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State House says President Hakainde Hichilema will attend Saturday’s Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony as a citizen and enthusiast of the event.
Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka issued the following statement.
“We wish to clarify once again President Hakainde Hichilema’s attendance at the Kuomboka Ceremony this Saturday, following various accounts circulating on various media platforms. President Hichilema is fully aware of the invitation of His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Chitimukulu as the guest of honor at this year’s Kuomboka ceremony. This invitation is a reciprocal gesture, following last year’s invitation of King Lubosi Imwiko II as the guest of honor at the Kusefya Pa Ngwena ceremony in the Northern Province, which President Hichilema fully supported.
It must be emphasized that President Hichilema is not intending to usurp or take over the Chitimukulu’s role as Guest of Honour at this year’s Kuomboka ceremony. He is simply attending as a citizen and enthusiast of the event. Indeed, President Hichilema has participated in the Kuomboka and many other ceremonies across the country long before he entered mainstream politics. Even as an opposition leader, he attended these ceremonies not as a guest of honor, but as a citizen who respects traditions, and as a headman in his own right.
Looking ahead, President Hichilema encourages cultural exchanges among traditional leaders, where ceremonies and other traditional engagements are presided over by traditional leaders from different regions. This initiative will undoubtedly promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in our country. President Hichilema holds deep respect for Their Majesties King Lubosi Imwiko II and The Chitimukulu. As President, he urges all citizens to respect our rich and diverse culture and traditions.
The President is looking forward to joining other patrons and the Lozi people at this weekend’s Kuomboka ceremony. ”
Meanwhile Chitimukulu as said it will be an honor to be in the presence of President Hakiande Hichilema.
Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking People said it will be a great honor for him and the Litunga of the Barotseland to meet President Hakainde Hichilema during the 2024 Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony of the Lozi people of Western Province in privacy.
The Chitimukulu, who is the Guest of Honour at the annual Traditional Ceremony, said this will provide the three leaders an opportunity to confer in privacy on a number of issues affecting their people and the nation. The Mwinelubemba said he sees nothing wrong with the President attending the ceremony despite being invited as the Guest of Honor and advised people to avoid creating discontent over a non-issue. He advised people to ignore social media gossip.
The decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to attend this year’s Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony in his capacity as a subject of the Litunga has raised dust especially among political players who have called on the President not to go uninvited.
Reformist Mubita Nawa’s candidacy for one of the world’s most prestigious police jobs is entering a critical stage as preliminary assessments are set for next week. Mr. Nawa is vying for the position of Secretary General of International Police (INTERPOL) and is facing competition from three candidates from the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The Zambia Police Service director of administration is undaunted by competition and stands not only on the standard virtues of policing but also on the pedestal of reform so that INTERPOL reflects a true global image. The Deputy commissioner of police is inspired by his passion for a world safe for everyone and one that presents opportunities to all. His candidature also seeks to reverse a trend that has excluded Africa for more than 100 years of INTERPOL’s existence as the position of Secretary General has only been held by representatives outside the continent. And that, Mr. Nawa says, should be the beginning of reform. Should he go through, as he believes he will, reform will start from within the executive committee and secretariat which are seemingly a closed shop for Africa. His blueprint also details major changes even in the way projects are spread across the globe so that they reflect the global character of the organization. Preliminary assessments of the four candidates are set for April 22 to 26 while the final will be around June. Despite facing an obvious stiff competition, Mr. Nawa is unfazed as his confidence is full to the brim not only because of the reform agenda but his unparalleled curriculum vitae that clearly sets him apart. “I am very confident as I believe I have the right expertise, exposure, and experience for the job,” Mr. Nawa says. He has immense exposure and experience in international law enforcement from the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations, and Interpol.
Backing
Apart from endorsement of the Zambian government, Mr. Nawa boasts of support almost throughout Africa. The African Union at its recent summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia unanimously agreed to rally behind one African candidate which is Zambia. His strength so far includes exposure to a wide range of jurisdictions, different international organizations, having worked in several multi-cultural environments, and having worked at leadership positions in all these places. Mr. Nawa has gained experience at operational and strategic level, especially the experience of the realities of the policing challenges, dynamics, and realities from the field having been Director of the Interpol regional bureau for Southern Africa. Being the only African candidate, Mr. Nawa also has the consensus of countries to implement change of the status quo. He sees the Executive Committee voting for the Secretary General and not the General Assembly as the only threat. “The Brazilian candidate is a member of the Executive Committee where he is vice president for the Americas region, which is responsible for the interviews and selection of the SG. The United Kingdom candidate Stephen Kavanagh is the Executive Director Police Service at Interpol headquarters, technically number two from the Secretary General. The fourth contestant is Faisal Shankah. While Mr. Nawa is still struggling to raise resources for his campaign, the Brazilian candidate Valdery Urquiza and his UK counterpart can traverse the world directly meeting Heads of State and Government under the guise of their current positions while canvassing for support for their candidacy. He is also disadvantaged by not having direct access at certain levels which in some cases delays the campaign activities. “Direct access allows for proper briefings and putting the authorities in a clear perspective of the processes involved. Reporting through third parties creates information gaps,” Mr. Nawa says. He has engaged relevant offices to assist. “For instance, I have direct access to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation senior officials. We have been having physical and virtual meetings arranged by Foreign Affairs,” Mr. Nawa says.
Traders from Chongwe transporting charcoal to the market in Lusaka on their bicycles
The news on the directive to ban charcoal production announced by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment through the Honorable Minister has been received with mixed feelings by members of the public, As the Forestry Institute of Zambia, we would like to address the recent decision by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to ban the issuance of permits for charcoal production in certain districts of Central Province. First and foremost, we express our full support for the government’s initiative to address the pressing issue of deforestation, particularly in the identified districts of Mumbwa, Itezhi Tezhi, and Shibuyunji.
The unprecedented levels of deforestation pose a significant threat not only to our environment but also to the livelihoods of countless Zambians who depend on the forests for their sustenance and economic well-being. The decision to ban the issuance of charcoal production permits underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action. Forest degradation and deforestation are indeed critical concerns, especially in light of the recent declaration of a national disaster by our esteemed Republican President. It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to preserve our natural heritage for current and future generations. Furthermore, we firmly believe that the ban on charcoal production permits should not be limited to the three mentioned districts but should be extended to all parts of Zambia. The trade in charcoal, while lucrative, exacts a heavy toll on our environment and contributes significantly to deforestation. Therefore, a comprehensive and nationwide ban on charcoal production is necessary to curb this destructive practice and promote sustainable alternatives. One such alternative that warrants exploration and promotion is the adoption of charcoal briquettes to replace raw charcoal. Charcoal briquettes offer a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution, utilizing waste from both forest products and agricultural sources.
Initiatives such as the ongoing project in Katete including same initiatives in other districts demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of transitioning to charcoal briquettes as a cleaner and more sustainable energy source It is crucial to emphasize that while we support this emphatic and courageous move by the government, measures must be put in place to protect the livelihoods of those in the charcoal value chain and promote alternative energy sources for charcoal users.
We call upon the government to place emphasis on the measures that will be put in place to ensure that those currently affected by this ban can easily adopt new and more sustainable energy sources. These measure may include incentivizing business houses and persons engaged in importation and trade of alternative energy technologies by removing any taxes or duty associated with such completely as well as exploring the enhancement of possible means of utilizing the Constituency Development Funds to finance the access to alternative energy sources by members of the public. In implementing these interventions, it is anticipated that compliance with environmental standards and guidelines will increase, leading to a reduction in deforestation rates and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Programmes focusing on sustainable land and forest management, community-based natural resources management, water catchment protection, and natural resource valuation will be key to achieving these objectives. As we embark on this journey towards sustainable development, it is essential to engage all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Collaboration and collective action will be vital in overcoming the complex challenges posed by deforestation and environmental degradation. We encourage citizens to embrace this development and not to have any fear regarding this ban. As earlier alluded to, this action well established in the 8th National Development Plan on page 64 to be precise and is not targeted at specific region but will roll out to the rest of the country in due course. We encourage Zambians to embrace a mindset shift and begin to invest in alternative energy sources such as solar for their domestic lighting, entertainment and cooking at household level. The Forestry Institute of Zambia stands ready to support and collaborate with the government and all relevant stakeholders in implementing the ban on charcoal production permits and promoting sustainable alternatives. Together, we can work towards a future where our forests are preserved, our environment is protected, and our people thrive in harmony with nature.
Yours In Service,
Eng. Chaliafya Katungula
Secretary General
FORESTRY INSTITUTE OF ZAMBIA
By Field Ruwe, EdD PLEASE NOTE: I am an academic, not a politician, and do not envision myself as having a political career. This is a thoroughly researched piece of work, not an opinion editorial. You have to read the entire article to fully comprehend its content.
On July 12, 1966, Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, spoke: “I have to reiterate on this most important occasion what I have already said in the past, that as far as education is concerned, Britain’s colonial record is most criminal. This country has been left by her as the most uneducated and the most unprepared of Britain’s dependencies on the African continent. This record is even treasonable to mankind when it is recalled that in the seventy years of British occupation, Zambia has never lacked money, and, except for a year or two, her budget has never been subsidized by the British Treasury.”
The occasion was the official opening of the University of Zambia. The above quote was Kaunda’s scathing rebuke of Britain’s failure to develop a robust educational system in Northern Rhodesia. In January 1964, the then Prime Minister Kaunda had received the controversial 1963 Lockwood Report on the establishment of the University of Zambia.
In planning the establishment of the University of Zambia, the Lockwood Committee recommended that the proposed University of Zambia entrance requirements be a “lower level than was the norm in Africa” [see Report on the Development of a University in Northern Rhodesia, 1963]. This decision can be grandfathered into the University of Zambia’s degree deemed as inferior by the UK NARIC recognition agency.
It is imperative to keep a sense of historical perspective to fully understand where I am headed with this. Between 1890 and 1925, the absence of a defined educational policy in Northeastern Rhodesia and Northwestern Rhodesia, established under the British South African Company, was due to Cecil Rhodes’ opposition to educating natives. Consequently, Rhodes refused to create a budget for the education of indigenous people in the two territories. It was Rhodes who inserted words like “inferior,” “primitive,” and “backward,” in the “othering” language that white settlers perpetuated and Queen Victoria failed to condemn.
Upon the British government assuming control of the two regions and establishing Northern Rhodesia in 1925, the American Phelps-Stokes Commission was formed with the aim of developing an education system suitable for the local inhabitants. The commission advocated for the training of Northern Rhodesia’s indigenous population in skills like manual labor and craftsmanship, instead of establishing Western-type schools like was the case in other British territories in Africa. Similarly, the British implementation of the education system for indigenous inhabitants of Northern Rhodesia between 1925 and 1964 aimed to align with many of the proposals put forth by the Phelps-Stokes Commission.
Apparently, the Lockwood Committee chaired by Sir John Lockwood, former Vice Chancellor of London University, was aware of the Phelps-Stokes Commission’s recommendations. Conceived out of a conference on the Development of Higher Education in Central Africa, held in September 1962, at Antananarivo, Malagasy, the Lockwood Committee was tasked with the establishment of a university in Northern Rhodesia.
The then Minister of Local Government and Social Welfare, Kenneth Kaunda, was hoping the proposed Zambia University (University of Zambia) would replicate the educational models of Makerere University (Uganda), Dar-es-Salaam University (Tanzania), University of Nairobi (Kenya). These institutions like the others in the British colonies in Africa mirrored the higher education system of Great Britain and held affiliations with the University of London.
Between 1946 and 1970, the University of London engaged in collaborative efforts referred to as “schemes of special relations” with universities in the Commonwealth. Such institutions were conferred a royal charter which granted them specific privileges. The charter, signed by the Queen of England, enabled colonial universities to align with the University of London on matters such as student admission criteria, course content, examination procedures, and academic affairs.
Imbued in the British imperial doctrine of keeping the indigenous people of Northern Rhodesia at the bottom of the totem pole, Sir John Lockwood, a former Vice Chancellor of the London University, made no effort to enroll the University of Zambia into schemes of special relations with the University of London. Instead, the Lockwood Committee deviated from the British education model and made the University of Zambia autonomous, as opposed to a university benefiting from the British education system.
Kaunda was fully aware of this. After completing his studies at Munali Central Trade School in 1941, Kaunda acknowledged the importance of acquiring a British education. The British Department of Education had imposed the British system of education and their language on their colonies. As education began to occupy a prominent position in the consciousness of the indigenous inhabitants, the desire to learn English and attend British schools surged.
Bearing this in mind, Kaunda, who assumed office as republican president on October 24, 1964, was infuriated upon learning that the Lockwood Commission had excluded Zambia from the schemes of special relations. He became even more outraged when he discovered Zambia was the only country in the Commonwealth omitted. Dissatisfied with the Lockwood Report, Chancellor Kaunda contemplated the rationale behind the unjust treatment that Her Majesty’s most affluent African territory had endured in its educational history. He could not help but to suspect an element of racism in the decision-making process.
In the scholarly paper titled “Education in Zambia: Qualitative Expansion at the Expense of Qualitative Improvement,” J. Elliot sheds light on the intentional racist actions taken by colonial masters and white settlers in Northern Rhodesia to impede the educational advancement of indigenous people in Northern Rhodesia. According to Elliot, the underlying motivation was driven by self-interest and the desire to secure own employment and uphold a system that kept the native population uneducated and limited to menial jobs.
Elliot’s supposition was reflected in the Lockwood Report that set out to keep the indigenous people in an inferior status by recommending a University of Zambia of a lower caliber compared to other universities in the Commonwealth. The Lockwood Committee, in its recommendation, proposed that the University of Zambia should have admission criteria that were relatively lower compared to other African and colonial universities.
The committee provided a rationale for its decision by referencing the limited number of “A” level Form Six graduates and asserting that exclusively admitting them to the University of Zambia would restrict academic prospects. The committee further recommended that achieving a specific standard of performance in the “O” level of the G.C.E. examination should be the basis for admission into degree programs of the University of Zambia. This marked a stark departure from the usual practice in the Commonwealth of Nations, in which university admission typically necessitated “A” levels.
On independence day, the Kaunda government encountered a significant dearth of human resources, as there were only one thousand indigenous Zambians possessing school certificates and a mere one hundred university graduates who had schooled abroad. With this, Kaunda, in need of rapid acceleration, failed to condemn and challenge the recommendations of the Lockwood Committee. In 1965, Kaunda went ahead and commissioned the building of the University of Zambia on Great East Road as recommended by the Commission.
The following year, the University of Zambia admitted 233 degree students, with the highest degree available at the time being a Bachelor’s. Among the total student population, 204 students with “O” levels were required to take a year of “A” levels, while the remaining 29 students who already had “A” levels were able to enter directly into the second year of studies. As a result, the first cohort of degree students completed a two-year program and earned a comprehensive four-year degree upon graduation, while “A” level students took three years to complete their studies.
In 1967, the University of Zambia provided equal opportunities for degree examinations to external candidates, without any distinction in the qualifications obtained. The imposition of this proposal, supposedly in response to the Zambian government’s request for skilled labor, ultimately led to a further reduction in quality standards. Furthermore, standards were diminished when the Committee suggested the introduction of correspondence studies.
The historical context outlined in this article reveals that UNZA was established not with the intention of conforming to global standard, but rather to addressing the specific requirements of Zambia. Consequently, the university continues to struggle to achieve its intended roles as a prestigious educational institution, a repository of knowledge, and a hub of innovative research.
As long as the University of Zambia maintains its status quo, the UK NARIC evaluation that has bedeviled the UNZA graduate and degraded his/her degree to an inferior diploma level will maintain the stigma.
The most serious obstacle to the growth of the university is its reluctance to jettison the Lockwood recommendations and embrace a universally accepted dynamic ecosystem that spurs sound and relevant academic programs. It is the opinion of this author that the university should no longer draw its inspiration from the local environment but from those universities around the world that have created educational systems that yield positive outcomes.
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.
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work that late politician, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula believed in.
Mr Hichilema said the current crop of leaders must draw lessons from the late Nkumbula’s entrepreneurship skills and his strong spirit amid hardships.
Speaking when he launched the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation in Lusaka , Mr Hichilema advised Zambians to remain strong amid the crisis of the drought.He explained that the late Nkumbula was a strong and skilled fundraiser who went from house to house for any form of donation in order to champion and finance the independence struggle that time.
Mr Hichilema also praised the late Nkumbula for promoting unity and democracy in the country which Zambians are now enjoying.
“From this illustrious son of the soil, Zambians must learn lessons to be industrious, hard work, strong and have entrepreneurial skills in order to contribute positively to the growth of the country, my message to Zambians is to work hard and nothing else,” he said.
He added that the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work which Nkumbula espoused must be embraced by Zambians through setting up businesses to generate resources to help grow the economy.
The President indicated that once the country has a functional economy, sectors such as education, health, agriculture among others will receive significant support to benefit the Zambians.He said to this effect, his government will continue promoting the investment expenditure which he described as key in building the economy as opposed to the consumption type of economy.
He further said that despite facing various challenges such as cholera, Covid-19 and climate change crisis, especially the drought, Zambians must remain steadfast and hopeful to surmount them.
“I implore every Zambian to learn lessons from Nkumbula to remain strong for us to achieve our intended goals in life, Nkumbula, Kenneth Kaunda and other political figures showed tenacity and dedication to fight for independence, “ he said.
Mr Hichilema stressed that his government is on top of things to devise a climate change resilient mechanism in order for the country to remain strong and afloat.
He observed that Zambia is on the economic growth trajectory especially after restructuring the huge debt the country had with bondholders and other official creditors.
The President has since commended the Nkumbula family for the establishment of the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation which will help to preserve political history among others.
And Chief Justice Mumba Malila described, late Nkumbula as an outstanding statesman who believed in the rule of law and a proponent of democratic tenets.He observed that Nkumbula’s political life today stands as a reminder of a man who had a vision to liberate Zambia and promoted peace which the Zambians are now enjoying.
Justice Malila said the memories of Nkumbula reminds Zambians of the requisite value that a good leader must possess, such as tolerance, vision, humility among others.He added that the late Nkumbula held a high ethical standard and principles in his pursuit for freedom from British rule.The Chief Justice said Mr Nkumbula was an influential political figure who served the nation with an unshakeable belief in national reconciliation.
In her vote of thanks, the late Nkumbula’s daughter, Ompie Nkumbula praised President Hichilema for the introduction of the free education policy and that her late father was a proponent of offering quality education to all.
She thanked President Hichilema for eulogizing her father for scoring on education and entrepreneurship prior to Independence which had set a tone for Zambia.
The late Nkumbula, who was born in 1916 and died in 1983, was the second and longest serving president of Zambia’s foremost political organisation, the African National Congress (ANC).
The Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation (HMNF) was established this year by the Nkumbula family to preserve the memory of the late leader to promote and defend the principles of Liberal nationalism for which he stood.
The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) of Zambia has emphasized that the public should benefit from properties forfeited due to dubious acquisition, a sentiment echoed by Deputy State Chief Advocate Margaret Chitundu.
During an inspection of forfeited properties in Lusaka’s State Lodge area, valued at over K9 million , Chitundu led a team comprising officers from the NPA and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). These properties belong to Chiyeso, the daughter of former President Edgar Lungu.
The forfeited properties consist of two farms featuring a high-cost house, four chicken runs, and three flats. Chitundu stated that these assets, now under state ownership, will serve the interests of Zambians. They will either be rented out or repurposed as rehabilitation centers for the DEC.
Chali Mbewe-Hambayi, the NPA’s Public Relations Officer, affirmed the institutions’ dedication to combating financial crimes. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities do not profit from their illicit actions.
In a judgment delivered, the court was on firm ground that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had successfully made out its case for non-conviction-based forfeiture of tainted property.
According to the investigations, it was revealed that the Account belonging to Ms Chiyeso Lungu had no significant transactions from the time it was opened until around mid-2018 when it started being used as a salary account as shown in the Bank Statement exhibited during court proceedings.
These assets, acquired through illicit means, will now be fortified by the state as part of the efforts to dismantle criminal networks and ensure justice is served.
The forfeiture of Chiyeso Lungu’s properties underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies and the justice system to combatting money laundering and holding perpetrators accountable. This action sends a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated, and those who engage in criminal behavior will face severe consequences.
NPA commended the diligent work of the investigators and prosecutors involved in this case, whose dedication and perseverance have led to this significant milestone in the fight against crime. Their efforts reflect the tireless pursuit of justice and the protection of our communities from harm.
The public was urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals involved in financial crimes.
Forfeited properties that belonged to former President Lungu’s daughterForfeited properties that belonged to former President Lungu’s daughter
By Chimwemwe Mwanza
It’s indisputable, Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndlovu and Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu rank as two of the best soccer stars to have emerged from Zambia. However, choosing as to who between the two is the greatest to have donned the famous copper jersey is a difficult ask. Confession, I never watched either play for Zambia – I was born three years after Mobutu’s boys – the then ‘Leopards’ of Zaire trounced Zambia in the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations played in the land of the Pharaohs.
Fast forward and thanks to my grandmother, Rosemary ‘Mbuya Rose’ Mvula who was living in Mufulira’s section 5 then, she rewarded my improved performance in my third primary grade with a ticket to watch a Mighty Mufulira Wanderers VS Kabwe Warriors match at the famed Shinde stadium. With uncle John Mvula in tow and first time in a soccer stadium, this proved an electrifying
experience for yours truly. While chants of ‘Mighty iwine chungulo’ were reverberating outside the stadium, fans inside, were dancing to a different anthem – ‘Mpakafye litente isumbo,’ loosely translated as it’s never over in Shinde until the net bulges – this was and is still Mighty’s war cry.
I’m privileged to have watched King Kalu torment the Warriors defence on that day and the net bulged twice without response from Warriors courtesy of Kalu’s goals – this was shortly before Belgian soccer club Cercle Brugge snapped him for a career in the Jupiler league. The reason for this background is simple – I belong to Kalusha’s era of football and fan base, which is why for me, he remains Zambia’s greatest of all time. Thanks to his exploits on that day, I grew to love soccer. In this context, few would disagree that soccer is Zambia’s staple sport – the only one which transcends all barriers including politics.
Back to the Zoom and Ucar debate – admittedly, I never watched either play yet I’m conflicted for an honesty opinion. The reason being, I’m a die-hard Magnificent Kabwe Warriors fan, therefore the guy who plundered 107 goals in one soccer season is sort-of my second choice after Kalu. Yet great as Zoom, Ucar and Kalu were and have been to the history and development of Zambian soccer,none ever hoisted the AFCON trophy.
Why I respect Rainford
Enter Herve Reinhard as Zambia’s coach, I drove to Rand Stadium east of Johannesburg, South Africa in early Jan 2012 at the invitation of a friend Dickson Malama to watch a soccer practice between Zambia and a select South African side. Playing under the tutelage of Reinhard – and with King Kalu who by then was in charge of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in attendance, one could see the hunger and passion in the boys. Although Nathan Sinkala’s ball marshalling skills in the middle of the pack were a revelation, one skinny player whose heels barely touched the ground prowled Zambia’s right wing with mesmerising skills. He caught my attention.
Every time this player touched the ball, Collins Mbesuma and Christopher Katongo would run into space shouting, ‘Master, pantashi, bika pantashi iwe’ and this lad would then string a diagonal but pin-pointed pass, landing straight onto Mbesuma’s foot. The net bulged ceaselessly on that day courtesy of Mbesuma’s thunderous left foot. After the practise session, I rushed to the team bus hoping to catch a glimpse of the players and with specific intent of shaking the so called ‘Master’ ‘s
hand.
Drawing closer to this player, Lusekelo Kamwambi, a giant of a man and whom I later came to learn was the team manager shoved me in my neck almost choking me to the ground. ‘Ta mumwene ati nabanaka aba, balekeni baye batushe’ translated as can’t you see that these people are tired, give them a chance to rest. On realising that his actions were barbaric, Kamwambi who has since become a good friend immediately reached out for an apology – the price for his behaviour prompted him to summon the ‘Master’ Rainford Kalaba with whom we quickly shook hands.
Rainford is naturally shy – a person of few words. He could barely focus on our chat, actually he was aloof, couldn’t care less about my handshake. If it were up to him, he wanted this conversation concluded within seconds. With the burly Kamwambi lurking in the background, I quickly expressed my admiration for his skills and wished him and the rest of the team success at the AFCON tournament which was due to kick-off in a few days. To which he replied. ‘Tukabadabwisha, mukese tutambako bigge,’ translated as we will shock them, come watch us, was all he muttered before bouncing into the protective company of Kamwambi – and off they boarded the bus.
Say what you may, Rainford is talent personified – a gifted footballer with a football brain. His twinkle feet possess a blend of Kalu’s dribbling skills yet he lacks the King’s sprinting abilities. What he lacked in speed though, he compensated with his incisive passing abilities only comparable to Charles Musonda’s astuteness. How prophetic that Zambia won the AFCON cup in Libreville Gabon – the same country in which 22 of its soccer players, including coaches, Ucar Chitalu, Alex Chola, then
FAZ chairman Micheal Mwape and the entire Airforce crew commandeering that fateful Buffalo plane, all perished.
Rainford was one of the standout performers of the 2012 AFCON tournament. The fact that he missed a penalty that should have ended the spot kick contest with Corte D’Ivoire was off little consequence – Stopilla Sunzu stepped up to slot the winning kick sending the fans back home and the entire country into a frenzy. Who can forget the sight of a disconsolate Didier Drogba, Kolo
Touré and Gervinho watching Chris Katongo hoisting the continent’s most prized golden trophy?
In that moment of disbelief, one would have been forgiven for believing God was Zambian. Thanks to this team, the country finally etched its name among pantheons of African football – in the process nudged us closer to finding closure on the death of our soccer team. The fact that this lad is more loved and appreciated in the DRC – despite retiring from active soccer is largely due to his exploits at the Moise Katumbi owned TP Mazembe football club. In addition to the AFCON medal,Rainford is the only Zambian player to boast 3 Africa Club Champion league medals in his drawer -his near equal Bubble Malitoli only has one which he won while playing for Tunisian giants Esperance. Enough respect.
Off course, it’s tragic that a life was lost in the accident that led to his near-death experience but who on earth is without wrong or sin? Truth remains, Master has done this country proud. His behaviour on the field always reflected that of a patriot that was always prepared to die for their country. As such, I rather remember Rainford for his on-field than outside the pitch antics.
Best wishes in your recovery, son of the soil.
Mwanza is an ardent soccer fan. He supports Kabwe Warriors and Liverpool. He also enjoys reading history and philosophy. For feedback, contact, [email protected]
In our press release of 10 November 2023 Appendix 1, we raised questions about the long closure of the Kasenseli gold mine. They followed strange and totally unfair accusations against ZCCM-IH, the withdrawal of a so-called social licence by Mines Minister Kabuswe that does not exist in any other Zambian mine, recurring rumours of illegal gold mining inside and outside the perimeter of the ZCCM-IH concession, the initial objective given to ZCCM-IH of supporting the kwacha with the exploitation of Zambian gold,…
2. Surreal deadlines
On 23 october 2021, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe has suspended operations and said “What I can tell you is that the new dawn government always has the best interest of the nation and workers at heart. This is not a decision that will take forever. We have given ourselves maybe within a month to be able to resolve all the issues” (Appendix 2). Two and a half years later, the mine is still closed. The Minister recently announced that it would reopen at the end of February 2024. Now on social networks, a new deadline is given for the end of June 2024 with endless discussions with Chief Chibwika, who is described as “ greedy ”.
3. The poor people of Mwinilunga urge reopening
On 6 April 2023, Mwinilunga town Council Chairperson Jonathan Chinyimba has called upon President Hakainde Hichilema to quickly push up reopening of Kasenseli Gold mine. He said the delay has caused the people of Mwinilunga to remain in poverty, and
remain without employment as youths are crying day and night. (Appendix 3)
4. The situation has gone on long enough: Chief Chibwika is irresponsible, selfish and greedy We are aware of the customary rules between the Chiefs and the Zambian government. However, we are flabbergasted by the posture and actions of irresponsible Chief Chibwika who is seriously damaging the interests of his community, who has absolutely no consideration or care for the poor people of his Chiefdom, or for the interests of the country, when the GRZ is struggling to try to stem the collapse of the kwacha and improve the living conditions of the zambian poor people.
This is why we request the GRZ to intervene as soon as possible to finally reopen the Kasenseli mine despite the shady prevarication and current attitude of Chief Chibwika. His status as Chief is now totally discredited and undermined by his irresponsible,selfish and greedy behaviour and by his actions, which are contrary to the interests of his own Subjects and of the Country.
Issued by:
Thierry CHARLES
Spokesperson of Minority Shareholders of ZCCM-IH
17 April 2024, FRANCE.
Lusaka Central Member of Parliament, Mulambo Haimbe says the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has continued to impact learners at David Kaunda Technical School in Lusaka.
Mr Haimbe who is also Minister of Justice said the CDF committee in his constituency has been actively donating additional resources to the school to enhance sanitation.
The Member of Parliament was speaking when he led his CDF committee on a conducted tour of the school.
He said the recent provision of mattresses and desks funded by the CDF has significantly improved the learning environment at David Kaunda Technical School.
He highlighted several ongoing CDF projects within the Lusaka Central Constituency which include school renovations and loan distributions, all aimed at uplifting the community and empowering its residents.
“In a significant development, the government has increased the CDF allocation. This boost will directly benefit essential projects, including the DK initiative, which has already received donations from the CDF,” he added.
Mr Haimbe pointed out that CDF remains a vital tool for progress, impacting education and addressing.
And Ministry of Information and Media Director, Spokesperson, Henry Kapata has outlined the government’s concern on the load shedding to the school.
Mr Kapata said the government will improve the power potential of rivers by strategically placing power plants along their course and identifying rain-attracted areas for hydroelectric power.
He assured citizens that the considerations will help mitigate the power deficit and improve energy reliability.
Meanwhile CDF committee chairperson Kapya Kagombe said they will continue supporting schools through CDF and empowerment grants.
And the Dk Head Teacher Moreen Tonga appreciated the governments support through the donation of desks and other utilities.
I commend the government for recovering – through an out of court settlement – $24 million from former Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) provisional liquidator Milingo Lungu. However, I do have several questions about this deal.
First, how much did Milingo Lungu take out of KCM altogether from which the $24m has been recovered? If there has never been a full audit to establish how much money he got from the company he was appointed to liquidate, can the government explain why. The sum of $24m may look like a lot of money, but if it has been taken out of $300m, for instance, it is peanuts. There are credible reports that Milingo Lungu was found with $60m in various banks within Zambia alone. How has this amount come down to $24m? Where is the $36m difference? Can the government explain, please.
Second, since the Hichilema administration simply replaced Milingo Lungu with its own provisional liquidator, Celine Meena Nair, how do we establish with certainty that Nair did not extract similarly huge sums of money from KCM the same way her predecessor was doing? Yes, KCM has since been handed back to Vedanta Resources Ltd, but Nair had hitherto served as KCM provisional liquidator for nearly two years, having been appointed to the role on 9 May 2022. Nothing structurally – in terms of the weaknesses that enabled Milingo Lungu to extract such large sums of money from KCM – had fundamentally changed during her tenure. How much was the substitute liquidator being paid? What were her terms of engagement? Can the government publish the contract she was given? Or are we to wait until after a change of government before we establish the possible plunder that may have occurred under the substitute liquidator?
Third, what is the fate of the senior government officials that Milingo Lungu had named in court – in a matter that has since been discontinued to pave the way for this out of court settlement – as those with whom he had cut a deal in exchange for immunity from criminal prosecution? In April 2022, Milingo Lungu told the Constitutional Court that he had evidence of how he cut a deal to stop his prosecution with key State actors namely Principal Private Secretary to the President Bradford Machila, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, Solicitor General Marshal Muchende, Director of Public Prosecutions Lillian Fulata Siyunyi, Special Assistant to the President for Legal Affairs Christopher Mundia and Administrator General and Official Receiver Natasha Kalimukwa.
Was this $24m deal cut to prevent Milingo Lungu from presenting this evidence – reported to be recordings of his meetings with the named State officials – before court to protect the implicated officers? And who presided over this latest deal? If it was the Attorney General’s chambers, was the government not short-changed – assuming Milingo Lungu had more money than the amount forfeited – given that Kabesha and Muchende had both been named as among the officers who had cut an earlier deal with him in exchange for immunity from prosecution? If this deal with Milingo Lungu was, as reported, done by Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director General Nason Banda, can Banda swear that $24m is all the money they found on the former KCM provisional liquidator? And did the naming of State House and government officials who were involved in the earlier deal have a bearing on this settlement? In other words, how much pressure was exerted or put on Banda, if any, to agree to this deal considering the powerful positions of the people that were named by Milingo Lungu as the architects of his immunity deal and who may have had much to lose if the court case had gone to an open trial?
Fourth, what exactly are the terms of the government’s out of court settlement with Milingo Lungu? Can the alleged consent agreement be published in the name of transparency and public interest so that Zambians – in whose name the deal was supposedly cut – may find answers to some of the questions that arise from the deal? For example, what did the State pledge to Milingo Lungu in return for the latter agreeing to forfeit this money that he had all along claimed was lawfully earned as part of the contract he had signed with KCM? Did Milingo Lungu agree to surrender this money without admitting criminality? If he has been allowed to walk away without a formal record of criminal conviction, what stops Milingo Lungu from being appointed as provisional liquidator of another state entity in future? If he has admitted criminality, what next? Will he go to prison? Or are we seeing the creation of a two-tier justice system in Zambia: one where VIP criminals get away with the plunder of public resources, provided they pay back a portion of the loot, and another where ordinary Zambians are sent to prison for misdemeanours such as stealing a chicken or a bag of mealie meal?
Fifth, did the government ask Milingo Lungu to declare all his assets? If he has not been asked to do so, why? If he has, where can the public find this evidence? It is said that Milingo Lungu is a wealthy man. The public deserves to know if this is true, and, if it is, how this wealth was acquired, whether it was legitimately earned, and if he became wealthy after or before he became KCM provisional liquidator. And while we are here, when will President Hichilema and his presidential aides publish their assets and declarations? There are credible reports of a very senior official in the presidency who recently secretly opened three bank accounts for their children and wife in the UK, and two other officials who did the same in South Africa. There is nothing wrong with opening offshore accounts, provided the money that is ending in these accounts is earned from legitimate income and the concerned public officials can explain how they earned it – when the time comes! For now, all that we need from President Hichilema, his aides, and other public officials, is for them to publicly declare their assets and liabilities. That is all. Can they please do this if they have nothing to hide? This kind of transparency is very important to the fight against corruption. Tasila Lungu, who served as a councillor under the Patriotic Front, has been made to account for differences between her actual income and declared assets when the father was in office, but this is only possible because she declared her assets, which were also published. How are we going to know if President Hichilema and his aides are looting public funds – directly or indirectly as enablers – when they have not publicly declared their assets and liabilities?
Don’t pass judgment on President Hakainde Hichilema before the final whistle. He has 90 minutes to play the game and the Coach is not Uka or A Lungu. It’s the people of Zambia who decide to substitute a prolific striker like President HH at a general election.
How do you substitute a Mbappe or Barbara Banda who is scoring in every game putting Zambia 30 points clear on top of the league?
Does it mean when you are in opposition, it’s just to oppose everything?
I however, I wish to 100 percent agree with our colleagues in the opposition that space for the opposition to oppose has shrunk. But for which reasons? Soon they will have nothing left to oppose. I do not know what Kalaba, Lungu and Nawakwi would have been opposing if the Lord had blessed the country with good rains because HH fixed the loadshedding and we even forgot
about Load Shedding in Zambia.
He revives a new mine Mopani: you oppose.
He builds a new solar plant in Kitwe: you oppose.
Provide free education: you oppose.
Meal allowances for university students: opposed.
Student allowances to be removed when “alebwelelapo” comes back to power. UUUHHHHH Wena Man? Which power? Where? Anyway dreams are allowed.
The game started in August 2021 and will end in August 2026 giving us 60 months. 30 months which half of 60 is February 2024. We are now in April 2024 meaning the game has just begun its 2nd half.
Tekanyani! Imwe Ba Lungu Naba Uka. Bola ni 90 minutes
Residents of Roan Constituency in Luanshya district on the Copperbelt province of Zambia have appealed to politicians not to politicize developmental programs taking place in the area.
The residents said it was unfortunate that some politicians in Zambia were not happy with the dewatering of the 28 shaft mine which has been waterlogged and non operational for 23 years.
Speaking on behalf of the residents,former Patriotic Front Baluba ward 24 councillor Gershom Mpundu said the move taken by President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND administration to commission the dewatering of 28 shaft mine was a welcome move as it is going to create about 3000 jobs thereby improving the economy of Luanshya and the nearby towns.
Mr Mpundu said apart from 28 shaft mine,the New Dawn Administration has also embarked on improving the road network in the area.
Mr Mpundu said people of Roan Constituency want to see development and not retrogressive politics.
“We don’t want cheap politics here, we want to see development we are tired of politicians who are against development,” he said.
He further noted that some politicians were just enriching themselves instead of working for the people.
Last week President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned the dewatering of 28 shaft mine which is expected to employ about 3000 people once operational.
In a significant development, former Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) provisional liquidator, Milingo Lungu, has forfeited a staggering $24 million to the Zambian state. The funds, deemed to be proceeds of crime under section 71 of the Forfeiture of the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, were surrendered following a consent judgment reached between Lungu and the state.
The forfeiture of the substantial sum follows an application for non-conviction forfeiture filed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Gilbert Phiri. The Economic and Financial Crimes Court, High Court division, received the application, wherein it was asserted that various amounts held in different accounts of Lungu’s law firm were tainted property obtained from illegal transactions.
Specifically, the seized amounts include over $7 million held at FNB, over $7 million held at Stanbic Bank, and $10 million held at ABSA Bank. This forfeiture marks a significant victory for the State in its pursuit of justice against financial malfeasance.
In response to the development, voices from various quarters have weighed in on the implications and significance of Lungu’s forfeiture. United Party for National Development (UPND) MP Romeo Kangombe issued a statement, decrying the forfeiture as evidence of the “Patriotic Front being a criminal syndicate.” They questioned the motives behind the KCM liquidation, alleging widespread looting.
“For those of you who were still doubting about the Patriotic Front being a criminal syndicate, the forfeiture of $24 million dollars to the state by former KCM Liquidator Milingo Lungu, is your answer.If a single individual tasked to liquidate KCM could defraud the country to a tune of $24 million, how much do you think his appointing authority got away with?” he asked
“Citizens of this country were deceived into believing that the liquidation of KCM was in national interest but the forfeiture of $24 million dollars has exposed the real reason behind the liquidation. Looting! When suppliers and workers were languishing in poverty, Lungu and his junkies were busy enriching themselves. Surely, how greedy can one be? With all the hefty salaries and allowances of the Presidency, he chose to also steal from the poor people of Chingola and other areas where KCM operated from. All criminals must be brought to book regardless of their status in society. Forfeiture is actually an admission of guilty and Milingo Lungu has admitted to defrauding the people and therefore must face the full wrath of the law,”Mr.Kangombe said.
Similarly, social commentator Laura Miti expressed disbelief at the magnitude of the forfeiture, suggesting that the recovered amount might only be a fraction of what was unlawfully acquired. She raised concerns about the wider implications of such corruption on Zambia’s economy and society.
“How an individual, in a small economy like Zambia’s, can have 24 million USD that he criminally acquired, to give back to the state so that he stays out of jail, just fries the mind.
Without question, that amount is not all he took. Chances are, a good stash is offshore right now.
To think that this is one person only! He was not the President nor Vice President. He was simply the President’s lackey.
Just how much was then taken out of our economy by the whole PF regime?
Bigger question – what was the plan? To turn us into Haiti? Some runaway gangland? Point is, sooner or later, money to line pockets from top to bottom was going to run out, but the appetite for astronomical wealth would have remained. Then dog eat dog would have hit.
US$24 million USD! The number of indigent Zambians that kind of money could place on social cash transfer, the amount of the forever in-short-supply cancer drugs purchase – simply the lives saved”, Laura Miti exclaimed.
Hon. Imanga Wamunyima Jr., Member of Parliament for Nalolo, condemned the criminal enterprise surrounding the KCM liquidation, emphasizing the enormity of Lungu’s forfeiture. He highlighted the disparity between Lungu’s ill-gotten gains and the hardships faced by unpaid workers and suppliers.
“Milingo Lungu, do you feel any shame? What about you President Lungu?? ” Hon Wamunyima asked
“US$$24 million forfeiture is not childs play! The liquidation of KCM was a criminal enterprise. While we understand the issues that led to the state taking over, a single individual surrendering $24 million is not Childs Play. Mr Milingo Lungu was capable of funding 20 constituencies with the enhanced CDF from his bank account. While numerous suppliers remained owed and workers remained unpaid we had such theft with impunity.
By the way mines which include KCM have been declaring losses for many years yet an individual accrued this much from its liquidation. While this recovery should have really ended up in a conviction and not consent judgement, the recovery is commendable.A crop of such leaders have no moral right to ever want to rule this country ever again!,Hon Wamunyima said.
The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) further announced a series of successful forfeitures totaling over $30.9 million from various high-profile cases in the past month. The recovery of such substantial sums signals a concerted effort by Zambian authorities to combat financial crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.
A young man called Kamilo bumped into Rainford Kalaba and Charlene Mkandwire early Saturday morning.The star struck soccer fan posted the encounter on social media. A few minuted later,that morning he edited his post to include a warning to drive safely as he had noticed the erratic driving of the car Kalaba was in. Unfortunately later in the day Rainford Kalaba was involved in a tragic accident that claimed the life of Charlene Mkandawire.
Meanwhile, Rainford Kalaba remains hospitalised at the University Teaching Hospital -Adult, where he continues to receive medical care.
UTH Public Relations Officer Nzeba Ilunga Chanda provided the latest update stating Mr. Kalaba’s condition shows significant improvement, with doctors noting a positive response to treatment.She said Mr. Kalaba is currently in a stable condition, which is encouraging news for his recovery.
Medical professionals at the hospital are diligently monitoring Mr. Kalaba’s progress and are committed to providing him with the necessary treatment to facilitate his improvement.The medical team remains dedicated to ensuring that Mr. Kalaba receives the best possible care and are employing all available resources to support his recovery process.
Below is an interview posted by Zed Now detailing the encounter Kamilo had with Rainford Kalaba
Charcoal production has been targeted as a critical factor in addressing the escalating climate crisis, as the government issues a ban on charcoal production permits in three districts.
In a decisive move to address the escalating climate crisis, the government has issued a ban on charcoal production permits in three districts. This directive, issued by the Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, aims to curb deforestation and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The affected districts— Itezhi-tezhi, Mumbwa, and Shibuyunji—have been identified as hotspots for illegal tree cutting, contributing to widespread land degradation and deforestation. The ban comes amidst record-high temperatures, reaching 40 degrees Celsius in February and March, exacerbating the severity of the drought gripping the country.
President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster earlier this year, acknowledging its devastating effects on agriculture, water supply, and energy generation. The resulting power cuts, lasting up to eight hours a day, have heightened reliance on charcoal as a cooking fuel, further exacerbating deforestation.
Minister Nzovu emphasized the critical role of trees in mitigating climate change, highlighting their ability to absorb and store carbon emissions. Preserving forests has become increasingly urgent as Zambia grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Effective immediately, the ban prohibits the issuance of Cord Wood Permits for charcoal production in the designated districts. Individuals currently holding valid permits have until May 1st, 2024, to conclude their charcoal production activities. Stricter enforcement measures, including enhanced patrols and penalties for non-compliance, will be implemented to ensure adherence to the directive.
Below is the Full Press Statement
Zambia is currently experiencing a climate crisis of unprecedented proportions, characterised by record high temperatures,reaching 40 degrees during the months of February and March 2024.These extreme temperatures were particularly severe in areas that were concurrently experiencing record low rainfall levels.The massive cutting down of trees over the years has contributed to the severe drought being experienced in the country.Therefore, in order for us to reduce the impacts of these severe droughts,it is extremely important for all the relevant stakeholders including the traditional leadership,church,non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – to join hands with my ministry to conserve the remaining trees across the country and prevent more severe droughts in future.
Inadequate rainfall has devastating consequences on many sectors such as agriculture,water and energy supply,jeopardizing the national food and energy security and the livelihoods of millions of our people.The current load shedding that we a re experiencing today is a result of climate change with he massive cutting down of trees across the country over the years greatly contributing to this climate disaster.
Trees play a vital role in ensuring that the ecological functions of various ecosystems are safeguarded.Trees are without a doubt the best carbon capture technology in the world,also called carbon sinks.And yet,the trees estates in our country continue to be subjected to a lot of pressure from a number of factors,among which is the numerous requests for degazzettion of forest reserves,high encroachment levels and high levels of illegal logging for charcoal production.this has had massive negative impact in the fight against climate change.
My Ministry has recorded increased levels of deforestation and land degradation due to illegal and massive cutting down of trees for charcoal production,especially in districts such as Itezhi-tezhi,Mumbwa and Shibuyunji.As the stock density of the trees in the said districts is insufficient to support the current levels of charcoal production,it has become evidently clear that there is a need to make drastic changes to enhance the fight against climate change more so that the country is experiencing a severe drought.
It is in light of the above that I direct the Director Forestry to immediately stop the issuance of Cord Wood Permits for the production of charcoal in Itezhi-Tezhi,Mumbwa and Shibuyungi districts pursuant to Section 5(3) of the Forests Act,2015.Persons currently in possession of valid Cord Wood Permits have only up to 1st May,2024 in within which to finalise their charcoal production.Please note that this is just the beginning as more districts will be added as the Forestry Department continues assessing tree stock levels across the country.
I wish to sternly caution that,any person that will be found manufacturing wood into charcoal or offer for sale or removes charcoal in any form from State Land or Customary land IN ANY PART OF THE COUNTRY without a permit commts an offense and will be liable to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.I further direct that patrols be enhanced to ensure compliance with this directive and persons found wanting must be prosecuted accordingly.
Issued By
Hon.Eng Collins Nzovu ,MP Minister Green Economy AND ENVIRONMENT
