Honourable Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, delivered a powerful keynote speech on the second day of the 2024 AfriSAFE Congress & Awards at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Livingstone.
The second day of the event once again brought together industry leaders, health and safety professionals, mental health advocates, and organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability.
In her address, Honourable Tambatamba emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving a safe and sustainable work environment.
Drawing on the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” she highlighted that creating safe workspaces requires the commitment of all stakeholders, from government bodies to private sector players. She urged everyone to work together to foster a culture of safety across Africa.
The Minister also acknowledged the significant contributions of industry leaders, safety professionals, and mental health advocates, noting that their efforts have not only saved lives but have also established a strong bond between employers and employees.
She commended the leaders for their vision, stating that businesses thriving side by side with a thriving workforce can achieve true sustainability.
Honourable Tambatamba further addressed Zambia’s commitment to improving occupational safety, noting that the country has enacted key legislation to protect workers. She called for the adoption of a new mindset, one that accepts no fatalities, injuries, or diseases at work, particularly for the most vulnerable workers who face the highest risks.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia calls for a new mindset that accepts no fatality, no injury, and no disease at work. We must protect the poorest and least informed workers,” she declared.
She also spoke about the significant social and economic burdens caused by occupational accidents and diseases, stressing the importance of social security systems for workers’ protection.
Highlighting Zambia’s commitment to the Vision Zero campaign, which seeks to eliminate workplace fatalities, she encouraged other African nations to follow suit.
As the event drew to a close, the Minister made a clarion call to all stakeholders to continue their efforts toward building a continent free of work-related fatalities, injuries, and diseases. “Our work is not done.
Together, let us continue to build momentum towards environments that champion health, safety, and sustainability,” she urged.
Honourable Tambatamba concluded by thanking everyone involved in organizing the event, particularly the AfriSAFE team, for their commitment to making the congress a success. She also assured the attendees that Zambia would gladly host the next AfriSAFE edition if the opportunity arose.
The 2024 AfriSAFE Congress continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of occupational safety, mental health, and environmental sustainability across the African continent, as stakeholders work together to create a safer and more sustainable future.
The program also featured a series of exciting events, including a thrilling early morning game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to the Big 5, and a tour of the iconic Victoria Falls.
The congress also included the AfriSAFE Red Carpet Reception, a special dance performance on workplace safety, and several sets of awards presentations.
The evening concluded with entertainment, a dinner, and the announcement of the host country for the 2025 edition, followed by an AfriSAFE after-party to cap off a memorable event.
The 2024 AfriSAFE Congress continues to highlight the critical role of safety, health, and sustainability in the workplace and across the African continent.
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