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MINISTER of Labour and Social Security Fackson Shamenda says President Sata is a frank leader who should not be misunderstood by investors.
Mr Shamenda said President Sata likes progressive ideas but he will not tolerate arrogant attitudes.
He said this in Lusaka yesterday when he met Chibuluma Mines management and leaders of Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) after they signed a collective agreement.
“Some people misunderstand the frankness of our President. They think he scares people. He is a very kind, nice person. I have worked with a number of presidents but none of them beats him.
“He is a very frank type of a person if you have got ideas. But if you are arrogant and you try to play tricks, then you can never be a good friend of our President,” he said.
The minister said because of President Sata’s good leadership, he accepted to work in his Government when he was approached.
And Mr Shamenda assured that Government is not interested in nationalising mining companies but it expects investors to be considerate with Zambian workers.
He said if investors have difficulties in running their mines, they are free to consult the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development to find a lasting solution.
The minister said Zambia’s investment environment is exceptional and cannot be compared with other countries.
He said Government respects the interests of the people who put it in power and assured Chibuluma Mines management that its investment is protected.
And Chibuluma Mines general manager Jackson Sikamo said the company needs US$23 million to develop its Chifupu project.
He said the project will extend the lifespan of the mine to 2021 from the initial 2017.
Mr Sikamo said the money would have been sourced from external financiers but will have to be raised locally.
MUZ general secretary Joseph Chewe said the union is happy that Chibuluma Mine has employed all its workers on a full-time basis.
