The cost of living for a family of five as measured by the Catholic Church organisation – Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for the month of April 2023 in Lusaka stood at K9, 112.6.

JCTR Executive Director Fr. Alex Muyebe, S.J said this statistics represents an increase of K109.39 over the K9, 003.21 recorded in March 2023.

Fr. Muyebe said the basket’s upward movement can be attributed to price increases in food items such as onion, fruits and chicken among other items.

“During the month of reflection, an analysis of the performance of various major economic fundamentals revealed slight variations. The Zambian kwacha appreciated against international currencies such as the US dollar (by slightly more than 10%). The annual inflation rate increased to 10.2 percent in April 2023, up from 9.9 percent in March 2023, attributable to price increases in certain non-food products according to the Zambia Statistics Agency.Nonetheless, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) reduced the price of diesel at the pump, while the price of petrol remained unchanged.JCTR applauds the Government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, for commencing the preparations for the 2024 national budget on schedule and in accordance with the law. In disseminating the April 2023 BNNB, the centre focuses its analysis on this critical exercise mostly because the budget is a powerful economic tool that influences the direction of economic policy and other development initiatives,” Fr. Muyebe said.

He observed that in the first four months of 2023, the cost of living in Lusaka has averaged at about K9, 110.3, with the national average basket standing at K6, 629.91

“Several improvements have been recognised over time, especially through the budget currently under implementation. Some examples include the adoption of a higher non-taxable threshold of K4, 800 through Pay as You Earn (PAYE), greater social protection allocations as a result of the elimination
of subsidies, and enhanced health and education budget allocations, among others. However, the JCTR observes that in the first four months of 2023, the cost of living in Lusaka has averaged at about K9, 110.3, with the national average basket standing at K6, 629.91.This is still significantly higher than the national average monthly income of K4, 2152. In the face of the continued Ukraine-Russia war’s impact on commodity prices, delayed debt restructuring negotiations, delayed delivery of farming inputs in the 2022/23 farming season, high unemployment and minimal adjustments to the minimum wage, even good social protection programmes, as seen, might be undermined by a high cost of living.Informed by these challenges JCTR takes the preparation of the 2024 National Budget and its subsequent implementation as an opportunity to encourage and urge the government to promote structural equality. This can be accomplished by ensuring that measures already in place to guarantee that the process is inclusive, notably by accommodating perspectives from all sectors of the economy, particularly those who are marginalised and vulnerable, are followed to the letter,” Fr. Muyebe said.

He added that there is a need for the national budget to provide cost of living relief, particularly for the dignity of vulnerable groups in the country.

“JCTR is therefore calling for the following: International creditors to promptly offer Zambia debt relief. This is critical in freeing up fiscal space to support the welfare of the most vulnerable amidst the high cost of living.Government to continue the practice of being transparent on public financial matters by providing timely updates and details of various proposed development options.

Government to provide a robust domestic resource mobilisation strategy to prevent further debt contraction, support social sector spending and arrest the high living cost.More initiatives through the national budget to provide cost of living relief, particularly for the dignity of vulnerable groups. These might include revising upwards the PAYE non tax bands, capitalizing on VAT and corporate tax.Broad based consultations in the current ongoing budget preparation as well as Medium Term Expenditure Framework (2024 to 2026).The will allow for the exploration of both income- based and cost-based options to enhance economic growth and curtail the rise in the cost of living.”

By Isaac Mwanza

Over the last 30 years, Zambia and the international community have spent colossal sums of money on processes aimed at writing a Constitution, with the hope that it would stand the test of time.

The question is, does Zambia still need to amend its Constitution? The answer is a definite NO!

What Zambia needs is a dynamic Constitutional Court which is committed to bringing clarity to provisions of the Constitution through interpretation that permits the development of the law.

The major excuse for the last constitutional review process was the need to clean that gaps that arose from amendments introduced in 2016.

One of the first visible gaps was the silence in the Constitution on whether political parties retained a right to sponsor candidates to the office of a Councillor, which is not a State office.

The Constitution had defined a state office as including the office of President, Vice President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Member of Parliament, Minister and Provincial Minister.

And Article 60(1)(b) of the Constitution limited a right for a political party to nominate and sponsor candidates for election to a State office.

Two Lusaka-based lawyers and a civil society organisation challenged the sponsorship of councillors by political parties, at a time when the Constitution did not expressly provide for such a right.

The Court was resolved the gap by stating that the freedom of association in the Constitution includes the liberty by persons and political parties to secure protection of their interests, which include participation of political parties and their members in democratic elections.

Another gap later arose when National Assembly of Zambia had dissolved but the President, acting on the strength of Articles 116(3)(e) and 117(2)(d) of the Constitution, allowed his Ministers to stay in office.

Under those articles, the Constitution provide for the office of a cabinet minister and Provincial Minister to become vacant when another person assumes the office of President.

The continued stay in office by former Ministers was also facilitated by the Court itself when it refused to grant interim orders restraining the ministers from performing ministerial functions before the matter was determined.

This gap was resolved when the Court decided that Ministers were appointed from among the members of the National Assembly and that when Parliament dissolves, no-one remained except the President, Vice President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The Court thus ordered the Ministers to vacate offices and pay back the money, which they did amidst protests.

Later another gap was noticed in the Constitution when the Mayor of Lusaka died in 2018. His deputy and other councillors desired to contest the ensuing by-election.

However, the Constitution provided that an elected person who causes a vacancy cannot re-contest elections during the life of Parliament, raising a question on whether a councillor can resign and contest a mayoral position which is higher than that of a councillor.

The Court resolved the matter by holding that a mayor or council chairperson is also a councillor and that a councillor who resigns causes a vacancy in the Council, and cannot therefore contest another election during that life of Parliament.

Around 2019, another constitutional gap was identified which bordered on persistent resignations and retraction of resignations by councillors who were elected during the first general election held under the amended Constitution.

The question was whether a person who resigns could rescind their resignation.

The Court resolved the matter by categorically stating that where the Constitution does not provide for rescission of a resignation letter, the resignation cannot be rescinded.

In 2021, another gap on the possible cancellation of an election by the Electoral Commission arose when a candidate resigns, dies or is disqualified by a court or tribunal before the date of an election.

The case to resolve this gap was first presented to court by a Lusaka lawyer, Mutwena but the matter could not be adjudicated because it was not ripe i.e. was based on a situation that was likely to happen or not to happen in future.

In short, it was speculative with no factual situation, forcing the court to decline an invitation to engage in academic exercise.

The matter became ripe when two candidates in the Kwacha and Kabushi by-election had resigned from the race.

But this time, it was Green Party President Peter Sinkamba and this author who decided to sue the Commission for contravening the Constitution by failing to cancel an election.

The Court was also alerted to the fact that the Constitution has fixed a 90-day timeframe within which to hold a by-election. It was thus argued that an election held outside those 90 days was going to be unconstitutional.

The Court partly resolved this gap when it stated the following in the majority Judgment:

“Article 52(6) of the Constitution does not give a time frame within which the dictates (i.e., cancellation of an election and holding of fresh nominations) of clause 52(6) should be implemented by the Respondent [Electoral Commission]…once Article 52(6) is triggered, the ninety-day period for holding a by-election stipulated by Article 57(1) may be affected depending on the timing of the death, resignation or disqualification of a candidate after the close of nominations but before the election is held…It therefore follows that the by-election in those circumstances may be held outside the ninety-day period stipulated by Article 57(1) of the Constitution.”

There still had remained a question though on retraction of resignations by candidates in Kwacha and Kabushi by-election. It was not part of that case.

The Attorney-General had applied to the Court that the question be addressed in the judgment. In its ruling in Ndola, the Court declined that invitation to address the question, stating that the Court ought to be properly moved to address such a question.

The question on the retraction of resignation by those two candidates in Kwacha and Kabushi is now awaiting determination by the Court in a separate matter. This author will make no further analysis on it.

From the above gaps and many others including the one dealt with in the Presidential Eligibility case, it should be clear that the Constitution has and will have gaps, unless it is drafted by angels.

Nevertheless, Zambia’s endless reviews of the Constitution are not a solution to resolving these constitutional. Embarking on another one will result in new and more gaps.

The only way gaps in the Constitution can be addressed is through the Courts which are specially established for purposes of interpreting the Constitution.

In the Unites of America, the Supreme Court of the United States of America [SCOTUS] has the final power of interpreting the Constitution.

The U.S Constitution has, for over 200 years, stood the test of time with only 27 new clauses added because of the admirable work of the SCOTUS.

The SCOTUS has performed its sacrosanct duty of interpreting the Constitution without ducking and keeps addressing difficult questions. It’s works has strengthened America’s constitutional democracy and resulted in good democratic governance.

If the American people were addressing gaps in their most revered Constitution every time a gap was spotted or new issue arose, the American Constitution would have been a useless document and not worth the paper it was written on.

Similarly, the superior Courts in Kenya have, over the last 12 years, exceptionally done well in bringing clarity to the Kenyan Constitution.

Kenyan courts have developed an admirable constitutional jurisprudence in Africa, set clear lines of separation of powers and contributed to peoples respect for the Constitution.

This is because the Judiciary in Kenya acts independently, boldly and unafraid in checking the excesses of both the executive and legislative arm of government.

The courts in Kenya are the major reason why constitutional democracy is flourishing and shining like the brightest star on this dark continent.

There are no serious calls from non-state actors in Kenya to take a second bite at reviewing their 12-year-old Constitution.

The energies existing among non-state actors and resources from the international community are being directed towards constitutional litigation which clarifies gaps and secure protection of peoples rights and liberties.

In Zambia, the Constitutional Court was solely established by the people of Zambia to hear and determine disputes arising from the Constitution, similar to what the SCOTUS and Kenyan Courts do.

This author is of a very firm view that reviewing the Zambian Constitution, at the moment, is not a priority. This should only be resorted to if the Court fails, ducks or weaves in addressing existing gaps with clarity.

Non-state actors and Zambians generally must utilise our special Constitutional Court to clear the gaps in our Constitution.

For your contributions send Email: isaacmwanza14@gmail.com

(Published by the Daily Nation, 2023)

Plunder of National Resources

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Corporate theft is hard to detect. It is complicated. The victim in this case is always the Government’s Treasury that is attacked from multiple sources using sophisticated illegal schemes.

Let’s take the current matter around Bank of Zambia.

Zambia has 249 private pension schemes registered with the Pension and Insurance Authority(PIA).

And Zambia also has eight (😎 licenced registered pension fund managers and administrators that include African Life Financial Services (Benefits Consulting Services), Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited, ZSIC Life, Prudential Pensions Management Zambia and others.

African Life Financial Services(ALFS) associated with President Hakainde Hichilema has taken centre stage and was recently awarded as fund manager, the $35million Environmental Protection Fund run by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

The National Pension Scheme Authority(NAPSA) has stashed most of its pension savings in banks and offshore accounts abroad. This is in billions of dollars.

They are attempts to create specifically a fund manager for NAPSA to manage these assets.

We need to watch that process.

ALFS owns the Saturnia Regna Pension Fund. This is one of Zambia’s largest private pension fund manger and has created a pension fund trust which provides pension plans of workers for over 200 corporate companies covering about 35,000 workers.

Recently Bank of Zambia Pension Fund, the Kwacha Pension Trust Fund is said to have been taken to ALFS for fund management.

Kwacha Pension Trust Fund is a single employer pension trust that manages pension on behalf of its members, who comprise former and current employees of the Bank of Zambia.

Since Monday, rumours have been swirling around that the Bank of Zambia Governor, Dr. Denny Kalyalya had resigned over this decision and other repeated and perversive interferences despite the entrenched autonomy that Bank of Zambia as a Central Bank enjoys by law and practice.

I am always surprised that while the media is preoccupied with trivial stories, quoting speeches and covering talking heads, a detailed plunder of national resources is always underway!

ZCCM-IH reputed Board Chairperson, Dolika Banda suddenly resigned shortly after ZCCM-IH Board approved and validated the contraversial conversion of its 20% dividend interests in Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine to an annual 3.1% royalty payment.
The ZCCM-IH Minority shares have called for criminal investigations in what appears to be a corrupt deal.

Industrial Development Corporation(IDC), one of the key implementing agencies and edtablished to spearhead industrial development, had its board members; Arthur Ndlovu and Nitesh Patel removed by President Hichilema shortly before an important board meeting.

In December 2022, I felt frustrated that a roomful of journalists covering a media briefing by Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, who was defending the conversion of 20% dividend benefits of ZCCM-IH to a 3.1% royalty payment couldn’t ask pertinent questions.

Musokotwane announced that the Government had directed that criminal charges against FQM Directors who were facing fraud charges of externalising $2.5billion from Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine, ZCCM-IH be dropped. Further Musokotwane announced that other civil claims by ZCCM-IH against FQM that were in court would be dropped too.

ZCCM-IH or Musokotwane or any other person had no such powers to drop criminal charges.

Further no one bothered to ask what other mechanism would be used on how the $2.5billion would be recovered.

Infact,it became the ultimate goal to cover up the theft of $2.5billion from Kansanshi under the guise that a sweet deal for Zambia was being done on the conversion of ZCCM-IH dividend interests.

Again no one bothered to ask what new tax benefits, other incentives and tax holidays were awarded to the FQM and the mining sector.

The $70million medicines payment that was about to be illegally repatriated to Egypt to a procurement agency and pushed hard by the Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo and supported by State House may die a natural death.

Recently President Hichilema has brought and has been pushing investment in the power sector. No one is asking at what rate ZESCO is signing these power purchase agreements especially that these new independent power producers investments are being pushed by State House.

The power purchase agreements that ZESCO is being made to sign are long-term and cover years from 15years to 30 years.

I wish we paid more attention even to decisions such as the sale of the presidential jet and government luxury motor vehicles that will purposefully be sold at huge collasal losses.

So if there is a matter occuring at the Central Bank, where the Governor is threatening resignation, we need to shine the spotlight and establish the truth as Government will not willingly release information as seen in other cases.

Rumours can only be quenched by establishing the truth.

The State is always determined to keep the facts away from the prying eyes of journalists and the public, while it should be the sacred duty of the media to peel away the secrecy,lies and cover-ups.

WHO PROCURED THE LUXURY VXs, AT WHAT COST – KALABA QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT

…..tell the Zambians in the same manner you were loud on the Gulfstream

Lusaka, Thursday, May 11, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)

President Hakainde Hichilema must consider cutting down on his foreign trips if he is serious about saving costs, Citizens First Leader Harry Kalaba has said.

Mr Kalaba said this is is because it is highly unlikely that the MOU’s President Hichilema is signing will yield results in the remaining 38 months of his term.

Mr Kalaba said the country would be better served if the Head of State spent his time and effort listening to the people’s cries and addressing their concerns as is expected of one.

And the Opposition leader says the decision by the President to direct that new vehicles that were procured for Ministers be returned is therefore not just hypocritical but a clear demonstration of poor leadership.

Mr Kalaba has since challenged the New Dawn Administration to state to the nation who procured the ministerial vehicles in question and how they arrived at that decision

He said there is no justification for the disposal of vehicles for ministers while the President maintain a fleet of new cars that have been procured under his office.

“At what price where they procured and what price will they be disposed at? It is common knowledge the moment a car gets out of a showroom, it automatically depreciates. We demand to know who in the first place authorized the procurement of the ministerial vehicles and what the justification of selling them off and thereby allowing the country to lose hard earned tax payer’s money,” he said.

“They were loud on the purchase of the Gulfstream by the previous regime. They were eager to let the nation know as to who procured the Plane and at what cost. Why don’t they now use the same energy to inform the nation on VXs they now intend to sell.”

Meanwhile, Mr Kalaba has castigated the UPND Government for perfecting the art and preference of supporting foreigners at the expense of Zambian Citizens.

He claims that no local contractors have been paid under the UPND government and this has resulted in a significant contraction in our economy.

“While citizens are subjected to some of the highest taxes on the continent, they have found it prudent to give tax breaks and concessions to foreign mining houses who do not even declare the correct amount of taxable revenue,” he said.

ZICA demands for plan B towards debt restructuring

The Zambia institute of chartered accountants – ZICA has challenged Government through the ministry of Finance and National Planning to consider having a plan B in case the debt restructuring process takes longer than planned stating the country may lose gains achieved so far.

ZICA says another option the Zambian authorities could consider is to arrange a one- on-one meeting with the Chinese authorities since China has been singled as delaying the process. She noted that Zambia already enjoys a cordial relationship with China and a visit would be worthwhile to strengthen our relationships and speed up the debt restructuring process.

Speaking during the ZICA media briefing for the first quarter of 2023 on matters that affect the Accountancy profession and the nation at large and attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, ZICA President Cecilia Zimba said the Institute takes keen interest in the ongoing discussions and developments on the country’s debt restructuring process and join all the concerned parties and partners who have expressed deep concern about the debt restructuring stalemate.

Zimba said as devoted citizens, ZICA would like the country to come out of the negative tag attributed to its default status since 2020, so that the Government can properly execute its economic recovery plan.

“Much as the Debt issue is a big matter concerning the country’s economy and a lot hinges on it, the budget for 2023 is dependent on a restructured loan facilities from our creditors and we know how detrimental it will be if this debt restructuring does not happen and that is why we are saying let’s put in place measures that will boost our revenue collection and start to address some of the areas of the economy that need urgent attention.”

“We, therefore, urge the Minister of Finance to keep pushing and start considering having a PLAN B in case the debt restructuring process takes longer than planned. We believe that the Economic Recovery Plan has many other facets and key areas apart from debt restructuring and debt sustainability. It would be good to heighten efforts and focus on other areas of the plan that would give us quick wins so that the economic recovery is not derailed.” She remarked.

The media briefing also reflected on other developments related to other key matters that include, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approval of ZESCO’s application to increase electricity tariffs, financial stability versus price stability, high Unemployment levels in the country as well as Go… follow link to read the full article http://zambianbusinesstimes.com/zica-demand-for-plan-b-towards-debt-restructuring/

TWO PEOPLE DIE ON THE SPOT AS DRIVER GOES ON THE RUN.

Two people are reported to have died on the spot with seven others nursing serious injuries after a Mitsubishi Fuso they were on failed to ascend the Mafinga hills and in the process overturned.

The accident happened in the early hours of Wednesday at Sese village in Chief Mwenechifungwe’s area, about 70 Kilometers East of Isoka town.

Muchinga province Deputy Commanding Officer Ronald Zambo has identified the deceased persons as Shepherd Sikanyika and Ezekiel Sikapizye aged 40 and 23 respectively, of Katonga village in Isoka District of Muchinga Province.

“Involved was a Mitsubishi Fuso registration number AIB 4838 which has a damaged passengers’ door window glass and depressed tail. It was being driven from West towards the East by Male Davy Sichone aged about 35 of Katonga village in Isoka district who sustained unknown injuries, if any, as he fled the scene after the accident. Onboard the said motor vehicle was unknown number of passengers who were going for munada (make shift open market) from Isoka out of which two passengers sustained fatal head injuries and died on the spot and were identified as male Shepherd Sikanyika aged 40 and male Ezekiel Sikapizye aged 23 all of katonga village in Isoka district and their bodies have since been deposited to Isoka district hospital mortuary,” Says Mr Mubanga.

He adds that ” Seven other passengers sustained various serious injuries and are admitted to the same hospital, the victims were identified as Female Mary Sichela aged 39 years of Kalemelela village in Isoka district, female Belinda Nambela aged 39 of Kawenga village, Isoka district, female Mirriam Mauluka aged 37 of Kawenga village, female Joyce Namfukwe aged 40 of Chiwanda village, female Loveness Namukoko aged 44 of katonga village, female Rebecca Silungwe aged 46 of kalemelela village and female Liliana Nakawala aged 41 of Kawenga village.”

These are believed to be traders who were going for an open day market locally known as ‘Munada’.

Accident happened when the motor vehicle, due to unknown reasons failed to ascend mafinga hills and started reversing uncontrollably until it careered off the road to the left and overturned.

Manhunt for the driver has been instituted.

In December 2021, nine lives were claimed at the same spot when a Fuso fighter with about 30 people on board rolled downhill and overturned.

They were on their way to an open day market from Isoka to Mafinga district, police confirmed.

Chete FM

About demand for jobs and future for youths

By Dr Lubinda Haabazoka

This week, ZRA had thousands turn up for aptitude tests competing for just a few job spaces. Many condemned ZRA for allowing such a huge number of people to come and attend. Many suggested that ZRA should have used new information technology to conduct their interviews. However, ZRA did the right thing.

First when ZRA advertised for those jobs, they set out minimum requirements for applicants. So it was going to be unfair not to invite for interviews anyone who met these requirements. I have seen companies not shortlist candidates who meet the requirements! At law, that is wrong especially that in this case ZRA is a public institution.

Secondly, ZRA could not have used online aptitude tests because connectivity in Zambia is not up to standard and also verification of who is actually writing the tests was going to be difficult. In this case ZRA was still going to need space to verify those that were writing.

In the 90s, the then Burseries committee now Loans Board advertised for 18 Scholarships for school leavers wishing to study in Russia. I was among the applicants. We were expected to write aptitude tests in Additional Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Over 3500 people turned up for the written interviews! I remember that day very well when top performers from all over the country showed up just for 18 spaces!!! Fast forward, I was among the few picked to go and study economics. By the time I was doing my second year in Russia, I was informed UNZA had also accepted me to study economics. I never came back off course.

So that said, it’s perfectly normal to compete in huge numbers so long those shortlisted meet the criteria. What we need to do is to create more job opportunities for the many youths that are on the streets.

When I say government’s involvement in running mines and opening new companies, I also speak for the many youths that remain unemployed. Look at how easy government created jobs for teachers and health care personnel! Imagine if government had a firm grip on the mining sector and IDC had created a lot of companies in the country, it was going to be easy to recruit in large numbers! China with over a billion people has No unemployment issues! Russia in fact is short of people to work!!!

Our private sector is effective taxes well above 60% has no chance to expand and create jobs! The many taxes and fees one has to pay is a huge hindrance to job creation!!! Even entrepreneurship needs capital and skills which unfortunately are lacking in Zambia.

To be honest, in Zambia many people are educated just to get the paper and not to resolve issues on the ground. If we were rightly educated, we would not have been fighting each other but poverty!

No one will ever develop Zambia unless ourselves. Our youths now spend 24/7 in WhatsApp groups doing nothing. We need to change our mindset and develop a wining mentality! We need to declare war on poverty of the mind first. Then secondly fight poverty of the stomach. After that we need to innovate!!! Making money should be priority number one!

Anyway I sign out…

CARITAS ZAMBIA STATEMENT ON THE NON-DISCLOSURE OF ZCCM-IH DEAL

Caritas calls on Government to divulge all the pertinent details regarding the ZCCM-IH deal.
For Immediate Release

20th April 2023

Caritas Zambia challenges government to disclose the full details of the deal signed with Kansanshi Copper Mines if there is indeed nothing fishy about the conversion of the shares Zambians hold in the mining giant via ZCCM-IH.

We have taken note of the press release by ZCCM-IH minority stakeholders in which they are claiming that certain elements of the KMP Royalty deal have been concealed.

In the same media statement, the minority shareholders share their frustrations with regulators and watchdog institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission who they turned to in the hope of getting answers but to no avail.

Caritas Zambia is concerned with non-disclosure of this Agreement by the parties involved in the transaction. We call upon the Government through ZCCM-IH and Kansanshi Copper Mine PLC to disclose the terms of the agreement in the spirit of upholding transparency and accountability in the mining sector.

Poor levels of transparency and accountability in the management of the natural resources is responsible for widespread under-development in mining-affected communities. Mining operations characterised by opaque, exclusive, and lack of accountability and transparency, deprives mine-hosting communities the true benefits that are due to them.

The main source of corruption in the mining industry over the years has been the lack of openness in the sector’s management and administration, which has deprived Zambians of the benefits.

Communities are unaware of whose benefits are established on their behalf due to the near impossibility of having access to compensation documentation and contracts, as was the case with the ZCCM-IH agreement.

As a result of this systemic form of information exclusion and document hiding, there is a serious risk of corruption and improper reward administration in the mining sector. Numerous investigations, court judgements, and research studies reveal that opacity increases the likelihood of elite capture.

As a result, both the management of community benefits and the long-term profitability of the entire mining value chain suffer.

If the ZCCH-IH deal is going to be to the Zambian people’s benefit, then why are they being kept in the dark about it? We contend that the only reason the ZCCH-IH agreement with FQM is being kept a secret from the people of Zambia is because it most likely benefits a select group or individuals.

We demand that the government follow the law and make available to the people of Zambia all documents related to the ZCCM-IH agreement.

We want the utilization of mineral resources to benefit Zambians. We have become weary of witnessing the extreme levels of corruption and lack of transparency that have left many mine-affected communities mired in abject
poverty, barred from growth, and with no possibilities for the future.

Despite holding the most expensive commodities in the world, mining regions across the nation remain destitute and have questionable prospects for prosperity and opportunity.

The most horrifying illustration of this reality is the widespread theft of mining earnings by public servants, traditional leaders, and business representatives. Corruption is a major enabler of the resource curse.

If policymakers, oversight agencies, and industry leaders don’t set the example by prioritizing transparency and accountability in the management and administration of contracts and arrangements, systemic looting of mining proceeds will continue.
We are expectant that the government will act honorably and divulge all of the pertinent details regarding the ZCCM-IH deal.

These details should include the identities of the agencies and beneficial owners that stand to benefit from the agreement, as well as the nature of the Agreement.

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived safely in Paris, France, ahead of a crucial meeting with His Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting will focus on issues related to debt resolution and trade and investment opportunities between Zambia and France. France is a key player in Zambia’s debt restructuring program as it sits on the Paris Club of Creditors and the G20, which have been discussing Zambia’s debt situation under the Common Debt Treatment Framework. President Hichilema expressed his commitment to finding a solution to Zambia’s debt crisis and thanked the public for their continued support.

President Hichilema is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo and Minister of Finance and National Planning of Zambia Situmbeko Musokotwane. While in France, President Hichilema is expected to hold high-level bilateral talks with President Macron. The outcome of this meeting is crucial in accelerating Zambia’s debt restructuring process.

President Hichilema is expected to return to the United Kingdom on Wednesday, 10th May 2023, after a high-level series of meetings with international cooperating partners. Earlier in the day, President Hichilema made a presentation at Heriot-Watt University before meeting with the Head of Scottish Government, First Minister Humza Yousaf. The two leaders held a closed-door meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Zambia and Scotland.

During the meeting, First Minister Yousaf confirmed a £1 million international development investment to Zambia to establish a state-of-the-art research facility. President Hichilema expressed his gratitude for the gesture and stressed the importance of education as the best investment a country can make. President Hichilema later went into a series of roundtable meetings with various stakeholders in the education and energy sectors.

President Hichilema started his Scottish outing with a visit to Panmure House where he addressed delegates at the famous and prestigious house. Panmure House is the final remaining home of Adam Smith, philosopher and ‘father of modern economics.’ Heriot-Watt University’s mission in running Panmure House is to provide a world-influencing center for social and economic debate and research, convening in the name of Adam Smith to effect positive change and forge global, future-focused networks.

Heriot-Watt University Chancellor Sir Geoff Palmer applauded President Hichilema for his leadership and clear sense of purpose in driving Zambia forward. “The President who is an accomplished business person is well acquainted with the importance of economics. Mr. President, we applaud your leadership and clear sense of purpose in driving Zambia forward,” said Sir Palmer.

President Hichilema’s trip to France and Scotland is an essential step towards resolving Zambia’s debt crisis and forging international partnerships for economic growth and development. The investment from the Scottish Government is a significant boost to Zambia’s research and development capabilities and underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in achieving shared goals. Zambia looks forward to fruitful discussions with stakeholders in education, investment, and global development as it seeks to drive its economy forward.

Ndola District Commissioner Joseph Phiri has accused independent Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament Warren Chisha Mwambazi of sidelining officials from the ruling UPND when implementing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects.

Mr. Phiri alleged that only people from opposition Patriotic Front (PF) were benefiting from CDF in Bwana Mkubwa Constituency.

The chief civil servant in Ndola said he was displeased over the manner in which Mr Mwambazi is handling CDF issues.

Mr. Phiri, the immediate past UPND Ndola District Chairman, said he was receiving numerous complaints and reports from some ruling UPND party members and officials that the said Mr. Mwambazi was working in isolation as he was not engaging, recognising or inviting any UPND party officials in projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He said it is unacceptable that the Member of parliament was sidelining the party officials including himself in CDF programmes and projects yet he was using Government’s resources and the name of the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema.

The Ndola DC claimed that he is entitled to monitor any ongoing CDF projects in all the four constituencies of Ndola District because he was an overseer of the four constituencies namely Chifubu, Ndola Central, Bwana Mkubwa and Kabushi.

Mr. Phiri was speaking during the official commissioning of the first ever Mwenye Police Post in Ndola’s Chichele area attended by Ndola Mayor Jones Kalyati.

“Ndefwaya ukulanda pama reports and nama complaints ndepokelela , elo ili ilyashi tatwalinyantilile, abantu bambi tamubachita engage kuma programs and everyday ndepokelela ama similar reports ati ba upnd tabelichita benefit muma CDF programs its like muleloleshya pamenso. This should be discarded. Let me be very open and truthful to you Hon Mwambazi according to the reports and complaints i’m receiving on a daily basis especially from members of the ruling party including myself. You don’t engage leaders from the ruling party when taking up CDF programs and projects, its like you’re sidelining them from your programs,” Mr. Phiri said.

He said no leader should capitalise on CDF for political expediency because the money is for the people of Zambia.

“Let me also take this opportunity to clarify that CDF is not for you, it’s not for Joseph Phiri but its for the people of Zambia and everyone must benefit from it, you shouldn’t be segregative ” Only people from PF are benefiting from CDF here in Bwana Mkubwa. Stop it,” Mr Phiri said.

According to Mr Phiri, the Mwenye Police Post failed to be commissioned on the earlier set time and date as it lacked furniture and police officers to be deployed at the newly built structure.

Mr Phiri further challenged Mr Mwambazi to refrain from segregative behaviour and instead engage every individual despite their political affiliation.

“As much as you are independent, the councilor is independent, CDF money is not independent. We have to monitor it for the benefit of every resident of Bwana Mkubwa. That’s what President Hakainde Hichilema wants. It should not benefit a few individuals no,” he said.

The Ndola DC further encouraged the residents of Mwenye Compound to guard the new police post jealously as so much government resources was allocated to the project further calling on the deployed police officers to remain professional and respect the residents.

Meanwhile, earlier in his speech, Mr. Mwambazi said he was aware that some people say he is not working well in Bwana Mkubwa Constituency.

“This is our police post, let us safeguard it. Respect the police. Like the Ndola Mayor Mr. Jones Kalyati said, we need to respect the government. We won’t allow someone to come and say police are not working well. We have channels of communication. Some people say Mwambazi doesn’t work well others say he works well. Let us give respect to the government. When you have issues consult and follow procedure. President Hakainde Hichilema usually say when you do wrong things you are on your own. You elected me to make laws which are enforced by the police, this is how we work. Thank you the people of Mwenye. We will discuss the rest of the issues inhouse, we will discuss them in the bedroom as a family,” Mr. Mwambazi said.

The Bwana Mkubwa lawmaker has in the past indicated that he was working well with the UPND Government of President Hakainde Hichilema for the benefit of people in his Constituency.

“It is a notorious fact that the UPND is the ones in power and we need to support them like we supported others who did not want to listen. The people of Bwana Mkubwa elected me because they saw it fit that we want this gentleman to help us and even today I am still reaffirming my promise to the people of Government that we will deliver development. With the help of the New Dawn Government we will push and have our projects and deliver to the people. We only have one country and development will come through state coffers. Government does not stop, parties will come and go but the government will continue. What is important is for the people of Bwana Mkubwa to get the share of the national cake and to have development. That is what I am pushing as Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa,” Mr. Mwambazi told journalists late last year.

ACTING PRESIDENT NALUMANGO CALLS FOR MORE INVESTMENT FROM CHINA

Acting President Mutale Nalumango has called for increased investments from China in key strategic sectors of the economy in the Country.

Mrs. Nalumango said Zambia appreciates the continued support and partnerships between Zambia and China but added that more investment is needed in sectors such as Agriculture, Mining, Energy and Health among others.

ZANIS reports that the acting President was speaking when a delegation of officials from the Communist Party of China paid a courtesy call at her office in Lusaka.

Mrs Nalumango stated that government would like to grow the private sector and that partnerships of such nature with China are cardinal for the development of Zambia’s private sector.

She thanked the Chinese government for its support in Zambia’s debt restructuring efforts and called for further support in the country’s efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The Acting President also congratulated the Communist Party of China for successfully holding elections and emerging victorious and for the many economic wins scored.

And leader of the Chinese delegation Wang Heming hailed the Zambian government and the United Party for National Development (UPND) for the many economic and social gains that have been scored since assuming office.

Mr. Heming who is the Director General of Sub-Sahara Africa Affairs of the international department of the Communist Party of China, said the UPND have pushed for micro economic and policy reforms that have registered social and economic changes.

The senior communist party official said the reforms gives the Chinese government the comfort to continue working with Zambia.

Mr. Heming disclosed that his visit is the first step in implementing of the consensus reached by President Hakainde Hichilema and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinxing last year in May

He noted that the key sectors alluded to by Acting President Mrs Nalumango resonates with China’s sectors of interest and further reaffirmed China’s commitment to work with Zambia.

The Chinese delegation included other senior officials of the Communist Party of China, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui, while the Zambian delegation included senior UPND party officials and government officials.

Zanis

General PF membership happy with what I’m pushing for – Miles Sampa

MATERO PF member of parliament Miles Sampa says the general membership of the PF is happy with him that he is pushing for the extraordinary general conference.

Sampa has put members of the PF central committee at the edge of their seats, as he demands for the former ruling party to hold a general conference immediately.

He branded as illegal some of the positions held by senior party members, as they were not elected, as per the PF constitution.

In an interview with #Kalemba, Sampa said he may be unpopular to some members who want to abrogate the PF constitution but that other party members are happy with his course of action.

“Majority (PF) members from the 10 provinces are calling me and they are happy that I am pushing for the constitution and the general conference,” Sampa disclosed.

“Anyone who is agreeing to the abrogation of the current PF constitution obviously won’t like me, (a person) who is pushing for the PF constitution to be respected.”

He added that the people who make noise are not even PF members.

Sampa said the majority in the PF want the PF constitution to be respected, by going to the general conference immediately and choose a leader – whoever the leader may be.

He added that those who do not love the PF constitution won’t agree with his actions.

“Unless someone is pointing out that what I am pointing in Article 53, 52 is wrong, then they will convince me,” Sampa said.

“But if they can’t point to the constitution, they are using emotions.”

Meanwhile, Sampa expressed disappointment at the recent meeting held by the PF central committee on Saturday, stating that no tangible resolutions were made.

“I even predicted before it finished, they should have come out (of the meeting) announcing that the general convention will be held at such a day but no! They came out with excuses, there is no date set,” Sampa said.

“They will keep having those expensive meetings where they spend about K200,000 eating delicious lunches while the grassroots are suffering. And they will call another one soon where they will continue eating delicious, expensive lunches but they will not come up with a date of the convention.”

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba May 9, 2023

The Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) has alleged that the resignation of ZCCM -IH Board Chairperson Dolika Banda suggests lack of transparency and accountability in the running of the country’s mining sector by the government.

The financial conduct authority has temporarily suspended ZCCM IH share listing from the London Metal Exchange in the wake of Ms. Banda’s resignation.

SARW Senior Researcher and Advocacy Officer Edward Lange has said Zambia has found itself in a precarious situation on matters relating to the operation of ZCCM- IH following the resignation of Ms Banda as board chairperson.

Mr. Lange said the country needed to improve its standing at the international stage following the suspension of ZCCM IH share listing from the London stock exchange and the subsequent resignation of the board chairperson.

He said there is a need for the government to allow state enterprises to operate independently without undue influence.

“The country has found itself in a very confused position. Confused position as it looks as if we are in a dilemma on matters that are linked and related to the ZCCM IH which has shares in Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines. As you know the two companies’ operations have been brought to a halt in terms of operations thereby halting the economy of the Copperbelt Province. The same government has been making promises and conflicting statements on KCM and Mopani and now we are compounded by the resignation of the ZCCM IH Board Chairperson which points to the lack of transparency. ZCCM IH has been delisted or suspended by the London Metal Exchange. So all these issues put together you will realise that we need to put together our standing in the eyes of the international players in the mining sector,” Mr. Lange said.

He said the alleged meddling in the affairs of public or private enterprises by the state was tarnishing the name of Zambia’s mining sector.

“This is a very sad situation to the extent that we are viewed as a country that has no values of transparency and accountability. The state owned enterprises are being interfered with in terms of operations by the long arm of Presidency through state house we hear so and now our position is: Can we allow state enterprises to operate independently because if we do professional decisions are going to be made. When professional decisions are made we are going to do away with the current situation we have found ourselves entangle in, especially to do with the Copperbelt. So our appeal to the Government is to leave private entities or state owned enterprises to operate freely and professionally without undue interferences from the mainstream government, This will help the current difficulty situation a lot, this will help improve the economy of the Copperbelt but the image has already been tarnished so we also work on the system that will help to rebuild the image,” Mr. Lange said.

Meanwhile, ZCCM-IH has announced the appointment of Kakenenwa Muyangwa as the new Board Chaiperson following Ms. Banda’s abrupt resignation.

Mr Muyangwa is a mining and financial expert with over 35 years of experience and his appointment is effective May 5th, 2023.

ZCCM-IH Corporate Affairs Manager Loisa Mbatha Kakoma has confirmed that Mr. Muyangwa replaces Ms Banda who worked as non-executive Director and Board Chairperson since December 2021.

Ms. Kakoma says Ms Banda championed Zambia’s mining interests and has left ZCCM-IH in a stronger position for continued growth.

And Mr Muyangwa said he was honoured to have been asked to serve as Chairperson by the Government saying he will pick up from where Ms Banda has left.

In her farewell message, Ms Banda expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve as Board Chairperson saying she greatly believes in the future of ZCCM-IH and that the Company was well positioned to advance Zambia’s economic interest in the mining sector.

GOVERNMENT TO PUT UP GOLD MARKETING CENTRES IN DISTRICTS

Government to set up a gold mining marketing centre in Lusangazi district of Eastern Province for easy access of the market for the mineral by the local people.

The gold marketing centre will be set up at a central place within the district and the centre would be responsible for the purchase and selling of the Gold being extracted in Lusangazi.

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Senior Planner, Angela Zulu said other gold marketing centers are also planned to be set up in other districts where Gold mining activities are taking place.

Ms Zulu said the gold marketing centres plan was still at draft level and plans to implement it were underway as the formalization of the gold mining activities in Lusangazi were still in process.

ZANIS reports that Ms Zulu was speaking during a sensitisation meeting for Lusangazi Artisan small scale gold miners held in Petauke.

“The Government plans to set up gold marketing centres in areas were the gold mining activities are currently taking place including Lusangazi,” she said.

And Ms Zulu explained that Government would play a key role in financing, setting up and overseeing the ope rationalisation of the centres including the provision of legal and regulatory frame work for the centre.

She added that the centres would consist aggregators responsible for the purchase, sell and transporting of the mineral resource and the gold refinery facilities for the purification of gold among other compartments.

Ms Zulu also stated that the idea was to ensure that the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) bought all the gold in the area for the benefit of the country.

She added that there would be rules and regulations to be followed when conducting operations at the gold marketing centre with the full involvement of the community in Lusangazi and other Government line ministries.

And Speaking at the same meeting, Lusangazi District Commissioner, Mike Tembo said Government would expedite the issuance of artisan Mining licenses to the cooperatives in the area so that the gold mining activities were fully formalised.

Mr Tembo emphasised that the local people in Lusangazi must be prioritised when issuing artisan Mining licenses while people form outside Lusangazi could also be licensed.

And Mr Tembo also thanked Government for planning to set up a gold marketing centre in Lusangazi as it would ensure easy market for the mineral resource and create employment for the local people.

” Thank you so much to the Government for this plan as it will bring the Gold market closer to the people but also considering to expedite the issuance of the artisan Mining licenses and consider the local cooperatives first when issuing out these licenses”, he said.

Minister of Infrastructure, Urban and Housing Development, Charles Milupi has disclosed that works on the Ndola-Lusaka Dual-Carriage Way Road project will commence before August this year.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS Kitwe today, Mr. Milupi said the delay in the commencement of the project has been caused by the provisions of the laws under the Public-Private Partnership Act of 2021 with regard to financial closure.

The Minister said the provided period for the contractor to bring together their financiers to agree on the model of ensuring sustainable financing of the road project is six months.

He however said that there is a possibility that the works can even start earlier than that.

“We signed the contract, we are following the law, the law says when you sign the concession, you give the concessioner six months within which to reach financial closure, anything outside this is outside the law and we are a government of law, but we are on course,” he explained.

He stated that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project approach was a very good way of rehabilitating and upgrading the Lusaka-Ndola road although some people criticized the move.

The Minister said no person in the right state of mind would criticize the project model because the government has found a cheaper way of doing it compared to the cost that had been projected by the predecessor.

Mr Milupi said government wants to ensure that it improves the road Infrastructure in the country in the next four years.
Early this year, government signed a $577 million concession with Macro – Ocean Investment Consortium to work on the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo has disclosed that government will work on the Chibuluma road before the end of this year.

Speaking during the Copperbelt Motor Show in Kitwe over the weekend, Mr. Matambo said government will work on all the major roads in the province this year.

He cited Mufulira Mukambo road, Ndola – Mufulira road, Chililabombwe – Kasumbalesa road and the Chingola – Chililabombwe road as some of the critical roads also earmarked to be worked on this year.

Early this year, government cancelled the Chibuluma road project citing unavailability of funds.

THE ZCCM – IH SAGA IS A BIG ISSUE AND REFLECTIVE OF HOW CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HAS DETERIORATED UNDER CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS.

BY PF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE Mutotwe Kafwaya

And in a country where leadership is serious about values and economic progress, this should be at the centre of conversations.

If I may, let me make a preliminary comment.

When we said there is something grossly wrong with the government intention to dispose off ordinary interest in FQM, some people argued against our position. We knew that there was bad interference from powers that be.

Then a few days ago, we woke up to a resignation of the former board chairperson of ZCCM – IH, citing INTERFERENCE from State House. This should spell sadness in everyone’s mind. Especially in those peoples minds who are concerned about creating an enabled economic and social environment.

The ZCCM – IH is listed not only primarily under ISIN Number ZM0000000037 on the Lusaka Securities Exchange, but also secondarily on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Access Exchange in Paris. This may imply that the mismanagement of the entity in Zambia would affect how the entity is viewed not only locally but internationally too, and how markets globally would react to our poor internal actions.

Now the entity has been suspended on the London Stock Exchange. This is sadly the first time in our history. This suspension is terrible for the image of our governance.

Do we now see what bad interference in corporate affairs is capable of producing?

• Because of bad interference from State House, ZCCM – IH proposed to dispose of ordinary shares held in FQM against national interest and against Constitutional provisions.
• Because of bad interference from State House, an ethical board chairperson for ZCCM – IH resigned from her position paving way for the creation of bad perception and God forbid reality.
• Because of bad interference from State House, ZCCM – IH has been suspended from the London Stock Exchange.
• Because of bad interference from State House, the country’s perception in so far as corporate governance is concerned is now low; from both the domestic and global perspectives.

My question – is there any area where State House is not exerting bad interference?

If you just breath in and consider what is currently obtaining at:

(1) Auditor General
(2) ACC
(3) Ministry of Finance and National Planning
(4) Ministry of Agriculture
(5) Ministry of Health
(6) Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
(7) Ministry Tourism
(😎 Cabinet Office
(9) DEC

You may agree with me that change is urgently needed in the manner these entities are being managed.

For me, these are my priority areas of concern as far as things stand in the now. I know you may have your own areas too.

Implications

———————

With State House badly influencing everything. The economy can never perform well. Numbers can be falsified, but the pressure of reality will always outweigh imaginary reported progress. In the very end people are bound to completely lose confidence in government.

Recommendation

—————————

State House should consider stopping bad interference in institutions.

State House should consider reinstating ethical people who have been frustrated out of their roles due to their bad interference.

Restoring EVERYTHING PATRIOTIC.
MK08.05.2023

The announcement contained herein contains information that may be of a price sensitive nature. Investors are advised to seek the advice of their investment advisor, stockbroker, or any professional duly licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia to provide securities advice

Mr Kakenenwa Muyangwa is the new ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson

08th May 2023, Lusaka, Zambia: Mr Kakenenwa MUyangwa, a mining and financial expert with over 35 years of experience, is the new ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson effective 05h May 2023. Mr Muyangwa succeeds Ms Dolika E.S Banda who served as Non-Executive Director and Board Chairperson of the Company since December 2021 following her resignation.

Speaking after the handover, Mr Muyangwa has thanked Ms Banda for improving and emphasising good corporate governance practices and business controls in the Company during her tenure, that have helped in setting the Company on its growth trajectory and helped improve and strengthen brand prominence, among many other accomplishments.

“I am grateful to my predecessor Ms Banda for her passion and leadership that she dedicated to ZCCM-IH for the past 15 months. She championed Zambia’s mining interests and has left ZCCM-IH in a stronger position for continued growth. I sincerely thank her for her vision, leadership and contribution in her tinme here and I wish her the very best in all her future plans and endeavours”, remarked Mr Muyangwa.

He further stated that he was honoured to have been asked to serve as Chairperson by Government, and will pick up from where Ms Banda has left off, to continue with the mandate of ensuring ZCCM-IH becomes a financially and socially sustainable mining-focused investment holding company, that optimises shareholder value and returns.

In her farewell message, Ms Banda expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve as Board Chaiperson. She stated that she greatly believes in the future of ZCCM-IH and that the Company was well positioned to advance Zambia’s economic interest in the mining sector.

“I believe at the core of its mandate, ZCCM-IH is capable of advancing Zambia and its citizerns through leveraging the country’s billion-dollar mining sector. This country has massive opportunities with all the natural resOurces, critical minerals endowment, and its people. We have to work with global partners to maximise these resources, and Zambians have got to be part of the equation. I am for brand Zambia, and will Continue preaching brand Zambia” remarked Ms Banda.

Ms Banda has wished Mr Muyangwa success.

More details on the profile of Mr MUyangwa can be found here: httos:llbit.ly/3HQ0586. End
Issued by:
ORIGINAL SIGNED Loisa Mbatha
Corporate Affairs Manager ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc loisa.mbatha @zccm-ih.com.zm

TWO NGOS EXPECTANT OF VEDANTA KCM TAKE OVER THIS WEEK

….Vedanta Resources is actually the best suitable investor to operate KCM, says ANDD and ZUPED

Lusaka… Monday May 8, 2023

Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) and the Zambia for Unity, Peace and Development (ZUPED) are expectant that the government will this week handover Konkola Copper Mines Plc back to its legal owners Vedanta Resources.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says Vedanta Resources has the technical and financial capacity to operate KCM.

“It is also clear that Vedanta Resources is actually the best suitable investor to operate KCM. We are so much expectant and our expectations are based on the fact that His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema while on the Copperbelt on the 29th April, 2023 assured the people of Copperbelt that government will conclude matters regarding KCM and that government has found a solution to deal with challenges at KCM,” said Mr. Banda.

“And we must also state here that even the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon Paul Kabuswe whilst on the Copperbelt announced that government has found a solution and that within this month of May, we will be able to make a decision.”

He said his organization does not know which investor government will engage but its position is that government should handover KCM to Vedanta Resources.

And ZUPED President Ronnie Jere said Government should also take advantage of the proposed investment package by Vedanta Resources which is US$3 billion investment capitalisation package and the US$20 million corporate social responsibility.

Mr. Jere believed that with that package they will be able to revamp KCM and and the economy.

“This will no doubt help in the creation of employment for our people as well as increase business opportunities on the Copperbelt. We know for sure that when KCM begin to operate optimally, we will be able to export copper in huge quantities which will help us earn more forex and we know that that will help improve the value of our currency Kwacha. This means that when kwacha improves, it means that the cost of doing business will reduce, the cost of importing products will also reduce. This will in turn give capacity to the private sector to expand and create employment and business opportunities which will result in improving the living standards of our people,” said the ZUPED President.

“Our point is that government should honor their assurance. President Hakainde Hichilema particularly should honor his assurance to the people of Copperbelt that he will conclude KCM matters. As a matter of urgency, we want government to conclude the issues regarding KCM and Vedanta Resources in the interest of unlocking the mining sector and making it viable and more importantly create employment and business opportunities on the Copperbelt.”

He said apparently, the Copperbelt economy is not doing fine.

“Poverty levels have gone high, the cost of doing business has gone high; people are suffering. It is very important that government should stick to their assurance and we hope that government will honor their promise. As we conclude, we want to urge government to ensure that within this week they make a decision on this matter of KCM and Vendata Resources as well as issues surrounding Mopani Copper Mines,” he added.

“If the government wants not to loose relevance, they should stop postponing this announcement otherwise the people are loosing confidence.”