Zambia Roundup: Copper deposit discovery, SADC cholera champion, drug trafficking

Copper deposit discovery

The largest copper deposits ever recorded in Zambia's mining history have been discovered, promising economic contributions and improved livelihoods for its citizens. Spearheaded by KoBold Metals of California, with backing from billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, the project aims to forge partnerships and go public within three to four years, reports local media Mwebantu. This discovery coincides with the global quest for alternative copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel sources, aligning with the shift towards clean energy and electric batteries. 

Employment of Cholera volunteer workers

President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed the Ministry of Health to hire all cholera volunteer health workers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of their database to ensure deserving individuals are not overlooked, local media Zambian Politics reported. Following a visit to the Heroes Stadium Cholera Centre in Lusaka, President Hichilema stressed that any alterations to the list of volunteers should not occur, warning against changes starting from that evening. He expressed determination to implement measures, including possible demolition of structures, to eradicate cholera.

SADC Cholera Champion

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has appointed President Hakainde Hichilema as the regional cholera champion to lead the fight against the waterborne disease in the area. This decision was announced during a virtual summit of SADC heads of State and Government focused on addressing the cholera situation in the region, reports local media Mwebantu. The summit endorsed recommendations from Health Ministers on measures to combat cholera outbreaks, including the development and implementation of multispectral cholera response plans to control its spread.

Combatting drug trafficking

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has seized over 5 tons of cannabis and various narcotics in a series of drug trafficking targeted raids across the country. According to DEC Public Relations Officer Mwenge Mulenga, operations in the northwestern province led to the arrest of two individuals, Rodwell Kamboro and Lemon Kamboro, charged with unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis weighing 3.12 tonnes. In the Northern Province, the Commission seized over 1 tonne of fresh cannabis plants and 6 kilograms of loose cannabis, resulting in the arrest of 8 suspects scheduled to appear in court soon, reports local media Zambian Politics.

Lungu mourns Namibia’s President

Zambia's sixth president, Edgar Lungu has expressed sadness over the passing of Namibian President Hage Geingob, calling it a significant loss for both Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Lungu, who himself came into office after the death of President Sata, described Geingob as the last independent leader. Lungu reflected on their fraternal relationship, which began when both leaders assumed office in 2015, and praised Geingob's dedication to Pan-Africanism and liberation struggles, local media Zambian Eye reported. He mourned the loss of such influential figures and urged African leaders to uphold the late Namibia President's legacy of unity and Pan-African values.