Kagem an exemplary employer – Lufwanyama DC
Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justin Mwalikwa has commended Kagem’s move to honour its staff during an award ceremony held as part of International Labour Day Celebrations, calling the mine an exemplary employer.
Mr Mwalikwa said the Government encouraged such gestures because they demonstrate how Kagem continues to improve staff welfare by recognising the contributions employees have made to the mine’s success.
“Kagem thrives because it appropriately takes care of its staff and motivates them accordingly. We believe that is why everyone puts in their best to drive the company forward,” he said.
The District Commissioner also said he hoped other companies would emulate the example Kagem has set as a company that does well by its employees.
The ceremony, which saw 87 employees receive awards in two major categories – Longevity of Service, and Diligence and Hard Work- was held at the Kagem mine site in Lufwanyama District.
Speaking to an elated audience during the event, Kagem Board Chairman Dr Sixtus Mulenga said that the company’s achievements, such as Kagem being recognised as the single largest emerald-producing mine in the world, and more recently with Kagem’s ‘Chipembele’ emerald having broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest uncut emerald, would not have been possible without Kagem’s most important asset: its staff.
“Our human resource is the most valuable resource that Kagem has, and we value it accordingly. It is because of the high regard in which we hold our staff that Kagem strives to provide the best employee welfare possible,” he said.
“As further testament to the value we place on our employees, it is worth noting that Kagem is the only company that kept all its employees on the payroll despite the suspension of operations owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. No employee was retrenched during this period despite the company not earning any revenue,” he added.
Dr Mulenga said Kagem had also placed its employees on a well-regarded healthcare package so that they may receive enhanced care while with the company.
Mine Workers Union (MUZ) General Secretary George Mumba praised Kagem’s consistency in awarding deserving members of staff.
The 87 award recipients walked away with cash prizes and assorted home appliances, such as fridges and television sets.
