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Nkana coach Kelvin Kaindu has slammed his defenders for letting down the team in Wednesday’s 3-0 away loss in Cairo against Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Kaindu’s side found themselves two-down in the opening 9 minutes of the first half.
Mahmoud Wadi struck in the 2nd minute and Eslam Issa added the second in the 9th minute to send Pyramids 2-0 into the break.
It was the third time in Nkana’s last four competitive games that they have conceded an opening goal in the first 4 minutes of the first half.
Pyramids sealed the 3 points through Mohamoud Farouk who came off the bench in the 64th minute to score in stoppage time.
Despite the margin of the defeat, Kaindu praised goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga for making some crucial saves.
“The worrying thing is the way the defenders are defending. It is so worrisome despite Mapulanga conceding those three goals, he was outstanding in goals,” Kaindu said.
“But we are not strong, there is no resistance from the defenders, any small attack is ending up on goal and I think we really need to work very hard in the way that we want to defend as a big team.”
Nkana are bottom of Group D after the match-day-one defeat to the early leaders Pyramids.
They host second placed Raja Casablanca of Morocco on match-day-two this Wednesday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Raja were 1-0 winners at home over third placed Namungo of Tanzania in Casablanca on Wednesday.
Government Deputy ChiefWhip Tutwa Ngulube says UPND aligned lawyer John Sangwa is committing treason for failing to recognise the duly elected President. Mr Ngulube also says the UPND aligned lawyer is committing a serious offence for not recognizing laws that allow President Edgar Lungu to contest the general elections.
Speaking in an interview in Lusaka, Mr Ngulube warned that Mr Sangwa should never blame anyone if he will be arrested for treason because he has shown to be a disobedient citizen.
Mr. Ngulube who is also Kabwe Central Constituency Member of Parlaiment, says lawyers need to set an example of being law abiding citizens unlike what Mr Sangwa is portraying.
“As far as we are concerned John Peter Sangwa is saying President Lungu will constitute treason by filling nominations.
But as far as we are concerned it is him John Sangwa who is committing treason because he does not want to recognise duly elected Head of State and he does not want to recognise the laws of Zmbia,” he says.
“He is throwing himself into a trap and he has no one to blame if the law takes its course,”.
Mr Ngulube also says the Government will use provisions of the laws of Zambia that restrict lawyers from misleading the public before adding that Mr Sangwa lost the case regarding the eligibility of President Lungu but he has continued to mislead the people which need to put to an end.
“As far as we are concerned there are laws that stop lawyers from misleading the public, there are laws that stop members of the public from giving false information to the public.
And there are also laws that restrict people attacking a lawfully elected Government. So we shall use some of these provisions to bar him from misleading the nation,” he says.
The government has resolved to discipline two doctors who undertook a protest procession at State House demanding salary arrears. Health Minister Hon Dr Jonas Chanda says Government does not condone such indiscipline behaviour.
In a statement, Hon Dr Chanda says Government has channels of communication and shall not allow disgruntled behaviour from health workers. He says the two doctors who conducted themselves contrary to the terms and conditions of service in the public service will be disciplined accordingly.
“I take this opportunity to condemn the behaviour such as which was exhibited by two doctors who went to State House over the arrears. I urge other health workers to drown upon such conduct which brings the profession into disrepute,” he says.
Hon Dr Chanda says Government is looking into the issues of various outstanding arrears under personnel emoluments for the health workers and at an appropriate time these will be attended to. He urged all health workers to be patient as these matters are receiving attention.
Meanwhile, Hon Dr Chanda says about 24, 480 health workers have been recruited out of the 30,000 target to be recruited by end of 2021. The minister says this is in line with the Ministry’s National Health Strategic Plan of 2017 to 2021.
First Quantum Minerals(FQM) says it has put in place stringent measures to ensure there is no disruption of mining operations at its Kansanshi and Kalumbila mines during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
FQM Government affairs specialist, Godwin Beene said the mining firm has come up with strict preventive measures to fend off the virus and ensure that the two mines continue production.
Dr Beene said the mining firm has a capital project going on which is meant to rump up production and can therefore, not afford to shut down its operations.
“We have put in place stringent measures both at management and individual level that will see us fend off the virus and keep the two mines in operation. We have a capital project going on which will rump up production, so we are not shutting down operations,” he said.
Dr Beene was speaking during the introduction of the new General Manager for Kalumbila Minerals limited Sean Egner to Northwestern province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu in Solwezi today.
And FQM country manager, Kingsley Chinkuli said FQM’s operations in Zambia remain steady, efficient and productive despite the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on the mining industry.
General Chinkuli said despite the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020, the mining firm took a bold decision of keeping operations open as closing the mines would have had a devastating impact on the country’s economy.
“The company put in very tight controls to deal with the threat to keep our workforce and our communities safe. This decision paid dividends as Kalumbila mine hit its highest production and Kansanshi mine performed to its production plan,” he said.
Gen. Chinkuli said the two mines did not record any job losses or COVID deaths that could be attributed to the negligence of management.
Meanwhile, North Western province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu urged the mining firm to consider reviewing the scope of participation by local entrepreneurs in the life of the mine.
Mr Mubukwanu said it is the desire of government to see increased participation of local entrepreneurs as contractors since not everyone can be brought on board as formal employees.
He said this will help reduce the unemployment levels especially among young people in the region.
And Mr Egner pledged continued collaboration between his management team and government, saying the success of the mine hinges on sound relationship for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Minister of Health, Jonas Chanda is saddened by some online and social media reports purporting that Zambia does not have the capacity to store the COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr Chanda says the country has functional cold chain systems and routine infrastructure utilized for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).
He explained that the cold chain capacity is well outlined in the national vaccine deployment plan, adding that it also has a provision for strengthening the current infrastructure, once Cabinet approves for the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and deployment.
He therefore urged the public to have confidence in government stating that such information should be disregarded.
“The Zambian government continues to make necessary strides towards preparedness for COVID-19 vaccines acquisition and deployment,” Dr Chanda said.
Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 580 new cases of COVID-19 out of 5,565 tests conducted, eight new deaths and 471 discharges, while the number of active cases stands at 2,738.
Dr Chanda noted that this brings the cumulative number of recorded cases to 83,913, with 1,148 deaths, while the cumulative number of recoveries is 80,027.
The Minister anticipated that with increased stocks of testing reagents expected in the country soon, the backlog will be completely cleared and that the reported positivity will be more reflective of the prevailing epidemiological picture.
He further said 84.7 percent out of 5,453 schools were found compliant with COVID-19 guidelines after his ministry conducted some assessments ahead of reopening of schools across the country.
Dr Chanda added that 10 percent were requested to delay re-opening in order to put in place the necessary requirements and the additional five percent were closed down and given notice orders.
The Minister assured that government remains committed to ensuring that learning institutions are kept safe for both the learners and teachers.
He explained that similar check-ups were conducted in trading places and social congregate settings, and impressive levels of compliance were reported with recommendations for improvements.
Dr Chanda has warned those issuing fake COVID-19 negative certificates that the law will catch up with them.
He directed the ministry and other Regulatory Agencies to move in quickly and act on the unscrupulous people.
Dr Chanda reminded the public to continue adhering to the five golden rules in the fight against COVID-19 ahead of the long weekend and beyond.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
TP Mazembe defender Chongo Kabaso has been hailed for accepting his latest Chipolopolo call-up months after being controversially dropped from the squad.
Zambia coach Micho has named Kabaso in his squad to face Algeria in a must-win Group H AFCON qualifier on March 25 in Lusaka before visiting Zimbabwe in Harare on March 29.
The Zambia Football Fans Association (ZAFFA) say Kabaso has demonstrated patriotism by honouring his Chipolopolo call-up.
“You know he has put his country first. For him to accept the call-up I think he has the heart for the nation,” said ZAFFA General Secretary Chawezi Katwizi.
DR Congo based Kabaso was last October acrimoniously banished from the National Team after Zambia’s 2-1 friendly loss away to Kenya in Nairobi.
“Thumbs up to Chongo Kabaso. He wants the nation to win and it is commendable.”
“I think it is a very good move by the experienced defender. Personal grudges or whatever disappointment should be put behind,” added Chawezi.
President Edgar Lungu has predicted that the country will record a bumper harvest in the 2020/2021 farming season.
President Lungu says he is confident that this year, the country will have a bumper harvest because the maize crop planted across the country looks promising.
“This year, we are going to celebrate a bumper harvest. Am not a prophet, but I can see that there is a lot of maize coming through unless something goes wrong. Let us keep it up, we should be proud people because we work hard,” he said.
President Lungu said this when he addressed exhibitors who displayed various agricultural inputs during his visit to the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) in Chilanga today.
Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) displaying the farming produce
Meanwhile, President Lungu has attributed lack of innovation and scientific research as a contributing factor to many farmers being poor in the country.
President Lungu urged ZARI to assist farmers with improved seed varieties so as to enable them maximize on their investment and improve on crop production.
He wondered why some farmers are poor when the market for agricultural produce is readily available.
President Lungu counselled farmers to take advantage of the growing population by growing enough food to feed the people.
“All of us involved in farming should be rich people because the market is always there. When talk about farming everybody eats, so I do not see why a farmer should be poor when market is always there,” President Lungu said.
“What is making us poor is lack of innovation and lack of scientific research and approach to farming business, I want to thank ZARI, please keep it up continue helping the farmers to add value to their crop and maximize on their returns or investment,” he said.
President Lungu reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the agriculture sector thrives.
The Head of State pointed out that the success of any farmer lays in the quality of seed planted and the good soils are also required for the seed to grow.
“As government, we want to involve ourselves starting from the soil, to the seed, water, to the product that comes out from the seed. We want to ensure that farmers get a good yield from the seed.
“I have learnt a lot of what ZARI is doing here, but allow me to say that they have realised that the secret of a successful farm is in the quality of seed. The seed does not go alone in the soil, but with how much water and nutrition is available,” said President Lungu.
The President has since commended the Ministry of Agriculture and ZARI staff for their commendable works in ensuring that the country is food secure.
President Lungu officiating at the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI),
And speaking earlier, Minister of Agriculture, Michael Katambo informed the President that the research activities being carried out at ZARI are responsive to the emerging trends in the agriculture sector.
Mr Katambo said the ministry is working towards expanding the research activities to cover different fruit and tree crops.
President Lungu officiating at the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI),
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has that is it deeply concerned with the attacks on the Judiciary attributed to Mr. Paul Moonga who is the Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Province Chairperson, during a press briefing at the PF Secretariat on Friday, 5th March, 2021.
In a statement released to the media, the association said that Mr. Moonga’s sentiments have since gone viral, a situation the association feels feel needs redress.
Below is the full statement
PRESS RELEASE BY THE LAW ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA (FOR IMMEDIATE CIRCULATION TO MEDIA HOUSES)
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is deeply concerned with the attacks on the Judiciary attributed to Mr. Paul Moonga who is the Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Province Chairperson, during a press briefing at the PF Secretariat on Friday, 5th March, 2021. Mr. Moonga’s sentiments have since gone viral, a situation we feel needs redress.
The Judiciary, being a creation of the Constitution, is established under Part VIII of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) No. 2 of 2016. Article 122 (1) provides that, “In the exercise of the judicial authority, the Judiciary shall be subject only to this Constitution and the law and not be subject to the control or direction of a person or
an authority.”
While we subscribe to the freedom of expression and principles of accountability which entail that any person and institution, including the Judiciary can be subject of criticism, we are particularly perturbed by the sentiments from a senior member of the ruling party as the sentiments suggest that the Judiciary is subject to the control and direction of other people, contrary to the constitutional provision highlighted above. In particular, the sentiments that the Judges are being watched by the ruling party, and the suggestion that some Constitutional Court Judges are susceptible to corruption so as to nullify the candidature of the President should a petition be filed, are not only unfortunate and detrimental to constitutionalism, but also have the potential to intimidate the Judiciary and undermine its independence.
LAZ, is duty bound to promote the Rule of Law under section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act, Chapter 31 of the Laws of Zambia. It is in furtherance of that mandate that LAZ strongly condemns unwarranted attacks on public institutions which are established to work independently, in furtherance of national order and governance. If such public utterances are left unchecked or requisite reprimand not effected, the country may face a quagmire where institutions risk being cowed into taking extraneous considerations in the discharge of their statutory mandates.
We therefore, call upon the PF leadership to prevail over its members to refrain from issuing unwarranted attacks against the Judiciary or indeed any other public institutions as these institutions should not be politicised in the name of serving personal interests. LAZ will engage the ruling party to register its disquiet. We also urge the Judiciary to continue discharging its mandate without fear or favour in tandem with its constitutional mandate.
Dated this 10 th day of March, 2021.
________________________________
Sokwani Peter Chilembo
HONORARY SECRETARY
Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa, Jackson Miti has expressed concern over the increasing number of Zambians losing huge sums of money amounting to over K2.5million after being swindled through online platforms.
Maj. Gen. Miti said the Mission has in the recent months recorded several complaints of Zambians being scammed in trade related transactions.
He said the majority of victims were being scammed while trying to purchase agricultural implements, vehicle spare parts and home furniture from scammers posing as online suppliers.
“It is important for Zambians wishing to purchase goods online from South Africa to verify the authenticity of the companies they are dealing with before making payments,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Miti said it is unfortunate that most victims of online scams had reported matters to the Mission after being swindled.
He has since encouraged Zambians to seek guidance from the Mission whenever they plan to purchase anything online from South Africa.
This was according to a statement issued to the media by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission to South Africa, Naomi Nyawali.
Zambia U17 will play Morocco today in a junior international friendly in Rabat.
The match comes after the cancellation of the 2021 AFCON U17 because of Covid-19 concerns that Morocco were due to host from March 13-31.
“We are thrilled to have secured this friendly match with Morocco which will enable the boys to have a feel of playing at the highest level on the continent,” FAZ technical director Lyson Zulu said.
“It would have been unfortunate if the team went back to Zambia without playing any match and as FAZ, we feel that this match is a good test for the boys considering that Morocco was in the same group as us.”
Morocco and Zambia were drawn together in Group A alongside Cote d’Ivoire and Uganda.
The United Party for National Development has opened applications for its members aspiring to contest as MPs, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors on its ticket for the forthcoming 12th August general elections and the party has set Friday, 19th March 2021 as the deadline for applications.
The application fee for the position of a Member of Parliament and Mayor has been pegged at K 5 000, while that of Council chair and Councilors have been pegged at K2 000 and K300 respectively.
Making the announcement during a press briefing at the UPND secretariat this morning, Elections Chairperson, Garry Nkombo stated that those who intended to apply on the party ticket must have been in good standing with the party for over 2 years.
He also stressed that applicants needed to have the prerequisite academic qualifications that must be certified by the Education Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Applicants must have been members of the party in good standing for at least two (2) years and above with a Grade Twelve Certificate or equivalent as stipulated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and/or the Constitution of Zambia,” he said.
He stated that a green National Registration Card-NRC-and a Voters’ Card should be attached to the applications for them to be considered valid. He has also cautioned those who wish to defect or stand as independents if they are not adopted to be wary of such intentions, that the party would consider them as traitors for the foreseeable future.
The African Leaders Initiative YALI Governance advisor, Isaac Mwanza says the Cyber Security and cyber crimes Bill is a good Bill that will bring about responsibility in the use of cyberspace among Zambians.
Mr. Mwanza says globally, cybercrime laws are being enacted to deal with cyber crimes and these laws are not limited to social media as being perpetuated by many Zambians.
He adds that even in developed countries such as the United States of America, The United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany among others, laws such as this have been enacted, adding that Zambians should make a comparison with what has been done in other jurisdictions as it would help in the debate that has ensued around the Bill as opposed to debating it without facts.
“We support the Bill because it is aimed at dealing with matters to do with cyber crimes and all the concerns to do with safety and responsibility in that space.” He said.
“Let Parliament not postpone the enactment of the Bill on the basis that people will be criminalized when they undertake certain actions on social media, we want people to be responsible when they use social media, a lot of people have fallen prey to abuse, including the opposition itself, we have seen Leaders being taunted in the cyber space and that is unacceptable, only crminals should be afraid of the enactment this Bill” Mr Mwanza added.
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Hon. Godfridah Sumaili MP has encouraged the Church, Religious and Faith-Based organisations to apply for the COVID-19 empowerment fund the Ministry has rolled out.
Speaking today when she met leaders of Churches with Networks Rev. Sumaili said it is sad that some people want to politicize the empowerment fund when it was clear that the church has also been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She stated that government appreciates the role the church and its partners play in supplementing government efforts in alleviating the suffering of the communities in which they operate.
Rev. Sumaili explained that the sensitization meetings that the Ministry is having with targeted groups were aimed at equipping them with adequate information on how the empowerment scheme will operate.
She said the 50 Million Kwacha empowerment fund is aimed at stimulating the economy and ensuring sustenance of the church and its activities.
She further explained that the Ministry will only give out grants to Churches with Networks, Church Mother bodies, Religious Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations and Cooperatives run by the Church who in turn will give out loans to their members as a revolving fund.
The Minister has however, appealed to the would be beneficiaries to exhibit high levels of integrity, accountability, honesty and transparency as they administer the loans to the end users.
And President of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Zambia, Bishop Dr. Joshua Banda has thanked President Edgar Lungu for the initiative.
Dr. Banda said the church in Zambia should use this opportunity to grow its capacity and demonstrate accountability in the utilization of the funds.
The Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs has so far held meetings with some Church Mother Bodies, Lusaka Ministers Fellowship leaders and leaders of Churches with Networks in Lusaka.
Over 100 workers at Eagle Glass Manufacturing Company in Kapiri Mposhi have been declared redundant after management announced the closure of the glass manufacturing factory barely one year of operation.
The company has closed down and terminated contracts for all its employees citing dwindled business activity affected by an influx of cheap glass imports on the Zambian market.
Eagle Glass Managing Director, ZHI ZHAO has confirmed the development to ZANIS saying the company was also experiencing a decrease in sales of its glass products due to the impact of the Coronavirus and the constant break down of its glass production line.
“We cannot cope with the pressure in the market because of cheap glass products imports and the impact of the Coronavirus,” Mr ZHAO said.
Mr ZHAO said the company has already prepared funds to pay gratuities and a month’s salary for all the workers who have been declared redundant.
Mr ZHAO assured that the company will resume operations once the business activity improves on the local market and when repairs are done on its production line.
“We are going to pay all the workers and they will be re-engaged once we resume operations in the near future,” Mr ZHAO said.
Last week, employees at the factory protested over reports the company intended to close down and lay them off without being paid their dues.
Meanwhile, District Commissioner, Smart Mwila has regretted the closure of the company which provided over 100 direct jobs for the locals.
“The opening of Eagle Grass last year was a breath of fresh air in terms of employment and the economic status of the district,” Mr Mwila said.
Mr Mwila has however commended Eagle Glass management for ensuring that redundant workers are paid their dues before laying them off.
Production at the US$15 million glass factory with annual production capacity of up to 50,000 tonnes of flat and laminated glass commenced in 2020.
FILE PICTURES OF THE PROMISE IN 2018
FILE: The Eagle Glass Manufacturing Plant situated in Kabowa area along Kapiri-kabwe HighwayThe Eagle Glass Manufacturing Plant situated in Kabowa area along Kapiri-kabwe HighwayThe Eagle Glass Manufacturing Plant situated in Kabowa area along Kapiri-kabwe HighwayThe Eagle Glass Manufacturing Plant situated in Kabowa area along Kapiri-kabwe Highway
