23/10/2026
STAFF WELLNESS AND NATIONAL UNITY:
Commemorating Zambia’s 62nd Independence Anniversary -23rd October 2026
The Ministry of Technology and Science held a staff wellness activity on 23rd October 2026 as part of the commemoration of Zambia’s 62nd Independence Anniversary. The activity provided a platform for members of staff to focus on their physical and mental well-being, learn about the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and receive guidance on tax compliance, social security, retirement planning and insurance. The programme was supported by partner institutions, including Chipata Level One Hospital, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and Madison Life Insurance Company. The activity reaffirmed that a healthy, informed and financially prepared workforce is important to staff morale, productivity and effective public service delivery.
Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Director, Digital Communications, Mr. Nkula Mwanza, emphasized that staff welfare is an important part of human resource management and includes physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. He noted that work-related stress and personal pressures can affect morale and performance, and encouraged staff to approach colleagues experiencing difficulties with care, discretion and support rather than gossip or stigma. The Director urged staff to make use of the health checks and information provided by the partners, ask questions and apply the guidance to their own circumstances.
Mr. Nkula Mwanza further linked employee well-being to the Ministry’s ability to contribute to national development and the Grow Zambia Agenda, stressing that public servants have a responsibility to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork and quality service. He thanked the Human Resource and Administration team and cooperating partners, and called for continued collaboration to strengthen staff welfare beyond the event.
Acting Director Human Resource Mr. George Matulula reiterated that staff wellness is a priority for the Ministry and explained that the activity is intended to be held quarterly, with more frequent sessions desirable where resources and schedules permit. He said the programme gives staff an opportunity to step away briefly from routine office duties, interact with colleagues, share ideas and access information that supports their well-being. He highlighted the importance of mental health and stress management and expressed appreciation to Chipata Level One Hospital and the other partners for consistently responding to the Ministry’s requests for support.
He explained that the principal focus of the gathering was staff welfare, alongside the commemoration of the country’s Independence Anniversary. He encouraged participants to engage fully, take advantage of the services available and leave the activity better informed, refreshed and able to manage workplace and personal pressures.
Ms. Anastasia Chikaka, Zambia Revenue Authority Representative, focused on the Extended Voluntary Disclosure Scheme. Staff were informed that the scheme allows taxpayers to review their tax affairs, disclose income or other information that was previously undeclared or incorrectly reported, and regularise their tax position. Subject to the scheme’s conditions, eligible taxpayers may settle the principal tax due and obtain a waiver of qualifying penalties and interest. Employees who operate businesses alongside their employment were encouraged to seek guidance from ZRA and consider whether they qualify. She noted that the scheme was running until 31 December 2026.
Madison Life Insurance Company representative Mr. Elias Mulenga encouraged staff to plan early for retirement and unexpected financial events. He observed that a salary may stop because of retirement, disability or death, while household expenses and family responsibilities continue. He therefore urged employees to assess how long their savings could sustain them if their regular income ended, build savings and consider suitable insurance protection rather than relying on loans or emergency contributions.
He explained that insurance can help protect household savings, reduce the financial burden associated with a death, and provide support for dependants. He outlined the Government Employees’ Funeral Assistance Scheme administered by Madison Life, including the funeral assistance and other benefits described in the presentation, and discussed additional products such as funeral cover for eligible extended family members, the Madison Baby Present, the Madison Endowment Policy and the Madison Cash Benefit. These products were presented as options for family protection, education-related goals, planned savings and retirement preparation. Staff were encouraged to consult the company’s advisers, compare terms and costs, and choose products only after understanding their benefits, exclusions, eligibility requirements and premium obligations.
National Pension Scheme Authority representative explained that NAPSA’s role is to administer Zambia’s national pension scheme and provide eligible members and their dependants with social security benefits in accordance with the applicable law and scheme rules. Contributions made during working life help build entitlement to benefits when a member retires or when specified circumstances—such as permanent invalidity or death—occur. NAPSA is an important part of retirement planning, but staff should not assume that a pension alone will necessarily meet all future living costs. Personal savings and other appropriate financial arrangements may also be needed.
The benefits listed include:
· Retirement pension: a periodic pension for eligible members who reach pensionable age and meet the contribution requirements.
· Lump-sum benefit: a payment for eligible members who reach pensionable age but do not meet the stated contribution threshold for a pension.
· Early retirement benefit: available to qualifying members who meet the applicable age and contribution conditions.
· Invalidity pension: support for eligible members who become permanently unable to work, subject to the scheme’s medical and contribution requirements.
· Survivors’ pension: benefits for eligible surviving spouses and dependants following a member’s death.
· Funeral grant: a grant payable to the eligible next of kin where the member meets the scheme’s contribution conditions.
She noted specified examples of eligibility thresholds, including 180 monthly contributions for the retirement pension, at least 60 contributions for invalidity pension and 12 contributions within the preceding 36 months for the funeral grant. These details should be confirmed directly with NAPSA because eligibility, benefit calculations and applicable rules depend on the member’s circumstances and current regulations. Staff were encouraged to check their contribution records, keep personal details and nominated beneficiaries up to date, ask NAPSA about their projected benefits and make retirement planning an ongoing priority.
Chipata Level One Hospital representative Dr Sakaumba identified non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly preventable ones, as the subject of the hospital’s presentation. Non-communicable diseases are conditions that are generally not passed from one person to another. They often develop over time and may require long-term treatment and management. Major groups include:
· Cardiovascular diseases: conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets can increase risk.
· Diabetes: a condition in which blood glucose levels are too high. If not well managed, it can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels.
· Cancers: diseases involving abnormal cell growth. Risk varies by cancer type; to***co use, harmful alcohol use, some infections, excess body weight and certain environmental exposures can contribute to risk.
· Chronic respiratory diseases: long-term conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To***co smoke, air pollution and workplace exposures can worsen or contribute to these conditions.
Other important long-term conditions may include chronic kidney disease and some mental health conditions. Many NCD risks can be reduced by avoiding to***co, limiting or avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet with less salt and excess sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, getting adequate sleep and following medical advice. Regular checks can help identify high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose and other risks before serious complications develop.
Staff were encouraged to use the health desk and seek advice from qualified health professionals. Screening and treatment should be guided by a health professional according to a person’s age, history, symptoms and risk factors. Anyone with severe or sudden symptoms—such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking—should seek urgent medical attention.
