Mundubile pledges to restore chiefs ministry and share mining royalties with chiefdoms
PF presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has pledged to restore the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs and introduce mining royalties for chiefdoms, saying the measures would strengthen the role of traditional leaders and promote development in resource-rich communities if elected.
Kisasa, 31 July – Speaking during a courtesy call on Acting Chief Musele at Kisasa Palace, Mundubile said his administration would prioritise the recognition of traditional leaders, whom he said had gradually been sidelined in the country’s political landscape.
He said respecting traditional authority remained an important part of governance and community engagement.
“When we go to an area, before we do any activities, we make sure that we pay homage to the traditional leaders. This is to ensure that we first get their permission to speak to their people and get blessings,” Mundubile said.
He added that his government would re-establish the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to ensure traditional leaders and their work received greater recognition.
Mundubile also proposed legislation that would allocate a share of mineral royalties to chiefdoms where natural resources are extracted.
He argued that communities hosting mining activities should directly benefit from the wealth generated in their areas, saying the funds could be managed through trusts involving traditional leaders and local residents.
According to Mundubile, the royalties would complement the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which he said had limitations in addressing local development needs.
He said the additional revenue could be used to build hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure in communities where mining takes place.
Turning to the mining sector, Mundubile said mining companies should improve the welfare of workers and invest more in surrounding communities.
He noted that Zambia’s copper industry had previously contributed significantly to the growth of towns such as Kitwe, Chingola, Chililabombwe and Ndola, arguing that mining communities like Kisasa should also experience similar development.
He called for better housing, roads, hospitals and improved salaries for mine workers, while also urging mining firms to make greater contributions to local economies.
Mundubile further called on President Hakainde Hichilema to publicly condemn violence allegedly perpetrated by UPND cadres and to direct law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
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