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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.
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.
The sun is setting on Chipolopolo Zambia’s defence of the COSAFA Cup title following a 2-0 loss to arch-foes Zimbabwe in their penultimate Group B match on Sunday at Nelson Mandela Day.
Two goals in the opening 43 minutes and a second straight red card for Zambia at the COSAFA Cup sums up their forgettable quest for an unprecedented third successive regional title and a record eighth.
It was Chipolopolo’s second straight 2-0 Group B loss after Kenya beat them in their opening fixture on June 26.
Zambia are bottom of Group B on zero points, Comoros and Kenya are tied on 3 points while six-time champions Zimbabwe are flying to the semifinals on maximum 6 points with a game to spare.
Comoros beat Kenya 2-0 in the lunchtime kickoff.
Zimbabwe ran rampant against a basic Zambian defence particularly tormenting young right-back Mathews Banda from whose position one of the two goals was generously crafted from.
Michael Tapera scored an early contender for goal of the tournament when he raced from just inside Zimbabwe’s half on the left wing to mount a solo run beating three Zambian defenders and then shooting from an acute angle to send the ball beyond Charles Kalumba.
On the other wing, Tinotenda Meke continued to give Zambia problems on that flank heading into that moment of Zimbabwe’s second goal.
In the middle of all that, Zambia suffered two setbacks with firstly defender Chitoshi Chinga substituted for an injury in the 24th minute and was replaced by Mathews Chabala.
Then defender Killian Kanguluma walked after two unnecessary yellows in the 24th and 32nd minutes.
Zimbabwe grabbed the opportunity and marginal superiority in manpower with both hands and sealed the contest in the 43rd minute when Takunda Benhura headed in Farai Banda’s cross.
Sadly, Chipolopolo continued to look tame in the second half in what is their worst run of preliminary stage starts at the COSAFA Cup.
A face-saving mission awaits Chipolopolo against Comoros on July 2 in their final Group B match.
Chisi Mbewe is certain defending COSAFA Cup champions and ten-man Zambia will bounce back from Thursdays big defeat to Kenya.
Two first half goals ,one of which was a penalty, were enough to hand Chipolopolo an early setback in a match Kenya won 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa to go top of Group B on match day one.
The defeat left Zambia bottom of Group B while Kenya lead on goal difference tied on 3 points with Zimbabwe who beat third placed Comoros 1-0.
“I think we have a chance to qualify.The most important thing is we don’t need look down because of the loss.We need to be strong in the next game and ensure that we keep our dreams of defending our title alive,” Mbewe said.
Kenya took the lead from a penalty conceded by Chitoshi Chinga in the 9th minute that was converted by Austine Atieno.
Patrick Otieno then beat defender Brian Chilimina to fire in the second goal in the 19th minute.
Kenya then looked comfortable absorbing some tame pressure from Zambia to give the defending champions a mountain to climb but not before Kelvin Kapumbu was shown a second yellow in the dying minutes of the second half.
“Otherwise if you saw the way we played, I think we did not play badly but we tried our level best but sometimes football can be like that,” Mbewe said.
“So the most important thing is we have to rise up as quickly as possible.
” We shouldn’t let this defeat destroy our ambitions of defending the trophy.”
It only gets harder for Zambia who must beat their COSAFA nemesis and arch-foes Zimbabwe in their penultimate Group B on Sunday or will see their semifinal hopes die.
Only the three group winners of the 12 team championship and best overall second placed side qualify for the semifinals.
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema, has commended his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Jacinto Nyusi for allowing the SADC troops to undertake a peace, security and stability mission in Cabo Delgado.
President Hichilema said through maintenance of peace in Mozambique, results in peace, security and stability for the entire SADC region.
The Head of State noted that President Nyusi allowed the aspect of peace and stability to take centre stage, part of the responsibility that Zambia carries as Chair of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security.
President Hichilema was speaking at Statehouse today, during bilateral talks with his Mozambican counterpart President Nyusi to discuss social and economic collaboration that foster development in the two countries.
The Head of State highlighted the progress made on the joint Chanida One Stop border where the two governments want the border to operate 24 hours to facilitate enhanced trade.
“Today we are going to discuss issues around supporting our economies, investment and trade,” President Hichilema said.
President Hichilema appreciated his counterpart for accepting an invitation for a state visit, which he said remains cardinal for fruitful engagements.
He also extended best wishes to the people of Mozambique ahead of the October 2024 general elections.
President Hichilema called for a democratic process, by allowing peace to prevail before, during and post elections.
He commended President Nyusi for his leadership provided to Mozambique during his two terms.
Meanwhile President Nyusi, indicated the need to do more towards enhancing relations between Zambia and his country.
The Mozambican Head of State is hopeful that the discussions will border around economic relations that will improve the two countries.
“We need to do more in terms of economic diplomacy and this is why we are here,” President Nyusi stated.
He thanked Zambia for its support from the time of liberations that has helped reduce challenges of terrorism in his country.
There’s no doubt about it; Edgar Lungu and his cronies in the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) used the opportunity to have their rally over the weekend in Kitwe to abuse and insult President Hakainde Hichilema instead of providing alternative solutions. Understandably, this left many of his ardent supporters seething with anger and they took to Social media to castigate and school Lungu!
Therefore, when State House informed the nation the President would be addressing the nation through the press, Tuesday, many of us were anxious to know the issues the President would be raising. In one way or another, we suspected the President would be responding to some of the personal attacks occasioned on him by his nemesis.
However, many of us were taken aback when the President focussed on addressing pertinent issues affecting the nation as opposed to reducing his status as head of state by dwelling on petty or irrelevant issues. Even the master of ceremony, Thabo Kawana advised the media to stick to issues raised by the President in his briefing instead of sneaking in non issues.
Here are some of the highlights from today’s briefing:
Controlling Officers and public service workers in Procurement Departments have been directed to continue using resources in a prudent manner.
Major steps have been taken to address the energy crisis in the country such as working on lifeline power supply for small business in communities that have negatively been affected by energy insecurity caused by the El Nino induced drought.
The President reiterated his directive that Hospitals should not be load shedded.
Maamba Collieries phase II with a production capacity of 300 Megawatts will soon be launched noting that US$90m had been secured for the project.
Government expects companies selling solar products to reduce their products as government has zero-rated tax on solar equipment.
Citizens who can generate power in excess were encouraged to consider selling to the national grid.
Open access electricity has been operationalised and ZESCO limited has no option but to supply the electricity.
The President directed that Hichilema has civil servants must have access to transport 24/7 for efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, overriding the pronouncement earlier made by Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa.
What do we make of this?
The President has simply demonstrated that he’s definitely not cut from the same cloth as his predecessor or any of those bitter and desperate individuals shamelessly parading themselves at the podium to promise pies in the sky; he’s far smarter than them! He’s in a class of his own.
From now onwards, we should expect the President not to dignify their attacks on him with any responses. He should leave it to his Cabinet ministers or the party’s media team, which is inactive unfortunately, to respond to them, pronto!
Today, we face a bitter truth of political betrayal and evasion. We were promised a future where corruption would be rooted out, the economy would thrive, jobs would abound, taxes would ease, and crucial sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture would flourish. These were not mere campaign slogans but solemn commitments from the “church elder” Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
Instead of progress, we are offered excuses and selective references to scripture. Leaders now cite Hunger as Biblical, while in Matthew 25:35 Jesus calls for compassion towards the hungry and needy, not as a rallying cry for action but as a shield against accountability. This is not leadership banene; it is a betrayal of trust.
Matthew 25:35 does not absolve leaders from the consequences of failed governance. It demands compassion and decisive action qualities lacking in those who now use it to deflect criticism while our people suffer.
True leadership is judged by actions not by how many international trips one has had, not how many press engagements one has, not mere words, but by integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to every citizens well-being. It means honoring pledges made to voters, not discarding them once in power.
The church elder and his team must uphold their promises. Leadership is a sacred trust, not a license to avoid responsibility. It is not a license for warming plane chairs every week, neither is it a license for giving tax holidays in the mining sector or any other sector at the expense of the common man in Zambia.
In media addresses that do not hold any water, presidents must not hide behind empty rhetoric or sidestep pressing national issues. We demand answers on critical matters: questionable land allocations agreements at ZDA with Vietnamese, the rise of political violence by UPND caders, concrete plans to combat hunger,updates on abducted MPs, the currency's performance, measures, and the protection of national resources like Kansensenli gold Mine.
A president must prioritize domestic concerns over international travel, demonstrating a commitment to Zambia, not globetrotting. We seek updates on diplomatic efforts been undertaken with neighboring countries that fill insecure with our actions as a nation, not irrelevant religious references and playing to the public gallery.
Zambians seek economic progress, not religious lectures. Enough evasion and deflection. Our nation needs accountable leadership, rooted in action and responsibility.
Therefore, ba church elder, remember that the scripture above does not absolve leaders; it reminds you to act decisively for the common good. We demand leaders who fulfill promises and prioritize peoples needs.
Our future hinges on it, not of using scriptures for political advancements.Lastly, rallies for opposition leaders must be given as Zambia is not a banana republic.
The author is a legal scholar, comparative politics specialist.
Responding to the growing complaints of debilitating hunger from starving ordinary Zambians during his recent press conference , President Hichilema justified the hunger as an act of God, claiming that ‘hunger is Biblical’. Given that he seemed genuinely serious when saying this, Hichilema’s response suggests one of two possibilities.
The first is that Hichilema may have lost his marbles – the implication of which is the need to take mental health seriously, including when it manifests its symptoms in public leaders whom we often think are immune from such illnesses. We may be dealing with a president who needs help, not ridicule. A careful examination of some of his recent public speeches reveals a worrying series of irrational and uncoordinated statements. Even at the same presser, Hichilema accused himself of “working hard” at a time when the country is sinking with major crises. This includes crippling power outages lasting as long as 20 consecutive hours a day.
He also inflicted praise on himself for being the first president of Zambia to meet King Charles III, the British traditional leader who ascended to the throne a year after Hichilema’s election. Hichilema, who appears to consider this meeting as an achievement, is overlooking the point that if Zambia’s previous presidents did not meet Charles or his predecessor, it may be because Charles was not yet King, or that they did not suffer from elements of inferiority complex that appear to emerge from his excitement about meeting the British monarchy – an excitement that he, perhaps without much awareness, openly exhibits whenever he meets white people. The only conclusive way we can rule out the possibility that Hichilema has lost his marbles is to subject him to a psychiatric evaluation that will establish if he is mentally sound and simply remarkably out of touch.
The second possibility is that Hichilema, in claiming that hunger is Biblical, may have been trying to conceal his administration’s policy failures by formulating a false narrative on the subject – that a natural disaster has caused hunger, electricity and water shortages, not the ruling party in general and its hard-working president in particular – and using the media to induce the public to accept it. We live in a world where, increasingly, what counts most is no longer recognising the “concrete reality” but building “narratives” around the actual reality. For inept liberal leaders and their supporters, winning this war of “narratives” requires hoodwinking ordinary people by manufacturing false public consciousness around the challenges that confront them.
By claiming that hunger is Biblical and a result of supernatural forces, Hichilema is (ab)using faith to shield himself from blame and completely divert people’s attention from the concrete reality that hunger is a human-made challenge, and that its occurrence, specifically in this case, is a consequence of the persistent failure of the government to plan better, ensure food security, and provide affordable food. The obvious fact of the matter is that the present government has been hugely negligent in relation to food security. In pursuit, recklessly, of the policy of liberalisation of maize trade, the Hichilema administration sold over one million tonnes of maize and mealie meal – all from the sufficient stock that was left behind by the previous administration – to other African countries when both commodities were already out of reach for Zambia’s starving population. He has also presided over a chaotic distribution of farming inputs that has badly affected agricultural production in recent years. Hichilema knows all this and his claim that the current hunger is an act of God is a result of either wilful and unforgivable dishonesty or a futile attempt to escape responsibility for his government’s policy failures – and whichever it is, neither is acceptable since it does not resolve the hunger problem.
I must concede that the warped and depressing thinking that human challenges like hunger are acts of God or nature is not restricted to Hichilema alone; it is a belief that is prevalent among Zambians today. I do not know if it is the dominant and degraded Christian theology and practice (which is largely pacifist) or a history of personalised rule, or perhaps both, that seem to have disrupted ideas of cause and effect among many Zambians. People do not attribute outcomes to their likely causes, but often to supernatural phenomena. They do not recognise their own agency and the agency of those around them. In removing human agency from the actual causes of hunger, Hichilema is exploiting the current national psyche and character structure of the ‘typical Zambian’: unquestioning, passive, cowardly, zombie-like, easy to manipulate, naive, superstitious, and worshipful of authority. I am curious to know if Hichilema thinks that countries elsewhere in the southern Africa region that also experienced drought but remain food secure are much more in God’s favour than Zambia.
There are times when I feel that Zambia must kill God, if we are to make progress. When God dies, we will take His place – our success or failure resting squarely on our shoulders. For the reality is that as long as our lives and how they turn out remain God’s will, we abdicate responsibility for changing our plight to that God. It also means our leadership, in our minds at least, is God’s choosing. So if that God gives us a Hichilema, we cannot question His wisdom, notwithstanding Hichilema’s obvious poverty of anything remotely resembling the virtue to be associated with a benevolent deity.
Experience the magic of love and laughter in “He’s Not Ready,” premiering in theatres nationwide along with Namibia, Zambia and Botswana on June 28,2024.
Beyond the Eyes Network is thrilled to announce the release of the highly anticipated romantic comedy, “He’s Not Ready”; directed by the multi-talented Tebogo Mogale. Starring Motsoaledi Setumo, Botho Molahloe, and
Patrick Bokaba, this captivating film explores the humorous and heartfelt journey of a man facing the ultimate relationship ultimatum.
Synopsis: Risk Analyst Thabo Mafokoane finds himself at a crossroads when his long-time girlfriend Zonke demands marriage or a breakup. Determined to find his path, Thabo embarks on a soul-searching journey, navigating advice from family and friends while confronting his own fears and desires. As he faces the challenge of becoming “marriage fit” Thabo’s quest is filled with laughter, love, and poignant moments, culminating in a profound realization about readiness and commitment.
Stellar Cast:
Motsoaledi Setumo as Zonke, known for her roles in “Generations: The Legacy”, “The Queen”, “The Wife” and recently “The Soweto Love Story”
Botho Molahloe as Thabo, celebrated for his performances in “The River” and “Saints and Sinners” and many of our tv adverts
Patrick Bokaba as Advocate Bopape, famous for “Skeem Saam”
Sello Sebotsane, Mpho “Popps” Modikoane, Seipati Ditsoane, Don Mosenye, Pumla Ndazi of Women King and many more.
We are also introducing many new faces like Donachcha Danster, Bongani
Masango, Khanyisa Ntsomi and Mpuleh Matlhola.
About the Director: Tebogo Mogale, an accomplished writer, director, and producer, brings over a decade of industry experience to this project. With a background in financial management and film, Mogale’s versatile storytelling is evident in his previous works such as “Love by Design” and his work on the comedy sketches on the “Popcorn & Cheese” podcast on the MacG Youtube Network. He co-founded Beyond The Eyes Network with Sammy Rabolele as two young people and they have created a home for creatives for many more.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter has commended the Government through the Ministry of Information and Media for signing Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 35 of 2024, which operationalises the Access To Information (ATI) Law.
MISA-Zambia Chairperson, Lorraine Chisanga, says the move is a momentous development marking a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the country.
Ms Chisanga adds that with the ATI Law now in effect, citizens are empowered to access vital information on matters of public interest, fostering an environment where informed decision-making and civic participation are not only encouraged but also implemented.
“MISA Zambia and its partners have long advocated for the enactment and implementation of an ATI law as a crucial pillar for democracy and sustainable development,” she says.
Ms Chisanga stated that the operationalisation of the ATI law signifies the government’s commitment to upholding the fundamental right to information, which is essential for the realisation of other human rights and freedoms.
“For MISA Zambia, the operationalisation of the ATI Law will among other benefits, ensure that governmental actions are open to scrutiny, thereby reducing opportunities for corruption and mismanagement of public resources, allow citizens to meaningfully participate in governance processes and hold public officials accountable,” she said.
Ms Chisanga noted that the ATI law will also allow journalists and media practitioners to have a legal framework to seek and disseminate information, thereby strengthening investigative journalism and the free flow of information.
“Furthermore, MISA Zambia calls on civil society organisations (CSOs), media practitioners and the general public to actively engage in the process of accessing information to ensure that this law achieves its intended purpose,” she urged.
Ms Chisanga assured that MISA Zambia remains committed to working with the government, CSOs and all stakeholders to promote and protect media freedoms and the right to information.
“We believe that the operationalisation of the ATI Law will pave the way for a more transparent and democratic Zambia,” she indicated.
The Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EPCCI) has urged the government to consider establishing a power interconnector with Mozambique in order to access regional electricity benefits.
EPCCI president Thomas Mtonga, says there is a need for the government to put up the power interconnectivity infrastructure in order to easily access electricity to support economic activities across the country.
ZANIS reports that Mr Mtonga said Mozambique’s Cabora Bassa Power station is ideal for the establishment of a power interconnector to help Zambia and Malawi access power imports for domestic use.
He observed that the energy crisis the country is facing has demonstrated that the power interconnector should have been established much earlier to address the current deficit.
“We have a shortage of power and there is a need for the government to build a power interconnector with Mozambique, so that we can support industries in the eastern region as well as the country” said Mr Mtonga.
Stakeholders feel that with Zambia experiencing an energy crisis due to a devastating climate change effects on power generation and rising demand for industrial and domestic consumption, electricity imports from Mozambique are expected to rise.
Historian Euston Chiputa, also urged the government to establish power interconnectors with Mozambique in order to benefit from regional power interconnectivity benefits.
He explained that power interconnectors are cardinal in making electricity available within the region to drive economic activities.
Dr Chiputa noted that due to the absence of a power connector with Tanzania, Zambia has not been able to access electricity that Tanzania was willing to offer Zambia.
“We need to exchange and benefit from electricity benefits in the region. So we need the power interconnectors with Mozambique and Tanzania, just as we have with Zimbabwe and DRC, Botswana”said Dr Chiputa.
Dr Chiputa commended the government for securing US$15 million for the establishment of a power interconnector with Tanzania.
Zambia is facing an energy crisis that has seen the government roll out various interventions among them promotion of alternative energy sources such as solar energy and liquefied petroleum gas and investments into solar plants and other hydro power stations.
President Hakainde Hichilema announced on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 that the British government has offered Zambia US$15 Million financial support towards the Establishment of a power interconnector between Zambia and Tanzania.
Meanwhile, Mr Mtonga pointed out that Zambia and Mozambique need to actualize and enhance trade agreements to benefit people of the two countries through scaled up trade and investments.
He cited the Development Triangle initiative for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique as being paramount in promoting trade and development for the three countries.
Mr Mtonga said the Nacala Corridor needs to be made a serious trade route to spur trade, investment and economic benefits to the three countries.
The Local Authority in Kasempa district has directed mines in Jifumpa area to suspend the movement of copper along the Kasempa-Mumbwa road until the road is rehabilitated.
Town Council Chairperson, Brian Kakonkanya directed all mines using the Kasempa-Mumbwa road to stop transporting their copper until they work on the road.
Mr Kakonkanya said this during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Kasempa district today where he directed mines operating along the said route to work on the road which has been damaged by their heavy loads of copper.
“We are going to suspend the movement of all your trucks, you can continue with your production there but you are not going to transport,” he added.
“We are not going to compromise or backtrack enough, those that are carrying copper need to work on the road,” he said.
Meanwhile, District Administrative Officer Francis Makanga appealed to residents living along the Kasempa-Mumbwa road to avoid blocking the road.
He urged people to use the right channels when to air their concerns and to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Mr Makanga called on the residents to remain calm as the government was attending to their concerns of working on the Kasempa-Mumbwa road.
“People put rocks in the road at night and when driving the rocks may cause an accident which can be very unfortunate,” Mr Makanga added.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany Her Excellency Ambassador Winnie Natala Chibesakunda has formally presented her letters of credence to the President of Hungary, His Excellency President Tamas Sulyok,accrediting her as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Hungary at a colourful ceremony held at Sandor Palace in Budapest, Hungary on Tuesday 25th June 2024.
Speaking during a closed-door meeting after the presentation ceremony, His Excellency President Sulyok said that the presentation of credentials by Her Excellency Ambassador Chibesakunda has opened new opportunities for the two countries.
He recognised and commended the Kasomeno-Mwenda road project between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which has been funded by a Hungarian construction company under Public- Private Partnership (PPP) and stressed that such infrastructure development will further strengthen the bilateral relations between Hungary and Zambia.
President Sulyok further affirmed that Hungary was willing to offer scholarships to Zambian students adding that as part of his country’s Africa strategy, programs such as developing long term drought resistant plants and water management and
reticulation have been embarked on.
He further pointed out that the Sub-Saharan region where Zambia is located was an important region based on Hungary’s Africa strategy adding that he looks forward to visit Zambia.
And Ambassador Chibesakunda conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Hakainde Hichilema to President Sulyok and the people of Hungary.
She informed him that Zambia cherished the bilateral ties between the two countries that have existed for decades noting that Hungary had first offered scholarships to Zambian students during the administration of Zambia’s founding President Dr
Kenneth David Kaunda.
Ambassador Chibesakunda acknowledged that the expertise gained by Zambian students that were trained in Hungary was highly notable and contributed to the country’s development adding that Zambia was willing to expand the bilateral
relations with the government of Hungary through the renewed offer for scholarships for Zambians to train in Hungary.
She thanked President Sulyok for opening a diplomatic office in Lusaka as it will strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two countries.Ambassador Chibesakunda made a special request to the Hungarian President to consider promoting high level visits between the two countries.
In his response to the request, President Sulyok assured the Ambassador that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary will undertake a visit to Zambia to be followed by his own visit which might take place next year.
She further appreciated the Public- Private Partnership (PPP) by a Hungarian company on the Kasomeno-Mwenda road project as the infrastructure will enhance connectivity which is key in driving development.
She also informed President Sulyok that Zambia has greatly been affected by the El Nino induced drought that affected most parts of the country and requested for expertise from Hungary to help in water reticulation and water harvesting as it will
benefit the country and help in reducing human animal conflict.
Issued by Lubinda Kashewe
First Secretary-Press
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Germany
President Hakainde Hichilema addressing a Press Conference at State House on Thursday, 30th September, 2021.
By Field Ruwe EdD
I could not believe what I was hearing. I tried to reassure myself that I was only dreaming. For the third time, I played the video and listened gravely. Again, the words fell like stones into the room filled with reporters, selected cabinet ministers, and State House staff. The voice of President Hichilema Hakainde was startling in its own carrying power.
“If the police fail to discharge their duties, I will use the military to restore law and order,he said. “That’s my job. That’s the constitutional rights [of] the head of state who is the commander in chief.”
I was crestfallen. A shudder passed through me. I could vicariously hear gasps of surprise and murmurs of disbelief and disappointment from viewers around the country.In the conference room, some in the audience applauded as, arguably Zambia’s most innovative president, struggled to disguise his frustration at the police’s failure to contain former president Edgar Lungu who has become a thorn in his flesh.
I never heard a Zambian president invoke the word “military” and use it to threaten his own unarmed people. We are a people bonused with an idyllic earthly paradise called Zambia.God has spared us from the cruelty of tribal wars, civil wars, military coups, and apocalyptic disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. We just survived COVID and a five-month drought.
For a moment I envisioned the Zambia Army under HH’s presidency relegated to civil law enforcement duties. I could not fathom such gallant men and women who on three occasions have thwarted attempted military coups by their own officers for the love of country, patrolling the streets of Lusaka, apprehending opposition leaders, civil rights activists, and media practitioners and throwing them in jail.
I recollected the feeling of relief that engulfed the entire country on October 27, 1980,when Kaunda made a startling announcement at State House during a press conference, revealing that the Zambia military had successfully foiled an attempted coup d’état conducted by Lieutenant General Godfrey Miyanda, Zambian professionals and Congolese dissidents.
And who can forget, July 1 st , 1990 when we woke up to the voice of Lieutenant Mwamba Luchembe announcing on ZNBC Radio 4 that the army had taken over Kaunda’s government and ordered the announcer to play military music. Again, the Zambian Army stood by us and thwarted the coup attempt within six hours.
How about the coup attempt of October 28, 1997? We heard Captain Solo (Steven Lungu) announce that a coup had taken place and that the then President Frederick Chiluba should step down. It was foiled by the Zambia Army within a span of three hours.
In all the three attempts the Zambian army fulfilled its purpose of fending off a war between coup plotters and the military. Since independence, HH’s predecessors have made it clear that the military’s primary objective is to defend the nation, while the Zambia Police’s objective is to enforce the country’s laws. Neither institution is specifically trained to cater to the
requirements of the other.
Before I proceed, I must inform readers that I remain HH’s an unwavering endorser outside my profession and Zambian politics. Since he assumed power, I have refrained from expressing any negative opinions about him. I publicly endorsed him in my personal capacity because I yearned for the dynamism of his politics.
As an endorser, I will not sit back and watch him resort to “strongman” rule. When I launched my “Hunt for Successor” series during the Sata era, my aspiration was for a youthful president with exceptional abilities to emerge and wage the battle against the economy, foster national unity, curb corruption, eradicate poverty, and pave a new path to Zambia’s prosperity.
In all fairness, HH has consistently opposed the widespread pessimism that portrays Zambians as a doomed people beyond redemption. After years of effort to unlock Zambia’s potential, HH has effectively utilized his persuasive abilities to rally support from various quarters and convinced a skeptical world to come to Zambia’s aid.
Upon taking oath as president, he wasted no time in initiating fundraising trips to the US,Europe and Asia, successfully raising millions of dollars. His negotiation with private creditors to restructure $3 billion in international bonds marked a significant step towards the country’s prolonged debt. The enthusiastic reception he received from numerous Lusaka residents at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport serves as a clear indication of his impact. With this in mind, I can assert that the difference between Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema is night and day.
However, HH has faced significant domestic obstacles lately. He can be likened to an overzealous automotive mechanic who claims he can restore a mangled car that plummeted off the cliff and burst into flames. In spite of his campaign pledges to solve the nation’s energy crisis, he is still encountering obstacles to widespread outages that are detrimentally impacting his presidency.
Furthermore, the spike in fuel, food, and fertilizer prices, have exacerbated the high cost of living. Moreover, the economic strategies introduced in 2021 to aid the Hichilema administration in taking over the mines have not yielded the desired results. Consequently, the country has returned to the Lungu headlines of corruption, hooliganism, unwarranted arrests
manipulation of state institutions, and promises filled with “false and braggart words.”
The initial vitality, dynamism, and youthful spirit that defined HH’s first two years in power have somewhat waned. Studies in political science note that by the third year, many presidents start exhibiting signs of wear and tear, and begin to resort to tyrannical stratagems.
Leaders who struggle with criticism due to their massive egoistical trait often lash out, seeking ways to protect themselves. Some become vindictive, going to extreme lengths to blame and punish their opponents, while others slide towards authoritarian rule.
Upon listening to the Press Conference of June 5, 2024, I was worried that HH, an exemplary president who was trying to champion democracy and foster innovative well-regulated markets, was going beyond fair discourse and veering into authoritative domain. I was not the only one. My sentiment was echoed by a multitude of individuals with social media accounts some who described HH as a liar, tyrant, dictator, authoritarian, autocrat, and despot.
There was widespread apprehension that HH was authoritatively infringing upon civil liberties, freedom of assembly, free speech, press freedoms, and other fundamental tenets of democracy. Many in the social media were concerned that the press conference was all about his political nemesis Edgar Lungu. Some accused HH of using Lungu as a scapegoat to evade blame
for the hooliganism committed by members of his own party during the funeral procession of their provincial Vice Treasurer.
The cardinal question is, has power gone to HH’s head? Yes it has. Power tends to corrupt the minds of those in authoritative positions, such as the head of state. According to psychoanalysts, when a democratic country elevates one person as its ultimate leader and defender, the people naturally start to idolize and inflate his ego, resulting in neurological
alternations that make him feel the entire nation is under his command. When a leader reaches such a stage he, by decree of fate, assumes the “strongman” idiomatic mantra “me, myself, and I”
Has HH acquired the strongman status? Yes, he has. However, he does not exhibit the characteristics of a dictator, at least not at this point in time. But he surely sounded like one during the press conference. He showed that if pushed he is capable of entering the echo chamber in which most of the African dictators live. He carefully chose his words to subtly inject
his ideology in hidden fold. When he began to talk it was clear he was discontent with the state of affairs.
“Don’t misunderstand my patience to mean I am not aware,” he cautioned the nation in general, and UNPD hooligans and former president Edgar Lungu in particular. It was clear Lungu’s strategy of courting churches to undermine HH’s presidency was getting under his skin.
“I’ve some patience and quite some tolerance,” he continued in a voice lacking the usual tenderness. He skillfully presented his soul of authoritarianism within the whole body of his speech by means of selected words. He did so with a threatening voice like a despot, all in an effort to caution Lungu and all those who may wish to cross his line.
“Levels of patience and tolerance are quite high,” he told them. “Especially a guy like me who went through a lot to stand here as a head of state. I probably went through the worst discrimination any citizen can receive from his own citizens…”
I was worried HH was entrapped in his own self-pity, anger, and persecutory thoughts.Neurophysiologists, psychoanalysts, and therapists have found that self-pity is the defining characteristic of brutal regimes. It is a bio-psycho-social construct, which, if left unattended,assembles into tyranny. When HH urged the police to intervene into the rising hooliganism, and
quell Lungu and his cohorts’ “unlawful assembly,” authoritarianism hid in plain sight.
“The police do not need my reminder”; he said emphatically. “The police must not negotiate. No negotiation. Just enforce the law. If you fail to enforce the law, it will be an admittance of failure to perform your duties.
When a head of state issues directives such as the one above consequences can be dire.The enforcers are inclined to side with him and his party. Acting as loyalists they may target opposition members, resort to violence, use force, and imprison “for a long time” a significant number of individuals in “jails furnished with beds and mattresses,” as cautioned by HH. If such
actions were to occur, it is probable that they would escalate into an insurgency.
What is disheartening is prior to assuming the presidency, HH vowed to be a defender of democracy. In March 2023, he penned an article titled “You Cannot Eat Democracy,” in which he stated thus; “my government has returned our democracy to health, shoring up the civil liberties the people demanded; the right of assembly and end to defamation laws that challenged
free speech.”
Given HH’s tendency to easily break promises, the potential for a compromised democracy is not far-fetched. Numerous countries have experienced the breakdown of democracy because they did not see it coming. It would be naive to assume that Zambia is
entirely immune to such a threat. Safeguarding against the encroachment of authoritarianism by HH is crucial for upholding the principles of democracy. We must swiftly intervene if and when any signs of such shift emerge.
I have brazenly penned down this article out of my deep affection for my country. My utmost objective is to see HH succeed. I shall continue applauding him when he is right and reprimanding him when he is wrong. In a democracy no one is allowed to monopolize political power.
The rights to this article belong to ZDI (Zambia Development Institute), a proposed US-based Zambian think tank. On May 19, 2022, a comprehensive proposal was delivered to President Hichilema through Principal Private Secretary Bradford Machila.
Author Dr. Field Ruwe holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. He is affiliated with Northeastern University,
Boston, MA., US.
Chipolopolo B coach Chisi Mbewe is not taking their COSAFA Cup championship crown for granted but says they are ready for the difficult challenge of retaining the title for an unprecedented
third successive time.
Zambia kickoff their title defence on Thursday in an 18h00 kick-off against tournament guest side Kenya at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Zimbabwe and Comoros are Zambia’s other Group B opponents.
No team has won the COSAFA Cup third time’s in a row.
Hosts and five-time winners South Africa and six-time champions Zimbabwe have also won back to back COSAFA Cup title.
However, Zambia are the only COSAFA nation with two doubles.
“I think so far so good the team looks ready for the tournament and we know it is not going to be an easy task or assignment for us because we know we are the defending champions,” Mbewe said.
” Strong competition from our group we have the likes of Zimbabwe who have always wanted to beat Zambia.
“But otherwise the team looks ready we have psyched the players on how important this task is and how difficult this competition is knowing we are the defending champions but I this team is ready.”
Thursday beckons for Chipolopolo to make an opening statement as holders.
