The National Executive Committee for the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) has with immediate effect suspended its President James Chansa for abrogating its constitution.
The development follows a petition presented to the National Executive Committee by union members from 43 NUMAW branches which alleged that the embattled Mr. Chansa engagement in politics in the run-up to the 2021 general elections.
The branch officials delivered the petition to the national executive committee led by the NUMAW vice president Lillian Kasonde.
According to the suspension letter to Mr Chansa signed by NUMAW National Secretary Stephen Mukuka and obtained by the media, Mr Sapau Kalusha explained that the members do not want Mr Chansa because of his lack of respect for the constitution which has led to his failure to call for the 2021 elective quadrennial conference.
Mr. Kalusha also accused Mr Chansa of wanting to hold on to power by advocating for the review of the constitution so that he can stand for a third term. The suspension letter has since been served to Mr. Chansa.
“ Following the NEC meeting held on 1st November, 2021, where your suing of the union and subsequent collapse of your injunction to hold the quadrennial conference , it has been resolved that you be placed on immediate suspension for putting the name of the union in disrepute.
“ We expect an exculpatory letter from you within two week,” reads the letter in part.
Mr. Chansa has since been given 14 days to exculpate himself. He has further been banned from accessing his office and performing any union duties.
This chap and his colleague from MUZ completely let down miners when they needed them the most!
Had the PF won the verdict was going to be different. I would have loved to see the full details of his Political misconduct.
Had the PF won, the National Union of Miners workers VIEWS WOULD have continued to be SUPPRESSED. PF infiltrated everything, and brought politics everywhere.
Fortunately, the YOUTHS said “NO” and this has afforded these infiltrated organizations to start waking up and demanding their lost rights back.
No need to insinuate any UPND reasons, for the verdict being different.
NUMAW is still facing teething problems. Mundia Sikufele its founding President also wanted to resist change. Now his successor wants to do what he condemned. Didn’t he know that time to go will finally come? This is what Zambians are, they don’t prepare for change. Kick him out!
Why going for a third term when the constitution bars you. Ask lungu what happened when he went for third term. The same fate awaits you.