The National Energy Sector and Allied Workers’ Union (NESAWU) has cautioned Zambians not to fall prey to reports suggesting that ZESCO has been taken over by the Chinese.

The perception being given is that Zambia has defaulted on its loan repayments to China hence the purported takeover of this strategic company which is critical to national development.

NESAWU General Secretary Manson Mutambo says as a union representing workers in ZESCO, they are not aware of the privatisation of this company.

Mr. Mutambo, who is also ZCTU Vice President, says the union is constantly in touch with the Managing Director and his management who have assured them that there is no truth in the so-called ZESCO take over by the Chinese.

He says this position has been backed by government as well as the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, both of whom have denied the purported privatization of ZESCO.

“NESAWU would like to urge its members and the general public to ignore the unsubstantiated lies they are hearing on social media on the purported privatisation of ZESCO. The truth is that China has been a necessary evil to many African countries in terms of development cooperation and at no time have the Chinese taken over any company in Zambia,” he said.

Mr. Mutambo adds that the Public-Private-Partners (PPPs), such as the one between ZNBC and top Star or between ZANACO and Rabo-Bank Netherlands, are investment options aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), technology transfer and expertise to revamp State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

“ZESCO has entered into various business partnerships with Chinese companies to construct and rehabilitate hydro dams and to work on some projects to improve on electricity generation, transmission and distribution. Similar partnerships with Indian companies at the coal-fired power station in Maamba are helping to turn Zambia from being an energy-deficient country to an energy-secure company,” he said.

He adds that such tangible development models between China and Zambia should be commended instead of the unproductive debate on social media in which Western countries want Africans to fight wrong economic battles aimed at maintaining Western economic hegemony on Africa.

Mr. Mutambo has since encouraged ZESCO employees, especially their members, to ignorance these social media propaganda and that they should remain forecast, rally behind Zesco Managing Director Victor Mundende and his management team and continue serving the general public.