Minister of Finance and National Planning Alexander Chikwanda has launched a scathing attack on his fellow ministers who have continued to issue statements not endorsed by cabinet.
Chikwanda said that President Michael Sata’s recent cabinet reshuffle proves that Ministers speaking aimlessly will not go unpunished.
Mr. Chikwanda was speaking when he officiated at the 21st annual ball celebrations for the Zambia Institute of banking and financial Services in Lusaka last night.
Meanwhile, Government has refuted media reports suggesting that Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on Zambia’s Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) to negative.
Mr Chikwanda explained that Fitch has only expressed a ‘series of doubts’ on Zambia’s policy directions affirming that the Issuer Default ratings (IDR) are at B-plus.
On Thursday, Fitch expressed concern at government’s decision to reverse the privatization of ZAMTEL and investigate the privatization of ZANACO.
According to fitchratings.com, Director in Fitch’s Sovereign ratings group Carmen Altenkirch the reversal of the sale of Zamtel without compensating the investing parties has potential of undermining property rights, and further destabilize the country’s growth outlook and macro-economic stability.
However, Mr. Chikwanda took a swipe at Fitch, saying it is not the first time that the ratings group was downgrading a country.
MUVI TV
Man who ‘renovated’ state house using backdoor says Fitch is corrupt, the world is turning upside down.
‘it is not the first time that the ratings group was downgrading a country’
Just wondering, why was that described as a swipe?
I struggled to that too! a swipe a single statement? Thats the problem with copy and paste. Muvi TV makes a mistake and you copy and paste the mistake! Find own news sometimes.
CHACHINE. SOME MINISTERS ARE JUST ISSUING STATEMENTS WITHOUT THE BLESSINGS OF THE WHOLE CABINET. NEXT TIME JUST FIRE THEM. BUT AGAIN THERES NO COORDINATION, INTERFACING AND INTEGRETIVE SYSTEM IN ZAMBIA’S MINISTRIES. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ONE MINISTRY IS COMPLETELY ISSOLATED FROM OTHERS. PLEASE, DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED SYSTEMS IN THE GOVT ARMS.
They are relatives. There’s no way he can fire relatives
In order for sanity to prevail in our cabinet, maybe the acting president Chikwanda should be made supervisor of all ministers, none of them should report directly to the president, including the veep whom he supervises when he is acting anyway.
You call Cabinet reshuffles as punishment for ministers who issue careless statements? You guys are jokers!
U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman will visit Zambia next week.
Sherman who started her African tour today (Saturday) will also visit Nigeria, Angola, Malawi and Kenya. A statement by the US government says in Zambia, Sherman will be the highest ranking U. S. official to visit President Michael Sata after Zambia’s peaceful democratic transition in September 2011.
“She will meet with senior government officials, civil society leaders and journalists to discuss issues, including reform, the economy and elections.’’ It stated that the Under Secretary would hold discussions with national leaders to underscore U. S. interests and strengthen collaborative efforts that promote good governance, economic growth, regional security, social development and human rights.
Source ZW
Zambians need to be prayerful,vigilant and alert with these high profile people all of a sudden showing interest in Zambia and why during this time during the rule of PF.Why was the constitution postponed we do not want abominations in Zambia. They need to be told continuosly in their faces that Jesus is Lord over Zambia. This time if PF keeps quiet God will judge them seriously. They can’t even dare talk about abominations in Muslim countries. Zambia is a christian nation and such abominations will not be allowed. God bless Zambia and all Zambians and all righteous political parties and leaders.Let’s keep the torch of prayer burning in our nation 24/7.
chikwanda who renovated state house
” However, Mr. Chikwanda took a swipe at Fitch, saying it is not the first time that the ratings group was downgrading a country. ”
That would be the TEA Party induced credit downgrade of the USA.
I did not expect the minister of finance to come out in support of the Fitch report and although it is not the first time Fitch has expressed concerns or indeed downgraded a country’s economic outlook, Chikwanda, PF cadres and sympathysers should not seek solace in that statement. The implications of that mere “concern” are huge and will no doubt reverberate loudly in the investors corridors triggering the domino effect resulting in an actual down grade. PF has no vision for this country and should heed the advice of FITCH and continue on the path of MMD. If you put pride and rethoric above the nation then we are in free fall.
what do you expect when you have a cabinet full of kaponyaz.at least we have people like Alexander ‘the great’ Chikwanda with brains thought I don’t agree with his comments on Fitch.
The last thing a financial controller wants to do is alert everyone that things will get worse. If he did, people would sell off the kwacha and strengthen foreign currencies, etc and further weaken ours.
We need to take steps to assure everyone that PF knows what they’re doing. I need to be assured.
If Mr.Chikanda is saying re-alignment of ministries is punishment to unprincipled ministers,by implication I take it re-alignment of Chirundu and ITT is punishment to SP for reasons known to themselves
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You cannot go to jail for having bad thoughts in your head. Bar that, you can go to jail for expressing your inner thoughts through your mouth or using a pen or keyboard.
I sense this swipe is aimed at (i) Bob Sichinga for unleashing the “hoax” story about K3 Trillion plus counterfeit notes circulating in the economy. (ii) Kambwili for the “sham” 100% salary increments for Health Workers
The mother of all scathing “hoax attacks” is your boss ( a.k.a) Mr President. As a matter of fact it’s among the 10 Commandments that Sata must abide with, going by his recent statements. To be precise it’s the 9th Commandment in the Bible.
## You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour ##
Cont..
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It’s a crime to “knowingly” and “wilfully” make any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter within the Jurisdiction of the executive, Legislative or Judicial branch
The Economical norms tell us to be careful with what comes from our mouths. Even when your consider Domestic Home Economics, good parents always advise their children to be very careful with what they say about their neighbours or to keep family matters in the house.
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Mr Finance Minister, how do you expect the world to evaluate Zambia’s Economical Outlook when we have ministers that do not even understand Government Policies and worse more you own PF Manifesto? Plus a President who went on the pulpit telling the world that Zambia has fake notes in circulation. You of all people know that million of $ US dollars have been draining out of Zambian Banks, since these stories started surfacing
It happens even in the powerful economies, when bad signs start, investors take their money to green pastures. So tell your team to get organised, starting with the top man himself Mr. Sata.
Cont..
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Maybe you should kick ass onto your cabinet friends on Government Policy and ask Wynter Kabimba to do like wise on the subject of Party Manifesto as he has appeared so frustrated recently. So far your team looks it’s like “Headless Cabinet Chickens” dancing to Zamrock.
Failing to have communication in government is an “Indicator Sign” that you are not working as a team and things are not working. Communication is very central in Relationships, Families, Corporate World, Organisation and Governing a Nation. To cut the B.S just in everything we do communication must adhere and hold fast.
Its prudent that you can own up that your colleagues are failing the nation !!!
Why is the president ‘punishing’ ministers everyday then?
take for example Sampa, he has been punished atleast 2 times now, first punishment to Southern province, within no time he got punished again this time to Finance.
This is a dysfunctional government, and you need to accept that. Mr Chikwanda, you just don’t inspire anyone. We need a Dambisa Moyo in your position, period. This is 21st Century for crying out loud.
The REAL VEEP has spoken.
#8 first-of-all God is not Zambian, and 2nd those who had TV programs called “Zambia shall be Saved”, now discuss gays-stuff.
The Government Vice-President (Guy Scott is Vice for PF President), was almost singling out his friend’s nephew = Miles Sampa 7 Kabwili, who unfortunately cant be fired because they are unemployable by any.
Those 2 + few need to be sent away as diplomats in countries who can’t read their credentials, such as Niger or Gambia.
The PF government has rilly disappointed us, its starting 2 look like my vote is slowly going 2 waste, if a minister stats issuing statements out of cabinate, he is transfered 2 another ministry in the same capacity nd u cal it punishment then i dont no where we ar surely going.
God save us, never seen this kind of meltdown anywhere else, ever. Japanese Fukushima nuclear style and seemingly unstoppable,
They are using KK blueprints. Remember KK’s punishment was to shuffle you to another entity within government, or send you out as a diplomat. Just ask RB how many punishments he “suffered” under KK…
@# 19 deep throat, I conquer with you! We need a Dambisa Moyo to hold that Position of Finance in the 21st century!! Can someone open his or her eyes & utilize people like Dambisa Moyo,we must benefit from people like her as a country!
It seems chikwanda has more powers than me! In public service you dont wash dirty linen in the public AC.
hahaha George Kunda is were right. The real Vice President has spoken….
This Alex Chikwanda who i do not doubt that he was appointed on the basiss of coming from Chief Chikwanda where Sta comes from is very incompetent. He ca not even use a laptop. His English is very corrugated. He is no where the likes of Magande . Musokotwane and pRO oLIVER sAsa. This tendency of giving jobs to tribesmen is ruining Zambia. Can you transfer of an erring minister punishment. My in Bemba it is punishment to tell a thief that stop stealing from this field but start stealing from that one. Kambwili, Sampa are typical exapmles.
Instead of ‘taking a swipe’ at Fitch, Chikwanda should be concerned and should try to address the reasons for the downgrade. Just cause it has happened to other countries does not mean it’s acceptable. It’s our country and economy that’s being negatively affected and it’s the duty of the government of the day to try to set things right. Citibank have predicted the Kwacha to trade around K5,700 to the Dollar soon, doesn’t Chikwanda realise that’s partly because of the issues pointed out by Fitch? This is really pathetic.
Is Bob Sichinga one of the unprincipled ministers with his fake money statement? How about the president himself who started the ball by claiming that we have fake money? Who will fire him? Only the Zambian masses.
I am just wondering, how many times have these guys had cabinet meetings and what have they discussed. It is obvious they haven’t met enough times for them to speak with one voice. I suggest the ministers go for a capacity building workshop for them to understand their job descriptions. It is a pity the president cancelled the one for Permanent Secrtaries in Livingstone after one day claiming it was a waste of resources. There is still time to restore order in the executive.
Is Bob Sichinga one of the unprincipled ministers with his fake money statement? How about the ruler himself who started the ball by claiming that we have fake money? Who will fire him? Only the Zambian masses.
I have always wanted a ticket for a front seat at the circus, I am glad to tall the world I have finally got one. And oh how timely just when the show is beginning. Someone said pop corns are ready aye forward the bowl son this is getting intense.
A group of headless chickens in charge of the country….
Chikwanda can not even use a computer.
Sata could not write a single report when he was secretary of the MMD because he is illiterate
The are the people in charge of the country and you don’t expect it to go to the DOG’s
The ratings agency is treating the PF government with kid gloves. Within five months of an illiterate taking over government, Zambia’s economic outlook looks extremely bleak. Private investment is being expropriated without compensation and for this Zambia needs a D rating and not B. The country is on the verge of disintegration with the western province seeking independence because the current president lied to them during the campaigns. Fitch slide that rating down please.
#1 & 9,
What’s this about decorating of the state house, could you shed a little more light for the benefit of those of us who have no idea what you really mean? Thank you.
Alexander Chikwanda’s company was single-sourced to renovate State House without going through a competitive bidding process soon after the 2011 elections. I believe they’re still doing the work.
Has Mr Chikwanda’s statement got cabinet approval?
Wandepula…nakana!!! kekekekekeke
@36 i see PF policy on the economy i think of UNIP and J malema. but i guess it dont tell
#35 you are spot on, the lack of communication is a clear sign of headless chickens running a country. That’s what it means apointing cadres to cabinet positions with no scooby doo of how run the ministries. We can only hope they quickly come up to speed.
For those of you who don’t know, Chikwanda is Sata’s cousin. He has always been Sata’s family spokesman. This is a one-man government. Chikwanda is there to bank Sata’s loot in exchange for a few millions of dollars. In short, that family will never work for money anymore. I wonder why Zambians did not see this coming before voting for this man.
Any serious issue that has to do with divisions in Cabinet, I believe should firstly be dealt with ‘internally’. Whats the point of Chikwanda ‘washing dirty linen’ in public – with a suggestion of his own ‘houlier than thou’ attitude? Where is ‘collective responsibility’? Cabinet should meet privately to implore those that have erred, or ask them to resign, without this public show of disunity if it wants any little of what is left of its shredded ‘credibility’ to survive.
lelo lelo
I thought that Kabimba and Chikwanda would have known better?? Whether you are MMD or whatever party, dont forget you are on an IMF programme!!!! MMD were on an IMF programme from 1991 to 2011. That is why the economy got on track. Zambia has gone or Structural adjustment programmes for a long time. Zambia up to September 2011 was better than a lot of the Southern European Countries like Greece and Portugal because of 20 years of IMF programme.
Now we are going back to pre 1991 i.e. UNIP policies which brought grinding poverty to Zambians. Imagine opportunists like Sichinga supporting Nationalisation i.e back to UNIP days. Kabimba the Secretary General of PF now Chairman of ZAMTEL!!! what more evidence do we need to know that UNIP and Socialism is back!!
The ZAMTEL nationalisation without compensation will continue to haunt the Country. Instead of behaving like a professional, Chikwanda goes into a tantrum and chooses behave like a 2nd year UNZA student!! ZAMTEL issue is a contigent liability in the books of Zambia PLC. Does Mr Kabimba or Chikwanda know issues of sovereign debt?? whether MMD was corrupt or not what they signed on behalf of Zambia stands. we owe Libya a minimum of USD257million in addition to extra value ZAMTEL as of January 2011. All the costs to the Nation is due to incompetence period!! You think in this day and age you can expropriate foreign capital?? Chikwanda and Kabimba you are a cost to the Zambian Taxpayer.
Unions in Zambia are very silly, why do they waste time harassing employers who have given them a job but turn a blind eye to a Government taking 35% of their money as PAYE?? so that his excellency etc can charter a plane to visit GBM’s wife in hospital in South Africa?? Why cant the *****s demand less tax to a Government which is so reckless in its spending. eg buy most expensive cars for themselves as personal to holder cars and after a few months buy them at book value!! Is that not grand white collar theft??
Can PF Government review the amounts paid to Civil servants as retirement benefits as amounts are too high for people who never earned much in their lives. What formula do they use?? This is fraud against the zambian tax payer!! We dont really deserve any rating from Fitch as we are just another corrupt state. That USD700 million Zambia wants should have a very high risk factor imputed so that the interest is high to reflect the risk for lending to this new Corrupt and nepotist Socialist Government. Evidence: check the names to new diplomats and how they are connected to his Excellency
Mr Chikwanda, former Finance Minister in the UNIP Government of the 1970’s!!! When did Zambia start getting poor because of useless socialist policies?? Now you have it!! We surely going the same route!!
Can you look for proper Finance Minister?? You can get a successful or failed businessman. Penza was a very good Finance Minister because he knew the problems which business person faced. Please no academicians because no experience of real life!! But no bafoons either like Ka…..!!!
No. 35 Thats serious, the Min of Finance can’t use a computer?
You dont grab ZAMTEL without compensation, hastle RABO BANK without a clear strategy and hastle a coorporate CEO with policemen and show it on TV LIKE the way Hans Paulsen of ZAMTEL was dealt with and NOT expect your country not to be downgraded. If you think downgrading a country is joke, ask the EU.
the man has no constituency. let genuine and elected members talk.
Ba winter bakula sana umutwe, the way he comes out really surprises me as if there is no cabinet or Government leaders. Appoint him so you can be rotting together. i 100% regret voting fir this govt.
Mr Chikwanda the chief state house renovator you cant fool us any more. Govt of old tired people no wonder.
what does it matter what ratings fitch comes up with.They are the same rating agencies who were issuing AAA rating to toxic mortgage securities in the US.As a result investors all over the world bought into this securities.I am surprised alex chikwada dorsn’t remember this an makes a better case, all he could come up with “after all they this is not the first time they have downgraded a country”.It is good that some of us have a long memory.Come on Mr Chikwanda wake up.
The downgrade in outlook is just the first shot. Wait for more bad news. The Libyans will want their money back plus compensation, Zamtel will require recapitalisation, and if you grab ZANACO expect the Europeans to ignore the Gay Scotsman dummy and will want their pound of flesh back. Who will buy the $700m bond? Definitely not the broke Europeans nor the abused Chinese. Sata has already admitted to the Mwata Kazembe that there is no money to do the roads in Luapula. The Gay Scotsman stopped the Mufuchani MP from talking about the Mufuchani Bridge in Kitwe. Civil Servants have been offered 4% when inflation is more than 6%. And the health workers are still waiting for their 100% increment. The PF lies are rapidly unravelling.
The Ministers also do not know PF’s policies because of Donchi Kubeba. That is the problem. Everybody has to guess what PF stands for. Policies are made on the fly over coffee in the State House kitchen – that is why they call it the Kitchen Cabinet. Nothing is documented as Sata is afraid of whistleblowers who he cultivated so arduously before winning elections and now he is afraid they work for the opposition. As everything is discussed in Bemba, non-Bembas like Simuusa have to guess what they heard. Even Kambwili “misheard” the President over the 100% increment to health workers. Donchi Kubeba indeed.
The unprincipled cabinet minister is simuusa who issued a statement in cape town on government intension to increase stake in mines to 35% and re-introduce windfall tax for copper price above $10,000
I guess the current Zambian cabinet could be the worst in Africa. Does this man Chikwanda even know how to use a computer? The man sounds so ignorant and outdated!
AND SO SAYS ABC…ARCHITECT OF ZAMBIAS 70s DEBT CRISIS that led to grinding poverty and KKs demise in the 80/90s. And you guessed it…He was Minister of Finance and Presidents right hand man until he knew that shit hit the fan and deserted!!. All he knows is borrowing money and incumberring the nation because it is ‘easy’, apart from this he gets a ‘cut’ from all loans we sign to I believe. HE IS AN ECONOMIC HITMAN and a known muselela kwakaba who isolates a president, misleads them, and then leads the country into poverty and then RUNS!! HE IS THE ONLY WINNER IN THE END, MCS BEWARE!!!
Most of you bloggers here are poverty stricken. Don’t depend on government.
I believe it is high time you all come out of this state by firstly improving your life as individuals instead of waiting for Chikwanda, Sata, RB, Musokotwane, Dambisa Moyo, HH, etc.
Rating agencies play politics big time…you can bet someone does not want a strong kwacha after REBASING because he will lose out and hence connived with Fitch chaps to issue out a negative to zambia.THE KWACHA HAS TO BE REBASED ..period…