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The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has expressed concern over alleged inhumane and degrading treatment of workers at Ziyang Manufacturing Company Limited.
The company’s operations were recently suspended by the Lusaka City Council (LCC) on October 29, 2025, following serious public health violations.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Mwaka Ndawa strongly condemned what it termed unlawful confinement of employees within the company premises and the reported use of buckets as toilets.
“Such practices are unacceptable, degrading, and contrary to both labour and human rights standards. Employees deserve to work in a safe and dignified environment,” Ndawa said.
She urged the management of Ziyang Manufacturing Company Limited not to make any deductions from employees’ wages during the period of operational suspension, which resulted from the company’s own failure to comply with health and safety regulations.
Ndawa emphasized that workers should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control.
“While the Ministry recognizes the need for companies to protect their property and enforce discipline in the workplace, such measures must never come at the expense of compromising workers’ health, dignity, or freedom of movement,” she said.
She further called on management to strengthen its security systems while ensuring that workers’ rights were respected.
Ndawa assured that the Ministry would work closely with relevant authorities, including the Lusaka City Council and the Ministry of Health, to ensure the company addressed all identified violations and implements measures that meet minimum occupational safety and health standards before operations resume.
“We wish to assure all affected workers at Ziyang Manufacturing Company Limited that their welfare and dignity remain our top priority. We sympathize with the distress this situation has caused. No worker should be subjected to such degrading treatment,” she said.
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