By MILDRED KATONGO –
ZAMBIA and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect the interests of nationals working in the two countries.
The MoU, signed in South Africa earlier this week, is aimed at defining the basis for institutional relations under which cooperation will be developed between the two parties in the fields of employment, labour and social security.
Areas of cooperation would include collective bargaining, dispute resolution systems, and labour inspections.
Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda said the signing of the MoU would enhance the strategic co-operation and partnership on employment, labour and social security between the two countries.
Mr Shamenda who signed on behalf of Zambia said the two countries had many things in common and shared a lot for their mutual benefit.
This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by Press secretary at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa, Nicky Shabolyo.
Mr Shamenda said South Africa had invested heavily in Zambia and that the two countries were enjoying healthy investment and trade relations.
“The MoU will also cover social dialogue, labour market information, occupational health and safety, HIV and AIDS, and Wellness in the workplace. Other areas include international labour cooperation issues, social security issues relating to unemployment insurance and compensation. There are many South Africans working in Zambia while South Africa also hosts a lot of Zambian migrant workers and this demonstrates our mutual interests,” he said
He said Zambia had relaxed legislation by allowing for dual citizenship so that those that found themselves with only one choice were now free to choose countries.
Mr Shamenda noted that there had been common challenges such as global supply chains and that this could only be addressed through strengthened cooperation and initiatives such as the signing of the MoU.
The South African minister for the Department of Labour Mildred Oliphant, said her country’s ties with Zambia should translate into stronger economic, social and developmental relations.
Ms Oliphant said the MoU should ensure that the relations between the two countries remained stronger as they continue to advocate social justice and better people’s lives.
She said her department was discussing with the International Labour Organisation, the intention to meet with representatives of South African companies that managed operations in Zambia, to discuss the challenges in global supply chains.