Tambatamba Urges Industry to Prioritise Proactive Workplace Safety
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, has called on industry leaders to adopt proactive and preventive safety measures, stressing that workplace safety is the backbone of national productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Chilanga Cement Chief Executive Officer, Chai Jianping, Ms Tambatamba reminded companies, particularly those in high-risk sectors, that occupational safety and health is a legal obligation, not a voluntary corporate gesture.
“We must desist from having a reactive approach to matters of safety and health. Instead, we must be proactive; engaging the Occupational Safety and Health Department before accidents occur,” she said.
The Minister commended Chilanga Cement for maintaining a strong safety record and contributing to job creation, productivity and ongoing engagement with Government on labour matters. She highlighted that productivity, job creation and value addition remain central to Government’s economic transformation agenda.
“Work is not visitation at your place of work; it is about delivering a product for the country’s economic growth. Work starts in the community, and this is why President Hakainde Hichilema continues to promote the culture of work through cooperatives,” Ms Tambatamba added.
She further underscored Government’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for private sector-led growth under the Eighth National Development Plan, backed by sound policy, regulation and investment in infrastructure.
Emphasising the importance of human capital development, the Minister encouraged companies such as Chilanga Cement to strengthen collaboration with the National Productivity Development Department to enhance competitiveness, continuous improvement and healthy labour-management relations.
During the meeting, Chilanga Cement reported strong safety performance, noting that all major projects completed in the past three years recorded zero lost-time injuries. These projects include the expansion of the Chilanga Plant, the construction of a new lime line at Ndola, the upgrade of Ndola’s Kiln 1, the development of a dry-mortar line, and the acquisition of a waste-management shredder for community use.
Mr Jianping said employees from production, maintenance and laboratory units had undergone technical training in Tanzania and Malawi, while Zambian specialists in Health, Safety and Environment and Legal Affairs had supported operations across Africa and the Middle East.
Chilanga Cement Head of Human Resources, Wamusheke Simenda, added that several contractors trained under these projects had transitioned into full-time roles. She also reported that 50 graduates had joined the company’s Step-Up training platform, demonstrating the direct link between investment-driven development and job creation.
The delegation reaffirmed Huaxin Group’s long-term commitment to Zambia, pledging to continue building Chilanga Cement into the nation’s leading cement producer while preserving its long-standing legacy.
