Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe has announced that the process of implementing the deal between Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Vedanta Minerals is near completion.

Mine unions this week held a media briefing in Kitwe at which they expressed concern over the ‘delay’ to action the KCM-Vedanta deal.

Mine Workers Union of Zambia, National Union of Miners and Allied Workers and United Mine Workers Union warned that (KCM) risks undergoing care and maintenance following low production at its Integrated Business Units (IBUs).

Commenting on this issue, Mr. Kabuswe said the consent judgment related to the deal was scheduled to be signed Friday to pave way for the last step which is a creditor’s scheme of arrangement.

He said the Government has done its part by resolving the KCM issue that emanated from the liquidation of the mine by the PF Government.

During a media briefing today, Mr. Kabuswe brushed aside issues raised by the three mine unions.

“You as the media and through you the public is aware that all the challenges of KCM and Mopani have been resolved. Of course it is in the public domain that the Government and Vedanta Resources resolved to settle their dispute the two parties had out of court. Two day ago, I don’t know whether it was a press briefing or something by the mine unions and we saw miners clad in black t-shirts and waving placards. I was in shock and asked what was going on because as a Government we have been very open. This government has negotiated various conditions for miners; among them is the 20 percent salary increase immediately Vedanta assumes full operations of the mine (KCM). I think that we need to give each other a break as Zambians. It is important to take things in their context,” Mr. Kabuswe said.

He continued: “Right now, I want to announce to you that all the documents, all the agreements on KCM have been signed. As we are talking to you now today this morning if am not mistaken they are filling consent judgment. That consent judgment they are filling today is now to pave way for the last step which is a creditor’s scheme of arrangement. That mine was in liquidation. I wish the miners who were waving those placards could have protested when a decision to liquidate a company by a minority shareholder was being made. It was a wrong decision. It is a reason this mine is where it is. Vedanta has done its part, the Government of Zambia has done its part and ZCCM IH has done its part, now it remains for the courts to run that process of the creditors’ scheme so that we remove the provisional liquidation.”

Mr. Kabuswe urged miners and their unions to be patient over the KCM issue.

“We have done our part but we have to allow the process to run. We have done our part and there is nothing remaining. We have done all the agreements. There is no more discussion going on between Vedanta and the Government. Everything is on course. Please bashi mine and leaders of miners allow the process to run. As far as we are concerned as a government , a solution for KCM has been found and there will be no looking back. Government, Vedanta and ZCCM IH are now partners in KCM. So Abena Kopala do not listen to negative voices. Sometimes in our endeavour to do correct things we seemingly look like taking long, the reason is, if you rush you crush. That is where we are on KCM,” he concluded on the matter.

In response to a surge in cholera cases, the Zambian government has announced the deferment of the 2024 Term One school opening from the initially scheduled date of January 8th to January 29th. Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima made the official announcement today in Lusaka, emphasizing the need to prevent and mitigate the spread of the disease.

Minister Syakalima clarified that this postponement applies to all public, private, aided, and community learning institutions, including Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers, primary, and secondary schools. Learners at all levels are expected to resume classes on January 29, 2024, after a three-week extension from the initial opening date.

To compensate for the lost time, the Minister explained that the First Term holidays will be reduced to one week instead of the standard four weeks. Consequently, schools will now close for Term One on April 26, 2024, and reopen for Term Two on May 6, 2024.

In light of the shortened holiday period, Minister Syakalima urged parents and guardians to prepare their children for the upcoming term well in advance of the official closure of Term One.

The Ministry of Education, under Hon. Douglas Syakalima’s leadership, emphasized a cautious approach to reopening schools, calling for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the safety and readiness of educational institutions.

In a dazzling parade display of precision and pageantry, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Headquarters skies bore witness to the historic Fly-In Fly-Out parade, where the mantle of the ZAF Command seamlessly transitioned from the hands of the Immediate-Past Commander, Lt Gen Colin Barry to the newly appointed Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Afred Nyoni.
The ceremony was a tapestry of emotions and symbolism as the out-going and in-coming commanders addressed the assembled crowd.

Lt Gen Barry, after three decades of dedicated service in the Air Force, spoke about the honour of leading the brave men and women of the Zambia Air Force.

He expressed his gratitude to the Commander-In-Chief for his trust when he appointed him as Commander and for the firm support he received during his tenure office.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Nyoni, who arrived in a majestic flyover in the AB-212 Augusta bell Helicopter to officially assume command accompanied by his immaculately dressed fair lady Nicolynn, exuded confidence and a profound sense of responsibility. He emphasized the importance of unity, innovation, good leadership and readiness in facing challenges such as insecurity, climate change and hunger, among others.
Lt Gen Nyoni thanked the Republican President and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema for his appointment as ZAF Commander and for according him the privilege to serve the Air Force and the Zambian people.

He pledged to ensure that transparent and accountable servant leadership prevailed as his Command continues to address the challenges face by the people.

He called on Officers under his Command to be solution oriented and adopt selfless and exemplary leadership qualities as they work together to serve the nation.

“ZAF will continue diligently undertaking it’s constitutional mandate of safeguarding the Zambian airspace and rendering support to the ground forces in defence of Zambia’s territorial integrity. My Command’s strategic vision will be anchored on welfare, morale and combat readiness to defeat all threats including hunger,” Lt Gen Nyoni stated.
He also touched on diversification programmes where he charged that ZAF was going to remain dedicated to supporting government in improving the lives of the Zambian people through economic diversification and engagement in agricultural activities towards the national food basket and food security.

He reaffirmed the commitment to actualizing the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema directive to implementing the ‘One Zambia One Nation’ motto and appoint office bearers based on merit regardless of tribe or religious beliefs. He also pledged to implement deliberate policy programmes to ensure diversity and gender parity at recruitment, selection, promotion, deployment and appointment in the Air Force.

“My Command will focus on ensuring that the Air Force is not only operationally efficient, but will also ensure the welfare of personnel, infrastructure maintenance and development, organisation expansion and promotions so that we enhance our efficiency.Thorough training of personnel across the rank and file in military courses will be a priority for my Command including manpower development,” Lt Gen Nyoni added.

He acknowledged the Immediate Past Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Barry for his two (02) years of selfless service rendered to ZAF and mother Zambia as Commander and recognized his dedication towards improving the operational effectiveness of the Air Force through the increased conduct of operational activities and increased training as well as Air Force core capabilities and competencies and for enhancing professional and technical proficiency amongst personnel.

Lt Gen Nyoni paid tribute to the Immediate Past Air Power Ladies Club Patron, Mrs Sharmaine Barry for her immense contribution to the club. He pledged to support the In-coming Patron in her activities saying he was confident she would carry on where Mrs Barry had left off.
And speaking earlier, Lt Gen Barry said his Command was focused on a modernised combat capable Air Force anchored on accountable, professional and well-motivated personnel and that all programmes and initiatives during his time were towards the fulfilment of this vision which resonated well with government programmes to ensure that professionalism and accountability were the hallmarks of public service.

“I am humbled to have had the privilege of leading this extraordinary Force. The successes we achieved together were a testament to the dedication and professionalism of every member of the Zambia Air Force. As I pass the baton to Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, I am confident that the Air Force will soar to even greater heights under his leadership,” Lt Gen Colin Barry declared.

The Fly-In Fly-Out Parade drew a distinguished audience, including representatives of Service Chiefs, Former Service Chiefs, Defence Advisors, families, the Deputy Air Force Commander and Chief of Air Staff, Maj Gen Arthur Kalaluka and his spouse, service personnel, and members of the press. The gathering reflected the widespread recognition of the pivotal role the Air Force plays in safeguarding the nation and, observing and maintaining military traditions.

Several activities constituted the Fly-In Fly-Out Parade held on January 3, 2024, at ZAF Headquarters not only stood as a testament to observance and celebrations of military traditions but once again the repositioning of the Air Force world over as a truly elite Force.
The symbolic nature of the parade was epitomized by the departure of Lt Gen Barry and his wife who were flown out in a ceremonial gesture marking his exit from the leadership of the Air Force.

The transition between the outgoing and incoming Commanders was not just a change of leadership but a moment of reflection on the rich history and promising future of the Zambia Air Force. As the sky above the Air Force Headquarters roared with bell helicopter aircraft in salute, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where the wings of the Air Force would be guided by the proficient hands of Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni.

In a recent statement, President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the lucrative nature of beef production, emphasizing its role as a rewarding business in the agricultural sector. Encouraging citizens, particularly the youth and women, to venture into this industry, the President underlined the existing markets in neighbouring countries that could further boost the nation’s agricultural exports.

President Hichilema took pride in the long-standing success of cattle ranches in the Southern Province, which have been in operation for over two decades. These ranches not only contribute to the nation’s food production but have also been instrumental in generating employment opportunities.

“While the government plays a vital role in creating jobs and fostering business opportunities, it is equally important for individuals to strive towards creating opportunities for others who may face challenges in doing so themselves,” remarked President Hichilema. The call to action is particularly directed towards the youth and women, encouraging them to actively participate in the thriving beef production sector.

The President expressed gratitude for the hardworking citizens who have played a pivotal role in creating wealth and job opportunities within the country. The agricultural sector, especially beef production, has proven to be a cornerstone of economic growth, contributing significantly to the overall development of Zambia.

As Zambia continues to prioritize and promote agricultural initiatives, it is anticipated that the encouragement from the President will inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs and stakeholders to actively participate in beef production, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth and sustainability.