Advertisement Banner
Monday, September 15, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 1011

UPND burnt their own billboard so that they can put the blame on PF -Antonio Mwanza

Chief Editor
-
40
UPND burnt their own billboard so that they can put the blame on PF -Antonio Mwanza

The Patriotic Front (PF) has charged that the opposition United Party for National Development(UPND) burnt their own billboard so that they can put the blame on the ruling party and that UPND is desperate and will go to any length to make the PF look bad.

Speaking when he featured on Live radio in Lusaka yesterday, PF Media Director Antonio Mwanza said that that UPND first started with the burning of their T-shirts and other party regalia and claimed it was the PF that was behind the act.

The PF Media Director has since asked Zambians to watch the UPND carefully saying they are desperate and ready to plunge civil strife just to get to statehouse.

“They are a lot of things they have been trying to do to sabotage government and to try to create a situation which becomes ungovernable,” Mr. Mwaza said.

Mr. Mwanza has charged that the PF has no time to waste burning Mr. Hakainde Sammy Hichilema’s Billboard in Mandevu where the party knows that he cannot win any vote.

He further stated that the UPND will stop at nothing and their desperate leader is now trying to create a situation so that he can be arrested in order to win sympathy votes from Zambians.

“HH is looking for sympathy votes, he will not get it because leadership is not about sympathy; Zambian people want a leader like President Lungu who will build 12,000 plus schools that he has built, Zambians need a leader like President Edgar Chagwa Lungu who will build the 39 district hospitals that he has built,” Mr. Mwanza stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwazza is bubbling with confidence that the PF is in a very good place where victory is guaranteed in the August 12 polls.

Mr. Mwanza explained that the party has continued to grow and is receiving hundreds and thousands of defectors from other political parties owing to the successes the PF has scored under President Lungu’s leadership.

And Mr. Mwanza says it is not a secret that Zambia just like any other country in the world is going through difficult times mainly because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“There’s no denying that the cost of living is high and there’s also no denying that the cost of living in other countries is equally high because the economy of the world, in general, is not performing well largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ” Mr. Mwanza said.

He was however quick to state that the PF under the leadership of President Lungu is not giving a blind eye to these challenges but has put in place measures to uplift the living standards of people.

Mr. Mwanza explained that the PF in its 2021-2026 Manifesto has given birth to the economic recovery plan that government has put in place.

He also disclosed that the government has injected K10 billion to help Small Scale and Medium Scale businesses who have been accessing loans from commercial banks as well as maintaining the monetary lending rate at 8.5 percent that will make sure that the Kwacha does not go beyond the current measures.

Can a Presidential candidate replace a running mate after nominations?

Chief Editor
-
20
Can a Presidential candidate replace a running mate after nominations?

By Isaac Mwanza

A member of one opposition political party that successfully filed the presidential nomination asked this question today: Can we change our running mate at this point? My answer was that the law offers an option, dependent on what happens to a running mate: resignation or death (God forbid!)

1. Effect of Resignation or Death of a Running Mate

The first step to answering this question is to draw a parallel of what happens when a presidential candidate resigns or dies before the run-off in the presidential nomination as per clause (3) of Article 102 of the Constitution of Zambia. In terms of Article 102(3): –

“The presidential candidate who assumed the place of the previous presidential candidate in accordance with clause (2) shall appoint a running mate.”

Readers should take note that this does not talk about what happens if a running mate is one that resigns. But the courts would find the provision discriminatory if the same cannot be applied to when a running mate resigns or dies, as the Court did in the case of Attorney General and Another v Lewanika and 4 Others (Supreme Court of Zambia Judgment No. 2 of 1994) when the Court was faced with a similar debate around the then Article 71(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. Under that Constitution, Article 71(2)(c) (now repealed) read:

“Article 71(2)(c) (repealed).
A member of the National Assembly shall vacate his seat in the Assembly:
in the case of an elected member who becomes a member of a political party other than the party of which he was an authorised candidate; if he is an independent, joins a political party.”

The Supreme Court observed that “the article is in total silence as to what happens to a member “who resigns from the party that sponsored his candidature and does not join another party” and that situation is not expressly covered. There can be no doubt there is a lacuna or a void in this article.”

The Court then held that “whenever the strict interpretation of a statute gives rise to unreasonable and an unjust situation, it is our view that judges can and should use their good common sense to remedy it – that it by reading words in if necessary – so as to do what parliament would have done had they had the situation in mind. We, therefore, propose to remedy the situation in this case by reading in the necessary words so as to make the constitutional provision fair and un-discriminatory. Consequently, the necessary words to be read in are “vice versa”

Hence Article 71(2)(c) should now read:

71 (2) A member of the National Assembly shall vacate his seat in the Assembly: in the case of an elected member, if he becomes a member of a political party other than the party, of which he was an authorised candidate when he was elected to the National Assembly or, if having been an independent candidate, he joins a political party or vice versa.”

Again, it may be argued that the provisions in Article 102 are restricted to the time when a presidential candidate resigns due to ill-health or dies during the run-off but does not provide for what happens in the first round, that is, between nomination and the time of the general election. This may a good argument but may be held discriminatory again because the situation can also happen earlier.

2. A running mate can be replaced if Article 52(6) is triggered

However, regardless that the Constitution has fixed the election date for a General Election in Article 56 clause 1, Article 52 clause 6 of the Constitution provides what happens when a candidate resigns after filing nomination but before the election date.

“Article 52(6) reads:
Where a candidate dies, resigns…, after the close of nominations and before the election date, the Electoral Commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations.”

This article is clearer: if a candidate, be it presidential or running mate resigns or dies (God forbid!), the Electoral Commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations.

Article 52(6) is the only opportunity for any party to replace a candidate if the candidate is becoming the custom in South Africa’s ANC. Zambia is lucky that all these candidates who have resigned or withdrawn have not done so after close of nomination and before the election. If they did, it would have cancelled the entire nomination and put the election in jeopardy as the Electoral Commission, in obedience of Article 52(6) is required to conduct fresh nomination and hold the election “within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations.”

Conclusion

The only sure way to replace a presidential running mate after the filing of the nomination is for that running mate to resign for any various reason as provided under Article 52(6) of the Constitution. The resignation under this Article mandatorily cancels that particular election and calls for fresh nominations of all candidates. The other way is by resigning due to ill-health and draw a parallel from Article 102 clauses (2) and (3) but this would need the Constitutional Court to hold that the similar instances apply to resignations done during the first round of the general election.

Four file in for Lusangazi Town Council Chairman

Photo Editor
-
2
Four file in for Lusangazi Town Council Chairman

Four aspiring candidates vying for Council Chairman for Lusangazi Town Council have successfully filed in their nomination papers in Msanzala Constituency.

ZANIS reports District Electoral Officer, Justin Mbashila confirmed the validation of the nomination papers for the four aspiring Lusangazi council Chairman candidates.

Independent candidate, Patrick Banda, a business man was first to file in his nomination papers around 10:00 hours followed by

the United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate, Fred Banda, a contractor who filed in his nominations around 11:00 hours.

Former Lusangazi Council Chairman, William Banda, an educationist , was third to file his nomination papers around 13:00 hours while former Petauke Town Council Chairman, James Lungu was last to file in his nomination papers at around 15:00 hours.

Mr Patrick Banda bragged that he is the right candidate for position of council chairman as he was born and bred from Lusangazi, making him to understand well the problems affecting the electorate in the area are facing.

Among the challenges , he said, includes lack of clean water, poor road networks and lack of proper accommodation, among others.

And UPND’s Fred Banda said he feels ready to occupy the position of Lusangazi Council Chairman and bring new strategies of development to change the area.

Mr Banda pledged to ensure that farmers in the area will produce finished products from their produce.

” When I occupy office after August 12th, 2021, there will be change in this area as development will spread in the district in terms of projects while the farming community will be my priority in order to make them be producing finished products from their farm products “, he said.

Mr William Banda, said he wants to continue with his developmental agendas to the area such as the ongoing grading of roads, drilling of boreholes, construction of schools and hospitals and initiate other developmental projects in the community.

The former council chairman who is re-contesting the seat on PF ticket, said he is confident of scooping the seat and continue with his developmental agendas.

” We started this district already and I’m continuing with the position of council chairman so that developmental projects that I initiated may continue and more projects to be supported by the Government under the local Authority “, he said.

And Former Petauke Council Chairman, James Lungu, said he decided to recontest the seat in Lusangazi because he hails from the area and also to assist in developing Lusangazi because he has more expirience in the operations of the council.

” I have come to contest in Lusangazi because I come from here and also to bring development here since I have experience having worked in Petauke Council for years.

Zambia goes to the polls on August 12th, 2021 to elect leaders in the country’s general elections.

President Lungu receives Kudos for appointing Luo as running mate

Photo Editor
-
15
President Lungu receives Kudos for appointing Luo as running mate

The Zambia National Women’s lobby in Northern Province has hailed President Edgar Lungu for appointing Nkandu Luo as his running mate.

Women’s lobby Provincial Chairperson and the focal point for Non-Governmental, Gender Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Christine Chipimo, says President Lungu must be commended for continued support to the women’s involvement in decision making positions that include the first ever female Vice President Inonge Wina.

Ms Chipimo explained that Professor Luo is not only an ordinary woman, but she has the capacity to deliver in any position of influence as she has demonstrated before in many spheres of life.

“You know this is what we have been crying for and we have been given, the only challenge is that as women, we do not support each other, so my appeal is that please women let us support one another,” Ms Chipimo stressed.

Ms Luo was once Chairperson for the NGOCC and she delivered, that is why it is important that we render her total support.

“We shall be meeting to see what we can do for all women who have been adopted ,” she said

And Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Chairperson for Mobilization, Geoffrey Mwamba Bwalya, has praised women for the various achievements they have attained at national and personal levels, adding that the reason President Lungu has retained faith in Professor Nkandu Luo.

President Lungu has seen how Ms Wina performed as Vice President the reason he has also considered Professor Luo,” Mr Bwalya stated.

Nkana and Napsa Stars Meet in D-Zone Clash

sports
-
1

Napsa Stars coach Mohamed Fathi has cautioned his players not to underrate their struggling hosts Nkana in Wednesday’s relegation clash at Nkana Stadium Kitwe.

The two sides meet in a rescheduled FAZ Super League Week 17 fixture fighting for their survival in the bottom four of the log.

Nkana are second from bottom at number 17 on 28 points while Napsa occupy the top slot of the relegation zone at number 15 on 36 points with seven and eight games left respectively.

“It is a big team, it doesn’t matter what position they are in on the table,” Fathi said.

Nkana and Napsa come into the mid-week date with mixed fortunes from last weekend.
 
Napsa beat Indeni 4-3 in a Nkana Stadium doubleheader last Sunday while Nkana lost 2-1 to Lusaka Dynamos in the late kickoff.

Nkana’s loss also brought to an end  a promising three-match revival in which the struggling FAZ Super League title holders picked up two big away victories over leaders Zesco United where they won 1-0 and Power Dynamos whom they beat 2-0.

“It is a very serious game; this is a very, very big team and we shouldn’t even underrate them or think they are in the relegation zone,” Fathi said.

“In fact, the game will be tougher especially with a big team like this one fighting relegation so we should just keep focused.”


18/05/2021
WEEK 17

Nkana-Napsa Stars

WEEK 24
Green Eagles-Indeni

WEEK 25
Kitwe Unitd-Lusaka Dynamos

U.S. A pledges K 9 billion for Zambia towards HIV epidemic control

Chief Editor
-
7
U.S. A pledges K 9 billion for Zambia towards HIV epidemic control

The United States Government has pledged to contribute $400 million ( K 9 billion ) towards HIV epidemic control with an additional with an additional $20.1 million (K448.9 million) supporting COVID-19 relief.

.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Young and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Malama today announced the U.S. government’s pledge to contribute $401.6 million (K9 billion) next year towards HIV epidemic control.

“ The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has made the funds available, which will facilitate programming from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Peace Corps, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Defense, “ said Mr Young.

Over the past 17 years, the U.S. government has contributed more than $4.5 billion towards controlling HIV in Zambia, demonstrating the commitment of the American people to a strong and healthy Zambia.

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires expressed optimism in this latest stage of the U.S.-Zambian relationship, reassuring U.S. support to assist Zambia combat both the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics.

“With 17 years behind us, we will continue to leverage resources to bolster the resilience of the health system and respond effectively to both HIV and COVID-19.

“ The U.S. government remains committed to improving Zambia’s health security through PEPFAR, the President’s Malaria program, and other health investments,” said Mr. Young.

And Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Malama who was present during the meeting applauded the U.S. government for assuring the Zambian government of its continued support to the country’s national HIV response for the next year.

Dr Malama recollected that the US government has been a key ally in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Zambia.

“The U.S. government’s PEPFAR support since 2003 has been instrumental in our fight against HIV and AIDS by significantly contributing to strengthening health systems and reducing the disease burden of HIV and tuberculosis in the country.

“ The Zambian government remains indebted to the U.S. government and its people for improving the health and well-being of Zambians,” stated Dr. Malama.

This is contained in a the statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today by the us Embassy

MQHZ welcomes genomic sequencing

Chief Editor
-
5
MQHZ welcomes genomic sequencing

The Medical Quality Healthcare in Zambia says the dynamic nature of COVID-19 makes genomic sequencing very vital in the fight against the pandemic.

MQHZ Director Quality Assurance Dr Mulenga Lwansa says the decision made by government to introduce genomic sequencing during the sampling of COVID-19 kits will help in identifying the existing COVID-19 variants in the country.

Genomic sequencing is a process that analyses the virus sample taken from a diagnosed patient and compares it with other cases.

ZANIS reports that Dr Lwansa revealed that introducing the method in Zambia is a welcome move, adding that it is in line with the global best practices.

Dr Lwansa added that the process is recommended by the World Health Organization, and will give the country better strategies on how to approach the pandemic.

“The virus keeps changing and evolving so we need to know the strain that we are having in Zambia so that we can better respond to it. It’s a good thing and it is recommended,” Dr Lwansa says.

Government yesterday announced that it has introduced genomic sequencing as part of the COVID-19 surveillance at various points of entry, hospitals and communities.

Meanwhile the MQHZ Director Quality Assurance has expressed concern with the levels of adherence to COVID-19 in public places.

“The public places, markets, stations and buses are posing a challenge regarding following the health measures,” Dr Lwansa says.

Copperbelt Province Police Chief warns Political Parties

Chief Editor
-
3
Copperbelt Province Police Chief warns Political Parties

The Zambia Police Service on the has sternly warned political parties in the province not to desist going with large numbers of supported during nominations. as this may cause commotion in the Province.

Stating that this may likely cause commotion in the region , Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Elias Chushi said to the contrary, the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ ) only allows 23 supporters per each nominated candidate.

“ It is unfortunate that some candidates and political parties are overzealous and are coming with youths from Compounds who are drunk hence causing confusions, it’s from here that Police officers happens to confront them in order for them to behave, “ he said.

In an interview with ZANIS today, Mr Chushi revealed that he has had a pep talk with aspiring candidates and political parties to ensure that they abide by the ECZ regulations.

Apart from this , the regional police Command pointed on the safety of the public saying the increased motorcades by supporters accompanying their aspiring candidates at nominations are likely to cause unnecessary traffic jams.

Mr Chushi however expressed satisfaction that no fatal road accidents in the region has been recorded since nominations started in the Province.

He has reminded aspiring candidates and their supporters to be orderly to avoid confusion and unnecessary traffic jam or else face the long arm of the law.

Zambia holds its general elections every five years.

This year the Electoral Commission of Zambia has set August 12, as the day for the polls.

Kamanga Appointed CAF Finance Committee Veep

sports
-
4

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga has been appointed as CAF Finance Committee vice president.

The decisions on the new heads of CAF’s nine standing committees were made at the just ended CAF Executive Committee meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda from May 14-15.

“Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa continues his mission at the head of the Finance Committee. The decision was approved at the previous Exco Meeting. M Lekjaa, President of FRMF (Moroccan Football Federation) and FIFA Council member, will be assisted by Mr. Andrew Kamanga, President of FAZ (Football Association of Zambia), as the vice president,” the CAF statement read in part.

Kamanga previously served on the CHAN Tournament Organizing Committee.

He is currently also a member of the FIFA Audit and Compliance Committee.

BASKETBALL: Lunga Bullets Beat Spax Warriors in Copperbelt League Opener

sports
-
1

Copperbelt Basketball League champions Lunga Bullets have launched the 2021 campaign with victory over Spax Warriors.

The league resumed at the weekend after a one year absence due to the impact of Covid-19.

In one of the opening games at the weekend, Lunga beat Spax Warriors A 53-71 at Don Bosco in Chingola.

In other games, hosts Don Bosco overcame Konkola Trotters 70-68 with Spax Warriors B losing 71- 69 to Mufulira Magnets.

In Luanshya, hosts Roan Blazers edged Dann Panthers 49-35 with Luanshya Heat 75 beating Ndeke Falcons 75-69 and Luanshya Eagles overpowered YMCA Stingers 56-39.

Movie review: Mortal Kombat

Entertainment Editor
-
1
Movie review: Mortal Kombat

Hunted by the fearsome warrior Sub-Zero, MMA fighter Cole Young finds sanctuary at the temple of Lord Raiden. Training with experienced fighters Liu Kang, Kung Lao and the rogue mercenary Kano, Cole prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions to take on the enemies from Outworld in a high-stakes battle for the universe.

PROS

  • Josh Lawson (Kano) had the best performance in the movie. He stole every scene he was in.
  • Expertly choreographed fight scenes.
  • The violence and gore were brilliantly done and felt realistic.
  • The main characters were true to their video game personas.

CONS

  • Lack of proper character development , if you have never played any of the Mortal Kombat video games you may not now the backstory, motivation and significance of certain key characters.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Scorpion: “GET OVER HERE! ”

Shang Tsung: “FINISH THEM!”

Scorpion: “You wanted me to burn in the flames of hell… but I learned to control them.”

CONCLUSSION

Mortal Kombat is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie serves as a reboot of the film series from the late ’90s.

The purpose of this movie was to introduce new fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise to the premise of the story and the main characters. The seemingly inevitable sequel should dig deeper into the actual Mortal Kombat tournament.

The only negative I found about this movie was the lack of proper character development. Which makes it difficult to form an emotional attachment with key characters when needed. Fans of the video game can attest to the fact that each of the main characters have deep stories/origins. It therefore, feels like a let down to not fully explore them.

Fans of the video game will love this movie as it features most of the beloved characters as well as the extreme violence, gore and fatalities that the game is famous for.

RATING

3 out of 5

 

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

RUGBY: Zambia To Face Zimbabwe in June Friendlies

sports
-
0

Zimbabwe has invited Zambia for international friendly matches to be played in Harare next month.

The friendlies will involve Men’s Senior 15’s National team, Women’s 15’s National Team and Under 20 men’s 15’s National Team.

The games will take place on 2nd and 5th June in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“These friendlies are meant to assist African Unions with game time in preparation for the Africa Cup and Rugby World Cup 2023,” said Zambia Rugby Union spokesperson Cecilia Tresha.

“Full team lists and travel dates will be released soon after the trials which are scheduled to take place on Saturday 22nd May,” Tresha said.

Late President Sata would be happy with Prof Luo as Vice President-Former First Lady

Chief Editor
-
27
Late President Sata would be happy with Prof Luo as Vice President-Former First Lady

Former first lady Dr. Kaseba Sata, late President Sata’s widow, has expressed happiness with President Edgar Lungu’s choice of running mate ahead of the August 12 elections and also disclosed that Professor Luo was one of late President Sata’s favourite Ministers.

Speaking via a telephone interview with ZANIS, Dr. Sata revealed that Prof. Nkandu Luo was one of the few Ministers late President Sata would confide in or consult when he needed sound advice on certain matters.

‘’First of all, allow me to congratulate my dear sister Prof Nkandu Luo on being chosen as President Edagr Lungu’s running mate and I wish her success. I want to tell my fellow citizens of Zambia through you that my late husband and Republican President of Zambia Micheal Sata would be happy with President Edgar Lungu’s running mate because Prof Luo is a hardworker and a strong character,” Dr. Kaseba Sata said.

“My husband too was a strong character and I think he saw himself in her. Many people don’t know this hence the reason why I want to share this important information – Professor Luo was one of the few Ministers President Sata would confide in or consult when he needed professor or sound advice,’’ said Dr. Kaseba.

Dr. Kaseba who is Zambia’s Ambassador to France expressed confidence in Prof Luo and believes that she has what it takes to deliver in the office of the Vice President because she is experienced, matured and level headed.

She also called on Zambians to rally behind President Edgar Lungu and Prof Nkandu Luo because the duo have the interest of Zambians at heart.

Zambia has detected an Indian Variant of Covid 19

Chief Editor
-
17
Zambia has detected an Indian Variant of Covid 19

The Ministry of Health has announced that the country has detected an Indian Variant of Covid 19.

Speaking during a Covid 19 update, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Malama said involved is a 42-year-old man who traveled from India to Zambia

DR Malama has however assured the nation that appropriate measures have been taken to ensure that the concerned individual is put in proper quarantine

And Dr. Malama has announced that the country has reserved the available doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for those who got the first dose because of the prevailing situation in India.

“India has prioritized the use of AstraZeneca to its Citizens. This has affected the production of AstraZeneca vaccine for export, and countries world over including Zambia are likely to encounter challenges in the acquisitions of AstraZeneca from the Covax Facility,” He said.
He said the decision to reserve the Vaccine is only a temporal measure.

Meanwhile, DR Malama has revealed that the Ministry administered 5,442 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine in the last 24 hours.

“The cumulative number of those vaccinated to date is 120,409 of which 114,677 are AstraZeneca and 5,522 are sinopharm doses respectively,’ He said.

With regards to the Covid 19 situation, DR Malama said the country recorded 60 new cases of Covid 19 and 2 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Zambian Hip-Hop History Episode 4 : Tommy D

Entertainment Editor
-
3
Zambian Hip-Hop History Episode 4 : Tommy D

Chanda Mbao presents Zambian Hip-Hop History Episode 4 featuring rapper Tommy D.

1...1,0101,0111,012...5,664Page 1,011 of 5,664

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times