to this Bill and allow for wider stakeholder consultation. Let’s engage and ensure that once this bill is passed it does not create undesirable ripple effects or implications to the already fragile employment situation in the country”. She said.

And International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director George Okutho said he is confident that the meeting will make decisions that serve the interests of workers and employers in the country and has pledged the ILO’s continued offering technical and financial support to the resolutions of the meeting.

1...1,0121,0131,014...5,641Page 1,013 of 5,641

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times