The Minister of Local Government and Housing Minister Charles Banda has disowned his Permanent Secretary Ed Chomba over the statement the he made on demolition the newly constructed Alick Nkhata Bridge.

Yesterday Bishop Choma said that his Ministry had ordered the demolition of the newly constructed Alick Nkhata flyover bridge in Lusaka it is a death trap and lacks the basic minimum standards of a bridge.

Telling ZNBC News, Bishop Chomba wondered which Zambian engineers approved such a structure and called for seriousness in the engineering sector, adding that the ministry had now resolved that the flyover bridge must be demolished.

However, speaking to the media today Dr. Banda said that the statement made by Bishop Chomba was not a Ministerial statement or Government Position on the bridge, and that his Ministry has not found any reason why the Bridge should be demolished.

The Minister further said that the construction of the bridge was actioned and approved by the Road Development Agency(RDA), and not by his Ministry. The Minister further said that RDA has competent engineers who did the designs and certification, stressing that up to this point there has been no any report to suggest that the bridge had cracks.

The Minister further said that the statement made by his Permanent Secretary was his personal opinion, adding that it cannot be taken as a Government or Ministry Position.

Dr. Banda issued an apology on behalf of his Ministry to the President, RDA and the nation for a misleading statement by his Permanent Secretary.

The Minister concluded his statement by saying that, this morning, he had sent engineers to relook at the bridge and they have assured him that the bridge is sound.

By Dr Daniel Mvula Shimunza

Introduction

ZAMBIA needs urgently, an advanced first world intelligence diplomacy, for building sovereign capacity. The fight against; corruption, poverty, unemployment, homosexuality, witchcraft, spirituality, and national political-ideological – identity battle, is real for Zambia.

Zambia is in an ideological battle, for national Christian values. Social democracy is promoting “populism” which is weak, to bring us to first world development, and industrialization.

Populist recycled conventional un-transformative politicians have promised more than they have delivered in the last 55 years. Time for a change, has now come. Social and cultural imperialism must be denounced by all Citizens. The West or the East, must not impose their values on our people.

On the other hand, liberal democratic values, are mostly at variance with Christian values. The Church cannot be silent about this insidious demonic spiritual war. At no other time, does Zambia need spiritual leadership, from the Church than ever!

Spiritual leadership, with conservative Christian values, will be the key to re-craft both state and government, for a 21st Century first world advanced righteous government. All those practicing witchcraft, in acquisition of power in politics, misrepresent, and anger God Almighty. Homosexuality must be condemned by all, yet still loving ‘gays’ as human beings, who need help in their moral declension, and decadence.

“Intelligence diplomacy”, is the intelligent engagement, of both allies and foes, for national sovereign interests in, bi-lateral and multilateral dominance, using diplomatic; negotiations, cooperation, mediation, and intelligent conflict management and resolution, by using timely soft or hard power diplomacy by all state-actors. To expect no challenges among, or between diplomatic relations with other countries is not avoidable. It is how we respond to conflicts that makes a difference.

A mature and intelligent response, is what makes for great intelligent diplomacy. Soft and hard diplomacy must be used intelligently without; emotional outbursts, unresearched, and uninformed commentaries, over ‘any’ issue of diplomatic nature, by all state- actors.

The American Ambassador overstepped his diplomatic roles

The American Ambassador overstepped his diplomatic roles, in imposing these liberal values on a nation that has never supported in general such homosexual values in the last 55 years. The sentencing of the “Homosexual Couple” for 15 years, was within the laws of the country which must be respected, as a deterrence to those who seek to abrogate the laws of our Country on Sodomy, and unnatural carnal knowledge of same-sex couples as crimes in all. The Republican Party in America, under the Trump Administration, does not Champion these values as Conservatives, unlike the Democrats, who are liberals. Shuttle – diplomacy, helps in conflict times, to minimize tensions of such nature, as seen in the recent past.

However, the Patriotic Front, (PF) must still address the Challenges of various allegations of Corruption stressed by the American Ambassador on various occasions. We must be objective and not selective, in addressing the things that have been concerning for the American representative against the (PF) government. Sadly, the (PF) have not handled their diplomatic maturity very well at times with the Americans. We must be mature and objective, not subjective in dealing with foreign affairs. Two wrongs never make a right. Where are mature ‘statesmen’ in the (PF)?

PF must reduce the number of their Spokespersons.

A body only has one mouth no matter how big, that is the wisdom of God, so in organizational culture, and behavior. Too many spokespersons for the (PF) added more salt to injury, about this whole issue. Sophisticated and advanced diplomacy is about; negotiations, mutual respect, and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral relations. Public pronouncements killed dialogue, and public attacks back and forth, on both sides, was the start of diplomatically strained relations between the Ambassador and the (PF) government. Chasing out of the country every diplomat, who disagrees with the government is not always the solution. Conflict management, is a temporal measure, while conflict resolution, is the ultimate goal of intelligent diplomacy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, failed the Presidency.

Restraint of public diplomacy

Restraint of “public diplomacy”, and caution in international law, must be exercised by both the Ambassador and the government. An amicable solution is not impossible, to normalize diplomatic relations. Statesmanship, is the hallmark of diplomatic mastery, and intelligence. Dealing with the problem of homosexuality, must not make the (PF), and President Lungu throw away the baby with the bath water. The Presidency requires; wisdom, tolerance, patience, and the virtues of diplomatic engagement, to sustain long- held cooperation. Mis-understanding is the result of not having effective dialogue between the Presidency, and the American Ambassador, who did complain of this that during his tenure had only met the President six times.

The role of the Church in Zambia

The role of the Church in Zambia, is to promote Christian values that are coherent with the teachings of Christ, and the Bible in general. Homosexuality has no place in the Christian Nation, and must be fought in all. This does not say that the Church is perfect. The Church has sinned and made mistakes many times, because humans by nature must grow in Christ, and depends on God’s grace, to live according to the teaching of Christ. However, this does not mean that the Church hates Homosexuals, but hates the vice for it is directly against God’s teaching, and culture.

Political Liberalism  and Social Democracy

Liberalism as a political ideology, is morally weak, and is not ideal for a Christian nation. Economic liberalism is the only strength therein, if watched with other supportive values for so called “modernism and ‘progressive’ open societies”. By nature liberalism, implies ‘openness’ in society. In so far as a liberal private enterprise system is concerned, this is the only strength. Liberalism, however, fails on the moral front, when it advances issues such as; abortion rights, homosexuality, Planned Parenthood, and beastiality. Transgender practices are not acceptable, in many African countries, and societies. Human rights must not be against God’s rights and natural laws.

Social democracy as an ideology, is weak as it panders to Populism. For seeking to win an election, social democrats in Zambia have adopted all kinds of values and vices such as violence sadly. Those who pander to “panga for panga politics” have been celebrated under the social democrats. While at times condemning liberal values. We have seen sadly, those who pander to social democracy themselves, being perpetrators of political violence. It is the extremes in both social and liberal democrats that must be curbed. While social democrats are weak in economic, and ideological politics, liberal democrats have a moral problem of too much openness to wrong vices.

The battle between the Patriotic Front, (PF) and the United Party for National Development, (UPND) fits squarely on these two differences. The rivalry of the two Parties since the post- 2016 elections, will not reduce as we go towards 2021. If not checked, the cadreism and militia groups with ‘pangas’ we have all seen makes for sad reading, and can destroy a lot of our nationhood. Let all those charged with mobilization in all political Parties, practice civility in Politics of ideas, and issues not what we are seeing. No blood of a Zambian, is worth ushering anyone in State House, whether ruling party or any Opposition, respectively.

Zambia needs a Conservative Christian democratic ideology

Zambia needs a Conservative Christian democratic ideology, as a Christian Nation, which the Movement for National Transformation (MNT) is promoting, and advancing. We are conservative in fulfilling (Article 8) of the Republican Constitution. This is the best, for ideological values of an advanced sovereignty, for a first world Zambia. This is for advanced aggressive industrialization, and an advanced macro-economic template, which we have for Zambia given a chance to govern this country, in 2021 and beyond by the Zambian people.

Zambia will not go to 2021 elections with pangas, God forbid! All those planning violence and bloodshed using militias will be removed by God! Consider yourselves warned right now. Zambians want national unity and peace in all. Both the (PF) and (UPND), have failed to champion this unity by adversarial rivalry daily. This may cost the nation, as even dialogue failed between them. We need a new start.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the time has come for the nation to take a great stand against homosexuality, hut in doing so, the (PF) must be mature and diplomatically on top of things to engage the American Ambassador in diplomatic negotiations, to resolve the impasse over gay rights. Immature public pronouncements by the President and those under him sends a wrong message and is not wise. Address all matters raised, not just homosexuality by the American Ambassador. Selective hearing and reading is dangerous. Never close dialogue, it pays to talk. All are advised herein, accordingly!

The Author is Founding President of Movement for National Transformation (MNT) For First World Zambia Ideology

Parliament has approved the K 126 billion  2020 National Budget and adjourned Sine die.

This was after the Appropriation Bill -2019 passed the third reading in Parliament.

Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu said the 2020 Budget will ensure solid economic recovery despite the challenges that the country is facing.

Dr Ng’andu called on Members of Parliament to support the 2020 Budget and stressed that MPs have been called to leadership to make decisions in the national interest.

Later, Vice President Inonge Wina moved a motion to adjourn Parliament Sine die.

The House passed seven other bills that include, the Supplementary Appropriation Bill -2019 and Electricity and Energy Regulation Bills.

The House also passed the Property Transfer tax, Value Added Tax, Income Tax, and Customs and Excise Amendment Bills.

Earlier, the Supplementary Appropriation bill of 2019 aimed at facilitating over K 1.175 billion  Supplementary Budget passed third reading in Parliament and awaits Presidential assent.

Finance Minister Bwalya Ngandu presented the bill in Parliament yesterday afternoon.

Dr. Ng’andu said of the over K 1  billion 2019 supplementary budget, Over K 410 million emanates from cooperating partners while over K 117 million was a carryover from the 2018 budget.

Dr. Ng’andu further said over K 455 million comprises a re-allocation of funds for wages awarded to civil servants in 2019.

He said over K 173 Million Kwacha constitutes an additional request due to the exhausted provisions in the 2019 budget.

Dr. Ng’andu disclosed that over K 18 million involves funds, not of the 2019 budget.

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance has described as insensitive the statement issued by Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo yesterday when he announced results for the assessment of the maize stocks survey that the country is food secure.

CSO SUN county Coordinator Mathews Mhuru says it is disappointing that the Minister could issue such a statement when he is fully aware that the country is food insecure with over 2.3 million people going hungry.

Mr Mhuru said the one million, thirty-seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven point seven metric tonnes available stock announced by Mr Katambo is a drop in the ocean as more maize is required to feed hungry Zambians whose harvests were impacted by drought in the last farming season.

He reminded Mr Katambo that Zambia requires US$89.5 million to feed hungry people and clearly this shows that we do not have adequate food as a nation hence the food security situation can best be described as dire at the moment.

Mr Mhuru added that had the country been food secure, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit wouldn’t have been distributing 12.5 kg bags of mealie meal to those affected by hunger which in some instances are being shared by two to three families.

He added that because of scarce maize on the market, mealie Meal prices have skyrocketed to K180 in some parts of the country making it difficult for many ordinary Zambians to afford a bag of mealie meal.

Mr Mhuru has challenged the Minister to be truthful when discussing the food security situation in Zambia because many people are aware that the country is currently food insecure and in need of help from cooperating partners.

However, Mr Mhuru has commended the government for enhancing security at various points of entry to prevent smuggling of grain into neighbouring countries.

He said Zambia cannot allow the smuggling of grain into other countries when citizens are going to bed on empty stomachs on a daily basis due to lack of food.

National Democratic Congress President Chishimba Kambwili has described as nonsensical reasons advanced by the government to take over Horizon school in Lusaka.

Mr Kambwili says Cabinet erred in its decision to take over the school as the owners have never engaged in any acts of terrorism in Zambia.

He said the decision to take over the school is wrong and government must immediately give back the school to the owners to avoid compromising on the high standards set by the school.

“Moreover, the owners of the school don’t stay in Turkey, they stay in America and if they were involved they would have been arrested because the US does not condone terrorism. If they have done anything wrong here arrest them and take them to Court”, said Mr Kambwili at a media briefing.

He disclosed that President Michael Sata was approached by the Turkish Government requesting him to take over the school but refused because he did not want to intervene in their internal wrangles.

“If a Malawian Investor based in Zambia fights with his government, government cannot act on behalf of that country as long as that person is following the laws of Zambia”, Mr Kambwili added.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Jean Kapata confirmed recently that the land on which horizon schools sit has been compulsorily acquired by the state in Public Interest as the Land acquisition Act empowers the president to compulsorily acquire any land whenever he is of the opinion that it is desirable to do so in the interest of the republic.

Mrs Kapata has however refuted allegations that the land has been sold to a Chinese investor to build a shopping mall as the lands acquisition act does not allow compulsory acquisition of land for private purpose.

Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has embarked on a mission to engage Political parties and other stakeholders in governance as a way of enhancing dialogue, consensus, confidence buidling and achieving inclusivity among players.

Newly elected ZCID Board Chairperson, Jackson Silavwe, says there is need for political parties and other key stakeholders in the country to come together and work for the development of the nation.

He called on political parties to get to their platform, ZCID, which was solely formed for them to operate, dialogue and work together even when they still stand as independent entities.

“ZCID was created for all political parties to dialogue from even as they retain their independence and contest against each other in elections. All differences political parties face are meant to be discussed and solved from the Centre, it is our platform we should utilize for the good of our country,” Mr. Silavwe said during a meeting with Democratic Party President and officials.

Mr. Silavwe on Tuesday led a team of ZCID Board Members in meeting Democratic Party Leader, Harry Kalaba, and his party officials at their Secretariat.

Mr. Silavwe, the Golden Party President, who recently took over Chairmanship from Forum for Democracy and Development National Secretary Nathan Mulonga said the meeting was just the beginning of ZCID’s engagement with other political parties to discuss matters of interest and corporation and dialogue.

Accompanying him to meet the DP leadership were Board Members, Mr. Highvie Hamududu who is also President of Party of National Unity and Ms. Winnie Zaloumis of the Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) and Acting ZCID Executive Director Ms. Doreen Njovu.

And the ZCID Board Chairperson, Mr. Silavwe, said that the body operates independently as opposed to some speculations from some sections of society.

He said the Centre is also currently working on a robust plan for resource mobilisation from other funders so that the perception of being compromised due to funding would be erased.

He and his team assured Mr. Kalaba, the DP leadership and the nation that the Centre is on a project to strengthen its roots and needed all political parties to get on board.

And DP President Harry Kalaba expressed gratitude at the mission by ZCID to engage stakeholders especially political parties as it will yield positive results for the organization and the political field in the country.

“It is very important that we keep dialoguing, because we only have one country as we have said and our Constituency all of us is Zambia. You talked about Unity in diversity, that is what we also belive in,” Mr. Kalaba said.

Earlier, Mr. Kalaba had raised concerns over the funding of ZCID after noting that part of it financial support comes from the Government through the Ministry of Justice, thereby raising fears of the Political Mother body of being compromised.

But the ZCID Team clarified and assured that it was autonomous.

And Mr. Hamududu said dialogue as political parties is a prerequisite to effective good governance.

ZCID continues meeting key players in the political realm and governance to ensure inclusiveness in enhancement of democracy in the country.

Zambia’s Socialist Party  Presidential candidate for 2021 Fred M’membe has said that he has difficulties seeing how the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) will be re-elected in the 2021 general elections.

Writing on the party’s social media platform about what he called the repeated question of the support he offered to the Patriotic Front in 2011, which espouses and promotes capitalism, the Socialist presidential candidate said that, at the time, PF was the only party that had an anti-capitalist position in its constitution and had committed itself to fight against capitalism and to support the working class.

Dr. M’membe, however, said that the ruling party is no longer committed to the calls of the working class and that the people running PF are not decent, honest and humble people committed to solidarity.

Below is the full post

In my recent interaction with the media, this question came up again. I need to clear this issue.

Comrades, am not in the PF to speak for the PF. I am running a Socialist Party. When you look at the constitutions of the parties that existed at that time, there was only one party that had an anti-capitalist position in its constitution. The PF committed itself to fight against capitalism and to support the working class. I have been a socialist from the age of 19 to this day and that (PF position) appeared attractive for me.

But are they socialists? Are they committed to the calls of the working class? Are they decent people, are they honest people who are committed to equity, who are committed to humility, who are committed to solidarity? My answer is NO.

If they were socialists we would have not started the socialist party to defend the calls of the working class, to defend the calls of the poor, to defend the calls of the poor peasants.

I don’t know how Zambians will decide. It is their decision to elect or not to elect the PF, that I can’t predict, but what am sure about is that they will be no money or more in the pockets, that will not be achieved. That I can guarantee you, they will not be able to put more money in your pockets before the August 2021 elections, they will not be able to put money in your pockets.

Whether you elect them or not, having failed to put more money in your pockets after promising to do so and have driven you into deeper poverty, that is your choice but we are dealing with rational human beings here. And if this rationality of human beings is something to go by, I have difficulties seeing how the PF will be re-elected again

The Patriotic Front has condemned what it has termed as desperation by United Party for National Development who persuaded other people’s children to protest against supposedly load shedding in Chaisa Compound.

PF Media Director Sunday Chanda says UPND is a malicious socio-political misfit that has been rejected multiple times by the Zambian people and so out of desperation, they now want to fan civil unrest.

Mr Chanda said the UPND have become so desperate that they not only pose a danger to the current general peace and stability of Zambia but to Zambia’s future as well as children.

“But why did UPND choose to place innocent young lives in harm’s way? It clear: because they wanted at least one of the children to die in order to make political capital out of it. They are ready to sacrifice human life. That’s why people call them satanic”, he said.

Mr Chanda said the Chaisa farce is part of a scam by the UPND leadership to front other people’s children from “ku komboni” in their reckless politics.

He said the UPND President is eagerly hoping to spark riots across the country to further his personal political interests, even if it means sacrificing the lives of innocent children in the process.

Mr Chanda has urged the Police to investigate this matter even as they thank them for their professional handling of the matter under extreme provocation by politicians who are red with their blood thirstyness.

He said this is rain season and everyone knows loadshedding will significantly reduce and clearly as the rains pour, and the water bodies fill up, loadshedding will drop; yet someone wants to capitalise on it before it ends.

Mr Chanda said their desperation is mindless and an outrage.

“UPND has no Scrupples; No Principals; No Morals; No care for Zambia. They have a seared conscience. Its all about themselves and their leader. Consequently, we invite the Church and other spiritual and moral voices to join the growing loud chorus of condemnation against these child sacrificers”, Mr Chanda has said.

He has asked parents to take care of their young ones and keep them from the UPND who are earger to abuse them.