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Ex-Zambia midfielder Clifford Mulenga is backing Chipolopolo to redeem themselves in their remaining four 2021 AFCON Group H qualifiers.
Chipolopolo are slumped at the bottom of Group H on zero points after two games played as they battle to end a two season absence from the AFCON.
Algeria lead Group H on maximum 6 points, Zimbabwe are second with 4 points while Botswana have 1 point.
Zambia lost 5-0 away to defending AFCON champions Algeria on November 14 before Zimbabwe stunned them 2-1 on match-day-two on November 19 at home in Lusaka.
“Most definitely (we can), if Zimbabwe can come here and beat us, then we can also go there and beat them because obviously we have learnt from the first games. So I think we know what to do in the next coming game in Zimbabwe,” Clifford said.
But the Zimbabwe match will be the final and probably decisive Group H game of qualifiers for Chipolopolo on November 9, 2020 after hosting Algeria in their penultimate fixture on October 5 in Lusaka.
Chipolopolo will face Botswana in a Group H doubleheader at home on August 31 and away on September 8.
The qualifiers resume in August after making way for the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers from March 23-31 and June 1-9 after the Africa zone draws are made in Egypt on January 21
“We have two games against Botswana, the team that we have traditionally beaten. Not to undermine them, or underestimate them, but I believe this is a six-pointer for Zambia,” Clifford said.
“We are Chipolopolo at the end of the day and even Botswana knows that.
“We have beaten Algeria at home before, they are a good team, and they are in top shape.
“But this is our home ground, this is Zambia, and they have to come here knowing that they are not playing in Algeria but this is Zambia so we can definitely qualify.”
President Lungu Inspects Impounded trucks Carrying Mukula Tree
Field Ruwe EdD
There is hot lava venting gas and steam under the volcanic Mukula Cartel Report, and we, the people of Zambia are seated on the crater, wearing blinders. The allegations made by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) that President of Zambia Edgar Lungu, his daughter Tasila, Given Lubinda and Jean Kapita (cabinet ministers), and Chief Kafula Musungu II, are the most serious after former President Frederick Chiluba’s corruption case. The Mukula Cartel Report insinuates that President Lungu and his daughter have been surreptitiously using established government agencies for personal ends. Such allegations dwell on gross misconduct and the misuse of executive power. If true, the president heretofore could be found culpable of graft and corruption, and his legacy scorched beyond redemption. That’s why coming clean is a matter of urgency. Engaging in discursive deflection tactics in an attempt to deter the public from accepting the report as credible is denying the people of Zambia the right to know the truth.
The President using Fake News as a Deflection Tool
The Mukula Cartel Report alleges that President Edgar Lungu and the afore-mentioned people are involved in a monthly illegal exportation of the Mukula (rosewood) trees in clear violation of export bans, and that the trade generates a total of approximately US$7.5 million paid annually in bribes and informal fees. Patriotic Front Media Director Sunday Chanda, a notorious spin-master, and serial spreader of misinformation, known for altering reality and twisting facts, engaged in elaborate “plausible deniability” in his effort to tamp down the impact of the report. Without providing credible counter evidence on the Mukula trade, he charged the authors of the report with treason.
Other PF militants including Emmanuel Mwamba and Bowman Lusambo succumbed to the same obtrusive strategy, and helped to deflect blame by polarizing, spreading conspiracy theories, and evoking negative emotions against the report. The president of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu also bought into it. He blatantly labelled the report that has roiled the nation “FAKE NEWS” as a way of delegitimizing it (the report) and removing public concerns and establishing himself as the source of truth. By doing so, Lungu has elevated the use of disinformation as a tool of persuasion and weapon of influence to another level. Consequently, the word “fake news” has found more fertile ground in Zambia. Fake news has become a pejorative term used by corrupt political offenders to deter the public from accepting accusations that might turn out to be true. Fortunately, modern technology has made it easier to evaluate the credibility of a source. In the case of the Mukula Cartel Report, all it takes is for the President’s press aide Issac Chipampe, to engage a bit of critical thinking and conduct some research. In scholarship, there are ways to help tell the fake news from real news. I employ some here to address pertinent questions.
Is the Mukula Cartel Report Fake or Credible?
Checked the source: I took time to learn more about EIA, the source of the Mukula Cartel Report. I combed through Africa Confidential, scholarly journals, environmental news, books and magazines, and other credible sources. I searched for any EIA affiliations to the U.S. and UK governments and their intelligence or political wings. My independent review reveals that the nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has been in existence for over 25 years, campaigning on behalf of threatened wildlife species, forests and global climate (visit their website). Founded by UK environmental activists Dave Currey, Jennifer Lonsdale, and Allan Thornton, and run by Alexander von Bismarck as Executive Director, the organization conducts undercover investigations of criminal activities involving the environment, among other assignments. As stated on their website, EIA boasts of a track record that reveals the organization as arguably the most consistently independent, fearless, dynamic and effective NGO on global environmental issues. Importantly, EIA is recognized by research organizations, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations around the world for its “extraordinary work on the ground”. Surely, Chipampe and his team at State House can conduct an even more rigorous research what with all the investigative tools at their disposal.
Is there Illegal Exportation of the Mukula in Zambia?
Investigated the Report: While the timing of the Mukula Cartel Report may be suspect, I examined all the passages in the report to see if they contained any political bias that may impact the story. I found none. As a general rule, a credible story must contain reputable and trustworthy citations and references.
I might add that indeed there is illegal exportation of the Mukula timber in Zambia. It has been going on for years. Chinese timber business has been in Zambia since 2005, mostly exporting material in forms of lumps and boards (see Mukula Cartel Report). Between 2001 and 2014, Zambia lost more than one million hectares of Mukula trees, (100 to 276 million trees per year), according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild and Flora (CITES). In March 2018, the Thomson Reuters Foundation reported that Zambian authorities had begun exporting Mukula timber confiscated from illegal loggers “who continue to fell trees despite a nationwide ban to protect the country’s dwindling forests.” The custodian of the funds is Jean Kapita, the minister of Lands and Natural Resources. In the same month (March 2018), an impeachment motion was filed in the Zambian parliament against Lungu alleging, among other charges, that he was involved in the disposal of the transferring of proceeds of the sale of Mukula to ZAFFICO and not the Consolidated Fund as requested by law. It came be stated that Lungu was suspected to be meddling in the exportation of Mukula timber way before the report.
Who, by Name, is Behind the Illegal Cartel?
Searched for other sources: One established fact is trafficking of Mukula timber is rampant. The question is; who is really behind the cartel? This is a question only President Lungu can and must answer. Back in March 2018 when Mukula timber was confiscated, illegal loggers were arrested and/or identified. It is assumed that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources briefed the President and/or presented him with a full report containing the names of the traffickers, the source of the Mukula, the owners of the trucks hired, and its destination. The minister’s investigation and report must be made public.
It must be noted that Mukula was recently added to Zambia’s list of official commercial species and took front-page news in the reign of the incumbent Lungu. The increase of Chinese traders in the country has exacerbated the illegal exportation of Mukula timber. The Zambian Association of Timber and Forestry Based Industry alleges that about 5,000 Mukula loaded containers from Zambia have been exported to China following the ban on the exportation of the timber species. Who, by name, are the Chinese working with in Zambia? How and where do they obtain their permits? How do they pay? ZTFBI general secretary Kalowa Moota has charged that the government has breached the Forestry Act No. 4 of 2015 by affecting a ban while timber continues to be exported. Moota adds that the manner in which Mukula is exported is designed to cover illegal activities by the privileged few. It has since been revealed that the privileged few include the President and his daughter. The video interviews conducted by EIA in Zambia implicate the President and his daughter, among others. Watch the video at https://eia-global.org/reports/20191205-Mukula-cartel-zambia-report.
No different from Mandrax Trafficking of the 1980s
There can never be a more serious charge on a President than this. The legacy of the Zambian President has been thrust before the entire world as a symbol or proxy of corruption. Accusations of trafficking in Mukula timber are no different from those of the Mandrax drug trafficking of the 1980s. Both involve cross border illegal activities and undermine the rule of law. As President, Lungu faces legal and ethical violations. His current response to the report symbolizes totally unacceptable presidential behavior. As a legal practitioner, Lungu understands that accusations of such magnitude can carry several personal and professional devastating consequences, even if the accusations are unfounded. It can’t be emphasized enough that the Mukula Cartel Report negatively frames the president of Zambia. It erodes Lungu as the critical resource of trust, and takes the nation back into the deeper canal of corruption.
Lessons from the Chiluba corruption case
During the Chiluba regime, we watched a corrupt president with limitless greed, lust for power, and corrosive cynicism, mortgage mines, sell houses and deposit the money in the Zamtrop account for his personal use. Chiluba’s lieutenants assiduously protected him, and created elaborate camouflage and fiendish propaganda so successful Zambians were taken for a ride. In the end, Chiluba drove a vulnerable nation to the poorest level of the world, and left office with a poverty rate of 80%. Chiluba’s presidency demonstrates the venomous and corrosive impact of corruption on freedom and democracy. We can’t allow history to repeat itself.
Time to Come Clean
Enough with misinformation from royalists like Mwamba, Chanda and all those who instrumentalize fake news. They are the reason the Zambian moral engine relies on lies and cover-ups. Such serious accusations against our head of state cannot be fended off with a mere “fake news” flywhisk. Faced with such devastating accusations, President Lungu must come clean. He must not think that all he needs is a favorable opinionated spin. I strongly advise that he immediately addresses the nation factually to exculpate himself from such serious allegations. He must share with the world what he knows about the illegal trafficking of Mukula in Zambia, and provide the names of all involved if he is to clear his name. In the absence of convincing evidence, President Edgar Lungu must be held accountable. Parliament must perform its duty, and pass a vote of no confidence, and President Lungu must consider to honorably step down.
Dr. Field C. Ruwe is a US-based Zambian multicultural scholar practitioner and author. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern University, Boston Massachusetts, U.S.
Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba has welcomed the decision by government to give approval for the cultivation, processing and exporting of cannabis for economic and medicinal purpose.
Mr. Sinkamba says the move see a turnaround in economic activities.
He said the decision is good for the country because Zambia will NOT only depend on Copper exports but cannabis as well.
Mr. Sinkamba has told ZNBC News in an interview in Kitwe that government must provide clear guidelines on how the whole process will be done so that people can have a clear understanding.
Cabinet at its special sitting held on December 4th, 2019, gave approval, in principal to the ministerial technical Committee for the cultivation, processing and exporting of cannabis for economic and medicinal purpose.
Crocodiles at the Zongwe farming Enterprise in Siansowa area in Sinazongwe district
Zambia’s crocodile industry faces imminent closure as the imposition of a 10 percent export duty takes its toll, the country’s producers association has said.
In a statement, the Zambian Crocodile Farmers Association (ZCFA) said local crocodile skins were prized the world over for high-end footwear, handbags and garments, but now some US$1.3 million worth of skins were sitting in cold storage because farmers could not raise the up-front money to pay the tax.
Two farming operations were closing, with another two planning to follow.
“The situation is dire,” ZCFA chairman Johann Jordan said.
“Farmers need this revenue from sales to run their farms, and the nation needs the foreign exchange we generate from these exports, but this tax is on the verge of killing the industry.”
Since the export duty was introduced in January, crocodile farmers have paid US$350,000 on skins exported, sucking out all the liquidity from the industry, Jordan said.
He said operations were being wound down with virtually no egg incubation this year, just as the industry was finding its feet again after a tightening of grading standards that prompted a change in growing methods, stocking densities, chemicals and food formulation in recent years.
In 2018, Zambia exported about 31,685 farmed crocodile skins, but projections show this will slide by almost a third to 22,000 this year, half of what was exported in 2015.
“There are more than 600 jobs at risk, mainly in rural areas. Bearing in mind that it takes about four years to establish a crocodile farm, the chance of any resurrection of the industry once collapsed, is unlikely,” said Mr Jordan.
He said engagement between the association and the ministry of finance since January had not resulted in the tax being reviewed, despite suggestions that crocodile skins were caught in wider legislation on the export of hides and skins due to an administrative error.
“Crocodile farming is a foreign exchange earner and generates employment. It is an industry that should be attractive for long-term growth and not short-term fiscal gain,” Jordan said.
“The time is now critical for a decision to be made by government if this industry is to survive in Zambia.”
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya with Mulenga Kapwepwe
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya has terminated the appointment of Mulenga Kapwepwe as ZNBC Board Chairman with immediate effect.
No official reasons have been given for the termination of Ms. Kapwepwe’s appointment but ZNBC sources have revealed that Ms. Siliya was upset after the Ms. Kapwepwe led Board opposed the appointment of Amon Jere as ZNBC Deputy Director General.
Last month, Lusaka Times exclusively revealed that Mr Jere was been lined up to take over the job of ZNBC Director General after Mr Richards Mwanza’s contract was not renewed.
Mr Jere, a telecoms Executive has no experience in broadcasting and the Board and the Unions opposed his appointment.
As a compromise, Government through Ms. Siliya went ahead and promoted ZNBC Director of Engineering Malolela Lusambo to the position of Director General but started pushing the Board to create a new position of Deputy Director General.
The move was however strongly opposed by the Board stating that the structure of ZNBC does not allow for a position of Deputy D.G.
The struggles over the appointment of Mr Jere has caused delays in him reporting for duty.
And yesterday, Ms Siliya officially announced the decision to let go of Ms. Kapwepwe but maintained the rest of the Board members.
Ms Siliya said Government has deemed it to be in public interest to nullify the appointment of Ms Kapwepwe.
“We wish to thank Ms Kapwepwe for her services as ZNBC Board Chairperson and wished her God’s Blessings in future endeavours,” Ms. Siliya said.
2019 COSAFA U20 Player of the Tournament Patrick Gondwe has thanked Nkana for believing his talent as the Zambia Under-20 midfielder prepares to head for trials at Spanish club CD Numancia.
Gondwe’s most valuable player award at the just ended 2019 COSAFA U20 Cup, that Zambia hosted from December 4-14, also earned him the tournament lone prize of a trial at Numancia.
“This is a life-changing opportunity of undergoing trials at a professional club in Spain. My sincere gratitude goes to Nkana FC and its major sponsor Mopani Copper Mines for having accorded me the privilege of being part of the Nkana Youth team,” Gondwe said.
“It doesn’t matter where I might end up in my football career but I will forever be grateful to Mopani and Nkana FC for helping me discover and develop my God-given talent.”
Gondwe, who scored two goals in four games at the tournament, was one of two Nkana players in the 2019 COSAFA U20 Cup winning team that beat South Africa 3-0 in the final on December 14 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Defender Justin Mwanza is the other player who featured in all five matches.
Nkwazi battle swim, not only away from the relegation zone, but end an eight match winless run when they host Lusaka Dynamos on Wednesday at Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka.
Nkwazi sit in the top part of the bottom four relegation zone at number 15 on 11 points from eleven matches played.
They last tasted victory on September 21 at the same venue in a 3-2 Lusaka derby victory over Zanaco.
Since then, Nkwazi have amassed just four points and as many defeats and head into their mid-week round 11 fixtures after a 1-0 away loss up the road at Nkoloma Stadium against third placed town-mates Red Arrows.
Dynamos on the other hand have not fared any better despite sitting at number 13 and are one point ahead of Nkwazi on 12 points.
But Dynamos have head to Emboela armed with four points from their last two league games after holding hosts Buildcon 2-2 away in Ndola and beating visitors Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy 3-0.
2019/20 FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 11
18/12/2019
Nkwazi-Lusaka Dynamos
WEEK 14
21/12/2019
Zesco United -Kabwe Youth Football Academy
Green Eagles-Nkwazi
Napsa Stars-Lumwana Radiants
Green Buffaloes-Nakambala Leopards
Red Arrows-Buildcon
Mufulira Wanderers-Zanaco
Lusaka Dynamos-Forest Rangers
Kansanshi Dynamos-Kabwe Warriors
22/12/2019
Power Dynamos-Nkana
The Zambia and South Africa U20 national team benches have made a preliminary technical exchange agreement between the two teams.
Zambia Under-20 coach Oswald Mutapa disclosed this after his side beat South Africa 3-0 in the 2019 COSAFA U20 Cup final on December 14 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
“We discussed with my colleague, that there is need to adequately prepare our teams for future events like the 2021 U20 AFCON qualifiers and that can only be done through our associations. We have exchanged numbers with my colleague so that we are able to prepare the boys for bigger occasions than the COSAFA,” Mutapa said.
South Africa coach Helman Mhkalele said his and Mutapa’s vision was to make COSAFA junior football a force to be reckoned with beyond the region.
“As the coach has alluded to, we are on the same page in relation on building strong teams that can go out and compete against West African countries,” Mhkalele said.
Zambia is the only COSAFA nation to have won the U20 AFCON when the lifted it as hosts in 2017 while South Africa were runner-up in 1997.
WEEKEND SCORECARD
-2019 COSAFA U20 CUP FINAL
Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka
Third-Place Play-Off
Madagascar 1 (Randianantenaina Arnaud 59”) -Angola 5 (Congo Zalata 9′, 15′, Ambrosini Salvador 46′, 69′, Hermenegildo Sengui 83′)
Final
South Africa 0-Zambia 3 (Jonathan Munalula 40’, 84’,Francisco Mwepu 45’)
Chitiya Mususu(Zanaco):3
Laudit Mavugo (Napsa Stars) :3
Collins Sikombe (Napsa Stars) :3
Larry Bwalya(Power Dynamos):3
Fredrick Mulambia(Power Dynamos):3
Royd Alfonso (Kansanshi Dynamos):3
Jeff Banda (Nkwazi):3*
Roger Kola (Zanaco):3
Martin Dzilah (Lumwana):3
Daniel Chama (KYSA):6
Thabani Kamusoko(Zesco):3
Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes):3
Emmanuel Phiri (Kansanshi):3
Winston Kalengo (Zesco):3
Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows):3
Chris Mugalu (Lusaka Dynamos):3
Eric Choomba(Nkwazi):3
Doisy Soko (Napsa Stars):2
Chanda Mushili(Buildcon):2
Jamal Jefaru (Mufulira Wanderers):2
Tapson Kaseba (Green Eagles):2
Shadreck Mulungwe (Green Eagles):2
Moro Ameru (KYSA):2
Chaniza Zulu(Lumwana):2
Willy Stephanus(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Moussa Lemisa(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Rahim Osumanu (Mufulira Wanderers) :2
Paul Simpemba (Green Buffaloes):2
Gozon Mutale(Green Eagles):2
Kelvin Mubanga(Nkana):2
Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes) :2
Anthony Akumu (Zesco United):2
Ronald Kampamba (Nkana):2
Danny Silavwe (Napsa Stars):2
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zanaco):2
Evans Musonda(Red Arrows):2
Patrick Ilongo(Forest Rangers):2
Junior Zulu(Nakambala):2
Charles Zulu (Zanaco):2
Alidor Kayembe(Buildcon):2
Biramahire Abeddy (Buildcon):2
Kwame Attrum (Mufulira Wanderers):2
Ian Sililo(KYSA):2
Spencer Sautu(Green Eagles):2*
Wilford Sikanyika (Kansanshi):1
Nasha Kaya (Kansanshi):1
Richard Zulu (Lumwana):1
Hosea Silwimba (Green Eagles) :1
Mise Katende(Mufulira Wanderers) :1
Christian Ntouba (Power Dynamos) :1
Eric Kabulo (Buildcon) :1
Dominic Chanda(Kabwe Warriors):1
Felix Nyaende (Kabwe Warriors):1
Eddie Sinyangwe(Green Buffaloes):1
George Ngoma (Green Buffaloes):1
Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba(Kabwe Warriors):1
Stephen Kabamba(Green Buffaloes):1
Webster Muzaza (Forest Rangers):1
Laurent Muma (Forest Rangers):1
Marvin Jere(Lusaka Dynamos):1
Clement Mwape (Zesco):1
Umaru Kasumba (Zesco):1
Quadri Kola (Zesco):1
Martin Kayuwa(Power Dynamos):1
Lazarus Zulu(Kansanshi):1
Peter Mwangani(Forest Rangers):1
Moonga Chilimba (Buffaloes):1
Leonard Mulenga(Buffaloes):1
Felix Bulaya (Nakambala):1
Joseph Mwandilila(Green Eagles):1
Norbet Chisala (Kansanshi Dynamos):1
Chisenga Lukwemba(Nakambala):1
Andrew Kwiliko (Green Eagles):1
Tresor Ilunga(KYSA):1
Derrick Mwansa (Kabwe Warriors):1
Patrick Kasunga (Kabwe Warriors):1
Andrew Tololwa (Red Arrows): 1
Linos Makwaza Jnr(Power):1
Obeddy Masumbuko (Nkana):1
Thomas Banda(Napsa): 1
Davies Kamanga(Mufulira Wanderers):1
Simon Nkhata (Napsa Stars):1
Ali Sadiki(Kabwe Warriors):1
Benson Sakala(Power Dynamos):1
Isaac Ngoma (Kansanshi Dynamos):1
Enock Sabamukumana(Zesco):1
Erick Chomba (Nkwazi):1
John Ngoma(Nakambala):1
Simon Mulenga (Nkana):1
Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon):1
Austin Banda(Napsa Stars):1
Harun Shakava (Nkana):1
Emmanuel Habasimbi(Lusaka Dynamos):1
Peter Mwaangani(Forest Rangers):1
Moussa Souleymanou (Zanaco):1
Luka Banda (Napsa):1
Mukuka Chewe (Lumwana):1*
Amity Shamande (Green Eagles):1
*Denotes an own-goal
INTERNATIONAL
14/12/2019
UNDER-20
Francisco Mwepu (Lusaka Celtic):5
Jonathan Munalula (Roan United):2
Patrick Gondwe (Nkana):2
Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars):2
Golden Mawfenta (Zanaco):1
Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers):1
Ricky Banda (Jumulo):1
Crawford Mwaba (MUZA):1
Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo says the country has sufficient stocks of maize to last a total of 8 months up to July 2020.
Hon Katambo said in other words, if the smuggling of maize and mealie meal remains under control, the maize available in the country of one million, thirty-seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven point seven metric tonnes is adequate to see the nation through to the next harvest, somewhere around June 2020.
He said this when he addressed journalists at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Center as he announced the results for the maize stocks assessment survey 2019 and the food security situation in Zambia.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, at this point, I will now highlight the results of the survey and explain the implications of the results on the national food security situation from now until the next harvest in 2020. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the survey results and the figures presented by the stocks monitoring committee indicate that the total quantity of maize available in the country stands at one million, thirty seven thousand seven hundred and seventy seven point seven metric tonnes,” said Hon Katambo.
“Let me now give you the breakdown of the total maize that we have in the country. The small and medium scale farmers in all provinces are estimated to be in possession of (394,991) metric tonnes of maize; whilst large-scale farmers in the country are estimated to have in reserve sixty three thousand eight hundred and sixty three metric tonnes of maize in stock. Further, the millers that are represented by the Millers Association of Zambia have reported to be in possession of one hundred and twelve thousand, three hundred and twenty nine metric tonnes of maize; and the grain traders that are represented by the Grain Traders Association of Zambia have one hundred and eighty thousand, three hundred and forty six point sixty one metric tonnes of maize in stock while stock feed manufacturers have sixty thousand metric tonnes.”
The Agriculture Minister said the Food Reserve Agency has a total of two hundred and twenty six thousand, two hundred and forty seven metric tonnes of maize as strategic food reserves.
He indicated that in terms of the distribution of maize in control of small and medium scale farmers in the country, the maize stocks assessment survey has established that the province with the most amount of maize is Eastern Province with 127,256 MT, followed by Central Province with 59,450 MT, which is then followed by Muchinga Province with 49,053 MT, then Northern Province with 43,306 MT and North Western Province with 35,271 MT.
“The province with the least amount of maize in the control of small and medium scale farmers is Western Province with 2,906 MT, followed by Lusaka Province with 4,752 MT, this is then followed by Southern Province with 10,183 mt, then by Luapula Province with 27,961 MT and finally by Copperbelt Province with 34,852 MT,” he disclosed.
He emphasized that the results highlighting the distribution of maize by province is evidence that there is maize being held by small and medium scale farmers in the country.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, now that the actual maize stock figures have been presented, let me update you on the food security situation in the country. You may wish to note that for planning purposes, my ministry uses an estimate of one hundred and twenty thousand metric tonnes to represent the country’s monthly consumption requirement. Therefore, going by the stock figures I have presented, you will note that the country has sufficient stocks of maize to last a total of 8 months up to July 2020,” assured Hon Katambo.
“In fact, we expect some maize to start coming on the market in April, 2020 because of the early maize project that government has facilitated in partnership with the Zambia National Farmers Union who are currently estimating the expected yield of early maize.”
President Edgar Lungu delivers his speech during the State of the Nation address at Parliament Buildings
By Venus N Msyani Concerned citizen in the diaspora.
The debate whether the number of constituencies in Zambia should be increased from the current 150 to 235 is too important to ignore as it evokes a lot of questions.
Why now? Is one of the questions that have driven me to react.
A recent online article has revealed that the Electoral Commission of Zambia is in support of the proposal. That the support is a result of submissions received during the countrywide delimitation sittings and factors outlined in Article 59 of the Constitution that give powers to the commission to delimit constituencies and wards.
When is it going to happen? Is another question that need to be asked.
Unless creation of new constituencies takes place after 2021 election, this is a pure political scam rather fraud.
ECZ chairperson Esau Chulu is trying to manipulate 2021 election outcome; help PF keep control of the parliament. Whether he is doing it consciously or unconsciously, the fact remains the same.
Democracy is about fair competition and number. Zambia has two major political parties at the moment. Patriotic Front (PF) 89 of 156, United Party for National Development (UPND) 58 of 156. Each has its stronghold. Will ECZ create equal number of constituencies in each party stronghold?
It is near to impossible and a breed of confusion. If Hon. Justice Esau Chulu and the Electoral Commission of Zambia does’t see that, too bad.
We have entered a calculating politics stage and it is time to start thinking beyond the lines. Say no to new constituencies for the sake of fair 2021 election. We are winning over violence and propaganda. We must also win over calculating politics.
Many thanks to Highvie Hamududu, President of Party of National Unity. His article on Lusaka Times on this very issue is great though he takes a different approach.
The proposal to create new constituencies must be put on hold until after 2021 election.
President Edgar Lungu is welcomed by Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kapyongo at City Airport.
President Edgar Lungu has clarified that smoking Cannabis still remains a crime in Zambia.
President Lungu said that Government has not legalized marijuana for smoking but only for commercial and medicinal purposes.
The Head of State said that Zambians must not jubilate that the legalization of marijuana has been made for smoking because the law will catch up with those found smoking.
President Lungu, however, said that he will engage the Ministry of Health and various stakeholders to sensitize the people on the why government has decided to legalize the cultivation and production of cannabis for medicinal and export purposes.
The President was speaking upon arrival at the ZAF Lusaka Airport base this afternoon.
He further stated that the law against abuse of cannabis still remains in effect.
Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has called on the judiciary to embrace alternative sanctions to incarceration to reduce the number of prisoners in correctional facilities.
President Lungu said, when he officially opened the 2019 Judicial Conference in Livingstone today, that sanctions such as community service, restitution and suspended sentences in deserving cases can go a long way in decongesting the facilities.
He says such sanctions will also spare the government’s already overstretched resources.
The Head of State said the country’s criminal justice has to move towards restorative justice than retributive justice.
He noted that while the government is endeavoring to build more correctional facilities and to make use of the parole system to remedy the situation, the use of alternative sentences as opposed to custodial ones would help the situation.
President Lungu said the conference comes at a time when the demand for justice is on the increase while the institutional capabilities continue to be overstretched.
He said the conference should interrogate the best ways of enhancing institutional capacities to improve access to justice and facilitate speedy delivery of justice.
President Lungu said his government remains firmly committed to attaining the goals set in the 7th National Development plan, whose priority areas include to improve the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism.
Speaking at the same function, Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima said the conference underscores the judiciary’s commitment to continued professional education for adjudicators.
Ms. Mambilima said it is through platforms such as the conference that the bench can share experiences for better execution of justice.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo poses for a photo with Tina Kaluza after She was gifted with a K5,000
By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member
Let us be very clear from the onset, and state that it is the primary preoccupation of President Hakainde Hichilema and indeed the United Party for National Development (UPND), that we should create a society that works for everyone; and one that provides real opportunity for the youth to explore their talents and optimise their potential to succeed.
Let it also be know, that in an era where politicians find it fashionable to parade the weak and helples for political expediency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has never sought or attempted to use his position of privilege to exploit the vulnerability of those least fortunate for his political ends. Mr. Hichilema continues to provide invaluable assistance to a lot of hard-pressed citizens and yet he has never sought to exploitatively benefit from the fragility of the people to whom he continues to provide assistance. For him, helping people is not a political issue. It is Ubuntu.
And indeed, the much publicized case of Tina Kaluza, a supposedly talented young woman who wants to engage and explore the world of entertainment in Nigeria, is a very curious one. It appears that this is a young woman whose vulnerability was set up for exploitation by unconscionable, unrepentant, opportunistic politicians; who wanted to capitalize on the almost unsuspecting naivety of an honest young person, for their own floundering political ambitions.
The case of Ms. Kaluza is the perfect example of how the Patriotic Front (PF) have relentlessly persued an agenda of destructive economics, an agenda that has exacerbated poverty; as well as diverting opportunity and choice away from ordinary people and firmly placed the fate of the masses at the mercy of corrupt government politicians belonging to the PF.
The PF must be reminded, that since they took power in the summer of 2011, a staggering $2,411.26 has been stolen every minute; suggesting an unfathomable + $10 billion taken away from Zambians by corrupt politicians and their associates.
The Patriotic Front party itself, continue to illegally solicit for financing through the irregular award of public contracts; with over over $10 million thought to have been obtained by pawning our collective public interest for partisan benefit. The 2018 Financial Intelligence Center report revealed K10 million was illegally paid to the Patriotic Front after gambling with public contracts.
And it is this level of greed under the stewardship of the PF that has created the kind of destitution that Ms. Kaluza has found herself in, the sort of hopelessness that systematically denies, even the most talented of young men and women, an honest opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The PF and it’s leadership enjoy this kind of brokenness. It is this kind of systematic exclusion that gives them the perfect opportunity to prey on the susceptibility of innocent, often hardworking citizens, by parading them to the masses for their perverted political gain. This is why even President Edgar Lungu has no shame having his name imprinted on relief supplies to people whose suffering has ironically been occasioned by the lack of sound leadership of the PF. This is also why Mr. Lungu’s foremost disciple and bonafide bootlicker Mr. Bowman Lusambo, unashamedly goes into a constituency and distributes over K1 million worth of mealie meal and contemptuously throws money in the air for people to scramble over. Lusambo comes to Kabushi and parades our grandmothers and fathers for the cameras, not as symbols of timeless wisdom and wise counsel, but as apparatus of political opportunity for himself, President Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front.
This is the character and legacy of the PF – political opportunists and vultures, waiting to prey on the vulnerability of the next victim.
Ms. Kaluza provided them with that opportunity and they took it.
Mr. Hichilema will not participate in the open exploitation of a young woman, or indeed any other citizen who may require assistance, for political purposes. We will focus on creating society – wide systems that will be aimed at creating lasting platforms of opportunity for all, primarily here at home.
NORTH-Western Province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu hands over the 2019 Mining Company of the year Award to Kansanshi Mining Plc public relations manager Godfrey Msiska during the North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry annual gala and awards ceremony at Kansanshi Hotel in Solwezi on Saturday. – Picture by John Chola.
By John Chola
GOVERNMENT says it has successfully put in place all fundamentals for any business to thrive in North-Western Province of the country and local and foreign investors have been challenged to take advantage of the untapped investment potential in the region.
North-Western Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu says there is no excuse for those that are into business for failing to invest in the province’s furthest districts like Zambezi, Ikeleng’e or Chavuma because all necessary incentives conducive for all definition of investment were now in place.
Mr Mubukwanu, who was speaking on Saturday evening when he graced the 2019 North-Western Chamber of Commerce Captains of the industry gala dinner awards ceremony held at Kansanshi hotel in Solwezi, explained that through the commitment of President Edgar Lungu Government has put in place relevant fundamentals to attract real investment to area and make it ready to accommodate investors without much restrictions.
“On our part as Government, our responsibility and duty, which President Lungu always talks about, is to ensure that we put all the fundamentals in place for the business community to thrive. For example, when I served in the North-Western Province earlier in 2013 to 2015, we had fewer districts that were connected to the national grid, but as we speak to you today, we have endevoured so hard to ensure that all the 11 districts of the province are connected to the electricity power grid,” Mr Mubukwanu said.
He said that in addition, Government had also gone further to make sure that the entire province was now connected to the mobile telecommunications network.
Mr Mubukwanu has called on the business community and relevant stakeholders in the country to stop the tendency of merely holding workshops, meetings, carrying out trade missions to foreign countries but should immediately start actualising their benefits into tangible realities for Zambia’s economic growth.
“For us as Government, we will continue doing that which we have to do, but the business community will have to come in and claim their rightful role. I urge the chamber and the entire business community that, let us move away from this business of talking all the time, let us make our hands dirty, let us remove our jackets, ladies let us remove our high heeled shoes, let us fold our sleeves and get ready because nobody will do this if we don’t do it ourselves” Mr Mubukwanu said.
The minister told the business community that the market in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo which border North-Western Province has been yawning and that the Zambian business community has for many years failed to take full advantage of the situation.
“I know some of you have been complaining that you can’t even access Kipushi in the DRC but the good news is that the contractor is now on site so as soon as the rains subside, they should be able to commence the construction of the Solwezi-Kipush road that will make it easier to access the market,” Mr Mubukwanu announced.
He also announced that his provincial administration will have a policy in place to ensure that the 20 percent subcontracts allocated for local contractors will be managed through the North-Western Chamber of Commerce as a way of supporting the local entrepreneurs to benefit from the opportunity that Government is putting forward.
North-Western Chamber of Commerce President Mukumbi Kafuta said the purpose of the awards was to reward and celebrate well deserving companies and individuals for their accomplishments in the year.
Mr Kafuta commended Government for continuing to listen to the concerns of the business community on various policy issues that have potential to impact either negatively or positively on the industry.
Companies, entrepreneurs and individuals were awarded in various categories.
People’s Alliance for Change President Andyford Mayele Banda has demanded that mobile issuance of National Registration Cards should extend to all parts of the country to allow all eligible Zambians to acquire the documents.
Mr Banda is concerned that the Department of National Registration has concentrated the exercise in PF strongholds such as Luapula and Northern Provinces as confirmed by PF Secretary general Davies Mwila when he directed party structures in the Northern Province to ensure that 45, 000 new members have NRCs.
He said the issuance of NRCs must not be politicised and every eligible Zambian must be get a fair chance to have one.
Mr Banda said he aware that this exercise is non-existent in other Provinces, Lusaka inclusive especially those considered to be strongholds of some opposition political parties.
“We can therefore conclude that the ongoing unknown process confirmed by Mr Mwila is meant to benefit the ruling party ahead of the 2021 General elections”, he said.
He said PAC like many other opposition Political Parties have members who haven’t yet acquired NRCs and are dependent on the Department of National Registration extending the mobile issuance to acquire the documents ahead of the 2021 General elections.
“We therefore demand that the Department of National Registration updates the nation on the status of mobile NRC issuance and clarifies reports that the exercise is only taking place in Northern Province among other PF strongholds. PAC also calls for transparency in the issuance of NRCs to avoid rumours that even foreigners are being considered for the documents”, he added.
Mr Banda said like the PF we are also mobilizing across the country and acquiring NRCs by our members is one of the key steps in ensuring that our members vote in the 2021 General elections.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (centre) accompanied by Northern Province Minister Bwalya Chungu (left) and Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa (right) at Kasama Airport in Northern Province on Tuesday,
President Edgar Lungu has urged Patriotic Front members in Southern province to explain the government’s success to the people.
President Lungu says there is so much false information being disseminated by the opposition that PF members should counter with the truth.
He says PF members should help in explaining the contents of Bill 10 so as to correct the misinformation that some political parties and civil organizations are spreading.
The Head of State says it is also not true that his administration does NOT want to work with the people from the region, saying he has on several occasions appointed people from the southern province who he says turned down the offers citing threats.
President Lungu has since urged the mobilization team to start the mobilization process in Southern province.
The President said this in Livingstone yesterday, in a meeting with PF Members from Kazungula, Kalomo, Livingstone and Zimba districts.
And, PF Vice Chairperson for National Mobilization, Geoffrey Mwamba, says his team will make inroads in Southern province.
Mr. Mwamba, who pledged his total loyalty to President LUNGU, has however appealed to all PF members in the region to get involved in recruiting new members.
After the meeting, Mr. Mwamba told journalists that over 600 people have defected from UPND to join the PF in Livingstone.
And while in Choma, President Edgar Lungu challenged Patriotic Front members in the Southern Province to produce more Members of Parliament in the 2021 general election.
Addressing PF members in Choma yesterday, President Lungu said there is NO reason why the governing party should NOT have MPs in the Southern Province when it has taken development to the area.
President Lungu urged the PF in the province to immediately start identifying potential MPs and start mobilizing ahead of the 2021 General Election.
He said the success of any political grouping depends on numbers and that the late President Michael Sata managed to grow the party by inviting more people to join the PF.
President Lungu said the opposition United Party for National Development-UPND will never rule Zambia if its members continue thinking that one region can make them form government.
He said not a single tribe in Zambia can win elections on its own.
President Lungu wondered why the opposition UPND has continued fielding a presidential candidate, who has broken the record of losing the highest number of elections in the country.
And newly-appointed PF National Vice Chairperson for Mobilization Geoffrey Mwamba has thanked President Lungu and the Central Committee for the appointment.
Mr. MWAMBA said he is ready for the task ahead and that he has already started mobilizing with close to three hundred UPND cadres defecting to the ruling PF in Monze and Choma districts in the last two days.
