MWILA WARNS MINISTERS
MINISTERS have been directed to deal with infringements and other related labour matters unearthed in foreign owned businesses instead of just talking.
The Patriotic Front has asked all ministers to side with the people and warned that businesses were infringing on workers’ rights and allowing other wrongs to be done because there was laxity in inspections by various line ministries.
And the Patriotic Front PF has warned party officials and ministers to desist from issuing any further statements on the issues concerning foreign investors flouting Zambian labour laws and to instead protect interest of citizens.
PF Secretary General, Davis Mwila sounded the warning in Lusaka yesterday in banning discussions on the issue and demanded that line ministries take corrective action on all infringements unearthed and to investigate more business for compliance .
Mr Mwila said in Lusaka yesterday, the party expects to see less talk and more action from line Ministries.
Mr. Mwila said no member or party official including Ministers is allowed to comment on the issue concerning foreign investors flouting Zambian labour laws and the unfortunate incidents that have also led to the loss of some lives of foreign investors because the Party gave its position on the matter.
Mr. Mwila said party expects more action and less talk from the Ministry of Local Government and other relevant duty bearers.
He said the Ministry of Local Government must actively play its part, just as other ministries such as Home Affairs and Labour in screening some “Foreign Investors” doing small businesses like barbershops and hair salons.
Mr Mwila said there are enough laws to restrict foreigners from investing in business which were a preserve of local people and wondered how the foreign investors were obtaining the licences.
He also said if people were doing their jobs properly, they would have checked on such business and ensured foreign investors had the required foreign currency to invest instead of setting up barber shops and salons.
He explained that such scenarios were happening because of lack of inspections.
Mr Mwila noted that some foreign investors venturing in small business may not have permits to work as beauticians, but end up choking the market and taking the much needed jobs from locals.
“Government line ministries must take particular interest in Zambians who obtain trading licenses which they later on sale to "foreign investors."
“The Ministry of Local Government and Housing must make a deliberate effort to ensure that licences to operate businesses like barbershops and hair salons are not given to "foreign investors,” Mr. Chama said.
He said businesses such as barbershops and hair salons, should be and must be operated by local people.
Mr. Mwila said than an investor can only be classified as a “Foreign Investor” if they bring into the country not less than $250 000 worth of investment.
Mr. Mwila reaffirmed the PF’s commitment under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu to continue growing Zambian businesses and empowering local investors.
He also cautioned PF Ministers to listen to the Zambian people because it is the duty of the PF as the part in Power to listen when people speak.