Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 1414

Nevers Mumba should leave RB out of his failed Leadership in MMD, RB has moved on

Chief Editor
-
5
Nevers Mumba should leave RB out of his failed Leadership in MMD, RB has moved on

Outspoken Movement for Multi-Party Democracy Youth Prince Ndoyi has advised Dr. Nevers Mumba to be grateful and stop exhibiting high levels of hatred, envy and jealousy to a man who picked him from the Country’s Political dustbin and made him Ambassador to Canada after being unceremoniously fired by Mwanawasa.

Reacting to Nevers Mumba’s Secretary Winnie Zaloumis who said the former Republican President Rupiah Banda was destabilizing the MMD, Ndoyi said Dr Mumba should desist from using his mouthpieces to attack the former President because when no one was willing to look at him it was Rupiah Banda who gave him a second chance by appointing him Ambassador to Canada.

“After Dr Mumba was fired by President Levy Mwanawasa as Vice President and expelled from the party for gross indiscipline, treachery and disloyalty to appointing authority he became a lepper politically. No one wanted to associate with him, but in 2008 when Mr Rupiah Banda became President of Zambia after the unfortunate demise of President Mwanawasa out of pity and with the help of the likes of Lameck Mangani appointed Nevers Mumba ambassador to Canada giving him a second chance at life. This is a man who was finished politically. Today Nevers Mumba has the audacity to smear insults at a man who recacitated his career and image in society.

“He will submerge and drown in his own hatred. Let him guide his workers the likes of Chitika and Zaloumis to refrain from including Rupiah Banda in thier narrow political rhetorics as that only robs him a chance to be taken seriously in his newly found political space,” he said.

He advised Dr Mumba to advise Ms Chitika and Ms Zaloumisi to refrain from including former President in their political discourse because it will force the youths to react.

“We have warned before and we want to warn him again, if that’s the route he has chosen to villify former President Rupiah Banda, he will force us to take him on politically and sadly he will not recover. Today they have gone on a spineless rampage harrasing everybody for vehicles they know not how they were bought and by who.

“How can a former President whose politically inactive destabilize the MMD. Why has he always lumped his failure to run MMD on an innocent man? Why has he held so much hatred and enmity for a man who picked him from the political dustbin with so much contempt. Let him reflect and desist.

“Instead of seeking retribution he has chosen to be confrontational and that will continue to bury him. Before it was Rupiah Banda and Edgar Lungu have hijacked MMD from me. Now it’s Rupiah Banda again. Let him face his real opponents Raphael Nakacinda, Gaston Sichilima and the group of members across the country,” he said

Zambian government cracking down on human rights-Amnesty International

Chief Editor
-
12
Zambian government cracking down on human rights-Amnesty International

Amnesty International says Laura Miti and Bornwell Mwewa says Zambian authorities have escalated their crackdown on human rights by bringing trumped up charges against activists Laura Miti and Bornwell who took a stand against the arrest and harassment of hip-hop artist Pilato.

The two activists, Laura Miti and Bornwell Mwewa, are facing politically motivated charges of “assault on a police officer” and “disorderly conduct”.

They were arrested on 21 December after they travelled to the city of Livingstone in support of Pilato, aka Fumba Chama, after he was arrested for “unlawful assembly” for addressing a youth gathering.

Amnesty International East and Southern Africa Director Deprose Muchena said the charges against Laura and Bornwell fit into a much wider pattern of suppression of peaceful dissent that we have seen in Zambia in recent years.

“The charges against Laura and Bornwell fit into a much wider pattern of suppression of peaceful dissent that we have seen in Zambia in recent years,” said Mr. Muchena.

“Authorities are using intimidation and harassment against human rights defenders, activists and political opponents as a strategy to instill fear across Zambian society. All charges against Laura and Bornwell must be immediately dropped,” says Muchena.

“Laura has been charged with disorderly conduct at a police station and two counts of assaulting two police officers. Bornwell has been charged with disorderly conduct at a police station. They were both detained following their arrest and later released. Human rights activists have been increasingly targeted in Zambia recently for demanding accountability and challenging corruption. The criminal justice system should not be used to silence dissent and settle scores against political opponents. The authorities must end this growing repression and ensure full respect for the human rights of everyone,” said Mr. Muchena.

“Instead of continuously unleashing the state security machinery against activists and political opponents, Zambian authorities should be building a society where everyone can freely express themselves without fear of reprisals,” said Mr. Muchena.

“The criminal justice system should not be used to silence dissent and settle scores against political opponents. The authorities must end this growing repression and ensure full respect for the human rights of everyone.”

Zambia struggling to manage debt- Fitch Ratings

Chief Editor
-
9
Zambia struggling to manage debt- Fitch Ratings

A significant overshooting of the fiscal deficit in 2019 highlights the Zambian government’s difficulties in reining in debt accumulation, Fitch Ratings says.

Already high debt levels will remain a key vulnerability, even if recently announced measures are effective in slowing the pace of further debt accumulation.

According to a fiscal update from the Minister of Finance, Zambia recorded a preliminary fiscal deficit of 8.2% of GDP in 2019 in the government’s definition, well above the budget target of 6.5%.

Excluding debt amortisation and including arrears accumulation, the deficit was closer to 9% of GDP on a commitment basis.

Government revenues were higher than the government’s target, boosted by higher than expected inflation and improved revenue collection.

Expenditures exceeded the 2019 budget by approximately 9%, reflecting higher interest payments, which were 1% of GDP above target due to the currency’s sharp depreciation, and by capital expenditures and subsidies.

Fitch affirmed Zambia’s ‘CCC’ rating in December 2019, noting the high and rising government debt in the context of an ambitious capital expenditure programme.

Fitch’s forecasts assume that debt will peak in 2020, but remain at a level that keeps the government’s external financing requirements high relative to official FX reserves.

The ‘CCC’ rating is indicative of Fitch’s view that Zambia faces a heightened probability of default.

An increase in international reserve coverage or a fiscal adjustment that increase refinancing options could lead Fitch to take positive rating action.

Zambia’s 2020 Budget, approved in September 2019, called for narrowing the fiscal deficit to 5.5% of GDP.

However, the government’s inability to meet spending targets in 2019 highlights how difficult it will be to achieve any substantial narrowing of the deficit in 2020.

In late December, the cabinet approved measures to slow the contraction of new external project loans and cancel or reduce undisbursed external loans that had already been contracted.

If implemented, these measures could reduce the stock of undisbursed loans by USD5 billion, or 21.5% of GDP, and slow the accumulation of new debt.

However, similar, albeit less specific, commitments under the previous finance minister had not led to significant progress in reducing deficits or debt accumulation.

As a result, we are also sceptical about progress on an IMF programme, although the government will hold further discussions with the IMF in March and April.

In addition to a credible plan for reducing deficits, the IMF may insist on a debt re-structuring.

In his recent remarks, the Minister of Finance also mentioned that the government is seeking debt re-profiling, pending a review of legal implications.

Persistent fiscal deficits increased general government debt to 88% of GDP in 2019, from 32% in 2014.

External public debt was US11.1 billion (54% of GDP). Zambia faces approximately USD1.5 billion in external debt servicing (105% of current international reserves) in 2020.

While the government is likely to manage its 2020 debt servicing requirements, Eurobond repayments of USD750 million in September 2022 and USD1 billion in April 2024 will lead to a surge in external debt servicing in these years.

Meanwhile, the external position fared better than expected, as gross international reserves ended 2019 at USD1.4 billion, unchanged from end-2018.

The reserves position was helped by the turn of the current account to a surplus of about 1% of GDP.

Zambia’s current account last was in surplus in 2014, prior to the collapse in copper prices.

A third force in politics will emerge if HH and UPND fail to up their game, warns Trevor Simumba

Chief Editor
-
19
A third force in politics will emerge if HH and UPND fail to up their game, warns Trevor Simumba

Trade Expert Trevor Simumba has predicted that a third force will emerge in Zambian politics If Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND fail to up their game and provide a visionary roadmap towards 2021 elections.

Mr Simumba predicted that a third force will arise in Zambia that will bring together all the disgruntled upright Zambian citizens from progressive members of PF, UPND and MMD if the UPND fails to up its game.

He charged that there is no sane right thinking Zambian today that believes another five years of President Edgar Lungu is the best option for Zambia.

”Everyone agrees he has been the worst President of this country supported by cowardly selfish corrupt Ministers and civil servants that have completely run down the treasury and the economy of Zambia,” Mr Simumba said.

”However, the longer UPND fail to galvanise a new leadership team around HH the more likely we will see a similar movement as we had in 1991 arising from the ashes and choosing a single candidate with the best chance of defeating the incumbent ruling party. You do not need to be a seer I to prophesy.“

He said Zambia is in serious jeopardy and there are many in PF and UPND that see the coming implosion if the country continue on this path.

“I say to those of my friends and relatives especially in the PF remember the courage of the late MCS, get out of your comfort zone and show your patriotism to the nation of Zambia. MMD get back to your ideals and unite for the sake of Zambia.“

Mr Simumba said Zambia needs a credible balancing third force in the country.

“UPND, Zambia needs a vibrant strong opposition that is focused on transforming the lives of all Zambians not just focused on making HH President. We are in deep trouble this is not a time for personal egos it is a time for genuine leadership to rise to the occasion.“

He added, “I know that RB, ABC, VJ, Magande and many other Zambian leaders who I know personally and have discussed issues with them before, are not happy with the current status of Zambia. Only Uncle VJ has spoken publicly the others are still talking quietly at their golf clubs, homes and churches. Stop it. Without real action you will doom this great nation of Zambia to disaster in your lifetime. Come out and speak truth to power.“

”Everyone including his own cadres know that President Lungu has failed and he must bow out peacefully and ensure the Zambian people have a free and fair election to make their choice. We cannot continue in this manner,” he said.

Mosi day of thunder 2020 set to celebrate the best of zed

Entertainment Editor
-
8
Mosi day of thunder 2020 set to celebrate the best of zed
Local artist that will perform at the Mosi Day of thunder

When Zambia Breweries introduced the colorful and thunderous Mosi Day of Thunder festival in 2016, the country was amazed with the amount of Zambian talent that the stage exposed. The music festival – now in its fifth year has proved to be Zambia’s greatest and progressive festival which happens annually in the city of Livingstone. The vibrant festival will be held at the Livingstone Villa Grounds in the tourist capital over the Africa Freedom Day long weekend. Slated for May 23 this year, Zambian Breweries has confirmed that Mosi Day of Thunder (DOT) 2020 will highlight Zambian entertainment outside and within our borders.

 

Associated to many international music festivals such as the popular Coachella in Carlifornia, Australian-based Sampa The Great is one of the guest artists at DOT 2020 and will be joined by guest DJ, Prince Kaybee  from South Africa, bringing the number of guest artists to two, a first time in the Mosi Day of Thunder history. The guest artists will be joined by a star-studded local line-up including Slap Dee, Macky 2, Jay Rox, Yo Maps, Natasha Chansa and Dope Boys including the country’s leading DJs.

 

Having more Zambian artistes perform at the country’s biggest music extravaganza is in line with the “We are Zed” campaign launched by Mosi Premium Lager in October 2019, which celebrates the best of our local talent. Zambian Breweries and music share one thing – bringing people together and inspiring them to do more.  In keeping with Mosi Premium lager’s “We are Zed” theme, the music experience at DOT 2020 will champion Zambian artists.

 

Over 10,000 music-lovers from all walks of life are expected to attend the 2020 Mosi Day of Thunder, boosting Livingstone’s position as a major regional tourist and cultural hub. “We pride ourselves in seeing people enjoy a good time in a good environment with good music and  withthe best beverages,” said Sibajene Munkombwe, Zambian Breweries Country Head of Marketing who also reiterated his message urging festival goers to be responsible in their drinking. The Mosi Day of Thunder has become one of the highlights of the African musical calendar, making this an annual pilgrimage to Livingstone and bringing an array of local and regional tourists. ” he said.

 

As part of this year’s music festival,  the company has launched its Mosi USSD – Underliner  Promotion on its Mosi 375ml pack in which customers stand a chance to win tickets to the 2020 Mosi Day of Thunder and other prizes including airtime across all mobile networks.

 

Consumers will have to buy a single bottle of the Mosi 375ml bottle, look for the unique code on the underliner and dial USSD number *373# for a chance to win festival tickets, airtime and Mosi merchandise. “We will give out a total of 7,000 prizes  until the 31st of May when the promotion comes to a close, ” says Zambian Breweries head of marketing, Sibajene Munkombwe.

 

More details of Mosi Day of Thunder 2020 and other exciting activities lined up leading to the spectacular festival in May can be found on Mosi Lager social media pages and various media platforms.

Jose Moran – Country Director ZB

Government challenged to issue position on Bill 10

Chief Editor
-
27
Government challenged to issue position on Bill 10

The government has been challenged to make its position known on Bill 10 on contentious clauses contained in the Constitution of Zambian (Amendment) Bill Number 10 of 2019.

In a statement released by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Andrew Ntewewe, the organization said it has been engaging Government with a view of urging them to consider the usual practice in which Cabinet makes its position known on a Bill to amend the Constitution through the White Paper.

“We are aware that members of the public are anxiously waiting for the presentation of Bill 10 for second reading. This anxiety has been marked with mixed perception on whether the Government remains committed to amending the Bill to reflect the sentiments from members of the public as well as the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee,” said Mr. Ntewewe.

Mr. Ntewewe said it is imperative for Government to state its positions on a number of provisions contained in the Bill as a process of building confidence among the general public for whom this Constitution is intended.

He has described the debate surrounding the contents of Bill 10 which started last year as healthy but insisted that his organisation considers that the Government must make its position known as no Cabinet position, regardless of whether doing so may expose those making excuses and bent on frustrating a very well-intended process.

“We have the utmost confidence that the constitutional reform process through Bill 10 will deepen our democratic culture in which Members of Parliament and Government tasked to enact amendments must listen to all citizens and endeavour to reach a common ground for all.”

“Additionally, we wish to also put on record that Government, through the Minister of Justice, should make clear its position on all progressive provisions in the Bill, particularly the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system which will for the first time since independence guarantee the participation of women, youths and persons with disability in the governance of the country,” said Ntewewe.

Micho Wins Debut Game

sports
-
7

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic began his Chipolopolo reign on a positive note with a win on Thursday.

Chipolopolo beat Malawi 1-0 in an international friendly at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Napsa Stars forward Collins Sikombe scored the lone goal halfway through the first half when he turned in Jimmy Ndhlovu’s assist in the 21st minute.

Micho run the rule on all but players from Zesco United and Zanaco due to their recent league back log and continental engagements.

The Serbian will trim his 35 member team to 26 for next week’s four match tour of East Africa that will see Zambia play Uganda and Mali in a four-nations tournament on March 17 and 19 respectively.

Zambia will later face Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on March 21 en route back to Lusaka to play Botswana on March 26 in a 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier.

All Stakeholders do Agree that the Constitution Needs Amendments, but why the cry

Chief Editor
-
27
All Stakeholders do Agree that the Constitution Needs Amendments, but why the cry

By Antonio M. Mwanza PF Deputy Media Director.

We all agree that the Constitution in its current form has several lacunae and inconsistencies; equally, all stakeholders do agree that the Public Order Act needs to be amended and that its application must be revised, further all of us do agree that the Electoral Process Act needs to be amended and the powers of the Electoral Commission of Zambia must be enhanced.

This is the position of all stakeholders, from the Clergy, the Civil Society, the Academia right through to the Politicians. There is no argument about this issue.

Why then is it that those who have been crying the loudest about the lacunae and inconsistencies in our constitution; those who have been crying to the high heavens, condemning the police and their application of the Public Order Act; those who have been accusing the Electoral Commission of Zambia to be a toothless and compromised institution lacking integrity; those condemning and accusing the Judiciary of being corrupt and our laws of being archaic and draconian are the ones in the fore front boycotting and viciously fighting the proposed legal reforms namely the Constitutional Amendment Bill No.10, Public Order Bill as well as The Electoral Process Bill?

Why is it that those who have been crying foul about the now famous 14 days period to hear a presidential petition; those who every day claim that the Constitutional Court should not be the first and final court of appeal; those blaming the police of not according them the right to hold public meetings under the guise of public order are refusing to amend and reform the same laws and institutions which they claim are draconian, undemocratic, biased, corrupt, moribund and compromised are refusing to sit on the table and argue their case?

Well, those that have boycotted and are fighting the Government’s decision to accord all stakeholders a platform and opportunity to reform the law and institutions of governance are doing so to score cheap political capital, they are playing to the gallery of their financiers; but are they really being honest with themselves, are they really being patriotic to this nation, do they mean well by politicking instead of providing leadership by coming on the table of ideas, debate, pursued and vote to ensure our laws and institutions are reformed?

These are the same people who fought night and day against the Referendum on the Bill of Rights, a Bill that was seeking to enhance and entrench the social and economic rights of our citizens; the right to food, the right to shelter, the right to health, the right a decent job among others. Today, these same people after misleading their followers are moving from one court to the next claiming that their rights are not being respected, the same rights they campaigned against. Preposterous!

Who really benefits if the status quo with regards the Constitution, the Public Order Act and indeed the Electoral Process Act is maintained?

It is time for all Zambians, especially the youths to stop following politicians blindly. Youths must take time to read and analyze for themselves, the content of Bill 10, the Public Order Bill and the Electoral Process Bill before they rush to condemn these proposed pieces of legislation. Don’t just follow what your political leaders have told you; read for yourselves.

The proposed Bills are meant to enhance our democracy, entrench our rights and make our institutions more effective and more accountable to us.

Yes, we may not agree on everything contained in the Bills but surely there are a lot of progressive clauses in the proposed Bills that will surely enhance participation, accountability, transparency and good governance for all of us.

To those who are playing politics, I want to remind them that, yes, for the sake of expediency, you can play politics and boycott and fight the processes to reform our laws and institutions but reality will finally catch up with you and it will hit you badly.

Come 2021 we don’t want to hear cries ati, “bandibida ma voti”.

Make hay while the sun is still shining. It is not too late for you to abandon your ostrich-approach and come to the table and make submissions and debate the Bills.

Zambia has not recorded any case of the Coronavirus

Chief Editor
-
15
Zambia has not recorded any case of the Coronavirus

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director Prof. Victor Mukonka has said that Zambia has not recorded any case of the Coronavirus (CONVID-19), but warned that one case of the virus has been recorded in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Prof. Mukonka further said that the institute has intensified preparedness measures and that it is now going out to test for possible cases and not waiting to be alerted on possible cases, adding that about one thousand, two hundred and twenty-five people coming into Zambia have been screened so far.

Government has since stated that about fifty seven million kwacha has been mobilized out of the required ninty seven million kwacha for operations in the response to the Coronavirus.

And Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, has said that Government will sign a Statutory Instrument to compel Zambians to adhere to precautionary measures that have been put in place .

The Minister was speaking during a stakeholders meeting held in Lusaka Wednesday morning, the Minister of Health called on cooperating partners and stakeholders to partner with Government to raise the funds.

Dr Chitalu said that, despite no cases being recorded in the country, health officials are on high alert.

Meanwhile Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Hon. Dora Siliya who was also present said her ministry will on Friday hold a meeting with media owners and editors to enhance sensitization on the epidemic. And Home Affairs Minister Hon. Stephen Kampyongo said the defense and security forces are alert and are ready to respond to any situation, with Foregin Affairs Minister Hon. Joseph Malanji saying the country was awaiting guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the need to restrict movement to and from other countries.

Copperbelt Minister takes a swipe at milling companies for creating an artificial shortage of mealie meal

Chief Editor
-
13
Copperbelt Minister takes a swipe at milling companies for creating an artificial shortage of mealie meal

Copperbelt Province Minister, Japhen Mwakalombe has taken a swipe at some milling companies for creating an artificial shortage of mealie meal in some parts of the province.

Mr. Mwakalombe who made an impromptu visit at milling companies in Ndola expressed displeasure that despite government supplying maize through the Food Reserve Agency, some millers have taken advantage of the situation by creating an artificial shortage.

He warned that the Government will not allow the trend which he said has disadvantaged many consumers who are now panicking where and when to purchase the commodity.

Mr. Mwakalombe who was in the company of Provincial permanent secretary and Deputy, Manyando Liwalii said all FRA fed millers should immediately flood the market with mealie meal.

The Minister also directed the company to ensure its agents are closely monitored to prevent them from selling the commodity at skyrocketing prices.

And Mr. Mwakalombe has urged the milling company to stop involving in retail selling of the staple food adding this compromises competition.

Meanwhile, Jambo Milling director- Operations, Idris Mohamed appealed to the minister to intervene in the matter by making sure that the supply of maize from FRA is consistent.

Chitotela wants People who want to Challenge President Lungu at the convention be identified and dealt with.

Chief Editor
-
26
Chitotela wants People who want to Challenge President Lungu at the convention be identified and dealt with.

Minister of Tourism and Pambashe Member of Parliament is, allegedly on behalf of his constituency, petitioning the ruling Patriotic Front’s highest organ, the Central Committee, to open the party’s Presidential Nominations in the month of May for only a period of 30 days so that the party can easily identify those that are opposed to the sole candidacy of the incumbent President Edgar Lungu and only for a period of 30 DAYS

Speaking at the Lusaka Patriotic Front Youth Rally, Thursday, Mr. Chitotela petitioned the Central Committee, through the Deputy Secretary-General Mrs. Mumbi Phiri, to open and close the Presidential nominations way ahead of schedule of the 10th to 12th July 2020 PF General Conference, adding that the opening up will allow the party to know who is behind Lusaka Lawyer and State Counsel John Sangwa’s push to take President Lungu’s eligibility issue to the constitutional court.

Mr. Chitotela said that the opening up of nominations is the only way the party can cleanse itself against those working to undermine the 2021 candidature of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

“I am a bearer of a message from the Patriotic people of Pambashe who have asked me to deliver their message. There is no way you can allow the PF Presidential Nominations to open and close during the General Conference. How else would you expose those who are working with Sangwa(po) to undermine the candidature of His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” said Hon Chitotela.

“If there is a man the entire opposition in Zambia is afraid of facing in the Ballot, it is President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. And that is why they are working to question his 2021 candidature because had he been a weaker opponent, they would have ignored him all the way to the Ballot. They are very scared! And that is why we should expose them before the General Conference.”

However, Ruling PF deputy secretary-general Mumbi Phiri has said that even those who will declare presidential interests at the 11th hour are free to challenge Presidency Edgar Lungu for the party leadership at the general conference.

Speaking to the media, Ms Phiri said those wishing to challenge President Lungu would not be harassed at the conference. She said, for now, she was not aware of anyone that had expressed interest to challenge the President, but even last-minute announcements would still be welcome.

“It’s their democratic right whether they show interest in the 11th hour, that is their democratic right because the convention doesn’t stipulate as to when you could.

Anti-apartheid hero urges the UK to embrace ubuntu, says other Africans paid an enormous price for South Africa’s freedom.

editor
-
4
Anti-apartheid hero urges the UK to embrace ubuntu, says other Africans paid an enormous price for South Africa’s freedom.

Anti-apartheid hero and former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa Albie Sachs has said an enormous price was paid by other Africans for the freedom of South Africa. And a Zambian doctoral researcher, Chanda Mfula, has said the University of Sussex is intimately connected to the liberation and political history of Southern Africa through prominent alumni that included presidents, activists and leaders in various spheres. Meanwhile Dr Sachs has urged the United Kingdom and other western countries to embrace ubuntu.

Speaking at the launch of a society for Southern, East and Central Africans studying at the University of Sussex, Dr Sachs, who lost one of his arms and part of his sight in Mozambique in a car bomb attack by agents of the South African apartheid regime over his role to end apartheid, paid tribute to southern African countries, including Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania for contributing towards ending apartheid and for their sacrifices that involved a tremendous loss of life in many of these countries. He praised the initiative to form the students’ society at Sussex, which he suggested would be an effective platform for debates and interactions among students from Southern, East and Central Africa.

Meanwhile, co-founder of the society, Chanda Mfula, said the grouping will draw inspiration from the fact that the University acted as an effective bootcamp responsible for intellectually arming and rearming leaders including former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former President of Botswana Festus Mogae and Zambia’s former Acting and Vice President Guy Scott, all of whom studied at the University of Sussex. He noted that many of the alumni from the university, such as Dr Sachs, who completed his PhD there in 1972, went on to contribute greatly to the various struggles, activisms and projects in a wide range of fields on the continent, including politics, governance, economics and civil society.

Another co-founder of the society, Thabani Mutambasere, a doctoral researcher in the School of Global Studies from Zimbabwe, outlined the vision of the society, pointing out that students from all countries in southern, east and central Africa needed a home away from home by coming together to share their aspirations, fears, cultures and foods, among others and that they would benefit from a platform that enabled them to offer one another solidarity in a variety of situations.

And speaking during the 11th Annual Draper Lecture hosted by the University of Sussex’s Law School, Dr Sachs said that it was not just Africa that needed the ‘broad spirit of ubuntu’, which he describes as the ‘quest for something better’ and the ‘willingness to work with others’, saying the United Kingdom, United States and other countries needed ubuntu. Dr Albie Sachs spent a week at the University of Sussex, reliving his student days by living on campus, and giving a series of talks that included a presentation at Sussex University’s Institute of Development Students (IDS), which for the fourth year running has been ranked number one in the world for development studies by QS Rankings. He also gave the 11th annual Draper Lecture and was guest at a fundraiser in London for the Nelson Mandela Scholarship Fund which is aimed for scholars from Southern Africa.

GBM challenges LAZ

editor
-
24
GBM challenges LAZ

PF Deputy Chairman for Mobilisation Geoffrey Mwamba has challenged the Law Association of Zambia to state its position on lawyers that are pouring scorn on constitutional court Judges.

Mr. Mwamba says it will be difficult for LAZ to condemn politicians when they attack the judiciary .

He said it is important that the Association comes out clean on the matter .

Mr Mwamba says LAZ cannot allow a situation where Lawyers starts pouring scorn on the Judges every time they lose a case .

He told ZNBC that he expects LAZ to state its position if it agrees with the route that Lusaka lawyer John Sangwa has taken.

Mr. Mwamba told ZNBC that LAZ is a respected body which should not to be used for cheap politics by a few selfish lawyers .

He has also urged those who are scared of President Edgar Lungu to go and campaign rather insist that he is not eligible to stand .

He said the PF is already on the ground engaging the people ahead of 2021.

And When reached for a comment the Law Association of Zambia said it will soon issue a statement on the matter .

LAZ President Eddie Mwitwa said the Association expects lawyers to behave in a certain manner even when they do not agree with the court’s judgement .

Cabinet To Table Construction Bill,2020

editor
-
7
Cabinet To Table Construction Bill,2020

Cabinet has approved for publication and introduction in Parliament, of the National Council for Construction Bill, 2020.

Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya says Cabinet decided to repeal and replace the National Council for Construction Act Number 13 of 2003.

She says the Act is considered to be inadequate in dealing with issues relating to the promotion, development and regulation of the construction industry in the country.

Ms Siliya says the objectives of the bill are to provide for the promotion, development and regulation of the construction industry so as to promote economic growth and competitiveness among others.

She says Cabinet is of the view that the new Act will further contribute to economic growth in the country, promote competitiveness in the construction industry and create sustainable employment for citizens especially with the booming construction industry

Ms Siliya says the decision was made during the 5th Cabinet Meeting held at State on Tuesday and Chaired by President Edgar Lungu.

And Cabinet has also approved in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament in order to address some inconsistencies and lacunas by amending the Road Traffic Act, No. 11 of 2002 and facilitate for effective service delivery to the public.

Ms Siliya, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said since 2002, there have been no significant amendments or revision of the Act, except for amendments relating to the revision of road user fees.

She said the bill among others proposes the revision of some of the penalties in the Road Traffic Act Number 11 of 2002.

And Ms Siliya said that during the meeting, Cabinet approved, in principle, to the introduction of a bill in Parliament to repeal and replace the Tobacco Act, Chapter 237 and the Tobacco Levy Act, Chapter 238.

She said in order to bring the legislation in line with the recent changes in the tobacco industry and the current industry practices, changes that incorporate the private sector as well as the marketing of non-auctionable tobacco.

Ms Siliya said Cabinet further agreed that as the Act is being repealed, the experts should take into account international protocols and obligations with regard to tobacco production and utilization.

Meanwhile ,Cabinet also approved the appointment of a five member Capital Markets Tribunal for effective oversight of the operations of the Capital Markets by Government as provided for by the law under the Securities Act of 2016, Part 17 (184).

Ms Siliya said Cabinet also approved the appointment of a nine members Council of the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education.

She said Cabinet found it necessary to appoint the Council members in order to improve the performance of the Institute through the provision of oversight.

Currently, the Council has nine (9) vacancies and, therefore, there is need for those vacancies to be filled in order to enable the Council effectively discharge its functions.

[ZNBC]

PF uses Spax and now want to discard him

editor
-
21
PF uses Spax and now want to discard him

By Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member

For the record, the regime should either present Spax before the courts or release him.

This is the arbitrary application of the law we have always condemned. The same brutality they applied against Mr. Hakainde Hichilema is the same brutality they are applying against Kabaso Mulenga.

I have a lot of sympathies for Kabaso SPAX Mulenga. I also have a lot of sympathies for many intelligent, enterprising, hardworking young men like him, who push the boundaries of limitations to build a life for themselves and their families.

For the record, Spax and many youths like him are victims of the brutality of the failed leadership of the Patriotic Front. The PF always knew, that youths on the Copperbelt were always going to demand a fair share of the spoils of the earth in that region, and that they were never going to stand and watch corrupt government politicians plunder our national resources while they continued begging for handouts.

That is how they demanded for the #BlackMountain to be given to them, even without the most basic legal protections.

Spax and the youths on the Copperbelt, Chingola and Kitwe to be specific, knew, that because of their appetite for corruption, the PF leadership would always play ball over the Black Mountain.

If the PF had not given Spax and the youths on the Copperbelt, permission to work with the Black Mountain, these youths by now, could have erupted and demanded for their removal from power. These youths could never have stood by and watched the plunder of national resources by PF officials while they got nothing.

In other words, Black Mountain was a bribe to keep the youths silent as government officials stole on a grand scale.

The PF cannot remain in power without the support of Spax and his team. And they know it.

Except now, the PF have amassed too much money from numerous acts of grand, politically motivated corruption, that they now think they can dispense with Spax and the “Jerabos” on the Copperbelt.

This is why the regime can now afford to arrest and detain Spax. The PF do not feel they need Spax anymore.

In the months ahead, the regime, in an attempt to strengthen it’s grip on power, will try and neutralize the command of people like Spax and his team.

But this will also give the youths on the Copperbelt, an opportunity to see that they have been used and played by the regime.

There are members of the regime who want a piece of the Black Mountain. But before they can lay their hands on it, they must first neutralize Spax.

The problem here is not Spax. The problem is the regime.

1...1,4131,4141,415...5,640Page 1,414 of 5,640

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times