Thursday, 20^th February, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

PRESENCE IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY OF PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM GRANDMA NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of pupils and teachers from Grandma Nursery and Primary School in Lusaka District.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PRESENCE IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY OF PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM KABWE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of pupils and teachers from Kabwe Secondary School in Kabwe District.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PRESENCE IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY OF PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM INSPIRE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of   pupils and teachers from Inspire Leadership School in Lusaka District.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

SESSIONAL COMMITTEE – MEMBERSHIP

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 176(3), I have made the following changes to the composition of one Sessional Committee:

HOUSE-KEEPING COMMITTEE

Standing Orders Committee

Mr S. Kampyongo, MP, to replace Mr R. C. Mutale, MP

Mr D. Mung’andu, MP, to replace Mr E. M. Musonda, MP

I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mitete, your microphone was on. Were you requesting for a point of order or what was the burning issue?

Mr Mutelo: My apologies, Madam Speaker. It is off now.

Madam Speaker: Okay.

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

URGENT MATTER WITHOUT NOTICE RAISED BY MR KATAKWE, HON. MEMBER FOR SOLWEZI EAST, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, MR MWIIMBU, SC.; THE HON. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MR LUFUMA; AND THE HON. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL CO-PERATION, MR HAIMBE, ON MATTERS OF NATIONAL SECURITY CIRCULATING ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi): On an Urgent Matter Without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised.

Mr Katakwe: Madam Speaker, I rise on an Urgent Matter Without Notice, which I direct to the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the hon. Minister of Defence and the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Madam Speaker, there is information going round in the public domain and various media platforms about a secret plot to distabilise Zambia, with one video clip of a renowned prophet stating that war is coming to Zambia and calling the Zambian Government to put the Army in order in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe border areas. The allegation is that the leaders of these nations have been holding secret meetings with the intent to incite instability in Zambia. There is also a statement about one nation with the history of supplying weapons to conflict zones across the world and that there is potential of infiltration of arms into Zambia via Uganda. These allegations could cause a significant escalation in political tensions and pave the way to unprecedented chaos in our great nation, Zambia. There is also a report linking the former regime and one great leader of a great super power and two regional leaders of Africa in an alliance in the plans that I have just alluded to.

The insinuations, Madam Speaker, cannot be ignored, looking at the happenings in the DRC and Kivu, in particular, and so on, and the recent visit by the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Defence to the North-Western Province, where he stated that Zambia needed to be alert on the border areas.

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Member. Can you wind up.

Mr Katakwe: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, may the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security or the hon. Minister of Defence come to this House and assure the nation that Zambia is not headed for war. We are very concerned and we need your serious indulgence in this matter.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Hon. Member for Solwezi East, if what you are saying is really true, in my view, it is not a matter that should be made a subject of this House; it is a matter that should be looked into seriously by the responsible ministries to ensure that measures are taken to avert such kind of a situation. The worry that I have is about the news that we get from the social media, because there is so much misinformation and disinformation there. If we follow what is written on social media, we will now turn ourselves into a ‘Have you heard’ House. So, I think, we had better leave such matters, especially given that they are touching on national security. Let us leave them to the responsible ministries to deal with, and I am sure, they would want to deal with them in a particular manner instead of bringing them into the House and alarming the nation and everybody.

Maybe, for now, let us leave the matter. I am sure, the powers that be have taken note and that they will make their own investigations and find out if this is true or not. If it is not true, of course, it will die out but, if it is true, measures will be taken to deal with the situation.

URGENT MATTER WITHOUT NOTICE RAISED BY DR MWANZA, HON. MEMBER FOR KAUMBWE, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY HEAVY RAINFALL IN KAUMBWE

Dr Mwanza (Kaumbwe): On an Urgent Matter Without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised.

Dr Mwanza: Madam Speaker, I rise on an Urgent Matter Without Notice, which I direct to Her Honour the Vice-President.

Madam Speaker, rainfall is needed, but it has come with a lot of damage to public infrastructure. In this case, I am talking about Kaumbwe Parliamentary Constituency, where a 1x 3 classroom block has had its roof blown off at Wankala Primary School, and the Pamanzi Bridge, Mwembezi Bridge and three other major bridges are on the verge of collapsing and cutting off communication. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is really on hand to provide relief food and tents to the victims, but the guidance on the damage to public infrastructure is not there. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is used up. So, how do we deal with public infrastructure that is damaged due to rainfall? Is the Leader of Government Business in the House in order to not give guidance on how to deal with the damage caused on public infrastructure by rainfall?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious indulgence.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kaumbwe, I think, we have guided previously that when we have disasters in our constituencies, the office of Her Honour the Vice-President is open and available at all times to be engaged. You can bring to the attention of the office whatever situation that you have in your particular constituency. We all cried wanted the rainfall. Now, it has come, but there are adverse consequences of it. When we had a drought, we also had adverse consequences of the drought. So, everything that comes with repercussions. All we have to do is be on top of things and manage the situation. If we see that there is a situation that cannot be attended to by the local community that is why we have the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), which is run by Her Honour the Vice-President. Please, let us engage with it. I have not heard even once that Her Honour the Vice-President has not been willing to attend to any situation of that nature. That institution is there to attend to such situations.

Please, hon. Member for Kaumbwe, you are encouraged to engage the office of Her Honour the Vice-President if you have not yet done so. If you have done so, but you have not yet received any help, then, that is something else but, please, I will ask you again to engage Her Honour the Vice-President’s office to see how the people in your constituency can be assisted.

I thank you.

MR MUTINTA, HON. MEMBER FOR ITEZHI-TEZHI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORT AND ARTS, MR NKANDU, ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. My Urgent Matter Without Notice is directed to the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon. Elvis Nkandu.

Madam Speaker, in this world, there are only three things – football, religion and politics – that, if not managed very well, can create chaos in any country. In the last two days, in the sports fraternity, there has been a lot of speculation and noise. If this chaos is not managed, we are afraid that we, the soccer lovers, will not see Zambia participate in most international football matches.

Madam Speaker, I know that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is managed according to International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regulations but, ultimately, it is financed by taxpayers’ money. Even if the Government might have a little say in the organisation’s administration, it is still an interested party in the governance of football. Is the hon. Minister, who is my namesake, in order to keep quiet when at the Football House, there is tension, and this involves the entire country, as football is everyone’s passion?

I seek your guidance, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: We will be turned into a House of enquiries but, I know, this issue of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has hit the headlines and the people are concerned. Maybe, what I can suggest to the hon. Member for Itezhi-Tezhi is that he files in an urgent question. Then, the hon. Minister will be able to address the issue.

Thank you very much.

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER FOR KAMFINSA, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF WATER DEVELOPMENT AND SANITATION, ENG. NZOVU, ON CONTAMINATION OF KAFUE THE RIVER

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, I will use my discretion to allow you. You may proceed.

What is the urgent matter?

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, thank you very much. The Urgent Matter Without Notice that I wish to raise is directed to the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation.

Madam Speaker, we have confirmed information to the effect that the Kafue River has been contaminated, and Nkana Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) has issued a statement confirming the contamination. As a consequence of that contamination, all the water treatment plants that are supposed to provide water to Kalulushi, Kitwe and Chambishi have been closed. As a result of that closure, we do not have water in Kitwe, Chambishi and Kalulushi. Considering the nature of the issue at hand, which is the fact that we do not have water in the homes in the named towns, is the hon. Minister responsible for water in order to not come, this afternoon, and assure the residents of Kitwe, Kalulushi and Chambishi that steps are being taken to resolve the problem, and to quickly reconnect the water to the residents who are affected? This issue is about access to water, which is a very essential commodity for our homes and, obviously, your indulgence is required so that the matter is responded to.

Madam Speaker, I seek your guidance.

Madam Speaker: I can see that the hon. Minister is anxious to say something, but our rules do not allow it. It was only yesterday when the hon. Minister was here, delivering a Ministerial Statement on the pollution of water. I do not know if he touched on that aspect.

Mr Kang’ombe: No, he did not.

Madam Speaker: If he did not, then, since the matter was only discussed yesterday, I will suggest, hon. Member for Kamfinsa, that you file in an urgent question, which the hon. Minister can address.

Mr Kang’ombe: There’s no water, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Well, file in an urgent question. The effect will be the same. Even if there is no water, if we order the hon. Minister to deliver a Ministerial Statement, it will not be done today. It can only be next week. So, just file in an urgent question then the hon. Minister will be able to address it.

Hon. Minister, you have taken note, I am sure. Please, engage with the hon. Member for Kamfinsa to see how you can avert this situation.

Eng. Nzovu: With your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister wants to say something.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we are very much aware of what is happening in Kitwe, and we have taken immediate measures.

Ms Mulenga: And Kalulushi.

Eng. Nzovu: First and foremost, we are applying lime and other chemicals to treat that water. The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) are on site right now. With your indulgence, I can come back to the House tomorrow and give a comprehensive statement. I just assure the people of the Copperbelt that the Government is fully aware of the situation and that it is very concerned. The water utilities in that area are also already on site. The people of that area must be assured. Unfortunately, yes, we are taking several other measures, and one of them is to ensure that the mining company responsible for the pollution is punished and that it takes some of the liability.

Madam Speaker, we will come back to the House tomorrow to make a comprehensive statement.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

In that case, we allow the hon. Minister to come back tomorrow with a comprehensive statement. The hon. Members who want to ask questions can reserve those questions for after the Ministerial Statement is delivered.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW EDUCATION CURRICULUM

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you most sincerely for giving me this opportunity to present a Ministerial Statement on the implementation of the transformative 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum and other related issues.

Madam Speaker, this curriculum represents a significant step towards achieving the Vision 2030 goal and building a prosperous middle-income Zambia by equipping our learners with 21^st Century competencies essential for national development.

Madam Speaker, allow me to state from the outset that this progressive curriculum was successfully developed through a consultative process, and is being implemented in a phased, structured and methodical manner. After an elaborate and consultative process, the curriculum framework was designed and validated by stakeholders. It was further approved by the Cabinet for implementation. So far, 30,000 copies of the new curriculum have been printed and distributed to schools. In addition, syllabi have been developed, piloted in thirty districts, consolidated, validated and approved. The syllabi and teaching modules have since been deployed online for use by teachers while the printing of hard copies is ongoing. Further, more than 86,000 teachers designated to teach Early Childhood Education (ECE) level I, Grade 1 and Form 1 in 2025, have been adequately oriented to ensure effective delivery. I am therefore, of the view that unlike in 2014, when the 2013 Education Curriculum was implemented without adequate preparation, the country is now ready to implement the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum.

Madam Speaker, implementation of the curriculum marks a transformative step towards aligning the education system with national development goals and global best practices. Education remains a top priority for the Government, as emphasised in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Vision 2030, which envision Zambia as a prosperous middle-income country. In his inaugural address to Parliament on 10^th September, 2021, the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, underscored the urgent need to reform the education system to meet international standards. In response to the President’s directive, the ministry engaged all the stakeholders to develop the new curriculum. The stakeholders included educators, teacher unions, academia, lawmakers, civic and traditional leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs), and faith-based organisations as well as witnesses who submitted recommendations to your Committee on Education, Science and Technology. Further, a significant number of hon. Members attended a validation meeting that was organised by the ministry at the Government Complex. I am, therefore, confident that the new curriculum reflects the views of a broad spectrum of Zambians and that it is well-crafted to support Zambia’s developmental agenda as well as the broad aspirations of Africa and the world.

Madam Speaker, the transition from Grade 7 to Grade 8, which is now Form I, follows a structured placement criteria. Since 2022, there has been no automatic progression. Learners who do not meet performance standards will repeat Grade 7, while those who qualify will proceed to Form I. The Provincial Education Officers (PEOs) have been guided to prioritise boarding and day secondary schools for Form 1 placements. In cases where learners who pass the Grade 7 Examination cannot be accommodated in the existing schools, the PEOs have been instructed to identify basic schools suitable for upgrading into secondary schools to offer education from Form 1 to Form IV. This initiative is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of resources and increasing secondary school availability across districts. Selection of schools is based on factors such as adequate infrastructure, feeder population, proximity to existing secondary schools, capacity for expansion, availability of qualified learners, that is, a minimum of fifteen learners, and availability of specialised teachers. The ministry is ensuring that the needs of newly-upgraded schools inform upcoming teacher recruitment needs, thereby, ensuring that they receive the necessary teaching staff to support the implementation of the new curriculum.

Madam Speaker, a case from Nakonde District in Muchinga Province demonstrates the ministry’s experience in managing educational transitions. Ten schools out of the twenty that previously offered Grade 8 and Grade 9 levels have been selected to offer Form I, while the remaining schools will serve as feeder schools for fully established secondary schools in the district. The selection of schools to offer Form I has been carefully considered to ensure accessibility and efficiency in the education system. For instance, Wulongo Basic School will not be upgraded to offer Form 1 because it is located less than 2 km from Musesengoma Secondary School, which already provides Form 1 education. The short distance allows learners from Wulongo to attend Musesengoma Secondary School without difficulty. Similarly, Kantongo Basic School has not been selected for an upgrade, as it is only 7 km from Waitwika Secondary School, which offers Form 1. Given that reasonable proximity, learners from Kantongo can easily access secondary education at Waitwika Secondary School. Likewise, Illendela Basic School has not been upgraded as it is within walkable distance of 5 km from Nakonde Secondary School, a newly-constructed secondary school with adequate facilities to accommodate learners.

Madam Speaker, special consideration has been given to schools whose distance to the nearest secondary institution exceeds a reasonable walking distance. For instance, Katukauchu Basic School has been identified for an upgrade to secondary school status because it is 19 km away from the nearest secondary school and faces environmental challenges. The area between Ndingindi and Katukauchu experiences severe flooding during the rainy season making it unsafe for learners to commute. Upgrading Katukauchu into a secondary school will ensure that learners in that area have uninterrupted access to education despite the seasonal challenges.

Madam Speaker, the Government is currently constructing forty-five weekly boarding facilities across the country to support learners who cannot access secondary schools nearby. Vulnerable learners will receive Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries recognising the importance of these boarding facilities. Additionally, the facilities will operate as full-fledged boarding secondary schools to ensure that learners are protected from social vices, such as teenage pregnancies and drug abuse.

Madam Speaker, to ensure a successful implementation of our education agenda, the ministry has outlined key strategic actions, particularly, in infrastructure development. We have completed eighty-two secondary schools and are actively working to finalise 220 stalled projects. Of the 115 secondary schools whose construction had stalled, sixty-nine are now practically complete and are in use. Forty-six schools are scheduled for completion by December, 2025. Additionally, the ministry is constructing 120 new secondary schools across the country. These initiatives underscore the Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality education, and recognising that education is the greatest equaliser in driving national development.

Madam Speaker, as part of this commitment, the ministry is spearheading the construction of 169 ECE centres across the country. Of these, fifty-six centres are funded by the Government, three by the European Union (EU) and 110 under the Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) project. Furthermore, in our concerted efforts to reach the most under-served and disadvantaged communities, the ministry is constructing 145 satellite centres this year. The centres are designed to expand learning opportunities in remote areas and ensure equitable access to education. Among them, thirty-five are funded by the EU, while 110 fall under ZEEL.

These infrastructure developments are a clear reflection of the Government’s steadfast dedication to strengthening the education sector. By making strategic investments in educational infrastructure, we are not only enhancing access, but also laying a firm foundation for a more inclusive and equitable education system, one that ensures no child is left behind.

Madam Speaker, education remains the foundation of our nation’s progress and the Government is steadfast in its commitment to strengthening education infrastructure and ensuring quality learning for all. The 2023 to 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Education reflect this dedication, with a strategic focus on Early Childhood Education (ECE) and secondary infrastructure development.

Madam Speaker, funding for ECE infrastructure has seen a steadfast increase from K155 million in 2023 to K190 million in 2024 and further to K230 million in 2025. This indicates a 50 per cent increase from 2023 to 2024, followed by a 23 per cent growth in 2025. These investments underscore the Government’s resolve to providing a strong educational foundation for young learners.

Madam Speaker, similarly, secondary education has received the largest funding share to meet the growing demand for learning facilities. The allocation, which stood at K1.12 billion in 2023, saw a slight reduction to K105 billion in 2024, before rebounding significantly to K1.87 billion in 2025, making an impressive 78 per cent increase. This funding is critical in accommodating rising student enrolment and improving education quality nationwide.

 Madam Speaker, to support the implementation of the 2023 School Curriculum, the Government has significantly increased the budgetary allocation from K5.6 million in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to K105 million in 2025. This substantial increase underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and ensuring the successful rollout of the new curriculum.

Madam Speaker, while 2024 experienced a temporary dip in funding, the overall trend reflects a renewed commitment to expanding educational opportunities. The Government’s focus on ECE and secondary education aligns with our long-term vision of strengthening the education sector, ensuring accessibility and improving learning conditions for all. These budgetary allocations represent a transformative strategy that will drive sustainable growth and national development. Let us work together to uphold this vision and ensure that every Zambian child receives the quality education they deserve.

Madam Speaker, I am still going on.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, despite these efforts, financial resource mobilisation is being strengthened through collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to secure increased funding and enhanced partnerships with co-operating partners to support curriculum implementation. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework is in place for the continuous assessment of infrastructure, staffing and teaching materials as well as on-going evaluation of school placement strategies to address emerging challenges in real time.

 Madam Speaker, the ministry has been and will continue to recruit teachers with a focus on specialised subjects, particularly in rural areas where the need is greatest. The Government remains committed to hiring teachers in specialised fields while also strengthening in-service teacher training to enhance the quality of education. Further, the ministry is committed to motivating teachers in rural areas by providing priority allowances, such as hardship allowances, to ensure retention and productivity.

Madam Speaker, the Government is fulfilling its responsibility, and the community must also play its part in ensuring that children attend school, whether through encouragement or enforcement; ka push, as stated by Hon. Miyutu yesterday.

Madam Speaker, the Education Act of 2011 emphasises the Government’s commitment to compulsory education, ensuring that every child of school-going age is enrolled and attends school. It outlines legal consequences for individuals who fail to enrol a child, prevent school attendance, unlawfully withdraw a learner or obstruct officials enforcing education policies.

Madam Speaker, offenders may face a fine of up to 100,000 penalty units or imprisonment of up to one year or both. The Government urges parents, guardians and the community to uphold their responsibility in ensuring access to education, reinforcing that it is both a right and a duty. Authorities remain dedicated to enforcing these provisions to protect the future of children and national development.

 Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I wish to reiterate that the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum is a visionary strategic document designed to create a globally competitive workforce. Its successful implementation requires substantial investment from both the Government and development partners. Through strategic planning, infrastructure development, human resource allocation, financial mobilisation and continuous evaluation, Zambia is poised to build a robust and internationally competitive education system.

Madam Speaker, the ministry urges all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, community leaders and hon. Members of Parliament to support these initiatives as we build a stronger, more inclusive education system for our nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the hon. Minister of Education.

I see none, so we go to the next order.

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Laughter

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I am so happy that the hon. Minister has presented a Ministerial Statement to clarify this burning issue. In his statement, he has said that he has now given the Provincial Educational Officers (PEOs) time to assess schools that are supposed to be turned into secondary schools and those that do not qualify.

Madam Speaker, where I come from, about six schools have adjusted following what was written to them. My question is: Will they go back to how the situation was before or the statement stands as it were?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I may not have gotten what the hon. Member said correctly, but what I have said today, is what happens. We gave a period of fourteen days so the learners can still adjust within that. However, if they are comfortable to be where they are, covering long distances, it is not up to us. We have told them what to do.  For example, I talked about a distance of 17 km, and strictly speaking, that is too much.  I walked 15 km back then, but in our modern times, that is too much. So, they can still adjust because the period within which they should report is fourteen days, and that is only lapsing on 24^th February, 2025.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chewe (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity on behalf of the people of Lubansenshi to ask a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, the new curriculum the ministry has introduced has come with challenges, especially in areas like Lubansenshi, Mpika, Rufunsa and other rural constituencies. Looking at the capacity of the current crop of teachers, they need to be trained to be able to teach the new curriculum. In addition, there is the issue of internet connectivity in schools. What is causing a problem in internet connectivity is the long distance between schools and the Boma or the central business district (CBD) in certain areas.  Furthermore, the ministry is sending the new curriculum to teachers in soft copy form. At the end of the day, teachers have to print the curriculum at their own cost, on top of covering long distances to places where they can access the Internet. Has the ministry taken such issues into consideration and what practical solutions have been found to particularly address the issues of teacher training for the new curriculum and internet connectivity in schools?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the teachers are already trained. If the hon. Member is suggesting that we should train everybody, how are we going to train all the 120,000 teachers? As I said, we are taking a phased approach. The teachers who are affected by the new curriculum are the ones being trained. Thereafter, we will have trainers of trainers. Let me just allay fears by stating that we are not throwing away the old textbooks because they still have content which is acceptable. We are just adding some topics, such as national values, to the content.

Madam Speaker, let me just invite my hon. Colleagues to ready the new curriculum booklet. It will explain better the things being introduced. The problem is that I was only given twenty to thirty minutes to explain a document that is fifty-one pages. When hon. Members go through the booklet, they will realise that the new curriculum is quite robust. So, I reiterate that we should all read that booklet.

Madam Speaker, I am glad that some hon. Members of Parliament attended the launch and validation of the new curriculum framework. So, they should now just take time to read the document in full. They will have a better understanding because the language is very simple.

Madam Speaker, as regards the issue of internet connectivity in schools, the hon. Minister of Technology and Science is actually addressing that. Sooner than later, we will have internet connection everywhere, including the remotest areas in the country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: On behalf of hon. Members, maybe, I can request the hon. Minister to lay a copy of the new school curriculum on the Table so that every hon. Member has a copy.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Simumba (Nakonde): Madam Speaker, the Government scraped the requirement for parents to pay a K200 annual fee for their children’s schooling, hence the claim that there is free education.

Madam Speaker, in Nakonde, pupils have to travel for as much as 16 km to attend school in Form 1. In the past, we had twenty basic schools that offered Grade 8 and Grade 9 lessons, but only ten of them were selected to offer Form 1 after the change in curriculum. This means that the other ten schools are not providing Form 1 lessons. Therefore, is the Government willing to upgrade the remaining ten schools so as to reduce the distances that pupils have to cover to get to school? If those schools are not upgraded, learners will be forced to do weekly boarding, which is very expensive for parents now because of the economic challenges that the Government is putting us through.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, first of all, let me correct the impression that the hon. Member is creating. Parents were not paying K200 for their children’s school fees.

Mr Simumba: It was K200!

Mr Syakalima: No, it is not true. Go and check your records. I know for sure that that was not the amount.

Mr Simumba: It was K200 per term.

Mr Syakalima: It was a lot more money. First of all, why were kids not going to school if it was only K200? Where have the 2 million new pupils suddenly come from? It is all because of free education.

Madam Speaker, I know where my dear brother, the hon. Member, comes from. I also come from there. So, I know even the distances he is talking about. If he was listening attentively, he would have heard me say that mapping is being conducted. We have taken note of schools such as those he referred, which are17 km away from the central business district (CBD). Children should cover a maximum distance of approximately 5 km to school. Even here in Lusaka, some learners cover 10 km to get to school. We are trying to work out something with the technocrats regarding that issue. So, the hon. Member can be assured that the matter is being addressed. Furthermore, I want to invite him to accompany me to his constituency because I know where we come from.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: There are so many hon. Members who have indicated. There is a lot of interest in the subject under discussion. Unfortunately, I will not be able to extent the time because of other constraints. So, hon. Members need to be brief and straight to the point when asking questions so that we give an opportunity to as many hon. Members as possible.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, the matter under discussion has posed a lot of challenges. As the House may know, the education sector is very important in nation building.

Madam Speaker, apart from the infrastructure challenges that the hon. Minister has alluded to, which he said the Government is going to address, he acknowledged the fact that the learning materials are being printed now and that some of them  are being sent online. The hon. Minister knows that there is a challenge with internet connectivity in rural areas. As we speak, some teachers cannot connect to the Internet in most schools. The ideal situation would have been to pilot the implementation of the new curriculum before it is rolled out in full.

Madam Speaker, is it possible for the ministry to review the implementation of the new curriculum? There is a need to evaluate and get feedback from the implementers of the new curriculum, who are the teachers in this case. In fact, teachers only having three days of orientation in some cases and sometimes they are not availed the materials. Would it not be ideal to do an evaluation and probably, pause the implementation programme and make sure the ministry prepares adequately because we are now working like in reverse? We are doing what should have been done before the programme is implemented. Is it not ideal for the hon. Minister to, first of all, review and get feedback before proceeding with the implementation process?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, hon. Members keep on talking about piloting the programme. We have already done that. When I was reading my statement, I said the programme was piloted in thirty districts. You cannot pilot a programme in the whole country. Piloting is done in a few selected places. So, we piloted the programme and many stakeholders actually agreed with our approach.

Madam Speaker, the thirteenth school curriculum review that was done by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government was only implemented for one year. The programme was never piloting before implementation. That is why we have a crisis in the education sector. So, the hon. Member must appreciate what is being done today. The PF Government did not even evaluate anything for more than ten years in office.

Madam Speaker, as I said, the new curriculum is being evaluated and monitored continuously. We can even do it after five years, but the PF Government never did it once. It took ten years until the United Party for National Development (UPND) came into office for the curriculum to be revised. It has only taken us two years, which is from 2021 to 2023. That is why it is called the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework, although we are implementing it in 2025.  I will lay the document on the Table so that people understand what I am saying. I am saying that we are not cancelling everything, alright. For example, topics such as inclusive equity, accountability, transparency, partnership, social justice and integrity were not in the curriculum. So, we just included a small part. Geometry is geometry. You cannot change it, but it is an applied subject. This is a competency-based curriculum so that when your children come out of school, they will be competent enough to do certain things rather than rote memorisation. Anybody can memorise.

Madam Speaker, in Sub-Saharan Africa, 300 million ten-year-old children cannot comprehend anything they read today. They can read, but they do not comprehend. They can do numerous things, but they cannot comprehend things at ten years old. That is what we are trying to run away from. We do not want to ask learners to name parts of a grasshopper. Where can you take a grasshopper if you are not an entomologist? The new curriculum is a departure from what used to happen a long time ago. This is a competency-based curriculum that will ensure that children leave school with skills. That is the only difference.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us proceed.

Hon. Member for Kabwata, you may ask your question. Please, be precise and to the point.

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, I am grateful ­.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, please, bear with me. I am constrained with time. I will comment at the end.

Mr Kampyongo indicated assent.

Madam Speaker: Okay.

Hon. Member for Kabwata, you may proceed.

Mr Tayengwa: Madam Speaker, this is a very good curriculum, and I hope the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Technology and Science, which is under Hon. Felix Mutati, can work together to roll out communication towers in all districts. I want to find out whether the ministry has set a timeframe for reviewing the effectiveness of the new curriculum.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: I am sorry, hon. Minister of Education. I was looking at the people who were making noise, the hon. Members who were chatting. Please, pay attention to the questions and answers.

The hon. Minister of Education may respond.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, we have no set time to evaluate the curriculum, but what is written is that we can evaluate it even after one year. We undertake evaluation and monitoring. There is no specific time for evaluation; we can evaluate the curriculum at any time. We can do it midway into five years. After ten years, we can change the curriculum.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Banda (Muchinga): Madam Speaker, firstly, on behalf of the people of Muchinga, I would like to accept that the change in the curriculum is a good move. Every good thing comes with challenges.

Madam Speaker, I took a few days to pass through all the four day-schools in my constituency during the recess. The challenges that came out prominently include classroom space and accommodation for pupils who travel long distances to school. In light of these challenges, does the Ministry of Education have plans to supplement what we are already doing with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), by providing more accommodation for day-scholars who come from areas that are far away from their schools? Schools have over-enrolled so they need more classroom spaces.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I said that learners who were in basic schools but are not in secondary schools, must remain where they are. We designated such schools as secondary schools. They will run from Form I up to Form IV. So, the distance they have to travel to school has now been cut. I think that the Provincial Education Officers (PEOs) have already grasped this. They will do that.

Madam Speaker, when I read the statement, I talked about how much we have allocated to build infrastructure, rather than leaving hon. Members to depend on themselves. We are already completing many structures. Mind you, we would not have had this burden if the infrastructure that was started in the previous Governments had been completed. The projects stalled for ten years. So, we had to deal with incomplete infrastructure instead of putting up new structures on greenfield sites.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, I wish we had more time because this is a serious issue. I come from a constituency with four secondary schools and sixty-three primary schools. Now, I want to place on record that I support the thinking that guides the new curriculum because I am a champion of quality education. I participated in the validation meeting. However, the problem that is in Nalolo reflects the problem in the whole Western Province. Let me be brief. Before the new curriculum, secondary schools were already few. We were already struggling to find school places for Grade 8 pupils, who are now Form 1 pupils. In my case, there is a reduction from twenty-five primary schools to four primary schools that will offer Form 1 classes. I have heard what the hon. Minister said, that additional guidance has been given for further identification of secondary schools. However, what I have an issue with is that this should have preceded the implementation of the new curriculum. Right now, I can confirm with facts that over 200 pupils have dropped out of school in Nalolo Parliamentary Constituency.

Madam Speaker, for the last three years, the Western Province has been in tenth place regarding Grade 12 results, which is the last place, but it used to be in first place. Secondary schools in the Western Province were last built before Independence. Holy Cross Secondary School, St. John's Secondary School, Kambule Secondary School and Kalabo Secondary School were built before Independence. We have not had new secondary schools built post-independence. This is the problem we are facing. How will we salvage the dropouts who existed even before the new curriculum? I support the new curriculum and I know it is competency-based, but our children are dropping out of school. How do we salvage the situation when secondary schools are already few?

Mr Syakalima: I am not sure about the issue that secondary schools have not been built in the Western Province. Maybe, it is because I was not there. So, they never built any secondary schools (pointed at the left)? For ten years, no secondary school was built?

Hon. Government Member: Zero!

Mr Syakalima: Zero.

Madam Speaker, that is why I indicated that basic schools will be upgraded to secondary schools, besides us building new schools. The hon. Member knows that we are building one big secondary school in his area, and it will be completed. I have already allocated money towards the project. We are trying to work very fast.

Madam Speaker, I am yet to ask my technocrats about children who have dropped out of school. If over 200 pupils have dropped out of school, we shall verify that. We need to bring them back to school. This is why I said that we are trying to cut the distance. The hon. Member said that there used to be many secondary schools but now the number has reduced. No, we will upgrade some basic schools. The hon. Member needs not worry. He should have also said that he is happy that we are building a secondary school. Sometimes, it is good to pat somebody on the back, so that the country can hear. Now, it is like he is alarming people. However, I thank my brother for that question.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, as some of my hon. Colleagues have indicated, the curriculum issue has generated a lot of debate. I give the hon. Minister credit for issuing a Ministerial Statement to clarify some of the misconceptions that our people have out there. Can the hon. Minister single out one major benefit that the Government thinks outweighs the old system? What could be the major benefits that we, as the Government, can generate from the new system as opposed to the old system?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, since it is just one, I would say competency-based.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, let me begin by commending our hard-working teachers in Mpika District who have been enduring overcrowded classes following the introduction of the Free Education Policy.

Madam Speaker, we will support the new curriculum. However, it is marred by many challenges, such as inadequate teaching materials and infrastructure. In our case, in Mpika, the biggest problem we have, which is even going to defeat the Free Education Policy, is the movement of children who have to cover long distances to camp at a particular school. For instance, children in Kasenga travel 28 km to camp at Chilonga Secondary School, and those in Mwamfusha, travel 30 km to camp at Chibansa Secondary School. They attend weekly boarding schools. So, they have to rent boarding facilities at those schools. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that we have facilities for weekly boarders in rural areas? Also, I notice that our children will fall prey to excited young men who will now be impregnating them at those weekly boarding facilities.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I hope, the hon. Member for Mpika got me right when I said that we are shortening distances. The acceptable distance is not more than 7km. My hon. Colleagues who come from my area think that I do not know those places. I understand and know all the areas. No one can tell me about distance. I know every part of Muchinga Province. So, I am competent enough to argue with the hon. Member. I even speak the language, nkavwanga ci Mambwe nemo. When I visited Hon. Kampyongo’s constituency one time, I told him that construction of a certain secondary school in his area had stalled for a long time, and that children were in the compounds. It was unacceptable and we needed to finish that boarding school. I think the hon. Member still remembers the school whose construction had stalled under his watch.

Madam Speaker, if the hon. Member for Mpika heard me right, I said concurrently that the World Bank is also helping us with the weekly boarding where learners stay and then go back to their homes. Sometimes, the learners stay in makeshift structures. I know what was obtaining. That is why I said that we shall set up those weekly boarding schools to avoid early pregnancies. I do not think that it is true that children walk 30km to their schools. However, they walk to go and do –

Madam Speaker, we have cut that distance.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mabumba (Mwense): Madam Speaker, it is hard for one to ask a question when one has served in the ministry before. I would like to encourage the hon. Minister to continue providing leadership around teachers’ human capital, infrastructure, construction and curriculum development. He should also consider all the challenges that the hon. Colleagues raise in this House because they are genuine.

Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister did not talk much about the advanced (A) Levels. He said that the Government wants to reform the curriculum so that the country can also have a globally competitive education system. Can the hon. Minister, maybe, explain in simple language to our people, especially to us, as hon. Members, who come from rural areas, what the A Levels entail, as part of the Government’s curriculum reform going forward?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I will lay the document on the Table. Everything is contained in the document. The House may recall that our students from the University of Zambia (UNZA), or generally students in Zambia, are told that they have advanced diplomas when they travel to England, for example, and that they must study something in that country to bridge the gap. That is what we are trying to avoid. So, within a secondary, we will have advanced (A) Levels, which will be Form V and Form VI, so that when students go to university level, they would have done their A Levels. When students go to university, we call the first year A Levels, but that is not accepted in England. So, we are trying to change for the benefit of our country so that when students travel to England or wherever, they are not told to repeat because their qualifications are advanced diplomas. So, that is what we are trying to run away from, but everything is in the document.

Madam Speaker, since hon. Members have exhausted their questions, I can lay the document on the Table.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mushanga (Bwacha): Madam Speaker, greetings from the foreign service.

Laughter

Mr Mushanga: Madam Speaker, on the orientation of teachers –

Interruptions

Mr Mushanga: Pardon?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon Members!

Does somebody want to raise a point of order?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Bwacha may continue.

Mr Mushanga: Madam Speaker, in some cases, at the time of the orientation of teachers, materials for the new curriculum were not yet ready. How were the orientations conducted in the absence of hands-on material for the new curriculum for the teachers? Up to now, the materials are not yet in some schools.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, like I said, we are not overhauling the system for one to require new materials. We are just adding up to what is already there.  The textbooks that are already in schools are useful. One can extract something that we are trying to add. So, I do not think we need new materials. We are simply reviewing the curriculum.  We are not overhauling the system because it is not possible. I cannot start writing something new in the name of overhauling it. The only thing that we have probably removed is a topic on the parts of a grasshopper. The rest of the subjects have remained the same.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I think, the subject is of utmost importance, as you have already realised, and as some hon. Members have already stated. If there is anybody who is going to sensitise the people in the communities, it is hon. Members of this House. Now, looking at the time that we have spent on this issue, I think, hon. Members are not yet clear on the expectations and even how to explain them to members of the public.

Maybe, I would request you, hon. Minister, with your technocrats, to have a session with the hon. Members. I know some hon. Members participated previously, but most of them are behind. So, with the assistance of the Clerk of the National Assembly – I know voluntary basis sometimes does not yield results – 

Please, Clerk, you can also liaise to see how best we can ensure that hon. Members have an interaction with the hon. Minister in the Amphitheatre so that they can understand this because every new thing has got challenges.

Hon. Members, so that is where we will end. I can ask hon Members to ask more questions, but we will just be going in circles. I do not know if that is okay, hon. Minister.

Mr Syakalima: It is okay

Madam Speaker: With that, we make progress. You will have ample time, and the Clerk will arrange for some little grapes.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: I have also permitted the hon. Minister of Health to render a Ministerial Statement. Hon. Members, before I call on the hon. Minister of Health to present a Ministerial Statement, let me make this statement. The hon. Minister of Health is about to render a brief statement on the health status of the Sixth Republican President and the leader of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) party. Bearing in mind that health matters are private and should be treated as such, there will be no points of clarification after the statement is rendered.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

The statement is just for the information of the House following the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Chasefu.

The hon. Minister of Health may now render the Ministerial Statement.

HEALTH STATUS OF THE SIXTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT, MR EDGAR C. LUNGU, AND PRESIDENT OF THE FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT PARTY, MS EDITH ZEWELANI NAWAKWI

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, you requested the Government to render a Ministerial Statement to this august House on the health status of the Sixth Republican President of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Ms Edith Zewelani Nawakwi, President of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) party. The Government cannot divulge or discuss the health status of any citizen because every Zambian citizen is entitled to privacy. Further, such a discussion would be against the medical practitioners' ethics, as it borders on betraying the doctor-patient relationship which is ‘sacro…’ –

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima: Sacrosanct, good.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members! Let us listen quietly

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, allow me, however, to state that every Zambian is entitled to access to quality medical services as enshrined in the Zambian Constitution. I want to emphasise that matters to do with the health status of an individual are personal and confidential in nature within the laws governing medical practice. As such, this statement will not delve into personal information concerning the sixth President of Zambia and the President of the FDD party.

Madam Speaker, I wish to state that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has been looking after the former President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima: … whenever he has requested for medical intervention, both locally and abroad. The last appointment that the Government made for the former President was for him to travel to Pretoria, South Africa, on medical grounds in September 2023. He was, however, unable to travel due to personal commitments. As the Government, we are committed to providing medical support to every Zambian, including all our former leaders, regardless of their political affiliation.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that on 10^th January, 2025, the Cabinet Office was informed that the former President would be travelling to the Republic of South Africa for medical attention. Upon receipt of the notification, and as per established practice and procedure, the Government immediately initiated the process of having the Sixth President evaluated at the Maina Soko Medical Centre for possible evacuation to the Republic of South Africa. However, on 17^th January, 2025, another correspondence was received by the Cabinet Office from the Sixth Republican President, indicating that the former President would meet all costs related to his travel and medical attention. The correspondence further emphasised that the earlier communication had been merely informational to the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the Government has also learned that our mother, Ms Edith Zewelani Nawakwi, President of the FDD party, has not been well lately. In the same vein, the Government is committed to doing everything possible to assist the former hon. Minister. The Government is in constant contact with both the former hon. Minister and her relatives to appreciate and understand what needs to be done to remediate the situation. We will keep the nation informed about any developments.

Madam Speaker, we ask that every Zambian wishes the Sixth Republican President of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the FDD party, Madam Nawakwi, and all Zambians good health.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. So, that Ministerial Statement ends there.

I have also permitted the hon. Minister of Health to present another Ministerial Statement.

UPDATE ON THE MPOX SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity given to me to update the hon. Members of the House on a matter of national importance that threatens the public health security of our people and our country as a whole; the Mpox situation in the country.

Madam Speaker, disease outbreaks of pandemic and epidemic nature do not only cause widespread morbidity and mortality but are disruptive to the social, political and economic lives of citizens. As such, the Government, through the excellent leadership of our Republican President, His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, attaches great importance to securing the health of our people and the nation at large.

Madam Speaker, the index case of Mpox was first detected on 8^th October, 2024 in Chitambo, Central Province, marking the beginning of the outbreak in the country. Following the initial case, the outbreak spread to the Copperbelt Province, where an index case was confirmed on 26^th December, 2024. Lusaka Province reported its first case on 13^th January, 2025.

Madam Speaker, this august House may wish to note that since the recording of index cases in the mentioned areas, additional cases have been reported in both Lusaka and Copperbelt between these dates, indicating on-going transmission of the virus among the population. As of 19^th February, 2025, a total number of twenty cases have been reported across the affected provinces, with fourteen cases in Lusaka, five cases on the Copperbelt and one case in the Central Province. Out of the reported cases on the Copperbelt, three confirmed cases were recorded in Kitwe, while Mufulira recorded two confirmed cases.

Madam Speaker, allow me to deliberately speak to specific geographical locations where we have recorded confirmed cases in Lusaka, as a city recording the highest numbers so far. Bauleni Compound has recorded seven cases, while Kanyama has three cases. Garden Compound, Kalingalinga, Chawama, and Mwembeshi in Chilanga District have all recorded one each, bringing the total number of recorded cases to fourteen so far.

Madam Speaker, in response to the Mpox outbreak, the Government has implemented the following measures:

1. contacts for all the confirmed cases have been enlisted and are currently being monitored for twenty-one days by the rapid response team;
2. all response structures have been activated to respond to the Mpox outbreak and there has been heightened index of suspicion in the province; and
3. enhanced risk communication and community engagement sensitisations on Mpox, targeting the public masses.

Madam Speaker, our surveillance and response teams across the country remain on high alert for any further cases of Mpox. I, further, would like to urge everyone to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission. The measures should include:

Avoiding Close Contact

People should stay away from individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, such as rash or sores. Skin-to-skin contact should be avoided, especially when you see unusual lesions.

Practicing Good Hygiene

People should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitisers. They should avoid touching their face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands, especially after being in contact with high-risk individuals or items.

Using Protection

When in close contact with someone who may be infected, people should use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. They should consider using barrier methods during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmission.

Being Aware and Seeking Medical Attention Promptly

Members of the public should know the symptoms of Mpox, which include fever, body aches and rash and monitoring oneself for symptoms if you suspect to have been exposed. If people develop symptoms, they should seek medical advice promptly.

Staying Informed and Educate Others

People should stay tuned to credible information sources for updates on the situation. They should share the information with friends and family to help protect their communities.

Madam Speaker, I would like to urge the general public through this honourable House to remain calm as the Government is taking all necessary measures to contain the spread of Mpox in the country. I would further like to call upon all citizens to adhere to preventive measures and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

Madam Speaker, together, with vigilance, co-operation and if all the measures we have outlined are adhered to, we can minimise the impact of Mpox and keep our communities safe.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Before we go to the points of clarification, there was an indication for a point of order. What is the point of order?

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, my point of order is premised on Standing Order No. 71, which requires that everything that we submit to this House be factual.

Madam Speaker, I would like to seek your indulgence on whether the statement made by the hon. Minister, suggesting that the State has been taking care of the health of the Former President, is factual.

Madam Speaker, the State has actually denied the Former Head of State permission to go and access medical services on a number of times. Can we, now, go out with that statement to the effect that the State has been taking care of the medical needs of the Former President? Is the State paying for him and facilitating his treatment at the facility where he has gone?

Mr B. Mpundu: I seek you indulgence.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

I indicated earlier that we were not going to discuss or ask questions on the Ministerial Statement that was rendered. It was just a briefing. If you have any issues with how the issue is being handled, I am sure, the hon. Minister and the Government can be approached. You can make representations, and I am sure that the Government has never denied anyone access to medical care. So, if you have a challenge, approach the Government. You can talk to each other. That is why I always say that we should approach one another and talk to one another. Let us see how we can solve problems, instead of coming on the Floor of the House to alarm the nation, which is not helping anyone. We are the leaders, and we should take responsibility.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Where we do not agree, let us talk to one another. That is the only way to solve problems.

Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement presented by the hon. Minister of Health.

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, I thank you once again for allowing me to ask a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Health.

Madam Speaker, how prepared is the Ministry of Health in terms of drugs, materials and infrastructure in terms of isolated wards and considering the fact that Mpox is a very contagious disease?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Kwacha for the question.

Madam Speaker, as I said, we are vigilant and most hospitals have isolation space for Mpox cases. In Chitambo and Lusaka, where we have had cases, our health care facilities have spaces for such patients. The only thing that we do not have is the vaccine. The whole African continent lacks the vaccine. If there will be more cases, we will ask the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to provide some vaccines. So far, we are doing well. Out of all the reported cases, only three patients were admitted. So, we have taken care of the situation through the vigilant attention of our medical personnel.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, we know that we conduct screening for various diseases in the country. However, our colleagues from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) come to Zambia on a daily basis for visa applications at the United Nations (UN) Embassy. They use the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola and even stay in our hotels. I have not seen any screening taking place at either the airports or hotels. I am wondering how we are taking care of the people who are coming from the DRC so as to ensure that they are not coming with Mpox.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I cannot say that Mpox transmission has escalated to the extent whereby we need to subject everyone to screening. It is a virus that can be detected from the symptoms that one experiences on the body. At the moment, there is no need to subject everyone to such a procedure. Only twenty cases have been reported from our population, which includes the truckers who move across borders. So, we already know where the transmission has originated from. It is from the border areas, especially those used by truckers, and not necessarily the airports. However, if it becomes necessary, we will start screening people. In such situations, it is the members of the public who complain that their movement or travel is being restricted. So, that will only happen if cases escalate.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity given to me to ask a supplementary question on behalf of the people of Kanyama.

Madam Speaker, it really saddens me to hear that there are cases of Mpox in Kanyama on top of the cholera cases that we usually deal with. Looking at the time when Mpox first broke out, would the hon. Minister say that the ministry has managed to contain the disease or the number of cases keeps on increasing?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Kanyama for his question.

Madam Speaker, we have contained the situation. Look at what happened in Central Province regarding that case. Mostly, it is truckers who have the disease. They are coming through certain borders that I cannot mention. If we had not been careful, the disease would have spread like wildfire. However, looking at the number of people we have discharged from hospitals, I think that we have contained the situation.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, happy new year and welcome back.

Madam Speaker, I would like to find out the measures that the Ministry of Health has taken in order to prevent the disease in rural areas. What kind of information has the ministry provided so that the disease can be curbed in places like Chienge?

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. Welcome back also, hon. Member for Chienge. I have not seen you for a while. Am seeing you for the first time this year. Happy new year.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I think, let me just read my statement again. I said that to reduce the risk of transmission, we need to avoid close contact, practice good hygiene, use protection, be aware and seek medical attention promptly, and stay informed and educate others.

Madam Speaker, we can inform the public about the disease through this Parliament. Also, the provincial health personnel need to go to community radio stations to educate the public. Time and again, I have held press briefings to update the nation. That is the way we are asking our people to be vigilant about Mpox.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Health for the answers he is providing. I heard him talk about protection, but I am just not sure which protection he is talking about.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has highlighted many measures to curb Mpox. My question is based on sensitisation, especially that the ministry has detected a number of cases. Is the Ministry of Health doing enough sensitisation on the measures to prevent Mpox and how the disease can be contracted?  The Zambian people need information so that they can have early warning signs and understand how Mpox can be contracted.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has talked about protection. Let me read what I said in the statement:

“If you are in close contact with someone who may be infected, use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. Consider using barrier methods during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Madam Speaker, I am sure that that is what the hon. Member wanted to hear.

Now, on sensitisation, my ministry has to work through local councils to promote public health.  We need to come up with programmes and agendas to sensitise our local people through the local authorities. In addition, we are recruiting Community Public Health Workers. These will fuse themselves into communities to help transmit the information. We all need to be very proactive because the disease does not only affect the poor but also our relatives or ourselves. We have to stand up tall and meet the challenges that we face in communities. Let us use local councils and community radio stations. Our ministry is ready to work with hon. Members.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the responses provided so far. Mpox spreads from animals to people via scratches, bites and consumption of game meat. The information that the public has is that the disease is spread through consumption of monkey meat. Some people here eat monkeys. People like Hon. Elvis Nkandu consume meat from monkeys. Is the ministry sensitising our people about the danger of consuming contaminated game meat?

Madam Speaker: I thought meat from monkeys is a delicacy like meat from rats, or is it mice?

Laughter

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, Mpox used to be called Monkey Pox because it was transmitted from a monkey. This time, the disease has changed its behaviour. It is now transmitted through blood and contact. Of course, we cannot ignore that aspect. We need to sensitise our people, especially those who enjoy meat from monkeys. Most diseases are transmitted through animals. That is why even here, at Parliament, we have an association that looks at the environment and human beings, and it has been going around the whole country sensitising people. We have to be careful with the way we interact with animals, because we can contract diseases through interactions with wild animals, including buffalos. Animals transmit diseases. I am sure that is the way to go. We need to sensitise our people, especially those who like poaching. In the North-Western Province, there is a tribe that likes poaching so much, but I will not go into the details.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I forgot to include hopani; it is also a delicacy.

Laughter

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, when the hon. Minister was responding to the question asked by the hon. Member for Kwacha, about availability of the drugs for treating the disease, he said that we do not have drugs to treat the disease. We depend on South Africa for the drugs, and that we are treating the disease case by case. My question is: When are we expecting the medicine for the disease to –

Mr Kapyanga stood behind Mr Chibombwe while conversing with him.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon Member for Mpika!

Is that the accepted manner of conducting yourself in the House?

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chipili, you may continue.

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, if the ministry has procured the medicine for the disease, when do we expect it to arrive in the country? If the ministry has not procured the medicine, why has it not done so?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, let me correct that impression. I said that we need vaccines to prevent the disease. However, we are treating Mpox, which is a virus. I did not say that we do not have medicine. How have we been managing our patients if we have no medicine? We want to protect people from contracting Mpox, but the vaccine is not available. It is the vaccine that is not available. I said that if the cases become more prevalent, we can go through the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to get help so that the vaccine is procured for our people to be protected from Mpox.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Dr Chilufya (Mansa Central): Madam Speaker, I am making my contribution to save the monkeys. Though the monkey pox (Mpox) virus was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, it actually originated from rodents; rats, and they are mostly found in the Eastern Province. The African rodents are the common carriers of the Mpox virus. So, people should leave the monkeys alone. We should not mislead one another by saying that we should stop eating monkeys. If they are a delicacy, let us continue eating them.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I did not know that we were now moving into the kitchen.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Let us make progress.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

WATER HARVESTING DURING THE 2024/2025 RAINY SEASON

211. Ms Nakaponda (Isoka) asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

1. whether the Government has any plans to harvest water during the 2024/2025 Rainy Season; and
2. what other measures are being taken to ensure adequate supply of water in Isoka District.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, the Government plans to harvest water during the 2024/2025 Rainy Season by utilising existing usable water harvesting infrastructure, rehabilitating and repairing unusable ones and also, constructing new infrastructure before the onset of the rainy season. The ministry is currently constructing sixteen dams and repairing six dams to enhance national water security. Furthermore, the ministry plans to construct twenty dams and rehabilitate fourteen dams this year. All these measures are aimed at increasing the national water storage capacity for productive use, particularly, in agriculture, energy, fisheries and livestock sectors.

Madam Speaker, to ensure adequate water supply in Isoka District, the Government has implemented measures under the Drought Response Plan.

Madam Speaker, in terms of borehole drilling and installation, you may recall that in August, 2023, the ministry signed a contract with BWD Engineering Ltd for drilling and installation of forty boreholes across Muchinga Province, and Isoka District was allocated ten boreholes. However, due to non-performance by the contractor, the contract was terminated and bonds have since been encashed. Only three boreholes were drilled, but not equipped with handpumps. The ministry will re-tender all the remaining works in the first quarter of 2025;

Madam Speaker, in terms of upgrading boreholes to small piped-water schemes, another contract was signed in August 2023 with Atkinson Construction for the mechanisation of twenty-one existing boreholes in Muchinga Province, which included five in Isoka. Due to the contractor’s failure to perform, the contract was terminated and the bonds were encashed. The uncompleted works will also be re-tendered in the first quarter of 2025. The Government will procure standby pumps for Chambeshi Water Utility in the Boma area to ensure water security. There are also plans to construct five new piped-water schemes in the following areas:

1. Kawenga Village;
2. Chiwanda Section;
3. B Village;
4. Muzabwela Village;
5. Luvwemba Village; and
6. Katangalika/Kalindo Village.

Madam Speaker, it must also be noted that in 2024, with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the ministry successfully rehabilitated four boreholes and drilled four ones equipped with handpumps in the district. The boreholes have been completed and handed over to the communities. Further, with support from the World Vision Zambia, the Government is upgrading nineteen existing boreholes in the district into small piped-water schemes. 

Madam Speaker, with support from the African Water Project, the Government, through the Ministry of Education, has also rehabilitated and maintained boreholes in nine schools in the district.

Madam Speaker, all these interventions are meant to ensure that the good people of Isoka District receive quality water supply. However, more will be done.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has talked about contracts that were terminated. What other specific plans and strategies does the Government have in place for the water harvesting exercise during this rainy season?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we terminated the contracts for non-performance. I also outlined several measures that we have put in place under the Drought Response Plan and support from various partners who will fill the gap as we re-tender the works to ensure that our people in the district continue receiving water.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, what are some of the water harvesting measures the ministry is using in Isoka District?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we are doing several things in the district. I have already outlined the drilling of boreholes to collect water from underground water sources. We are also trying to upgrade the boreholes to piped-water schemes, and that means that we are converting boreholes with hand pumps into boreholes equipped with solar pumps and storage. The water is not only for domestic supply. We are trying to see if our good people of Isoka can also undertake minimal agricultural activities. The ministry is also currently undertaking feasibility studies to see where it can construct dams in Isoka and other districts. In areas with reliable rivers and reservoirs, the ministry is looking at how it can conveyance that water to fields as well as homes.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this chance, on behalf of the people of Lundazi, to ask a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the ministry plans to construct twenty more dams. The dams may be distributed countrywide or are just for one particular constituency. The hon. Minister consecutively talked about the termination and cashing out of bonds. When the Government cashes out bonds, it just gets back the exact amount that was given as an advance to the contractor. As time passes, we cannot get the same quotation for a particular borehole. For example, if a contractor quoted a borehole at K45,000, the next time the Government gets a new quotation, it might even be up at K65,000. Now, the interest that I have and the question that I want the hon. Minister to clarify is: How is the Government covering up that gap, which is created by some of the contractors who do not seem to be vetted?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I think that the hon. Member’s substantive question is on the gap that is created. Maybe, we need to appreciate one thing; that going forward, we have decided to put in place measures so that the Government will not have to lose any money at all. In the past, many contractors were paid, but they did not perform and that money was never recovered. So, we now ensure that whenever we give a contractor a contract, various securities, starting with the advance bond to the performance bond, are given. Should the contractor not perform, these are encashed. Obviously, as time goes on, there will be price changes. The consequence of these price changes is that sometimes, one may gain or lose. However, the most important thing is for the Government to ensure that the contracted amount and what was paid is recovered.

Madam Speaker, to look at this issue comprehensively, the biggest cure is to ensure that we get reliable and quality contractors so that they perform. By the way, we are seeing contractors getting more serious. This is because we are now invoking the various punitive measures that we have put in those contracts. So, contractors are being punished for non-performance. Moving forward, we are seeing contractors becoming more and more serious because some of the contractors that we have contracted in the recent past have performed very well. Further, contractors who do not perform will not be given any jobs at all. So, that alone, we believe, will ensure that the contractors who get contracted produce quality work.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, has the ministry reserved or allocated any budget line to address the water supply challenges in Isoka District? How will the funds be utilised and what is the estimated cost?

Madam Speaker: That question is three in one.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, as I said, the measures we have put in place are interim. I also said that the ministry is carrying out a comprehensive study to see how it can adequately provide water to Isoka. So, not until the study is complete will the ministry know the exact costings. Obviously, we will ensure that we allocate an adequate budget to the project. So, we will work with the hon. Member and keep her updated as we resolve the water issues in Isoka.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Madam Speaker, with the several water harvesting technologies that the hon. Minister has highlighted, the people of Nasala in her constituency, Isoka, who live near the Nasala Waterfalls, would like to know if the ministry is providing any grants so that they can apply and enhance food security at the household level by farming all year round using the water that they would harvest.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, water infrastructure is very costly. Actually, we are trying to encourage private sector participation in this sector. We believe that when we give the right price and conditions for exporting the agricultural products, which will be growing under irrigation, farmers will be able to pay back. The hon. Member for Masaiti and I have had such discussions before, and him being the former hon. Minister of Agriculture, I believe that together, we can develop a scheme to help people work with the Ministry of Agriculture to increase productivity and have better access to the market.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, my question has already been answered. I wanted to find out whether it would be prudent for the Government to involve the private sector in water harvesting.

Madam Speaker: Since the question has been answered, we will move to the next hon. Member.

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has repeatedly talked about recovering some money from contractors who failed to deliver. My question is: What could be the problem? Why are a number of our contractors failing to perform their duties when given the contracts? Does it have something to do with the negotiated amount for the contract? May the hon. Minister shed more light on that?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, that is a very loaded question, and I will take the liberty to quickly share my experience because I was once a small contractor. We want to encourage local contractors to be serious about work. When local contractors, some of whom are here, are given work, the first thing they do with the advance payment is to buy a car and other luxuries. We should not do that if we are going to grow this industry. Local contractors are given advance payments to help them successfully execute the projects. This is what we are encouraging local contractors. By the way, we have invited local contractors to our ministry, time and again, to run them through the contractual provision and teach them how to carry out the work so that we can grow a cadre of local contractors that we can rely on.

Madam Speaker, again, I want to bemoan the lack of seriousness by the local contractors. The Government has a lot of work, which it wants to give to local contractors, but they must be serious. The policy of the United Party for National Development (UPND) is to ensure that local contractors are empowered. We want Government money to remain with the Zambians, but we must be serious. So, for me, this failure is mainly as a result of local contractors not being serious.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

THE COUNTRY’S ANNUAL COPPER PRODUCTION

212. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

1. what the country’s annual copper production was, as of December, 2023;
2. how many mines were opened from January 2020 to December 2023; and 
3. what measures have been taken to increase copper production.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, as of December 2023, the country's annual copper production stood at 698,566.08 tonnes.

Madam Speaker, three copper-producing mines and a Nickel Mine were opened from January 2020 to December 2023. These mines are:

            Name of the Mine                                Location                                  Year Opened

            Enterprise Nickel Mine                       Kalumbila District,                 2022

North-Western Province

            Mimbula Resources Limited              Chingola District,                   2022

Copperbelt Province

            Kabula Mining Limited                      Lufwanyama                           2023

(Mukula Mine Limited)                      District, Copperbelt

Province

Madam Speaker, the key measures the Government has been undertaking to increase copper production are as follows:

1. strengthening regulatory and institutional frameworks;
2. maintaining a stable fiscal regime and creating an enabling policy environment;
3. formalising the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector;
4. expediting the resolution of mining related disputes;
5. monitoring of brownfields and greenfield projects and exploiting mineralised tailings damps;
6. building capacity for research and development; and
7. undertaking a country-wide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey and mineral exploration.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, unfortunately, the question has been overtaken by events because, as we have heard, the statistics are for 2023. So, I have no follow up question.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Kalabo Central says that his question has been overtaken by events, but I see indications from other hon. Members to ask supplementary questions.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, the country aims to start producing 3 million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2023. Currently, our country has been hit by a drought, which has caused a deficit in energy production. What is the ministry doing to improve energy production in order for the country to attain the projected 3 million metric tonnes of copper production?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I wish to use this opportunity to assure the hon. Member for Kalabo Central that even though his question has been overtaken by events, it still means something. We can inform the nation that based on the 2023 figures, we are now producing 821,000 metric tonnes of copper per year, which means we are moving towards the target of producing 3 million metric tonnes.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Chifubu has asked the ministry what we doing to build investor confidence. First of all, I would like to thank all the mining companies and everybody else who has been involved in mining amidst the drought situation the country has been experiencing. This is all because of the good policies of His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, and the New Dawn Government. Mining entities have been so resilient, such that instead of the figures going down, we experienced an unprecedented upswing in copper productivity. In fact, the production figures would have been more if it were not for the drought that resulted in the energy crisis. September, October and November of 2023 were very bad months for the energy sector. We would have easily hit 1 million metric tonnes of copper production if we did not have an energy crisis. Therefore, the hon. Member for –I want to differentiate whether it is Chifubu or Lufubu.

Hon. Members: Chifubu!

Mr Kabuswe: Yes, Chifubu, and not Lufubu.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Chifubu should know that we are on a positive trajectory because the policies that we have put in place are attracting investment. In the past three years, we have attracted investment in excess of US$9 billion. That kind of investment has not come as a promise. All the mining companies are investing money as agreed and we are following through with all the investment and implementation agreements. Further, we are giving out licenses promptly. The other measure that we have put in place is that of a geo-physical survey, as alluded to in the answer that I gave earlier. That is an important exercise that will attract more investment in the sector and help us rush towards the target of 3 million metric tonnes of copper produced annually.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, I appreciate the fact that there are a number of mines that have opened up around the country. I want the hon. Minister to explain to the common man in Chawama, Jack Compound or Kapoto on the Copperbelt who would wish to know the economic benefits of such development.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema, which is the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, believes that when an economy grows, it has positive consequences. When you look at the Zambian economy, you can see that it is anchored on the mining sector. When we took office, the mining sector was depressed and unemployment levels were very high. In order to have a positive economic impact on the people selling vitumbuwa or those living in Kapoto, for instance, we had to resuscitate the mining sector, starting with the brownfield mines. We holistically had to look at what each mine site could give us in terms of mineral production. That is why we have seen old mines that were closed forty-six years ago, such as the Kalengwa Mine, being brought back to life and will be in production soon. What is the consequence of that? The immediate result is job creation for the people. Now, when people begin to get employed, it means that they will have buying power in their hands. The multiplier effect is that a person on the street selling vitumbuwa will sell more goods.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Even the people who have shops will sell more products. Those involved in construction, such as bricklayers, will start having more jobs because when people have buying power, they start building structures. That is the consequence of resuscitating the backbone of our economy, which is mining.

Madam Speaker, when one asks why there are currently no jobs, he or she does not understand that mining is a long-term activity. When mining companies are closed for one to three years, people are denied job opportunities. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) was not working for some time and Mopani Copper Mines had cases in court. However, we have now re-opened those mines and they will begin creating both indirect and direct jobs.

Madam Speaker, as an Administration, we are pushing the local content agenda because it will give us a better production threshold and create opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. The local suppliers and contractors will spend their money in our economy. They will also employ more people. The employment of more people will have a multiplier effect.

Madam Speaker, President Hakainde Hichilema says that we have to grow the gross domestic product (DGP) because when there is more productivity, Hon. Musokotwane will collect more taxes. That is why he wants 3 million metric tonnes of copper to be produced annually. Sixteen per cent of 3 million metric tonnes multiplied by the price of copper is over US$50 billion, which would be pumped back into the economy.

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

Mr Kabuswe: So, that amount of copper would bring taxes into our economy and create jobs for people. In this regard, the hon. Member’s question is important and I can take the whole day just explaining the impact of mining on the economy.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: It has now turned into a general discussion on mining. Anyway, we have time and, therefore, I will allow more questions.

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, out of the 650,000 or 850,000 metric tonnes, how much is the North-Western Province is contributing? Does the hon. Minister have the figures or perhaps the percentage roughly, on what the North-Western Province contributed to the amounts he gave us on the Floor of the House?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I cannot provide figures for small-scale mines. I need to go back to the office. However, Kalumbila Mine and Kansanshi Mine produced more than 420,000 metric tonnes together. Kansanshi Mine is the largest taxpayer in the mining sector and it is expanding and creating more jobs. So, we expect more production from that mine.

Madam Speaker, I may not have the production figures on artisanal and small-scale mining with me now, but I have a report on the matter at the office. In fact, we held a press briefing on the issue. At an appropriate time, I will come to the House to give a comprehensive statement on how things stand in the mining sector.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, let me take advantage of this question to ask about licences for artisanal and small-scale mining. There are situations whereby someone who applied for an exploration licence in 2022, for example, has not be granted the licence and a co-operative is now interested in carrying out exploration in the same area. What should the co-operative do to get an exploration licence for the same piece of land?

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I had asked a question. I do not know whether the hon. Minister got my question.

Madam Speaker, a co-operative applied for an exploration licence for a particular area, but it was told that someone already applied for a licence for the same area. For example, in 2022, someone applied for an exploration licence covering 5,000 ha. He has not been given the licence. The co-operative requested for 300 ha. In this case, what can be done? How can the hon. Minister help?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, of course, an exploration licence covers a particular size of land. When an artisanal miner wants to apply for an exploration licence on a particular tenement, the first step is to seek consent from the owner of the licence. Usually, the technicality is that an artisanal miner cannot apply for an artisanal licence for an area that is already covered by an exploration licence whose owner is mining the same mineral that the artisanal miner wants to apply for. That will be conflict of interest. If an artisanal miner wants to apply for a licence covering a small area on a large area already covered by an exploration licence, he should make sure that what he applies for is not on the list of minerals that the person with the larger area is mining. The artisanal miner has to apply for something different. Secondly, if he applies for consent from the owner of the land but is not given, he can still appeal to the hon. Minister. Then, the hon. Minister will write to the owner of the exploration licence asking him to state why he is not giving consent for the artisanal miner, and the reasons should be valid. If they are unreasonable, the hon. Minister will give consent and the licence will be issued to the artisanal miner. That is the procedure.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Before business was suspended, only two people indicated to ask questions, that is, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kanyama and the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwense.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to ask a supplementary question.

Interruptions

Mr Chinkuli: Yes, they are speaking.

Madam Speaker, I thank the Government for the three mines that have been opened. For me, that is a milestone, and I urge the hon. Minister to keep it up. Now, as we talk about copper production, I just want to find out who owns the three newly-opened mines. Are they solely owned by the Government, or is it the usual partnership between the Government and the private sector?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, Nickel Mine is part of Kansanshi Mine or First Quantum Minerals (FQM). You realise that the Government is a shareholder in FQM. Mimbula Mine is owned by Moshiko Resources Limited and the third one is privately owned; the Government has no presence in it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mabumba (Mwense): Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister alluded to the fact that one of the measures the ministry is implementing is a regulatory framework. One of the Government’s anchor policies is the establishment of the Minerals Regulation Commission. How far has the Government gone in that direction?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, there has been a lot of progress. The Minerals Regulation Commission is no longer a Bill. His Excellency the President assented to it; so it is now an Act of Parliament. We are in the process of signing the commencement order. All systems are in place to start the implementation of that very important regulator.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: My apologies to the three hon. Members who have indicated to ask questions. We have to make progress.

_______

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO SCRUTINISE THE PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT OF MR JUSTICE EVANS MWEEMBANI HAMAUNDU (RTD), MR KAUMBU MWONDELA, MRS ENGWASE BANDA-MWALE, MR JACK KALALA AND MRS NALUCHA BERNADETTE NGANGA-ZIBA TO SERVE AS CHAIRPERSON, VICE-CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION BOARD, RESPECTIVELY, AND MRS DAPHNE PAULINE SOKO-CHABU TO SERVE AS DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

Mr Mushanga (Bwacha): Madam Speaker, Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential Appointment of Mr Justice Evans Mweembani Hamaundu (Rtd), Mr Kaumbu Mwondela, Mrs Engwase Banda-Mwale, Mr Jack Kalala and Mrs Nalucha Bernadette Nganga-Ziba to serve as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Members of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board, respectively, and Mrs Daphne Pauline Soko-Chabu to serve as Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Mushanga: Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential Appointment of Mr Justice Evans Mweembani Hamaundu (Rtd), Mr Kaumbu Mwondela, Mrs Engwase Banda-Mwale, Mr Jack Kalala and Mrs Nalucha Bernadette Nganga-Ziba to serve as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Members of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board, respectively, and Mrs Daphne Pauline Soko-Chabu to serve as Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 19^th February, 2025.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Bwacha, that is what you were supposed to have said in the beginning.

You may continue.

Mr Mushanga: Madam Speaker, the appointments have been made pursuant to paragraph 2(3) of the Schedule and Section 9 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

Madam Speaker, the ACC, as established under Article 235(a) of the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, is a key governance institution and the lead agency in matters of corruption. It is mandated to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption. It, therefore, plays a critical role in good governance and upholding the rule of law in the country. In this regard, your Committee resolved that only competent persons with unquestionable integrity, diligence, eminence, sound character and, above all, commitment to the promotion of the rule of law should be appointed as members of the ACC Board and as Director-General.

Madam Speaker, your Committee observed that all State security agencies did not find any adverse records against the nominees. Additionally, all the witnesses who appeared before it submitted that the nominees possessed the requisite experience and qualifications to serve in the positions to which they had been appointed. In that regard, they supported the appointments.

Madam Speaker, allow me to now briefly outline the findings of your Committee on each of the nominees.

Mr Justice Evans Mweembani Hamaundu (Rtd)

Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that the nominee has had a distinguished career in both the private and Public Service sectors with over forty years of legal experience. He has held various judicial positions since 1996 until his retirement from the Judiciary as a Supreme Court Judge on 16^th January, 2025. Therefore, your Committee is confident that the nominee’s extensive legal background and experience in the justice sector makes him suitably qualified for appointment as Chairperson of the ACC Board.

Mr Kaumbu Mwondela

Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that the nominee is a seasoned legal practitioner with over twenty years of experience, specialising in international commercial law, corporate insolvency and dispute resolution. The nominee has also served on multiple boards, provided consultancy services to various organisations and worked in various law firms before establishing Kaumbu Mwondela Legal Practitioners (KMLP) in 2019, where he is currently the managing partner. Therefore, his academic qualifications and wealth of experience in both public and private institutions make him suitably qualified for appointment as Vice-Chairperson of the ACC Board.

Mrs Engwase Banda-Mwale

Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that the nominee has a strong background in business administration and governance and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees while pursuing a Doctorate. She has held key leadership roles, including the Executive Director of the non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Co-ordinating Council (NGOCC) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zambian Financial Sector Deepening Limited. In this regard, her experience in financial management and policy development makes her a valuable addition to the ACC Board. Therefore, she is suitably qualified for her appointment.

Mr Jack Kalala

Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that the nominee has experience in both the public and private sectors, having served as Principal Private Secretary to the President and Special Assistant for Policy and Project Implementation. He has also held diplomatic positions and chaired various boards, including the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Board. Your Committee is confident that the nominee’s service under the Office of the President at a time when the anti-corruption drive was prioritised and included in the national developmental agenda would add value to the current fight against corruption. Furthermore, his governance and policy experience make him suitably qualified for appointment as a member of the ACC Board.

Mrs Nalucha Bernadette Nganga-Ziba

Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that the nominee has the requisite academic qualifications and experience to serve as a Member of the ACC Board, given her over twenty years of experience in governance, development and communication. Throughout her career, the nominee has held significant roles such as governance specialist for the European Union (EU) mission team during the 2006 Zambian Elections and Head of Policy, Communication and Advocacy at the NGOCC. Additionally, the nominee is, currently, the Country Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and has worked on various boards, including the ActionAid International Zambia Board. The nominee’s leadership in community service and governance, coupled with her expertise in policy development and social justice, makes her suitably qualified for appointment.

Mrs Daphne Pauline Soko-Chabu

Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that the nominee has the essential academic qualifications and experience to serve as Director-General of the ACC, given her over thirty-two years of legal experience, with expertise in women’s law, arbitration and corporate governance.  She has also held senior management roles in statutory bodies and is, currently, serving as Permanent Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Your Committee is, therefore, satisfied that her extensive legal and administrative experience makes her well-qualified for appointment as Director-General of the ACC.

Madam Speaker, your Committee, after due and thorough consideration, analysis and evaluation of the written and oral submissions presented to it by the witnesses and the interviews with the nominees, is of the considered view that the nominees are of sober character, eminently qualified and possess the requisite competencies to serve in the positions to which they have been appointed. In this regard, your Committee recommends that the House ratifies the Presidential Appointment of Mr Justice Evans Mweembani Hamaundu (Rtd), Mr Kaumbu Mwondela, Mrs Engwase Banda-Mwale, Mr Jack Kalala and Mrs Nalucha Bernadette Nganga-Ziba to serve as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Members of the ACC Board, respectively, and Mrs Daphne Pauline Soko-Chabu to serve as Director-General of the ACC Board.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, your Committee wishes to express its gratitude to all the stakeholders who appeared before it and tendered both oral and written submissions. It also appreciates your guidance and the services rendered by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly during its deliberations. We had the honour to be the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the above stated Presidential appointments.

Madam Speaker, with that said, I beg to move and thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Ms Halwiindi: Now, Madam Speaker.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for according me this opportunity to second the Motion that is on the Floor of the House, as outlined by the mover of the Motion. I also thank the mover of the Motion for ably moving it.

Madam Speaker, the mover of the Motion sufficiently emphasised most of the salient opinions upon which the Committee supports the ratification of the appointees this afternoon.

Madam Speaker, in seconding the Motion, I wish to reiterate the Committee’s observation that the nominees possess the requisite competence and experience to serve in the positions to which they were appointed.

Madam Speaker, corruption is cancerous, corrosive and destructive. Its debilitation, weakens and cripples the economy of the country. The deadly effect of corruption is mainly experienced through reduced economic growth and development, increased poverty, inequality, a lack of infrastructure and increased debt of the country. Therefore, I want to applaud the appointing authority for choosing these well qualified men and women to serve in these various positions.

Madam Speaker, corruption is experienced in the short term and long term. In the long term, it becomes deadly. The person who said, ten years ago, that “Posterity will judge the Government” was right because we are experiencing the effects of the corruption that happened ten years ago. The cost of living is high because of what transpired ten years ago. Even now, we can rightly say that if we do not put the right men and women with high moral standards in positions to fight corruption, posterity will judge us, as the United Party for National Development (UPND). It is high time the right men and women were put in the right positions. Therefore, I wish to applaud the appointing authority for ensuring that competent persons with unquestionable integrity, diligence, eminence, sound character and, above all, commitment were appointed to serve in these positions.

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted that some witnesses pointed out that the Director- General (DG) to be was affiliated to the Ruling Party, the UPND. However, I am happy that the same people who intimated that also highly commended her as being competent and suitable for the position. This is very gratifying for me. I understand that there is no one who does not support a political party of some kind. That is why when we go to vote, everyone has their candidate of choice, meaning that everyone in Zambia affiliates with a political party. What is important is that the nominees are qualified, have integrity and are experienced. The Committee also noted this concern but, as I have said, it is very gratifying that the men and women who have been appointed are of distinguished character, and this is good for our country in fighting corruption.

Madam Speaker, I also want to reiterate the Committee’s observation that the constitutional requirement of gender equality was upheld. Article 259(1)(b) requires that the appointing authority makes sure that there is gender balance when appointing citizens of Zambia. The Committee also noted that Article 259(1)(c) provides that the appointing authority makes sure that youths and people with disabilities are appointed but, somehow, that requirement was not adhered to. However, we need to appoint people with integrity, experience and high qualifications. It is not just a matter of bringing in youths, but if there are any youths who are of high integrity, we would rather they joined this team and learned from people who have integrity so that in the future, they could take up these important roles. I am happy to note that among the appointees, there are some who are in their forties, meaning that they are still youthful and will play an important role in fighting corruption.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to extend my gratitude to the chairperson of the Committee for the proficient, fair and impartial manner in which he presided over the deliberations of the Committee. May I also extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow Committee members who deliberated objectively, and exhibited professionalism and unity of purpose during the Committee’s deliberations.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I realise that we are at this station because we had the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) disbanded. This means that the management and the board were disturbed, and we now have to ratify the appointment of new officers.

Madam Speaker, allow me, at this point, to declare interest. It is always important that interest is declared. I declare interest on Mr Kaumbu Mwondela, who has been my good friend and with whom we championed causes of the civil society together. I also declare interest on the Director-General (DG), who is my sister, in a way.

Madam Speaker, I want to start with the issue of Article 259. I think, for once, there has been a distant attempt – We do not see the disabled being accommodated, but I would like to believe that distantly, Mr Kaumbu Mwondela, might represent the youths, looking at the time that he spent in the youth ministry. Having said that, in accommodating Article 259, I want to say umwana bamufunda pakuya, meaning that we are talking about an ACC that is currently in disarray.

Madam Speaker, fighting corruption is fighting grand, institutional and petty corruption. Given the three types of corruption, the people whom we are ratifying today are more like an engine that should be the eyes of all of us, the 20 million Zambians, in making sure that corruption is fought in a very impartial way. Currently, there is the perception that –

Madam Speaker, we heard what the President said when he was addressing us on National Values and Principles. He said that corruption of the past, present and future would be fought. However, the scenario that has been created is one of a selective fight against corruption.

Mr Munsanje: Question!

Mr Fube: You have your own time. You can come and question yourself.

Madam Speaker, we would like to have an ideal situation in which corruption is fought because it affects the resources of the Zambian people, not based on political affiliations, region or anything else.

Madam Speaker, let me also underscore the fact that interpersonal, inter-organisational or intrastructural relationships between the board and management are very important. What we saw happen between the board and management was embarrassing and did not add any value to the fight against corruption. We saw them accuse each other, with one resigning and the other one saying, “I am stepping down”, another saying, “I am taking you to court”, and this and that. Such things were suppressed. We do not want an ACC that is associated with corruption because we know that there is also institutional corruption. If there is institutional corruption, which is one type of corruption, we do not want it to be identified with the ACC. As I said earlier, umwana bamufunda pakuya. So, the members of the board and the DG of the ACC whom we are ratifying today –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Meaning what hon. Member?

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, it means that when you are trying to enrol a child in marriage or trying or trying to teach them, they have to be counselled before they start a mission.

Madam Speaker, so, what I mean is that the people of the names that we are trying to ratify today should bear mind that they are going to serve Zambians. They are not going to serve political interests. We want to have a situation where, if the Anti-Corruption (ACC) has identified things from the Financial Intelligence Report (FIC), they need to pick it as such without looking at faces. If it means doing forensic audit and other things, attend to it fairly because what we suspect is that certain things are not attended to.

Madam Speaker, for instance, we have seen that we have had bigger figures coming from the FIC Report, which is also an indicator that there is some corruption going on. We have also had questionable procurements processes taken up, but we have seen is that ACC has remained mute on such and yet, the instructions come from the His Excellency the President. To me, this is an instruction or policy because when he says we will fight former, present and future corruption, they do not need to be awake up for them to act.

Madam Speaker, I have in mind that there is Gazette No. 1123 that requires these institutions to actually present themselves and some of the information to the powers that be. However, this does not mean that the President or anyone who is a supervisor of these institutions should be moving with a whip in their hands for them to act. It only sends a picture and a perception that the corruption fight has collapsed into a political game. I want his team to take the corruption fight aware from the domain of a political game.

Interruptions

 Mr Fube: Madam, Speaker, currently ˗

Madam Speaker, can I be protected from the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Art.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member! In fact, I was attentively listening to your debate.

Mr Fube: The hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Art keeps on disturbing me.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, do not involve people who debate while seated. You are actually looking at me, which meaning that my communication with you is 100 per cent. I am listening.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, okay. However, the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Art should stop disturbing me.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member you may continue, you are protected.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, what I was trying to say is that there are values that are in our Constitution regarding the Public Service. I think there is a part in the constitution that entails what values are supposed to be followed. That should be a campus. There are also values in our Constitution that are supposed to be followed. We want these officers that we are ratifying to uphold those values as a campus because the Constitution in Article 9 clearly states that the implementation of policies and legal processes are supposed to be anchored on national values. What I expect as a citizen from this team is not for them to start arguing who got involved in corruption when there is ACC. I expect them to implement to the fullest so that every Zambian can see them as mirror of integrity and morality.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank, you, as I support the report. However, with my support, I would like to note that one of the nominees has been passing a lot of political from such commentaries in newspapers. I do not want to mention the name. The nominee should abstain from that behaviour.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, I would like to add a few words on the appointees by His Excellency the President, which we are ratifying today.

Madam Speaker, corruption is a cancer and we all know that. What has happened recently is that a good number of people are affected. It is either somebody is accused or is involved in corruption.

Madam Speaker, looking at the names which have been submitted, I will pick a few names. I have no complaint about the names of those that have been appointed. However, we need to call spade a spade. Mr Jack Kalala has been in a lot of boards and has headed a good number of institutions. I think it is time that we had new names coming up because when we have the same people holding offices every time, it brings mistrust from the public. This institution does not need any compromise. This institution needs leaders with characters, leaders who can unite the nation and leaders who can prosecute without looking at the face of a person.

Madam Speaker, when the names of the nominees came out, a lot was said on the social media. My interest is on the Director-General who has been appointed. It is good that we are going to have another lady heading a very serious institution. Many times, ladies do not look at the faces of people because they believe that each and every person was born from a woman and therefore, he/she has to be protected if found to be innocent.

Madam Speaker, my advice to the incoming Director-General of the ACC is that she needs to build public trust in the institution because lately, the intuition has a lot of question marks over it. I know where she is coming from the Copperbelt. This person knows that this Act or law can be used the where prosecution fails to prove a case in court, the Act can be used regarding the forfeiture of properties where properties have been grabbed from people who have worked hard.

Madam Speaker, yes, we know some of them have stolen and there is no question mark about that. However, there are those we know that even before they joined politics, they had properties which are being grabbed. These are things that we need to ˗

I know this person understands from way back. She has thirty-two years of experience and she knows how people go through hustling to acquire what they have.

Madam Speaker, it does not mean that because I am a politician today, then, automatically I have become a thief, no! There are people who need to be prosecuted. They are seating out there because they do not make noise, they are not in the press, they do not debate in Parliament and they cannot contribute to the political space, but they are very corrupt and are freely moving up and down out there. Yet, there are people today who are very corrupt, but they are not being followed because they wear such faces. I know Madam Chabu is not such people who look at the face of a person. I trust that she is going to build this institution to a level where, Madam Speaker, please forgive me, I will pick one name as an example because I know they cannot beat me.

Madam Speaker, for example, if Hon. Mutati got involved in a corrupt case, he should be faced as Hon. Mutati, if Menyani Zulu is caught –

Interjection

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Why are you moving away from the report? The report has specific names and we do not debate ourselves.

Mr Menyani Zulu: Madam Speaker, I was giving a practical example because these are the examples that we are facing each and every day.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

We cannot debate ourselves can you please withdraw and continue with your debate.

Laughter

Mr Menyani Zulu: Madam Speaker, I withdraw putting Hon. Mutati in my debate. However, if I am accused of corruption, I should be proved guilty as Menyani Zulu. The issue of grabbing properties that one may have acquired before becoming hon. Members of Parliament or politicians should come to an end because people should have trust in this intuition.

Madam Speaker, the people with negative ideas or comments about the Director-General because at one point, she had applied to stand as the mayor of the City of Ndola should know that it is a democratic right for any person. Any person can do that and any person can belong to any political party that he or she likes. To me, this is a person who understands corruption at the local authority and ministerial levels. Where she is now, she understands the corruption on the streets and how people hustle on the street. I believe that we are going to have a new face, a new understanding and the trust of the people of Zambia in that institution. I also believe that this is a woman who understands that every child matters and that every person was born of a woman. I know, those who are innocent will be left alone, and I urge Madam Chabu to not look at the faces of the corrupt, but to make sure that they are prosecuted.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

I will balance the debate up a bit. So, before the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu comes in, I will give the Floor to somebody from the right.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama) Madam Speaker, thank you so much for considering the people of Kanyama.

Madam Speaker, looking at the report of your Committee, I think, it is straightforward. It is only that procedure demands that it be debated by the House. Otherwise, your Committee did a commendable job.

Madam Speaker, looking at the recommendations, your Committee is saying that the appointing authority has taken into consideration the legal requirement that that the people appointed to such positions possess the requisite qualifications. The law has been followed to the letter, though there are other observations that I want to emphasise on.

Madam Speaker, indeed, Zambia is governed by laws. This means that whatever is embedded in the statute books should be actualised. We are talking about the need for young people to be part of the governance system, but that has not been taken care of, as your Committee observed. However, I am very happy that gender matters have been brought to the fore, and everything is fine.

Madam Speaker, following your Committee’s observation that the Anti-Corruption Commission Act does not adequately support the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board, there is a need for the Executive to bring the Act to the House for amendment so that we avoid a situation in which there are no defined roles for the commission or the Board to perform, as that leads to clashes, and people using their powers and saying things like, “Do you know who I am?” “Do you know who appointed me?” Why? It is because the laws that give them functions do not define the roles of individuals. So, as we look at the Committee that will be given the mandate to look at the recommendations that have been made in this report, we really need to sit down and critically look at these issues so that we avoid such things.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I thank you.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to make a few comments on the Motion ably moved by Hon. Mushanga on the ratification of the citizens who have been appointed to serve on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board, and the Director-General (DG) of the ACC.

Madam Speaker, it was not long ago that we sat in this august House to scrutinise and ratify another set of eminent citizens who had been appointed to serve at the same institution called the ACC. Of course, there were many expectations, and assurances were given that the eminent citizens we ratified were capable of discharging their duties. However, we are back with the same exercise. Why? It is because of the challenges experienced between the board and management of the ACC. We saw people resign and the subsequent dissolution of the board. So, it would be prudent to hear from the appointing authority how the environment is at the moment so that as we ratify the new office bearers, we are assured that what we witnessed with the past board and the management will not recur at the institution. That is very important.

Madam Speaker, the retired Learned Judge who has been appointed to be Chairperson of the board, of course, has experience from the other Arm of the Government, the Judiciary, and has progressed through the system. My call to him is that as he goes to serve at the ACC, he strives to build capacity in the officers coming through the mill of that institution so that they can progress to become DGs of that institution. That is how public servants who invest their career time in Government institutions are motivated. Getting people from outside to head the institution is like placing a caveat on the prospects of eminent officers with institutional memory and vast experience after having served the institution for many years. The Chairperson should strive to give confidence to the officers who have been working for the ACC for many years.

Madam Speaker, I have looked at the curriculum vitae (CV) of the in-coming DG, the current Permanent Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Indeed, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) stated that it was aware of the political affiliation of the appointee, but also assured us that she is professional, ethical and of high calibre. Those who have worked closely with her attest to this fact. So, I expect her to be equal to the task of ensuring that the potential in the officers she will find at the institution is realised so that there is harmony between the Office of the DG and the officers who are there now and could have had the chance to become DGs.

Madam Speaker, there is a nominee who is not new to this august House. He is the eminent citizen, Mr Jack Kalala. I have nothing personal against him, but his name has been to this august House to be ratified to serve on other boards. I think, he was the Board Chairperson for the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), where his services were terminated. To be sure, I will quote what the report says:

“When your Committee interacted with Mr Kalala, he was asked to clarify whether he had resigned from the ZNBC Board or if his contract had been terminated. He informed the Committee that he had a disagreement with the then Minister of Information and Media. This led to the termination of his appointment.”

Madam Speaker, this speaks volumes, especially when we look back at what transpired at the ACC; the antagonism between the eminent people who were serving on the board and management, yet the appointing authority has appointed a person who confessed that his services were terminated for disagreeing with an hon. Minister. That should worry us. Why? What guarantee do we have that the nominee’s antagonistic conduct will not be replicated at the ACC?  There are so many citizens who can be appointed to carry out the work that the senior citizens we have been requested to ratify will be doing. He has served his time. He is an eminent citizen. He has been an advisor to the President before. Time should come when people should say, “now is time for me to rest and guide people from the background.’ I find it a challenge that we ratified the appointment of a senior citizen to go and serve on the board of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), then his services were terminated on account that he disagreed with a former hon. Minister. What guarantee do we have that the same situation will not arise again? We saw what transpired at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). It would have been important to find another nominee to replace the senior citizen on the board.

Lastly, Madam Speaker, I just want to encourage the officers who have been serving that institution for a long time to be hopeful. Everybody wants to excel in their careers. So, they should not feel discouraged by being ignored or being left out to run the institution. I encourage them that with the pleas we have made, I think that the chairperson of the Board has listened, so the institution will start grooming people who should go to the top of the institution and have an opportunity to run it.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I support the report, but with the exemption that I made on the nominee.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Anakoka (Luena):  Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to debate the Motion in support of the appointments to the Board of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as commissioners and also Director-General (DG) of the ACC.

Madam Speaker, it appears we are all of one accord today in appreciating the high levels of integrity that Justice Evans Mweembani Hamaundu (Rtd), Mr Jack Kalala, Mr Kaumbu Mwondela, Mrs Nalucha Bernadette Nganga-Ziba and Mrs Engwase Banda-Mwale are bringing as members of the ACC Board of Commissioners, and, of course, the incoming Director-General, who is currently serving as the Permanent Secretary (PS). The Director-General shall be the chief executive officer (CEO) of the ACC as per the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and bring strategic focus to this very important institution.

Madam Speaker, the colour of corruption today is not the same as it was twenty years ago. The level of sophistication has increased. Therefore, the ACC requires men and women who are also able to rise to the occasion and raise their level of understanding in order to effectively fight the scourge of corruption. Our commitment to fighting corruption in all its forms, that is, corruption of yesterday, of today and of the future requires a comprehensive, knowledgeable and competent team that brings a high level of integrity, such as the team of men and women we are ratifying this afternoon, to be appointed. Therefore, the people of Luena are in full support of these nominees.

Madam Speaker, I note that your Committee, in its observations and recommendations, mentioned that there is a lack of clarity in terms of what the functions of the Board are and what the functions of the ACC commissioners or executive are. Therefore, it is urging the Executive to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Act. On behalf of the people of Luena, I submit that maybe, we need to just appreciate that here, we are not appointing people to the Board but ratifying the Board of Commissioners. So, the nominees are meant to be commissioners. Therefore, their functions, as a commission, are the functions of the ACC because they are commissioners. So, it is their responsibility to carry out the functions of the ACC. I just want to indicate that, on behalf of the people of Luena, I think that the current framework is adequate. What is needed is for the commissioners to take on the fight and take the bull by the horns.

I would like to suggest a few things that as the incoming Director-General and the new commissioners take up office, might want to consider. Firstly, I appeal to them to invest in intelligence gathering, because fighting crime, especially white-collar crime, cannot be done without a strong system of intelligence gathering. For that to be done effectively, I would also like to appeal to them to invest in bringing in more financial experts on board. I know that the incoming Director-General has a lot of experience in working with various stakeholders. Therefore, the experience she brings to the ACC will be necessary. Working closely with institutions such as the Zambian Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA), the Auditor-General’s Office and other finance institutions will be key. So, the kind of intelligence the ACC should be gathering must be the kind that will minimise fighting corruption through megaphone strategies, instead a more tactical approach should be what is encouraged.

Madam Speaker, I also want to encourage the appointees to identify the areas where we need to strengthen the legal framework. As we know, procurement is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to issues of corruption. Procuring entities will tick all the boxes and seemingly follow all the procedures. So, by the law, no law or regulation would have been broken. However, in the end, the country would have lost huge sums of money because of the nature of how some contracts are signed. Once a contract is agreed upon, it is a done deal. All the processes and procedures would have been followed.

Madam, I think that there is a need to consider criminalising reckless decision-making in the country, if we are to fight corruption, and seriously so. We cannot have a situation where an item that is supposed to cost K5 million ends up costing K15 million, yet all the processes were followed. The people involved will tell you that they had three quotations, and that the procurement committee met and looked at the potential suppliers and settled for the one that cost K15 million. Therefore, the law was followed. We need to be looking at value for money, and that is why the issue of intelligence gathering, which I mentioned earlier, is very crucial.

Madam Speaker, we need to be following the trail of money. We need to follow the money, not just the paper trail. If we follow the money, we will be able to seal the loopholes that are sometimes exploited to the detriment of the society that is supposed to benefit from public transactions. More importantly, the Anti-Corruption Act should also look at corruption in both the public and bodies. It should look at corruption everywhere in society. Sometimes, we think that corruption is only a problem in the public sector when, in fact, it takes two to tangle, what is almost always at play when it comes to corruption. So, strengthening the ACC could not have been done at a better time than now. Therefore, I welcome the appointment of the nominees and I support the ratification of their appointment, on behalf of the people of Luena.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I thank you.

Thank you, Madam.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I also thank the mover of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, I just want to say something that, I believe, most of my hon. Colleagues have laboured to talk about or have left out in their debates.

Madam Speaker, the people have lost confidence in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) because it seems to be a tool that can only investigate politicians. I am one of the citizens who feel embarrassed when I think about the ACC. The commission will arrest a person without fully investigating and gathering conclusive evidence so that when a person is taken to court, he or she will, indeed, convicted.

Madam Speaker, only politicians are investigated. A lot happens in the private sector, but I am yet to be given a list of people who have been arrested in the corporate world. My hon. Colleague has just spoken about certain contracts being awarded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). That is where I expect the ACC to come in. The local councils may follow the Public Procurement Act and other procurement rules, but when one looks at the quality and the pricing of the projects being implemented, one will agree that something is wrong. If you hear that somebody unfortunate has been arrested by the commission, then, that person might have differed with someone who reported them. Look at the number of corruption cases we have. My appeal to the newly appointed commission Board Members and the Director-General (DG) is that they remember that Zambia is for all Zambians. Whoever is reported should be investigated. We should not have a situation in which the same ACC can investigate some cases for a year while other cases are investigated within a few weeks or days and the suspect cleared.

Madam Speaker, when there is something that smells like corruption, one can smell that it is corruption. My appeal is that the appointees do something that will make the people of Zambia, especially some of us, believe that the institution is worthy giving taxpayers’ money. Each time we discuss the Budget, I always oppose the funding to the ACC. If I had the power, I would have scrapped the commission because that is where we have many challenges. We have not seen justice even for those who were just suspects. It is important that the commission not only haunt politicians or those who leave office. Today, we have the United Party for National Development (UPND) in office. When the UPND leaves office, then, the commission will start chasing after UPND members. Why not investigate and arrest them now? This does not make sense. I hope and pray that we will see a change in the way the commission operates and that we will not see only those who are in the Opposition being pursued by the ACC. What is happening at the moment –

Madam Speaker, even in a case in which somebody is chairperson of a committee nominated members of the committee that awarded a certain contract and claimed to have declared interest, that person is supposed to be arrested, but nothing has happened. We only read about people who have been arrested at the Ministry of Health in the newspapers. We need to see even people who are in the Government get arrested for cases for which others have been arrested.

Madam Speaker, I do not know any of the nominees. So, there is no one I will say I have anything against or anyone I support. I just want to talk about the integrity of the commission, which has been lost. Even a young person can tell that we are wasting money on the commission. So, the commission has to regain the confidence of the public.

Madam Speaker, I almost forgot to talk about how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receive and spend their money. No one has been arrested and held accountable for how the money is utilised in NGOs. Only the people who serve in public offices are said to be corrupt. Those are the things that we should look into. Do we only have corrupt people in the Government or among politicians? No. Corruption is everywhere. So, we need a commission that will be on its feet in eliminating corruption in our country.

Madam Speaker, the people whose appointments are being ratified should just know that Zambia is for all Zambians and that we expect them to work hard so that we can have confidence in the ACC. Otherwise, the appointments will just be a sheer waste of taxpayers' money.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to make a few remarks on the Select Committee’s report. I also would like to thank the Select Committee for having done a good job.

Madam Speaker, going through the statements from all the Law Enforcement Agencies, the information points to the fact that there have not been any adverse reports found on the nominees. Therefore, I support the appointment of the officers to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board.

Madam Speaker, I am a strong advocate of the fight against corruption. However, the ACC has the mammoth task of shedding off the perception that it is corrupt. The public has been wondering how the commission can fight corruption if it is perceived to be corrupt. I am very confident that the nominees are eminent personalities. I know some of them at a personal level, and I feel that they possess the relevant qualifications and experience to contribute significantly to the fight against corruption. However, I would like to say to the board members and the Director-General (DG) that we should not use State institutions to settle political scores. It is a fact that some institutions could be used to settle political scores. That is why it is important for us to build strong institutions of good governance that can provide effective checks and balances on those in authority.

Madam Speaker, I like quoting what President Obama said on 11^th July, 2009, when he addressed the Ghanaian Parliament in Accra. He said that Africa did not need strongmen, but rather strong institutions of good governance. As long as we do not create strong institutions of good governance, we will be changing Governments every time, and the ACC will be investigating the people who leave office instead of investigating current cases of corruption. Investigating current corruption will be a step in the right direction.

Madam Speaker, we have seen that resources are going to the constituency level, and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation will increase, maybe, every year. So, I also want to urge the ACC to think of decentralising its operations. At the moment, its presence is only at the provincial level. Before the local authorities award contracts, someone from the ACC has to travel from Chipata to Chama and then Kalabo, for example, just to sit on Tender Committee meetings which, I believe, is costly. If we had officers in all the districts, I think, we would take the fight against corruption to the next level.

Madam Speaker, I have also noticed that the prosecution of cases takes too long. I will give an example of an officer from Chama Town Council who was put on forced leave more than three years ago and still receives a salary. To date the ACC has not taken that person to court. If there is no evidence against such individuals, why do we not clear them, rather than keep them on the payroll for four years, meanwhile, they are not taken to court?

 Madam Speaker, my hon. Colleague for Nyimba spoke about the issue of forfeiture of proceeds of crime. This is a very good law, but I feel that it is somehow being abused because we are only targeting Zambians. We have many foreigners in this country who came in very poor, but today, if we go around Lusaka and Copperbelt, we see that they have become wealthy, and one wonders where they get money from and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) do not even follow these particular individuals. However, if a Zambian had to amass so much wealth, the ACC would move in at a supersonic speed to arrest that individual. I still believe that the burden of proof must be on the State to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a particular person, indeed, stole the money for them to acquire that property. Sometimes, the ACC may overvalue a particular asset, and for a Zambian to prove that in court, becomes extremely difficult. In the process, they lose their property, not because they had stolen it.  That is an area I feel the board and the Director-General at ACC should look into.

Madam Speaker, I know that the appointees are distinguished men and women. So, I urge them to resist bowing to political pressure. Once more, these institutions should not be used to settle political scores.

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I support this report and the ratification of these officers to the ACC.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, we have run out of time. We have to wind up debate on this report. So, I will ask the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation to proceed and then the hon. Minister of Justice will respond.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Mr Haimbe, SC.): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to add to the debate on the Motion, which is on the Floor of the House, regarding the report that is up for adoption, following the nomination for appointment of eminent members of the Zambian society to take up positions at the board level and as Director-General, respectively, of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Madam Speaker, listening to the debate on the Floor of the House, it is clear that there is no serious contention about the qualifications of the persons whose names have been put forward for ratification by this House. Therefore, I would urge that we, as a House, do adopt the report, support the submissions made therein, and ratify the appointment of the individuals whose names have been put forward for ratification.

Madam Speaker, that being said, since I know a good deal about the nominees, I would like to weigh in very briefly on the debate. To start with, we have Mr Justice Hamaundu, recently retired from the highest level, the apex court, and a distinguished legal practitioner who has served this country with diligence. Despite retiring at the highest level, he is willing to still serve this country. He is capable of doing so and even at the special Supreme Court session that was given in his honour, he delivered a final judgment, which was full of wisdom and spoke to the law. Clearly, this individual, in the name of Mr Justice Hamaundu, is the correct choice for appointment to the board of the ACC. His service to this country speaks of key qualities that are required of persons who serve at that institution, which are integrity, professionalism and ability to serve.

Madam Speaker, there can be no question about how the nomination of Mr Justice Hamaundu deserves ratification by this House.

Madam Speaker, I have had the opportunity to work with one of the other nominees. In fact, I might, at the risk of embarrassing him, state that he was trained at a law firm where I was serving at the material time, many years ago, Mr Kaumbu Mwondela. I know him as a legal practitioner from his formative years and, again, without question, the level of intelligence exhibited by this nominee throughout the time that I had the opportunity to work with him speaks volumes.

Madam Speaker, today, I have a very strange situation where I am on the Floor and Her Honour the Vice-President needs to pass. So, I will quickly summarise my debate on this very important Motion on the Floor of the House. Again, I will not belabour the point. Mr Kaumbu Mwondela is one of those who have contributed significantly to the growth of jurisprudence in the Zambian legal sector and, therefore, is eminently qualified for this role.

Madam Speaker, let us speak of the other nominee, Mrs Daphne Pauline Soko Chabu. She is known for her distinguished service and was one of the pillars of the legal profession on the Copperbelt when she served in private practice and before. Without question this, indeed, is an individual who is suitable for appointment and, therefore, should be ratified by this House.

Madam Speaker, similarly with the other nominees and more importantly, speaking to the fact that each and every one of them has distinguished themselves in service we must, therefore, not avoid an opportunity to do the right thing for Zambia.

 Madam Speaker, let me quickly address the peripheral issues that some of the hon. Members spoke to regarding the ACC, as an institution. First and foremost, we must understand that there are positions that need to be filled. We have a duty to do so. Secondly, we must understand that the law as it is now, clearly sets out what the institution ought to do. The law is blind, contrary to some of the assertions that have been put forth here, that it is aimed at persecuting politicians and so on and so forth. There is nothing in support of that rhetoric. What is there is the law. 

Madam Speaker, as lawmakers, we must remember that the law is blind. We must also look at the fact that the ACC has served in this period diligently through recoveries that have gone through a rigorous court process, not by the institution. It merely investigates and takes the matters forward.

Madam Speaker, the courts of the Republic of Zambia, with competent jurisdiction, have ensured that the provisions of the law are applied, and done so equitably. This is why we see that in over fifty-seven years of Independence, we have seen the highest level of recoveries during this period of the New Dawn Administration. That will tell us that the work that is being done is not based on political persecution, as some of the speakers would want the public out there to understand, but is based on factual law-driven recovery.

Madam, where does this recovery go? In fact, the ACC must walk with its head high. Recently, we had a recovery of K65 million. Before we forget, that money was put back into the pockets of the people who deserved it by giving it to our students in this country for their use in living and learning. Similarly, through the ACC, we recovered certain assets that were, again, given back to the people, our students, as hostels so that we could alleviate the suffering brought about by the lack of accommodation. This is the basis on which we say this institution needs to push even further in terms of the work that it has done by bringing these people of integrity on board to take up the mantle, from where the previous people who served, and were also of integrity, left off. We are now taking this further and better, as we say in the legal profession.

Madam Speaker, without question, we need not belabour this point before this House. The people of Zambia are watching us and we have a duty, which is to ratify the appointment of the nominees.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Justice (Ms Kasune): Madam Speaker, I feel like justice has already been served because there is very little that the Minister of Justice has to do. However, given that it is an obligation, I will proceed as well to add a few points from the ministry that is in charge of ensuring that our people are ratified.

Madam Speaker, first and foremost, let me appreciate all hon. Members who have debated, especially my predecessor, who has anchored it so well and almost, literally, not almost, concluded. In doing so, he has made my job very easy, having been in that ministry. As I always tell him, he is always welcome back.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Zambian people, one of the things that I have heard all of us lament about or want to see is a Zambia that is corruption-free. When we summarise everything and condense all that has been said from different angles and different pronunciations, it is that Zambians are tired of corruption and want a Zambia that is free of corruption. That is what your President wants, too.

Madam Speaker, this President by the name of Mr Hakainde Hichilema is on record saying that we need to fight corruption as soon as yesterday because of the cancer that it is and what it erodes from us. Why is it that in 2025, we are still talking of children in Keembe and other constituencies still sitting on dirty floors? This is because we normalised corruption, as a country and admired those who amassed wealth in a way that is not responsible. So, we have to remind ourselves that every time corruption happens in the Government, in politics and among those who are out of politics, it is actually killing souls. Today, we have hospitals which still do not have running water because resources were taken somewhere else for personal gain. I think, as a country, it is our challenge, not only a challenge for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to remember that when we are put in positions, we are not there to amass wealth, but only to be stewards of this great nation, the Republic of Zambia. If each one of us can keep in mind the fact that we are only stewards for such a time as this and that there will be a time of reckoning, we will walk with our heads held high and say ‘I cannot do this for the sake of the Zambian people’.

Madam Speaker, I thought I should breathe my spirit there. However, also I just want to say that we appreciate your Committee for its commendable work. As you saw, your Committee already said that these are the right people, not only the Commissioners, but also the Director-General (DG), who will be in charge. It gives us great pride, as a Government, to hear this from the report of the Select Committee and, indeed, to see another woman be given the responsibility so that we normalise the idea that women are just as capable as our men, especially in a very patriarchal society.

Hon. Government Members: Her, hear!

Ms Kasune: To the girl child out there, it is encouragement that you can do it. Indeed, fighting corruptions is not easy. As one of my hon. Colleagues said, it is something that we have to fight at a grand scale and at an institution level and, indeed, in form petty crimes. However, this is not just for those in the public space, Government or politics, but also for those in the private sector.

Madam Speaker, indeed, these appointments have come highly recommended, as we have heard from all the speakers who have spoken ahead of me. So, I am skipping many of my notes. Really, this is the role that we have to do, as it relates to us, as hon. Member of Parliament. Therefore, on behalf of His Excellency the President of this Republic, the great Republic of Zambia, I have taken note, in particular, as Minister of Justice, but also on behalf of the Zambian people, some of the concerns that hon. Members of Parliament have raised on behalf their people, so that we may continue to aspire for a Zambia that is free of corruption.

Madam Speaker, our Government’s position is to continue reaffirming its commitment to addressing the concerns that have been raised on the Floor and, indeed, some of those that may have been raised in the report. Also, we are going to continue committing ourselves to the re-alignment of legislation, such as the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act, to enhance good governance and, indeed, create an environment that has best practices.

Madam Speaker, the forfeiture of proceeds of crime is critical for our nation because for the longest time, we saw people indicted or prosecuted for crimes but, two or three years later, they were out of prison and went to enjoy the very proceeds that they were prosecuted upon. So, this aspect of fighting corruption; ensuring that the proceeds of crime are actually forfeited and given to the rightful owners, is the way to go for us, as Zambia, because we cannot fight corruption and leave the proceeds with the people who took them from the people. We have to take them back where it belongs.

Madam Speaker, allow me to also appreciate the comments that came from one of my hon. Colleagues about the environment at the ACC. We would not be here if, as a Government, we were not concerned about the happenings involving the previous Commissioners and the commission. Hence, we can see that we do not just say things, but we do what we commit to. So, hon. Members can be rest assured that as we strive for good governance and, indeed, a corruption-free country for the sake of the generations to come, we have to ensure that the right people are at the helm of the ACC, including the one who will be running the commission from an operation point of view.

Madam Speaker, I can go on and on but, like I already alluded to, a lot of work has been done, and many comments and good points have already been brought up in this House. So, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and, indeed, on my own behalf, representing the Ministry of Justice, I am grateful to your Office and to all hon. Members of Parliament, who were from different political parties but, because of the spirit of oneness, constituted the Select Committee that scrutinised the Presidential appointment, for their comprehensive appraisal as well as the work they did. I am grateful.

Madam Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Mushanga: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to wind up debate. In winding up the debate on the Floor of the House, allow me to thank Hon. Chrizoster Halwiindi for seconding the Motion in the able manner she did. I also thank Hon. Fube; Hon. Menyani Zulu; Hon. Chinkuli; Hon. Kampyongo; Hon. Anakoka; Hon. Katuta; Hon. Mtayachalo; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hon. Haimbe, SC.; and Hon. Kasune, the hon. Minister of Justice, for all their contributions during the debate on the report on the Floor of the House. I also take this opportunity to thank all my hon. Colleagues, the members of the Select Committee, for the teamwork that was exhibited during the sittings of your Committee. As I conclude, allow me to wish all the members of the ACC Board and the DG we are about to ratify, as a House, God’s strength, grace and blessings as they serve this nation through the ACC.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1831 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 21^st February, 2025.

 

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