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President Lungu directs rapid completion of Ikelenge Boarding School

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President Lungu directs rapid completion of Ikelenge Boarding School

President Edgar Lungu has directed Ministers of General Education and Housing to ensure that construction works at Ikelenge Boarding school resumes and be completed by January 2021.

And the President has expressed concern that issues of stalled projects have continued, adding that he will now focus on taking note of all projects that have stalled to ensure their completion for the benefit of the people.

Construction works on Ikelenge Boarding School started in 2013 and was expected to be completed by 2016.

Zambia Non Ferrous Metal Exploration and Construction is constructing the school at a cost of over Forty Seven million kwacha.

ZANIS reports that speaking when he toured the school in Ikelenge district Friday, President Lungu underscored the need for the two Ministries to expedite construction works so that the school can be opened to the public thereby addressing challenges of access to education in the area.

The President advised that construction should be done in phases and works should be concentrated on key areas to make learning conducive for pupils.

“You need to see how quickly you can complete this school and make it operational, my suggestion is for you to complete key areas so that learning can start, we need to get value for the money,” he said.

“I will now start checking on stalled projects so that we give them life and people get value for their money. Like this project it was delayed for obvious reasons, but I have decided that it partially opens,” he noted.

And Minister of General Education, David Mabumba, disclosed that works on the school are expected to commence in the next two weeks following the release of Three million Kwacha by the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Mabumba explained that the delays were caused by financial constraints noting that Ikelenge boarding is among other 115 schools that are also under construction in various parts of the country.

“Your Excellency we have got funding from Ministry of Finance, we have been given Three million Kwacha so in the next two weeks works are expected to start here, and I must mention that this school is part of the other 115 dotted across the country whose works are also at over 80 percent hence we have to distribute the resources among these schools,” he added.

And Area Member of Parliament, Elijah Muchima, appealed to President Lungu to ensure that the school is open to respond to the increasing demand of secondary school education in the area.

“Your Excellency, we really need this school to open in this constituency we have three chiefdoms so access to secondary education is on demand because many people cannot afford to take their children to Mwinilunga to access education,” he stated.

Your Investments Are Protected By The Governing Law Of The Land, ZDA Chief Assures Investors

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Your Investments Are Protected By The Governing Law Of The Land, ZDA Chief Assures Investors

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has assured investors and businesses in general that their investments are safe and protected by the governing law of the land.

ZDA board Chairperson Fisho Mwale said the Agency understands the important role investors play in sustainably enhancing economic growth, wealth creation and job creation for the people of Zambia as well as the need to adhere to the laws that govern how businesses are to be run.

He said the agency however regrets the incidents that have occurred in recent days in which lives have been lost, and Zambian workers being subjected to harsh conditions of service.

Mr Mwale said Zambia needs foreign direct investment (FDI) as it is a conduit of transferring foreign capital investment abroad and directly contributes to expanding investment and tax base in the country and is key in addressing the problem of unemployment through the creation of new job opportunities and the introduction of advanced technology.

He said it is pertinent to recognize that the peace, rule of law and the political will that the country enjoys is one of the major attributes that makes Zambia the best investment destination of choice in the sub region and therefore it is important that we recognize the need to preserve it at all cost.

Mr Mwale assured that Zambia is enjoying very cordial and warm relations with most countries and as such has attracted major investments from those countries in keys sectors of the economy.

“I wish to state that in view of this, it has become imperative that as a country we need to manage our due process in a the dispensation of the law, without jeopardising our good standing with the investor community, that the people of Zambia have worked so hard to build, but in the same vein we call upon all investors to adhere to the laws obtaining in this country for the mutual benefit of all parties involved” Mr Mwale.

He therefore urged and encouraged all businesses operating in Zambia to engage relevant authorities to further orient themselves with applicable laws and policies if in doubt.

Gold Should Benefit Locals First, Chief Appeals to President Lungu

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Gold Should Benefit Locals First, Chief Appeals to President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has hailed Senior Chief Sikufele of Kabompo District in North Western Province for voicing out a number of concerns that would help him identify with the needs of the people.

President Lungu said this in response to Senior Chief Sikufele who has called on the President to ensure that Zambians benefit from the local gold deposits at Kasenseli in Mwinilunga district.

President Lungu also says the traditional leadership remains an integral partner to Government in the development process at various stages.

The President said that it is still not Government’s role to interfere with traditional affairs but provide support.

The President said this in Kabompo Thursday when he met with Senior Chief Sikufele of Manyinga and Kabompo residents during his three-day working visit to North Western Province.

President Lungu said that Government will continue to formulate policies to curtail mushrooming of ungazetted traditional leaders who are causing confusion in other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the President said the peoples’ representatives in Parliament did not serve any purpose by fomenting squabbles with Government rather than communicating the needs of the people.

President Lungu said amending the Constitution was one way of curing squabbles in chiefdoms. He expressed hope that Parliamentarians would support the Constitution Amendment Bill Number 10 of 2019 which the House is expected to debate in a fortnight. 

“On issues of development we can only hope that our people had effective representation in Parliament because most of our colleagues choose to be loyal to those that own their political parties and frustrate our programs by not telling us the exact needs of the community,” he said.

During his visit, the President also addressed party officials, calling for unity of purpose in the party’s mobilization strategy ahead of next year’s general elections.
And President Lungu says he is not impressed with some peoples’ adherence levels to the COVID-19 preventive measures.

The President said that people should not dare the COVID-19 pandemic just because they have not contracted it as it is deadly and not something light to take advantage of.
The Head of State said this when he met party officials in Kabompo district Thursday.

He noted with dismay upon arrival that people were not observing social distancing in Kabompo as crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of him at Kapende stadium.

President Lungu added that his Government will not protect anyone being engaged in illegal deals and hiding behind the party.

He said all those that were facing suspensions in North Western Province are being punished because they involved themselves in illegal deals thus punishment is needed to help members do the right thing.

He further stated that the fate of those involved is yet to be known as the results of the inquiry on the issue is yet to be released by the responsible committee.

Earlier, Senior Sikefule advised the President that local people should be given first priority to benefit from the mining of gold instead of foreign nationals.

“Your Excellency more often than not it is the foreigners who benefit from the country’s mineral resources. We have these resources in abundance and our people must be the first to benefit,” the traditional leader said.

He has since called for the quick construction of the Manyinga-Mwinilunga Road to ease access to the mineral deposits. 

The Chief thanked President Lungu for embarking on a good Government development agenda for the region, particularly the declaration of Manyinga as a district.

The traditional leader urged the President to ensure that the development of essential service infrastructure in Manyinga was fast-tracked to improve the plight of civil service staff deployed in the area.

He also thanked President Lungu for facilitating the sensitization of traditional leaders on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and called for resources to help disseminate awareness messages to communities.

Senior Chief Sikufele further commended President Lungu for sustaining the One Zambia, One Nation motto, saying his chiefdom was a model of a united front as he presided over subjects hailing from 15 different tribes.

However, he disclosed that some unscrupulous individuals are trying to destabilize the chiefdom through illegal installation of sub-chiefs.

And the Chief appealed to the Head of State to intervene in sorting out a number of problems being faced by both Manyinga and Kabompo districts. 

The traditional leader said that there is need to increase the number of forest concessions as very few individuals are benefiting from the timber resources the district is endowed with.

He further added that the region has continued to have deplorable roads, a situation which has been worsened by those trading in timber but are not ploughing back into developing the area.

The traditional leader noted that Chief Chiyengele area is endowed with abundant resources such as oil and copper but the never-ending wrangles have contributed to its underdevelopment as Government cannot interfere where there are traditional wrangles.

He also appealed for assistance in renovating the palace, a project which was started by his subjects but has stalled due to lack of funds. President Lungu is today expected to tour Ikeleng’i and Kasempa Districts.

Local Economist’s Hypocrisy On Zambia Seeking Lazard Services Stinks-Sunday Chanda

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Local Economist’s Hypocrisy On Zambia Seeking Lazard Services Stinks-Sunday Chanda

The Patriotic Front says it has heard and listened with shock to the levels of dangerous ignorance and hypocrisy by the Opposition on many issues, including Government’s decision to restructure the national debt.

PF Media Director Sunday Chanda says with due respect to our local economists, these men and women understand the complexities that go with debt restructuring.

He says the debt restructuring undertaking demands for a firm with global networks and global influence in order to arrive at desired results in so far as restructuring debt is concerned.

Mr. Chanda says local economists such as Professor Oliver Saasa, Chibamba Kanyama including former Ministers of Finance and Bank of Zambia Governors know too well Lazard’s reputation and success rate in these endeavours.

He says these men know too well that in order to succeed, a country needs an internationally respectable firm with a successful track record such that even rating agencies such as Moodys, Standard and Poors, and Fitch can respect them.

Mr. Chanda said these men and women understand that a country needs a firm that can successfully restructure its debt and put Zambia’s story in respectable and influential international media such as the Financial Times, among others.

“We also must remember that part of the reasons why our economy has had the sort of downgrades by rating agencies is the sponsored propaganda in international media targeted at the financial markets by Opposition UPND and it’s funders to whom they promised to hand our natural resources to in return”, he said.

Mr. Chanda has alleged that as part of UPND’s regime change strategy is hurting the country’s reputation in the eyes of the global financial market by churning out sponsored lies about Zambia such as ZESCO and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport being sold to China.

He said it is the only reason the UPND leader has never said anything positive about Zambia abroad.

“On 1st April 2020, which also happens to be fools day, the UPND leader released a statement opposing Government’s plans to engage an international firm to restructure the debt. He argued that he was willing to work with Government to restructure the debt for free instead”, he said.

Mr. Chanda said this hypocrisy stinks because this is the same man whose firm, Grant Thornton, an international firm, as receivers of Luanshya Mine during Privatisation is reported to have received about USD 12 million and today he wants to misunderstand why international consultants are engaged.

He has questioned why Mr. Hichilema did not render the said service for free at the time.

“We will always remember how a whole President Frederick Chiluba was accused by his successor of having stolen money, including the said USD 12 million and yet this money went to pay a firm the UPND leader worked for as a local partner”, added Mr. Chanda.

He said many countries including Argentina have hired Lazard as a financial advisor in the restructuring process of a close to $100 billion public debt.

Mr. Chanda said the firm’s success rate in debt restructuring is something no serious former minister of foreign affairs should have challenges grappling with.

He noted that sadly, a former minister of foreign affairs and Presidential wannabe thinks such national debt restructuring is something one does by handpicking economists and not financial advisors from a lecture room at the university.

“Unfortunately this is the populistic but cheap mindsets of the so-called alternatives in Zambia”, he said.

ZNFU President Commends Farmers For The Bumper Harvest

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ZNFU President Commends Farmers For The Bumper Harvest

The Zambia National Farmers Union has commended farmers, the small scale farmers, emergent and large scale for producing 3,387,469 metric tonnes of maize to make Zambia food secure.

ZNFU President Jervis Zimba says the Union recognizes the challenges the farmers went through last farming season among them the high cost of inputs and the uneven distribution of rain.

Mr. Zimba said this notwithstanding, farmers rose against adversity to produce a maize bumper harvest.

He has urged farmers to now focus on the marketing aspects.

Mr. Zimba said off-takers especially the Food Reserve Agency to ensure that farmers are paid an economic price to the farmers and pay them on time.

“We are five months away from the 2020/2021 farming season and we do recognize that the inputs costs have increased due to various factors”, he said.

Mr. Zimba said it is only by paying farmers an economic price for the maize that they have products that they expect them to invest for the coming season.

Late Nkana Coach Masauso Mwale Remembered

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Former Nkana defender Noel Phiri has paid tribute to the late Kalampa coach Masauso Mwale on the sixth anniversary of his death.

Phiri said Mwale will never be forgotten as his legacy will live on forever.

Mwale died in a road accident on 22 May 2014 on the eve of Nkana’s home CAF Confederation Cup Group B match against Sewe Sport of Cote d’Ivoire.

Mwale was traveling from Ndola to Kitwe to join his team in camp when he perished.

In recent days people associated with Nkana and Mwale have taken to social media to remember the 2013 FAZ Super Division title winning coach on the sixth anniversary of his death.

In an interview with LT Sport, Phiri said he will always cherish Mwale.

“I think coach Massy will always be remembered. He is gone but his vision is not gone,” Phiri said.

He said Mwale succeeded in his coaching career because he had a good rapport with players.

“He was a parent to us. He had a good relationship with players. He also transformed me not only career wise but spiritually, physically and mentally.”

“Coach Massy won souls not for the glory of the team or anything else but for the glory of God,” Phiri said.

The retired footballer revealed that he still communicates with the family of the late coach.

“True friendship is shown when one is gone. We don’t have to be good friends with someone when they are alive. I usually speak to the coach’s wife who is our mum. My friends Evans Kangwa and Donashano Malamo have also kept in touch with the family.

FRA To Pay K110 For A 50kg Bag Of White Maize.

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FRA To Pay K110 For A 50kg Bag Of White Maize.

The Food Reserve Agency has announced it will in this year’s crop marketing season pay K110 for a 50kg bag of white maize.

The Agency has also fixed the price of a 50kg bag of Soya Beans at K150 and paddy rice at K70 for a 40kg bag.

Announcing the development at a media briefing, FRA Executive Director Chola Kafwabulula said the Agency will this year buy 1 million metric tonnes of maize as announced by President Edgar Lungu recently.

Mr Kafwabulula said the private sector is expected to purchase the remainder of the over 3 million metric tones of maize that the country is expected to harvest.

Zambia’s agriculture sector is this year expected to produce over 3 million metric tones of maize as announced by Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo.

President Edgar Lungu said recently that Government will buy more than 1 million metric tonnes of Maize for strategic reserves during this year’s maize marketing season.

The President said the government wants to take advantage of this year’s bumper harvest to buy more maize as the weather patterns for next year cannot be predicted due to climate change.

The President asked the Ministry of Finance to fund the FRA on time so that they start purchasing maize on time.

The President further instructed the Agency to avail the Minister of Finance with a schedule on procurement of maize to enable the ministry to start processing payments.

HH Joins The Queue Offering Free Debt Restructuring Services To Zambian Government

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HH Joins The Queue Offering Free Debt Restructuring Services To Zambian Government

Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has offered to render free debt restructuring services to the Zambian government.

Mr Hichilema said the US$5 million to be paid to the French firm should instead be given to Zambian for youths and women empowerment programmes.

Below is Mr Hichilema’s statement

PRESS STATEMENT
29th May 2020

Give the $5 million to the youth and women empowerment programmes, we can restructure the debt for free

As stakeholders in the Zambian economy, our offer for free advice to the PF government on debt management and other economic management issues still stands. Our free consultation will save our meager resources. It is not prudent and morally right to seek $2.5 million from ‘foreign investors’ to invest in mining our gold resources and, at the same time, pay a foreign firm $5.0 million for advice that could be freely obtained.

Our advice to PF since 2012 on issues of debt has been as follows:

(i) Stop unplanned and excessive borrowing, lest debt levels become unsustainable

(ii) We need to have a plan for the repayment of the enormous debt

(iii) The sinking fund set for debt repayment needs to be adequately funded. We have also called on the Ministry of Finance to reign in commitments by line ministries that are not aligned with fiscal consolidation and undermine any efforts to attain internal coherency in debt management. Unfortunately, PF’s usual response was that there’s no need to worry about the government’s debt load, and the UPND are just bitter.

Like they say, you cannot manage an economy through propaganda or rigging. WE KNOW WE WERE RIGHT. Our first 10-year Eurobond was issued with a 5.625 percent yield in 2012, and nine years later, the yield has increased to over 50 percent. What this means is that our Eurobond is JUNK.

We have failed to inspire confidence among bondholders, who have now priced in an increased likelihood of a sovereign default. The seriousness of the situation has been confirmed by PF’s intensions to pay Lazard Freres to give them advice they have been receiving since 2012 from ourselves and others.

Our advice to PF is as follows:

As the country seeks to change the maturity dates, reduce the principal amount of debt (mostly on bilateral debt) and reduce the interest rate on the debt (coupon adjustment on the Eurobond) or MERELY PUT RESTRUCTURE OUR DEBT. A successful debt restructuring exercise that is rapidly executed and provides enough debt relief is contingent on taking steps to immediately restore debt sustainability and rebuild the collapsed economy. This will create confidence among creditors and, more importantly, the citizens, who are the principal builders of the Zambian economy, and ultimately have to repay this debt load in one form or another.

Further, any debt restructuring must be underwritten by the strong political will to stay the course and implement a sound economic program as a guarantee that the exercise will be of mutual benefit to both borrowers and lenders in the longer term.

We are confident that several of our official bilateral creditors and some private lenders in the Institute of International Finance would be amenable to engage under such guarantees.

Our high-level advice is that with immediate effect, strengthen oversight and overall framework for debt procurement, monitoring, and reporting. The changes in Bill 10, to weaken the oversight role of Parliament, do not help in these matters. For now, the role of the Minister of Finance in debt procurement, we will leave it as the issue is in court. On the overall framework, all the contracts that you signed must become public knowledge – transparency and accountability are a hallmark of good governance, which is crucial to rebuilding the economy and getting the confidence of your creditors.

Fully disclosing our borrowings will qualify Zambia for the suspension of debt service offered by G20 countries and other forms of external assistance that would improve cashflows for a robust COVID-19 response and economic recovery. Debt procurement on non-concessional terms or market rates must stop. You cannot have a situation where on paper, the government commits to have stopped contracting new loans, while some Ministers are busy procuring debt. Again, we stress that the Ministry of Finance must reign in such behavior. This not only undermines the credibility of the overall system but also confirms the lack of overall leadership in coordinating matters of the economy.

In rebuilding the economy, we can engage fully, and we shall provide the advice we have been giving you the last nine years. We have one Zambia and no other country to run to. Together we can.

Hence give the $5 million to the youth and women empowerment programmes, we can restructure the debt for the benefit of our citizens for free.

Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President

The Constitution Court Asked To Determine Whether A Councillor Can Retract A Resignation

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The Constitution Court Asked To Determine Whether A Councillor Can Retract A Resignation

The Constitution Court of Zambia is set to hear and determine whether article 157(2)(b) of the Constitution of Zambia provides for retraction of a notice of resignation by a councillor before the lapse of 30 days.

In originating summons filed on Wednesday by a governance activist, Isaac Mwanza, the Court has further been asked to determine whether a unilateral retraction of a valid notice of resignation by a councillor would necessitate or prevent the holding of a by-election.

In 2018, a councillor from the United Party for National Development (UPND) from Sinda was refused to retract his notice of resignation on grounds that the Constitution does not provide for withdrawal of resignation letters while in Mafumbwe and Monze, UPND councillors were allowed to withdraw their notices of resignation.

Recently, ECZ gave an opinion that the Constitution provides for withdraw of notice of resignation, sentiments which have now been challenged before the Court.

Mr. Mwanza has also called on the Court to determine whether a by-election held after a councillor unilaterally rescinds his or her resignation without the consent of the other party (either Mayor or Council Chairperson) within 30 days, would be valid.

Mr Mwanza said the Country is witnessing a new wave in which the Commission is accepting retraction of letters of resignation for the same reasons they rejected in Chilongozi Ward of Sinda District.

“The question is, how will the Commission justify the holding of a by-election in Sinda when their man said the Constitution does not provide for withdrawal of a resignation?” he asked.

Mr. Mwanza said the interpretation of constitutional provisions related to resignation of councillors will help straighten out the correct position of the law as regards the unilateral withdraw of notices of resignation by councillors who resign.

Nevers Mumba Calls For A Zambians First Policy and Demands The Removal of All Chinese Notices in Public Places

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Nevers Mumba Calls For A Zambians First Policy and Demands The Removal of All Chinese Notices in Public Places

The Opposition New Hope Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) President Dr. Nevers Mumba has called on all Zambians to send a strong message to the Government that the country’s policy must be Zambians First.

In a statement released to the media, the MMD leader called for the removal of all notices written in Chinese from all public places and replace them with English. Dr. Mumba further called for the immediate deportation of the Chinese national who used racist remarks against a Zambian.

Dr. Mumba also urged the Government to call for an emergency bilateral meeting with China through their embassy to discuss matters that could injure the future relations between the two countries and demand mutual respect and equitable reciprocity.

Below is the full statement

Zambia – China policy must change now.

By Dr. Nevers Mumba

I approach this subject in my three capacities. As a DIPLOMAT, as Former VICE PRESIDENT, and as a PASTOR.

China has been a partner of Zambia since independence. As a young man growing up in Chinsali, we grew up with Chinese people as they built TAZAMA 1,700 pipeline from Dares Salaam to Ndola. (52 years ago)

They later built TAZARA from Dare-salaam to Kapiri Mposhi. They intermarried.

    1. Relations should be based on Mutual benefit to both peoples. (Diplomat)
    2. Must be based on equality as all men are created equal and justice must be for all. (Pastor)
    3. Leaders must listen to the governed as they lead them. (VP)

Zambia / China policy must change now. The government is implicating the Chinese population in Zambia. When Zambians are attacked in China. The Zambian Government is mute. When a Chinese calls a Zambian a foreigner in his own country, the Government is mute. When a Chinese ill-treats a Zambian, the Govt is mute. When a Chinese kills a Zambian, the Govt is mute, but when a Zambian challenges a Chinese for ill-treating Zambians, he is made to apologize.

In Public Policy this picture is lethal against a sitting Govt. It shows that the decision makers in such a government are eating off the hands of the Chinese. This perception must change now. The behavior of the PF government not only angers Zambians but puts the lives of Chinese in Danger. Once Zambians feel that their government is standing with foreigners and not them, they are tempted to take the law in their own hands.

When Zambians are attacked in China. The Zambian Government is mute. When a Chinese calls a Zambian a foreigner in his own country, the Government is mute. When a Chinese ill-treats a Zambian, the Govt is mute. When a Chinese kills a Zambian, the Govt is mute, but when a Zambian challenges a Chinese for ill-treating Zambians, he is made to apologize.

Mr President, from a Public Policy point of view. The Zambians have concluded, rightly or wrongly that your government has been financially compromised by the Chinese concerned and in the process you have surrendered the entire Zambian population to Chinese domination. The statements from the ministers of Labor and local government have cemented this unfortunate position.

Last year, a Chinese national called Kenyans monkeys and within hours, the Presidency directed that the Chinese be deported within hours.

Having served as Pastor for 41 years, as a Diplomat and Vice President, I wish to propose as follows:

    1. That the government immediately deports the Chinese national who used racist remarks against a Zambian.
    2. That the government interrogates, in a public manner those Chinese accused of oppressing and abusing Zambians in places of work and thereafter take decisive steps to protect Zambians from further abuse.
    3. Remove all notices written in Chinese from all public places and replace them with English.
    4. Call for an emergency bilateral meeting with China through their embassy to discuss matters that could injure the future relations between our two countries. We must demand for mutual respect and equitable reciprocity.
    5. Insist that only Chinese with needed professional qualifications be allowed to work in Zambia.

I call on all Zambians to send a strong message to the Government that our policy must be Zambians First.

Chief Mukuni commends the Barotse Royal Establishment For Rejecting BILL 10

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Chief Mukuni commends the Barotse Royal Establishment For Rejecting BILL 10

Senior Chief Mukuni of the Toka Leya people in Southern Province has commended the Barotse Royal Establishment for their forthrightness and candor for officially rejecting the abhorrent Bill 10.

Chief Mukuni says Bill 10 if enacted will finally achieve the aspirations of the anti-BRE agents that have for so many years desired to obliterate the BRE as a Kingdom.

He said in a statement that it is pleasing that the BRE has seen through the whimsical arbitrariness of autocracy and treachery by the proponents of this legislation that goes against all tenets of democracy, and the collective will of the Zambian people whose opinion has not been sought.

“Isn’t it however remarkable that the prime movers of the Bill in the National Assembly are bonafide subjects of the Barotse Royal Establishment namely, Leader of Government Business in the House, Her Honour the Vice President Inonge Wina, Minister of Justice Given Lubinda, Honorable MPs Professor Lungwangwa and Mutompehi respectively”, he said.

The Traditional leader said this was a clever but sinister attempt to dress the bill with a sheep’s skin over a ferocious and marauding wolf, whose real ambition was to ambush the BRE.

He said if in future people of Barotseland protested against the Bill for whatever reason, they would be reminded that Bill 10 that had changed the face of the BRE came through the blessings of the Royal Establishment whose distinguished daughter and sons were crafters and movers of the Bill into law, while the BRE gave unqualified support.

“That is why I am eternally proud and grateful that the BRE thwarted this attempt by the promoters of Bill 10”, he added.

Chief Mukuni said it is now up to all the lawmakers from Barotseland to stand with the Royal Establishment in rejecting this Bill and ensuring it does not see the light of the day in Parliament.

It’s Possible, Government Could be Lying About Escalating COVID-19 Cases in Zambia-Kambwili

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It’s Possible, Government Could be Lying About Escalating COVID-19 Cases in Zambia-Kambwili

National Democratic Congress Leader Chishimba Kambwili says it is possible the government is lying about the escalating cases of COVID-19 in Zambia.

Mr Kambwili has wondered why despite the cases of COVID-19 escalating in Zambia, there has been no death reported beyond the reported seven deaths from the pandemic.

He accused the government officials of giving wrong and conflicting statements on the disease especially regarding the two Ministers who have tested positive for the pandemic.

Mr Kambwili has questioned why Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya and Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya have not been quarantined in Government isolation centres where all the patients are being taken.

“In their contact tracing, why are they only targeting drivers leaving out the entire cabinet ministers and the President who Dr Chilufya and Ms Siliya have had meetings with, these people are lying”, he said.

He has challenged government to allow all the COVID-19 patients to go home as is the case with the two Ministers who have been allowed to be quarantined at their respective homes.

Mr Kambwili said if the two Ministers are sick, they are a danger not only to their families but the people who go to visit them as well.

He said the President and his Ministers should also stop working until they are cleared by the health authorities.

Economist Noel Nkhoma supports Government decision to contract a foreign firm on Debt Restructuring

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Economist Noel Nkhoma supports Government decision to contract a foreign firm on Debt Restructuring

Economist Noel Nkhoma has disagreed with some opposition Leaders reasoning over government’s decision to contract a foreign firm Lazard to restructure Zambia’s debt.

Mr Nkhoma says the arguments advanced by NAREP President Steve Nyirenda, DP President Harry Kalaba and PeP President Sean Tembo on the financial advisor, he disagrees with their stance opposing the move.

He has insisted that unless they understand the full mandate of the financial advisor, then only will they appreciate that the Assignment is not as simple as they think.

Mr Nkhoma has challenged the critics to name one Zambian firm which successfully delivered on a similar Assignment.

“Perhaps l should ask, do they know that when Zambia was contracting the Euro Bond, a financial advisor and debt underwriter were contracted and paid colossal sums of money in hard currency”, he has said.

Mr Nkhoma said the tenders were not even publicised like the case is now and the Finance Minister should be applauded for his transparency on the matter.

Zambia appointed Lazard Freres as financial adviser to help it restructure its external debt, the Finance Ministry said a move widely opposed by the opposition.

According to Bloomberg, Zambia is seeking to avert a debt crisis looming even before the Covid-19 pandemic throttled the global economy.

The government is hoping that the process will be able to move quickly enough to convince the International Monetary Fund that it’s on track to achieving debt sustainability, unlocking much-needed emergency funding.

Zambia invited proposals in March for advisers for what it called a liability management exercise. The southern African nation had about $11.2 billion of external debt at the end of December, after years of excessive borrowing pushed up interest costs and drained its foreign reserves. The government said it won’t force any lenders into a restructuring.

Foreign Investors Must Respect Local Labour Laws And Our People Must Refrain From Taking The Law Into Their Own Hands

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Foreign Investors Must Respect Local Labour Laws And Our People Must Refrain From Taking The Law Into Their Own Hands

By Davies Mwila Secretary General Patriotic Front

1. PATRIOTIC FRONT IS A PRO-POOR PARTY AND WE ARE FRIENDS OF THE WORKING CLASS

The Patriotic Front is by design, by objective and by practice a Pro-poor party. We are friends of the working class.

The people’s heartbeat is our heartbeat and the people’s pain is our pain.

Therefore, when our people are laid siege in very trying environments by their foreign employers and their contact with the outside world restricted for weeks on end without even having an opportunity to see their families…our hearts feel their pain.

When Foreign Investors reportedly begin to engage in racially discriminatory practices that remind us of what our forefathers went through during the colonial period, our pain turns into a passionate defense of our proud African identity.

However, our passion should not turn murderous. For in defending the pride of our Africaness, we lose our basic human identity when we take the life of another human being- not matter the race.

So our hearts equally bleed when the lives of investors are taken in senseless cold blood by our people.

2. WE CALL FOR ZAMBIAN WORKERS NOT TO TAKE THE LAW IN THEIR OWN HANDS

It is against this background that we call on our brothers and sisters; our sons and daughters – the workers not to take the law in their own hands but follow laid down procedures to report any labor-related matters.

3. WE CALL FOR INVESTORS TO RESPECT THE COUNTRY’S LABOUR LAWS AND THE TRADITIONAL VALUES THEY HAVE FOUND IN OUR COUNTRY

By the same token, we call on all investors to respect the country’s labour laws well as our cultural and traditional norms.

When in Zambia, the Zambian way overrides the foreign way. That is the bedrock of our co-existence as a people.

Patriotic Front recognizes the importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to our economy. However, the said FDI should not be a curse on our dignity. It must always remain a win-win blessing. It should therefore not be at the expense of the dignity of our people or the sovereignty of any nation, including our nation.

“Ichalo bantu”. The Zambian nation is its people. Any racial abuse of any Zambian by any foreigner on Zambian soil is an affront on our entire nationhood. It is inexcusable anywhere in the world.

While we strongly call on our people not to be violent against any foreign investors, we are equally calling upon all foreigner nationals to treat our citizens with dignity while striving to co-exist in unity. Our co-existence must never be characterised by derogatory and racial double standards on either sides.

4. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE TRADE AND INDUSTRY MUST COME OUT CLEAR ON BUSINESSES RESERVED FOR ZAMBIANS

Let me take this opportunity to our Ministry of Commerce and Industry to clearly state which businesses are categorically a preserve of the Zambian people. If it means amending pieces of legislation, this must be done as a matter of urgency.

It is unacceptable that investors should travel hundreds and thousands of miles within and across continents to come and compete with Zambians in cutting hair and selling chickens and airtime at the market? This must never be the case as it is detrimental to the growth of local businesses.

Patriotic Front wants businesses for Zambians clearly stated in subsidiary legislation and this is a clarion call we are making to the economic cluster and Ministry of Commerce in particular.

In the same vein, we demand that empowerment vehicles like Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) must reposition itself as true empowerment vehicle for emerging and existing Zambian entrepreneurs, especially the youth, women and differently-abled persons.

5. THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR MUST ALSO BE SEEN AND PROVED TO BE ACTION ORIENTED IN ENFORCING COMPLIANCE AND GENERALLY SERVING INTERESTS OF ZAMBIANS

Allow me to speak to the Ministry of Labour to ensure their inspectors are not only reactive but proactive.

Patriotic Front’s ideology is that of a pro-poor party as it is a friend of the working class. Wr urge the Ministry to ensure labour relations are cordial and where workers are violated, sanctions, as provided for under the law, must follow. That is the proactiveness we seek to see. That is the proactiveness our people are asking for.

6. WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE ACTION FROM MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO LEGALLY CORRECT ISSUES WITHIN ITS AMBIT

So since His Worship the Mayor Miles Sampa has apologized, we expect to see more action from Ministry of Local Government and Sister Ministries in legally correcting any prevailing situation with deserved urgency.

7. WE ARE A PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT

We are calling for harmonized relations between the workers and employers, domestic and foreign. We are also calling for a more coordinated and multi-disciplined approach from all stakeholders in working towards improved relations between our citizens and investors from any part of the world.

As a matter of policy, we remain on the side of the vast majority of Zambians that continue to see through and reject the opportunistic immaturity of failed opposition parties and their leadership driven by individuals who have historically been anti-working class. While some of them allege corruption against, which has become an old song, they are synonymous with partisan life presidency of a disgruntled conman who cannot explain his riches.

 

Why is the Equipment for New Chavuma Distrust Hospital Still in Lusaka and Solwezi, President Lungu Asks

Chief Editor
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Why is the Equipment for New Chavuma Distrust Hospital Still in Lusaka and Solwezi, President Lungu Asks

President EDGAR LUNGU has directed the ministry of health to immediately equip the newly constructed Chavuma Distrust hospital. President LUNGU wondered why the equipment meant for Chavuma is still in Solwezi and Lusaka. The head of state who took the ministry of health officials to task said this is why people are blaming the government when it has done its part.

He said people should not use COVID 19 as an excuse for not doing their job such as the delivery of equipment to Chavuma District Hospital. He says the government is building hospitals so that people in rural areas can have access to good health facilities.

He says it is not right for people in Chavuma not to have medical equipment when it is lying idle in Lusaka. President LUNGU also expressed displeasure with the workmanship by the contractor on some sections of the hospital. The Head of state said this, Thursday when he inspected the newly constructed Chavuma District Hospital.

In response, North-Western Provincial Health Director CHARLES MUSISKA said the equipment will be delivered next week. He said the process to bring in the equipment from Lusaka will also start next week.

President LUNGU is on three days working visit in North-Western province. Whilst there He will meet chiefs and inspect projects.

President Lungu Distributing Face Masks
President Lungu Distributing Face Masks

Meanwhile, President Lungu has said that PF members who break the law will not be shielded. President LUNGU said that it was lawbreakers who destroyed UNIP and MMD and that he will not allow it to happen in PF.

The head of state said that those who love PF should respect the law and other human beings, adding that PF is not short of leaders and those who break the country’s laws will be expelled.

President Lungu said that he PF Provincial Chairman JACKSON KUNGO was suspended because he was allegedly involved in illegal activities, adding that those who bully others because they are in power will not be entertained.

The President said this when he addressed PF officials in Chavuma, Thursday. The President said that PF was not growing in North Western province because of a lack of discipline and has directed the PF in Chavuma to produce an MP and more councilors in 2021.

Speaking at the same event PF North-Western province chairman said the PF is growing in the District and that this can be seen from a number of by-elections that the party has won in the province and that PF has targeted to win all the seats in the 2021 elections.

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