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Chiefs and Traditional Affairs minister Dr Joseph Katema
Government says it is concerned that mining companies in Solwezi have continued to allow non-Zambians to perform human resources functions which Zambians can equally do.
Chiefs and Traditional Affairs minister Dr Joseph Katema says government is saddened that Zambian human resource managers are being used as scapegoats by same companies and has since directed mining firms in the district to stop the practice as it is against government labour policies.
Dr Katema was speaking in Solwezi today when he officiated at this year’s Labour Day celebrations who theme is ‘promoting national economic growth through job creation, free collective bargaining and respect for worker’s rights’.
The minister also directed contractors contracted by the mining companies must give workers employment contracts approved by the department of labour to avoid industrial disputes after termination of employment.
Dr Katema said the current situation where employees are working without contracts is unacceptable and must come to an end immediately.
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions deputy secretary general Misheck Nyambose said police should stop the planned arrests of workers who participated in the protests at Lumwana mine recently because it was an industrial matter.
Mr. Nyambose said industrial matters should be resolved amicably through dialogue and not intimidation.
And Federation of Free trade Unions of Zambia representative Ackim Mweemba said the labour movement will continue engaging government and other employers to ensure that workers are on permanent and pensionable employment.
NAPSA headquatres
Government has urged workers in Kaoma District to be alert and ensure their employers make pension contributions to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).
Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection minister Christabel Ngimbu says workers in the district should ensure that their employers contribute to the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board.
Mrs. Ngimbu said it is government desire to ensuing that the protection of all workers in the country during and after employment becomes paramount.
She said it is in this line that government has decentralised the access to social security benefits and has increased the provision of cash transfers.
The Minister said this at this year’s International Labour Day celebration in Kaoma district in Western Province held under the theme: “Promoting national economic growth through job creation, free collective bargaining and respect of workers’ rights”.
Mrs. Ngimbu urged worker in Kaoma district to live by the tenets of this year’s theme and ensure that they review the success of the theme at next year’s Labour Day celebrations.
And Mrs. Ngimbu disclosed that government has embarked on pension reforms that will among other things create a sustainable social protection system with the capacity to respond more effectively to the need and aspiration of various social groups in the country.
And speaking earlier, Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) representative Gregory Lungu called on all key stakeholders to supplement government efforts in the creation of jobs for the many unemployed Zambians.
Mr. Lungu however expressed happiness with government for it continued partnership with the private sector in job creation and various issues affecting Zambians.
President Edgar Lungu addreess Law association of Zambia 2015 annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner at Zambezi Sun Hotel In Livingstone on Saturday PIcture By EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE.
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has lifted the two year wage freeze that was imposed on public service workers.
The President made the pronouncements today at the Freedom Statue during the Labour Day celebrations and has since directed Labour and Social Security minister Fackson Shamenda to begin negotiations with the unions.
The wage freeze which was proposed in the 2013 budget has been a contentious issue between the government and the unions while the opposition gained mileage on the move that almost cost the PF the January 2015 elections.
Earlier this year the Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) said it was engaging president Edgar Lungu over the two year wage freeze which Government had imposed on public service workers to find a lasting solution.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema during his Labour Day message yesterday accused the government of not caring for workers.
“This lack of care by Government for Zambian workers has manifested in several ways, the first is the wage freeze amidst rising costs of living; the second is the use of intimidation as the case was with the nurses that were fired in 2012, the third is the fact that without consultation they revised the retirement age to 65 years, what life is left in a human being who retires at 65? Lastly there is an employment freeze in the public sector that has consigned many capable young men and woman to perpetual unemployment,” he said.
Mr Hichilema added that there was very little to celebrate on Labour Day when people are paid low salaries amidst rising costs of living. Even this year’s Labour Day theme:
“Promoting National Economic Growth through Job Creation, Free Collective Bargaining and Respect for the Workers’ Rights” is really a mockery as the opposite is what is actually happening.
What the Zambian workers need is a salary that considers the rising costs of living, a clearly laid out retirement plan for them to enjoy the fruits of their labour when they retire and good working conditions that enable them to advance in their careers without heavy bureaucracy. Our workers expect government to devise consistent policies that minimizes the need to tax its people to fund poorly contracted loans. Our workers deserve career advancing training opportunities that will teach them modern skills to increase productivity and generate a sense of personal fulfilment.
The opposition UPND has announced plans of carrying out countrywide protests against government’s plan to table constitution amendments when Parliament resumes its sittings in June this year.
The UPND which has hinted on working with the civil society will commence its protests on the 14th of May this year.
UPND Lubwa Ward Youth Chairperson Chisankama Mudenda has disclosed to Qfm News in an interview that his party will be honking and wearing black attire during the protests.
Mr. Mudenda has explained that the protests are meant to express his party’s displeasure over the piecemeal constitution amendment path which the PF government has adamantly embarked on contrary to what the people of Zambia want that the country’s entire new constitution be adopted through a referendum.
Asked how long the protest will take and whether his party is optimistic it will succeed in this endeavor to pressure the PF government rescind its planed June constitution amendments, Mr. Mudenda has said the protests will take as long as the constitution is not adopted through a referendum.
He states that he is personally ready to have his blood spelt over his party’s quest that the people of Zambia have a new constitution which they themselves own and have participated in formulating.
UPND Lubwa Ward Youth Chairperson has particularly warned the PF government to be wary that if the resolve which his party made is not responded to in favor of the people of Zambia it will cause serious confusion in the country.
He says his party is more determined than ever before that the will and wishes of the people prevail over the enactment of their new supreme law.
And the Patriotic Front government has been reminded to realize that the solution to improving people’s lives still lies in dealing with the issue of enacting Zambia’s new constitution.
Government is being advised to hasten in providing direction and building consensus on the way forward with respect to ensuring that the country has a new constitution before the 2016 general elections in line with the people’s wishes and aspiration.
Aspiring Munali Member of Parliament Patrick Mungo says he agrees to the observation that a new constitution will change people’s lives politically, socially, economically and spirituality.
Mrs. Mungo has told Qfm News that it is for this reason that he thinks President Edgar Lungu should stick to his promise he made to the Zambian people that of delivering a people driven constitution before the 2016 general elections.
He says President Lungu should keep in mind that the people have not forgotten his promise.
President Edgar Lungu addreess Law association of Zambia 2015 annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner at Zambezi Sun Hotel In Livingstone on Saturday PIcture By EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE.
President Edgar Lungu this morning in Lusaka led hundreds of workers to commemorate this year’s Labour Day which falls on the first of May annually.
The annual event which is also known as “May day or workers day” is being commemorated under the theme Promoting National Economic Growth through Job Creation, Free Collective Bargaining and Respect for Workers’ Rights’.
Speaking at the event that was earlier preceded by a match past of workers, Federation of Free Trade Unions (FFTUZ) President Chingati Msiska noted that the labour movement is concerned that out of the estimated 300, 000 youths that enter the Zambia’s labour market annually from the education system within and outside the country only 15, 000 manage to get formal employment.
Mr. Msiska says the concern of the unions of what becomes of rest of the youths that remain jobless.
Earlier International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Martin Clemensson called on the labour movement in the country to speaking with one voice.
Earlier International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Martin Clemensson called on the labour movement in the country to start speaking with one voice.
Mr. Clemensson has also stressed the importance of realizing that it is not the responsibility of the government alone to create the much needed jobs in the country.
Among the notable people that attended the commemoration include form president Rupiah Banda, Chief Justice Irene Chibesakunda, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini and Cabinet Ministers.
Others are PF Secretary General Davis Chama, opposition ULP president Sakwiba Sikota and ZED president Frederick Mutesa.
By post time President Lungu who was the guest of honor at the event had been addressing workers.
Former president Rupiah Banda at Edgar Lungu’s innauguration
Former President Rupiah Banda says it is difficult to end casualization due to the dynamics involved in labour.
Mr. Banda told journalists in Lusaka that sometimes labour is just required on special circumstances like building a house or farming.
And Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has disclosed that Cabinet has approved new labour laws that will outlaw the dismissal of labour leaders who are fired for standing up for workers rights.
Mr Kambwili, who is also Information Minister, says government has observed that investors have been dismissing vocal labour leaders on flimsy charges.
Speaking when he graced Labour Day celebrations in Mufulira, Mr Kambwili said the new labour laws will see the Labour Commissioner overseeing all disciplinary cases to protect labour leaders.
He also disclosed that the new laws which will be tabled in parliament next month will also outlaw foreign investors from dismissing workers without notifying the Ministry of Labour.
This week Government said that it is geared to ending casualisation of labour in the country by June 2015.
Labour and Social Security Services Minister Fackson Shamenda said government was revising labour laws in order to curb casualization.
He said government will soon enact legislation to prohibit casualisation in a bid to protect workers from being abused by some investors.
Mr. Shamenda further said government wants to create permanent jobs in the country and it will soon outlaw casualization in a bid to protect workers.
Mr. Shamenda said that the current situation where employers are allowed to go scot free over casualisation of labour will not happen anymore after June 2015.
The Minister said his ministry is considering criminalizing casualization of workers due to continued flouting of labour laws by some employers in Zambia.
He disclosed that parliament would in June this year enact a new labour law to ban casualization stating that safety regulations would be heightened.
The Labour Minister said once the new piece of legislation in introduced, it would give workers rights to speak against injustices at places of work without fear of being victimized by employers.
ZNBC management has been given a three months ultimatum to permanently engage all those on part time and temporal basis.
Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili gave the directive when he toured the ZNBC Kitwe Studios.
Mr Kambwili says the policy of government on employment is that people should not be on casual basis for more than 6 months.
Meanwhle, Mr Kambwili has bemoaned the poor state of equipment at the national public broadcaster.
He says his office is planning to hold an open day for Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zambia for them to see facilities that ZNBC is using.
Mr. Kambwili feels that Diplomats and High Commissioners may be tempted to help ZNBC once they see the obsolete facilities that the National broadcaster is using.
Apart from ZNBC, the Minister has so far toured community and local radio stations which include among others Baptist Radio Station, Radio Icengelo, Flava FM and YAR FM.
Edgar Lungu and Dora Siliya during PF campaigns in Petauke
Patriotic Front (PF) members in Petauke constituency on Thursday demonstrated against the possible adoption of former Petauke lawmaker Dora Siliya.But Eastern PF Chairperson Atany Mwamba has condemned party members who participated in the demonstration.
Mr Mwamba condemned those that participated in the demonstrations saying that it was a clear indication that they were not loyal to President Edgar Lungu.He said that the position of the party in the province was that no one should be barred from contesting for the party adoption of the candidate for Petauke Central including former MP Dora Siliya.
Former MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya has applied to recontest the Petauke Central parliamentary seat on the Patriotic Front (PF) ticket.The only other applicant for the seat as a PF candidate so far is Elias Banda, popularly known as “Eli Boma”.Ms Siliya declined to comment on the matter but assured that she would issue a comprehensive statement by Saturday.
But PF chairperson for elections Emmanuel Mpakata confirmed that Ms Siliya and Mr Banda had lodged their applications.
“So far, these two are the only ones who have expressed interest to stand on our party ticket. Applications are open until May 14, 2015. Thereafter, lower organs will scrutinise the applicants then make recommendations to the Central Committee. Mr Banda is our faithful member but we have also welcomed Ms Siliya since the party needs new members to help it grow,” Mr Mpakata said in a telephone interview from Mungwi.
In 2013, PF adopted Mr Leonard Banda after he successfully petitioned Ms Siliya’s election.
Mr Mpakata said the PF-adopted candidate for Mulobezi, Patricia Mulasikwanda, and Obed Shumba for Malambo are likely to contest the seats.
“But the Central Committee might decide to stick to them or consider fresh adoptions. Chances for the PF to win the three seats previously held by opposition parties are very high since all factors on the ground seem to be in our favour and we are on course to penetrate opposition strongholds,” he said.
After the 2011 general elections, the Malambo and Mulobezi parliamentary seats were held by Maxwell Mwale (MMD) and Hastings Sililo of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The Supreme Court last week upheld a High Court judgment to allow Ms Siliya, Mr Mwale and Mr Sililo to file nominations.
Meanwhile Eastern PF Chairperson Atany Mwamba warned that he would not entertain any indiscipline or activities promoting disunity and disloyalty to President Lungu and party secretary general Davies Chama.Mr Mwamba denied on-line media reports that he wants to ditch the ruling party and join the Rainbow Party which is led by Wynter Kabimba.He said that he was aware that some people who have been trying to bribe him into rising against Mr Lungu even before he became president wanted to tarnish his image.Mr Mwamba said that he would remain forever committed to President Lungu and warned to expose those behind the scheme to discredit the Head of State.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu with acting President Dr Guy Scott when he paid a courtesy call on him at his Mungwi palace in Kasama
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba People of Northern Province says inter-marriage has steered unity in diversity among various traditional leaders in the country.
The Paramount Chief who is Kanyanta Sosala, says traditional leaders from different background in the country are now interacting freely due to inter-marriage.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu-Kanyanta Sosala was speaking in LUSAKA last night during the launch of a book entitled” Insoselo Namapinda” which contains Bemba Proverbs and sayings.
The book has been co- authored by Sampa Kangwa-Wilkie and Mulenga Kapwepwe.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu-Kanyanta Sosala also urged Zambians to cherish customs and norms as they shape people’s behavior.
At the same function Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa who sponsored the publication of the book called on Zambians from various backgrounds to document their proverbs.
Mr Sampa said this will ensure that the future generation does not lose its identity.
Meanwhile Tourism Permanent Stephen Mwansa says Zambians should embrace culture as it cuts across every spheres of life.
The launch of the ” Insoselo Namapinda Book” attracted Zambians from all walks of life including former Vice President Dr Guy Scott and his wife Charlotte.
Catherine Phiri enters the ring on Saturday night in the battle of the ages against Christina McMahon of the Irish Republic the interim WBC bantamweight title at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka
This is Catherine’s first fight since her now forgotten one-sided contest against Kukiwe Nonina of South Africa that ended in controversial fashion when her opponent failed to come out for the third round after taking some early punishment.
From fighting a 24-year-old six months ago, the 22-year-old Zambian female boxer now fights McMahon who at 40-years-old is at the ripe old age of hanging up her gloves rather than stepping into the ring.
McMahon, who is unbeaten with six straight wins since entering the sport in 2007, was a late replacement after 31-year-old Carolina Rodriguez of Mexico declined to fight Catherine.
However, Catherine strongly believes the Irishwoman will be a worthy opponent despite concerns about her age and quality of opposition.
“I can’t judge McMahon by her record, it doesn’t matter whether one has a lot of fights or not,” Catherine said.
“If anything her record speaks volumes, she is unbeaten.”
President Edgar Lungu addresses Zambian’s leaving in Zimbabwe at the Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe’s resident in Harare on April 29,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
THE United Party for National Development (UPND) has u-turned and disassociated itself from the statement attributed its advisor to the President Douglas Siakalima that the party will remove President Edgar Lungu’s immunity after he leaves office.
UPND deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo said in Lusaka yesterday that the removal of President Lungu’s immunity was not the UPND pre-occupation or desire.
“We remain strongly against the removal of immunity against those that occupy the highest office in the land. The UPND will allow the rule of law to follow those that will be found wanting,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
The u-turn comes in the wake of the statement attributed in the Post Newspaper by UPND advisor to the party president, Douglas Syakalima who said that the party would remove Mr Lungu’s immunity once he left office.
Mr Syakalima said this was so because of the manner Mr Lungu had handled the matter involving suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito.
Rule of Law
“We wish to state that the statement attributed to the removal of President Lungu’s immunity is not a party position but a mere personal opinion. The party firmly believes in the rule of law and respect of our former Presidents,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
This is the position the UPND took when former President Rupiah Banda’s immunity was removed and party president Hakainde Hichilema was on record of having stood firmly against that.
The UPND believes that Zambia had enough laws to deal with corruption and abuse of authority by those occupying the highest office in the land.
“We shall allow the rule of law to follow those that will be found wanting and we remain committed to the fight against corruption. Under the UPND, there shall be no sacrificial lambs or a selective way of fighting corruption,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to provide quality leadership and assist address many social and economic challenges affecting the country.
UPND would also address gender imbalances and has commended the Patriotic Front (PF) Government for appointing more women to decision making positions
Zanaco’s three point lead will be examined this Saturday when they visit their bogey team Nakambala Leopards.
The six time champions make their seventh trip to Mazabuka where they have only own once since Nakambala were promoted in 2006.
Zanaco’s last visit to Nakambala last season saw them leave with a 1-0 loss to see them pick up four draws,one win and a defeat in Mazabuka against the Sweet Boys.
However, Zanaco will fancy their chances of picking up their first away win at Nakambala since 2011.
Things are not well at Nakambala who are currently, winless, on three points and at bottom of the table with a game in hand from five matches played.
Zanaco head into the fixture with three successive wins in which they have scored eight goals and conceded none to lead on 14 points, three more than second placed Zesco United.
Zesco too are on the road and visit Konkola Blades at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
Unbeaten Zesco arrive seeking their first away win this season from five games played and their second successive victory after beating Red Arrows 3-2 last weekend to halt a run of two stalemates.
FAZ Super Division Week 7 Fixtures
02/05/2015
13h00:Konkola Blades-Zesco United
15h00:Nchanga Rangers-Green Buffaloes
Nkwazi-National Assembly
Napsa Stars-Lusaka Dynamos
Nakambala Leopards-Zanaco
Red Arrows-Green Eagles
Mufulira Wanderers-Forest Rangers
03/05/2015
Nkana-Power Dynamos
Promising Mighty Mufulira Wanderers playmaker Lameck Silwaba is excited to receive his debut Zambia call-up ahead of the May 10 friendly against Malawi in Lusaka.
Janza on Wednesday named Silwaba in his 26-member team for the Malawi friendly and next month’s COSAFA Cup in South Africa.
The 21-year-old star prospect has been instrumental for Mighty so far in the FAZ Super League.
In an interview from Mufulira on Thursday, Silwaba declared that time is ripe for him to play for Chipolopolo.
“I am happy.It feels good to be called to the national team,” Silwaba said.
“This will motivate me to work even harder,” he said.
Silwaba is the first Wanderers player to receive a call-up in the last 11 years.
“I don’t know what to expect in the national team because this is my first time but I believe time has come for me to play in the national team,” Silwaba concluded.
President Edgar Lungu addresses Zambian’s leaving in Zimbabwe at the Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe’s resident in Harare on April 29,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
PRESIDENT Lungu says he will not deny access to information and freedom of expression to the media and the citizenry because it is a constitutional right.
The President said his administration will allow citizens to freely express themselves and that he will not prevent any media organisation from covering him.
Mr Lungu said this here on Wednesday when he addressed Zambians resident in Zimbabwe.
“I usually tell the media to come closer so that you do not distort what I say. Zambians will judge for themselves what the President meant, no matter how you distort it.
“Zambians are intelligent enough to know what the President is saying. I will not bar a media practitioner from covering me because he has the propensity to distort my messages every day,” he said.
Mr Lungu said he was handed the national flag and the constitution, which are symbols of statehood hence he will accord Zambians freedom of information and expression.
“I will not deny you the right to information because it is a right, so let us allow people to speak and the media to cover us.
“I was asking my colleagues, fellow heads of States, how social media is performing in their respective countries and they said very destructive. You see, let us allow media to do its work and let Zambians judge for themselves,” Mr Lungu said.
The President said Zambians will speak through the ballot if his administration fails to perform.
President Lungu encouraged Zambians both at home and in the diaspora that have lost or misplaced their voters cards and National Registration Cards (NRC) to have them replaced so that they can exercise their right to vote.
“Have your voter’s cards and NRCs in place so that you can choose whom you want to bring after me.
“As for me, I am also grooming my friends to take over from me when the time comes because there has to be continuity and vision shared by all of us,” President Lungu said.
He said Zambia is now on full course from where the late President Sata left.
“I have done my 90 days and I am ready to face the challenges and I know which corners Mr Sata left for me to touch and I also know the corners he would have loved to emphasise,” he said.
Mr Lungu said development is top on his administration’s agenda adding that he will create a conducive environment for every citizen to be productive.
“As head of State, I will make it possible for you to have an environment to invest back home but I will not put money in your pockets because that is your task to take advantage of the enabling environment.
“When we said we will put more money in your pocket, we do not mean we will bring money into your pockets and sow it there but that we will make it possible for you to make money within the law,” Mr Lungu said.
And Mr Lungu has implored Zambians to continue exhibiting unity and embrace the `One Zambia One nation’ motto.
He said Zambians should subscribe to the values of the national anthem as a symbol of nationhood and unity.
“Find time to reflect on the national symbols such as the coat of arms, national anthem and flag and you will see there is no reason you should imagine that you are not part of this great nation called Zambia,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba said there are 10,000 Zambians living in Zimbabwe of which 500 are registered with the Zambian embassy.
Mr Kalaba said the ministry will continue pursuing the diaspora policy as directed by President Lungu so that it can be launched before the end of the year.
Zambia’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Ndiyoyi Mutiti said Zambians resident in Zimbabwe are confident that Mr Lungu’s development agenda will steer the country to greater heights.
Mrs Mutiti hailed President Lungu for showing love and care for the Zambian community in the diaspora.
First Lady Esther Lungu encouraged Zambians in the diaspora and Zimbabwe in particular to continue exhibiting dignity and maturity in all their activities.
And former Bank of Zambia (BoZ) governor Caleb Fundanga, who spoke on behalf of the Zambian community in Zimbabwe, thanked President Lungu for the rare opportunity to interact with Zambians in the diaspora.
THE Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) has withdrawn its lawyer Buta Gondwe from representing the financial institution in a case in which it has sued defunct Zambian Airways shareholders over a K14 million loan.
When the matter came up for trial before Lusaka High Court judge Justin Chashi yesterday, Mr Gondwe told the court that trial could not proceed because DBZ had withdrawn him from handling the case.
“We are unable to re-sit today because there is a new development. My clients have withdrawn their instructions from me.
“So there will be another lawyer to represent the bank and I am, therefore, applying for an adjournment,” Mr Gondwe said.
This is a case in which DBZ has sued JCN Holdings, The Post and suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito, shareholders of the defunct Zambian Airways, over a loan they obtained from the bank.
Mr Justice Chashi advised Mr Gondwe to file a formal application, which would be heard in chambers.
“You need to put the house in order for us to proceed,” urged Mr Justice Chashi.
He also expressed concern that the court has lost three days before commencing trial.
Mr Justice Chashi said delays in commencing trial are affecting the court’s diary and the time of the respondents.
And Mr Nchito, who is representing himself in the matter, also expressed concern about the delays in commencing trial.
Mr Justice Chashi, however, granted the application and adjourned the matter to June 23, 2015.
On Tuesday this week, Mr Justice Chashi directed lawyers representing DBZ to amend the writ of summons to bring it to conformity with the statement of claim.
