Thursday, 27^th February, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

FREE COMPREHENSIVE EYE SCREENING EXERCISE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that Northern Opticians and Eye Clinic has been granted permission to conduct a free comprehensive eye screening exercise for hon. Members of Parliament and staff. The exercise will include wellness check-ups such as weight management, blood pressure and blood sugar screening. The aim is to promote eye health care through early detection and treatment of common ailments. This exercise will take place at the main reception area, Parliament main building, from Monday, 3^rd March to Friday, 7^th March, 2025, as follows:

1. Monday, 3^rd March to Thursday, 6^th March, 0900 hours to 1600 hours; and
2. Friday, 7^th March, 0900 hours to 1300 hours.

Interested hon. Members are encouraged to participate in this important initiative.

I thank you.

ADDRESS ON THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE APPLICATION OF THE NATIONAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as you are aware, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will address the House on the Progress Made in the Application of the National Values and Principles tomorrow, Friday, 28^th February, 2025, starting at 0900 hours. In this regard and in accordance with Standing Order 21(2) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, all hon. Members are reminded to observe the utmost dignity and decorum of the House during the address.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: I did not expect that. In this regard, I wish to address the House on the following:

Electronic Gadgets

Hon. Members, in order to maintain the decorum and smooth functioning of our proceedings during the Presidential Address as well as to take care of security concerns, all hon. Members will not be allowed to bring any electronic gadgets such as cell phones and tablets into the Chamber during tomorrow’s Sitting. Invited guests will equally not be allowed in the Chamber with the electronic gadgets. This measure is necessary to avoid any potential disturbance and security breaches as the President delivers his address.

Movements During the Address

During the President’s Address, hon. Members and, indeed, invited guests are requested to remain in their seats and avoid unnecessary movements when the President is delivering his address. In this regard, should an hon. Member need to leave the Chamber during the address, the hon. Member may do so quietly using the nearest exit point to avoid causing disturbances.

Punctuality

I wish to urge all hon. Members to be punctual for tomorrow’s Sitting. Therefore, all hon. Members are requested to be seated in the House by 0900 hours. Hon. Members and invited guests will not be allowed to enter the Chamber once the President begins to deliver his address. This measure is also taken in order to maintain the decorum of the House and to prevent any unnecessary disruptions. Your co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated.

I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The other announcement will be made later when the team arrives from the Commonwealth Conference.

Hon. Members, today, we intend to adjourn by 1640 hours so that we can leave the Chamber for preparations for tomorrow. So, we should make sure that we wind up within that period.

_______

MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 26, 27, 55 AND 87

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker I beg to move that Standing Orders 26, 27, 55 and 87 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, be suspended to enable the House to sit from 0900 hours until business has been concluded on Friday, 28^th February, 2025.

Madam Speaker, Article 86(1), read with Article 9(2) of the Constitution of Zambia as well as Order No. 19(1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, requires the President of the Republic of Zambia to attend Parliament and report to the House the Progress made in the Application of National Values and Principles contained in Article 8 of the Constitution. In this regard, the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, is scheduled to attend and address the House tomorrow, Friday, 28^th February, 2025, starting at 0945 hours.

Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 26 provides for the suspension of business for twenty minutes at 1040 hours on Fridays. Further, Standing Order No. 27 provides for the House to adjourn at 1300 hours on Fridays while Standing Order No. 55 provides for the daily routine of the Business of the House. Furthermore, Standing Order No. 87 provides for the Vice-President’s Question Time every Friday. It is necessary for the aforementioned Standing Orders to be suspended to enable the President deliver his address uninterrupted. It is for this reason that I move this Motion.

Madam Speaker, this is a procedural Motion and, as such, I urge all hon. Members to support it.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I just want to thank all hon. Members for silently supporting this Motion.

Madam Speaker, I thank you very much.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

URGENT MATTER WITHOUT NOTICE RAISED BY MR WAMUNYIMA, HON. MEMBER FOR NALOLO, DIRECTED TO MR MWEETWA, HON. MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA, ON A NEWS HEADLINE IN THE MAST NEWSPAPER INSINUATION THAT THE HEAD OF STATE ASKED DIRECTORS AT THE ZAMBIA STATISTICS AGENCY TO INFLATE THE NUMBER OF TONGAS AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BEMBAS IN A CENSUS REPORT

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, I thank you most sincerely for according me the opportunity to raise this Urgent Matter without Notice. This matter is urgent because it borders on national unity and, particularly, on potential conflict that might arise from the dissemination of some information. The matter is directed to the hon. Minister of Information and Media.

Madam Speaker, today’s The Mast newspaper carries story with the screaming headline:

“ZAMSTATS UNDER SIEGE        

… as HH fires 3 directors, demands they reduce

number of Bembas and inflate that of Tongas”.

Hon. Opposition Members: Mm!

Mr Wamunyima: That is the screaming headline in The Mast newspaper today.

Madam Speaker, I understand that this matter has in the recent past, come up, but today’s matter is peculiar in the sense that it has been carried as a headline across the nation, and it is based on a headline that suggests that the Head of State is the grand promoter of tribalism.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Information and Media ...

Mr B. Mpundu: Minister of misinformation.

Mr Wamunyima: ... in order to be quiet when there is such a screaming headline?

Madam Speaker, we are aware that issues to do with tribal genocide have been witnessed in countries like Rwanda. So, the hon. Minister in order to be here, seated, without giving a proper position as to whether the headline is the true position, as stated?

Madam Speaker, I seek your guidance.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Nalolo. I remember that it was only yesterday that the hon. Member for Lunte also raised the matter. Then it had been carried in the News Diggers newspaper, and I advised him to find another way of bringing the matter to the attention of the House so that it could be dealt with. That was about the headline in the News Diggers newspaper yesterday. Today, there is another screaming headline, now, in The Post newspaper.

Hon. Opposition Members: The Mast.

Madam Speaker: Oh, in The Mast, sorry. Why did I say, “The Post”?

From the headline, it appears that the President has just fired three Directors. When I saw that screaming headline, as an individual, speaking for myself, I was alarmed and decided to read, especially in view of the matter the hon. Member for Lunte had raised and how I had guided Him. What I noticed is that, the so-called directors who were fired, were fired in March, 2024 and it is almost a year ago.

As the hon. Member for Nalolo has mentioned, such screaming headlines have the potential to put this country on fire because it is bordering on promotion of tribalism; it brings Tongas and Bembas into conflict. As you know, all of us have ties somewhere. We have Bemba and Tonga grandchildren. We are all intermarried but, with these screaming headlines, I think, there is a need for responsible journalism. When the journalists report, they should report matters that are factual and verifiable.

Hon. Minister, this matter has come up for the second time, just within two days. It has been raised, now, by the hon. Member for Nalolo. Do you have any comments on it?

The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to render comments pertaining to this particular issue which, as you rightly indicated, was a subject on the Floor of the House yesterday and today, in respect of the News Diggers newspaper and now, The Mast newspaper, but not limited to those two tabloids. This has been a hot cake debate on various radio stations, particularly, on call-in programmes they call breakfast shows. To that extent, my cellular phone has also been inundated with calls the whole morning from various individuals, including journalists, asking us, as the Government, to clear the air on this matter, which the people of Zambia are averse to, as has already been evidenced before.

Madam Speaker, I can only comment that this particular statement carried in The Mast newspaper today, is very unfortunate and unacceptable. As Minister of Information and Media, who works with the media, I am alarmed by the level of professionalism or lack of it when it comes to informing the nation because the media, as a fourth estate in a democracy, must be able to inform the nation accurately. Lately, wherever we have the occasion to interact with the media, as the Government, we have been calling for professional journalism. Clearly, from what is contained in the tabloid this morning, that particular aspect leaves much to be desired. As leaders, these are the matters we must take seriously because in totality, the summation of that screaming headline can be said to be rather vexatious, mischievous, obnoxious, fallacious, inflammatory and alarming to the nation. All of us, as leaders, must frown upon such headlines with melancholy because they work against that which we are gathered here to do, that is to bring the country together as one.

Let me also take this opportunity, Madam Speaker, to indicate that as a result of these particular statements, many people are asking whether the media, particularly print media, is regulated in Zambia. Some have actually been saying that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is watching print media issue such kind of divisive and hate speech-based statements. I would like to place on record that in Zambia, as we speak today, the print media, hat is to say, newspapers, are not regulated. They are in the process of working out regulation by way of self-regulation or statutory regulation. There are two groups have not yet agreed but I can now say that out of these headlines, there is a motivation that perhaps statutory regulation could be the way to go to tame those alarmists.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, let me also indicate that, as a result of some of these statements that are unfounded, but have a tendency or are capable of dividing a people, injuring the persona of individuals or leaders who are innocent, well-meaning Zambians have been calling for stiffening of laws governing the media at large, particularly social media, and now, this kind of media.

Madam Speaker, not too long ago, the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) called on the New Dawn Administration to stiffen laws relating to hate speech on social media. That is not stifling freedom of speech. No one enjoys the freedom to unnecessarily attack others and wantonly go away with it. So, we hear what the BRE said.

Madam Speaker, over the past weekend, during the Nc’wala Ceremony, Paramount Chief Mpezeni publicly called on the President and the Government to enact laws to stiffen the punishment on those who abuse others on social media. So, this is not a call from us as the Government. We are just a responsive Government, and only those who have cartels that abuse others on social media, are the ones who want to continue to get away with it because they thrive and survive on propaganda and not the truth.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, finally, this also touches on the behaviour of television (TV) and radio stations or programme moderators. Not too long ago, a leader of a grouping calling itself Tonse Alliance appeared on Diamond TV and said that the President of the Republic of Zambia had made a fool of himself by accepting endorsements from elected hon. Members of Parliament of the Opposition, who have decided to endorse him. Recently, there were endorsements from persons at Clapham Bus, persons on the streets of no fixed abode. They were endorsing a particular candidate to be the only candidate for Tonse Alliance, and no one made an issue out of that because it is in a political realm.

Madam Speaker, as the Government, we would like to indicate that we are taking these matters seriously because we must not allow the purported freedoms that are exercisable and enjoyable through social media, and through unprincipled television and radio stations to take pre-eminence as if this is the order of the day. This is the Government of laws, which is led by a President ruling by the rule of law without fear or favour. Anybody who will continue to perform these acts of violation of the law is doing it at their own peril. They are on their own.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker:  This will definitely have an impact on our work today because I have to allow hon. Members to ask points of clarification, and I have seen that there are some indications. So, in terms of timing, we will just treat it like points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement. We can put the correct time, which is thirty minutes.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity to ask the hon. Minister of Information and Media a question.

Madam Speaker, this issue stems from a statement made by the Public Service Commission Chairperson on the 2022 Census Report. The chairperson is reported to have differed with the Central Statistical Office. The reasons are best known to himself. He declared the report null and void. This is a senior Government officer. Let me put it on record that I am Bemba by tribe from Mpika –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, is it possible to just ask your point of clarification. At the rate you are asking your question, we will not make progress because other members have also indicated. So, be precise and to the point. Ask your question, and then we make more progress.

Mr Kapyanga: I am well guided, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister is: What action has the Government taken against Dr Beyani, who has declared the 2022 Census Report null and void?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. Colleague, the Member for Mpika, for that question seeking clarification. I would like to indicate that what he has asked has nothing to do with the comments I made here. As the Government, we are responding to a baseless allegation that Hakainde Hichilema (HH) has fired three directors. I would like to disassociate President HH (Hakainde Hichilema) and his entire Government from that malicious statement that he fired three directors, as though the same directors were even fired yesterday. That is the issue we are addressing. We are not addressing the difference that could have taken place between Dr Beyani and the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) chairperson as ZamStats is not a domain under my ministry.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Information and Media will do us a favour by acknowledging that the matter we are discussing does not fall in one sentence. The matter we are discussing is a story of a dispute on the results of the 2022 Census, which dispute is reported to have led to the firing of the directors. According to the story we are discussing today, the directors did not heed the President’s directive on what figures must be presented to the public. That is the story we are discussing. In that case, I want to ask the hon. Minister of ‘Misinformation’, whether it is the position of the Government that for the very first time –

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member for Nkana, you said the Minister of what?

Mr B. Mpundu: Minister of Information, it was a slip of the tongue.

Madam Speaker: Ah, please.

Mr B. Mpundu: Is it the position of the Government that for the very first time, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government has decided to dispute the results of the census from the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats), which is a professionally-run institution? Is it the position of the ministry?

Madam Speaker: For purposes of guidance, I think, what we are discussing is the screaming headline in The Mast newspaper.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: That is what the urgent matter referred to. The matter was not raised on how the dispute arose. So, stick to the screaming headline, hon. Members.

The hon. Minister may respond.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Binwell Mpundu …

Mr B. Mpundu: MP for Nkana!

Mr Mweetwa: … for raising a question …

Mr Mwene: One term MP!

Mr Kapyanga: Ngaiwe, niyanga?

Mr Mweetwa: … to the hon. Minister of Information and Media of the Republic of Zambia.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, my hon. Colleague there, the Member of Parliament for Nkana, has said that what we are talking about is a dispute which led to a purported firing. Now that we know that the purported firing does not exist, it means linking the dispute to the purported firing is void ab initio, and therefore, extricable.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

If you continue like this, I will move to the next segment.

For purposes of guidance, hon. Members, stick to the Urgent Matter without Notice as raised by the hon. Member for Nalolo. Let us not go into the dispute because we cannot examine it. We do not even have the evidence or capacity to do so. What the hon. Member for Nalolo has brought up is the screaming headline, which tends to promote tribalism in the country. So, as you ask your questions, bear that in mind. Do not debate the issues surrounding the dispute between the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) and the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask the hon. Minister of Information and Media a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, the topic we are discussing still has a connotation linked to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats), an agency which was established through an Act of Parliament. We have an Act of Parliament called The Zambia Statistics Act of 2018, which guides the functions of ZamStats. Considering that the Government has gathered the facts and has all the information, is the information that was published by ZamStats showing the population of Zambia province by province, the official information?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I may have the information that has been requested, but this is a House of rules and procedures. Next time, we are going to be answering any question at large because it is in the public domain.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: You have directed me, Madam Speaker, to respond to an urgent matter relating to a screaming headline, which is founded. Nothing more, nothing less. If my hon. Colleagues want more information, let them ask me to issue a Ministerial Statement or let them raise questions so that I can have answers which I can vouch for on behalf of the Government because I will have the right mandate.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I guided that as you ask questions, do not open the issue because it is becoming irrelevant to the matter that was raised by the hon. Member for Nalolo.

The hon. Member for Lumezi may ask his question.

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

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member for Mpika, I am not taking points of order because of time. We will just go through this quickly and move to the next item because we do not have enough time.

Mr Munir Zulu (Lumezi): Madam Speaker, I thank you most sincerely for permitting the hon. Minister of Information and Media to speak to the troubling subject that has been carried in our daily tabloids for the last forty-eight hours. In his comments, the hon. Minister seemed to condemn the publication of the story. I think that what Zambians are grappling with is not the headline of the newspaper but tribalism. That is the problem. What is the Government doing to condemn those who practice the ugly vice of tribalism and nepotism? It should not punish those who speak on it. What the newspaper is simply doing is condemning the ugly practice of the vice. So, we cannot be penalising the people who speak to it and leave those who are practicing it. What is the Government doing to condemn those who are practicing the ugly vice?

Madam Speaker: I do not know now whether it is speculation or what.

Hon. Minister of Information and Media, I do not know if you know the people who are practicing tribalism. The hon. Member has not stated who is practicing tribalism.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I want to thank Hon. Munir Zulu for the question expect he has not named those people so that I know whether I speak for them because I speak for the Government. I do not speak for people who practice tribalism like (pointed at hon. Opposition Members) some of these.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, the screaming headline that the hon. Member for Nalolo brought to the attention of the House is for all intents and purposes, a clear abuse and violation of the latter and the spirit of the freedom of the media that is enshrined in our Constitution.

Madam Speaker, is it the wish of the hon. Minister to indicate the nation that his Government is not going to tolerate anybody seeking to undermine the foundation and the spirit of our Republican Constitution and the unity that we have enjoyed as a nation, through such reckless statements that seem to be aligning with some people who think that it is only through such vices that they can maintain political relevance in this nation?

Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask this question.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Anakoka for that question, which is in line with what we are talking about this afternoon. We are not talking about the entire transaction of that discourse that transpired, I do not know at which arena it was. We are talking about the conduct of the media. So, I would like to thank him for bringing us back to that issue.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s question is: What is the Government’s position on those trying to undermine the fabric and mosaic of our national unity?

Madam Speaker, I think, it is not just the Government, but all of us citizens who are well-meaning. No one wants to entertain anyone who wants to divide this nation. The same way it has been proven before that those who want to use tribe to gain political relevance and advantage –The people of Zambia can see through and be able to reject that because we are stronger together than when we are divided.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me an opportunity to ask the hon. Minister a question on behalf of the people of Chilubi.

Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. Minister that unity, patriotism, democracy and constitutionalism are part of the national values and tomorrow, the President is coming to address those things. I also agree with the hon. Minister that Yellow Journalism and many other factors are not supposed to be encouraged and that freedoms of the people are supposed to be protected.

Madam Speaker, we are talking about the behaviour of the media, which also includes social media space. There are irresponsible online media houses like the Zambian Watchdog and Koswe. We also have irresponsible individuals like Mark Simuuwe …

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

Mr Fube: … who has been speaking the same language on the same and is also associated with –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, there is an indication –

Mr Kafwaya: No points of order.

Mr Fube: I thought you said no –

Madam Speaker: Order!

What have I said? What have you made a ruling on, you who is sitting there as a presiding officer?

I said I would not allow any points of order, but hon. Member for Chilubi, please, do not mention names of people who are not here and cannot defend themselves. That was the guidance I was giving. Withdraw the name that you mentioned.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the name Mark Simuuwe and replace him with the United Party for National Development (UPND) consultant.

Laughter

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

If you are guided, follow the guidance.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the name Mark Simuuwe, but I still stick to Koswe, the Zambian Watchdog and many other irresponsible media.

Madam Speaker: Alright, you can proceed.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, when we want to deal with the issue of frictional politics as it may be in a democracy like ours, there is a need for one to seek justice with clean hands. The hon. Minister has already cautioned the media. I want to ask the hon. Minister whether he is extending the same caution to Koswe and the Zambian Watchdog who have been very irresponsible in trying to divide the nation and bringing down the dignity of individuals in the nation and many others. Is the hon. Minister also targeting the online media I have mentioned?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, let me correct the hon. Member. It is not that when one seeks justice, one must come with clean hands, but that one who comes into equity must come with clean hands.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: It is okay. He is not a lawyer. He is a Parliamentarian. So, you can forgive him.

Mr Mweetwa: He is a law maker.

Laughter

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, Hon. Fube is my colleague. We come a long way. Now, he has raised very important issues concerning Koswe, the Zambian Watchdog and certain individuals who he may not name here, but may be known in the public domain. I want to join him in condemning those entities as being bad elements for the unity, democracy and development of this country. We want people in this country to continue to work together. Personally, I was overjoyed over the weekend to see a line-up of elected hon. Members of Parliament endorse President HH (Hakainde Hichilema). This is precedented. It shows that we are coming together as a people. This is what we need rather than talking about division every day.

Madam Speaker, the point the hon. Member has raised is important. These particular entities and individuals who are proponents of division should learn from my brother, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika. He once called us cockroaches, but he is now a proponent of peace and unity for the country.

Laugher

Mr Mweetwa: He has transformed and is leading by example. This is the type of leadership we need in Zambia.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: At the rate that we are going, I think, this is not taking us anywhere although I can see that some people still want to ask questions. Is it okay that we leave this subject and go to the next?

Hon. Members: Yes!

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Shiwang’andu is anxiously waiting because he was the next one to ask a question.

You may proceed, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, it is said that to deal with smoke, you must quench the fire. When there are speculations in the nation, you will only cure the speculations by dealing with the source of the speculations.

Madam Speaker, there was an incident that occurred at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre where there was an altercation between the Chairperson –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Sorry, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu. I have guided that let us not discuss that altercation because we are talking about the screaming headline. Whatever caused that screaming headline, whether it was true or not true, is not the subject for this debate or interaction? We are discussing the screaming headline and the likely impact that it can have on a nation called Zambia. That is what we should address.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker,

In your ruling on an Urgent Matter without Notice that was raised by an hon. Colleague, you referred to an issue that was raised yesterday. After you asked the hon. Minister to clarify, he confirmed that there have been a lot of discussions on different media platforms, including on radio and in newspapers, and different versions of a certain story have now culminated in regrettable screaming headlines. My question to the hon. Minister is: Who, in his Government, is going to address the nation in order to dispel the speculations? Who is going to state the correct position of the Government with regards to the Zambia Statistics Agency’s (ZamStats) report and the dispute that it has raised? Is it the hon. Minister of Information and Media, who is the Government Spokesperson?

Madam Speaker, we know that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is responsible for ZamStats, but we would like to know from the Government who is going to address the nation in order to curtail the debates that are going on. Various debates have continued and all of us have been subjected to listening to different versions on what transpired. So, what is the Government’s position on the matter? That way, we can avoid screaming headlines on such issues.

Madam Speaker: For the information of the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu and the rest of the House, a Ministerial Statement will be delivered next week, on Tuesday, on the issue of the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) by the hon. Minister Finance and National Planning. So, please, reserve the questions that you want to ask now for the time after the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning delivers the Ministerial Statement on that issue.

Hon. Member for Msanzala, you may proceed.

Mr Daka (Msanzala): Madam Speaker, now that media platforms are awash with screaming headlines, what urgent measures is the Government taking to curb that situation so that vices that can divide the nation are not entertained? What is the Government putting in place to immediately stop the media from publishing such screaming headlines?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I will use the hon. Member’s question for emphasis, as I have already spelt out what the Government intends to do. We are going to listen to what the citizens of this country say. Already, there are calls, for example, from the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), and it was also brought up at the recent Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony, for the Government to stiffen laws to specifically deal with issues of misinformation.

Madam Speaker, national unity and peace in this country is the foundation upon which national development can take off. Therefore, as the Government, we will not allow any entity or individual to promulgate division among our people. We are a Government that wants to continue holding on to the heritage of peace that Zambia has been known for the past sixty-one years.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to ask a question.

Madam Speaker, in the past, many media houses had their licences revoked. In his preamble, the hon. Minister indicated that there is no law at the moment that regulates the print media. Is what is obtaining at the moment an indication that the Government is overly tolerant of democracy or that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has completely failed?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I have already indicated that the IBA does not regulate the print media. So, the authority should not be part of the mainstream consideration in this discussion. However, there is nothing that stops this House from enacting a law that can deal with such matters. As you may be aware, the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act is being considered for review. If this House deems it fit, nothing stops it from including the regulation of the print media by the IBA since print media houses, by and large, are broadcasters.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member mentioned the closure of media houses in the past. Earlier, I indicated that, currently, the media is pushing for self-regulation and statutory regulation. There are two groups. However, as the Government, we are not going to use arbitrary laws. As you know, under the rule of law, one cannot use power that one does not have within the precincts of one’s mandate. I want to remind the House that using unorthodox means is what led to the closure of The Post newspaper in the past. There was no law that could be used to directly close a media house. So, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) was unleashed to close down The Post newspaper. We, as the United Party for National Development (UPND) or New Dawn Administration, are not going to use underhand methods like those that were used before. We are a tolerant Government. Tolerance is the hallmark of promoting co-existence in a democracy.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to ask a question on behalf of the people of Kasenengwa.

Madam Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s explanation on the matter that was raised by the hon. Member for Nalolo, he did not stick to the issue raised by the hon. Member. The hon. Minister went all over talking about Tonse Alliance endorsements in the Eastern Province at the Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony and so on. He indicated that he has received many concerns from people expressing their displeasure over what has been happening in the print media, specifically regarding the matter raised today. How many phone calls does the hon. Minister receive when the social media outlet called Koswe publishes unpalatable issues and how many –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

You can only ask one question.

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, how many phone calls did the hon. Minister receive when people, specifically those from the North Western Province, insulted the former President? Since the hon. Minister is part of a caring Government, which is not selective, what measures has the Government taken towards the behaviour of people who can divide this nation?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, although that question may be outside the ambit of what we are discussing, I think, the hon. Member for Chilubi asked a similar question. In response, I joined the hon. Member, and invited this whole House, in condemning entities and individuals who promulgate hate speech and division.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Kasenengwa has introduced a new aspect to our discourse, that is people who insult elders like the leader of one of the small political parties, but he is my friend, Harry Kalaba and Mr Nakachinda.

Interruptions

Mr Mweetwa: I am talking about the issue you have raised. You have raised a very important –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

Let us not mention people who are not in this House.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I heed your advice. I withdraw the mention of Mr Harry Kalaba and Mr Nakachinda and replace their names by saying, “Young people who have no respect for elders”. How can such young people be issuing derogatory, demeaning, and insulting statements on the Head of State, President Hakainde Hichilema? They are even younger than me who cannot insult the Head of State. The whole time I have been in this House, there has never been a day I called President Lungu by any derogatory name, zero. However, I understand, and I will answer them at an appropriate stage. I thank the hon. Member for the question.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his remarks.

Madam Speaker, my question will be simple. The screaming headline or the issue we are discussing could be the tip of an iceberg. What pragmatic steps is the Government taking to unite the people of this country beyond tribe?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for asking a very intelligent question that is directly related to what we are talking about. The pragmatic steps that this Government is taking are many. First of all, it starts with the composition of the Cabinet that leads this country. Every corner of this country feels well represented. Even in provinces where the United Party for National Development (UPND) party did not yield a Member of Parliament in 2021, are well represented because President Hakainde Hichilema recognises that the leadership of a country is a shared endeavour …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: … and that no one or group of people should think it is their preserve to provide leadership to the country alone. We must all sit around the decision-making table and see how and where we are taking the country in terms of development. So, the first point is that President Hakainde Hichilema has scored.

Madam Speaker, secondly, as seen recently, the appointments and the reshuffles the President made speak to national representation and not regional representation. That is being pragmatic. Thirdly, the President has accepted to work with all the Opposition hon. Members. In fact, the past two to three times he has addressed this House, he has said, “Let us work together.” As a pragmatic leader, he also knows that that is an opportunity for abuse, but he has not done it. He is working with the Opposition to deliver development, unlike before, where unnecessary by-elections were cause whenever the President wanted to work with the Opposition.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, the last point is that this President, despite the insults being unleashed on him, he does not get emotional. He does not get moved because he knows that he sits on a pedestal where so many people eye to get there. He is pragmatic. Those who know that they have zero chance of getting there have resorted to insults.  In the interest of time, I end here.

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Member: Kabwalala!

Madam Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member who said “kabwalala”, where I am seated here, I can hear all your comments. Some comments are not welcome. Why would you call somebody kabwalala? Do you have evidence? That is not acceptable.

Hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, you may proceed.

__________

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

ERADICATION OF ILLEGAL MINING IN THE COUNTRY

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity –

Madam Speaker, some people were not raised properly and they think that insults can take them to leadership. What qualifies one to be a good leader is integrity and seriousness.

Hon. Government Members:  Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for giving me this opportunity to render a Ministerial Statement to the House and the nation at large, on the Progress Made on the Eradication of Illegal Mining in the country. This statement comes at the backdrop of the President's pronouncement that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government under his leadership, is fully committed to addressing illegal mining. He also reiterated the need to fight the scourge which has caused needless loss of lives and has significantly affected national security. To this effect, the Administration stands ready to eliminate the vice of illegal mining in Zambia.

Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, in the recent past, there has been an increase in the number of   reports   indicating the presence of minerals in various parts of the country. This has resulted in rampant illegal mining, causing environmental degradation, poor health and safety risks to the miners. That also caused potential loss of the Government revenue through non-payment of taxes. The trend of illegal mining has unfortunately shown its face in places not known for mining activities such as Chankomo area of Kapiri Mposhi District, in the Central Province, among others.  This scourge, which is mostly concentrated at artisanal and small-scale mining levels, has far-reaching environmental, economic and social impacts. As such, to combat this vice, and in line with the President’s directive, the Government has been making strides in addressing illegal mining activities.

Madam Speaker, allow me, at this juncture, to highlight some of the interventions the ministry is undertaking to eliminate illegal mining activities in the country.

Licensing

Madam Speaker, in line with the law and to ensure credibility in the licensing system, the ministry has set standards for applications for mining and non-mining rights to prevent unscrupulous people from acquiring licenses. On the other hand, my ministry has also set conditions under which licences are expected to operate, failure to which, their licenses risk being revoked. Therefore, the awarding of mining and non-mining rights is subject to a thorough review process by the ministry and various stakeholders.

In addition, the Government is carrying out reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management and issuance of licenses through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). For instance, applications for mining licenses can now be made from anywhere through any electronic device, such as a smartphone. The online payment module to allow electronic payments is being developed.

Formalisation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

 

Madam Speaker, to curb illegal mining activities, the ministry is implementing the formalisation programme for informal miners. This is being done through formation of mining co-operatives and capacity building prior to issuance of mining rights.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that, from January 2023 to date, 952 artisanal mining rights have been granted across the country. Out of these licences, seventy-four are for gold mining and 278 are in non-gold commodities, such as manganese and copper.

Madam Speaker, the Government recognises that the granting of mining rights is the first step in the formalisation of mining activities. Other steps include capacity building and facilitating access to markets, among others. In this regard, the Government is currently constructing two market centres in Mumbwa District of the Central Province and Rufunsa District of Lusaka Province. The two market centres which are expected to be completed within the second quarter of 2025 will provide a ready market for artisanal and small-scale miners involved in gold mining and trading activities. Let me reiterate that currently, marketing centres are confined to gold mining and trading. However, the approach will be extended to other non-gold commodities in due course. The Government has since appointed Zambia Gold Company Limited (ZGCL) as the gold aggregator to buy gold from Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) and ensure competitive pricing. I wish to inform the House that ZGCL moved into the two sites in September and October 2024, respectively. The company commenced buying gold in Rufunsa in January 2025 while it started buying gold in Mumbwa in February 2025.

Provision of Mining Technical Services

Madam Speaker, to prevent illegal mining activities and enable ASM to meet necessary safety standards, the Government, through a multi-sectoral approach, has scaled up capacity building activities targeted at improving the capacity of the ASM sector. The activities include training in basic and sustainable mining practices, promotion of safe and environmentally friendly mining methods, among others. To enrich the current curriculum, the ministry, working with various stakeholders, is in the process of finalising the development of training manuals tailored to ASM operations. The training manuals are intended to ensure mining safety, and mitigate against health hazards and environmental concerns in artisanal and small-scale miners operations.

Geological Information

Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, the lack of geological information has not only hindered the participation of local people in mining but also slowed down the growth of the ASM sub-sector. The lack of geological information has also contributed to increased illegal mining activities by ASM operators. This is due to the fact that acquiring geological information is costly and as such, makes our people to plow for minerals in very unconventional ways. Once available, the geological information will contribute to curbing speculative and unregulated illegal mining activities. In addition, the availability of geological information will also serve as motivation for the local people to regularise their mining operations in line with our formalisation programme.

Enforcement

Madam Speaker, my ministry recognises that inter-agency collaboration remains critical in efficiently and effectively fighting illegal mining through enforcement of the provisions of the law, particularly the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015. In this regard, the ministry has strengthened its collaboration with law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal mining activities and has heightened inspections.

Ongoing Reforms

Madam Speaker, to accelerate the fight against illegal mining and prevent the ASM sub-sector from perpetuating illegal mining activities, the Government, through the ministry, is carrying out policy, institutional and legal reforms. These include the ongoing process of repealing and replacing the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 to pave way for the enactment of the Geological and Minerals Development Legal Framework aimed, among others, at creating a department under the ministry to handle issues related to the ASM sub-sector and the establishment of a fund to support the growth of ASM in the country. Other reforms include the establishment of the Minerals Regulation Commission aimed at delegating the regulatory functions of the ministry while retaining policy-related matters. The commission is expected to contribute to the eradication of illegal mining through enhanced regulation of the industry. As I present this Ministerial Statement, it is gratifying to note that the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, assented to the Minerals Regulation Commission Bill, which is now an Act of Parliament awaiting issuance of a Statutory Instrument for the operationalisation of the Act.

Madam Speaker, I wish to stress that the Government is focused on ensuring that Zambians formally participate in the exploitation of minerals to ensure maximum benefit from their God-given resources. I, therefore, wish to reiterate the President’s call for our traditional leaders and local authorities and, indeed, the people of Zambia, to join forces with the Government to eradicate illegal mining activities. This will not only promote development but will also eliminate the needless loss of lives.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members are free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement presented by the hon. Minister.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, the mines and minerals we are talking about have been the backbone of this country economically. For those who were there before, it was the copper which took many students to school for free. Some of us are able to speak English because of the copper mines on the Copperbelt. The statements that are issued here should be factual and verifiable. What worries me is that we have minerals, but only small sections of our community are getting wealthy at the expense of the multitudes. This really pains me. So, the abolition, banning and phasing out of illegality in the mining sector should be taken seriously. Has the Government given itself a timeframe within which the illegality should come to a halt, or is the timeframe indefinite?

Madam Speaker: Thank you, this is a hot issue. The hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development may respond.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, yes, illegalities rob the country of its wealth. For us to deal with them, we have to have a framework, and it has to be multi-sectoral. Leaders and institutions of the Government have to work together. As to whether we have given ourselves a timeframe within which to end illegal mining, I would say that it is not possible to end it in one month or in one year. What is important is to put systems in place that will eradicate illegal mining. We did not have systems to curb illegal mining. The hon. Member correctly alluded to the mining on the Copperbelt. All of us are a product of the minerals on the Copperbelt. When illegal mining started, it needed to be nipped in the bud. I think, as a country, we allowed illegal mining to be entrenched to the point where there are illegal mining activities in almost every area. That is why we have now put in place a regulator through the Minerals Regulation Commission Act. The regulator will now help us to deal with illegal mining. However, it does not mean that we have not been dealing with illegal mining. As I said in the statement, officers from security wings are in certain places trying to curb the vice. In terms of timing, I may not tell say the exact time when we will end illegal mining.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement.

Madam Speaker, in view of the recent occurrence of the gold rush in the southern part of his royal highness’ chiefdom in Mushindamo, I have noticed that health and sanitation are being compromised and there is an influx of foreigners. There are many Tanzanians with gold detecting machines to the extent that they are exploiting our own locals who do not have such gadgets. What is the hon. Minister doing to address the issue of the influx of foreigners, who are in hundreds and hundreds? I know that that comes with national security.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, as I alluded to in my statement, this illegal mining will be fought in a multi-sectoral manner. We have a team of officers from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, who are working together. There are reasons there is the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security. One of the reasons is for the Immigration Department to deal with illegal immigrants who come to support the illegal activities of our miners. Really, the approach is multi-sectoral. We are dealing with matters of mining while the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security is dealing with immigration issues.

Madam Speaker, yes, we have an influx of those people and we are dealing with that slowly. As we move in, we will deal with the issue by dangling a carrot like putting up gold market centres and an aggregator, and our people will move away from the unscrupulous illegal immigrants because they buy their materials for a song. However, the gold marketing centres will be giving them a very good price but, at the same time, they will be formalised with licenses.  That is the approach we will take to do away with illegal immigrants. Firstly, we will have to force them out and, secondly, we will move the miners away from the illegal immigrants.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Malambo (Magoye): Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister for providing artisanal mining licenses to small-scale miners like the ones in Mapatizya. However, from the time these colleagues got the licenses, which are yet to expire, they have never been authorised to move into the mines. I want to find out from the hon. Minister if he is going to provide an opportunity for them to start mining. Suffice it to say that there are few challenges that small-scale miners in Zambia or Mapatizya, in particular, are facing which include -limited access to information and marketing. Are there opportunities within the ministry that would help these small-scale miners to access capital?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I am taken aback by the fact that we have given our youths licenses, and they have not been given access to the mines. I would have to follow that up with the officials as to why licensed artisanal miners have not accessed their mines. That is a serious matter, which I am going to follow up seriously.

Madam Speaker, hon. Members might remember that two days ago, on the Floor of the House, I talked about how we needed to help artisanal miners with equipment. Actually, it started with gold. I know that the areas the hon. Member is talking about contain lithium. I will be able to interact with the hon. Member and find out why the small-scale miners have not been able to have access to the mines and probably, see how they can be helped to access some empowerment from the ministry.

Madam Speaker, we do not have a huge purse yet, and that is why we have put in place the Geological and Minerals Development Bill because therein sits the directorates of artisanal miners and the exploration fund for small-scale and artisanal miners. So, it will be important for our miners to approach us. However, the issue the hon. Member has raised is serious and I will ask my officers for an explanation as to why our licensed miners cannot access the mine.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker:  The hon. Member for Kantanshi is joining us via zoom.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, it is technology matters.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement. I would like to draw my concern to the areas that the Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central had raised.

Madam Speaker, in my constituency, Kantanshi, there is a black mountain, which has been a source of back and forth among the Government, Mopani Copper Mines and artisanal miners. How are artisanal mines going to draw confidence from the hon. Minister’s statement? The particular case I would like to cite is very new. A group of artisanal miners were given a license on 17^th January. On 24^th February, that license was cancelled yet those people were preparing themselves to start mining. Considering all these issues, which the hon. Minister is fully aware have been going on in this sector, what confidence is he giving to the artisanal mines, including the small-scale miners whom my colleague from Mapatizya referred to that, indeed, his ministry is really there to help them?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, regarding the confidence that we are going to give to the artisanal miners, let me cite an example. We have formalised a tailings dam called TD52 in Kitwe. They went into an agreement with an investor and were given an artisanal license. Co-operatives were given artisanal licenses for the black mountain in Kitwe. Artisanal licenses were also given for TD3 in Chambishi and Kalulushi and it being the rainy season, miners decamp because it is an open cast operation.

Madam Speaker, we gave out artisanal licenses in Mumbwa and Rufunsa. This was done publicly and the licenses are effective. We are heading to Mpika. That is the confidence I can give to artisanal miners. However, there are incidences where procedure is not followed like the issue in Mufulira, where an artisanal license was issued on a Mopani Copper Mines tenement without consent from the owners. That was a mistake by the officers and the people who did that were disciplined because as the Government, we do not tolerate licenses on top of other licenses. That is illegal, and that is why that thing was done away with. We are in the process of formalising a tailings tam called TD3 for our people in Chingola.

So, there are areas where practical things have been done. Currently, the ministry is looking at areas in the North-Western Province where artisanal mining operations will start. As the President of the Republic of Zambia announced and guided, the Government will talk to the big mining companies so that they can offer something like out-grower schemes for artisanal miners as support. That is the formalisation process we are talking about. If there is a failure at one point, it may not be because the ministry has failed to undertake formalisation in the whole country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Another hon. Member is connected via Zoom.

Hon. Member for Sinazongwe, you may proceed.

Mr Sialubalo (Sinazongwe): Madam Speaker, the best way of helping the so-called illegal or small-scale miners is the formalisation of their activities, which the Government has come up with. Is there a deliberate plan for the ministry to visit all the provinces where there are mining activities, except the Western Province? The ministry should visit all the other nine provinces for direct engagement with the so-called illegal miners so that they can appreciate the Government’s good plans.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Mapatizya for that very important question.

Madam Speaker: It is the hon. Member for Sinazongwe, and not the hon. Member for Mapatizya.

Mr Kabuswe: Oh, sorry, Madam Speaker. Indeed, it is the hon. Member for Sinazongwe. They are neighbours.

Madam Speaker, the ministry has a programme to visit various areas to sensitise people. It is quite a laborious exercise because Zambia is big. We were pushing for the establishment of the Minerals Regulation Commission because a regulator would have offices spread right across the country. As I said, so far, we have visited Mumbwa and Rufunsa. The exercise requires both financial and human capacity in terms of resources. The House might have heard me state in my statement that we are even preparing training manuals, which will be distributed across the country for all the artisanal miners. I must emphasise that that is one of the sub-sectors we hope can absorb many youths in terms of job creation. So, the Government is serious about the programme.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Since she was mentioned, the hon. Member for Mapatizya can proceed.

Mrs Munashabantu (Mapatizya): Madam Speaker, it is because I have been in and out of the hon. Minister’s office during the past year just to ensure that people in Mapatizya are given artisanal mining licences.

Madam Speaker, many youths of Mapatizya have been given artisanal mining licences thanks to the hon. Minister. However, we have a small challenge. The youths are not mining the lithium deposits found in the areas for which they have been licences. When are the youths going to start mining that lithium because the licences will expire? Secondly, I do not know if the hon. Minister is aware that there are people who are mining illegally in certain places. The question is: Who do those people sell their minerals to? Most of the licence holders who are supposed to undertake mineral exploration in Mapatizya have turned into buyers. In the meantime, illegal mines collapse on people every day. The local people mine the minerals and sell them to those people. Has the ministry been to Mapatizya to inspect the mines so that it knows who is doing exploration and mining?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, if the hon. Member has been following the news, and I am sure she has, she knows that, recently, the Zambia Army was in Mapatizya. That is why in the statement, I said that dealing with illegal mining requires a multi-sectoral approach. It does not only involve the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, but law enforcement as well. When the Zambia Army officers visited the area, some people were found engaged in illicit activities and they were stopped. So, the ministry is aware of such activities. A multi-sectoral approach is what is helping the ministry curb illicit mining activities.

Madam Speaker, as I said to the hon. Member for Magoye, we will follow up on why licenced artisanal miners are not working in their mines. If they are licenced, then the mines are available. So, the ministry has to find out why that has not happened. I will follow it through with my officers.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, I do not promote illegality. Being in an environment where laws govern the country, we just need to ensure that laws are followed to the letter.

Madam Speaker, if we look at the people who are posing the challenge of illegal mining, we can see that they are our children. Some of them hail from Kanyama and that is why I can stand on the Floor to speak for them. They are children who are trying to make ends meet. Licencing of their activities is one of the interventions that the ministry has put in place. Generally speaking, the process of obtaining licences, coupled with a number of fees here and there, is one of the conditions that those children are subjected to and they fail to meet it. So, bearing in mind that those are our children, or our boys, who are trying to earn a living to feed their families, what is the ministry doing to help them so that they are not prevented from engaging in the activities they are doing? At the end of the day, the burden will still be on the Government to look after them.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, as I said, the matter requires all of us to be involved. If we are aware of anyone in our constituencies who may be involved in illegal mining activities, we can advise them. We can even go with them to the ministry to get more advice. One can only be arrested if found mining illegally. So, in our respective constituencies, we should advise people to go to the ministry so that the ministry can see how it can help formalise their operations. In fact, as a ministry, we announced an amnesty to the effect that anyone involved in mining activities without a licence can go to the ministry so that it formalises that person’s operations. President Hakainde Hichilema is aware that the people engaged in illegal mining activities are Zambians who are trying to survive. However, their operations must be formalised. That is why the President has given marching orders to formalise and teach those people safe mining techniques. So, hon. Members can help the ministry in places where it may not be present. If the hon. Member for Kanyama has such people within his community, he should take them to the ministry so that we can talk to them and show them how the formalisation is supposed to be done.

In fact, you would be shocked at how knowledgeable some of those young boys involved in illegal mining are. Some of them are trained geologists and surveyors in the field. So, if we teach them safe mining, they will be relating to their practical experience on site.  So, it is important to harness and bring them together so that we can introduce them to this programme that the Government has put in place.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, there would be no illegal mining if there was no illegal market.  The black market has been a source of illegal mines. What is the ministry doing to identify and curb those markets, and punish those involved in the illegal mining heavily as a measure to contain the illegality in mining?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the first step that we have taken is to address the formalisation programme because that is where marketing centres lie. The aggregators and marketing centres will be the buyer of choice. If the people who are involved in illegal activities were formalised, licenced and had right prices of copper or gold, they would not go to illicit buyers.

Madam Speaker, secondly, the regulator will be handling issues to do with traceability. Going forward, through the regulator, each mine will have to prove that whatever mineral it processes would have been bought from a licensed mine. That is the other way of curbing illegal activities in the black market. So, everyone who will be processing copper will have to prove where it was bought from.

Madam Speaker, thirdly, the Government has taken steps to check the processing plants, especially on the Copperbelt, where there are many, to see if whatever is being processed is legal. That will help us to curb black market activities. It is not only about being a buyer of choice but also, a regulator to guide those who process minerals.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mulebwa (Kafulafuta): Madam Speaker, I thank you for allowing the people of Kafulafuta to ask a question. I view minerals as a source of our wealth as a nation. As Zambians, our wealth is in the minerals that we have. I note that by April 2024, we had 6,000 licenses issued. Of the 6,000, only seven mines were paying tax. As I am dealing with this matter, I am not just concerned about Zambians getting licenses. I am more concerned about Zambians getting licenses and making wealth out of it, which in turn, pay tax to the Government so that our nation can become wealthy.

Madam Speaker, what measures has the Government put in place to ensure that licenses are given to credible people, it does not matter at what level, but people who are credible in every sense? These are people who will not sell their licenses or fail to use them and end up holding on to pieces of land without the stamina to work. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that people get artisanal or whatever licenses   and utilise them for their benefit and that of Zambia as a nation?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the license that one gets has its rules and requirements. The first requirement is protection. When people apply for licenses, they appear as though they are capable of undertaking activities. They may not be questioned. For example, an applicant would present 100 percent of the requirements and the role of the ministry would be to just scrutinise the documents.  In fact, the House may wish to note that there will be no human interface now when applying for licenses. Everything will be done online. Today, we launched the online application for mining licenses which is very transparent. If someone meets the requirement, then one would qualify to be an artisanal, a small-scale, or a large-scale miner.

Madam Speaker, when one is given a license, there are rules and regulations that should be followed. Otherwise, if one does not follow them, the license can be revoked.  What we lack is the enforcement of what the license stipulates. That is why this Government has smartly brought in the regulator. Some of the functions of the regulator would be to ensure that licenses are adhered to thoroughly. Yes, the record can say we have 6,000 licenses, but are they operating?  Last year, we did a wholesome cancellation of licenses. I think, we cancelled almost 4,000 licenses. For those who appealed against the cancellation, we had to check whether they had done anything on their portions.  That process was done as a way of cleaning up so that the Government does not keep wrong figures of mines that are operating and paying so much tax when there is nothing on the ground. That is why we undertook that wholesome cancellation. We ran an advertisement, and thousands of licenses were cancelled. We invited the license holders to prove why their licenses were not being used. inactive.  Matters were dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

HON. MEMBERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES WITH ACCOMPANYING STAFF

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of hon. Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPWD) with accompanying staff from the following countries: Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provincial Legislatures and Eswatini. Four of the hon. Members are seated in the Official Box on my left due to the inaccessibility of our galleries. That means we need to do something now. You see what has happened?

The hon. Members came to attend the third CPWD Conference, which was being hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Zambia Branch.

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

You are welcome. Thank you for coming.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

EXPORT DUTY SUSPENSION ON PRECIOUS STONES AND METALS

232. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

1. why the Government has suspended the 15 per cent export duty on precious stones and metals;
2. what the anticipated revenue loss arising from the tax suspension is; and
3. what measures are being taken to compensate for the loss of the revenue.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, in the 2025 Budget, the Government proposed to introduce 15 per cent export duty on gemstones and precious metals as one of the measures aimed at enhancing domestic resource mobilisation. However, stakeholders appealed to the Government to reconsider the decision as Zambian gemstones and precious metals would pay an upfront of 15 per cent export duty and 6 per cent mineral royalty while those from competing countries have no export duty, rendering the Zambian exports uncompetitive on the international market. Considering this, extensive consultation was undertaken and the Government resolved that it would be in the best interest of the country to waive the duties. It is also important that such duties be introduced when our processing capacity of the precious metals has been developed. It is also important to note that the incentive will be strictly monitored to ensure that it achieves the desired objectives, including job creation for Zambians and increased collection of mineral royalties and company income tax.

Madam Speaker, although we expected K250 million as revenue gain, we noted, after representations from industry, that this money would not have been raised as anticipated as it was going to lead to a slow down in mining activities and loss of jobs and investment in the sector. We were never even going to collect the mineral royalty that is currently collected at the point of export and the corporate income tax that is collected on the profits because local producers would resort to reducing production, stockpiling and lobbying the Government.
Considering the foregoing, no revenue will be lost from the suspension of the export tax.

Madam Speaker, we anticipate an increase in tax collection due to improved administrative efficiency as a result of tax administration initiatives, such as the Smart Invoicing System and Bulk Data Analytics at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister comes here with the Budget estimates that have two sides; revenue mobilisation and expenditure. What follows his proposals are money Bills. We enact laws here in order to allow him to collect projected revenue from different sources. In this case, he came with the proposal of 15 per cent export duty on precious metals, and we processed the Bill to become an Act of Parliament, which is yet to be repealed.

Madam Speaker, how can the hon. Minister say that there will be no effect on the performance of his Budget when his expenditure side depends on the projected revenue, including the 15 per cent export duty which could have been generated from the export of gemstones? How many other proposals do we expect him to reverse after we have enacted the laws for him to collect revenue? I would like the hon. Minister to comfort us. He came to us and we enabled him to implement the tax measures because we assumed that he had made thorough consultations with sectors such as the mining sector before he came up with the proposals.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, in my response, I indicated that in the light of the investments that have been made to improve tax collection, an example is smart invoicing, those investments are going to cover the suspension of the tax I indicated. On top of that, it is very clear now that the volume of copper production that we expect in 2025 will be larger than what was anticipated at the time when we crafted the Budget. So, improved efficiency and enhanced production of copper, which has been part of the plan to ramp up to 3 million metric tonnes, will cover for what I have spoken about. Of course, as usual, we will come back to the House with a Supplementary Budget. A Supplementary Budget is not always about spending more. Sometimes, it is about declaring extra revenues that have been collected. So, as usual, we anticipate a Supplementary Budget to cover for those.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, I urge the hon. Minister to, please, clear the perception that has been created by some political players, that he is withdrawing the tax from the gemstone industry. The hon. Minister should clear the air by informing the people across the country. Are there any other taxes that the gemstone industry is paying to the Government? There is a perception that the gemstone industry is tax free. Could he, please, mention the other taxes that the gemstone industry is contributing to the national coffers so that we are clear on the matter. Some political commentators on the ground are giving the wrong side of the story.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, indeed, the hon. Member is absolutely right. The only tax that was suspended was the export tax. However, the Mineral Royalty Tax, the Income Tax and, of course, other taxes are still payable. Only the export tax was affected. I think, it is also important to say that this tax was not on our books.

Madam Speaker, the last time this tax was imposed was in 2019, during the reign of our colleagues, and shortly thereafter in 2020, they removed it for the same practical problems that we have faced now. So, it is not the first time that this tax has been withdrawn. It was withdrawn before under the previous Administration. Therefore, as the hon. Member said, this is only one tax. The way the export tax works is that tax is paid as commodities leave the boundary of the country. If they are sold within the country, taxes are not levied. So, obviously, this tax has the effect of discouraging exports because the moment you export, you must pay tax but if you do not export, there is no tax. So, obviously, to some extent, this is contradictory because as a country, we want to export more and more. However, we are telling our producers that the moment they export, we are going to tax them. So, obviously, this creates problems.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, I am grateful, and I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the answers.

Madam Speaker, the precious minerals and metals sector is dominated by foreigners, which means they externalise the profits they make, and these monies develop the countries where they come from. The only value we get is through taxes such as the 15 per cent. With the removal of that tax, it means as a country, we will not benefit much from the minerals. Was the decision made in the best interest of the Zambian people?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, the decision was made in the best interest of the Zambian people because if we proceeded with that tax, we were going to be asking somebody who wants to export to pay tax on the exports on top of the Mineral Royalty Tax and the Income Tax. I need to correct the hon. Member who said we are not benefiting. We are benefiting because of the Mineral Royalty Tax. I also want to tell him that the Mineral Royalty Tax on precious minerals is higher in Zambia compared to other countries we are competing with. In Zambia, the Mineral Royalty Tax is at 6 per cent while tax in other countries producing the same stones is at 2 per cent. Already, we are the ones who are taxing higher than our competitors. When the companies make profits, tax is applicable.

Madam Speaker, to prevent our miners from being uncompetitive - We all sell on the same market. We all sell the emeralds in India. So, when the minerals arrive in India – Remember, on the export market, the seller is the price taker. In other words, when you arrive on the market, the buyers will tell you the going price. It is not you who has to say what the going price is, but the buyers. When you go to Soweto Market, there is a going price for tomatoes. You cannot create your own market price.

If the sellers from Zambia attempt to tell the Indians or the Saudi the going price and further tells them that the Zambian Government wants 15 per cent tax so, on top of the going price, they should pay another 15 per cent, the Indians will laugh and tell them to keep their emeralds because they will go and buy from countries where there is no tax.

Madam Speaker, I want to correct the hon. Member who said that this industry is dominated by foreigners. There are actually 500 Zambian miners who are in this industry. The Zambians miners are the ones who complained bitterly at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre that the Government is pushing them out of business. So, it is wrong to think that this is an industry dominated by foreigners because there are also Zambians in the industry that was adversely affected by the tax that we imposed.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Madam.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, you want to raise a point of order, but remember, we do not have much time. I do not know if that point of order is to counter what the hon. Minister has said, but I encourage you to engage with the hon. Minister. We do not have time. We are actually behind time. So, if you can bear with me, please. No points of order. Let us make progress and move to the next item.

IMPASSE AT THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA

233. Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts what urgent measures the Government is taking to defuse the impasse at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), following the invalidation of nominations of some candidates vying for various positions at the forthcoming FAZ elective Annual General Meeting, to avert a ban of football activities by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, I know I will be racing against time.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), has been made aware of the recent developments in football particularly the forthcoming Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) elective Annual General Meeting (AGM). Over the past few months, the NSCZ, which is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament Chapter 142 of the Laws of Zambia, has received various inquiries regarding the AGM and elections roadmap announced by FAZ on 21^st December, 2024. In addition, there have been several statements issued in print, electronic and social media regarding the subject, including the invalidation of nominations of some candidates vying for various positions.

Madam Speaker, as per procedure, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts deals with all matters from sport associations through the NSCZ. As such, my ministry has been informed that following the inquiries and in line with its mandate, the NSCZ summoned FAZ to a meeting on 9^th January, 2025. The objective of the meeting was to request FAZ to provide an update and justification regarding the roadmap, including the proposed date of the elective AGM of 29^th March, 2025, and not 28^th February, 2025. In line with the FAZ Constitution and following the meeting, FAZ formerly submitted to the NSCZ a detailed letter justifying the holding of the main elections on 29^th March, 2025, citing Articles 27(2), 33(3) and Article 79, which give powers to the Executive to set the date of the elections and was unanimously approved by the FAZ Executive Committee.

Madam Speaker, in addition, FAZ claimed having obtained an endorsement for 29^th March, 2025, from FIFA as the date for the main election, a correspondence that has not been availed to the NSCZ. Subsequently, the NSCZ wrote to the Attorney-General on 15^th January, 2025, requesting for expert and legal interpretation of the FAZ Constitution, particularly on two main contentious issues which include:

1. the tenure of the current executive committee and the president; and
2. the inclusion of the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Governance Committee under both the Standing Committee and the judicial bodies.

Madam Speaker, following the request, the Attorney-General provided interpretation in a letter dated 14^th February, 2025, which addressed the following:

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that on 15^th January, 2025, the NSCZ wrote to the Attorney-General requesting for expert and legal interpretation of the FAZ Constitution, particularly on two contentious issues, which were:

1. tenure of the current Executive Committee and the President; and
2. inclusion of the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Governance and Review Committee under both the Standing Committee and the Judicial bodies.

Mr Speaker, following the request, the Attorney-General provided interpretations in a letter dated 14^th February, 2025, which addressed the following:

1. on the tenure of office of the Executive Committee and the President, the Attorney-General guided that Article 33(3) and (4) of the FAZ Constitution provisions stated that the tenure of the President, Vice-President and members of the Executive Committee begins immediately after the conclusion of the elective annual general meeting (AGM) at which they are elected. Their tenure is strictly limited to four years with no provision for extension beyond that term;

Mr Speaker, accordingly, the Attorney-General guided that the mandate of the President and the Executive Committee of FAZ will lapse on 28^th February, 2025, tomorrow. Therefore, the President and the Executive Committee will have no power to continue administering the affairs of FAZ beyond that date unless elections are held by tomorrow, and a new Executive Committee is constituted in line with the constitution.

Mr Speaker, you may wish to note that the FAZ Constitution does not give room for an extension like other constitutions, such as the Zambia Athletics Constitution, which gives a provision to hold elections on any date in the last or first quarters of the year.

1. regarding the inclusion of the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Governance and Review Committee under both the Standing Committee and Judicial bodies, the Attorney-General guided that the Governance and Review Committee and the Audit and Compliance Committee should not simultaneously form part of the Judicial bodies. These committees must remain exclusively within the Standing Committee, as outlined in Article 41 of the FAZ Constitution. To that end, the Attorney-General recommended amendments to clear identified irregularities noting that the FAZ Constitution provides methods of amending its constitution.

Mr Speaker, in response to the Attorney-General’s advice on the committees, FAZ admitted having knowledge of the irregularities regarding the placement of the Governance and Review Committee and the Audit and Compliance Committee. The House may wish to note that this position was not communicated by FAZ to the NSCZ, the candidates and the public prior to the Attorney-General’s interpretation.

Mr Speaker, following the announcement on 17^th February, 2025, of successful candidates and invalidation of some nominees for the forthcoming elective FAZ AGM, there has been an impasse among the football fraternity, especially on the invalidation of some candidates. Once again, the NSCZ wrote to FAZ urging the association to consider dealing with the impasse amicably. FAZ has been guided to consider convening a credible committee or committees, as guided by the its constitution, to oversee FAZ elections and the elective AGM taking into consideration the guidance of the Attorney-General on the overlapping roles of the Judicial bodies and other standing committees.

Mr Speaker, after the nominations and announcement of successful candidates, it was noted with concern that there was a declaration by the chairperson of the FAZ Electoral Committee of a particular presidential candidate as duly elected winner before hosting the AGM and before appeals were heard. That act was in conflict with the association’s constitution, which stipulates that candidates are to be elected by the council at the AGM in accordance with Article 23(c) as well as Article 33(3) of the FAZ Constitution, which stipulates that the President shall be elected by the AGM.

Mr Speaker, in line with the Attorney-General’s advice and the developments outlined, the NSCZ held a press briefing at the National Sports Development Centre (NASDEC) on 19^th February, 2025, where the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSCZ addressed the following:

1. bringing the contents of the Attorney-General’s letter to the attention of FAZ and the general public, especially since the on-going matters related to FAZ had attracted increased public interest; and
2. based on the Attorney-General’s advice, and in line with the FAZ Constitution, the NSCZ informed the nation that it shall not recognise the current Executive Committee and the President beyond 28^th February, 2025.

Mr Speaker, the NSCZ wrote to the football world governing body, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), on 20^th February, 2025, regarding the developments in football in the country and the need for FIFA to help resolve the impasse. On 23^rd February, 2025, FIFA responded to the effect that it was studying the situation and engaging FAZ regarding the matter. The communication further indicated that FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were monitoring the situation and would be on the ground to oversee the developments.

Mr Speaker, as a way of diffusing the impasse, the NSCZ’s interventions and directives have yielded results, including forty-eight successful appeals out of seventy-two candidates with four at the presidential level.

Mr Speaker, the NSCZ is ready to intervene in correcting the situation at FAZ as provided for in the Sports Council of Zambia Act, Chapter 142 of the Laws of Zambia, which highlights the following under Article 10(2):

“Where the council has reason to believe that an association is acting in a manner prejudicial to the interest of sport or to the public interests generally, the council may suspend the activities of that association.”

Mr Speaker, Article 10(3) of the Sports Council of Zambia Act states:

“Where the Council has reason to believe that any office-bearer or member of an association is or has been acting in a manner or his further continuance as an office-bearer or member would be prejudicial to the interests of sports or public interest generally, the Council may order the suspension of that office-bearer or member.”

Mr Speaker, the NSCZ, further advised FAZ to adhere to the directives issued in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Zambia, in the interest of the football the fans, and the general public.

Mr Speaker, considering the impracticality of holding elections on 28^th February, 2025, – I repeat. Considering the impracticality of holding elections on 28^th February, 2025, which is tomorrow, the NSCZ will allow FAZ to hold elections on 29^th March, 2025, and this is in accordance with FAZ Constitution and as guided by the Attorney-General. This is in order to provide sufficient time to prepare for the election adequately. The current Executive Committee, the NSCZ and FAZ Secretariat will work together to prepare for the elections.

Mr Speaker, it should be noted that the Government, through the ministry, is not interfering with FAZ. However, the NSCZ is directly engaging FAZ to find a sustainable and amicable solution to avoid it being banned from the governing body for football, FIFA. FIFA has also been officially informed by the council about the current developments at FAZ. The NSCZ’s involvement in FAZ elections is in line with its Act and its mandate as a regulator of sport development in the country. The Sports Council Act is superior to all constitutions of sports associations, including that of FAZ. The actions of the council should not in any way be deemed as interference in the affairs of FAZ. It is rather a step towards creating harmony in the football fraternity.

Mr Speaker, the NSCZ has also guided its aggrieved parties to exhaust all its processes to address grievances and not to rush to the courts of law. The Sports Council Act provides clear guidelines that address grievances in associations. As such, the NSCZ has invited all parties to work with it to address all raised issues amicably.

 Mr Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to mention that football is a sport loved and cherished by many Zambians.  FAZ, the current executive, and all football enthusiasts have the noble responsibility of safeguarding the credibility of the sport.  The actions taken by FAZ must coincide with the purpose of that good game, which is to empower athletes, unite the nation, and create a livelihood for participants. We also appeal to other national sports associations to adhere to the Sports Council Act in order to have credible elections.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask a question. I also thank the hon. Minister for that comprehensive response to the question on the shenanigans at the Football House.

Mr Speaker, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the activities that it carries out, including managing our national teams, men and women, is, as per our understanding, sponsored by the Government. Does the Government, by law and the mere fact that it bankrolls the activities of FAZ in this country, have a right to intervene when things go wrong and ensure that they are brought back on the right path, as opposed to people who suggest that every time the Government wants to correct things in football, then that constitutes Government’s interference, which should attract a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) ban. Would the hon. Minister clarify the position?

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, indeed, the Government gives the FAZ 100 percent support. For avoidance of doubt, it is important for people to know that the Government gives FAZ money to enable the players travel back to Zambia from wherever they are. The Government also pays allowances for players when they are in camp. It also gives bonuses to the winning teams to the tune of US$5,000 per game, for both men and women. It also spends money on transport, accommodation, including all other expenses. Therefore, we have every right to ask FAZ to be accountable because they use taxpayers' money.  There are people who think that when the Government asks FAZ to account for that money, it is tantamount to interference. It is not. 

Mr Speaker, FIFA has given guidance that federations should account for the money that the Government spends on them.  We may not ask them to account for the money that is coming from FIFA because it has its own internal controls. So, I thought I should make that point very clear. The Government has every right to ask how its money is being spent. That should not be termed as interference.

Mr Speaker, when it comes to interventions, every sport that emerges in the country should be cleared by the Government through the NSCZ. One cannot go and affiliate with an international body without clearance from the Government. It is the Government that facilitates one’s affiliation to international bodies. So, it is important for people to understand that when we ask about what is obtaining, especially when it is of public interest, that is not interference. All we are trying to do is to make peace with the fans, football players, athletes, and our federations.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the Government spends some money on football, just as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) contributes significantly to the associations affiliated to it. I am happy that the hon. Minister mentioned that FIFA guided the Government and other stakeholders, such as the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) to stick to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) roadmap with regard to the elections.

Mr Speaker, today, there was a physical confrontation. People almost exchanged fists of fury in the corridors of Football House. Why have we allowed this kind of lawlessness to ensue at FAZ? This might attract sanctions from both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, because at the end of the day, these organisations have stipulated rules on how the associations affiliated to them should govern themselves. You will recall that a very big footballing African nation up north, which experienced similar issues, was suspended, and that affected the progress of football in that country. To date, that country is struggling to recover from the suspension. What are we doing to ensure that we do not allow FAZ and this country, which loves soccer so much, to face negative sanctions from FIFA?

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, I thank Hon. Kampyongo for that important supplementary question, and I appreciate his concern.

Mr Speaker, I will start by saying that every Zambian should not pray for a ban. As a county, we should unite to make sure that we are not banned. I will give a practical example. We have laws in this country, and one of them is ‘do not steal.’ Even the Bible says ‘do not steal,’…

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Mr Nkandu: … but people steal.

Mr Mabeta: Just imagine.

Mr Nkandu: We have laws in the country that prohibit people from fighting or assaulting each other, but we have assault cases. In short, we have many laws that some people might abrogate. So, if there was a physical fight at Football House, it was very unfortunate. I want to say that no one should allow physical confrontation because only people who, for lack of a better word, cannot think, resort to physical fights. That is regrettable. Obviously, we are going to look into that issue through the National Sports Council of Zambia, which manages sports in the country. I want to say that every federation should abide by its own rules, and the rules are not made by the Government; we just receive them. Federations say ‘This is how we want to manage ourselves.’ So, let them stick to what they have agreed to. Let them stick to what they vowed to do, unlike using, for lack of a better term again, shenanigans to get into positions. I do not think that is the correct way of doing things.

Mr Speaker, Hon. Kampyongo, myself and every Zambian should strive to ensure that that the country avoids a FIFA ban. Let me take this opportunity to say that every time someone wants to correct a situation, even if he is objective, the only thing he says is ‘we are going to be banned.’ It is like people want Zambia to be banned. Some people want to use the threat of a FIFA ban to their advantage. I think, people need to understand that FIFA cannot just come out of sleep and say that it is banning the country. There are processes to be followed; it is not something easy. I think that the Zambian people should understand that this is a Government of laws. We want to promote the rule of law, so every federation, association and political party should follow its own rules created for itself.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Mr Speaker, what mitigation measures are being put in place regarding what is happening at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)? What measures are being put in place to ensure that the impasse at FAZ is mitigated now and going forward, as it were?

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, as the Government, we have taken some measures. In fact, we have just come from a forum where all the presidents and secretary-generals of the fifty-seven associations and federations were present. The House should know that as the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), we do not only manage FAZ; there are fifty-seven associations and federations. The issue is not unique to FAZ as it happens even to other federations. However, many people follow only football. As the saying goes, football is a religion. Many issues that have been highlighted happen in athletics, boxing and other sports, but the NSCZ always manages all the issues.

Mr Speaker, to answer the question, to mitigate the situation, we called all the presidents and secretary-generals to a forum and taught them good governance. I think, that was important. I made it very clear that people should never defile their organisation’s constitution or alter it to favour the incumbent, which is what is happening. I know that it is not happening only in football circles but also in political parties. People are altering constitutions to favour themselves as incumbents, so that they continue running the affairs of such groupings. I think, it is important for people to understand that when your time has come, it has come. Looking at the situation that has befallen us, we have directed the NSCZ to look into the issue at FAZ and call other federations to see how best we can mitigate the situation and ensure that such issues do not continue.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, we have a lot of business at hand, and we also have to prepare for the coming of the Head of State tomorrow.

So, we make progress.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has plans to install an Acrow bridge as a long term measure. However, he has not indicated when that will be done. In fact, the fact of the matter is that this is a metal bridge and it has gone down, and motorists are now avoiding the road because they do not know maybe, the bridge can be washed away. So, my question is: When will the Government install the Acrow Bridge?

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, according to the information at our office, the RDA, through the provincial office in Muchinga Province, has already undertaken an assessment of the condition of the bridge and that traffic has since resumed. In line with the Government’s pronouncement, the Government intends to carry out a major replacement of the bridge. The estimated cost has already been projected to stand at K6,513,312.40. The bridge construction works are expected to commence once funds are secured.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

DESIGNATION OF CHIBOBO RESETTLEMENT SCHEME IN LUFUBU PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

235. Mr Kolala (Lufubu) asked the Vice-President:

1. whether the Chibobo Resettlement Scheme in Lufubu Parliamentary Constituency is designated as such;
2. if so, whether the local traditional leadership had given consent to the establishment of the scheme;
3. how much land was yet to be allocated, as of March, 2024;
4. what the size of each farm allocated is; and
5. how many farmers have been allocated land and issued with title deeds under the scheme.

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that yes, Chibobo is designated as a resettlement scheme in Ngabwe District of Central Province and was established in 2017. The Department of Resettlement acquired the land from His Royal Highness Chief Mukubwe of Ngabwe District on 2^nd August, 2017, through a consent letter signed by His Royal Highness, Chief Mukubwe, whose name is Mr Isaac Mwendachabe and a site plan dated 20^th August, 2017.

Mr Speaker, the resettlement scheme has demarcated 255 farms. As at 31^st December, 2024, the total number of farms with title deeds was twenty-eight. The plot sizes range from 8 ha to 50 ha. As of March, 2024, all the 255 farms had been allocated through the Provincial Land Allocations Committee. It is important to note that all farms were allocated in 2019.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kolala: Mr Speaker, I do not have any further question but I would like to inform Her Honour the Vice-President that our concern is that there has been no development since the resettlement was established. So, we would like to request her to help us even by working on the feeder roads because that will really help the farmers.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Her Honour the Vice-President, do you want to comment?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, indeed, if it is about infrastructure, that is what we are trying to address but we also look at how active the scheme is. Are the people who were given title deeds or the settlers actively involved in agricultural activities? We are actively following up the activities in Chibobo Resettlement Scheme, including making further consultations. There are many things going on. I am sure, the hon. Member knows that. We can continue to discuss. However, we are working to ensure we have development in such areas. That is the purpose.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES IN CHEWESHIFWAMBA WARD IN KANCHIBIYA CONSTITUENCY

236. Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

1. how many bridges are earmarked for construction in Cheweshifwamba Ward in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency;
2. when the project will commence; and
3. what the cost, on average, of constructing each bridge is

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that only one bridge is earmarked for construction in Cheweshifwamba Ward of Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency, and this is the Mulyangwa Bridge.

Mr Speaker, the construction of this bridge is likely to commence by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

Mr Speaker, the average cost of this particular bridge is K1.3 million.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chanda: Mr Speaker, on behalf of the people of Kanchibiya, I appreciate the response from the hon. Minister. However, Cheweshifwamba is a new ward created in 2021. It is inaccessible, but with a lot of potential for agriculture.

Mr Speaker, my appeal to the Government is that as it considers constructing one bridge, it also considers helping us with a couple of bridges because we can deal with smaller bridges using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scope. However, building a bridge across Lwitikila River, which is a very big river, can be quite expensive and complex for us to deal with. So, we appreciate the intervention from the Government. This is just a comment as we look forward to the commencement of the works in the second quarter of 2025.

PRODUCTS PRODUCED AT INDENI ENERGY COMPANY LIMITED IN NDOLA

237. Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Energy:

1. what products are produced at Indeni Energy Company Limited in Ndola District;
2. how much capital is required to fully operationalise the company;
3. of the capital at (b), how much was raised, as of April, 2024;
4. whether the conversion of the company from Indeni Petroleum Refinery to Indeni Energy has had an effect in terms of lowering the cost of fuel in the country; and
5. what the total workforce at Indeni Energy was, as of March, 2024.

The Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati) (on behalf of the Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote)): Mr Speaker, Indeni Energy Company Limited is an oil marketing company (OMC). It does not produce any product, but trades in imported finished products.

Mr Speaker, the company requires about US$250 million to be fully operational, which includes US$100 million working capital for procurement of fuel for resell and US$150 million for capital expenditure to include an ethanol distilling plant and loading gantry.

Mr Speaker, the company had not raised any capital as at end of April 2024.

Mr Speaker, the volumes that are being traded by the company currently are low and have no impact on the current fuel pump price. However, as it recapitalises and increases its trading volumes, the company will create competition for the market, thereby, impacting the fuel pump price. That will be achieved through improved security of supply of petroleum products on the market and availability of strategic reserves. A case in point is the introduction of the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipeline Limited open access from 1^st April, 2025. Indeni Energy Company Limited competed with other OMCs and was awarded a contract to supply 35,000 metric tonnes of low-sulphur gas oil at a competitive price. It is, therefore, expected that this will impact the price of diesel in April 2025.

Mr Speaker, the company’s workforce stood at 127 employees as at end of March 2024.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Mr Speaker, the confirmation by the hon. Minister is that Indeni Energy Company Limited is now an oil marketing company (OMC), meaning that it has to import commodities and sell them at a profit. One of my questions was about the capital that is needed for the company to perform because, obviously, an OMC requires money. So, if there is no money to put into Indeni Energy Company Limited, I do not see it giving us the results that we desire. When is the Government going to provide the financial resources needed for the company to perform? Does the ministry have any model that it is proposing for financing capital injection in the company?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, the first option that the company pursued was to approach the Government. So, it submitted a proposal to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Council to attract a private partner to work with. The council accepted the proposal and the company is undertaking the necessary feasibility study. Secondly, with the introduction of open access as of 1^st April, 2025, and the company having won the contract to supply 35,000 metric tonnes of low-sulphur gas oil, it appears that it is on the path to raise not only operating capital, but sufficient capacity as it proceeds to invest and keep itself running.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Mr Speaker, I am happy that the hon. Minister has confirmed one of the options that the Government is considering.

Mr Speaker, the current shareholding for Indeni Energy Company Limited is held by the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Is the hon. Minister able to indicate the position in terms of equity? Does the Government have plans to offload some of the shares to bring in an equity partner or will the Government simply mobilise resources internally?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I said that the PPP Council has authorised Indeni Energy Company Limited, which is currently undertaking a feasibility study, to procure the best mode of bringing in either an equity partner or a partner that supplies credit or other forms of financing. So, there will be multiple options that it will pursue under that model.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me a chance to ask a supplementary question on behalf of the people of Lundazi on an issue that is affecting our country; the price of fuel, which has increased.

Mr Speaker, in the initial response, the hon. Minister said that as of 1^st April, 2025, other oil marketing companies (OMCs) will have access to supply fuel. During the period when the Government limited the supply of fuel to only one company, did that situation not do a lot of harm to the people of Zambia?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, first of all, the determination of fuel prices has many factors, including the international price of crude oil, upon which the company in question has absolutely no control. Secondly, it is influenced by the exchange rate. The third factor is the logistical component.

Mr Speaker, in the intervening period, the company was trading as an OMC and it secured contracts with mining companies to which it has been supplying fuel. That is what is giving it the capacity to continue operating.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

_______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1749 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 28^th February, 2025.

____________