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Visiting Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff, General Aziz Ahmed has urged people around the world to visit the Victoria Falls and enjoy not only its uniqueness but also the friendliness of the Zambian people.
Gen. Ahmed has told journalists after touring the Victoria Falls with Zambia Army Commander Lt. General William Sikazwe that what he has read and heard about the Victoria Falls is nothing compared to what he has experienced.
And Gen. Ahmed said through his visit, Zambia and Bangladeshi armies will become closer, increase interactions in terms of exchange of trainings and other facilities of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Lt. General William Sikazwe said the trip by Gen. AHMED will benefit Zambia because that country has a lot of experience in conventional warfare.
Lt. Gen. Sikazwe said that Zambia has a lot to learn from Bangladeshi and that the exchange visits will promote the interest of both countries.
He said Gen. Ahmed’s five days visit to Zambia is a reciprocation of his visit to that country
Zambia Army Commander William Sikazwe( in white shirt) with visiting Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed(in blue t-shirt) pose for a photo with their spouses at the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in Livingstone. Picture by KELVIN MUDENDAZambia Army Commander William Sikazwe( in white shirt) with visiting Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed(in blue t-shirt) pose for a photo with their spouses at the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in Livingstone. Picture by KELVIN MUDENDA
Government says it is hopeful that the consultative process between government and various stakeholders for the 2022 National budget will yield positive results.
Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Davison Mulenga said the process should not only bridge the information gab of the prevailing tax environment but also serve as a forum to encourage various economic factors on how government can engage domestic resources.
The PS said this during the 2022 National budget consultative meeting at Chinsali’s civic center in Muchinga Province this morning.
Capt. Mulenga said the aim of the meeting is to discuss measures which will be considered for possible inclusion in the 2022 National budget.
He said the consultative meetings is an important one taking place in all the ten (10) provinces in the country adding that the act will help in coming up with a conclusive budget with submissions from stakeholders.
“The initiative to hold these budgeting consultative meetings is a demonstration of government’s commitment to involve citizens in decision making,” he said.
The PS added that the transparency associated with the consultations is also key in building consensus on how government can better address the challenges that the people are facing especially during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
He stated that the need to generate resources domestically cannot be over emphasized saying the act can only be achieved if stakeholders are involved in the planning of the National budget and other important matters of the Nation.
He further called on stakeholders attending the consultative meeting to make their submissions as they are important to the nation.
Meanwhile, various stakeholders made their submissions and concerns towards the 2022 National budget.
Chamber of commerce provincial president, Aggrey Musamba appealed to government to consider allocating more resources to Muchinga Province saying the Province needs urgent attention in all the sectors.
Mr Musamba said development can only be attained if resources are available and adequate.
“We need the Province to change its face in 2022 with more infrastructure in all the sectors,” Mr Nsamba said.
During the meeting a number of presentations focusing on the overview of the first quarter budget performance in 2021 and key tax measures in the 2021 National budget were presented to the stakeholders.
Government has retaliated the need for research in innovation and industrialization by public.
Minister of Higher Education Enginer Brian Mushimba said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ndola district commissioner Antony Katongo during the 29th Copperbelt University (CBU) graduation ceremony for over one thousand graduating students held at Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola Friday.
Eng. Mushimba said scientific solutions are critical in situations such as the Covid19 pandemic that their contributions will be paramount in probiding economic solutions.
Eng. Mushimba noted that CBU has been a partner of the government in research and development as it has taken steps to domesticate aspirations contained in 7NDP and the vision 2030 within the university’s strategic plan.
“I note the commitment and passion the university has shown in the transformation of Mukuba University and establishment of Kapasa Makasa University into research and innovation centers. I have in the past bemoaned the lack of a strong scientific voice amongst the public especially in the light of the covid19 pandemic amongst public universities.” he said.
He added that the government is fully aware of the many challenges CBU is faced with but assured the university that it is putting necessary measures in place to address them as resources permit.
Eng. Mushimba also congratulated the graduating students and cautioned them to be exemplary in their behavior as their achievement meant a lot not only to themselves but the nation as a whole.
And CBU Vice Chancellor Prof. Naison Ngoma called on various stakeholders to partner with the university to help fulfill its role of teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialization.
The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), has appealed to political leaders in the country not to promote politics of violence ahead of the August 12, General Elections.
CCZ General Secretary, Father Emmanuel Chikoya said it was the desire of the Council to see a commitment by all political party players to peaceful and issue based campaigns focused on manifestos and ideologies; not machetes, guns and insults.
Father Chikoya who is also Chairperson of the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), said the church mother body was interested in issues of peace building and dialogue before, during and after this year’s General Election.
He said this in Livingstone on Friday during a press briefing held at the Anglican Church.
And Fr Chikoya called on all well-meaning Zambians to have zero tolerance for violence, corruption and regionalism for the country to be a better place.
He noted that the country comprised 80 percent Christians and appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to influence people positively.
Fr Chikoya urged religious leaders not just to appeal to prominent people’s wallets but to their souls as well.
“We should not get carried away as religious leaders. We should not speak under the influence of gifts, because the chances of getting off track are high and we may miss an opportunity to influence political leaders positively…” he said.
Fr Chikoya said CCZ and CCMG were not straying from their biblical mandate but trying to use their position to contribute to good governance in the country.
He said this would be done through interactions with the media, labour movement, political stakeholders and religious leaders.
The Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has handed over an Adoption Certificate to President Edgar Lungu as the official Presidential Candidate in the August 12, 2021 national polls.
The document was signed by PF National Chairperson Samuel Mukupa, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila, and PF President and Republican President Edgar Lungu.
This came to light following an MCC meeting at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday.
PF Secretary General Davies Mwila said the PF Members of the Central Committee (MCC) deliberated on the matter as per PF Constitution which indicated that a person elected as PF President is automatically adopted to represent the PF in the elections.
Vice President Inonge Wina, PF National Chairperson Samuel Mukupa, the MCC, among others attended the event.
Constitutional Lawyer John Sangwa stresses a point at a recent public discussion on the Constitutional Amendment Bill
The official adoption paves way for the people that opposed to President Lungu contesting to go to court. Last month Lusaka Lawyer John Sangwa confirmed that he will go ahead and petition President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility to contest the August 2021 general elections.
Mr. Sangwa said now that it is abundantly clear President Lungu wants to stand as President in the August polls, he will go ahead and challenge his eligibility in the Constitutional Court.
Speaking on Phoenix FM’s Let the People Talk radio programme, Mr Sangwa said it is now up to the Court to determine whether President Lungu qualifies to stand or not.
“I have deliberately avoided the eligibility matter on this programme because I know that this is a matter that will be resolved by the Courts and I think we would have all the indications on the ground that the matter would have to be resolved by Court soon,” Mr Sangwa said.
“I think we have debated enough, I think people have given their positions, I think the one camp is saying this issue is already resolved by the Court and I am saying that no it has not been resolved by the Courts but you know you can have a debate up to a certain point and when you are stuck in your respective positions, the only civil thing to do is to allow the matter to be decided in court.”
“And it’s not fair, it’s only next month and of God willing, we will still be standing then we will see how the matter will be settled,” Mr Sangwa said.
“You see, we need to have faith in ten institutions that we have, we have our judicial system, although they are lowly paid but the truth is that these are the only institutions we have and when there is a dispute and we are falling to agree on, we take the matter to court for interpretation.”
He said,” There has been a lot of time expended on the issue of eligibility and we can’t seem to agree and the next thing we have to do is leave it for the Court to decide.”
Patriotic Front Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza says political violence works against the values of Zambia and the Patriotic front (PF) party because citizens in the country expect the ruling party to be a shining example.
Speaking during the discussion forum organized by Diamond TV, Mr Mwanza said President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has demonstrated that he is a leader that wants to unite all Zambians, adding that this is the more reason the motto of the party manifesto and constitution is ‘One Zambia One Nation’.
“That is the motto President Lungu and the entire Patriotic Front have been pushing,” he said.
“As a party we strongly believe that violence works against our values as Zambians and we also strongly believe that that violence works against the Patriotic front (PF) party, because citizens in the country expect the party to be a shining example, this is the more reason we have made progressive steps to ensure that campaigns ahead of August 12 are violent free,”.
Mr Mwanza noted that the Head of State has given very clear instructions to all members of the party and the general citizenry that the police will do their work by ensuring that people that violate others and those that engage in political violence are brought to book, and the party has never shielded any member accused of violence.
“We have cases of people serving prison sentences for political violence, because the party does not tolerate, shield or protect anyone that engage in the vice,” Mr Mwanza explained.
He further stated that his Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has taken a step to reconcile politicians and all Zambians, and this is the reason why he has declared 18th October, every year as a day of National prayers and reconciliation.
“This is to remind everyone that we are Zambians first, before belonging to any political party, either, PF, NDC or any other political party in the country, and that when wrong each other we can still come together as one Zambia one Nation,” he said.
Mr Mwanza added that the other step the Head of state has taken is to create the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance, particularly to remind every Zambian about the National Values that include Peace, Love, Patriotism, Kindness and accountability towards each other.
“I want to assure the Zambian people on behalf of the President that we are committed to making sure that we have a free and fair election and am very happy that even the European Union ( EU) has endorsed the stance of the President to his commitment to have a free and fair election.
1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) we have noted with sadness the decision by Honorable Chishimba Kambwili to abandon his National Democratic Congress (NDC) party and rejoin the ruling Patriotic Front party. There is no doubt that the collective strength of the opposition in Zambia has reduced, with the departure of Honorable Kambwili.
2. As Patriots for Economic Progress, there is not a question in our minds that Honorable Kambwili was a passionate opposition leader who was committed to providing an alternative voice to the Zambian people. His decision to rejoin the ruling PF party is not something that he did out of his own volition but was compelled to do so using varying amounts of duress and blackmail by the PF and its Government. On one hand, Honorable Kambwili was inundated with countless and often baseless criminal charges, and on the other hand, his business enterprises were curtailed so that he remained with a very limited source of livelihood.
3. As Patriots for Economic Progress it is our considered view that we as the collective opposition political parties in Zambia are partially to blame for the PF’s defeat of Honorable Kambwili which resulted into subsequently beating him into submission and making him to rejoin them. This is premised on the fact that when Honorable Kambwili was at his lowest ebb due to victimization from the PF and its Government, we as fellow opposition failed to offer him the moral, financial and legal support that he needed to survive his incessant harassment by the PF. In fact, at the peak of Honorable Kambwili’s legal woes, instead of his brothers in the main opposition UPND offering him hope and help, the UPND aligned lawyers who represented him ensured that they milked him dry with unreasonably high legal fees. They saw him as a cash cow and not a harassed fellow opposition leader who needed help.
4. To a large extent, it can be argued that not only did the ruling PF party want Honorable Kambwili and his NDC project to fail and for him to return to the PF, but the main opposition UPND also wanted him to fail. There is no doubt in our minds that, just like a jealous first wife, the UPND have never desired for any third political force to emerge in Zambia, for fear of being subsequently overshadowed, as the case has been in the past. To the extent that Honorable Kambwili and his NDC party were slowly emerging as a third political force, the UPND were as rattled as the PF and they both equally took active steps to undermine him and see to it that he fails. As PeP, we eventually expect the same maneuvers although we have no intention to fail.
5. As Patriots for Economic Progress we know for a fact that Honorable Kambwili’s truest passion lies with providing an alternative voice for the Zambian people and not being in the PF gravy train. His decision to rejoin the PF and hold hands with those who tormented him for years, was out of duress and blackmail and does not in any way represent his true political feelings. It is for this reason that for us, we shall not join the bandwagon of those condemning his decision to retreat and rejoin the Patriotic Front Party. You cannot condemn a man for losing a battle which you never assisted him to fight in the first place. Therefore, we wish to take this opportunity to advise the UPND and its supporters whose condemnation of Honorable Kambwili as an unprincipled politician has reached fever pitch, to cease, desist and introspect.
6. As Patriots for Economic Progress we shall always hold Honorable Chishimba Kambwili in deep reverence as someone who earnestly tried to build a third political force but failed because of the underhand methods of the ruling PF party and the jealousy of the main opposition UPND party. Imbwili fought a good fight and deserves respect, and not insults, from the Zambian people.
Zesco United have beaten Indeni 2-0 in the away Ndola derby to open a ten point lead at the top of the FAZ Super Division table.
Zesco left it late to collect three points in this round 27 tie played at Indeni Sports Complex on Saturday.
Indeni managed to hold Zesco until the 83rd minute when defender Mwila Phiri breached the Oil Men backline.
Coach Numba Mumamba’s Zesco doubled the lead four minutes later with new signee Chitiya Mususu opening his account at the Ndola side – months after joining them from Zanaco.
The win pushes Zesco to 52 points after playing 24 matches as Indeni drop one place down to number 11 on 33 points.
At Sunset Stadium, Zanaco edged Forest Rangers 1-0 at home in Lusaka on Saturday to reclaim second position in the FAZ Super Division.
Congolese attacker Lassa Kiala scored the goal after 58 minutes to enable his side to displace Forest from second position.
Zanaco have increased their tally to 42 points, one above now third placed Forest, after playing 24 and 27 games respectively.
Elsewhere in Saturday’s action, Lusaka Dynamos were stunned 3-1 by Red Arrows to drop three places down up to number seven.
Winger Francis Simwanza registered a brace with Saddam Phiri scoring Arrows’ other goal and Wily Stephanus scored a 90th minute consolation goal for Dynamos.
Dynamos remain stuck on 37 points and Arrows are just a point behind.
Government has emphasized the need for industrialization in creating decent jobs for the people and in reducing poverty.
Kasama District Commissioner, Kelly Kashiwa said industrialisation holds the key in creating employment opportunities for the youths.
Mr. Kashiwa said industrialisation is a pathway to reducing poverty and accelerating the country’s transition into a middle income country.
“Industrialisation has been instrumental in the economic development of the country, and the process has improved productivity and allowed for mass production, which has in turn increased standards of living.” he said.
The District Commissioner said this when he officiated at the Labour Day award ceremony for employees for of China State Construction Company in Kasama today.
He stated that government attaches great importance to employment creation as the top most strategy for ensuring stability and overall growth.
Mr. Kashiwa has since commended the contractor for recognizing the effort of its workers who are doing delivering development for the people of Kasama.
“It is encouraging to see contractors recognising the efforts that workers input in ensuring services delivery for the people of Kasama” he said.
And Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company Managing Director, Lackson Simumba explained that the company is doing its best to provide employment to more people in the region through the industrialization agenda.
He explained that the company which is the biggest employer in Northern and Muchinga provinces is also planning to create 200 new direct jobs through the initiatives it will undertake of constructing a bottling plant, chemical plant and a mini hydro power station.
“Chambeshi is implementing a number of projects in the region as part of our diversification agenda with the potential of providing over 200 new jobs through the water bottling plant the chemical plant and the mini hydro power station that will be set up in both Northern and Muchinga provinces” he said.
Mr. Simumba further commended the company for recognizing the contribution of its staff stating that it is a right step in motivating workers.
Meanwhile, China State Construction Project Manager Goody Gu praised the outstanding relationship that China and Zambia has continued to enjoy.
Mr. Good has further promised to deliver quality water project for the people of Kasama.
“Zambian workers are helping us with their sweats and hard work. All Chinese staff of China State for this project will work together with Zambian workers. And we must give Kasama people a high quality project” he said.
The company which is constructing the 27 million dollars water and sanitation project in Kasama and Mbala has given out award in form of bicycles to the five best performing employees while the rest have been given a 2.5 litres of cooking oil, 2 kg sugar and 25 kg bag of mealie meal.
Greenfield commodities Limited a Zambian Fertilizer distributor, has praised President Edgar Lungu and the government implementing sound policies towards the agriculture sector
Company managing Director, Jacob Chisenga, has also lauded President Lungu for prioritising agriculture field days saying that they are a vital means of facilitating knowledge transfer between farmers and agricultural experts.
Speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, Mr Chisenga noted that Zambia’s agriculture policies once well enhanced, can ensure each region of the country has a thriving agricultural industry that contributes to food security, economic development and job creation.
Mr Chisenga who is a youth, has therefore, implored the youths to take advantage of the good agriculture policies that the government has initiated to venture into the industry , which he said is the major employer world over.
He has since urged the youths to support the government of President Lungu as it has initiated several youth empowerment programs that will change the wellbeing of young people.
Minister of Health Jonas Chanda says despite a reduction in the number of new COVID- 19 cases, Zambia has continued to observe a stagnation in the number of cases requiring hospitalisation, with a slight increases in admissions and critical cases noted in the past few days.
Dr. Chanda says the development is a reminder of the fact that community transmission is still ongoing and people remain at risk of contracting the disease.
In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, the Minister has encouraged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion even in spite of the reduced numbers of cases being recorded in order to timely isolate and treat cases while ensuring that the chains of transmission are broken.
And Dr. Chanda indicated that as the Ministry continues with setting up of community vaccination sites, 236 vaccination site across the country have been set up with a target of setting up at least 50 more sites.
“As part of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, we have also continued to closely monitor any reports of adverse effects following immunization through the Zambia Medical Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA),” the Minister stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda announced that in the last 24hrs, 7,266 doses were administered bringing the cumulative number of vaccinated persons to 39, 300.
He added that 84 new confirmed cases were recorded out of 6,500 tests conducted bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 91, 670.
“On an encouraging note, no new deaths were recorded in the last 24hrs. The cumulative number of COVDI-19 related deaths stands at 1,251 classified as 703 COVID deaths and 548 COVID-19 associated deaths,” he said.
Dr. Chanda noted that a total of 79 discharges were recorded from both the COVID-19 isolated facilities and home management bringing the cumulative number of total recoveries to 90, 012.
He added that there are currently 407 active cases of whom 356 are under community management and 51 are admitted to COVID-19 facilities while 37 are on oxygen therapy and 11 in critical condition.
President Edgar Lungu has directed the Ministry Of Labour and Social Security to extend sector-based minimum wages to other sectors in the country in order to protect the rights of vulnerable categories of employees.
President Lungu told Minister of Labour Joyce Nonde-Simukoko to further expedite the process of coming up with the sector minimum wages.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State gave the directive during the commemoration of the 2021 International Labour Day in Lusaka held at Mulungushi International Conference Center under the theme “Promoting Industrialisation through Productivity, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth amidst Covid 19” is expedited.
President Lungu said his government has continued putting in place sector based minimum wages to protect the rights of vulnerable categories of employees, as demonstrated on 18th December, 2020, when government issued the minimum wages and conditions of employment for truck and bus drivers to regulate the terms and conditions of service for them.
“There are still other sectors that need to be considered. I, therefore, wish to direct the minister of labour and social security to ensure that the process of coming up with the sector minimum wages is expedited,” said President Lungu.
President Lungu at the labour Day Celebrations with Labour Minister Joyce Simukoko, with Former President Ruphia Banda and PF SG Davies Mwila
President Lungu, who led the Labour Day celebrants in observing a minute of silence for workers that had died due to Covid 19, said government has prioritised interventions aimed at supporting enterprises, safeguarding jobs and creating creation.
He said his administration has developed covid-19 workplace safety and health guidelines to reduce workers’ risk of exposure to covid-19 at the workplace.
President Lungu said government has devised social protection interventions with support from the cooperating partners, such as the Covid-19 emergency cash transfer programme targeting 38,000 households in 20 districts.
He disclosed that the National Pension Scheme Authority has registered 37,142 informal sector employees following the issuance of statutory instrument no. 72 of 2019, aimed at extending social protection to the informal sector.
President Lungu said the 2021 Labour Day theme emphasizes the need for the country to remain resilient to the shocks arising from the covid-19 pandemic and embark on economic recovery through industrialisation and productivity.
He said in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, embarking on massive infrastructure development is one way of creating jobs for Zambians.
Labour Day Celebrations
The Head of State said since 2020, a total of six industrial yards have been completed in Chipata, Kasama, Solwezi, Ndola, Mongu and Kitwe out of the 8 yards earmarked for construction.
The President pointed out that the Lusaka traffic decongestion project has created over 1,000 jobs and that more jobs have been created for Zambians construction of roads, bridges, schools, universities, hospitals and other infrastructure.
He pointed out that Zambia can never develop without a productive human resource as it is the country’s greatest asset.
President Lungu called on Zambians to work hard and help develop the country, stating that the national productivity policy launched in March, 2021 will help the country achieve economic prosperity and improve the standard of living.
The President noted that investments for enterprises in the multi-facility economic zones (mfez) and industrial parks increased from US$ 2.3 billion in 2019 to US$ 2.9 billion in 2020 with participating numbers of enterprises rose from 123 in 2019 to 128 in 2020, creating an estimated 14,775 jobs in 2019 to 16,676 in 2020.
President Lungu also disclosed that government has created 5,237 jobs under the Lake Tanganyika project through a covid-19 relief package of US$ 200,000 and further provided employment opportunities to 93,44 out of the targeted 150,000 of which 49 per cent are females.
He said 37,500 vulnerable women have income at household through the empowerment of over 2,500 women cooperatives countrywide with various agricultural and value addition equipment.
President Lungu urged the labour movement and employers to work together to improve the welfare of workers in the country by ensuring that deserving workers are rewarded.
The Head of State presented awards to Amadeus Mukobe for being the most hardworking civil servant with 33 years of service, while Zambia Revenue Authority’s Marko Sikalumbi and Professor Yakub Mulla were also awarded from quasi government and the private sector.
The Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) has threatened to drag Minister of Higher Education Brian Mushimba to court for failing to appoint a Board at the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA).
ZFE President Myra Ngoma said the minister and his predecessor had failed to appoint a board for the Authority to enable industry stakeholders such as ZFE and its affiliate provide an oversight role in skills development and promotion of Entrepreneurship in the country.
Mrs Ngoma said it is a constitutional requirement that the minister of Higher Education should put in place a board at TEVETA, which has not been done for the last four years.
The Federation of Employers however commended government for acquiring a commercial farm for the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) to engage in agricultural productivity.
Mrs Ngoma urged President Lungu to extend the initiative to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for acquisition of and management of state farms on behalf of government for mass production of agricultural products.
The Union leader speaking at celebrations to mark International Labour whose theme was “Promoting Industrialisation through Productivity, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth amidst Covid 19”, said such a development can assist in addressing the high levels of unemployment among youths in the country.
Mrs Ngoma appealed to President Edgar Lungu officiated at the event to ensure that the Tobacco and Nicotine Bill under the Ministry of Health should be withdrawn from parliament to accommodate for wider consultation.
She said the bill in its current format caters only for the health and safety reasons and ignores the economic benefits of the crop especially that under the 7NDP, Tobacco has been listed as a cardinal crop to drive the country’s agricultural diversification agenda.
Mrs Ngoma pointed out that the effects of the Covid 19 have adversely affected the labour market and economy and that it would take time to turn around things.
She disclosed that according to a study conducted by SADC and ILO on the impact of Covid 19 on the labour market, it will take no later than the year 2025 to get back to the pre-covid socio-economic conditions of 2019.
The ZFE Leader said such a scenario spells doom for employment in Zambia and the SADC region hence the need for government and stakeholders to explore ways of creating employment.
Mrs Ngoma further called for increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Labour for the promotion of the productivity policy in the country.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President Chishimba Nkole praised government’s response, handling and management of the Covid 19 pandemic in the country.
Mr Nkole said at a time when other countries were locking down their economies, President Lungu took the interests of workers and ensured that the country’s economy continued operating normally without affecting the socio-economic welfare of Zambians.
The trade union leader however bemoaned the high levels of poverty and unemployment in the country with the cost of living being high for most Zambian homes.
Mr Nkole said the gap between the rich and the poor, especially the worker keeps widening amidst increasing exploitation and abuse of workers’ rights.
He said there is need respect the rights of workers and a need for decent work and conditions of service if productivity is to be achieved.
Mr Nkole urged government to cushion the plight of workers with increased social protection programmes and improved working environments and protection of workers’ rights.
And ILO Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe George Okutho observed that the Covid 19 pandemic has devastated the Zambian economy especially the tourism sector, among others and the labour market.
Mr Okutho observed that many workers had lost employment while enterprises have had their productive capacity curtailed.
The ILO Director however commended government for the social protection programmes it has put in place to mitigate the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Mr Okutho said the financial stimulus package for Small and Medium Enterprises and the emergency Cash transfer for vulnerable households and persons has helped to bring some relief to Zambians.
He said the theme for the 2021 Labour Day celebrations of “Promoting Industrialisation through Productivity, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth amidst Covid 19” resonates well with ILO conviction that industrialization must promote import substitution, increase productivity and respect human dignity.
Mr Okutho urged government to tackle youth unemployment, expansion and extension of social protection to vulnerable Zambians, enhance skills development, promote uptake of renewable energy and promote social dialogue among stakeholders.
And Minister of Labour Joyce Nonde assured that the tripartite partners will work to ensure that there are less job cuts in the country amidst the ravaging Covid 19 pandemic.
Former National Democratic Congress(NDC) leader Chishimba Kambwili has re-joined the the ruling Patritic Front (PF) and has pledged to support President Edgar Lungu during the August general election.
Speaking a colourful ceremony when he was welcomed back into PF by PF National Chairperson Samuel Mumba, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila among other party officials, Mr Kambwili said that he has decided to renew his membership with the PF to support the party’s development agenda.
Mr Kambwili said that PF has never departed from its pro poor policies and wants to ensure there is continued development, adding that the PF administration is the only government that has delivered tremendous development in just 9 years.
Mr Kambwili said parties that subscribe to tribalism must not be supported by any well-meaning Zambians.
And welcoming Mr Kambwili, Mr Mukupa said the PF welcomes all members including those who return to the party. He said the PF will work with Mr. Kambwili to ensure that the PF wins the August polls.
Meanwhile, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila called for unity and discipline in the party. Mr. Mwila said people must be able to embrace one another further stating that more people are expected to join and rejoin the party.
He said the party has already commenced mobilization and further stating that Mr. Kambwili re-joining the party is part of the mobilization.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Chairman Kennedy Kamba said any form of indiscipline will not be tolerated in the party.
Mr. Kamba said youths are expected to respect the party leadership.
