Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 1335

B-Flow turns down an invitation from government to attend today’s Youth Engagement Meeting

Chief Editor
-
34
B-Flow turns down an invitation from government to attend today’s Youth Engagement Meeting

Musician Brian Bwembya popularly known as B-Flow has turned down an invitation from government to attend today’s Youth Engagement Meeting.

B-Flow has cited lack of inclusive, short notice, failure by statehouse to respond to his letter, lack of freedom of expression on the agenda, and security among other reasons for his decision not to attend the event.

The meeting organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development will be held at Government Complex.

Below is a full write up from B-Flow….

WHY I WILL NOT ATTEND TOMORROW’S YOUTH ENGAGEMENT MEETING ORGANIZED BY MINISTRY OF YOUTH.

I have just turned down an invitation from government to attend Youth Engagement Meeting owing to the following reasons;

1. LACK OF INCLUSIVENESS: Government has only invited 50 youths on the basis of Covid-19 restrictions. Secondly, I feel the meeting has been rushed and does not give an opportunity to youths outside Lusaka to participate. Thirdly, the list of speakers does not include youth influencers such as Pilato, Mutale Mwanza, Wezi, William Wapi, Chellah Tukuta etc and the general youth population.

2. SHORT NOTICE: The Minister of Youth has only made the announcement today that youths who wish to participate should register at the Youth Development Council. In my opinion, this meeting needs to be rescheduled to allow youths ample time to register and I have advised government as such.

3. MY STATE HOUSE LETTER: Although State House has not yet responded to my letter, the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting is exactly what is in the letter I wrote (youth challenges and opportunities).

4. AGENDA DOES NOT INCLUDE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: We want to be heard. The agenda for tomorrow’s meeting has “mining and construction” but does not include freedom of speech. I feel attending this meeting does not fully address the real issues that concern the youths.

5. SECURITY: The Youth Engagement Meeting will be held at Government Complex which is next door to Intercity where suspected PF Cadres who are threatening my life are found. Further, when I asked government to assure me of security, the reasons given as to why there won’t be massive police presence are not convincing. I will not allow myself to fall into another trap.

I have respectfully advised government to cancel tomorrow’s Youth Engagement Meeting and consult the youths before organizing such important meetings. Once beaten twice shy. #NothingForUsWithoutUs

By the way, let’s not forget about Bill 10. #SayNoToBill10

PF Government will protect the media as the country goes to the elections in 2021-President Lungu

Chief Editor
-
40
PF Government will protect the media as the country goes to the elections in 2021-President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has told the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Officials that Society needs the media if informed decisions have to be made.

And President Lungu says the PF Government will protect the media as the country goes to the elections in 2021.

In a meeting with MISA Zambia at State House, President LUNGU said there is need for Government and the media to work together for the betterment of the country.

President Lungu noted the importance of Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression as Constitutional Freedoms which must be upheld adding that Government is aggrieved when these are breached.

The Head of State also advised Misa Zambia to address the issue of people masquarading as Journalists hence tarnishing the image of media in the country.

The President is concerned that people have taken to social media to wantonly abuse other innocent citizens and hopes the law enforcement officers will come to the aid of society as the scourge escalates.

And, Speaking earlier, MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale expressed gratitude to the President for according the institution an opportunity to discuss media development in the country.

In her submission, Ms Mwale appealed to President Lungu to help in the protection of media freedoms.

She hailed the President for the role he played at MISA Zambia as Legal Advisor when he Championed for the fomulation of the Access to Information Bill which she hoped Government will enact soon.

And, Ms Mwale praised government that under the President’s leadership, Media in the country has developed with the establishment of more than 45 television stations and over 100 radio stations.

The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dora Siliya, Secretary to Cabinet, Simon Miti , Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe, Special Assistant to the President Political Chris Zimba , and Information Permanent Secretary, Amos Malupenga.

And, MISA Zambia officials comprised Vice Chairperson Hyde Haguta, National Director Austin Kayanda, Programmes Manager Jane Chirwa and Committee Member Martin Akende.

PF asks to Join a Case that seeks to De-Register Parties that have not held a Convention

Chief Editor
-
29
PF asks to Join a Case that seeks to De-Register Parties that have not held a Convention

The Patriotic Front (PF) seeks to be joined to a petition where a Legal advocate wants the Constitutional court to order for the deregistration of all political parties that have not been allegedly practicing democratic tenets.

PF Secretary General Davies Mwila has asked the Constitutional Court to join the PF to the matter as an interested party.

Mr. Mwila has based the application on grounds that his party might be affected by the out come of the petition.

The Constitutional Court has already joined the United Party for National Development -UPND to the petition.

Livingstone Magistrate, Benjamin Mwelwa has petitioned the Constitutional Court, seeking the deregistration of political parties that have not held party conventions since 2016, as required by the Constitution.

He has relied on article 60 sub- article two clause “D”of the Republican Constitution.

Zambia to hold a consultative and Information exchange meeting with IMF

Chief Editor
-
26
Zambia to hold a consultative and Information exchange meeting with IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will conduct a VIRTUAL consultative and information exchange mission for Zambia from June 22 to July 1, 2020.

And, Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu has directed all officials in the Ministry of Finance to deeply reflect on the forthcoming assignment and prepare a well-structured engagement strategy.

He also emphasised the need to identify competent and dedicated staff, who will adequately allocate time to prepare for the assignment in order for the country to obtain the best possible conclusive outcome on future cooperation with the Fund.

Dr Ng’andu has asked his management team to closely monitor the cleaning-up of all the required data requirements and ICT facilities in preparation for seamless engagement with the IMF.

During the staff mission, the IMF team will conduct virtual consultative and information exchange sessions with Central Government, Bank of Zambia, Zambia Revenue Authority, and other stakeholders in the Zambian economy.

Dr Ng’andu has implored relevant public sector agencies to adopt mindsets that are positive, symbiotic, and systemic.

He also emphasised the need for accuracy in the production of debt related data, firmness in the implementation of liability management measures, and a sound domestic arrears dismantling programme.

The Minister said this at his office in Lusaka during the weekly top-management visioning-and-milestone-setting meeting on economic policy, fiscal affairs, tax policy financial management, and internal controls.

Present were Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Permanent Secretary, Economic Management & Finance Mukuli Chikuba, Permanent Secretary, Budget and Economic Affairs Dr Mulenga Pamu, Accountant General Kennedy Musonda and Controller Internal Audit Chibwe Mulonda.

This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Ministry of Finance Spokesperson, Chileshe Kandeta.

DEC Raids FAZ

sports
-
17

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEC) mounted a Thursday afternoon raid on Football Association of Zambia’s base at Football House in Lusaka.

DEC officers, armed with a warrant, confiscated equipment from the office of FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala.

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform its membership and stakeholders that its operations have been partially paralyzed following a raid by Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers,” FAZ spokesperson Sydney Mingala said in a statement.

“Drug Enforcement Commission officers descended on the institution this afternoon (Thursday) and got away with a laptop and CPU from the office of the General Secretary Adrian Kashala and a desktop from his personal assistant.

“The FAZ officials fully cooperated with the DEC officers and have pledged full compliance with the law enforcement agencies.

“Officers from the Drug Enforcement Commission presented a search warrant looking for drugs and narcotics and other related substances.

“FAZ is however disturbed by the nature of the operations conducted by DEC especially that it has set the benchmark of conducting its business above board.

“As FAZ we wish to reiterate that we operate on an open door policy and remain available to whoever wishes to seek information within the law.”

Zambia Rugby uses COVID-19 Downtime to implement ScrumIT Rugby Management System (RMS)

Chief Editor
-
0
Zambia Rugby uses COVID-19 Downtime to implement ScrumIT Rugby Management System (RMS)

Zambia Rugby (https://www.ZRU.rugby/) has decided to use the COVID-19 ‘downtime’ to improve its administrative capacity by adopting and implementing scrumIT as Rugby Management System (RMS).

According to Gen Clement Sinkamba, President of Zambia Rugby, the decision to use scrumIT was driven by the need to streamline the administration of the Union and to empower the Clubs in Zambia to become more efficient and effective in its administration.

“When the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 rudely interrupted all sports in the world and in Zambia, my Board and I decided to look at avenues to use the ‘downtime’ to improve rugby in Zambia. Implementing the scrumIT system was a wise decision and I believe that the Zambia Rugby Union and all our Members will benefit greatly down the line from increased efficiency and enhanced governance compliance,” Sinkamba said.

ScrumIT is an online player registration and rugby administration software developed in South Africa by ENS Software as a service application. The software is internet-based, and users can access it from any internet browser.

Other users of scrumIT include South African based Union W.P. Rugby. The Rugby Unions of Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda are also users of the system. Rugby Unions of Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho have also initiated the implementation of the scrumIT RMS.

The owner and developer of scrumIT, Mr Jaco Brooks of ENS Software, said that he hoped that Zambia Rugby would benefit significantly from the use of the system.

“I started scrumIT as a hobby because of my love for the Game of Rugby. After many years of development I truly believe that we have managed to create an exceptional operational and strategic management tool for rugby administrators that will save them an enormous lot of time and make them more effective at what they are doing,” Brooks said.

Brooks also announced that scrumIT has decided to offer the RMS for use free-of-charge to all rugby unions in Africa.

“I am a rugby lover and this step is part of my contribution towards helping a game that is experiencing massive challenges to keep on growing,” Brooks said.

The scrumIT system has an impressive range of features that include: Union and Club/School Management, Player registrations, Talent identification and squad management, Document and video management services, Fixture management, Online real-time scoring with integrated competition logs, Social media integration, Individual player statistics, Next of kin contact information, medical aid information, Player transfers (Inter-club, inter-regional and international), Referee management and allocations, Coaching Management, Inter-club and federation communication (bulk email), Player injury recording, Disciplinary process and player sanction management, Comprehensive reporting services, “Get Into Rugby” management.

In 2015 ENS Software in conjunction with Ghana Rugby also developed a module to manage the “Get Into Rugby” participation and events of the core youth development programme of World Rugby.

Zambia Rugby is a full member of both Rugby Africa and World Rugby and competes in most of the Rugby Africa tournaments.

Zambia Police Launches the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Police

Chief Editor
-
17
Zambia Police Launches the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Police

Inspector-General of Police Kakoma Kanganja says there is need for Police officers to uphold human rights and respect gender in the course of duty in the new normal.

Mr. Kanganja says policing communities under the Coronavirus pandemic has instigated much public discourse and anxiety.

He was speaking during the launch of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Zambia Police in response to the Covid-19.

He said the police has been identified as one of the critical stakeholders of the Covid-19 preparedness and response programme by the Ministry of Health, and the men and women in uniform are equal to the task.

He said a document is an important tool that will help the institution to effectively contribute to the achievement of the response program.

Mr Kanganja has since directed all Provincial, District and Unit commanders to quickly familiarize themselves with the SOP for effective dissemination of duty.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator Coumba Mar Gardio said the intervention comes as part of the collective UN response to COVID-19 in Zambia.

Dr. Mar Gardio said UN is advocating for a three point response which includes large scale, coordinated and comprehensive health response guided by the world Health organization.

And United Nations Development Program UNDP Resident Representative Lionel Laurens said the COVID-19 has provided institutions with a litmus test of how to collaborate in a timely, coordinated and efficient way to address a common challenge.

Mr Laurens said experts from the UN police, UNDP New York and the United Nations Human Rights Commission were all involved in the development of the Standard Operating Procedure.

Mighty Bracing For Dogfight As League Restart Looms

sports
-
2

Mighty Mufulira Wanderers coach Tenant Chembo says the relegation threatened giants are preparing themselves for a dogfight when the league resumes as proposed in July.

The nine–time champions and their FAZ Super Division opponents have not tasted any league action since early March when the 2019/202 season was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mighty will return to action in a precarious position sitting second from bottom on the log with nine games left before their FAZ Super Division fate is decided as their attempt to avoid their fourth demotion since their first-ever relegation in 2002.

“We have got to fight; there is no two ways about it. It is a dogfight,” Chembo said.

Chembo was hired by Mighty in mid-January and has three draws and one win from seven matches in charge.

Mighty headed into the break with a shock 3-0 away win over early season pacesetters Red Arrows.

They beat Red Arrows 3-0 away in their last home game on March 7.

But they have three huge crunch matches when the season restarts with the first against defending league champions Zesco United at home who beat them 2-0 away in the first leg in Ndola.

Mighty will later visit second placed Green Eagles away in Choma who beat them 2-1at Shinde Stadium.

Thereafter Mighty hosts unpredictable Nkwazi after finishing 0-0 in the first leg in Lusaka.

COVID-19 Pandemic has led to increased youth Unemployment in the COMESA region

Chief Editor
-
16
COVID-19 Pandemic has led to increased youth Unemployment in the COMESA region

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa-COMESA- Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe says the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased youth unemployment in the COMESA region while at the same time limiting movements for those involved in business and commercial activities.

Ms. Kapwepwe said it was unfortunate that the pandemic had disrupted economic and trade activities by the youth that also contribute to the growth of national economies.

She said this during a virtual meeting hosted by the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy on Youth Consultations on COVID -19.

Ms. Kapwepwe said COMESA would hold virtual workshops for continuous youth engagements and support innovations that could enhance digital solutions in the COVID-19 era.

She has since called on COMESA member states to invest in building strong institutions of governance that will enhance youth participation in national development.

And speaking earlier, Former President of the Republic of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda urged countries not to neglect other pressing challenges such as maternal health and poverty, as their leaders seek ways to find solutions for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said as countries focus on the pandemic they should not lose sight of other challenges that the continent was faced with.

And humanitarian activist, Gracia Machel said the post-COVID-19 agenda must not be structured without the involvement of the youth.

She expressed concern the pandemic had a triple effect on the youths who not only had lost jobs but whose education and training has been disrupted too due to the pandemic.

She said many African countries had no technological capacity to offer e-learning to its citizenry.

Former President for the Republic of Ireland Mary Robinson said countries must align their fight against COVID 19 to climate change as the impacts of climate change had not slowed down because of the pandemic.

And African Peer Review Mechanism-APRM-Chief Executive Officer Professor Eddy Maloka urged countries not to limit participation in governance by stakeholders due to the COVID Pandemic.

Bill number 10 of 2019 answers the demands of Zambians to amend the current constitution-Nakachinda

Chief Editor
-
16
Bill number 10 of 2019 answers the demands of Zambians to amend the current constitution-Nakachinda

Nominated Member of Parliament Raphael Nakachinda says the Constitution Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019, answers the demands of Zambians to amend the current constitution so that existing lacunas can be addressed.

Speaking in an interview ZANIS in Chipata, Mr Nakachinda said some of the clauses in the current Constitution have a number of lacunas including article 165 that is not favourable to the appointing and installation of traditional rulers.

He noted that key critical stakeholders like traditional leaders have made clear demands on the said article, including Senior Chief Nzamane.

The nominated MP says Senior Chief Nzamane and other traditional leaders want the amendment of Article 165 to bestow the authority that was taken from paramount chiefs and senior chiefs to appoint chiefs and sub-chiefs.

And, former Republican President Rupiah Banda said he has retired from active politics and remains neutral on Constitution Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019.

The former President has instead called for open debate on Constitution Amendment Bill number ten of 2019 by all young and active politicians.

Mr Banda was speaking to the media in Chipata after attending the funeral of late Former Luangeni Member of Parlaiment, Hellen Jere who died on June 7 at the age of 68 and was buried yesterday.

Cabinet Approves Move to Open up the Railway Industry to the Private Sector

Chief Editor
-
23
Cabinet Approves Move to Open up the Railway Industry to the Private Sector

Cabinet has approved in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal and replace the Railways Act, Cap. 453 of 1984 in order to reform the rail transport subsector.

Cabinet agreed that it is important to enhance private sector participation through the open-access regime in order to develop and sustain the rail subsector.

President Edgar Lungu called for a 15th special cabinet meeting yesterday at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka to deliberate on important policy matters aimed at providing policy guidance.

In a statement released to the media, Chief Government Spokesperson Hon Dora Siliya said that that the creation of open-access rules and regulations will allow private sector players to access the railway system as long as they meet the conditions prescribed and do not exceed the design capacity of the particular railway.

“This decision of Cabinet might even allow companies such as those in the mining sector to run railway companies of their own operations,” she disclosed.

“The current structure of the sub-sector and the railway legislation is that the sub-sector entirely depends on the Treasury as the main financier. Therefore, the Government is required to finance the railway infrastructure, rolling stock and workshop equipment.”

Hon Siliya was confident that with increased investment in the road infrastructure in the country, especially, since 2013, road transport has been depended upon for transportation of goods and services and this has increased the cost of maintaining the roads.

“There is a need, therefore, for a renewed policy and planning to facilitate infrastructure development for rail transport and also encourage private sector investment in the rail subsector,” she said.

The Chief Government Spokesperson also disclosed that Cabinet approved the Revised National Intellectual Property Policy for implementation by various stakeholders in both Government and outside Government.

She said Cabinet is convinced that with the Policy in place, this will ensure effective and efficient use of intellectual property as an instrument for stimulating socioeconomic, industrial, technological and cultural development.

“The focus of the Revised Policy is to strengthen capacities for innovation, creativity, research and development, essential for knowledge generation, product and process development. The Policy will protect innovators and researchers through patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create,” she added.

“Cabinet also approved the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. The African Union Convention represents commitments by Member States to take measures on a range of issues, including cybercrime, cyber security, electronic transactions, and protection of personal data.”

Hon Siliya further said Cabinet approved an eleven member Board of the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council in accordance with the provisions of section five of the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council Act, No. 10 of 2002 of the Laws of Zambia.

She stated that the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council is currently operating without a Board following the expiration of the term for the previous Board.

“This has resulted in underperformance of the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council as certain key policy matters that require the decision of the Board cannot be made in the absence of the Board members. The Board is required to provide strategic direction to the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council in order to ensure corporate governance and attainment of its functions as stipulated in the Act,” said Hon Siliya.

She also disclosed that Cabinet approved the closure of the Zambia National Provident Fund (ZNPF) member accounts, which are being administered by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) on a custodial basis.

Government trashes trendy Cop Bikes purchase story

Chief Editor
-
32
Government trashes trendy Cop Bikes purchase story

Government has described as fictitious and malicious stories that ut spent U$ 700,000 to purchase one thousand bicycles for the Zambia Police Service.

Pictures showing a female police officer on one of the new trendy bicycles has been doing rounds on social media with some bloggers speculating that government spent US$ 700 on each bicycle.

ButMinistry of Home Affairs Spokesman Nephas Chifuta said the allegations are meant to mislead Zambians.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to refute media speculations that Government has bought one thousand bicycles at a cost of U$ 700,000 breaking the cost of one bicycle to U$ 700.00 which is equivalent to K700.000 as fictitious, malicious and meant to mislead Zambians,” Mr Chifuta said.

“The accurate information is that these bicycles were a donation by the Government of Japan to the Zambia Police Service to facilitate policing in places that cannot be accessed using motor vehicles,” he said.

“The Inspector General of Police Mr Kaoma Kanganja, after the donation directed that the bicycles be distributed to all provinces under the Community Services Directorate to enable Victim Unit officers and other specialised units carry out sensitization programmes.”

“The allegation that Home Affairs Minister Hon. Stephen Kampyongo has confirmed on behalf of Government to have bought the bicycles for the Police Service, is just the imagination if the author and the cost of the bicycles does not exist,” he said.

“We wish to warn individuals and cliques with the habit of posting false and malicious articles on social media to desist from the practise as the act amounts to criminality.”

“Furthermore, we advise members of the public to to disregard the information with the contempt it deserves.”

DWF Zambia signs MoUs With Four Political Parties PF, FDD, UPND and MMD

Chief Editor
-
10
DWF Zambia signs MoUs With Four Political Parties PF, FDD, UPND and MMD

Southern African Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with four Zambian political parties to formalise their commitment to working with DWF to build the capacity of internal party structures emphasising democracy, transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

The parties include the ruling party, Patriotic Front (PF), as well as the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

“It is with great pleasure that DWF has signed MOUs with the parties with which the organisation is working in Zambia, one of the countries in which DWF’s Southern African Political Parties and Dialogue (SAPP&D) Programme is being implemented,” says DWF Chief of Party Dr Augustine Magolowondo.

“For DWF, the impact of having the MOUs is that we now have a formal indication by each party that they are interested, willing and committed to work with us as we implement the programme.”

DWF also has similar agreements with political parties in Malawi and Lesotho. Similar arrangements are being worked on in the other two countries in which this programme is run – Botswana and Angola.

The SAPP&D programme is designed to strengthen participatory policy and platform development that reflects citizen-identified needs to include access to clean water and energy and management of these resources. The partnership with political parties is therefore essential to ensure the success of the programme.

“Over the past year, DWF has been nurturing and consolidating the partnerships with the political parties. It is apparent that the political parties in Zambia are keen to engage with DWF, are committed to the initiatives that the programme has implemented so far, and are looking forward to other activities that are meant to be rolled out given the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says DWF Zambia Country Director & Senior Technical Adviser Fannie Nthakomwa.

“This commitment from the political parties has been exhibited through high-level meetings and participation in the DWF capacity building interventions. Each of the political parties has been accessible to DWF every time a meeting has been requested. Most importantly, the engagement has always involved senior leadership within the National Executive Committee of each of these parties. Every Secretary-General of each of the four parties is informed about the programme as well as about DWF.”

As an example of this, in February this year, DWF Zambia hosted the same four political parties in a strategy planning workshop, a need highlighted in a needs-assessment survey conducted by DWF. Senior political party members – including Secretary Generals/National Secretaries or their deputies as well as National Chairpersons and Directors for various portfolios – attended the workshop, which was facilitated by Dr Magolowondo and Ms Nthakomwa.

At that event, Deputy Secretary-General for the UPND Hon Gertrude Imenda said that democracies require strong and sustainable political parties that have the requisite core competencies to design programmes, systems, and policies that can meaningfully translate the aspirations of the people into tangible reality.

SAPP&D is a four-year, USAID-funded initiative run in partnership with Freedom House. The programme is designed to strengthen and build the capacity of political parties in Southern Africa in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia and recently added Angola.

DWF, together with Freedom House, is working to inculcate a political culture and behaviour in broader society as well as within political parties that supports meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalised individuals.

Checks and Balances: There is no us and them; We are in this together

Chief Editor
-
9
Checks and Balances: There is no us and them; We are in this together

By Stephen Nyoni

The provision of checks and balances is a stipulated undertaking guaranteed within the emblems of democratic practice and governance. It comes within the need for there to be counsel and guidance on the implementation of issues and execution of power.

Typically, it must be provided by experts in a particular field who may not be in governance themselves but have an interest in the advancement of the excellence of their area of concern. In this vain, prominent well experienced economists will provide advice on issues of national development and fiscal policy, similarly, retired military commanders will guide on foreign policy should it concern the ambits of defence protocols. Well vested civil servants of a previous generation can bring to light the manner in which they may have handled critical issues when they were brought before their tables, while civil society and academia that carries out up-to-date research in a particular field can equally provide alternative evidence when it realises that the existing practice differs from its findings of the actual state of things.

These are checks and balances; guidance, advice, motivations, encouragements (etc), provided to a ruling regime by a patriotic sector of society that is well vested in the topic in question with the intention of ensuring social, economic or geopolitical development for the good of the greater society and preventing the abuse of power by certain sections.

Checks and balances therefore can be prescribed within a limited boundary and stipulated method. Because it is the interest of the public that is of concern, there is a process that must therefore be followed to separate checks and balances from social chatter. They must be particularly identified as being the opinions of experts who have the academic qualification, technocratic know-how, previous experience or current involvement in an issue.

Checks and Balances in a typical system are very easy to separate from any other forms of political engagements because they are presented in a sematic manner that brings issues directly to the attention of policy makers and not for the purpose of seeking public clout. The provision of these (extremely) significant democratic practices are for the interest of the citizenry; the good of the state. It is not for the glory of the individual as a champion of a particular idea or assumed movement. This is ideally the reserve of those whose practice is determined as being a patriotic act derived from an internal move for the good of society. Those compelled by the fact that they have the experience, the knowhow or the education that may be much required at a particular point in governance.

It must be realised from the onset that these systems were designed following years of tests and trials. The Democratic system itself spans from years of failed constitutions, several disagreements and constant evolution to eventually have landed on the present day assumption that places liberal democracy as being the most probable form of political governance. It is this same tried and tested system that determines that in order for the function of the state to be free of the excesses of power, there must exist the three arms of government being the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature.

This is the second time in political study that the concept of checks and balances is mentioned. In this instance, the practice is the reserve of three separate arms of government whose duties are clearly defined and designed in such a way as to reduce the influence of power that one arm may have on the people. Even in this instance, Checks and Balances must and can only be provided for the interest of the public good; the national interest. For the People!

These concepts are often used but hardly understood even in everyday politics. We often misunderstand them intentionally in order to facilitate our abilities to access certain powers that are in fact not allotted to us in the system we proclaim with grandeur as being our most preferred system of governance – We intentionally oversight the stipulations as and when it favours us and then blame the system itself when we eventually find ourselves facing the repercussions of stepping outside the prescriptions of our governance style. After all, it exists in a society, among people of various religions, backgrounds and social affiliations who all concede to a given practice and agree to be governed in that fashion through a provided procedure. In the case of Zambia, this procedure is clearly stipulated in the constitution and further enforced by the cultural and social norms that exist among us.

It is no surprise that we have found ourselves in the midst of several ‘messiahs’ championing causes whose knowhow they are completely bankrupt and who themselves are motivated by the hope for remuneration from their actions. This places us at great risk for the future; that should we blatantly set aside the prescribed channels through which we may air our grievances for the sake of fitting into pop-culture and emulating the practices of other societies, we will find ourselves in the open as and when genuine calls for social changes are needed.

Our greatest bet remains to strengthen the systems that currently exist and the channels through which check and balances can already be provided because our being outside of the alleged beneficiaries does not make us automatically wiser than those who speak less than us on the inside; they follow procedure and it actually results in change.

We must avoid these confrontational attitudes that end up presenting us as enemies of the system even when we are also merely trying to contribute. It is only imperative that the system will automatically go into its defensive mode should it feel attacked instead of counselled by any sector. It is also designed however, to respond to sectors that seek to provide progressive assistance for the development of the greater society. There is room for us to continue growing as we learn how best these systems function in our ever evolving societies. In achieving this, there is no us and them; we are in this together; Zambians, young and old; all trying their best to create for themselves a space that facilitates growth and prosperity for the present and the future. May God help us in this vein.

College Students To Stay Away From Planned Protest

Chief Editor
-
29
College Students To Stay Away From Planned Protest

An Association of College Students, ZACOSU says it will not take part in any planned protests because they believe in dialogue before any action is taken.

ZACOSU President Peter Bwalya has advised all students not to be used in any protests or illegal activities.
Mr. Bwalya also says under the prevailing conditions of the Covid-19, Zambia cannot afford to have gatherings and demonstrations which have the potential to contribute to the spread of the virus.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Bwalya also distanced his association from remarks by Zambia National Students Union President Misheck Kakonde, who is calling for the removal of Brian Mushimba as Higher Education Minister.

However, many students from the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University took to blogs calling for Mr. Mushimba to be removed for the Ministry. Union leaders from both UNZA and CBU today attended training workshop for ZANASU and students leaders at Cosmic Lodge.

UNZA students who took turns to post on UNZA Watchdog platform and other social media wondered how, if the Minister was proactive, would have failed to know that some of the student leaders who have been meeting are secretly engaged behind his back to mobilise students in countrywide protests against Government.

And Mr. Bwalya however said the Union is disappointed with sentiments from members of society especially politicians who are misleading students and the public that there is NO COVID-19 and that there is no need to adhere to guidelines to prevent the pandemic.

He has thanked President Edgar Lungu for reopening institutions of higher learning and other sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, ZACOSU Vice President Charles Mbobela has called on all members of parliament to give the people of Zambia full representation when the Constitution Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019 is taken back to parliament rather than walking away.

Mr. Mbobela said the youth will not allow politicians to rob them of very progressive bills like it was in 2016 when the amendment to the bill of rights through the referendum was denounced for political reasons.

He said Bill 10 has progressive clauses such as the mixed member representation system and the revision of the provision of presidential election petitions.

Mr Mbobela said the unprogressive clauses that stakeholders were concerned about have been removed by the Select committee that was tasked to scrutinize the bill.

1...1,3341,3351,336...5,641Page 1,335 of 5,641

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times