Leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chishimba Kambwili has unreservedly apologised to President Edgar Lungu for issuing damaging remarks towards the Head of State.

Speaking during media briefing this morning, Mr. Kambwili unreservedly apologised to the Head of State and his family for remarks made in the past.

“The issue I am going to tackle this morning is one that Reverand (Serge K Changa) has been talking to me about and wanted to see this issue and other issues surrounding this are resolved amicably…., one of the people that I should also recognise, pertaining to this issue is the late Father Chilinda, may his soul rest in peace, what I am going to say today is what Fr. Chilinda wanted to see,” he said.

“Let me start by saying is that I am a Christian like many of the Zambians who believe in truthful, reconciliation and forgiveness, during my self imposed political hibernation I have reflected on a number of issues that I thought I should address today,” he added.

Mr. Kambwili specifically singled out a press briefing he held where he questioned the association of President Edgar Lungu and Mr Valden Findlay.

“As many of you maybe aware, our offices as politicians are viewed as voices of the people and a lot of information verified and unverified is passed on to us. In about August, September 2019 my office was availed with some complaints and at that time I thought it is only right that I bring this information to the public. I have however realized that I should have cared enough to engage the people involved or even take time to verify the raw information that came to my attention in the line of my political duty as an opposition leader,” he stated.

“Having said this, I want to unreservedly apologise to the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu for the misunderstanding that he is a drug dealer as insinuated by some sectiond of the media then. I shall be also be quick to mention that at know time did I verify the information I was given regarding Mr Valden Findlay who I also unreservedly apologise to.”

Mr. Kambwili said that in October last year he tendered an apology to the Head of State and thinks it is his duty to once more clear the matter which in his view has created a lot of tension among the involved persons.

“It is only right that we flip a new page as a sign of brotherly love and genuine reconciliation. Further let tender my apology to the immediate families of His Excellency the President Mr Edgar Changwa Lungu and Mr Valden Findlay who could have been directly or indirectly affected by my statement.” He said
He added that ordinary he would have quietly approached the aggrieved persons privately because the matter has been in public domain he thought it is only right that he uses the same medium he used then to share this information.

“My prayer is that His Excellency Mr Edgar Changwa Lungu and Mr Valden Findlay find it in their hearts to forgive me. I am however reminded by the Zambian singer Ephraim’s song ‘ndi muntufye, limo limo naine ndanaka’ to error is human and to forgive is divine…… I tender this apology, without any prejudice or malice” He said.
Meanwhile Mr Kambwili has announced to the NDC general membership that at an appropriate time time, the membership will be told the party’s political direction after the failed alliance with the UPND.

President Edgar Lungu says he has learnt of the untimely death of President Tanzanian President John Magufuli with a deep sense of shock and sorrow.

And President Lungu says the late Tanzanian leader was a good friend of his.

President Lungu has described Dr Magufuli as an outspoken, fearless, and practical modern African leader who made the world pay attention for his unconventional leadership as he transformed Tanzania.

He has extended, on behalf of the Government and People of Zambia and on his own behalf, sincere condolences to the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as the bereaved family on the great loss of the prolific son of Africa.

The President says the untimely death of President Magufuli will forever be painfully etched in the collective memory of the People of the United Republic of Tanzania for his selflessness resolve to bring about socio economic transformation and prosperity t
his countrymen.

President Lungu says on the regional front, President Magufuli will be remembered for his immense contribution towards the growth of the Southern African Development Community -SADC- through his recent Chairmanship of the regional body.

President Lungu further says Dr. Magufuli was equally passionate about the promotion of the Swahili language throughout the SADC region and would go out of his way to teach fellow Presidents the Swahili language during meetings.

And in his message of condolences to Tanzania’s Vice-President, SAMIA Hassan Suluhu, President Lungu stated that the Zambian Government will continue to cherish the friendship the two countries shared which served to further enhance the relations between Zambia and Tanzania.

And President Lungu has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the President of the Republic of South Africa, CYRIL RAMAPHOSA on the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu nation, who died on 12th March 2021.

The President has paid glowing tribute to His Majesty, being the eighth and longest serving Zulu monarch for his dedication and commitment to rural Community development.

President Lungu says King Zwelithini will particularly be remembered for creating initiatives in the fight against HIV and AIDS in South Africa, as was illustrated by the work of the Bayede Foundation Trust that His Majesty founded in 2006.

The President recalls that the King was an ardent campaigner for the well-being of his subjects through various programmes, including the fight against poverty, the promotion of education and decent health care systems.

This is contained in a statement to ZNBC News by president lungu’s special assistant for press and public relations, Isaac Chipampe.

President Edgar Lungu says he will sign the Cyber Security Bill once it is submitted to him and after proof reading it. The President says the registration of the bill has already been passed by parliament and he is waiting to receive it.

He says by following the proceedings of the cybersecurity bill in parliament through debate, he is sure that parliament has interrogated each and every section or clause of the bill.

The Head of State said this at State House in Lusaka yesterday when a team from Cyber Hygiene Zambia paid a courtesy call on him.

“I’m happy to have you here at State House to further encourage you that your course is not in vain. As you very well know the cyber crime registration has passed through. I’m just waiting for the submission of the document or the statute by parliament and as soon as this is done of course I would sign promptly but I will proof read for the comas, full stops and all that’s substantial,” he said.

The President noted that by law he can reject a bill and take it back if it does not meet his interests or that of the Zambian people but stated that he is inclined however to believe that the job has been made easier for him as parliament has already done justice to the document.

“By law I’m supposed to reject a bill and take it back if it’s not acceptable in my interest and in my assessment of the interests of the people but I’m sure having followed proceedings in parliament as they debate, parliament has done justice by the bill by interrogating each and every section or clause,” he said.

He added “So I’m inclined to believe that the job is easier for me to simply appraise myself with what actually is in the statute and then sign it,”

And the Head of State is hopeful that the people responsible for ensuring cyber security will carry out their mandate diligently and without fear.

“We hope that those who are charged with the responsibility of the cyber security will do so diligently without fear or favour and we as government will support,” he indicated.

President Lungu regretted that through cyber crime a lot of people have suffered hence the need to carry on with the fight.

“Let’s carry on with the fight a lot of people have suffered from a lot of bullying from cyber space some people have lost lives and I think it can’t continue,” said the President.

And Cyber Hygiene Zambia Chairman and Founder Solomon Shakele said the team called on the President yesterday to pay gratitude to the solidarity received from him during their walk to Livingstone recently.

Captain Shakele stated that main objective of the walk which was intended to make cyber bullying a conversation in every household was achieved.

He said his organisation has a lot of programmes intended to continue with sensitisation against cyber bullying which are targeting higher learning institutions.

“It is important that we promote change of mindsets for Zambia’s on how internet can be used,” said Capt Shakele.

Meanwhile, Cyber Security Brand Ambassador Thokozile Muwamba said it is sad that Zambian morals have been degraded when it comes to use of internet.

Capt. Muwamba advised that Zambians must not turn away from upholding their Christian values as they use the cyber space.

“Let’s go back to upholding our morals. Whatever we do even on internet we should relate it to our Christian values. Zambia is a Christian nation,” she noted.

The reduction in nomination fees for presidential and parliamentary candidates by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has cheered stakeholders in Muchinga Province.

A cross section of stakeholders in Muchinga Province, have welcomed the move by ECZ to reduce the nomination fees in the August 12 general elections.

Speaking in separate telephone interviews in Chinsali yesterday, aspiring candidates for mayoral position in Mpika district on the PF ticket Haggai Ng’andu said the reduction in nomination fees by ECZ will allow a lot of people to exercise their democratic rights.

Mr Ng’andu added that the step taken by ECZ is welcome, saying maintaining a high nomination fee could have deprived and disadvantaged many people who wish to stand in various positions ahead of this years’ general elections.

He said he is happy that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has finally yielded to pressure from stakeholders, calling for the reduction of fees for the 2021 general elections.

Mr Ng’andu lamented that the first proposed nomination fees by ECZ were too high for some potential candidates.

He further thanked the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue (ZCID) and other electoral players for the role they played in ensuring that the proposed nomination fees for the 2021 General Elections are reduced.

“I wish to appreciate all those that were involved and made serious submissions to ECZ to have the nomination fees reduced,” he stated.

And Chinsali Mayor, Thomas Mutale, has thanked ECZ for considering the plight of many Zambians and hearing their cry.

Mr Mutale said the reduction has come at the right time and it will allow all those wishing to stand in various positions to raise the required nomination fee.

Meanwhile, another aspiring candidate vying for the position of MP in Mpika Constituency, Danny Chisanga, has commended ECZ for listening to the concerns of stakeholders and acting quickly.

Mr Chisanga said the K5, 000 that has been knocked out from the nomination fees will help facilitate his movements to areas where has not yet reached.

He said nowadays, money is hard to come by hence the reduced amount is a relief to him and many other candidates.

“What ECZ has done will allow all those who were disadvantaged due financial challenges yet have leadership qualities, to exercise their rights and leadership potential,” he said.

Mr Chisanga said the move will see more people participate in the elections as it is one of the requirements of democracy.

ECZ recently announced the reduction in Nomination fees for presidential and parliamentary candidates in the forthcoming general elections slated for August 12, has been reduced by K5, 000.

Male presidential candidates will now pay K95, 000 from K100, 000, while their female counterpart will pay K75, 000 from the initial proposal of K80, 000 respectively.

Female Parliamentary candidates fees have now been pegged at K13, 500 from the initial K15, 000 whereas the male candidates will part away with K15, 000 from K20, and 000.

Last year stakeholders among them, the church, opposition political parties, Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue (ZCID) and other electoral players, among others, rejected the first proposal of nomination fees saying it was too high and asked ECZ to reduce the fees.