ZUFIAW

23/09/2026

FNB UNIONISED EMPLOYEES RECEIVE 11.4% SALARY INCREMENT

Late Post - Lusaka, Zambia

The Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) and the First National Bank Zambia (FNBZ) signed a new Collective Agreement, symbolizing the conclusion and awarding of unionised employees a *11.4%* salary increment.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, marking another important milestone in the ongoing partnership between ZUFIAW and FNB Zambia in promoting the welfare and interests of workers.

The signing ceremony was attended by the ZUFIAW President Ms. Marina Mwape Kabonga, and the General Secretary and CEO Mr. Kasapo Sundrea Kabende, while the Bank was represented by FNB CEO Ms. Chola Kapumpe, the Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Musyani Siwelwa, the Acting Chief People Officer.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. Kabende congratulated FNB Zambia for its 17 years' contribution to the financial and other sectors and for remaining a key player in driving Zambia’s economic growth. He noted that the government, through the Bank of Zambia, had created an enabling environment by reducing the Monetary Policy Rate and the Statutory Reserve Ratio and believes the current macroeconomic fundamentals are favourable in creating financial stability in the financial sector and the country at large. He assured Management that ZUFIAW will continue to encourage its members at FNB Zambia and all the affiliated institutions to uphold the union’s value of hardwork by remaining productive in their respective workplaces.

Mr. Kabende also highlighted that Unions are key stakeholders in the management of any institution because unions play a key role in the management of the most important asset which is human capital. He therefore, called upon all employers in the financial, pension and insurance sectors to respect the right of workers to belong to unions of their choice and later alone participate in union activities. He said no employer must abrogate the domestic and international labour laws with impunity and ZUFIAW stands ready to defend the rights and interests of all workers.

Mr. Kabende expressed concern about the Performance Management System at the Bank and the placement of employees on Performance Improvement Plans. He called on the immediate amendment and refining of the Performance Policies that uphold integrity and fairness, avoid the aspect of subjectivity and, most importantly favour both the Bank and the employees in driving the strategic agenda of the Bank.

Mr. Kabende congratulated the Bargaining Unit for the maturity, mutual respect and professionalism demonstrated during the collective bargaining process. He further said the 11.4% salary increment demonstrated the desire by both parties to amicably conclude the process of collective bargaining that addresses the welfare of employees while strengthening industrial relations and fostering a productive working environment through an inclusive workplace, while upholding the spirit of collaboration and dialogue in advancing workers' interests.

In concluding his remarks, Mr. Kabende thanked the Branch Executive Committee for ensuring that the voices of the members were heard. He also assured the members of the Union’s continued commitment to fighting for their rights and interests.

16/09/2026

12TH ZUFIAW ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS - DAY1

16/09/2026

RESULTS OF THE GAMES PLAYED AT THE 12TH ZUFIAW ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

13/09/2026

13TH SEPTEMBER 2026

SPEECH BY THE GUEST OF HONOUR: THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER – MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

12TH ZUFIAW ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

THEME:

“SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORTS: ADVANCING HEALTH, COLLABORATION, AND CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE”

THE PRESIDENT

THE GENERAL SECRETARY

OFFICIALS FROM THE MINISTRY

THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF FFTUZ

THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES FROM SISTER UNIONS

CEOs, DGs, MDs AND MANAGEMENT STAFF PRESENT

THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

DISTRICT, DISTRICT BRANCH AND BRANCH OFFICIALS

THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE

MEMBERS OF ZUFIAW AND ALL PARTICIPANTS

THE MEDIA

GOOD MORNING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me, on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, to join you at this important occasion, the 12th ZUFIAW Annual Sports Festival.

Let me begin by congratulating the leadership of ZUFIAW, its affiliate institutions, the Organising Committee, participating teams and, most importantly, the members for making this festival a success.

The very fact that we are gathered here today demonstrates an important principle: the workplace is not simply a place where people exchange their labour for wages. It is a community where human beings spend a significant part of their lives, develop relationships, build careers, contribute to national development and pursue their aspirations.

It is therefore important that we create workplaces where employees are not only productive, but also healthy, respected, motivated and socially connected.

MADAM PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

The theme for this year’s festival, “SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORTS: ADVANCING HEALTH, COLLABORATION, AND CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE,” is both timely and relevant to the mandate of both ZUFIAW and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

It speaks directly to three important areas of our national development agenda:

* Health and wellbeing of workers
* Collaboration and social partnership
* Continuity through investment in the next generation

These are principles that must remain at the centre of our efforts to build a healthy and productive workforce for a sustainable economy.

MADAM PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Sport and the health of our workforce are very important, and I am pleased that ZUFIAW has, in the last 12 years, taken the initiative to organise such a festival aimed at promoting health among its members.

A healthy workforce is the foundation of a productive workforce.

No country can achieve sustainable economic development if its workers and the general citizenry are constantly battling preventable illnesses, stress, exhaustion and other challenges that affect their physical and mental wellbeing.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, recognises that occupational health, safety and worker wellbeing are important components of enhanced productivity and decent work.

As the Ministry responsible for labour and social protection, we continue to emphasise the importance of creating workplaces that protect workers and promote their wellbeing.

Sports indeed provide one practical avenue through which this can be achieved.

Regular physical activity contributes to physical fitness, reduces the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles and provides an opportunity for employees to manage stress and strengthen social relationships.

This is particularly important in today’s working environment.

The modern workplace is increasingly demanding. Workers are expected to adapt to technological change, meet performance targets, manage increasing workloads and respond to rapidly changing economic conditions.

MADAM PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

We must therefore deliberately create opportunities for workers to remain physically active and mentally healthy.

Therefore, this festival must not end as a weekend activity. Instead, it must translate into healthy lifestyles for all participants and members of ZUFIAW.

I wish to encourage employers and workers alike to view workplace wellness not as an expense, but as an investment in human capital and productivity.

Sport is a platform for solidarity, which is the second important element of today’s theme.

Trade unionism is founded on the principle that workers achieve more when they stand together.

Sports provide a powerful demonstration of this principle, given that it requires cooperation, discipline, mutual communication and trust. It also requires every member of the team to understand that individual success contributes to collective success.

The same principle applies to the world of work.

Government recognises the important role played by workers’ and employers’ organisations in promoting industrial harmony, decent work and sustainable economic development.

In order to achieve these, we must continue to strengthen social dialogue between Government, employers and workers.

FROM COMPETITION TO COLLABORATION

Today, different institutions represented here will compete against one another. There will be winners and there will be losers. There will be moments of celebration and moments of disappointment.

But let us remember that when the final whistle is blown, we all remain part of the same labour community.

Competition should therefore never destroy relationships. Instead, it should strengthen them.

Let this festival help us exchange experiences and build networks beyond institutions so that we understand one another better and uphold the spirit of solidarity as we deal with the complex challenges facing workers today.

MADAM PRESIDENT AND LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

THE FUTURE OF WORK AND THE NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION

As we celebrate this year’s festival, we must also look towards the future.

The workplace of tomorrow will not be the same as the workplace of today.

Technology will continue to transform how we work. Digitalisation will change job roles and organisational structures. New skills will be required.

But, most importantly, healthy and productive workers shall be required to advance and achieve the goals and aspirations being set today.

MADAM PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

As the Ministry responsible for labour matters, allow me to make a few calls to employers and workers.

FIRSTLY, ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE WORKPLACE WELLNESS A PRIORITY.

Employers should support initiatives such as this one to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

In turn, workers should also take personal responsibility for their health and lifestyle.

SECONDLY, WE NEED TO STRENGTHEN SOCIAL DIALOGUE.

Government, employers and workers must continue talking to one another, especially when dealing with difficult economic and labour challenges.

Issues of health and productivity remain key in this debate.

THIRDLY, STAKEHOLDERS MUST INVEST IN SKILLS.

Workers must continuously acquire new skills, while employers should provide opportunities for training and professional development.

FOURTHLY, LET US PREPARE OUR YOUNG WORKERS FOR THE FUTURE.

Youths must not merely be spectators in the transformation of the workplace. They must be active participants in shaping that future.

FINALLY, LET US STRENGTHEN SOLIDARITY.

Whether we are employers, workers, trade unionists, managers or Government officials, we all have a stake in building a stable, productive and prosperous Zambia.

IN CONCLUSION, MADAM PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Sport teaches us an important lesson about life and work.

Sometimes we run alone. Sometimes we compete against one another. But ultimately, we are part of one larger team.

We ultimately need each other in order to grow and achieve our full potential.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security commends ZUFIAW for living its motto of “Workers First” and for organising this very important festival, which recognises that the wellbeing of workers extends beyond the workplace.

With these remarks, I hereby declare this 12th ZUFIAW Sports Festival officially open.

I THANK YOU.

MR. GIVENS MUNTENGWA

THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

13/09/2026

13TH SEPTEMBER 2026

SPEECH BY THE ZUFIAW PRESIDENT AT THE 2026 12TH ZUFIAW ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

THEME:

“SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORT: ADVANCING HEALTH, COLLABORATION AND CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE.”

THE GUEST OF HONOUR – THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER

Officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security

The ZUFIAW General Secretary

The Secretary General of FFTUZ

The ZUFIAW National Executive Council

Presidents and General Secretaries from Sister Unions

CEOs, DGs, MDs and Management Staff present

The National Women’s Committee

The National Youth Committee

District, District Branch and Branch Officials

The Organising Committee

Members of ZUFIAW and all participants

The Media

GOOD MORNING.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

It is my distinct honour to stand before you today, 12th September 2026, as we celebrate the 12th edition of the ZUFIAW Annual Sports Festival.

Today, we trade our corporate attire for jerseys and our office desks for the pitch and other sporting platforms. While we may be here for competition, we are fundamentally here for connection as one big ZUFIAW family.

We are here to demonstrate our commitment to this year’s theme:

“SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORT: ADVANCING HEALTH, COLLABORATION AND CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE.”

This theme is more than just a sports statement; it is a vision statement for the Zambian financial, pension and insurance sector worker who works tirelessly in order to achieve his or her targets at the workplace.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Allow me to state what this theme truly means for us as workers:

SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORT:

In our daily lives, we may come from different departments, and many of us are from different competing institutions by brands and size. But on these fields, those boundaries fade.

Solidarity is the recognition that, regardless of which institution pays your salary, we share the same professional challenges, aspirations and fight for dignity.

Sport is the great equaliser that reminds us that, ultimately, we are one big team.

ADVANCING HEALTH AND COLLABORATION:

The financial, pension and insurance sectors are exceedingly intense. They demand mental acuity, long hours and high resilience.

By gathering here to participate in various sporting disciplines, we are declaring that a healthy workforce is a resilient workforce, and physical well-being is not a luxury but the fuel that keeps our industries and the country running.

The spirit of solidarity and collaboration must extend far beyond today’s games. It must become the foundation of our desire to work with fellow workers from other institutions, our employers and, indeed, Government.

In an economy like Zambia’s, we cannot afford an adversarial approach to every challenge. Instead, we need an honest and genuine tripartite synergy.

CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE:

Our sectors are changing rapidly, with new technologies, ways of doing business and economic shifts.

Therefore, continuity is about ensuring that the Zambian financial, pension and insurance sector worker of tomorrow is better off than the one today.

This future is not a given; it must be built through the ongoing strength of our partnerships and our desire to write our own story as a people.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Indulge me in highlighting two ways that we can use as partners to transform this theme into collaborative action:

1. THE “WORKPLACE WELLNESS” PARTNERSHIP (UNION & EMPLOYERS)

We propose that employers and the Union co-design comprehensive wellness programmes.

This goes beyond the Annual Sports Festival. It shall require creating “Mental Health and Resilience” frameworks where unions and management work together to monitor burnout levels.

2. THE “SKILLS FUTURE” INITIATIVE (UNION, EMPLOYERS & GOVERNMENT)

As the world moves digital and Artificial Intelligence becomes our everyday conversation, we need to ensure that AI is used as a tool to enhance productivity and that our members are not left behind.

We call for a deliberate policy and tripartite “Skills Development Initiative.”

Government can explore avenues such as providing tax incentives for financial, pension and insurance institutions that invest in certified upskilling programmes for their staff.

In turn, trade unions like ZUFIAW can provide the platform for members to engage in continuous professional development.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

This festival is more than just winning trophies and medals.

It is about proving that we are a disciplined, organised and collaborative force.

We are sending a clear message to our key stakeholders — Government and employers — that, as workers, we are your partners in addressing the well-being of workers and driving productivity and economic development through a healthy workforce.

We contribute to making the wheels of the Zambian economy turn, and we want to ensure those wheels keep turning for generations to come.

Let us carry this spirit of teamwork back to our offices.

Let us negotiate with fairness, lead with empathy and work with a shared vision of a prosperous Zambia.

Our theme for this year’s festival and the need for a tripartite approach should strengthen our relationship as stakeholders, which is necessary for us to move from abstract dialogue to tangible, operational commitments.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

As a Union, we are of the firm belief that, in order to create a healthy and highly productive environment, each stakeholder must play a distinct but complementary role.

Employers hold the resources and the operational power to integrate health into the daily workflow. They should shift from viewing wellness as a “perk” to viewing it as a core productivity driver.

Therefore, there is an immediate need to integrate wellness policies into Collective Bargaining Agreements so that wellness is not an option but mandatory.

In this regard, Government acts as the architect of the economic environment and must therefore use necessary policy and legislation to make it cheaper and easier for firms to prioritise worker health.

LET ME CONCLUDE MY SPEECH BY HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ABOVE PROPOSALS.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT:

A healthy workforce means lower healthcare costs for the nation, thereby reducing the current burden on the national and private health schemes.

FOR THE EMPLOYERS:

This can lead to reduced staff turnover, lower recruitment costs and higher employee engagement, which often lead to better customer service and higher profitability.

FOR THE WORKERS:

A better quality of life, longer careers and the dignity of knowing their health is protected by both their Union and their employer.

It is therefore with a firm conviction that ZUFIAW remains committed to ensuring that the Union contributes to the welfare and health of Zambian citizens by hosting this annual event.

I thank you for your attention, and may you enjoy the games.

WORKERS FIRST,

MS. MARINA MWAPE KABONGO

ZUFIAW PRESIDENT

13/09/2026

13TH SEPTEMBER 2026

SPEECH BY THE ZUFIAW GENERAL SECRETARY AND CEO AT
THE 12TH ZUFIAW ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

THEME:
“SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORT: ADVANCING HEALTH, COLLABORATION AND CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE.”

THE GUEST OF HONOUR – THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER

The Assistant Labour Commissioner – Industrial Relations
Officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security
The ZUFIAW President
The Secretary General of FFTUZ
The ZUFIAW National Executive Council
The Presidents and General Secretaries from our sister unions
Heads of Institutions and Management Staff present
The National Women’s Committee
The National Youth Committee
District, District Branch and Branch Officials
The Organising Committee
My fellow members of ZUFIAW
My colleagues from Secretariat
The media present here today

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning.

I stand here today with great humility, on behalf of our President, the entire leadership and membership of ZUFIAW and, indeed, on my own behalf, to welcome and thank our Guest of Honour, the Labour Commissioner from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, for accepting our invitation to grace our 12th Annual Sports Festival.

May I also take this rare opportunity to welcome you all to this year’s event, marking the 12th edition of the Sports Festival, following 14 years since its inauguration in 2012.

This year’s festival is being held under the theme:

“SOLIDARITY THROUGH SPORT: ADVANCING HEALTH, COLLABORATION AND CONTINUITY OF OUR SHARED FUTURE.”

To us, this is not just a theme; it is who we are!

The call for solidarity, collaboration and continuity could not have come at a better time than this, when our members are facing numerous challenges such as prolonged hours of work, stressful workloads, the rapid changes in the world of work due to automation and Artificial Intelligence, delayed negotiations, to mention but a few.

Therefore, solidarity and collaboration remain extremely important in overcoming these challenges, and ZUFIAW recognises that sport is one way of demonstrating solidarity among its members.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

I stand here with a deep sense of responsibility and pride to note that ZUFIAW is the only union in the labour movement that holds an annual sports festival to advance a healthy lifestyle among its members.

In the last fourteen (14) years, we have successfully held twelve (12) sports festivals in collaboration with a number of stakeholders, including Government and employers.

This collaboration upholds the spirit of tripartism and continuity of our shared future.

To us, this is more than a festival. It is a celebration of our friendship that goes beyond the workplace and institutional space, our diversity, our achievements and, most importantly, our unity of purpose in advancing our voice as workers.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Despite the increase in the number of participating institutions this year, we have noted with great concern that some employers have resolved not to participate in the festival, a clear indication of their unwillingness to invest in their employees’ health.

We believe that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.

Therefore, I wish to strongly remind and caution all non-participating employers to put in place policies and budget lines that promote a balanced work culture.

Let me recognise and welcome our newest participants to the festival:

The National Health Insurance Management Authority
ASA Microfinance Zambia Limited
The Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

The 2026 Festival will showcase the following disciplines:

* Men’s and Women’s Football
* Netball
* Volleyball – Mixed Gender
* Basketball – Mixed Gender
* Pool – Mixed Gender
* Chess – Mixed Gender
* Tug of War – Mixed Gender
* Track and Field – 100m & 400m Relay – Mixed Gender
* 100m Executive Race – Men and Women
* Sack Race – Mixed Gender
* Egg Race – Mixed Gender
* Drinking Competition – Mixed Gender
* Aerobics
* Darts – as a non-competitive discipline

To all the participants — women, youths and men — we hope this festival will strengthen our solidarity beyond winners and losers.

We hope to see workers competing against each other but appreciating and celebrating one another when the final whistle is blown.

I wish you all the very best as you represent your institutions.

GUEST OF HONOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

In conclusion, I wish to render our appreciation to all the employers for their participation and continued support.

Over and above, I want to unreservedly appreciate the Organising Committee and my colleagues from Secretariat for their dedication to making this festival possible.

VIVA ZUFIAW!!
VIVA LABOUR COMMISSIONER!!
SOLIDARITY!

WORKERS FIRST,

KASAPO SUNDREA KABENDE (MR)
GENERAL SECRETARY AND CEO
ZAMBIA UNION OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND ALLIED WORKERS

13/09/2026

About Yesterday.

11/09/2026

PROGRAMME FOR THE 12 TH ZUFIAW ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

For more information, visit our sports festival website at https://sports.zufiaw.org

11/09/2026

One day to go!!

10/09/2026