Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called on all trade unions, civil society organizations and other stakeholders not to allow the strong arm of those who are ruling to control and bring undemocratic tendencies in Zambia.
ZCTU Secretary General, Cosmas Mukuka says the stakeholders should endeavor to protect the democratic space and be good ambassadors by questioning anything they see going wrong.
Speaking when he officiated at a two-day trade union/CSO coalition building workshop sponsored by solidarity center in Lusaka today, Mr. Mukuka says through combined strategic efforts by the two sectors, a lot of successes can be scored in their quest to enhance the livelihoods of people they strive to represent.
He says the workshop therefore marks the beginning of the long journey towards building and strengthening the partnership in tackling priority areas of common interest.
Mr. Mukuka says he is convinced that the relationship will go a long way on protecting the democratic space in Zambia and promoting the participation of workers and ordinary citizens in the various areas of governance.
Speaking at the same event, solidarity center programs coordinator, Penelope Kamungoma has noted that Zambia has improved on the democratic index due to the prevailing political will to foster democratic tenets and is hopeful that the status quo will be maintained.
And in giving a vote of thanks, council of NGOs Chairperson, McDonald Chipenzi has warned that even though the country has improved in democratic tendencies over the past few months, the risk of falling into the old days of shrinking democratic spaces still remains very high, hence the need for more stakeholder partnerships to promote stronger voices advocating for democracy.