Independence day, are all workers free?

In the past few days, I have been reminded by notices from my kids' schools that Zambia's independence day will soon dawn on us. School kids have been rehearsing poems and traditional dances and have been asked to acquire traditional Zambian outfits in preparation for Zambia's 46th independence anniversary which falls on Sunday, 24th October, 2010. However, despite all this hype at schools about this important national day, you get a sense that we still have a long way before all Zambians will enjoy the fruits of political independence.

This years' celebration will be overshadowed by the recent shooting of 11 miners at Chinese owned Collum Coal mine situated in the rural district of Sinazongwe in Southern province. The 11 miners were shot by 2 Chinese mine managers following a protest over low wages and poor working conditions. The shooting was followed by ugly scenes on local television stations of law enforcement officers stopping 2 youths from 2 opposition political parties from entering the Chinese embassy to officially protest over the shooting of the miners. The 2 youths were not allowed to see the Chinese Ambassador at the Embassy despite having an official appointment by the law enforcement officers.

Labour conflicts over low wages and poor working conditions have become common place in our country. High in-flows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Zambian economy, especially the mining sector, have not always boosted morale and inspired pride in miners. In the past, working as a miner was regarded with nostalgia and prestige. Miners had some of the best working conditions in the country and were highly admired by employees in other professions. In the days leading up to independence day, mine townships would come alive with national colors- red, green, black and orange- and everyone was in high expectant spirits as independence day drew closer. Poor working conditions under some new mine owners and other investors have taken away some of the joy of independence leaving many people wondering whether the clock is ticking back to pre-independence days when Zambian workers were poorly treated by their colonial masters. 

On Friday 22^nd October, 2010 yet another sad incidence happened adding more injury to the lot of Zambian workers.  An adult male employed by a South African construction company as a casual worker at a construction site for an ultra modern shopping mall in Lusaka owned by South Africans was crushed to death while on duty. According to Muvi Tv main news, the casual worker met his fate when a pile of heavy fibre glass he was tasked to off load from a container fell on him instantly crushing him to death. ‘Casualisation’ is a big problem affecting workers in Zambia. Casual workers are not entitled to retirement or terminal benefits after leaving employment and are usually not paid a decent living wage. It is doubtful whether the surviving relatives of the person that was crushed to death on Friday will be adequately compensated for their loss.   

Children in prison: infants living with mothers serving sentences

Yesterday I came across an organisation that is providing some material relief to children and mothers in prisons in Zambia. I was very impressed with this initiative. I have always been very sympathetic with the plight of prisoners. However, many people forget about the little innocent children who have to spend their early childhood in prison if their mother is behind bars. In Zambia, mothers and expectant mothers are allowed to stay with infants up to the age of 4 years old in prison if there is no one willing to take care of the child while the mother is serving her sentence.

I was therefore impressed that some people are helping these infants and mothers by donoting clothing, food and toys. I have personally been challenged to take time and think about how I can contribute to such worthy causes. I hope that you have also been inspired to help little children that may be in similar situations in your part of the world.

Welcome

I would like to welcome you to my blog. The main aim of my blog is to discuss development, communication and agriculture related issues. I will also provide social commentary on various issues affecting my community and the wider world.