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New Chipolopolo Coach Hunt Nose-Dives

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The prospects of the permanent Chipolopolo coach being named this week are dashed after Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga said he is not aware the recruitment process has been completed.

FAZ has since September undertaken a grueling recruitment process that started with 60 candidates before settling on a three-man shortlist following a botched attempt to sign ex-Botswana and Bloemfontein Celtic coach Veselin Jelusic last August.

The FAZ executive committee reportedly settled on ex-Orlando Pirates and Zamalek coach Milutin Sredojevic and at the start of this week submitted their report to the Ministry of Sport who are the stakeholders in furnishing the salary of the new Chipolopolo coach.

Mulenga said the only correspondence that has reached him from FAZ dates back to October 1, 2019.

“It has been reported in almost all the print media that FAZ has recruited a coach and they have actually reported to the Ministry so that the Ministry can actually consent on the coach,” Mulenga said.

“Our position as Ministry of Sport and my office is that we have not received any correspondence from FAZ indicating to us that they have finished the process and that they have settled on a coach.

“You need to be aware that as a professional body, or as a Ministry, we have professional ethics which regulates our decisions as well as our conduct. We can only respond when we get correspondence from FAZ.”

Bishop Joshua Banda partners with Rwanda to promote unity in Zambia

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Global Frontiers International Trust Limited (GFI), a Zambian faith-based organisation has expressed commitment to replicate Rwanda’s unity and reconciliation model to Zambia and other African countries.

The commitment was made on Tuesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the organisation’s founder Dr Joshua Banda and Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC).

The agreement aims at building collaboration in respect to the Commission’s mandate towards preserving peace, unity and reconciliation ideals thereby contributing to the global cause of achieving social cohesion, socio-economic development, good governance, conflict prevention and resolution.

Prior to the agreement, the organisation conducted study tours to different parts of Rwanda for two years to learn more about Rwanda’s unity and reconciliation model in communities so as to replicate it in Zambia and other countries.

Bishop Banda said the agreement will enable his organization to contribute to the greater pan-African goals of both the African Union as well as many other institutions that act at the pan-African level to be able to bring African people together.

“Rwanda has achieved a lot in unity and reconciliation among its citizens and, as a result of that, there was a desire to see how we can collaborate and maybe extend some experience and mutual efforts towards building greater cohesion not just in Rwanda but in many parts of our continent,” Bishop Banda said after signing the MoU.

“There are still conflicts and tensions across the continent and there is need to be able to grow some levels of cohesion and more peaceful coexistence of our great people of Africa,” he added.

The collaboration envisaged under the memorandum will involve the Commission using the services of GFI in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Bishop John Rucyahana, the president of Unity and Reconciliation Commission, thanked GIF for their commitment to extend the model towards building a United Africa.

“This is a call of deeper challenge not only to sign but to also ensure what we sign is put into action to create awareness among Africans of what Africa is and the purpose for which Africa exists,” Rucyahana said.

He, however, insisted that the agreement was not meant to bring Rwandans living in Zambia and other countries back to Rwanda but a campaign through which the world will know the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi and share the Rwanda’s journey to build unity and reconciliation among their citizens.

“We want our people to be healthy, productive, honorable and exemplary wherever they are and have a clean and clear conscience. If the campaign becomes successful, then the world will hopefully know the truth about Rwanda’s past and become open to extraditing Genocide fugitives hiding out there because they will have no more excuses anymore,” he said.

There are an estimated 4,000 Rwandans living in Zambia.

ZESCO dispel reports of construction of Kafue Lower plant stalling

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ZESCO has refuted reports that construction works at a power plant that was expected to boost electricity generation may stall due to financial constraints.

Reports in some international media have indicated that construction of the US$ 2 billion Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station may stall after Zesco failed to secure further financing.

But ZESCO Spokesman Henry Kapata said in an interview that the reports should be dismissed because they were not true.

He said construction works of the 750 megawatts power plant was progressing well and that there were no financial hiccups to affect construction works.

According to him, government officials, as well as officials from the power utility, have been visiting the plant to check on the progress and that the reports of stalled works were just part of fake news on social media.

“Just ignore the reports, it is not true, things are happening and everything is okay,” he said.

Construction of the project started in 2015 and it is funded by the Zambian government and foreign financial institutions.

“The situation is that the project is on schedule and it is ongoing very well. I was just talking to the Project team and they have assured me that the the plant will be commissioned according to the project schedule. Whatever the report is from whichever publication is incorrect,” Mr Kapata said.

It is being constructed by China’s Sinohydro Corporation.

Prof Chirwa to launch his City Cruiser Bus next month

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Renowned Zambian UK based Professor Clive Chirwa has designed and manufactured a high roof monocoque bus according to the Provisions of Statutory Instrument (SI) No 79 of 2016.

This is the first ever AUVIV bus to be manufactured according to the Zambian laws.

The City Cruiser mini bus comes with a five-year warranty.

The launch of the bus will be at the New Government Complex in Lusaka on the 6th of February 2020.

According to Prof Chirwa, the mini bus was designed with the highest passenger safety in line with the SI No 79.

“The City mini bus boasts of GPS, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Reverse Radar and Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera and Buzzle alarm and high tech led head lamps. In addition the vehicle comes with a 17 inch overhead LED entertainment screen for video, adverts and movies for the customer’s entertainment,” Prof Chirwa said in an interview.

“The 5 gear manual transmission boasts of 110KW/3400RPM rated power. Under SI No 79, it is a requirement that all imported buses are fitted with belts. The bus has been designed according to the country’s SI laws. The AUVIV Maze runner and City Cruiser have the passenger capacity of 16 and 22. All the seats are fitted with seat belts and other specifications that meet Zambia’s terrain.”

Prof Chirwa said he was compelled to manufacture the bus following the issuance of SI No 79 by the Zambian government.

He said his company consulted and researched on the terrain before designing the bus so as to ensure it meets the demands of the Zambian market.

“The buses will be launched on the 6th of February 2020 in Lusaka. My company is ready to receive orders from transporters. The buses have been certified by reputable institutions. The Transporters should support the manufacturing of buses that meet governments requirement,” Prof Chirwa said.

Prof Chirwa said most of the buses that were imported into the country do meet the requirements of SI No 79.

The City Cruiser mini bus designed by Prof. Clive Chirwa
The City Cruiser mini bus designed by Prof. Clive Chirwa

Government calls for National Prayers Against Ritual Killings

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MINISTER of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Reverend Godfridah Sumaili has called for national prayers following the spate of alleged ritual killings in some parts of the Copperbelt.

Reverend Sumaili told journalists at a press briefing, Thursday morning, that the government is concerned about the unfortunate situation hence President Edgar Lungu’s intervention to task Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence to investigate the matter and restore unity.

She noted that peace should be natured in the country because in its absence, there is fear which breeds hate, violence, disorder, confusion, and anxiety as well as affects productivity.

“Am calling for effective and fervent prayers from the children of God, intercessory teams, intercessors, families and all peace-loving Zambians to arise and pray. I encourage the church mother bodies to encourage their members to pray,” Reverend Sumaili said.

She has further called on all Zambians to cooperate with the defense and security wings in maintaining law and order and avoid taking the law in own hands.

Reverend Sumaili has also warned those circulating videos where people are being murdered to stop immediately as they have the potential to spread confusion and plant seeds of violence and death.

“I encourage the people of Zambia to stand together and restore calm and peace. We will hold hands in prayer as one Zambia one nation because blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” Reverend Sumaili said.

Kambwili instructs his Vice to Report Health Minister to ACC for Corruption in the on going campaigns

National Democratic Congress President Chishimba Kambwili has directed his Vice President Joseph Akafumba to report Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya to the Anti-Corruption Commission for investigations to be instituted in bribery claims in the ongoing campaigns in Chilubi.

Dr Kambwili said Dr Chilufya in his capacity as PF campaign Manager for the Chilubi Parliamentary by election has been donating Ambulances and Bicycles which is tantamount to corruption.

Addressing Journalists, Dr Kambwili said the ACC should take interest in the matter as it also amounts to blackmail of the electorate ahead of the February 13th Chilubi by election.

He also urged the ACC to extend its investigations to the National Coordinator of the Disaster, Management and Mitigation Unit Chanda Kabwe who has been distributing mealie meal.

Dr Kambwili said it is disheartening that the PF could buy ambulances to bribe voters whenever there is a by election at the expense of providing food to the poor people.

Meanwhile the Electoral Commission of Zambia has promised to engage the ZAMPOST station manager Mr. Bwangwa regarding the hire of the Chilubi ferry for 20 days by the government.

NDC Spokesperson Saboi Imboela said the act by government is a serious electoral malpractice and abuse of power meant to sabotage the campaigns of the opposition in Chilubi.

Ms Imboela said the ECZ has promised to engage the ZAMPOST to allow all stakeholders to use the ferry and has expressed hope that ZAMPOST will comply and do as ECZ has advised.

UPND Vows to block the Constitution Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019

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The UPND has vowed to block the Constitution Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019 from being debated in parliament in the next session.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Jack Mwiimbu said the UPND is working with other MPs from the NDC and Independent and will ensure that the Bill is not debated when presented for second reading.

Mr. Mwiimbu said some Members of Parliament from the ruling Patriotic Front have promised to work with the UPND in blocking Bill 10 because they do not agree with the content of the document.

He said the UPND will only support the constitution amendment process if Bill 10 is withdrawn from parliament and taken back to the people for consensus to be reached on the content of the Bill.

Mr. Mwiimbu reiterated that the Bill should be withdrawn from Parliament failure to which it will not be supported by Zambians.

He was speaking at a media briefing after Justice Minister given Lubinda said he will not withdraw the Constitution Amendment Bill 10 of 2019 in the next session of parliament.

Mr. Lubinda said according to standing order number 103 of Parliament. The National Assembly shall proceed to consider Bill 10.

He clarified that what will be presented for the second reading is the Constitution Amendment Bill and not the Raphael Nakachinda’s Committee report as insinuated by some sections of society.

Addressing Journalists, Mr. Lubinda said the recommendations of the Committee will be considered as members of Parliament debate the Bill.

He has since called for meaningful engagement among Zambians on Bill 10 in order to make progress in the Constitution reform process.

Mr. Lubinda regretted that there have been so many lies about Bill 10 propagated mostly by people who stayed away from the National dialogue forum.

He said there is no need to create platforms that encourage informal debates on the issues which will be debated in parliament.

Mr. Lubinda said as Parliament resumes its sittings this February where the Bill will be debated, Zambians must engage their Members of Parliament if they have any concerns for them to be effectively represented.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lubinda has expressed disappointment in the manner the Public Forum was conducted on Friday last week saying the freedom of expression had been violated for the pro-bill 10 speakers.

He wondered why the campaigners of freedom of expression could organize such a meeting and violate other people’s freedoms.

He emphasized the need to build a culture of tolerance.

When Credibility is Lost through Exaggeration: Linda Kasonde and Company

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By Wilfred Sameta

When Linda Kasonde burst into the public limelight as President of the Law Association of Zambia, she won a lot of admirers. Forget the fact that she was the first female to lead the Law Association, that was just a by the way that was paled into insignificance by her plucky and admirable objectivity.

Unabashed and unashamed Bo Linda had no tolerance for intolerance.

Sadly that has changed since she left the LAZ Presidency.

In her first chapter of life after LAZ, Ms. Kasonde has been involved with an NGO called “Chapter One” which she set up to ostensibly promote Human Rights, the Rule of Law, Constitutionalism and tolerance for divergent views among other things.

However, on the evidence of her conduct during the recent Public “Discussion” on Bill 10 and an article she wrote in a tabloid a few days later; the pages of her “Chapter One” has already become smudged with the stains of intolerant partisanship, just as they have become dog-eared with a belligerent anti-establishment prejudice in the process.

During the recent “debate” co-organized by Linda, Zambians with divergent views were not allowed to freely contribute.

It is shocking how Bo Linda looked on with tacit approval at the brutal suppression and intolerance that was taking place right under her nose.

Why did she choose to turn a blind eye to the intolerance that was inescapably before her eyes?

Evidently, Bo Linda condones blatant HUMAN WRONGS in the name of “Human Rights” just as she clearly believes in the RULE OF JAW rather than the “Rule of Law”. Only those that shouted the loudest and were verbally abusive against others were allowed to speak.

And then the next day without any scruples she wrote a pharisaical article in a tabloid under the sensational headline “Who will save Zambia” wherein she points an accusing finger at Bo Edgar’s Government, charging in abstract and generally intangible terms that it is “intolerant”?

Really Bo Linda? Have you looked in the mirror lately?

Granted, Bo Lungu’s administration is not perfect (no earthly administration is) but it is not all doom and gloom either. In fact, there are many positives… but perhaps she feels that she would be embarrassing her friends and “sponsors” if she became objective and pointed them out?

Is it realistic for Bo Linda to portray that there is nothing good Bo Edgar’s administration has done in fostering good governance and constitutionalism or anything else for that matter?

It is this kind of exaggeration that takes away her credibility and lays bare her biased partisan stance.

Would the “debate” have taken place if there was gross intolerance?

If Bo Edgar and his Government were as intolerant as Ms. Kasonde would like us to believe, would they have given licenses to more than 130 Radio Stations and more than 40 TV stations… many of them openly partisan and hostile to the government?

Would the “debate” have been aired live across a number of TV stations?

Would repeats of the same have been allowed to air?

Coming to think of it, would her inflammatory article even have seen the light of day?

People like Bo Linda are willing to exaggerate and perhaps even flat-out lie with a straight face, just because they thrive in baseless accusations to further their own mischievous agendas. It would appear negativity and innuendo is their default mode.

As Stephen Richards Covey the author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” appropriately put it:

“Every exaggeration of the truth once detected by others destroys our credibility and makes all that we do and say the suspect”

Bo Linda’s exaggerations are her undoing. Everything she says is now suspect.

Why? Because her credibility is now as low as a Mamba’s armpit!

If she is really objective, has she taken the time to look at Bo HH’s party constitution wherein the amended Article 70 to give himself unlimited tenure… UPND will only start counting his “tenure” whenever or if ever he enters State House.

How tolerant is that?

Who will save Zambia from the charade of Linda Kasonde and her ilk?

The Author is a Retired Journalist Tilling the Land in Central Province

Government has released K12 million to be used for repair works on the damaged road infrastructure

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Government has released K12 million to be used for repair works on the damaged road infrastructure following heavy rains in various parts of the country.

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Vincent Mwale says the release of the money is just the beginning of more funds to be released as the situation continues to be changing on the ground.

Mr Mwale said his Ministry is very grateful to President Edgar Lungu for ensuring that the funds are released as early as possible for the emergency repair works in order to alleviate the suffering of our people in the affected areas.

He said following the heavy rains the country is receiving, there has been wash-aways in Chipangali, Mambwe and Nyimba districts in Eastern Province and also in Munyumbwe, Gwembe and Sinazongwe districts in Southern Province.

Mr Mwale added that Government Zambia is determined to ensure that all damaged infrastructure is attended to as soon as possible and has assure the people in the affected areas that Government has not abandoned them and it is working round the clock so that connectivity is restored.

He said his Ministry is working with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to respond quickly and inspect and assess some of the affected areas so as to restore connectivity.

Mr Mwale has instructed the Road Development Agency to be on full alert and respond to all reports on infrastructure damage swiftly.

Some of the affected roads include Five wash-aways in Chipangali namely Msandile, Msoro, Mabele, Mphawa and Ntope and Masumba road to Chief Nsefu in Mambwe District.

Other areas including Lupande and Msandile crossings, Ngozi Culvert in Nyimba District on the Great East Road (T004); and Munyumbwe, Gwembe and Sinazongwe districts in Southern Province.

He said the 2019/2020 season has experienced normal to above normal rains and said since December 2019, the rains have intensified in most parts of the country including Eastern, Southern and Northern Provinces resulting in flash floods in some areas.

Mr Mwale said consequently, the road infrastructure in the affected areas has suffered damage of various degrees resulting in some communities being completely cut-off.

2019 Road Toll shows Zambia will fail to meet agreed UN targets

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Zambian’s alarmingly high road toll remains stuck at the levels it was at six years ago says the Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), the nation’s leading NGO for Road Safety. The latest road safety statistics released by the Zambia Police for 2019 displays Zambia will fail to meet agreed on targets set by the UN to reduce road crash fatalities and serious injuries by 50 percent between 2011 and the end of 2020 (Decade of Action).

The statistics show that in the 12 months to 31st December 2019, 1,756 people died on Zambian roads. This is a reduction of only 3.4 percent from the toll of 1,817 deaths in the 12 months of 2018.

Zambia Road Safety Trust Chairman, Daniel Mwamba:

“This analysis is a damning indictment of those who are responsible for road safety in our country and it should serve as a wake-up call to all government departments – the Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Transport & Communications, the Ministry of Health, the Transport, Road Transport & Safety Agency (RTSA), Road Development Agency (RDA) and the rest that their disjointed and disorganized approach to road safety is failing badly. Instead of declining, the road toll has plateaued at a level that makes it clear we cannot meet the UN targets.”

The Police statistics highlight that 5,012 persons were injured and 5,713 were slightly injured in road traffic in 2019.

“We know that there is currently no way to collect national data on the number of people being seriously injured on the roads and those who subsequently, die in hospitals around the country – meaning their annual road fatality figures remain above than the figures collected.

“This failure must not create a perception that road safety problems can’t be solved. Significantly reducing road accidents in Zambia necessitates devoting resources and cooperation between all government offices and bodies involved directly and indirectly. We cannot create real change without the allocation of resources correlating to the number of those killed every year. Drivers should also behave more responsibly on the roads; the human factor is a deciding factor in this war.”

ZRST remains supportive of the government’s to engage and welcome our contribution to road safety – but we shall continue to raise the voice of road safety empirically.

Videos and Audios on Social Media depicting crimes being committed in Zambia are fake-Police

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The Zambia Police Service has noted with regret the number of videos and audios being circulated on Social media of purported crimes alleged to have been committed within the country.

Acting Inspector General of Police Eugene Sibote has urged the public to ignore the calculated falsehoods being peddled on various Social media platforms and advise the general public to seek clarification from the Police whenever they are faced with any matter of security concern.

Mr. Sibote said from preliminary investigations and findings by the Police, these video incidents being circulated do not depict incidents that have occurred and recorded in Zambia.

He said these videos originate from other countries but merely edited to suit the evil agenda of those behind their circulation.

Mr. Siboted said the videos or audios being circulated are intended to cause fear, alarm, and despondency among the general public.

“So far the Zambia Police Service has not recorded any such incidents in any part of the Republic of Zambia. Further, the public may be consoled by the fact that no family has so far registered a loss of their family member as depicted in the videos being circulated”, he said.

He has warned all those behind such falsehoods that police shall soon catch up with them and they will be held accountable for their actions.

Mr. Sibote has further appealed to the general public to go about their businesses with the full assurance that the Police are working round the clock to bring these alarmists to book.

Zesco Utd Are Back in Business, Zanaco’s Profits Under Kaunda Continue

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Zesco United are back in business after beating Buildcon 2-1 on Wednesday to win their first competitive game in 2020.

The victory comes after a four-match losing run by the defending FAZ Super Division champions since the start of 2020 that saw them tumble from first to fourth on the table after losing three league matches in that process.

And the match also saw Zesco coach George Lwandamina face his former player at Green Buffaloes and later assistant coach at Young Africans in Tanzania Noel Mwandila who is now Buildcon coach.

Zesco took a 1-0 lead into the break when Eric Kabulo deflected David Owino cross into his own net in the 27th minute.

Winston Kalengo scored Zesco’s last goal in the 57th minute when he headed-in Mwila Phiri’s cross to take his tally for the season to six league goals and is now just four goals behind joint leader and club mate Jesse Were.

But Buildcon snatched a consolation in the 82nd minute through midfielder Mpho Mathekgane after the South African had replaced Joseph Kanema in the 53rd minute.

The win lifts Zesco to third place, with two games in hand, exchanging places with Nkana on goal difference on 34 points, two behind leaders Green Eagles and one point adrift of Napsa Stars.

The victory was a vital one for Zesco heading into their penultimate CAF Champions League Group A match against Premiero de Agosto of Angola this Saturday in Ndola in a competition they are winless and last on 2 points from four games played and their quarterfinal hopes all now but over.

Buildcon are 11th on 24 points after 18 games played.

Meanwhile at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka, Zanaco’s revival continued when they collected their third straight league win and fourth in all competition under the new boss Chris Kaunda.

Zanaco crushed third from bottom Nakambala Leopards 5-1 to move to one place up the log to 12th place on 22 points.

Striker Rodgers Kola took the ball home when he scored a brace from the spot in the 9th and 27th minute and also struck in open play in-between in the 24th minute to take his tally to eight goals this season.

Lassa Kiala added a quick-brace in the 65th and 67th minutes.

Nakambala scored their lone goal through Felix Bulaya in the 49th minute as the Sweet Boys sour season continued following their fourth successive league defeat that left them slumped third from bottom on 14 points from18 games played.

Interparty Dialogue calls for progressive inclusion of new constituencies

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The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue has called for progressive inclusion of new constituencies and provinces arising from the delimitation process being conducted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

ZCID Spokesperson Elizabeth Chitika says the implementation of the delimitation process recommendations should respond to both service delivery and the country’s fiscal position to avoid creating a super governance structure that gobbles huge resources at the expense of human development.

Mrs Chitika said before the recommendations are submitted to Parliament for possible enactment by the ECZ, broad based consensus has to be built amongst political parties and stakeholders to avoid politicization of this important national matter vital to enriching Zambia’s democracy.

Meanwhile, Mrs Chitika has cautioned ECZ over the reported printing of ballot papers in Dubai for the 2021 general elections to avoid speculations and mistrust.

She said the announcement made by the ECZ, that stakeholders will have to sponsor themselves to monitor the printing of ballot papers outside the country has the capacity to inflame tensions and mistrust and further intoxicate the political atmosphere.

“As a platform for political parties in Zambia whose constituent members are directly affected by this pronouncement, we are extremely concerned that ECZ has not adequately consulted and as such it will have a negative bearing on the 2021 general elections”, she added.

She noted that in 2019, there were pronouncements from government that printing of ballot papers could be done locally and has since urged the government to update the nation of this pronouncement.

Mrs Mulobeka has urged the ECZ to convene a stakeholder’s meeting where they can be able to engage directly in order to find amicable solutions acceptable to all.

She has further called on the ECZ to suspend the tendering process of printing ballot papers until stakeholders concerns are dealt with satisfactorily.

Mrs Chitika said ECZ has a responsibility to ensure that the process and outcome of elections has the support and legitimized by the majority citizenry, political parties and stakeholders alike.

Confirmed: Micho gets Chipolopolo job

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The Football Association of Zambia has appointed Serbian Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic as head coach of the Zambian National Team.

Micho will jet into Zambia next week to sign a two year deal.

FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala confirmed the appointment to the media this afternoon.

FAZ has since informed the Ministry of Sports over the development.

The former Uganda trainer who took the Cranes to the first Africa Cup finals in 38 years beat off competition from former Mozambique coach and Portugal International Abel Xavier and Ivan Jacky Minnaert of Belgium.

Micho is coming with an assistant coach, goalkeeper trainer and will be joined from time to time by a physical trainer and a video analyst.

Consensus amongst political parties and other stakeholders necessary for ECZ delimitation process

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The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue has called for progressive inclusion of new constituencies and provinces arising from the delimitation process being conducted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

ZCID Spokesperson Elizabeth Chitika says the implementation of the delimitation process recommendations should respond to both service delivery and the country’s fiscal position to avoid creating a super governance structure that gobbles huge resources at the expense of human development.

Mrs Chitika said before the recommendations are submitted to Parliament for possible enactment by the ECZ, broad based consensus has to be built amongst political parties and stakeholders to avoid politicization of this important national matter vital to enriching Zambia’s democracy.

Meanwhile, Mrs Chitika has cautioned ECZ over the reported printing of ballot papers in Dubai for the 2021 general elections to avoid speculations and mistrust.

She said the announcement made by the ECZ, that stakeholders will have to sponsor themselves to monitor the printing of ballot papers outside the country has the capacity to inflame tensions and mistrust and further intoxicate the political atmosphere.

“As a platform for political parties in Zambia whose constituent members are directly affected by this pronouncement, we are extremely concerned that ECZ has not adequately consulted and as such it will have a negative bearing on the 2021 general elections”, she added.

She noted that in 2019, there were pronouncements from government that printing of ballot papers could be done locally and has since urged the government to update the nation of this pronouncement.

Mrs Mulobeka has urged the ECZ to convene a stakeholder’s meeting where they can be able to engage directly in order to find amicable solutions acceptable to all.

She has further called on the ECZ to suspend the tendering process of printing ballot papers until stakeholders concerns are dealt with satisfactorily.

Mrs Chitika said ECZ has a responsibility to ensure that the process and outcome of elections has the support and legitimized by the majority citizenry, political parties and stakeholders alike.