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Nuclear energy can be an answer to electricity deficit-Kalunga

Support Editor
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Nuclear energy can be an answer to electricity deficit-Kalunga

 

Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Kalunga says investment in nuclear energy has immense benefits of reliable, affordable and clean source of electricity.

Mr Kalunga says nuclear energy provides electricity that is not affected by fluctuations in weather patterns.

He says Zambia like many other countries has experienced fluctuations in rainfall patterns arising from climate change which has resulted in deficits in hydro power generation.

Mr Kalunga says the decline in hydro power generation has negatively impacted on the country’s economic development.

He says the nuclear energy programme has other great benefits such as its use in the provision of health services such as diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Mr Kalunga was speaking when he opened a three-day Media capacity building and sensitization workshop on the nuclear programme in Zambia in Lusaka today.

He said there is currently low knowledge levels of nuclear technologies in the country which has created information gaps filled with suspicion and fear and called on the media to help close the information gaps.

Meanwhile, Technology and Science Acting Permanent Secretary Mala Sikazwe said her Ministry has developed two draft bills to establish the nuclear Regulator and the nuclear Coordinating agency which will accelerate public sensitization once enacted into law.

She said the workshop has been organised to unbundle the implementation strategy for the nuclear programme that focuses on first sensitization of Media personnel and through them the public.

National Energy Programme Implementation Organisation (NAPIO) National Coordinator Reuben Katebe said it is a requirement to get public acceptance on any nuclear programme before it is implemented, hence the need for the Media to help sensitise the public on nuclear technology and instill knowledge that will result into acceptance.

    Five Women appear in Court for alleged theft of a baby

Support Editor
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    Five Women appear in Court for alleged theft of a baby

 

The five women, who allegedly stole a newly born baby at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) earlier last month, have appeared in court.

The suspects are expected to take plea in the Lusaka Magistrate Court.

The main suspects, Precious Nkunika, Emily Hall, Rebecca Mkandawire, Nelly Kasalo, and Grace Msiska are charged with the offence of Child Stealing.

In this matter, it is alleged the accused on May 7, 2022, in Lusaka district, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, with intent to deprive, did steal an unnamed child, under sixteen years of age.

This was from the infant’s mother, Elina Lungu, who was by then admitted to the UTH, immediately, after giving birth.

Recently, the Zambia Police Service, in Lusaka, apprehended more than 4 suspects in connection with a 10-day old baby, which had gone missing at the UTH.

Police Acting Spokesperson, Danny Mwale then said the baby, which had gone missing on Saturday, May 7, 2022, was found in Lusaka’s Kabanana area, with Precious Nkunika .

Mr Mwale said the main suspect, Ms Nkunika  had earlier given birth to a baby, which later died, and she allegedly connived with the hospital maids to give her another baby.

 

Emmanuel Munaile Gets Zanaco FC Technical Director Post

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Emmanuel Munaile Gets Zanaco FC Technical Director Post

Emmanuel Munaile has been appointed Zanaco FC technical director.

The ex-Zanaco and Chipolopolo winger, who also served as Malole MP and FAZ Vice-President, was unveiled by the eight-time Zambian champions on Wednesday in Lusaka.

Munaile said he is looking forward to working with the Lusaka clubs’ junior, women’s and senior team structures.

“I want to just say that the reason I am here is to help improve the fortunes of the club so working together with the team, the general manager who has also come in. I think together we can be able achieve what we want to achieve,” Munaile said.

“You must also be aware that Zanaco has set itself a target, and it is that Zanaco should be the best in Africa.

“So if Zanaco is to be the best, we need everyone to pull in the same direction by making sure that all the processes and all the systems are working properly-so this is the challenge.”

Munaile added one of his first targets was to ensure that the FAZ Super League title returns to Sunset Stadium for the first time since 2016.

Since then, Zanaco has finished runners-up twice.

And at the same function, Zanaco also unveiled the clubs’ new Chief Executive Officer Modest Hamalabbi.

PR Girl media hosts the 4th edition of the Safari Champagne Picnic

Entertainment Editor
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PR Girl media hosts the 4th edition of the Safari Champagne Picnic

The fourth annual Safari Champagne Picnic was successfully held on Saturday 28th May 2022 at Foxdale Forest in Lusaka by PR Girl Media in collaboration with Stella Artois and Nederburg. The Public Relations and Events Management agency popularly known for hosting the Lusaka July and other premium lifestyle events in Zambia once again stunned the market with an excellent event that has left social media buzzing.

The Safari theme was clearly a hit with various celebrities and socialites attending the event in fashionable attire designed by our very own local fashion designers such as Nkanda Yatu, Style By Milawo and Tash Fash Designs. Reigning supreme as the queen of fashion, Musician Mampi scooped the Best Dressed Woman title while the young entrepreneur Brian Chanda took the spot as the Best Dressed Man.  Also, in attendance at the event were many notable public figures such as Chellah Tukuta, Macky 2, Roberto, Nez Long, Bobby East, Xaven Kopala Queen among other media personalities with Diamond TV’s Chimweka taking the stage as the event MC.

Speaking at the event, Managing Partners of PR Girl Media, Monde and Chishimba Nyambe announced that the Picnic will be permanently themed Safari as the event will rebrand from “Champagne Picnic” to “Safari Picnic” in 2023. The sister duo further stated that the conversion to Safari Picnic was influenced by the agency’s intention to create a product that is more approachable and appealing to diverse audiences. “The Champagne Picnic is a wonderful event centred on food, music and fashion. We have decided to drop the ‘champagne’ and adopt the ‘safari’ as a strategy to be a more inclusive brand. We enjoyed having the presence of public figures such as Prophetess Naise at the event – we embrace this as the future of this event; people coming together from different walks of life to connect in a glamorous afternoon of networking over good music, delicious food and great fashion” said Chishimba and Monde Nyambe.

Managing Partners of PR Girl Media, Monde and Chishimba Nyambe

We expect the 2023 version of the Safari Picnic to be an exciting edition as we continue to ask which safari venue was the most suitable for this magnificent event; Lilayi Lodge in 2021 or Foxdale Forest in 2022? Let us know your opinion using hashtag #SafariPicnic or visit PR Girl Media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Civil Service Commission commits to uphold decentralisation agenda

Chief Editor
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Civil Service Commission commits to uphold decentralisation agenda

The Civil Service Commission has committed to fully apply itself in order to realise President Hakainde Hichilema’s agenda of ensuring that citizens derive utmost benefits of having a decentralised system of governance.

The commission has also acknowledged the importance that the Head of State attaches to a decentralised governance system, hence pledging to contribute towards its maximum realisation.

Civil Service Commission Member, Victor Nyasulu, has cited the ongoing mass recruitment in the health and education sectors as one of the commission’s major steps towards the realisation of a decentralised system.

Mr. Nyasulu was speaking in Chipata when he paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, before meeting with the Provincial Human Resource Management Committee.

He said it is gratifying that citizens are steadily starting to enjoy the benefits of decentralisation as evidenced in the ongoing decentralised mass recruitment of health workers, among other undertakings.

“As guided by the decentralisation policy, the Cabinet directed that the current recruitment of the over 11,000 health workers be done at district level in order to ensure equity in human resource engagements,” he noted.

Mr. Nyasulu further said the government, through decentralised recruitment, wants to ensure human resource management reforms are fully implemented to promote efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

“The directive of the new dawn government is that decentralisation should be implemented as a way of empowering provinces and districts so that they make their own decisions in both developmental and human resource matters. This has motivated the current recruitment exercise of over 11,000 health workers,” he said.

He said the task of the commission currently lies in monitoring and evaluating and not to interfere with the selection processes until at a later stage when it will make appointments on behalf of the President, and as guided by the grassroots.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, expressed satisfaction that the decentralisation system has extended to human resource recruitment exercises.

Mr. Thole however called on the commission to take interest in resolving some matters that might arise from the decentralised recruitment process, as the undertaking is relatively new.

The team led by Mr. Nyasulu is in Eastern Province on a monitoring mission of the ongoing mass recruitment of the 11,276 health workers.

Government to restore civil servants’ integrity-Commission

Chief Editor
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Government to restore civil servants’ integrity-Commission

The Civil Service Commission says government is working towards restoring the lost integrity and credibility in the civil service.

Commission Chairperson, Peter Mumba, said the ongoing recruitment of health workers and teachers across the country has so far proved transparent and devoid of corruption.

Mr. Mumba was speaking in Luanshya district today on his continued tour to monitor the recruitment exercise of health works in the province.

He said it was the government’s desire to restore the integrity that the civil service once had.

Mr. Mumba has since urged civil servants tasked with the responsibility of undertaking the health workers’ recruitment exercise to uphold integrity and follow the laid down recruitment guidelines.

Speaking earlier, District Recruitment Selection Subcommittee Chairperson, John Kamalamba, said the selection process in the district will be completed tomorrow.

Dr. Kamalamba, who is also Luanshya District Health Medical Director, said the exercise was conducted smoothly.

He however highlighted the challenge in the mismatch of the treasury authority to that of the district needs.

He cited an incident where the district required only seven candidates but were offered 22 spaces.

Meanwhile, Luanshya District Commissioner, Oncemore Ng’onomo, advised the district selection subcommittee to follow the provided treasury authority.

Luanshya district received 2,920 applications against 124 positions requested by the treasury authority in the ongoing health workers’ recruitment exercise.

The Civil Service Commission is scheduled to visit all ten districts in the province.

The Anti-tribalism movement launched on the copperbelt

Chief Editor
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The Anti-tribalism movement launched on the copperbelt

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has observed that tribalism and social discrimination has the capacity to breed civil unrest if left unchecked.

Mr. Matambo said tribalism and social discrimination was a crosscutting issue that has manifested in communities, workplaces and much more in the political arena.

In a speech read on his behalf by Copperbelt province Deputy Permanent Secretary Daniel Kamenga during the launch of the Anti- tribalism movement in Luanshya, Mr. Matambo said the vice eroded the people of national peace and unity.

The Copperbelt minister said the government has demonstrated fair treatment and inclusiveness of all the 72 ethnic groups in all 156 constituencies in the country, through the provision of increased constituency development fund CDF and the implementation of the free education policy.

He indicated that the two policies pointed to good governance by the new dawn government, indicating that their sustainability and success was dependent on peace and unity in the country.

Speaking earlier, ATM Executive Director, Moses Lungu explained that the movement will endeavor to stamp out tribalism, before it embeds its roots deep into the soils of the country.

Mr. Lungu said if left unchecked, tribalism is capable of giving birth to other vices such as nepotism, hate speech, ethnicity and corruption.

ZESCO to pay for the remaining works at Kafue Gorge Lower after China froze funding

Chief Editor
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ZESCO to pay for the remaining works at Kafue Gorge Lower after China froze funding

The remaining construction works at the 2.3 billion dollars Kafue Gorge power project are being financed by Zesco and alternative funds after EXIM Bank of China froze funding to the Kafue Gorge Lower project, Energy Minister Peter Kapala has announced.

Mr. Kapala says Zesco is generating internal revenue to ensure that works at the 750 mega watts Kafue Gorge Lower project are completed early and all the turbines come online.

He said whereas government is not looking at asking Exim Bank to unfreeze funding to the project, negotiations with China to restructure and reschedule the Kafue Gorge Lower project debt are on course and there is goodwill from China who know that the new dawn government means business.

The Minister has however assured in a statement that the exporting of power will not lead to load-shedding as is being suggested in some quarters of society.

Below is the full statement

KAFUE GORGE LOWER TO BE COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER THROUGH ZESCO FINANCING

The remaining construction works at the $2.3 billion Kafue Gorge power project are being financed by ZESCO and alternative funds after EXIM Bank of China froze funding to the Kafue Gorge Lower project because the PF government defaulted on payments based on the loan agreement. ZESCO is generating internal revenue to ensure that works at the 750 mega watts Kafue Gorge Lower project are completed early and all the turbines come online.

Whereas we are not looking at asking Exim Bank to unfreeze funding to the project, negotiations with China to restructure and reschedule the Kafue Gorge Lower project debt are on course. There is goodwill from China. China knows that the New Dawn Government means business and that we shall abide by the contracts and agreements we have with them.

The Kafue Gorge Lower Power plant was designed to have 5 turbines, each producing 150MW. At least two of the five turbines have been fully installed. In fact, in April 2022, ZESCO indicated that two machines at Kafue Gorge were operational and were producing 300 megawatts while a third one was undergoing a reliability test. They also revealed that the fourth turbine was also earmarked for commissioning soon as final works were ongoing.

We anticipate that the project, which has seen the employment of over 4000 Zambians, who worked alongside more than Chinese workers, will be completed this November. Once completed and at full production, Kafue Gorge Lower will ensure that Zambia becomes a net exporter of electricity. Zambia will be able to sell electricity to our neighbours at good tariffs, which will be able to pay outstanding debt.

This bodes well with new developments that have seen electricity being the highest non-Agro export for Zambia for March 2022, with exports of K300 million (about $18 million) in March 2022 alone. This was before ZESCO and Namibia’s Nampower, in April 2022, signed a power supply agreement for the export of an additional 80 MW in addition to 100 MW that was already being exported after the first agreement was signed in 2020.

The demand for Zambian power is not just from Namibia. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) was recently quoted in that country’s media as saying that it was in negotiations with ZESCO over the latter exporting 100 MW to Zimbabwe. The negotiations were premised on Zimbabwe making pre-payments for the 100 MW which will come from Kafue Gorge Lower. The condition precedent is that ZESA has to pay monthly deposits of USD 6.3 million to enjoy the facility.

While copper remains the highest export earner, there are limited resultant dollars being remitted back into the country due to the nature of mine ownerships and copper trading. However, export earnings from electricity can have a better impact on the economy, including the strengthening of the Kwacha. This is because ZESCO is wholly owned by the people of Zambia and the company’s foreign earnings will flow back into the country.

Let me end by saying that exporting of power will not lead to load-shedding as suggested by some people. Kafue Gorge Lower will ensure excess power even though we are likely to see Kariba North Bank Power Station operating at about 3m below the level of last year at this time due to poor rainfall patterns this year.

Good morning.

Hon. Eng. Peter Chibwe Kapala
Minister of Energy
01. 06. 2022

Prof Saasa Fully Responds to TIZ President, Demands Retraction and Apology within 48 hours

Chief Editor
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Prof Saasa Fully Responds to TIZ President, Demands Retraction and Apology within 48 hours

RESPONSE TO SAMPA KALUNGU’S PRESS RELEASE ON THE CONSULTANCY CARRIED OUT BY PREMIER CONSULT

Premier Consult Limited is perturbed by the Statement (in print, soft and video formats) released by Mr. Sampa Kalungu, the Transparency International-Zambia Chapter President, regarding what he describes as “conflict of interest in the awarding of the First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Ltd.’s US$1.3 billion expansion investment evaluation consultancy to Prof. Oliver Saasa through his consultancy firm, Premier Consult.”  Mr Sampa issued this Statement purportedly on behalf of the well-respected Transparency International (TI).

From my knowledge of TI with regard to how they, as a matter of standard protocol, counter-check facts prior to issuing strong statements against an individual or institution, Mr. Kalungu’s Statement falls far short of the expected norm. This unfortunate incident leads me to believe that he has abused, for whatever reason, the integrity of TI when he signed the Press Statement under its Logo. It was my expectation that, under normal circumstances, TI officials would have called me to verify the facts prior to the preparation and issuance of the Press Statement. This did not happen. Considering the wide coverage of Mr. Kalungu’s Statement (on the radio, electronic/social and print media), I take the liberty to advise the public as follows:

  1. In his Press Release, Mr. Kalungu stated as follows: “Our 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.”
    • There are serious inaccuracies in this Statement. Firstly, what Mr. Kalungu calls the Economic Advisory Council (that I chair) does not exist. He needs to tell the public when this body was formed and who its members are. Similarly, he should state when I began providing “advise to the President on economic matters” under the umbrella of the so-called Economic Advisory Council. This is the problem when one’s agenda is less than honourable and when they fail to counter-check facts prior to making statements that aim to defame others’ characters. I can only assume that Mr. Kalungu is basing his inaccurate assumption on the statement made by the President, in December 2021 during the time when the BCCET (of which I chair) was invited to State House to discuss with the Head of State our proposal for the formation of the Business Advisory Council. On that occasion, the President announced that I had accepted to be Chairman of what he referred to as “Advisory Council.” Note that the envisaged Business Advisory Council was to be a creation of the business community, which intended to frequently meet with the President to discuss issues that concern the private sector. That statement by the President may have been misconstrued by people like Mr. Kalungu to have meant that I was formally appointed as an Advisor to the President and that I, therefore, hold a public office. That is incorrect. The facts are that (a) I have not been appointed to serve in any capacity in the Zambian Government and, consequently, I do not receive a salary or allowances that may have justified anyone to refer to me in the manner Mr.Kalunga has portrayed me; and (b) while the President may have intentions to actualise the formation of the “Advisory Council,” this is yet to be formed. I am not aware of anyone who has been appointed on what Mr. Kalungu calls the Economic Advisory Council that he claims I currently chair. So many things have happened since December 2021 and, recently, the President announced the formation of the Public-Private Dialogue Forum, to which, as it will soon be made public by the President (he said so during the launch), many private sector executives will be part of the different consultative layers. He is yet to announce the Steering Committee that he will chair himself. Again, this was announced by the President himself and it is in the public domain. If I will be appointed as a member of any of the consultative layers, as will be the case for many other captains of industry, that remains the prerogative of the President. None of these private sector players will be considered “advisors” or “employees” of Government. They will, nevertheless, be strategic in helping Government better embrace and interact with the private sector. Mr. Kalungu needs to be helped to better understand – and appreciate – how the President wishes to interface with the private sector going forward. In short, a private sector player being in a consultative or advisory function with the Government in the changing scenario of doing things never implies being recruited by, and wok under, the Government for the purpose of “declaration of interest” in the manner this is understood legally or as a good governance trait.
    • Emanating from the point above, I cannot see how any reasonable and well-meaning person (or Organisation such as TI) should be concerned when I, under my Firm, consult with any Government agencies (let alone with such private companies as First Quantum Minerals Limited).
    • Even if I was on the payroll of Government, I cannot see how my registered private firm should not consult for other private firms. There are many officials, including ministers in our Government (and in previous Governments) that legitimately own stakes in companies or even own firms that conduct business with other private companies (not to mention those that have had deals with some government agencies).
  2. In searching for faults, Mr. Kalungu announced in his written Statement and on video 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. It is therefore of grave concern that an individual who is meant to guide the President on the economic decisions pertaining to the country, is on the other end, evaluating the country’s largest taxpayer on its investment in the country.” On the face of it, this statement may sound legitimate to an average ear. What is puzzling is that it is based on the assertion, which is incorrect, that I am an employee of Government with a mandate to “guide the President.” I would understand if Mr. Kalungu was referring to the people employed at State House that are hired, designated and paid as Advisors to the Head of State. I do not occupy a government office. I am 100% in the private sector for over 20 years now. In any case, the President can receive advice from anyone and any organisation (local or international) and defining “conflict of interest” purely on the basis of who advises the President only succeeds in revealing an opinion of someone that should be nowhere near Transparency International as we have known it to be.
  3. Mr. Kalungu also wondered: “questions can arise on whether the awarding of the consultancy itself was impartial given Prof. Saasa’s position as chair of the President’s Economic Advisory Council, and his potential interest to advise the President in a particular direction.” This Statement alleges corruption on the part of FQML (who retained Premier Consult for this deliverable) as well as suggesting dishonest on my part. These are serious charges. Firstly, I cannot be chair of a non-existent Economic Advisory Council. Secondly, Premier Consult’s professional relationship with FQMs dates back to almost a decade and is based on their knowledge of our capacity to deliver. To suggest that FQML retained Premier Consult’s services because I am Chairman of a non-existent Council does not constitute the behaviour TI should be associated with and I have every right to protest about this behaviour at the global TI. It is also noteworthy that the Recommendations of the Evaluation are fundamentally targeted at the commissioning party (FQML) and not the Government although they have a bearing on the relationship between the Company and the State. The quality of the recommendations should be judged on their quality rather than on assertions that Mr. Kalungu conjures-up.
  4. Mr. Kalungu, purporting to represent TI, states that “It is our considered view that Prof.Saasa ought to have declared interest in this consultancy project, or altogether detached himself from it given the existing and clear interest.” It is quite strange that Mr. Kalungu, considering that he is Chairman of TI, seems to have difficulties in interpretating what constitutes Conflict of Interest. If I was working for Government (and I am not) and I consulted for a government agency (and I did not unless he believes FQML is Government), the notion of conflict of interest would perhaps have arisen. But FQML is not a Government company, so in what context is he seeing a conflict of interest that I have failed to declare? And to whom was Premier Consult supposed to declare that conflict of interest. Mr. Kalungu also does not seem to know that Premier Consult and Oliver Saasa are two different legal personalities. He strangely uses the two interchangeably.

Taking into account the serious inaccuracies and wrong assumptions made by Mr. Sampa Kalungu against me and my Firm (as shown above) and considering how injurious to the standing of my consulting Firm as well as to myself as a professional with decades-long track record in consulting work in both Zambia and internationally, and also taking into account the reputational injury to me on the corporate boards that I sit on, both locally and internationally, I demand, within 48 hours, an unreserved withdrawal (through the press) of the Statement authored by Mr. Kalungu and purported to be the position of Transparency International. I further demand an unreserved apology from Mr. Kalungu for the attempt to misinform the Nation on the legal (or good governance) standing of my Firm and me. I reserve the right to take further actions.

Oliver S. Saasa (Prof.)
Managing Consultant and CEO
PREMIER CONSULT LIMITED

Hilton’s Alice Banda on supporting other young girls from Zambia

Chief Editor
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Hilton’s Alice Banda on supporting other young girls from Zambia

Alice currently works with Hilton in Dubai, and now looks to give back to her home country Hotelier Middle East has spoken to numerous decision-makers in the industry. Regardless of their start in the industry or the firm they represent, something which unifies them all is ambition.

From pot washers aspiring to become presidents and getting there; to quiet butlers working their way up to COO.

For Alice Banda, her ambitions continue to grow, but at its core, are defined by one thing: To be a role model to her younger siblings.

Born and raised in Zambia, at 24 years old, Banda today works with Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef in the front office.

Given an opportunity in Dubai thanks to Evolvin’ Women, the ambitious Banda has since grasped every opportunity with both hands.

Alice Banda making her family proud

“I am the second of a family of six, and being the eldest sister has always pushed me to set the right examples to my younger siblings,” she explained.

Reflecting on her journey from Zambia to the emirates, she continued: “During my high school years, the school organized a career day, from which Hilton was part. Hospitality has been one of my main interests since the minute I heard one of the female speakers introduce her role.

“She talked about the prejudice she faces in her community as women aren’t usually in this domain. Although women in my country are still yet to overcome these prejudices, I loved the idea of helping new people and I knew hospitality was meant for me.”

Driven to make her family proud, Banda’s horizons have broadened immensely since coming to Dubai.

In just 90 days with Hilton, she was promoted and looking ahead, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Banda explained: “I first joined the support team of the concierge department. Within 90 days, I was then promoted to join the front office team. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I was offered to join soon after my arrival.

“My long term goal is to open my very own pub and grill. I enjoy working in Dubai and although I miss home I am taking advantage of the programme to gain as much experience as possible.”

Alice Banda wants to help other young women

Just as Evolvin’ Women has helped her, Banda is now working on her own sponsorship programme to bring other young women from Zambia over to Dubai.

She said: “Without Evolvin’ women, I am just a girl with dreams. Meeting Assia, the founder made every dream I had possible. She helped build my confidence, she introduced me to the right training such as self-awareness, mental and wellness courses. She truly shaped me into the lady I am today. I had many dreams but working in Dubai seemed very impossible but Evolvin’ women made that possible.

“Tough times don’t last only tough people do, never let your background define you. As long as you can think of it and you put in the work you will definitely achieve anything. I am currently working on a sponsorship programme to sponsor other girls from my country to come work in Dubai and get the same opportunity I was given. We only rise by lifting others.”

Evolvin’ Women success stories

Evolvin’ Women previously partnered with other hotel groups, such as Ramada, Hilton, Radisson and Wyndham, but Jumeirah Beach Hotels is the first UAE network.

Hotelier

2021 US Human Rights Report details gross violations under PF rule

Chief Editor
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2021 US Human Rights Report details gross violations under PF rule

The United States’s 2021 Zambia Human Rights report has highlighted massive human right violations and criminalities in the run up to the August, 12, 2021 general elections under the PF administration.

The report also reveals that impunity before the August 12 elections was a problem because perpetrators affiliated to the PF or serving in government were either not prosecuted for serious crimes and if prosecuted, they were acquitted or released after serving small fractions of prison sentences.

Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings by government agents; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by police; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; serious restrictions on free expression online and in the media and the press among others.

Prior to his election in August 2021, Hakainde Hichilema was a major opponent of Lungu, the president of Zambia from 2015 to 2021.

In April 2017, Mr. Hichilema was arrested and charged with treason, a move that was seen as an illegitimate act by Mr. Lungu to silence a political rival.

The arrest and charge were widely condemned, with protests held in Zambia and abroad, demanding Mr. Hichilema’s release and condemning the increasing authoritarianism of Lungu’s regime.

Congo and Zambia to build up battery supply chain

Chief Editor
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Congo and Zambia to build up battery supply chain

As the world’s largest producer of cobalt, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) no longer wants to settle for the role of a raw material supplier. Instead, it wants to build its own battery supply chain in the country.

A battery factory is also being considered.

As the German Handelsblatt reports, the Congolese government is now concerned with securing a larger share of the value creation domestically.

Up to now, the DRC has been known primarily as a raw material exporter of cobalt. However, manganese has also been mined there for decades.

As is well known, this raw material is becoming increasingly important in electromobility.

In addition, the country has recently discovered nickel and lithium deposits.

The first step, however, is the construction of a pilot plant for the production of cobalt precursors for cathode production.

This is to go into operation by the end of 2023.

According to the plan of Industry Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya, a complete battery cell factory could also be built in Congo by the end of this decade or the beginning of the new one.

The country is in contact with possible partner companies, including Bosch, but also Chinese companies.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has also concluded a cooperation agreement with neighbouring Zambia, which also wants to significantly increase its mining of battery raw materials.

The country is known primarily as a copper producer.

In addition to the extraction of this important raw material, Zambia also wants to produce copper cables in the future.

Zambia is also hoping for cobalt discoveries in the border region with Congo.

In the past, there have been several initiatives to build a better mining economy, which has been subject to criticism alleging the use of slave labour, alongside the lack of basic safety provisions and environmental hazards.

FQM calls upon TIZ to retract its statement and Apologise to Prof. Oliver Saasa.

Chief Editor
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FQM calls upon TIZ to retract its statement and Apologise to Prof. Oliver Saasa.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has said that it is surprised and dismayed by a statement issued by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) attempting to discredit the renowned economist Prof. Oliver Saasa.

In a statement made available to the media in reaction to TIZ statement questioning Prof Saasa’s non-disclosure of conflict of interest, FQM called upon TIZ to retract its statement and apologise unreservedly to Prof. Saasa.

The firm said that Prof. Saasa’s company Premier Consult was commissioned by First Quantum Minerals to
evaluate and explain the impact of the company’s US$1.35 billion expansion plans on the Zambian economy.

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.

“Professor Saasa is one of Zambia’s most experienced and learned economists. To question his integrity and suggest he and his company would work with anything less than the utmost integrity and transparency is an insult to his professional standing and to that of any other senior government adviser who will inevitably have long-standing experience and associations with various organisations. Indeed, it is that experience that enables them to provide invaluable insight for the benefit of the nation,” said FQM Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli.

“First Quantum calls upon Transparency International Zambia to retract its statement and
apologise unreservedly to Prof. Saasa, ” concluded the statement

Yesterday, TIZ issued a statement noting with concern the conflict of interest in the awarding of the First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Ltd.’s US$1.3 billion expansion investment evaluation consultancy to Prof. Oliver 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.

“It is therefore of grave concern that an individual who is meant to guide the President on the economic decisions pertaining to the country, is on the other end, evaluating the country’s largest taxpayer on its investment in the country. As TI-Z, we have serious concerns bordering on how sure the government can be that the recommendations given about FQM will be based on an independent and unbiased assessment, given the clear ties Premier Consult has as an evaluator of FQM,” he said.

“Additionally, questions can arise on whether the awarding of the consultancy itself was impartial given Prof. Saasa’s position as chair of the President’s Economic Advisory Council, and his potential interest to advise the President in a particular direction. It is our considered view that Prof. Saasa ought to have declared interest in this consultancy project, or altogether detached himself from it given the existing and clear interest.”

He stated that his organization’s concern is not about the capacity of Premium Consult to do the work in terms of their qualifications and experience, but rather about the broader principles of accountability and transparency in this matter.

“We, therefore, urge government officials and advisors to the President to be as transparent as possible in their dealings so as to allay any concerns and speculation related to their personal interests, which may potentially lead to doubts about their credibility and impartiality.

We further urge State House to provide clarity and assurance on Premier Consult’s involvement in the FQM evaluation, in relation to the conflict of interest involving the chair of the President’s Economic Advisory Council,” he added.

Mines Minister criticized for entertaining the pro- Vedanta Mineral Resource match-past

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Mines Minister criticized for entertaining the pro- Vedanta Mineral Resource match-past

Former Luanshya Member of Parliament Steve Chungu has criticized Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe for entertaining the pro- Vedanta Mineral Resource match-past staged by some Chililabombwe youths last weekend.

Indian investor Vedanta Mineral Resource has reportedly expressed interest to return to KCM.

Chililabombwe youths on Saturday morning staged a match-past demanding the return of Vedanta Resources to take over Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the Copperbelt.

Mr. Kabuswe was in Chililabombwe on the day and received a petition from youth’s representative Chishala Mwamba which advocated Vedanta’s return to KCM.

Mr Kabuswe, who is also Chililabombwe Member of Parliament, told the youths that the Government is committed to make sure that KCM and Mopani Copper Mines come back to life, and create more jobs.

But Mr. Chungu said the Mines Minister should not have associated himself with the controversial pro-Vedanta match-past in Chililabombwe.

He said the incident has the potential to tarnish Mr. Kabuswe’s image because the match-past was clearly stage managed.

Mr. Chungu said it was clear for anyone to see that the Chililabombwe match-past was funded by people with interests in KCM.

“It is because Vedanta sponsored the recent Mining Indaba in South Africa that is why we Zambians want it to come back? Why should we Zambians be cheated by these investors? It is shocking that we Zambians can even stage manage match-pasts to earn vague support from people. Those were just youths paid from compounds to join the fake solidarity. It was not correct to do that and the match-past was not a genuine thing. Please Zambians wake up and start seeing through these things,” Mr. Chungu said.

“He (Mr. Kabuswe) knew what was happening. If he is the Mines Minister for sure and cares about the Zambian people he should have first said no to that because the people that were doing that have got nothing to do with mining. These people came from compounds all over Chililabombwe and were being brought in bus loads. Where have you ever seen people that are coming to offer solidarity over something they come in bused? Who was paying for that? We can no longer be cheated. These minerals we have in this country more than 100 years ago our relatives died because of Cecil Rhodes. He was mining and killing our people and again we are allowing the same imperialists to come back into this country and mine more of our minerals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chungu has strongly opposed the proposed return of Vedanta to KCM saying the Indian investor should not take Zambians for granted.

He said the mining conglomerate failed the people of Zambia when failing to run KCM properly prior to the liquidation enforced by the previous Patriotic Front regime.

Mr. Chungu said the decision to liquidate KCM by PF was timely and right owing to Vedanta’s inertia to continuously invest in the mine that has operations in Chingola, Chililabombwe and Nampundwe.

“What is there for Vedanta to show that they will come back a better investor? They want to come back and mine our minerals and leave us with nothing. It is wrong thinking that because Vedanta were the owners of the mine so they should come back. We have had other mining firms that have gone. Anglo Americans left this country, they left Konkola Copper Mines but they want to come back with a different name. Who shouldn’t think that they are even part of the Vedanta scheme to return,” Mr. Chungu said.

In a letter addressed to Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe, the Group CEO, Sunil Duggal further said upon return Vedanta shall implement a salary increase across the board.

In November, 2020, a Zambian court ordered a halt to liquidation proceedings for Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to allow owners Vedanta and ZCCM-IH to proceed to arbitration, the provisional liquidator said in a statement.

UAE investor pledges to invest over $300 million into Copper and cobalt processing plant in Mufulira

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UAE investor pledges to invest over $300 million into Copper and cobalt processing plant in Mufulira

United Arab Emirates (UAE) investor Blue Star Resources Ltd has pledged to invest over 300 Million United States dollars into Copper and cobalt processing plant in Mufulira.

Blue Star Resources has expressed interest to develop dump number one and two at the historical copper slag dumpsite at Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) in Mufulira.

Mufulira Mayor Tanaeli Kamanga has announced that Blue Star Resources Ltd who has already engaged his council is expected to create 300 pensionable jobs in the district.

Mr. Kamanga said under its proposed investment in Mufulira, the initiative, Blue star Resources will install a state of the art plant in Mufulira and will extract cobalt concentrate and copper concentrate at the rich copper slug dump site.

The Mufulira Mayor said council expects the investor to plough back to the community as it begins operations in the mining town.

“This development means that each of the three constituencies in Mufulira District will receive 2.5 Million United States dollars under the Corporate Social Responsibility Program CSRP that will be initiated by the firm. The money under CSRP will be channeled to respective constituencies for various skills training and development programs to aid women and youths and also be used for various empowerment projects. As Mayor of Mufulira, I am confident that this mammoth investment will create several openings and opportunities for our local business community,” Mr. Kamanga said.

“As a district, we are proud to receive such investment in our town. The coming of Blue Star Resources Ltd is a confirmation that indeed the New Dawn Administration is determined to grow the economy further and create the much needed jobs especially for our youths. A portion of the net profit accrued by Blue Star Resources will be reinvested into the community on an ongoing basis so as to sustain the CSR projects by the firm. The firm will recruit over 300 youths to work at its project and the youths will be singled out from Mufulira,” he said.

Under the joint venture initiative with MCM, Blue Star Resources will among other things conduct a feasibility study into the processing of smelter slag that has been generated over the life of MCM Mufulira.

Blue star Resources is a subsidiary of Blue star Capital which is Headquartered in the UAE.

Under its proposed investment in Mufulira, the initiative, Blue Star Resources will install a state of the art plant in Mufulira and will extract cobalt concentrate and copper concentrate at the rich copper slug dump site.

The firm was incorporated in Zambia in 2017.

According to information accessed by Lusaka Times, Blue Star Resources has been involved in metal trading in Zambia and has adopted a growth strategy for Zambia of downward integration in order to develop the country’s rich mineral resources starting with mineral processing.

Blue Star Company in conjunction with their technical partner, Nature Mining Resources NMR will be the project executors in Mufulira.

Blue Star Resources envisages investing over 7.5 million United States dollars into the Mufulira community upon the mining firm signing a contract with MCM.

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