Change before you are changed, civil servants warned

...with Labour Social Security Minister Misheck Nyambose warning that a culture of business as usual shall not be tolerated, says President Hichilema's Grow Zambia Agenda vision should be supported in totality

By MUBITA KATETE

IF the Grow Zambia Agenda concept is to be actualised, civil servants should change their work culture and begin working towards meeting the expectations of Government and President Hakainde Hichilema Labour and Social Security Minister Misheck Nyambose has said.

Mr Nyambose has warned ministry staff against complacency, demanding a change in work culture and greater accountability to deliver on President Hichilema's Grow Zambia Agenda.

He said there would be no "business as usual" under his leadership, urging officers to become more visible, proactive and committed to protecting workers' rights.

"Change before you are changed. The targets of the Grow Zambia Agenda are not negotiable. The culture of business as usual shall not be tolerated," Mr Nyambose said.

Mr Nyambose was speaking in Lusaka yesterday during his first meeting with senior management and members of staff following his appointment, taking over from his predecessor Brenda Tambatamba.

He commended Ms Tambatamba for laying a foundation, saying his responsibility was to build on her achievements and advance the ministry's work towards 2031.

"I want to salute my predecessor for the foundation she laid," Mr Nyambose said.

He said the second term of the UPND administration would focus on accelerated economic growth, with labour and human capital playing a critical role in driving productivity and national development.

Mr Nyambose, however, expressed concern over the limited visibility of labour officers in workplaces, saying some employees were working without protective clothing while employers claimed they had never been visited by labour inspectors.

He directed officers to strengthen workplace inspections and engage employers on labour laws, employment contracts, National Pension Scheme Authority contributions and workers' compensation.

He stressed that labour officers should not intimidate investors but engage them constructively to ensure compliance with labour regulations.

"I will not give you notification. You will find me at the door of your office. I will be in your district where you are working from," Mr Nyambose said.