Declare September 25 National Miners’ Day- Anthony Mumba
“We get to have Nurses’ Day and Teachers’ Day, each with themes that promote their professional development. Why can’t we see the same for the mining sector,” Patriotic Front (PF) Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba of Mufulira District in the Copperbelt Province asked?
Patriotic Front (PF) Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba
By Favourite Jenala Kalando – Chisi
Patriotic Front (PF) Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba of Mufulira District in the Copperbelt Province has proposed that September 25 be annually designated as National Miners’ Day, to honour the role miners play in Zambia’s economic growth and national development.
Mr. Mumba, who moved the motion in the National Assembly, explained that the proposed date marks one of the most tragic mining accidents in the country’s history the 1970 mine disaster, when close to a million tonnes of water flooded a mine shaft, killing dozens of workers.
“That disaster became the cornerstone of how we reflect on safety and, at the same time, celebrate the successes of the mining sector,” Mr. Mumba said.
Mumba said mining continues to anchor Zambia’s economy, contributing to the strengthening of the exchange rate and positioning the country to achieve a one million metric tonne copper output by the end of the year.
Mr. Mumba has emphasised that the proposed day was not intended to be a public holiday, but rather a time for reflection and appreciation of miners’ contributions.
“We get to have Nurses’ Day and Teachers’ Day, each with themes that promote their professional development. Why can’t we see the same for the mining sector?” Patriotic Front (PF) Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba asked.
The Kantanshi lawmaker said such a day would encourage innovation and focus attention on miners’ welfare, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“You can imagine what this could do in promoting safety standards, sustainable practices, and overall development of the sector,” Mr. Mumba said.
Mr. Mumba has acknowledged that while some had called for better conditions of service instead, recognition was an important first step toward improving miners’ lives.
“You have to start by recognising what these people do,” he said. “And I’m proud that Parliament unanimously supported this motion.”
The motion, seconded by Kankoyo United Party for National Development (UPND) MP Heartson Mabeta, was adopted by the National Assembly in October.
It urges the government to officially create a National Miners’ Day in recognition of miners’ vital role in Zambia’s development.
“Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House urges the government to create a National Miners’ Day, in recognition of the miners’ contribution to national development,” Mr. Mumba said.
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