By Chinoyi Chipulu
Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has expressed disappointment and concern regarding it’s consistent exclusion from official invitation lists to presidential functions on the Copperbelt province.
Association president Victor Kalesha says it had become a recurring issue that the association was overlooked during official events on the Copperbelt and state functions, despite its significant potential to contribute to the local economy.
In a statement, Kalesha stated that it was disheartening that the association was not recognized and invited to Presidential functions.
“As the association president, I am compelled to express my disappointment and concern regarding our consistent exclusion from official invitation lists to presidential functions in the Copperbelt Province, including the recent visit to Lufwanyama district, and other state functions hosted by His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema,” he stated. “Established in 1984, ESMAZ is the pioneer mining association in Zambia, serving as a vital bridge between our members, the government, and stakeholders. Our mandate is to collaborate with the government of the day and support its developmental agenda.”
Kalesha stated that the lack of recognition undermined the association efforts to support the government’s agenda and develop the emerald sector.
“As major stakeholders in the Lufwanyama district, home to the world’s largest emerald deposits, it is disheartening that we were not recognized and invited to the Presidential function. Instead, we are forced to scramble for a handshake and seating arrangements, despite being the association with the largest membership that can contribute to the local economy if well harnessed,” he stated.
Kalesha urged President Hakainde Hichilema to advise his leadership to adopt an inclusive approach, transcend political affiliations, and engage with key stakeholders like ESMAZ.
He stated that the association had consistently worked with successive governments, from UNIP to UPND, and remained committed to supporting the current administration’s agenda.
“Our absence from the Lufwanyama public meeting was not a boycott but a dignified response to the lack of recognition. We request that the provincial protocol team updates its database to acknowledge major stakeholders like ESMAZ. We commend President HH’s efforts to develop the country and pledge our cooperation with the current government,” he stated.
Kalesha stated that national building and developmental agendas should be separated from politics.
” We acknowledge and appreciate the government’s efforts to unlock the potential of the mining sector, including the reopening of KCM and Mopani Mines. We are optimistic that similar efforts will be extended to the emerald sector, unlocking the potential of small-scale mines in Lufwanyama,” stated Kalesha.
