LABOUR and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba has told management at Pembe Milling in Lusaka to clean up their labour practices and move towards full compliance with Zambian labour laws.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the plant on Friday, Tambatamba said her ministry found a mixture of progress and gaps, particularly in areas such as contracts, occupational health and safety, and workers’ representation.
She explained that Pembe had admitted to having employees without formal contracts, a practice that fuels casualisation in the industry.
The minister added that every worker, regardless of the duration of their employment, must be contracted and enrolled under NAPSA, NHIMA and Workers’ Compensation Fund.
On health and safety, she said protective clothing must go beyond just uniforms, pointing out that workers in milling plants need specialised shoes, headgear and respiratory equipment to prevent accidents and safeguard their well-being.
“The health of the organisation is measured by the level of compliance on the different facets of the law,” Tambatamba said.
“We check through how the organisation is doing. We have seen that there is some work to be done. Issues of contracts, availability to avoid casualisation.”
Tambatamba also expressed concern that Pembe Milling currently has no workers’ union, urging management to allow union leaders to engage freely with employees as this is their constitutional right.
“We are saying it’s important to look at the comprehensive package… Pembe, you have an opportunity to grow, to take the lead and become a model in the labour market of Zambia,” Tambatamba said.
The Minister further gave Pembe management until the end of October to resolve outstanding issues and align fully with labour laws, pledging that her ministry would hold their hand but also ensure accountability.
By George Musonda
Kalemba September 8, 2025
