As Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating Labour Day which falls on the first day of May annually, let all workers unite and join in the celebrations throughout the country, and they should not listen to some selfish politicians,who want the workers to boycott their day.
We must always remember that our dream of a developed Zambia can only be realised, when there are motivated work-forces in all sections of society.
Therefore, there is need for all of us to work together, if we are to achieve meaningful development.
All employers across the country must know and accept that they can only look forward to good returns if their work-force has good working conditions through the enforcement of labour laws. Development and good returns can never be divorced from the worker.
If the employees are not looked after well, they will just make believe to be working because their employer is also pretending to be offering good conditions.
A company is only successful if the employees are treated well. It is surprising therefore, that many employers still fail to understand that a happy employee means improved services and better returns.
Let the government through the Ministry of Labour intensify inspections because some employers mistreat their workers even some International NGOs are culprits in this regard. Those employers who will be found wanting for mistreating their employees must be punished severely by deregistering their companies or organisations.
The labour movement is doing a commendable job by fighting for the rights of workers in the country. ILO (International Labour Organisation) and the Ministry of Labour must speed up inspections of companies to ensure no one is abusing their workers.
We have heard of employees who are working in hazardous workplaces without protective clothing. This must come to an end.
Some mining and bakery industries just to mention a few are common culprits in this regard.
This is PF government where all workers must enjoy their rights at places of work. Statistically, figures show that many Zambians with qualifications and experience are unemployed that comprises of many different professionals.
Let the government policy clearly state that it does not want an investor in Zambia, domestic or foreign, to hire an expatriate for a job that can be done by a Zambian.
Let all foreign companies in Zambia fill all positions within a given period of time that is hiring Zambians to replace expatriates.
It is an acceptable to have foreigners working as carpenters; selling chickens in restaurants because those jobs must be for the locals.
Let’s us all stop thinking that we can only make a living through white collar jobs. It’s a fact that some of those who are doing small businesses makes even more income that those who spend 8 hours in offices from day 1 till month end.
Happy Labour Day to all workers both in formal and informal employment! God bless us all!

Gady Mwamba Museka
Kabwe

Bravo Nkana!-

IT is always exciting to have our own Nkana qualifying to the group stage of CAF confederations cup.
The qualification would not have come at a better time than now as we celebrate Soccer fan number one KK’s 90 years of living on earth, remember the 30 Gabon air disaster gallant men who perished on April 28 th 1993 enroute to the world cup qualifier and not forgetting Dennis Liwewe who was put to rest recently.
Lastly,I am happy with the performance of my childhood local team konkoka Blades coached by Beston Chambishi in the last two games.
The three strikers Elson Mkandawire, Humphrey Chanjila and Moses Phiri Should Continue Scoring those vital goals for the 1998 Mosi Cup Champions.

Timothy Kambilima
Luanshya

Dennis Liwewe was a selfless patriot –

Because of Dennis Liwewe I’ve been to over 42 countries.
I’ve been to Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, Somalia, South Korea, Soviet Union, Madagascar and many others too numerous to mention.
Through his voice he took us on a wondrous journey to faraway places and made us be with the boys in spirit.
We would huddle around the yellow transistor radios captivated by his oratory.
Miners would also go underground with radios and thus his voice would boom across the land whenever his beloved KK11 played.
When we lost we felt the pain in his voice and we mourned with him,when we won his joyous voice boomed on the airwaves and we celebrated with him.
Thus he developed a special bond with the masses and he became a symbol of our collective tenacity to overcome any adversity.
He taught us to be proud of being Zambians and most important to be patriots!!
He made us believe that we were as good as any great footballing nation.
He coined phases like; GEE WHAT A BEAUTY, IN THE D-ZONE, LIKE A MIG 21 JET FIGHTER BOMBER, TO NO NOBODY and many more.
In short Dennis Liwewe was a true patriot who put country before self.
He deserves the highest praise and to be mentioned in the same breath as other great sons and daughters of this great nation!! Go well Dennis,you have run a good race!!
May your soul rest in eternal peace!!!

CHANDA MALAMA,
Ndola