UNZALARU expresses concern over delayed terminal benefits for UNZA Staff

Lusaka – The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) has publicly expressed profound disappointment and growing concern over the persistent delay in settling terminal benefits owed to former University of Zambia (UNZA) staff. This issue, which has plagued the institution for an extended period, continues to cast a shadow over the welfare of retirees and their dependents, many of whom rely solely on these payments for their post-service livelihoods. UNZALARU’s statement highlights a critical and recurring problem within Zambia's public sector, particularly in higher education. Terminal benefits, which include gratuities, pension contributions, and other entitlements, are legally mandated payments designed to support individuals after their dedicated service. The failure to disburse these funds promptly not only causes immense financial hardship but also erodes trust in public institutions and the government's capacity to uphold its obligations to its workforce. Many former UNZA staff members face challenges in accessing healthcare, supporting their families, and meeting basic needs due to these delays. The union's leadership has reportedly engaged various stakeholders, including the university management, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance, in an effort to resolve the impasse. However, these engagements have seemingly yielded little tangible progress, leading to the current public outcry. The delays are often attributed to bureaucratic hurdles, budgetary constraints, and sometimes, a lack of political will to prioritize these payments amidst competing national demands. This situation is not unique to UNZA, with similar challenges observed in other public institutions and parastatal bodies across Zambia. Beyond the immediate financial distress, the prolonged delay in benefits payment has broader implications for staff morale and retention at UNZA. Current employees, witnessing the struggles of their former colleagues, ma