MUNDUBILE VOWS TO DECLARE NATIONAL MINERS’ DAY

MUNDUBILE VOWS TO DECLARE NATIONAL MINERS’ DAY

…Promises Justice for RAMCOZ Workers, Sectoral Minimum Wage and Reopening of Pit Six

MPATAMATO, Luanshya — National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Hon. Brian Mundubile has pledged to declare an annual National Miners’ Day to honour Zambia’s mine workers, saying the men and women who have built the country’s economy deserve lasting national recognition, better working conditions and improved welfare.

Speaking before thousands of supporters at a packed campaign rally in Mpatamato today, Hon. Mundubile said Zambia’s development had been driven by the dedication and sacrifices of mine workers, yet they had not received the respect and recognition they deserved.

“The development we see across Zambia has come from mining. Mine workers have worked tirelessly for this country, and they deserve our deepest respect. When the mine worker prospers, Zambia prospers,” he said.

In what became the highlight of his address, Hon. Mundubile announced that an NRPUP government would introduce an annual National Miners’ Day to celebrate the contribution of mine workers and their families to Zambia’s growth.

“My running mate Makebi Zulu and I have agreed that once elected into office next month, we shall declare a National Miners’ Day in your honour.

Every year Zambia will celebrate the men and women whose sacrifices have helped build this nation,” he said to loud applause.

Hon. Mundubile said while his government would continue to welcome investment into the mining sector, it would place the welfare of Zambian workers at the centre of mining policy.

He accused the current administration of prioritising foreign investors over local workers, arguing that investment should translate into tangible benefits for mining communities.

“We respect investors because they create jobs, but our priority will always be the welfare of Zambian mine workers,” president Mundubile said.

He added: “Shared value is not just about paying taxes. Mining companies must also invest in the communities where they operate through meaningful corporate social responsibility.”

He pledged to address the long-standing water and sewer challenges affecting Roan Constituency and other mining townships, describing access to clean water as a basic necessity that his administration would prioritise.

Hon. Mundubile also promised to resolve the decades-old grievances of former RAMCOZ employees who are still waiting for their terminal benefits, saying they should not be paid outdated amounts whose value had been eroded by inflation.

“It is unfair to pay someone today the exact amount they were owed 20 years ago when the value of money has drastically changed. We will ensure they receive fair compensation that reflects today’s value so they can rebuild their lives.”

To tackle what he described as exploitation in the mining industry, Hon. Mundubile said his government would introduce a sectoral minimum wage to ensure mine workers receive equal pay for equal work, regardless of whether they are employed directly by mining companies or through subcontractors.

He said some mining firms had increasingly relied on subcontracting arrangements to reduce labour costs, leaving workers performing the same duties for significantly lower wages.

“Equal pay for equal work. That is how we shall protect our people from exploitation,” he said.

Hon. Mundubile further pledged to reopen the closed Pit Six Mine, saying the move would create employment opportunities, revive economic activity in Luanshya and restore hope among affected families.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to restoring dignity, fairness and respect to Zambia’s mine workers, saying their welfare would be a priority under an NRPUP government.

“We want to restore dignity, fairness and respect to Zambia’s mine workers.”

The mining sector reforms formed a central pillar of Hon. Mundubile’s message to Copperbelt voters, where communities continue to demand better working conditions, improved public services, settlement of outstanding workers’ benefits and a greater share in the wealth generated from Zambia’s vast mineral resources.

With the August general election drawing closer, the pledges were met with sustained applause from the thousands of miners, former mine employees and residents who attended the rally, underscoring the significance of mining issues in the province.