EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENT BY NSCZ CEO MR SOMBWA MUSUNSA IN RESPONSE TO THE ATHLETES CLAIMS
EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENT BY NSCZ CEO MR SOMBWA MUSUNSA IN RESPONSE TO THE ATHLETES CLAIMS
While we empathise with our beloved athletes on delayed funding, we are committed to ensure that every beneficiary is paid what is due to them before the end of the year.
We must be quick to mention that assertions being made on social media by named athletes are therefore, not true. For instance, we note with concern some unfortunate statements made in recent times by Muzala Samukonga, a 400m specialist who claims that certain payments have not been made by the Ministry.
To the contrary, Muzala’s daily allowances have been paid for major international events including the just ended Paris Olympic Games.
To show you the breakdown, Muzala was paid the following: • K15,120 for his participation in the 2022 African Championships in Mauritius, • K12, 180 paid as per diem as part of his travel to the USA in 2022,
• K23,040 paid as daily allowance for the Commonwealth Games,
• K80,000 as winning bonus or for the bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games,
• K30, 802 as daily allowance for the 2023 African Games held in Ghana, and • K53, 480 as daily allowance for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In addition, when Muzala was injured in 2023, the Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts paid K173, 850 towards his medical bills.
It should be stated that what has not been paid for some competitions are payments for medals.
Furthermore, the Government of Zambia employed Muzala in the Zambia National Service where he continues to draw a monthly salary and enjoying other benefits.
The Ministry also facilitated the donation of the house that Muzala occupies. After the Paris 2024 Olympics, the government engaged some well-wishers such as Chinese Association in Zambia and Kinglong who have pledged to contribute a sum of $25000 to the athlete. Similar payments have also been made to other athletes such as the Commonwealth Games medalist and African Boxing Champion, Patrick Chinyemba.
These paragraphs are from the statement released to the media by NSCZ CEO MR SOMBWA MUSUNSA