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Energy Minister Matthew Nkhuwa says power imports from ESKOM of South Africa will start before the end of the week.
Mr. Nkhuwa says the 3- hundred Mega Watts is anticipated to reduce about two hours of load shedding.
The Minister has also dispelled social media reports that ZESCO Management was planning to shut down the turbines to stop power generating.
Mr. Nkhuwa says if there was any need to do so the public would have been informed.
And Mr. Nkhuwa clarified that the cost of the imported power will not be passed to consumers.
He however explained that government is working towards moving to cost reflective tariffs.
Mr. Nkhuwa also says ten million dollars has been paid to Maamba collieries to clear the twenty million kwacha owed.
He explained that the generation did not stop because of the money that ZESCO is owing but because of a fault at the plant.
Mr. Nkhuwa was speaking in an interview shortly after he toured TAZAMA Lusaka Fuel Depot to check on operations after the protest by truck drivers last week.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Fuel Depot Acting Depot Superintendent Moses Chipulu said operations are back and trucks are loading normally.
Zambia Police has launched a special operation aimed at curbing the escalating criminal activities in Kitwe.
Deputy Inspector of Police in charge of operations Bonny Kapeso is leading a team of Special Forces that has set camp in Kitwe since last night.
Last night 37 people were picked up in Kitwe for various offences with loitering topping the list.
Mr. Kapeso this morning interacted with the local media where he outlined his one-week tour of duty for and on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
Other activities include community interaction in Kitwe’s Bulangililo township where a public meeting will be held this afternoon.
And speaking during a media interaction this morning, Mr. Kapeso urged the media to help the police with information that may help curb criminal activities in Kitwe.
Meanwhile,Kitwe District Commissioner Binwell Mpundu said he is happy that the Police has taken a huge step towards the problem that should have been attended to earlier.
Algeria asserted themselves as Group H overlords on Monday when they went to Botswana and let with a win on match-day -two of the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.
The defending African champions beat ten-man Botswana 1-0 in Gaborone on Monday night to maintain their 100 percent start following last Thursdays 5-0 home rout of Zambia.
Striker Youcef Belaili struck from a corner in the 15th minute to also score his second in as many games to hand Algeria the 3 points.
Botswana were reduced to ten men in the 83rd minute when midfielder Gape Gaogangwe received his second booking of the day.
Algeria now head into ten-month break leading Group H on 6 points.
Zimbabwe, who visit Algeria next August, are second on 1 point tied with third placed Botswana.
Zambia, who hosts Zimbabwe this Tuesday in Lusaka, is bottom on zero points.
Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi is delighted to see striker Patson Daka and midfielder Enock Mwepu join the team for Tuesday’s must-win 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier against Zimbabwe at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The influential duo from Austrian champions RB Salzburg were recalled to the senior team barely 24 hours after the Zambia U23 ‘s exit from the 2019 U23 AFCON in Egypt on November 15.
The decision to recall Mwepu and Daka came in the wake of Zambia’s humiliating 5-0 away loss to defending AFCON champions Algeria on November 14 in Blida.
“The only thing is we had allowed them to go and be with the U23 team. Initially, they were part of this team,” Chiyangi said.
“But again, they were certain decisions that we made for them to be with the U23 to help them qualify to the next (2020 Olympics) tournament.
“It is just like recalling them here. We are happy that they here and able to blend with the team and hoping for the better tomorrow.”
Zambia head into the match bottom of Group H on zero points, Zimbabwe are second on 1 point, tied with Botswana, who host leaders Algeria on Monday night and who lead on 3 points.
And so it is redemption time for Zambia in their first Group H home game on November 19 as they battle to win back hearts and minds as fears of a third successive AFCON absence linger on.
“So far everything is OK because we have been observing them from and everyone looks very positive we believe by the time we finish our Monday session everyone will be ready tomorrow,” Chiyangi said.
Mr Lusambo, Mr Kungo, Mr Ngulube at the Kabushi rally on Saturday
Ruling Patriotic Front Member of Parliament for Kabushi Bowman Lusambo has charged that things are not well for the party on the Copperbelt province.
Mr Lusambo has since pleaded with party Secretary General Davies Mwila to step in and provide answers to the dwindling fortunes of the party in the province.
Mr Lusambo who is also Lusaka Province Minister was speaking on Friday evening in Kitwe during the party’s Mpongwe District Executive Committee fundraising dinner at Moba Hotel.
“Ine, I was wearing overalls but because of EL’s love, he has upgraded me and I am now wearing these jackets you are seeing. Ba S.G, let’s not just make pledges, we need to know how the party is sitting on the Copperbelt, if we just make pledges, then there is nothing we are doing,” Mr Lusambo warned.
“We need to know how the party is sitting even as we make pledges in order to know that the party is going well. As Kabushi MP, I can tell you that things are not Ok on the Copperbelt. You need to look at this issue as the CEO of the party and then find the answers and provide the answers if we are to move forward.”
Meanwhile, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila said ruling party is focusing its energies on growing membership through mobilisation activities and not holding of the convention because there is already a preferred candidate.
Mr Mwila also stated that Party has indicated that only the Central Committee has the power to decide whether or not to have a convention.
He said all those questioning whether the party will go to the convention or not must wait for the central committee to decide on the matter.
He has further stated that he is aware of some people with ill intentions who have been making advances to put the name of the party into disrepute by making calls for a convention.
“Our focus as a party is to ensure that we maintain the momentum ahead of 2021 general elections, we will not be diverted but also the good part is we keep delivering to the people, we have done roads all these projects will speak for us,” Mr. Mwila said.
He said the ruling party is focusing its energies on growing membership through mobilisation activities and not holding of the convention because there is already a preferred candidate.
The party’s Secretary General later announced that a total of over K300, 000 had been raised during the fundraising dinner to go towards various party activities in Mpongwe District.
In a market first, Zazu Africa Limited (Zazu) has announced a partnership with MasterCard to issue prepaid cards linked to the Zazu app in a move that will help to reduce cash dependence and increase financial inclusion in Zambia.
Zazu is a mobile wallet that allows customers – even those without a bank account – to send, receive, pay and save money digitally.
Currently users can only make payments at select Zazu merchants in Zambia.
By obtaining a Zazu MasterCard prepaid card, cardholders will be able to withdraw money from ATMs and pay for purchase at millions of merchants that accept MasterCard, both in Zambia and internationally.
The prepaid card also features the latest contactless technology, providing cardholders with a fast and convenient payment solution with the highest security protection.
For e-commerce payments, Zazu customers can request a MasterCard virtual card directly in the app, providing them with a secure way of transacting online without needing to share their primary card or account information with the merchant.
Zazu users can opt for a single use virtual card, which will expire immediately once it’s used, or a virtual card that is valid for 30 days and has no limit on how many times it is used.
Perseus Mlambo, Founder and CEO, Zazu says: “From the get-go, we set out to build a wallet that people would be able to use locally, and globally.
Giving our userbase a companion card to their wallets means they can use their funds at millions of locations around the world. It also provides our customers with the control and confidence, they need to manage their money more smartly. We are extremely excited by the opportunities.”
The initiative aligns with the Bank of Zambia’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, which aims to increase financial inclusion from 59 percent in 2017 to 80 percent by 2022, by enabling more people and businesses to access digital payments and formal financial services.
“Our programs are developed to help consumers and businesses meet their daily needs, including the ability to transact more efficiently and safely,” says Mark Elliott, Division President, MasterCard Southern Africa.
“We are excited to partner with Zazu and lead the transition to digital payment by enabling access to their customers for online and in-person payments across the globe – without the costs and risks associated with cash.”
Anyone in Zambia can apply for the prepaid card directly from the Zazu app, as well as receive the virtual card.
Once they have an account, they can top up their accounts seamlessly through Zazu agents operating in their communities.
Vedanta Resources Limited has accused Provisional Liquidator of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Milingo Lungu of lying about the state of affairs at KCM.
In a statement, Vedanta says the production volumes and targets that Mr Lungu has been communicating to the public is incorrect.
“Vedanta Resources Limited notes the media statement issued on 13 November 2019 by Mr Milingo Lungu, the court-appointed Provisional Liquidator of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). Vedanta is concerned at the way in which some of the points were presented by Mr Lungu – and wishes to set the record straight,” it said.
“Mr Lungu states that “KCM has continued to ramp up production at all business units including Nchanga Business Unit, Konkola Business Unit and Nampundwe Mine near Lusaka” and that “the Konkola Underground Mine at Chililabombwe is targeting close to 2,000t of integrated copper in concentrates this month while Nchanga Underground and Nchanga Open Pit Mines have targeted 1,300t of copper in concentrates. The Tailings Leach Plant has set a target of at least 3,000t of cathodes for the month of November.”
It said, “While Vedanta respects that the Provisional Liquidator is attempting to operate the KCM assets to the best of his ability, the reality is that since Mr Lungu’s appointment on 21 May 2019, integrated production across the business units has dropped. Konkola underground mine did not produce ore from mid-July to early September 2019.”
It revealed that in the 2019 financial year – under Vedanta’s management – KCM delivered monthly average integrated mined production of 7,600 tonnes – comprising 2,500 tonnes of mined metal from Konkola underground mine, 1,050 tonnes of mined metal from Nchanga open pit and underground, and primary production of 4,050 tonnes from the Tailings Leach Plant.
Vedanta says this is higher than Mr Lungu’s production target.
It added, “Mr Lungu further states that “my focus continues to be ensuring that we nurture the value of KCM asset.”
Vedanta said it is extremely concerned about the manner in which KCM’s assets are being managed.
This concern has been reinforced by the following recent press reports:
• 13 June 2019 – Fatality at Nchanga Smelter
• 15 July 2019 – Disposal of assets – Two Dumps
• 10 September 2019 – Disposal of assets – Mimbula Resource
• 09 October 2019 – Nchanga Smelter CRF Slag run out
• 28 October 2019 – 28 Miners trapped underground at Konkola
• 14 November 2019 – 53 KCM workers, 232 KCM pupils hospitalized after sulphur emission
The recent serious incident on 14 November is particularly shocking.
It said the news that both KCM employees and schoolchildren were hospitalised as a consequence is deeply distressing.
“Vedanta is aware that concern is being expressed in Zambia over the way in which the Provisional Liquidator is awarding new contracts to inexperienced and unqualified contractors. Given the state of KCM’s operations, Vedanta does not see the need to increase the vendor base and is concerned that the industry-wide standard levels of diligence on vendors is not being followed.”
It added, “In his statement, the Provisional Liquidator refers to “KCM’s working capital which was completely eroded during the previous era”.
“Vedanta would like to re-iterate that KCM’s working capital was severely affected by the non-refund of US$160 million in VAT returns due to KCM by the Zambia Revenue Authority, as per our previous media statements on this matter. Vedanta acknowledges the efforts of the Provisional Liquidator to make payments to a selected group of local creditors.”
“However, we understand from engagements with KCM’s larger suppliers that some of these are not being paid and in some instances such suppliers are withdrawing essential services. Vedanta notes the Cautionary Statement issued on 27 September 2019 by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Company Secretary, advising that ZESCO has issued a notice of arbitration against CEC, pursuant to their Bulk Supply Agreement. The statement notes “ZESCO’s claim that CEC has failed to pay money due to them for electricity supplied under the BSA.”
‘The amounts outstanding relate to the supply of power by CEC to Konkola Copper Mines Plc (“KCM”), which supply KCM has not paid for”. Given KCM’s average monthly consumption, we expect the amounts currently owed to CEC to be approximately US$100 million.”
It said this will financially constrain CEC’s business and the entire electricity value chain, thus exacerbating the current electricity crisis in Zambia.
It stated that Vedanta remains fully committed to all of KCM’s suppliers and partners.
“During the five months since provisional liquidation on 21 May 2019, Vedanta has continued to honour significant KCM financial obligations and to date, bank loans and credit facilities amounting to US$203 million have been settled.
Vedanta remains committed to engaging with ZCCM-IH and the Government of Zambia in order to find an amicable solution that is in the best interest of KCM and Zambia.”
A consortium of Civil Society Organisations is concerned that the Patriotic Front has not taken any action against its members in Northern Province for issuing tribal sentiments on Lutanda radio.
The CSOs are concerned with the growing tendency by political parties of mobilizing support from citizens on the basis of tribe and ethnicity which does not only go against Zambia’s social, cultural and ethnic heritage but is also against constitutional values.
In a statement issued on behalf of the CSO’s by Nicholas Phiri, the Executive Director of Zitukule Consortium, the CSO’s are that this tendency is against the principles that seek to promote and uphold national unity in diversity.
The CSO’s are concerned that political mobilization based on tribal lines has potential to ignite civil strife and tribal wars between and among Zambians given the multiplicity and diversity of our ethnic heritage.
“We are particularly dismayed and disturbed by the latest tribal sentiments uttered by officials from the ruling Patriotic Front on radio Lutanda in Northern Province”, read the statement in part.
They said it is even more disturbing that these officials have not been censured or disciplined by the PF party hierarchy as a way of curbing the spread of hate speech and tribal sentiments.
The CSO’s said it is clear that politicians deliberately choose to ignore constitutional provisions and opt to use tribal remarks in political mobilization knowing too well that no punitive measures would be taken against them for engaging in tribal schemes to win votes.
They have urged the Zambia Police Service to apply the law firmly on any political leader promoting hate speech based on tribal and ethnic diversity.
“The people of Southern Province together with other tribes in Zambia have always coexisted, intermarried and conducted politics and business together long before even the PF came on the scene without acrimony based on ethnicity. For this reason, we wish to implore citizens not to buy into tribal politics as that does not and will never improve the well-being of millions living in poverty”, they added.
The CSOs have also reminded Zambians to do everything within their power to preserve the unity in diversity while defending the constitution as provided in Article 2 of the 2016 amended constitution.
The Consortium comprise among others, Zitukule Consortium, Action Aid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, Care for Nature Zambia, Chapter One Foundation and Center for Trade Policy and Development.
Side view of the retirement House for the 4th Republican President Rupiah Banda
There are several motivations the drafters of the current constitution had in mind when they placed the Domicility Clause (DC) in our current highest law in the country. One of those motivations is pure foolishness. I wake up on the shores of Lake Ontario and admire the azure morning dews on the meadows and I sigh, “What a brilliant country, a brilliant world we live in.” I have never doubted that Canada, for example, is an epitome of what and how a country and people should live. It is a model in almost every dimension – human rights, industry, technology, prosperity, academia and the list is endless. I live here and work here and have contributed my energy, intellect and I also lecture in its prestigious institutions – day-after-day contributing to the expansive knowledge base that make Canada a world’s beacon.
And here comes a Zambian politician who says, “No, he can’t come and vie for presidency here because he has not been in Zambia for 10 or so years!” Thinking this is patriotism – what retrogressive thinking. But before you indict me with insults and insipid mindlessness, let me tell you what you want to say. “You see, you want to double-dip – you want to have the best of the two worlds – you want to have a decent life abroad and then come and take away our positions!” If this is not foolishness, then it is the lowest form of ignorance. Because it will not be loss but an addition for me to return and contribute, for all purposes and intentions.
You don’t know the history of independent Africa. Africa was liberated by people who lived abroad and these influenced greatly the locals. They learned all the wisdom and secrets and even the hidden agendas of their Western counterparts and from then resolved to liberate Africa. They had to, first, understand the psychology of politics and the mindset that had enslaved or colonized them. They then knew how to “fight” for independence and self-determination. Africa would not have been liberated apart from those who got educated and who worked abroad. To develop Africa, the same trend must continue.
There are two advantages that those of us who have lived and worked in developed formations have over those of you who have spent all your life in Africa. First, we live and work with our American and European counterparts and we understand them better. When we run African governments, we will be least duped and “cheated” because we understand the concepts and ideals that set these countries apart from the rest. And second and last, we have tested the “engine” of the West and, therefore, we can relate to ideas like technology, monetary policies, democratic indices and human right indicators. If it comes to negotiating for viable economic policies and agendas, no-one who has not lived in these countries can outwit us.
The truth is, you can give a Zambian who has never lived in a developed country a job of a president and liberally permit him to rule for ten or more years, but the more years he rules, the worst the country will turn out. Give me the reigns and within two years I will develop the country. The reason is simple, I have lived in these developed formations for many years and I will, naturally, be more inclined to improving rather than degrading the brand.
Furthermore, our world is now a global village, and the implications are such that technology and knowledge are no longer a monopoly of one country. And the best people to transmit such knowledge and know-how will, naturally, be those who have lived and experienced Westernism firsthand. I submit that the fears those selfish and poorly-informed politicians had of imputing the DC into our constitution had are not founded.
We are not here in the developed terrains for ourselves. We love our native countries and we would like to be back and contribute at the highest level. Change the constitution and remove the DC from the highest national instrument. It is not only bullish; it is an impotent clause and can hinder the very progress that the nation desires and admires. Take way the DC and let those Zambians who have lived abroad come back and inject their experiences, knowledge, expertise, know-how and transferred-skills into development for all.
There are several motivations the drafters of the current constitution had in mind when they placed the Domicility Clause (DC) in our current highest law in the country. One of those motivations is pure foolishness. I wake up on the shores of Lake Ontario and admire the azure morning dews on the meadows and I sigh, “What a brilliant country, a brilliant world we live in.” I have never doubted that Canada, for example, is an epitome of what and how a country and people should live. It is a model in almost every dimension – human rights, industry, technology, prosperity, academia and the list is endless. I live here and work here and have contributed my energy, intellect and I also lecture in its prestigious institutions – day-after-day contributing to the expansive knowledge base that make Canada a world’s beacon.
And here comes a Zambian politician who says, “No, he can’t come and vie for presidency here because he has not been in Zambia for 10 or so years!” Thinking this is patriotism – what retrogressive thinking. But before you indict me with insults and insipid mindlessness, let me tell you what you want to say. “You see, you want to double-dip – you want to have the best of the two worlds – you want to have a decent life abroad and then come and take away our positions!” If this is not foolishness, then it is the lowest form of ignorance. Because it will not be loss but an addition for me to return and contribute, for all purposes and intentions.
You don’t know the history of independent Africa. Africa was liberated by people who lived abroad and these influenced greatly the locals. They learned all the wisdom and secrets and even the hidden agendas of their Western counterparts and from then resolved to liberate Africa. They had to, first, understand the psychology of politics and the mindset that had enslaved or colonized them. They then knew how to “fight” for independence and self-determination. Africa would not have been liberated apart from those who got educated and who worked abroad. To develop Africa, the same trend must continue.
There are two advantages that those of us who have lived and worked in developed formations have over those of you who have spent all your life in Africa. First, we live and work with our American and European counterparts and we understand them better. When we run African governments, we will be least duped and “cheated” because we understand the concepts and ideals that set these countries apart from the rest. And second and last, we have tested the “engine” of the West and, therefore, we can relate to ideas like technology, monetary policies, democratic indices and human right indicators. If it comes to negotiating for viable economic policies and agendas, no-one who has not lived in these countries can outwit us.
The truth is, you can give a Zambian who has never lived in a developed country a job of a president and liberally permit him to rule for ten or more years, but the more years he rules, the worst the country will turn out. Give me the reigns and within two years I will develop the country. The reason is simple, I have lived in these developed formations for many years and I will, naturally, be more inclined to improving rather than degrading the brand.
Furthermore, our world is now a global village, and the implications are such that technology and knowledge are no longer a monopoly of one country. And the best people to transmit such knowledge and know-how will, naturally, be those who have lived and experienced Westernism firsthand. I submit that the fears those selfish and poorly-informed politicians had of imputing the DC into our constitution had are not founded.
We are not here in the developed terrains for ourselves. We love our native countries and we would like to be back and contribute at the highest level. Change the constitution and remove the DC from the highest national instrument. It is not only bullish; it is an impotent clause and can hinder the very progress that the nation desires and admires. Take way the DC and let those Zambians who have lived abroad come back and inject their experiences, knowledge, expertise, know-how and transferred-skills into development for all.
Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Hon Davies Mwila
Patriotic Front PF Secretary General Davies Mwila has strongly warned party members in Masaiti district who are secretly forming parallel structures.
Mr. Mwila has been informed that some party officials have started forming their own structures working against the members of Parliament.
He has also directed Masaiti district chairman David Kalutwa to take legal action against all those working against people in structures.
Mr. Mwila was speaking in Masaiti during a PF mobilization meeting which was attended by selected PF members of Parliament.
He, however, called for unity and discipline among party members ahead of the 2021 general Elections.
And Provincial chairperson Nathan Chanda took a swipe at undisciplined party members.
Mr. Chanda also advised members of Parliament to embrace new members and those at the grass root.
Earlier PF Central committee chairman for party mobilization Richard Musukwa said the mobilization strategy ahead of the 2021 General election must be arched on embracing new members.
Mr. Musukwa warned party officials who have a tendency of insulting members of Parliament to stop because indiscipline among party officials will not be condoned.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu inspects the Chipata-Vubwi road in Vubwi on Saturday, November 16, 2019
President Edgar Lungu says his working visit to Eastern Province has been successful.
President Lungu says the visit has given him an opportunity to get firsthand information on the developmental projects that are being implemented within the districts he visited.
He has indicated that the information he has gathered and what he has seen concerning the projects will help him know what measures to undertake to expedite the projects especially those that have stalled.
The President has noted that executive reports he receives are usually summarized adding that he is happy that he took some time to visit and get first hand information on things that he was not even aware of.
Speaking to journalists before departure for Lusaka in Katete, President Lungu re-emphasized the need for party and government officials in the province to take up the responsibility to explain the various developmental projects that are taking place to made them appreciate what government is doing.
President Lungu has returned to lusaka from Chipata Eastern province were he had gone on a four day working visit.
The President plane touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport ZAF base at about 16:15hrs.
President Lungu was met on arrival by Vice president Ingonge Wina, service chiefs and other top government and party officials.
While in Eastern province president Lungu toured various developmental projects and meet various traditional leaders
Mufulira Leopards scooped the inaugural Zambia Chamber of Mines 15s rugby tournament after beating MCTC 17-0 in the final played at Mufulira’s Leopards Cage on Saturday evening.
The competition featured eight teams sponsored by mining firms among them Diggers, Konkola, Nchanga and Kansanshi.
The Leopards reached the final after eliminating Diggers in the semi-final via a 19-0 win while MCTC ejected Konkola with a 5-3 victory at the same stage.
“We came together as a team and told ourselves that that we need to win this tournament and put our name on the trophy, it is the first of its kind,” Leopards star player Fine Chinkumbe said.
Diggers settled for bronze after edging Konkola 7-0 in the third and fourth playoff.
Mufulira Leopardess won the women’s category as they thumped the Nchanga/Konkola Select 46-0.
“We thought that we could sought of bring back what used to happen ZCCM days when we would have one conglomerate supporting various sports across the sector and having inter mine sports competition,” Chamber president Goodwell Mateyo said.
“Obviously, rugby was the easiest to organise and we thank the Zambia Rugby Union. They were eager and willing to organise the tournament when we called on them,” Mateyo said.
Chanda Mfula with Dr Guy Scott at a recent event at the University of Sussex, UK
The first Media Director of the ruling PF Chanda Mfula has charged that many founding members of the party would rather see President Edgar Lungu replaced.
Mr Mfula who is now a PhD candidate at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom said President Lungu has departed from late President Michael Sata’s vision.
Mr Chanda observed that due to President Lungu’s failures, many original PF members want him replaced.
“True greens – the original PF members, the people who laboured for the party in the trenches and got it into power, the believers in the original ideals of the party as promulgated by Michael Sata and Guy Scott – are open to the idea of replacing Edgar Lungu with a better candidate,” Mr Chanda said in a post on Facebook.
“It’s ba kandile – ba katyetye mwenda mwalimwa, ba mubwela ku macha, ba mutasha kali mwitobo – who are first to jump to the defence of a candidate who isn’t good for both party and country,” he stated.
“It’s those people whose survival depends on Edgar being in State House who are now telling us ‘he is our candidate’. Chaps who were driven by a single-minded desire to ‘eat’ and not to serve and whose membership of MMD, FDD or whatever is still fresh on our minds, should be telling PF members that all is well?”
He said PF members know what late President Sata committed to and it’s not what President Lungu has given them and the country.
“For me, I think PF will save itself from itself if they replace Edgar Lungu with a much, much better candidate. The worst mistake the ruling party would make, however, is to allow a corrupt person to take over. That will amount to nothing.”
He added, “Naturally, some of the people who will be championing internal change in the party are just crooks with track records in obtaining dubious tenders and contracts when they served in government.”
Mr Chanda said some of these people are not interested in serving or saving the country, but are just nostalgic about tenders.
“So, look hard and deep and get the right candidate who will right Edgar’s many many wrongs, including stopping the impending mutilation of the constitution and getting rid of ba kandile such as Dora Siliya.”
Chanda Mfula with former State House Spokesman George Chella in Lusaka
A bruised Chipolopolo arrived back in two groups over the last 24 hours due to flight congestion ahead of Tuesday’s must-win 2021 AFCON match-day-two Group H qualifier at home against Zimbabwe.
The first group landed in Lusaka on Saturday evening just 48 hours after they were crushed 5-0 by defending AFCON champions Algeria on November 14 in their opening Group H match away in Blida.
“We are back although coming back in batches and we are hoping to have all the players in by Sunday afternoon so that we can have full training together on Monday,” Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi said.
“We have to redeem and revive our qualification dream by beating Zimbabwe come Tuesday.”
Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu, who received late summons for the Zimbabwe clash on Saturday, after the Zambia U23 teams exit from the 2019 U23 AFCON in Egypt, are also in camp.
Zambia are slumped at the bottom of Group H with zero points, Zimbabwe are second tied on 1 point with Botswana following the two sides 0-0 draw in Harare on Friday.
Algeria, who visits Botswana on Monday, leads Group H on 3 points.
Goalkeeper Bradley Mweene is now very motivated after impressing in Zambia U23’s final 2019 U23 AFCON game on Friday against Cote d’Ivoire in Egypt.
Zambia may have lost the match 1-0 on November 15 in Cairo but the University of Pretoria FC goalkeeper was a reassuring figure between the posts after starting ahead of first-choice Mangani Banda who was dropped after disappointing in a 3-1 loss to Nigeria in their penultimate Group B match on November 12.
The South African-based Mweene has come through the ranks and was first-choice in Zambia’s debut triumph in the 2017 COSAFA U17 Cup they won under Mumamba Numba.
“The guys made me feel at home and there wasn’t any pressure and was made to feel at home by the guys and the bench. It was also great to be playing with great players (like Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu),” Mweene said.
“As for the tournament, we didn’t expect to go home so soon because we set a very high bar for ourselves.”
Zambia finished bottom of Group B with 1 point while Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa advanced to the semifinals on 6 an 5 points respectively.
Defending champions Nigeria bowed out in third place in Group B on 4 points.
Zambia’s exit brought to an end the Class Of 2017 Project fairy tale who had won the 2017 U20 AFCON at home and also lifted Zambia’s last COSAFA U20 Cup crown in December 2016.
“I just have to keep on working hard and learning because there is a saying that goes a champion never stops a learning process,” Mweene said.
“I will now keep pushing for more opportunities at the club because now the level has risen. I now also have the challenge to work harder to get a senior team call-up because the next time the Under 23 assignment will come along, I will be 24.”
