President Edgar Lungu has transferred Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services taking over from Chanda Kasolo whose contract was terminated.

The President has also transferred Gender Permanent Secretary Dr Auxilia Ponga to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts.

President Lungu is confident that the two Permanent Secretaries will excel in their new portfolios.

The President has wished the two God’s blessings as they execute their duties.

This is according to a statement released to mediaby special assistant to the President for press and public relations Isaac Chipampe.

By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member

Since the Patriotic Front (PF) and it’s floundering leadership got elected to serve in 2011, the country has endured unprecedented social and economic violence, as well as premeditated sabotage at the hands of a regime whose primary obsession has been power and never to serve as custodians of a people’s hopes and dreams. And this has been the greatest tragedy of the PF – sacrificing the dignity of the nation for conceited political power.

And as Zambians begin to increasingly wake up to the lies, deceit and mafia politics of the Patriotic Front, adversaries of our collective dreams are taunting the UPND and the leadership of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema that the party will never win the 2021 general election. In fact, the pressure and responsibility to win the general election does not rest with the UPND and Mr. Hichilema. The people of Zambia, much more than ever, owe themselves an election victory. The role of the UPND and Mr. Hichilema is to provide the right kind of political leadership with the permission of the Zambian people, and therefore only exist to serve as custodians and guardians of the people’s own agenda for change and reform.

As a matter of record, no political party ever wins an election. It is the people themselves who decide to take power back via the ballot and assign it to their preferred political party and leader to hold in trust. Any political party establishment that grows uncharacteristically confident in it’s own ability to win an election usually does so by employing illegal, unconstitutional methods nested in undermining the rule of law and other electoral processes which ultimately compromises the integrity of the outcome of an election. And this has been the basis of the PF’s continued stay in power – undermining the integrity of the people’s power at the ballot.

The UPND has since become fully aware, that the power to govern is given by the people themselves; and that it is the people themselves who must win an election for themselves.

In the period 2017 – 2018, the FIC report revealed that close to $500 million was stolen from Zambians through grand corruption by politicians. Between 2014 – 2016, Zambians lost $189 million in undeclared Mukula revenue, with another $180 million undeclared in between 2017 – 2018. This is data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Environmental Investigation Agency and the Center for International Forestry Research.

As a result of this blatant theft of public resources under the reckless, self-serving leadership of the PF, 1.7 million more Zambians live in poverty and on less than $1.25 today than in 2015 when the PF President Edgar Lungu took power in a questionable election victory. This is evidenced by the spike in the cost of the basic food basket from K2,900 in 2011 to K6,200 today, compounded by unrelenting food inflation which now stands at close to 12%. Zambians may also wish to know, that real wages under the PF continue to decline by an average 3.2% year on year since 2013, exacerbated by rising taxes on incomes.

The much talked about infrastructure development by the PF has been the principal conduit of crime by government officials, with billions of dollars siphoned out of the local economy with the help of private actors as proxies. It has reasonably been estimated through research and investigation by The Economist, that Zambia has lost in the region of $11.97 billion of the $19 billion debt money in corruption, money laundering, bribes and theft; all facilitated by government officials.

Public pension arrears remain unpaid with a deficit hole of over $35 million. This means thousands of Zambians will die without ever receiving the benefits of their hardwork.

Now, the foregoing crimes have not been committed against the UPND or Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. These crimes have been committed against Zambians. And these crimes have been perpetrated under the care of the PF and it’s leadership, in the name of the PF and for the benefit of the PF. These crimes have been perpetrated at a huge cost to public education, healthcare, social services and the general life of the economy itself. As you are all reading this, several thousands of our hardworking council employees have not been paid their October, November and December salaries; despite the President having committed to no more salary delays for public sector workers.

And precisely for the reasons stated above, the urgency for the people themselves to take power back and away from the PF regime has never been greater. A failure to do so will prove catastrophic for several generations of citizens to come.

UPND’S PRIORITY AREAS OF ENGAGEMENT

Now, the role of the UPND and it’s leadership will be to accept the unenviable invitation, by the Zambian people themselves, to begin to rethinking and reshaping our collective national development agenda.

Public debt

With official government statistics putting debt to GDP ratio at 79%, and economic growth projections not expected to exceed 2% per annum; couple with dwindling foreign exchange reserves and a weak local currency, Zambia’s ability to reasonably service and pay off this debt no longer exists.

The UPND’s primary agenda will be to resolve the country’s debt problem by actively renegotiating every part of the debt component which shall be determined to be rooted in corruption and constitutional illegality. The UPND has reason to believe, that all public debt contracted after the year 2016, may have been contracted in direct violation of all sections under articles 63, 114 and 207; requiring Parliament to approve all public debt.

Our strategy of public debt renegotiation will actively focus on restructuring and postponement of bullet payments due in 2022 and 2024, as well as those falling due later; in order to allow the new government time and financial latitude to reinvest in productive areas of the local economy – production and manufacturing, health and education, agriculture, energy and tourism.

But we continue to reiterate, that for Zambia to be able to deliver on this debt reorganization goal, it is critical that we deliver new leadership for renewed trust, credibility and confidence. Without these, it will be difficult for Zambia’s friends and partners to be able to commit to any new lifelines without the guarantee that the country is committed to sound political leadership.

Corruption

This is why the UPND has committed to a zero tolerance approach to grand corruption and determined to recover stolen wealth through the pursuit of legislative reforms aimed at introducing Unexplained Wealth Orders and exploring the possibility of a Proceeds of Crime Amnesty. These measures are aimed at recovering stolen proceeds without the public having to endure the costs of back and forth court proceedings.

The UPND further continues to emphasize the need to deliver a robust review of the Public Procurement Act to ensure that the requirement for market price referencing is embedded in the principal procurement law. As well as this, the party intends to establish a dedicated procurement audit unit under the umbrella of the Auditor General’s office to enhance value for money procurement.

Please note that all major public works in respect of infrastructure procured under the PF regime with debt money will undergo a thorough value for money review. This will form part of the basis of engagement with both bilateral and multilateral for purposes of dismantling the colossal debt mountain.

Energy

It is also why the UPND has designated a 10 year $25 billion economic turnaround strategy with focus on energy, agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure. Our energy reform plan is anchored on a $5.2 billion 5 year energy diversification plan, with the intention to achieve a 50/50 energy mix between renewable energy and hydroelectric within 10 years of being elected into office. The other critical part of this energy plan is to decentralize the generation of power, by delivering an installed capacity of anything between 100MW – 150MW per province, depending on the assessed consumption needs per province.

As well as this, the UPND is committed to carrying out comprehensive energy reforms aimed at realigning ZESCO’s participation in the process of generation and distribution of electricity. The go is to achieve both management and operational efficiencies that deliver both value for money and quality of service for consumers.

Local government

In the UPND, we believe that local government is the heart and soul of community development and that without a fully devolved system of fulfilling government’s mandate, there can never be crosscutting national development. This is why a UPND administration intends to fully return power to city, municipality and district councils for the effective and efficient management, as well as delivery of crucial public services.

To achieve this, all core functions required for local service delivery such as those around revenue and other resource mobilization, management and expenditure all devolved to local councils. The disbursement of Local Government Equalization Fund to councils will be done promptly as per requirement of the Local Government Act.

Rule of law

The anchors of a thriving economy is the ability for our country’s governance institutions to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the law works as intended for citizens, businesses, civil society and political parties alike. The rule of law must protect citizens, and indeed all dwell within our borders, equally and justice delivered accordingly and promptly. We cannot have one justice system for ordinary people and another for politicians and their friends. We equally a rule of law that sufficiently clamps down on business corruption, especially in the award of public tender and business licensing. This has been shown to increase initial business capital requirements by up to 35% because of bribes. Public sector accountability is also stronger and more robust when we have a civil society that is free to engage in public discussions without being harassed by government operatives. Democracy also thrives when political parties are free to engage each other and the people without their political freedoms being encroached on by the unconstitutional application of an unconstitutional Public Order Act.

This is why the UPND continues to commit to an agenda to return the country to the rule of law and to deliberately expand the civic space as a way to build an open, transparent and accountable society.

This is and will remain the designated role of the UPND and it’s leadership – to provide leadership. The responsibility to win the forthcoming general election fully rests on the shoulders of Zambians – the unpaid council workers and lecturers, the pensioners who have been waiting for benefits for years without a care from the government, the mothers giving birth on filthy hospital floors, farmers whose inputs are repeatedly delayed due to government corruption, the students at the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt University who have been excluded from academics because they cannot afford to meet the cost of tuition fees and government says they have no money to sponsor them. The city traders at City Market whose livelihoods were destroyed and now lay in ruins because the government cannot build a new market for them. What about our brothers and sisters trading on the streets, whose livelihoods were also destroyed when the government used soldiers to beat them up, destroy their merchandise and sent them scampering without a trading alternative. It is also about the bus and taxi drivers whose incomes have been destroyed by rising fuel prices.

These are the ones who must win the 2021 general election for themselves, and not for the UPND.

Countrymen and Women,

Good Evening.

Today marks the end of the year 2019. As the clock strikes 24 hours, we will be entering a brand-new year. As we bid farewell to 2019 and eagerly await the dawn of 2020, let us thank the almighty God for his abundant grace which has brought us this far in peace and stability.

The end of year is an opportunity to look back at what we achieved or did not achieve, as individuals, as families and as a nation. It is also a time to reflect and make resolutions about what we desire to achieve in the new year.

Let us, therefore, take a moment to reflect on what we have done to make our country a better place for all. By taking stock of our past, we are better able to plan and face our future. More importantly, we must resolve to overcome whatever hurdles that come our way and not give in to despair and self-pity.

Countrymen and Women,

Admittedly, the year 2019 has been a challenging year. Difficult for the country. Difficult for our families. Difficult for business. Difficult for social services.

To begin with, the extreme weather conditions which affected the sub-region did not spare our country. Agricultural production suffered, resulting in food deficit in most parts of our country, particularly at household level. Even the Victoria falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, which usually has abundant water, virtually dried up, thereby diminishing the unique attractiveness of our flagship tourism product.

Also adversely affected was our hydro-power generation. The low water levels in our reservoirs at lake Kariba and Itezhi Tezhi Dam triggered the most severe load shedding ever experienced in the history of our country. The effect of the power deficit was low production in most sectors of our economy such as mining and manufacturing. Even for our small-scale entrepreneurs.

Further, global events such as trade restrictions between major economies of the world, also affected our economy. The demand for our major export commodities was dampened. Despite all this, we never gave up. We resolved to overcome and we kept the economy afloat.

Countrymen and Women,

Government fully understands the difficulties our people are experiencing. It is for this reason that we have been distributing relief food to hard hit areas across the country. In the last quarter of 2019 alone, 29,000 tonnes of mealie meal were distributed to affected areas, which constitutes about 50 percent of the total amount of mealie meal required in the needy areas.

The distribution of relief food will continue until the hunger situation improves and our people are able to fend for themselves. Government is, however, not alone in providing relief to our people. My gratitude, therefore, goes to all our cooperating partners, various organisations as well as individuals of goodwill who have, and continue to contribute generously to these humanitarian efforts.

Every Zambian has a responsibility to bring hope and comfort to those in need. Those involved in the distribution of relief food have a responsibility to make sure that the food reaches the intended communities and households. We must, at all cost, avoid worsening the situation by engaging in illegal activities such as corruption, smuggling and extortion. Let us be vigilant and report such misconduct. We want to see this food reach our people in need and make a difference in their lives.

Government is also concerned about the high price of mealie meal in the country, a situation negatively affecting our people. To address this problem, we are working with millers to progressively reduce the price of mealie meal. This intervention is beginning to yield positive results. It is our desire to see that every household is able to afford at least a bag of mealie meal.

Countrymen and Women,

With regard to the power deficit, government is importing electricity in a bid to reduce hours of load shedding which has not only affected businesses but also households. This intervention has brought some relief to businesses and our families.

Further, the waiver on duty on the importation of power generators and solar equipment is still in effect to enable our people have access to alternative sources of power. Furthermore, government is removing duty on the importation of gas stoves, other gas cookers and gas boilers with effect from tomorrow, the first of January, 2020.

Most importantly, efforts to ensure a steady supply of electricity are ongoing. The new 750 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station will come on board in the coming year. This will in no doubt significantly ease the power deficit in the country.

Let me take this opportunity to thank you, the people of Zambia, for your patience and understanding as we go through this challenging period. We are a resilient people and we shall overcome. As the bible says in 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 verse 9, we may feel cast down but we are not destroyed because our lord is in control of the situation.

Countrymen and Women,

We continue to enjoy peace and stability as a country. In as much as we have differences among ourselves, we remain a beacon of peace. We must, therefore, strive to remain peaceful and make it our duty to maintain this peace and stability. Let us be together as we strive to conquer, because together we will win. Let us not pull in different directions, because together we will win. Let no political belonging divide us, because together we will win. Let no tribe divide us, because together we will win.

Thanks to this peace and stability, we were able to pursue a sustainable development agenda. Let us not take this peace for granted, it is through peace and development that we continued to enhance the welfare of our people. More of our citizens are now able to access health, education as well as water and sanitation services. This is a clear testimony that our robust infrastructure development programme is, indeed, bearing fruit and being appreciated by our people.

We have connected the country through an improved road network, telecommunication, and digital television services.

More of our people in rural areas now have access to electricity through the rural electrification programme.

It is the duty of each and every Zambian to take good care of all the public infrastructure in order to derive maximum benefit from our investment.

Countrymen and Women,

Government continues to hold provincial investment expositions especially in rural areas. This year, expositions were successfully held in the Copperbelt, North-Western and Southern Provinces, bringing the number of provinces that have held expositions to six since 2017.

As a result of these expositions, we have seen an increase in the number of tourism activities in Samfya; the development of the Kalungwishi farm block in Lunte, and the construction of the industrial economic zone in Chibombo. It is our expectation that more investments will come from these efforts.

This will enhance incomes for our people through increased job opportunities, ready markets for their produce, as well as, opportunities to engage in business partnerships with prospective investors.

Countrymen and Women,

Government reaffirms its commitment to make this country better. This is what we promised our people. A better life and a better country for everyone. Let us be innovative and adapt to climate change. I encourage every Zambian to plant a tree during this rainy season and make it a habit to dispose solid waste responsibly. By so doing, we will contribute to creating a clean and healthier environment.

Countrymen and Women,

Even amid setbacks, we must succeed, we will succeed and we shall succeed. As government, we will not shy away from our responsibility to provide leadership. Leadership to take the country to greater heights while maintaining and championing peace and stability. Leadership in uplifting the lives of our people, without leaving anyone behind. Leadership in transforming our country for the better.

I, therefore, urge all public officers to rise above board and remain patriotic. Let us always do what is right and good for the nation. This way, government will be able to perform its role to the expectation of our people. I further urge every Zambian to play their role in developing this country at individual and community level. By working together, we shall make Zambia a better place.

Countrymen and Women,

The youth and women are a vital resource that play a critical role in our transformation agenda. Government is determined to provide our youth and women with opportunities to enable them contribute more to national development. Government is determined to facilitate for the physically challenged persons so that they equally contribute to national development. We will continue to empower them to engage in meaningful economic activities of their choice.

To you our youth and women, I urge you to use these empowerment opportunities effectively to uplift your lives and transform your communities. I know that you are able and capable. When you actively participate in our economy, your families benefit, your community benefits, your country benefits, we all benefit

Countrymen and Women,

As we welcome 2020, let us remember that the task of building this nation is the responsibility of each and every Zambian across the political divide. Therefore, commit to work harder and advance our unity of purpose. We should be resilient and innovative. We should embrace new ideas and have a positive attitude towards life.

Let us renew our commitment to do and stand for what is right and good for our nation. Let us uphold the values and principles that hold us together as a nation. Let us be a caring nation. Zambia needs the contribution of all of us. Let us also remain patriotic and united in line with our motto of “One Zambia One Nation”.

Countrymen and Women,

The festive season is a time for sharing and giving. Let us share with those who do not have and lend a hand to those in need. Let us also include those who are lonely in our celebrations. Let us continue to live in harmony with one another and the environment.

Let us have clarity and sharpness of thought, like a 2020 vision. May God bless us all with happiness, good health, peace and prosperity in 2020.

Good Night.

The Opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has said that they will not participate in the Chilubi by-election slated for 13th February 2020.

In a statement circulated to Media houses today, MMD National Secretary Hon. Elizabeth Chitika said that the party is currently taking stock of it’s structures.

“Up Until the 5th of November 2019, our Party was engulfed in leadership wrangles that lasted for the last three years. This affected our structures and members. After the judgment, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party guided that our party should continue with it’s reorganisation exercises going on Countrywide and with the inspections of all party structures”, Hon. Chitika said.

Hon. Chitika then said that the MMD would not participate in the Chilubi by-election.

“Following the announcement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of the date for the by-election in Chilubi Constituency and three (3) local government in other places, I wish to announce that the MMD shall not be participating in these elections as the Party is busy taking stock of its members and mobilizing the party structures that were disturbed in the past three years”, Hon. Chitika said.

“Furthermore, We as the MMD shall not support any candidate nor party that will participate in these elections”, Hon. Chitika.

Hon. Chitika further called for peaceful campaigns in Chilubi Constituency.

“We as the MMD would like to take this opportunity to advise all the Political players that will participate in these elections to conduct a Violent free Campaign. We also urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia to be firm and fair referees. We wish the great people of Chilubi Island all the best”, Hon. Chitika said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Dr. Nevers Mumba has challenged the Party leadership in Southern Province to produce a Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Constituency in 2021.

Dr. Mumba, who kicked off his MMD Countrywide tour yesterday, was in the Company of his Party’s National Secretary Hon. Elizabeth Chitika, National Youth Secretary Mr. Gregory Mofu, Southern Province Chairman Mr. Michael Kashinka and other Senior MMD leaders. His first stop was Mazabuka.

Addressing Mazabuka District, Constituency and Ward officials, Dr. Mumba said that Southern Province had a special place in his heart.

“Today marks the beginning of the long-awaited Countrywide tour of the MMD Structures. We have decided to start with Southern Province and Mazabuka in particular because it holds a special place in the heart of the MMD. Southern Province was one of our first Strongholds. Mazabuka produced one of the finest MPs MMD ever had in the late Bennie Mwiinga. To me, this place is special because not only did I do my schooling from Southern province at Hillcrest, but most importantly I got Born Again in this great province. Southern Province also gave me the highest votes at the Convention that elected me as Party President of Our Party, the MMD”, Dr. Mumba said.

Dr. Mumba was extremely happy to find all the MMD structures in Mazabuka intact. He said he was encouraged to find the same team of leaders in Mazabuka both at District and Constituency levels.

“I have heard some people say that MMD is dead. How can we be dead when you leaders are still here? I salute you for weathering the storm these last three years. Your resilience is heart-warming,” Dr. Mumba said.

Dr. Mumba then challenged the MMD Leadership in Mazabuka to produce an MMD MP in 2021.

“Lastly, as the Party President, today I am directing you to give us a Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Constituency in 2021. Mazabuka was one of the first Constituencies we scooped in 1991. Mazabuka is a gateway to Southern Province. If we get back Mazabuka, we get the gateway and we will be back in Southern Province. So am challenging all of you to give back MMD the Mazabuka constituency,” Dr. Mumba said.

By Sunday Chilufya Chanda

One would have thought that by being an academician, UNZA don Sishuwa Sishuwa would be a person whose outlook would be guided by empirical evidence and objectivity.

Far from it! The prejudice and cynicism in his recent article in News Diggers wherein he attempted to disparage and “hex” President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s announcement that he had significantly reduced his salary in solidarity with the masses, confirms what many Zambians already know; Sishuwa is part of a political coven of chronic cynics.

Sishuwa and his ilk don’t mean well. They are druids of doom and gloom. They never see any good in any good deed or any positive achievement of the President and the PF Government.

On the other hand, they promote hate and bitterness in a bid to stir up anti-government sentiment. They scheme to incite mayhem and disorder, so that they may manipulate an opportunity to impose on Zambians their disorderly and regionally inclined “warlock” who has been rejected by Zambians six times (and counting).

It would be pointless to even try to explain the President’s goodwill in reducing his salary, and the fact that such a reduction for Senior Civil Servants and Parastatals would be a demonstration of leaders ready to sacrifice, because Sishuwa and his kind have already deliberately made up their minds and taken up a position of “no matter what you say or show us, we will not listen to you”.

Are they being realistic when they say that PF has done nothing good at all?

What about the increased enrolment in schools, because of the boom in the construction of schools across the country? Is that a “crisis?”

What about the increase in fully stocked clinics and hospitals? Is that a “crisis”?

What about the significantly improved road infrastructure and bridges across Zambia? Is that a “bad thing”?

We could go on and on until Kingdom come cataloguing President Lungu and PF achievements, but whats the point when some people who are living in denial like Sishuwa have made up their minds “ukufwa na no”!

Their scepticism has become septic. It is eating them up.

“U’ushitasha mwana wa ndoshi nangu endoshi ine”, the Bembas say!

Zambia’s national electricity utility company, ZESCO Limited, has issued a statement to the public saying that the company is working round the clock to slightly reduce load-shedding hours on both  New Years’ Eve and New Year’s day, to allow customers celebrate these important days with their families.

The company said that the decision was arrived at to let Zambians enjoy quality family time on New year’s eve and day,  despite the sustained low water levels at the main reservoirs that has adversely affected generation and that the gesture is aonly applicable to domestic customers.

Below is the full statement

ZESCO WILL ENDEAVOR TO LESSEN LOAD SHEDDING ON NEW YEARS’ EVE AND DAY FOR DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS

ZESCO Limited wishes to inform its esteemed customers in the domestic category that the corporation is working round the clock to slightly reduce load shedding hours on New Years’ eve and day, to allow customers celebrate these important days with their families.

This decision was arrived at to let our customers enjoy quality family time on New year’s eve and day despite the sustained low water levels at the main reservoirs that has adversely affected generation.

“The corporation cannot however state specific hours of reduction in load shedding due to unpredictable constraints on the system, suffice to say that this is a gesture of goodwill to our customers who have endured long hours of loadshedding for some time now”.

As a Corporation, we attach great importance to this period as it is a time that promotes the social wellbeing of our customers by bringing families and communities together.

We thank our customers for their cooperation and support during this difficult period.

We however continue to appeal to our customers to continue employing energy efficient initiatives such as switching off all non-essential appliances by using gas for cooking and solar and energy efficient lighting sources to help conserve the available power.

We take this opportunity to wish our customers a prosperous New Year as we hold hands in prayer for more rains as the season progresses.

Issued by: Hazel Zulu (Mrs.)
Public Relations Manager

“

Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has charged that utterances by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema that the Electoral Commission of Zambia is plotting to rig the 2021 elections is a sign of desperation.

In a statement released in Lusaka, Mr Lusambo urged Mr Hichilema to desist from attacking governance institutions such as the ECZ.

He charged that the ECZ has attained high levels of credibility in the manner it has managed elections since independence.

“Hakainde Hichilema’s latest attacks on the Electoral Commission of Zambia and its Chairperson Justice Essau Chulu is another misdirected attempt at making himself politically relevant,” Mr Lusambo said.

“His allegations that the ECZ wants to rig an election which is two years away can only come from a man who is a desperate loose cannon sensing a 6th successive defeat,” he said.

“To begin with, Hakainde’s allegations lack basis because every Zambian knows that the same ECZ that Hakainde is attacking today has conducted very successful elections through out our country’s history.”

“It was the same ECZ that managed a tense election in 1991 that saw MMD defeat a more robust UNIP. It was the same ECZ that managed the hotly contested 2011 election that saw the PF defeat a well oiled MMD machinery which was at its peak.”

He added, “The same ECZ that Hakainde chooses to vilify today has managed countless by-elections which has seen the UPND emerge victorious. Not too long ago, the same ECZ Hakainde is maligning today managed the Sesheke and Katuba by elections and the UPND won those elections and because his party won, Hakainde never accused the ECZ of working with the PF.”

Mr Lusambo said all right thinking Zambians should simply dismiss Hakainde’s rantings as mere lamentations of a privatization criminal who lacks the basic understanding of politics.

“Hakainde is that player who enters the pitch knowing that he has already lost the match. To save face, he starts blaming the Referee. Let it be known that the ECZ is an independent institution which is key for the growth of our young democracy.”

Mr Lusambo added ,”As a leader of a political party, Hakainde should be working towards making recommendations on how we can strengthen our democratic institutions and not assaulting their integrity and characters of the men and women who have agreed to serve the nation in these institutions.”

Mr Lusambo has since warned Mr Hichilema to stop promoting violence with his careless outbursts.

“let me warm Hakainde that the chaos that he is fanning will not be tolerated. Zambians are peace loving people who cherish the tranquility that the country has been renowned for.”

“Any attempts by Hakainde and his cult members to disrupt this peace will be dealt with severely. As Lusaka Province Minister, I send a strong warning to Hakainde to behave himself, grow up and allow democracy to speak. It’s Zambians who choose their leaders and not the ECZ and since 2015, Zambians have been choosing President Edgar Chagwa Lungu because they are not ready to vote for leaders who are childish, who can mortgage the country to the highest bidder and who will introduce same sex relationships and cult politics.”

Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) President Nevers Mumba has called President Edgar Lungu to emulate the late President Levy Mwanawasa and call for an economic Indaba following recent events such as fuel and tariff increase that has cause many Zambians to lose hope in the country’s current economic trajectory.

In a statement released to the media, Dr. Mumba said that waiting for a regime change in 2021 is just too far for many Zambians to just sit back and watch the country be overtaken by economic and social problems, but suggested that President Lungu, being in charge today still has an opportunity to positively effect this change.

“My view is that #2021 is too far for us to just sit back and watch ourselves get overtaken by economic and social problems. I suggest that President Lungu is in charge today, and therefore, still has an opportunity to positively effect the  change,” read the statement

Below is the full statement

Following last week’s fuel price increase and the announced power tarriff hike, I wish to make the following observations.

The price hike may have worked to further fuel the idea that most Zambians have lost hope in the country’s current ECONOMIC trajectory and unless the PF government does something DRASTIC and SOON, the OPPORTUNITY to overturn the problems that we face as a nation may LAPSE, and in that case, large sections of Society will feel that the only solution to this is a #regime #change in #2021.

However, my view is that #2021 is too far for us to just sit back and watch ourselves get overtaken by economic and social problems. I suggest that President Lungu is in charge TODAY, and therefore, still has an OPPORTUNITY positively EFFECT change. However, I also believe that this is NOT a task for the President ALONE. Rather , it requires a CONCERTED EFFORT, not just among political players but ALL STAKEHOLDERS across industry, business, The Financial Services the civil service and the general citizenry working together.

We MUST, open up our minds to the idea that #together , we can come around the table of dialogue and create a national solution that ensures a win for the people of Zambia.

I wish to challenge His Excellency, President Edgar Lungu to emulate Late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa and consider calling for an
#ECONOMIC #INDABA drawn for all major economic players to sit and resolve the factors that are eroding our Fiscal and monetary performance indicators. In order to do this, we need to start from a point of to genuine dialogue and trust, calling on participants from across this political, and regional divide to consider the following key points:

Key Economic Points to Consider

The #Fuel #Price #Hike and the #ZESCO power tariffs hike which are upon us were #Expected . There is no hiding away from the fact that a weak kwacha will ultimately lead to higher prices of major imports.

As a nation, we need to strive hard to bring down the #Exchange #Rate if we are to have any chance of arresting these price increases.
In fact, we expect that following this fuel hike, all other goods and services will go up because transport costs are an input cost in across all sectors of the economy. This, unless addressed, and soon, may lead to #hyperinflation .

It is time to #dialogue as a nation. Time to sit around the table with all key stakeholders from across the industry. This economic Indaba should include the major players such as the #Mines and #Road #Contractors .

We must find a way to arrest capital flight arising from the rampant externalisation of #FOREX .

Somebody, somewhere must provide temporal relief by keeping Those dollars within the local banks. The PF government must pro-actively NEGOTIATE this and put this on the table and make sure it works.

It is my humble submission that these suggestions are looked into away from the lense of partisan allegiance and supported by ALL WHO LOVE ZAMBIA.

We have no other choice.!!!!

We remain focused on the idea that even though times are hard and the future seems bleak, we have Hope, Hope that together we can find solutions where previously we only had fights.

I thank you, and God Bless Zambia.

Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba
President, MMD