Hear it in Our Voices: Zambians speak out the Extractive Industry...

THIS IS WHERE PEOPLE LIVE: This is one of the sad and sore sights in Mufulira. People live not more than 10 metres from the wastes from the mining activities by Mopani Copper Mining. 

When stakeholders in development speak on matters that the government considers to be a-no-go-zone for any other person; they are branded as those in opposition to the ruling government and party. Partisan and selfish ambitions of our African Leaders is heading to something destructive if NOT kept in check. The Council of Churches in Zambia late last year (2009) conducted a special live panel discussion on Muvi TV and it is NOT my intention to water what was said. Hear it in the voices of the poor and marginalised persons in the Country... Verbatim!

1. What      is CCZ doing to help the government reduce or close the gap between the rich & the poor? CHIONI SAKALA, KITWE
2. No Proper Labour Laws to guide resources.
3. Leaders in Zambia especially presidents are all selfish and do not have the interest of people at heart they behave like foreigners. CHISANGA FRM KASAMA
4. It’s good that you, the panel is talking on behalf of the people who can’t express themselves well. Let us work hard to protect the vulnerable in society. CHE OF LY
5. The ngombe displaced people are suffering from 2002 up to today we are crying for our land please help us we are 281 number
6. We want human life as Zambians to be respected. Our Copper is taken every day hence our people do not benefit from it. Fr  Ponda frm Mufulira
7. Politicians have disappointed us. They should be ashamed to be rich representatives of the poor. The gap is becoming too wide. SHAME! MASEKA JMM ZAMBEZI.
8. Rupiah and the MMD, should change the attitude and do things for Zambians and NOT for investors. AH KF
9. The government is only interested in fattening their pockets.  We do not have investors instead we have infesters. MA  KABWE
10. For as long as Smelting/Leaching continues by-products harmful to people will be. Investor needs to 'pay' for activities. MM lsk
11. Privatisation has grown our economy but has underdeveloped Zambia. it’s the weapon now employed by the northern countries thru IMF and World Bank. Our ministers lack the capacity to develop suitable policy frameworks. M of Kabwata.
12. Can the panel comment on Zambian investors who beat workers for failure to meet cashing & paying the minimum wage like foreign investors, Costa good topic but do research, Zambian managers in mining companies are a let down
13. Government has give investors more power than the local employ which is very bad.
14. In this country the labour law z so weak that’s why investors take advantage. MK  – Lilayi
15. That is the best observation. Government has no direction. Investor is their hero a Zambian is rubbish because they gain from investors. Mussa Lsk
16. Though the topic is good, may I find out whether the men of God engaged are specialised in related expertise to do the study on Ecology? This is a specialised subject that should have been done by specialised people. E.g when you want to do an audit, you go to specialised people in accounts. Your definition of ecology was weak. Have you read the environment protection and pollution control act? What is the problem is that Zambia has never taken an inventory of her ecological resources has never been studied, quantified. VICTOR KAZEMBE KAWANGA
17. Africans we are very dull people, if disputed prove otherwise, education has failed us, I'm sorry, we are vulnerable. Leave investors alone we are just fools no eyes of foreigners. Shame.
18. It is sad to see the country endowed with a lot of natural resources walloping in poverty. Zambians should stand up and demands for what belong to them. Fr Kapungwe Mufulira
19. The interest of the people running the country’s economy is the monetary benefits they get from the investors and not the citizens.- DLM Samfya.
20. The panel seem to have made a good analysis, that the involvement of local people is sidelined and the law protect the investors, what can u propose to the government policy to arrest the situation? REV GABRIEL, CHOMA.
21. It is really sad to talk about poverty in Zambia after 45 yrs of independence. We have bin colonised again by the so called investors. Are we really free? Only god knows
22. Our country is a big disgrace, surely how on earth do u expect investors to respect our laws when de legislatures protect them example chimumbwa and KCM water pollution saga in Chingola what has happened? Rev. Siame UCZ Mpika
23. Yes, we are poor because when Chiluba said African is no longer sleeping, later he was called a thief.  SHAME! MICKY NDOLA.
24. Government is not concerned with this problem because some top government leaders are benefitting directly from the foreign mine owners.  Jimmy - Kabwe
25. I concur with my reverend Andrew Chulu. As a govt, it needs to set standards to let investors develop the areas they come in and not only to let them make money and leave us suffering. It's high time we stood up and speak to air our views. Silence means acceptance. CM of Ly
26. Rupiah should be brought here on da c/belt and at least taken to underground so he sees what miner go thru. Mike. Cn
27. Zambia’s problem is not da investor, but its relationship with the living God. Proverbs 29:2. We seem not to a government, these investors can only sponsor by elections and not infrastructure, that’s our leaders have no say, Chingola town today is dirty. Evangelist Bwalya Ellison. Chingola
28. You should have checked than just sound nice blaming efforts of Environmental Council of Zambia. Don’t you see how they prosecuted ZESCO, CHILANGA CEMENT, National Milling
29. Why don’t people in power listen? Do they care about us?
30. On  all what you  have  elaborated  especially on  Environmental   pollution and pulsing  danger  to  people  ,what will be the solution  to  safeguard  human being  &  Environment. PANDWE  JOSEPH - NCHELENGE
31. Kafue  is  such  example  with  the  coming  of   universal  mining
32. The question which l ask myself is; Do we have leaders who are patriotic and with the vision of Zambia other than their visions. Imagine even maize which we grow Mealie Meal is beyond many Zambian. Food is a problem in this country. Go beyond Copperbelt you will cry, this country is slowly sinking badly, besides being beautiful and rich, sad! S Fungaloko. Estates – Kafue.
33. We seem not to a government, these investors can only sponsor by elections and not infrastructure, that’s our leaders have no say, Chingola town today is dirty.
34. You should have checked than just sound nice blaming efforts of Environmental Council of Zambia. Don’t you see how they prosecuted ZESCO, Chilanga Cement, National Milling
35. Why don’t the people in power listen? Do they care about us?
36. On  all what you  have  elaborated  especially on  Environmental   pollution and pulsing  danger  to  people, what will be the solution  to  safeguard  human being  &  Environment. PANDWE  JOSEPH - NCHELENGE
37. Fr Emmanuel & yr group do u think MMD is doing anything to develop the country & mitigate the problems the poor people are facing? Mwamba James
38. Kafue  is  such  example  with  the  coming  of   universal  mining
39. The question which l ask myself is, Do we have leaders who are patriotic and with the vision of Zambia other than their visions. Imagine even maize which we grow Millie Meal is beyond many Zambian. Food is a problem in this country. Go beyond Copperbelt you will cry, this country is slowly sinking badly, besides being beautiful and rich, sad! S Fungaloko – estates Kafue.
40. I thank you for this program & support you we the people of KANKOYO are being mistreated by our leaders by allowing the mines to continue polluting the all town ship without being compensated. D.A.M OF MUFULIRA
41. You people we a behind u go on it is true Mufulira residents are ignorant kindly pres de government. We a with you talk please
42. Since you are aware of these negative experiences what steps do you taker as CCZ in order to help do away with it, mainly economically? MFUNE JEFF. L.STONE.
43. That panel is powerful and I like that they are raising those important issues Zambia need to wake up and protect its people!
44. Zambian leaders are too dependence on external government. They have no trust that GOD can see them through.
45. Honourable gentlemen why are things that way and who is to blame for all the state of affairs, RAS BOYD LSK
46. Can the police arrest the leaders from basic education teachers union of Zambia for stealing 500,000 Kwacha from poor teachers? Kangwa.
47. Good discussion but let me remind de panel that our leaders know that very well. But their priority is enriching their pockets. That’s the problem.
48. Why are our leaders so proud of investors giving Zambians jobs when the employees are said slave wages? When will Zambians see real empowerment?
49. Africa should not allow itself to be used like a pot
50.  I believe MPs, all civic leaders & government leaders in Mufulira when getting out of Mufulira they use planes not vehicles because they would have spoken out. Fr. J
51. Mr RUBARA you are a library of wisdom. Get a column with the POST News paper & share that wisdom. May be, just maybe we can have a new evolution. MUDENDA HAMANJANJI
52. It’s plain & simple, office holders in ECZ, ERB, ZBS are a disgrace, let them resign. ECZ has rules that can protect our citizens but are not used. ERB gave ZESCO benchmarks to achieve before tariff increment, has ZESCO met them? NO. Standards of goods on the market are low where is ZBS?
53. It’s a good program. I wish you brought in govt official in who are policy makers. Now what next? Pastor Kafwimbi, Solwezi
54. Zambia has no vision for its Copper. Shame on us  - Sam
55. The cause is the second president, Chiluba.
56. Costa respect to you and Muvi Television for coming up with a great panel. They are a blessing and well informed. The problem we have is that our leaders do not get the advice.  In everything they see opposition parties even this panel tomorrow it will be they are PF-UPND affiliates. God bless this panel
57. It’s a pity we have toothless and blind leaders. Government does not protect its people and so thugs or investors come, make money and leave our nation poor and polluted. D. Siafwa - Lya
58. The government is protecting the investors. I am happy with those observation gentlemen. BANDA  KEPHAS  MUFULIRA
59. It’s true our government is weak and that’s why investors are rude. Let’s protect out people like the Botswana is. KASEBA LUSAKA
60. I don't know if Zambians will ever think upright. DC are developing at our expense. Please graduates of DS what are you doing out there. Come together and save this rich country.
61. What are our leaders’ long term goals, or even just the short term goals? All they want is to win elections. Wytson.
62. Environmental council of Zambia is literary doing nothing on land degradation on de Copperbelt. Zuze Mpulungu
63. The government is protecting the investors. I am happy with that observation gentlemen. BANDA KEPHAS  MUFULIRA.
64. Why do mining activities done in Zambia without any tax and o the funds are banked out? Don’t we have banks in Zambia?
65. No it is poor leader in a rich country. Pastor remove poor mind in leader. How can a blind man led.
66. Our colonialists at least left us with something to build on, but because we are thieves, greedy and selfish, we've squandered everything, e.g. at time of independence Zambian Kwacha was at par with Pound, let’s not blame them!
67. Why can’t de policy makers let de mine owners pay a certain % to the community where they mine, for maintenance and..! Ya twacula..! Jengela - Chililabombwe.
68. thanks to CCZ God help us least we progress at a diminishing rate mining policy need revising
69. We will only b economically independent when our leaders decide to serve the people of Zambia & not favourde so cod investors – PM
70. The problem of country our imports are higher than the exports. We should come with other method of living depending on non-remunerable resources. Opening companies to help maintaining our economy.
71. Please tell these leaders to stop being spectators and start formulating policies that protect Zambia and its people. Let them start being professional!
72. What benefit will this discussion bring for us Zambians? KAHONGOH LYA
73. Leaders like sweets from these people who are called investors with duty free. Now they are busy milking Zambians. We buy 1 = 1 dollar, ZRA = 1 dollar yet there is transport and so on. How are we going to be developed?
74. As an authority what is the way forward legally or otherwise CCZ?  Bishop  Nkole - Kabwe
75. As long as we keep on crying about the past we will not win. Zambians are best people to develop Zambia. Let us develop local capacity to maximise from natural resources. MUKWAKWA - KAPIRI
76. Copper profits are used to build external economies because they are externalised. Building economy involves spending. What we get from mines is for hand and mouth. We need to re engage mine owners and renegotiate proper share of profits. After 45 years of independence we should not have 80% poverty levels.
77. Hi everyone. At one time I invite an investor and I did everything for him and the company I did invite I also got land for  and today they say they do not need me. I have not stolen from them, what should I do? Lsk
78. Government is importing fertilisers at the expense of NCZ. Does it make sense?
79. As long as we still continue having old and finished same politicians in government, we will never go anywhere because of greediness. Fr. Bashi K Lusaka
80. The problems is poor leaders in politician and have personal interest. In shot we are not lead by Christian in this country.
81. The Zambian government does not use their initiative to develop the nation
82. No leader in Zambia will think of any good will to us because they are our Masters and not our Servants. SAM JAU SAKALA
83. Can someone tell me motive behind building the wusakile boxes (houses) and Nkana east  by the white miners-bohada. Ndola
84. Indeed, God has given us abundant resources. Honestly why should we remain poor? HK PULE NDOLA
85. Is Zambia a rich country?
86. Good program westerners can’t survive without enslaving us worse still elite leaders a thieves we a selling our inheritance please bring awareness Church arise
87. Zambia is a copper country, why can’t mineral tax finance 80% of budget? CC - Kitwe
88. The issue of investors in Zambia is more of day light robbery. If our benefit only employment then Zambians are doomed
89. The government claims to be building on the promise, but there is rather too little pressure on investors. Citizens get meagre salaries and the government benefits less. Could the government see to it that Zambians benefit as much as investors? .(H.V.S. Chingola)
90. I think the problem is that the Church is not taking its God given responsibility of giving direction to the national leadership all over the world. BR KATUMBI
91. Those men a genius please, we need such talks again & again, tell them & let’s hop RB is listening to that program. Mwanza J.C in L/STONE
92. It seems our govt leaders are very short sighted vis a vis promoting interests of foreign investors against interests of  Zambians, particularly poor or under privileged Zambians. Donald - Mansa
93. This program is really educative. I agree with Rev Chulu, investors just milk us and later dump us like anything. Our leaders too do not dnt have love for us but for them. it’s sad.
94. As much as all facts are on the ground how are we going to be in charge of our resources? D CHONGO
95. Time has come for men of God to rise and talk things are not OK in Zambia. MWAMBA 
96. The biggest challenge Zambia has is lack of visionary leadership. What we have are people whose interest is to amass wealth ignoring their call to provide pragmatic leadership. Zambia needs selfless citizens to bring glory to this land. DS chipata.
97. Government leaders have no interest in serving the people of Zambia they are only interested in enriching themselves. GIVEN KS STAGE 1
98. Good discussion. Help us implement what you arer talking about especially people of Solwezi before we are doomed. N Ndandanda - Solwezi
99. Men of God you have us an eye opener.
100. Our weak policies coupled with selfish leadership has brought up this unbearable situation. Men of God speak for the people; our political machinery can’t see what you are bringing out.
101. Yes, Zambia is a very-very rich country but were da riches go only da government knows we a suffering because more powers a given to investors then Zambians
102. I agree with da panel that da Zambian polices are weak in Kaoma there is a team of investors when actually they are just harvester feasting on our raw materials
103. We d people to understand that we are in trouble with so called investor men of God your saying the truth Rev. Muma.
104. Gentlemen, as long as the government directs, administers and finances the constitutional making process; Zambia shall never have people’s friendly constitution. BIKOKO
105. Local people are not ignorant, they are betrayed by leaders.
106. To the panel talk  of Hetro Mining in Kasempa which was getting 50 trucks and trailers of copper per day, salaries for workers K250 000 per month, damaged roads in Kasempa but no repairs, is this investment? Ndola.
107. It’s sad to see our mining towns fall to pieces e.g. the only meaningful development is what was done by the colonial planners with copper revenue. Today towns like Chingola infrastructure has collapsed and replaced by Tuntembas, main roads washed away in once cleanest town in Zambia. Poor planning and control - GM Chingola
108. The programme is very educative, we need such message & action in our country - Rev Kakoma-Choma
109. It's good discussion. I wish your contributions will sink into minds and heart of our leaders.
110. Men of God in Mufulira and Chingola let us not just Pray and watch but we should act for the sake of God’s people. We are a prophetic voice. Fr Ponda
111. It’s true our government has poor, selfish policies and don’t protect their people because they have been corrupted with cash in their pockets. Jordan Lumwana