Monday, March 17, 2025
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Stalled works at Bangweulu Hospital irks the government

The government has expressed concern with the stalled works on the construction of the K154 million Bangweulu Regional Hospital in Lupososhi district of Northern Province.

Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao noted that the lack of progress on the 800 bed capacity ultra-modern hospital has affected delivery of health services for the people in the Northern and Bangweulu region.

“Works on the hospital have stalled for over two years, but we know that if this hospital was completed on time, it was going to improve the delivery of health services in the Northern region and reduce referral of patients to the University Teaching Hospitals. “He said.

Mr. Mbao charged that it is unfortunate that numerous capital projects were embarked on without any tangible financial plan.

He said this situation has led to a number of stalled projects in most parts of the province.

Mr. Mbao however disclosed that the UPND administration will ensure that the facility is completed so that it can become a center of medical excellence in the Northern region covering Northern, Muchinga and Luapula provinces.

“ I hear this project was only supposed to take about 36 months to complete but works here have stalled for almost two years,” he added.

He disclosed that government has taken keen interest to probe as to what led to a number of stalled projects in the province.

The Hospital whose works have stalled for two years, was earmarked to be a centre of clinical excellence in the region, housing consultants in various medical disciplines.

The hospital was also going to provide training of various health personnel, including specialisation under the auspices of the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University.

Works for the construction of Bangweulu Regional Hospital were commissioned in 2019 and it was scheduled to take about 36 months to complete.

Eastern Province PF officials differ over when forthcoming party convention

Eastern Province Patriotic Front senior officials have differed over their views on whether the forthcoming party convention must take place.

While PF Provincial Information and Publicity Secretary, William Phiri, wants the convention not to go ahead in June, the Provincial Chairperson Andrew Lubusha is for the view that the June convention must go ahead.

In a statement to ZANIS, Mr Phiri said the party should consider postponing the party convention that is due to take place in June to allow time to deal.

Mr Phiri also wants the rebranding process that the party has embarked on to achieve the desired results.

He said the different factions that have emerged so far may cause mayhem at the convention and disturb the activities of the party.

Mr Phiri further mentioned that the party cannot afford to elect some leaders into sensitive positions when they are facing allegations of corruption.

“The party cannot afford to elect some leaders into sensitive positions when they are facing very serious allegations of corruption otherwise the rebranding process won’t have any meaning at all,” he said.

The Eastern Province Information and Publicity Secretary insisted that the party should consider postponing the convention and concentrate on strengthening the lower structures and preach the message of unity and hard work.

He warned that the party risks going into oblivion if the rebranding process is not well handled.

But when contacted for a comment, Eastern Province PF Provincial Chairperson, Andrew Lubusha said what Mr Phiri said was not the position of the party in the province but his personal opinion.

Mr Lubusha said his Provincial Information and Publicity Secretary issued the statement without blessings from the party leadership hence it should be taken as his personal opinion.

Toastmasters International, Southern Africa elects its youngest CEO

26-year old Andrew Tsuro, takes on strengthening a hub of the world’s leading Organisation devoted to communication and leadership skills development as he becomes the youngest District Director of Toastmasters Southern African.

Toastmasters Southern Africa has welcomed Andrew Tsuro as the 44th CEO of the region, the youngest to be elected to that office. Tsuro has been elected for a one-year term at the organization’s 2022 annual regional conference, which is being held virtually. His term will begin on 1 July 2022 and will end on 30 June 2023.

As an ardent advocate for millennial leadership, entrepreneurship and skills development in various organizations across Southern Africa, Andrew becomes the highest-ranked officer in the region who will bring a wealth of leadership experience to his new role.

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve in this new role under Toastmasters International, to build on the momentum my predecessor and team have created in advancing leadership skills and communication development. I want to the opportunity to thank the leadership and members of Southern African Toastmasters for electing me and other District leaders who will be serving in this coming year. We are fully equipped to advance leadership transformation in Africa” says Andrew Tsuro.

In his new role as District Director, he will be responsible for directly empowering, overseeing and managing Toastmasters hubs in Southern Africa including Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Andrew, a Corporate Trainer, Speaker, and TEDx speaking coach, expects his success will hinge on collaborations within and outside Toastmasters International, his Toastmasters and professional experience.

He is a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award for excellence in Communication and Leadership – the highest accolade bestowed by Toastmasters International and the Chief Executive of the eHub, an entrepreneur’s hub that helps professionals transition from corporate to entrepreneurship with mentorship to alleviate the plight of the Africans.His work credits include extensive training at corporates across Southern Africa, such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Exxaro, University of Witwatersrand, Afrox Linde, Bidvest Bank, and many others in different industries. He has been actively involved in setting up and mentoring Communication and Leadership Development programmes in corporates like Multichoice, Vodacom, FSCA, Standard Bank Southern Africa and Malawi, and various other organizations.

“Andrew has been a pivotal pillar for us as Mercedes Benz Toastmasters. His unwavering commitment to leadership development is an excellent example to us, especially young people who aspire to make a mark in the continent. We are confident that he is the right leader to carry our strong momentum forward and create significant value,” Mzonjani Nkomo, Mercedes Benz Toastmasters President.

A Toastmaster since 2015, Andrew is a member of Entrepreneurs, L’Avenir – an Anglo francophone Toastmasters Club in South Africa. He has held several high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters. An entrepreneur and passionate leadership coach, Andrew was 2021 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons, 2020’s 50 Under 30 Emerging Leaders and 2018’s Top 10 Global Young Future Leaders recognized by the, HR.com’s LEAD Leadership Excellence awards. He is described by many colleagues as an enthusiastic entrepreneur and pacesetting leader who thrives in exceeding expectations.”

Andrew will work closely with the newly elected Executive Committee for 2022/2023 (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023) to help fulfill these responsibilities and empower the regional leadership team to work together toward the regional mission, while supporting them in their development as a leader.

Kaladoshas drops the visuals for a soulful timeless record titled Reverse

 

Kaladoshas drops the visuals for a soulful timeless record titled Reverse. The single comes off his highly anticipated album dropping later this year.

Audio produced by Kekero and Video directed by Director Lo for Tilimo Entertainment.

Mwepu Reflects on Goal of The Season Award Win

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Midfielder Enock Mwepu’s season may be over due to injury but the Chipolopolo captain has been duly awarded by Brighton with the 2021/2022 Goal of The Season Award.

Mwepu’s goal in Brighton’s 2-2 away draw against Liverpool last October sees him cap his debut season with the EPL club following his summer move there from Austrian champions RB Salzburg.

That goal eclipsed another Goal of The Season contender he scored on April 9 in a 2-1 away win over Arsenal.

“What a season it has been for me and my family,” Mwepu said on Twitter.

“A season that I felt loved and cared when I had my low moments through injuries.

 “Nevertheless, I am privileged and honoured to win this award and thanks to all the fans who voted for me.”

The goal is one of two Mwepu has scored in EPL action during a campaign blighted with injuries.
Mwepu’s third  competitive goal came in League Cup action.

Meanwhile,  Mwepu is currently sidelined with a groin injury he sustained in Brighton’s 3-0 away win over Wolves on May 30 and will see him miss his teams’ last three games of the season.

Foreign Affairs Minister Defends HH’s long stay at Mining Indaba in Cape Town

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Minister of foreign affairs Mr Stanley Kakubo says that President Hichilema’s participation in the Indaba presents a great opportunity for Zambia to market her rich mineral resource and investment potential to the international mining community.

The Indaba will create a platform for high-level engagement, sharing of information on this strategic sector, and creation of synergies that will accrue benefits to the Zambian people.

He said the President has always underscored the key role that the mining sector will continue to play in accelerating economic growth through harnessing available opportunities in the sector; increasing copper and other mineral production; maximizing benefits from various metals; further exploration and value addition as well as positioning the country to be a lead manufacturer of mineral value-added products.

To this end, he said, President Hichilema’s participation in the Mining Indaba is projected to unlock opportunities for investment; reinforce bilateral relations with other countries within the region and further strengthen partnerships for greater cooperation in the country’s quest for development for the
participation in the Mining Indaba is projected to unlock opportunities for investment; reinforce bilateral relations with other countries within the region and further strengthen partnerships for greater cooperation in the country’s quest for development for the mining sector.

Get Ready for Chicken Export, Poultry Owners Urged

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Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga has called on Zambians in the poultry business to get ready for the export of chickens to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mr Mubanga has disclosed that the renowned multi-million dollar company that expressed interest in doing poultry business with Zambia, will soon be in the country to table a number of logistical issues before the commencement of business.

He revealed that during the expected meetings, the two parties will chart the way forward and come up with some agreements between the two countries.

Mr Mubanga noted that this is an exciting venture especially for the small scale entrepreneurs, as a foreign company has shown interest to import chickens from Zambia.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Mubanga said the Zambian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on the ground facilitating the correspondence.

“There are plans that the Saudi Arabian companies interested in the poultry business will be visiting Zambia to have firsthand meetings with the government. My ministry being cardinal in the partnership, we are ready to receive them,” he said.

He further disclosed that another deal with a Saudi Arabian company to set up an agro-chemical manufacturing company in Zambia is still underway.

Luapula minister worried with low number of CDF applicants

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Luapula Province Minister, Derricky Chilundika, has bemoaned the low number of applicants for secondary schools boarding bursaries and the skills development in Chipili district.

Mr. Chilundika says it is disappointing that only 98 people have applied for secondary school boarding bursaries and 105 for skills development.

He observed that Chipili district needs a lot of empowerment among its people.

He reiterated that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is meant for people and wondered who is going to use the money if beneficiaries are not encouraged to apply for sponsorship.

ZANIS reports that the Luapula Province Minister said this when he met Ward Development Committee members and selected government staff in Chipili district yesterday.

The Luapula Province Minister has since directed Chipili Council Secretary, Andrew Bwalya, and Ward Development Committee members to ensure that the CDF is publicised if more people are to access it.

And Chipili District Commissioner, Pennyproswendy Chipewa, called on the government to consider putting up a trades school in the area so that more youths can benefit from the skills development empowerment.

Ms. Chapewa observed that although youths in the district can access schools elsewhere, it would be more beneficial if they have a school within their locality.

Meanwhile, Chibalashi Ward Development Committee Secretary, Evelyn Bunda, attributed the low number of applicants to people’s lack of confidence in the CDF.

Ms. Bunda disclosed that people in the community do not believe that they can be funded because they have never received funds before.

Government seeks Green Climate Funds to implement a climate change project

The Government says it has sought the Green Climate Funds to implement a readiness project aiming at enhancing climate change planning.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Manakampwe explains the project is meant to help the country formulate a medium to long term climatic adaptation plan.

Mr Manakampwe says the programme will strengthen systems for integrating climate change adaptation.

Speaking when he officiated at the training of Provincial and District planning officers from Lusaka and Central Provinces, the Permanent Secretary said the project will further look into planning, and budgeting processes and prioritise adaptation actions with financing strategies.

“In this national adaptation planning process, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment engaged a consultant to review existing tools for integrating climate change adaptation into plans and budgets and conduct training, “he said.

Mr Mwanakampwe adds that the review of existing tools for integrating climate change adaptation into plans and budgets and training of trainers had been achieved.

He further expressed gratitude to the Global Water Partnership and Africa Water Investment Program for continued support to the country as delivery partners.

And Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Principal Climate Change Officer-In-Charge of adaptation Kasanda Bunda said the objective of training was to establish systems of integrating climate change into budgeting and plans process.

“The capacity building would help the planners identify climate sensitive plans and recommend climate adaptation plans that could be integrated in the budgets, “ he said.

Mr Bunda said the intention was to have plans that were climate resilient from the initial point so that budgets and plans being implemented are climate sensitive.

The Principal Climate Change Officer In-Charge of adaptation explained that this would help enhance livelihoods through resources that are allocated for various programmes which incorporate climate change.

Government should take a lead in supporting science communication relating to investigative journalism

An NGO called Dziwa Science and Technology Trust has called on the government to take a lead in supporting science communication relating to investigative journalism.

Dziwa Science and Technology Truest Founder and Executive Director Veronica Mwaba said science investigative journalism has been identified as a major gap in media development to promote independence, quality and innovation.

Mrs. Mwaba observed that investigative journalism is an expensive undertaking that needs coordinated support from stakeholders such as the government.

She said Dziwa Science and Technology Trust’s research shows that media entities are not keen to commit adequate resources to thorough investigations as they did before.

Mrs said there was a need for the Ministry of Information and Media plus the Ministry of Science and Technology to take lead in the coordination of key stakeholders willing to provide resources to support investigative journalism.

She said Zambians are in dire need of verified information to assist them make informed life decisions about medical care, food choices, and application of modern technologies in the day-to-day business among others.

“Investigative journalism is an expensive undertaking. It has been identified as a major gap in media development to promote independence, quality and innovation. Research shows, media entities are not keen to commit adequate resources to journalism investigations as they did before. In this case, science journalism is no exception,” she said in Lusaka.

“Why should the Zambia Government support science communication? The new dawn Government is looking forward to accelerating change towards a better life for all Zambians. Hence there is a need to invest in science journalism towards economic recovery post COVID-19 pandemic. Society needs verified information to assist them make informed life decisions about medical care, food choices, and application of modern technologies in the day-to-day business among others. Therefore, different approaches are utilised to reach the target audience.”

Mrs Mwaba added:”Public Private Partnership (PPP) for media development. Accurate and timely information is critical in the developmental agenda. We call upon the Information and Media Ministry (MIM), Science and Technology to take lead in the coordination of key stakeholders willing to provide resources to support the work of independent journalists with brilliant ideas but lack resources to do their work. Deliberate space should be created for diversity and inclusion to allow reporters to compete for grants.”

“Therefore, PPPs should be involved in media platforms that integrate communication with a new vision to build support for evidence-based science. Access to resources will enable distinct journalists the independence to produce high-quality and unbiased stories. Consequently, policy makers, civil society and ordinary citizens among others will be impacted with knowledge to make positive contributions that accelerate progress towards socio-economic development,” she said.

Vedanta, the Grave Digger of Hichilema’s Political Career

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By.James Musonda (PhD)
Socio-political anthropologist, Université de Liége, Belgium

Summary

This article argues that the political future and relevance of the Zambian president presently rests on the decision his government will make on Konkola Copper Mines. If they give KCM to Vedanta, Vedanta will be Hichilema’s political grave digger, and Vedanta’s capital will be the shovels with which Hichilema’s political career will be buried. If the election results since Zambia’s return to multiparty democracy in 1991, is anything to go by this claim is valid, as no party has won formed government without winning Copperbelt, which often votes alongside Lusaka, and to a larger extent, the Northeastern provinces.

Introduction

It is now roughly just three months before president Hichilema and the UPND clock one year in office. Yet, the new dawn government’s position on Konkola Copper Mines, remains at best, blurred, incoherent and inaudible, and at its worst, hopelessly absent. Compounding this silence is the UPND’s uncoordinated public relations approach to governance rooted in keeping quiet and firefighting later. This is unfortunate because copper prices on the global market are unprecedentedly over the roof. Also, KCM has one of the richest copper deposits, the largest reserves, and the third-largest copper producer in the country.

This silence has coincided with the Zambian Court’s reluctance to make a ruling on the status of KCM ownership. Indeed, the doggy manner in which KCM was liquidated requires careful attention by both the judiciary and the executive. This is because any further mistakes can lead to unbearable legal costs for a country already struggling with over US$14 billion thoughtlessly borrowed by the PF, which was recklessly abused and corruptly spent. Add to this, the debt that the UPND has borrowed since it came into office, and the US$1.5 plus interest that ZCCM-IH owes to Glencore through an irresponsible acquisition of a company within the first year of its acquisition made a US$91 million net loss.

Unfortunately, the delay and the silence are not solving any problems. If anything it is deepening the chronic anxiety among Zambian mineworkers and their families for whom uncertainty has become the norm. This chronic uncertainty dates back to the sustained economic crisis from the mid-1970s to 2000 when the company was privatised, from mid-2000 when Anglo-American Corporation and its partners withdrew its capital and handed over the company to the government, during the ownership of Vedanta, to the present, under the controversial liquidation.

Instead of creating certainty and hope, the government’s loud silence has instead opened the space for Vedanta, the embattled owner of KCM to attempt to rebuild its reputation through misleading, misinforming and misrepresentation of facts. In this pursuit, Vedanta has sought, using back door means, the support of union branch leaders, who were made to issue statements in support of Vedanta’s return even when they were not legally authorized and, for misrepresenting the union position. These junior branch leaders have in the case of MUZ been subjected to disciplinary processes.

The mine unions are on record supporting the liquidation and the nationalisation of KCM. This is evident in various media statements in print, video and radio stations. Vedanta has also sought the support of some poorly informed NGOs.

I argue that the political future for the UPND squarely rests on the decision they will make on KCM. Giving KCM to Vedanta will effectively make the UPND a one-term party. This is because Vedanta carries a hugely tarnished image, and anyone seen to associate with the company is likely to suffer the consequences. Here is why.

1. In 2014, a video clip went viral on the Internet showing Anil Agarwal, the majority owner of Vedanta, bragging about making an easy profit of $500 million each year from KCM, the mine he purchased for a mere $25 million. This is despite the company declaring losses every year, failing to invest, and failing to bring in the FDI the company promised to develop the KDMP.

2. When Vedanta bought KCM, there was a one-year gap between development (the opening of the shafts) and production (the actual production of the copper ore), but starting from 2006, the gap had reduced to just one and a half months of reserves.

3. Instead of developing underground resources, Vedanta concentrated on the surface plant concentrator to process seven million tons per annum of ore it did not produce but purchased from other countries. Jobs were created in other countries at the expense of underground miners in Zambia.

4. Vedanta mismanaged the KDMP project. The initial aim of developing the KDMP was to increase production from two million tons of ore per annum to six million in the medium term and, in the long – term to nine million. This was indeed very feasible given that at Nchanga the copper deposits are found near the surface and hence cheaper to mine. On top of that, prior investments by Anglo – American Corporation of $350 million before it abandoned the mine helped to modernize the shaft and infrastructure to better standards than during ZCCM.

5. But Vedanta adopted a “ruinous model of business” at Konkola Deep Mine Plant (KDMP) by turning operational revenue into capital. Instead of investing in developing reserves, Vedanta went to the open pit, took the ore out in the quickest way possible, got the money, and built the smelter. In so doing, Vedanta effectively changed the philosophy of the business entirely from a “mining”, into a “treatment facility”.

6. Vedanta changed the design of the mine by positioning the shaft in the wrong place. To better exploit the ore body located ten kilometers long from nose to end, Vedanta needed to develop the mine to create a broad base of ore to feed processing. Instead, Vedanta dug a very steep gradient (what experts call “diving in.”), took the ore out, leaving behind a lot of waste for a future producer to take out. In doing so, they shifted the center of gravity, sinking a shaft over one kilometer with no ore in between the two ends, where there are ores (Lee 2017, 69-70).

7. In 2014 KCM announced its intentions to retrench an excess of 1,529 employees.

8. The government immediately commenced an audit of the entire operation of KCM. The audit revealed: high indebtedness and the threat of insolvency. The total liability of the company as of 30 September 2013, stood at US$1.567 billion exceeding its current assets by US$123 million. It was also under the threat of receivership from Standard Bank for defaulting on its US$700 million loans.

8. Yet Vedanta was unconcerned. For example, in September 2011, Vedanta prematurely recalled the US$500 million loan it had given to KCM earlier which was supposed to have been repaid in 2012.

9. Vedanta also failed to fulfil its commitment to inject US$397 million into KCM as FDI.

10. Instead, the company used all the funds it generated within KCM towards capital projects. This deprived the company of the necessary funds for operations and maintenance.

11. The investment into KDMP was further delayed by about seven years mainly due to design challenges and resource mobilization resulting in increased cost of sinking of shafts, development of the ore resources, and a loss in excess of four million tonnes of ore anticipated per annum.

12. Vedanta’s failure to properly manage its contractors, coupled with its failure to purchase or maintain its own equipment further undermined its production capacity. Hence potential loss of possible jobs, and tax revenue.

13. The government’s efforts of reviving the company by providing it with a Business Improvement Plan (BIP) to increase production from 132,318 tonnes of finished copper in 2013, to 178,994 tonnes by 2017 were frustrated by Vedanta’s failure to fulfill its commitments resulting in a further decline in production to 86,585 tonnes.

14. In 2018 the Zambian government had no option but to threaten the repossession of the mine. But this did not result in any improvements forcing the government through its minority shareholder, ZCCM-IH to commence the liquidation of the company.

15. At the time of liquidation: KCM’s debt had exceeded UU$2.5 billion; developments at KDMP had stalled; underground operations at Nchanga suspended, while the open pit was operating at very low capacity; the smelter was not running at full capacity due to lack of concentrates. The company depended on imported concentrates to run and operate the mine; the acid generation at the acid plant had declined alongside the reduced operation at the smelter.

16. This resulted in declines in the operations at the tailings leach plant which requires a lot of acid to treat the Chingola refractory ore from the surface dumps basal sandstones and other sources from Nchanga ground; the Nkana Refinery in Kitwe was on care and maintenance while the company continued to export copper anodes; Operations at the Nampundwe Mine slowed down; annual production dropped from 191,685 metric tonnes in 2014, to 97,946 metric tonnes in 2018.

17. In other words, Vedanta failed to run a company with over 280 million metric tonnes at Konkola, with an estimated lifespan of over fifty years and in excess of over 53.9 million metric tonnes at Nchanga Mine.

18. In 2006, the KCM under Vedanta polluted the main source of water in Chingola in which most people depend for water for their everyday consumption. The company was found guilty by courts in Zambia and the UK. Vedanta fiercely and expensively claimed innocence and appealed the court rulings in both Zambia and the United kingdom instead of taking responsibility and sympathising with the poor women, children, the disabled, poor villagers, retrenched miners and the old people living in Chingola.

19. Put simply, Vedanta failed to run KCM: profitably and technically; pay taxes; offer decent
employment to its workers; pay contractors; repay its loans and prevent pollution from affecting poor communities. In May 2019, the Zambian government announced the liquidation of the company because of the company’s alleged environmental and financial regulation breaches.

20. Throughout its existence Vedanta has been reluctant to pay taxes by declaring losses amidst growing suspicion of tax evasion and avoidance.

 

These reasons do not paint Vedanta as a good investor and this claim is consistent with my ongoing ethnographic research among KCM employees and their families. What is likely to happen if Vedanta comes back is as follows:

a) Most people will associate Hichilema with the Vedanta’s bad name
b) Given its record of fulfilling promises Vedanta is likely to fail to fulfil its promises. This will lead to growing frustrations and uncertainty among workers and their families and the Copperbelt in general.
c) Vendata will likely continue providing precarious jobs, and subcontracting workers on poor salaries
d) Vedanta is likely to continue to arm-twist the government when it comes to taxes, especially during elections by threatening retrenchments or to leave the country forcing the government to avoid any tax raises.
e) On 7 August at Parklands Secondary School in Kitwe, Edgar Lungu accused Hichilema of receiving money from Vedanta for campaigns and of promising to give KCM back to Vedanta. Giving back KCM to Vedanta is likely to give life to these accusations no matter how baseless they may look at the moment.

Way out

  1. The government waits upon the court ruling which may give KCM to Vedanta on top of compensation and courts
  2. Build a strong case against Vedanta to secure a legally enforceable liquidation
  3. Secure a negotiated settlement with Vedanta that will see Vedanta disappear from the list of owners. This will mean finding money. Vedanta is unlikely to agree given the high copper prices at present.
  4. The government just seats and does nothing and achieves nothing.
  5. Government finds the money to pay off Vedanta and recapitalize the company.

The government finds an alternative investor other than Vedanta to clear Vedanta and invest new money to revamp production and pay off all the debts (I do not favour privatization).

Conclusion

Vedanta remains a potential gravedigger of the UPND and president Hichilema. It is up to them to make the right decision because in a democracy, those who suffer political deaths, are also required to attend their funeral and mass burial. This is what happened to Lungu during the inauguration of Hichilema. Also, the UPND should not allow a situation where people start to miss the PF. That would be disastrous for all of us.

Divorced Husband to be paid maintenance allowance by his former Wife till he finds a Job

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Solwezi magistrate’s court has directed a Zambia National Service (ZNS) female staff sergeant to pay his husband K2,400 as maintenance following the dissolution of marriage.

Principal Presiding Magistrate Greenwell Ndumba took this action when he dissolved the marriage between Mary Mutanda, 30 and Vincent Gasto, 35.

This follows Mary Mutanda‘s request to the court to grant them divorce.

Granting the divorce, Magistrate Ndumba, ordered Mary to pay Vincent the K2,400 in instalments of K200 per month for a year.

He explained that it was through the marriage, that Gasto had lived as a dependent on his wife hence the need for her to maintain him before he finds a job.

Magistrate Ndumba has cautioned young ladies not to rush into marriage to avoid getting into problematic marriages, saying young ladies must always take time to study the conduct and lifestyle of their would-be husbands before marriage.

Meanwhile, A 20 year old housewife in Zimba Town, Southern Province, has asked with the Zimba Urban Local Court to dissolve her marriage of four years because her husband is allegedly not only abusive but unemployed.

Olinence Siazemo has sued her husband for divorce alleging that he is abusive especially when drunk and fails to support the family.

Appearing before Zimba Urban Local Court Justice Jeff Makunga was Aggrippa Siwale, unemployed security guard, sued for divorce.

The duo married in 2018 and have 30 months old baby girl.

Siazemo submitted that that she is tired of living with a man who always beats her and fails to support the family.

She narrated that problems started in their home barely a year after marrying saying he often beats her for unexplained reasons.

“I am fed up with this man. I plead with the court to grant me divorce as my spouse is very abusive and he beats me up especially when he is drunk.

“ He even fails to support his child as a result of joblessness ,” Siazemo said.

But Aggrippa Siwale, aged 27 told the court that his wife allegedly has a boyfriend whom he accused of creating trouble in their matrimonial home.

The former Security Guard in Livingstone said it was unfortunate that his wife was asking the court to divorce him because he was unemployed.

“My wife has opted for a boyfriend who works and she has rejected me on account of having a job,” Siwale painfully said.

Zimba Urban Local Court Justice Jeff Makunga granted the couple divorce but with no compensation.

Mr. Makunga however, told the coupe to share household property and ordered Siwale to support his child monthly.

In the same court, a 26-year old man of Ngwenya Compound in Livingstone has been ordered to pay K11,200 for elopement.

Clement Sianezuna allegedly eloped with Hackson Munyangala’s named daughter in 2020 without paying dowry.

The plaintiff, Hackson Munyangala aged 74, demanded four cattle worth K11,200 from the defendant for eloping his daughter.

The court heard that the couple got married in 2019 and they live in Livingstone but nothing so far was paid to the parents to-date.

Zimba Urban Local Court Justice Jeff Makunga ordered Clement Sianezuna to start paying the plaintiff K350 for eloping with his daughter until he settles the whole amount of K11,200.

COMESA urged to utilise Court of Justice

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Court of Justice president, Lombe Chibesakunda, has urged member states to make use of the regional Court of Justice to resolve disputes which impede effective economic trade in the region.

Justice Chibesakunda says the Court has the supreme mandate to tackle disputes and harmonise economic policies and developmental issues in the COMESA region.

She was speaking during the Judges retreat training today aimed at reviewing the strengths and successes of the regional Court, with a call to member States to utilise the COMESA Court of Justice for world class adjudication of disputes.

Justice Chibesakunda explained that Judges have a critical role to play in the dispensation of justice and must review their operations from time to time in order to effectively handle cases professionally.

She noted that the Court of Justice which was established in 1994 with its headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan, offers the best platform to resolve issues across the COMESA region.

“As a court we usually take retreats to review how we have fared in conflict and disputes resolution in the region and look at how to capacity-build the Judges for them to effectively handle disputes in the region,” she said.

Justice Chibesakunda added that the COMESA treaty handles several types of cases that may be brought before the COMESA Court stating that the case should be first exhausted at national level.

She also called for the strengthened ties among COMESA members states in a bid to realise economic and social development in the region.

Justice Chibesakunda explained that article 26 of the COMESA treaty deals with matters of individual countries that fail to resolve and exhaust their cases at national level.

She has since called on the 21 COMESA member States and Africa at large to unite in a quest to boost and unlock economic potential which can only be realised when there is unity in the region.

Justice Chibesakunda added that despite the COVID-19 pandemic which ravaged the continent and the world at large, it did not affect the operations of the Court of Justice as its members continued meeting virtually.

And Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, said the Court of Justice remains relevant and continues to adjudicate upon all matters referred to it by aggrieved member states.

Mr. Kabesha said member states may refer disputes for determination by COMESA Court of Justice on the legality of any act, regulation or directive if it is unlawful.

“It is gratifying to learn that Judges are undergoing capacity- building training to be more knowledgeable and competent in adjudicating on cases to do with trade remedies,” he said.

It is hoped that the COMESA Court of Justice will address disputes and other related unethical practices in a bid to accelerate industrialisation in the COMESA region.

President Hichilema meets Cyril Ramaphosa

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President Hakainde Hichilema today held a meeting with his South Africa’s counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa to find common grounds for harnessing development in rich mineral resource countries.

President Hichilema also held several private engagements with key stakeholders in the mining and financial sectors to stir investments into the country’s economic growth.

Key to this was to woo investments in the mining and supporting sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics and manufacturing with an aim of boosting Zambia’s economy.

Other key stakeholders that the Head of State met were Stanbic Bank and Standard Bank of South Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, the Extractive Industry Transparency International (EITI) among others.

The Head of State also had time to discuss Zambia’s investment opportunities to Xcalibur Metaphysics, Anglo American Chief Executive Officer and Rio Tinto.

President Hichilema said he will continue to attract investment opportunities to rekindle economic growth and job creation for the Zambian people.

And speaking after he met President Hichilema, EITI Executive Director Mark Robinson described his interaction as successful.

Mr Robinson said among the issues that was discussed was how the EITI can align with Government priorities in the mining sector.

He noted that it was gratifying that the government has shown commitment to remove barriers that affect investment in its natural resources.

“We want to work with the Government in having proper registered documents that clearly spell out who should benefit from the mines,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stanbic Bank Zambia says Government’s aspiration to increase copper production is a positive development for Zambia as it works towards achieving three million tonnes of copper production annually in the next 10 years.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Cape Town, South Africa after holding a private meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema, Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited Chief Executive, Mwindwa Siakalima reiterated government’s focus on sustainable growth of the mining sector that will unlock potential into tangible benefits for the country.

Mr. Siakalima said it is important to note the President Hichilema has clearly outlined policy measures which states that Africa should direct its efforts towards beneficiation and turn ‘potential’ into ‘tangible benefits’ that will stimulate economic growth through job creation and resuscitation of other social economic sectors.

He said it is vital to scale up mining production by focusing on supporting industries which include energy, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, which are important levers in the value chain.

‘Though mining contributes 10 percent to Zambia’s GDP, it’s important to note that it brings in about 70 percent of the country’s foreign exchange revenue. Thus it is important to look not only at investments in exploration opportunities, but on supporting sectors of energy, infrastructure and manufacturing. We also need to continue supporting the mining value chain, focusing on expansion of the downstream players for key commodities,’ said Mr. Siakalima.

Mr. Siakalima stated that Stanbic Bank has on-the-ground knowledge and expertise of the different geographies which makes it to be the leading bank in financing and offering of expert solutions for mining investments portfolios.

He said the bank plays a key role in accelerating economic growth in Zambia through relevant financial solutions and advisory services.

Mr. Siakalima further explained that mining is an important driver of long term investment and that a renewed mining sector can be the primary driver of economic growth and job creation.

He added that launch of the Public Private Dialogue Forum that was recently launched by President Hichilema is an indication that Zambia is open for business and attracting more investment.

Mr. Siakalima has expressed confidence that this year’s mining indaba is a good platform as it aligns with the country’s focus on green and sustainable economy.

He also noted that the Indaba provides for business linkages and brings together players in mining that can benefit not only Zambia, but all African mining countries.

This year’s investing in African Mining Indaba, is being held under the theme: ‘Evolution of African Mining: Investing in the Energy Transition, ESG and Economies.’

Government managing cholera epidemic in Lusaka-Mulyata

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Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata has called for a stop in the transmission of Cholera as a matter of urgency.

Mrs Mulyata said this when she addressed a virtual meeting for Epidemic Preparedness, Prevention Control and Mitigation Committee that communicable diseases can cause untold misery through sickness and death if proper measures are not put in place.

She noted that the province has been hit by Cholera in areas such as Mtendere, East, Chilanga Middle West, Kabangwe and Matero.

Mrs Mulyata disclosed that the Cholera outbreak is being contained as the province has not recorded a case in the last six days.

The Minister noted that cumulatively, 21 people were admitted and discharged from the various cholera centres that were set up.

Mrs Mulyata thanked the committee and the health workers under the multi-sectoral response for containing the cholera epidemic.

She said the Ministry of Health working with the Local Authority, Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) have mounted an effective response to curb the spread of the Cholera outbreak.

The team has put in place an active case search, disinfecting risk premises, sanitary facilities, and surroundings, distribution of chlorine for home use, water quality monitoring and health education.

Mr Mulyata said supplying clean water to the affected communities using water bowsers and tanks is the strategy being used to halt the spread of the epidemic.

She disclosed that an oral Cholera vaccination campaign has been conducted in Chilanga Middle West and Mtendere East.

The Minister noted that so far 19,548 people have been vaccinated with dose one oral cholera vaccine and the second dose will be given this week.

The Cholera outbreak in Lusaka is the first since the 2017/2018 outbreak which even claimed many lives.

Mrs Mulyata pointed out that government will continue to provide the necessary support to improve the health of its citizens.