GOV’T MOVES NVRC TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR

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Posted by admin on November 11, 2025 at 4:09 AM

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Government has officially transferred the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (NVRC) from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, placing it under the administration of the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB).

This strategic move is designed to transform NVRC into a modern Occupational Injury Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre, aligned with the New Dawn Government’s inclusive development agenda.

Established in 1977 with support from the Finnish Government and WCFCB, NVRC originally focused on rehabilitating workers injured in occupational accidents.

Transferred to the Ministry of Community Development in 1990, its mandate expanded to include persons with disabilities.

In recent years, NVRC has faced inadequate funding, dilapidated infrastructure, limited staff capacity, and unpaid emoluments.

The reassignment follows recognition that Zambia lacked a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre for workers injured on the job a critical gap in ensuring recovery, productivity, and reintegration into the labour market.

Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba, MP, emphasized: “The handover of NVRC to the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board will link the Centre to national priorities of inclusivity, skills development, and the promotion of the Decent Work Agenda for persons with disabilities.”

She assured stakeholders that measures will be taken to ensure a smooth transition, prevent further deterioration of infrastructure, and enhance capacity through investment in human capital, facilities, and equipment.

Tambatamba reiterated the Ministry’s vision to transform NVRC into a regional centre of excellence, in line with ILO conventions and Zambia’s employment policies.

Community Development Minister Doreen Mwamba, MP, added:

“The transfer is not meant to disrupt operations but to enable progress and stability. Employees must embrace change and build a stronger rehabilitation and vocational centre capable of empowering persons with disabilities.”

The NVRC realignment is expected to Strengthen rehabilitation services for injured workers, Expand vocational training opportunities for persons with disabilities and Position Zambia as a regional leader in inclusive labour market integration