FFTUZ Condemns Hiring of Foreign Nationals in Copperbelt Mines, Calls for Transparency
The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) has voiced strong opposition to the increasing employment of foreign nationals in Copperbelt mines, calling the practice a betrayal of Zambian workers and a threat to economic sovereignty.
FFTUZ President Nelson Mwale expressed deep concern over the hiring of expatriates for positions such as excavator operators and other technical roles that could be filled by qualified Zambians. “It is unacceptable that mining companies are sidelining qualified Zambians in favor of foreign nationals for jobs that our people are more than capable of doing,” Mwale stated. “This trend is not only unjust but also undermines the skills and potential of our local workforce.”
Copperbelt Province has historically been a key source of employment for thousands of Zambians, particularly in the mining sector. However, recent developments indicate a shift in hiring practices, with companies increasingly relying on foreign labor. This has left many local workers, including skilled technicians and machine operators, struggling to secure employment.
Chanda Mwansa, a 28-year-old certified excavator operator, is among those affected. Despite his qualifications, he has been unable to find work in the mines. “I studied and trained for years to become an operator, but when I apply, I’m told the positions are already filled by foreigners,” Mwansa said. “It’s disheartening to see opportunities that should be ours being given to others.”
Beyond the issue of unemployment, Mwale stressed that the matter is one of economic justice and national dignity. “Zambians have the right to benefit from the resources of their own land. When mining companies bypass local workers, they are not just denying them jobs they are denying them their future,” he said.
The FFTUZ has also called for greater transparency in agreements between mining companies and the government. “We need to know what is being negotiated on behalf of the Zambian people,” Mwale stated. “Are these agreements in the best interest of the nation, or are they prioritizing the profits of foreign entities over the welfare of our citizens?”
The union is urging the government to implement stricter regulations to ensure that mining companies prioritize local hires. Mwale emphasized that Zambia’s wealth belongs to its people, calling on authorities to take decisive action.
The growing reliance on foreign labor has raised concerns about its long-term impact on the Copperbelt’s economy and social cohesion. While mining companies may benefit from lower labor costs in the short term, the practice risks alienating local communities and fueling public resentment. “These companies operate in Zambia, not in isolation,” Mwale warned. “If they continue to ignore the needs of the people, they will face resistance not just from unions but from the entire nation.”
The FFTUZ’s position has resonated with many Zambians who view the issue as indicative of broader challenges in the country’s mining sector. As the debate continues, the union remains steadfast in advocating for the rights of Zambian workers.
With pressure mounting on both the government and mining companies, the question remains: Will the outcry lead to meaningful change? For now, the union’s message is clear Zambia’s resources must benefit Zambians first.
It’s not qualifications that do the work but experience, styopet!
How will they get experience if the positions are given to foreigners ???
FWD2031
GRZ needs to step in………
Looks like the labour minister is sleeping……
FWD2031
Only employers will understand why !!! owning a drivers licence doesnt mean competance
Having only a spirit level doesnt mean one is a bricklayer and so the list goes on
Unfortunately at the expense of the deserving ones
Why not checking the conditions that the company signed with our GRZ. May be it is one of the clauses in the agrrement.
agreement
For the naive….1) Those so called investors don’t come to create jobs for you… they create jobs for their people.
2) The law for issuing work permits is there but there’s a lot of crookedness going on. Whenever the Chinese arrive in our country, a Zambian human resource official will take them to the immigration and labor offices carrying a brief case full of money… this money will “buy” the work permit…. this is not fiction… it’s the reality
@Spaka thank you for seeing the reality
While Zambian-owned firms may prioritise hiring Zambian workers, broader employment considerations focus on competence. The quality of some local graduates is such that many lack practical skills despite having certificates. Drivers, for example, improperly use full beams and fog lights, exhibiting a general lack of knowledge and competence. Foreign investors seek employees who ensure safety and profitability, rather than those who pose risks to themselves and businesses.
You mean we only have freshly qualified graduates? Go to Australia and you will find a good number of Zambians doing the most complex jobs in the mines especially rock mechanics etc
Foreign is really loved in this country, bank accounts are off shore in Panama and other areas, Namibians are in light with power from Zambia whilst Zambians are in loadshedding, Zambians are greeted with gloves, foreigners are given a normal handshake without gloves, the list goes on and on, we should embrace foreigners because we are in a global community but we should also have some boundaries. No to xenophobia but also yes to fair play.
Iwe Mwata niwe wopusa maningi Kikikikikiki! I will check the pictures to see which creatures were greeted with gloves at our Great State House.
Just look at most Zambian CEOs of parastal companies in Zambia, in all fairness and with due respect, most of them are a real joke, so foreigners must be fused in if we are to make progress
Better to hire honest, hardworking and experienced foreigners than hiring lazy zambian thieves with minimal qualifications obtained from questionable institutions.
Its a lie. Zambia doesnt have a stifling foreigner skill invasion. Foreign workers in the mines have been there all the time and they caused us no problems. I grew up on the copperbelt and there were all nations in Chamboli and Kankoyo where my relatives worked. Our neighbors working in the mines were Nyakyusa from Tanzania, Tongas and Tumbukas from Malawi, Sothos from South Africa, name them! The Zimbabweans didnt want to work in the mines but were always hunting for miners to sell merchandise to. Mufulira even had a mine named after the Kabulangetis from Lesotho Yes Basutho Road led to the shaft dominated by the Sothos.
Every country has labour laws but some countries like Zambia really know how to bend them. Truth is only few jobs should be given to foreigners and even then, it should be for a limited time to allow the knowledge to be passed on to a local person. Unless it is justified that there is no local that can do it or that it is a strategic decision for the survivor of the company, there should be no reason in prioritizing the foreigner.
Certain jobs are supposed to be for Zambians only. Why should you give a job like the one mentioned above to a foreigner. Foreigners are supposed to be in specialist positions only.