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I’ll stop illegalities in the allocation of land in Lusaka Province despite insults-Lusambo

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Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo says no amount of insults from his political opponents will deter him from stopping illegalities in the allocation of land in Lusaka Province.

Mr Lusambo says he will soon issue a directive regarding the Munali school land which some people are contesting in the Courts of Law.

He said he will respect the court processes but will ensure that the school benefits from the land.

And Mr Lusambo says he will soon move in to demolish illegal structures built on the Lotus Primary school land.

He has noted with regret that land belonging to the school has been encroached by selfish individuals putting up structures.

Mr Lusambo said he will not allow lawlessness in the management of land in Lusaka and will ensure that all land belonging to government is secured.

He said the demolition exercise will be extended to all schools in Lusaka Province in order to protect the resource.

The 64 former Ministers who overstayed in the office are abusing the judicial system-Katuka

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Secretary General Stephen Katuka
Secretary General Stephen Katuka

The UPND says the decision by the 64 former Ministers to seek the Court interpretation on the money they need to pay back for illegally staying in office after the desolution of Parliament in 2016 is abuse of the judicial system.

Party Secretary General Stephen Katuka has wondered why the former Ministers have chosen to go back to court on a matter that is clear and straight forward.

Mr Katuka said the Constitutional Court judgement was clear as it ordered them to pay back the emoluments they received while in office.

He has charged that the move is meant to buy time as the PF are determined not to pay back the money.

Justice Minister Given Lubinda announced that the executive is determined to ensure that the judgement of the Constitutional Court on Ministers who remained in office is implemented once the Deputy Registrar of the constitutional Court concludes assessment to establish how much should be paid.
Mr. Lubinda said after the assessment the debt collection department under the Justice Ministry will execute the order to recover the monies.

He told Parliament that he could however not state how long the assessment will take because that is up to the Constitutional court.

 

Perry Mutapa Sets His Power Targets

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oach Perry Mutapa has set a modest target of helping Power Dynamos to survive relegation in the current campaign after being hired by the Kitwe side on Tuesday.

Mutapa, who has been handed a two-year deal, replaced fired Gaston Mutobo.

He inherits a Power side that is placed 13th in the Super Division with 11 points from 10 matches played.

‘It’s big appointment. It’s an honour; it’s a privilege to coach a team like Power Dynamos. We are just hope we will do our best,’ Mutapa said at Arthur Davies Stadium.

‘We know where we are coming to, Power Dynamos has been struggling but I think for this season the most important thing is to stabilize the team.
Just to stay in the Super Division it will be great. We are coming here because this should be a project,’ he said.

Mutapa admitted he needed time to restore Power’s past glory.

‘A project will take time for it to bare fruits. I know Power Dynamos are not doing well, I am not a coward but the most important thing is to keep this team afloat in the Super Division,’ he said.

Mutapa’s first match in charge is against Lumwana Radiants coached by his mentor Patrick Phiri.

He has previously coached Lusaka Dynamos.

ZNBC gets Malolela Lusambo as the new Director General

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ZNBC Board Chairman Mulenga Kampwepwe
ZNBC Board Chairman Mulenga Kampwepwe

The ZNBC Board has appointed Malolela Lusambo as the new Director General effective December 1.

ZNBC board Chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe says the board settled for Mr. Lusambo because of his vast experience in the media industry.

Ms. Kapwepwe said the board is confident that Mr. Lusambo will deliver on the expectations of the board and Zambians having served in the media industry for 28 years.

She also thanked ZNBC legal Director Reuben Kajokoto who acted as Director General from the time the position was left vacant.

And Mr. Lusambo who thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to serve as Director General said the new position will require teamwork from all departments of the institution to enable him live up to the mandate and vision of the institution.

He also noted that he is aware of the many challenges the institution is going through and will continue to dialogue as way of resolving issues.

Mr. Lusambo was ZNBC Director Engineering and Technical Services.

 

Zambia’s Inflation for October up to 10.8 %

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Inside the new Shoprite store at EastPark Mall
Inside the new Shoprite store at EastPark Mall

The annual inflation rate in November has increased to 10.8 percent from 10.7 percent from the month of October due to an increase in food prices .

Zambia Statistics Agency, interim statistician General Mulenga Musepa says the inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased to 13.5 percent in November 2019 from 13.3 in October.

Mr Musepa explained that the price increases of foods such as breakfast mealie meal , roller meal , rice local and imported ones including buka and frozen fish.

Mr Musepa was speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today.

He has however announced that Zambia has recorded a trade surplus of One hundred and 46.9 Million kwacha from a trade deficit of 732.3 Million kwacha in Septermber 2019.

Mr Musepa noted that the increase in exports outweighed the imports stating that mainly domestic exports increased by 18point one percent.

He stated that the increase was mainly attributed to export earnings from intermediate goods category.

And the Zambia Statistic Agency says the volume of refined copper exported in October 2019 increased by 33.6 percent from Septermber 2019.

Meanwhile, Mr Musepa has disclosed that the Agency has made tremendous strides in preparations to conduct the 2020 Census exercise is concerned.

He indicated that the agency has already conducted the mapping exercise in Lusaka province and will be rolling out the exercise to nine provinces soon.

Zambia committed to support a professional defense force-President Lungu

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President Edgar Lungu presents the certificate to Major Charity Penyani during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu presents the certificate to Major Charity Penyani during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

 

Lusaka, November 28, 2019, ZANIS—President Edgar Lungu says government is committed to seeing a Defense force that is grounded in professionalism, with officers that possess balanced knowledge in both matters of defense and security and other disciplines.

President Lungu noted that this is why government is determined to equip officers with abilities which will enable them continue contributing to national development beyond their years of service.

Dr Lungu was speaking in Lusaka today when he officiated at a combined graduation ceremony for 22 Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and 49 University of Zambia Defense and Security studies for the 2019 academic year.

He explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) NB between DSCSC and UNZA affirms government’s aspiration to ensure that officers have a wider horizon of knowledge.

Meanwhile, President Lungu said Zambia has an obligation to support efforts aimed at pursuing global peace and security by building a strong foundation in war torn societies and preventing the resurgence of violent conflict.

He pointed out that this is because sustainable development can only thrive in an environment where there is peace and security.

He expressed confidence that the graduates have been adequately prepared in peace and security matters which include intra-state conflicts such as the emerging threat to peace and security, as well as all forms of violence.

He explained that this is why the Conduct of the Combined Joint African Exercise (CJAX) code named Uhuru has continued to be an important planning tool in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Command and staff colleges.

And President Lungu reiterated that Zambia is committed to respecting the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

He said government’s desire is therefore to continue cooperating with neighbouring countries and those beyond borders in an effort to develop the nation and establish peace in the region.

He further thanked countries that have subscribed students to the course and continued to place their trust in Zambia’s ability to train their officers.

And DCSCS Commandant Brigadier General Benson Musonda said 69 graduating students are from the three SADC security wings, while others are from the African Eastern Community.

Brigadier General Musonda added that the graduates had undergone an intensive course in leadership management, economic, national and international relations among others.

He also appealed to government to help the college construct a new staff college that will be fitted with modern equipment and technologies.

Meanwhile UNZA Vice Chancellor Luke Mumba stated that this is the 9th programme that UNZA and DSCSC has successfully carried out.

Professor Mumba noted that the Defense and Security programme which is being conducted by UNZA, done in consultation with key stakeholders, is tailor made to make defense and security officers respond to the changes in their industry.

And a best graduating student who scooped four awards, Charity Penyani has encouraged women to compete favourably with their male counterparts in challenging fields as the country strives to attain gender equality.

President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Lungu at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the 22nd Command Staff Course and 45th University of Zambia Defense and Security Studies on Thursday 28 November, 2019. Pictures by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

Fashion blogger, Peter Mwansa, discusses his Love for fashion and the Launch of House of PML

Peter Mwansa wearing one of House of PML pieces

Peter Mwansa’s interest in fashion began at a young age, he sites his mother as his inspiration. “… she is till now a very fashionable woman and most times she would give me some of her left over fabric from her tailors. From those I would make myself small outfits like shirts and shorts”.

With the coming of social media, he decided to showcase his creative side to his friends, by posting fashion related content on Facebook and Instagram. His content became popular over time and he started blogging more under the name PeterMyLife. “I know you might ask why that name? Lol well I just woke up one day and someone introduced me to Instagram, when I was searching for a name I wanted something that would show what my life is all about and what I intended to show the world on social media hence I came up with a name called PeterMylife. Meaning whatever you will see when you come to my page is a true definition of my life.”

Peter Mwansa wearing one of House of PML pieces

Peter went on to say that blogging has been a life changing journey for him, when getting started people would call him crazy and ask what he does for a living? “… It was hard to explain then but with time people got to know what really is involved in Fashion blogging and being a blogger itself. A lot have gotten inspired over the years and I get many messages every day of people telling me how I have helped them change their life and how I have inspired them and helped them grow.”

Asked how he keeps his blog content fresh he said he is always looking at what’s trending in the fashion world. “It’s become more of a lifestyle than content creation so I live in the moment and work to the best of my ability. Whatever I do is a true depiction of what’s currently happening in my life at that very moment.”

Recently Peter opened his own fashion House called House of PML. His motivation to start it comes from his long time passion for tailoring. “… Like I mentioned earlier my mom has played a huge role in my love for fashion as she would always give me left over fabric. Before completing my Varsity, I got myself a sewing Machine and I would always keep myself busy during holidays. I also took a 6 months course just to polish up my craft but I had to wait for the perfect time to launch. Fashion houses I look up to internationally; I love Balmain, channel, Dolce and Gabbana, then locally I’m learning every day from House of PML itself lol.”

He went on to say that he has been working diligently in the background and that clothes he would show the world on his blog postings were all under his production house. “I wanted to see if people would love my craft especially that I was setting myself as the best example, then I can later give it to the world. I finally felt comfortable to start my own Fashion house and launched it earlier this month.”

His and hers Custom made outfit by House Of PML

Asked how House of PML stand out from other fashion Houses in Zambia, Peter stated that House of PML is a premium brand which is not only offering clothes but also offering a whole makeover and styling service. He went on to say that their pieces are pieces that normally Zambian designers do not work with. “We are unique, classy and elegant in our own way, sophistication is an understatement but luxury at its best is our mantra. Our style is very versatile with a touch of almost everything you might think of but the most captivating statement is Luxury made to look easy.”

Talking about his design process he said that he likes to imagine something that he hasn’t seen on anyone before. Something new, fresh and fun. Something that will make someone want to buy the product once they see it on him or on anyone else.

On the current state of the Zambian fashion industry Peter had this to say; “…Honestly, in my own opinion, I wouldn’t have said the same 4 years ago, We have really grown in so many ways. People are slowly embracing fashion in Zambia and many are pushing themselves to the limit. The best part about this is that we now have so many fashion events and with those, people are able to come out and play and enjoy fashion as a hobby. If the government can invest and pay attention to the fashion industry as a whole, we can reach greater heights. Slowly the Zambian Fashion industry is growing and could soon reach levels seen in South Africa or Nigeria. Just like I mentioned earlier we are embracing so many fashion event and with that people engage themselves with makeup artists, stylists and designers because no one wants to show up at an event looking terrible. Slowly we are getting there the future is very promising and only the sky is the limit.”

Peter Mwansa in a House of PML piece

HOUSE OF PML is a Fashion and design house created for all your bespoke tailor made clothes, weddings, corporate and luxurious style crafted for men and women. The initials PML stand for PeterMyLife . House of PML makes any type of clothing for anyone and for any occasion. 

Peter Mwansa with Mampi at the 2019 Lusaka July event

Connect with Peter on social media:

Instagram: @peter_mylife

Instagram: @houseof_pml

Facebook: Peter Mwansa

Facebook: House Of PML

Twitter: @petermwansa15

Twitter: @houseofpml

 

BY Kapa Kaumba

Illegal mining worries Masaiti council

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The local authority in Masaiti district on the Copperbelt province has expressed concern over the mushrooming illegal mining activities in the area.

Masaiti Town Council chairperson Christine Chande says unscrupulous firms have continued to conduct mining activities in mineral-rich areas of the district without going through the legal procedures.

Ms. Chande says the development has continued to deprive the local authority of the much-needed revenue for service delivery to the local people.

The council chairperson was speaking shortly after conducting an impromptu visit on various illegal mine companies in the district.

Meanwhile, Ms. Chande said her office has formulated a revenue taskforce aimed at maximizing all income opportunities in the district.

She said this is aimed at enhancing service delivery in the local authority through self-sustainable resource mobilization.

Misisi, Chibolya to be demolished, modernized using Abu Dhabi funds- President Lungu

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 Chibolya Coumpund
Chibolya Coumpund

President Edgar Lungu has revealed that Misozi and Chibolya compounds in Lusaka will be demolished and modernized.

President Lungu said Misisi, Chibolya and other unplanned settlements are characterized by overcrowding, with most urban residents lacking adequate access to housing, energy, clean and safe drinking water, sanitation, transport services, quality health services, quality education and employment opportunities.

He said these factors exacerbate environmental degradation and diseases such as cholera.

President Lungu charged that the status quo is totally unacceptable.

President Lungu posted this on his Facebook page when he arrived from the United Arab Emirates where he had gone for a two day official visit.

“Thus, my Government’s endeavor to re-develop “Misisi and Chibolya unplanned settlements” is to address the above-mentioned negative effects of unplanned settlements, and in that, meet the 7NDP overarching goal of; “accelerating development efforts towards Vision 2030 without leaving anyone behind.”

He said the modernization of Misisi and Chibolya compounds was one of the four priority infrastructure projects that the government submitted to Abh Dhabi Fund for financing consideration.

He said the other projects include the rehabilitation of 238 kilometres of the Serenje –Mpika road, which forms part of the North-East corridor, linking Zambia to the port of Dar es salaam in Tanzania and the upgrading of the 225 kilometre Kasela–Kaona road, which links North Western Province in Zambia, to the ports in Wavis Bay in Namibia and Durban in South Africa.

President Lungu said the other project involves the rehabilitation of the Beit bridge which links Zambia to Zimbabwe.

“I am very optimistic that the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will positively consider the requests to finance the abovementioned infrastructure development,” President Lungu said.

He added, “The abovementioned road and Chirundu bridge projects are important undertakings because, in their current state today, this infrastructure serves as constraints to economic diversification and job creation instead of facilitators.”

“The inadequate levels and low quality of this infrastructure only leads to low economic activity and high production costs, leading to low competitiveness for our economy at regional, continental and global levels.”

 Chibolya Coumpund
Chibolya Coumpund

Soldier commits suicide

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File:Zambia Air Force soldiers captured during the independence day march past at the freedom statue in Lusaka

A soldier based at Luena barracks in Kaoma district in Western Province has shot himself dead.

The soldier, identified as Sergeant Sitali Sitali shot himself using an AK47 riffle on Tuesday at the barracks.

He was rushed to Kaoma district hospital where he died 10 minutes later.

The reasons for taking his life have not yet been established as no suicide note was found at the scene.

Kaoma District Commissioner, Kennedy Mubanga, confirmed having received a report on the death of the soldier but could not give details of what really transpired.

The body of the deceased is lying in Kaoma district hospital mortuary.

ZNWL participates in the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign

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Zambia Womens Lobby Board chairperson Beauty Katebe

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based violence (GBV).

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence is a period when individuals and groups around the world strengthen calls for the elimination of all forms of gender based violence (GBV) through different targeted activities.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence also facilitates an environment in which stakeholders can more openly discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies on ending GBV.

The campaign has been used to strengthen and demonstrate solidarity for women around the world who account for the largest number of victims of GBV.

GBV is described as “any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

GBV is a serious problem in Zambia. Statistics released by the Zambia Police continue to show that GBV is on the rise despite the public’s increased awareness of it and the enactment of laws such as the Anti-GBV Act of 2011, which was formulated to protect the victims and punish offenders. Police records suggest that cases of the physical type of GBV such as unlawful wounding, Assault (OABH), defilement and murder are on the rise.

In 2019, the Zambia Police recorded increases in reported cases of GBV in the second and third quarter. During the third quarter of 2019, a total of 6,788 cases of GBV were reported countrywide compared to 6,114 recorded in the third quarter of 2018 which translates into a 9.9 percent increase. In the second quarter of 2019, 6,139 cases of GBV were reported to the Zambia Police Service, representing a 6 percent increase from the first quarter.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence for 2019 is being commemorated under the theme “Raising an equality conscious generation against gender based violence.” The theme focuses on the need to prioritize and scale-up efforts of raising consciousness about the equality of women and men as a way of dealing with the problem of GBV.

Most GBV incidences occur as a result of inequitable cultural norms that have created unbalanced power relations between men and women.

Therefore, raising an equality conscious generation that will act against GBV should begin by discouraging discriminatory norms which enable GBV to take place. There is need to promote values of gender equality especially in the young people whose belief systems are still being developed. However, it must be noted that children and adolescents learn more from the actions of adults than their words. There is need therefore to adopt principals of equality and consistently apply them.

Raising an equality conscious generation against GBV means making the conscious decision not to leave anyone behind. Women, men, the youth, children, victims and perpetrators must all have a role to play in the fight against GBV.

It is possible to raise a generation that will dislike GBV and other discriminatory practices, through continuous engagement and sensitization of all stakeholders.

The ZNWL has been implementing activities aimed at ending GBV, because the vice is a violation of human rights, a public health concern and an obstacle to gender equality and peace. With support from cooperating partners, ZNWL has been engaging men, women, boys and girls to stop the unnecessary loss of life and injury caused through GBV. Interventions have included trainings and discussions with men and women on the role of drug and alcohol abuse in fueling GBV. ZNWL has also engaged traditional and religious leaders and marriage counsellors on their role in ending GBV.

As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, we implore each individual to identify what role they can play in the fight against GBV. It can be as simple as creating awareness about GBV in their own home, local school or church. Citizens are also advised to be vigilant and report to the police, cases or suspected cases of GBV and also help survivors seek professional help. The ZNWL salutes all the gender champions and citizens who are already working towards raising an equality conscious generation that will act against GBV. We implore everyone to join in the campaign and advocate for zero tolerance to GBV in all spaces during this 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

Ms. Beauty Katebe

National Board Chairperson

Miles Sampa cautions Councillors against commenting on the Forest 27 developments in the media

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Miles Sampa
Miles Sampa

Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa has cautioned Lusaka Councillors against commenting on the Forest 27 developments in the media.

Mr Sampa said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is the principle in terms of land allocation while Local Authorities are merely agents which perform delegated duties.

He said the fact that Ministry of Lands has appointed Local Authorities as agents does not take away the power of allocating land from them.

The Mayor was speaking during a Special Council Meeting held in the Council Chamber yesterday.

The Mayor’s comment comes in the work of a story in yesterday’s Daily Nation newspaper banner headlined “FOREST 27: WE KNOW NOTHING…LCC Councillors deny granting authorisation to developers.”

“Local Authorities are simply agents of the Ministry of Lands, which is why they revoke the agency when they discover that a particular Council is not following procedure in land allocation. Granting agency to Local Authorities does not mean giving away the power and responsibility of performing any of those duties,” he explained.

Mr Sampa observed that Forest 27 was legally de-gazetted by President Edgar Lungu and the Ministry of lands in their own rights and powers decided to allocate plots to deserving applicants on their waiting list.

He said it is none of Council’s business who the Ministry of Lands chose to distribute their land to.

“You cannot wake up and complain about who they give their land to, it’s their prerogative” he stressed.

Mr Sampa advised Councillors to always remember Council’s boundaries and stick to its lane.

However, Mr Sampa explained that despite the Ministry of Lands allocating plots in the de-gazetted Forest 27, the power to scrutinise building plans and granting of construction permits still remains with the Council.

In Monday’s Daily Nation newspaper, Lusaka Town Clerk, Alex Mwansa, confirmed that seven developers in forest 27 have been authorised to commence construction.

Mr Mwansa said the developers had met all requirements.

The Mayor reminded Councillors that the plans were approved by Council and that it is unfair for some Councillors to deny granting authorisation to developers.

“When reports are brought before us let us make sure that we read and scrutinise them so that we know what we are approving and take responsibility,” he advised.

And Speaker of the National Assembly yesterday directed Lands and natural Resources Minister Jean Kapata to issue a Ministerial statement of the developments in the Forest Reserve number 27.

The Speaker advised the Minister to also liaise with her counterparts from the Ministry of Local Government and Water Development.

This was after Mazabuka Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo rose on a point of Order seeking a ruling on whether the Ministers were in order to keep quiet on the developments in the Forest Reserve.

NAQEZ happy with the general administration of 2019 national examination

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Exams

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia is happy with the general administration of 2019 national examination.

As an organization that independently policed Grades 7, 9 and 12 national examinations, NAQEZ is excited that the exams were leakage free.

NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa has saluted the Ministry of General Education, the Examinations Council of Zambia, all School Administrators and teachers across the Country all security wings ,parents, the Media, Civil Society and all the 2019 candidates for delivering credible national examinations.

Mr Chansa said what has happened this year is a sharp and excellent departure from the shameful past where most candidates had prior access to papers days or weeks before actual days of writing.

He said this saw Zambia become a Country with the highest cases of exam leakages in Southern Africa.

Mr Chansa expressed hope that what has happened this year will forever change the well known embarrassing narrative of having condemned national examinations.

He has however cautioned the Ministry of General Education and the Examination Council of Zambia to avoid complacency saying this is now time to work harder and consolidate the feat which has been scored.

“It is time to begin planning for much more superior national examinations for 2020.We should never allow exams to be leaked in this country again. The Ministry and ECZ managed to seal the leaks, security was enhanced and our candidates wrote without undue advantages. Previously, papers for national examinations were actually past papers because candidates saw them before writing”, he added.

Mr Chansa said in 2020, NAQEZ will mount vicious sensitization crusades against exam leakages as the battle is not yet over until learners and citizens fully understand the grave effects of exam leakages.

He said the Ministry plans for 2020 national examinations, funds for distributing Papers should be priority.

Mr Chansa said the Ministry must also seriously consider giving allowances to supervisors and invigilators as a way of motivating them for doing extra work .

 

We have let investors take advantage of us for a long time, it’s time for Zambia to stand up, Musukwa tells Mining Investors

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Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon. Richard Musukwa at a Panel Discussion in London
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon. Richard Musukwa at a Panel Discussion in London

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon. Richard Musukwa, has told the Europe’s largest Mining and Investment forum that the Zambian Government takes a strong exception to safeguard the prudent management and development of the country’s finite mineral resources.

Speaking on a panel of discussion at the Mines and Money Conference in London, the Minister told the conference that “Government has no intention to nationalise the mining sector and the economy in general. But for a long time, we have let investors take advantage of us, and it is time for us to stand up and ensure that we protect our people and our country.”

Mr. Musukwa further stated that the KCM issue has nothing to do with politics as being reported by some people, “but that the multinational company failed to inject the capital outlay that was projected in the investment portfolio”.

And Vedanta Zinc International Chief Executive Officer Deshnee Naidoo who is also attending the Mines and Money Conference in London said Vedanta and the Zambian Government were in a difficult situation as regards to KCM.

Ms. Naidoo said Vedanta will continue to work towards engaging with the government as the first recourse in finding a solution to the current avenues at play which is largely court cases within the country, as well as an International arbitration case that is currently going on.

Former KCM CEO Deshnee Naidoo said communities and government who are affected stakeholders have to come together and engage.

“When I came to Zambia, I came into a country that was financially stressed and as such I found more of aggressive budgetary stance were taken. What I have found out is that the Zambian government was willing to engage,” she said.

However, Mr Musukwa stated “Government has followed due process in effecting the winding up. The procedures employed are in accordance with our Corporate Insolvency Act, which is similar in most respects to the Act in the UK. If it was Government’s intention to nationalise the company, it would have proceeded by way of compulsory acquisition and keep the company for itself.”

“We would like to see a smooth transition of exit modalities with Vedanta because they were our long-standing partners whom we have embraced in our country for a long time. Zambia welcomes all investors, we will continue to run and operate the mining based on private led sector initiative” he added.

And responding to Former KCM CEO Deshnee Naidoo who said that during her tenure the Zambian government was owing mining companies a significant amount of backlog VAT, and accusing mining companies of not being transparent enough in terms of Taxes and royalties, Hon. Musukwa responded that the failure to pay the vat refund was necessitated by mining houses failing to provide data where they sold the product.

“Can you tell me a situation where you can have a mining entity, they sell Copper, they do not have the documentation of where they sold the Copper and we should refund that kind of operation? Not at all, we would like mining houses to come out clean, be open and transparent and ensure that they are our partners, Government remains committed to ensuring that we provide a fascial regime that is simple, predictable, stable and also anchored on the rule of law”, he added.

Mr. Musukwa said the last time KCM developed or produced their own material was in 2014 and they have been relying on scavenging around for materials from dump sites, something which the Minister said government could not support coming from a multinational company like Vedanta.

“You will be interested to know that in fact when we sent several default notices to them, they committed to a business improvement plan, which they lamentably failed to implement. The turnovers for the CEOs for KCM was actually between 3-4 months in fact, Deshnee was the best CEO that we had and we thought she would stay longer to transform KCM,” he said.

The Minister further added that Government hoped to see more responsive investment in terms of changing people’s lives, as the poverty and squalor associated with host communities where mining operations take place cannot continue to be business as usual.

He said responsible mining is a matter that provides benefits to the local people and the Zambian Government will not shy away to demand the best for its people from mining corporations.