By Clinton Masumba, Solwezi
Kansanshi Mining PLC has stepped in to support the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) in North-Western Province by donating a brand-new card printer and printing materials worth K168,000, ending an eight-month service disruption that left over 2,000 persons with disabilities without official identification cards.
The donation, made through the Kansanshi Foundation as part of the mining company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, comes in response to an appeal made by ZAPD Executive Director Frank Musukwa during a stakeholder engagement meeting with Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil.
The equipment, handed over in Solwezi, will enable ZAPD to resume the issuance of disability identity cards, which are essential for persons with disabilities to access various government services and benefits, including Social Cash Transfer, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) empowerment schemes, and tax exemptions.
Speaking during the handover of the equipment at Kansanshi Foundation in Solwezi, Keevil said Kansanshi Mining was compelled to act after learning of the operational challenges ZAPD had been facing.
“The challenge was brought to our attention, and we realised how it was affecting service delivery,” said Keevil. “We had to step in to buy the printer and the necessary materials so that our colleagues can begin printing the cards again. We are pleased to help and hope this support makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The need was urgent, and we responded promptly.” ZAPD’s services had come to a standstill after its previous card printer broke down nearly eight months ago.
Without it, the agency accumulated a backlog of over 2,000 card applications, leaving thousands of people without the legal documentation needed to access critical support programmes.
Osco Moondoma, ZAPD’s North-Western Provincial Coordinator, said the agency had been under immense pressure and praised Kansanshi Mining for providing a timely and practical solution.
“By law, every person with a disability in Zambia must have a disability ID card issued by ZAPD,” Moondoma said. “For the past eight months, we’ve been unable to fulfil that mandate due to a lack of equipment. Kansanshi’s intervention has come at the right time. This machine is costly, and we didn’t have the budget. We are incredibly grateful for their gesture and for mainstreaming disability inclusion in their support programmes.” Beneficiaries themselves have welcomed the donation.
Emmanuel Samu, said the card is more than just a document; it is a lifeline.“ This card is what enables us to access government support,” Samu said. “Without it, we can’t benefit from social welfare, education schemes, or even some health services. Many of our colleagues were being left out simply because we didn’t have the cards. Kansanshi has made it possible for us to be recognised again.”
The donation is part of Kansanshi Mining PLC’s broader CSI strategy, which includes support for education, sports, health, infrastructure, and social inclusion across Solwezi and surrounding areas.With the new printer now operational, ZAPD is expected to immediately begin clearing the backlog of pending applications and resume normal service delivery. For thousands of individuals and families across the province, this development marks the restoration of not just a service, but access to rights, support, and dignity.
