Chairman's Report 2009
for the year 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009
(presented to the Zambia Society Trust AGM on 3 December 2009)
President Levy Mwanawasa, who died on August 19th 2008, was succeeded by Rupiah Banda, formerly Vice President. He was elected on October 30th gaining 40.1% of the vote. President Banda stated he will pursue similar policies and, like his predecessors, will not sign any death warrants.
The APTERS workshop
Copper prices fell from an average of US$ 9,000/tonne during 2005-2007 to US $5,000/tonne in 2008/9. At several mines production was reduced, and the labour force scaled down. Some mines moved to maintenance only; a few closed down. A fire at the new transformer for Lumwana Mine, potentially the largest copper mine in Africa, delayed its opening until December 2008. A 25% windfall tax on mine profits due to start in April 2009 was cancelled.
The government's income fell, and much hardship for families resulted, because of job losses, especially on the Copperbelt, also international trade deficits were experienced.
There was a poor maize harvest in the 2007/08 season due to extensive floods. 100,000 metric tonnes GM-free maize had to be imported from South America. In Zambia the price of a 50 kg bag of maize increased from K4,500 to K5,500. However there was a bumper harvest in 2008/9, except in the Western Province where there were floods in March.
There were frequent power cuts countrywide. The World Bank with Sweden and Japan agreed to provide $100 million to upgrade ZESCO's infrastructure. The price of electricity was increased and negotiations with the government and mines to increase it further, by up to 60%, threatened the viability of agriculture, the mines and other industries. This was not implemented fully; a relief to all but the Power industry.
Zambia is in the top ten countries threatened by deforestation. In Zambia this is due to the production of charcoal. Briquettes made of treated coal waste are gaining acceptance.
Guardians of AIDS orphans at Katete
Funding for Health Services was increased in 2008, but was cut back severely in the 2009 Budget. However funds for Primary Health Care in rural areas were maintained at 11.7%, largely because of the high death rate of children under 5 years - the 13th worst in the world. The number of HIV positive people on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) supplied by international donors, increased further, giving good health for several years to so many who can return to work and care for their children for longer. The number of newly infected is reducing slowly; many more are accepting Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). However the number of orphans is still increasing.
Convictions for corrupt activities committed mainly by politicians and senior civil servants, increased, which indicates the government's determination to deal adequately with the problem.
The worldwide food shortage forced the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) to reduce supplies to projects assisting Zambia's marginalised drastically, and refugees are at risk. The estimated 45,000 Congolese refugees in the country (28,500 in camps) are being encouraged to return home, by offering free transport - few are willing to go.
Amongst events: Zambia celebrated its Soccer team achieving third place in the Africa Cup of Nations. Also three women agriculturalists were awarded Bill and Melinda Gates fellowships and the British government granted 19 scholarships for Zambians to attend university in the UK.
David Nicholls in Antarctica
The Trust is deeply grateful to its supporters. This year special thanks go to David Nicholls of Leeds, who raised £10,345 through a Golf Day (for teachers' salaries at Misisi over three years). Also £4,639 came through his competing in the Antarctic Marathon: these funds were divided equally between the St Francis Orphans' project and Kwasha Mukwenu, Lusaka. Frank McGovern, our President, raised £5,520 at the Orphans' Golf Day at Ditchling and Professor Mike Dixon continues to raise funds through his talks and writing.
A total of £16,200 was given to nine Orphans' Support projects. £7000 was allocated to eleven bursars, who had completed Grade 12, for one or two year training courses within the country. APTERS received £1500 towards making mobility aids for handicapped children: three postgraduate doctors in training as specialists were given £330 each for text books. Footballs and netballs made by 'Alive and Kicking' in Lusaka were donated to 50 schools at the cost of £1,545.
All members of the Committee in the UK and the Education subcommittee in Lusaka fulfilled their responsibilities, without claiming expenses, except the cost of producing News from Zambia, ZST News Extra, the Annual Report, cards and prints for sale, postage and stationery.
This year Mary Cleminson will stand down having completed 10 years caring for the cards and prints, also John Coates, formerly Chair of the Northern Rhodesia Police Association. Andrew Rose, our treasurer has taken over the writing of letters of thanks for donations, relieving Jo Herkes, Secretary. Anne Fraenkel is busier than ever as Editor, including producing the Powerpoint Presentation for this afternoon.
We are very grateful to His Excellency Mr Anderson Chibwa for his assistance over several years, especially helping Mark Sheldrake to arrange and secure sponsorship for the Fund Raising event on July 9th 2009. Also we thank the new High Commissioner, HE Professor Royson Mukwena and his staff for welcoming us here today.
James Cairns OBE FRCS
3 December 2009