Government lifts suspension on issuance of mining, non-mining rights
By Bright Mukwasa
Sun 01 Apr. 2012, 12:57 CAT
THE government has lifted the suspension on issuance of mining and non-mining rights which was imposed last year to facilitate the audit of the licensing system, mines minister Christopher Yaluma announced on Friday.
In October 2011, the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development suspended the issuance, renewal and transfer of mining and non-mining rights to facilitate the audit and streamlining of the licensing system.
"The ministry has made progress in addressing some of the issues and will now proceed to resume licencing in a staged manner as follows: all non-mining rights except mineral processing license with immediate effect," Yaluma said.
"…In view of this, all successful mining rights applicants in possession of valid offer letters and those who did not collect their offer letters are invited to collect them and pay the prescribed fees not later than May 1, 2012."
He said the audit and clean-up exercise may result in the cancellation of defaulting licenses in accordance with the provisions of the mines and minerals development Act no. 7 of 2008.
Yaluma said April 2, 2012 is the deadline for the receipt of applications for renewal of prospecting licence, small-scale mining licence, small-scale gemstone licence and artisans mining rights whose renewal application due dates fell within the suspension period.
Labels: INVESTMENT LICENSES, LICENSES, MINING
Read more...
Zimbabwe to repossess idle mining claims
16/03/2012 00:00:00
by NewZiana
ZIMBABWE will repossess mining claims which are lying idle in order to make room for new players and investments, a senior government official has said. More players would widen revenue base through tax collections, Mines and Mining Development Ministry Permanent Secretary, Prince Mupazviriho has said.
"There is a lot of land being held by these large mining companies and some local individuals," he added. Mupazviriho said the government was committed to empowering locals and therefore all under-utilised land should be made productive.
"We are working under sanctions and thus we need to come up with our own solutions to the liquidity challenges," he said.
He said mining was given the task of resuscitating the Zimbabwean economy and hence there was a need to increase production.
"If we work together and increase production, the 15 per cent growth projected for 2012 will be achieved," he added.
Mupazviriho said the government would, through the Mining Loan Fund, assist small-scale miners with working capital and equipment to develop the sector.
Labels: LICENSES, MINING, PRINCE MUPAZVIRIHO
Read more...
FIRST Quantum Minerals and others face closure over exploration licencing
TIME PUBLISHED - Sunday, March 18, 2012, 11:44 am
FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) Zambia Limited, Equinox Zambia Limited and ZCCM-IH are among over 400 mining companies facing closure for defaulting on meeting statutory obligations as required by law.
The Ministry of Mines and Natural Resources has since warned the defaulting companies that they risk having their mineral processing or exploration licences cancelled if they do not remedy the defaults within 60 days starting from Friday, March 16, 2012.
This is according to a default notice issued by Geological Survey Department director Chipilauka Mukofu to the erring companies.
“In accordance with provisions of section 102 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act number 7 of 2008, the director of Geological Survey hereby gives default notices to the under-listed holders of prospecting licences and mineral processing licences with the following defaults:
“Non-payment of area charges on the anniversary of grant, contrary to section 143 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, failure to commence and carry outprospecting operations contrary to section 19 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, and failure to submit quarterly and annual exploration reports, contrary to provisions of the Act,” the notice reads in part.
Further defaults are submission of sub-standard or false reports that do not represent exploration progress, failure to submit a decision letter in respect of an environmental project brief and failure to keep full and accurate exploration or mining processing records.
“As provided under section 102, all defaulting holders are hereby given a period of 60 days, effective from the date of publication of this notice, to remedy the defaults cited above, failure to which theprospecting licence or mineral exploration licence shall be cancelled,” the notice adds.
Other notables on the list include Ndola Lime Company Limited, TEAL Development Zambia Limited, BHP Billiton World Exploration Incorporation Zambia Limited, Zhonghui Mining Industry Limited and Euro Africa Kalengwa Mines Limited.
Others are Jiaxing Mining Zambia Limited, Central Africa Mining Limited, Mwembeshi Resources Limited, Sino-Kasempa, Zhonglian Mining Group Corporation Limited and China Mining Group Corporation.
Some of the individuals on the list are Jason Mfula and Jazzman Chikwakwa.
But FQM says it is fully compliant with all statutory requirements.
The company says the Kipushi mining prospecting licence cited for has been in dispute for three years.
“The dispute has put First Quantum Minerals in a position in which it cannot do anything until the matter is resolved,” a company spokesperson said in response to a Sunday Mail query.
And Ndola Lime Company Limited says it will have to check the prospecting licences being referred to by the ministry.
Company general manager Abraham Witika said the company holds a mining licence.
“We have to check the prospecting licences being referred to because we are in mining industry, with a mining licence,” he said.
He was speaking in an interview in Ndola yesterday. Ndola Lime Company produces limestone, quicklime and hydrated lime.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Labels: FIRST QUANTUM MINING, LICENSES
Read more...
Simuusa vows to subdue corruption in mining
By Gift Chanda
Mon 26 Dec. 2011, 13:58 CAT
MINES minister Wilbur Simuusa says he will discharge his duties in the most transparent and fair manner. Simuusa, in an interview, said
his ministry would operate on the basis of zero-tolerance to corruption in line with President Michael Sata's declaration that the PF government would deal sternly with those who would be found to be corrupt."As Minister of Mines, I will ensure that my ministry is rid of corruption. Our President said he is allergic to corruption; even us as ministers, we have to be allergic to corruption and ensure that we discharge our duties in the most fair, transparent and effective manner devoid of any corruption," he said.
And responding to accusations by Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine director Elijah Muyompe that he, as Minister of Mines, failed to help matters over the Kalengwa Mine dispute between the former and Hetro Mining, Simuusa said his ministry would not take sides in the matter but ensure that correct channels are followed in resolving the issue.
"First of all, it is not right for Euro Africa to bring my name into disrepute over this matter. They know very well that their prospecting licence has not been renewed for that mine, and they know very well that their colleagues Hetro Mining hold a processing licence for Kalengwa Mine. I have tried my best to resolve this issue, and I will not be derailed in resolving it transparently regardless of who is involved," Simuusa said.
"No one has a right to mine in that area because none of them have a licence that allows them to mine in that area. I advised Kalengwa Mine the best way to proceed in this matter and they chose not to listen to that advice. What Euro Africa should be doing now is fight for the renewal of the licence and not antagonising the whole process."
Hetro Mining owned by Kitwe businessman Shawi Fawaz, which was evicted from Kalengwa Mine by Euro Africa following a disputed court order in favour of the latter, has since obtained a High Court order to take possession of the mine and property worth billions of kwacha which were seized by the Sheriff's Office.
According to an ex parte order of interim custody and detention of property, the Ndola High Court has ordered Euro Africa Kalengwa Mining Ltd directors, shareholders, employees and agents not to interfere with Hetro Mining's operations under the processing licence.
The order further states that Euro Africa should not interfere with the processing and movement of the ore, operation of the plant machinery, equipment, motor vehicles and all other such activities related to the said licence, pending an inter-parte hearing.
Hetro Mining earlier obtained a writ of execution to stop Euro Africa from conducting any mining activities and selling its properties, arguing that it was in possession of a processing licence for the mine in question. Euro Africa Mine on the other hand held a prospecting licence for the mine which expired and is seeking renewal.
Last week, Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine director Elijah Muyompe challenged the judiciary to provide due direction over the Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe, whose ownership was granted to Euro Africa by the Lusaka High Court but has again been invaded by Hetro Mining and other ore dealers.
Muyompe charged that actions by Hetro Mining to disregard a High Court order granting ownership of the mine to Euro Africa and invading the site was an act of impunity and contempt of court.
He said Fawaz's action was a daring move to the authority of the judiciary and that the government needed to come clean over claims by Fawaz that he was untouchable.
Muyompe further complained that mines minister Wylbur Simuusa failed to help matters during a meeting called recently to discuss the impasse over Kalengwa Mine between Euro Africa and Hetro Mining because it appeared the minister was also compromised.
But Simuusa said Euro Africa should desist from making wild allegations on the matter.
"I do not have time to side with anyone. All we are trying to do is to help the situation and sort it out once and for all," said Simuusa. "We are still working on measures to rectify and correct many situations in the Ministry of Mines."
Labels: CORRUPTION, INVESTMENT LICENSES, LICENSES, MINING, TAX EVASION, TAXATION, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
COMMENT - This was the same guy who was campaigning for the MMD only a few months ago, because they promised him a license deal, or something.
Contracts have compromised Kavindele, charges PatrickKavindele asks Sata to restore Vodacom's operating licence
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Thu 29 Dec. 2011, 13:56 CAT
VODACOM Zambia executive chairman Enoch Kavindele has asked President Michael Sata to restore his licence to operate a fourth mobile phone provider in the country.
At the height of the controversial US$257 million sale of Zamtel to Lap GreenN of Libya in 2010, Vodacom Zambia's licence was revoked after former president Rupiah Banda directed that the licence for a fourth mobile provider be suspended for five years.
The move to ban a fourth mobile provider, which sources close to the transaction say was part of conditionalities made by Lap GreenN to take over the country's sole total communications provider, was widely considered repugnant to development of the robust mobile phone sector.
Banda's ban against issuance of another mobile phone licence until 2015 to ensure Zamtel found "its feet" also abrogated local laws governing competition practices.
Former communications minister Dora Siliya said Vodacom Zambia's licence was cancelled to protect Zamtel, which at the time, was threatened "with closure and all workers would have lost jobs if Vodacom was allowed to operate".
In a letter to President Sata, Kavindele, a prominent businessman, said he was a victim of injustice during the hurried sale of Zamtel by the fallen regime.
Kavindele told President Sata that his company, Unitel Communication, in partnership with Vodacom South Africa had been awarded a licence, through a tender process to operate a fourth mobile licence in Zambia.
Kavindele stated that that time, there wasn't enough radio spectrum and business could not take off.
He explained that when the radio spectrum was created, the previous regime of Banda had already started negotiating to sell Zamtel.
Kavindele, then hauled government and Zambia Information Communications Technology (ZICTA) before the Lusaka High Court, and succeeded in his pursuit.
The licence was not, however, restored as the State appealed to the Supreme Court over the High Court ruling.
"We implore Your Excellency to allow Vodacom Zambia operate the 4th mobile licence in partnership with Vodacom as per tender approval and High Court judgment," Kavindele stated.
"Your Excellency, there are many advantages to Zambia in having us operate the fourth mobile licences, which include the lowering of call rates…"
Kavindele stated that President Sata had set a precedent for correcting injustices done by the previous administration after he gave back Finance Bank to previous owners led by Dr Rajan Mahtani at the verge of being sold to FirstRand National Bank of South Africa.
Transport minister Yamfwa Mukanga has indicated that the government is likely to revise the law banning an entry of a fourth mobile provider.
Mukanga said the restriction of the number of mobile service providers to three was a decision of the MMD regime and that the PF government "will not protect anyone in the Zamtel issue".
Labels: ENOCH KAVINDELE, HYPOCRISY, LICENSES, YAMFWA MUKANGA
Read more...
Battle for radio licence spills into court
Thursday, 15 December 2011 00:00
Herald Reporter
THE battle to control the country's airwaves and dispossess Zimbabwe Newspapers and AB Communications of their newly- acquired radio licences has spilled into the courts.
One of the unsuccessful applicants, KISS-FM has filed a notice of appeal in the Administrative Court challenging the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe's decision to award licences to Zimpapers and AB Communications.
KISS-FM's legal action, taken through their lawyers Scanlen & Holderness, follows similar efforts by MDC-T and NewsDay through Parliament, political platforms and foreign-funded lobby groups.
BAZ awarded Zimpapers and AB Communications radio licences recently after a rigorous process that included a public inquiry and compilation of voluminous bid documents.
KISS-FM director and spokesperson Ms Sharon Mugabe said in a statement that the decision will be challenged on the grounds that BAZ made crucial oversights in its adjudication process.
She said: "KISS-FM is convinced that, amongst other factors, the Authority failed to take into account a number of material considerations which led to their decision to deny KISS-FM a radio licence."
The court application follows similar efforts to have the licences rescinded through an MDC parliamentary motion, a threat by MDC-T leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to take the issue to the principals of parties in the Global Political Agreement as well as an appeal to Sadc mediator in Zimbabwe, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.
While MDC-T was pursuing the matter in Parliament and through other political forums where the party has used the issue to denigrate President Mugabe, KISS-FM has taken the court route in this multi-pronged attack.
The campaign against Zimpapers and AB Communications was based on the assumption that awarding licences to the two companies would further the interests of Zanu-PF and President Mugabe even though Zimpapers is a publicly-listed company whose shareholders include insurance companies, pension funds and ordinary Zimbabweans.
Media analysts questioned the sincerity of the KISS-FM consortium whose director and spokesperson Ms Mugabe was part of President Mugabe's electronic and print media campaign in the 2008 presidential election.
Her company, Imago Young & Rubicam (IY&R), was awarded the lion's share of the Zanu-PF campaign fund, which she used to flight both print and electronic adverts for the party before the advertising agency was subsequently blacklisted for handling the Zanu-PF campaign.
Ms Mugabe bought Michael Hogg Young & Rubicam (MHY&R) in 2005 and the company consisted of an advertising unit, Imago Y&R, Network Public Relations, Wunderman Action Marketing, Ducks in a Row and Brand Value.
It provided the most comprehensive corporate communications in Zimbabwe.
Key clients then deserted the agency, precipitating a sharp fall in revenue.
Ms Mugabe, who is based in South Africa where she worked as a BancABC executive and handled its advertising account, is said to be related to the bank's chairman and shareholder Mr Douglas Munatsi who is KISS-FM chairman.
BancABC facilitated the acquisition of the South African Mail and Guardian newspaper by the owner of NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent and Standard, Trevor Ncube.
During the public inquiry on KISS-FM's application, BAZ board members queried Mr Munatsi and BancABC's involvement in NewsDay's application for a newspaper licence as the daily's financers when it had emerged later that the newspaper's entire funding was coming from an American outfit and not BancABC.
Reliable sources said Ncube was a key player in the KISS-FM application and his shares were being warehoused by a proxy.
Details of this were likely to come out in court or the debate now raging in Parliament.
In her statement, Ms Mugabe said: "KISS-FM sees the licensing matter as one of public and national interest, and is encouraged by the ongoing conversation in the public domain.
"KISS-FM has the potential to elevate radio and broadcasting in Zimbabwe to the world-class standards which the people of Zimbabwe deserve."
Confirming KISS-FM's position, Mr Sternford Moyo, the chairman and senior partner of Scanlen & Holderness said: "The decision will be challenged on the grounds, among others, that the Authority had erred and misdirected itself in failing to take into account or in giving insufficient weight to a number of material considerations or in giving weight or excessive weight to considerations which were immaterial."
Media analysts yesterday said KISS-FM directors should respect the BAZ decision because it was a competent body.
"Shareholders of KISS-FM are well within their right to appeal, that is why the law is there but it is the same law that empowered BAZ to adjudicate," said Professor Jonathan Moyo.
"Everyone who followed the licensing, especially from the public hearing would be aware that BAZ discharged its responsibility in accordance with the laws and constitution of this country," he said.
Prof Moyo said all the applicants were Zimbabwean and none of them was more Zimbabwean than the other.
"That is not anything to do with BAZ, but arrogance. Arrogance is not a basis for a licence," he said.
Prof Moyo said all BAZ board members were appointed by MDC-T chairman Lovemore Moyo who is also the Speaker of Parliament.
"Where there are two licences and 16 applications, 14 will lose," he said.
Another analyst Mr Goodson Nguni said BAZ was a properly constituted and competent body.
"They must ask for more licences than challenge those who were awarded the two licences," he said.
Labels: LICENSES, RADIO
Read more...
HCAZ implores government to cut licence fees
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Tue 13 Dec. 2011, 11:59 CAT
HOTEL and Catering Association of Zambia Copperbelt region chairperson Kenneth Mulalami has appealed to local government and environmental protection minister Professor Nkandu Luo to reduce business licence fees for hotels and guesthouses.
The Rupiah Banda government in July this year instructed all councils to increase business licence fees for hotels and guesthouses from K750,000 to K5 million. In an interview, Mulalami said the increment was not fair.
He said it was not in order for big hotels and small guesthouses to be paying the same amount of money in licence fees.
Mulalami said the new licence fee had disturbed many businesses as many guesthouses had stopped operating.
He asked Prof Luo to consider reducing the fee to a reasonable amount that everyone would be able to afford.
"Hotel and guesthouses are not supposed to pay the same amount. Guesthouses should pay a less amount, but for starters, the minister should give us a general reduction. This issue should be resolved before many guesthouses stop running," said Mulalami.
Labels: CATERING, LICENSES, NKANDU LUO, TOURISM
Read more...
The law on television licence is punitive, says Nyirenda
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Sat 22 May 2010, 04:00 CAT
FORMER Kasenengwa UNIP member of parliament Timothy Nyirenda has urged the government to amend the law on television licence because it is punitive.
Nyirenda told the parliamentary committee on information and broadcasting, which had a one-day sitting in Chipata to look at the mandatory migration from analog to digital system, that it was bad that some people were forced to pay TV licence when they did not watch Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television.
“The analog television system has not helped us here in Chipata. For example, when you reach the Chipata Motel area you cannot watch ZNBC TV but meanwhile all of us are forced to pay K3,000 TV licence fee. And this law which brought about TV licence is bad, punitive and should be amended,” Nyirenda said.
He said the government had not done enough to sensitize people on the migration from analog to digital system.
Nyirenda said people were already facing a lot of problems with the analog system.
Kapata ward councillor Sinoya Mwale said people especially from rural areas needed more sensitization about the transition from analog to digital.
Eastern Province FDD information and publicity secretary Frank Banda said the government should ensure that people were informed about the migration because the issue may be politicised.
Nakonde MMD parliamentarian Clever Silavwe, one of the committee members, said the mandatory migration from analog to digital need to be taken seriously.
Silavwe said the change would have a lot of effects and should not be taken for granted.
Earlier, committee chairperson Mwansa Kapeya who is also Mpika Central legislator said all nations globally would adapt to the new digital technology in 2015.
He said the International Telecommunications Union meeting that was held in 2006 in Geneva (Switzerland) decided that a change from analog to digital should be effected.
The parliamentary committee also had a meeting in Katete on Wednesday.
Labels: LICENSES, TIMOTHY NYIRENDA
Read more...
The law on television licence is punitive, says Nyirenda
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Sun 16 May 2010, 03:30 CAT
FORMER Kasenengwa UNIP member of parliament Timothy Nyirenda
has urged the government to amend the law on television licence because it is punitive.
Nyirenda told the parliamentary committee on information and broadcasting, which had a one-day sitting in Chipata to look at the
mandatory migration from analog to digital system, that it was bad that some people were forced to pay TV licence when they did not watch Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television.
“The analog television system has not helped us here in Chipata. For example, when you reach the Chipata Motel area you cannot watch ZNBC TV but meanwhile all of us are forced to pay K3,000 TV licence fee. And this law which brought about TV licence is bad, punitive and should be amended,” Nyirenda said.
He said the government had not done enough to sensitize people on the migration from analog to digital system.
Nyirenda said people were already facing a lot of problems with the analog system.
Kapata ward councillor Sinoya Mwale said people especially from rural areas needed more sensitization about the transition from analog to digital.
Eastern Province FDD information and publicity secretary Frank Banda said the government should ensure that people were informed about the migration because the issue may be politicised.
Nakonde MMD parliamentarian Clever Silavwe, one of the committee members, said the mandatory migration from analog to digital need to be taken seriously.
Silavwe said the change would have a lot of effects and should not be taken for granted.
Earlier, committee chairperson Mwansa Kapeya who is also Mpika Central legislator said all nations globally would adapt to the new digital technology in 2015.
He said the International Telecommunications Union meeting that was held in 2006 in Geneva (Switzerland) decided that a change from analog to digital should be effected.
The parliamentary committee also had a meeting in Katete on Wednesday.
Labels: LICENSES, TIMOTHY NYIRENDA
Read more...
Govt abolishes minimum capital requirement
By Mutale Kapekele
Fri 14 May 2010, 04:00 CAT
THE government has abolished with immediate effect the minimum capital requirement to start a business as part of the ongoing legislative changes aimed at reducing the cost of doing business.
This means that
greenfield businesses do not have to show proof that they have the capital to venture in a business before registration. Announcing the development in Lusaka yesterday, commerce minister Felix Mutati said
170 of the 517 business licences will be eliminated.
Mutati also announced that 57 licences would be reclassified and 99 amalgamated into 21 as part of the reforms.
“Currently, the licences we have are too many and the requirements to get them are cumbersome, time-consuming and do not assist businesses to go ahead,” Mutati said.
“Some of them are as old as 1935 and we took a decision to eliminate all the unnecessary licences and so far 23 have already been eliminated, one has been reclassified, and 40 Bills have been drafted to incorporate business licensing reform recommendations.”
He said the licensing reforms were just a beginning of programmes aimed at reducing the cost of business which he said was increased by K2 trillion per year as a result of licensing and time wasted in trying to acquire them.
“We don’t want people to spend too much time in corridors pushing for licences that are a burden; that robs them of time that they could use for economic activities,” Mutati said.
He also announced that a team from the World Bank would at the end of this month tour Zambia to assess its business environment.
Mutati hoped that at the end of the World Bank ‘inspection,’ the country would rank better than the 90 slot it currently occupies on the bank’s doing business ladder.
Labels: BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURS, FELIX MUTATI, LICENSES, SMEs
Read more...
Zain Malawi wins 3G mobile phones licence
By Nyasa Times
Published: November 4, 2009
Zain Malawi, a leading mobile service provider in the country, has finally received an International Mobile Telecommunication’s third generation (3G) licence which the company applied to government in 2006.
Zain Malawi Marketing Director Elwin Kadango (pictured) said in the capital Lilongwe that the company would now start using the 3G data which would effeciently improve the mobile services to its customers by providing them with modern technologies.
“Using the latest international mobile telecommunications popularly known as 3G, users of Zain services can surf the internet and other services at a cheaper cost and faster speed,” he said.
Currently, he said, other communication providers in the country are using 2.5G which is the oldest, with low speed and high costs.
He added that with the modern service, the company was planning to connect the country’s schools and hospitals.
As a social corporate partner, these are the key areas (education and health) the company would like to assist government in order to improve its delivery service, he said.–APA
Labels: LICENSES, MOBILE PHONES, ZAIN
Read more...
Experts accuse Shikapwasha of double standards over TV licences
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Monday, September 14, 2009 5:45:24 AM
INDUSTRY experts have observed that information minister Ronnie Shikapwasha’s threats against the proposal by My TV pay television to start showing local content broadcast by Muvi Television will work against the government’s intention to phase out analogue technology by 2015.
The experts also accused Lt Gen Shikapwasha of playing double standards by having MultiChoice Zambia to be showing local content of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and for allowing Mobi Television to have both satellite and terrestrial licences.
Currently, Muvi TV has terrestrial broadcasting licence which is restricted only to Lusaka but the company has been linking data or its programme contents to a German company that controls various satellite stations and Muvi is therefore at liberty to sell its content to anyone.
And My TV has a subscription licence that permits the entity to receive contents that was being broadcasted by various sources from across the world.
The experts, who preferred anonymity, stated last Friday in Lusaka that there was no illegality in what Muvi TV and My TV wanted to do.
“With a terrestrial licence, there is no clause to stop an entity from selling its content to anyone and Muvi TV has rights within the licence to stream out its signals and countries such as Malawi and Namibia are able to watch Muvi TV generated programmes like Survivor and Banja and like at radio stations, the licences they have are restricted but they do broadcast on-line and anyone around the world can tune and listen,” they stated. “Actually this is the best time to migrate from analogue to digital technology that will be in force by 2015”
They explained that government through the Communications Authority should start sensitising people and business houses about the dangers of remaining on analogue technology.
Efforts to get comments from Muvi TV technical director Angels Phiri and My TV chief executive officer Lloyd Ngoma proved futile by press time while Lt Gen Shikapwasha insisted that a press query be sent to his office.
“Please send your query to my office, I am not available for an interview,” responded Lt Gen Shikapwasha when contacted.
However, the experts challenged Lt Gen Shikapwasha to explain why MultiChoice was able to show the programmes broadcast by ZNBC and why Mobi TV had two licences.
“How does government reconcile these matters pertaining to Mobi TV and MultiChoice and ZNBC arrangement? What is happening is that Muvi TV up links its contents to a German company called Stallar, which owns various satellite stations and it buys contents from several broadcasters and starts re-selling the rights to entities around the world,” stated the experts.
Last week, Lt Gen Shikapwasha threatened to revoke the licences of Muvi TV and My TV, accusing the companies of conducting illegal broadcasts.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha stated that satellite licence-based entities like My TV could broadcast their programmes nationally but they could not take on their platform broadcasts by other stations licenced in Zambia.
And former Economics Association of (EAZ) national secretary Chibamba Kanyama has advised government to encourage the use of broadcast satellite signals.
He challenged the government through the information ministry to support initiatives aimed at digitalising broadcast media because timely dissemination of information to all national audiences was good for national development.
“The placement of Muvi TV content on a licensed satellite channel, My TV, will help narrow the digital and information divide in the country and this is the only way Zambia can effectively meet most of the Millennium Development Goals,” Kanyama said. “At the moment, the dissemination of information which includes government programmes is concentrated in Lusaka and a few urban areas where radio and television stations have restricted licenses. What disadvantages rural areas particularly those engaged in agriculture is information asymmetry. This means that traders and other market players in urban areas with easy access to information have an advantage to market information on prices and markets over producers in rural areas and other parts of the country.”
He urged Lt Gen Shikapwasha to consult extensively over this matter because time had now come when digitalisation of information would defy licensing structures in given countries.
“Zambians have free access to foreign information by the switch of a button and yet restricted to local information relevant for their business and personal use. I am confident the minister will support such local initiatives as that of Muvi TV by removing any bottlenecks. That way, we can have more and more local content going digital,” said Kanyama.
Labels: LICENSES, MEDIA, RONNIE SHIKAPWASHA
Read more...
Re-apply for mining rights – State
By CYNTHIA MWALE
THE Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has called on all firms whose mining and non-mining rights were granted under the repealed Mines and Mineral Development Act of 2008 to apply for new licences.
Minister for Mine and Minerals Development, Maxwell Mwale, said in an interview yesterday that under the new Act passed last year, the maximum area of prospecting by an individual prospector was 10,000 square kilometres.
Mr Mwale said if an area was above the stipulated 10,000 square kilometres, the prospector needed to apply for another licence.
“For instance, if under one firm, you have 50,000 square kilometres, that firm needs to apply for five different licences,” he said.
A notice on the transition period obtained by the Daily Mail yesterday states that the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Act Number Seven of 2008, which was effected on April 1, 2008 required that a holder of a mining right or a non-mining right shall within a period of one year from the commencement of the Act, apply for a mining right or non-mining right.
It indicates that all mining rights holders have to apply for new licences and permits.
Labels: LICENSES, MAXWELL MWALE, MINING, MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT
Read more...
Minister slams corrupt officials
Bulawayo Bureau
THE Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has been riddled by corrupt officials who have been issuing mining claims to non-producers for speculative purposes while at the same time denying serious investors licences to operate, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.
In an interview at Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot, where he was the reviewing officer at the pass-out parade of 273 police officers, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Obert Mpofu said his ministry was taking corrective action to address the matter.
He said the measures included inviting potential investors turned away by officials from his ministry to reapply for licences and reclaiming those mining claims that were issued out corruptly or for speculative purposes.
"If you look at most of the claims, you will realise that they were issued for speculative purposes, which was hindering development. I will say in some cases 99 percent of the claims were given to non-producers and some of them had several claims," said Minister Mpofu.
"In the process, genuine investors were turned away, but we have recalled some of the investors because we want to deal with serious people only. This is why the Government is asking for US$20 000 from potential miners because we want to deal with serious people," he added.
He said cases of corruption by officials from his ministry had been reported countrywide.
Earlier, Minister Mpofu had revealed that some officials suspected of involvement in the scandal were resisting transfer from provinces they were stationed at to the head office, something unheard of in the civil service. He said because of their stubbornness, he was left with no choice but to take firm action against them.
"They are refusing to move, but we will deal with them accordingly. It’s unbelievable that you can have a civil servant refusing to move. When I left Harare, I had three or four letters from lawyers saying the officers were refusing to move," said the minister.
"You give an order to your subordinate and they answer you through lawyers, something, which I or the Commissioner General (of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Augustine Chihuri) can’t do when we are told to move we move.
"But we will deal with them because the President appointed two big ministers. Me and my deputy (Murisi Zwizwai), we both weigh more than 100kg, so we will deal with them."
Minister Mpofu said his mandate was to ensure that the country’s minerals were sustainably exploited so that they contribute meaningfully to the turnaround of the economy.
He said Zimbabwe had a wide range of minerals which, if exploited properly, could improve the economy significantly.
He said the dwindling production in the mining sector over the past 18 months was worrisome and the Government would play its part to raise production through the mechanisation of the mining sector, among other initiatives.
The Government, he said, would also act to stop the illegal exporting of minerals so that all minerals benefit the country.
Turning to the establishment of the inclusive Government, Minister Mpofu said the pass-out parade came at a time when Zimbabweans had united for the purpose of nation-building, reconstruction and reconciliation.
He said the benefits of the new political dispensation would cascade to all facets of people’s lives and urged all Zimbabweans to embrace the inclusive Government.
"In its concerted efforts to turn around the economy, basing on the unity of purpose demonstrated by our political leaders, the Government urges all progressive citizens to be an integral part of this crusade. This is not a period for hostility neither is it a period of self-aggrandisement, but it is a period for putting the nation before self," he said.
The minister said the Government had allowed the use of multiple currencies as part of measures to rejuvenate the economy.
He said although the measures had contributed substantially towards the recent improvement in the production and supply of basic goods, the Government was concerned by the mushrooming of businesspeople who were evading paying tax.
"There is a considerable number of unprincipled businesspeople who are selling their goods and services in foreign currency that are deliberately avoiding getting licences in order to evade paying tax. In this regard, may I strongly warn all perpetrators of economic crimes that liberalisation of the economy does not translate into repealing of all enactments dealing with economic crimes and the Government will not hesitate to deal with them accordingly."
The graduands went through a six-month training programme covering subjects such as police duties and investigations, Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, weapon handling and public order management, statute law, foot and arms drill and the history of Zimbabwe.
They were also trained in first aid, radio and telecommunication, counter-insurgence and human rights and policing.
Labels: CORRUPTION, INVESTMENT LICENSES, LICENSES, MINING
Read more...
Mutati urges ZCC to form regulatory framework for consumer protection
Written by Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Friday, January 23, 2009 6:56:22 AM
COMMERCE minister Felix Mutati has urged the Zambia Competition Commission (ZCC) to come up with a regulatory framework for consumer protection by the end of this year.
And Mutati has announced
a reduction of between 33 to 80 per cent in trade licence fees under the trading Act, a move he said would help to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.
Speaking when the European Union handed over eight operational vehicles worth K875 million to three statutory bodies under the commerce ministry for capacity building, Mutati said in the current scenario of private sector led economy, it was important that consumer interests were protected through a regulatory framework.
The statutory bodies that received the vehicles included Zambia Bureau of Standards, Zambia Competition Commission and the Zambia Weights and Measures Agency.
Mutati said the three statutory bodies were vital in promoting and regulating trade in the country and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“Beyond merely looking after the vehicles, there is need for my friends from these bodies to scale up efforts for improving service delivery,” Mutati said. “For my colleagues at ZCC, your strategic plan needs to come out this year. The critical legal framework for safeguarding interests of consumers needs to come out this year.”
And announcing the downward revision of the trade licence fees during a press briefing later on, Mutati urged the local authorities in the country to implement the revised licence fees in a professional manner.
Mutati also stressed that the government did not expect local authorities in the country to suffer revenue losses as the licenses prescribed under the trades licenses Act were not meant to collect revenue but to regulate conduct of trade.
He also announced that the reduced licence fees issued under the trade licenses Act cap 393 came into effect on December 22, 2008.
“It has come to our attention that some council officials are sometimes overzealous in collecting the fees and end up harassing people. This is simply unacceptable,” said Mutati. “It is my sincere hope that stakeholders will co-operate with the local authorities in the implementation of the statutory instrument.”
Labels: CONSUMERS, FELIX MUTATI, LICENSES, REGULATION, ZCC
Read more...
Monze council to deny erring businesses trading licences
Written by George Zulu in Monze
Saturday, January 03, 2009 7:27:07 AM
MONZE district council will not issue trading licences and permits to business houses that will fail to comply with the council regulations.
According to a notice to all business houses dated December 31, 2008 issued and signed by deputy district council secretary Kalobwe Mwila and copied to the local government officer, the council will not issue new trading licences and permits to violators of the local authority’s regulations.
Some of the requirements for renewal of licences entail business houses having health and fire certificates, dust bins, clean painted shops, ventilation and having no goods displayed along the corridors.
Mwila indicated that the requirements were in line with the Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy campaign launched by the late president Levy Mwanawasa.
And the council has started closing bars and taverns that were operating beyond stipulated hours.
Last Saturday, a combined team of state police and council officers swung into action, closing bars and taverns which were deemed to be a health hazard to members of the public.
Council officials said some of the bars and taverns closed were operating in poor sanitary conditions while others played loud music which was contrary to the Public Health Act.
Operators were made to pay a fine of K270, 000 and to ensure that sanitary facilities were made available before resuming operations.
Labels: COUNCILS, LICENSES, MONZE
Read more...
