Mourn Chiluba with respect, support RB says Sichone

Saturday, June 25, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
ZAMBIA Centre for Inter Party Dialogue (ZCID) board member Langton Sichone has called on Zambians to support President Banda and the MMD as the country mourns former President Frederick Chiluba and ignore negative statements from disgruntled politicians.
Mr Sichone said in an interview yesterday in Kitwe that it is unfortunate that some politicians are insulting Government and its leaders over the death of Dr Chiluba.
He urged Zambians to continue supporting President Banda and the MMD Government as the country mourns the former head of State.
“It is regrettable that some recycled politicians have chosen to insult Government over the death of Dr Chiluba. This is not the time for name calling or apportioning blame over certain things. We should mourn Dr Chiluba with respect and dignity,” he said.
Mr Sichone said it is disappointing that some vocal politicians have failed to contribute positively to the development of the country.
He said Zambians are not interested in leaders who are bent on promoting confusion in communities when the nation is mourning.
The ZCID board member said Dr Chiluba played a pivotal role in the development of the country and it is important to mourn him with dignity.
“We are proud of Dr Chiluba’s contribution to the development of the country. He played a major role in re-introducing the democracy we are enjoying today.
“The man implemented numerous developmental projects and the country is still benefiting from some of his polices he implemented. This is the time to put aside our differences and mourn in peace,” he said.
Mr Sichone urged Zambians to ignore some opposition parties causing confusion in the country.
“These are the same leaders who have failed to appreciate the efforts of President Banda to develop the country. They want to cause confusion in the communities. They cannot see anything good in what the Government of President Banda is doing to improve the living standards of the people,” he said.

Zambian coach Dario Bonetti hails Zambian football players

by Emeka Enyadike 21 June 2011, 16:13

Dario Bonetti was born in San Zeno Naviglio, Brescia (Italy), on August 5, 1961, and was one of the stalwarts of Italy’s Serie A at the peak of it’s glory.
He is not a foreign coach who has come to Africa without pedigree. He is undoubtedly one of the true icons of the Italian game.
He began his professional career at his hometown club Brescia in the 1978/79 season and joined AS Roma in 1980. It was with the Giallorossi that he made his mark and he remained with them until 1986, apart from a short spell in between when he played for Sampdoria in 1982/83. He played for Roma when they lost on penalties to Liverpool in the famous European cup finals in Rome in 1984, when they were Serie A runners-up three times and when they won the Copa Italia three times.
He would move on to an unhappy spell at AC Milan in 1986 before joining Verona a year later. Two years later, he was on the move again. This time he joined the old lady of Italian football. He stayed with Juventus for two years, winning the Uefa Cup and the Copa Italia in 1989/1990.
He returned to Sampdoria in 1991 and starred alongside Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini as they reached the 1992 European Cup final, losing 0-1 to Barcelona at Wembley.
Dario was a feared defender and, in his time,he set a record of 39 suspensions.
Dario began his management career in Genoa with amateur side Sestrese, where his brother Ivano played. They would both export their managerial talent to Scotland when they coached Dundee between 2000-2002. This time Dario was Ivano’s technical assistant.
In 2005 he was head coach of Potenza in the Serie C2 and in February 2005 he joined Hungarian side MFC Sopron. He was sacked on the last day of the season. He was recalled in March 2007 but only for a brief spell as he returned to Italy, this time as Serie C Club Gallipoli’s coach (in late June 2007, ahead of the 2007/2008 season).
On December 2008 he was appointed as the new head coach of Lega Pro Prima Divisione team Juve Stabia and joined the famous Dynamo Bucharest in June 2009. He was fired for comments about the Club’s shareholders in October that year. He also coached Lega Pro Prima Divisione team Valle del Giovenco until February 2010.
Dario comes from a great footballing tradition. His father, Aldo, played for Brescia before the Second World War; his brother Ivano, a former player and manager, is currently director of football of Lega Pro Prima Divisione club AS Pescina Valle del Giovenco and another brother, Mario, played for serie A side Atalanta.
He became Zambia’s coach in July, 2010.
SuperSport.com: How have you settled into life in Africa and Zambia in particular?
Bonetti: The quality of life is okay. It was quite a surprise for me.
SuperSport.com: What qualified you for this job?
Bonetti: I am working in Africa for the first time. I spent my entire playing career in Italy and two years coaching in Dundee. We earned the right to play in Europe for the first time in 40 years. I spent two years in Hungary with FC Sopron and worked with Dynamo Bucharest in Romania.
SuperSport.com: How are you enjoying the job? What excites you about working in Zambia?
Bonetti: I have the opportunity to work with good players. Zambian players are technically gifted and it’s been quite a delight seeing what technical ability they showcase.
SuperSport.com: How would you describe the Afcon 2012 campaign so far?
Bonetti: At the moment we are topping the group and have shown that we are the strongest team in the group. Our first game was with a young Comoros team; our next game was in Libya where I must say we lost because the referee committed a big mistake.
SuperSport.com: How do you see your remaining matches?
Bonetti: Our next game is against the Comoros.
SuperSport.com: What has helped you the most in this campaign?
Bonetti: We are lucky to have lots of players in South Africa and also in the Congo, plus the ones playing at home in Zambia. So it’s a lot easier to get the team together.
SuperSport.com: How did you overcome a very strong Mozambique?
Bonetti: Mozambique was always going to be a difficult opponent and has a team that has recently shown its capability in Africa. We prepared very well for Mozambique. They have quality players but the fact that we won home and away shows how far we have progressed.
SuperSport.com: Was it important to bring your own physical trainer from Italy as we can see?
Bonetti: That is our method. We do the physical conditioning and tactical conditioning together. It is important to be fast. Co-ordination is key.
SuperSport.com: How has the team progressed or improved under your management?
Bonetti: The players can do better. If we remember how they qualified for the last Afcon in Angola the last time, they were third. Now we are first. We are watching the younger players coming through; Musona, Chansa, Mbesuma and Kennedy Mwene are still there. So you can say we have got a good mix of young and experienced players. I’d say we have some really good senior players.
Our main and immediate focus is to qualify and we will then get into the intensive one-month camp before the event. We will be ready. We can be the best.
SuperSport.com: What then is your overall mandate? Brazil 2014?
Bonetti: We have a good group and they are young. We have two Africa nations cups in 2012 and 2013 and this will be perfect for the team to get ready for the world cup qualification in Brazil 2014. We must qualify first for the Afcon. If our players will have the same concentration then we will go. The key is mental quality.
SuperSport.com: What about your playing career?
Bonetti: I became a pro at 17 and played for the best team. I learned a lot. The Italian team won the world cup four times. In 1982, our team was a great team but Brazil was the best team at the world cup. It is important that you go for victory.
SuperSport.com: What are some of the challenges you have to deal with in Zambia?
Bonetti: The major problems are the lack of better facilities and the poor state of the infrastructure. That is being gradually addressed with the new 40 000 seater stadium but that’s just one; that’s not enough. The clubs need good facilities to train and organise their teams. They are starting to make progress. They have good players.
SuperSport.com: When the Zambian anthem plays before kick-off, where does your loyalty lie?
Bonetti: I feel very proud and honoured to coach Zambia. I feel very good and happy to be there. The moment of the anthem is a moment of pride in one’s country and it is definitely more for the Zambians.
SuperSport.com: The general impression these days is that foreign coaches are just there for the money. They don’t really feel the patriotism that a local coach would feel with the players when the anthem goes on?
Bonetti: Everybody works for the money. It doesn’t matter what your job is.You will get paid for your work. It’s not enough to feel the anthem. Winning is the most important thing to make the people happy. Work with your heart for the people.
You must know it’s important. The players must be committed. You must remember that you are in the dreams of your people.
SuperSport.com: So far, you are yet to play any of the big teams in Africa. How can you show that you are ready to challenge for honours?
Bonetti: Until now we haven’t played any of the big teams but football is difficult to understand sometimes. In one game you can beat Brazil but over a tournament, over a series of matches, you need to be at your best. You need to be consistent. I would like to play them if the opportunity presents itself.
SuperSport.com: Did you watch any of the World Cup matches?
Bonetti: I watched Nigeria versus Argentina and I must say I was very impressed with the way the Nigerians played. They were incredibly fast. The future of football is definitely Africa. It is possible to see the African countries have different cultural influences.
Argentina is so talented they can have three national teams at any given point in time. The key to Nigeria’s victory in that game was experience and motivation. They were very tactical and we didn’t see that with their team at the last World Cup. This was refreshingly different.
However, you can’t play at the same pace and motivation with different opposition, as their game with Ethiopia showed a couple of days later.
SuperSport.com: So what then will be the key ingredient for African teams to succeed at the highest level?
Bonetti: Three key factors to consider would be attitude, concentration and motivation.
SuperSport.com: Your thoughts on Bafana Bafana at the World Cup?
Bonetti: Bafana Bafana gained valuable experience with their young team at the World Cup. They played under quite some pressure and despite failing to advance as hosts; they have begun to build on that experience and are looking really formidable.
SuperSport.com: Which other African teams impressed you?
Bonetti: Ghana is incredible especially going as far as the quarterfinals against Uruguay. It was one of the best matches in the history of the world cup. This was football at its best and with so much drama.
Bonetti: Ivory Coast has maybe the most talented team in Africa with so many high profile players. Their problem was their mentality. You must score before you can live up to the hype. If you outplay Brazil, you must remember that they can create situations where they can score, like corners, free kicks and other set-pieces, even when they play badly.
SuperSport.com: Final question Dario. One would imagine that, being Italian, your team will be forced into a strait jacket, catenaccio and all the defensive nuances Italians are famous for?
Bonetti: When you lose the ball, it makes you work so much harder. We keep the ball and then we prepare to attack. You must go vertical, because without the ball you spend more energy.

Chiluba is dead

SECOND Republican Presdient Dr Frederick Chiluba is dead. He was 68.
Dr Chiluba died at his Kabulonga home in Lusaka early this morning.
His spokesman Emmanuel Mwamba and his former press aide Richard Sakala in separate interviews confirmed that Dr Chiluba died shortly after midnight.
"It is with a deep sense of loss that we announce the death of second President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Frederick Chiluba this morning after midnight at 00:05 hours," Mr Mwamba said.
Dr Chiluba died with his wife Regina, his doctor and family by his bedside.
Mr Mwamba said details of Dr Chiluba's death will be announced later today. Dr Chiluba was a heart patient and had been unwell for several years.
By 03:00 hours this morning Dr Chiluba's body was yet to be removed from his home at 12 2B Serval Road Kabulonga to an unknown mortuary in Lusaka.
Several mourners had already started arriving at the funeral house by 01:00 hours. Among them was Dr Chiluba's former wife, Ms Vera Tembo and his children.
There were scenes of grief and wailing as a sombre mood hang over the funeral house as droves of people poured in as news spread about the death of Dr Chiluba.
Dr Chiluba's former press aide Richard Sakala said in an interview that "it is a sad and tragic loss coming at a time when he (Chiluba) has been vindicated by the courts of law."
Mr Sakala says he hopes the people of Zambia will remember Dr Chiluba for the good he did for the country.
Dr Chiluba was President of Zambia from 1991 to 2001.
He was elected republican President in November 1991 as leader of the newly-formed Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) when Zambia reverted to plural politics through a revolution of change which saw the one-party government of former President Kenneth Kaunda ousted from power after 27 years.
Under his 10 years of leadership, Dr Chiluba began to steer Zambia out of its economic doldrums through a rigorous privatisation programme that encourgaed foreign investments, a clear shift from the centralised type of government that had characterised the Kaunda regime.
He was born Frederick Jacob Titus Mpundu Chiluba on April 30, 1943 to Jacob Titus Chiluba Nkonde and Diana Kaimba in Musangu Village, Luapula Province.
Dr Chiluba went to school at Kawambwa Secondary School and later completed his General Education Certificate via correspondence and studied economics in both the United States and former communits countries.
He worked as personnel clerk before becoming an accounts assistant at Atlas Copco in Ndola where he joined the National Union of Building, Engeering and General Workers (NUBEGW) rising through the ranks to the post of chairman general.
The former President went on to win the chairmanship (presidency) of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). In 1987, he successfully withstood challenge to his chairmanship of NUBEGW that would have put his ZCTU position in jeopardy.
In 1990, he helped form the MMD that went on to successfully challenge the one-party government of Dr Kaunda. Dr Chiluba was elected President on October 31, 1991. He was re-elected for a second five-year tearm in 1996.
He stepped down at the end of his term on January 2, 2002, and replaced by Levy Mwanawasa who died in office in 2008.

Copperbelt MMD castigates Sata

Copperbelt MMD castigates Sata

Thursday, June 23, 2011

 

By ALEX NJOVU
 
THE MMD on the Copperbelt has castigated Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata for his failure to show compassion on the untimely death of second republican President Frederick Chiluba.
Copperbelt MMD information and publicity secretary Yotam Mtayachalo described Mr Sata as a bad leader who should not be trusted by Zambians.
“Assertions that he has information that MMD cadres intend to attack him at a funeral house are his usual bunch of lies. It is just a scapegoat and his guilty conscious because he threatened to take him to prison. “It is not the policy of MMD to engage in violence during funerals. this is the reason why President Banda appealed to all Zambians regardless of political affiliation to mourn Dr Chiluba with dignity and respect,” he said.
Mr Mtayachalo said in a statement released in Kitwe yesterday that Mr Sata must be condemned for failing to attend the funeral of Dr Chiluba.
He said it is not true that Government neglected Dr Chiluba.
“We also want to condemn Mr Sata for his false, malicious and reckless allegations that President Banda neglected Dr Chiluba during his illness leading into his death. Mr Sata should bear in mind that the office he is aspiring for is a dignified and high office and should desist from practising kindergarten and unorthodox politics of wanting to politicise funerals to gain political mileage,” he said.
Mr Mtayachalo urged Zambians to be wary of the PF leadership saying it is unfortunate that Mr Sata has decided to politicise the funeral of his former boss.
He said Zambians will be making a grave mistake to trust Mr Sata with their votes in this year’s general elections.
“Anyone aspiring for high office in the land should display maturity and sensitivity in addressing national issues and I think Zambians should reject such desperate leaders.
“We would like to advise all politicians to exercise a high sense of restraint, maturity and unity during this trying moment because Dr Chiluba made landmark contributions in the political, social and economic development of the country,” Mr Mtayachalo said.

Vale injects new life into Chililabombwe mine

By ALEX NJOVU

 

COMMISSIONING the Konkola North Copper Mine (KONNOCO) project in Chililabombwe is another success story in Zambia�s mining history which will contribute to the development of the country in many ways.
The mine is expected to provide employment to over 1, 500 locals and additional jobs will be created by companies supplying goods and services to the mine.
Global mining giant Vale, through its 50-50 joint venture with African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), has just launched the US$400 million KONNOCO project .
Vale traces its roots to Brazil and has a strong presence in Africa and many parts of the world.
The estimated annual output of the project, which is expected to reach full potential in 2015 is 45, 000 metric tonnes of copper concentrates per year.
Construction works started in August 2010 and the first copper ore extraction is scheduled for 2013 while full production is due in 2015.The construction and development of the mine will take approximately 27 months.
The mine�s life span is estimated at 28 years, including a three-year exploration programme to evaluate an area which has the potential to increase output to 100,000 metric tonnes of copper concentrates per year from 2010 onwards. Initially, the south east limb (SEL) will be developed, after which the deeper higher grade and wider reef areas will be mined.
Vale is the world�s second largest diversified mining company currently operating in more than 30 countries. It is the world�s largest producer of iron ore and pellets, key raw materials for the steel industry and the second largest producer of nickel.
The company also producers copper, potash and phosphates, among other raw materials important to the global industrial sector.
Vale�s recent purchase of a 51 percent stake in Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Corridor do Norte South Africa (SDCN) places it as the leading partner in the development of the Nacala Corridor, a vital transport link between the region�s interior and the port of Nacala in Mozambique.
The integrated logistics network will provide an alternative transport route for production from the Copperbelt to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the seaside market, as well as for other cargo from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
The Konkola North Ore Body (KNOB) was discovered in 1924 and extensive exploration was conducted by Bancroft Mines Limited (BML) until 1938. Mining began in 1953 and continued until 1959 when it stopped due to adverse economic conditions.
Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) had identified the potential of KONNOCO but did not have the financial capacity to exploit the mine. In 1997, ZCCM sold the mine to Anglovaal Mining Limited (AVMIN) of South Africa.
AVMIN failed to progress with the project and management sold it to Teal exploration company who resold it to the ARM-Vale, which is a 50-50 joint venture. Exploration works continued uninterrupted even during the global recession which hit the sector in 2008.
�I would like to thank investors for their resilience in the face of uncertainties and for believing in the policy of my government on mining. The story of this mine demonstrates that investing in such projects is not easy, especially for governments.
�The role of Government is to create an environment which will make investment rewarding to investors, while at the same time ensuring that our people benefit from such investments,� President Rupiah Banda said during the commissioning of the project.
Mr Banda said the privatisation of the mining industry is bearing fruit and the performance of the sector has significantly improved, with all the former ZCCM mines now operational and some of them expanding while exploration activities are increasing across the country. New mines are also developing.
He said the country is beginning to see the benefits of the privatisation programme. Employment in the mining sector now stands at 50,000 compared to fewer than 30,000 at privatisation.
�During the construction phase of this mine alone, an extra 1,500 jobs will be created in Chililabombwe. The development has created greater business opportunities for suppliers of goods and services and contractors in the mining industry.
I expect KONNOCO to engage local suppliers and contractors in the provision of goods and services, both at the construction stage and when the mine is fully operational,� he said.
He said good management of mineral resources is one way of creating a conducive environment for investment.
The vision for the government is to have a vibrant and well organised mining industry contributing in excess of 20 percent to the gross domestic product and providing a level of employment that will significantly move the country forward, in terms of poverty reduction in the next five years.
�As part of our vision, we want to diversify within the mining sector by encouraging the exploration of minerals other than copper. Investors should look beyond copper and promote the diversification of production in the mining sector.
�We want our mining sector to be a risk-free investment in the world. We welcome all investors with open arms and I wish KONNOCO every success,� President Banda said.
And Vale Mining Company (VMC) chief executive officer Roger Agnelli assured Zambians that the mining firm would work with the local community to implement viable projects which will benefit the people in Konkola.
�We want to do what we have done in Brazil where the area we are operating from has one of the highest standards of living. We want to do the same in Konkola. We are happy that we have community support in Zambia and we will do our best to develop Konkola,� he said.
Mr Agnelli said VMC has contributed a lot to the development of Brazil and that the company is determined to ensure that the people of Zambia benefit from its operations in Konkola.
He said the proposed capital expenditure in the Konkola North Project and the expected job creation illustrates Vale�s confidence in the Zambian economy and its commitment to the community.
He said his company will take care of the environment and surrounding communities to ensure that the people benefit from mining activities.
He said Vale expects the development of Konkola North to add significant value to its shareholders and benefit the people of Zambia.
Mr Agnelli said the project would enhance Vale�s global copper growth platform and provide geographic diversification in a region with the highest potential for mineral exploration.
�If we make mistakes, please understand, be patient.
We are serious about developing the communities in which we operate. We are going to take care of the environment because our belief is that it is cheaper to pay bills now than in the future.
Our dream is to bring investment to Zambia, which will have an impact on the local people,� he said.
And Africa Rainbow Minerals executive chairman Patrice Motsepe said Africa needs partners in the development of its resources.
Mr Motsepe said Zambia has made unique contributions to the development of southern Africa and the country has continued to implement developmental projects which are benefiting the people.
He said about US$1 billion would be spent on the expansion and implementation of various projects at KONNOCO mine.
�Zambians should partner with us in doing business in other countries. We are determined to build capacity in Zambia. We have to set high standards for ourselves and ensure that we do our part to develop our communities,� he said.

Water firm lauds govt for support

Friday, June 17, 2011

By ALEX NJOVU

 

NKANA Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) has commended Government and its co-operating partners for funding the installation of meters in Kitwe’s Ndeke township at a cost of K2.1 billion.
NWSC public relations manager Damaseke Chibale said the water utility company has also spent K350 million to improve the water reticulation system in Mindolo township in Kitwe.
Mr Chibale told journalists during a media tour of the NWSC water treatment infrastructure in Ndeke township on Wednesday the installation of the meters is progressing well.
"We would like to commend Government and its partners for being there for us, and we are grateful that we have continued receiving support from Government. The project we are currently undertaking of installing meters in Ndeke township has been funded by Government and its partners," Mr Chibale said.
He said he is happy that Ndeke residents have welcomed the installation of meters.
Mr Chibale said the installation of meters for residential customers will help the water utility company reduce wastage because the residents will be cautious with the manner in which they use water.
"These meters we are installing have received overwhelming response from Ndeke residents. About 3,950 houses will be covered in Ndeke, and so far the exercise is progressing very well. People will be able to control the usage of water, and it will go a long way in reducing water wastage, which has been a source of worry for the company," Mr Chibale said.
He said NWSC will continue working with Government and its co-operating partners to develop the water sector.
He said Government has demonstrated commitment to the provision of clean water and sanitation through the implementation of good polices that are enhancing the development of the sector.
"Last year we received about US$57 million from the African Development Bank (ADB) for the improvement of water reticulation and infrastructure in all the three areas of our operations," he said.
Mr Chibale said NWSC management is committed to addressing water shortages residents are facing.
"Our brothers and sisters in some parts of Mindolo Township were having difficulties in accessing water, but now this is history because we have taken piped water to the township and the people are very happy. We are in this business to provide clean sanitation services to our people, and this is what we are doing," he said.
He called on the residents of Kitwe, Chambishi and Kalulushi to protect water infrastructure against vandalism.

Mealie meal prices cheer Kapitatuesday

 June 14, 2011

 

By ALEX NJOVU
 
SPECIAL assistant to the President on policy implementation and monitoring Ben Kapita has commended Chat Milling Company for passing over the benefits of the country’s bumper maize harvest to consumers by reducing the price of mealie meal.
Mr Kapita said it is important that Zambians benefit from the bumper harvest the country has continued to record by ensuring that the price of mealie meal is reduced to affordable levels.
“I am happy with the price of mealie meal in Kitwe, especially at Chat Milling Company. I am impressed that they are selling a bag of breakfast at K39,000 while the bag of roller meal is going at K28,000. This is very good because Government is subsidising the price of maize heavily, hence the need for millers to reduce the price of mealie meal,” he said.
Mr Kapita was speaking after he toured the Chat plant in Kitwe yesterday.
“I would like to urge other milling companies to follow what Chat Milling Company has done by also reducing the price of mealie meal. They must reduce the prices just like what their colleagues at Chat have done,” Mr Kapita said.
He said President Banda is keen on developing the agricultural sector, and called on Zambians to participate actively in its growth.
Mr Kapita said Government is committed to ensuring that Zambians feel the benefit of the bumper harvests that the country has recorded by working with millers in reducing the prices of mealie meal.
He also advised the millers to ensure traders do not exploit consumers by selling mealie meal at exorbitant prices.
“I am happy with what I have seen at Chat Milling Company, but it is important that millers also work with their traders in ensuring that they don’t over-price mealie meal. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that our people, the Zambians, benefit from the programmes that we are implementing,” he said.

Kambwili’s workers complain

Kambwili’s workers complain

Saturday, June 11, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
WORKERS at Mwamona Engineering Enterprises, a Kitwe-based company owned by Patriotic Front (PF) Roan member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili, have accused their employer of victimisation and illegal dismissal.
The workers have complained that management has allegedly effected a 35 percent salary deduction while some of the workers have been dismissed without following procedure.
Mr Kambwili said he owns the company and confirmed that management has fired some workers for allegedly staging an illegal strike.
But some of the workers said in Kitwe yesterday that Mr Kambwili’s company is allegedly abusing their rights and called on Government to intervene.
Their spokesperson, Anthony Mwila, said some workers have been fired for allegedly opposing management decision to effect a 35 percent salary deduction.
“We reported the matter to the labour office in Kitwe and Mr Kambwili and his partners were summoned. It is unfair that the man who talks ill of Chinese investment in Zambia can today treat his fellow Zambians so badly.
“Our colleagues have been fired after they opposed the deductions from their salaries. We are appealing to Government to address this injustice,” Mr Mwila said.
He said the workers are demanding that management pays them the money it has been deducting from their salaries for three months.
“We cannot believe that a man who strongly condemns Chinese investment in Zambia can treat us like this.
These are the same politicians vying to take over government. We are disappointed with Mr Kambwili because he is supposed to protect workers,” he said.
Mr Mwila accused the management of Mwamona Engineering Enterprises of being insensitive to the plight of the workers.
But Mr Kambwili said some workers were fired after they went on an illegal strike.
“I have eight companies, but I don’t run them on a daily basis. They are independent. They have their own managers. Ask those workers if they have seen me in Mwamona Engineering Enterprises premises. I don’t go there because there are people who run the compnaies on a daily basis. My main interest is dividends at the end of the year,” he said.
Mr Kambwili urged the workers to follow procedure when airing their grievances and referred queries to the Mwamona Engineering Enterprises management.