EMPLOYEES who resign or are dismissed for misconduct are not entitled to severance pay, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa has clarified, urging both workers and employers to fully understand the terms of employment contracts and labour law provisions.
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Muntengwa stated that severance pay only applies when an employer initiates the termination of employment, typically in cases of redundancy or when a company decides it no longer needs a worker’s services.
He said this during an inspection of Khalif Motors company in Ndola.
“If it’s not the employer who has terminated your contract and if you resigned, were dismissed, or misconducted yourself, then you are not entitled to severance pay. But if it is the employer that has decided they no longer need your services, you may be entitled to either gratuity or severance, depending on the terms,” Muntengwa explained.
The Labour Commissioner outlined that severance pay is calculated at three months’ salary for each year of service, while redundancy pay is typically two months’ salary per year.
He noted that workers need to understand the difference between the two, especially in cases of restructuring, downsising or company closures.
Muntengwa also addressed concerns among drivers and other workers both locally and abroad regarding gratuity, emphasising that employees on permanent and pensionable terms are generally not entitled to gratuity, unless it is specifically included in their employment contract or negotiated through a collective agreement.
“If gratuity is not in the contract, and there’s no provision in a collective agreement, then an employee is not entitled to it. However, some unions use their negotiating power to secure gratuity terms for their members and in such cases, the collective agreement stands.”
The commissioner further urged workers to pay close attention to the details in their contracts and encouraged unions to play a proactive role in negotiating clear and fair termination benefits.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba October 4, 2025
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THE Country will next week host over 500 delegates, including ministers and senior government officials from 30 African countries, at the 2025 Digital Government Africa Summit, positioning the country as a convenor of regional cooperation on e-governance.
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The event, scheduled for October 7 – 9 at in Lusaka, will bring together policy makers, technologists, and global investors to accelerate digital transformation across the continent.
During a press briefing this afternoon, the Minister of Home Affairs and International Security Jack Mwiimbu said the summit sets the stage for the vision government is bringing to life – a nation where every citizen can access services through a single digital identity.
“The summit will address key issues including national digital identity implementation, e-participation, authentication, and infrastructure development,” Mwiimbu said.
Mwiimbu said the summit would also highlight Zambia’s rollout of a biometric-enabled Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), which will streamline access to healthcare, education, agriculture subsidies and social services.
He said the ministry, working with Smart Zambia, will soon roll out the issuance of passports through online applications and will give specific dates soon.
“Our vision is that every citizen will have a single digital identity, enabling government services to be just a click away,” Mwiimbu said.
He added that data protection measures are being implemented to safeguard citizens’ privacy.
Acting minister of Technology and Science Elvis Nkandu added that the event underscores Zambia’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for digital innovation, governance and entrepreneurship.
“Zambia is making great strides in its digital transformation agenda, and this summit provides a unique opportunity to showcase our progress in building a smart, inclusive and innovative economy,” Nkandu said.
The summit will bring together government policymakers, private sector innovators and global technology firms to foster partnerships on areas such as e-governance, smart infrastructure, digital finance and artificial intelligence.
According to John Glassey, CEO of African Brains, the summit’s partner organisation, the event is not a standard conference of speeches but a meetings-based platform that allows one on one engagements between government and investors.
“The true art of good government is turning policy into practical reality, and this summit is about bringing together decision makers with industry leaders who can provide solutions,” Glassey said.
National e-Government Coordinator Percy Chinyama noted that the summit, in it’s third edition this year, originated from a 2021 cabinet decision to position Zambia at the forefront of digital governance on the continent.
“This puts Zambia on another pedestal. We become the country that brings others together in one place to discuss digitisation, and that in itself is leadership,” Chinyama said.
Meanwhile, Glassey said major investors including Microsoft, Visa and Thales are expected to attend, alongside local entrepreneurs.
The event is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for a digitally integrated continent and will be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema next Tuesday.
By Moses Makwaya
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INFORMATION and Media permanent secretary Thabo Kawana has praised Kalemba for being a credible and authentic source of news in the country.
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Kawana also applauded the media company for its creative writing skills which he said keeps the country glued to the platform.
This follows the platform’s triumph at the ZAMTEL Social Media Awards where it was crowned Best Social Media News Page of the Year.
Speaking when Kalemba managing editor Dawood Salim and director Melony Chisanga paid a courtesy call on him at his office yesterday, Kawana stated that the online media deserved the recognition as it did not only provide the public with information but did so in a creative way.
He explained that Kalemba had earned its place as the country’s most trusted online news source, to the extent that Zambians now believe if the news is not on Kalemba, then it’s not true.
“We are very proud of this achievement because Kalemba has been in existence for many years and has remained extremely professional, and consistent and a sober source of credible news.”
“I think we got to a point where on social media, people will tell you that if it’s not on Kalemba then it’s not true and there are many instances because of the ingenuity in which one is able to script their stories. You will find that something has happened and we have read it on various media platforms but people will say, ‘now we wait for the Kalemba version, just how they will dramatise it. It is where you will read no matter how long the script is but you will read and still want more even at the end of the script,” said Kawana.
He stated that Kalemba’s success shows government’s commitment to ensuring that there’s media freedom and independence.
“So for us we feel this is very deserving for Kalemba to get this award. This is what we want in our media space, the media should be able to operate freely and do what they can do best without any iota of intimidation,” said Kawana.
The PS also shared that the UPND administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema was committed to ensuring that no media house is closed.
“Under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, we will not close down media houses for as long as people operate within the bounds of the law.”
“So the best is remain within the law, and enjoy your media space and freedom and this government will support you. On behalf of the Minister of Information and myself, well done Kalemba,” stated Kawana.
By Catherine Pule
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