Wednesday, 29^th October, 2025

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_______

 

No quorum

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

We now have a quorum. The time is 1440 hours and the Business of the House starts at 1430 hours. We have lost ten minutes. Actually, it is now eleven minutes lost. Our Standing Orders are very clear. Standing Order No. 214 states the following:

 

“Parliamentary Decorum and Etiquette

 

…

 

1. A Member shall observe the following rules of parliamentary etiquette:

 

1. a Member shall be in the House or in a meeting room a few minutes before the appointed time for commencement of the Sitting of the House and after health break;”

 

Clearly, most of us are in breach of that Standing Order. If you want the Standing Orders amended so that we start business late, then let us amend them. Hon. Members, you cannot expect the Presiding Officer to sit here and wait for all of you. It is unparliamentary and unacceptable. Otherwise, we will start closing the door. Hon. Members who do not arrive on time will not be able to attend the Sitting of the House.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM WALUSUNGU CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

 

Madam Speaker: Hon Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Walusungu Christian Academy in Lusaka District.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

_______

 

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR B. MPUNDU, HON. MEMBER FOR NKANA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON PAYMENT OF FARMERS WHO SUPPLIED MAIZE TO THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY 

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I rise on an Urgent Matter without Notice, which matter I direct to Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, food insecurity is a source of insecurity everywhere. The issue I bring to this august House affects all corners of this country. People have called me and told to come and present this matter today on their behalf to this august House. On Sunday, when I was in Kitwe, it rained cats and dogs. So, farmers are in the fields.

 

Madam Speaker, because we have started exporting the maize we produced in the last farming season, we need to prepare ourselves for a better harvest next season. Farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) have not been paid since July. They are supposed to use that money to prepare for the coming farming season.

 

Madam Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President is seated without coming to this august House to assure farmers, who are now becoming desperate by the day because of the failure of the Government to pay them since July, that they will be paid. The rainy season has set in and farmers are supposed to go and prepare their fields so that the country is food secure. Is the Vice-President in order to not come to this House with a statement to assure the nation that the Government will pay, and when that will be done, so that farmers can prepare to secure the country food-wise?

 

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Nkana. You started by mixing two issues. You said that there is hunger in the country, but then you ended up –

 

Mr B. Mpundu indicated dissent.

 

Madam Speaker: You said that there was hunger in the country, so I was taken aback. Yesterday, we were talking about the issue of gaga, which was raised by the hon. Member for Kasenengwa, on which I guided. However, you have talked about the issue of the farmers who have not been paid. I believe that issue is supposed to be directed at the hon. Minister of Agriculture, but because he is not in the House, maybe, that is why you have referred it to Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

There are complaints that farmers have not been paid after supplying maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). I mentioned it even yesterday, when the hon. Member for Kasenengwa raised his issue. I think that the issue of payments is very important, especially since we are going into the rainy season. Once farmers supply maize, I think, it is only right that they are paid in good time so that they can prepare for the next rainy season. So, in view of the fact that farmers have not been paid, there must be a reason. Maybe, the Executive can explain to the House why farmers have not been paid up to date after supplying maize.

 

Unfortunately, Your Honour the Vice-President, it falls on you. I know the hon. Minister of Agriculture is not in the House for some reason. I am sure he will be here, but it will be very important to come back to the House to explain why farmers have not been paid so that they can hear for themselves and know that the people they elected to represent them are speaking on their behalf.

 

I do not know when that can be done. Would Tuesday next week be a suitable day for you to come back and issue a statement on the situation regarding the payments from the FRA?

 

The Vice-President indicated assent.

 

Madam Speaker: Many farmers around the country are saying that they have not been paid. It would be good to know the status and have an explanation of how much is owed to the farmers. So, Her Honour the Vice-President or the hon. Minister of Agriculture can come back to the House and update the nation. It would be appropriate for the hon. Minister of Agriculture to come and render a Ministerial Statement, instead of Her Honour the Vice-President. I think, let me give it to the hon. Minister of Agriculture to come to the House with a comprehensive statement on why farmers have not been paid.

 

MR KAFWAYA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNTE, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I rise on an Urgent Matter without Notice direct to Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, yesterday, the Roman Catholic Church, through Caritas Zambia, rejected an invitation from the Technical Committee that is going around the country to consult people in provincial headquarters regarding the constitutional amendment process. The Roman Catholic Church said that it refused the invitation because Chipata, where the consultation is taking place, is not the whole Eastern Province. It is concerned about all the citizens who reside in other districts of the Eastern Province who will not be able to participate in the process.

 

Madam Speaker, the method being used in the Eastern Province is the same in every other province. The appointed committee will only visit provincial headquarters.  Therefore, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President whether it is the intention of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government to completely ignore citizens in 106 districts, and only expect to carry the views of citizens of ten districts, who are in provincial headquarters. Is it the view of the UPND that views from 106 districts do not matter or that the people in those areas are peripheral and irrelevant as far as the constitutional amendment is concerned? Is this a matter Her Honour Vice-President would be happy to clarify to the nation?

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I seek your direction on Her Honour the Vice-President clarifying whether all other people, except those in ten districts of the country, are not important regarding the constitutional amendment process.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Lunte.

 

I know that the Technical Committee has been appointed to go around collecting views on the amendment of the Constitution. That committee has its own terms of reference and it is inviting stakeholders to make submissions. The submissions are not compulsory. Stakeholders are free to submit or reject the invitation. If there are any concerns about the processes surrounding how the work is being undertaken, I think the Technical Committee itself would be competent enough to handle those concerns. So, it is best to make those submissions to the Technical Committee, instead of raising apprehension about its method of collecting information. I believe the committee has a schedule or programme that it has worked out on its own on how to reach out to as many people as possible.

 

So, hon. Member for Lunte, I respect your view, but I suggest that you approach the Technical Committee and present your concerns to it. Then it will be able to handle those concerns. We cannot run things concurrently. The Technical Committee is sitting and collecting views and then the House is also doing the same thing. I think that would be duplicity of work. So, that matter is not admitted.

 

MR J. CHIBUYE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ROAN, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MR MTOLO, ON UNCOLLECTED MAIZE FOR FRA DEPOTS

 

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): On an Urgent Matter Without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, pardon me. I will still go back to the issue of maize. The matter I am raising is directed at the hon. Minister of Agriculture. I know that you guided the House on this matter, but I still want to add a cherry on top of the same issue.

 

Madam Speaker, last weekend, I was in my constituency. Roan is predominately a mining constituency, but it has active peasant farmers and they produce enough maize. I am one of the transporters ferrying maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) sheds to keep it safe. I am worried because when I went to the areas in the periphery, I saw a lot of maize laying in the open. We are saying hallelujah today, and thanking the heavens for having given us a bumper harvest. With the onset of rainfall, I am worried that we shall have a lot of wasted grain as it will be soaked. I want to find out what measures the Government, through the ministry of agriculture, is taking to mop up all the grain that we harvested this year and put it in sheds to keep it safe.

 

Madam Speaker: Indeed, the rainy season has started. I think, yesterday, and about a week ago or so, we had rainfall. Unless the maize is secured, it will go to waste. So, maybe, as the hon. Minister comes to present the Ministerial Statement on the payment of farmers, he can touch on the issue of mopping up the maize and taking it to secure places. He can just combine the two issues. I hope that the hon. Minister of Agriculture will be advised accordingly.

 

I can see Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Maybe, she wants to answer now, but our rules do not allow such. The Executive needs to come prepared with Ministerial Statements, and then hon. Members can be given an opportunity to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statements.

 

So, that concludes the Urgent Matters without Notice segment.

 

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

Mr S. Banda: Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity you have granted me to ask a question on behalf of the people of Petauke Central.

 

PLANS TO CONSTRUCT MOTORCYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE ON ALL PUBLIC ROADS

 

39. Mr S. Banda (Petauke Central) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct the following infrastructure on all public roads, countrywide:

 

1. motorcycle lanes; and
2. motorcycle bays;

 

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Petauke Central. I like the way you are coming up. You are being very active.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Please, keep it up.

 

However, when it comes to the National Anthem, the hon. Member of Parliament for Petauke Central and the hon. Member for Lumezi do not sing. Sometimes, I even wonder whether we should have   the National Anthem on the screen to remind hon. Members about singing it.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Balishishita!

 

Madam Speaker: I am always looking at you. From the time you came to the House, hon. Member for Lumezi, I have not seen you open your mouth …

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: … to sing the National Anthem.

 

Yesterday, the bass from the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics was very good. It was very nice.

 

Mr Tayali: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: I enjoyed that bass.

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans to construct motorcycle lanes and motor bicycle bays, as they form part of motorised traffic, which is already accommodated on existing public roads and those under construction.

 

Madam Speaker, as stated above, the Government has no plans to do that.

 

Madam Speaker, as stated in the answer to part (a) of the question, motor bicycles form part of motorised traffic, which is already accommodated on all public roads.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr S. Banda: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response. May I know if the hon. Minister knows the advantages of having motor bicycle lanes and bays, especially for us who come from the eastern part of this country? For his information, in the Eastern Province, there is a village named after a brand of motor bicycles; it is called Gatoma.

 

Laughter

 

Mr S. Banda: Does the hon. Minister know the advantage of having motorbicycle lanes alongside the main roads?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Tell us!

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I would ask the hon. Member of Parliament to educate me before I say a lot more.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Petauke Central, do you want to ask another question.

 

Mr S. Banda indicated dissent.

 

Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa): Madam Speaker, in the Eastern Province, specifically in Chipata, on a daily basis we lose more than two motor bicycle operators because of the increased number of motor bicycles  on the roads. Some of the motor bicycle riders are not even licensed. Now that accidents occur almost every day, is the Government considering introducing motorcycle lanes and bays to prevent accidents? What is the ministry going to do about this?

 

Madam Speaker, I may have veered off the question a bit, but considering that we have accidents almost every day, I had to ask this question. Actually, in Chipata there is saying that, “Phika akati odi.” It means that you only cook for your husband when he comes back from working as a rider because the situation is very bad; people die almost every day. So, going forward, would the Government consider introducing motor bicycles lanes and bays?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, let me combine my answer to the question that was raised by the owner of the original question. Probably, the more serious answer would be that the Government is concerned with the increased of number of accidents resulting from motor bicycles. As you can see around the length and breadth of this country, the number of motor bicycles has increased tremendously. Even my own constituency, Nangoma, which had a few motor bicycles, now has many. When you go to any hospital or clinic in this country, particularly in rural areas, you will find sections in clinics where those who get hurt from motor bicycle accidents are put. So, this problem has become big.  Now, working with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and others in the transport sector, we believe, strongly so, that to reduce motor bicycles accidents, we need huge awareness campaigns and ensure that riders of motor bicycles are trained and licensed, particularly in border areas. There are many motor bicycles coming into the country, and there are many members of the public riding motor bicycles without any experience at all. This has increased the number of accidents.

 

Madam Speaker, as regards the construction of specific lanes and bays for motor bicycles  on the existing roads, we consider motor bicycles  as part of motorised vehicles on the road. So, they are catered for in the road designs. The problem which my brother has articulated is that when we construct dedicated lanes for motorbikes, obviously, the factor of safety will increase. However, we believe that the immediate solution to reducing the accidents is training the new riders. This is a huge problem, but the Government will do everything possible to ensure that the reckless loss of life because of immature riders is reduced. We can work together and reduce this scourge. So, I completely understand the concerns being put on the Floor of the House.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for his responses so far. I also want to thank him for recognising that there is a problem with the issue of motorbikes.

 

Madam Speaker, our business trend has changed in Zambia. We are now part of what I can call a growing economy. Some of the motorbikes are used for delivery of services. For example, if one does not want to drive or use a bus to go to the shopping mall, one can just use an app to order a motorbike and it will come through.  In my area, this has become a source of transport because it is cheaper. So, we have to accept that we are going to have to be dealing with this issue.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government has not done much because the motorbikes are unlicensed and they do not have insurance.  Some of the accidents that occur are avoidable. So, an awareness campaign only might not work. Apart from an awareness campaign, when can we have a clear direction in terms of policy implementation by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics since both ministries are responsible for road and transport issues?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, again, I thank the hon. Member for that very important question. However, I would request that since this is a very serious matter, it should be directed to the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics. Probably, this matter should even come to the House in form of a Ministerial Statement so that we can comprehensively tackle it.  It is a matter which we cannot gloss over as a question or whatever it is. It is a matter which we need to comprehensively discuss so that the hon. Member’s solutions are offered.

 

Madam, I am aware that he has discussed this matter at length with Hon. Tayali. He has also gone on a public awareness campaign himself on several fora to express concern about the huge numbers of citizens we are losing as a result of motorbike accidents.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much for that comment. I will make my comments later after we finish the questions. Hon. Member for Mandevu, you may proceed.

 

Mr Shakafuswa (Mandevu): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

 

 Madam Speaker, the country, through local authorities, has adopted integrated development plans (IDPs).  One of the requirements for a ward, a constituency or a district to come up with a plan which will later on be approved, is inclusivity.  This means that when undertaking any development in an area, the differently abled, the elderly people, the youth, women, motorised transport users such as motorcycle users must be considered. This is to make sure that whatever development is undertaken within the plan speaks to everyone within the community.

 

Madam Speaker, my brother, the hon. Member for Kantanshi is asking for the policy. I can assure him that the policy is there and it is part of the terms of the development of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Now, that I have alluded to a piece of policy through the IDPs, will the Government consider constructing lay-bys for motorbike users just like we have bus stations for buses since they are part of the transport system in other parts of the country? So, in line with the inclusivity, will the Government consider including lay-bys for our colleagues who use motorbikes to transport goods and people in other parts of the country?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, let me repeat my answer.

 

Madam Speaker, I said very clearly that by design, public roads are intended for use by all forms of motorised traffic, including motorcycles. The existing road design standards provide for a main carriageway designated for motorised vehicles while side lanes or shoulders are provided to accommodate non-motorised traffic such as bicycles and pedestrians.

 

Madam Speaker, further, to improve the safety profile on the public roads, the Government has plans to construct pedestrian and bicycle lanes to accommodate non-motorised traffic. In addition, the Government, through the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, with support from the African Development Bank Mitigation Action Facility, is preparing to implement the Lusaka Low Carbon Urban Transport. So, clearly, the Government is doing something about this problem, and it has future plans for new infrastructure. As for the old infrastructure, the Government believes that educating our new riders is the way to go, but together, we will find a solution.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, the issue of motorbikes even in Kankoyo is a thorn in our flesh. Every week, we lose young men in accidents. At Ronald Rose Hospital, there is even a ward which they call, “Aba wonda ward”, which has patients   with serious injuries such as broken legs. 

 

Madam Speaker, motorbikes are a problem because they offer an economic benefit to the people who buy them.  They are low investment, but with high return. What am I talking about? In K130,000, you can buy one taxi, which will give you K30,000 per day. However, a motorbike worth K30,000 will give you K250 per day. So, from K130,000, you will be able to buy four motorbikes and raise K1,000 per day. So, those who are investing in motorbikes are making more money than those investing in taxis. So, the issue of motorbikes is beyond even just a policy. It is something we need to think outside the box to understand how we can get rid of it because people are dying every day.

 

Madam Speaker, we have had the problem of deaths of illegal miners in the mining sector.  Formalisation of illegal mining is slowly proving to be a solution to that problem. We also need to formalise the operations of motorbikes.  This business has come to stay and people are benefiting from it. So, we cannot fight whilst people are benefiting. Is the ministry considering formalising it so that slowly, we can save lives that are being lost every day?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member of Parliament for articulating this matter very well, and I cannot agree more. These motorbikes have come to stay and they are offering a very brilliant service particularly, to some of us who come from rural areas. When you travel to Nangoma, Kaputa inclusive, you will see that motor bicycles are everywhere, and they make life easier. So, the answer is yes. We are considering formalising motorcycles. We believe that they will help the economic development of our country.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: In view of the comments that were made by the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, I agree with the suggestion that, maybe, the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics should come back to the House with a comprehensive statement on the plans for this matter because, seriously speaking, motorcycles are here to stay, and there is so much congestion on our roads. When I saw this question, I thought it was a good one.

 

Hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics, you can come back to the House with a statement. I do not know when you will be ready. Is next week on Wednesday okay?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, we are duly guided. However, I am heading to Luapula Province to inspect the first harbours that have been constructed in this country since Independence. After which, I will meet my workers at the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) to break the good news that has come up in that particular sector with the revitalisation of TAZARA. So, I will confer with my officials to see when I will return. The ministry will communicate officially through the Office of the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly. The ministry will take this matter seriously. We are eager to shed more light on the interventions that my ministry is making to curb the rising incidents of motor bicycle crashes. Suffice to say, it is very important that we, particularly motorists, accept that motor bicycles are here to stay. There ought to be mutual respect for all road users. Indeed, as the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has said, there is no country, particularly those countries that have invested heavily in motor bicycles, whether China or India, that has designated motor bicycle lanes. We have to co-exist on the existing infrastructure.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics will get back to the House.

 

Please, hon. Minister, do not take too long, because the hon. Member for Petauke Central would like that issue cleared up. You should advise the Office of the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly when the Ministerial Statement can be presented. Of course, after being cleared by the Vice-President's Office.

 

 Thank you.

 

SEXTORTION IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

 

40. Mr J. Chibuye (Roan) asked the Minister of Education:

 

1. how many cases of sextortion in institutions of higher learning were recorded countrywide from 2021 to 2024, year by year;

 

1. how many offenders were arrested in the same period; 

 

1. how many offenders were dismissed from employment; and

 

1. what urgent measures are being taken to curb the vice.

 

 The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima)): Madam Speaker, it is important to understand the word ‘Sextortion’. Sextortion is defined as an abuse of power or authority to demand sexual favours in exchange for academic or professional benefits. Sextortion in institutions of higher learning occurs when a person uses their position or influence to demand sexual favours in exchange for marks, admission, accommodation or other benefits. This may involve lecturers, administrators or even students. There are what we call STDs now, which are defined as sexually transmitted degrees (STDs). So, even students may also entice the administrators and lecturers. It can also be an abuse or influence over fellow students, and it is both sexual harassment and corruption, as it entails abuse of power or trust for sexual gain.

 

Madam Speaker, the records, which are available at the Higher Education Authority (HEA), indicate that eight cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and sextortion were formally reported between 2021 and 2024, and are broken down as follows:

 

1. in 2021, two cases;

 

1. in 2022, three cases;

 

1. in 2023, two cases; and 

 

1. in 2024, one case.

 

Madam Speaker, as of September 2025, no new cases were reported. However, while the numbers appear low, the ministry considers every case serious and also unacceptable.

 

Madam Speaker, the statistics on the number of offenders who were arrested in the same period are not maintained by the HEA, but the Zambia Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). However, the ministry is aware that the reported cases were referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution, as required by the law.

 

Madam Speaker, during the period under review, six members of staff from institutions of higher learning were dismissed following investigations and disciplinary action arising from GBV and sextortion-related offences.

 

Madam Speaker, in recognition of the insidious nature of sextortion, the ministry, through the HEA, has put in place the following urgent measures:

 

Policy Enforcement

 

Madam Speaker, all higher education institutions are being directed to adopt and strictly enforce zero-tolerance policies on sexual harassment and sextortion.

 

Reporting and Disciplinary Mechanisms

 

Madam Speaker, confidential and anonymous reporting platforms are being encouraged and developed to enable students to report cases safely and without fear of reprisal.

 

Awareness and Counseling

 

 Madam Speaker, sensitisation campaigns and counseling services are being rolled out to empower students and staff to recognise, resist and report sextortion.

 

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry is strengthening partnerships with the Zambia Police Service’s Victim Support Unit (VSU) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to ensure that reported cases are speedily investigated and prosecuted.

 

 Institutional Accountability

 

Madam Speaker, compliance audits conducted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) now include assessments of how institutions handle sexual harassment and sextortion cases, with sanctions imposed on non-compliant institutions.

 

Capacity Building

 

Madam Speaker, the HEA is facilitating training programmes for institutional management and disciplinary committees to improve their ability to identify, investigate and respond effectively to cases of sexual misconduct.

 

Ethics and Integrity Curriculum

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry is also developing, in collaboration with faith-based institutions, a compulsory ethics and integrity course for first-year students to promote moral conduct and combat corruption, including sextortion.

 

Madam Speaker, sextortion, like all other forms of corruption and abuse, has no place in our education system. The ministry will continue to enforce a policy of zero tolerance, strengthen institutional accountability and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that education in Zambia remains safe, credible and a true source of national pride. These measures demonstrate the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of higher education institutions and ensuring that all students and staff learn and work in an environment free from sexual exploitation and abuse.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, I will begin by stating that I will respect the statistics given by the Acting hon. Minister of Education, although I am not comfortable with them. I also concerned with the definition of sextortion, which is very broad. I believe that there are more cases out there that need to be captured under that definition.

 

Madam Speaker, sextortion is a very bad vice. A few months ago, one organisation came out strongly against the same vice. I am concerned that the vice paints a blurred picture of the quality of graduates we are sending into the industry. What negative ramifications or effects does sextortion have on the output or ability to deliver on the people who are involved in sextortion? Someone who obtains a degree or diploma from sextortion will be assigned to perform functions that are typically reserved for degree holders, despite their academic qualifications being questionable. What effect would such tendencies have on the nation’s performance in terms of deliverables?

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I am happy that according to the reported cases, the situation is not so dire. I understand the hon. Member’s frustration and worry about the statistics. However, we can only give out what is reported. The fact that the statistics are based on reported cases, obviously, means that they are official. It is very difficult for us to start manufacturing cases or start working on them, unless issues are reported. Otherwise, I totally agree with the hon. Member. I am also worried that such cases have continued to happen. However, what is importance for now is that no case has been reported. All of us should appreciate that, indeed, something is being done.

 

Madam Speaker, for the other part of the question, I wish to state that, indeed, credibility is compromised when people indulge in sextortion. The credibility of qualifications of those graduating is compromised. That is something that everyone should worry about. However, the ministry is working tirelessly to curb that vice. I have just stated the measures that the ministry is putting in place. I think that should comfort the hon. Member.

 

Madam Speaker, thank you.

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the Acting hon. Minister of Education has combined gender-based violence (GBV) and the issue that was actually raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Roan Constituency. Between 2021 and 2024, eight cases were recorded. The question asked was about sextortion. However, in his response, he also included statistics for GBV. I was hoping that he would separate the two issues so that we established which cases are related to the question that was raised.

 

Madam Speaker, the performance of students starts with continuous assessment. Students write three tests. Then they are assessed before they sit for the final examination. My question is: What system is the ministry putting in place to ensure that the actual performance of a student is what is recorded? If a student passes 50 per cent of an exam, whether a lecturer is threatening that student or not, the 50 per cent mark genuinely obtained should still be sufficient. A good student should pass despite a lecturer trying to change his/her performance. What has the ministry done to ensure that the performance of children in university is not affected when it comes to the actual marking? Clearly, this is an issue of lecturers taking advantage of students. Even when they have passed, someone would want to claim that he/she can influence the outcome of results. I hope the question is very clear.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, there is a very thin line between gender based violence (GBV) and sextortion. To some extent, sextortion can be classified as either corruption or GBV because they are interrelated. I explained that and for the first time, I was very slow and calm when explaining the measures that the Government has put in place.

 

Madam Speaker, to tackle the hon. Member’s concern, one of the measures we have put in place is awareness and counseling. I said sensitisation campaigns and counseling services are being rolled out to empower students and staff to recognise, resist and report sextortion. So, in case someone is being treated in that manner, the best she/he can do is to report the matter. I believe that school management would be able to look at such an issue critically and sort it out.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, I sincerely thank the hon. Minister for his response. Now we are discussing sextortion on the Floor of the House and the nation is listening out there. We know the dangers of the same issue. The hon. Minister has told us the way forward, or how the Government is going to tackle the issue. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what his word of caution is, or should I say what his warning to those who might think of involving themselves in the vice is.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that important follow-up question.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to start by cautioning students because there are some students who do not want to read or do anything on campus. When time for examinations comes, they can even sell their bodies and do whatever they want to entice lecturers and other staff. This is not one-sided; it is a two-way thing. Both administrators and students should work very hard. After all, this Government celebrates hard work. The President of the Republic of Zambia is on record regarding this issue. He has gone to higher learning institutions and encouraged students there to learn. That is how leadership should be; leaders lead by example. Our leader has led by example.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Unlike some leaders, you know them, our President leads by example.

 

Madam Speaker, I think that our President has been to universities to advise the students and to caution lecturers and administrators. He told them that it does not pay to be on the other side of the law. Sometimes, when people have broken the law and are taken to task, they think that it is because of their ethnicity of something. No, when you break the law, you go to jail. So, my advice to those who want to break the law deliberately is that they will find themselves in jail.

 

Ms Kasune: Eh!

 

Mr Nkandu: Hon. Member, I want to emphasise.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: This is a serious warning.

 

Madam Speaker, when some people break the law, they hide behind ethnicity. Whenever they break the law, they hide behind anything that can make people sympathise with them. No, when you break, just be mindful that you will be taken to the courts of law. When you are found wanting, you will go to jail.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: So, this is a good and loaded question. I thank the hon. Member for reminding all of us that it does not pay to break the law. It does not pay to get involved in sextortion. That is my humble advice to both students and administrators. Even administrators can report students who entice them. So, every individual should just work very hard because hard work pays.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

TIMBER TRADING CONCESSIONS

 

41. Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi) asked the Minister of Green Economy and Environment:

 

1. how many timber trading concessions were issued, countrywide, from January, 2022 to July, 2025, year by year;

 

1. whether the Government has a deliberate policy to tie the issuance of concessions to value addition, in order to create jobs for the local communities; and

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to encourage timber traders to undertake corporate social responsibility programmes in the communities they operate from.

 

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, the Government did not issue concessions in 2022. However, the Government issued a total of 177 concession licences in 2023, after a call for applications was advertised. Concession licences are not issued annually, but the cycle runs for a minimum period of two years for a small-scale licence and five years for large scale licences. In this regard, the current cycle, licences were last issued in 2023. The Government has already commenced the process of advertising for the 2025 concession licences, which will be valid for two and five years respectively.

 

Madam Speaker, yes, the Government has adopted a deliberate policy that links the issuance of timber concessions to value addition. This is in line with the Government’s Industrialisation Agenda and the 2025 National Forestry Policy. All concessionaires are encouraged to add value to the harvested timber. Hence, the deliberate policy does not allow people to export raw logs, as guided by the Statutory Instrument (SI) on timber exports.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is encouraging concession holders and timber traders to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes by contributing to community development initiatives such as construction of infrastructure and support to reforestation efforts and other community-driven activities. As part of the licensing process, applicants are required to obtain consent from traditional leaders, a step that facilitates engagement on potential areas of social responsibility and ensures that communities benefit from forestry-related investments.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the good questions. My follow-up question is on tree replanting.

 

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member, good question or good response?

 

Eng. Mabenga: Good response.

 

Madam Speaker, my question is on replanting trees. Does the Government have any policy in place to ensure that those who cut down trees replant them? At the moment, people just cut down trees and leave places empty. For example, Mulobezi is becoming a desert because of that. Is there a policy that requires the people who cut down trees to replant them?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mulobezi for that follow-up question.

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry is encouraging planting of trees in areas where trees have been cut down or where timber has been harvested. So, the policy encourages replanting trees. However, the onus to replant trees is not necessarily on the companies that are given concessions to harvest timber alone; it is also on the communities we work with. Like I indicated, consent starts from traditional leaders. As Government, when we work with traditional leadership in different chiefdoms, we encourage people to plant or replant trees to allow the forests or the areas where timber is harvested time to regenerate. So, we work together with the companies that are in this business and the communities. As Government, our policy encourages planting trees to allow areas to regenerate.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kolala (Lufubu): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has given a very good response to the question. I also appreciate that in his response, he has even indicated that the Government has started advertising for new concessions, though he has not given the period for that advertisement. Concessions are given to people to harvest timber in Lufubu Constituency, but the people who get them are not from there. The people in Lufubu feel that it is not fair that people come from everywhere else to harvest timber in Lufubu. Is the ministry going to consider the local people and local co-operatives to participate in the harvest of timber? As the hon. Minister is giving us a response, maybe, he can also tell us the period that the advertisement for concessions will run so that we can prepare our people to participate, if they are allowed to.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Lufubu Constituency for the question.

 

Madam Speaker, it is the Government’s policy that the timber concessions should as much as possible, benefit the local people. However, it cannot benefit the locals in an event that they fail to apply. What do you do? Primarily, we want as much as possible, to ensure that the locals are in the forefront so that they benefit. So, I want to encourage hon. Members of Parliament through the question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Lufubu that let us encourage our people to participate. I know and appreciate his frustration that in the past, they would just see people come from other areas to benefit from resources that should benefit the locals.

 

Madam Speaker, these are issues that we are trying to change, but we can do so if we work together. Not too long ago, I sent messages to hon. Members of Parliament in various districts requesting them to provide some input on the renewal of timber concessions that were being prepared in their districts, but very few Members of Parliament came forward.  So, I just want to appeal to hon. Members of Parliament that when we call them to provide us with information, they should step forward because this will ensure that the local people participate in the preparation of timber concessions and this will create jobs for them.  So, that is our position.

 

Madam Speaker, as regards the advert, I wish to state that it is already running and it will run up to 30^th October, 2025. The advert has been running for some time now. So, I just want to encourage the hon. Member to ensure that his people have already applied. It might not be possible for him to know everybody, but the advert has been running.

 

Madam Speaker, again, I just want to emphasise and encourage the chiefs and traditional leaders to issue consents to the people they know within their communities. Again, this is where the problem starts from because from where I sit and from where my director of Forest Department is sitting, it will be difficult for us to know who is in Ngabwe. So, the traditional leaders are encouraged to give consent to local people.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order. Hon. Member for Lufubu, what is a point of order?

 

Mr Kolala: Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

 

Madam Speaker, my point of order is directed at the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment. Is the hon. Minister in order to just announce today that the advert has been running for some time and that it is coming to an end tomorrow, 30^th October, 2025? In constituencies like Lufubu that we are talking about, do not even have televisions, and we have never had the opportunity to see the advertisement.

 

Madam Speaker, is he in order to just come and announce today that tomorrow they are closing because we do not have time now to bring in the local people.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much hon. Member for Lufubu.

 

Hon. Member, I do not believe that the hon. Minister was obliged to inform the House because I take it that the advertisements were carried in the newspapers, which are public documents. So, it is always important to visit the offices if you have a particular interest. For example, if you have an interest in getting a concession in the forest, you can go and visit the ministry. If you have an interest in mining, you can go and see the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. If you have an interest in coming up with the electronic voucher (e-Voucher) system, you can go and see the Minister of Agriculture. Let us not wait to be given information there and then because hon. Ministers are not obligated to provide that information on the Floor of the House. So, let us be proactive, hon. Member. Although it is closing tomorrow, you can see the hon. Minister during tea time, then, he can give you some guidance. Let us make progress. The hon. Member for Kantanshi may proceed. 

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity.

 

Madam Speaker, I just wanted to ride on the question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mulobezi. He has raised a very important point on what happens to the pieces of land after the timber has been harvested or removed. I believe that the ministry can be a bit more ambitious because these are huge pieces of land that become bare and can easily be turned into state farms and settlements for institutions like the Zambia National Service (ZNS). Some areas where timber is being harvested have very good rainfall patterns.

 

Madam Speaker, can the ministry be a bit more ambitious by engaging the Ministry of Agriculture, the Office of the Vice-President, and the Ministry of Defence so that they make proper use of the land? As things stand now, there are no trees being planted as he is suggesting, but we can actually grow food and be productive in those areas.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, thank you, and I want to thank the Acting Leader of the Opposition and the hon. Member of Parliament for Kantanshi for the question.

 

Madam Speaker, before I answer that question, I just want to reinforce my answer to Hon. Mabenga, which I provided earlier on the plans for replanting. So, normally, at the point that concessionaires make applications, they are required to provide a roadmap for forest regeneration. That also forms part of what our officers look at, that once timber is harvested, there must be a roadmap in terms of regeneration so that we do not leave the land bare and start creating deserts. So, that also goes to the hon. Member for Kantanshi who has said that the land must, probably, be used for agricultural practices. In fact, we encourage smart agricultural practices. We cannot have a situation where trees are cut down and then we forget about growing more trees. So, our desire is to see that trees are replanted or allowed to regenerate where timber is harvested. As we cut down trees, we do not uproot them. Trees must be cut in such a way that they can regenerate. We encourage regeneration. We would be missing the point if we were harvesting trees, abandoning areas and not allowing tree regeneration, or not planting more trees and just leaving them bare. It would be wrong because, then, we would end up losing all the trees in the country. That would not be desirable, as we preach the planting of the trees as a way of fighting climate change. Therefore, we must work together to encourage regeneration where timber is harvested. Where possible, more trees must be planted.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, is it possible for the ministry to provide seedlings for tree replanting, because seedlings are difficult to find? Where can people find seedlings so that the local communities can plant them? Is it possible that the ministry can provide the seedlings for the people?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I would encourage the hon. Member to file a request for the seedlings and hectarage he wants. Although, as I have already said, ordinarily, concessionaires who move into areas to harvest timber are required to provide the ministry with a plan on how they would like to replant trees in the area where they harvest the timber. Since that is not being done, I think, it is a wake-up call for my officers in ministry to look into that. Areas where timber is harvested must not be left unattended to for a long time.

 

Madam Speaker, it must also be appreciated that harvesting is only done at a certain diameter; not every tree is cut down. Like I said, trees are not cut in totality from the roots to allow regeneration. Let us work together to ensure that officers are sent to areas, like Mulobezi, where such observations are made to reinforce the work that is being done by the district forest officers so that those areas are not left bare. I am alive to the fact that there has been rampant cutting down of trees in areas like Shangombo, Mulobezi and Sioma. It is my desire to undertake an on-the-spot assessment. I hope that the hon. Members of those areas will be available to come along with my ministry so that we can make decisions on the way forward on the ground to ensure that those areas are not left bare for a long time. We need to make decisions to replace those trees and determine how best we can allow them to regenerate.

 

Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for the emphasis that has come from the hon. Member for Mulobezi. I admit that we seem to have a problem in that area. The Government remains committed to addressing the problem.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: I only hope that the hon. Member for Mulobezi planted his allocated 1,000 trees, which were given through an initiative by Parliament. You can easily get those seedlings.

 

Please, hon. Member, get in touch with the hon. Minister for more seedlings. We want to see your plantations of, at least, 1,000 trees. I do not think all hon. Members have planted. We need to ensure that we encourage the planting of trees in our constituencies to protect our environment.

 

_______

 

MOTIONS

 

CREATION OF A NATIONAL MINERS’ DAY

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House urges the Government to create a national miners' day in recognition of miners' contribution to national development.

 

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, I wish to state from the outset that this Motion does not request a public holiday in recognition of miners, but simply to recognise them like their colleagues in the teaching and nursing professions are recognised every year.

 

 Madam Speaker, Zambia's economy is largely dependent on the mining sector, which has consistently contributed 10 per cent to 12 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP); over 70 per cent of export earnings and approximately 30 per cent of the Government's revenue through taxes, royalties and dividends. The sector directly and indirectly employs over 500,000 people, making it one of the largest employers outside of agriculture. The establishment of a national miners' day would be both a symbolic and substantive gesture to celebrate, honour and reflect on miners' contributions and challenges.

 

Madam Speaker, globally, several countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany, which commemorate St. Barbara's Day on 4^th December, recognise miners as key contributors to their national heritage. They have instituted miners' days to celebrate and reflect on the mining industry's role in their countries. The United States of America (USA) observes National Miners' Day on 6^th December, established by the US Congress in 2009, in remembrance of the mining disaster of 1907 that claimed approximately 362 lives. Chile celebrates Miners' Day on 10^th August in honour of St. Lawrence, their miners’ patron saint. In Africa, however, there is no unified day for miners. Zambia has an opportunity to lead the continent by institutionalising a national miners' day that acknowledges the importance of the mining profession.

 

Madam Speaker, in the Zambian context, as I said earlier, there is no official day dedicated to recognising miners. Mining companies, such as Mopani Copper Mines Plc and Barrick Mining Corporation’s Lumwana Copper Mine, occasionally hold international award-giving ceremonies to honour workers' services, but there has never been a national commemoration. In September 2024, the Mine Workers' Union of Zambia renewed its call for the Government to establish a national miners’ day to honour the miners who perished in the Mufulira mining disaster of 1970; the worst mining tragedy in Zambia’s history. On 25^th September, 1970, the collapse of an underground mine caused the sudden release of nearly 1 million tonnes of water and tailings, killing approximately eighty-nine miners who were on night shift. It is fitting that 25^th September, the date of that national tragedy, be designated as a national miners’ day, serving both as a day of remembrance and celebration.

 

IMPORTANCE OF A NATIONAL MINERS’ DAY

 

Madam Speaker, a dedicated national miners’ day would serve multiple purposes, notwithstanding the following:

 

Recognition and Appreciation

 

Madam Speaker, a national miners’ day publicly acknowledges the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of miners across the country. It provides an opportunity for the Government, industry and citizens to collectively celebrate the backbone of Zambia’s industrial growth.

 

Promotion of Safety and Welfare

 

Madam Speaker, mining remains one of the world’s most dangerous professions. A miner’s day would help raise awareness on occupational safety, health standards and miners’ welfare. It would also serve as a reminder of the Mufulira tragedy and the importance of preventing future accidents through stronger safety policies.

 

Encouraging Sustainable Mining Practices

 

Madam Speaker, the commemoration of mining would highlight environmental responsibility, land rehabilitation and community engagement, ensuring that mining contributes to sustainable development.

 

Attracting and Retaining Talent

 

Madam Speaker, by celebrating miners’ contributions, Zambia can inspire a new generation of young professionals to join the mining industry and uphold the legacy of responsible resource extraction.

 

Community Engagement and National Unity

 

Madam Speaker, a miners’ day would provide an avenue for solidarity between mining companies, workers and host communities, fostering trust and co-operation.

 

LESSONS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES

 

Madam Speaker, in the United States of America (USA), the National Miners Day is a platform to review safety standards and commemorate lives lost in mine accidents, leading to stronger occupational laws. In Poland and Germany, it has helped sustain mining heritage and worker morale, while enhancing public respect for miners. In this regard, Zambia can replicate these best practices to make the day not only symbolic, but also development-oriented.

 

STATISTICAL SNAPSHOTS OF ZAMBIA’S MINING SECTOR

 

Madam Speaker, the mining sector, as I mentioned, contributes 10 to 12 per cent to our gross domestic product (GDP), over 70 per cent of total export earnings and over 30 per cent of the Government’s revenue.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia produced roughly 850,000 metric tonnes of copper in 2023, solidifying its place as Africa’s second largest producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Beyond copper, the mining sector also produces gold, manganese, nickel and emerald production, with the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), Kagem Mining Limited and Zambia Gold Company Limited (ZGCL) among key stakeholders. The employment multiplier in mining is significant, with each mining job supporting approximately six indirect jobs in transport services and retail.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to reaffirm that it is proposed that 25^th September be designated as the National Miners Day. This date aligns with the 1970 Mufulira Mine Disaster, a solemn reminder of the risks miners face and a fitting occasion for national reflection and appreciation. The day will strengthen the sense of national pride and unity, improve miners’ welfare and safety culture and enhance public awareness on the social and economic importance of mining. It will be a permanent tribute to the approximately eighty-nine Mufulira miners and others who lost their lives in service to the nation. It further serves as a platform for policy dialogue on mining governance, community development and sustainability.

 

Madam Speaker, miners have built Zambia’s economy, powered our industries and supported countless livelihoods. Yet, for decades, their dedication has gone without a day of national recognition. In this regard, establishing a miners’ day is not merely ceremonial; it is a statement of national gratitude, unity and commitment to improving conditions in one of our most critical sectors. I, therefore, urge hon. Members to support this Motion, which I believe is non-controversial and stand with our miners; the unsung heroes of Zambia’s economic foundation.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, let me speak later.

 

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, firstly, I would like to thank the mover of the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, a miners’ day is very important. As I debate, I am not doing so as a spectator, but as a person who once worked underground. I understand the risks involved and the hard work that miners put in. It is true that they also need to be honoured by allowing them to have a miners’ day. My hon. Colleague has already highlighted countries that celebrate a miners’ day to recognise miners. As my hon. Colleague said, yes, in the United States of America (USA), the National Miners Day was initially celebrated because of the Monongah Mining Disaster, which happened in 1907. Through the years, it has changed from commemorating the disaster to celebrating the work that miners put in and the results that come out of mining.

 

Madam Speaker, you will agree with me that last month, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning talked about our currency having appreciated because of the revenue from the mines. The workers behind that success are the ones we are talking about today.

 

Madam Speaker, as we speak about miners, we are not only talking about the management at mines, but the miners who go underground or the miners who work in an open-cast mine. Anyone who has ever gone in underground mine will agree with me that it is a high risk. That is why miners are always taught how to be safe. They memorise the safety rules because any slight mistake made underground could flood the mine and kill the whole crew. Therefore, miners need to be recognised and given a day. They are not asking for a holiday. In production, miners do not celebrate any holidays. Holidays are just on paper. They work throughout the holidays. All they do is rotate. So, all they need is to celebrate their day, just like nurses and teachers do.

 

Madam Speaker, presently, teachers and nurses celebrate certain days to commemorate their professions. As they do that, they need to know that as they get their money and walk into a shop, it is easier for them to buy the gadgets that they need at a reduced price because our currency keeps appreciating. The currency appreciation is due to a miner who is putting in hard work to produce the copper that the country exports. Three-quarters of our export earnings come from the mines. So, we need to recognise the miner. We need to appreciate what miners do. Historically, a miner’s job has been an invaluable part of our national workforce. Thus, we need to recognise them and give them a day.

 

Madam Speaker, my hon. Colleague has already spoken about certain countries, like the USA where a miners’ day is celebrated in December. In Canada, it is celebrated in August. India also celebrates it in May, though they call it Coal Miners Day, but it is all about mining.

 

Madam Speaker, most people relate mining to copper mining, but mining is not only about copper. Mining even relates to the cement used for construction. The person who produces cement is a miner. The person who prepares the aggregate used for the construction of roads is a miner. So, many miners contribute positively to the growth of our nation, which includes economic growth and job creation. Indeed, they need to be appreciated.

 

Madam Speaker, the dangers that an underground miner is exposed to are similar to an army officer in the battlefield because one disaster can claim the lives of every other person. That is why what the miner does, even though we do not appreciate and know it, is immensely important to the nation.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I wish to support the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for according me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion that intends to create a National Miners Day, on behalf of the people of Katombola Constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the mover of the Motion and indicating that on behalf of the people of Katombola Constituency, I support the Motion. As I do so, I want to indicate that miners have played a very significant role in this country from time immemorial. For those who may not know, copper was discovered in this country in1902. At the time, Zambia existed as North-Western Rhodesia and North-Eastern Rhodesia until 1911. In 1920, large-scale exploration began. Our people, the miners, were very instrumental in building this country from the time before it even existed as Northern Rhodesia.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to put on record that miners were very instrumental in the liberation struggle, through their founder members such as Lawrence Katilungu.They were very instrumental in bringing the liberation that we enjoy. As the people of Katombola Constituency, we want to thank the miners for contributing significantly to the nation. The economy today is thriving and running very efficiently because of the mining industry. As the people of Katombola, we are grateful that such a Motion has been moved at a time when His Excellency the President has revitalised the mining industry, through our able Minister, Hon. Kabuswe.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Andeleki: He is a very able Minister.

 

Madam Speaker, as the people of Katombola Constituency, we are so honoured. His Excellency the President and his Government have set a visionary target of 3 million metric tonnes copper production annually by the year 2031. This can only be attributed to the hardworking Government and the hardworking miners. Therefore, on behalf of the people of Katombola Constituency, I support the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, the major players in the mining industry, who have been very instrumental in reviving the mining industry, are First Quantum Minerals (FQM), Barrick Gold Corporation, Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) Plc and International Resources Holding (IRH). So many companies have been instrumental in this regard. I want to state that the people of Katombola Constituency support this Motion 100 per cent.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. Is there anybody who wants to speak against the Motion?

 

Mr Miyutu: There is no one!

 

Madam Speaker: So, should we continue debating?

 

Hon. UPND Members: No!

 

Madam Speaker: The seconder of the Motion may take the Floor.

 

Hon. Member: Wind up debate.

 

Madam Speaker: No, it is not him to wind up the debate. We have not reached that stage yet.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, like everyone has said, this is a non-controversial Motion. It is a demonstration of the unity that we, in the United Party for National Development (UPND), bring to this House. Hon. Mumba is a member of the Patriotic front (PF), and I belong to the UPND, but we are supporting the Motion today because it is beyond politics. This shows the unity that the UPND has brought to this House.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mabeta: When we have an issue of national interest, we look beyond political affiliation. The miners out there have worked tirelessly. For 100 years, they have been mining and contributing to the growth of our economy. Today, we are talking about the Kwacha gaining value. This is because of miners. Copper production is going up, copper prices are also up, and the Kwacha is appreciating.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Where?

 

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, we want to set this day to always remind us that miners are part of who we are. Their efforts have changed our lives, and Zambia is what it is today because of what miners do. This is part of the reforms that President Hakainde Hichilema has brought to the economy. Without those reforms, we would not have produced more copper.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Indeed!

 

Mr Mabeta: We are producing more copper because we have a President who is very focused.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mabeta: We have a Minister of Mines and Minerals Development who is very strong.

 

Mr Nkandu: Eh!

 

Mr Mabeta: He has moved through thick and thin to revamp the mines which were dying. Today, the story is showing that copper production is increasing.

 

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mabeta: It is just a matter of time; my friends in the mining sector, who may not be getting the salaries or the conditions of service that they desire, will soon benefit because of increased copper production and copper prices.

 

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mabeta: It takes time to see benefits. We sympathise with them, but with the right reforms and marketing conditions, very soon, they will be smiling.

 

Mr Nkandu: And the leadership.

 

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, I want to tell Zambians, especially those in Kankoyo and Mufulira, that it has not been an easy journey. However, they have leaders who are working tirelessly to ensure that the right things are done. Very soon, miners will be smiling.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: I think, hon. Ministers also need to respond. Of course, we are pushing an open door.

 

There was an indication from the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. Would you like to say something, hon. Minister?

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, in support of the Motion, in under two or three minutes, I just want to thank the Lamba people. When the First Republican President said, “One Zambia, One Nation,” and preached about unity, the Lamba people showed the spirit of the motto. Their province was the only one that was going to be the face of the economy for the entire nation. They stood firm and were very patriotic. They made sure that the resources that came from Lamba land, which is the Copperbelt Province, developed other provinces. So, we have a lot to learn from them. The people in the other provinces that now have mines have a lot to learn from the Lamba people who shared their resources without giving conditions.

 

Mr Mposha: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Sialubalo: So, my clarion call to the people in the other provinces is that they should learn, and take a leaf from the Lamba people. We also recognise and appreciate the efforts that miners put in their work.

 

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

 

Mr Sialubalo: Without the Lamba people allowing the extraction of their resources, we would not be celebrating miners today. So, credit goes to the Lamba people.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Sialubalo: I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

 

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the mover of the Motion and the seconder.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also quickly thank the miners who have sacrificed to keep Zambia’s flag high. The infrastructure and other developments we have witnessed came about because of the hardworking miners. Indeed, it is deserving and befitting that they be recognised and appreciated.

 

Madam Speaker, we have seen that mines have been revamped. In recent years, we witnessed production in all mines go down. A few miners stayed behind to keep mining assets running. Those assets have continued giving proceeds to the Government. His Excellency the President has come to revive the mining industry. Today, it is not by accident that we are seeing the fundamentals of our economy getting better. Inflation is getting lower.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hmm.

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: The Kwacha is stable. The exchange rate is getting better. This is because of the major influence that copper and other minerals have on our economy.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to thank miners. I also support the Motion to create a day for recognising miners.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to respond to the debate on the Motion that has been presented by the hon. Member for Kantanshi and also, ably seconded by the passionate hon. Member for Kankoyo.

 

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

 

 Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, these two hon. Members stood with the miners for a very long time.

 

 Madam Speaker, as the Government, we are aligned with this Motion, and we thank the miners for what they have done to this country. When President Mr Hakainde Hichilema took over Government, the people in the mining space were in distress and pain.  The hon. Members of Parliament from the Copperbelt and the North-Western provinces, who were in the mining space dealing with miners after 2021 will tell you, Madam Speaker, about the pain that miners went through.  Konkola Copper Mines, for example, went into care and maintenance.

 

Madam Speaker, miners stood tall and never resigned. They kept the mine afloat. Sometimes, they would go without pay. Therefore, I want to give kudos to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, who used to go to evade possible disasters at mines like Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), which was threatened by flooding. The mine was under care and maintenance and there was no money. Mopani Copper Mines was on the brink of collapse because there was no capital injection. It was riddled with a huge debt of about US$1.5 billion, which accumulated to US$1.8 billion because of interest, but our miners stood tall because they believed in the vision of one President Hakainde Hichilema, who requested them for more time.

 

Madam Speaker, during that period, I was nicknamed; “Mr Soon” because when I went to the miners, I always told them that soon, things would be okay, knowing that we were negotiating, and our miners stood tall.  President Hakainde Hichilema is thanking the miners in Chililabombwe, Chingola, Mufulira, Kitwe and Luanshya for keeping the assets afloat amidst serious challenges that arose due to wrong decisions made by politicians for political expedience in the past years.

 

 Madam Speaker, in Nampundwe, miners are also thanking His Excellency the President for considering the pyrite mine that is there. That pyrite mine was an abandoned asset. They kept it afloat until a saviour came in the name of President Hakainde Hichilema. That is because he considers the consequences of resuscitating the mines. He knows that when he resuscitates that mine, the consequence will be job creation for both direct and indirect suppliers and contractors.

 

 Madam Speaker, as we talk about the Miner’s Day, we thank the very patient suppliers and contractors on the Copperbelt, the very patient suppliers and contractors in the North-Western Province, and across the country. Some of them went for years without being paid because the mining companies that they supplied to at the time were running in the negative. There was literally no money. The suppliers cried, but stood tall and believed in the vision of the United Party for National Development (UPND), led by one President Hakainde Hichilema.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kabuswe: Therefore, he also says thank you because Miner’s Day includes those companies that support the mining companies for them to produce. If suppliers and contractors are not doing the right thing, then, mines will not be able to function properly. Miners will be able to have what they call “Impasha.” Madam Speaker, impasha are tools that they use in mines. That is a very important word in the mining sector. The miners would say; “Ba Minister, tatwakwata impasha”, which means “we do not have tools” to use so that we can produce for the country.

 

Therefore, we want posterity to remember the miners, those who have gone before us and those who are yet to come, to be recognised. We pay tribute to those who survived the very turbulent period in the mining space of the country. We also want to remind our children and our children’s children that for Zambia to be where it is, it is because of the miners. The Mace in this Parliament is copper coated. When we look at Parliament building, we see copper all over. This is because of what the miner in Konkola Copper Mines and the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) did.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Lamba people for allowing that even though mining was done on the Copperbelt, development should be across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, nechisungu ndelanda, the English that I speak today is because I grew up in a mining town and the school I went to was supported by the mining sector.  My father was a miner who would go for work at 0600 hours so that Zambia could move forward. Therefore, we want to give kudos to the miners who have contributed to the development massively. Even now, as we speak, I know that the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is smiling because we are heading towards reaching 1 million metric tonnes. We are breaking the psychological barrier which Zambia has never broken since mining started.  Now, we are rushing towards producing 3 million metric tonnes. This is as it should be. Therefore, we want to thank the miners and assure them that this Government is keenly following the developments that are happening in this country. As we increase production, like the seconder of the Motion said, miners should earn more.

 

Madam Speaker, I am in talks with the hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security …

 

Ms Tambatamba: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kabuswe: … that we look at miners from a different angle because working underground is excruciating. It is a big challenge.

 

 Madam Speaker, the first time I went underground, I was firstly told to close my eyes before we entered. Then I was told that underground, it was darker than the darkness I could see when I closed my eyes. 

 

The underground is another world. We need to look at the miners differently. I am in discussion with the hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security that we look at the miners in a different space. We have not yet concluded the matter but this is something that we need to look at so that we appreciate the miners. Their day will not be a holiday but it will just be recognised. On this day, we will reflect on what the miners have done to bring Zambia to where it is.

 

Madam Speaker, miners were a critical component of the independence struggle. We cannot forget to mention miners such as Lawrence Katilungu. We even have the Katilungu House in Kitwe. Those miners and their teams played a key role in the independence struggle. One of the movements that the independence struggle use in this country is the labour movement called the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ). This played a critical role in attaining independence in Zambia. So, really, it is actually just normal that we recognise the contribution by the mining sector to Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, as we speak today, 17 per cent plus of the gross domestic product (GDP) comes from the mining sector. It is the huge backbone of this economy and without it, Zambia’s economy can collapse. When the United Party for National Development (UPND) came into power, the economy was growing at negative 2.8 per cent. When we looked around, we could see distress in many mining companies such that others were packing their bags. We could see that.  Now, we have resuscitated the mining companies, and the economy is now showing that the mines are back on track.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, with these many remarks …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kabuswe: … I wish to support the Motion put across by my two brothers, the hon. Member for Kantanshi and hon. Member for Kankoyo.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Naupya!

 

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, I do not bring controversial Motions, and I believe in the development of our country. I would like to thank my colleague from Kankoyo, Hon. Mabeta. I would also like to thank all the other hon. Members who debated. Special thanks to the hon. Cabinet Ministers. I would also like to thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing this Motion to be moved on the Floor of this House.

 

Madam Speaker, my people in Kantanshi Constituency, the miners, will have a miners’ day. When I was discussing the issue with the miners, most of them talked about their conditions of service. As we have heard the hon. Minister say, he is already in talks with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which is encouraging. I know that as a miners’ day will be celebrated, different things will start coming up, and some of the challenges that miners have will slowly be resolved. I would like to thank everybody once more. My father was a miner, and I am sure that wherever he is, somewhere in heaven, he is smiling.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for – ­Is it Kamfinsa?

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: No, Kamfinsa.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: That sound was not very – It was deceiving. I thought it was something else. That was on a lighter note.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

RESTRICTING GOLD, EMERALD AND SUGILITE MINING TO THE STATE

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, I rise to move a Motion which –

 

Mr Mweetwa: Question!

 

Interruptions

 

 Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Let us allow the hon. Member to present his Motion.

 

 Hon. Member for Nkana, concentrate on your Motion. Do not be distracted by others.

 

Laughter

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House urges the Government to restrict the mining of gold, sugilite and emerald to the State.

 

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Minister of Information and Media!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I would like to sincerely thank you for giving me this opportunity to move this Motion, through which I am simply urging my hon. Colleagues in the Government to restrict the mining of gold, sugilite and emerald to the State. In other words, I am simply calling for restricting strategic minerals, which I have identified as gold, sugilite and emerald, to State control.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to indulge this august House in an honest conversation. In his infinite wisdom, God blessed this country with abundant mineral wealth. I have picked on the strategic minerals, and I use the word ‘strategic’, because of their value and what they would do for this country, so far as managing the economy and the welfare of the people is concerned. It must be stated that over the years, we have received a raw deal from our mineral resources. This conversation is coming at a time when we are struggling to meet basic needs, such as the challenges with electricity. If we had enough resources, we could have invested heavily in the production of electricity.

 

Madam Speaker, it would interest you to note that the rationale behind this Motion is that through State oversight, Zambia can secure its national wealth. Through State oversight, Zambia can eradicate the illicit extraction of our minerals. Through State oversight, Zambia can safeguard the lives that are being lost every day through illegal mining. Through State oversight, we can build a prosperous nation. History will inform you that painful decisions had to be made by those who came before us. In 1969, the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Government decided, against all odds, to nationalise mining companies. Most mining companies were partially nationalised until 1973. The decision was made because the Government realised that we were getting a raw deal from our mineral resources. Therefore, it was painfully decided to nationalise our mining companies. From 1969 to the 1980s, our economy performed better than most economies in Africa.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

 Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, around 1970, our economy was stronger than the Kenyan and Ghanaian economies. It was stronger than most economies in Africa. Our per capita was even stronger than that of South Korea around 1970 and 1980. These are facts.

 

Mr Amutike: Question!

 

Where do you get those things from?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, that is why –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, you need to censor that gentleman.

 

Madam Speaker, perhaps, it would interest this august House to note that we are not just talking about copper. My Motion is centred on State control of three mining resources; gold, emerald and sugilite. The history of gold mining, as an example, dates as far back as 1902. The British South Africa Company (BSAC) started mining as far back as 1902. The first twenty huge deposits of gold gave us in excess of two tonnes of gold. Copper mining, of course, started later, sometime around 1908. So, we are a country that has been mining for over 120 years. The question is: How much value have we derived from our mineral wealth to continue moving on the trajectory we are moving? This Motion, therefore, seeks to urge this august House to perhaps change course in terms of how we manage our mineral resources.

 

Madam Speaker, available information will tell you that our emeralds, as an example, have become the world’s best, surpassing Colombian emeralds. Data, which is subject to debate, will further inform you –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was trying to give information from impeccable research sources that indicated, for example, that Zambia mines over 3,000 kg of emeralds per annum. Today, our emeralds are superior to those from Colombia. Today, all things being equal, we generate not less than K10 billion per annum from emeralds.

 

Madam Speaker, it would interest the august House to know that gold has been discovered in almost every part of this country. Due to God’s wisdom, we have even uncovered what we never thought we had in the country in the name of sugilite. We have experienced such an episode before, in previous years when the Government managed mineral resources. So, what this Motion seeks to do is to address the challenges we face today. I urge the Government to perhaps consider changing course to enable it to start managing strategic minerals for the benefit of our people. We have been here before, and we have noticed that our people have not gotten any benefits, other than the little they are getting from taxes.

 

Madam Speaker, it may interest you to note that according to the 2026 National Budget, which is almost US$10 billion, the revenue the country will collect from the mining sector accounts for just about US$2 billion, which is approximately 20 per cent. We are a mining country. It would be thought that our mining resources should give us, at least, over 50 per cent of what we need for our annual Budget. Alas, we get not more than 10 per cent of what we need for our Budget. This is what has necessitated me to ask the Government to be involved, at least, in strategic minerals, namely; emerald, gold and sugilite. As opposed to entertaining criminal activities and reports of people walking away with our lucrative minerals, I am saying that can the Government now take possession of the said strategic minerals and mine them for the benefit of our people.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, with your permission, I wish to debate now.

 

Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the privilege to make a few comments on an important topic relating to restricting gold, emerald and sugilite mining to the State. Allow me to state from the outset that I support this very important proposal that has been presented today.

 

Madam Speaker, I have been very consistent on this topic. I am sure you remember that in the month of June, I was authorised, through a Motion of Adjournment, to speak about the Kikonge Mine and how the Government of the Republic of Zambia should take over the mine in Mufumbwe. True to my submission, you would remember that the response from the Government was that the State would take over and that took place. So, I have been consistent on various platforms where I have spoken on this topic. I will not depart from my position. My position remains that for many years, Zambians have acquired the requisite skills. My position remains that I believe in the capacities of Zambians. This is a conversation that all of us by now have come to acknowledge. The time has come when we should ask ourselves basic questions. Do we need to continue believing in the abilities of others or begin to believe in the abilities of fellow Zambians? Today’s Motion is saying: Out of the many minerals we need to mine, can we identify minerals that can exclusively be mined by the State.

 

Madam Speaker, today, we are just discussing three minerals. We are discussing gold, emerald and sugilite. So, I will start with gold. Our colleagues in Ghana decided to do something that we can emulate as a country. Records show that Ghana used to mine around 8 tonnes of gold, which could be deposited into the gold reserves of Ghana. What did Ghana do to move from 8 tonnes to 38 tonnes? Ghana decided to change the law. The law in Ghana is very clear. I believe our officials at the ministry are quite familiar with what happened in Ghana. The law was changed in 2023 to establish an institution called the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). So, in Ghana, gold mining is done by GoldBod. What has happened in Ghana is that, as a result of that one simple decision to change course, Ghana’s volume of gold is worth US$5 billion. Here we are today. We are saying that the Government has already demonstrated the intention. We are here to remind the Government that the intention needs to be actualised. Will we continue mining and have 2.8 million tonnes of gold reserves or will we use this Motion as an opportunity? Sometimes proposals have to come from the Opposition on your left, then the Government has to carry the proposals, refine and then implement them. That is our mandate today. Our mandate is to look at the key minerals that we can take advantage of as a country and raise money.

 

Madam Speaker, as far as gold is concerned, we will not start creating any new mechanisms. Ghana has given us the model. The model is that we restrict mining and announce that, “From now onwards, when the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is issuing mining licences, as opposed to issuing mining licences to any person who applies for a gold mining or an emerald mining licence, this shall be done by the State and it shall accommodate the citizens who have acquired the skills”.

 

Madam Speaker, today, I wish to be consistent on emerald and gold mining and put it on record that we need to begin reflecting on the possibilities of what we can do. Is it possible, today, that with the skills our people have acquired over the years, we can begin to discuss a financial model that can be used to give our people financial resources? We have been told that the biggest disadvantage we have had over the years as a country is the failure to raise money. We have been told that we cannot raise money to invest in mining. However, I believe that we have trained enough accountants and economists over the last thirty to fifty years. So, I believe it is possible to change course. If we put people in a room to brainstorm and decide the right financial model to help us raise money, they can do it because the issue has been about money. So, today, we are saying: Let us restrict gold, emerald and sugilite mining to the State. Someone will raise a hand and ask, “Do we have the resources?” That is why Zambia has been training people on how to raise finances.  We have enough people with wisdom in the ministry who can tell us, “We tried this model but it did not work. So, let us try that model.” The issue is basically investing money in the sector.

 

Madam Speaker, I believe that it is possible to manage the sector ourselves. Sixty-one years after we attained Independence, the conversation should change. The conversation should change, and it should be around the possibility of us restricting the mining of these three minerals: gold, emeralds, and sugilite. I come from the Copperbelt, and I am happy that the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development cited an example of Lamba land. Some of the precious stones we are discussing are in Lamba land. People come to Zambia from other countries, acquire mining licences and go to Lamba land and become rich. Why can we not try that ourselves? Why can we not give ourselves time, that is, one, two or five years to attempt something new? We should give it a shot. I want to repeat what I said in June: I know that we will not fail, but if we fail we will come back to this Parliament and review the matter. We will tell ourselves, “This is what we did. We stopped giving mining licences to foreigners and gave mining licences to entities that represent the State.” The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is in charge of the tax regime; he can actually go a step further and design a tax regime that will ensure that some of these options are considered. I believe that it is possible for us to restrict the mining of gold, emeralds and sugilite to entities that represent the State. This way, we will be able to raise the revenue that we require.

 

Madam Speaker, due, once again, to the limitation of time, let me argue, on behalf of the many people who believe in what we are discussing today. Today is an opportunity, once again. We will keep giving the Government opportunities to reflect on this option. I know very well that there are quite a number of qualified people who can work on this. Some are going to go to the commission while others will remain in the ministry.

 

Madam Speaker, we have enough legislation. I do not think that we even need to change the law. All we need to do is restrict the mining of gold, emeralds, or sugilite. If someone applies for a licence to mine these minerals, the licence should be restricted to mining the minerals on behalf of the State and the people of Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, I support the Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

 

VISITOR IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY

 

Madam Speaker: Before we proceed, I wish to recognise the presence of a young lady, a second-year law student, Christine Tanda Kafwaya.

 

Ms Kafwaya rose.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: You are welcome.

 

Thank you very much, you may resume your seat.

 

Ms Kafwaya resumed her seat.

 

______

 

Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga): Madam Speaker, my prayer is that this Motion must fail.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, I always think that it is important that we scan what the Government is doing, before we bring Motions to the House. This way, we will be able to see where there are gaps or mischiefs and propose how to cure them. It is also important to look back and see where we have come from.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, the mover of the Motion has given a catalogue of what happened in the past up to where we are. I doubt the information or the statistics that he gave, because I think that we have the same source of information. My information is coming from the World Bank reports. Yes, indeed, from 1960 to 1969, our mining industry was in private hands.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Samakayi: In 1969, we nationalised the mines. I want to say that the economy of this country, between 1960 and 1974, was actually doing very well. Three years after nationalisation, of course, there were spill-over effects. Things changed in 1974. In 1972, those of us who were there –

 

Laughter

 

Mr Samakayi: In 1972, the price of copper went down. In 1972, the price of oil on the world market went up. That affected our economy so badly. So, the economy of this country, from 1974 to 1990, was not better, which is not what the mover of the Motion was trying to tell us. That is not true. In 1986, there was auctioning of the Kwacha for the Dollar. There was a black market in this country.

 

Mr Kolala: He does not know!

 

Mr Samakayi: The economy went down.

 

Madam Speaker, in 1990, after the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) came to power, there was privatisation. The reason for privatisation was to bring efficiency to industries, including the mining industry. We saw, in 1994, the economy starting to improve. It improved steadily up to 2014. The economy of this country was messed up from 2015 to 2021 by the Patriotic Front (PF).

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Samakayi: You must understand this.

 

Madam Speaker, now if you go back andlook at the records today, you will see that the economy started improving under the stewardship of President Hakainde Hichilema.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Samakayi: This is under privatisation, still. Why do we want to go back …

 

Mr Kolala: Imagine!

 

Mr Samakayi: … to a ship that failed us? What kind of thinking is that?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Titanic!

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, the Government must not be lured into copying things that are happening elsewhere. We operate in different environments. I think that the people in the Government and we Zambians have the brains to chart our own way.

 

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

 

Mr Samakayi: We have the brains to bring in our own approaches.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Iwe, sit down!

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, the Government is saying that we will have co-operatives mining gold, and then the Zambia Gold Company Limited will be the buyer or the aggregator of the gold. This company is a parastatal; it is owned by the Government.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Quality!

 

Mr Samakayi: That is a novel approach.

 

Madam Speaker, why do you want to borrow ideas from elsewhere? Is that not a good idea? Why do you not wait and see whether the idea is good or bad?

 

Mr Kolala: Dununa reverse!

 

Mr Samakayi: Why do you want to change course midway?

 

Madam Speaker, I encourage the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to use the approach that he has devised. Let co-operatives mine gold. Let the Zambia Gold Company Limited be the aggregator. Let the company buy gold on behalf of the Government. Then the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) will get revenue. Just put us into an enclosure so that we mine gold ourselves. Everybody is free to apply to belong to a co-operative. I think that I am one of the people belonging to a co-operative. I thank the hon. Minister for giving us a licence.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Samakayi: That is how it should be.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government must not be influenced to borrow fake ideas from elsewhere, whose environment we do not even know.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Before I call on the next debater, hon. Member for Chipili, you wanted to raise a point of order. What was the point of order?

 

Mr Mposha: He has lost his white jacket.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, my point of order is on the collaborator. When he was collaborating in his collaboration, …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chala: … he was stating that we cannot cope with what others are doing when he knows that we have been going out for benchmarking every time, including himself, to countries like Kenya, Tanzania, name it, even getting paid for that. The hon. Member is now telling us that we cannot refer to such.

 

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

 

Mr Amutike: Which Standing Order?

 

Mr Chala: Standing Order No. 71.

 

Madam Speaker: I believe the hon. Member for Chipili has sufficiently debated his point of order.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: So, the point of order is not admitted.

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, you may proceed.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Hear, hear!

 

Hammer!

 

 Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I thank you, so much.

 

Madam Speaker, I am aware that I have been constrained. However, this Motion, which my younger brother, the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana brought, and seconded by my other young brother, this one here, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa, is about control. This is about management.

 

 Madam Speaker, these two hon. Colleagues recognise that there is currently poor management of these strategic resources, and they bring a proposal to the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government for it to consider a better management of these strategic resources. In fact, they consider gold, sugilite and emeralds and lithium as strategic.

 

 Madam Speaker, enhanced control will bring about efficiency, accuracy and security. Now, what will this increased efficiency do to this sector if the UPND Government decides to heed the advice of these young hon. Colleagues of mine? It will bring about reduced industry costs. Does the UPND want to reduce the cost of mining in these strategic mineral areas? I would believe so.

 

 Madam Speaker, does the UPND want increased profitability in these particular areas? I do not doubt that UPND would want that.  If that is the case, then, I see a Government which wants more money into the Treasury to solve the many problems that the Zambians are going through right now.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, what about increased accuracy in terms of the outputs and variables that are plucked out of the soil? How will it help them? This is important because it will help in terms of decision management. The decisions that the UPND Government will come up with as a result of information gathered from the value processes of mining will be better. So, they will decide better. The future will be better. The country will benefit a little more than it is right now, but it will not end there as I said. Better control and better management will bring about increased security. Some of my friends are hon. Members of Parliament in constituencies where people have been killed because of a lack of good management.

 

 Madam Speaker, what do I want to see just in case there is gold in Lunte? I want to see the UPND manage that gold in a better way so that nobody dies.  I also want to see that there is more profitability coming from that end, so that as I lobby for a bridge at Luangwa, the Government will be able to finance that. I do not see why suggestions for improvement become a problem in our country.

 

 Mr B. Mpundu: Ba United Party for National Development (UPND).

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, this country belongs to the young people. The young people must be supported by us. How do we do so? Just like what these young brothers of mine have done, we can also support the young people by bringing a proposal to the Government, to enable a future for them.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Ichabaiche!

 

 Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I want to be very clear on this matter by saying that people particularly, those in the UPND must not be averse to advice. They must be open to advice. In Bemba, we say, “Amano yafuma mwefwesa yaya muchulu.” This means, advice can move from a molehill to a mountain. We know that the UPND is our mountain now.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kafwaya:  It is our mountain now. You can sense how many problems we are going through as a people. I am sure you can …

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: … hear the sense that is coming out of this head.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Ichimutwe!

 

Mr Kafwaya: So, this sense should be received by the UPND. I am very surprised as I stand here that such a clear Motion, which is urging for control, management, more value and profitability can be rejected in that fashion.

 

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

 

 Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am happy for the people of Nkana and Kamfinsa because they have elected young men who think for them. Those young men think for the young people, who are the future of this country. Their thoughts are reflected in the ideas they bring on the Floor of the House. This is an impeccable idea. It is an idea that is difficult to counter. It can only be countered by those who are conditioned to counter.

 

Mr Amutike: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Those who kind of have been taught counter or refuse without necessarily looking at the benefits of the country.

 

 Madam Speaker, we stand here to save our people. We stand here to help the UPND Government. We stand here to support those who elected us, and I think the people who elected us want more control over their resources. If there is more control over their resources, chances of plunder will be reduced. Nobody can argue here that there has been a plunder of sugilite during the UPND Administration.

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Nobody can argue that there has been plunder of gold during the UPND Administration.

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

 Mr Kafwaya: Madam, nobody can argue that there has been plunder of lithium. These are strategic minerals that can help our country.

 

Madam Speaker, with those very few remarks, I wish to support the Motion.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

 Apologies, hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, you wanted to raise a point of order.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, you might be aware that since I came to this House, I have never risen on a point of order. This could be my maiden point of order.

 

Laughter

 

 Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, when Hon. Kafwaya was on the Floor, I was very worried and I know you were also very worried ...

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkandu: … in the manner that he was debating. For the first time, it was unlike him. I think at one point, he went back to the default settings.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkandu:  When I was indicating for a point of order, I wanted to say that it was unlike him. For the first time, he was debating reasonably.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, my point of order took long to be granted and as I was listening, he, at one point, went to default settings.  He went to his usual self again.

 

Madam Speaker, is he in order to mention hon. Members in his debate? That is unparliamentary. Is he in order to point at the hon. Member for Nkana and the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, as brothers here, in this House?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

 

Laughter

 

 Madam Speaker: Order!

 

 Thank you very much hon. Minister for that point of order. Unfortunately, the point of order is not admitted, as you did not cite any Standing Order that has been breached.

 

We make progress.

 

 Mr Amutike (Mongu Central): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to put it on record that I do not support this Motion. Furthermore, just like my brother, Hon. Kafwaya, I will also try to be restrained and debate by putting facts as they are.

 

 Madam Speaker, when I was in high school, the last rule on my headmaster’s list of rules was that a lack of common sense was punishable. So, I would just like to state the facts as they are. We know that, currently, we are struggling to reach 1 million metric tonnes of copper per annum in terms of production. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will tell you that. We were there in 70 –

 

Mr Kang’ombe: We are not talking about copper.

 

Mr Amutike: Wait, hang on. We are talking about mining.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members who are supporting the Motion, give a chance to –­

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Amutike: No, no. We are talking about mining. So, when the mining–  ­

 

Madam Speaker: It is the whole subject of mining, of course.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Interruptions

 

 Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, let me help my hon. Colleagues.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

There is a need to compare as you debate because we are talking about mining. So, let the hon. Member for Mongu Central continue.

 

 Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, I will talk about the production side of things in terms of copper and other strategic and critical minerals. I will cite copper production in this instance, which was under private hands; privately mined. From 1928 to 1969, the mining sector in this country was under the private hands of two companies; Anglo-American Corporation and Roan Selection Trust. Production then reached 720,000 tonnes per annum. The time that my brother, Hon. B. Mpundu, has quoted in his statistics on the Zambian economy being greater than Korea with regards to its gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was in 1969, when mining was being undertaken by the private sector. It was only in 1969 when the Government started talking about nationalisation, which took about three years to happen and, by 1973, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) was formed.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Uleumfwa data?

 

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, when the ZCCM was formed, production by that year was 720,000 tonnes per annum. As a result of investor jitters, it was during that year that production began to drop from 720,000 tonnes in the 1970s to 250,000 tonnes all the way up to 1991. That is when the late Former President Fredrick Chiluba decided to re-privatise. The point is: Why would you want to give back the Government the chance to start mining when it failed in the first place? That is a lack of common sense. My headmaster, Mr Mwansa, would have punished you for that.

 

Madam Speaker, what happened –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Mongu Central!

 

The use of the phrase “A lack of common sense” in the context that you have used it is unparliamentary. Please, use a better word.

 

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, I withdraw it.

 

Madam Speaker, the point I am making is that we cannot go back to what failed.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Dununa reverse!

 

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, we cannot do dununa reverse in this instance. What happened was that whilst we benefited from 1970 onwards, because all the machinery; plants and smelters were still in good condition, the Government failed to invest in new mining technology for the smelters and refineries. The Government was just taking the money because it usually has other priorities to meet, like the basic needs of the people. The Government's main responsibility is to build roads, provide water, provide medicine in the hospitals and basic infrastructure. That is what the people really want. Any Government that invests in the mining sector should know that it is an expensive business. You would not want to take the scarce resources towards that to create profit for shareholders.

 

Madam Speaker, when we are talking about this Government wanting a private-driven economy, we are not talking about a foreign-driven economy. Please, let us get that right. Zambians can be partners, as private citizens or private investors, in the mining sector. I think, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development was on point yesterday. He encouraged all of us, even as hon. Members, to come up with consortia, as private investors so that we can also be shareholders in the sector, and create businesses and profits. Then, the Government can collect taxes from the investments. That is what we want to do. Why would you want to encourage a Government that has enormous responsibility to be in the mainstream of mining operations? It beats me. I do not know. Sometimes, when I sit here, in this House, I get irritated, because ignorance irritates me.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Mongu Central!

 

 Now you are irritating the whole House. Choose your words carefully.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, I apologise. I withdraw the word.

 

Madam Speaker, let me put it into perspective. In the twenty years that the ZCCM was in power, there were only 22,000 direct jobs. In other words, each year of the twenty years that the ZCCM was in power –

 

Mr Kang’ombe and Mr B. Mpundu interjected.

 

 Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Kamfinsa and hon. Member for Nkana!

 

 I have already given the hon. Member guidance.

 

Mr Kangombe: Madam Speaker, why are you letting him talk like that?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: No. He cannot say that.

 

 Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, if you were listening, you would have noted that I have given the hon. Member for Mongu Central guidance. You are not listening to what is happening in the House because you are debating whilst seated. I was giving guidance. Even as I am talking now, you are still talking to the hon. Member for Mongu Central. So, how will you listen to what is happening? Let us listen to one another first.

 

 Hon. Member for Mongu Central, please, moderate your language.

 

Mr Amutike: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Let me try to restrain myself.

 

Madam Speaker, while the mining sector was under the ZCCM for approximately twenty years, the sector only created 22,000 direct jobs and, to put it in perspective, 2,000 jobs were being lost per year. By the time re-privatisation happened in 1994, while under the ZCCM, a Government-controlled entity, Zambia was now the twenty-fifth poorest country in the world. Why would you want to go back to that, honestly? It beats me. It is a pity. I do not understand. You may help me. This thinking shows me –

 

Madam Speaker, the point is that we must encourage our Zambian people and create ways to raise capital. We can come together as private citizens to form consortia and entities to invest in the mining sector so that our economy is driven by the Zambian private sector. The difference between Margaret Thatcher’s privatisation and Zambia’s privatisation is that Margaret Thatcher privatised public companies to the British citizens. In the privatisation that happened in Zambia in 1991, public companies went mostly to foreign citizens. They were the shareholders in those entities. We need to change the narrative so that Zambians, as private citizens, can be at the forefront of owning the wealth of the country. We must move away from the notion that private investment means foreign investment. No, private investment can be driven by Zambians.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Before we proceed, there was an indication for a Point of Order.

 

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, what was the Point of Order? Has it been overtaken by events?

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I have never raised a Point of Order in my four years I have been in this House, but today, I am compelled to do so. My Point of Order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71.

 

Madam Speaker, the debater who has just finished making his submission used inappropriate language in this House. It is always important to learn from one another when we are debating. When the language is inappropriate, a wrong environment is created. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Mongu Central, someone whom we respect as an adult, in order to use the language that he just used during his debate?

 

Hon. Government Members: The Speaker has already ruled!

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, if you were following the proceedings, the hon. Member for Mongu Central was properly guided. I think, I did so three times. Therefore, the Point of Order is overtaken by events. It cannot be sustained.

 

 The next one to debate is the hon. Member for Mpika.

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to debate. Let me begin by commending the mover and the seconder of the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, this Motion is very important. The role of the Government is to distribute national resources for the benefit of the people. For the Government to deliver services to the people, there must be matching resources. That is why this Motion urges the Government to take control of sugilite, gold and emerald mining so that it can have the much-needed resources to invest in infrastructure development, unlike now, whereby the core mining business, which is copper mining, is run by foreigners. When foreigners make money, they externalise it to create jobs elsewhere. The mover and the seconder of the Motion, in their own wisdom, have realised how we have been struggling as a country to develop.  So, they are suggesting that gold, copper and emeralds should be controlled 100 per cent by the Government so that when resources are realised, they are put into service delivery. That is what this Motion seeks to cure.

 

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, support this Motion. I have heard various arguments from different debaters on the Floor of the House. Others even questioned by saying, “Why should we go back to 1969?” No one is saying that we should go back to 1969. If anything, anyone patriotic can call for us to do what Dr. Kaunda did, which was called the Matero Declaration. That was when he took over the Roan Antelope Mining Corporation of Zambia (RAMCOZ) and other foreign companies because our people then were not benefiting, just as the case is today. We were only collecting taxes from everything that is mined. At the moment, we do not even collect taxes.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Balifumyako.

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: We do not collect taxes?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I need your protection, or I will protect myself.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Hon. Member, as you debate, please, be factual. The issue you have raised that the Government is not collecting taxes is not factual.

 

Mr Nkandu: He is misleading the whole nation.

 

Madam Speaker: Please, be factual. I do not want Points of Order to arise.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Let us allow the hon. Member to continue. You will have the opportunity to respond.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I was saying that what used to happen then is what is currently happening. The 2023 Amnesty International Report revealed that our country loses US$4.5 billion annually to corporate tax evasion, which means, as a country, we are losing a lot of revenue. In fact, we are losing more than we are earning from our mining sector.

 

Mr Kabuswe interjected.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, that can be cured by the Government taking over the mining of gold, sugilite and emeralds. That is when our people will be benefiting from mining. Currently, we are benefiting almost nothing from the mines. The money we are using for infrastructure development, including the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is borrowed. However, if the Government was to be involved in gold, emerald and sugilite mining, it would be funding our infrastructure development directly. That is what I am saying, and that is what the mover and the seconder of the Motion are saying.  For God’s sake, why should we feel happy that foreigners are mining our minerals? They are in mining, fish farming and block making. They are in everything. Which sector can we run, Madam Speaker? It strikes me –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, it strikes me that instead of supporting this Motion, one would rather support foreigners to continue doing what they are doing. Foreigners have even engaged in illegal mining. They are in the bush mining our resources.

 

Madam Speaker, if the Government was involved in mining, it would have the much-needed resources to invest in our children’s education from Grade 1 all the way through university for free. If the Government were involved in mining, the Mpika/Nabwalya Road would have been constructed. If the Government were involved in gold mining, the township roads in Mpika would be constructed. If anything, proper mining in Mpika would be created because, currently, the entire area is littered with illegal mining. It is not that those engaging in illegal mining want to do so. It is because for them to move from Mpika to Lusaka to acquire a licence, they have to prepare more than K10,000 to pay for transport, accommodation and other costs. This is because this Government has not decentralised the issuance of artisanal mining licences. So, the Government must be involved in mining.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development must leave a legacy at the ministry. He should leave a legacy  that when he served as the hon. Minister, the Government took over the mining of gold, emerald and sugilite. Every year, we hear about how Zambian emeralds are auctioned for millions of United States (US) Dollars at the international market. However, there are no accruing benefits to our people. Our people in Mtendere, Kalingalinga and Chitulika are wallowing in abject poverty, but it does not hurt anyone. Some people are supporting the status quo and saying, “Where do you want to take us?” They can even call those who are moving such progressive Motions names. In whose interest do they serve? If they really serve in the interest of the people of Zambia, they cannot stand for such and object to this Motion. That is because this Motion aims to protect the interests of the people of Zambia. If their interest is to serve the people of Zambia at all, why are they not supporting such a progressive Motion?

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: On a Point of Order, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Takuli nabakanya.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, this Motion must be supported by all those who have the interest of the people of Zambia at heart. We are all here to serve the interests of the people of Zambia. If the Government took over the mining of emerald, sugilite and gold, our people would start having real benefits trickling down to them, unlike now, when foreigners externalise whatever profits they make. Who is serving the interests of foreigners? In here, we are going to see who serves the interests of foreigners at the expense of the Zambian people.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, again, I want to commend my hon. Colleagues for this progressive Motion. This Motion is in the best interest of the Zambian people. Today, the Zambian people are not benefiting anything from the mines.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: They are not getting even a little gold, emerald and sugilite.

 

Madam Speaker, we have to support them.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Those who are saying, “Question!” are the ones serving the interests of foreigners.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kapyanga: We know whom they are serving. They are not serving the interests of the Zambian people.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: They are saying, “Question!”  because they are serving the interests of foreigners

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: You, the kwenyu people, are serving the interests of foreigners.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member’s time expired.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: You are serving the interests of foreigners.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

It is just a Motion. Let us not be emotional.

 

Sorry hon. Minister, I had indicated that there would be no points of order so that the debate can flow. However, now that the hon. Member for Mpika has resumed his seat, you are given an opportunity. What is your point of order?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Ah!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, my point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71, on content of speech.

 

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member for Mpika, whom I love so dearly, in order to mislead the House that we are funding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from borrowed money, …

 

Mr Kapyanga: It is borrowed money.

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: …  when the CDF is financed using resources generated by the Government, …

 

Hon. PF Members: Question!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: … through prudent use of taxpayers' money?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, may the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika tell the country where we have borrowed money for the CDF? How much CDF have we borrowed? The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is here. Cabinet hon. Members are here. The hon. Members of Parliament who authorise borrowing are here.

 

Madam Speaker, is he in order to mislead the House and himself by saying that the money that the Government is generating through taxpayers and using it prudently to develop areas like Mpika, Chingola and other places, is borrowed money?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

 

Mr Chisopa: It is money borrowed locally!

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

As we debate, let us be factual. Hon. Member for Mpika –

 

Mr Kapyanga rose.

 

Mr Munsanje: Sit down, iwe!

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

 

Madam Speaker: You need to be factual. If you have evidence to show that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) that is distributed is borrowed money which was not approved by this honourable House, then, that is a serious issue which you should prove.

 

Mr Mposha: Yes!

 

Madam Speaker: The Standing Orders require us to be factual.

 

Mr Kapyanga rose.

 

Madam Speaker: I am not engaging with you, hon. Member for Mpika.

 

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

 

Madam Speaker: I am guiding you.

 

So, please, let us be factual. The hon. Member for Mpika was out of order to allege that the CDF is borrowed money.

 

Mr Kolala: He is always out of order.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to speak on this Motion, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala.

 

Madam Speaker, from the outset, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, I wish to state that this is a brought-in-dead (BiD) Motion because we are way past the Government regulating the economy, as ably debated by my hon. Colleagues. Post-independence, Zambia had a state-controlled economy, and mining and related activities were at the centre of productivity. We saw how this country crushed in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to multiparty changes. The changes emanated from many issues related to mining. Therefore, we cannot go back to the failed theory that the Government should take over mining of gold, sugilite and gemstones.

 

Madam Speaker, our United Party for National Development (UPND) Manifesto is very clear on a market-led economy. The market regulates itself. The market reacts to the conditions that are available in the country. The market maximises production. It is from that policy of the UPND Government that we have seen the market react very well. Production has increased because of the policy environment. We removed mining issues from courts, and that allowed private investment into the mining sector. That led to the opening of so many new mines around the country, including Mingomba Mining Limited (MML) just near here in Mumbwa. There is also Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga, and many other mines are coming on board. There is so much investment; we can check the Investment Report from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). It demonstrates that there have been huge investments in under four years of the UPND New Dawn Government, based on the policy environment and the market conditions that Zambia has set.

 

Madam Speaker, we do not repair what is working. We do not disturb what is working. The UPND has demonstrated that the policy works. Under the UPND New Dawn Government, ably led by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, we have seen this country come out of a coma, come out of the toilet. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was negative 2 per cent …

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Toilet?

 

Mr Munsanje: … but now it is 6.4 per cent.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Ati toilet, bamuleka?

 

Mr Munsanje: Therefore, Zambia is now thriving. Its GDP was negative, it was junk status. The GDP was in the toilet, but now the economy is thriving.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Awe, ngatwaipusha ati iyo! Alelanda ati toilet, sure!

 

Mr Munsanje: The economy is thriving now. So, we need not go back to things that –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Mbabala, I missed the word that you used.

 

Hon. Government Members laughed.

 

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker –

 

Madam Speaker: In what context were you saying, “toilet”?

 

Mr Munsanje: I am describing the economy in the past. It was not performing well. It was junk status. The GDP was negative 2 per cent. When you put a number line, you see that there is a negative side and a positive side.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay.

 

Please,  withdraw the word “toilet.”

 

Mr Munsanje: Alright, Madam Speaker, I withdraw it but  maintain the phrase “junk status.”

 

Madam Speaker: Proceed.

 

Mr Munsanje: Thank you so much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, as a student of development economics, it is very clear that we have to support the market so that it can operate and bring in the resources that we do not have. Indeed, we have our own resources. These resources have to be combined with international resources. That is what is going on.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambians are working in all the mines in the country. They are working at MML, Barrick Gold, Lumwana Mine and Mopani Copper Mines Plc (MCM). They are working in all these mines and many others that have opened. Even in the gemstone mining sector, Zambians are working at Kagem Mining Limited and other mines. Personally, I have relatives who are investors in Kagem Mining Limited, and they are making money. That does not mean that the private sector has failed. That does not mean that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has failed to collect taxes. The ZRA has ably demonstrated how it is collecting a lot of revenue as a result of the quality policy environment. I think that some of my hon. Colleagues need a workshop because maybe, they missed it last time. The ZRA Director-General (DG) held a pre-Budget meeting for hon. Members of Parliament here, where he clearly demonstrated how much revenue has increased as a result of collections from the mining sector and many others. Those collections demonstrate that the ambition of achieving 3 million metric tonnes copper production, set out in the visionary statement by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, is going to be met in the near future. This is because we are already approaching 1 million metric tonnes copper production. This demonstrates that the policy environment and the conditions are correct. We are on the right trajectory. Therefore, we cannot, like I said earlier, change what is working. We need to just support the policy and continuously make improvements.

 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, I wholeheartedly reject this Motion because it does not add value to the country. It will actually take us fifty years back …

 

Mr Samakayi: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Munsanje: … to the time when we got Independence. So, those theories and that thinking from the people on the left is archaic and colonial.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Two hon. Members are indicating to debate but looking at time, maybe, I can only give them four minutes each, if they still want to debate. Hon. Member for Mwembezhi and hon. Member for Kalabo Central, is that alright?

 

Mr Miyutu: Yes, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: We start with the hon. Member for Mwembezhi.

 

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Madam Speaker, I am grateful for giving me this time to add my words to the debate.

 

Madam Speaker, first and foremost, I am really puzzled because I do not know where the young men were in 2021 and 2020.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, the mining licences for those who were mining gold at Kasenseli and sugilite in Luapula were not issued by the United Party for National Development (UPND), but the Patriotic Front (PF).

 

Madam Speaker, I wonder where the young men were when the PF were issuing licences to miners. In our language, we say, mwana wa nzoka ni nzoka.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Jamba: What I am saying is that a snake can only beget a snake. Those young men are a product of the PF.  Why did they not advise their Government then to–

 

 

Mr C. Mulenga: Small snakes!

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, when I look at him, ndemufwila noluse. You– (pointed at Mr B. Mpundu)

 

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, the gold was there in Kasenseli. The people who were mining it were getting United States Dollar (US$), which they used to burn on the braziers. They could even marry ten women each and doing all sorts of things. Laughter

 

Mr Jamba: They could not plan for that money well. They forgot that that money was for the people of Zambia, and that they could have turned that gold into a Government asset.  Today, they have the audacity to tell us what to do. 

 

Madam Speaker, these people–

 

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Let us have some order!

 

 Hon. Member for Mwembezhi, please, be factual about the things you are saying about people marrying ten women.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Michelo: It is true!

 

Madam Speaker: Be factual, please.

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the statement about people marrying ten women. Those people used to burn money. Madam Speaker, even you, you saw them. They burnt Dollars raised from the gold that was mined at Kasenseli, that we are now talking about. Now, today, they want to come and teach us how to regulate the mineral resources for the people of Zambia to benefit. They are actually wrong advisors because they failed. Where were they in 2021?

 

Madam Speaker, the President has been going to places like the United States of America (USA) and Paris to lobby for investors to come and mine emerald and sugilite in Zambia. It is bad to see that when people want to come and invest, our colleagues tell them that mining is restricted to Zambians. What type of thinking is that? Why are they chasing away investors? No!

 

Madam Speaker, let me explain. These people are trying to seek sympathy through pretending to be doing good. The gold we are talking about is going to be mined by the people of Zambia and aggregated by Zambian conglomerates. So, what are they talking about? The sugilite we are talking about is being mined by the Zambian investors.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Where?

 

Mr Jamba: So, you do not know? If you do not know, come and ask me.

 

Madam Speaker, these people do not know anything about mining. I worked in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, and I know what I am talking about.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, people should know that three-quarters of the licences are owned by Zambians. These people should be able to encourage others on what they are doing.  If Zambians are mining gold or sugilite, we should encourage them not to sell their licences. We will not manage to invite investors and later on, change the goal posts. How are they going to look at us?

 

Madam Speaker, I was here in the last Parliament –

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you. Wind up your debate. Your time is up.

 

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, in the last Parliament, the Planning and Budgeting Committee was always sitting and amending the Supplementary Budget. It tried to see how we could acquire money. Every year, when the Planning and Budgeting Committee sits, it does not actually change things. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning was always bringing changes.

Madam Speaker, if you can remember at some point, these people wanted to introduce the Sales Tax. Two days later, they–

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member’s expired.

 

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, these are very inconsistent people. Actually, they are bana banzoka. Mbazoka aba.  

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: You can make us laugh. Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, please, you have four minutes. We are running out of time.

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker, I will start by defining the word “state.” A state is a political entity with a defined territory, a permanent population, and a Government that exercises sovereignty. That is a state. Now, the Motion is urging the state to own and seriously take part in gold, emeralds and sugilite mining.

 

 Madam Speaker, I am a Zambian, and therefore, it will be very difficult for me to stand here and say that the state cannot do that. My conscience cannot allow me to say that a state cannot do that. What is a state? The state is full of authorities, technicalities and mandates. Now, how can one tell me that a state cannot do that ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Miyutu: …after sixty-one years of independence?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, this is where we miss it. Surely, after sixty-one years, are they telling me that the population of Zambia which makes a state cannot handle that in an organised manner? Are they telling me that the current state cannot handle that?  Maybe, people are lost. If the word, “state” was not there, I would not have stood here. I really believe that the state can do it because I have seen and experienced it when the United National Independence Party (UNIP) governed this country. I have experienced it myself. If it were not for UNIP holding the copper, I do not know if today, I would stand here. I say so because I did not have a father. My mother was just a housewife. I was assisted by my uncle. So, because of the prudent strength and capability of the UNIP Government, it managed the copper. It managed to raise money to build schools, hospitals, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) line, the Itezhi-Tezhi Hydro-Power Station.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Miyutu: Yes!

 

Eng. Nzovu: Iwe!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Miyutu: It is up to you.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, please be factual.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Be factual, iwe!

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I am very factual.

 

Hon. UPND Members: No!

 

Eng. Nzovu: Kalibange aka. fwaka!

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, we belong to different schools of thought. I belong to a school that promotes state ownership. So, I cannot speak against it because I have seen what the State can do. It is the State, through the Zambia National Service (ZNS), that has gone into maize production. Has it failed? It has not failed. Anyway, it is up to us. If we want more resources and enhanced control, the State has the power to do that.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Just sit down! Time up!

 

Hon. UPND Members: Time up!

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, if we want to continue lobbying and suffering like this, it is up to us.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member's time expired.

 

 The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to ventilate on the debate on the Motion on the Floor of this House.

 

Madam Speaker, let me begin by indicating that my debate is holistic in terms of outlook. Therefore, I would like to indicate that the New Dawn Administration's economic transformation agenda's overarching objectives stand mainly on, inter alia, four pillars. Firstly, encouraging investments into the economy; both local and international. Secondly, promotion of joint ventures between local and foreign direct investors in recognition of the fact that we, as citizens, may be endowed with natural resources, such as the minerals we are talking about today, but without the necessary financial capacity to exploit them so that they can translate into value for us. Hence, the emphasis on joint ventures. That is why, under the New Dawn Administration, you may note consistency in the mining sector in terms of ensuring that, for example, 30 per cent in Lubambe Copper Mine and 21 per cent in the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc are State ownership. Further, state ownership is now standing at 49 per cent in Mopani Copper Mines Plc from the previous 15 per cent. Therefore, it is grave and hair-raising to hear an hon. Member on the Floor of this House purport that mining in this country is foreign-owned. I think, we need a bit more information from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, or workshops on this issue, because shareholding is about ownership. Therefore, dividends accrue to shareholders.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also emphasise that presently the promotion of joint ventures is in recognition of the fact that the New Dawn Administration of President Hakainde Hichilema inherited a debt-laden economy, one which, as of November 2020, had defaulted, de facto, and was in a junk state. Today, one is saying that we should extricate the private sector from participation in the mining of the minerals, as we are now debating. I think, this Motion is misplaced, fallacious, mischievous, sensational and meant to attain cheap political mileage, because some of the things that were ventilated by the mover of the Motion are already being done by this Government, if only he cared to address his mind to the Minerals Regulation Commission, which provides for Government participation in mining in respect of what the promoters of this Motion are talking about.

 

Madam Speaker, thirdly, the New Dawn Administration talks about promoting value addition to ensure that the minerals we mine are not exported raw so that we retain the job component. The fourth one, of course, is infrastructure development.

 

 

Eng. Nzovu: Iwe!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Miyutu: It is up to you.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, please be factual.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Be factual, iwe!

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I am very factual.

 

Hon. UPND Members: No!

 

Eng. Nzovu: Kalibange aka. fwaka!

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, we belong to different schools of thought. I belong to a school that promotes state ownership. So, I cannot speak against it because I have seen what the State can do. It is the State, through the Zambia National Service (ZNS), that has gone into maize production. Has it failed? It has not failed. Anyway, it is up to us. If we want more resources and enhanced control, the State has the power to do that.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Just sit down! Time up!

 

Hon. UPND Members: Time up!

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, if we want to continue lobbying and suffering like this, it is up to us.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member's time expired.

 

 The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to ventilate on the debate on the Motion on the Floor of this House.

 

Madam Speaker, let me begin by indicating that my debate is holistic in terms of outlook. Therefore, I would like to indicate that the New Dawn Administration's economic transformation agenda's overarching objectives stand mainly on, inter alia, four pillars. Firstly, encouraging investments into the economy; both local and international. Secondly, promotion of joint ventures between local and foreign direct investors in recognition of the fact that we, as citizens, may be endowed with natural resources, such as the minerals we are talking about today, but without the necessary financial capacity to exploit them so that they can translate into value for us. Hence, the emphasis on joint ventures. That is why, under the New Dawn Administration, you may note consistency in the mining sector in terms of ensuring that, for example, 30 per cent in Lubambe Copper Mine and 21 per cent in the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc are State ownership. Further, state ownership is now standing at 49 per cent in Mopani Copper Mines Plc from the previous 15 per cent. Therefore, it is grave and hair-raising to hear an hon. Member on the Floor of this House purport that mining in this country is foreign-owned. I think, we need a bit more information from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, or workshops on this issue, because shareholding is about ownership. Therefore, dividends accrue to shareholders.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also emphasise that presently the promotion of joint ventures is in recognition of the fact that the New Dawn Administration of President Hakainde Hichilema inherited a debt-laden economy, one which, as of November 2020, had defaulted, de facto, and was in a junk state. Today, one is saying that we should extricate the private sector from participation in the mining of the minerals, as we are now debating. I think, this Motion is misplaced, fallacious, mischievous, sensational and meant to attain cheap political mileage, because some of the things that were ventilated by the mover of the Motion are already being done by this Government, if only he cared to address his mind to the Minerals Regulation Commission, which provides for Government participation in mining in respect of what the promoters of this Motion are talking about.

 

Madam Speaker, thirdly, the New Dawn Administration talks about promoting value addition to ensure that the minerals we mine are not exported raw so that we retain the job component. The fourth one, of course, is infrastructure development.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to indicate, argue and put it to the mover of the Motion that mining relating to the minerals he has referred to is an expensive endeavour. An example has been given here about the Kasenseli Gold Mine, which was operational, but subsequently went under. It had to take President Hakainde Hichilema’s New Dawn Administration to resuscitate that particular mine. The idea of always thinking about nationalisation is a perilous trodden path that the previous Administration once dragged this country into, when it sought to liquidate the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). We saw what happened. Copper production decreased from 250,000 metric tonnes to only 8,000 metric tonnes, and those who benefited were individuals, some of whom, after the change of Government, had to return US$24 million to the Treasury. That is a mischief we should not get back to in the present moment. Mining is not cheap. That is why the President is emphasising on joint ventures to ensure that while we retain the mineral, we allow those who have the capital to bring it into play so that we get value out of it. It is that one can possess the mineral or want to own it, but if he/she has no capacity to exploit it, it is as good as worthless. It is said, “A resource is not, it becomes”.

 

Madam Speaker, I also want to indicate here that this Government is not in office for business. It is there to facilitate business. The New Dawn Administration of President Hakainde Hichilema recognises the important role that the private sector plays in job creation and business expansion in contributing to overall economic development. That is why this Government, in terms of the mining sector, has gone about giving artisanal mining licences to ensure that Zambians participate in the sector. By nomenclature, restricting mining to the State alone means that citizens are excluded because the State is not a citizen. The State is not the citizens. The citizens are private players. It would have been better if the Motion had been about allowing Zambians to mine. Maybe, then, one would give it a second look. However, if the proposal is to restrict mining to the State, I think that should be looked at with melancholy and spat upon with disgust, because we know where we have come from.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also indicate that the passing of the Statutory Instrument (SI) relating to local content has been overwhelmingly received by all well-meaning Zambians, those who know that we need foreign direct investment (FDI) for our economy to grow. There are also those who know that Dubai has grown, not by its own resources, but by the funding from outside entrepreneurs. We are that kind of generation and a party in Government under the able leadership of a President who understands economic –

 

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Minister. We are now in the dying minutes of the Sitting. We only have ten minutes before we adjourn. We need to conclude this Motion. If you can wind up, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker, those who cannot hear over little, cannot hear over more. This is a brought in dead (BiD) Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

I can see indications from the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. Thereafter, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development will wind up the debate. Each one will take three minutes.

 

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga): Madam Speaker, three minutes is sufficient because the hon. Member of Parliament for Choma, the Minister of Information and Media, has really elaborated very well.

 

Madam Speaker, getting the State to manage mining resources would be depriving Zambians of participating in growing our economy. Again, that issue is inconsistent with the policy of this Government. The private sector, which comprises Zambians, should be engaged. That is why the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development has had a very vigorous and mammoth task of giving small-scale licences to Zambians for mining minerals like gold and other minerals that have been mentioned today. We will deprive our very own young Zambians of owning mines because the State would be running mines. We saw what happened when the State ran mining enterprises, including during the time of the Government of my dear brothers and sisters, the movers of this Motion, the Patriotic Front (PF). They owned Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines Plc (MCM). What happened next? They ran the companies down. Now, the Government has put the mines in private hands because it wants to protect the mining sector.  

 

Madam Speaker, Local Content strategy is something that should be taken seriously by the Government, the Opposition and Independent hon. Members of Parliament, because it will enrich Zambians, not the 20 per cent subcontracting policy we used to talk about in the past. Now, it is about value. In the past, this President was accused of being a stooge of Whites, of imperialists, of foreign investors. However, he has proved that he is indeed a stooge of Zambians …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: … by empowering them to share in the resources in the mines owned by foreign nationals.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government owned about 15 per cent or 20 per cent shares in MCM, as the hon. Minister of Information and Media mentioned. We have scaled up our shares to 49 per cent while bringing investment, good technology and the right capital.

 

Madam Speaker, we cannot shy away from attracting foreign and private investment from locals. It is critical to understand that yes, as Zambians, we can mine; we have been mining for 100 years. However, we lack capital and technology. Therefore, we need to partner with private players in Zambia and outside.

 

Madam Speaker, for the first time, I stand to strongly and vehemently reject this brought-in-dead (BiD) Motion in the House.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, I also reject this Motion. In doing so, I repeat what I have always said, especially to the young people: invest in knowledge …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Muskotwane: … because when you do not have knowledge, you end up being a danger to yourself.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the hon. Colleagues there on the left were very happy saying that under State ownership, the mining sector did well. This is where the lack of knowledge comes through, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: …because under State ownership, production of copper fell from 750,000 metric tonnes to only 250,000 metric tonnes. With that, there was no foreign exchange.

 

Madam Speaker, they claim that the economy was doing very well at that time, but to buy toilet paper, you had to stand in a queue. To buy mealie meal, you had to stand in a queue. To buy soap, you had to stand in a queue. Where was the good economy? Is this the kind of good economy they are talking about?

 

Interruptions

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the revenue of the State disappeared.

 

Mr Tayali: Completely!

 

Dr Musokotwane: This is why the free education that the United National Independence Party (UNIP) started became impossible to continue with.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: This is why infrastructure like roads and so forth deteriorated.

 

Mr Tayali: Yes!

 

Dr Musokotwane: This is why the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) deteriorated.

 

Mr Tayali: Correct!

 

Dr Musokotwane: This is why Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) deteriorated. It was because there was no copper to carry.

 

Madam Speaker, during the time when the people on the left were in the Government, they took over mines. They closed mines. This was State ownership.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Correct!

 

Dr Musokotwane: How do they expect the mines that they closed to benefit Zambians? Where is the logic in this?

 

Madam Speaker, I do not have much time. So, let me just say that they have got the reasoning totally wrong. They need to go to the library at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and read books …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: … to know the real stories and then make proper recommendations.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, we are adjourning at 1830 hours. So, please, debate for three minutes.

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I thank you, very much, but I do not support this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, three minutes is very little for me, but I will try because there are so many wrong statements that have been made by the people on the other side, who supported the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, the benefits from the mining sector do not come from the Government controlling any resource. Like I said yesterday, firstly, the benefits from the mining sector comes about through leadership.

 

Madam Speaker, as we sit right now, the only authority that can give a mining …a …

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Minister, if you want to say more, then, we can leave it for tomorrow.

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, no, tomorrow I will be out of town.

 

Madam Speaker: Alright, thank you. Please continue.

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I want to conclude by saying that we do not support this Motion. I take the thoughts and presentations by my hon. Colleagues who do not support the Motion as mine.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, I give you one minute to wind up debate.  

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the economy is bleeding. Our economy is stressed. Our people are overburden with taxes. The time has come for us to harness our resources. This Motion seeks the Government to harness our own resources as opposed to always giving our resources to foreigners. For the first time, this august House can go down in history by doing what is right for our people. We cannot be people who continue to invest our God-given resources in the hands of foreigners. So, we are very proud to stand and object. We are comfortable and we can even be proud that we are leaders.

 

Madam Speaker, I do not want to be part of a generation that invested what God had given us in the hands of foreigners. That is why I came to this august House to urge my hon. Colleagues that time has come for us to look at ourselves as opposed to going with begging bowls continuously to borrow and borrow for us to spend in the social sector. We can rely on our own resources that God gave us. That is why I brought this Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Question put and negatived.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1830 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 30^th October, 2025.

 

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