MINERS DISMISS MUNDUBILE’S PROMISES
THE All Miners for President HH Movement has dismissed campaign pledges made by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) president Brian Mundubile, saying the issues he promised to address are already being implemented by the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
Movement national coordinator Nonde Mwewa said the “door” Mr Mundubile claims he will open for miners and ex miners is already wide open under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership.
Mr Mundubile, speaking at a rally in Kitwe’s Chamboli Township, pledged to raise the local content requirement for mining suppliers to 50 percent if elected in the August 13 general election.
“We have taken note of the promises made by Mr Mundubile at his rally yesterday. As miners and ex miners, we wish to remind him that the door he is promising to open is already wide open under the able leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema,” Mr Mwewa said.
He explained that the Local Content Law has already been actualised, creating opportunities for Zambian suppliers and contractors, while work on introducing a sector minimum wage is underway.
“Unlike under the PF era, when miners were subjected to unstable one or two-month piece work contracts, miners today are enjoying long term contracts of three years and beyond, as well as permanent employment opportunities. Despite difficult times, President HH has sustained jobs, with miners going for more than four years without job losses in the sector,” he said.
Mr Mwewa added that miners have already decided who they will support in the upcoming elections.
“Therefore, we advise Mr Mundubile to try again next time. Miners across Zambia have already made their decision: we will vote for a President who cares, delivers on his promises, protects jobs and opens opportunities for the mining sector,” he said.
ZDM