Labour Ministry suspends Meat House over alleged safety and labour violations

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has suspended operations at Meat House and its sister company, Garant Dry Construction Mixtures, over alleged violations of occupational safety and labour standards.

The suspension reportedly follows inspections by the Ministry which found that the companies had failed to provide workers with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), exposing employees to unsafe conditions in breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2026.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa, said the company has been fined K40,000 for the late payment of dues to former employees after separation.

“Another K40,000 penalty has been imposed for the absence of mandatory workplace and employment policies, which may be waived if the company promptly submits the required documentation in line with labour regulations,” Ndawa said.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba has directed Managing Director Jakhongir Aripdjanov to champion the decent work agenda and set an example for excellence in compliance.

“Make your employees your passionate ambassadors who proudly represent your brand. People who feel valued, protected, and respected naturally become your most powerful voices. Establish a standard for compliance that inspires industry peers to raise their own bars,” Tambatamba said.

She stressed the importance of building a workplace culture so strong that employees not only work for the company but advocate for it, sharing its story with pride because they have experienced ethical, people-centered business practices firsthand.

Tambatamba also condemned reports of worker harassment at the facilities, emphasising that such conduct was unacceptable.

“Harassment and abuse in the workplace contravene International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, which prohibits violence and harassment at work,” she said.

Meanwhile, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa has summoned management at National Breweries, together with trade union representatives, to a meeting at the Ministry on Thursday, 22 January 2026, after the parties failed to conclude negotiations on workers’ conditions of service.

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