EFF comdemns the US$13.5 Million Corrupt and Exploitative Zambeef’s 75% undeveloped Chiawa Farm Transaction by HH’s UPND Govt (only 2,000 out of 8,000 ha. is developed, the rest is ordinary bushland)*- Kasonde Mwenda C -EFF President

Urgent Press Statement

*EFF comdemns the US$13.5 Million Corrupt and Exploitative Zambeef’s 75% undeveloped Chiawa Farm Transaction by HH’s UPND Govt (only 2,000 out of 8,000 ha. is developed, the rest is ordinary bushland)*- Kasonde Mwenda C -EFF President

13th August 2024.

The EFF, condemn the disgraceful and exploitative decision by the government led by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema to procure Zambeef’s  Chiawa Farm at the exorbitant price of USD $13.5 million for a Farm which is 75% undeveloped ordinary bushland. This decision is not only a betrayal of the Zambian people but a stark reminder of the corrupt practices that this government pledged to eradicate.

The Chiawa Farm, which shockingly remains 75% undeveloped bushland, has been acquired from Zambeef PLC, a private entity in which President Hakainde Hichilema holds a vested interest. This transaction reeks of corruption and conflict of interest, with Mr. Hichilema failing to declare his personal stake in Zambeef, thus deceiving the Zambian people.

We must ask: how did the government justify selecting this farm over the many others owned by ordinary Zambians who lack the political connections of Zambeef? It is unconscionable that our government, which is meant to serve all citizens equally, would instead engage in a transaction that benefits the President’s interests at the expense of the public.

Key Points of Condemnation:

1. Procedural Impropriety: The procurement of Chiawa Farm did not follow the due process as mandated by Zambian procurement laws. The government has failed to explain how Zambeef was single-sourced and chosen over other potential sellers, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness.

2. Illegality and Conflict of Interest: The President’s undisclosed financial interest in Zambeef PLC, the very entity selling the farm, constitutes a clear conflict of interest. This illegal act undermines public trust and violates the ethical standards expected of our leaders.

3. Unreasonable and Inflated Costs: The USD $13.5 million price tag for 8,658 hectares of largely undeveloped land is grossly inflated. With 2,737 hectares remaining as natural bush, this deal is not only wasteful but irresponsible given Zambia’s dire economic situation. Our state is grappling with a mountain of debt and struggling to provide for its citizens, yet the government has chosen to funnel millions into this questionable transaction.

The fact that this land is being procured by the state through a joint partnership of the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Zambia Correctional Services (ZCS) only deepens the scandal. Why should our defence forces be dragged into such an ethically and financially dubious transaction?

Conclusion and Call to Action:
The EFF views this deal as a blatant act of theft from the Zambian people. This is daylight robbery, siphoning money from an economically embattled state treasury for the benefit of a few. We demand that this transaction be revisited and reversed immediately.

We remind the Hichilema government that the people of Zambia are watching, and come 2026, they will hold those responsible to account. The EFF stands firm in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of Zambians. We will not rest until this injustice is corrected.

We urge all Zambians to join us in this fight against corruption and exploitation. Together, we must ensure that our leaders serve the people, not their own pockets.

Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.

Kasonde Mwenda
President, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Zambia