Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo is angry that high levels of corruption at ZAWA have resulted in some foreigners illegally airlifting Zambia’s wildlife undetected.
“This is unacceptable, planes are flying in without any detection and getting our animals. This is revenue we are losing as a nation and yet a few corrupt officials are benefitting,” Mrs. Masebo charged.
Mrs. Masebo said she will fire some more people at ZAWA suspected of corruption following the sacking of Director General Edwin Matokwani and four other senior officers.
She said she will not tolerate corruption in the management of the wildlife sub sector and urged Zambians to take an interest in protecting the country’s wildlife resources.
“I challenge you Journalists, go and visit these game parks and find out what is going on. Some foreigners are taking advantage of us and they are stealing from us. You should be concerned as Zambians.”
Mrs. Masebo also defended her decision to fire the ZAWA officials without any prior notice.
She added. “Sometimes in life you need to move faster than your rivals or you will be double timed. I choose to use a short process because the sacking of those was long overdue. I have received over 300 text messages and 200 calls from people saying the decision was overdue.
I am sure there are other avenues they can pursue if they are aggrieved but they are not the only one, many more will go very soon.
Mrs. Masebo maintained that the sacked team at ZAWA plundered the country’s wildlife sector.
Meanwhile, Ms Masebo has disclosed that government will spend a total of K41 billion for the construction of the modern intercity bus terminus in Livingstone.
And Ms Masebo says Zambia is more than ready to co host this year’s United Nations World Tourism Organization Conference (UNWTO) to take place in the Tourist capital Livingstone.
The Tourism Minister has disclosed that government will spent a total of K96 billion for the overhaul of Kazungula one stop boarder post.
She said the tendering processes for the two major projects are underway and will begin by the end of this month after discussions with the relevant authorities.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, the minister expressed happiness with the pace at which various projects are being undertaken in Livingstone ahead of the UNWTO conference.
Ms Masebo said government is committed to ensure that Livingstone has ultra modern facilities for the successful hosting of the conference.
She also said the commissioning of the new departure terminal building at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula international airport will be announced while the construction of the arrival terminal is progressing well.
Ms. Masebo has also disclosed that visas between the two hosting cities of Livingstone and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe will be granted to the delegates free of charge.
And Ms Masebo has called on artists in the country to be creative and assist market the country before, during and after the UNWTO conference.
Suvia dont put the monkey on us, its your job. Tell us how you will resolve this before yaking away.
She has already started; I expected her to FIRE whoever has anything to do with this, even without notice! Way to go IRON Lady! Basebe ngeshina lyobe!
Here is another reason why corruption in Zambia will never be eradicated…. I have read the whole article twice and at no point does it mention “cases have been refereed to Anti Corruption Commission or ZP” yet Masebo claims to be angered by corrupt officials. This should be systemic when an official is involved in malpractices report them to the relevant authorities.
True, that’s actually best practice
…mmm; but one thing though: the so called best practice of waiting for the anti-corruption as well as the ZP to act accordingly should wait this time around lest evidence starts fading and documents disappears! Let the fired one sue the dismissing panel if they so wish; as we in the meantime prevent further possible damage to the system during their absence from office.
Fire them!
Jay jay, dude you’re absolutely right, these people need to go to court and if found guilty they must be made to pay for the crime and this must appear on their files, that way anybody looking to employ them will think twice, let there be division of labour, you’ ve done your share Ms Masebo now let’s see what the court of law will do about it.
Are you not getting your cut of the illegal money masebo?
The Minister is not very competent. Journalists aren’t policemen besides they are very incompetent or compromised in their job since all media is now owned by either govt or PF in the case of The Post. They investigate for tHeir own reasons. She should be tasking the police to investigate because these are institutions we pay for to seCure the nation from crime.
We have no government in zambia these people are *****s, just go and get shagged by winter HIV Just minister! We have the database!
MASEBO, DON’T MARKET TO US YOUR INCOMPETENCE. DON’T ASK THE JOURNALISTS TO GO AND WITNESS WILD LIFE HAULAGE BY FOREIGNERS USING PLANES. ASK YOUR WILD LIFE GAME GUARDS TO SHOOT ON SIGHT THE PLANES THAT ARE PROVED TO HAVE BEEN LOADED WITH WILD LIFE. IN THE FIRST PLACE, HOW DO YOU ALLOW PLANES TO ILLEGALLY LAND IN THE FORESTS. AND THE CHAPS YOU FIRED- WHY DIDN’T YOU HAND THEM OVER TO POLICE, ACC, DRUG INFORCEMENT… WHATEVER? IF YOU WENT THERE AND EVEN WITNESSED HAULAGE OF WILD BEASTS (AS YOU HAVE MADE US BELIEVE) WHAT DID YOU DO YOURSELF? DID YOU TAKE DOWN THE AIRCRAFT REG NUMBERS? THE REGs WILL TELL YOU THE COUNTRY (IES) OF ORIGIN OF THE AIRCRAFT. ISN’T THE ABUSE OF OFFICE LAW NOT WORKING IN YOUR CASE?
There’s a wing of journalism that is called Investigative Journalism. I suppose that is what madam Masebo is encouraging.
@Umuntunse
Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply investigate a single topic of interest it is not only restricted to crime or corporate wrongdoing..it also involves political wrongdoing as well…now ask yourself under the current situation in Zambia are freelance investigative journalists safe in their profession and where would you sell your big scoop if it involved political wrongdoing in the ruling party to get a return on your efforts you have invested? ZWD, Post, Times…
Wake up!!
More lies from the PF government
You and I know this is true and it has been going on for a long time
Reading thru the comments above, I have concluded once thing, and that is that most bloggers make very dull comments, or comment for the sake of it without analysing the story. Also, LT should learn to tell the whole story, otherwise bloggers will make comments nased on incomplete information as is the case above.
The ACC and Police have already been informed of the sacked ZAWA officials and investigations are underway. The ZAWA offices in Lusaka have also been sealed off, until investigations by the ACC and ZP have been concluded.
Read ‘The Post’ newspaper dated 03-01-13
Happy new year!!!
But then again one wonders why, people were first fired and then investigations instituted. I think they director and group should have been placed on suspension while investigations are concluded. So on what basis or information did the Minister act?
How is it a “dull comment” when its based on the above article…these guys were fired about 10 days and you are quoting today’s date in the post. If you are more informed and “smart” as you claim you would have at least quoted Anthony Mulowa’s article in Times of Zambia dated 2nd Jan. 2013.
Dull comment based on a dull article with no attributed source
I didn’t know that this woman was this daft. Masebo please , you do not fire people on the basis of allegations that have not been proved. Besides if there’s any criminality or corruption involved the relevant bodies that should be tasked to investigate this issue are either the ACC or the police. And once its been established that the allegations are TRUE then the DPP will move in to prosecute on behalf of the State in a court of law. It is not the job of a Minister to be accuser, judge, jury and executioner. Sylvia my dear, you’re the one who is corrupt.
More meds please
Don’t we have ZAF to intercept illegal planes in Zambia? Take the culprits to court if you suspect corruption. Don’t just yap. Talking of Livingstone, did you see the rotting garbage in the city?
They may not have to be illegal planes. ZAF may not be able to tell what is on-board those planes once they’ve been cleared for our airspace at a given time slot in their at most detail; after all I do NOT think that’s their mandate to tell what is a person on board is carrying.
They may not have to be illegal planes. ZAF may not be able to tell what is on-board those planes once they’ve been cleared for our airspace at a given time slot in their at most detail; after all I do NOT think that’s their mandate to tell what is a person on-board is carrying.
ZAF is dead.. You can recall how Chugu escaped.. where were ZAF at that time??
The ignorance being displayed here is dangerous. ZAF is a military wing that operates on a chain of command basis, you id!0ts! As a military entity, you must have good reason to intercept civilian planes authorized to entered our airspace. Even if, as ZAF, you knew the civilian plan was involved in some illigal activities, you need instructions from higher up the chain of command to scrumble jet fighters to intercept a civilian aircraft. Otherwise you are asking for some very uncomfortable diplamatic problems. Just because it is ZAF, you do not go around chasing after planes without reason or authority. The illegal air-lifting of wildlife out of Zambia is a civilian matter that relevant authoritiies are responsible for. Nonetheless, they can ask for ZAF assistance if they so wish!
its sad to read that most of you are condemning Masebo , Masebo i can tell you that the culprit in all these airlifts is widerness trails ( ex Busanga trails) i was at on holiday last year at kafwala wildlife camp planes were flying in and out every 3 hrs what they take or bring i dont know? they dont even allow us zambian to book from zambia they want all the bookings done in south africa so that they can hide the money they make. so guys dont just urgue for the sake of posting your marabisi comments get facts first. I bet most of you have never even seen a hyaena or Bush Baby
Why not state which game parks are being targetted by these crooks, and why not ask why ZAF is idle when their duties include protecting the country from airborne entities entering zambia without official permission? why are the police not involved in pursuing the crooks entering Zambia illegally? WHY not publicize the registrations of the planes being used so that all SADC countries are made aware of the organized criminals that are messing up Zambia? why is the minister so guarded with facts when the public wants more information so that they can be of much help? what is the position of ZAWA to the minister’s allegations? why are ZAWA quiet on these allegations? If ZAWA are this quiet, is it not a sign of their complicity and thus requires zambia to fire all the guys at ZAWA
Nick and myself came back from Zambia. We went to Livingstone., Ndola, Kitwe, Luanshya Lusaka of course, Kabwe
I have changed my opinion slightly on Zambia so has he. I was treated exemplary and was giving back any change i had to people that helped us on the road.
WHat petrified me were the ‘businessmen’ on the road, mosquitoes, flies on food in markets, basically hygiene, unroadworthy vehicles and above all counterfeit items being sold and allowed
Great people individually but collectively my opinion has not waned, they are diabolical. Not sure if I miss Zambia or not
But I will keep the memories close to my chest
Thanks
So stop pontaling nomba ba Mushota.
Iyo muli kashilu bane! Happy New Year nobupuba bobe!
Are you one of the species being airlifted out of our game parks illegally?
Yours is very close to an identity crisis…You seem not to know very well where u belong. Let’s link up at Loch Lomond in the summer, may be some polishing up conversations might help, for you and Nikolas
Mushota, even your Car was not roadworthy!
I would say that’s a very bold move and one in the right direction for Zawa. Not only has there been corruption as evidenced by some sectors of the industry but also just a lot of under performance and inefficiency. We need from the top leadership that is proactive and efficient in running the national parks.We are light years away from Zimbabwe’s management of the parks and yet that country has economic issues now. Zawa at some point lack priorities and one wonders if they have a plan to develop the parks.Get people in Zawa that are passionate about conservation and what the organisation stands for.More often you get people that work for Zawa because they could not get their preferred jobs.Its all about the passion for the job for someone to be effective not just the money.
Right on sis/bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These cases at ZAWA were reported to ZP and ACC who are currently doing investigations at ZAWA. The senior ZAWA staff should have been put on Suspensions pending results of investigations. Don’t just condemn, us who live in Zed and Visit these Areas see a lot. Give the minister a benefit of doubt if not sure not just to show how you think people are dull. Good move Masebo most bloggers don’t even know what are hunting concessions that have opened up the pandora.
Well done madam minister, this has been long long overdue. To you bloggers condemning the minister, up you.. Corruption in this sector is very rampant, the country has lost billions of money & rare endangered animals. Ms masebo contiune what you doing & keep it up.
For how long are we going to be hiding behind the term “investigations underway”? I’m one tired Zambian. Sometimes, the so called law and procedure delays the justice; whereby the thieves roam the streets free! Madam minister … well done. Let those who are fired take the employing authorities to court, so that it’s them to have their employment at risk! Fire them, after all those condemning your move do not have the information you have.
#10 wild dog walasa,most bloggers here balebosafye without any single fact!
So you want us to be freelance investigative reporters as well…its not blogger’s fault that the article is slightly outdated!!
So you want us to be freelance investigative reporters as well…its not the blogger’s fault that the article is outdated!!
south luangwa national park is famous for its natural beauty, and now its one of them with an airstrip.
Iam a dweller here i second the minister. please zawa is not doing its best, the other this is these who call themselves carnivore project, please lets see what they are doing, staying in the park overnight why all this….chipembele is more collecting baby animals in the name of helping them, why don`t we leave the nature to take its course?….CRBs managers must be investigated too so much community money gone without seeing what they are doing.people if you want to know and witness what the minister it trying to say please visit south luangwa and find good people you can talk to find out…………………..mzungus have made money i mean money.
BBC Journalist are very professional and can be investigative an unearth big scam.What the Hell are you talking about.Yu Jounalists are simply lazy period.She is right.
MINISTER, WELL DONE. I HAVE HEARD ALL ABOUT THE HAPPENINGS IN LOWER ZAMBEZI AND AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A JOKE.
MY HONEST ADVISE IS ADVERTISE ALL POSITIONS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (NO CADRES PLEASE UNLESS THEY ARE QUALIFIED IN THE SECTOR) AND AND GET THE BEST ZAMBIANS WHO HAVE A VISION FOR THE SECTOR WHETHER BLACK YELLOW OR WHITE.
REFORMS ONLY HAPPEN WHEN WHAT YOU HAVE DONE MINISTER IS ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTED.
CONGRATULATIONS ACTION ORIENTED MINISTER MASEBO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! WE LOVE YOU.
She also said govt will spend 60 billion re-based kwacha to build a modern inter-city bus terminus at KMB
mweo aba bantu basiliza nyama za msanga….!!
What would happen if africa was given back to whites? Oh no sorry, it belongs to them already.
It is comforting to know that we have one less ***** on our Zambian streets by the name of Mushota.
I wish we can export more to Europe, and believe me, you shall not be missed!!!
CNP
I am very worried about comments people make on LT.
Mushota you are right. Me too would not miss Zambia if I was outside the country because the towns and cities are very dirty because of people selling in the streets which Sata allowed. Those of you supporting Masebo why does she not take the culprits to court?
Patel clean your shop first,
Faz or Zaf, Op, Za where r u? these are serious security concerns. you have all been sleeping while foreign planes are coming in and out of Zed without clearance we Lesa wandi!. just hope it is not true………………………….
No need to hope. It is true.
Zambia is porous by design. Once they have accomplished what they intend to, they will seal off the air space. They did the same on land, by abolishing security road blocks, only to reintroduce them once they had moved what the planned to move. Not all of us think on the same wavelength. There those who can see through all their diabolic schemes. Only God can save us.
Hon Masebo I salute you.Firstly for your bold stance against corruption.you a true mother of the soil(Zambia).Pliz sweep this house and as your children will support
You until ZAWA is clean.Enough is enough.We appreciate and support your efforts .
Now is the time to call a spade a spade.God bless you!
Masebo you have been serving under a number of presidents by now and honestly, did you have to wait for all this time to cleanse ZAWA?? This is cheap politicking bane… Masebo should resign if she strongly feel Pf govnt is not doing anything to stop the undetected planes!!! Why work under a regime which has no radar system to intercept suspicious planes in our air space ??? You ministers are all the same, you have exhibited an awful lot of incompetence and for how long are we going to wait for sanity in the system when almost all the Pangolins in Mfuwe are at the verge of extinction due to illegal sales and other govnt trophies!! Awe mayo kabiyeni ku Chongwe with your journalists and clean
the district!!!
Boza, Masebo was never before given her current portifolio to run. So how do you expect her to clean-up a ministry she was never responsible for? Did you want her to step on other ministers’ toes?!
Just because you are in govt does not give you authority to do everything for everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some bloggers that are wel meaning have made very good observations that some bloggers ‘Balebosafye’ .Zambia stinks of corruption nd Hon. Masebo’s action mt b commended.lt is only in Zambia u play with corrupt pipo.Hon,bravo !Continue to cane them .
Masebo= Bangable!!!
This is a statement likely to cause a breach of peace! Can IG and Jere move in? If they donkey then we are in a monkey republic-selective persecutions and not prosecutions!
Masebo, when will you develop Chongwe, the nearest town to the capital and yet the poorest?
These planes lift alot from the country, its not only animals. They lift precious minerals as well. They lift Diamonds from Western Province as well, no wonder those who share the loot, the agitators for Barotseland, have now been enriched from such loot over years. Even copper, cobalt and what have you, they all get airlifted this way. We are still praying with closed eyes, waiting for AMEN from the preacher before we open our eyes to see what goes on. Why is our airspace so violated? Why don’t we inspect what is airlifted cargo? We are a rich nation but we loose a lot and remain poor as a people.
Tip of the proverbial iceberg. My personal holiday experience highlights that we are helping build nations after all. Just not our own 🙂
Fellow Zedians there is much potential but more hands on deck required.
My fictional game park thrillers are closer to reality than I thought. Unfortunately in a year where the tourist is supreme we will not stop the numerous illicit gem, animal and other resource trade when our own are complicit. Not without a system overhaul by outsiders. As for the private big dollar hunting trade and illegal zoo suppliers…
Masebo what say you now after GBM’s statement? The Defence Minister has officially refuted Masebo’s allegations that foreign planes were flying in and out of Zambia illegally. The Defence Minister had consultations with all Defence chiefs. They have said there’s been no breach of Zambian airspace. Masebo is a liar!
Mmmmm! Think through issues. private planes are many and some very sophisticated than simple thinking can imagine. If the private planes can be used to smuggle illigal people from mainland Europe into Britain unnoticed, what special eyes do we have to prevent suck kind of plains to smuggle our natural trophies out of the country? The challenge is just to revisit this issue and come up with solution. This is a problem that has been highlighted. Question ZAWA people and the can reveal more.
@Floyd Chitalu. Stop manufacturing lies. There are no people being smuggled from Europe into the UK on private Aircraft. The problem you have is that you are such a PF sycophant that believes anything a PF Minister says. The Defence Minister and the Defence Chiefs have dismissed her allegations. Besides wasnt she supposed to liase with her Defence colleague first rather than rushing to the press to basically raise unnecessary alarm? Her behavioufr has been childish to say the least. Honestly how can she fire people amd at the same time claim that she is still investigating? The best she could have done was suspend them pending investigations. Ever heard of natural justice and/or due process? Zambia deserves better!
@Goncalves:
I thought GBM is a PF Minister as well, and yet you seem to believe what he says than what Masebo said—-Mmmmmmm! So stop accusing others of being PF sychophants when you yourself is just as sychophant as the people you accuse. Worse with you, you can’t even tell the difference, or lack of it, between the two ministers—-kekekekekekekeke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ba Goncalves
Its an open secret that poacher’s planes have been flying in our airspace illegally since the 90s…..of course ZAF and GBM are going to dispute this fact in the interests of national security. Whilst they are busy arguing we will continue to lose another of our national resource to foreigners right under our noses. It’s no surprise that private ranches in RSA are thriving at the moment with wildlife.
Masebo weldone for firing the director first. Corruption in many cases start from the bosses, if u start following unnecessary protocol people hide information and many bosses in the police, even anti-corruption commission get corrupted to cover up the case, by the time u finish the protocol u have no evidence, so please fire more and then let them be investigated.
This minister has fired the management right! ……now here comes the interesting part instead of her driving through policy to make ZAWA more independent and staffed by competent management. She will just hand-pick her own management comprised of PF sympathisers and yes men ….and the whole vicious cycle continues; that’s development people!!!
@Yambayamba, I have explained the lack of logic in Masebo’s actions and therefore I wouldn’t qualify to be a sycophant. @Jay Jay, my advice to you is simply: stop making assertions that you can’t prove . The success and growth of game ranching in South Africa has nothing to do with your Zambia. Botswana, Namibia and South Africa have always been strong in wildlife conservation. And game ranching has always been part of that conservation mix.
@Goncalves:
That’s well and good. But isn’t also possible that maybe it is GBM’s statement which is illogical? Or the fact that maybe GBM is simply trying to cover his rear by issuing counter statement?
Give all sorts of possibilities, why do you then find it perfectly reasonable to rubish Masebo’s statement and call other bloggers “PF sychophants” based solely on GBM’s response?
Sir, TRY TO BE FAIR TO OTHERS WHO SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU DO!!!!
Ok the about story is fake!! The acc and the police have fully informed on the zawa saga so the lt should learn to be reporting the news professionally.
Gud job Minister and I agree wit u these useless journalists must do sam exposez or samthng
let the pipo know what’s going on o they report on are silly zambian politics
Totally lost faith.this country must have laws not like jungle politics of thinking you are above all.wat happens if the zawa DG is. Innocent madam .everyone madam is innocent till proven guilty
Baba, “innocent till proven guilty” does not mean you can’t be fired from a job if you mess up!
No one has sued or convicted your “pals” yet. They have only been fired for being incompetent, that’s so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Correct me if I am wrong. An aircraft needs permission to land on foreign soil otherwise it risks being shot down. So anyone can enter our air space at will and leave undetected. Do we have are our incompetent defence forces?? This is their job. GMB should give us some answers if this is true.