18 April 2018

Chris Zumani Zimba writes

HH, THE TOUGH AND MOST CONSISTENT BAYERN MUNICH FC OF ZAMBIAN POLITICS AND HOW HE MAY WIN THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENCY IN 2021

When I was president of the University of Zambia Political Science Association (UNZAPOSA) in 2006, I invited and hosted HH at Great East Campus for our weekly political event called “Meet the UNZA Students”. LT1 was filled to full capacity with hundreds of traditional UNZA monks and momas. The MMD government then equally hired and placed their own elite cadres to disturb and intimidate HH. The noise and confusion was uncontrollable and HH could not speak for the first 1 hour. In order to control the noise mob, I engineered and invited Antonio Mandala Mwanza (‘Pompey the Great’), then UNZASU President to speak first but the situation never changed much against my guest. How we resolved it is what constitutes my first attribute as to why HH is the Bayern Munich of Zambian politics with the right political tenacity and character to win the republican presidency in 2021.

“Mr President, I am afraid you may not address this hostile, drunken and noise audience as we are running late. What do you think”? I asked him. Cornelius Mweetwa and Emmanuel Tembo looked very troubled. To my surprise, HH looked relaxed, undisturbed, unshaken and unintimidated. The UPND leader smiled and said “I am ready and comfortable to address them because they cannot bite or kill me”, he responded. When I introduced him to address the house, he impressed everyone on how he diplomatically silenced the house and still managed to fantastically engage and address the students. This is exactly what HH is likely to do at national level in 2021 if he plays his political cards right and the gods remain on his side. In this 2006 UNZA encounter, I saw a true David in HH, a tough shepherd boy who can successfully fight with any lion, shark or elephant alone and unarmed in the jungle. His calm but notorious brave personality of Mfuwe hunters may positively help him to face 2021 with the right political attitude and mental framework to win the presidency in 2021 than most candidates; not even President Lungu will match him in terms of the psychological courage and mental preparedness to swim against the strong political storms of 2021. To me, HH’s background of being a shepherd boy (Kachema) gives him the right positive strong character of political courage-never being shaken, moved and intimidated by any political rival, audience or situation which makes him politically dangerous in the next elections.

In 2021 HH will be like Bayern Munich Football Club that has traditionally enjoyed the monopoly of easily winning the Germany League (Bundesliga) but repeatedly lost the UEFA either at semi or actual finals stage. In 2018 as you already know, Bayern Munich seem to be deadly fixed and structurally determined to win UEFA this time as past experiences seem to have taught them tough but noble lessons at the higher level. This football analogy for Bayern Munich presents the same political interpretation for HH as he has repeatedly lost the presidency either as 2nd or 3rd national choice since 2006 with a consistent thunderous victory in his home trinity provinces of Southern, Western and Northern Western. This simply means 2021 may sweetly present the republican presidency into his hands if he only tops to win three more provinces. As the ‘permanent regional president’ of his home three provinces who seem to be gaining political popularity in other regions., the negative political forces of regionalism and tribalism are certainly working to his favour and positively fueling HH to be the toughest and dangerous opposition candidate in 2021.

He will be the most experienced, popular and consistent presidential candidate in 2021: For having been on the presidential ballot since 2006, HH will be the most already known and popular presidential candidate in 2021 than all opposition leaders that will be contesting. Apart from Lungu if he will contest, HH will be the second most popular and known household political name countrywide in 2021 which places him at the right probability altar of voters and electorates’ gamble selection. Being the most experienced, known and consistent candidate is one of the exceptional advantages HH will be enjoying in 2021 that should not be undermined or ignored.

In the Football world, ‘FIFA One’ has either been for Genius RC7 of Real Madrid or Great Leonel Messi of Barcelona; that’s how Lungu and HH have stood since 2015. But now there is gifted Mohamad Salah for Liverpool in CK on the scene who stands dangerous to challenge and win ‘FIFA One’ too. Whatever the case, HH may become the most preferred alternative presidential candidate to Lungu in 2021 in many places. Countrywide, he is already known by most voters such that many voters who may feel and decide let down by the performance of Lungu may prefer to naturally try HH than anyone new on the political market unless the new corners undertake aggressive campaigns to sale themselves. By virtue of having contested consistently for the past 16 years, 50% of HH’s campaign is already done for 2021 as some voters still keep his party manifesto, regalia and materials while others consider him as the next heir to the Zambian throne.

The birth of anti Lungu political movements within PF such as the Dr. Chishimba Kambwili’s NDC and Harry Kalaba’s Political Cycle bring HH closer to State House in 2021 than before. In 2015 and 2016 respectively when Lungu was at his best in terms of political popularity and voter marketability, HH only lost with narrow votes respectively. Now that Lungu is losing national voter popularity and does not have some of his key MPs, Ministers and members to win him huge numbers such as CK or HK, HH is seemingly the new ‘Son of Zambia’ posed to win the 2021 presidency than even Lungu himself either in the first or second round vote on a one by one basis except that we may not accurately ascertain how much political injury the Socialist party, NDC or HK movements may do in his ‘trinity provinces’ and other regions where they boast to be strong too; the same political groupings which presents opportunities for HH also presents huge challenges for him.

HH’s regional supporters and ethnic voters in his ‘trinity provinces’ are dangerous passionate patriots, devoted diehard loyalists and reliable political followers who may play a deciding role in 2021. Since 2006 when HH was introduced to national political leadership, he has repeatedly beaten everyone in Southern, Western and North Western provinces with sure victory and his trinity regional voters keep improving in terms of both population explosion, political support, voter registration, voter turnout than Lungu’s provinces of Eastern and Northern. This is positive strength and advantageous political development for HH as there is no presidential candidate on the market who can boost of having such unique positive ingredients, political support base and guaranteed voter potency anywhere in Zambian for 2021 than HH in his trinity provinces; unlike CK who ‘may steal’ Copperbelt, Muchinga, Luapuala and Northern with big numbers, Lungu may fail to have to even three or more provinces to call ‘his own’ in 2021.

Has vast experience on how to win and lose the presidency in Zambia: As the chosen successor of Anderson Mazaka in 2006 who has consistently contested all presidential elections since then, HH will go into the 2021 Presidential and General Elections with most technical knowledge, vast campaign experience and most practical understanding and feel of how to win or lose the presidency in Zambia more than all presidential candidates especially that he has twice lost it by either a small or questionable margins. This puts him into a stronger and better position than most of his rivals.

HH is properly educated and has the right academic credentials for Zambia for 2021: Currently, Zambia is on its knees economically and practically running into sovereign bankruptcy due to the PF government multiple burden of loans and debts from all fronts. In 2021, HH may present himself and stand out as the right self-proclaimed economist and distinguished business tycoon to fix the economic mess and redeem Zambia from this growing national pain and public puzzle for the country than most presidential candidates. In fact, time has also redeemed HH from all malicious accusations that he sold Zambia during the FTJ era as all his accusers have terribly failed to find him with any wrong or criminality around such allegations.

In addition, HH is regionally and globally connected to the rich funders and supporters. He is not just an accomplished business tycoon, his Vice President in GBM is financially huge and brings other business allies to the party. The two UPND leaders who financially huge seem to have multiple peer wealth fellows and party campaign funders everywhere who may make it easy for HH to financially compete with the ‘PF Mukula Boys’. In the same vein, HH seem now to have his own parallel strong media networks and platforms in Zambia, in the region and internationally. This puts him a better position for 2021 as the public media with its PF-Lungu monopoly may count for nothing in terms of media coverage both print and electronic media. As he prepares for 2021, just like Lungu, HH has also many favourable private community radio and TV stations, social media platforms, blogs as well as print newspapers on his side.

In conclusion, we need to be quick to stress that this aforesaid critical analysis of HH’s existing political fortunes and candidature potency going into 2021 does not mean that the UPND leader is the automatic next heir to the throne of the Zambian Republican Presidency in 2021; that will be unscientific generalization and unprofessional misleading political prediction. The above analysis is based on the basic assumption that all current presidential candidates contested on their own tickets and the prevailing political dynamics across Zambia are held permanently constant from today until August 2021 which is terrifically too unlikely. This simply means that HH’s race to State House in 2021 is still too perilous marked with all diverse dark political clouds, heavy storms, thunderous lightening as well as other internal and external happenings that may dictate as to whether 2021 will produce good rains for him or leave him with the usual heavy dust without rains indeed; especially that we are not God, but simple humans and pretending to be fake angels on earth.

By: Chris Zumani Zimba, Political Scientist, Author, P

I DID NOT ATTEMPT TO INTERFERE WITH WITNESSES, LUSAMBO TELLS COURT

….says this is supported by witnesses who testified that he did not

Lusaka, Saturday, July 15, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)

Former Lusaka Province Minister Hon. Bowman Chilosha Lusambo has opened his defence in the matter he has been accused of attempting to interfere with witnesses.

It is alleged that Lusambo on unknown dates but between February 1 and April 30, 2022, in order to obstruct the due course of justice, allegedly endeavoured to prevent three people from giving evidence as witnesses before the court of law.

Appearing before Magistrate Trevor Kasanda, Wednesday, Lusambo stated that at no point did he attempt to interfere with witnesses.

Hon Lusambo testified that some time last year, after walking outside the court with his wife in the presence of numerous media houses, he jokingly told the media that instead of concentrating on him, “why don’t you also capture Siwakwi” who was his arresting officer.

In relation to the matter, Journalist Darius Choonya was called to testify in court Last year.

And Lusambo said he was shocked when the Anti-Corruption Commission called Darius as a witness on the allegation that he pointed at Siwakwi (Arresting officer) and the witnesses.

He further stated that he was not aware of the same witnesses he is alleged to have pointed at because at no point did the state provide a list of their witnesses.

Hon Lusambo said Darius only identified him in the Video evidence and not any witness when he testified.

Meanwhile, Hon Lusambo said he had no idea that his personal friend Ernest Sumani and Chamenda had been summoned by the ACC as none disclosed that to him.

“…In 2016, I became Minister for Copperbelt and I worked with Ernest Sumani as my subordinate and in a matter to do with the Local district in Ndola, I worked with Sumani and the entire Council so Ernest is not a stranger to me.

“When I met Sumani and Chamenda, I greeted them as a normal gesture to my colleagues knowing very well that we are not enemies, neither are we strangers. Chamenda told me that aba bantu baletuchushafye ifi fikapwa and I told them that aya ma politics fye. I had absolutely no idea that the team had actually been summoned by ACC. Not even Sumani disclosed that to me… At no time did I attempt to have the 3 Witnesses not to testify and this is supported by the testimonies of the 3 Witnesses who testified that i did not do that.,” he said.

And Lusambo said the Witnesses that came from MTN and ZICTA came with his phone numbers and not the one provided by Ernest Sumani.

Hon Lusambo also stated that he was shocked that there was a case against him trying to stop another witness Cosmas Chalusa from testifying in his matter.

He said he had never called or met Chalusa to discuss his case.

The Former Kabushi Lawmaker explained the nature of relations he has with Chalusa.

“Mr Chalusa is my business partner. I have been working with Mr Chalusa and he is a colleague even last week, I was talking to him about some transactions we have. To me, he is a brother. And prior to the time when Mr Chalusa was coming to Lusaka, he didn’t even mention to me that he was scheduled to testify…..He was supposed to bring me some Money. He told me that he would be busy and that Brian Chalusa, the Son, would come and meet me. And true to his Word, the son came Home. Mr Chalusa is a business partner and friend and whatever happens, we can’t be separated.

“I never tried to stop him from testifying. Even in his testimony, Mr Chalusa stated that there was nothing like that and at no time have we ever met to discuss Hon Hamaundu’s case,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lusambo has described another witness Mundia Mataa as someone he closely worked with while on the Copperbelt.

He stated that he has had no meeting with Mataa concerning the matter before Hon Faides Hamaundu.

“There was no evidence Your Honour, from the service providers claiming there was a number which Mataa claimed that I had used to call him. I had no meeting with Mataa, and I never called him. I am here to tell this Court the truth only.. He produced a screenshot before this Honourable Court which was showing my Name and Not the number.

“Mundia Mataa, those are the boys we knew in Ndola as I was working as Minister on the Copperbelt and he was working under Ministry of Lands, Survey Department, and I took Mundia as my young brother cause I worked with him the entire 5 years as served as Copperbelt Minister and MP for Kabushi. Mundia did a lot of my Works, he is not a stranger to me. He is a person I closely worked with and I was shocked that he came to this Court to lie that I tried to stop him from testifying,” he said.

Wynter Kabimba, leader of an obscure political party going by the name Economic Front, says Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was probably the only president that managed to “tame” his children to the extent that most of us did not even know them. Aye to that!

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda initially had 8 children. Unfortunately, Masuzyo was one of the earliest casualties of HIV/AIDS as it continued wreaking havoc in the nation early 1980s while Wezi, a rising star in politics, had to meet his fate right outside his gate, thanks to the bullet of an assassin!

Apart from Tilyenji who made a botched attempt at politics, and Panji, our current High Commissioner to Malawi who would go on to serve as deputy minister in the PF regime, nothing much is known about the other Kaunda children. There’s only an inkling of one Kambarage who would inadvertently find himself in the news late 1980s owing to shooting a poor woman in a Lusaka suburb, fatally. He was sentenced to death by hanging although the charges would subsequently be dropped after appealing the case. The courts ruled that the accused pulled the trigger in self-defense at the angry mob hell-bent on lynching him and his companions after besieging their car!

On the other hand, second Republican president Frederick Chiluba had 11 children in total. Although a few of them equally made it in the news for all the wrong reasons; at least it wasn’t on the scale of the crimes of the Mafia which would leave your jaws dropping! Castro, the notorious son of President Chiluba got away with anything from physical assault to trigger-happy! Upon his father ascending to the presidency in 1991, he apparently pulled out a gun and shot a call girl in the leg. His next victim was a man whose girlfriend he was hankering after. The girl wouldn’t ditch her fiance for the president’s son which of course infuriated him and ended up smashing a bottle of beer in his face! Castro often picked up quarrels with folks in the night clubs – and when they tried to argue with them, he’d retort, “I am the son of the president and I can kick your ass if you’re not careful!” One day, he disrupted the flow of traffic on a busy road in the central business district by standing in the middle of the road while screaming for all the world to hear, “I am the 2Pac of Zambia, no one can touch me. I am above the law!”

As if not to be outdone by his younger sibling, Miko equally had his fair share of brush with the law. He was once accused of “taking turns” in having carnal knowledge of a girl with 3 others after a drinking spree! Like Castro, he escaped the dragnet even though the case was reported to the cops and received wide coverage in the media. In a subsequent incident that would leave tongues wagging, Miko would charge at a cop armed with an AK-47. The cop was left with no option but open fire at the floor right in front of him, stopping him dead in his tracks!

As Economic Front leader rightly observes, the only other former president that deserves credit for taming his children is Mwanawasa. Although Mirriam would occasionally rock the boat with matters to do with “dalliance,” at least she and her brother, Patrick never went an extra mile and defrauded the state! While Lorna practically steered away from the limelight, Chipokota and Lubona were probably young at the time to be swayed by the trappings of power.

It was probably during the tenure of Ruphiah Banda that we’d witness almost an entire ‘first family’ entangled in corruption. Banda had 3 children from his previous marriage (Andrew, Henry, Temwani) and 2 twins with his second spouse, Thandiwe.

Rumours always swirled around about Henry this, Henry that when Banda occupied State House. And immediately voters had enough of the affable leader and extracted him from power in favour of the tough-talking and brusque Michael Sata, otherwise popularly known as the King Cobra in the scintillating 2011 elections, investigative wings would descend on the Bandas like flies on a carcass! Although the likes of Andrew would largely remain unscathed by such accusations, Henry would escape into self-imposed exile for fear of prosecution. He would stand accused of multiple charges.

In one instance, he brokered an allegedly corrupt deal in which Kenyan oil trading company Dalbit Petroleum clinched a multimillion-dollar contract to supply finished petroleum products to Zambia in 2009. He was also fingered in a corruption case involving Dora Siliya, the former Minister of Transport & Communications, relating to the controversial appointment of a Cayman Island-registered company to value Zambia’s ­telecommunication assets. The electrifying tales of looting didn’t end there though. Henry was further embroiled in yet another scandal after being mentioned in court documents as a key figure in an allegedly corrupt oil deal worth $2.5 million with Nigeria’s Sarb Energy Limited. The oil never made it to Zambia!

In the meantime, Rupiah Banda himself was slapped with charges over the vehicles he allegedly procured for his campaign from a Chinese company ahead of the 2011 general elections. He allegedly spent K20 billion on campaign materials, with most of this cash being personally handled by Henry.

In an interviewed with the press, Minister of Justice at the time, Wynter Kabimba, intimated: “We would love to have Henry here, but that won’t stop us from pursuing the case. We have the principal suspect — Rupiah Banda.”

In a matter of time, the Anti-Corruption Commission would soon extend their investigations to Banda’s wife Thandiwe, and place a restriction order on her luxurious apartments on the grounds that they were suspected to be proceeds of crime. The case would drag on for lack of evidence until it was eventually disposed off by the courts of law.

Although the Sata’s children would equally be caught up in a few scandals of their own, it wouldn’t be as hair-raising as compared to his successor! Immediately the King Cobra realised one of his sons was cozying-up to the Chinese; he was quick to pick up telltale signs about his possible involvement in corruption. He didn’t waste time assigning Kabimba who was the trusted Secretary General of his party to ‘counsel’ his first born child, Mulenga as he loathed having a replica of Henry in State House.

While most of his children relatively enjoyed a quiet life, Kazim had to somehow follow in the footsteps of the likes of Castro. According to the Zambian Watchdog, one afternoon Kazim accosted a journalist, Thomas Zgambo, in Lusaka’s Kabwata area, visiously pummeled him with punches while hurling abuse at him.

Fast forward………Edgar Lungu finds himself on the coveted crown, albeit by a sheer stroke of fortune. A matrix of shoddy deals is immediately set in motion involving almost the entire family……..well, going by the various spine-chilling revelations in the media!

According to the News Diggers, the state has seized properties linked to former President Edgar Lungu, his wife Esther and their children, including Tasila Lungu who is PF member of parliament for Chawama. The Director of Public Prosecutions has since applied to court to have all the seized properties forfeited to the State. Among the properties, which are suspected to be proceeds of crime, are 15 double-storey flats in State Lodge belonging to former First Lady Esther Lungu, a farm in Sinda District belonging to Tasila Lungu, one high cost house, three flats and four chicken runs belonging to Chiyeso Lungu among other properties. According to a Drug Enforcement Commission investigation, Esther constructed a 15 double-storey flats and other associated facilities at a whopping cost of K24,256,434.55!

As for president Lungu’s son Daliso Lungu, and his wife, Matildah Milinga, the accusations would even be more glaring! The couple, both directors at Saloid Traders Limited, has been arrested and charged for being in possession of a total of 48 motor vehicles with an estimated value of approximately K23 million. Additionally, the company is accused of owning fixed assets to the tune of K12.8 million, as well as K25 million suspected to be all proceeds of criminal activities. Hamoonga further revealed that Daliso Lungu, as an individual, has also been arrested and charged for being in possession of 21 motor vehicles with a street value of about K1.5 million and fixed assets valued at K31.5 million, all registered under his name! In addition to this, Daliso Lungu has also been arrested and charged with money laundering. The charges stem from the alleged deposit of over K23.9 million into the Saloid Traders Limited account, which is held at ZANACO Cairo Business Centre Lusaka Branch. The transactions are said to have occurred between September 1, 2017, and January 2022 in Lusaka. If there’s any iota of truth in such accusations, the Lungus have definitely broken a record in terms of amassing wealth within the twinkle of an eye as compared to the others! What sort of geniuses are the Lungus to amass so much wealth overnight?

Prince Bill M Kaping’a

Political/Social Analyst

CDF IS NOW BEING USED AS A VEHICLE FOR CORRUPTION-MUNDUBILE
…….says that is why the Auditor General had to be sacrificed to facilitate for the illegalities under CDF.

Lusaka – Friday, July 14th , 2023. [Smart Eagles]

Leader of Opposition Brian Mundubile has alleged that the Constituency Development Fund is now being used as a Vehicle for Corruption and must be condemned.

Hon Mundubile said the concept of increasing CDF from K1.6 million to K28.3 million was good until alleged corruption took centre stage.

He was speaking when Patriotic Front Members of Parliament held a press Briefing in Lusaka today.

Hon Mundubile said the country is dealing with a government that has collapsed all procurement procedures.

He said cadres are being rewarded using CDF Projects ignoring the processes adding that Permanent secretaries are the ones approving projects.

He said that is the reason they had to frustrate former Auditor General Dr Dick Sichembe because of corruption under CDF and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Leader of Opposition stated that The UPND has put in a new system to siphon money through CDF.

He also said that no wonder it is not surprising that the Ministers are moving to provincial capitals to promote and commission projects.

“They are rewarding their cadres using CDF projects, if you look at the procurements, PS are sitting in provincial capitals, they call and direct who should be given the projects. The procurement process is simply ignored. The Corruption under the New Dawn Government through the administrative procedures is through CDF. That is why they are trying to excite everyone into believing that the CDF is a successful initiative.

The concept was good, but go through CDF projects, there are no tender processes, names are just chosen. We are dealing with a government that has collapsed all procurement procedures.

Which auditor General is going to have the courage to give a report of UPND Cadres in the report. They push a lot of money in that direction (CDF) and ignore all the procurement processes. They submit names. The UPND SG is going through CDF projects to facilitate the corruption of awarding contracts,” he said.

TAZARA, A SYMBOL OF WARM RELATIONS WITH CHINA – NANJUWA

Authorities in Central province have described the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA) as Zambia’s flagship to long standing warm relationship with China which has provided direct benefits to people in the region.

Central province Minister Credo Nanjuwa says TAZARA has not only provided jobs for local people but provides the most reliable route the indian ocean as well as logistical support for much of the farming community in the processing of their produce.

Speaking during the Commemoration to mark 47 years of TAZARA in Kapiri today, Mr Nanjuwa further said the province boasts of a huge chinese investment presence in especially mining, agriculture and agro processing as well as manufacturing.

He said other than hosting the TAZARA which is a symbol of relationship between China and Zambia, the Central province further hosts the JIANGXI MULTI FACILITY ECONOMIC ZONE which is expected to be a significant contributor to local gross domestic product through local job opportunities.

He said the Chinese Government has demonstrated commitment to strengthen the friendship with Zambia in many aspects and the province was proud to be associated with Chinese investment.

The Provincial Minister further requested the Chinese Embassy in Zambia through its Ambassador Du Xiaohui help in actualising mutual partnerships and twinning with JIANGXI province of China following the failings of a similar MoU signed between Central Province and Henan province of China in 2019 as a way of promoting mutual understanding and development.

Mr Nanjuwa further added that his province was embarking on a robust programme aimed at promoting and attracting investment to enhance job creation as well as market linkages and technological transfer between local and large scale investors as envisaged in the country’s 8th National Development Plan.

And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui said it is the duty of the current generation to transform the TAZARA to a road towards development, prosperity and green transformation.

Ambassador Du Xiaohui said China will this year work at setting up the Zambia -Tanzania- China working group aimed revitalising the TAZARA railway line into a modern mode of transport and increase its capacity to match with regional needs.

The 47th anniversary Commemorations which ended with a train ride between Kapiri and Luanshimba railway siding was attended by several Chinese and Zambian government officials.

CREDIT : TF

UPDATE ON THE MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT SECTOR

Today, the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon. Paul Kabuswe, MP held a press briefing to address the following issues in that Ministry:

✅Mopani Copper Mine (Mopani)
Mopani is an asset owned by the people of Zambia through ZCCM-IH. Government has faced numerous challenges with Mopani since Glencore’s departure and the subsequent takeover by ZCCM-IH. However, over the past six months, Government has been actively searching for a new investor for Mopani. Government has received non-binding offers from four bidders in April/May and recently received the bidding offers on Monday, July 10, 2023. The government intends to close the deal with the successful bidder by July 31, 2023. Rest assured, Government will inform the nation about the successful bidder after the evaluation of the binding offers.

✅Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)
In regards to KCM, it is important to note that the shareholding structure consists of 80% Vedanta Resources (VR) and 20% ZCCM-IH. Since VR’s departure in 2019, the provisional liquidator has managed KCM. However, due to ongoing litigations against the government in both Zambian and British courts, the previous arrangement was found to be unsustainable when the new government came into power in August 2021. Consequently, the government decided to re-engage VR as the 80% shareholder to invest in the mine. Government has been negotiating the terms and conditions of this engagement, with only one matter still outstanding. Government is hopeful that this matter will be resolved within the month of July, and the citizens will be duly informed. Government is fully committed to protecting their interests while resolving the issue.

✅Kasenseli Gold Mine (KGM)
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development suspended the exploration license of Zambia Gold Company (Zamgold) due to various violations. The two shareholders who owned exploration licenses in the Kasenseli Gold area agreed to transition into KGM when it was registered with PACRA. Under an agreement between the community and Zamgold, the shareholders have relinquished their shares in KGM. Negotiations are progressing well, and we anticipate concluding them before the end of July 2023.

✅Sugilite – Luapula Province
There have been recent reports about the discovery of the gemstone Sugilite in Mansa. This mineral has been found in two locations thus far, and there is a possibility of more discoveries. While the media has widely reported on Sugilite, we have yet to establish the full extent of this resource. Therefore, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is developing a comprehensive strategy to guide the responsible and sustainable management of exploration, mining, and exploitation of this precious mineral for the benefit of the Zambian citizens. Government is already undertaking activities aligned with this strategy, and the nation will be informed as soon as the geologists complete their work.

✅Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is implementing various activities to formalise the ASM subsector, which has experienced illegal mining activities in certain provinces. The aim is to promote the participation of Zambians across the mining value chain in a formalized manner. The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has been working closely with institutions such as the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development to facilitate the formalization of operations. Thus far, 52 mining cooperatives have been registered by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development. Additionally, has approved a significant number of licenses from November 2022 to July 2023.

✅Minerals Regulation Commission
Institutional reforms are underway to enhance the regulation of the mining sector. One of the key reforms is the establishment of an independent mining regulator, the Minerals Regulation Commission. The commission will play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating mining activities, ensuring compliance, and combating lawlessness and illegality. The draft legislation for the establishment of the commission has been finalided and is currently with the Ministry of Justice for submission to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament.

✅Three (3) Million Tonnes Strategy
To increase copper production in Zambia from the current average of 800,000 tonnes to 3 million tonnes in the next nine years, Government has developed a draft strategy. The key priority in achieving this target is geological mapping and mineral exploration. Government will collaborate with the private sector and other investors to enhance copper production from both brownfields and greenfield projects. Addressing the issues surrounding Mopani and KCM, as mentioned earlier, is vital for reaching this production goal.

✅Conditions Precedent to the 3 Million Tonne Strategy
To achieve an annual copper production of 3 million tonnes, Government is investing in the acquisition of geological information. This information will not only contribute to copper production but also help us understand the potential resources and quantities of other minerals in Zambia. The mapping activities will align with the energy transition and include a draft strategy on lithium and other critical minerals. The geological mapping and exploration will take place between May and November each year.

In conclusion, the prospects for the mining sector in Zambia are promising, and the Government is fully committed to increasing the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP. Government aims to promote economic and social well-being for all Zambians, generate sustainable jobs, and manage the sector in a responsible manner. Government will continue implementing various policies and legislative measures to achieve these goals and secure the benefits for present and future generations.

#MiningSectorUpdate #ZambiaMining
#EconomicGrowth

MUFULIRA RESIDENTS BREATH FIRE OVER ALLEGED ZNS CORRUPT OPERATIONS

By Dockiso Zulu & Kalonje Mumba

Some residents of Mufulira District on the Copperbelt Province have complained over the alleged corrupt operations by the Zambia National Service -ZNS- as regards to the rampant smuggling of mealie-meal into the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC.

The residents have alleged that ZNS officers that have been placed at various check points to prevent the illegal exportation of Mealie-Meal into the Neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC- are the major contributors to the continuous smuggling of Mealie-meal that has triggered the escalating prices of the commodity in the district.

One of the residents, Juliet Mulwe claims that, those that are carrying Mealie-Meal on bicycles for consumption are being arrested and Mealie- Meal grabbed from them whilst those that are smuggling the commodity using vehicles are being allowed after a bribe is paid to ZNS officers at check points

Another resident, Florence Keke tells Mafken FM radio that, vehicles that are using the Muya road to Smuggle Mealie- Meal into DRC are moving at very high speed and lives will be lost soon.

And Agripa Monga, a farmer at Muya Farming Area at the DRC Boarder says the smuggling of mealie meal into DRC is getting out of hand.

Mr. Monga says the smuggling is worse than it was in February, in that, it is even happening during the day with the front number plates of the perpetrators vehicles removed for fear of being identified.

Meanwhile, ZNS Head of Public Relations Colonel Mable Mulenga-Nyone notes that, ZNS has a zero tolerance to abuse of authority and involvement in corrupt activities by any of its employees.

Mrs Nyone says she will take this matter seriously and investigations will be constituted to ascertain the truth, adding that, if anyone will be found wanting, they will be dealt with appropriately.

She however, appeals to members of the public who have proof to report such cases to a whistle blowers dedicated number, adding that, the information will be kept confidential.

Mafken FM

How can I interfere with witnesses in front of all media houses? – Lusambo

FORMER Kabushi member of parliament Bowman Lusambo says he was shocked when Diamond TV journalist Darius Choonya certified the State’s claims that he interfered with witnesses in a matter were he is facing 10 corruption related charges.

He said the men he poked when he jokingly told Choonya to give him a break and film witnesses of the ACC, are his associates.

Lusambo is facing three counts of attempting to interfere with witnesses who were scheduled to testify before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu in a matter where he is accused of posessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, engaging in tax evasion among other charges.

Allegations in the three counts are that Lusambo between February 1, April 1 and April 30,2022 in order to obstruct the due course of justice endeavored to disuade or prevent Cosmas Chalusa, Enerst Sumani and Mundia Mataa to give evidence as witnesses before court.

In his defence before magistrate Trevor Kasanda, Lusambo said he did not know that Chalusa and Sumani were witnesses in his case as the Anti-Corruption Commission did not parade them before Court to warn them to attend Court.

“What happened on 7 April we were scheduled to appear before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu, that day the Court decided to adjourn the matter to letter dates. I was accompanied by my wife and we were walking outside of the court room,” he said

“There were so many media houses I told them why are you focusing on filming me alone we have people like Christopher Siwakwi. I directed the media to film Siwakwi and pointed at were he was standing and off we went”

Lusambo said he was not given a list of witnesses by the ACC neither did he point at potential witnesses.

“I was shocked when the ACC called Darius as a witness in this case claiming I pointed at Siwakwi (ACC investigations officer) and the witnesses,” he said.

He said Sumani and Chalusa are not strangers to him as he knows them on a personal level hence the reason he was joking with them after his court case.

“I knew Sumani in 2013 he was a town clerk in Ndola. We had so many transactions with Sumani. When I was acquiring land in Ndola I went through his office. In 2016 I became a minister of the Copperbelt province and I worked with him as my subordinate and the entire council,” Lusambo said.

“Shamenda told me honorable balemishupafye, ( they are troubling you) and I told him fyonse fikapwa ma politics aya( it shall be well these are just politics) . I didn’t know he was a witness.”

He explained that Chalusa is his business partner for many years and the latter owed him money in a land transaction.

Lusambo further claimed that he did not call Mataa to prevent him from testifying in his case.

“I was very shocked that there was a case against me that I was trying to stop Mr Chalusa from testifying before Hamaundu. Since the case started I never had any time with Mr Chalusa to discuss anything to do with the case,” Lusambo said.

“Mundia Mataa was lying that I called him and told him not to testify in the case. He was showing the Court a screenshot which had my name and not the number purporting he received a missed call from me which is not correct. At no time have I stopped the three from testifying they appeared before magistrate Hamaundu and testified, they testified in this Court that I did not do that.”

He said he was surprised that ACC investigations officer Mulenga Mulenga was his arresting officer when the case was investigated by Siwakwi.

During cross examination by ACC senior prosecutor Daniel Ngwira, Lusambo said he did not have evidence to prove that Choonya lied when the told the Court that he interfered with witnesses.

He said he could not tell if Sumani, Chalusa and Mataa who were in the company of Siwakwi were witnesses because he is not a fortune teller.

The matter has been adjourned to September 26, for continued defense.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

DEBT RELIEF TO GROW ZAMBIA’S ICT SECTOR
July 12, 2023
Government says Zambia’s debt restructuring programme of $6.3 billion is set to grow the country’s Information and Communications Technology sector.

The sector that provides an opportunity for Zambia to address the digital divide and reduce poverty while registering economic growth is poised to be the fastest growing sector in the country.

This was revealed by Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati during the Impact Connect News Makers Forum in Lusaka last evening.
Mr. Mutati said the sector is expected to grow by 40 per cent this year as investors were waiting for Zambia and its creditors to reach a deal to restructure billions of dollars of loans to Zambia, ending a long impasse over the country’s 2020 default.

“It is growing by 40 per cent because last week, we granted three international licences to three companies; BCS, Baobab and AirtelTelesonic leading to an aggregate investment of atleast $55 million,” he said.

He said the companies were waiting for a trigger to invest their money and the trigger came in form of debt relief.
Mr. Mutati further revealed that Liquid Telecom is also expected to deliver the biggest data centre and innovation hub in the country and Southern Africa with a connection of 1,300 secondary schools to internet.

He expressed optimism that the connection of schools to the internet will improve the provision of education and make children to be part of the digital world.

Mr. Mutati assured citizens and stakeholders that the New Dawn Government will deliver internet connectivity in the remotest part of Zambia by the end of July 2023 and no Zambian will ever be out of connection.

Highlighting other benefits of the $6.3 billion debt restructuring agreement, Mr Mutati said that the agreement paves way for the disbursement of $188 and $75 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank respectively.

The Technology and Science Minister also disclosed that the agricultural sector has already received $14 million to support over 30,000 small scale farmers who are going to be given K5,000 each in order to elevate them from small scale to commercial farmers.
Mr. Mutati further said that the debt relief will boost the financial sector as players in the sector such as banks have been granted that rear freedom to be able to access international capital without shame so that they can be able to find opportunities for the investment community and earn new streams.

He expressed happiness that the debt restructuring deal allows Zambia to be paying $75 million per annum as opposed to the $600 million paid before the deal was clinched.

He said the key ingredients leading to the successful debt restructuring programme are anchored on Zambia’s strong leadership, determination and steadfastly remaining focused on the transfiguration of Zambia’s economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati said that Zambia’s agreement on a debt treatment with her official creditors is the biggest deal under the G20 Common Framework of debt relief and significant milestone in the country’s journey towards economic recovery and growth.
Speaking at the same event,

Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Public Finance Researcher Matrina Mumba said her organisation has been working with the government in simplifying and disseminating information about the debt issue to the lowest level and providing checks and balances.
“We are one of the institutions that redflaged on the aspects of debt in the previous regime. We spoke about the huge debt that the previous regime was accumulating,” she charged.

She said CTPD is supplementing government efforts in explaining what debt restructuring means and the benefits that it has for the country.
And University of Zambia Students’ Union president Chandra Choongo said the debt burden had been chocking the country for too long hence the restructuring programme will alleviate its negative effects.

Mr. Chongo expressed confidence that the agreement reached for Zambia’s debt to be rescheduled for over more than 20 years with a three-year grace period during which only payments on interest are due will have a positive bearing on students.

He expressed confidence that the debt restructuring deal will enable government to increase budget allocation to the education sector.
He said students remain expectant that the government will expand infrastructure in higher learning institutions to accommodate the swelling number of students seeking tertiary education.

Zambia recently reached a debt restructuring deal, an agreement that signifies a crucial turning point in the country’s economic recovery and holds the potential to unlock vital financial resources, propelling the nation towards a path of stability and growth.
While in opposition, President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA promised to restructure the country’s debt management system which many have described as a milestone campaign fulfilment.

The Impact News Makers Forum was attended by Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson Thabo Kawana and other stakeholders.
(C) THE FALCON