Metro

Zambian MP apologises to journalists over ‘reckless remarks’

Published

4 months ago

July 10, 2024

A member of the Zambian Parliament, Robert Chabinga, representing Mafinga Constituency, has apologised to journalists and media houses in the country for dragging them into the internal wranglings of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Chabinga, who now leads another faction of the PF, had incurred the wrath of Zambian media practitioners during a press conference on July 3rd when he reportedly threatened to shut down or liquidate any media outlet that provided coverage to another factional leader of the PF, Miles Sampa.

The comments by Chabinga drew the wrath of the Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) who roundly criticized him and demanded an apology from the lawmaker.

The President of MOAZ, Costa Mwansa, who issued a statement condemning Chabinga’s threats, described it as troubling and an affront to press freedom in Zambia.

“Journalists are not party to the infighting within the Patriotic Front. Their responsibility is to accurately inform the public about the happenings in society, in accordance with the editorial policy of respective media houses,” Mwansa said.

“In this regard, we find that resorting to intimidation tactics against the media discredits Chabinga as a leader worthy of running a political party, let alone the affairs of this country,” he added.

Following the backlash, Chabinga, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, retracted his comments, stating that his sentiments were meant to caution individuals behind “rogue social media platforms that report and take pleasure in falsehoods.”

“Take notice that upon re-examination of my statement during a press briefing that I hosted on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, I do hereby unequivocally apologise to you members of the fourth estate,” Chabinga said.

He went on to clarify that his statement was intended to warn against rogue cyberbullies who have ravaged society and, to some extent, caused loss of life, admitting that in the context, he “erroneously attacked the hardworking and noble media or journalists, which was not his intention.”

“I have observed that I digressed to deal with a matter that dragged you, the hardworking media houses as my opponents and caused you to feel threatened.

“Therefore, find here my apology to you that were hurt by my statement,” he stated.

Related Topics:Featured Media Journalists MP Robert Chabinga Zambia

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

5 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.