DRIVERS MUST RETIRE WITH DIGNITY, NOT POVERTY

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Posted by admin on February 19, 2026 at 3:44 AM

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Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, has cautioned employers that failure to register drivers with statutory social security bodies is illegal, stressing that no driver should serve the country only to retire into poverty and insecurity.

Tambatamba was speaking during the Special Drivers Safety Workshop and Six-Month Road Safety Study in Lusaka, organised by the United Federation of Employers of Zambia (UFEZ).

“Employers must ensure drivers are registered and contributions remitted to NAPSA (National Pension Scheme Authority) – for retirement, invalidity, and survivors’ benefits. Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board – for workplace injury protection. NHIMA (National Health Insurance Management Authority) – for healthcare coverage.” She said.

Tambatamba emphasized that social security registration is not optional but a legal obligation.

Drivers, whether truck, bus, taxi, or delivery operators are entitled to retirement benefits, healthcare, and compensation for workplace injuries.

She further urged employers to uphold decent work standards, including fair wages, regulated working hours, and adequate rest periods, noting that fatigue remains a leading cause of road accidents.

The Minister warned that government will not hesitate to enforce compliance against employers who fail to remit contributions.

Permanent Secretary Zacheriah Luhanga revealed that the ministry’s budget has grown by 212% since 2021, enabling rehabilitation of labour offices in Livingstone, Choma, Mansa, Chipata, Kafue, and Mazabuka, with new offices under construction to strengthen labour inspections and service delivery.

The workshop brought together employers, trade unions, and transport sector stakeholders to focus on driver welfare, road safety, and enforcement of labour standards.