The Government has commended Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) for demonstrating its renewed commitment to community development through sport, following the official handover of three brand-new buses to its sponsored football clubs. Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon. Elvis C. Nkandu, hailed the gesture as a strong statement of the company’s intent to invest in the social wellbeing of communities in which it operates. The buses, worth a combined US$390, 000, were handed over to Konkola Blades FC, Nampundwe FC, and Aguila Stars FC. The donation forms part of Vedanta Resources’ pledge to invest US$20 million annually in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including sports, arts and culture. The Minister also congratulated Konkola Blades FC for earning promotion to the Zambia Super League, urging the team to carry the same spirit and discipline into the top-flight competition. Meanwhile, Chililabombwe Member of Parliament and Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, emphasized that the handover was a result of government’s efforts to resolve long-standing issues around the operations of KCM and Vedanta’s return. “As Cabinet, our responsibility is to resolve matters that were stalling progress. Today’s handover is a direct outcome of that resolution,” said Hon. Kabuswe. “It’s not just about mining, it’s about making our communities functional again.” Hon. Kabuswe further revealed that KCM is set to commence road construction projects in the area as part of its broader development agenda, reaffirming government’s commitment to infrastructure growth. He also commended Hon. Nkandu for his leadership in the sports sector, stating, “The Minister and the President have made it clear, there will be no minor sport. Every discipline deserves support.”
