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Former President Lungu had his time to serve Zambia – Matatiyo

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Former President Lungu had his time to serve Zambia – Matatiyo

Former Diplomat to Malawi in the late president Levy Mwanawasa’s administration Nebat Matatiyo has urged former President Edgar Lungu to step down from active politics and stop attacking President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration.

He said Mr Lungu should give chance to Mr Hichilema to implement his programs for the people of Zambia.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Matatiyo said former president Edgar Lungu had his time to serve the people of Zambia adding that it is now time for President Hichilema to govern the people of Zambia.

He said instead of going out making public attacks against Mr Hichilema, the former president should seek forgiveness and reconciliation with the UPND administration and President Hichilema for the betterment of many Zambians who ushered President Hichilema into office in 2021.

Mr Matatiyo added that if Mr Lungu has seen that something was going wrong in the way President Hichilema was governing the country he should advise President Hichilema and his administration to sort out the problem amicably instead of making negative utterances against the UPND administration and President Hichilema.

He also called on the Catholic Clergy in Zambia to advise the former Head of State to stop politicking.

He said Zambians want to see peace continue prevailing in the country.

He said Mr Lungu should not forget that the New Dawn Administration knows alot about him and his dirty dealings when he was in Government saying that if he is not careful he would be harshly dealt with by the State.

Hardship: The Hunger Is Too Much For Zambians

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Hardship: The Hunger Is Too Much For Zambians

We urge Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his government to acknowledge the immense hardships currently facing the people and commit towards guaranteeing a practical economic recovery plan, which will significantly improve the standard of living.

We say this because life for the majority of our people is getting extremely desperate. There is no doubt that every new day is presenting fresh and unbearable challenges for the great majority of our people. Lately, the local news on various media platforms is never short of stories about price adjustments. It’s one price increment after another! That is how our people are getting by, but the question is: for how long?

Fuel is unreasonably high, food prices are skyrocketing, loadshedding is at its peak – 12 hours per day, mealie meal is scarce and unfordable for many, water rationing has begun, employee’s salaries are being wiped out by the economic meltdown, and many other challenges. The country is collapsing in our faces. Where is the leadership of Mr Hichilema? Where are the “brilliant ideas” they had before being elected into office? What has happened to the promises Mr Hichilema made?

Mr Hichilema and his government must realise that the honeymoon is over! The boasting and self-praise cannot get the people out of these hardships. It’s time to work. Let him fix the economy, as he had promised, and ease the burden of misery and squalor amongst the people. He needs to fix the cost of living, high fuel and food prices, loadshedding, water rationing and shortages, poor salaries for workers, and many other problems facing the people.

Let him stop running away from the real issues – fixing the economy and fulfilling the promises he made to the people. Let him show commitment to the economic survival of the country and the people. The people are eager to see a president who will make Zambia better and more affordable prices for all. And not a president whose preoccupation is to make things worse. People have suffered enough, and they don’t want a president or government that is an impediment to improved standard of living.

We call upon Mr Hichilema and his government to urgently attend to the many challenges facing the country and create an all-inclusive, fair, and equitable system of governance, which will benefit all Zambians. There is a need for them to restructure the country’s finances to match its priorities and boost the purchasing power of the population, especially the vulnerable to guarantee a trickle- down effect of prosperity.

Life has become unreasonably high and unfair. We urge Mr Hichilema to disengage from the self-serving and posturing leadership he is in, which is premised on self-preservation and self-aggrandizement. These retrogressive traits need to be halted lest we end up worse than we are today.
Enough of the suffering.

By Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Solutions To Our Problems

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Solutions To Our Problems

This year, our country will turn 60 years of independence. We, however, find ourselves in a much worse situation than we would have ever imagined.
Obviously, we are not doing well in most of the key economic indicators. At times, it feels like we are in a dream; we want this dream to be over; but it is our reality. And we need to face this reality. Things are not well; we have many problems.
The truth is, the problems of our country can be solved only if we dedicate ourselves to fight for it with the same energy, honesty, and patriotism our freedom fighters had when they founded it.
But we also need to keep in mind that the solutions to our problems cannot continue to depend on the selfish interests of a few people with money nor on the cold calculations of profits that a few businessmen draw up. We cannot continue looking for hope from people who constantly lie and have no vision. The country cannot continue begging on its knees for miracles from a few golden calves, like the Biblical one destroyed by the prophet’s fury. Golden calves cannot perform miracles of any kind.
Our country cannot continue begging or relying on IMF deals; these deals have never worked for us, and they are evidently not working.
There’s a lot of workers’ money – NAPSA and other pension funds – sitting in banks and being misused to build with little benefit to the workers. Instead of leaving it up to individual profit-seeking capitalists and their agents in government to decide how this money should be invested, the working class should decide on a democratic basis where the wealth produced by them is invested – without a doubt there would be reasonable amounts available for investment in free education at every level.
All Zambians need to take the economy and political power into their own hands in order to provide decent education, public services and standards of living for all – a society in which the full benefits of economic development can be enjoyed by all.
The current open market system, by its very nature, cannot provide this; it is only a socialist transformation of society that holds a brighter future for our people.
The SP government backed by the people and with the respect of the nation, after cleansing the different institutions of corrupt practices and elements would proceed immediately to the country’s industrialisation, mobilising all inactive capital and submitting this mammoth task to experts and men and women of absolute competence totally removed from all political machines for study, direction, planning and realisation.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Presidential Advisor on Health Cautions Pharmacists

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Presidential Advisor on Health Cautions Pharmacists

Special Advisor to the President on Health, Roma Chilengi, has cautioned pharmacists in public health institutions against using shortcuts to amass wealth through the theft of medicines.

Prof. Chilengi stated that the theft of medicines continues to be a major challenge to the provision of quality healthcare services across the country. Prof. Chilengi made these remarks during the Antimicrobial Stewardship Review Meeting in Kabwe, which aimed to raise awareness about the problem of antimicrobial resistance.

He emphasized that the government is spending huge sums of money on the procurement of drugs in its quest to enhance the provision of quality healthcare services in public health institutions. Prof. Chilengi further called for accountability in the management of medicines by those entrusted with the responsibility to monitor the distribution of drugs.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, disclosed that the prescription and administration of drugs that kill or slow the spread of microorganisms, known as antimicrobials in medical terms, are causing drug resistance.

Dr. Lishimpi said Zambia is losing many lives due to this health challenge, which has a higher death rate compared to HIV/AIDS and malaria in Zambia and other developing countries.

Additionally, Ministry of Health Chief Pharmacist, Kandandu Chibosha, noted that it is not worth it for any health worker to lose a job in the public service over the theft of drugs. Mr. Chibosha said pharmacists have an obligation to ensure all drugs under their jurisdiction are used for the benefit of citizens across the country.

Principal Officer Calls For Gender Responsive Budgeting

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Principal Officer Calls For Gender Responsive Budgeting

Eastern Province Gender Principal Officer Warren Maimbolwa has urged government departments to be gender sensitive in the formulation of budgets.

Mr Maimbolwa says there is a need to budget with a gender lens in order to meet the needs of all people in the society.

Mr Maimbolwa said this during a sensitisation meeting with District Heads of Government Departments on Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting in Mambwe District in Eastern Province.

He noted that budgeting was not just a matter of coming up with figures of expenditure, but rather, the expenditure should speak to the needs of all persons in society.

He said the government was the biggest spender in every economy and as such, the expenditure should have a high impact on communities.

Mr Maimbolwa noted that gender responsive planning and budgeting aimed at ensuring budgets that work for the diverse needs and equal distribution of national resources are drawn up.

He observed that gender responsive budgets fosters a sense of justice, strengthen government accountability and support better alignment of national budgets with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said it was the hope of the government the initiative would enhance national development from the contribution of both genders.

Zambia Significantly Improves Its Ranking in Mining Investment

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Zambia Significantly Improves Its Ranking in Mining Investment

The Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) has welcomed the results of the latest Fraser Institute Report, the annual survey of global mining investors, which has revealed a significant improvement in investors’ sentiment. Zambia has leaped from 12th to 3rd place in investment attractiveness among Africa’s mining countries. The country had dropped off the rankings from 2019 to 2021, re-entering at 58th in the world in 2022 and rising to 34th in the latest 2023 report.

The 2023 report surveyed investors’ opinions of 86 mining jurisdictions around the world. The collated data was used to populate an Investment Attractiveness Index, as well as a Policy Perception Index. Although Zambia improved its ranking in both indices from previous years, it did less well in terms of policy perception, ranking 6th out of 12 for Africa’s mining jurisdictions.

The Zambian Government has remained steadfast in balancing growth policies with managing the impacts of geopolitical and climate-change-induced challenges that continue to exact a heavy toll on the economy.

Zambia Chamber of Mines President, Dr. Godwin Beene, is gratified with the steps that the country is taking to become more competitive in attracting mining investment. “Mining investors have been impressed by the Government’s consistent messaging around increasing mining investment, backed up by key reforms to the mining taxation regime.”

“Despite legacy challenges and unforeseeable headwinds, the strong overall indication from investors is that Zambia is becoming a much more attractive destination. The vital next step is to manage the reform of the overall mining regulatory framework in a way that accords with global best practice. If we can achieve a legislative and regulatory reform that creates far greater transparency in the regulation of minerals—a level and visible playing field for all—an effective and efficient regulator, well-drafted and precise laws, with clear protections for rights of tenure, then we will have laid the basis for serious mining-led development in Zambia,” Dr. Beene said.

The Chamber President has encouraged the Zambian Government to take full advantage of the positive sentiment published by the Fraser report.

Dr. Beene emphasized, “There has never been a better moment for the Government to fully reset the narrative than now. It is only growth that can sustainably avail the opportunities that Zambians seek, while delivering tangible development over the long haul.”

Shinde: I knew Nkana would survive

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Nkana legend Jericho Shinde says he never doubted that Kalampa would survive relegation after enduring a tough season.

Shinde was in the stands at Nkana Stadium as Nkana beat Kansanshi Dynamos 1-0 on Sunday to secure their stay in the FAZ Super Division.

Nkana spent the entire 2023/24 season fighting relegation.

“Indeed this is a great day.I’m more than excited and at the end of the day we just thank the Lord because this game was tough. Kansanshi put up a brave fight,” Shinde told Radio Icengelo Sports.

“At the end of the day Nkana is safe and the fans have won,” said the man nicknamed Russian Tunker.

“Come on, I know Nkana is a big team and we should actually get where we belong. We shouldn’t even celebrate surviving relegation.I never had any doubts about relegation because I have always been positive,” Shinde said.

Shinde won the league title with Nkana in 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1986.

Senior Chief Puta Counsels ECL

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Senior Chief Puta Counsels ECL

Senior Chief Puta of the Bwile people of Chienge District in Luapula Province has called on former President Edgar Lungu to respect the people of Zambia that elected Republican President Hakainde Hichilema.

Commenting on utterances made at a church service by the former President, Senior Chief Puta says the people of Zambia respect Mr Lungu as a former Head of State and that he should live by that if he wants to continue being respected by the people.

In an interview with ZANIS in Mansa today, Senior Chief Puta noted that the behavior by the former Head of State is not only disrespecting to Republican President Hakainde Hichilema but also to the people that elected him.

The traditional leader added that former President Lungu is part of the suffering that the people of Zambia are going through as most of the challenges the country is going through are as a result of what he did when he was Head of State.

Senior Chief Puta observed that it is unacceptable for the former Head of State to engage in campaign activities when it is not campaign period.

He has since advised the former Head of State to rest and leave politics to the younger generation saying his time to stand again expired.

The Senior Chief also wondered why Churches should be turned into political grounds when they house people from different political affiliations.

Water Rationing Irks Chilanga Residents

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Water Rationing Irks Chilanga Residents

Residents of Chilanga Ward in Chilanga district have expressed displeasure with the erratic water supply and unpredictable load shedding time table currently being experienced.

In an interview with ZANIS, one of the residents Enoch Mwanza explained that it is inconveniencing especially during morning errands as one has to search for water from other houses with boreholes as some are located at a long distance.
Mr Mwanza stated that the government should consider bringing in water tanks as it was done in some parts of Lusaka when Cholera cases were high.

Mr Mwanza who was found drawing water within the Wildlife and National Parks offices said power supply is interrupted at different times from the stipulated schedule and water interruption follows soon after which he described as unfortunate.

Another resident who sought anonymity explained that some residents with boreholes refuse to assist them citing expenses as the reason, while some ask for a fee for the service.

“Daily routines such as bathing kids, before taking them to school and proceeding to work is now becoming a challenge due to water rationings,” he said.

The resident appealed to ZESCO to consider following the stipulated time table as the water supply is also interrupted soon after the power is cut off.

World Bank To Fund Water Projects In Kaoma

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World Bank To Fund Water Projects In Kaoma

The World Bank is set to fund water projects aimed at expanding water and sanitation services in Namafulo and Nalulembwe wards in Kaoma District in Western Province.

Maranatha Grassroot Institute Executive Director Jonathan Mungandi (one of the implementing partners) announced at a meeting in Kaoma district that the World Bank has identified two partners to implement the project in the identified wards in need of improved water and sanitation.

Mr Mungandi said the project will ensure communities in the targeted wards receive the necessary support to access clean water and sanitation services.

Meanwhile, Wise Zambia representative Mukela Mukelabai, another implementing partner, said the project is in its second phase of advocacy and sensitization.Mr Mukelabai disclosed that so far K10,000 has been used in the first phase and expressed optimism that the project will have a positive impact in the two communities.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the communities in these wards are aware of their rights and can demand accountability from office bearers,” he said.

And Kaoma Assistant Community Development Officer Mwanida Mukosayi also took advantage to update the meeting on the government’s efforts to improve food security in the area. Ms Mukosayi disclosed that the government under the drought emergency response will give farming inputs to communities that live near water bodies for winter cultivation.
She revealed that so far they have identified 1,830 people to benefit from the programme.

The project dubbed, ‘Expanded Water and Sanitation Project’, seeks to educate and sensitize the community on their rights to accessible clean and safe drinking water and sanitation.

The project’s objective is to empower communities to demand accountability from office bearers and ensure that they receive the necessary support to access clean water and sanitation services.

This initiative is expected to bring significant improvements to the lives of residents in Namafulo and Nalulembwe wards and contribute to the overall development of Kaoma district.

Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway Construction Costs Slashed from $2B to $650M

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Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway Construction Costs Slashed from $2B to $650M

President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday officially launched the construction works of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, spanning 327 kilometers and also including the Fisenge-Masangano stretch.The president highlighted the project’s cost-effectiveness, made possible through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model,which aims to optimize government resources while delivering quality infrastructure.

“Zambia needs visionary leadership that promotes peace and stability, imagine this road was supposed to be done at over US$2 billion but now we will do this at only US$650 million and will save over US$1.2 million,” President Hichilema said.

The Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway is set to be a game-changer in promoting safer travel, reducing commute times, and bolstering connectivity between key economic centers. President Hichilema emphasized the importance of this infrastructure project, not only for Zambia but also as a critical transit route to neighboring countries, promising improved trade and investment opportunities.Addressing concerns about road safety and the economic impact of delays caused by the current infrastructure’s limitations, President Hichilema emphasized the urgent need for modernization to prevent further loss of lives and boost business efficiency.

“This road has killed a lot of people, this is why we need to save lives by reducing fatalities and the only way the government can respond is through building this road, this road has slowed down business because it’s narrow,” he noted.

Crowd welcomes President Hichilema during the official launch President Hichilema officially launches construction works of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway of construction works of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway

President Hichilema, pledged government’s continued resolve to foster sustainable development through improved infrastructure for the benefit of the local community. President Hichilema also disclosed that in a few weeks time Zambia, Tanzania and China will conclude and sign an agreement on the overhaul of the TAZARA railway line.

In a show of international cooperation, the Chinese government pledged support for Zambia’s infrastructure modernization program, further strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.Minister Consular at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia Wang Sheng explained that the Chinese government and Zambia have continued to share valuable relations in various sectors. Meanwhile, the House of Chiefs Chairperson, Chief Nkambo, reiterated the traditional leadership’s commitment to supporting the government’s development agenda.

As construction commences on this transformative project, President Hichilema called on citizens to cooperate with developers and reiterated his administration’s vision for a prosperous Zambia built on visionary leadership and sustainable development initiatives.

Chisi Attributes Focus to Arrows 2023/2024 Double

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Chisi Attributes Focus to Arrows 2023/2024 Double

Coach Chisi Mbewe has attributed Red Arrows’ spectacular performance in the ending 2023-24 season to team work and perseverance.

Arrows have won a double after being confirmed 2023/24 league champions on Saturday with two matches left in the season when beating Zanaco 1-0 at home in Lusaka.

The Nkoloma outfit won the league title seven days after lifting the ABSA Cup crown.

Mbewe has branded the season as great for the Airmen.

“First thing first, we give all the glory to God for this massive achievement this season. I think it has been a great season for everyone at Arrows,” Mbewe said.

“I think football is about team work. It is team work that has really moved this team to this greatness,” he told reporters in Lusaka.

This is the second time Mbewe is winning the league with Arrows.

“We are happy that we have achieved our targets of winning the league and the ABSA Cup.We have been reminding the players how important it is to win trophies because at the end of it all there will always be a reward,” Mbewe said.

Arrows will represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League next season.

Imwe ba Agriculture Minister, is your job to eat or ensure our people are eating?

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Imwe ba Agriculture Minister, is your job to eat or ensure our people are eating?

First and foremost, we want to make it clear we are not paid by anyone to write what we do; neither are we prompted by anyone to write on any topic! We take it as our solemn responsibility to contribute to the national discourse and development through our write ups.

Yesterday, we talked about Hon. Jack Mwimbu, the Minister of Home Affairs & Internal Security and gave details of how feel he may have lost the steam by allowing unnecessary checkpoints to come back on our already congested roads. We also took a swipe at him for letting the police embarrass the President by following Edgar Lungu around and bursting his secret meetings with some Catholic Bishops. Somebody quipped that Ministers have possibly neglected their responsibilities and are busy cutting deals no wonder they aren’t performing!

Anyway, today, we want to delve into an equally emotive subject – aka bunga! Ba Mtolo Phiri, what’s your responsibility as Minister of Agriculture? Is it just to eat or ensure our people are eating? When did you last venture into the other provinces to investigate challenges affecting our farmers; how government can cushion their hardships; what alternative crops our farmers can be encouraged or supported to grow given the climate change? You’re a total disappointment baaba!

When this country faced acute food shortages in early 2000s due to a persistent drought, President Mwanawasa came under severe pressure to import yellow maize. However, he stood his ground insisting, “GMOs are not good for my people and are harmful to our soil!”

Did people go without food? Negative! The legendary and indefatigable Mundia Sikatana, his able Minister of Agriculture traversed the width and breadth of this country in his gumboots and work suits launching and supervising winter maize projects! At the end of the day, there was enough food for everyone.

What measures are you putting in place to ensure that, moving forward the price of mealie meal will be affordable for everyone?

We’re almost in the middle of the year imwe ba Minister, have you flagged-off the distribution of farming inputs? Have you ensured that we have sufficient stocks of fertilizer in the nation? Have you identified reliable transporters to distribute the same across the country?

You are not only failing the President but also the people! There’s a lot of negative talk out there regarding the price of mealie meal; if people can only see you making every effort, they’d be rest assured it’s just a matter of time before the situation can stabilise. We know of many farmers that are willing to partner with government by growing winter maize, what they need is just logistical support.

Naimwe ba minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, the whiff of stench emanating from your ministry nauseating! Our next stop is on your doorsteps…..

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Iran’s President Raisi killed in a helicopter crash

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Iran’s President Raisi killed in a helicopter crash

Ibrahim-raisi-

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash.. The crash occurred in the mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, amidst poor weather conditions, according to officials and state media reports.

The helicopter was carrying President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and six other passengers and crew, crashed on Sunday. Despite challenging blizzard conditions, search efforts continued overnight, and the charred wreckage of the helicopter was discovered early on Monday.

The bodies of President Ebrahim Raisi, his foreign minister, and other senior officials were recovered on Monday morning, confirming their tragic deaths in the crash. President Raisi, aged 63, was widely considered as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holding significant influence within Iran’s religious and judicial circles.

As a staunch religious conservative with deep connections to Iran’s judiciary and religious elite, Raisi’s political career began in his early 20s when he served as a prosecutor in various cities before assuming a prominent role in Tehran in 1989. Although his initial bid for the presidency in 2017 was unsuccessful, Raisi ultimately ascended to the presidency in 2021.

Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director of WFP, Visits Zambia to Strengthen Food Security Initiatives

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Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director of WFP, Visits Zambia to Strengthen Food Security Initiatives
Cindy McCain
President Hichilema welcomes Cindy McCain to State house

Ms. Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), was hosted by President Hichilema for a courtesy call. Ms. McCain’s visit aims to observe and support WFP operations that reinforce the UPND government’s efforts toward food security, drought response, and recovery.

During the meeting, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed profound gratitude for the remarkable humanitarian work undertaken by WFP. Particularly noteworthy was the discussion surrounding the anticipated $3.3 million insurance payout from the African Risk Capacity, which serves as a critical response to Zambia’s declared drought emergency.

Acknowledging WFP’s unwavering support, President Hichilema emphasized the organization’s comprehensive assistance, spanning technical expertise, logistical support, and relief aid in the form of both cash and food. This support plays a vital role in assisting communities vulnerable to the adverse impacts of drought.

In the face of the pressing reality of climate change, President Hichilema urged solidarity and mutual support among nations. As Zambia and WFP continue their collaboration, they stand united in addressing the challenges posed by climate-related crises and striving to build resilient communities.

Ms. Cindy McCain’s visit underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges, with Zambia and WFP reaffirming their commitment to working together for the greater good of humanity.

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