Labour Inspectors Training Instrumental in the Attainment of Decent Work for All
The Ministry of Labour together with the EU-Funded Zantchito Skills for Jobs Programme, conducted a 5-day intensive capacity-building training for Labour inspectors in Kasungu under the theme; “promoting effective integrated labour inspection for attainment of decent jobs”.
A total of 36 Labour Inspectors from 14 districts in the central and northern regions attended the training which was held from 4th to 8th September 2023 at Chikho Hotel.The training targeted Labour Inspectors from Lilongwe, Dedza, Mchinji, Kasungu, Dowa, Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay, Likoma, Mzimba, Karonga, Ntchisi, Rumphi and Chitipa.
In his opening remarks, the Principal Secretary for Labour, Mr. Wezi Kayira urged labour inspectors to demonstrate commitment towards improving the Labour Administration System through the knowledge and skills acquired from this training.
“Let me urge you to take this training opportunity seriously in order for us to develop a vibrant inspectorate system that will curb decent work deficits,” said Wezi Kayira.
He also thanked the EU for the technical and financial support rendered towards the training through GOPA Worldwide Consultants which is implementing the decent jobs aspect of the Zantchito Skills for Jobs Programme.
The training was organized in order to equip labour inspectors with the necessary skills and competencies that are critical in aiding their effectiveness in discharging their labour administration mandate.
The Zantchito Project Occupational Safety and Health Expert Mr. Johanes Mandowa reminded the participants that the business-as-usual approach to labour inspection is seriously being challenged by the ever-changing work dynamics in the world of work.
To have a meaningful impact on addressing these challenges, “labour inspectors must constantly be sharpened to ensure that they are abreast of the current knowledge and technics that can be deployed to realize optimum compliance to labour policies and laws,” said Mandowa.
Karonga district labour officer, Perk Chawinga who was among the attendantsacknowledgedthat the training was very instrumental because it was contextualised in a manner that addressed the knowledge and skills gaps that were there.
“The training has covered a number of issues including pension administration, workers compensation, Occupation Safety and Health, and a lot of other emerging issues within the Labour Administration System” commented Chawinga.
The training is part of the capacity-building initiative that will sharpen labour inspectors’ skills thereby fostering the concept of integrated labour inspections in promoting decent jobs in all workplaces in Malawi. The second series of the training is expected to take place in the southern region in a few weeks.
