KALESHA URGES HH TO APPOINT KABETA AS MINES MINISTER
Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) president Victor Kalesha has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to consider appointing Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta as Minister of Mines to ensure continuity in the sector.
Mr Kalesha said Dr. Kabeta had performed well in managing the ministry, warning that appointing a politically driven minister without adequate knowledge of the mining industry could undermine the progress achieved so far.
In a press statement, Zambia Mining Investment Insaka (ZAMII) in Lusaka, Mr Kalesha urged the President to carefully assess the performance and leadership requirements of the mining sector when making ministerial appointments.
He said the mining industry had significant potential to contribute to national economic growth under the Grow Zambia agenda if its resources were effectively harnessed.
Mr Kalesha said the sector required a minister with a comprehensive understanding of the entire mining value chain, including artisanal and small-scale mining, large-scale mining and mineral trading.
He also called on ZAMII organisers to make the annual gathering more action-oriented and results-driven by evaluating commitments made at previous editions and reporting on their implementation.
Mr Kalesha said the third edition of ZAMII should provide an opportunity to reflect on both achievements and shortcomings and identify areas requiring further attention.
He urged organisers to ensure that next year’s gathering focused on presenting tangible results and success stories rather than discussions without clear outcomes.
Mr Kalesha said sustained leadership and practical action were essential for the mining sector to realise its full potential and make a greater contribution to the national economy.