Government Declares Only Thursday, August 13, as Public Holiday

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says only Thursday, August 13, is a public holiday, advising workers who wish to travel before polling day to make the necessary arrangements with their employers, including applying for leave.

The government's declaration of Thursday as a public holiday has significant implications for businesses and employees in Zambia. The announcement aims to prevent disruptions to essential services and maintain public order during the election period. Employers are advised to ensure that their workers have made necessary arrangements before taking leave, while employees should be aware of their employers' policies regarding leave applications.

In Zambia, the Public Holidays Act provides for the declaration of public holidays by the government. The act empowers the President to declare a public holiday in consultation with the Cabinet. In this case, the government has declared Thursday as a public holiday to facilitate the electoral process and maintain public order.

The key parties involved include the government, represented by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, and employers who must ensure that their workers have made necessary arrangements before taking leave. Practitioners should note that employees' rights under Zambian labor laws remain unaffected by the declaration of a public holiday.

Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses should be aware of the government's declaration of Thursday as a public holiday and advise their clients accordingly. Employers should ensure that their workers have made necessary arrangements before taking leave, while employees should be aware of their employers' policies regarding leave applications.