State House has issued a press statement clarifying that President Edgar Lungu has not directed churches to open.
According to the statement the President said; “I have decided that some activities such as the following MAY CONTINUE being undertaken normally SUBJECT TO ADHERING TO PUBLIC HEALTH REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES AND CERTIFICATION: 1) Places of Worship MAY congregate while observing social distancing, mandatory face masks, hand sanitising, and hand washing…”
“This means that the President is not directing churches, rather he is giving those who still want to congregate during this period an option. Those who do not want to do so are free not to go to church,” read the statement
The statement further went on to say that it was misleading to say President Lungu had “directed” as some people are inferring because President Lungu cannot direct anyone to go to church or indeed to open the churches.
“He, in the first place, did not close any church but individual churches opted to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic,’ read the statement before adding that even now, churches are free to open or not to open their places of worship and that, generally, in his speech, the President was giving hope in the midst of despair due to the Coronavirus.
“The President also emphasized at the end of the Speech that he will within seven days talk to the nation regarding the decisions he is continually making as he leads the country in these trying times,” the statement concluded.
And Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has said at today’s briefing that Government did not ban church gatherings in the first place but churches were required to adhere to public health regulations put in place such as social distancing i.e keeping a metre apart, sanitizing and watching of hands, and that Churches on their accord closed for failure to meet to the requirement.
the Minister further said that guidance from the President is that churches may meet subject to adherence to public health guidelines, Each individual must make personal decisions and that Government welcomed the decisions of those that will not meet. The preliminary requirement for meetings is to meet guidelines and regulations and invite Public health workers to get you certified
Chipampe don’t twist what he said. Just accept that major churches have sent a vote of no confidence to crooked President Edgar Lungu. They realized that he is so wicked!
People, have you seen how this battleground called State House has been pacified since this man took over? In Chanda’s era everytime media were invited to State House it was “HH is schopet” “Kambwili is an eediot” “The opposition are useless”. Even in Dickson Jere’s time and in Richard Sakala’s time State House was always the scene for the battles of Isandlwana or the famous Ngoni Bemba wars everyday.
This man Chipampe should teach all Presidential assistants how to do this job so that from now on we have peace at Independence Avenue no 1. well done Chipampe
It’s not the government that came up with idea of churches going on break in order to mitigate covid, it is the church leaders and other religious leaders who opted for this idea, this debacle has exposed one thing , the church leaders were not consulted on whether it is appropriate for them to maintain the status core , the religious leaders would have advised accordingly if only they were consulted, but am not surprised about this imbroglio.
WHERE IN THE WORLD DOES A PRESIDENT ISSUE DIRECTIVES AND LEAVE IT TO YOU TO DECIDE HOW TO OBEY THEM? IWE CHIPAMPE, NAULYA KA PUSHI? GUYS JUST RESIGN IF YOU CANT LEAD OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. YOU’RE FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF THAT GANSTER IN THE US WHITE HOUSE- FROM HYDROXIL CHLOROQUINE TO DETTOL, HARPIC, DOMESTOS AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD DISINFECTANTS WHAT MADNESS!!!!
WHAT AN EASY JOB YOU HAVE THAT YOU’RE FAILING TO DO! IS THERE ANYTHING EASIER THAT HAVING THE POWER TO ORDER PEOPLE? ALA ZAMBIA TWASEBANA WITH YOU GUYS AT THE HELM…
If I were him I can just resign. He is a naked evil man, why would he recommend to open the churches when this disease is still incubating in people? No shame useless!
We know he did not recommend Churges to open. Only Churches
Sorry State house Chipampe, then you have misunderstood the concerned majority. What they are saying is that there should be no lifting of measures on church congregations when it is clear that the corona virus cases may be spiking, whether it is a presidential “directive” or a presidential “maybe”, it IS irresponsible.
Sorry S.H. Chipampe, we have to give it to you the way it is, as it is a matter of life and death, a matter if whether Zambia shall continue to exist or not.
You can’t PR the fuc.k up away.
what rubbish is this now???
Lusak Times, do you verify your articles for grammar and spelling errors? It should be Churches not Churges in the title.
It’s unfortunate that a communications officer has to follow behind mopping mismanaged messages.
Guys. Clean up your act. This is no time for the usual PF mixed messaging and flip flopping. There are lives at stake here not votes.
If it the initial ‘directive’ was optional, why were some church leaders arrested?
Iwe S.T. Chipampe, each and every Zambian in Zambia and in the diaspora watched the address and heard for ourselves. All of us are in shock. And you want to take us for idoits?
Even if you prepared a bad statement for the president, the message is the same: you are risking the country and its beautiful people to COVID-19.
It is just wrong to misspell in a headline. This is online so a red line would have come up under charges. No excuse
I wonder whether His Excellency will ever dare face the nation again.
Maybe this is what Chipampe meant when he said the president will address the nation at his own time (when he feels like) and that he has his own style of leadership.
Now we see why Hon Chilufya is doing the updates. We closed churches when we had 2 cases and open when we have 84 and increasing? Interesting logic.
We apologize for calling for the President to speak. We request that he continues his 14 day quarantine cycle to save us from such KZ-inspired decisions.
Hon Chilufya apologies. You may continue, sir.
In the speech, it is clear that he said churches may open on condition that they observe social distancing and hygiene guidelines. I see no reason for an outcry here.
Zambians are acting as if their leader does not care about the health of the people, meanwhile, other leaders are advising their people to use “ultra-violet rays” or “inject disinfectant” to protect themselves. It’s a funny world we live in.
“..Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful..”
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Very very useful for lungu and PF……
This is total confusion!
We have not yet flattened the Covid curve! We are not even at the peak or the other side of the curve. Moreover, Our testing capacity is still low! Giving a go ahead to public gatherings is a recipe for disaster!
Instead of buying more test kits, someone is alleged to have fraudulently bought Hydrochloroquine of unproven efficacy to the tune of over $9Million and the drugs are reportedly already in the country. I pray this is not true but if it can be investigated and verified, an urgent clean up is required at MOH! Bwalya Ngandu should not relent but ensure there is Accountability at MOH!
Now this Lazy man has been caught pants down on camera and he is still covering up.
Lungu leading the fight against corona?
Citizens, just ignore this drunkard lazy theif that has no clue what he is doing.
He just barks with no follow up.
Remember when he gave the directive of 20% pay cuts? What has happened since?
Remember when he said he would investigate soweto fires? What has happened since?
Ukubwata kwena alabwata.
Useless man.
In short the President did not mean what he said because the speech was written for him by somebody who did not consult widely on prevailing trends in the Country. Therefore, the one who wrote the speech is at fault and should be fired immediately for his incompetence.
Church has never closed. In his first address he said not more than 50 people plus social distancing and hygiene measures such as hand washing or sanitizing. This time it sounded more relief which is not the case. This time and additional measure face mask. So this time for you to congregate it social distance, hand washing or hand sanitizing and a mask.
@Sekufile, you have made me laugh. Poor leadership
Chipante and whoever gave Edgar trash speech just resign.
You just made things worse.
Ba Edgar is used to reading styuppid, unedited speeches.
Why is it that Lungu’ statements have to be explained by other people? It just goes to show that its chipantepante government coz every blunder can be explained away by spin doctors such as the quack above.
This means he said nothing about churchs, why then did he mention the church in his speech?.. for the sake of adding his voice? or to let muslims worship since its ramdam?…
if u dont to go to church u can choose not o zambians are catholics, ucz& sda. leave us alone u hipocrites the president has done well wen you fall sick you wil b crying to God to heal you whom u have denied
Since the death of Sata in 2014. All that PF thinks, strategises and actions is campaigning, campaigning & campaigning! Covid 19 is an opportunity for campaiagniing, Worshipping is tool for campaigning. Fishing for the christian votes by exposing them to a deadly disease which has no cure. Merciless. Bowman was even wearing PF campaign regalia whilst brutalising citizens. Crazy, brutal, fithy and disgusting politics. I have lived through UNIP, MMD & PF. Never in my life have I witnessed such endless campaigning, toxic and brutal politics. It makes Chiluba’s I’ll fated 3rd term bid look like a picnic. Never, never and never again should we allow such people to preside over our nation.
I think the churches should remain shut with no option because it’s one room with lots of people in it and social distancing is being left to the church and congregants discretion. That is not imposing a firm order. It’s too dangerous.
I can understand that Zambia has, as far as we see recorded low numbers, but covid19 is presenting the country for that reason tighter measures should remain to keep the successful campaign. We must not give in in false confidence. We are on knife edge and it could spread much later in pocket areas and it’ll be too late to contain. Consistent message, and Bowman should not be silenced.
There is poor reading culture in Zambia. After we fight covid then we fight illiteracy by whipping those that refuse to gain education. My boss was clear mu speech.
Even Muslim pilgrimage is canceled. In Israel the Orthodox Jews are being encouraged and controlled in their areas and synagogues are shut. All Anglican, Church of England suspended worship worldwide.
It’s not for God that Zambian churches want to open. It’s frankly plain wrong. People should be protected. It’s the terrible smaller evangelical churches a d Mosques that need to heed the need to protect God’s people. It’s tantamount to worshipping the act of worship rather than God.
One piece of advice to the President: get mature and educated people as advisors. Please get the likes of Sebastian Zulu, Magande, Ludwig Sondashi, etc as opposed to people like KZ and the likes. If u had such people as advisors, in my view u would have performed wonders.
Poor, Mr Press aide, poor and far from convincing.
……Better to just keep quiet.
And so now, has rev Sumaili given the health guidelines? Or has Dr Chilufya correctly advised her to refrain from a senseless intervention which will only bring further embarrassment?
Not to worry that makes the two of them, Hamble and Trump I mean. Same level as the world’s most powerful person.
What kind of understanding does this Chipampe has?I can only see a confused Chipampe,it’s time he engaged George Mpombo as his tutor.
The president’s speech was very clear to everyone,don’t just be dull .
You guys thought leadership equals elections. This is the time when we really need leadership noti ayo ma bwedebwede yamene mutipangila manje! Alase! Please review your strategies with professionals before you make utter fo.ols of yourselves. Awe shuwa amama neo!!!
seer 1 said there will be more confusion in the party. we can see it now. kaya uko
Bellow is the statement the president issued concerning churches:
However, I have decided that some activities such as the following may continue being undertaken normally subject to adhering to public health regulations, guidelines and certifications:
1.Places of worship may congregate while observing social distancing, mandatory face masks and sanitising and hand washing guidelines.
Its just most us we were happy and we did not understand the statement very well and started spreading false news that the church have been opened.
People, have you seen how this battleground called State House has been pacified since this man took over? In Chanda’s era everytime media were invited to State House it was “HH is schopet” “Kambwili is an eediot” “The opposition are useless”. Even in Dickson Jere’s time and in Richard Sakala’s time State House was always the scene for the battles of Isandlwana or the famous Ngoni Bemba wars everyday.
This man Chipampe should teach all Presidential assistants how to do this job so that from now on we have peace at Independence Avenue no 1. well done Chipampe
By Blessing Mhlanga.
South Africans have spoken and they’re not joking. President Cyril Ramaphosa has earned the citizens’ crown as the greatest leader ever after Nelson Mandela.
Writing off previous leaders such as former President Jacob Zuma, Twitter went buzzing lately with a trend #Cyril Fridays. Here, fellow South Africans applauded their president, appreciated his hard work and wished him nothing but prosperous endeavour in his presidential tenure.
Some indicated that the president stepped up and served his people through examplery conduct. Taking matters into his hands as the head of state, he also contributed his political and economic expertise for the safety and security of his people particularly in this tough time of Covid-19 and lockdown.
Indeed, he’s been a…
….Indeed, he’s been a pillar of encouragement and a beacon of impeccable leadership worth of emulating. Despite his own human flaws and weaknesses, the #Cyril Fridays saw South Africans texting their votes for the president, favouring and qualifying him as the best African leader ever. Fellows South Africans, this is a legitimate president whom you should be proud to call your leader.
Let’s get to know this greatest leader a bit:
*Born in Soweto, Johannesburg to Venda Parents.
*Founded the most powerful trade union organization in South Africa; the National Union of Mineworkers in 1982.
*Contributed to the negotiations that led to a peaceful end of Apartheid in 1994.
*Was detained in solitary confinement for 11 months in 1974 for organising pro-Frelimo rallies…
…*Was detained in solitary confinement for 11 months in 1974 for organising pro-Frelimo rallies.
*Elected as secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1991.
*Resigned from political positions in January 1997 after losing the race to become the president of South Africa.
*Elected to the ANC national executive committee in 2007.
*Played a critical role in drafting the South African’s post-apartheid constitution.
*Self-made businessman. Founder of Shanduka Group, Chair of board for MTN and member of the board for Lonmin. Has a net worth of over R6 Billion.
*Appointed deputy president by Jacob Zuma on 25 May 2014.
*Elected as ANC president on 18 December 2017 and subsequently as president of South Africa on 15 February 2018.
“May God bless South…
…”May God bless South Africa and her people,” Cyril Ramaphosa.
That is how our colleagues praise their leaders, not us always finding faults and criticising our leadership.
What a fool, you bet he was tanked on Whiskey with mbeba yo shoka.
@junior jj, President Cyril Ramaphosa is not loved by Africans out of South Africa, because sure of his campaign to toughen immigration against his fellow Africans which lead to violence against them.
But thanks for showing your patriotism, it’s a good example to Zambians on how citizens should rally behind their leaders.
CHIEF ADVISOR IS MINISTER OF HEALTH: PROBABLY HE WAS DRUNK WHEN HE ADVISED THE PRESIDENT.
COVID 19 IS HIGHLY VIRULENT AND CASES ARE LIKELY TO HIT A THOUSAND PLUS IN ZAMBIA.
ITS EITHER THE PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM IS POORLY TRAINED OR HE INTENDS TO FUEL THE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO CANCEL 2021 ELECTIONS.
DO NOT RELY ON KAIZAR ZULU HE IS A CLINICAL OFFICER/MEDICAL ASSISTANT
PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST
@Nine chale and @Lusambo We don’t care whatever your boss meant, but no Zambian expected him to suggest anything that may speed up the spread of COVID-19 especially at this Time when we’re at 84. Sorry
He not just my boss. He the president of every Zambian. Learn umuchinshi
It’s a matter that vexes me deeply indeed, just how could someone as flawed, alcoholic, lying, incapable, thieving and morally bankrupt as Chagwa Lungu be president of any country anywhere on earth or hell? The end for the PF in general and Lungu in particular could be very bloody. The economic backbone of this country is broken by Sata and his PF’s deliberate and malicious sustained exposure the a vicious brand of kleptocracy. Society is polarised tribally because of a deliberate tribally bigoted quest by a predominantly Northern/Eastern criminal clique to dominate the country. This country is f**ked up, the Western half of Zambia, the Zambezi provinces, have had enough of this nonsence and it’d not long before Zambia breaks up, mark my word.
The key word in the statement made is “Normal”. It means churches can operate in the normal fashion with the addition of People wearing masks, social distancing and use of hand sanitizer. This statement is pointless saying the president didn’t direct anyone to go to church.
Abo ba koswe bayamba kuchoka mumigodi. Am waiting outside to catch the biggest one.The one that comes out last.
Abo ba koswe bayamba ku choka one by one mumigodi
Chipampe looks swollen on his face. He must watch his weight and Cholesterol instead of misinterpreting his own script. Whether it was MAY or not, it is still irresponsible to allow any gatherings of two or more when infections are still going up!
In case Chilufyanya has not guided well, you only lift restrictions when the curve is flattened. In fact there are conditions to be put in place before relaxing restrictions. First, the cases must be within the capacity for the health system, I.e. the curve must flatten first. Secondly, rapid Antibody mandatory testing must be in place in each health center from Health post to Hospital countrywide. That is the responsible way to relax restrictions! When it comes to mischief, you guys seem to be very creative and we wonder what you are up to.
Damage control too late. Someone thought being a christian nation, he would be applauded, by christians for Lungu, for making such a decision but alas…..
LUSAMBO, DON’T THINK THAT ZAMBIANS ARE DULL LIKE U. THEY DIDN’T READ BUT IT CAME OUT OF ECLS MOUTH. STOP EXPRESSING YOUR IGNORANCE. THAT IS WHY I HAVE ALWAYS ADVISED U TO GO BACK AND DO GRADE 7,9 AND 12. IT COME OUT FROM BANKATENKAS MOUTH. IT WAS NOT A WRITTEN REPORT. KIKIKIKI.THAT IS WHY GOING TO SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT