Mine Layoffs: DNA ticks off opposition leaders

SOME opposition politicians have taken advantage of the situation on the Copperbelt where mining firms are laying off workers to incite miners and other citizens to rise against Government, the Zambian DNA has said.

Zambian DNA spokesperson Spuki Mulemwa yesterday commended Government for protecting the miners at the KCM and Mopani Mines but said he was baffled that a national issue such as miners’ plight had been turned into a political matter by disgruntled individuals.

Mr. Mulemwa said it was disgusting to see some leaders of opposition use the problem in the mining sector to instigate workers instead of putting national interest first.

He said it was illogical for any political party leader to use the sad development on the Copperbelt to attain cheap political mileage when the livelihood of the same Zambians they aspired to lead was in limbo.

“Zambian DNA commends Government’s decisive action to protect jobs at KCM and Mopani Copper Mines. Indeed, it is unacceptable for the mining firms to continue arm-twisting government with threats of job losses to force them to give in to their demands. It is also unfortunate that the mining firms are using the new tax regime as a scapegoat to lay-off workers.

“However, we have noted with concern how some politicians have taken advantage of this sad development on the Copperbelt to incite workers and ordinary people to rise against Government.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the manoeuvres by some opposition leaders to gain cheap political mileage by portraying that they are fighting for workers’ rights,” Mr. Mulemwa said.