THE Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has taken over management and operations of the Zambia Electricity and Allied Workers Union (ZEAWU) with immediate effect. According to ZCTU secretary general, Silvester Tembo, a new management team has been put in place to run ZEAWU. The new team includes: ZCTU trustee, Norah Zulu; Zambia National Union of Teachers member, Kenneth Kashela; Railway Workers Union of Zambia member, Honest Ndamana; National Union of Communication Workers member, Neddy Nzowa and Alfred Mudenda as administrator. Tembo said all the trustees from the embattled ZEAWU would remain part of the new management team as custodians of its property.
VIRGIN KING OUT OF BID
BRITISH tycoon Richard Branson has withdrawn his bid to run South Africa’s first national lottery, applications for which close in 11 days’ time. Trade and industry director of gambling, lotteries and liquor Ajay Sooklal said that the millionaire owner on the Virgin empire has pulled out of the bid because the manner in which the process is unfolding does not suit him. A Virgin spokesman responded, however, that Branson had never had any intention of bidding for the lottery and is merely advising government on the process. Sooklal said that Branson, in a letter dated October, informed him he is withdrawing from the bid. Branson’s spokesperson said the letter was merely an advisory to let the board know of Branson’s intentions.