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Hichilema’s track record on Constitution reform not inspiring – YALI

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Hichilema’s track record on Constitution reform not inspiring – YALI

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has cautioned the public in their commendation of UPND and it’s leader Hakainde Hichilema in their role to provide checks and balances which have enabled Government, through Cabinet, to respond and propose amendments to Constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill.

During a media briefing on Saturday, YALI Governance and Legal Advisor, Isaac Mwanza, said the history of the UPND under Mr. Hichilema is to never support the constitution-making process, including the process they participated in 2010 and later collapsed in 2011.

“What remains to be seen is whether Mr. Hichilema will now provide leadership to his party MPs to support amendments which the Government intends to propose on the floor of the House. We are cautiously optimistic that he shall do so, bearing the history,” said Mr. Mwanza

He charged that Mr. Hichilema would not want anyone to take credit for enacting a Constitution which would allow youths, women, and persons living with disabilities to be represented in decision making and yet that has been a call these marginalized groups have been sounding for decades.

“The UPND and its MPs must remember that cleaning up this Bill and enacting it into law will ensure we have 30 days to hear a presidential petition in 2021 and beyond for any party that may be aggrieved after elections.”

He said Bill 10 must bring sanity into the Councils where Members of Parliament should have a say in managing developmental projects and making bye-laws that affect their people.

YALI has commended Cabinet for making a Government position known as regards public recommendations to amend the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill No. 10 of 2019.

“We believe the gesture by the government is a sign that it has been listening to this debate from those like us who crafted and supported Bill 10 and those who have been against certain provisions of Bill No. 10”

YALI has to join Government in commending voices who spoke against the Bill and those who championed for its current provisions.

“Our call is for UPND MPs and it’s leaders to show sobriety and participate in the process that must help the nation move forward. Our constitution is not perfect and there is no perfect constitution around the world. This is why Constitutions, even the oldest Constitution in the world, has undergone amendments until the 1990s,” he said.

A Look at Zambia’s unqualified Constitutional Court Judges

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A Look at Zambia’s unqualified Constitutional Court Judges

By John Sangwa

These are Constitutional Judges qualifications,,

MRS JUSTICE ANNE MWEWA SITALI

Hon. Mrs Justice Anne Mwewa-­Sitali as Judge of the Constitutional. The Nominee was admitted to the Bar 1987, and practised law initially as Legal Aid Counsel from 1987 until 1988. The Nominee then joined the Attorney General’s Chambers in 1989, where the Nominee served in various capacities until 2001, when the Nominee took up the position of Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel. If the years spent at Legal Aid are taken into account, the Nominee may be said to have practised law for a period of 14 years (from 1987 to 2001), which is still below the period specified in Article 141 of the Constitution.

Furthermore, DURING THE PERIOD IN ISSUE THE NOMINEE DID NOT PROSECUTE OR DEFEND ANY CASE IN THE AREA OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW OR HUMAN RIGHTS LAW.

The Nominee did not disclose in the CV, the cases prosecuted or defended in the area of constitutional law or human rights. Even the perusal of the Zambia Law Reports for the period revealed no constitutional law or human rights law case that was prosecuted or defended by the Nominee.

The Nominee lacks both the fifteen years’ experience as a legal practitioner and specialized training or experience in human rights or constitutional law.

The Nominee does not, therefore, qualify for appointment as Judge of the Constitutional Court.

HONORABLE MRS. JUSTICE MUGENI SIWALE-MULENGA: DEPUTY PRESIDENT

The Nominee was admitted to the Bar in 1995, having graduated from the School of Law of the University of Zambia, in 1994.The Nominee holds a Master of Laws Degree, which is neither in constitutional law nor human rights law. Soon after admission to the Bar, the Nominee joined the Attorney General’s Chambers where the Nominee occupied the position of State Advocate and later as Senior State Advocate. The Nominee practiced law for a period of two years in the Civil Litigation and Debt Collection Department from 1995 to 1997. There is no evidence that during this period the Nominee prosecuted or defended any case, in the area of constitutional law or human rights law. Between 1997 and 2000, the Nominee served in the Attorney General’s Chambers in the International Law and Agreements Department. The Nominee’s work involved negotiating local and multilateral agreements on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. For the period of nine years, from 2000 to 2009, the Nominee was the Secretary to the National Water and Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), where the Nominees’ responsibilities did not involve any court work, but providing secretarial and legal advisory services to the Council.

For a brief period, 2009 to 2010, the Nominee served as Acting Director of NWASCO. The Nominee has only practiced law for a period of two years whilst in the Attorney General’s Chambers, a period which is way short of what is stipulated in Article 141 of the Constitution.

The Nominee has no special training or experience in human rights law or constitutional law. The Nominee is therefore not a suitable candidate for appointment as Judge, let alone as Deputy President of the Constitutional Court.

PROFESSOR MULELA MARGARET MUNALULA

The Nominee was admitted to the Bar in 1982.
According to the CV, the Nominee’s court experience is limited to two years spent as Resident Magistrate, though the exact period is not specified in the CV. Thereafter the Nominee spent six years as a Senior Legal Officer in the employ of Development Bank of Zambia and Lima Bank and the Nominee’s responsibilities were limited to drafting loan agreements and security documents. Thereafter the Nominee has taught law for the past 26 years. There is also no evidence of the Nominee having any experience in constitutional law or human rights law. The Nominee has never practiced law. There is no basis for appointing the Nominee to the Constitutional Court.

LADY JUSTICE HILDAH CHIBOMBA – PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

According to the CV, the Nominee was admitted to the Bar in 1982. For a period of four years (1982-­1986), the Nominee served as a Resident Magistrate at Kitwe and Lusaka. Between 1986 and 1989, the Nominee served as a Senior Resident Magistrate. The Nominee’s only stint as a legal practitioner started when the Nominee joined the Ministry of Justice and this was only for a period of four years. Between 1989 and 1990, the Nominee served as Assistant Senior State Advocate, in Civil Litigation.

Between 1990 and 1993, the Nominee rose to the position of and served as Senior State Advocate. This marked the end of the Nominee’s career as a legal practitioner. Perusal of the Zambia Law Reports for the period revealed no case that was prosecuted or defended by the Nominee. Thereafter, for a period of four years from 1993 to 1997, the Nominee assumed the position of Principal State Advocate in charge of International Law and Agreements Department, in the Ministry of Justice, which position did not include court work. The Nominee joined the Judiciary as a Judge of the High Court on 1st October 1997 and in 2009, the Nominee was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court. The Nominee only practiced law for a period of four years, which is far less than the fifteen year period stipulated in Article 141 of the Constitution.

There is equally nothing in the Nominee’s CV, which shows that the Nominee has specialized training or experience in human rights law or constitutional law. Similarly, there is nothing in the Nominee’s CV, which shows that during the time the Nominee practiced law, the Nominee dealt with any case, which arose in the area of constitutional law or human rights. The Nominee does not qualify for appointment as President or Judge of the Constitutional Court.

AMBASSADOR PALAN MULONDA

The Nominee was admitted to the Bar in 1995, and joined the Ministry of Justice in 1996, where he served as Assistant Senior State Advocate involved in Civil Litigation and International Legal Agreements until 2000. Between 2000 and 2003, the Nominee served a Deputy Director responsible for Human Rights and Treaties in the Attorney General’s Chambers.

According to the Nominee’s CV, the Nominee IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN A PARTNER IN THE LAW FIRM CALLED PALAN & GEORGE BETWEEN 2003 AND 2006.

Thereafter the Nominee joined the School of Law of the University of Zambia where he is said to have lectured and tutored in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. Between 2009 and 2012, the Nominee served as Director of the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE). The Nominee has been Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States since 2012. The Nominee does not mention any case that he has prosecuted in the area of constitutional law or human rights law whilst at the Attorney General’s Chambers or while he served as a Partner in the firm of Palan & George.

The Nominee lacks both the requisite number of years as a legal practitioner as well as experience in constitutional law and human rights law matter.

Shepolopolo U17 Out of 2020 FIFA World Cup Race

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Shepolopolo Zambia U17 are out of the 2020 FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup qualifiers following a 3-0 away loss to Bantwana South Africa at Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.

Bantwana overturned a 2-0 first leg away loss in Lusaka on February 28 to advance to the final qualifying stage 3-2 on aggregate.

The hosts took a 1-0 halftime lead through Jessica Wade’s 12th minute goal.

Lindokuhle Gamede added the second in the 72nd minute before Kananelo Taiwe completed the comeback in the 76th minute.

Meanwhile, Shepolopolo could have clinched it on away goals rule but 53rd minute substitute Melissa Mataba saw her 84th minute shot came off Bantwana’s post to shutter their India dreams.

Shepolopolo U17’s elimination comes in the wake of their U20 counterparts ejection from the 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in early February , also by South Africa.

Government bans hugs, handshakes, restricts public gatherings

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Government bans hugs, handshakes, restricts public gatherings

Government has announced a restriction to all public gatherings, in an effort to prevent people from contracting the Coronavirus.

Announcing this at a press briefing this morning, Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya also announced a restriction on face-to face interactions at public gatherings such as hugs or handshakes at churches.

He also directed all public places such as restaurants, shopping malls, business places, and other work places to put hand sanitizer for their clients.

The Minister of Health has also signed two Statutory Instruments which will facilitate the management and Control of the Covid 19 commonly known as Coronavirus.

Dr. Chilufya says the Statutory Instruments will among other things require mandatory reporting to health officials all individuals suspected to have Covid-19 and mandatory quarantine of all travelers from high-risk areas for a minimum period of 14 days.

He says the Statutory Instruments will also allow for the closure of any premises that pose a public health threat linked to Covid-19.

Dr Chilufya said government has further effected a mandatory reporting of all suspected Coronavirus cases to the Zambia Institute of Public Health (ZIPH).

Dr Chilufya also disclosed that Zambia has not recorded any case of Covid-19 but has however assured that the Zambia National Public Health Institute has been conducting continued surveillance.

He said 28 alerts involving individuals who travelled from areas were COVID-19 has been confirmed,19 cases have been investigated, more than 29,000 have been screened at international airports entries in the last month with 2,300 travellers arriving from high risk areas been identified and being tracked for 14 days.

“In line with the public health act cap.295 of the laws of Zambia, I have signed and brought into force two statutory instruments which:(1) designate CONVID-19 as a notifiable disease and (2) provide additional regulation to facilitate management and control of COVID-19,” Dr Chilufya said.

“A call centre has been established for the public to report concerns and also receive information of the disease.Dedicated call centre numbers are 909 (toll-free),0953898941,0964638726 and 0974493553” he further disclosed.

Dr Chilufya also said government has established an emergency fund to provide resources for CONVID-19 preparedness, surveillance and responce.

The minister was joined by Informatiom and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya and permanent secretaries from various ministries as well as the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit Country Coordinator Chanda Kabwe.

Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo orders the arrest of youths buying mealie meal

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Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo orders the arrest of youths buying mealie meal

Facebook comment:

Other countries: Oh, we have a shortage of our staple food. We should empower more farmers, we should open up more farming areas so that we have surplus once we harvest.
Zambia: Oh, we have a shortage of our staple food. Go to the supermarket and arrest all those who can’t explain why they are buying it.

Chipolopolo’s East African Tour on Hold

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Chipolopolo’s four-match friendly tour of East Africa next week is uncertain as hosts Uganda await CAF’s decision on the staging of the 2020 CHAN tournament in Cameroon following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Micho and his team were due to leave for Kampala on Sunday to play in a three-nation tournament against Uganda on March 17 and Mali on March 19.

CAF on Friday postponed all international matches scheduled for March including the 2021 AFCON qualifiers due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The Three-Nation Tournament that is set for Uganda from March 17-21 is in limbo following the host country indicating that they will await a report from CAF over the dates of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) that is scheduled to commence on April 4, 2020 in Cameroon,” acting FAZ spokesperson Sydney Mungala said.

“Organizers of the tournament, the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), has notified the participating teams that their decision will depend on what CAF will say on whether the CHAN will take place as scheduled or not.

“CAF has through its medical committee headed to Cameroon to ascertain the risk of the Coronavirus to the tournament with a report due after the inspection this weekend.

“Subsequently, the trip to Kampala will await an indication from CAF as all the teams are hoping to use the tournament to prepare for CHAN.

“The preparatory tournament may be pushed further should the CHAN be postponed.

“FAZ has also put on hold the international friendly with Ethiopia that was set for March 21 as part of the final check-up for local players before playing Botswana on March 26 and 29th as was earlier scheduled by CAF.”

Mungala said Chipolopolo will remain in camp awaiting CAF’s findings in Cameroon.

Chipolopolo have already played one friendly match on March 12 when they beat Malawi 1-0 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Shepolopolo U17’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier Goes Ahead

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FAZ and SAFA have confirmed that today’s 2020 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between Shepolopolo U17 and South Africa U17 will go ahead despite CAF postponing all international games for this month.

CAF on Friday postponed all international fixtures scheduled for March, including the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement came on the eve of Shepolopolo’s first round, final leg away match against South Africa today at Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg.

Shepolopolo U17 arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday for the match.

Zambia enjoys a 2-0 first leg win played on February 28 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Remove ConCourt judges; they are an incompetent bunch – Sishuwa

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Remove ConCourt judges; they are an incompetent bunch – Sishuwa

University of Zambia lecturer Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa has called for the removal of all Constitutional Court judges for gross misconduct and incompetence.

Commenting on constitutional lawyer John Sangwa’s observation that President Edgar Lungu dribbled Zambians when he appointed unqualified individuals as Constitutional Court judges, Dr Sishuwa agreed.

He said only individuals who meet the constitutional requirements to serve as a judge on the ConCourt: namely, specialised training or experience in human rights or constitutional law and 15 years’ experience as a legal practitioner, should have been chosen to serve on the court.

“The Constitutional Court has the final say on all matters relating to the interpretation of the Constitution including the election of the President, so those serving on it should be qualified, competent and impartial individuals with an intimate knowledge and understanding of the Constitution. The fact is that if a sitting president is able to both rig an election and control the Constitutional Court, it is hard to see how he or she can ever be voted out of office. In appointing unqualified individuals to the court, Lungu may have reasoned that it represented the best way of preparing for any possible legal challenge to his election and the constitutional battles over his eligibility or qualification to stand again.”

Dr Sishuwa argued that the ConCourt judges misconducted themselves during President Lungu’s eligibility case by abandoning the questions that were specifically asked by the applicants.

“Aside the question of their qualification, the judges have shown on more than one occasion that they are an incompetent bunch. One was in relation to the amateurish way in which they handled the election petition in 2016. The latest is in relation to how they handled Chishimba Kambwili’s legal challenge against the decision of the Speaker of the National Assembly to declare his Roan constituency seat vacant. In this case, both parties are claiming victory, on account of the court’s failure to give an unambiguous judgement. Yet another example of the incompetence of the Constitutional Court relates to how they handled the matter of whether President Lungu is eligible to stand for another term of office at the next election”, he said.

Dr Sishuwa said instead of answering the two questions that were asked by the applicants, the Court “threw away both questions and unilaterally invented a brand new question”.

“To avoid misinterpreting what the Court said, it is worth quoting their remarks at length as captured on page 51 of its 7 December 2018 judgement:

‘We note that although the Applicants argued in their submissions that this matter has been brought pursuant to Article 128(1)(a), which gives this Court jurisdiction to interpret constitutional provisions, the manner the above question has been couched personalises the issue in that it targets the incumbent President as an individual. We do not encourage this trend because the framing of the questions for this Court’s interpretation of constitutional provisions should not target any individual as it is meant for general application as the interpretation is binding on every person in the Republic. What we are dealing with in the present case is the office of the President. We of course understand what the question is or what it ought to have been and what it aims at, namely, the office of the President. The question therefore is or ought to have been framed as follows: Whether in terms of Article 106 (3) and (6), a presidential term of office that ran from 25th January 2015 to 13th September 2016 and straddled two constitutional regimes can or should be considered as a full term’”.

The UNZA academic said both the language used by the court and the justification provided for inventing their own question and discarding the questions raised by the applicants were incriminating.

“There are three fundamental questions that arise from the reasoning of the Constitutional Court. First, from where did the judges draw their understanding of what the “question ought to have been”, outside what the parties to the case submitted? Second, which law or authority gave the court permission to discard or completely throw away the applicants’ specific questions and replace then with the court’s own question? Third, if the Constitutional Court found that the arguments presented by the applicants did not meet the required standard to give them the reliefs sought, based on the specific questions that were brought to the court for determination, why didn’t it dismiss the case? It is a known principle of the law that a court, as a neutral arbiter, should never volunteer anything, be it a question or issue without the knowledge and consent of the parties involved or outside what the parties have presented to the court for determination. The moment a court does that, then it joins one of the contending parties and loses its impartiality. When a judge loses their impartiality, then they lose their authority to be called a judge. Since impartiality is the hallmark of the independence of the judiciary, what the judges of the Constitutional Court did amounts to the highest form of incompetence and gross misconduct. This is a potential ground for their removal from office. The fact that all the six judges of the Court were unanimous in their shocking decision means they are all culpable”, he said.

Dr Sishuwa added that it was wrong for the ConCourt to threaten and intimidate citizens into submission of its judgements using contempt of court powers.

“I note how the Constitutional Court began its judgment on the eligibility case with a warning to potential critics right in the opening paragraph. The Court seems to have been fully conscious of the problematic nature of the judgment they were about to deliver and the likely ruthless criticism it would attract from the public. It therefore sought to insure itself from public accountability and criticism by introducing the judgement with a stern warming to critics. We should remember that this threat from the Constitutional Court came about two weeks after the Supreme Court sentenced a critic, Gregory Chifire, to a shocking six-year-prison term for contempt of court for criticising members of the court after they had passed what was deemed to be a controversial judgement”, said Dr Sishuwa.

“There is no need for judges to threaten or intimidate citizens, especially those who raise fair comment on their decisions. Article 118 (1) of Zambia’s Constitution provides that “The judicial authority of the Republic derives from the people of Zambia and shall be exercised in a just manner and such exercise shall promote accountability.” In its judgement of the infamous Chifire case, the Supreme Court, in interpreting the word accountability as used in the cited Article, stated that “The word accountability curtails judges’ functions by requiring them to be transparent in the justice delivery system (hence the need for open court hearings) and the need for a reasoned judgement, which explains to both parties why one has lost and the other succeeded”. In seeking answers to the questions I have raised above, I am holding the judiciary to account, since the judgement of the Constitutional Court was so ambiguous that we now have two camps that have emerged with different interpretations of the same judgement. I am also giving effect to Article 122 (4), which stipulates that “A person and a person holding a public office shall protect the independence, dignity and effectiveness of the Judiciary.” So, I hope that rather than sending me contempt of court summons, the Constitutional Court judges would thank me for being a good citizen who is performing a constitutional duty of holding them to account and protecting the integrity of the Judiciary.”

STRIPPED: John Sangwa barred from appearing before any Zambian court

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STRIPPED: John Sangwa barred from appearing before any Zambian court

The Judiciary has barred Constitutional Lawyer John Sangwa from appearing before any court in Zambia pending determination of its complaint against him to the Law Association of Zambia.

In a notice to all judges of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Registrars and Magistrates, Acting Registrar Prince Mwiinga announced that Mr. Sangwa would no longer be allowed to appear before any court.

“This serves to inform all Hon Addressees that by direction of the Judiciary, Mr John Sangwa SC, an Advocate of the High Court, practicing under the firm of Simeza Sangwa and Associates will no longer be allowed to appear before any court in Zambia until further notice,” her notice read.

Mr Sangwa has resurrected a public debate on President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility to run for re-election in 2021.

He has also criticized the manner in which the Constitutional Court handled the case in which the Law Association of Zambia challenged President Lungu’s eligibility.

And PF Deputy Chiefwip Tutwa Ngulube has called on President Edgar Lungu to strip Mr Sangwa off his status as State Counsel.

Late President Michael Sata who was Mr Sangwa’s long time client conferred him with the status of State Counsel for his immense contribution to the growth of the judicial process in Zambia.

But Mr Ngulube who is also a Lawyer says Mr Sangwa should be stripped off his honor for allegedly being in contempt and for bringing the name of the judiciary into disrepute.

”Following the banning by the Judiciary, and the fact that he will no longer appear before any court, he does not deserve the Rank anymore and he has lost his place,” Mr Ngulube said.

He added, “This must serve as a stern warning to other lawyers Like Eddie Mwitwa and Roger Chongwe who are also in the habit of insulting the integrity of the courts. Sangwa as a senior lawyer must have known the implications of the attacks.”

Mr Ngulube has since urged the judiciary to extend the ban to Mr Mwitwa and Dr. Chongwe.

Prime TV wants Government to first Pay for Coronavirus sensitization messages

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Prime TV wants Government to first Pay for Coronavirus sensitization messages

Prime Television proprietor Geral Shawa has refused to offer public service messages on Coronavirus sensitization saying he will only do it when the government pays for the service in accordance with the budget that media owners have drawn.

Speaking during the meeting organized by the Ministry of Information and broadcasting services in Lusaka yesterday to find ways of raising awareness by the various media organizations regarding the Coronavirus, Mr. Shawa said that Media owners have agreed not to help Government in the Corona sensitization program without payment.

Mr. Shawa said the Government should first settle outstanding dues owed to the media institutions before it could engage them in providing free airspace for sensitizing people on the coronavirus.

Association spokesperson said Ken Tonga said the coronavirus problem requires concerted efforts by all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Mr. Malupenga said Government is in the process of compiling all arrears owed to the media institutions by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Hé said that he had assured the media proprietors in previously held meetings that he would ensure the money is paid to them.

Mr. Malupenga advised Mr. Shawa to desist from using arm twisting techniques on the Government.

He pointed out that the Government will give business without discriminating against the private media.

Mr. Malupenga also said Government will not force anyone to enter into a partnership with it in sensitizing people on the coronavirus.

He told all media owners that this was an opportunity to consolidate partnerships with Government and that there is no institution that is bigger than the other.

LAZ condemns the media statements attributed to its two Senior Members

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LAZ condemns the media statements attributed to its two Senior Members

The Law Association of Zambia ( LAZ) has condemned in its strongest terms the recent print and electronic media attributed to two of it Very Senior members Dr. Rodgers Chongwe, S.C and John Sangwa S.C for questioning the qualifications, integrity, and impartiality of the Constitutional Court Judges.

In a statement availed to the media, the Council of the Association said that, while courts and the judicial officers are not immune to criticism, this is not a license to anyone to slander, demean or ridicule judges and judicial officers.

The Statement reads that all LAZ members must be aware of the clear difference between criticizing a judicial system or a Judge’s conduct and personally attacking a Judge or Judicial Officer.

The Association has since reminded its members and the public that unwarranted attacks on the judicial officers undermine public confidence in the judiciary as a whole and lowers the authority of the courts in the administration of justice.

It shares the view that a direct consequence of an undermined judiciary is the general erosion of the respect for the law by the public.

The Association has further guided that members of the public and lawyers have a duty to refrain from the use of inappropriate language against Judges or courts adding that they should resist making unsubstantiated claims of judicial impropriety.

It has added that “Judges and Judicial Officers are by law mandated to perform their duties without fear or favor or ill will and to be free of intimidation and undue influence in whatever form.

It has however reiterated its call on all of its members and members of the public to use the right channels of seeking redress for their grievances or their clients against any Judge or Judicial Officer.

More youths encouraged to utilize empowerment programmes

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More youths encouraged to utilize empowerment programmes

The government says it will continue to invest more effort in sensitization programmes aimed at alerting youths on available empowerment opportunities.

Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development Permanent Secretary Joe Kapembwa noted that most youths have not taken advantage of the empowerment programmes set up by government and its stakeholders.

Mr Kapembwa explained that empowerment initiatives for the youths are ongoing under various ministries such as the ministries of agriculture, trade, commerce and industry, and community development, among others.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, the Permanent Secretary, however, called on youths to be more proactive by interacting with the ministry, in order for them to be fully aware of the useful initiatives available in the various sectors.

Mr. Kapembwa said that the ministry was currently running an informative programme on ZNBC television where the Minister explains the available empowerment initiatives and how to access them.

Meanwhile, Zambia Association of Youths in Construction and Suppliers (ZAYCS) President Thomas Kamawe insisted that youths should be given a platform to address their own challenges in order for them to live up with this year’s national youth day celebration theme ‘I take the lead’.

Mr. Kamawe noted that youth’s desire for a podium to highlight some of the challenges faced and advise on sustainable solutions.

He urged the government to highlight more on empowerment opportunities for youths in various sectors, unlike the current trend that seems to be diverting more funding and attention towards the sports discipline.

He expressed optimism on youth empowerment initiatives, stating that he is hopeful that the government will continue to create a preferential treatment for youths.

Youth skills centre to be set up in Luangwa

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Youth skills centre to be set up in Luangwa

The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development has revealed its intentions to construct a youth skills centre in Luangwa District, Lusaka Province.

Luangwa District Commissioner, Ngoni Moyo, told ZANIS in an interview that the projected land for the project has already been identified.

Mr Moyo added that when complete, the skills centre will help ease the costs on the youths, who are subjected to access knowledge and skills, in neighbouring district, Rufunsa at a minimal cost.

And Mr Moyo revealed that the centre will add on the various developmental projects that the youths are currently enjoying in the district.

He cited the construction of Kakaro Secondary School, which has lessened the distance for the learners, as well as protected them from human-animal conflict.

The also mentioned the return of the pontoon in the district and women empowerment and livelihood programme, from which the youths are also a beneficiary.

The District Commissioner further revealed that government is implementing a motorized cargo youth empowerment programme, aimed at empowering youths wishing to venture in small scale transportation of goods and services in Luangwa district.

He added that about 2,146 learners in the district have benefited from the service and effectiveness of vulnerable children and adolescent (SEEVCA), under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, with an amount of over K1, 400, 000 already spent on beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Luangwa Area Member of Parliament, Stephen Miti has urged the youth in the district to take a lead, in fostering government youth empowerment programmes.

Mr Miti however cautioned the youths to avoid being used as tools of violence, but should instead engage themselves in activities that will uplift their livelihoods.

President Lungu Meets USA Charge D’affairs to Zambia Mr. David Young

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President Lungu Meets USA Charge D’affairs to Zambia Mr. David Young

President Edgar Lungu says the relationship between Zambia and the United States of America has remained intact and strong as evidenced through bilateral cooperations the two countries continue sharing in the areas of health and defense among many others.

He said it was important to assure people that there was no need to panic because Zambia and the US Governments’ Relationship remained intact considering what was summed up in terms of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

“It’s good to reassure the people that there is no need to panic…Zambia and the United States Relationship remains intact and solid as can be attested by your presence in the country and also what you have summed up regarding cooperation in various sectors you have emphasized on health and health is number one.

So when it’s all said and done I think you are most welcome and am glad that you have put matters to rest regarding matters which have happened in the recent past and some speculations by the so-called experts on international relations.” President Lungu stated.

President Lungu was speaking when the USA Charge D’affairs to Zambia Mr. David Young paid a courtesy call on him at Statehouse Friday Morning.

Meanwhile President Lungu has called on Zambians to adhere to the precautionary measures which have been set by the World Health Organization I as far as the frighting the Coronavirus is concerned.

“The health sector is heightened by the COVID-19 , but like you have said it’s important to adhere to the basics such as hand washing and avoiding handshakes .” He stated.

Meanwhile, the US Government has invested about US$438 Million in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Zambia’s health sector, for the year 2020.

The USA Charge D’affairs said that the country will continue working with Zambia in various sectors such as health and defense among many others.

Meanwhile Mr. Young said the USA Centers for Disease Control will continue working with the Zambian government in fighting the COVID-19.

“So I think those general practices are good here in Zambia, as well as around the world, so we’ll continue to cooperate closely on that but again sir, it’s just a great privilege to be here and back home in Zambia and I look forward to working with you and your government as we build our deep ties.”Mr. Young Stated.

CAF Postpones 2021 AFCON Qualifiers for March

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CAF has postponed the 2021 AFCON qualifiers set for the end of March due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

CAF has cancelled match-day- 3 and match-day-4 that were scheduled from international match week of March 25-31.

That means Zambia will not play Botswana in their 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier on March 26 in Lusaka and March 29 away in Gaborone.

This is because most foreign-based African players play in Europe and Asia where lockdowns have been enforced due to the pandemic.

Also postponed are the 2020 FIFA Women’s U20 Cup qualifiers from March 20-29 and 2020 AFCON Women’s Cup qualifiers set for the week of April 8-14.

But CAF said it is monitoring the situation very closely regarding the staging of the 2020 CHAN tournament Cameroon is set to host from April 4-25.

Meanwhile, SAFA and FAZ are yet to issue a statement on the 2020 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup first round, final leg qualifier between hosts South Africa and Zambia set for Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg on March 14.

Shepolopolo U17, who enjoys a 2-0 first leg lead, arrived in South Africa for the fixture on Thursday.

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