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President Hichilema Must Take Action to End Christopher Mundia's Corruption in State House in 2025

As we head toward the close of 2024 and the onset of 2025, we extend to you, Mr. President Hakainde Hichilema, our most cordial seasonal felicitations.

As the season of goodwill is upon us, we would like to share with you a New Year message of encouragement and strengthening of your resolve in this continuing battle against corruption. However, Mr. President, we feel that the pace at which you are handling corruption among some of your ministers and close aides at State House is either too slow or lacks the necessary urgency.

We trust that you are aware of the growing perception that Christopher Mundia is becoming a figure similar to Kaizer Zulu in your administration. Your predecessor, President Edgar Lungu, was advised to take action against Kaizer Zulu for his notorious political influence and criminal activities, but failed to act until it was too late. The consequences of this inaction were felt when Kaizer Zulu was eventually dismissed.

It is with this history in mind that we raise the example of Christopher Mundia, who has been involved in multiple corruption cases. One of the most concerning is his involvement with the fertilizer company ETG. ETG, which was a financial backer of the Patriotic Front (PF) government, quickly established a close relationship with Mundia after the PF lost power. Mundia reportedly assured ETG that he could secure any favor they desired from the government.

This relationship led to Mundia blocking investigations by the Joint Task Force into the misappropriation of fertilizer allocated to the Ministry of Defence, which was subsequently diverted to ETG. The fertilizer, purchased from Russia at a cost of $72 million, was never properly accounted for, and the required payments to the Treasury were not made as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act. The fertilizer was instead transferred directly to ETG without the proper verification and valuation process.

Despite the close ties between ETG and the PF, Mundia has continued to ensure that the company remains a major supplier to the current government under the FISP program. This raises concerns about his role in enabling the continued corruption within government procurement processes.

Moreover, Mundia has also been implicated in schemes involving foreign investors. Working with a senior official at the Drug Enforcement Commission, he has been accused of seizing funds from unsuspecting investors, only to later extort money from them in exchange for a supposed settlement. Victims of this scheme, including individuals from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, have been left with no choice but to settle, often at significant financial loss.

This situation is becoming increasingly concerning, as Mundia’s influence appears to be unchecked. He openly boasts about his untouchable position at State House, claiming that President Hichilema will not take action against him. This has caused frustration among those who seek accountability and transparency.

It is worth noting that there are rumors suggesting that Mundia's hold on the President may be more personal than political. Some believe that President Hichilema had a strong bond with Mundia’s late father, Christopher Mundia Sr., a former president of the Law Association of Zambia. It is said that, before his death, Mundia Sr. made a request for the President to look after his son, Christopher, as a covenant of sorts. This rumored bond may explain why President Hichilema has been reluctant to take action against Mundia, despite his damaging influence on the administration.

There are also allegations that Mundia has interfered with investigations into missing funds, including millions of dollars meant for former Ghanaian expatriate teachers. It is claimed that he instructed the police to halt investigations into these matters until he had consulted with the President. When the then-Inspector General of Police, Lemmy Kajoba, publicly confirmed that investigations had been suspended at Mundia’s request, Mundia retaliated by ensuring that Kajoba was removed from his position. This appears to have been another instance of Mundia flexing his influence within the government.

As we welcome the new year, we genuinely hope that President Hichilema will take firm action and tackle these issues with the gravity they warrant. Corruption should not be permitted to flourish within your administration, as it erodes your leadership and the people's confidence.

We extend our wishes for a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year, Mr. President. We trust that the upcoming year will bring about stronger actions in the battle against corruption for the welfare of all Zambians.

[julietkabwe]

Zambia's Power Crisis: Tackling Load Shedding Amidst Economic Recovery

Zambia has been grappling with an ongoing power crisis that has seen widespread load shedding affecting industries, businesses, and households alike. This crisis comes at a crucial time when the country is focusing on economic recovery after a period of financial instability. The challenges surrounding power generation and distribution are deeply rooted in several factors, including prolonged droughts, inadequate infrastructure, and growing demand. As Zambia strives to recover economically, addressing the energy crisis becomes a critical piece of the puzzle.

Causes of Load Shedding

The most immediate cause of Zambia's power crisis is the reduced water levels at the Kariba Dam, which supplies a significant portion of the country's electricity through hydroelectric power. The droughts in recent years have affected water levels, reducing the generation capacity of the dam's power plants. This has resulted in frequent load shedding, with many regions experiencing daily blackouts, sometimes lasting for several hours.

Apart from the weather-related issues, Zambia’s power infrastructure is outdated and has been unable to keep up with the growing demand for electricity. The national grid is under severe strain, and there has been insufficient investment in renewable energy sources or alternative power generation technologies to fill the gap left by the hydroelectric plants.

Impact on the Economy

The economic effects of power outages in Zambia are far-reaching. The industrial and manufacturing sectors, heavily reliant on a stable and uninterrupted power supply, have been particularly affected. The disruptions hinder productivity, increase costs for businesses, and ultimately reduce the country's economic output. Moreover, the agricultural sector is also impacted, as irrigation systems and processing plants depend on a consistent power supply to maintain their operations.

For households, the power crisis exacerbates the cost of living. People are forced to rely on expensive alternatives such as diesel-powered generators, which not only strain household budgets but also contribute to environmental pollution. This situation makes it more difficult for many Zambians to meet their basic needs, further deepening poverty levels in the country.

Government’s Response

The Zambian government has recognized the urgency of addressing the power crisis and has taken steps to mitigate the effects of load shedding. One key strategy has been to diversify the country's energy sources, with an increased focus on solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. These efforts are crucial to reducing Zambia’s dependence on hydroelectric power and ensuring a more stable and sustainable energy supply.

Additionally, the government has worked to improve the efficiency of the existing infrastructure. Upgrades to the national grid and power plants are being carried out to reduce transmission losses and improve overall service delivery. The implementation of smart grids and better management practices are also part of the long-term solution.

Moreover, Zambia has been in discussions with international partners, including neighboring countries, to import electricity during periods of low generation. While these imports can temporarily ease the crisis, they are not a long-term solution and underscore the need for domestic energy reforms.

The Role of the Private Sector

While the government plays a key role in addressing the crisis, the private sector is also crucial in finding solutions. Investment in independent power producers (IPPs) has been identified as a vital avenue for increasing electricity generation capacity. Private companies can bring in the required capital and expertise to develop energy projects, especially in solar and wind power.

The government has begun to create an enabling environment for these private sector investments by easing regulatory processes and providing incentives for renewable energy development. This collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for a balanced and sustainable energy future.

Looking Forward

As Zambia continues to work through its economic recovery, addressing the power crisis is of paramount importance. The long-term solution lies in a diversified energy mix, investment in infrastructure, and the adoption of new technologies that improve efficiency. The current energy challenges are a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable development policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Moreover, ensuring energy access for all citizens will be crucial for fostering social equity and inclusive growth. As Zambia explores solutions to the power crisis, it is vital that all stakeholders, from government to industry to communities, work together to ensure a brighter, more stable future for the country.

In conclusion, tackling the power crisis is not just about solving load shedding; it is about building the foundation for a resilient and prosperous Zambia. With concerted efforts, the country can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger, ready to seize new opportunities in the global economy.