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I Will Make Sure Mr Hichilema Is Not On The Ballot Until Courts Clear Him-Tayali

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I Will Make Sure Mr Hichilema Is Not On The Ballot Until Courts Clear Him-Tayali

The Economic and Equity Party (EEP) has vowed to report UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) tomorrow morning.

Party president Chilufya Tayali has told Journalists in Lusaka that he has overwhelming evidence that will lead to the successful Prosecution of the opposition leader for his alleged dubious transactions during privatization.

Mr. Tayali has said that that he will place a mandamus, a judicial writ issued as a command to an inferior court or ordering a person to perform a public or statutory duty, on the commission if it fails to act on the matter because he believes that Mr. Hichilema’s alleged dubious activities deprived many Zambians of their livelihoods.

Mr. Tayali said he will ensure that Mr. Hichilema doesn’t participate in next year’s elections until he is cleared of all the privatization allegations leveled against him, calling on other citizens who feel aggrieved by Mr.Hichilema’s alleged actions to come forth and be part of his witnesses.

“I have said that there are people who were deprived of their property, who have not been paid who were kicked out of employment in the name of privatization. Ladies and gentlemen, I am not joking am not being malicious I have spoken to these people I have seen how they are suffering some of them if you see them you will actually feel pity.” He reaffirmed.

Mr. Tayali said during his search for the truth he has come to a realization that Mr. Hichilema has two different National Registration Cards (NRCs) attached to different properties, a move he believes is illegal and calls on the police command to act.

“In my course of going around looking for this evidence it has come to my attention that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has two NRCs this is what I have obtained and am giving it to the police to investigate there is an NRC and take note of the NRC there’s one which is 261786/72/1 and another one 128873/72/1. these NRCs are all pointing to Mr.Hakainde Hichilema. I am a whistleblower in this instance and I want the police to investigate. I don’t hate Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, these are facts!” Said Mr. Tayali.

Mr. Tayali also revealed that Mr. Hichilema did not declare an interest when he allegedly purchased properties that were being privatized by Grand Thornton a company he was part of.

“There is another property farm number 1924 in Kalomo belonging to Samson Siatembo , this property was mortgaged to Lima bank when Lima bank was being privatized this property was still under Lima bank but as we speak today this farm belongs to Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. In 2004 this property changed to Mr. Hakainde Hichilema’s name. When he was changing the company’s name he was still the managing partner of grand Thornton, I have tried to check if he declared interest but there is nothing. How did he acquire this property when he was a liquidator? I want him to respond !” Mr. Tayal said.

Mr. Tayali said he will personally ensure that the matter comes to a logical conclusion.

“I want to see a logical conclusion to these matters because these matters are very serious. I don’t want arguments that he is the largest opposition leader, Takuli ifyo, a crime is a crime, corruption is corruption it doesn’t matter who commits it no matter how big you are no matter how popular you are no matter how much money you have, and me I operate on the notion that we are all equal before the law.” Mr. Tayali said.

He said when the elite commit crimes they too should be arrested and prosecuted just like ordinary citizens.

“Poor people are being arrested for stealing chicken insala yamwikata umuntu he goes and picks a chicken from the neighbors, he is arrested and sent to jail, why do we want to make excuses for the rich people ?” Mr. Tayali asked.

Mr. Tayali also said that he wants to ensure that only the right people are on the ballot paper next year, and he didn’t care if he only shares the space with the Patriots for Economic Progress leader Sean Tembo.

Indiscriminate cutting of Rosewood worry Government

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Indiscriminate cutting of Rosewood worry Government

North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Willies Mangimela has expressed worry over the indiscriminate and illegal harvesting of rosewood timber in Manyinga and Kabompo districts.

Mr Mangimela said there is need to protect the specie from being depleted by providing checks and balance with people holding timber concession licenses so as to ensure compliance.

The Permanent Secretary said this when he called on district Commissioner Geoftey Malati and Town Council Secretary Ketty Mukonde in Manyinga today.

“These two districts Manyinga and Kabompo are the main areas of concern in timber harvesting. God has blessed these districts with rosewood timber which we need to protect from depleting,” he said.

Mr Mangimela said government is losing huge sums of revenue due to the increasing activities of illegal timber harvesting and production in the province.

“If we are not careful and protect the timber, we are going to be in trouble as a province, these water bodies and the favourable rainfall we boast of will be a thing of the past because the climate will change,” he said.

Mr Mangimela said he received reports of increased indiscriminate cutting of trees in the two districts

Manyinga District Commissioner Geofrey Malaiti said the number of timber dealers have increased in the district much of whom do not have concession licenses.

“It seems most of the areas where rosewood timber is found is depleting. We really need help from department of forestry to investigate this matter, there are a lot of timber processing plants that have been set up but we do not know whether they have licenses” Mr Malayiti said.

And Town Council Secretary Ketty Mukonde said the department of Forestry need to strengthen measures to curb illegal cutting of trees

“With timber it is our cry as a district. I think the measures put in place are not adequate and effective here in Manyinga because all sizes of trees are being cut all over,”Ms Mukonde said.

Principle Forestry Officer Maxwel Phiri has warned people engaging in harvesting timber without concession licenses that the law will deal with them.

“In Manyinga government receives a lot of money as non-tax revenue through timber concession so we expect the timber concession holders to operate within their licenses, we have had reports of some harvesting timber illegally,” he said

He has urged timber processing plants to add value to the product and not just transport it outside the province as raw material and create more jobs for the local people.

Leadership Is Needed To Address Zambia’s Debt Crisis

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Leadership Is Needed To Address Zambia’s Debt Crisis

By JCTR Executive Director, Father Alex Muyebe, S.J.

On September 22nd 2020, The Zambian Government applied to holders of its US$3 billion in Eurobonds to defer debt service payments for six months while it works on a debt-restructuring strategy. This period covers three coupon payments whose due dates are 14th October, 2020, 30th January, 2021 and 20th March, 2021, on the respective bonds. On 14th October, 2020 Zambia missed paying its coupon of US$42.5 million on $1 billion of dollar bonds due in 2024. Zambia was then given a 30-day grace period for coupon payment which expired on Friday 13th November. Now that Zambia’s Eurobond holders have rejected Government’s request for a six months interest payment freeze, a sovereign debt default has been triggered as Zambia is unable to meet the coupon payment obligations because of its constrained fiscal space.

The Government had requested interest payment holiday because it was very clear that it has no resources to meet the payment obligations as they become due either now or in the following months. National budgetary allocation to the social sector has been declining in the last five years. Allocations to this sector address directly the needs of the majority poor, vulnerable and marginalised. Social sector public spending is crucial for alleviating poverty and inequality and for saving lives and sustaining livelihoods.

In the absence of debt relief, Government will be compelled to undertake serious stringent fiscal, monetary and economic austerity measures which will gravely affect the social sector. The situation is going to become even worse in the event of sovereign default because the country is going to be blacklisted resulting in facing higher interest rates and lower credit rating which will make it difficult to borrow and to attract capital investment which the country badly needs to grow its economy to fight poverty and inequality.

For this reason, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) is calling upon all concerned stakeholders (local, national, regional and international) to join hands and to show solidarity in advancing the noble cause to persuade Zambia’s creditors to consider any form of debt relief for the Zambian people. Zambia needs some space to address its indebtedness in a manner that will not harm the dignity of the lives of the millions of the Zambian people.

We are all aware that debt is a real existential threat to the provision of public service. JCTR is therefore calling upon Zambian leaders to undertake an honest and hard reflection on how and why this country has found itself in a state that puts in danger the lives of its citizens. From this reflection, Zambian leadership must present to the nation and the world a plan that will practically illustrate transformative and democratic practices to address the prevalent shortfalls in the country’s loan and debt contraction processes and in the public finance management.

Finally, JCTR is calling upon each and every Zambian to take keen interest and monitor this development. More importantly, JCTR is asking all the citizens to take it upon themselves to demand accountability and involvement in coming up with a roadmap of how our country is going to pull itself out of this undesired and dangerous debt crisis that has a potential of being a liability to be passed on to future generations. Government must demonstrate how Zambia shall never fall in such perilous indebtedness again.

Children call for more support ahead of the World Children’s Day

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Children call for more support ahead of the World Children’s Day

Kasama District Commissioner, Kelly Kashiwa has reaffirmed government’s commitment towards addressing the challenges faced by children in the country.

Speaking during the Northern Province Children’s Symposium held in Kasama, Mr Kashiwa said government is implementing a number of policies aimed at nurturing the wellbeing of children.

He explained that Zambia is among the countries in the world that has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which aims at protecting the rights of children.

“The plight of children remains a priority of government and as such I am assuring you that all your challenges are being addressed,” Said Mr Kashiwa.

He further hailed the commitment of the private sector such as PANOS Institute Southern Africa for ensuring that the rights of children are protected.

Earlier, PANOS Child Rights Governance Project Coordinator, Changwe Chibuye said the objective of the symposium was to provide a platform for children to construct the ideal future in the post COVID-19 pandemic period.

Mr. Chibuye said children deserve to be given an opportunity to participate in re-imagining and reconstructing their future.

And Erica Muhonga who spoke on behalf of other children, stated that while notable progress has been achieved in promoting children’s rights, a number of challenges still remain for girls, and children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged and vulnerable homes.

She however commended government for showing commitment in ensuring that the rights of children are protected.

Other children appealed to government to ensure that education and health services are made free of charge to orphans and children who have been made vulnerable as a result of the COVID -19 outbreak.

“It’s sad that some children cannot access education and health services due to some fees that are attached when the child wants to access the services, hence we call on government to ensure that the services are made free of charge,” they added.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Child Coordinator, Motion Milambo who was represented by Provincial Sports Coordinator; John Nkunika reassured the children that government is committed to ensuring that every child is given an opportunity to enjoy their childhood as reflected in its commitments to international and regional agreements.

The Provincial Children’s Symposium is being held ahead of the World Children’s Day which falls on 20th November.

The Provincial Symposium which attracted 45 children drawn from across the province was held under the theme, “Re-imagining our Future.”

Rent-to- own housing project launched in Chipata

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Rent-to- own housing project launched in Chipata

The government says alternative and innovative methods of housing development that allow for private sector participation is key to reducing housing deficit in the country.

Minister of housing and infrastructure Vincent Mwale said this yesterday in a speech read for him by Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Veronica Mwiche during the launch of a Collins Mutual Limited rent-to-own housing project in Chipata.

Collins Mutual Limited, a local investment company, has partnered with China State Construction and Engineering Corporation Limited to undertake the project, starting with 2,500 units on 400 hectares of land secured in Senior Chief Nzamane’s area.

Mr Mwale said the launch marks a milestone in the private sector participation in the provision of low and medium cost housing units in the district and the country as a whole.

The Minister noted that the country currently faces a housing deficit of 1.5 million as a result of rapid rate of urbanization.

However, he said Government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu is committed to close up the housing gap and ensure people have access to decent and affordable housing as stipulated in the 2020 National Housing Policy.

“The 2020 National Housing Policy is aimed at facilitating the development of decent and affordable housing. It calls for the promotion of alternative and innovative methods of housing development,” Mr Mwale said.

He added that the policy focuses on the promotion of private sector participation in the provision of low and medium cost housing and that the launch of the rent-to-own housing project will start in April next to be developed over four years.

“The launch of the rent-to-own housing project here in Chipata is the timely response and progressive step towards the realization of the objectives of the national housing policy. Indeed alternative and innovative methods of housing development are a key to enhancing housing affordability in the country,” Mr Mwale said.

He mentioned that government has always believed that the provision of decent, adequate and affordable housing to people, adding that innovative approach to be executed by Collins Mutual would reduce the cost of buying a house, which will ultimately afford many people access to decent housing.

Speaking at the same occasion in a speech read for him by Chipata District Commissioner Kalunga Zulu, Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu expressed optimism that the Collins Mutual project in Chiapta will deliver one of the human basic needs that of affordable and decent housing.

“Collins Mutual will create wholesome communities that not only provides affordable , well designed , attractive housing units, but also recreational spaces and commercial centres for low and lower middle income families,” Mr Zulu said.

Chipata City Mayor Sinoya Mwale expressed happiness that the long planned housing unit is now on the verge of implementation and pledged the council’s full support to the project that will be undertaken by Collins Mutual Limited in partnership with China State Construction and Engineering Corporation at a cost of US$100 million.

While Collins Mutual Chief Executive Conrad Gomani said the company will roll out the 5,000 housing units over a four year period and promised to develop properties that are environmental friendly targeted at low and medium earning families.

Provide open learning streams for girls in back to school programs aged over 28 years

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Provide open learning streams for girls in back to school programs aged over 28 years

Forum for African women Educationalists Zambia (FAWEZA) has appealed to school managements in Lusaka province to provide open learning streams for girls in back to school programs aged 28 years and above

FAWEZA Programs Manager, Faith Minja, appealed to school managements in the province to provide open learning streams for girls in back to school programs aged 28 years and above.

Ms Minja noted that mixing the middle aged girls with the younger ones will affect the performance of both groups of learners .

“What notes will they be sharing with the young ones? The older girls will also feel intimidated,” She wondered.

Mrs Minja told ZANIS in an interview yesterday in Luangwa District.

Meanwhile Luangwa district education standards officer, Herberty Siankanga noted that 56 school going girls fell pregnant in the district during the COVID -19 period , from February to date.

Mr. Siankanga attributed the increase in the number of teenage pregnancies in schools in the district to lack of parental guidance.

He called on parents and other stakeholders to teach the teenage girls on the importance of education.

And Mr. Siankanga further stated that government through the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) project have made strides in ensuring that the girls who stopped schools due to pregnancies and early marriages are taken back to school.

Mr. Siankanga further explained that district have an Open distance learning stream at Luangwa primary for the grade 9 drop outs and those who have never been to school and above the age of 28.

In addition , Luangwa District Commissioner Julius Sikasote says his office is working with other stakeholders to fight sexual violence against adolescent girls and guarantee them with human rights .

Mr. Sikasote said the district administration is using a multi-sectoral approach in fighting sexual violence and other related vices.

One of KGS project beneficiary , Glyceria Malunga has called on her fellow girls who are in marriages and those not in school, to take advantage of the government programs of keeping girls in school to continue with their education.

“I decided to go back to school, to improve my livelihood and be able to educate my children in future,” She said.

Zambia Police Okays UPND Mobilisation Rally in Lusaka

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Zambia Police Okays UPND Mobilisation Rally in Lusaka

Zambia Police has raised no objection to the United Party for National Development (UPND) going ahead to hold a rally in Lusaka for the first time since the last presidential and general elections in 2016.

The Kabwata Constituency UPND Executive Committee last week notified the police of its intention to hold an end of year mobilization rally in Chilenje Township in Kabwata Constituency in Lusaka.

The police responded with a “no objection ” letter. According to the UPND statement, there is a mountain of notifications by the UPND to the police throughout the country to hold meetings, rallies, and protests which have been rejected by the police. Many stakeholders have raised concerns on the suppression of citizens’ freedoms of assembly, association and expression in the last 10 years of the rule by the Patriotic Front.

The rally will be held at the Chilenje Secondary School grounds today Sunday 15th November 2020 starting at 14.00 hours.

President Lungu mourns former President Rawlings

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President Lungu mourns former President Rawlings

President Edgar Lungu has expressed his deepest sympathy to his counterpart, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-addo following the death of the country’s former Head of State, Jerry Rawlings.

In a message of condolences, President Lungu described the late former President as a courageous statesman and great Pan-Africanist.

The Head of State further acknowledged President Rawlings’s contribution to Ghana’s transition to a multiparty democracy nation.

“It was with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of our dear brother, President Jerry John Rawlings, former President of the Republic of Ghana. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to convey heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, the people of Ghana and the bereaved family for the loss of a courageous statesman and great Pan-Africanist,” says President Lungu.

He added that Mr. Rawlings will be remembered for his charismatic nature and passionate stance against corruption, which contributed towards uplifting the lives of the Ghanaian people.

President Lungu indicated that the late President’s works will continue to serve as a powerful legacy to many Africans, young and old, across the African continent and beyond.

The Head of State also conveyed prayers of comfort to the bereaved family adding that Zambia joins her brothers and sisters of Ghana in mourning a true son of the African soil.

This was contained in a statement availed to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Isaac Chipampe.

Mr. Rawlings was the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, and was first elected president of Ghana in 1992. He later stepped down in 2001 after serving two terms but continued to wield a strong influence in the country.

The late Ghanaian former Head of State was the country’s longest-serving leader, who oversaw the transition to multiparty elections in what is now one of Africa’s most stable democracies. He died on November 12, 2020 in hospital in the capital, Accra, after a short illness.

Elijah Tana Issues Rallying Call To Chipolopolo Fans

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Ex-Zambia captain Elijah Tana says Chipolopolo need support from fans to boost their confidence as they seek to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Zambia rekindled hopes of qualifying for the Cameroon AFCON after beating Botswana 2-1 on Thursday evening at home in Lusaka in the Group H encounter.

Victory at National Heroes Stadium moved Chipolopolo from bottom to third on 3 points exchanging places with Botswana who have 1 point.

“We will pray for the boys, they must qualify for the Africa Cup. The team is ok together with the coach,” said ex-defender Tana from his Chingola base.

“Let’s speak positively about our team. Whenever people say negative things about our team they discourage these boys. These young boys need encouragement for them to have confidence.”

Zambia and Botswana meet on Monday in Francistown in the return leg.

“We are winning on Monday in Botswana. Micho is a good coach, he has been in Africa for a long time,” said Tana.

Algeria leads Group H on nine points and second placed Zimbabwe sits on four points after three matches played.

Bushiri and wife flee SA for Malawi, breaking bail conditions

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Bushiri and wife flee SA for Malawi, breaking bail conditions

Embattled self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife have fled to Malawi for their safety, a week after being granted R200,000 bail by the Pretoria magistrate’s court.Bushiri said in a statement that he and his wife temporarily left for Malawi due to safety concerns.

Bushiri, his wife Mary, Landiwe Ntlokwana Zethu and Willie Mudolo, are facing charges of theft, money laundering and fraud in connection with an alleged R100m investment scheme.

The Bushiris and their co-accused were released on bail last week Wednesday after their arrest last month.

The Bushiris’ bail conditions saw them barred from travelling outside SA and only permitted to travel in Gauteng and North West.

They, along with their co-accused, had to report every Monday and Friday to their nearest police station; were barred from disposing of any property; had to hand over to the state the original title deed to their R5.5m property in Midstream Estate, Centurion; and were barred from threatening witnesses and the investigation and prosecution teams, even while preaching.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Bushiri announced that he and his wife had arrived in Malawi “because of safety and security issues since 2015”.
“I would like to inform the general public that my wife Mary and I are temporarily in our home country, Malawi, because of safety and security issues since 2015, matters that got worse when we just got out on bail.

“There have been clear and evident attempts to have myself, my wife and my family killed and despite several attempts to report to authorities, there has never been state protection.

“Our coming to Malawi, hence is a tactical withdrawal from the Republic of South Africa, solely meant to preserve our lives.

“These attempts have been heightened with recent spates of arrests and detentions that we felt the only way for us to clear our names before the law is to ensure that our lives are preserved. My wife and I strongly believe in our innocence but this cannot be proved if our lives are not preserved. We have to be alive to testify to our innocence.

“As we stand here, we were arrested in 2019 on allegedly money laundering charges and it’s getting to two years now without trial because the state is not ready to give it.

HH warns Chilufya Tayali, show exemplary behaviour befitting a leader of a political party

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HH warns Chilufya Tayali, show exemplary behaviour befitting a leader of a political party

United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Economic and Equity Party (EPP) leader, Chilufya Tayali to show exemplary behaviour befitting a leader of a political party.

Speaking when he featured on Let the People Talk on Radio Phoenix yesterday, Mr Hichilema wondered where Mr Tayali finds the time to throw and smear mud at him.

Mr Hichilema also charged that the energy that Mr Tayali had channelled towards the fight against him would have been reserved for fending for his daughter whom he said would someday need resources when she reaches university level.

“Be an example of a good Zambian husband to an Ethiopian wife. Be an ambassador for us by behaving correctly! You invest time…I don’t know where you find the time, mwaice wandi. Spend time to invest for that beautiful born child of yours because when she’s 20, she will need support from you. The energy you have, use it to invest. These temporal benefits you’re getting by being a PF surrogate are unsustainable and they will come back to haunt you,” he said.

Mr Hichilema warned Mr Tayali to be wary of the wrath of the law that would inflict him when the rule of law is applied.

“It is up to you when the law is applied…when the rule of law is applied; when fairness is applied, equity, that is the issue that HH has to worry about. HH has little time to worry about Chilufya Tayali. My time, my mind is focused how to keep our children in school; how our families can have three meals a day, and to ensure that there are jobs for our people,” he said.

President Hichilema stated that he wasn’t bothered by Tayali’s rantings, adding that he had important matters to worry about.

He warned that if Mr Tayali continues to use his connections with the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to abuse Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) would lead to prosecution at the appropriate time.

“Don’t abuse the police for political reasons because if you do that, your time of reckoning will come. The law must be impartial and must work for everyone. Therefore, people must not spend sleepless nights over Tayali’s threats,” he warned.

Electoral Commission of Zambia to Keep Some Voter Registration Centres Open till 22:00 hours

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Electoral Commission of Zambia to Keep Some Voter Registration Centres Open till 22:00 hours

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has revised operating hours for the voter registration exercise in selected registration centres and Districts.

In a statement availed to the media in Lusaka, ECZ Acting Public Relations Manager Sylvia Bwalya disclosed that the Commission has extended operating hours for the exercise in Lusaka District for some registration centres which are highly populated.

Ms. Bwalya indicated that among the centres includes Roma Parish in Mandevu Constituency, Chawama Primary School of Chawama Constituency, Chilenje main Hall in Kabwata Constituency, Twashuka Primary School in Kanyama Constituency, Munali Secondary School in Munali Constituency and Muchinga Primary School in Matero Constituency.

She stated that the selected registration centres which have been operating from 07:00hrs to 18:00hrs will now be operating from 06:00hrs to 22:00hrs with effect from yesterday, Friday November 13, 2020.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that the operating hours for the voter registration exercise have been revised in selected Registration Centres and Districts with immediate effect,” Ms. Bwalya disclosed.

She noted that the Commission will keep monitoring the situation and will identify more centres that may require operating hours to be extended.

Ms. Bwalya added that all registration centres in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe Districts and all Civic Centres throughout the country will remain open and operational on Monday November 16, 2020.

She also disclosed that the Commission has introduced a 24 hours Registration Service at all Civic Centres across the country with effect from yesterday Friday, November 13, 2020 for Lusaka District and from Saturday, November 14, 2020, for other Civic Centres in other districts.

She added that the Lusaka Voter Education Resource Centre in the Lusaka Agricultural Showgrounds will also operate 24 hours a day effective yesterday Friday, November 13, 2020.

She urged members of the public to take advantage of the revised operating hours for the voter registration exercise as the services were open for all eligible voters.

UPND Accuses ECZ of conniving with the PF to slow down the ongoing voter registration exercise

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UPND Accuses ECZ of conniving with the PF to slow down the ongoing voter registration exercise

United Party for National Development (UPND) Religious Affairs Deputy Chairperson for Affairs, William Njombo has accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of conniving with the PF to slow down the ongoing voter registration exercise.

And Rev. Njombo says President Hakainde Hichilema’s advise to the ECZ to stop ‘playing games’ with the voter registration exercise is timely and must not be ignored.

Rev. Njombo stated that it was regrettable that the PF controlled ECZ had resorted to playing games with the people of Zambia by meddling in the voter registration exercise which he said was part of the electoral process.

“Because the PF knows that their time is up, they have now come up with deliberately manoeuvres to disenfranchise Zambians! They have messed up everything and Zambians are resolved to kick out the PF. And now they are using the ECZ to try and play games to try and disenfranchise Zambians.” says Rev Njombo.

ECZ has set December 12th as the deadline for the voter registration exercise which commenced on Monday this week despite a backlash from the general public and various stakeholders that the period was too short for the elections body to capture the targeted 9 million voters.

Stakeholders worry Eurobond default will cause economic crisis

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Stakeholders worry Eurobond default will cause economic crisis

THE Kitwe Chamber of Commerce has expressed fear that the country will plunge into economic distress if government fails to pay the portion of the Eurobond debt due today.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday, Chamber Vice President Emmanuel Mbambiko said defaulting on the Eurobond payment will put pressure on the already poorly performing Zambian Kwacha.

“This will reduce Zambia’s confidence in the eyes of lenders as such it will be difficulty for the country to borrow in future or attract foreign investment,” he said.

He explained that defaulting is bad for business as well as the economy and that all Zambians should be concerned.

And in a separate interview, Green Party president Peter Sinkamba has taken a swipe at government for not implementing his calls to legalize the cultivation and sale of marijuana for the country to raise the needed money to pay the sovereign debt.

Mr. Sinkamba said government would have raised the money to pay the Eurobond debt money if it had listened to his advice on Marijuana cultivation.

“You will default and the chances of being bailed out are not there,” Mr. Sinkamba charged.

He said the impact of defaulting thereafter will be very hard on the general public because all the money meant for social services will go towards payment of the debt.

And the Mine Suppliers cried that they will become uncompetitive due to their imported mine products which will become more expensive as the default puts more pressure on the Zambian Kwacha which is expected to further lose value.

Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association President Augustine Mubanga told ZANIS in Kitwe today that the default will also restrict government from paying its local suppliers as it will be under pressure to pay the sovereign debt.

He noted that the constriction in government expenditure on local suppliers and contractors will also constrict production and economic growth in turn.

He however defended government on the possible default saying this would be as a result of government not having collected the projected tax revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic which slowed down most businesses in the country.

“In an event that Government defaults, it will not be deliberate but as a result of failure to raise enough revenue due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr. Mubanga said.

Mr. Mubanga further stated that Zambia will not be the first country in the world to default on the sovereign debt as there are some bigger economies that have defaulted in the past and still managed to rebound afterwards.

He cited Switzerland, Mexico, Greece and France as some of the countries that have defaulted on the sovereign debts in the past.

Last month, government missed payment of $42.5 million coupon on one of its Eurobonds and had asked the creditors to delay interest payment until April.

The bondholders have however not agreed to the request and the country is today supposed to make the payment or record a default.

Minister of Finance told Reuters yesterday that government was doing everything possible to avoid defaulting.

CK Urges ECZ to extend Voter Registration Exercise.

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CK Urges ECZ to extend Voter Registration Exercise.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Mr. Chishimba Kambwili has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider extending the ongoing voter registration exercise owing to the many challenges being experienced so far during Registration.

Commenting on the exercise which started on Monday 9th November 2020 and runs up until December 12th 2020, Mr. Kambwili has described the registration process as tedious.
He added that even if the process is cumbersome, Zambians should not be discouraged from trooping to registration centres but ensure that they register in masses.

He further advised the Electoral Commission Zambia to increase its manpower at registration centers as well as bringing additional machinery to capture prospective voters who are trooping to these centers.

Mr. Kambwili said this after successfully registering as a voter in the Roan constituency this morning.

He noted that there is power in the vote adding that Zambians have a chance to determine the destine of their future next year using the ballot.

The highlight of his Registration however came when he discovered that his details had been filled in as “female” but it was however rectified and corrected before his voter’s card was issued.

Mr. Kambwili was accompanied by NDC National Mobilisation Chairperson Mr. Christopher Mutale and his Private Secretary Fabian Mutale

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