Advertisement Banner
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 111

Dry bones lure toddlers into the streets; are we failing to address conundrum of street kids?

Chief Editor
-
2
Dry bones lure toddlers into the streets; are we failing to address conundrum of street kids?

We were perambulating the streets of the city of Kitwe checking on the street kids, as we normally do Tuesdays, when we got attracted to a sudden commotion around the famous freedom statue (chimposa mabwe)! A horde of toddlers were being violently pulled around by an enraged mob. They were wailing hysterically as they desperately tried to set themselves free from the tight grips. They were 6 of them altogether, we later gathered the youngest was 6 while the oldest was 9 years old!

“We’re taking you to the police!” the mob was shouting. “You’re too young to be on the streets!”

Upon noticing us, the street vendors cooled their tempers and demanded that we do something about it, immediately.

“Faza (big man) they’re saying they came to the streets to find bones; they’re better off staying at home eating porridge than coming to compete for bones with those….” one of them pointed at a bunch of street kids busy sniffing glue at a distance.

The central business district was almost brought to a stand still as everyone – street vendors, passersby and street kids alike had abandoned whatever they were doing to witness what was happening.

“Is it true you came to find bones?” we probed.

At the prompting of the older one, the pickaninnies had followed the Ndola/Kitwe Dual Carriageway and endured a punishing 8 kilometres trek to find leftover bones from food outlets around the city.The kids were definitely seconds away from starting life on the streets to join the already blossoming army of street kids. We weren’t going to allow that to happen, of course!

We bundled them into our small car and drove them to the Department of Social Welfare, a stone’s throw away. Unfortunately, we found the social welfare officer locked-up in a meeting and were asked to wait. After waiting a while, we couldn’t contain our patience any longer. We “stormed” the office of the District Commissioner and gave an account of what we had just experienced.

“Bwana DC, we’ve come here to seek your intervention so that these kids can get back to their families in Mulenga compound,” we made our request to the gentleman who didn’t seem very impressed. “As far as we’re concerned, this is an emergency that’s why we’d to suspend all our programmes to ensure these kids reunite with their families.”

After a flurry of phonecalls with several individuals briskly walking in and out of the office, it was a done deal! We were soon following a government vehicle with all the kids aboard.

But lo and behold, what we found in Mulenga was quite shocking. We felt our hearts sink into the pits of our stomachs! At all the four houses we called at to bring back the kids, we found their parents either engaged in vicious brawls or highly intoxicated, at times failing to balance themselves on their feet!

We couldn’t do anything other than warning them of severe consequences if they let their kids stray back on the streets again.

Our recommendations to government:

1. As those kids that rounded-up the said toddlers, most street vendors are graduates from the streets; motivate them by giving them grants to boost their businesses.
2. Introduce stiffer penalties for parents who neglect or fail to provide for their children; this would discourage citizens from bearing children anyhow.
3. The Department of Social Welfare must always be on the lookout for newly arrived kids (toddlers) on the streets and rescue them before they get exposed to genkem (glue).
4. Churches must be encouraged or empowered with resources to organise soup kitchens on their premises; this way, kids would definitely have an opportunity to enjoy decent meals as opposed to bones!
5. Take junkies to state run farms under the auspices of ZNS to undergo rehabilitation as well as learning some skills while they are put to work growing winter maize to help improve our national food security; believe it or not, junkies will vanish from the face of the earth!

Until next time……

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Polical/Social Analyst

Court of Appeal Sets New Forfeiture Precedent: Impact on Chiluba’s Case

Chief Editor
-
29
Court of Appeal Sets New Forfeiture Precedent: Impact on Chiluba’s Case
Late Former President FTJ Chiluba
Late Former President FTJ Chiluba

By Gregory Mofu

In a significant judgment, the Court of Appeal has established a crucial precedent for forfeiture cases by emphasizing the necessity of linking the property to a serious crime. This ruling has far-reaching implications, particularly for the case of late former Republican President Dr. Frederick Chiluba, whose assets were seized by the State without those assets being subject to litigation now over 20 years.

The Court of Appeal’s guidance is clear: mere suspicion or lack of known income is insufficient to justify forfeiture. Prosecutors must now demonstrate a tangible connection between the property and a serious offense. This sets a higher bar for forfeiture, protecting individuals from unjust seizures.

In the case of _Sydney Mwansa v. Director of Public Prosecutions_ (Appeal No. 276/2021), the Court of Appeal overturned a lower court’s decision and ordered the return of the property to its owner. This ruling underscores the importance of evidence and due process in forfeiture cases.

This landmark case has significant implications for President Chiluba’s assets, which were seized following allegations of financial wrongdoing during his tenure. Despite his acquittal, the assets remain in the State’s possession. The Court of Appeal’s ruling suggests that the State must demonstrate a clear connection between the assets and a serious offense, beyond mere suspicion or lack of known income.

In the case of the former President, the state lost the case in 2010 and were meant to return his assets. They failed to appeal within the legal period of 30 days and waited for the demise of Dr Chiluba months later to appeal seize his assets. In fact, the state even argued that they were seizing the assets because he did not claim them back. Tedworth, for example, was even changed to Pendulum Estates by the state. These errors, have not been rectified to this day despite that government found no use of public funds in the purchase of those assets.

The return of President Chiluba’s assets to his family would be a significant victory for justice and the rule of law. It would also set a precedent for future forfeiture cases, ensuring that individuals are protected from unjust seizures and that the State respects the rights of its citizens.

In conclusion, the Court of Appeal’s landmark ruling has raised the bar for forfeiture cases, emphasizing the need for evidence and due process. This has significant implications for President Chiluba’s case and beyond, promoting justice and the protection of individual rights.

Patriotic Front Expels President Miles Sampa

Chief Editor
-
51
Patriotic Front Expels President Miles Sampa
Former President Edgar Lungu and Miles Sampa

The Patriotic Front (PF) has expelled its President, Miles Sampa. The decision was made by the PF Central Committee and confirmed by PF Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona during a press briefing held in Lusaka.

Mr. Ng’ona attributed the expulsion to Mr. Sampa’s association with leaders of the United Kwacha Alliance and his alleged tendency to make unilateral decisions without the approval of the PF Central Committee.

“The expulsion of Mr. Sampa is a result of his consistent disregard for party protocol and his independent decision-making, which has undermined the unity and integrity of the party,” stated Mr. Ng’ona.

In the wake of Mr. Sampa’s expulsion, the PF Central Committee has appointed Robert Chabinga, the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, as Acting President of the party. Mr. Chabinga assured that despite his new role, he will continue to serve as the Leader of Opposition.

“All decisions recently made by Mr. Sampa, including the appointment of Kalulushi Member of Parliament Kampamba Mulenga, are hereby declared null and void,” announced Mr. Chabinga. “Our priority is to restore order and ensure that all actions are in line with the Central Committee’s directives.”

Meanwhile, Miles Sampa responded to the expulsion on his Facebook page, dismissing the Central Committee’s decision and criticizing their actions. “After they fail to get a court injunction, they drink tu junta and start making dreamland pronouncements – lol. I appointed them months ago & they thanked me but now can’t stomach the appointment reversal. Their crazy ranting should be ignored,” Sampa posted.

The PF’s internal conflict marks a significant moment for the party, as it navigates through leadership changes and strives to maintain cohesion ahead of future political challenges.

President Hakainde Hichilema, Hunger is Biblical, but so is Poor Leadership

Chief Editor
-
15
President Hakainde Hichilema, Hunger is Biblical, but so is Poor Leadership

President Hichilema’s recent assertion that “hunger is biblical” and his astonishment at the lack of understanding from Zambians did not surprise me. This is the same man known for making false promises and spreading misinformation. Since he chose to use the Bible to justify his statement, I will use it to prove him wrong.

President HH referred to the Pharaoh’s dream in the book of Genesis, where the Pharaoh dreamed of seven healthy cows being devoured by seven sickly cows and seven plump ears of grain being consumed by seven thin and scorched ears. Joseph interpreted the dream as a divine warning of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.

However, President HH missed a crucial point. The Pharaoh wisely sought guidance on how to prepare for the disaster, and Joseph, a wise and capable man, advised him to store food during the years of plenty to sustain the nation during the famine. It is the leader’s responsibility to anticipate and plan for hardship, especially food security. Southern Africa has always experienced cycles of drought every 5-7 years, as noted by explorer David Livingstone as early as 1858.

When President HH took office, he inherited millions of metric tons of maize from his predecessor, President Lungu. Instead of using them wisely to ensure food security and prepare for future crises, he quickly sold them off without considering future consequences. Now he questions why Zambians don’t understand that hunger is biblical. Knowing the Bible requires more than just familiarity with a few stories; it requires wisdom and foresight, which President HH lacks.

President HH is known for making reckless statements without consideration and wasting resources while masses starve. Who can live in two State Houses when millions can hardly afford a meal? Instead of acknowledging mistakes, and offering solutions, he criticizes and blames others for his shortcomings. This is not the leadership Zambia needs.

The story President HH referenced shows that the Hebrews became slaves in Egypt because of hunger, exchanging their land for food in Egypt, which led to their enslavement. This should be a cautionary tale for Zambia. Due to poor leadership and mismanagement, our country has become dependent on foreign aid and loans, sacrificing our sovereignty and resources for temporary relief from hunger. Millions of hectares of land are being sold to foreigners like pieces of toilet paper.

The Bible condemns both hunger and poor leadership. Proverbs 28:3 says, “A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.” Proverbs 29:4 states, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.” These verses speak to HH’s heartlessness and Zambia’s current dire situation, where the government has failed to provide economic stability and is plagued by corruption, greed, and food insecurity amidst narcissistic leadership.

I urge President HH to educate himself on biblical interpretation before using it to justify his failures. As a self-confessed Church elder, he should guide and lead others in the right direction, not spread false information and misguided interpretations of the Bible.

Hunger may be biblical, but the bible is critical of poor leadership. Like the Pharaoh, our leaders must seek guidance and make wise decisions for the nation’s benefit, not just their own. Zambians must demand better leadership and hold leaders accountable. Only then can we break free from the cycle of hunger and poor leadership. Ensuring food security for the nation is a constitutional responsibility of the President, but not for HH.

By Kapya Kaoma

Open letter of ZCCM-IH Minority Shareholders to President Hakainde Hichilema

Chief Editor
-
11
Open letter of ZCCM-IH Minority Shareholders to President Hakainde Hichilema

Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia,

« This is our time… » That is what the bad eggs around you may think. Indeed, according to various corroborating sources, we have learned that these bad eggs are maneuvering and acting against the interests of Zambia.

You are trying to rebuild the Country despite difficulties in particular the shady legal heritage you found. We cannot imagine that you endorse such actions and we assume that you ignore them. It would be tragic again for Zambia if some new Amos Chanda or Kaiser Zulu were able to operate in the shadows, continue to work for their own personal interest and sabotage your hard work. They will inevitably end up embarrassing and discrediting you.

In your inauguration speech at the National Heroes Stadium on 24th August 2021, you proclaimed among other things :

  • ” We are determined to free our country from the ills of mismanagement and malpractice, and promote that which is better”
  • “The days of political interference in public institutions and parastatals are over”
  • “We need morality, integrity and accountability”

This is why we are requesting you to launch thorough investigations and to get rid of these bad eggs without any weaknesses. For our part, investigations will also be carried out shortly following the first cross-referenced information we have received.

Yours faithfully,

Thierry CHARLES
Spokesperson of Minority Shareholders of ZCCM-IH

President Biden Debate Debacle

Chief Editor
-
2
President Biden Debate Debacle

President Biden

The President Biden and former President Trump debate had the whole country and the world looking forward to the major event with tremendous expectations, anticipation, and excitement. For months, political pundits, the public, the candidates themselves and other prognosticators spoke so much about who would win the debate and improve their chances of winning the November Presidential election. Whether it is the Superbowl, World Cup soccer match, any crucial championship competition match between teams and individuals, the eyeball test during the first even thirty seconds normally is effective in determining which team or individual will win.

When President Biden walked on to the debate stage and talked for the first thirty seconds, viewers could tell something was terribly wrong with President Biden. His body language was not right. His voice was barely audible. Because candidate Trump goes to all these rallies and is forced to shout or talk loudly, he was fine when he spoke. What went wrong? Where was the sharp, passionate and animated President Biden from the State of the Union address that supporters were expecting?

It is tempting to overthink. But two simplest answers may be that age has caught up with him. When we are born as babies, every week or month makes a dramatic difference in our cognitive and physical growth during the first 12 months up to about 2 years. The next dramatic difference in physical and cognitive growth is between puberty at 14 up to 21 years old. After 70 years of age the ageing process generally accelerates the precipitous decline in physical and cognitive performance. It has been 3 months since President Biden’s State of the Union speech on March 7 2024. At the age of 81 and beyond, it might mean that ageing acceleration may increase in some individuals such as the President.

The second explanation for President Biden’s poor debate performance may be living in the protected White House bubble as president and overcoaching for the debate. He has been President for almost three years and being president isolates and insulates the individual from reality. The President’s assistants overcoaching caused him to have excessive factual information that overwhelmed the perhaps limited and declining cognitive capacity of an 81 year old man.

What will happen next will depend on the known and unknown factors. Outside the debate incident, is President Biden otherwise cognitively still sharp or is there a significant decline? What surprised me the night of the debate was that afterwards, President Biden went to a waffle house and later was at another after-debate event where supporters had gathered. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden introduced the President to the crowd and Biden addressed or talked to the crowd and his voice was loud and normal.

The following day, President Biden addressed a large rowdy political rally in North Carolina. He sounded fired up like he was during the State of Union address earlier in the year. This left me scratching my head as to what had really gone wrong when the President was at the debate? Is this debate debacle so bad that President Biden cannot recover from it? If President Biden is still the same man he was 3 months ago, I am optimistic that age and life experience always triumph over such adversity.

The Republicans, the MAGA base, and candidate Trump may be breaking champagne bottles in celebration of the default debate win. It may be too early to celebrate because the former President did not necessarily hit it out of the park himself with his debate answers which were all predictable lies that he tends to make up as he speaks. Does that give America confidence that he would lead the country better this time if he won the Presidency again? The possibility of the former president winning the presidency with his promise of retribution against his political enemies is the lion or the wolf knocking at the nation’s door.

At this point no one can predict what will happen to the Democrat candidate. But what is clear is that it is too late to change the candidate four months before the elections this November. Besides, the Democrat party at this point cannot change the candidate like buying a soft drink from a vending machine as the logistics of change would be complicated.

By Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D.

Emeritus Professor of Sociology.

You’re doing injustice to mother earth; stop burning bushes!

Chief Editor
-
16
You’re doing injustice to mother earth; stop burning bushes!

During his press briefing at State House where he called for prudent utilisation of public resources especially during this critical period of energy and food insecurity induced by the drought, President Hakainde Hichilema bemoaned the culture of bush burning.

How many times are we going to be warned about the dangers of burning bushes or deforestation?The Earth is already warming up, rainfall patterns are changing, and sea levels are rising hence increasing the risk of heatwaves, floods and droughts.

A lot of things had gone in this country; we deserve a lot of schooling. For instance, in the farming block where we’ve a small holding, children have a habit of burning bushes as they hunt for mice during this time of the year as adults equally go on rampage cutting down trees, indiscriminately, for various reasons!

While those of us that haven’t disturbed the environment that much, unless for cultivation purposes of course, get to enjoy the mushrooms, caterpillars and wild fruits (amasuku which unfortunately now face extinction) during the rain season; their land can no longer yield anything and they resort to stealing from us in the night……the very reason why we intend to get a revolver!

This is not the only area where our people need salvation; let’s consider waste management for instance……every other day, we see plastic materials and disposable bottles flying-out of moving vehicles on the highway while residents in the townships have no qualms choking the drainages with garbage and littering the the streets with all manner of rubbish! Little wonder why cholera is a perennial problem in this country.

We don’t surely expect the President to be always addressing such issues. Cabinet ministers; what are you doing to help the President deliver? We expect the one responsible for the environmental portfolio to be in the forefront of raising awareness on the causes and effects of climate change while their local government counterpart must focus on ensuring our people keeping their surroundings clean at all the time.

On our first visit to England, a friend of ours invited us to a McDonald’s outlet……finger licking good! After our feast, we were hastily heading for the exit only to realise our host had remained behind to clear the mess on our table. You can imagine the Ostrich egg on our face!

How many of us walk out of Hungry Lion leaving litter strewn all over the place? How often do we see school going children munching their jiggies and happily discarding empty packets or indeed adults helping themselves behind trees after they’ve had one too many?

We’re doing injustice to mother earth! Let us be good stewards of what God has bequeathed to us.

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Polical/Social Analyst

Zambia and China agree on some waivers to encourage more Chinese tourists in Zambia

Chief Editor
-
25
Zambia and China agree on some waivers to encourage more Chinese tourists in Zambia

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba says China’s vast population provides a huge tourism market for Zambia.

Mr Sikumba says it is for this reason that his Ministry has chosen to partner with the Chinese government for strategic collaboration that will boost the Tourism industry.

He adds that the two countries have consequently coined 2024 as the year of tourism and culture.

The Minister who was speaking shortly after a tour of Lusaka National Park with visiting Chinese Minister of Veterans Affairs Pei Jinjia, further explained that Zambia and China have agreed on some waivers to encourage more Chinese tourists in Zambia.

Under the deal, the two countries are strategising on having direct flights between China and Zambia as well as the removal of visa restrictions for Chinese tourists.

Mr Sikumba also shared that the two countries have agreed for China to help Zambia with infrastructure in the tourism sector and has called on all players in the hospitality sector to improve on service delivery in order to meet the demand that will be created by the growth in tourist inflows.

Chinese Minister of Veterans Affairs Pei Jinjia has concluded his four day visit to Zambia

Tambatamba directs FRA to heighten its outreach programmes to enhance the maize buying exercise

Chief Editor
-
5
Tambatamba directs FRA to heighten its outreach programmes to enhance the maize buying exercise

Minister of Labour and Social security Brenda Tambatamba has directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in Kasempa district to heighten its outreach programmes to enhance the maize buying exercise.

Ms Tambatamba says the FRA must heighten its maize buying exercise through engagement in extension and outreach programmes to ensure that the district is food secure.

She said this during the Disaster Mitigation and Management Unit district meeting in Kasempa district yesterday.

“We are in an emergency, we are not going to buy like any other year which was normal here it’s dash and run and do everything possible,” Ms Tambatamba added.

She further explained that there is need for FRA to combine the maize buying exercise with the outreach programme for their buying target to be met.

“You are buying there while you have got other people reaching out to the farmers because you know that their is stiff competition,” Ms Tambatamba added.

She urged FRA buyers to become more aggressive and be mobile as they conduct the maize buying exercise to ensure that enough grain has been bought.

And , District Administrative Officer Francis Makanga assured the Minister that the district administration office and FRA had put some measures to ensure the district was food secure.

“Like mechanisation is already there in far flung areas we have asked farmers to group themselves then we take mobile scales to be purchasing from there,” Mr Makanga said.

He disclosed that his office had written to the provincial permanent secretary to enable FRA to start buying maize on cash basis.
He was confident that FRA had put in place mechanisms which would ensure that they meet the target as a result making the district food secure.

Meanwhile, The Food Reserve Agency FRA has announced that it will soon commence the sale of maize under the Community Sales Programme in smaller packages in order to accommodate selected vulnerable households who cannot otherwise afford the 50KG bags.

The Agency has since commenced the packaging of maize into 25kg and 1kg bags to be sold at K165 and K66 respectively
The initiative is targeting households in the 84 drought affected Districts and complimenting governments safety net programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer programme .

In a press statement released today, FRA Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe expressed optimism that the initiative will give the targeted households options of packages to choose from when considering to buy the commodity.

Dr. Zumani Zimba’s Calls on PF to Welcome Miles Sampa

Chief Editor
-
18
Dr. Zumani Zimba’s Calls on PF to Welcome Miles Sampa

In a compelling and spiritually charged piece, Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba, a renowned political scientist and former political advisor to President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL), has called upon the Patriotic Front (PF) to welcome, forgive, and celebrate Miles Sampa, referring to him as their “prodigal son.” Dr. Zimba’s article, infused with biblical references and reflections on divine favor, lays out twelve reasons why the PF must embrace Sampa’s return.

Dr. Zimba begins by drawing on the teachings of Jesus Christ, specifically citing Matthew 20:26-27, to highlight the virtues of servitude and humility in leadership. He parallels this with President Lungu’s rise within the PF, noting that Lungu initially served as a deputy minister before ascending to higher positions under President Michael Sata’s administration. This trajectory, according to Dr. Zimba, exemplifies the divine favor that has guided Lungu’s political journey.

Reflecting on Lungu’s tenure as Zambia’s sixth president, Dr. Zimba attributes Lungu’s leadership to heavenly favor despite numerous challenges. He also addresses the political turmoil following the 2021 elections, accusing President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) of attempting to undermine Lungu and the PF by allegedly sponsoring Miles Sampa to create division within the party.

Dr. Zimba emphasizes that true national leadership, especially in a Christian nation like Zambia, is ordained by God, not by external influences. He cites Jeremiah 1:5 to reinforce the belief that Lungu’s leadership is divinely appointed. This spiritual conviction is further underlined by the unexpected midnight meeting between Lungu and Sampa on June 30, 2024, which Dr. Zimba interprets as a manifestation of God’s favor.

Drawing a parallel to the biblical story of the prodigal son, Dr. Zimba describes Sampa as having gone astray but now returning in humility and repentance. He urges the PF to embrace Sampa with love, forgiveness, and compassion, mirroring Lungu’s own response. Dr. Zimba contrasts this approach with what he describes as the bitterness and vengeance characterizing the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Dr. Zimba anticipates a time when the PF will be restored to unity, suggesting that Lungu will host a grand celebration to welcome Sampa back into the fold. He underscores that the foundation of the PF, built by President Sata and Lungu, is one of forgiveness and human love.

Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba is an esteemed political scientist with a PhD, MA, BA, and certification in Political Science. Known for his expertise in Comparative Global Governance and Democratic Theories, Dr. Zimba has served as President Lungu’s political advisor and is a proponent of Pan-Africanism and Afro-Christian values.

Chipolopolo set unenviable records at COSAFA

sports
-
11
Chipolopolo set unenviable records at COSAFA

Chipolopolo losing records continue to be posted and this time it was Comoros turn to make history.

Comoros beat Zambia 1-0 to end their five match winless run against the record seven- time COSAFA Cup champions.

And it was at the COSAFA Cup today that the Indian Ocean islanders met the milestone with that win in both sides final Group B game at Nelson Mandela Bay.

The milestone goal came on the hour mark and in style when Comoros striker and captain Ibroihim Youssouf beat two defenders and then chipped the ball over zambia goalkeeper Victor Chabu.

Youssouf’s goal would eventually seal Comoros passage to the COSAFA Cup semifinals.

But Zambia also set another unenviable record at COSAFA.

It is the first time the record seven- time COSAFA Cup champions had lost three successive preliminary group stage matches,and without a goal for that matter, that saw Zambia finish bottom of Group A on zero points.

It beat Zambia’s 2021 record of two successive group stage defeats set at the same venue when Chipolopolo also made a preliminary stage exit as defending champions.

Overall, it’s been an awful nine-competitive match winless run for Zambia since beating Congo Brazzaville 4-2 on November 17, 2023 in Ndola in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

But Zambia’s only win since then was in a friendly when they beat hosts Malawi 2-1 on March 26 this year from an overall run of 12 internationals.

President Hakainde Hichilema Reiterate Government’s Resolve to Respond to Effects of Climate

Chief Editor
-
22
President Hakainde Hichilema Reiterate Government’s Resolve to Respond to Effects of Climate

President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated the government’s resolve to effectively respond to the effects of climate change that have resulted in a drought in the country.

And President Hichilema has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in finding solutions that the current drought has caused on people’s livelihood.

The Head of State says there is a need to work together regardless of people’s political, social, tribe or religious affiliation in order to overcome the current challenges of the food and energy crisis caused by the drought.

He was speaking in Monze today when he graced the 2024 Lwiinde Gonde traditional ceremony of the Tonga people of Monze District of Southern Province which was celebrated under the theme” Chilanga” meaning drought.

President Hichilema noted that the government is focused on ensuring that it feeds all the people that have been affected by the drought and are in need of food aid.

He explained that to this effect, efforts have been intensified towards mitigation such as providing maize to the Zambia National Service and private millers to provide mealie meal for the urban population, while in rural areas the government is taking back the maize to depots for easy access by the people in rural areas.

“We are all aware that the country experienced a devastating drought which affected the entire southern Africa, but as a government we have already responded by declaring a drought an emergency meaning a number of measures have been put in place to ensure that our people are provided with food and water,” he said.

President Hichilema has further noted that the government will provide equal support to all the traditional ceremonies celebrated in all the 10 provinces of the country.

The Head of State noted that this is because the government recognises traditional ceremony as a tool for enhancing national unity and promotion of cultural heritage.

He said government will also continue to improve the welfare of traditional leaders and their retainers through the provision of basic needs such as decent accommodation and water among others.

President Hichilema has since directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Zambia Correctional Service to expedite the works on the construction of Chiefs palaces across the country.

“Am happy that the construction of Chief palaces across the country has started but I would like to urge my colleagues from the local government and correctional service to finish the work quickly. Let us not be on the same assignment for a long time, we need to work hard for the people of Zambia,” the President added.

President Hichilema also stated that government will continue to work hard to deliver according to the expectations of the people and also towards improving the living standards.

He said the government has since managed to restructure the debt, hence there will be space for government to allocate resources to other needy areas for the benefit of the people.

Provincial Minister, Credo Najuwa, said the Lwiinde Gonde traditional ceremony has continued to be a unifying factor as evident by the number of people it attracts from different parts of the country.

Mr Najuwa thanked the 33 traditional leaders for finding time to be part of the ceremony that is targeted at celebrating the country’s heritage and tradition.

And the host Chief, Senior Chief Monze, called on traditional leaders in the country to be champions of peace and unity in order to foster development in the country.

Senior Chief Monze explained that this is because traditional leaders as custodian of people have an important role to play in ensuring that citizens in the country embrace peace and unity through coexisting.

He noted that as Chiefs in the country, they have resolved to lead by example and ensure that people in the country embrace peace and unity at all levels.

Chief Monze further thanked the Chiefs from different parts of the country, including Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province for attending the ceremony, adding that this signifies the unity that the traditional leaders are trying to promote.
“For me I pray that this peace we have enjoyed should continue, there is no need for tribalism we need to co-exit. Us, as traditional leaders, we want everyone to embrace the one Zambia and nation motto which is about peace and love.

“Am happy that the Paramount Chief is here with my other colleagues from across the country to show you that as Chiefs we are united,” he stressed.

In his vote of thanks which was read by Chief Mnukwa, Paramount Chief Mpezeni called on Chiefs in the country to work with government in addressing the negative effects of climate change affecting the country.

Meanwhile, traditional prophet, Douglas Halubinga, commended the government for being proactive to the drought that has affected the country.

He further cautioned people against the indiscriminate cutting down of trees for charcoal production saying that it is one of the causes of climate change that brings about drought.

Prophet Halubinga further gave a traditional rain forecast for the next rain season, noting that the country is likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall.

“Last season we had a drought which I forecast, but we can’t blame anyone for this, we also need to change our ways of cutting down trees as this affects our weather pattern.

“But, thankfully, the government has responded very well and has assured that no-one will die of hunger,” he stated.

Farming Communities Appeal to President Hichilema Amid Severe Load Shedding

Chief Editor
-
11
Farming Communities Appeal to President Hichilema Amid Severe Load Shedding

The Socialist Party President, Dr. Fred M’membe, has voiced the concerns of Zambian farmers, who are grappling with extensive power outages that threaten their livelihoods. In a recent post, Dr. M’membe conveyed a heartfelt plea from farming communities to President Hakainde Hichilema, highlighting the critical impact of load shedding on their ability to implement irrigation farming.

Dr. M’membe shared a message from a distressed farmer, emphasizing the dire situation faced by those in the agricultural sector. According to the farmer, the daily power cuts, lasting between 18 to 20 hours, make it nearly impossible to pump water into storage facilities, a process that typically requires 6 to 12 hours of continuous electricity. This has severely hindered efforts to enhance irrigation farming, despite the government’s initiatives.

“Mr. Hichilema, you have come up with good initiatives for farmers to enhance irrigation farming. This is excellent, and we are ready to take up the challenge,” the farmer wrote. “However, if we are being load shedded for 18 to 20 hours daily, just how are we going to access water and pump it into our storage facilities to actualise your irrigation farming dream?”

The appeal also addresses the practical challenges of transitioning to solar power, a solution suggested by President Hichilema. The farmer pointed out that, given the recent drought and subsequent crop losses, many farmers lack the capital to invest in both irrigation equipment and solar energy systems. The high commercial lending rates further exacerbate the issue, leaving farmers without access to affordable credit facilities necessary for such investments.

“Here is a farmer who has lost nearly all his crop harvest due to the drought. He now needs to buy irrigation equipment and invest in solar energy. In the real world, where will such a farmer find the capital to do all these things?” the farmer questioned. “Where are concession credit facilities for farmers, given that we cannot afford the prevailing high commercial lending rates?”

The message from the farming community also criticized the government’s approach to implementing policies and the perceived disconnect between proposed solutions and real-world feasibility. The farmer urged President Hichilema to focus on practical measures that can improve their current conditions rather than discussing long-term plans that seem out of reach.

“Your spoken ideas are great, and I guess that’s why you qualify for many more honorary PhDs, but they seriously lack practicality. Learn to be practical and stop belittling us. We are not interested in 2026 but improving the quality of our lives right now,” the farmer implored.

Africa has the capacity to feed itself, Mozambican President

Chief Editor
-
11
Africa has the capacity to feed itself, Mozambican President

Mozambican President Fillipe Nyusi says Africa has the capacity to feed itself with the vast knowledge and technological capabilities that it possesses.

President Nyusi says he is impressed that Zambia is making already making great strides towards food security for the region through the production of one of the key inputs in the Agricultural process.

Speaking yesterday when he undertook a tour of the United Capital Fertilizer, Zambia’s leading manufacturer of D compound fertiliser, the President added that he is very impressed with the production capacity and jobs being created by the United Capital Fertilizer for the Zambian people.

“ Mozambique is a large producer of phosphate, which is one of the key materials in the production of fertilizer and added that Zambia and Mozambique could collaborate and trade in this regard, “ he stated.

Earlier, United Capital Fertilizer Board Chairperson Chance Kabaghe revealed that his company has grown it’s production capacity of D compound fertilizer from 300,000 metric tonnes to 800,000 metric tonnes from 2022.

Mr. Kabaghe added that the company’s expansion works have reached an advanced stage and will enable it to produce about 100,000 metric tonnes of Urea by the end of this year while targeting to produce 800,000 metric tonnes annually.

The over One billion investment, the company has created over 1,000 jobs and another 1,000 once the Urea plant is fully operational.

Accompanying President Nyusi was his foreign affairs and international cooperation Minister Veronica Dlhovo and other Mozambican political and administrative leaders and Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba.

He is in the country on a three day working visit which he will conclude tomorrow 30th June after officiating at this year’s 58th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola.

There is no US base in Zambia, Army Commander

Chief Editor
-
22
There is no US base in Zambia, Army Commander

Zambia Army Commander Sitali Alibuzwi says there is no US base in Zambia contrary to some assertions that the United States US has a military base in Zambia.

Lieutenant General Alibuzwi has clarified that Zambia had been cooperating with the US AFRICOM for over 15 years and that it was unfortunate that some individuals who had the correct information projected a false image.

Lt. General Alibuzwi added that the Zambia Army received military assistance in terms of courses and training which did not interpret into a base being created.

In a statement , the Zambia Army Commander was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Zambia High Commission, in Gaborone, Botswana.

“We have been cooperating with the US AFRICOM for quiet some years now, more than 15 years. I want to assure everyone that there is no base.

“ Of course we do receive some military assistance in terms of courses, training and medical support this does not interpret into a base and therefore it is unfortunate that even those who have got correct information go way out to falsify things and project an image which is not there, thereby creating fear to the extent of our neighbours and this is unfortunate, ” he said.

Lt. Col. Alibuzwi was in Botswana to attend the African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) 2024, which was being co-hosted by the Botswana Defence Force and the US Africa Command.

The ACHOD provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as counter terrorism, collaboration in crisis response, and the importance of civilian and military relations.

At the sidelines of the Conference, General Alibuzwi held bilateral discussions with General Charles Q. Brown Jr, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and General Michael E. Langley, US Africa Command Combatant General.

The discussions centred on matters of Defence and Security development in Zambia and continued Defence Cooperation with the US military.

Lt. Col. Alibuzwi later interacted with the Zambian students training in the Botswana Defence Force Colleges.

1...110111112...5,645Page 111 of 5,645

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times