Topic -The Role of Traditional Leadership in Tailings Dam Management: Bridging Community Concerns and Industry Practices
Background
The management of tailings dams is a contentious issue in many mining-affected communities in Zambia, with concerns over environmental and social impacts often pitting industry interests against those of local communities. Traditional leaders play a crucial role in bridging this divide, as they are often the custodians of community interests and values. This panel discussion will explore the role of traditional leadership in tailings dam management, highlighting best practices and challenges in ensuring responsible mining practices.
The discussion will bring together traditional leaders, industry representatives, and government officials to share experiences and insights on how traditional leadership can facilitate community engagement, resolve conflicts, and promote sustainable development. Panelists will discuss the importance of recognizing and respecting traditional authority structures in tailings dam management, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between traditional leaders, industry, and government.
Key topics to be discussed include the role of traditional leaders in facilitating community consent for mining projects, managing conflicts over tailings dam management, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.
Key Questions:
- What is the role of traditional leadership in ensuring responsible tailings dam management?
- How can traditional leaders facilitate community engagement and consent for mining projects?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between traditional leaders, industry, and government in tailings dam management?
His Royal Highness Dr. Chief Mumena, North-Western Province
His Royal Highness Chief Dr. Mumena is a respected traditional leader of the Mumena Chiefdom in North-Western Province. He is recognised for his commitment to community development, education, social welfare and the sustainable management of natural resources. His leadership has contributed to initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of communities within his chiefdom, while promoting responsible stewardship of Zambia’s natural environment. He has also supported efforts to advance education and community participation in development.
HRH Key Message: “Environmental protection requires commitment from state and non-state actors including private sector.”
His Royal Highness Chief Mnukwa, Eastern Province
His Royal Highness Chief Mnukwa is a distinguished traditional leader of the Mnukwa Chiefdom in Eastern Province. He has demonstrated strong commitment to community development, education, environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage. Chief Mnukwa has been actively involved in initiatives addressing the welfare of rural communities and has advocated for sustainable development and improved livelihoods. His leadership reflects a strong belief in partnership between traditional leadership, communities, government and other development stakeholders.
HRH Key message: “We must ensure that business practices contribute to and adequately support environmental protection activities.”
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Msoro, Eastern Province
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Msoro VII, Linda Wanga Saili, is the traditional leader of the Msoro Chiefdom in Mambwe District, Eastern Province. Installed in September 2018, she is the first and only female chief in Mambwe District. She holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom, and previously served in various development-sector roles. She is a strong advocate for education, women’s empowerment, child protection, responsible governance and community participation in development.
HRH Key message: “Traditional leaders plays a critical role in the management of natural resources and must be involved in decision-making process at all levels.”
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Muwezwa, Southern Province
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Muwezwa I, Rhoda Kapami Ila, is the traditional leader of the Muwezwa Chiefdom in Itezhi-Tezhi District. An accomplished educationist and community leader, she holds a Diploma in Traditional Leadership and Governance, a Certificate in Corporate Governance, and a Diploma in English and History. Before ascending to the throne, she worked as a teacher for many years. She is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, sustainable natural-resource management and community development, and serves as a Traditional Leadership Representative on the WARMA Board.
HRH Key message: “Traditional leaders have a crucial role to play owing to their authority and proximity to the people and their primary mandate to preserve customs and traditions derived from the Constitution.”
His Royal Highness Dr. Chief Ishima VI, North-Western Province
His Royal Highness Chief Dr. Ishima Sanken’i VI is a respected traditional leader of the Ishima Chiefdom of the Lunda people in Zambezi District, North-Western Province. He is recognised for his commitment to community development, education, rural infrastructure and the sustainable management of natural resources and customary land. His leadership has supported initiatives that improve livelihoods and access to essential services within his chiefdom, including electrification and broader development partnerships. As Secretary General of the Forum of African Traditional Authorities, he also advocates for unity among traditional leaders and stronger collaboration between traditional authorities, government and other stakeholders in advancing sustainable development.
HRH Key message: “Traditional leaders have a crucial role to play in environmental protection owing to their authority and proximity to the people, and their primary mandate to safeguard the land, natural resources and heritage entrusted to them for present and future generations.”
Website: https://csprzambia.org/
CSPR is a Zambian civil-society network dedicated to advocating for pro-poor policies, equitable economic governance, and social justice. It conducts research, citizen engagement, and policy monitoring to ensure that national development strategies benefit vulnerable and marginalized communities. The organisation works closely with government, civil society, and development partners to influence decisions related to public finance, poverty reduction, and social protection. Its mission is to ensure that Zambia’s development process is inclusive, accountable, and centred on the needs of the poor. CSPR will be represented by Mr Martin Sichilima
