01/10/2026
ZCTU SAYS FOCUS MUST NOW SHIFT TO GOVERNANCE AND GROWTH
Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Lusaka — Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Mr. Blake Mulala says the country has closed the chapter on elections and entered a new phase of national governance.
Speaking when he addressed the press at ZCTU Headquarters in Lusaka, Mr. Mulala said organized labour will now focus on factors that drive national growth and will continue to engage Government on defending workers' rights.
On Mixed Member Proportional Representation, Mr. Mulala described it as a win for inclusion.
He said ZCTU participated in the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) process because it believes in national unity and inclusion, noting that the fruits of the constitutional amendments are now tangible.
He said divergent views should not distract the union from promoting good governance, adding that those who opposed the amendments that introduced Bill 7 do not appreciate the results.
He cited the election of Lazarous Hakalebula to Parliament as a product of Bill 7, which promoted the inclusion of persons with disabilities. He also welcomed the inclusion of more women in Parliament, urging them to champion workers' issues.
He singled out Catherine Kantumoya as a clear beneficiary of the reforms. Kantumoya was elected to Parliament under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system, which was introduced through the constitutional amendment under Bill 7. He noted that she comes from the labour movement and her election demonstrates how Bill 7 has broadened representation.
On ministerial appointments, Mr. Mulala said effective Government performance depends on the quality of Cabinet appointments. He said appointees must be dedicated to service, accessible to the people, and must see themselves as servants, not bosses; leaders, not rulers.
He said ZCTU, as a pivotal institution with members in all ministries, remains open to engagement and collaboration.
He stressed that Ministers must be accountable and driven to deliver, as their core mandate is service delivery, and that appointments should strengthen Government's capacity to serve. He noted that the successful debt restructuring will enhance the Grow Zambia agenda.
He paid tribute to workers across the country for enduring difficult economic times while remaining strong and committed to national service, saying workers have always protected and defended the nation's gains.
Mr. Mulala said ZCTU supports the efforts of the Mayor of Lusaka and called on citizens to support initiatives aimed at achieving a clean city. He cited Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2018, which prohibits indiscriminate littering and nuisance behaviour such as spitting and urinating in public places.
He urged employers not to deprive workers of their daily needs and the rewards of their labour, calling for decent jobs, improved conditions of service and stronger social protection.
He added that all citizens must participate in wealth creation and food production to improve food security and lower commodity prices, noting that workers must be motivated.
Mr. Mulala urged workers to play an active role in nation-building and to ensure Zambia produces and delivers services, as espoused by the President of the Republic of Zambia.
On the rule of law, Mr. Mulala said it must serve as a guide for every citizen. He called on the church to be accountable to its membership and not to be active only on political matters, but also on spiritual matters — pointing out wrongs and preaching the true message of Jesus Christ rather than hiding behind the veil of the church.
He urged the church to stay away from partisan politics and to condemn evil and wrongdoing.
He said the church must also speak out against those plotting evil and sowing seeds of division through the misuse of social media. He condemned individuals who insult leaders and break the law with impunity, saying disrespect for authority must not be condoned.
He called on citizens to respect leadership authority in line with Biblical principles under the Christian Nation banner.
He further called on law enforcement agencies to remain professional and deal decisively with lawbreakers, and urged opposition political parties to practice constructive politics that builds the nation rather than harbouring hatred towards Government.
Mr. Mulala commended the Ministry of Labour for inspecting workplaces to ensure compliance in the management of workers.
He appealed to labour unions to visit employers and enforce compliance with labour laws governing both employers and employees.
He said no worker should be intimidated, as workers deserve better conditions, not exploitation, stressing that workers' rights and labour laws must be respected.
He warned non-compliant employers that workers are producers and taxpayers who must be respected in building a Zambia where no worker is left behind, describing this as a catalyst for the Grow Zambia agenda.
He has since called on journalists and the nation to use social media responsibly, saying the Grow Zambia agenda thrives on responsible use and dissemination of information.
Meanwhile, Hon. Catherine Kantumoya thanked the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, describing it as the conduit through which she ascended to Parliament.
