SALE OF MOPANI SHARES, ILLEGAL – SP
Lusaka, Monday (April 1, 2024)
Socialist Party (SP) Director Media Brian Hapunda says the sale of 51% shares in Mopani Copper Mines to IRH of Abu Dhabi is illegal.
Mr. Hapunda has since condemned the arrogance by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda for showing arrogance over the matter.
“Our SP President Fred M’membe expressed concern over lack of transparency and accountability in the sale of 51% shares in Mopani Copper Mines to IRH of Abu Dhabi. But UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda accused Dr. M’membe of bitterness and envy,” he said.
The Secretary General of the ruling party must refrain from shrugging off criticism from the Socialist Party President regarding the Mopani mine transaction as mere bitterness. Dr. Fred M’membe, like every Zambian citizen, has the right to question the management of public affairs. In a budding democracy such as Zambia, constructive criticism plays a crucial role in fostering progress and development, fostering open dialogue, feedback, and accountability essential for a thriving democratic society. Neglecting to address criticism by the ruling party may indicate a weakening democracy or unfulfilled campaign promises. It is time for the governing party to engage in discussions without becoming defensive.
Mr. Hapunda said Mr. Imenda is not competent to comment on a matter of public interest such as the sale of shares in Mopani.
“It is saddening that Mr. Imenda would choose trivialize a matter that Dr. M’membe is trying to provide guidance and legal advice on a matter of public interest so that UPND is not taken to task once out of power like past administrations. The SP is always guided by the Constitution of Zambia which UPND should equally follow religiously,” he said.
Mr. Hapunda said Article 210(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia states that a major State asset shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, as prescribed, subject to the approval of the National Assembly signified by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of Parliament.
The SP Director Media also said for the purposes of the said Article, “major State asset” includes a parastatal and equity held by the Government, as prescribed.
Government has sold 51% shares of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) in Mopani Copper Mines, to IRH of Abu Dhabi.
The Socialist Party should seek legal redress over the Mine Shares and only the courts have the right to interpret the law. They will tell us if the sale was legal or not failing this the Socialist are merely politicking..
Antonio Mwanza and Brian are literally pons for hire. No morals and integrity at all. They’ll do anything to impress the highest bidder. Just like Frank Bwalya
Look here Brian Hapunda, the Socialist Party’s financial position is very sound. Instead of mere verbal condemnation, please file a legal challenge in court of the Mopani Copper Mines transaction. In other words, put up or shut up.
My thoughts Ba Gunner. If these are serious about the so called illegality, they should do the needful or shut up.
We want action not mere words.
Hapunda and your so called party president just shut up and sell your manifesto to grow membership,kapena you can manage to have an MP in parliament. Right now you have no authority to speak on behalf of any “Zambians”. Which Zambians? Tell the Zambians that we had only 10.% shares in Mopani. Glen core held 90% which they offered to PF govt to buy back at $1.5billion. The govt did not have the money to buy Glencore out, the new investors agreed to pay off Glencore for their shares but retain 51% while the Zambian govt’s share be increased to 49%. Mulibe vokamba baba, stop distracting a working govt.
Haampunda in the first place let me address you that matako ako,don’t talk of things that you don’t know in order to mislead the nation, you’re irrelevant that is the reason why even the most corrupt and notorious pf party left you alone, stop the nonsense if you don’t have anything to say, am sure you have been newly introduced to popa matako with vaseline just concentrate on telling us how many members you have recruited, stop this nonsense idiot
Yrywell it’s u actually who doesn’t understand issues as the stand,u are very dull read the constitution and understand dull fellow don’t use your legs or stomach to think or else u remain a dull person