Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa has disclosed that he has not given Mopani a go ahead to move their Forward Purchase Agreement (FPA) or simply the procurement functions to South Africa.
The Minister said procuring of contracts and supplies remains in Kitwe and Mufulira where Mopani operates. Its head offices remain in Kitwe and procurement will continue to be done within Zambia.
Glencore has been accused by the Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors of deliberately terminating contracts for local companies and having initiated plans to relocate their procurement unit to South Africa.
In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by the Mines Ministry Public Relations Officer Lucy Shawa, Musukwa said Government’s main focus now is to ensure Mopani remains viable following issues surrounding their indication of trying to put their mines under care and maintenance.
He added that he will not be distracted by people hoping to gain political Mileage. “I have not received any brown envelopes [bribes] from foreign nationals and my Permanent Secretary has not received any brown envelope from Charles Sakanya (Acting Mopani Chief Executive Officer)”.
Musukwa further said he has been advocating for contracts to be given to companies owned and controlled by indigenous Zambians and that Government will always stand with local Suppliers and Contractors. “We are doing everything possible to resolve the issues at Mopani in the interest of our people”, he added.
Accusations of bribery are serious and any allegations should be made with evidence or confirmation of events as it affects the perception of the affected Individual. Why is it that now that Mopani has a Zambian as Acting CEO, people are trying to taint his name with baseless and unbacked accusations?
