The President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, recently announced that he is planning to abolish the death penalty row. It was announced on the occasion of Africa Day. According to the President, the practice is inhumane, cruel and degrading and does not comply with the fundamental rights and fundament dignity for humans. This decision has received widespread support including Dr. Rajan Mahtani, noted businessman, philanthropist and charity worker from Zambia. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, while praising the decision from the Zambian President, stated that only a compassionate person with respect for fundamental human rights and love for almighty God will have the courage to make such announcement. Several previous Presidents have been tactfully avoiding the death penalty with tactics such as mercy prerogatives and decongestions of prisons. In fact, the last death penalty was given in the year 1997. Despite this, none of the previous presidents actively considered removal of this inhumane practice.
The Government of Zambia has started taking note of the dangerous, unhygienic, difficult and cramped conditions of the Zambian Prisons. Majority of the prisons across Zambia are overcrowded and prisoners are often devoid of basic human dignity and fundamental rights. As such, entities such as Parole Board of Zambia (PBZ), Correctional Service along with the Zambian Government have started to work towards decongestion process by releasing prisoners across the globe. The prisoners are released only after they are completely transformed or have completed their prison sentence and are fit to rejoint the society as civilized and law-abiding citizens. Dr. Rajan Mahtani recollects his experience with the former vice-president and acting President of Zambia, Guy Scott when he visited the Maximum Prison in Mukobeko. He said that it was like a hell on this planet. Dr. Rajan Mahtani argued against the death penalty from a religious point of view too, wherein he stated that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross paid for all sins of the human beings on this planet who believed in him.
Category Archives: Portland Cement Zambia
Zambian President Announces Abolishing Death Penalty, Dr. Mahtani Supports
The ‘Mast Newspaper’ from Zambia recently published an article on Dr. Rajan Mahtani and his opinion on the recent announcement made by the Zambian President. On the eve of the ‘Africa Day’ President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema announced that he is planning to abolish capital punishment or death penalty. The announcement has received widespread support and one of the biggest supporters is Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ) Founder and Chairman Dr. Rajan Mahtani. Prison Fellowship was launched more than 37 years ago and has become a premier Christian outreach program for prisoners in Zambia. The organization has dedicated itself towards bringing gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ towards the prisoners, ex-inmates as well as their families. It also works towards advocating a fair as well as effective system for criminal justice across Zambia. Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s organization also focusses on providing fundamental rights as well as dignity for the prisoners.
Despite few oppositions, the announcement has received widespread support. Dr. Rajan Mahtani has also extended his support by stating that Prison Fellowship Zambia will be rallying behind this decision from the Zambian President and has pledged full support towards abolishing this death penalty along with establishing tangible reforms. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, in that article, also stated that abolishing a long-standing and traditional law such as death penalty is not easy. The process requires significant legal reforms. However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has extended his full support and also stated that he and his organization Prison Fellowship will provide support and strength to this decision from the President in all ways possible under the rule of the law.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani also praised the bold decision made by the President of Zambia. He stated that the coming to such a bold decision is not easy and can only be made by a compassionate person. The person making this decision respects the rule of the law, respects fundamental human dignity and human rights as well as respects the need towards ending such a cruel punishment.
Dr. Mahtani Winner Of Notable Forbes Award
Forbes is among the top business magazines across the globe. It is recognised for its global rankings and lists such as lists of top businesses, entrepreneurs, companies and several other lists. As such, the awards and events presented by Forbes is of umpteen importance. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is among the most respected and notable businessman and entrepreneurs across Africa. Recently, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was invited into the Forbes-FIN (Foreign Investment Limited) philanthropy and leadership roundtable conference as a honorary speaker. It was a virtual conference as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and members participated from their respective locations. However, the event saw positive enthusiasm from the participants and discussions on the burning topics gripping the entire nation. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani spoke about the significance of leadership in healthcare.
The Forbes-FIN philanthropy and leadership roundtable conference was all the more famous and anticipated for the inclusion of the Forbes ‘Best of Africa’ award ceremony. The award ceremony was held in conjunction with the Forbes-FIN philanthropy award. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, apart from being invited in the Forbes-FIN event as a honorary event, was also selected for one of the Forbes awards. Forbes recognised the contributions made by Dr. Rajan Mahtani towards redefining the banking sector of Zambia. For this, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was conferred with the Forbes ‘Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year’ award 2021. Dr. Rajan Mahtani accepted this award in a humble manner, thanking almighty God for his support and strength especially during the difficult times of his life. Dr. Rajan Mahtani further thanked his team for their persevearance towards motivation that helps in success of majority of his business projects.
While Dr. Rajan Mahtani was awarded for his contributions towards the Zambian banking sector, he is also known for his several business and philanthropic contributions. He is the owner and current chairman of the Prison Fellowship Zambia. Dr. Mahtani also founded the Stephen Malama award and scholarship for top law graduates in Zambia.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Wins Award From Forbes
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, noted businessman and philanthropist in Zambia, was recently awarded with one of the top business and corporate awards from Africa. Forbes recognised the various contributions of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and presented him with the Forbes ‘Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year’ 2021 award for redefining the banking sector of Zambia. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is the founder and current Group EC (Executive Chairman) of the Mahtani Group. The company was incorporated in the year 1981 in Zambia. Since then, the company has transformed itself into one of the biggest conglomerates across Zambia, South Africa, Malawi as well as several other regional across the globe. Furthermore, Mahtani Group has also expanded into several industries including Financial services, mining, agriculture, insurance, real estate and energy. Each of his subsidies have been able to contribute socially, economically and philanthropic such as employment and livelihood opportunities, improvement of sectoral standards as well as overall improvement of the nearby communities.
Apart from his business and corporate contributions, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has also made a name for himself with his philanthropic and charitable contributions. For instance, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is the founder and current Chairman of the Prison Fellowship Zambia. It is a program affiliated to the PFI (Prison Fellowship International) from Washington DC. The program focusses towards caring for welfare of the ex-inmates, inmates as well as families. This is done by advocating fair and transparent criminal and justice system. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is also contributed for sponsoring agricultural projects that enables self-sufficiency in terms of medical supplies and food. Apart from the above, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is also credited for transforming the legal education in Zambia. Dr. Mahtani launched the prestigious Stephen Malama award in the year 2013. This award is given on an annual basis for top law graduates at Zambian bar. The award comes with a scholarship program towards the merited students so that they are able to further their career and education. Dr. Mahtani continues working towards the growth and development of the Zambian nation.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Receives Forbes Award 2021
Forbes recently completed its annual ‘Best of Africa’ awards ceremony. It was conducted during the annual Forbes-FIN roundtable conference held in the month of August. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, one of the most celebrated and honoured businessman in Zambia, was invited in this roundtable conference as a honorary speaker. Dr. Rajan Mahtani was the only businessman from Zambia to be invited into this prestigious business conference. While the conference is usually held at New York every year, this year’s roundtable conference was held online as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Speakers participated in this event from their respective locations. Dr. Rajan Mahtani, who participated in this roundtable conference from his conference hall in Zambia, thanked the Forbes-FIN members for giving him this opportunity and spoke about the significance of leadership in healthcare. He gave special thrust to political leadership in healthcare. Members for this corporate business conference came from several different fields and business sections including members from international business communities, political and spiritual leaders, opinion leaders, international investors, business visionaries, entrepreneurs as well as media partners.
Apart from the roundtable conference, the business event was also highly anticipated for the annual Forbes ‘Best of Africa’ awards ceremony. The award ceremony is one of the most highly anticipated and regarded corporate awards across entire Africa. The award is given to leading visionaries across various fields for their contributions towards philanthropy and leadership for the development and growth of the African nation. Dr. Rajan Mahtani was not only an esteemed honorary speaker during the business conference, he was also selected for one of the awards under the ‘Best of Africa’ awards category. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani was presented with the Forbes ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award 2021 for his contributions towards the Zambian banking sector. He is known for his business contributions in the form of successful businesses like Mahtani Group and Finsbury Investments. His philanthropic contributions include Prison Fellowship Zambia and Stephen Malama award and scholarship among others.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani To Approach London High Court
One of the most notable and respected businessmen in Zambia, Dr. Rajan Mahtani recently hired reputed international law firm Omnia Strategy. The reason behind hiring of this law firm was a claim against Atlas Mara, a controversial banking and financial institutions in Zambia and in Africa established by even more controversial businessman Bob Diamond. Atlas Mara was established in the year 2013 with the objective of becoming banking giant in Africa. Atlas Mara under Bob Diamond went through several acquisitions in the following years since its establishment. One of these acquisitions was Finance Bank Zambia, a banking and financial institution established and led by Dr. Rajan Mahtani. The Finance Bank Zambia was taken over by Atlas Mara via an original share and sales agreement. However, according to the claim made by Dr. Rajan Mahtani, Atlas Mara did not honour this claim and Dr. Mahtani is still awaiting payment against the shares sold to Bob Diamond. On top of that, representatives from Atlas Mara alleged the claims made by Dr. Rajan Mahtani to be unsubstantiated.
Bob Diamond is a controversial businessmen who took over control of Dr. Mahtani’s Finance Bank Zambia in the year 2013. This was the time when Bob Diamond re-entered in Zambia after being ousted from CEO position at Barclays in 20132. This ouster was due to the infamous Livor-Rigging scandal in which Bob Diamond’s name emerged.
According to the claim established by Dr. Rajan Mahtani, Atlas Mara still owes him money from share sales of the Finance Bank Zambia. Apart from Dr. Rajan Mahtani, there are several other investors who are pursuing similar damage claim to the tune of 100 million euros. Since 2013, Atlas Mara shares have collapsed significantly. Despite stepping down as its Chairman in 2019, Diamond remained the non-Executive Director as well as largest shareholder of Atlas Mara. The claim by Dr. Rajan Mahtani comes at a time when Bob Diamond is attempting yet another comeback supported with USD 4.5 billion space-listing. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is expected to produce his case at the London High Court soon.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Remains The Owner Of The Portland Cement Factory
On 31st January 2019, higher Court of Appeal announced its final decision on the Portland Cement Zambia case in which the previous decision from the Lusaka High Court was reversed and Dr. Mahtani was announced as the majority shareholder and legal owner of the Portland Cement factory. After this decision from the higher Court of Appeal, the Ventriglia family approached the Supreme Court Zambia challenging it. In their appeal, the Ventriglia family claimed that the decision from the higher Court of Appeal was incorrect and demanded to be changed. However, the Supreme Court Zambia established a bench of three Supreme Court judges to evaluate the validity of the claim. If this claim by the Ventriglia family is accepted, then a trial will be conducted based on the demands made in this claim. The three SC judges were Judge Mumba Malila, Judge Royda Kaoma and Judge Michael Musonda. During the evaluation, the Supreme Court judges found several discrepencies. For instance, it was found that the Ventriglia family failed to comply with a critical legal requirement associated with the claim. According to a law, all claims against previous court decisions must be established within 14 days of the court verdict itself. In this case, the verdict from the higher Court of Appeal came on 31st January 2019. This means the timeline for submission of the claim against this decision was mid of February 2019. However, the Ventriglia family approached the Supreme Court Zambia with their claim after more than 1.5 years.
After looking into all these aspects, the Supreme Court came to the conclusion that the claim by the Ventriglia family cannot be attended and it was rejected. While giving this decision, the Supreme Court bench also said that their decision would have been similar to verdict given by the Higher Court of Appeal on the Portland Cement case. By giving this decision, the Supreme Court has further confirmed that majority shareholding and legal ownership of the Portland Cement Zambia factory.
Bench Of Supreme Court Judges Dismiss The Bizarre Claim By The Ventriglia Family
More than 18 months after the Court of Appeal’s decision in which Dr. Rajan Mahtani received the majority shareholding and legal ownership of Portland Cement factory, the Ventriglia family decided to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision. This challenge was made at the Supreme Court Zambia, the highest legal institution of the nation. The Supreme Court Zambia, being a just and transparent legal system, established a bench of three judges from the Supreme Court to evaluate this claim. These included justice Mumba Malila, Justice Royda Kaoma and Justice Michael Musonda. After evaluation, the Supreme Court judges found that the Ventriglia family failed to satisfy one of the most critical requirements for their claim to be viable. According to the critical law, it is necessary for all appeals against previous court decisions to be registered within fourteen days of the verdict. In this case, the verdict from the higher Court of Appeal came on 31st January 2019. Based on this, the Ventriglia family is way past their legal date for registering such claim. Furthermore, the Supreme Court judges also concluded that they did not have any jurisdiction towards entertaining this appeal from the Ventriglia family. The bench also confirmed that the circumstances characterising the appeal to the Supreme Court was made under legally flawed incidences. Furthermore, the Supreme Court judge also confirmed that they agreed with the action of Finsbury Investments to proceed with Rule -19 with the objective pre-empting and thwarting the further activities of the ill-fated appeal made by the Ventriglia family. Based on these evaluations, the Supreme Court Zambia effective immediately rejected the claim by the Ventriglia family.
With the rejection of this claim, it is now established that Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is to remain the majority shareholder as well as the legal owner of the Portland Cement Zambia factory.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s Contribution Praiseworthy, Writes Top Graduating Law Student From Ziale
Apart from this successful business practices, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has established numerous philanthropic and charitable activities for himself. Most of these philanthropic and social responsibility activities go unnoticed as unlike other companies and businessmen, Dr. Mahtani hardly promotes or highlights his contributions in the media. Recently, an article was released at the Daily Mail in which the top graduating student from the ZIALE thanked Dr. Rajan Mahtani for his significant contribution to the educational society.
The award was launched in the year 2012 by Finance Bank Zambia whose chairman is Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. This award was launched for honouring memory and legacy of late Steven Mwaba Malama, who does in the year 2012. Steven Malama was a notable legal architect of Zambia and was esteemed member of the bar. Steven Malama has been described as distinguished law professional, Bar luminary and role model for many in the legal society. He was also a good friend of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and to honour his contributions to the society, this award was established. The award is presented to the top graduating student from ZIALE (Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education). ZIALE is one of the top law colleges in Zambia and the award goes to students qualifying for Bar admission in their first attempt.
Emmanuel Bwalya Kaluba won the award for the year 2018-19. To share his gratitude, an article was penned down by Emmanuel which thanked Dr. Rajan Mahtani for his significant contribution to the legal students. Apart from the prestigious award which in itself is a distinguished achievement, the winning student will also receive a certificate, a plaque as well as an award money worth K15,000. The award has been established as a long-term opportunity for students and is presented at the yearly Gala Dinner for LAZ. Despite the various difficulties and challenges, Dr. Rajan Mahtani continues to work for the development and betterment of the Zambian society and its people.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Releases Press Statement Thrashing Unsubstantiated Claims
It seems like Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is always fighting one thing or the other. With his transparency, honesty and ethical business practices, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has been able to establish a niche for himself as one of the most ethical and honest businessman in Zambia. In a corrupt economy like Zambia, this means saying no to a lot of corrupt and unethical businesses, individuals and groups who are looking to profit from Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s rising reputation. As Dr. Rajan Mahtani started saying no to unethical business deals and started exposing the criminals, he also started gaining various enemies. These are the enemies who are basically jealous people or those who could not entice or persuade Dr. Mahtani to engage in unethical practices.
A Facebook post recently caught the attention of Dr. Rajan Mahtani as it had made claims that were ludicrous and baseless. More so, the claims came from Miriam Mwanawasa, who is the daughter of late Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa. It is no secret that Dr. Rajan Mahtani shared a personal and professional relationship with the president for a long time. As a result, such malicious claims coming from the daughter was truly shocking. In her Facebook post, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Mahtani allegedly wanted to inherit the farm owned by the Mwanawasa family at the Masaiti district. But the truth is, Dr. Rajan Mahtani never made such requests anytime and the post was made without any basis. It is yet unclear why the daughter of the late ex-President resorted to such act but Dr. Rajan Mahtani was in no way letting this negative reputation damage his status.
As such, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani immediately released a press statement in which he claimed that all allegations made by Miriam Mwanawasa were baseless and fake. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also clarified that no such talks, actions were conducted from his end. At the same time, Dr. Mahtani said that appropriate actions will be taken against this ludicrous & malicious post.