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UNZA has completes the provisional admission process for the 2019 academic year

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UNZA has completes the provisional admission process for the 2019 academic year
UNZA Main Library
UNZA Main Library

The Senate of the University of Zambia has completed the provisional admission process for the 2019 academic year which will begin on Monday 27th January, 2020.

The University has admitted a total of 5,646 candidates of which 54% are males while 46% are females.

The University Senate through its Rural Affirmative Action Policy has admitted a total of 518 candidates that did not meet the admission criteria but where attending secondary schools in remote districts of Zambia.

UNZA spokesperson Brenda Bukowa said the all the provisional admissions for the 2019 academic year are dependent upon submission of Proof of sponsorship, Proof of 25% payment of total tuition fees plus other user fees to commence registration.

She said adherence to the payment plan of 25% second instalment, 25% third instalment and 25% before writing final examinations with commitment to adhere to the plan signed by the sponsor.

Ms. Bukowa said failure to produce proof of payment by 30th March, 2020 shall lead to loss of the place to another candidate on the waiting list.

She has further advised succesful candidates to collect their admission letters from the Customer Service Center at the University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus and from all the provincial centres from the week starting 19th August, 2019.

Government withdraws Sales Tax Bill

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Government withdraws Sales Tax Bill
Bwalya Ngandu
Bwalya Ngandu

Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu this afternoon moved a motion in Parliament to withdraw the Sales Tax Bill (N.A.B Number 7 of 2019) from the current sitting of Parliament.

The Sales Tax Bill will be reintroduced during the Budget Session of Parliament.

Addressing the House through the Speaker, Dr Ngandu stated that the Sales Tax Bill will be reintroduced during the Budget Session commencing in September, 2019, in readiness for it’s commencement in January, 2020.

Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu stated that, “this will allow for sufficient time to address the concerns in the Sales Tax Bill that stakeholders raised during the comprehensive consultations that were undertaken on Sales Tax implementation, and for businesses to adapt.”

In view of the foregoing, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ng’andu said Sales Tax will be implemented in January 2020.

COSAFA U20 Cup WRAP: Shepolopolo U20 beat Botswana

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Shepolopolo Under 20 continued Zambia’s women’s teams’ good start in Port Elizabeth today when they beat eSwatini 4-0 in their opening Group B game at the 2019 COSAFA Women’s U20 Cup.

The COSAFA Women’s senior and junior tournaments are being held simultaneously at the same venue in South Africa.

A Maylan Mulenga brace in the 15th and 45th minute helped Shepolopolo U20 to victory.

Mary Mambwe scored Shepolopolo’s second in the 22nd minute while a 62nd minute own-goal by eSwatini captain Ncedo Gamedze completed Shepolopolo’s bright start.

The result came just 24 hours after their senior counterparts demolished Mauritius 15-0 in their opening group match.

Shepolopolo U20 lead Group B on goal difference ahead of guest side Tanzania who beat Zambia’s next opponents on August 4 ,Botswana , 2-0 in the early kickoff.

Meanwhile, senior Shepolopolo are back in action on August 3 when they also face Botswana in their penultimate pool match they need another victory to qualify to the semifinals with a match to spare.

ZMERIP trains 30 Kabwe health workers in Lead care management

Entertainment Editor
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ZMERIP trains 30 Kabwe health workers in Lead care management

Picture and Story by Hope Mkunte

The Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project (ZMERIP) has trained 30 frontline health personnel in Kabwe district for the screening and treatment of children exposed to Lead contamination.

ZMERIP has also procured laboratory equipment and drugs to treat high blood Lead levels in an estimated 10,000 children and pregnant women in Lead hotspots such as Kasanda, Mutwe Wa Nsofu, Makululu and Chowa compounds.

The training was one of many before the roll out of the free screening and treatment of Lead.

Speaking at the training, Central Province Health Director Dr Charles Msiska said Government recognises Lead contamination as a public health concern and is committed to supporting efforts to reduce effects of Lead exposure on communities in affected parts of Kabwe.

“The training of health workers in the diagnosis and management of Lead contamination is long overdue and it is good that government is addressing community health risks associated with Lead contamination”

He commended ZMERIP for the initiative saying this would improve health outcomes and help save more lives.

He said Kabwe district would like to integrate Lead screening into the main strategic plan for healthcare facilities for easy tracking and monitoring of patients with high blood Lead levels (BLL). “We would like the interventions being developed to be sustained beyond the Project life cycle.”

ZMERIP National Project Coordinator Gideon Ndalama said ZMERIP’s primary objective is to reduce environmental health risks and Lead exposure to population associated with the mining sector in critically polluted areas in selected districts of Kitwe,Chingola, Mufulira and Kabwe on the Copperbelt and Central provinces.

Mr Ndalama said the training is significant and would help complement efforts being made to address the challenges facing the Lead affected communities.

“ZMERIP will also provide nutritional supplements to vulnerable children with elevated blood Lead levels and give financial support to vulnerable women and youth groups for them to start sustainable income generating activities.” He said.

Mr Ndalama said ZMERIP will soon embark on soil sampling in Lead affected communities to come up with an appropriate Environmental In-Situ remediation to be conducted in the hotspot areas.

Inonge Wina castigates UPND MP for asking tribal Questions in Parliament

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Inonge Wina castigates UPND MP for asking tribal Questions in Parliament
Vice President Inonge Wina
Vice President Inonge Wina

Vice President Inonge Wina has expressed disappointment with UPND Chikankata Member of Parliament Kabwe Mwiinga for asking a question that boarders on the promotion of tribalism.

Mrs. Wina wondered why the member of Parliament would find time to conduct a head count of which tribal grouping is running which institution in Zambia.

Mrs Wina said that Members of Parliament are role models who should not be seen promoting tribalism.

The vice President appealed to Mr . Mwiinga to reflect and avoid asking questions that promote tribalism.

She was responding to a question from Mr. Mwiinga who wanted to know why some public Universities are currently being headed by people from one province.

And the Speaker of the National Assembly has admonished Siavonga District Commissioner Lovemore Kanyama for intimidating area member of Parliament Darius Mulunda when he paid a courtesy call at his offices whilst performing parliamentary duties.

In this matter it was alleged that Mr. Kanyama questioned the presence of Mr. Mulunda who was in the company of a parliamentary Committee which was in Siavonga to check on projects.

It was further alleged that whilst doing this, Mr Kanyama also intimidated the Siavonga Law maker.

In passing the ruling Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini expressed disappointment with the conduct of Mr. Kanyama.

Dr. Matibini guided that it is not allowed for an individual to obstruct a member of parliament from performing their duties.

He said doing so does not only demeans the Member of Parliament but also the speaker of the national assembly.

Dr. Matibini said this is because Members of Parliament act on behalf of the speaker whenever they are touring projects.

He ordered Mr Kanyama to apologize and immediately leave the Premises of Parliament buildings.

And in his apology Mr. Kanyama appreciated the counsel given by the speaker and promised never to intimidate a Member of Parliament performing parliamentary duties.

President Lungu advises Zambians to be open and embrace criticism

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President Lungu advises Zambians to be open and embrace criticism
President Lungu
President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has advised Zambians to be open and embrace criticism.

Speaking during the funeral mass of former Mukuba Secondary School Alumni Chairperson Moses Malunda in Lusaka, President Lungu said the deceased was an easily approachable person who embraced everyone.

The President said he met Mr. Malunda at Mukuba Secondary school and worked with him at Barclays Bank.

And Copperbelt lawyer and former classmate William Nyirenda said Mr. Malunda fought Kidney failure over the years.

Mr. Nyirenda who also attended National service with the deceased appealed to President Lungu to consider reintroducing national service for youths saying there is too much indiscipline among the youth.

And widow Emelda in a tribute presented by her friend Catherine Chime, thanked GOD for having given her an opportunity to journey through life with her departed husband.

And Daughter Chisha thanked President Lungu for having joined the family in mourning her father.

And Reverend Rosewell Siame advised the family to remain united and look to God for comfort during this trying moment.

Mr. Malunda 63, who died on July 29th leaves behind a wife and four daughters.

He had an illustrious banking career having worked for Barclays and Cavmont Banks.

HH Thanks Zambians for a United Stand on the 48 Houses Scandal

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HH Thanks Zambians for a United Stand on the 48 Houses Scandal
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema

United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hakainde has thanked Zambian citizens acrosspolitical affiliations for the corporate stand and disapproval over the 48 mysterious houses in Lusaka’s Woodlands (Chalala) area.

In a statement released to the media, the UPND President said that corruption was absolutely unacceptable and whenever and wherever it reared its ugly head, Zambians must expose it and call it out.

The UPND leader further said that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) reports are very clear on who owns the 48 plush mansions and other gigantic properties within and outside the country.

Below is the full statement

THANK YOU ZAMBIANS FOR A UNITED STAND OVER THE 48 MANSIONS, BUT WE CAN DO MORE

We would like to thank the Zambian citizens across political affiliations for the corporate stand and disapproval over the 48 mysterious houses in Lusaka’s Woodlands (Chalala) area.

This how it ought to be as such matters are not about UPND, PF, NDC, DP, MMD or any political parties, it’s not about where we come from, we must all rise up and show grave concern over this outrageous and despicable act of outright corruption by the PF.

Corruption is absolutely unacceptable and whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head, Zambians must expose it and call it out.

We noted that Mr. Lungu has ordered a further probe into this matter. In an ideal situation, government investigative wings ought to be very independent without being ordered or interfered with.

However, we have seen such cosmetic attempts at misleading citizens in the past where an investigation is ordered but nothing to show for it afterwards.

For example, what came out of the investigations on the purchase of fire tenders? What happened on the purchase of expired ARVs, inflated ambulances, tollgates, inflated road construction projects, the burning of city markets and so many other investigations that ultimately yielded nothing.

We must refuse to be duped and hoodwinked again. These thieves somehow know that we can make noise for a few days and forget a month later. This is a very important issue and must be monitored by all Zambians to its logical conclusion.

For once, let’s think about the amount of hunger and poverty in our communities while they are looting public resources. Our children are not in schools, farmers not given inputs and not paid, no medicines in hospitals and clinics, yet there is impunity on those controlling the national treasury to openly flaunt lavish lifestyles with so much arrogance and without any shame.

Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) reports are very clear on who owns those plush mansions and other gigantic properties within and outside the country.

Information is in public domain please. The people of Sesheke, Roan, and now Katuba constituencies have showed us the way. But we can do more as citizens to end this impunity theft of public resources. Patriotic citizens in other parts of the planet have showed us where really power lies; in the ballot.

Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President

Banks should consider waiving stringent loan requirements for small businesses-Habazoka

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Banks should consider waiving stringent loan requirements for small businesses-Habazoka
President of the Economic Association of Zambia(EAZ), Dr. Lubinda Habazoka
President of the Economic Association of Zambia(EAZ), Dr. Lubinda Habazoka

The Economics Association of Zambia says banks should consider waiving stringent loan requirements to boost access to finance for Small and Medium Enterprises-SMEs.

EAZ president Lubinda Habazoka says the stringent requirements such as provision of collateral and audited financials reports should be waived to enable the SMEs grow.

He says there is need for more meaningful access to finance for SMEs through addressing challenges that affect access to capital.

Dr Habazoka was speaking during a press briefing which follows the hosting of the successful national economic summit in Livingstone.

He said high interest rates have overcrowded the domestic money markets making commercial banks prefer locking liquidity in government securities as opposed to extending credit to SMEs.

Dr Habazoka also called on local businesses to support value addition purposes.

He said there is also need to de-risk and diversify the energy sector to cushion power deficits.

Dr Habazoka further called for easing of aviation costs, competitiveness and sustainability of the national airline as a way of reaping benefits by revamping dead industries such as horticulture.

Government seeks K10 billion supplementary budget to finance foreign and domestic debt repayment

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Government seeks K10 billion supplementary budget to finance foreign and domestic debt repayment
Bwalya Ngandu
Bwalya Ngandu

THE Government has proposed a K9.8 billion supplementary budget to finance foreign and domestic debt repayment, the purchase of strategic food reserves, national security and foreign affairs, among other activities.

A total of K6.4 billion would be spent on external and domestic debt obligations to meet the higher external debt repayments due to depreciation of the Kwacha against the dollar and to cover shortfalls over maturities of Government securities.

Another K3.5 billion would go towards meeting the higher-than-projected external debt service made during the first half of 2019.

Proposing the motion on Wednesday in Parliament, Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu said Zambia’s external debt servicing in the 2019 budget assumed against an exchange rate of K10.5 to one-dollar, which had risen to K12.3 to one dollar causing an increase in the 2019 debt servicing.

PF does not understand how 48 houses could be without an owner-Davies Mwila

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PF does not understand how 48 houses could be without an owner-Davies Mwila

Patriotic Front has welcomed President Edgar Lungu’s directive for investigative wings to reopen the probe into the 48 houses suspected to have been bought through proceeds of crime.

In a statement released to the media by PF Media Director Sunday Chanda, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila, who reiterated the ruling Party’s commitment to the fight against corruption through established investigative agencies and promotion of the rule of law, said that the ruling Party could not understand how properties such as houses could end up without anyone owning them.

Mr Mwila has since called on all investigative agencies to do Zambians justice by ensuring that all culprits are brought to justice.

“To our hardworking investigative wings, we are all looking to you as the collective for answers to the many questions we the people are asking. As a Party, we have all the confidence that institutions such as yourselves have all it takes to protect public interest, without fair or favour”, Mr Mwila has said.

The PF Secretary General also reiterated that the fight against corruption must not be politicized but rather confronted as a common enemy of the people.

“Corruption is a cancer that we ought to fight away from any political considerations. It’s our common enemy and must not be politicized if we are to win the fight as a Country”, he has observed.

Mr Mwila further called on members of the Public to help Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Zambia Police among others with any leads into the infamous fourth eight (48) houses.

Meanwhile, the Forum for Democracy and Development has demanded for transparent and independent inquiry into the construction of 48 flats in Chalala area in Lusaka.

The FDD is shocked and disappointed with failure by the Anti Corruption Commission to locate the owner of 48 flats built in Lusaka which are suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Yotam Mtayachalo the Party Acting spokesperson said the FDD strongly feels that the Commission is being economical with the truth over this matter because no person or institution can build such structures without valid documentations from relevant authorities.

Mr. Mtayachalo said the FDD is alive to the fact that before any structure is erected plans are submitted for planning authority and dully approved.

He said further, the piece of land on which the properties are constructed should obviously have title deeds bearing the name of the owner which are issued by the ministry of Lands and besides ground and owners rates are paid to the government and the local authority.

Mr. Mtayachalo said it is therefore very strange and not convincing that the whole state machinery can fail to have details of the owner of these properties in question and it is this attitude being exhibited by investigative wings that the public have lost confidence in them.

He said it is in light of the foregoing that the FDD demands that an independent and transparent inquiry over this matter must be instituted to identify the real owner of the property and ensure that the culprit is brought to book regardless his or her status in society so that it can serve as a detterent to would be offenders.

He has also called for radical changes to the Anti Corruption Commission and Drug Enforcement Commission Acts respectively in order to make more robust if they have to effectively deal with sophisticated cases of graft.

Mr. Mtayachalo has also called on Zambians to be patriotic and proactive in speaking out without fear against cases of corruption and money laundering activities as such vices robs the country of the much needed resources for national development and poverty eradication for the vulnerable groups in society.

He said in order to prudently manage and safeguard public resources, the FDD upon being elected into government shall introduce legislative changes to ensure the independence and full autonomy of institutions of good governance such as ACC and DEC to make them more effective in combating corruption and money laundering activities which are on the rise.

Zambian Public warned against investing in a cryptocurrency called ONYXCOIN

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Zambian Public warned against investing in a cryptocurrency called ONYXCOIN

The Securities and Exchange Commission has cautioned the investing public to be careful when making investment decisions.

The SEC has received information and enquiries from the public regarding a company called KWAKOO that is requesting the public to invest in a cryptocurrency called ONYXCOIN, its Chief Executive Officer Philip Chitalu has said.

Mr. Chitalu said KWAKOO is promoting and advising individuals to invest money by purchasing various Onyxcoin packages.

He said SEC further understands that the promoters are predicting the value of Onyxcoin to increase by more than 100 times or 1,000 percent by June 2021.

Mr. Chitalu clarified that it is a requirement of the Securities Act, No. 41 of 2016 (“the Securities Act”) that any person engaging or holding out as engaging in the provisions of advice on investments in securities, including advice on subscribing for, Of purchasing, selling, exchanging or holding of, securities to any person in Zambia must be licensed, unless otherwise properly exempted by Law.

He said presentations which promote and solicit for funds to be invested in a financial product such as Onyxcoin qualify as investrnent advice in the context of the Securities Act’s definition of an investment adviser.

Mr. Chitalu warned that KWAKOO and its promoters and/or representatives are NOT licensed or authorized by the SEC to provide investrnent advice or solicit funds from the Zambian investing public for investment in any flnancial product in Zambia or elsewhere.

He added that the SEC’s regulatory role of licensing Of authorization of capital market intermediaries, including Dealers and Investrnent Advisers, ensures the protection of investors through the SEC’s supervision of the marketing and/or dealings by the intertnediaries.

Mr. Chitalu said Initial Coin Offerings typically involve the creation of digital tokens using distributed ledger technology and they are sold to investors by auction or through subscription, in return for a crypto-currency such as Bitcoin or others, including Onyxcoin.

He said these offerings are not standardized, and their legal and regulatory status is likely to depend on the circumstances of the individual ICO further warning that there are clear risks associated with these offerings.

Research to use a vaccine made from genetically modified material for diarrhoea in infants given green light

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Research to use a vaccine made from genetically modified material for diarrhoea in infants given green light

The National Biosafety Aiuthority has given a go ahead to the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia to conduct research using a vaccine made from genetically modified material aimed at fighting diarrhoea in infants.

And the Authority has also also granted FREDDY HIRSCH Group Limited a permit to import spices that may contain ingredients made from genetically modified organisms.

The NBA Board on Wednesday, following recommendations from its Scientific Advisory Committee, allowed Freddy Hirsh and CIDRZ to proceed with importation of spices and conducting research respectively.

Sandra Lombe the NBA Communications Officer said Freddy Hirsh will bring in different varieties of spices, of which some are used in the production of some sausages such as boerewors.

She said the company applied to bring in 29 products among them; Garlic powder, Paprika Rosen, ZAMBEEF HP, ZAMBEEF French Polony, Beef Sausage, Boerewors farm Style ‘R” , Hunters Biltong Seasoning, Oukraal Wors ’R’, Cumberland pork sausage, Russian Montana and Peri Peri rub spices.

Mrs. Lombe said others are Tapioca Starch , Soya Protein Isolate, Super Reform 150 Ham, Chilli Bite Seasoning (Hot), BBQ Beef, Instant Cure S, NF Curing Brine S, Beef Burger, QM Barbeque Marinade, Continental French , French polony, GM Aufschnitt, Pork Sausage ‘R’, Coriander ground, Pepper black ground, BBQ Sprinkle, Vienna and Supreme Braai.

She said this means that whoever buys the above mentioned products is expected to have a copy of Freddy Hirsch’s permit.

Mrs. Lombe said henceforth, all those making products using the said spices for sale will be required to clearly label their products that they ‘May contain ingredients of GMO products saying failure to do so will lead to seizure and burning of their products in accordance with the provisions of the law.

She said it is important that the products are labelled so that people make informed decisions when purchasing such food products.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lombe explained that CIDRZ will conduct research on infants aged between 6 and 8 weeks and will cover 1,500 children in Zambia.

She said about 8,200 infants in three African countries including Zambia will participate in the vaccine trial.

Mrs. Lombe said the trial is aimed at reducing mortality rate in infants through diarrhoea diseases.

It must be a Government Minister Owning the 48 Houses-Kambwili

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It must be a Government Minister Owning the 48 Houses-Kambwili
NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili
NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili

National Democratic Congress Leader Chishimba Kambwili has urged the Anti Corruption Commission to be serious with the fight against Corruption.

Mr. Kambwili has described the ACC as incompetent and trivial, and is disappointed that they have failed to trace and prosecute the owner of the 48 flats in Lusaka’s Chalala area.

He said the houses are believed to have been built using proceeds of crime and suspects that the controversial houses belong to a senior Government Minister.

“My suspicion is that it must be a a Minister owning those houses and they were only put in the name of the civil servant, ” he said.

Mr. Kambwili says President lungu is not sincere when he talks about the corruption Crusade as evidenced by the continued failure of the ACC to end the scourge.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kambwili has accused the PF of vote buying in the just ended Lubwa ward local Government by elections in Kitwe.

He said the PF victory in Lubwa ward is not genuine as huge sums of money was used to buy votes.

And Mr. Kambwili has said some people are misinterpreting his Bemba idioms used on President Edgar Lungu and his government.

Commenting on the warning by some government officials to stop insulting President Edgar Lungu, Mr. Kambwili said there is nothing wrong using idioms in any form of political communication.

You are the company you keep: A tale of two mining companies

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You are the company you keep: A tale of two mining companies

There is a mining licence being contested today in Zambia with, on the one side, intimidation and defamation and on the other corporate social responsibility and the promise of jobs. This is not an unusual occurrence in the highly competitive world of Copper Mining. What is unusual is the contrast between the styles and the ethics of the two parties in these disputes. One side represents a throwback to the Zambia of the past that needs to be buried forever. The other side represents a future in which foreign investment, local ownership and community development work together in the economic interest of the country.

Xtract Executive Chairman Colin Bird is partnered with the Jerabo gang leader Shawi Fawaz. For those who may not know these names, Jerabo, the notorious gang of Copper thieves and gangsters lost their former leader, Youngson Kalobo, in 2015. Their current chief, Shawi Fawaz owns, with his wife, Hetro Mining and Lunga Minerals. They are in partnership with Colin Bird’s Xtract Resources.

Moxico Resources under their Chief Executive Alan Davies who is working closely with the Senior Chief Chizera of the Kaonde People of North Western Province and other local leaders and members of the community, including Mufumbwe acting District Commissioner, Patson Mulaisho, currently hold that licence. They have been working with local companies, employers and educators to prepare the ground for the re-opening of the mine. When Moxico began work, Patson Mulaisho, commented: “The people of Mufumbwe and Zambia as a whole cannot wait to see the commencement of operations at Kalengwa mine because the facility will bring about vast economic transformation in the district as well as the country in general.”

The Supreme Court of Zambia has turned down Fawaz’s repeated attempts to get control of the licence for the Kalengwa Mine from its rightful owners Euro Africa. Moxico invested in the mine and acquired the licence from Euro Africa in May 2018. Moxico’s plans were ambitious and based an enlightened corporate social responsibility approach to the role of the two local mines – the Kalengwa and the Mimbula – in the community. Both the Senior Chief and the District Commissioner understand the potential economic impact of the mines. The Mimbula Mine will be employing over 1500 people when operational in late 2020 through to 2021. The Kalengwa Mine will employ around 500. That is 2,000 new jobs in the mining industry. To get that number in perspective the total number employed in mining in Zambia in 2018 was 58,000. Together the mines will represent an investment of $250m in the Zambian economy. The multiplier effect of this investment through the local and national supply chain will be significant for local supplies of transport, raw materials and services. But aside from the generic impact, the approach of Moxico has already been significantly proactive in the community.

In June Cavmont Bank announced the closure of 19 branches with the loss of hundreds of jobs in predominantly industrial areas including, Mufumbwe. The mining company made significant deposits with the bank, promised that the 2,000 employees would be paid through the branch alongside all the contractors and the branch was kept open. It will also mean that local civil servants in the area will be saved from having to travel 240km to collect their wages! Moxico have also began work on rebuilding and updating the local police station.

Repairing police stations is not high on the priorities of the Jerabo gang leader Shawi Fawaz and his partners. Having lost in the Supreme Court time after time, the Jerabo gang resorted to libellous articles and the physical occupation of the Kalengwa Mine by groups of South African “investors”. It is worth considering one such article in a little detail because it gives a strong indication of the tactics being used by one side in this dispute. The article appeared in Zambia Reports on 26 July. It sensationally begins by claiming that Moxico Chief Executive Officer Alan Davies is facing jail for failing to obey an ex parte order to restrain him from interfering with the operations of the Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine Limited. The purpose of this allegation, aside from the defamation, is to draw attention away from the legal reality. The Supreme Court clearly established ownership of the Kalengwa Mine and the Ministry of Mines approved the purchase of the mine’s licence by Moxico. The real interference occurred when the Jerabo gang somehow managed to get that licence cancelled and a new one issued in the name of an entity they control called KPZ. It is this transaction, or series of transactions, which is currently under close scrutiny and investigation by the government of Zambia.

The Zambia Report article goes on to allege that “Moxico illegally bought shares in the mine while the dispute between shareholders was still in court”. But there has never been on public record any objection to the purchase of shares in Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine Limited (“Euro Africa”) in May 2018. Indeed, it was approved by the local community leaders and by the Zambian authorities including the relevant offices of the Ministry of Mines. It then broadens the attack; Mr Davis has apparently been engaged in government fraud in West Africa. In fact, Mr Davies has never been charged with fraud in any jurisdiction anywhere on earth. No doubt lawyers will be discussing the relevant merits of actions for defamation against the journalist and the paper but there is a bigger issue here for the people of Mufumbwe and the wider economic future of Zambia.

On one side we have Moxico, a company backed by globally recognised investors from the UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, ready to put $250m into the economy and create 2000 mining jobs and thousands more in the supply chain. We have a company with transparent ownership and good relations with local stakeholders. They are ready and waiting to start making a difference in this community.

On the other side we have this entity KPZ which managed, no one seems to know how, to acquire the licence for one the local mines. This entity involves a partnership between Colin Bird’s Xtract and Shawi Fawaz’s Hetro Mining and Lunga Minerals. Its ownership is obscured by offshore holdings in a entity called KPZ International registered, of course, in the British Virgin Islands and owned ultimately by who knows who? In 1998 Fawaz had a warrant out for his arrest as a drug dealer and he was deported from Zambia. In 1994 he was sentenced to 20 years for murder, he was acquitted when the only eyewitness changed his testimony before the Supreme Court hearing. In 2006 he was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and in 2007 arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and conspiracy to murder.

Proverbs 13:20: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. … Keep company with the wise and you will become wise.” Perhaps those working with and supporting Fawaz in his obsession with owning Kalengwa mine should take note. If you walk with criminals, then, presumably…

[Sponsored Article]

By Kevin Coulter,

Coulter was trained as a journalist at E.W. Scripps School of Journalism before working as a PR and content consultant for a range of Fintech start-ups in Ohio and across the US. He now combines content creation for a range of clients with investigative journalism in financial, energy and development related fields.

Green Eagles-Orlando Pirates CAF CL game set for Lusaka

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Green Eagles will not play their 2019/2020CAF Champions League first round home game against Orlando Pirates of South Africa at their Independence Stadium base in Choma.

The club confirmed on Thursday after CAF stadium inspectors assessed Independence Stadium that the first leg match against Pirates on August 10 will be played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

“That was our plan B. We are already working in Lusaka, we are hoping after that game there (in Lusaka), all the games will be played here (Choma), and “Green Eagles patron Major General Alick Maiji said.

“We are just hoping the other game, including continental Champions games, will be played here in Choma.”

Eagles have been battling to upgrade Independence Stadium to international standards so that they play their continental home matches in Choma since making their African debut last season in the CAF Confederation Cup.

They reached second round of the CAF Confederation Cup after also playing their two home games in Lusaka.

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