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The Patriotic Front -PF- in Lusaka has notified the police command of its planned solidarity match for Minister of Finance Felix Mutati as he presents the 2018 National Budget to parliament tomorrow.
PF Lusaka Province Youth Chairperson Kennedy Kamba says the Officer-in-Charge at Lusaka Central Police has been officially notified of the planned solidarity at parliament buildings.
Mr. Kamba says PF officials will drive to Parliament buildings to offer solidarity to the Minister of Finance.
He says the PF are highly expectant of the good contents of the 2018 national budget, hence the planned solidarity.
Mr. Kamba was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka
MINISTER of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Kampamba Mulenga has refuted the story attributed to her in The Mast Newspaper on Thursday, September 28, 2017, headlined; Don’t depend on govt salary, keep chickens.
She said there was only one topic of discussion during the press briefing and all the journalists who were in attendance can attest to this.
Ms Mulenga says after the briefing, there were only two questions asked and both were related to the issue of the miners and Chambwa Moonga did not ask any question.
Below is the Full statement
*THE MAST STORY HEADLINED; DON’T DEPEND ON GOVT SALARY, KEEP CHICKENS – KAMPAMBA*
28th September, 2017
I wish to categorically refute the story attributed to me in The Mast edition of today, Thursday, September 28, 2017, headlined; Don’t depend on govt salary, keep chickens – Kampamba.
According to The Mast story, authored by a Chambwa Moonga, I am quoted as having said these words while responding to questions from journalists after a joint press briefing with Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Joyce Nonde-Simukoko yesterday, the 27th September, 2017.
On Wednesday, 27th September, 2017, I held a joint press conference in my office with Hon. Nonde-Simukoko at which I stated that Konkola Copper Mines should not proceed with the transfer of its workers to contractors before negotiations are concluded with unions.
There was only one topic of discussions during this press briefing and all the journalists who were in attendance can attest to this. After the briefing, there were only two questions asked and both were related to the issue of the miners and Chambwa Moonga did not ask any question.
It is, therefore, disheartening that a journalist can concoct a story and even fabricate direct quotations and attribute them to me.
This kind of behaviour by some journalists is what gives journalism a bad name, and as Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services I feel greatly disappointed that some journalists continue to be at loggerheads with the truth. What is even more scary is that I was not misquoted on the statement I issued in front of many people; I was drawn into a story I am not aware of and made a source!
Journalists must tell the truth and if they have misinformed the audience, they must own up and state so. I hope The Mast will own up and state so.
For the rest of the journalists let me encourage you to be factual and re-state what American journalists, Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel state in their book The Elemments of Journalism;
…the best new journalism will compete in the marketplace of ideas by being more deeply reported and more transparent, by correcting the record for audiences that have been misinformed and by answering questions other accounts have left unclear.
To all the civil servants that may have been offended by the said fabrication, please ignore the falsehood as it is a figment of someone else’s imagination and belongs to gutter journalism.
I am a responsible person and I respect all Zambians regardless of their status in society.
The annual inflation rate for September 2017 has marginally increased to 6.6% from 6.3% recorded in August.
Speaking during the monthly briefing, Central Statistical Office (CSO) Director John Kalumbi says
The increase in the annual inflation rate was mainly attributed to price increase in electricity tariffs.
And Mr. Kalumbi says the annual food inflation rate for September was recorded at 5.0% compared to 5.1% recorded in August 2017, representing a marginal decrease of 0.1 percent.
He says the decrease in the annual food inflation rate is mainly attributed to price changes for bread and cereals and vegetables.
Mr Kalumbi adds that the annual non food inflation rate for September 2017 was recorded at 8.4 percent, from 7.7 percent recorded in August 2017,indicating an increase of 0.7 percentage points.
He says the increase is mainly attributed to the increase in electricity tariffs.
Meanwhile Mr. Kalumbi says Zambia has recorded an economic growth of 3.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017, indicating a 0.2 Percentage points increase from 3.0 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2016.
He says the electricity generation industry recorded the highest growth of 27.1 percent in the period under review.
And Mr. Kalumbi has disclosed that youth unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2017 is estimated at 16.3 percent.
He explains that in urban areas, the youth unemployment rate stood at 17 percent and 15.5 percent in rural areas.
Vice President Inonge Wina (c) arrives at Mongu Airport yesterday for the Commissioning of the Connection of North-Western Province and Lukulu District to the Zesco National Grid.
Vice President Inonge Wina says the connection of Lukulu and Mitete districts in Western Province to the national electricity grid will propel industrial development in the two districts.
And Mrs. Wina says the PF government has lived up to its promise of taking development to all parts of the country.
The Vice President says the provision of electricity will bring opportunities to the two districts and improve the welfare of its citizens.
Mrs. Wina has noted that the people of Lukulu are well known for fish farming and should use the electricity to develop the sector.
She was speaking when she called on Senior Chief Ananganga Imwiko at his palace in Lukulu District.
And Senior Chief Imwiko has commended government for connecting Lukulu and Mitete to the Electricity gird describing the development as historic.
And representing the Barotse Royal Establishment of Namayula, Kuta Clerk Titus Mandanji thanked the PF government for building an ultra-Modern Hospital for the people of Lukulu.
Mr. Mandanji also commended ZESCO management for connecting electricity to houses around the palace at no cost.
The Vice President is in Lukulu to commission the connection of Lukulu and Mitete Districts to National Electricity grid.
Vice President Inonge Wina (l) with Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (r) at Mongu Airport leaving for the Commissioning of the Connection of North-Western Province and Lukulu District to the Zesco National Grid
The National Consultative Forum On the Political Parties Bill at Mulumgushi Conference Center held by the Ministry Of Justice which was officially opened by Vice President Inonge Wina was on Thursday characterised by confusion as delegates demanded for transport refund.
Thursday being the last day delegates were suppose report back on their recommendations but refused to do so as they demanded that the issue of refunds was addressed.
Over 150 Delegates From All Political parties, The Civil Society and the Church Mother bodies among others are attending the meeting.
The delegates waited for the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Justice who refused to come but opted to send his junior a Mr Kalimbika to appeal to the delegates.
Mr Kalimbika pleaded the delegates to bare with the Ministry and that they would refund the allowances to them by next week.
Earlier political parties walked out in protest and only returned when they were addressed by the Ministry official.
ZDDM Vice President Charles Kafumbu accused Government of wanting to frustrate stakeholders so that they can draft the document without there input.
He said the PF government of trying to create a one party state saying by frustrating us they will draft something which will ensure that this country is turned into a one party state.
Home affairs minister Stephen Kampyongo says Chishimba Kambwili is trying to cleanse himself by throwing mud at other people.
Last week, Kambwili, who is a former information minister, charged that Kampyongo got three vehicles as a reward for signing the $42 million fire truck deal when he was Minister of Local Government.
“Kampyongo was the Minister in charge at the time and must tell the nation why he accepted 3 brand new vehicles (Toyota Hilux, Range Rover and Toyota Landcruiser VX) as a vote of thanks for signing that lucrative deal,” charged Kambwili.
But debating President Edgar Lungu’s address to Parliament, Kampyongo seized the opportunity to hit back at Kambwili saying the Roan PF member of parliament would not succeed to bring the ruling party down.
He challenged Kambwili to produce Road Transport and Safety Agency records to prove that he owned the vehicles he was accused of getting from Grandview.
“For me, Mr Speaker, standing here as your MP and as your minister, if I am found wanting, I am not going to bother about what is happening to my next colleague. The best way to clean yourself is to make sure that you answer questions that are directed to you, that’s how you cleanse yourself. You don’t cleanse yourself by throwing mud at other people, you come here and say ‘no someone has got vehicles’, owning a vehicle is not like owning a bicycle, there is RTSA there you come with records to say this person owns this and that”
“So I am telling you that you won’t bring us down, we know of the few people who want to bring Chagwa’s soldiers down but I can assure you that we shall fight and we will not fail,” Kampyongo said.
Kampyongo claimed President Lungu was serious about the fight against corruption.
“Mr Speaker, when you see a President firing one of his own lieutenants from Cabinet on allegations of corruption, what more can he show? The President walks the talk and he has made it very clear to all of us here.”
“And I want to say this that here in this Chamber we make laws, so when you want to come and accuse this minister standing here, you have to stand firmly and say ‘this act was abused by this honourable minister of this ministry, in this line’ other than just jumping on the anthill and join all those that are not well informed”.
“In addition, we have got the Abuse of Office Act which also follows you in case you stray from your area of jurisdiction, they are there so when you are making allegations and accusing the President of not doing anything about corruption, it’s not fair at all,” Kampyongo said.
He said there was so much hypocrisy attached to issues of corruption.
“Mr Speaker, the President did allude to the fight against corruption in his speech and if there is a leader who is so firm about his stance against corruption, I think we all know where the President stands and having been here for six years, Mr Speaker I want to put it on record on how disappointed I have been to see the hypocrisy that we have attached to the issues of corruption, I was at the backbench there, progressed to the middle until I got here.”
“The debate we have heard here of accusing those in the front bench…we have even had newspaper presentations laid on the table, we had a minister (Kambwili) sitting where my elder brother is sitting, everyday it was ‘no this is a corrupt minister’ from our colleagues in the UPND, (no he has given himself contracts’ and we had all the papers flying around here. But what happened? The moment he crossed the floor to there, all the corruption finished and they all started calling him a great leader so he could win a slot,” Kampyongo said.
“We had a minister of tourism here (Sylvia Masebo) who was accused of corruption and when she was in [the] ruling [party] there was no corruption but the moment she crossed over from here to there, everything changed, the cases in Court became solidarity and it’s not only that Mr Speaker the catalog is long but what I am saying Mr Speaker is that the issue of corruption is a policy matter and some of us have been personally accused and have heard things concocted, that’s why I am asking that maybe it has become a skim of recruiting, when you cross over to the other side and they bombard you then the corruption starts. But when everything is said and done, some of us will be among the last men and women standing because we know where we stand in serving our people.”
Meanwhile, Kampyongo said government was not intimidated by witchcraft, in apparent reference to Chief Mukuni.
“Mr Speaker, we as PF have resolved to work for our people and I want to say that those who want to think that out of the genuineness of our President of wanting to co-exist and engage in meaningful dialogue we are going to sit back and relax, as much as we support dialogue, oneness and share the UN’s need to coexist, we are not going to sit back and allow lawbreakers to continue tormenting people’s lives.”
“Those of us who are charged with the responsibility of maintaining peace and order shall make sure that we pursue those who have tormented people’s lives to the latter.”
“Equally, those who would want to start thinking they can form their own clusters and design their own laws, they are making a very big mistake and we are not going to be even threatened by the so-called ‘science of darkness’ which some people have been trying to use.”
“We shall pursue wrong doers by using civilized means of policing and make sure that they don’t get away with wrong doing and misleading people,” Kampyongo said.
Speaker Matibini however asked Kampyongo to clarify what he meant by “Science of darkness”.
“Mr Speaker those of us who are charged with the responsibility of pursuing wrong doers and the corrupt suffer a number of things from those people fighting back in different ways. We have heard of people saying they will come for us because they sleep in the graves,” Kamypongo responded.
Asked if he meant witchcraft, Kampyongo said; “Thank you Mr Speaker, yes it’s witchcraft but I just know it in my language that it’s called ‘ubuloshi’. So we are God fearing people just like our President and we shall remain under the shelter of God Almighty the creator.”
“So let them not make a mistake of thinking that they can get us distracted by those empty threats, we are resolved to make sure that this country remains a united nation with so many tribes and regions. Our role is to ensure that every Zambian is given an opportunity to enjoy their rights as citizens without being suppressed by any grouping and therefore, we encourage the President who has committed himself to the process of dialogue, to dialogue with those that will come
Amos MalupengaOut of 109 fire stations in the country’s districts, only 15 are close to a modernised status, which justifies the move by the Government to equip the stations with the newly-acquired 42 fire engines, Local Government Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga has said.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Fire Service Training School (ZNFSTS) commandant Yonah Mwale has backed the rationale to purchase the fire engines, indicating that increased fire and road traffic accidents in various parts of the country will be handled effectively and professionally.
Mr Malupenga said the state of fire stations across the country was not in tandem with the changing infrastructure, which required firefighting teams to be fully equipped with modern tools such as the acquired fire engines.
He also said the Local Government Service Commission and the fire training institute were working closely to train more firefighters to close the gap.
“The minister has indicated plans that we have to modernise the training school and equip it properly so that we can invest in modern technology in terms of training. We have to train more people if we have to employ more, it starts from there. We can only train up to a point looking at the facilities we have with its limitations, so those are the issues we are trying to focus on,” Mr Malupenga said.
The ZNFSTS commandant, Mr Mwale said the new equipment would help firefighters respond effectively to emergencies such as fires and traffic accidents.
“We have a serious upswing involving fires and road accidents. The new engines have tools which we didn’t have in our old engines, hence the way we will respond to accidents will be different and very effective,” Mr Mwale said.
He said over the years, the firefighters were working in a difficult environment, but of outdated equipment in most cases.
Mr Mwale said even far-flung or less developed towns required the modern engines, because of differences in the levels of accidents, which could now be well addressed.
He criticised the political mileage which some opposition leaders were trying to gain from the purchase of the engines, but that they were free to report to relevant authorities.
Mr Mwale said fire experts were largely influential in the process of purchasing the new engines, because they understood the geographical set-up in the country and other requisites that went with firefighting.
He said instead of condemning the procurement of the fire tenders, people should begin to appreciate the fact that the country had been thrown into fires over the last six months, thereby subjecting fire fighters to panic and sleepless nights.
Mr Mwale said increased capacity of water in the fire engines (7,000 liters) and the 1,000 quantity of foam, was a major boost to firefighting in the country.
FOREIGN Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba, speaking during an interview with Journalists after the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers held at Swazi Royal Hotel in Swaziland’s Ezulwini Town on Wednesday. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba has said Zambia supports United States President Donald Trump’s call, for the need to reform the United Nations Security Council. Mr. Kalaba emphasised however, that Zambia would like to see a more holistic approach, from an African perspective on the reforms, so that the global body can effectively meet the needs of African countries.
Mr Kalaba said almost a third of UN membership consists of African States, yet no country from the continent is part of key decision-making, hence the need to have some with a Permanent Seat at the Security Council. The five permanent members or the Big Five are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Minister was speaking when he held a meeting with Mr Joel Hellman, Dean of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington where he also addressed students at the School.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hellman, a former employee of the World Bank for 15 years, suggested that stronger African representation also be extended to other multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the International so that their governing structures can better meet aspirations of African countries.
“There is need to strengthen the African voice and shareholding on these Bretton Woods Institutions and other regional banks to accelerate development in most African countries. We also believe that our universities should respond to the challenges facing African students,” said Mr Hellman.
He urged African students to take keen interest in courses dealing with global governance and international peace and security, to help fill up vacancies in these multi-lateral institutions. He said Zambia is positioned to take leadership in creating strategic partnerships with universities in USA in areas of education and research.
And addressing students, Mr. Kalaba’s lecture outlined key elements of Zambia’s Foreign Policy, which he said is guided by various principles including, fundamental rights and freedoms, self-determination, non-discrimination, national security, promotion of democratic principles and good neighbourliness among others.
He explained that this policy has also evolved over time due to regional and international dynamics.
The minister also affirmed the cordial relations between Zambia and the United States which spans from Zambia’s independence in 1964, when the American consulate in Lusaka was elevated to an Embassy.
“For many years, Zambia has worked closely with the United States to promote economic growth and development, and to bring about political reform by promoting democratic principles and Governance systems that promote accountability. We also laud the support rendered to our Government’s effort to fight against corruption,” he said.
He said Zambia is an active participant in the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The initiative is helping Zambia to strengthen and scale up existing HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and care services, as well as build capacity for long-term sustainability and innovation.
Mr. Kalaba commended the staff at Georgetown University for their tireless efforts in educating and inspiring the young minds and wished the students success in their studies.
Roan PF Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has demanded that Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo breaks his silence over his alleged involvement in the procurement of fire tenders.
Mr Kambwili said people have not forgotten about Mr. Kampyongo’s involvement in what he called broad day light robbery with regards to the fire tender.
“We are still waiting for the great national youth chairman to explain to us exactly what was going through his mind and stomach when signing tax payers money off to his friends,” Mr Kambwili said.
Mr Kambwili said Mr. Kampyongo must explain to the nation why in the world he would agree to $42 million dollars on basic second hand Scania Fire Engines.
“After explaining to the nation why in his own capacity he thought that a fire engine can cost $1million (K10 million) he must then tell the nation why he accepted 3 vehicles as a bribe,” Mr Kambwili said.
He added, “the President did say he has corrupt minister(s) which is plural, I think this is who he meant because this broad daylight robbery has exceeded the mark, it was done with a selfish heart and extreme impunity from someone entrusted with a section of governance.”
“If these allegations are untrue, can the Minister go ahead and sue me in the courts of law, but if they are true he better keep quiet, look down, hang is head in shame and resign from government because Zambians are not happy with his selfishness and it has dented the image of the president and party at large.”
Mr Kambwili said If this was in the UK or any developed country, Mr Kampyongo would either resign or the head of state would take action on behalf of the poor citizens he claims to serve.
“Instead of Kampyongo mocking people like me with diabetes, he must just explain his involvement in the fire tender that has brought absolute shame on our beloved country, Zambians are not interested in character assassination or threats of me being bruised. Just answer the question it is quite simple and straight forward.”
He said, “Patiently waiting for a proper justification and not the jibba jabba given to us in parliament as if we are small children. Can the president act on Kampyongo and all the people involved in this scam. Failure of the President to act on this obvious looting will leave much to be desired in relation to his integrity and his will to fight corruption.”
Four distinct villages share the water of the great Zambezi river. A crisis among the four villages is brewing because of one Chief Nshimbi who has selfishly erected a barrier across the great river to make a dam for his people. Meanwhile, Chief Nshimbi is about to host a flawed dancing competition for young men in the four villages in which the winner would also marry his daughter Kasuba.
What Chief Nshimbi does not know is that his independent minded daughter is in love with the stubborn son of Chief Mumba in the next village. What Chief Nshimbi does not also know is that one of the contestants coming in the competition is his believed to have died in a croc-attack, the versatile son Kayula, now renamed Mwisa from Nkana village.
Secrets of certain past events, fly back with a vengeance to disrupt the order of things among the tribes of the great Zambezi river.
An intriguing story of secrets, deception and love. Cotgrit is coming to Zambezi Magic screens from 2 October 2017!
Zesco United goakeeper Jacob Banda shouting at his playersduring the FAZ/KCM league match played at Kafubu stadium in Luansya on Sunday-Picture by Abel MambweZesco United captain Jacob Banda has admitted that Kitwe United were tough despite losing to his side 1-0 in Wednesday’s delayed Barclays Cup quarterfinal match at Nkana Stadium.
Chipolopolo defender Fackson Kapumbu scored a second half goal as defending champions struggled to overcome ten men Kitwe.
“We want to thank God. The game was not easy as Kitwe United played well,” Banda said.
“We wanted to score more than one goal but Kitwe made our life difficulty,” the keeper said.
Banda admitted Zesco are relieved after ending a two-game losing streak.
“At least tonight we can get some sleep. This is motivating to us,” he said.
Kitwe coach Ernest Kofi hailed his side for giving the defending champions a good run.
Kitwe played with ten men for most part of the game after captain and key defender Moses Lolozi was sent off for handling in the box by Kitwe referee Joe Bwembya in the 30th minute.
“I am happy with the performance of the team. We lost because of the simple mistake by our keeper. Also having a numerical advantage helped Zesco,” Koffi said.
“We are determined to go to the Super League and playing against Zesco has given us experience,” he said.
Kitwe are leading the FAZ Division One Zone Two table with 50 points from 25 matches – just five games before the season closes.
Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZW&MA) has seized about one Hundred underweight loaves of bread from a Shoprite outlet in Ndola to ensure that there is no risk of supplying underweight bread on the market.
In a statement to Pan African Radio news, Zambia Weights and Measures Agency Public Relations Officer Mutale Chileshe said the Agency decided to carry out an inspection after receiving complaints from members of the public over suspicions of underweight bread from the retail outlet.
Mr. Chileshe said according to weights and measures regulations, break shall be sold by in three prescribed weights, which is 600g, 700g and 800g and the weight must not be more than two percent in deficiency or four percent in access.
“We have seized one Hundred underweight loaves of bread from a Shoprite outlet in Ndola to ensure that there is no risk of supplying underweight bread on the market” Mr. Chileshe said
And Mr. Chileshe said the production of bread was also stopped until the challenge causing the production of underweight bread was addressed.
Mr. Chileshe has since disclosed that the Shoprite outlet in Ndola has since been cautioned and instructed to establish a quality control system in their bread production line.
Meanwhile, Zambia Weights and Measures Agency Public Relations Officer Mutale Chileshe has commended the Zambezi Portland Cement Plant in Ndola for its internal monitoring system in which they randomly test bags from the production line to ensure no under-weight bags of cement are sold to the end users.
Mr. Chileshe added that the Zambezi Portland Cement Plant in Ndola has also been commended for complying with the provision of the Weights and Measures ACT CAP 403 of the Laws of Zambia on the declared quantities sold.
Mr. Chileshe has since advised Zambezi Portland Cement Plant in Ndola to rebrand their packing material to indicate net content as opposed to 50 kg packaging.
“We would like to urge production companies to ensure they put in quantity control measures so that their products have accurate quantities” Mr. Chileshe said
A combined team of Forestry and security officers in Kasempa and Mufumbwe districts have impounded nine trucks loaded with Mukula logs.
Mufumbwe District Principal Forestry Officer Maxwell Phiri said in an interview that that the trucks were impounded on Monday in Mushima area as the drivers decided to use the bush entering Kaoma road from Mufumbwe.
Sources at Kasempa police station indicate that involved are male Joseph Phiri of Plot E321 Zanmoune, Lusaka who was driving a truck registration number AJD 1816/ALV 6068T, truck2 Horse registration number AJD 1581/ATB2529T, and truck3 Horse registration number AJD 1617/ ADD6435T.
By press time, police officers had gone to pick up the remaining trucks whose had drivers who fled and left the trucks abandoned.
Meanwhile, Kasempa District Commissioner Goodson Sansakuwa has sent a warning to would be offenders that the security wings in Kasempa will cramp down all illegal activities.
The impounded trucks are currently parked at Kasempa police station.
President Lungu share a light moment with Finance Minister Felix Mutati (C) and his Specal Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda (L) during Break from the Cabinet meeting at State HouseOperation Young Vote (OYV) executive director Guess Nyirenda insists that Zambia’s economy has not stabilized because millions of young people are wallowing in abject poverty.
In an interview yesterday, Mr. Nyirenda said the sweeping pronouncement by Finance Minister Felix Mutati that the economy is stable is unjustifiable because there are no trickle down effects on the man-on-the-street.
Mr. Nyirenda said the Zambian kwacha might be seen to be competing well against the major convertible currencies but things are expensive in Zambia, adding that it becomes outrageous to celebrate that the kwacha is performing when life is expensive to the common Zambian.
Mr. Nyirenda added that the failure by Government to buy maize from farmers at a good price in the just ended farming season and the nation’s protests about the procurement of forty two fire extinguishing trucks at the expense of taxpayers’ money is sufficient evidence that Zambia’s economy unstable.
Mr. Nyirenda further stated that if the economy was stable as insinuated by minister of Finance Felix Mutati, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) would not have bought white maize at that slavery wage from the farmers.
“Zambia’s economy has not stabilized because millions of young people are wallowing in abject poverty” Nyirenda said
The Procurement of the 42 extinguishing trucks has become a thorny issue in Zambia of which many stakeholders have raised eyebrows.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chief Government Spokesperson kampamba Mulenga
Government has directed Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to stop the transfer of 1,000 employees to its contractors until negotiations with the unions are concluded.
Speaking during a joint media briefing Chief Government Spokesperson Kampamba Mulenga says government will only will only intervene in the matter when the two parties have finalized their discussions.
Ms Mulenga has explained that KCM had consulted the ministry of labour and social security on the outsourcing of certain services in their operations and requested that some workers be seconded to some contractors.
She says the ministry, however, advised that issues bordering on the transfer of unionized workers be discussed with the unions in line with the various recognition agreements.
And Labour Minister Joyce Nonde is appalled at reports reaching her office regarding the transfer of the 1,000 workers to contractors.
She says it is illegal for any investor to take action on its employees before the negotiations are concluded.
Ms Nonde says if the reports regarding the impasse are indeed true, then the mining giant has broken the law.
She says such reports are recipe for anarchy, adding that KCM should follow the laws of the country.
Early today, KCM released the statement below to the media
Press Statement
CHINGOLA, 26 September 2017, Konkola
Copper Mines (KCM) has been in consultations with the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Mines, the local Area Members of Parliament and the National Union on the contractor outsourcing matter for some time now.
The parties concluded that KCM would proceed to outsource contractors for the benefit of improving productivity at the Company.
Although employees would be under the management supervision of specialized contractors they would continue to remain KCM employees.
Therefore, there will be no job losses as a consequence of outsourcing and all employees would continue to enjoy full KCM conditions of service.
Contrary to reports that KCM has seconded over 1, 000 employees to contractors, KCM would like to state that no such move has taken place.
KCM remains committed to working with all the stakeholders including Government, Labour Unions and all employees in ensuring sustained security of employment.
Eugene Chungu General Manager Corporate Affairs Konkola Copper Mines PLC
And the Government released the statement below in response
Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON, HON. KAMPAMBA MULENGA AND MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY, HON. JOYCE NONDE ON THE TRANSFER OF MINERS AT KONKOLA COPPER MINES
27th September, 2017
Good afternoon members of the press.
Arising from a misconception from some quarters that Government has allowed the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) management to transfer 1000 employees to its contractors, Government would like to put the record straight.
KCM had consulted the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on outsourcing certain services in their operations and requested that some workers be seconded to some of their contractors.
The Ministry advised that any issues bordering on the transfer of unionised workers to the contractors be discussed with the unions in line with their various recognition agreements.
Government wants to stress that it is the unions that negotiate with the employer, and Government only comes in when the unions upscale the matter to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security where there is an impasse.
In the issue at hand, the Unions, and management are still in negotiations.
KCM and the unions were further advised that should a collective dispute arise from their interaction or discussion then provisions of Part IX of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act 269 of the Laws of Zambia dealing with settlement of disputes should apply.
Although, both management and the unions are at liberty to make consultations with the Labour Commissioner on specific request for guidance.
However, as the Minister of Mines, Hon. Christopher Yaluma put it, KCM were told to reverse the transfer of 4,000 employees before concluding negotiations with the unions.
As far as Government is concerned, KCM agreed to abide by the directive to reverse all the transfers that it had already made before discussions with the unions.
Of course outsourcing is not illegal but KCM can only outsource if the contractor has an employment licence and abides by the provisions of section 56 of the Employment Amendment Act No. 15 of 2015 which deals with employment agency permits and this can only be done after negotiations between management and the unions.
So KCM are hereby reminded again to stop those transfers if they have started effecting them before conclusion of discussions and we urge both parties to sit and negotiate matters that relate to outsourcing.
