Chali Mulenga

A tragic fire tore through Nyimba Fishing Camp in Monze District on August 15, 2024, claiming the life of three-year-old Richard Kamanda and leaving his twin brother, Moses Kamanda, severely injured.  The Southern Province Police Command confirmed the incident, which has devastated the local community. "This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and the entire community," said Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxension Daka.  "Our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time." The fire broke out around 13:00 hours in the Malozilozi section of the fishing camp, located in Chief Hamusonde's area.  "The fire spread quickly due to strong winds and the close proximity of grass-thatched homes," Mr. Daka explained.  "Generators, which were common in the area, fueled the blaze further with their explosions." The twins were under the care of their aunt, Ms. Sandra Nyambe, while their mother, Ms. Namukolo Sitali, attended a n...

 The Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has firmly rejected the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) attempt to halt the government's country-wide mineral mapping geophysical survey.  According to Victor Kalesha, President of ESMAZ, this initiative represents a crucial step forward in empowering small-scale miners and fostering sustainable development across Zambia. "The government's initiative is a progressive move that will provide much-needed geological information to small-scale miners, enabling them to improve their mining practices and increase productivity," said Mr Kalesha.  He emphasized that this effort would remove many of the existing hurdles faced by miners, ultimately contributing to Zambia's economic growth. The statement comes in response to recent claims made by the EFF, led by  Kasonde Mwenda, which labeled the survey as illegal and threatened legal action against the government.  The EFF argues that the survey,...

 Bishop Victor Kalesha of the Citygate Christian Centre has issued a passionate plea for Zambians to uphold the dignity and respect of the Presidency, amidst ongoing criticism and attacks against the institution.  In a statement that has drawn attention from various sectors, Bishop Kalesha specifically addressed Chilufya Tayali, urging him to reconsider his recent public remarks. "We urge Chilufya Tayali and others to refrain from disparaging the Presidency, an institution of honor and governance in Zambia," Bishop Kalesha said.  "Regardless of who holds the office, the Presidency deserves respect and dignity. Continuous attacks and disrespect towards the President and the institution are unacceptable and unbearable." Bishop Kalesha's remarks come at a time when political discourse in Zambia has been marked by increasing tension and hostility.  He expressed concern over what he described as a "pattern of hatred, jealousy, and bitterness" in Tayali'...

  The Zambia Police Service has announced the arrest of six individuals, including Lombe Chali, one of the wives of Jay Emmanuel Banda, who escaped from lawful custody while receiving medical treatment at Chipata General Hospital.  The incident has raised concerns about security and accountability within the law enforcement community. Lombe Chali was apprehended on August 9, 2024, and formally charged the same day before being released on police bond.  Further investigations into the circumstances surrounding Banda’s escape led to the arrest of two police officers, Mfungwe Phineas and Kabole Benson, along with three prison warders: Sakala Moses, Nathan Mbao, and Musa Spider Zulu.  The five law enforcement officials were arrested on August 12, 2024, and also released on police bond. All six individuals have been charged with aiding a prisoner to escape, a serious offence under Section 120 Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.  They are expected to appear in court soo...

  The emerald sector in Zambia has witnessed a mixed performance over the past six months, with notable successes from major players but ongoing challenges for small-scale miners. According to Victor Kalesha, President of the Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ), the sector's progress is driven largely by the efforts of Kagem Mining Limited and Grizzly Mining Limited, the two largest producers in the country.   Mr Kalesha noted that Kagem and Grizzly Mining have been instrumental in promoting growth within the sector, thanks to their successful auctions held both locally and internationally.   He said these auctions have not only boosted the companies' revenues but have also raised Zambia’s profile as a leading producer of high-quality emeralds. “Over the last six months, Kagem Mining Limited and Grizzly Mining Limited have significantly driven the growth of the emerald sector through successful auctions, showcasing the potential...

The Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has made a powerful call to action, highlighting the success of Grizzly Mining Limited, an African-owned company, as a beacon of hope and progress in the continent's mining sector.  In a statement released yesterday, ESMAZ President Victor Kalesha emphasized the importance of supporting and collaborating with African mining giants to unlock the full potential of Africa’s mineral wealth. Grizzly Mining Limited, founded by Mr. Abdoulaye Ndiaye, a Senegalese entrepreneur who has since acquired Zambian citizenship, stands as a testament to the heights African entrepreneurship can reach.  Under Mr. Ndiaye’s leadership, Grizzly Mining has grown to become the second-largest emerald producer and exporter in Africa.  This achievement not only underscores the potential within the continent but also sends a clear message:  Africa can elevate its own standards in mining, reducing dependency on Western expl...

The longstanding relationship between Zambia and China, which has spanned over six decades, is facing scrutiny from key industry figures who believe the partnership has not been mutually beneficial.  The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been a cornerstone of economic, political, and social cooperation between the two nations.  However, concerns are growing that the benefits of Zambia’s rich mineral resources have been skewed heavily in favor of China. Victor Kalesha, President of the Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ), expressed his concerns about the imbalanced nature of the relationship, particularly in the mining sector.  “While we appreciate China’s role in infrastructure development in Zambia, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the exploitation of our mineral resources has been largely one-sided.  China has reaped substantial rewards, often utilizing cheap labor and acquiring resources at minimal cost,” Kalesha state...