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Detention of 8 Gassing suspects for two years without trial saddens Justice Minister

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Detention of 8 Gassing suspects for two years without trial saddens Justice Minister

Justice Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, is saddened that eight youths of Gwembe district have been remanded for two years at Monze correctional facility for matters relating to the gassing incidences in 2020 without trial in the courts of law.

Mr. Haimbe heard in Choma yesterday that eight youths, who were apprehended in 2020 in connection with the murder of Timothy Hakuyu as well as other demonstrations for suspected gassing in Gwembe, have not appeared before the courts of law.

This was when Mr. Haimbe paid a courtesy call on Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa who informed him about the plight of the youths.

But Mr. Haimbe said the government wants to close the gap between those who can afford legal services and those who cannot as a way of ensuring equal access to justice.

He disclosed that his ministry is working on possible amendments to some laws in order to reduce sentences for light offences.

He noted that there are some people who have been in detention for as long as two years for offences such as theft of a chicken.

Mr. Haimbe further revealed that his ministry is also carrying out an audit in correctional facilities with a view to help address problems of congestion and also to improve access to justice for all.

Meanwhile, the Justice Minister has disclosed that his ministry has prioritised the rehabilitation of the Livingstone High court.

He added that the Ministry of Justice is working towards ensuring that every province has a court in its quest to decentralise.

And speaking earlier, Provincial Minister Cornelius Mweetwa bemoaned the poor state of the Livingstone High court which he described as a safety hazard.

Mr. Haimbe is on a tour of Southern Province to appreciate the implementation of the access to justice programme by the government with support from the German government and other cooperating partners.

Worker protest leaves one dead, two others injured in Kasama

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Worker protest leaves one dead, two others injured in Kasama

One person has been killed while two others are nursing injuries, at Northern Coffee Corporation in Kateshi area in Kasama district, Northern province.

The incident follows a protest by casual workers at the company who were demanding increased salaries and improved conditions of service.

It is alleged that the man identified as Noble Mulenga, 35, died after he was hit by a stray bullet that was fired by police officers, who were trying to disperse the crowd.

Kasama District Commissioner, Elizabeth Goma, who was found at the company holding meetings with management, workers, and union representatives has expressed sadness at the death of the employee.

Mrs Goma said the death of Mr. Mulenga could have been avoided if there was a good work relationship between management and its workers.

She said it is important for the company to find an amicable way of resolving misunderstandings with their subordinates.

Mrs. Goma noted that workers also need to follow the right channel when engaging management through their unions, to air out all concerns regarding poor salaries.

She has since expressed regret at the death of the man, while calling for a thorough investigation to identify the persons who were responsible for inciting violence.

Earlier, the union representatives wanted to get management to increase their salaries.

Justine Filumba, a union representative said commotion started after the casual workers started demanding for the company management to address them over the meagre salaries.

Mr. Filumba said workers have been calling for better salaries and wanted management to assure them of better salaries.

He added that workers at the company are getting as little as K34 per day and between K600 and K800 per month which he said is too little considering the increase in food and non-food items on the market.

“People wanted to discuss with HR to see how much they would be getting to and confusion ensued and that is when police fired a shot and one person was killed in the process,” he said.

The money that people are getting is too little they get K34 and they get about K540-800 but with the increase in items how can people survive and they also need to use part of that to support their children to school,” he said.

And another employee, Esther Musonda, bemoaned management’s failure to look at the concerns of workers, saying people have to protest to have salary increments.

Ms. Musonda said workers have to protest every time, in order for management to increase their salaries.

Efforts to get a comment from the police officers failed as they referred all queries to the command who could not be reached.

Company management also declined to comment on the matter.

Zambia must strategically position itself to benefit from mines-Mwanakampwe

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Zambia must strategically position itself to benefit from mines-Mwanakampwe

Central Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Milner Mwanakampwe, says Zambia must strategically position itself to benefit from the mineral resources.

Mr. Mwanakampwe says the global development such as the emerging electric vehicles presents an opportunity for Zambia to benefit by effectively exploiting its energy minerals and derive maximum benefits from global demand.

Officially opening the consultative stakeholders meeting on the review and development of the mineral resource development policy in Kabwe yesterday, the Permanent Secretary said the government through the Ministry of Mines remains committed to improving the mining sector.

He said the mining sector in the country has been re-affirmed as one of the key priority sectors expected to drive the country’s economic growth and transformation agenda. He observed that in order for the country to benefit from the mining opportunities there is a need to re-strategize the manner in which the sector is governed.

He stated that the government through the responsible ministry in collaboration with the various stakeholders has recognized the need to accelerate and maximize the benefits from the exploitation of the identification and potential mineral resources available in the country.

He added that the aspiration by the government to increase copper production to 3-million metric tons per annum in the next years is an opportunity for investments in the mining sector.

Mr. Mwanakampwe noted that other opportunities include the declaration of gold and other minerals as strategic and critical minerals.

Meanwhile, Kabwe Central Member of Parliament (MP), Chrizoster Phiri, has observed that currently there is a lot of bleeding in the mining sector. Ms Phiri said the policy that will be formulated should protect the national resources and the interest of the local people.

And Ministry of Mines Chief Planner, Mercy Zulu, said the policy being formulated will going forward set the tone in the mining sector.

Government looking for $100 million to recapitalize the ailing Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe

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Government looking for $100 million to recapitalize the ailing Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe

The government has said that it is looking for US$100 million to recapitalize the ailing Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe District.

Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma said government has faced problems in revamping the Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles factory due to compelling challenges.

Addressing Journalists in Chongwe after the handover of three China Aided Milling plants, Mr Lufuma said the biggest challenge the UPND Administration has faced in revamping Mulungushi Textiles has been the debt stock.

“You need a lot of money to recapitalize, and so because we had a heavy debt stock, we couldn’t go in and borrow” said Mr Lufuma.

The Defence Minister explained that government wanted to borrow funds from China to recapitalize the factory but had to wait until the debt restructuring agreement was agreed with concerned stakeholders.

Mr Lufuma said following the debt restructuring agreement with China, government is now ready to borrow from China to inject capital into the Mulungushi textiles.

The Defence Minister said current machinery at the factory has been assessed and that additional machinery has been identified and will be procured to ensure that the factory starts operating.

“What is remaining is to get that money, buy the machinery and we are ready to go” said Mr Lufuma.

He said cotton is ready to be supplied to the factory following government’s decision to finance cotton out grower schemes to provide raw materials to Mulungushi Textiles.

Mr Lufuma said the UPND administration is working round the clock to ensure that it sticks to its campaign promises given to the people of Kabwe that the Mulungushi Textiles would be recapitalized so that the facility starts producing and creates employment for the locals.

Two UPND MPs intervene in the Teacher Recruitment Process in their Areas

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Two UPND MPs intervene in the Teacher Recruitment Process in their Areas

Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has directed the Provincial Education Officer to revise the report sent to the Teaching Service Commission on teachers’ recruitment.

Mr. Mweetwa said that the education office in the province never involved the stakeholders in the recruitment process as directed by Cabinet circular number 10 of 2022 on recruitment of over 11,000 health workers and 30,000 teachers.

He said that the Cabinet circular directed that stakeholders such as District Commissioners, officers from the Office of the President Special Division, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Drug Enforcement Commission be involved in the recruitments so that the process can be transparent.

Mr. Mweetwa was speaking in Choma today when he held an emergency senior management meeting that included stakeholders in the provincial human resources management committee.

He regretted that even the provincial administration was sidelined especially in the teachers’ recruitment process.

He wondered whether local people were considered in the process, adding that the list must be withdrawn before further action by the Teaching Service Commission.

Mr. Mweetwa, who is also Choma Central Member of Parliament, says it will be embarrassing for him to start answering questions from the local people if the list of recruited teachers is published without names of the local people.

The minister said District Commissioners, Council Chairperson and Mayors, including security agencies, confirmed to him that they were not involved in the process.

He has further directed that all heads of government departments in the province should involve the provincial administration in every activity.

Meanwhile, Solwezi East member of Parliament Dr. Alex Katakwe has called for the immediate reinstatement of 280 would-be teachers that he says have been removed from the 620 that were initially selected by the Human Resource Management Committee

Dr Katakwe said this happened after receiving verbal instructions from officials from the Teaching Service Commission to reserve 280 slots purportedly for their relatives coming from other provinces.

The area member of Parliament contends that Mushindamo District was allocated 620 slots and wondered why someone at the Teaching Service Commission should decide to disadvantage the locals and recommend that only 340 teachers should be selected from the locals and 280 should come from somewhere else.

He said the decision is unfair especially that the District as met the allocated number.

The MP said he was not going allow what he called injustice to happen.

Elephants Trample Chipolopolo

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Chipolopolo have kicked off the 2023 Africa Cup Group H qualifying campaign with huge loss to Cote D’Ivoire away in Yamoussoukro.

Disjointed Zambia on Friday night allowed second half goals to lose 3-1 to the West African side that dominated both halves.

Coach Aljosa Asanovic’s side held Cote D’Ivoire until the 66th minute when forward Serge Aurier smashed home from corner started by Premier League star Wilfred Zaha.

Christian Kouame doubled the lead 11 minutes later with a powerful header from another corner kick.

Ibrahim Sangare completed the rout with an 88th minute goal before Patson Daka grabbed Zambia’s consolation with the last kick of the match from a rebound.

Keeper Toaster Nsabata had earlier in the first half kept Zambia in the game with some fine saves.

Nsabata saved a shot from the line after 23 minutes and was again summoned to stop Max Gradel’s 26th minute free kick.

Captain Enock Mwepu shot over from outside the box when Zambia created the first clear opportunity in the first half.

Meanwhile, Zambia remain bottom of Group H after Comoros thumped Lesotho 2-0 in their opening match earlier on Friday afternoon.

This match marked Asanovic’s competitive debut following his appointment as Chipolopolo coach in January.

Zambia is now shifting attention to Tuesday’s home Group H encounter again Comoros set for the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Transparency International Zambia Apologises to Prof Saasa and Retracts its Statement

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Transparency International Zambia Apologises to Prof Saasa and Retracts its Statement

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has apologised to Premier Consult Ltd owner and renowned economist Prof. Oliver Saasa for insinuating that he should have declared interest when doing consultancy work for First Quantum Minerals (FQM).

TIZ raised concerns of possible conflict of interest in the awarding of FQM Limited’s US $1.3 billion expansion investment evaluation consultancy to Prof Saasa through his consultancy firm, Premier Consult.

TIZ Chapter President Sampa Kalungu said that his organization’s concern stems from the fact that Prof. Saasa is the chairperson of the Economic Advisory Council, having been appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema, and in that position, he provides advice to the President on economic matters.

Mr Kalunga said that the recommendations from the evaluation of FQM are crucial in informing the government on its next actions with regard to the country’s mining sector and overall economic development.

Prof. Saasa reacted angrily to the statement issued by TI-Z over allegations of conflict of interest.

In a fresh media statement issued on Friday, Kalungu said the organisation has further retracted the earlier statement in which it condemned Prof. Saasa.

Mr. Kalungu disclosed that TI-Z held a meeting with Prof. Saasa over his concern regarding the earlier statement.

“Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) wishes to set the record straight concerning the statement that we issued on 30th May 2022, in which we raised several concerns about Prof. Oliver Saasa and Premier Consult Ltd. Following the meeting that we held with Prof. Saasa and Premier Consult Ltd yesterday and the clarity we gained, it has since come to our attention that the said advisory council does not in fact exist. Prof. Saasa also clarified that he currently does not provide advisory services to government, contrary to the impression we got,” Mr. Kalungu said.

“In light of the foregoing, we hereby retract our earlier statement and extend our apology to Prof. Saasa and Premier Consult Ltd,” he added.

Earlier this week, Prof Saasa told The Mast that he did not see anything conflicting about his role of chairing an advisory board and being proprietor Premier Consult, a firm that is doing consultancy work for First Quantum Minerals (FQM).

Meanwhile, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) equally issued a statement in which it said that it was surprised and dismayed by a statement issued by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) attempting to discredit the renowned economist Prof. Oliver Saasa.

FQM further added that the Premier Consult team was given full independence to conduct their research impartially and with integrity to ensure a credible professional view of the investment, and to ensure transparency, First Quantum’s engagement of the consultancy was clearly stated in the report.

We should stop exporting unprocessed minerals

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We should stop exporting unprocessed minerals

By Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party

No matter how many new mines we allow transnational corporations to open and how much they increase mineral production, we will not get much out of it and move our people out of poverty.

We need to learn something from what Indonesia has done with its minerals. They used to earn just over one billion dollars a year exporting iron as an unprocessed commodity but they stopped and started producing stainless steel. And today Indonesia is earning billions from these value additions. But those who were benefiting from commodity exports and exploitation are not happy with them and are relentlessly fighting them.

We have been mining and exporting unprocessed minerals since the early 1900s with Cecil John Rhodes and his British South Africa Company and later Oppenheimer and his Anglo American Corporation but we have gotten very little, if not nothing, from it.

Similarly, we can do the same thing Indonesia has done with our 2,400 metric tonnes of Cobalt, albeit a poor second to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 24,000 metric tonnes production per year. We can do the same with our emeralds, nickel, uranium, etc.

And most of our North Western Province gold should be mined for government stock of gold reserves.

There should be very little, or no, exports of gold. With increased earnings from these value additions to our minerals, we can be in a better position to tackle our youth unemployment of around 7.5 million by pumping some of these increased earnings into agriculture.

Today we have no less than 12 farming blocks, each of around 100,000 hectares of arable land laughing at us. We need only to determine the investment requirements for what we need locally and what the regions around us require over 10 years. And we shouldn’t bother about exporting to Europe, we should instead focus on our neighbours within Africa. And there’s need for us to reduce or stop the importation of foodstuffs we are consuming but not producing. We should as far as possible eat only what we grow and prioritize the growth of what we need to eat.

If we consistently, tenaciously and resolutely do this, Zambians should be able to see a huge reversal of fortunes in less than 15 years. We have no sensible alternative to this.

Find extra learning space, Mutati urges trades schools

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Find extra learning space, Mutati urges trades schools

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati has called on Principals of Trades training institutes not to turn away students due to inadequate accommodation.

Mr Mutati said trades training institutions are overwhelmed with people applying for skills training because of the introduction of skills bursaries under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He urged Heads of trade schools to be proactive and identify places that could be used in conducting training.

“We are aware that you are overwhelmed with enrolment numbers because of CDF bursaries, but don’t turn them away. Look for other spaces that you can use,” Mr Mutati said.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mutati was speaking in Solwezi when he called on his North-Western Province counterpart, Robert Lihefu.

He said institutions should also use available open spaces as some courses such as carpentry do not require a classroom for practical lessons.

“Let’s make use of open spaces in our institutions just like what our friends in the markets do. For carpentry, you don’t need a classroom, all you need is a table and tools,” Mr Mutati said.

He has also called on people in the region to take advantage of the available timber and venture into desk making initiatives.

Mr Mutati said the province has a lot of timber that can be used in making usable products.

Meanwhile, North-Western Province Mninster Robert Lihefu disclosed that Solwezi trades training institute has made 2,000 desks that is expected to address the shortage of desks in most schools.

He said the desk making initiative responds to the government’s call for value addition.

RUGBY: DIGGERS-KPF Clash in the Other Big Kitwe Derby

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The Kitwe derby between rivals Diggers and KPF will headline Saturday’s action in the National Rugby League.

Diggers will host leaders KPF in the Week 5 encounter at home in Nkana West on Saturday afternoon.

The league is resuming after a one-week break induced by the last-minute cancellation of the KPF American tournament which was scheduled for May 28.

Heading into the derby, KPF are topping the league on 14 points from three games played.

Diggers are third on the table just one point behind KPF.

In other games, second placed Mufulira Leopards will visit winless Konkola in Chililabombwe and limping champions Arrows will host Lusaka in the capital city derby.

Arrows are number five in the eight-team top league with 12 points in four games played.

ZRU League Week 5
Saturday, 4 June 2022
(A)National League:
1. Arrows vs Lusaka
2. Diggers vs KPF
3. Ndola vs Green Eagles
4.Konkola vs Leopards

(B)Presidents League
1. Nkwazi vs Nchanga
2. Roan vs Kansanshi
3. Chibuluma vs Buffalo

(C )Women League
1. Konkola vs Leopardess

I Never Earned My Wealth Through a Ministerial Position-Malanji

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I Never Earned My Wealth Through a Ministerial Position-Malanji

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji has said he never earned his wealth through a ministerial position.

Mr. Malanji has further declared that he was still a Kwacha Member of Parliament.

He is currently battling corruption and money laundering cases after being arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

Late last year, Mr. Malanji was charged for alleged corruption activities which happened between January 1st, 2021, and August 31, 2021.

DEC in March, 2022, further arrested Mr. Malanji for money laundering activities involving K10 million and US 700,000 Dollars.

Speaking during the burial of Patriotic Front (PF) Kitwe District Secretary Lungo Kawaya in Kitwe on Thursday, Mr. Malanji said he has been doing business for many years.

He revealed that before becoming minister he had $4,000,000 turnover through his companies.

Mr. Malanji started his remarks by paying tribute to Mr. Kawaya before highlighting his cases.

“I have lost a friend. I have lost a brother. I have lost a cousin. I have lost all relationships that you would consider valid in this person we are burying today. It will be very painful today to go and rub his number in my phone. He is somebody I spoke to everyday. My wife at times would even ask namulanda na ba Lungo? I religiously spoke to him every evening. He displayed courage. He displayed courage as he rendered that service to the people. He is somebody who had organisational ability, you give him an hour to organize the programme he would do that. So he meritoriously rose to the portfolio that he was serving until his death. What I would urge those that have remained behind, the family members, the friends is now to look at what we are going to do with those that he has left. Na mwelupwa bonse mwebeshile mukulosha filya fine twishile efyo tuye. This man has left young children and these children will need to continue their education,” Mr. Malanji said.

He saluted people that have been sending him solidarity messages.

“Ba munyinane epo nshilapwisha ndefway ukutasha imwe bonse mwe bantumina words of solidarity. (My brothers and sisters before I end let me thank people that have been sending words of solidarity. You only see true friends when you are in trouble.).Pantu umuntu ngalepita mu mafya elyo afwaya ukwishiba abanakwe ni banani. But one thing I can assure you ba munyinane pantu ku Lusaka twaya mukutandala tatwaba nga bambi ama ministers abali ku Lusaka nakale. Ine ndi mwina kopala , batila inshiku shalingenye umwana na nina. Mu ma 1992, 1993 mwebakalamba mwe bali pano mwalemona ngamulefuma ku Riverside (Township in Kitwe) nangu ku Nakonde bana mutekenya mwalekwela ni JM Bus Services. Lelo nasanguka umupina? Elyo nshilaba Minister ba munyinane, tekweba ati tufwile lyonse ngacakutila naukwata ka ngwee waisa mukwimba kuli bonse ati iyoo ine ninkwata K2, ine ninkwata K4. Ilyo nshilaba Minister, nali minister mu 2018. Three years past 2017, 2016, 2015. Turnover yandi yali ni Four Million Dollars ($4,000, 000) mu ma company yandi.Bank taibepa ilyo tukafika panshita ya kuya ku chilye tukaya na ma pepala ati bwana ndembululeni,” he said.

Mr. Malanji continued: “Elders present here will recall that around 1992, 1993 people used to board JM Bus Services in Riverside, Nakonde but today I have become poor? Before I became Minister, turnover in my companies was $4,000,000. Banks do not lie when time comes to present evidence in court we will go with proof.”

Mr. Malanji further assured the people of Kwacha Constituency that he will one day return to work with them like before.

Mr Malanji is challenging High Court judge Kazimbe Chenda’s decision to annul his election on grounds that he does not have a Grade 12 certificate.

Losing Kwacha parliamentary candidate Charles Mulenga has asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss incumbent Mr. Malanji’s appeal against the High Court’s decision to nullify his election because the plea allegedly lacks merit.

“Ba munyinane I had to come and mourn with you because I am still a Member of Parliament. We have a temporary set back but I can assure you that we shall come and work together like before. Ukwafwana twaleyafwana tukalayafwana fimo fine. Mwalishiba efyo icipingo citila, help your neigbour as you would love others to help you. Nshatale ndeka ba munyinane nangu ni ino ine inshita mulamona bana mutekenya balapita pantu ilyo mwaleya muku voter mwaebele ati tulevotela Malanji pakutila tukalebomba nankwe. (You voted for me so that we can work together).Mwe bana mayo mwebali pano bushe elyo muya ku market nga namusenda saladi (Cooking oil), bushe saladi ilalanda ati ine ndi wa mutengo nshapone? Tali nimwe mwebeshiba ati ii saladi nsendele ya mutengo nshifwile uku ponya?Akape takacenjela uucenjela mwine wa kape,” Mr. Malanji said as some mourners cheered him.

Church happy with Government’s stance on gay rights

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Church happy with Government’s stance on gay rights

Kitwe District Pastors Fellowship has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for denouncing gay rights.

Speaking in an interview in Kitwe today, Fellowship chairperson Bishop Raddy Lewila said the president’s clarification on his government’s stance on gay rights gives the church confidence that the country’s Christian identity will not be dented or soiled up.

He said the church will support the president’s stance to ensure that the national cultural values are upheld through-out to future generations.

“We are glad that the President has spoken and addressed the talks that had been raised by citizens on gay rights, we are happy that he has clarified that his government does not and will not support gay rights and lesbianism so we are sure that our Christians values will be maintained and our identity will not be dented,” Bishop Lewila said.

He said the President’s consistent position on gay rights is an indication that he is an honest man who attaches great importance to the country’s cultural and Christian values.

However, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Copperbelt Coordinator Stephen Safwali wants the President to go a step further by condemning the act of flying flags that signify support of gay rights by the Swedish and Finnish embassies.

Bishop Safwali said the flags were meant to be seen by Zambians and entice them towards a practice that is against their culture and their constitution.

He said the president should also ensure that those entrusted with enforcement of the law regarding gay rights as enshrined in the constitution do their job.

“When it comes to other nations trying to push an agenda that they know very well is against the principles of this nation, I strongly feel it was wrong for the countries that flew those flags, the fact is that those flags were being flown for the attention of the Zambians to see, yes the President has said something but the flying of the flags has not been addressed by anyone from the government directly,” he said.

Bishop Safwali has also called for ambassadors representing different countries in Zambia to respect the sovereignty of the country.

KCM is seeking to improve production regardless of the ongoing court cases-Nair

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KCM is seeking to improve production regardless of the ongoing court cases-Nair

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Celine Nair has said the mining firm is seeking to improve production regardless of the ongoing court cases.

Ms Nair said the current liquidation process cannot be in perpetuity. She said KCM prioritises local jobs in search of new investors.

Ms. Nair was speaking when meeting Chingola District Commissioner Raphael Chimupi, Chingola Mayor Johnson Kang’ombe and Chingola Town Clerk Namukolo Kalufyanya separately.

“We are looking at various options to improve production at KCM. The current liquidation process cannot be in perpetuity, and while there are ongoing matters in court, the mine is focusing on ways to raise production,” Ms Nair said in a media release by KCM General Manager Corporate Affairs Shapi Shachinda.

“We will ensure that whatever happens at KCM will benefit the employees, business partners, communities and other stakeholders,” she added.

From left to right- KCM PL Agent Jason Kazilimani, Chingola Town Clerk Namukolo Kalufyanya, KCM PL Celine Nair, Chingola Mayor Johnson Kangómbe and Acting KCM CEO Enock Mponda
From left to right- KCM PL Agent Jason Kazilimani, Chingola Town Clerk Namukolo Kalufyanya, KCM PL Celine Nair, Chingola Mayor Johnson Kangómbe and Acting KCM CEO Enock Mponda

“Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Ms Celine Nair, has reinforced that employment sustainability and a spread of business opportunities to locals will be the priority as the government seeks new investors to run the asset. Since assuming the role of Administrator General and Official Receiver of the Republic of Zambia and consequently Provisional Liquidator of KCM, she has focused on reassuring employees that their welfare will be central in any future decision on KCM’s operation. She said that His Excellency the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his Government were working towards finding a permanent solution to the ongoing liquidation process,” read the statement.

“Ms Nair has had engagements with suppliers and contractors as well as officials from Atlas Mara Bank and the Trade Development Bank (TDB) in the Company’s pursuit to restore confidence and expand business with KCM partners. She assured the bankers that KCM was ready to do business in a credible way that guarantees sustainable partnerships aimed at fostering Company growth and business benefits to all stakeholders. Ms. Nair has spent time visiting the underground at Konkola Deep Mine to understand the intricacies of pumping out water at one of the world’s wettest mines, which pumps out around 360,000 cubic metres (360 million litres) of water every day, which is enough to fill 144 Olympic size swimming pools.”

“She guaranteed KCM’s continued spending on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, which are underpinned on four pillars, namely education, health, sustainable livelihoods and sports. Nair praised Nchanga Rangers Football Club for winning promotion to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Super Division and urged Konkola Blades Football Club to bounce back to the Super Division in the 2022/2023 football season.

“These football Clubs always bring joy to miners and their families as well as communities and the nation. We will continue to provide support to the Clubs. Even in difficult times, KCM will not forget the communities in which it operates and support will be directed at various CSR programmes that the mine has been financing,” Ms Nair concluded.

According to the KCM Corporate Office, KCM is one of Zambia’s largest integrated copper producers with operations in four locations, namely Chililabombwe where the Company operates underground mines with three shafts, No. 1 Shaft, No. 3 Shaft, No. 4 Shaft and a Concentrator; and Chingola where KCM has open-pit mines, an underground mine, a direct to blister copper smelter, three concentrators, a tailings leach plant and refractory ores stockpiles.

KCM is the second-largest employer in the country, after the government, with a total of 12,550 permanent employees and contractor workers.

KCM PL Celine Nair greets with Chingola District Commissioner Raphael Chimupi at his office in Chingola
KCM PL Celine Nair greets with Chingola District Commissioner Raphael Chimupi at his office in Chingola

WECSZ launches climate action dialogues in Itezhi Tezhi

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WECSZ launches climate action dialogues in Itezhi Tezhi

The Wildlife and Environmental Council of Zambia (WECSZ) has launched a series of climate action dialogues across Itezhi Tezhi district to assist ordinary people in addressing the climate emergency.

Community dialogues are activities of the Community Coined Climate Actions (CoCCOA) project, which is part of the Voices for Justice Action (VCA) programme funded through World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The dialogues provide a platform for the vulnerable and marginalised groups to participate in climate action by capturing and amplifying their voices on climate change issues and how they can best be included in climate action.

The CoCCA Project envisions locally coordinated and co-created climate actions, as well as alternative livelihoods, for visible and inclusive community participation in climate change mitigation in the Itezhi Tezhi district.

Itezhi Tezhi Town Council Chairperson, Oliver Sitengu, stated at the official start of the dialogues held in Itezhi Tezhi that climate change is a serious issue that requires everyone’s attention.

Mr. Sitengu stated that climate change will destroy people’s livelihoods if no serious action is taken soon.

“As we talk about climate change, let us tell our stories and offer local solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change in Itezhi Tezhi,” Mr. Sitengu said.

Mr. Sitengu has since praised the organisers for promoting the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised communities in the fight against climate change.

Meanwhile, Flora Moono, a resident of chief Mbila’s area, stated that climate change effects have harmed women more than men.

Mrs. Moono said effects of climate change have affected her crop production this year as floods washed away the fertiliser in her field during the previous rain season, destroying the crops she had planted.

She said floods also destroyed the bridges that connects her village to Mbila Rural Health Centre.

“The bridges were destroyed by the floods, so we could not get to the hospital,” Ms. Moono explained.

Mr. Anderson Namanjele, who represented people with disabilities, stated that people who are differently abled have suffered more as result of climate change.

President Hichilema leaves for Eswatini

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President Hichilema leaves for Eswatini

President Hakainde Hichilema has left for the Kingdom of Eswatini for a three days official visit.

President Hichilema is visiting that country at the invitation of King Mswati III, from 3rd to 5th June, 2022.

The President who is accompanied by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga and Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba left for Eswatini at Zambia Airforce Lusaka Base at 10: 50hrs this morning.

The President was seen off by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo and other government officials.

And Mr. Kakubo says President Hichilema and King Mswati are scheduled to hold discussions on bilateral issues focusing on matters of mutual interest at bilateral, regional and international levels.

He highlighted that the two leaders will preside on the signing of the joint Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the area of Tourism as well as the Establishment of a Political consultation Mechanism between Zambia and Eswatini.

‘’The two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral trade and regional security and integration, so that they can also have a portion on issues that affect the region. There are some pockets of the region where we are seeing issues of insecurity, we know the situation in DRC and Mozambique, so these are some of the things that the two leaders will discuss,” said Mr. Kakubo.

Mr. Kakubo said the MoUs is expected to strengthen cooperation and contribute to the development of various sectors of the economies in the two countries and how they will relate in areas  of trade in the next five or ten years.

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