“The inferiority complex that the Government may have should not be projected onto Zambians’ ability to own and run large-scale technical mines. We can help our own people to own these mines.”
— Excerpt from the late Alex Manda’s parliamentary debates
On this day, March 22, 2004, former Member of Parliament for Kantanshi Constituency, the late Alex Manda, passed away after serving only six months in Parliament.
Mr. Manda, a mining engineer turned politician, was elected in a by-election following the death of the then Kantanshi MP, the late Danny Kombe.
Below are selected excerpts from his parliamentary contributions:
On the Mining Industry
“Mr. Chairman, the metal mining industry is not contributing its fair share to the National Treasury. In 2003, the industry’s domestic product was K558 billion, yet its contribution to the Treasury was only K10 billion, representing just 1.8 percent.
This means that Zambians are not getting the full benefit of this wasting mineral resource. The challenge for the ministry is to renegotiate these concessions. We suggest flexible agreements that link contributions to production costs and copper prices, creating a win-win situation for both Zambians and investors.”
On Local Ownership of Mines
“Mr. Speaker, we must empower local people to own large-scale technical mines to ensure stability in the mining sector. This is achievable.
The Government’s inferiority complex should not be projected onto Zambians’ ability to run these mines.”
“Zambians are already running Lunsemfwa Mine. ESCOM is present largely in name to facilitate international financing, but the operations are managed locally. The benefits are clear—this year alone, the mine has supported over 170 families through a community development fund.
Empowering local people stabilises the economy and reduces the risk of mine closures or sudden exits by foreign investors.”
“Mr. Chairman, there is a misconception that Zambians lack the financial capacity to own mines. When Anglo-American acquired our mines, they paid very little. In fact, Zambia borrowed money to rehabilitate the mines under what was termed non-recourse financing. When that funding ended, they exited.
Therefore, it is not true that all foreign investors bring in significant capital while Zambians cannot. We can support our own people to own these mines.”
On the 2001 General Elections
“Mr. Speaker, if challenged, I can provide proof of electoral irregularities. My opposition to this motion is not based on its content, but on its timing, which I believe is inappropriate.”
On the Judicial System
“I believe the quality of service in the Judiciary should not be tied solely to funding. It depends on two key factors: the independence of the Judiciary and the integrity of those within it.”
This year marks 22 years since the passing of the late Member of Parliament, whose contributions to national discourse remain significant.
