‘Stop spreading falsehoods’

STOP spreading unsubstantiated allegations over Covid-19 donations as this has the potential to erode the confidence in the fight against the pandemic, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya has cautioned the public.

Speaking at a joint briefing with her labor counterpart Joyce Simukoko yesterday which was also attended by the Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame, Ms. Siliya also said Government was supporting businesses affected by the Covid-19 through the K10 billion relief package announced by the Ministry of

Finance.

She said the problems that have come as a result of the Covid-19 are real, hence the need for the public and the media to send the right message during the pandemic.

Ms Siliya said the media has the responsibility to save the image of the country by accurately informing the public on what the Government was doing in the fight against Covid-19.

And, Ms Simukoko cautioned employers to observe the requirements of the law when dealing with labour matters such as dismissal, non-payment of salaries and avoid sending their employees on forced leave illegally.

She said her Ministry through the office of the Labour Commissioner has been receiving several complaints against employers since the outbreak of the Covid-19.

Ms Simukoko said her ministry will continue carrying out consultations with its social partners on how best employment and labour market relationships can be regulated amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame said Seven public universities and the 28 Colleges have extended their online teaching to students.

Ms. Siaame said her Ministry has also built capacity in the lecturers so that they could implement the e-learning services during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.