KCM Deal in Doubt



ZCLU cites supplier exclusion, slow job creation and urges enforcement of local content laws

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (25-4-2026) ---The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) says the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) deal is in doubt, raising concern over the mine’s alleged failure to honour commitments on local supplier inclusion and job creation.

ZCLU Executive Director said Isaac Mwanza the organisation has received complaints from local businesses claiming that is not adhering to promises of inclusive procurement following its return under .

Mwanza has called on the to enforce compliance with Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025, which is aimed at promoting local participation in the mining sector.

He warned that sidelining Zambian suppliers risks weakening citizen-owned enterprises and undermining broader economic growth.

Mwanza further cautioned that the reported practices could erode public confidence in the (UPND) administration, which had assured citizens that KCM’s return would deliver tangible economic benefits.

He also expressed concern over what he described as slow progress in job creation at the mine, limiting opportunities for Zambians to participate meaningfully in its operations.

Mwanza stressed the need for KCM to prioritise qualified Zambians for senior and decision-making roles instead of relying heavily on expatriates.

He noted that increased local representation in leadership is critical to strengthening labour rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring accountability in the mining sector.

He also urged the to intensify oversight through regular assessments of KCM’s employment and labour practices.

Mwanza reaffirmed that ZCLU remains committed to advocating for economic justice, fair labour standards and increased citizen participation in key industries.

He added that the organisation will continue engaging authorities to safeguard the interests of Zambians.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Brother, A Leader, A Lesson

Image
 Bishop Mwamba’s Tribute to Lungu Lusaka, Zambia24, Thursday, June 5, 2025 – United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Bishop Trevor Mwamba has paid tribute to the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a man of the people, a personal friend, and a national figure whose life and leadership offer Zambia both memory and lesson. In a statement delivered Thursday, Bishop Mwamba extended condolences to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the entire nation, while encouraging citizens to reflect not only on the man Lungu was, but on the legacy he leaves behind. “I, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, extend my sincere sympathies to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the Zambian people on the passing of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said.  “As President of UNIP, I also convey our party’s deep condolences at this moment of national loss.” Recalling Lungu as his former classmate, Mwamba spoke warmly of the former president’s personal qualities—h...
Read more

Bishops Decry DEC Summons

Image
ZCCB Warns Against Using State Institutions to Silence Church Leaders By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (3-01-2026) - The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has condemned in the strongest terms the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) summons of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing it as a brazen attempt to intimidate the Church and silence its voice on governance. ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama said in a statement that the Bishops stand in unwavering solidarity with Archbishop Banda, who is scheduled to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on 5 January 2026.  The summons, delivered on 31 December 2025, comes amid a wave of public attacks and derogatory remarks against the Archbishop. The Bishops labelled the DEC action as unmistakably state-sponsored harassment, designed to punish Archbishop Banda for speaking truth to power and holding the government accountable.  Bishop Chama warned that weaponizing state institut...
Read more

Breaking Silence, Saving Lives

Image
Journalists Join Safe Motherhood Fight and are challenging taboos to protect women’s health. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (20-05-2025) - The Ministry of Health convened a critical media orientation in Lusaka to commemorate Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasizing renewed efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across Zambia. The event brought together media professionals, health experts, and key stakeholders to amplify messages on safe maternal health services and the urgent need to end obstetric fistula. In his keynote address, Dr. Aspha S. Choonga stressed the pivotal role of the media in advocating for women’s rights to safe, dignified, and respectful maternal health care. “Your presence here today is not just appreciated—it is vital,” Dr. Choonga said, urging media practitioners to break taboos and inform the public on these critical issues. He outlined the four pillars of Safe Motherhood: family planning, antenatal care, c...
Read more