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Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says Government will not nationalize Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in view of recent revelations by Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Argawal that the mine has been giving him profit exceeding $500 million per year.
Mr. Yaluma has however warned investors in the Mining Sector that government will not hesitate to take necessary action against any fraudulent activity to prevent loss of much needed government revenue and save jobs.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Yaluma says as at 30th September 2013, KCM’s total liabilities of one point five billion US Dollars (USD1.5 billion) exceeded the current assets by US $123 million, and that consequently KCM was unable to meet its obligations as they fall due.
Mr. Yaluma has revealed that Vedanta Resources Plc has up to date not complied with its commitment to inject three hundred and ninety seven million US dollars (USD 397 million) into KCM as foreign direct investment.
Mr. Yaluma states that from the time Vedanta Resources acquired KCM, two point eight billion dollars made up of internally generated funds by KCM, bank loans and finance leases, was injected in capital projects which included the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), concentrator expansion at Konkola mine, the new concentrator and smelter at Nchanga mine.
He says when taking over KCM, Vedanta Resources committed itself to provide a bank guarantee of four hundred million dollars towards the outstanding loans that KCM had on its books.
Mr Yaluma states that government will ensure that KCM meets its obligation of recapitalizing the mine, paying off its debts to lenders, suppliers and contractors including concentrate suppliers.
And Mr Yaluma says the issues that the Vedanta Chairman alluded to in the publicized video especially those touching on the company’s revenue and its profitability will require investigation by the government.
Mr. Yaluma says government will ensure that at the end of the day, the people of Zambia get a fair share of the returns from their mineral wealth.
He has assured investors in the mining industry that government regards them as partners and as such government will endeavor to dialogue to resolve any arising issues.
FILE: HH Speaking to Journalist after pearing for mention
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema says he is humbled with the spiritual blessings, guidance, and prayers he keeps receiving from members of the clergy from various churches.
And Mr. Hichilema has commended men and women in uniform from various parts of the country who are acting professionally despite the oppressive and dictatorial environment they work under.
In an interview after he attended weekend prayer congregations in Choma, Mr. Hichilema said he always feels honoured and at peace when he is with various congregations and receiving guidance and prayers from men and women of God.
“We in UPND have respect for various faiths and religions. And we believe that through the prayers and blessings as well as guidance we are receiving from men and women of God, we shall be humble servants of the people. Our promise is that we shall not let them down when they entrust us with the affairs of the nation in 2016. And we shall continue to interact with them even when we are in government, instead of running away into hiding,” he said.
On Saturday, Mr. Hichilema was part of the countrywide prayers to press for a new constitution that was held in Choma town at the St.Mary’s Catholic Church.
On Sunday, the UPND leader with his entourage that included vice-president Dr. Canisius Banda, National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango, and others were invited to attend the New Apostolic national prayer service that was broadcast live on ZNBC main television channel and beamed in all their churches countrywide.
And Mr. Hichilema commended the men and women in security forces that are acting professionally despite threats and intimidation.
In an interview, Mr. Hichilema says he keeps receiving reports of some police officers being harassed and intimidated for attempting to offer security to our members.
“We know there are PF cadres in the police service and other security wings, but there are also a good number of men and women who are acting professionally, especially when it comes to the implementation of the archaic Public Order Act and offering us and other law abiding citizens security. In fact, some of them are now being threatened with transfers and even dismissals for acting professionally. They should know that we are with them and when our time comes, we shall reward those who are acting in national interest,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema said police officers and other security wings are also people who are suffering like many other Zambians under the PF government.
“There is massive hunger and poverty in police camps just like in many people’s homes. Some of them are failing to send their children to schools and later alone have decent meals. They are also feeling the some economic hardships that other Zambians are feeling under the PF regime. We commend those who are acting professionally in maintaining the peace despite threats of violence from PF thugs,” he said.
Former Special Assistant to late President Levy Mwanawasa for Policy and Project Implementation and Monitoring Jack Kalala has defended the Mwanawasa administration over the sale of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
Mr Kalala said the Mwanawasa administration handled the sale of KCM to Vedanta above board.
And Mr. Kalala says Zambians should direct their anger at the people who reversed the windfall tax instead of condemning Mr Mwanawasa who did everything in his power to ensure that Zambians get a fair return on their mineral resources.
Speaking at a Press Briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Kalala said the Levy Mwanawasa government saw it fit to sale the mine because it was spending too much on it as the government was losing 1million US dollars per day to keep the company open.
Mr Kalala revealed that the Zambian government sold the mine for US $25 to Vendeta after the involvement of Stanchart UK and some experts while the asking price was $400 million.
He explained that sale of the mine was split into two the first being the already operational KCM which went at $25 million and the other money was to be spent on developing the Konkola deep was has since be realized and adds to the over 800,000 metric tones the country is producing now.
Mr Kalala said the sale of KCM was a tactical “Donche Kubeba” strategy where the Mwanawasa administration sold the mine but at the same time introduced windfall tax as a way for government to collect dividends from the mines.
He said Dr Mwanawasa had the vision for the country stressing that the late president knew that copper prices were not going to be good all the time and that was why he asked his team to come up with programmes where proceeds from the mines were to be invested.
[pullquote]Mr Kalala said the sale of KCM was a tactical “Donche Kubeba” strategy where the Mwanawasa administration sold the mine but at the same time introduced windfall tax as a way for government to collect dividends from the mines.[/pullquote]
Mr Kalala called on Zambians to take to task all those that participated in the removal of windfall tax for them to explain why they did so.
Mr Kalala charged that the removal of the windfall tax was criminal as it denied the Zambian people a share of the country’s natural resources.
Mr. Kalala further condemned former President Rupiah Banda for removing Windfall Tax on Mines and described the act as criminal.
He called on the public to take the people who were in charge of the country and make them tell the nation why the removed the windfall tax which had the backing of donors.
He said instead of condemning Mwanawasa and the current owner of KCM Anil Agarwal, Zambians should seat down and reflect on who to blame.
Meanwhile, the former President’s Aid has asked President Michael Sata and his Patriotic Front government why they have not reintroduced the Windfall Tax which he said was the cushion to the selling to KCM at a low price of US $25million.
He said instead of condemning Mwanawasa and the current owner of KCM Anil Agarwal, Zambians should seat down and reflect on who to blame.
PF should further be answerable to Zambians why they have not reintroduced the Windfall Tax
And Mr. Kalala has told Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda to resign for insulting Zambians that “those calling for Windfall Tax are Lunatics”.
He said if he does not then President Michael Sata should fire him.
He advised the public not to allow the Finance Minister to continue in his office as doing so would vindicate his statement that Zambians are lunatics for calling for the re introduction of the windfall tax.
George Lwandamina has described Saturday’s loss at Green Eagles as the darkest moment with three months gone into his early reign as Zesco United coach.
Eagles flattened Zesco 3-1 to send the three-time champions to their first league defeat of the season.
Zesco were sent reeling with three first half goals that all came in the opening 30 minutes of the first half.
“It was a dark day for Zesco we didn’t play well more especially in our defensive functions,” Lwandamina said.
“They were costly mistakes in the first few minutes and they capitalised on that.
“The game became difficult for us when we were down 3-0 and all the efforts we wanted to put on the pitch were not coming forthwith.”
The defeat sent Zesco tumbling from second to fourth on the table with 18, two behind new leaders Zanaco.
A Zambia Air Force (ZAF) helicopter takes off from the site of a fatal ZAF plane crash on York Farm on Mumbwa road
On behalf of the United Party for National Development and indeed my own behalf, I offer my deepest condolences, first to the families of Major General Muliokela George Muliokela and Col Brian Mweene who both lost their lives tragically, yesterday following an air crash in the outskirts of Lusaka.
I would also like to pass a message of condolences to the ZAF Commander Lt. General Eric Chimese and the people of Zambia on this event that has shaken the core of our Zambian Airforce. Colleagues these officers were highly trained men in uniform, with impeccable records individually. The loss to the nation is immeasurable as these men demonstrated their dedication to duty in a manner that befitted men of their stature. Words fail to describe the sense of loss we feel as a party and as an individual on this occasion.
Colleagues, country men and country women, let us accord our departed colleagues the sort of respect that can only be accorded men that gave all their lives to the nation. We owe to them to carry out our observance in a peaceful and collegial manner because the two men were an embodiment of peace as we struggle to find men and women that can match the skill and dedication of the two departed colleagues. It takes time and effort to train an officer to the levels the two officers had reached.
Lastly as we mourn our departed colleagues, I appeal to the Government through Hon Edgar Lungu to investigate the cause of these accidents fully. The frequency with which these accidents are happening is a cause for worry to all Zambians. I trust that whatever the outcome of the investigations, the nation will be kept informed.
Colleagues I joined you in mourning the two colleagues and may their souls rest in peace and God bless you all.
President Sata greets Service chiefs on arrival the ZAF commissioning Parade in Livingstone on May 9,2014 -Picture by T.Nsama
President Michael Sata has said that he is deeply saddened at the tragic death of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Deputy Commander Major. Gen. Muliokela Muliokela and Colonel Brian Mweene, who died in a plane crash in Lusaka West on Monday.
In his message of condolences to the Muliokela and Mweene families, President Sata expressed shock at the death of the two senior airforce officers.
“As Commander-in- Chief, it is with sadness that I have learnt of the death of Gen. Muliokela and Col. Mweene whose untimely demise is a great loss not only for our defence forces, but for the country as a whole,” President Sata stated.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Zambia Air Force.”
The Head of State stated that the duo would be deeply missed by the people of Zambia.
“The late Gen. Muliokela and Col. Mweene were vibrant pilots who discharged their duties professionally and leave a legacy of great patriotism and passion for the country and its defence forces. Our brothers will be sorely missed by all who knew them for the ideals that they firmly stood for, having dedicated their lives to selfless service of the Zambian people up to the time of death,” the President stated.
“During the period of mourning, we commiserate with you and join you in spirit, prayerful reflection, and beseech the Almighty to grant the bereaved family and the entire air force his abundant mercy, solace and fortitude to bear the burden of this great loss. May the souls of our departed compatriots rest in eternal peace.”
1 First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba with Northern Province Minister Freeedom Sikazwe at Kasama International airport today when she made a stopover enroute to Muchinga Province where she is expected to launch the safe motherhood programme. Looking on is Lukashya member of Parliament Alfridah Kasembe
2 First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba with Northern Province Minister Freeedom Sikazwe and Lukashya Member of Parliament Alfridah Kasembe at Kasama International airport today when she made a stopover enroute to Muchinga Province where she is expected to launch the safe motherhood programme
3 First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba (fist) addressing people at Kasama International airport today when she made a stopover on her way to Muchinga Province where she is expected to launch the safe motherhood programme. Looking on is Lukashya member of Parliament Alfridah Kasembe
4 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe giving a certificate whilst shaking hands with a Professional level graduate Francis Alutuli during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
5 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants ZICA Professional level graduates celebrates in style during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
6 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe giving certificates to Licentiate level graduates during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
7 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe giving a certificate to a technician level graduate Getrude Chileshe during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
8 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe (r) Tom Thewo Vice President ZICA and Chief Executive Officer Chansa Chiteba celebrating with graduates no in picture during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
9 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
10 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
11 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
12 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
13 Counterfeit Samsung branded phones valued at K867,000 intercepted in a joint operation of the Zambia Police service and the Cycorps Zambia Limited being displayed at the freedom stature yesterday during the World Intellectual Property day held at theFreedom statue under the theme “MOVIES A GLOBAL PASSION “
14 Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga with his permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge looking at a counterfeit Samsung branded phone as Intellectual Property ( IP) specialist Kingsley Nkonde explains. This was during the World Intellectual Property day held at the Freedom statue
15 Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga with his permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge looking at a pirated DVD for Malawian musician Skeffa Chimoto which has a combination of the Zambian and Malawian holograms. This was during the commemoration of the World Intellectual Property day held at the Freedom statue yesterday under the theme “MOVIES A GLOBAL PASSION “
16 Expansion of Township Roads on the Independence Avenue by China Geo Company (CGC) in Mongu District of Western Province has commenced
17 Expansion of Township Roads on the Independence Avenue by China Geo Company (CGC) in Mongu District of Western Province has commenced
18 Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) CEO Anthony Bwembya (l) confers with Western Province PS Augustine Seyuba (r) as Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Liomba Mwangala (c) looks on during Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Stakeholders Workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District, Western Province
19 Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Kalonga (l) confers with Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) Board Chairman Wilson Nyirenda SC (c) as Western Province PS Augustine Seyuba (r) listens on during Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Stakeholders Workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District, Western Province
20 Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Kalonga (l) exchange notes with Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) Board Chairman Wilson Nyirenda SC (c) as Western Province PS Augustine Seyuba (r) and Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) CEO Anthony Bwembya (2nd l) look on during Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Stakeholders Workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District, Western Province
21 Lifeline/childline Zambia programmes and monitoring manager Mr Don Miyanda hands over a book to 8 year old Jessics Kainda a grade 3 pupil at ngwerere basic school to commemorate the international childline day held at Garden park in Garden compound
22 -Lifeline/childline Zambia centre councillor Pamela Luputa hands over a shirt to 12 year old boy elias Zulu to commemorate the international childline day held at Garden park in Garden compound.looking on (centre) is Lifeline/childline Zambia programmes and monitoring manager Mr Don Miyanda
23 PALL bearers carry the casket of the late chieftainess Kucheka of the Luvale people of Zambezi on Friday. Walking behind the casket from left to right is Chiefs and Tradition Affairs deputy minister Josephine Limata, Agricultural and Livestock minister Wilbur Simussa and North-Western province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu.
24 Late chieftainess Kucheka of the Luvale people who died in Lusaka on Saturday was put to rest at the Kucheka royal burial grounds near Kashiji river on Friday in Zambezi West bank.
25 Chiefs and Tradition Affairs deputy minister Josephine Limata (left) with Agricultural minister and North-Western province Nathaniel Mubukwanu console senior chief Ndungu (right) of the luvale people of Zambezi during the burial of late chieftainess Kucheka at the Kucheka royal burial grounds near the Kashiji river on the Zambezi west bank on Friday. The late chieftainess Kucheka who died in Lusaka was the younger sister to senior chief Ndungu.
26 Late chieftainess Kucheka of the Luvale people who died in Lusaka on Saturday was put to rest at the Kucheka royal burial grounds near Kashiji river on Friday in Zambezi West bank. Above, from right to left, North-Western province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu with Chiefs and Tradition Affairs deputy minister Josephine Limata and provincial permanent secretary Amos Malupenga during the burial of late chieftainess Kucheka.
27
28 GOVERNMENT says it will revamp operations once it takes over the Mununshi Banana scheme in Mwense District. Currently, most equipment at the Banana plantation is broken down. In the picture, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo inspects one of the broken pumps recently
29 Dr Mumba celebrates his birthday
30 Dr Mumba cuts his 54th birthday cake
31 Dr Mumba enjoying family time during his 54th birthday party
32 Dr Mumba poses for a photo with family and party members after his birthday party
33 Dr Mumba shares his birthday cake
34 Dr Mumba with family members during his surprise birthday party at his residence
35 Multichoice Public Relation Officer Mumbi Mutale (Right ) presents a GOtv Decoder & Antenna to Isaac Chansa (Left). Isaac Chansa was the man of the match for Sundays match Zanaco vs. Indeni , Zanaco moved to the top of the league standing for the first time this season after a resounding 4 – 0 win over Indeni.
36 Zambia’s Mohammed Essa in action during the spectator stage of the Airtel Money Zambia Motor Sport Association 2014 motor rally at the Showground in Lusaka
37 Zambia’s Mohammed Essa in action during the spectator stage of the Airtel Money Zambia Motor Sport Association 2014 motor rally at the Showground in Lusaka
38 Zambia’s Mohammed Essa in action during the spectator stage of the Airtel Money Zambia Motor Sport Association 2014 motor rally at the Showground in Lusaka
FILE: Heritage Party President Brig Gen Godfrey Miyanda
STATEMENT: COMMENT ON THE CHIPIMO/ NAREP CONSTITUTION FORMULA – BY BRIGADIER GENERAL GODFREY MIYANDA 19TH MAY 2014
The Chipimo/NAREP formula for the resolution of the constitution impasse in Zambia sounds attractive. But unless further clarified, the suggestion seems to be a vote-catching scheme disguised as a legal/constitutional option (‘this is part of our campaign’, said President Chipimo on ZNBC 18th May 2014). For now I avoid faulting the practicality of the idea but draw attention to some fundamental “constitutional” aspects that have been left hanging by the Chipimo/NAREP formula.
This formula effectively seeks to suspend the Office of President established under Article 33 (1) which states that “There shall be a President of the Republic of Zambia who shall be the Head of State and of the Government and the Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force”. I am afraid that under this scheme the country, and especially the Defence and Security Services, shall become a headless chicken, as the whole of Part IV which establishes the system of our current political set up would also be suspended, leaving the Legislature and the Judiciary in suspended animation WITH NO EXECUTIVE arm because the dummy elected as ‘president’ would be a mere glorified Chairman of the NCC or CRC. Zambians are being asked to elect a so-called president whose only function is to bring forth a new constitution, which power even the current Constitution does not give to the substantive President under the current three-tier system of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Effectively the Chipimo/NAREP formula will create a vacuum where there will be no government as envisaged in the current Republican Constitution and specifically in Articles 33, 34 and 35. This is a sophisticated coup d’état, preventing the election of a President in terms of the said Articles 33, 34 and 35, but using uninformed Zambians to achieve a not so noble purpose of manipulating the current Constitution, which is the very sin the PF regime is being accused of. The formula is assuming that there will be no emergencies in the nine month period or that there will be no other urgent government functions that require executive attention and yet the current law is that executive power is reposed in the President. If there is an emergency what mandate will the so-called non-partisan Senior Citizen have to act since he is barred from doing anything besides bringing forth a new constitution? Where will you find this non-partisan creature in Zambia today? Twenty years ago maybe; today there is no one who is non-partisan: the military, police, intelligence, the Church, NGOs, chiefs (especially them), sports organisations, students, kaufela! In good governance there is always need for continuity. If there is need to go the Chipimo/NAREP way then the Legislature and the Judiciary must surely go together with the Executive so that we may start afresh!
And what of the cost of a general election immediately followed by another one to elect a substantive president? Even with the explanation that we shall only vote for the President it should be noted that the whole country would still be going out to vote, preceded by full-fledged campaigns by political parties and other stakeholders! What is the justification – the same tired cliché that democracy is expensive? Perhaps NAREP has a further explanation for this contrived conundrum!
Until a plausible explanation is given, I urge citizens for now to say NO. Even if those saying no shall be in the minority, they should go forth and keep shouting “Sorry, Mr and Mrs Majority, this time you are wrong, Double Wrong”.
GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
HERITAGE PARTY
[19TH MAY 2014]
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter has challenged Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo to clearly state which media institutions are promoting anarchy in the country.
Professor Luo during the commemoration of International Museum Day over the weekend accused the media of fueling messages that are promoting anarchy in the country.
But MISA Zambia Chapter Chairperson Hellen Mwale has told QFM News in a telephone interview that Professor Luo should be specific as to which media houses are promoting anarchy in the country.
Ms. Mwale says government should appreciate the work of journalists in the country because they are trying to be professional and objective in their reporting.
She says if Professor Luo is referring to online media, she should be mindful that social media is here to stay in Zambia.
Ms. Mwale says it is Ministers like Professor Luo who are making the work of journalists very difficult because they are failing to give journalists adequate information for their stories.
RESIDENTS of Mwami and Kalasakando villages in Chembe district in Luapula province are using the barter system as a mode to trade goods and services because there is a short supply of the Zambian currency in the area.
Sub chief Kapwepwe of the Ushi people in Mutanda area in Chembe district said short supply of the currency in the area had made it difficult for the people to pay community teachers their salaries.
The chief said this on Sunday when Mansa Central Member of Parliament (MP) Chitalu Chilufya paid a courtesy call on the sub chief in his constituency.
Chief Kapwepwe said the situation had been compounded by inaccessibility to most parts of the area as it had been cut off from the rest of district due to the poor state of roads.
“We are appealing to Government to consider rehabilitating roads in the area as most of the places had been cut off making it difficult for people to move from one area to the other. This has also resulted in the scarcity of local currency making it very difficult to pay community workers in the area,” he said.
He said the other challenge that the area was facing was mobile telecommunication network accessibility, a situation which prompted, medical personnel to walk about two kilometres to access the network signal in an event of an emergency.
The chief also called on the ministry of Education to consider sending inspectors in his area to assess the performance of teachers that had been posted to the area.
He said most of the teachers in the area were drawing free salaries and not reporting for work as they spent most of the time in Mansa.
“In most cases you will find that teachers especially in Kalasakando abscond even for two weeks without reporting for work,” he said.
Dr Chilufya who is also deputy health minister assured the chief that Government would ensure that it addresses the challenges that the traditional ruler had highlighted.
He said President Michael Sata was committed to ensuring that development was taken to all the parts of the country through the construction and rehabilitation of roads and health centres.
“Government will construct two teacher’s houses in Lubu, and complete the one which was not finished, we will also finish the school on Kalusha area and expand the school in Chamubu ,” Dr Chilufya said.
Dr Chilufya said three Health post had been earmarked for construction in the area to increase the availability of health facilities in the area.
PROMINENT Lusaka businessman Andrew Sardanis has said there was a lot of secrecy about the sale of Konkola Copper Mines.
Mr Sardanis said in a statement yesterday that “the generosity to Vedanta, the holding company, during the sale knew no bounds”.
“The Mwanawasa government had been very secretive about the deal. I tried to obtain details about my book ‘A venture in Africa’ but I struck a wall of silence,” he said.
Mr Sardanis said the nation received nothing from the sale.
“Anil Agarwal [Vedanta chairman] received KCM shares against his US$25 million, Zambia Copper Investments got US$23.2 million but the only money Government was allocated is US$16.8 million, which disappeared,” he said.
And Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) president Charles Milupi has said the MMD should be held responsible for problems KCM is facing.
He said there was no need for the MMD government to privatise KCM because the mining giant was economically viable after Anglo-American Corporation left.
He said that when Zambians took over the running of the mine after Anglo-American Corporation, KCM’s profits were soaring.
“What was the purpose of selling KCM at US$25 million when the mining company had a value of US$400 million and was actually making profits?”
Mr Milupi said on MUVI TV’s The Assignment programme on Sunday that the sale was at a “giveaway” price and was not appreciated by those who understood mines’ operations.
Mr Milupi said when KCM was being privatised, some of the hurdles like the price of copper were not bad as the government then portrayed.
Meanwhile, THE International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) says there is substantial doubt about the data supplied by mining companies in Zambia on the total level of production including the sectors contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).
The UK-based organisation said several international data sources suggest that the official Bank of Zambia figures overstate production levels.
“With regards to the GDP contribution of the mining sector, the 2013 official data which is in the process of being revised, understates the GDP contribution of mines. The unofficial estimate is that the sector contributes at least 12 percent of GDP,” ICMM says.
It says in contrast, the official data suggest that the mines contribution to GDP is less than three percent in constant prices and around eight percent in current prices.
This is according to a study released last week by the ICMM on enhancing mining’s contribution to the Zambian economy and society.
ICMM says the projections made by Kansanshi, Lumwana, Konkola and Mopani copper mines indicate that the future contributions of mining are likely to increase.
“These projections are based on already approved investment programmes and imply an increase in production to 2016, and roughly a doubling in Government revenue,” the study notes.
Meanwhile the ICMM says lack of appropriate data on which both Government and the mines rely on to guide decisions has affected the quality of debate on mining in the country.
The ICMM says the poor mines data has also negatively affected the quality of policy decision by Government.
It says both Government and mining companies could play a key roles in addressing this problem.
“In June 2013, the Chamber of Mines and the government committed to work together to address the quality and availability of data on the mining sector.
The problem is already being addressed by the government-appointed Zambia Revenue Authority Mineral Value Chain Monitoring project which is assessing industry production figures,” ICMM says.
In recent times the mining companies have become under serious scrutiny and criticism regarding the production level statistics along with the true value of their tax contribution to Government.
With Konkola Copper Mines at the centre of what is now being term as the mines ta saga, many business analyst are wondering why Government has not address the matter.
THE Lusaka High Court has thrown out an application by Former President Rupiah Banda’s lawyer, Robert Amsterdam alleging that the Zambian Government has denied him a Visa to enter the country.
This is in a case in which President Micheal Sata had sued Mr Amsterdam, the Zambia Daily Nation Newspapers and managing director, Richard Sakala seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants from publishing any articles against him.
Mr Amsterdam then raised a preliminary issue before the high court deputy registrar, Chilombo Phiri accusing the Zambian Government of having denied him a Visa to enter the country for the purpose of defending this court action according to Article 18(9) 4, of the Constitution. Ms Justice Chilombo threw out the application.
He later appealed against the dismissing of his application before the high court, and the matter was handled by Judge Mubanga Kondolo who also yesterday dismissed the application on grounds that Mr Amsterdam did not provide proof that he had been barred from entering the country.
“All the reliefs sought are based on Constitutional provisions, in seeking protection from the perceived violation of his fundamental rights, the appellant should have filed a petition, on that basis, the appeal is dismissed,” Mr Justice Kondolo said.
Mr Justice Kondolo had however allowed Mr Amsterdam to file a petition because it was a pertinent issue.
Mr Amsterdam had asked the court to stay proceedings in this matter pending the hearing of his application but had also been thrown out as well the other application to set aside the writ on grounds that he ought to have made a separate application seeking an order to compel the State to grant him entry into the country to defend himself.
Mr Justice Kondolo has since directed that the main matter in which Mr Sata was seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants from publishing articles on him should proceed and that parties be at liberty to apply for Orders for Directions or to file Consent Orders for Directions.
“In the meantime, the main matter shall proceed and the parties are at liberty to apply for Orders for Directions or to file Consent Orders for Directions,” Mr Justice Kondolo said.
Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Taundi Chiseke joining the dance group in dancing when the people in mangango constituency welcomed him as the new Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister
THE opposition MMD has lost another parliamentary seat after the Supreme Court upheld decision by the Lusaka High Court to nullify the Mangango seat held by Robert Taundi Chiseke.
This brings the total number of seats lost by the former ruling party in election petitions since the 2011 general elections to eight.
This would result in a by-election and Mr Chiseke losing his ministerial position of deputy Minister for Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.
A panel of five judges comprising retired acting deputy Chief Justice, Florence Mumba, Supreme Court judges Mervin Mwanamwambwa, Elizabeth Muyovwe, Gregory Phiri and Munyinda Wanki declared in their judgment yesterday that Mr Chiseke was not duly elected because his victory was tied to illegal activities and corrupt practices.
Delivering judgment on behalf of other judges, Ms Justice Muyovwe dismissed all nine grounds of appeal advanced by Mr Chiseke saying the findings of High Court judge, Annesi Bobo who initially nullified the seat could not have faulted as it was held on firm ground.
Mr Chiseke had appealed against Ms Justice Bobo’s decision to nullify his seat in favour of Patriotic Front (PF) losing candidate Richard Simbula after she found that Mr Chiseke’s corrupt practices disadvantaged other candidates during the 2011 general elections.
“We find that the appeal has no merit. Therefore, we dismiss it and uphold the decision of the court below and the election of the appellant is declared null and void. As this matter is of constitutional nature, we order that each party bears costs” Ms Justice Muyovwe said.
She said it was clear from the evidence before court that Mr Chiseke and his party engaged in illegal and corrupt practices which induced the people of Mangango to vote for him and the same was contrary to Electoral Act.
She said the high court could not have faulted in its findings that there was heavy distribution of hammer mills to women clubs, bicycles, spreading of false information of homosexuality and threatening of killing people living with HIV/AIDS by the PF if it came into power, all aimed at influencing voters to vote for Mr Chiseke.
She said that the threats and statements by Mr Chiseke and his agents sent fear in the electorates especially that in rural areas people believed what they were told.
She said although Mr Chiseke had denied bribing chiefs claiming it was a tradition in Zambia to honour chiefs with gifts, his case was different because his conduct at the time prior to elections was meant to exert pressure on the electorate in the chief’s area to vote for him.
She said that Ms Justice Bobo could not have been wrong in her decision to nullify the seat on grounds of illegal and corrupt practices by Mr Chiseke as such, the Supreme Court was upholding the lower court’s decision.
When contacted for a comment, MMD vice president for politics Michael Kaingu expressed shock as he was not aware about the development.
Mr Kaingu however said the party would do whatever it could to ensure that it retained the seat during by-election.
Isaac Chansa has been recalled by Patrice Beaumelle for Zambia’s monthly domestic players training camp that began on Monday in Lusaka.
Chansa returns to the fold for the first time since lifting the 2012 Africa Cup in Gabon.
The Zanaco midfielder has made a stunning return to form for the FAZ Super Division club after a twelve month break due to injury.
Chansa on Sunday scored a brace in only his third outing for Zanaco this season to inspire them to a 4-0 home win over promoted Indeni in a match he started and played the first 70 minutes.
“I watched him at Sunset Stadium and you know he did not play for a long time but I saw him yesterday (Sunday) he scored two goals but apart from just scoring he had a good game and played very well,” Beaumelle said.
Meanwhile, Chansa was not the only high profile players at training on Monday.
Joseph Musonda, William Njoibvu and Hichani Himonde were all in attendance.
