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Zambia will face defending champpions Angola in the semifinals of the 2019 COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship on Friday at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi.
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 14h30.
The Junior Chipolopolo advanced to the semifinals with a perfect record after winning Group A with 9 points.
2017 winners Zambia thumped eSwatini 6-0, South Africa 7-0 and Malawi 3-2 in the group stage.
Angola are in the last four as runners up from Group B.
Both are chasing their second Cosafa U17 titles.
Eswatini will play Group B winners Mozambique in the other semifinal earlier at 11h00.
FILE: Two women using a mosquito net to catch fish in Mongu. It is illegal to fish using a mosquito net
Vice President Inonge Wina has called on stakeholders to help Government in fighting Malaria.Mrs. Wina said the increase in cases of malaria especially in rural areas is a source of concern and requires concerted efforts from stakeholders.
Mrs Wina said malaria is a second killer especially among pregnant women. She was speaking when a team of Rotarian Malaria partners lead by its Co-Chairperson Mwangala Muyendekwa paid a courtesy call on her at her office.
She said Government appreciates the role that Rotarian Malaria Partners Zambia is playing in the elimination of malaria.Dr. Muyendekwa disclosed that the club has trained more than 2 thousand community workers who will be able to diagnose and treat Malaria.
After the Abuja Declaration on Roll Back Malaria in Africa in April 2000 the decade 2001- 2010 a was declared a Decade for Malaria. Efforts were intensified to halve the malaria mortality rate in Africa by 2010, and by 2005 for at least 60 per cent of those affected by malaria to have access to treatment within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.
By 2011 Zambia had recorded a decline in malaria cases by over 60%.This surpassed the set Abuja and Roll Back Malaria (RBM) targets of reducing malaria illnesses and deaths by 50% by 2010.
However after unprecedented global success in malaria control, progress has stalled, according to the World malaria report 2017.
According to the Health Information Management System (HMIS)data,malaria incidence in Zambia increased from 230/1000 cases in 2010 to 335/1000 cases in 2015 and by 2017 incidence of malaria was 480 cases per 1000 people.
However despite government interventions like indoor residual spraying and distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets people have continued to die of malaria disease.This is attributed to low utilization and misuse of mosquito treated nets and washing of walls after spraying being practiced by some members of the community.Some residents use the distributed insecticide treated nets to fence their respective gardens.
According to WHO World malaria report a funding shortage was one of the reasons for the stalled progress in the global fight against malaria.
An estimated US$ 2.7 billion was invested in malaria control and elimination efforts globally in 2016. That is well below the US $6.5 billion annual investment required by 2020 to meet the 2030 targets of the WHO global malaria strategy.
In 2016, governments of endemic countries provided US$ 800 million, representing 31% of total funding. The United States of America was the largest international funder of malaria control programmes in 2016, providing US$1 billion (38% of all malaria funding), followed by other major donors, including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, France, Germany and Japan.
Meeting the national malaria targets will only be possible through greater investment and expanded coverage of core tools that prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.
Minister of Agriculture Hon. Michael Katambo has stated that Zambia’s agriculture sector is expected to produce over 3 million metric tones of maize in the 2019-2020 farming season, and an increase of about 3.5 million metric tones in the 2020-2021 farming season.
He said going forward the entire sector is poised to produce over 5 million metric tons of maize.
“We’ve opened up a formal trade agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo and of course on various commodities not only maize but several leguminous seed varieties.” He added.
He said these increases will increase the income of Zambian farmers who will engage informal trade with the DRC and other surrounding countries.
Mr. Katambo was briefing the media shortly after a Regional Cluster meeting on Economic Diversification and Job Creation Chaired by His Excellency President Edgar Lungu at Statehouse Wednesday Morning.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Regional Cluster on Economic Diversification and Job Creation Hon. Nickson Chilangwa highlighted among many other things the need to fast track the northern circuit through the Kalunguishi Basin Hydro Power potential.
He also emphasized on the need to localize afforestation rather than giving it to foreign companies.
Mr. Chilangwa who is also Northern Province Minister expressed gratitude that President Lungu received all the recommendations made by Provincial Ministers and their permanent secretaries favourably.
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has challenged United Party for National Development (UPND) to publicly denounce the gay rights agenda being implemented by the Africa Liberal Network (ALN) in African countries.
At a media briefing yesterday morning at Mika Lodge, YALI President Andrew Ntewewe maintained the UPND is a member of the ALN which promotes homosexuality in Africa as part of its liberal values.
“Instead of silencing people from asking questions with a possible legal action or otherwise, the UPND leaders must simply come out to state the party would never allow the ALN agenda of homosexuality to be implemented in Zambia, and that Zambia, under them, shall have a non-tolerance for homosexuality as it is against moral, cultural and Christian values,” said Mr. Ntewewe
Mr. Ntewewe said the current discourse in which citizens are examining the voluntary association by the UPND to the Africa Liberal Network, an association which promotes homosexuality, goes to the root question of what morals political leaders in Zambia are prepared to defend, the country’s cultural values, and the sincerity of leaders in professing Christianity and yet having no problem to associate and collectively champion homosexuality in countries across the continent.
“The information in public domain strongly point to the fact that the Africa Liberal Network, to which UPND and 46 other parties are members, promotes homosexuality across the African Continent as one of its key agenda,” he stated.
According to the ALN website, the UPND and the 46 other ALN member-parties are bound by the ALN Constitution which states that they exist to ‘ensure….minority rights are recognised in the countries where they would form governments,’ among other reasons. In its true context, “minority rights” is a veiled reference to gay rights or sexuality, in other words, the recognition and practice of any sexual orientation.
Mr. Ntewewe has extensively quoted from the cases in Botswana and Nigeria where the Africa Liberal Network stated that they are together working with our sister parties at the African Liberal Network to speak against the criminalisation of those liberal values of homosexuality and fight against laws that criminalise homosexuality.
Mr. Ntewewe said the then President of the Africa Liberal Network, Olivier Kamitatu Etsu, in condemning the bill in Nigeria that banned same-sex marriages, stated that such a Bill stood in direct opposition to the ALN’s Liberal Manifesto for Africa, adopted in Abidjan in 2012.
“The message is clear: promotion of homosexuality, under the veil of minority rights, is one of the core agenda constituting the ALN’s Liberal Manifesto for Africa. Our question then is, why is there denial among the UPND leaders on their membership to the Africa Liberal Network whose agenda is to promote homosexuality? Zambians may wish to also know that UPND, a full member of the ALN, is part of this Network that set out they call, ‘ALN Human Rights Framework’, which is based on among others, the ALN Liberal Manifesto for Africa,” he said
Minister of Justice Given Lubinda and Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo
Justice Minister Given Lubinda says it would be premature to refund any money to the treasury before the courts conclude the matter where he and 63 former and serving ministers have been ordered to refund the government.
Mr. Lubinda says the matter has not been finally determined and that the 63 respondents had not been heard by the court.
This is in a matter where Mr. Lubinda and 63 former and serving ministers have been ordered to refund government money arising from salaries when they had continued to occupy office after the dissolution of parliament in 2016.
Mr. Lubinda says the rights of the 64 respondents to be heard is enshrined in article 18 of the constitution and is therefore available to the respondents.
The Minister says the 64 former and serving ministers are aware of their rights and will abide by the final decision of the court.
Mr. Lubinda adds that as Minister of Justice it is his individual and constitutional responsibility to uphold the law and defend the constitution of Zambia.
The Minister has refuted media reports attributed to him that he will not pay the money ordered to be paid by the constitutional court in the case of LAZ Versus Ngosa Simbyakula and 63 others.
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema says he does not hold any grudges against Apostle Sunday Sinyangwe of Shalom Ministries who declared that the UPND leader will never enter State House until he repents.
Mr Hichilema has also urged his supporters to forgive Apostle Sinyangwe and pray for him.
“We would like to state that we hold no grudge against him and in fact we have forgiven him from the bottom of our heart. We have no authority on earth to exact revenge. That is the preserve of our God the almighty,” he said.
“We would like to appeal to the Nation to accept the apology from our brother Apostle Sunday Sinyangwe and pray for him.”
Mr Hichilema said Zambia has a lot of challenges that need addressing.
“The country is currently faced with many challenges and we would want to preoccupy ourselves with offering hope and solutions to our people than engaging ourselves in debates of destiny which we have no control over. We leave matters of our destiny in the hands of the Almighty, God.”
How much does it cost our country to run the by-election and the money spent for campaigning? As a concerned citizen I have a right to suggestions. I’m not here to campaign for anyone or criticize the government but I would like to bring up a suggestion and through my suggestions I must mention why we should do this, and it may sound criticizing but that’s the facts that we cannot run away from.
I would like to start with a suggestion of do away with By-election in our country because it has become too much of it and too costly that the country cannot afford, there is no money to run a By-election.
Solution to this should be that, if a President, MP or councilor resigns or anything happen that would require a replacement, if it’s a President that means the ruling party at that time should appoint someone within their party to continue the presidency. If it’s MP or Councilor, it should be that the party the MP/Councilor came from, they will appoint from within. If that MP was with the opposition, then the opposition should also be given a chance to appoint someone from their opposition party.
I would take you back for an instance when Honorable Harry Kalaba resigned, he was an MP for PF therefore, in a case like this PF would appoint an MP to replace Honorable Kalaba, same way another example when the government fired the outspoken Honorable Chishimba Kambwili who was also from the PF, PF still gets a chance to appoint a replacement with no By elections. Same goes to the instance of the Kaoma councilor who was a UPND and resigned, with no by elections the government should have given an opportunity to UPND to appoint a new representative, this could have saved the country so much money plus no one would have died.
I’m a Zambian a nonpartisan but Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu is my president I cannot run away from that fact. Mr. President sir, you have the mandate as per our constitution for you to run our nation, please have a listening hear and listen to our suggestions we cannot run the country but can bring up some suggestions.
The country is broke to put it in a simple language. If civil service personnel are not getting paid for months, then we have a problem in our nation that makes me have a right to talk, I know someone is reading and saying I’m mad because when you say the truth now in our country then you are against the ruling government no I’m not I would like to see a better Zambia than us keep on voting for a change instead of a right person. Please Mr. President as long as you are the president in office, I’m on your side and respect that but we must be truthful, numbers don’t lie.
How is a school teacher who has not been paid for months going to perform well and give the best education to our Children, how is the City Council employee going to do the right thing who has been assigned to allocate plots to citizens when this employee has not been paid for months, how is a medical doctor taking care of our lives going to administer proper medication and do well with no pay. In fact, point of correction some new medical doctors are now on payroll since last month although they did not get salary arrears.
Let me give more details and reasons why we should do away with By-election:
Zambia Debt to GDP is at 59%. Zambia’s external debt at the end of the first quarter of this year had increased to $10.178 billion from $10.05 billion at the end of 2018, the debt pile had pierced the $10 billion level after jumping from $8.74 billion at the end of 2017.
Food inflation is at 12.4%. This means the Cost of food in Zambia now for a family of 5 is not less than $300 if we factor in the price of mealie meal which a family of 5 may feed on two bags in a month.
The annual inflation rate in Zambia climbed to 10.5 percent in September 2019 from 9.3 percent in the prior month. This is the highest inflation rate in almost three years, amid rising prices of food (12.4 percent vs 10.3 percent in August) as the country has been struggling with a severe drought which is causing a lack of the staple food mealie meal and a looming humanitarian crisis. Meantime, poor rainfall is affecting electricity generation created mostly through hydroelectric power, a situation that will drive the country to import power from South Africa can we even afford that?
Foreign exchange reserves have plunged to $1.4 billion dollars (maybe completely gone by now) from a peak of nearly $4 billion five years ago. This Mr. President will put us in a probability of default when it’s time to repay these loans.
Our Government Budget is at -7.60%. This equates to the deficit of 7.50 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product as of 2018.
We have not remitted over K418 million (USD $31,646,085.00) over the past 4 months towards repayment of civil servants’ loans, this has forced some affected micro financial institutions to suspend disbursements of funds to government workers until payments are made. From these Micro Financial institutions, most employees have gone on forced leave and now fear of losing their jobs as their institutions may decide to downsize on the number of staffs. Various civil servants have loans with different Micro Financial institutions which government is mandated to pay on their behalf but has not done so over the past four months.
Having given these details, I would like to state that we as a country benefited from the World Bank/ IMF-organized debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Practically all external debt was cancelled in 2005.
Until 2011, we had limited our borrowing while the economy had grown 6-7% annually since 2002. By the end of 2011, when the Patriotic Front (PF) government won the elections and took power, the external debt stood at only 1.9 billion USD or 8.4% of GDP, according to official and World Bank sources. Since 2012, however, the government has borrowed more than four times this amount.
Most loans in the 1980s and 90s, and even up to 2011, were provided by multilateral banks such as the World Bank/IDA and the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other development donors on concessional (low interest) terms. The new loans, however, are mostly on commercial terms, meaning higher interests and shorter time frames. The main new sources for the Zambian loans are the commercial Eurobond market, and Chinese credits and loans, as well as banks in India, South Africa, Nigeria and the Arab world.
Until 2011, we had limited our borrowing while the economy had grown 6-7% annually since 2002. By the end of 2011, when the Patriotic Front (PF) government won the elections and took power, the external debt stood at only 1.9 billion USD or 8.4% of GDP, according to official and World Bank sources. Since 2012, however, the government has borrowed more than four times this amount.
In 2012, we followed the example of several other African countries and decided for the first time to raise money in the Eurobond market at commercial rates. (this was a mistake Mr. President sir) the response was very positive. The first 750 million USD loan was quickly over-subscribed, and the interest rate was a reasonable 5.6%. However, the loan must be repaid in full within ten years. Encouraged by this relative success, we managed a second Eurobond loan in 2014, this time borrowing 1 billion USD even though the interest rate had jumped to 8.6%. Despite the high price, we still decided to go for a third Eurobond loan in 2015 and borrowed 1.25 billion USD at a 9.4% interest rate. We have thus altogether borrowed 3 billion USD at commercial rates and must start heavy repayments in 2022.
I’m sorry but I must mention that the then Finance Minister (Mrs. Margaret Mwanakatwe) made a statement promising to create a “sinking fund” i.e. savings to enable repayments in time. I believe with the situation we are in, we have not done this so-called sinking fund. She went on to say that Zambia’s increasing debt load is an investment for the future and shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but this is a concern to us as citizens. Some sources have stated that Instead of saving, we have started to look for ways to extend the loan period or enter new loans to be able to repay the present ones. As the year 2022 is approaching, this is becoming more urgent. Sir, there is no way we can borrow more to pay what we have borrowed before it does not work that way.
Mr. President sir, in June 2019. (specifically, June 19th) when you were in Maputo, Mozambique’s Capital, you said that Zambia is not in a position of a crisis. You said and I quote “When you find that you are being strangled by debt, you hold back and see how you can realign your position so that in the end you continue being alive, you don’t suffocate. We have realized where we are, and I think we have taken measures; those measures will see us get some breathing space so that the economy begins growing again. In a few years, we will see Zambia boomerang and rise again to that growth rate which is acceptable.” Sir I would like to remind you that we are now in a crisis and suffocating. We need to start considering cost measures like what I’m talking about here DO AWAY WITH BY-ELECTIONS., as one of them to build the economy back like you mentioned in your interviews in Maputo.
We should only hold presidential elections which is every five years if anything happens to the president before five years, we will only appoint from the ruling government.
We have borrowed from several non-Chinese sources, including bilateral government loans, loans from fuel suppliers, the Arab Development Bank (BADEA), Israeli sources (for defense purposes) and from regular international banks in the UK, Nigeria and South Africa. Most of these loans probably have commercial market conditions.
Meanwhile, our borrowing from Chinese sources has increased dramatically in recent years. Starting from a relatively low figure in 2011, then it reached at least 2.3 billion USD at the end of 2017 according to official sources (Ministry of Finance 2018). The major creditor is China’s EXIM Bank. Other loans have been obtained from China Development Bank and China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATEC). The EXIM Bank and the Development Bank provide loans on partial concessional terms and are thus less costly than commercial terms.
I would like to recommend that we had a relatively healthy macroeconomic position in 2011, resulting from a high economic growth since 2002 and a sound government budget. However, the growth had a relatively small impact on living conditions for the majority. We initiated a high number of construction projects. Numerous road projects were started, some have since been completed, while several have stalled and been left half-finished. Among the most spectacular projects are the expensive Mongu- Kalabo road crossing the Zambezi flood area in Western Province.
Because there is no money a four-lane highway to the Copperbelt region, and the bridge crossing the Zambezi from Kazungula in Southern Province linking Zambia directly with Botswana and Namibia. These projects are on standby.
In addition to road building, we also borrowed for other infrastructure purposes, such as a new terminal for the Lusaka airport and a new airport in the Copperbelt (Ndola), which are also moving very slow because of the same reason if there was money it would not take this long to complete these projects. The truth of the matter is that there is no money we cannot sugar coat it.
Other loans were for hydropower plants including the Itezhi-Tezhi on the Kafue river, additional turbines in the Kariba Dam, and a major new plant to be constructed in Lower Kafue Gorge. Most people agree that borrowing for investments in infrastructure is necessary for developing countries as it makes trade and travel easier, providing improved access. The economy will grow with improved transport and communications and a stable energy supply. Only cost measures will make us end Load shedding.
We are experiencing high unemployment and poverty levels of 41.2 percent and 54 percent respectively, coupled with inequality, violence, corruption and other socio-economic challenges. If we don’t wake up as soon as possible we are going to be worse than our friends next door.
I will end here so that I can give chance to those bloggers who just insult and think when you speak then you are mad. go on Cadres!
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Filippo Grandi,
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Fillipo Grandi has commended the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the exemplary role played in the protection of refugees.
Speaking upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport today, Mr Grandi said Zambia has been generous over the decades, as seen through the hosting of refugees from several countries that have undergone trouble and instability especially the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Angola.
He explained that over the years, Zambia has been a safe haven for these people, and it should be commended, adding that refugees and persons of concern have continued to find solace in the various settlements dotted across the country.
Mr Grandi further commended government for being one of the few countries in Africa that has adopted the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) which is being piloted at Mantapala Refugee Settlement in Luapula Province.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is in Zambia for a three-day working visit, and is expected to visit Mantapala Refugee Settlement in Luapula Province, where Congolese refugees are being hosted.
He is also scheduled to visit the actual refugee settlement in Luapula, where the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework is being implemented to see how the programme has been rolled out.
FILE: First Lady Esther Lungu with Minister of General Education David Mabumba (R) and Save the Children Operations Director Chilobe Kambikambi (C) during the commissioning and handover of the 20 early childhood centres that were constructed by Save the Children Foundation in Western Province to the Ministry of Education at Kanyonyo Primary School
First Lady Esther Lungu said there is need to invest more in the training of teachers that provide early childhood education.
Mrs Lungu said training early childhood education teachers, is critical to laying a strong foundation for the country’s education sector and attainment of the 7th National Development Plan, Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.
She urged government to scale up the training of teachers for Early Childhood Education to ensure that children are handled by qualified teachers.
First Lady was speaking when she launched the Early Childhood Education Centre at Chalimbana University in Chongwe District.
Mrs Lungu who was accompanied by her Senior Private Secretary Florence Chawilwa, was received by Chongwe Mayor Geoffrey Chumbwe, General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba, and senior government and Chalimbana University officials.
The First Lady praised government for implementing early childhood education in all public schools countrywide, as this will enable more children access pre-school and enhance child development.
The Early Childhood Education Centre is a demonstration school consisting of a learning centre and pre-school for trainee teachers to practice from and have hands-on experience.
Mrs Lungu also praised the University for its Corporate Social Responsibility, recognising the 20 free places reserved at the pre-school for children, from surrounding villages.
She urged other partners to emulate the Flemish Office for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance who supported the establishment of the centre.
And Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba praised Chalimbana University for innovating and pioneering early childhood education in the country.
He however warned that teachers who report late for work and fail to provide and convey correct information to pupils, should not claim to be educated because education does not promote indiscipline.
The Permanent Secretary said government will prioritise the recruitment of Early Childhood Education teachers in the next recruitment in order to enhance provision of education to children at an early age.
Dr Kalumba said once government will abolish the grade one enrolment system and instead promote children from early childhood education.
He challenged Chalimbana University management to intensify in service training programmes in order to enhance the capacity of early childhood education teachers.
Meanwhile University of Zambia Vice Chancellor Luke Mumba whose institution superintend Chalimbana University praised government for recognising and investing in early childhood education.
Professor Mumba said the university developed a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education programme in order to improve the quality of early childhood education teachers with relevant skills and knowledge.
He said the launch of the centre of excellence will change the face of early childhood education in Zambia.
The University of Zambia Vice Chancellor disclosed that Chalimbana University will also offer 20 free slots for early childhood education at the centre of excellence for children from surrounding villages.
Professor Mumba said government’s shift and recognition of early childhood education will strengthen the development of children and their subsequent contribution to the country’s development.
He said Chalimbana University has grown into an institution providing tailor-made programmes to over 9,900 students enrolled in its 7 schools compared to 2 schools ten years ago.
And Country Manager for the Flemish Office for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB) Nico Vromat said there is need for Zambia to have more early childhood education centres of excellence and requisite teachers.
He said his organisation remains committed to supporting the establishment early childhood education centres in the country.
Dr Vromat said trainee teachers will be accorded practical learning and teaching experience in offering early childhood education in the country.
Earlier, Chalimbana University Vice Chancellor Wanga Chakanika appealed to the First Lady to help the institution develop and expand in order to develop the country through provision of relevant and quality educational programmes needed to develop the country.
And the First Lady Esther Lungu commended Dr Chakanika for ensuring that government’s vision of increasing access to university education is being realised.
Lusaka clergyman Sunday Sinyangwe has been forced to apologize after a video in which he declared that Hakainde Hichilema will never enter State House went viral.
Sinyangwe of Shalom Embassy is heard in the video making a declaration that Mr Hichilema will never be President of Zambia if he does not repent and ask for forgiveness for parading a coffin of late UPND member Lawrence Banda who was murdered in Kaoma.
Sinyangwe also of the Standing in the Gap fame claimed that God has spoken to him that Mr Hichilema must apologize or forget about entering State House.
But many Zambians took to social media to denounce Sinyangwe for allegedly defaming Mr Hichilema and accused the clergyman of using the pulpit to spread hate speech.
Activist Laura Miti condemned Sinyangwe accusing him of abusing the Church and advised Mr Hichilema to sue him for defamation.
“Sunday Sinyangwe is the result of the Pentecostal section of the Zambian church-going absolutely rogue. Anyone can stand up, declare themselves Pastor, Bishop, Prophet – any fancy title – and start frisking congergants for all manner of offerings for a living,” she wrote on her Facebook page.
“Then the dramatics to keep the money flowing start – God, told me this and that, I saw this and that, I can heal, raise the dead know what people are thinking – I sit in heaven’s meetings.”
She added, “Beyond that, these Pastors, Bishops must do all they can to catch the attention of the governing party and its brown envelopes.”
“That is how Sunday Sinyangwe ends up defaming HH in a very juvenile but hateful manner. It is how few, if any, in the Pentecostal movement will correct him. I hope HH sues Sinyangwe,” she said.
Sinyangwe, however, urged members of his Church not to react to the insults and ridicule that his video message has provoked.
“This goes to all the Shalom Embassy sons and daughters as well as the Standing in the Gap. I urge you not react to anything, do not respond to any comment, the battle is of the Lord,” he said.
“Please stay away from anything to do with this matter that has risen up. Nevertheless, our God is not dead, He is not man that He should lie, He is still on the throne and He is in control.
Righteousness on the throne
wickedness shall not enter 2021.
And Keyso Chikopabantu Hamz posted on Facebook that Sinyangwe is causing divisions in the Church.
“It shall not stand because it was all a lie and very much in the flesh. This country is hurting and divided and you dividing it further because of Petty jealous and hatred for HH. You were offside. Go before God and repent and go and apologize to HH in person. You see what lies do. You were saying HH must apologise but now because of foolishness you are the one apologising and if I heard you right. You just endorsed and called him “Mr President HH” God is wonderful. The same mouth.”
Proud Musamba disqualified Sinyangwe’s apology.
“No this is not an apology. “if” disqualifies it all together. Typical of Paparism where he is standing is not an Altar. Altars are old testament concept that denotes the places God reveals himself. The new testament altar is calvary and Christ the perfect sacrifice.”
“He is controlling the intellect of his sons and daughters to not respond. Clearly the institutionalized religious reduces people to zombies. He has no right to tell people how to think and what to say in a public discourse. This form of Paparism is dictatorial. This is not an apology.”
Musamba charged that Sinyangwe’s theology is deeply superstious.
“The Jews themselves mourn like that. In South Africa during apartheid coffins were carried like that. There is no Biblical passage that says this is how to Carry a coffin,” she stated.
And Jimmy Maliseli said Sinyangwe is an incompetent clergyman.
“On the claim that this apostle makes by calling himself a watchman, a Godly watchman over Zambia, what a joke!Those close to him, please tell the man to stop wasting his sleep, let him reunite with his bed and blankets because it is open season in Zambia and if we had real watchmen and women, they would have long stood up and taken on the leadership on the many evils happening in this country.”
He added, “Claiming to be a watchman at someone’s house while not stopping people employed by the owner to look after the property from looting it, starving and causing the death of many children and not alerting the boss or calling the police is incompetence of the highest order.”
“Such a guard is useless! If Zambia belongs to God, then those who rule over it are stewards who must be held accountable for all their decisions and actions.”
“While we must scrutinize anyone who puts up their hand to become the new servant, our first duty is to ensure that the current servant is doing their job properly! You cannot blame a job applicant for the poor performance of the current employee!”
“Where are these watchmen when public money is stolen and God’s children end up dying from treatable diseases, avoidable hunger and masses are condemned to live in abject poverty while those connected to power compete with the sheikhs of Dubai for opulent lifestyles?” He asked.
“There is need for this apostle and his fellow so called watchmen to distinguish between watching and securing their seat at the high table from being watchmen over Zambia. I work in some of the most deprived areas in Zambia and I can tell Apostle Sinyangwe that, its open season for looting in this here country. There is little evidence of any religious guards watching over this nation’s resources and people and its not from him!”
He continued, “What I see is a few men and women of the cloth, politicians, both from the ruling party (they get expelled), civil society and individual citizens watching over Zambia. Daily they cry out over the plight of the poor, calling out the corrupt and compiling evidence for future use. These lone voices in the wilderness are easy to pick out for anyone who wants to see.”
“For those with access to the apostle, please remind him for me that, Isaiah 58:1-11 is still part of the Bible and I highly recommend that he reads it in the Message Bible Version. Also let him know that there is now a breed of Pentecostal believers who are ready to question our own ways.”
“We are not going away anytime soon and we are not afraid to die, if that be a consequence for calling out this kind of jokers! That is why you will see us take on the powerful, the abusive police and the corrupt. And our own brethren!!! For Zambia, we shall not stand idle – lest our descendants spit on our graves.
Congo DRC refugees family meal time at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge
About 111 refugees and other persons of concern have this year returned to their homes of origin spontaneously, from refugee settlements and urban areas.
The United Nations high Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement made available to ZANIS that of the 111 refugees, 51 were Congolese, 32 Angolans, 13 Burundians, 9 Somalians, 4 Rwandese, 1 Namibian and 1 Zimbabwean.
UNHCR Public Information Associate for Zambia Kelvin Shimoh said the UN refugee agency has also assisted 13 refugees, to voluntarily repatriate from 2018 to date.
Mr Shimoh said seven refugees who were all of Burundi origin were assisted this year while six Zimbabweans were assisted to return home in 2018.
“As of August 31 2019, a cumulative figure of 363 refugees have been resettled to third countries from Zambia, with 14 persons having departed in the month of August this year,” the statement reads in part.
Mr Shimoh said of the 363 refugees who were resettled by UNHCR to third countries, 218 were from Meheba, 73 from Mayukwayukwa as well as 72 from urban areas.
He disclosed that 153 of the total 363 refugees were settled in the United States of America, 128 in Finland, 70 in Sweden, 8 in Canada and 4 in Norway.
Recently the Zambian Government expressed concern over the spontaneous return of refugees who left the country without following the established procedures.
Zambia is currently hosting 84, 500 persons of concern who include 61,300 refugees and over 23,200 former refugees from Angola, Rwanda and other countries.
The refugees and persons of concern are hosted in the three refugee settlements namely Mantapala in Luapula, Mayukwayukwa in Western and Meheba in North-Western Provinces, while others are in urban areas.
File:Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme handing over awards to various recipients on behalf of Government institutions and private sector companies during the Labour Day Celebrations in Mbala on 1 May 2018. – PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
The Zambia Tax Platform is concerned with the measures set out in the 2020 national budget aimed at stimulating the domestic economy.
Zambia Tax Platform Coordinator Ibrahim Kamara says it is evident that the private sector in the country has continued to struggle despite being recognized as the engine of growth.
Mr Kamara said government arrears have contributed to tight liquidity in the economy, while borrowing from the domestic market has crowded out access to finance for businesses to expand.
He said the long term pressure placed on the private sector by the accumulated domestic arrears has also contributed to the declining growth rate of the economy.
“Domestic arrears have increased to K20.2 billion Kwacha in 2019 from K15.6 billion in 2018, a staggering 29 percent rise given the already struggling economy”, he said.
Mr Kamara sais government has proposed to spend only K2.3 billion in 2020 toward the dismantling of domestic arrears which means only 11 percent of the bill will be settled by end of year 2020.
He said this amount is not sufficient considering that suppliers have been affected and their businesses slowed down due to non-payments by Government.
Mr Kamara said it is therefore critical that government prioritizes a consolidated approach to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish especially SMEs who constitute more than 90 percent of the formal sector.
He said to achieve this, government must increase allocation for dismantling domestic arrears to not less than 40 percent of the total arrears to mitigate the slow-down in investment into the productive sectors.
Mr Kamara said government must also consider offering SMEs rebate on turnover tax against potential jobs created such as a 1 percent rebate on tax for every 5 formal jobs created to promote job creation while according government an immediate increase in revenue from PAYE.
He said government should further consider immediately setting up an SME Development Fund to spur economic recovery by directing 2 percent of corporate tax into the fund.
The Zambia Revenue Authority is pleased with the new VAT measures proposed in the 2020 budget by the Minister of Finance Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu.
ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda said the decision by Government to maintain the Value Added Tax will be implemented by the Authority with renewed vigor and initiatives based on smart technologies.
Mr Chanda said to ensure the effective implementation of VAT, the ZRA will immediately undertake to address the compliance and administrative challenges especially falsified refund claims, double claims and transfer pricing through over invoicing.
He said as the body charged with the responsibility of administering tax policy on behalf of Government, the Authority fully supports all government policies including the maintenance of VAT.
Mr Chanda said to this end, the Authority will upgrading the Tax Online system for domestic taxes and interface it with customs system to ensure that all claims of refund for import VAT paid to Customs Services during importation of goods are validated through systems based controls against data in the customs system;.
He said the Authority will also undertake measures to ensure the mandatory use of Electronic Fiscal Devices for VAT and other tax types and facilitate accreditation of additional EFD distributors and Virtual EFD software suppliers and vendors.
Mr Chanda added that making it mandatory to capture and electronically transmit to ZRA the Taxpayer Identification Number and the Names of both the buyer and seller of goods and services in all Business to Business and Business to Government transactions has already been implemented across businesses that include chain stores and other VAT registered suppliers.
He said two new units have already been set up to enhance data analytics and bulk data matching with third party institutions and to enhance enforcement and compliance activities, Implementation of stiffer penalties for evasion including prosecution and ensure timely audits of VAT claims, including outsourcing services of external forensic auditors whenever necessary.
Mr Chanda said the Authority believes that the comprehensive tax review of the tax system which the Government intends to undertake as pronounced in the 2020 Budget will promote investment and broaden the tax base through increased economic activities.
He said in a statement that the Authority shall continue to take actions to ensure that Zambia’s tax regime is transparent, professionally managed and sustainable.
Police in riot gear have been deployed in Lusaka to block UPND youths led by their Deputy National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso from removing PF cadres from Markets and Bus Stations.
Acting Inspector General of Police Eugene Sibote yesterday directed Police Officers to be on high alert and deal with any UPND Member that will dare to go ahead with the activity.
Mr Sibote advised the UPND youths not to go ahead with their planned activity and warned that Police will not allow any lawlessness to take place.
A check in the Central Business District found Police Officers patrolling the targeted public places ready to deal with what they termed as law breakers.
According to Mr Liswaniso, the UPND youths will protect the suffering masses and ensure sanity is restored in public places by Wednesday this week.
He said the struggling marketers, bus drivers, and their conductors, and the traveling public are suffering a lot of humiliation through unnecessary levies and taxes from these PF hooligans.
Mr Liswaniso said the starting point will be Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus, City Market, Katondo and Lumumba bus stations and make sure that these are handed over to the Lusaka City Council who can run them effectively and enhance revenue collection.
But some UPND Officials have vowed to go ahead with the activity on the day Police do not suspect.
In a statement on his facebook page UPND president Hakainde Hichilema thanked marketeers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, members of the general public, and local authorities on the positive response and cooperation wthe UPND have been receiving over their intention to get rid of the PF thugs from public places.
“We are now calling on our citizens to refuse to pay illegal levies to these PF thugs as that amounts to daylight robbery and should not allow anyone to displace them from their trading places as they have the right to be there.
Our marketeers, bus drivers, conductors, taxi drivers, and members of the general public should only pay appropriate fees to legal entities such as local authorities that are taking care of these places.
We must all unite and refuse by not promoting hooliganism in the country. We should all ensure sanity is restored in these public places for our citizens to trade freely,”Mr Hichilema said.
Government says lack of training and specialization in financial and economic reporting amongst journalists in Zambia have impacted negatively on the dissemination of factual information on statistics and figures to the public.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya has observed that business and economic reporting has remained under-developed in the country due to lack of training and specialization in financial and economic reporting amongst journalists.
Ms Siliya noted that most journalists do not make any efforts to add value to their stories by analyzing the underlying facts and factors beyond the figures and statistics provided.
She said this has resulted in shallow and half-backed information being fed to the public.
Ms Siliya added that the media have more appetite for political issues, at the expense and exclusion of more urgent and important issues of the economy that are pertinent to the public.
She said this in speech read for her by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, Acting Human Resources Director, Derrick Wina at the awards presentation ceremony of ABSA Data Journalism Masterclass held at Hilton Gardens Hotel in Lusaka.
The Minister commended ABSA and its partners, Rhodes University for building the capacities of the Business and Sports journalists which she said is in line with government’s agenda to grow a highly skilled and professional media that contributes effectively to the national development.
And Barclays Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate relations Mato Shimabale disclosed that the bank has been in the last 5 years sending two Zambian journalists each year on a fully sponsored trip to South Africa to attend the Highway Africa Conference.
Mr Shimabale disclosed that the rebranding of Barclays Bank to ABSA is expected to be concluded by June 2020 adding that most of the Automated Teller Machines in Zambia are slowly being changed in readiness for the transition.
