Lusaka Mayor Apologises To Chinese Community

Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa has issued an apology to the Chinese community after closing down several Chinese-owned businesses accused of discriminating against Zambian customers. 

In a statement released to the media on Wednesday, Mr Sampa said he had committed an error of judgement in physically confronting these businesses, rather than engaging the relevant local authorities. 

In particular he said he regretted the use of the slur “Chinaman”, saying he did not realise it was a derogatory term. 

He then went on to reassure foreign investors that the City of Lusaka would support their businesses and help to protect them under the extent of the law. 

It follows condemnation of the Lusaka mayor by Local Government Minister Charles Banda, who claimed it was unacceptable for authorities to unilaterally revoke trading licences without going through the proper procedures. 

The minister explained that the power to revoke trading licences lay not with the mayor but with the town clerks and he warned that appropriate action would be taken against Mayor Sampa and other officials who had acted outside of their jurisdiction. 

Over the past two weeks Mayor Sampa has closed down a number of Chinese-owned businesses, including a restaurant and a barbershop.