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The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has suspended Dauti Jalandi, an Assistant Labour Officer based at the Chitambo District Labour Office, following allegations that he solicited a bribe from Chi-Metals Limited.
Jalandi has since been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for alleged corrupt practices.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Principal Public Relations Officer Mwaka Ndawa said the Ministry did not tolerate corruption and remained committed to upholding integrity, professionalism and transparency in all its operations.
It is alleged that between October 1 and October 31, 2023, while acting in his capacity as a public officer, Jalandi solicited a K10,000 cash gratification from Chi-Metals Limited, a manganese processing company, as an inducement or reward to shield the company from sanctions by the Office of the Labour Commissioner.
“We would like to assure the public that corruption has no place in the public service. The Ministry is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of workers and employers alike,” Ndawa said.
She added that the Ministry will fully cooperate with the ACC in its ongoing investigations.
“The Ministry has since taken administrative measures by suspending the officer to pave way for investigations in accordance with the disciplinary code of conduct, to uphold accountability and safeguard public trust,” Ndawa said.
Ndawa further urged stakeholders to report any unethical conduct to the Integrity Committee, the Anti-Corruption Commission and other law enforcement agencies so that swift corrective action can be taken.
She also reminded Ministry officers to conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity and transparency at all times, warning that actions contrary to these principles will be addressed decisively.
“The Ministry continues to applaud officers who uphold integrity and professionalism. For instance, in 2023 Assistant Labour Commissioner for Industrial Relations, Emelda Sichone, was awarded the Anti-Corruption Commission Director General’s Integrity Award during the Chief Executive Officer’s Forum,” she said.
Ndawa emphasized that integrity and professionalism remained central to the Ministry’s mandate to promote decent work, safe workplaces and equitable labour practices across the nation.
She added that to promote transparency in labour matters, the Ministry ensured that field operations were covered live and, in collaboration with the ACC, had established an Integrity Committee and developed a gifts policy that provided guidelines on the acceptance of gifts.
“The conflict of interest and whistle-blower protection policies are in the process of finalization. The Ministry assures all workers, employers and the public that it will continue to foster a transparent, fair and safe environment in all workplaces,” Ndawa stated.
She said reporting unethical practices would help ensure that Zambia’s labour sector remained ethical, accountable and people-centred.
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