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High mealie meal prices have increased Zambia’s annual inflation rate to 9.3 percent in August from 8.8 percent last month. The annual rate of inflation has been rising for the past five months with March figures recorded at 7.5 percent rising to August’s rate of 9.3 percent.
Central Statistical Office -CSO- Assistant Director Social Statistics Iven Sikanyiti says increased prices of cereals like breakfast meal, roller meal, maize grain and local rice have contributed to the rise in the inflation rate.
He said food inflation rate for August rose to 10.3 percent compared to 9.3 percent recorded last month owing to the above factors.
Speaking during the monthly briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Sikanyiti also revealed that the annual inflation rates increased for all provinces except for North Western Province which remained unchanged.
Western province topped the list of provincial inflation rates at 10. 5 percent followed by Eastern at 9.9 percent and Lusaka and Southern provinces at 9.6 percent.
The inflation rate for alcohol beverages and tobacco increased to 6.8 percent in August 2019 from 6.7 percent recorded in July 2019 due to price changes in tobacco products.
Inflation for clothing and footwear also marginally increased to 6.5 percent in August from 6.4 recorded last month while for health it increased to 7.4 percent in August from 7.1 percent July 2019.
There was also an upward adjustment of inflation in the Transport, Communication, Education and miscellaneous goods and services sector in August from July 2019.
Meanwhile, Zambia last month recorded a 27 percent increase in trade deficit from K619 million in June to K786.2 million.
Mr. Sikanyiti however noted that despite a decline in both imports and exports, the decline in exports outweighed that of imports.
And, Interim Statistician General Mulenga Musepa said the country needs to do more in its diversification agenda.
Mr. Musepa said Zambia still heavily relies on Copper exports.
He said there is need to expand the diversification agenda by not just increasing the number of products but also increasing export destinations which is key in attaining what is outlined in the Seventh National Development Plan.
Mr. Musepa however noted that the current infrastructure development in the country are opening up sectors such agriculture and tourism.
Former Republican Vice President and leader of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba has urged the leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene in the looming threat of Xenophobia in South Africa.
In a message quoted on his official Twitter handle, @Nevers Sekwila Mumba, issued on Wednesday, Dr. Mumba also warned that any reports of Xenophobia would yield negative and undesirable retaliation from Zambia, and possibly other affected countries.
“We wish to make it clear that any report of a Zambian being killed shall have economic ramifications on South African investments in Zambia.” He said, in reference to a possible public boycott of South African linked investments in Zambia.
Dr, Mumba has meanwhile urged the Zambian Government to immediately take a stand against Xenophobia and engage the South African government in light of the strong history the two nations share in which for many years, Zambia offered support and housed leaders of the struggle against apartheid at great cost and danger to herself.
“Our brothers and sisters of South Africa must realize that if it were not for the support of other countries like Zambia, apartheid would not have ended. Under the leadership of our founding President Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia provided help to the current governing party of South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) and infact we went a step further to give them space to house their headquarters here.
Most of the ANC big wigs who weren’t in prison with President Nelson Mandela like Oliver Tambo, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma just to mention a few were based in Lusaka Zambia during the struggle”, Dr. Mumba said.
Dr. Mumba, who is an advocate for an Africa of Morality and Integrity, is a vocal critic of Xenophobia and other social vices and has often been quoted as saying the only way Africa, and any of it’s people, can achieve the equitable distribution of its wealth and resources is by ensuring that ,africans demand for, and procure for themselves, a leadership of morality and integrity, and not through Xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans.
“These Xenophobic threats are a time bomb which, if not nipped in the bud, may spread to other countries. For example, if citizens in Country X attack Citizens of Country Y based in Country X, Citizens of Country Y may also retaliate and attack citizens of Country X who are in their Country. This will in the long run lead to social and economic destabilization in the region”, he said.
In Pretoria, South Africa violence followed the fatal shooting of a taxi driver identified as Jabu Baloyi allegedly by a foreign national who was confronted for dealing drugs in the CBD on Tuesday 27th August.
In retaliation, the angry crowd on Wednesday set alight numerous stores suspected to be run by foreign nationals they accused of selling drugs to young people around the notorious Lilian Ngoyi and Brown streets intersection.
Protesters broke into stores before setting them ablaze in front of police awaiting back-up.
However, criminal elements took advantage of the situation and started looting, grabbing TVs, fridges and other electronic equipment. Others helped themselves to food.
Zambian businessman Llyod Kalenshia said painting every foreigner with the same brush was very problematic and dangerous. “I am hurting because my cellphone store was burnt to the ground and I am left with nothing. These people must let the police deal with these things and not take the law into their own hands.”
Shopfronts burn in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. Police fired rubber bullets as protests erupted in the central business district of South Africa’s capitol Pretoria with rioters setting several small businesses in the area alight. (AP Photo/Yeshiel Panchia)
Chifubu Area Member of Parliament (MP) Frank Ng’ambi is set to appear before Ndola High Court for plea and possible commencement of trial on September 2, 2019 for allegedly assaulting his wife.
This is contained in a cause list issued by the High Court availing cases expected to be brought before the Judge in the month of September 2019.
The matter is to be heard before Ndola High Court Judge Yvonne Chembe.
In July 2019, the Ndola Magistrate Court committed the case to the Ndola High Court for the commencement of trial.
It is alleged that on June 7, 2019, Ng’ambi, whilst acting with intent, did assault his wife Agnes Ng’ambi, causing her grievous bodily harm.
A family source revealed that Mr Ngambi descended on his wife after an argument over his extramarital affairs.The source said the family vowed that the Chifubu MP will face the law for disfiguring their relative.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cross border traders association has expressed concern with reports of some Zambian Truck Drivers being threatened with violence, following a planned nationwide work stoppage by the South African truck drivers.
Association Chairperson Jacob Makambwe observed that if allowed the reported protest by South African truck drivers will have a negative effect on the region’s agenda of setting out principles and values that are aimed at enhancing regional integration.
“Working together within SADC is one reason why we even get in to regional groupings, but such kinds of reports have potential to impact negatively on this agenda,” he said.
Mr Makambwe told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that in regional groupings, people should be free to move and conduct businesses in other member states without any harassment or interference from citizens of that country.
He noted that it is worrying to see increased threats and acts of violence resulting in xenophobic attacks on other foreign nations by South Africans, adding that the act affects trade relations shared between South Africa and other countries.
He added that as Africa strives to become an integrated economy through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) there is need for relevant authorities to provide lasting solutions to such challenges.
Mr Makambwe explained that if South African truck drivers have issues with Zambian truck drivers being employed by South African companies, they should use the right channels and relevant authorities to air out their grievances than venting the anger on their counterparts.
“We are now looking at a bigger picture of Africa becoming economically integrated through AfCFTA, we do not want such kinds of approach when resolving differences, “he added.
He further hoped that the situation will not have a negative impact on the inflow and outflow of trade between Zambia and South Africa.
He also appealed to cross border traders going to South Africa and those that engage the truckers to transport their goods, to be cautious so that they are not caught up in the confusion.
The Zambian High Commission in South Africa has advised all Zambian truck drivers who are scheduled to travel to South Africa on 2nd September 2019 not to do so until security is guaranteed following the planed National wide work stoppage by the South African truck drivers were some Zambian drivers have been threatened with violence.
The Mission further advised Zambian Truck Drivers who will enter or would be working in South Africa on the 2nd September 2019 to park their trucks in safe and secure designated places in order to avoid loss of life and property.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has congratulated the Senior Women National Team for their first leg victory against Zimbabwe.
FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kachala said Zambia’s 5-0 first leg victory over Zimbabwe in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier on Wednesday at Nkoloma Stadium was impressive.
Kashala has wished the team the best of luck in the return leg in Harare on Sunday September 1st 2019.
“We are happy with the performance of our women national team in the first leg of the Olympic Games qualifier. We urge them to finish off the job on Sunday and ensure qualification to the next round,” stated Kashala.
Kashala narrated that the country’s investment in the women and youth structures is beginning to manifest itself through the performance of the various teams.
He also revealed that he is optimistic that an equal performance will be put up by the U17 Women, who are currently in camp, preparing for the 2019 Inaugural Women Championship, to be held in Mauritius next month.
Kashala explained that FAZ will endeavor to do everything possible to ensure that the team qualifies to the Olympics.
Zambia plays Zimbabwe on Sunday in the second leg in Harare, and winner will play either Botswana or South Africa in the next round.
This is contained in a statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Football Association of Zambian Communications Manager Mwazi Chanda
By Mupota Muchelemba
Managing Director of Seidor Zambia
In 2015 Zambia suffered from large scale and prolonged load shedding which had a substantial impact on the day to day running of businesses, resulting in a negative effect on the economy. At the time businesses were almost 100% reliant on the national power grid and there were very few alternative power sources. Today we are seeing less of an impact because there is a greater awareness of the importance of using power wisely and people have also started investing in alternative power. However, the lasting lessons from that time are clear – businesses need to have systems in place that allow them to plan around and manage unforeseen circumstances.
Disruptions like rolling power cuts can have a massive effect on mid-sized businesses. A very large part of the business is unproductive if there isn’t power and the repercussions are expensive. Diesel generators are expensive, and diesel is expensive, so you often find that production costs have to be increased due to the added expense of more expensive power.
Manufacturing businesses and businesses with moving assets, like logistics and transport companies, can be particularly affected as their systems are heavily reliant on electricity.
In the case of the transport sector, we see very particular problems arise in the area of maintenance when there are power cuts. A company that manages a fleet of trucks is unable to be productive if they cannot, for example, do tyre fittings. Each truck may have 20 tyres or more, and a fleet could have upwards of 2,000 tyres that need replacing during regular maintenance. It is also unlikely that a manager can effectively track his vehicles online without power, which becomes a security issue as well as a customer service issue (as the company cannot report back to a customer on where their freight is). These sorts of tasks are essential, and therefore being able to plan around potential load shedding becomes key to productivity.
The transport and logistics sector is a vital contributor to Zambia’s GDP as the country is land locked and relies heavily on trucking to move goods in and out. Outside of the companies that own the trucks, and physically do the transport, there are supporting businesses (like the 800 freight forwarding operators in Zambia) that operate in the background on vital operations like customs clearance and brokering. In total there are about 7000 users on the country’s customs system which gives us a good indication of the number of commercial entities reliant on the logistics sector to run smoothly.
Zambia’s GDP numbers from 2015 show that transport and storage contributed to 4% of GDP which was similar to the public administration and defence sector, and larger than financial and insurance activities. Macro-economic numbers from 2017 show that percentage as 7.3%, which is significantly higher and showing a clear growth in the field. Overall the GDP from transport in Zambia averaged 1168.41 ZMK Million from 2010 until 2019.
Given that transport and logistics can be seen as an important part of Zambia’s economy, how can businesses in this sector best mitigate the fall-out from load shedding? The answer lies in effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) with a system like SAP Business One.
A good ERP system will help businesses manage both pre-planning for outages, as well as how to keep the business running during load shedding.
SAP Business One has the capability to treat a generator as a cost centre in the business to track the running cost of the backup power compared to using grid power. In order for manufacturers to determine whether a generator makes financial sense SAP business One allows users to adjust their production plans to see how using back up power will affect costs. Plus, if they have used the system for a while, they have access to historical data to map out patterns. These patterns are particularly useful to manufacturers and large distribution business as they can predict, for example, what power outages would do for a set number of hours per day and they can then adjust sales forecasts accordingly. The system will also help businesses prioritise where to spend their energy.
An ERP system allows businesses to see how power outages affect their productivity and products and they can therefore adjust their strategic thinking. For example, the decision to invest in solar power or buying a backup power generator or whether to move systems from a server to a cloud can be entirely driven by data. As you can’t control what you can’t measure, I believe it is much easier to make a decision when you have access to accurate information. Information is power.
It has become essential good business practise to track how much power is being used across all parts of a business. In an environment where stable power supplies are rare, it becomes a powerful step towards building more sustainable businesses. Once smaller to medium businesses understand their power use, which they can do through an effective ERP system, they will have greater knowledge as to how they should be using and managing this scarce resource – to ensure productivity and profitability.
Knowledge is power and there is power in knowledge.
The first Zambian woman to be a Rhodes Scholar, lawyer Lucy Sichone returned home to represent people whose rights were trampled on.
Zambians awoke to the delightful news that the late Lucy Sichone had become the first female Rhodes Scholar to have a portrait in Rhodes House.
This is the result of work by Kelsey Murrell, herself a recent Rhodes Scholar, who was disturbed to learn there wasn’t a portrait of a woman in Rhodes House, in spite of the many women who’ve received the scholarship and gone on to do great things.
We certainly have our qualms about the likes of Lucy Sichone being associated with John Cecil Rhodes’ terrible legacy, and this site has written quite a lot about that (I have also contributed to the debate here).
But given that there isn’t a Wikipedia page yet for Lucy and the fact that this gesture by Rhodes House will posthumously catapult her into the global limelight, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to write a few words about her and what she stood for.
Lucy Sichone was born in the Northern Rhodesian mining town of Kitwe in 1954. She was born at a time when it was greatly frowned upon for a girl to attend school. To get around this societal sanction, Lucy’s parents shaved her head bald to make it easier for her to attend school. Perhaps this way, she could pass for a boy and face less ridicule. And this, according to her daughter, fomented within Lucy a bold, no fear spirit that would typify her in later life.
In 1978, she became the first Zambian woman to receive a Rhodes scholarship and went on to read for a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford. She was one of a handful women in her course.
Upon finishing her studies, Ms. Sichone returned to Zambia where she embarked upon a career as a lawyer focused on human rights issues. She represented people in the village whose land had been grabbed from them either by the State or by private citizens. She represented widows who had their property grabbed upon the passing away of their husbands – herself having earlier been a victim of this type of injustice. She represented people who had their rights violated by the State. Most of this she did for free.
In 1993, during the pivotal period when Zambia had just reverted to multiparty democracy and the ruling class were still using one-party strategies to stifle dissent, Lucy Sichone formed the Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA). ZCEA’s aim was to spread the gospel of human and democratic rights and to remind Zambians that it was not enough to have democracy on paper. We also had to make the demand, every minute and every hour, for our rights. ZCEA formed civic education clubs within secondary schools – her idea was to capture the imagination of the young whilst they could still dream. I am a beneficiary of Lucy’s dream having joined the civic education club at Munali Secondary School in Lusaka and later serving as Vice President of the club at David Kaunda Secondary School in 2001.
Perhaps because Lucy Sichone was never content with just idling by and watching the politicians desecrate the constitution, she decided to go into politics. The kind of person that Lucy was can be gleaned from the political party she decided to join. When everyone else was running towards the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), the party that had just won the momentous 1991 elections that removed Kenneth Kaunda, Ms. Sichone decided to join the United National Independence Party (UNIP). UNIP, having ruled Zambia for 27 years, had lost the 1991 elections and its political fortunes were in decline. But for Lucy, political office was not the aim. Her calculus was probably that an association with UNIP would help spread her message about safeguarding human rights and holding politicians accountable. After all, civil society organizations at that time did not have much of a following. Everyone looked up to politicians. But as expected, Lucy’s no compromise attitude unnerved people within UNIP’s inner circle. She left UNIP in 1994.
Next she took her message to the newspapers and joined the then Weekly Post as a columnist. It was during her time at the Post that two memorable events happened that thrust her into the limelight and confirmed her position as the conscience of the nation. In February 1996, Ms. Sichone wrote an article titled “Miyanda has forgotten about need for justice.” Godfrey Miyanda was then Vice President and leader of government business in parliament. An order to arrest Ms. Sichone along with the newspaper’s managing editor and chief editor was issued. The three immediately went into hiding with the latter two eventually giving themselves up. But Ms. Sichone refused to do so and continued to write ever more scathing columns whilst in hiding. In one of them she emphatically declared, “the freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights make it a sacred duty for me to defend them to the death.”
She eventually gave herself up and a sort of truce existed between her and the authorities. But this truce was momentary. In August of 1997, Kenneth Kaunda, the former president and leader of UNIP was shot at by the police while attempting to address a rally in the town of Kabwe. Many were arrested and injured during the fracas that ensued. All this happened while the president, Frederick Chiluba, was on a foreign trip and upon his return, Lucy Sichone snuck into the international airport and flashed the president a placard which read “Welcome to Zambia, Our Own Sharpeville Massacre.” This was in reference to the Sharpeville Massacre incident in South Africa in 1960. Needless to say that the president was not pleased.
Lucy Sichone died on August 24 in 1998. She was only 44. When she died, the Weekly Post newspaper ran the headline “Zambia mourns Sichone” and the following weeks followed with articles and columns memorializing her from across the country. The civil society movement tried to petition the government to accord her a state funeral but, as expected, the authorities declined. We are all left to wonder what other brave and inspiring things she would have done had she lived longer.
I had the rare privilege of meeting Lucy Sichone in 1998, the year she died, during a prize giving ceremony for students who had done a lot to advance civic education at their schools. She gave me a certificate carrying her immortal signature and asked all the recipients that day to carry her dream even further.
This article first appeared in 2015 on africaasacountry.com
Zambia’s High Court on Tuesday suspended hearings on the winding up of Konkola Copper Mines until the Court of Appeal rules on the lower court’s refusal to let the matter go to arbitration, the provisional liquidator said.
Vedanta has been locked in a dispute with the Zambian government since May, when the government appointed a liquidator to run KCM which is 20% owned by ZCCM-IH and the rest by Vedanta.
Legal arguments have been heard in both Zambia and South Africa.
“Judge Banda decided that despite her not believing in the likelihood of Vedanta’s grounds for appeal, it was in the interest of justice to stay the hearing of the petition,” Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu said in a statement.
On Aug. 7, the Lusaka High Court refused Vedanta’s application to halt the Zambian government’s winding-up proceedings against KCM.
However, on Friday a South African high court judge found in Vedanta’s favour when he refused ZCCM leave to appeal a previous ruling in the South African courts halting the sale of KCM pending arbitration.
In response to the Lusaka High Court decision on Tuesday, Vedanta said in an emailed comment it remained “committed to engaging with the government of Zambia in order to find an amicable solution”.
Meanwhile, KCM released the following statement to the media.
LATEST COURT UPDATE-ZCCM IH VS KCM LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS
LUSAKA, 27TH AUGUST 2019: The High Court for Zambia today, 27th August, 2019 heard two different applications from Vedanta. These are:
1. The application on behalf of Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited (“Vedanta”) to stay the proceedings in the High Court until the appeal Vedanta wants to make to the Court of Appeal of Zambia is decided following the High Court’s Ruling of 7th August, 2019 refusing to refer the matter to arbitration; and
2. An application by Vedanta to curtail some of the powers given to the Provisional Liquidator by the Court on 21st May, 2019.
The Honourable Judge Madam Justice A.M. B. Bobo reserved ruling on the second application i.e. the application to curtail some of the powers of the Provisional Liquidator and she will decide on a later date.
With respect to the first application Honourable Judge Banda decided that despite her not believing in the likelihood of Vedanta’s grounds of appeal, it was in the interest of justice to stay the hearing of the Petition. This has the following consequences:
1. The hearing of the Petition will be suspended until the Court of Appeal of Zambia renders a decision on Vedanta’s appeal;
2. The Provisional Liquidator, Mr. Milingo Lungu, continues to be in charge of all operations and management of Konkola Copper Mines Plc; to operate normally and as before and no unit should be affected by the latest Ruling;
3. All contractual and commercial obligations are valid and will continue to be honoured by KCM;
In view of the above, we urge all the employees and Business Partners to remain calm, and continue to work safely as we ramp up production. Our Legal team is actively working towards securing KCM interests and ensuring that the due process of the law is followed.
Acting President Inonge Wina is concerned with the rate at which conflicting statements are being issued to the public regarding maize and mealie meal supply in the country.
Mrs. Wina says some media outlets and members of the public have taken it upon themselves to issue misleading statements and reports which have largely contributed to the instability and panic being seen in the country.
She said to ensure consistency in the manner that the issue is dealt with, the government has resolved that all statements on the country’s food security situation will only be issued by the ministry of agriculture or through the office of the chief government spokesperson, going forward.
She said the government has further resolved that official statements on maize and mealie meal smuggling will only be issued by Defence and security wings.
Mrs. Wina has also given the Ministry of Agriculture two weeks to issue a statement to the public presenting measures they are taking with the support of all key stakeholders including farmers to address escalating mealie meal prices.
She said the government has embarked on a program aimed at providing a conducive environment for farmers and other private sector players to invest in the maize industry and increase production.
Mrs. Wina said this is in line with the government’s desire to produce enough grain to satisfy both local and export needs, as directed by President Edgar Lungu.
She said as maize production increases, the government can guarantee with confidence that it would succeed in its efforts to provide a solution for the challenges affecting the industry today.
Meanwhile Mrs. Wina has assured the nation that the government has not reintroduced price controls for maize or mealie meal.
She said price controls are contrary to the government’s policy which is to ensure that the growth of the economy is private sector driven.
Mrs. Wina assured all farmers and traders that have contractual obligations with millers to continue transacting as the government is not involved in the transactions.
This is according to a statement issued by Permanent Secretary Administration in the Office of the Vice President Stephen Mwansa.
Zambia junior girls and boy’s team’s now know their group stage opponents in their respective COSAFA U17 Championships following draws made on Wednesday in Johannesburg.
Shepolopolo U17 are heading to Mauritius for the inaugural COSAFA U17 Women’s Cup that will be held there from September 20-29.
Shepolopolo are in Group A together with guest side Uganda, Comoros and hosts Mauritius.
Group B has South Africa, Botswana, Seychelles and Madagascar.
Shepolopolo will head to Mauritius with pressure on them to emulate the senior and U20 sisters’ runner-up finish in their respective COSAFA Championship campaigns held simultaneously a fortnight ago in South Africa.
Meanwhile, this years COSAFA Men’s U17 tournament will be held in Malawi from October 11-20.
Zambia U17 is in the group of death in Group A together with South Africa, Botswana and hosts Malawi.
Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and Comoros comprise Group B of the competition that will see the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals.
Shepolopolo recorded an emphatic 5-0 home victory over Zimbabwe on Wednesday at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka to make a bright start to their 2020 Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football tournament qualifiers.
A Grace Chanda hat-trick handed Shepolopolo an important second round , first leg home victory as the race on the long road in the battle for that one and a half tickets to Tokyo gathers full steam following the entry at this stage of the big guns who enjoyed first round byes.
Meanwhile, Shepolopolo and Zimbabwe went into the break scoreless but it was not without drama.
Chanda’s 18th minute goal was cancelled after she struck an indirect free kick straight into Zimbabwe’s net and eleven minutes later, Emmaculate Msipa’s goal for the visitors was ruled out for offside.
Then dead on 45 minutes, Shepolopolo striker Rachel Kundananji saw her shot cleared off the line by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Lindiwe Magawede.
The goals then started raining five minutes after the restart when Misozi Zulu put Shepolopolo ahead in 50th minute and Chanda added coach Bruce Mwape’s sides’ second in the 73rd minute.
Chanda completed her hat-trick in the 79th and 85th minutes while Kundananji wrapped-up the rout in the 89th minute.
The two sides meet in the final leg on September 1 at the National Sports Stadium in Harare to decide who goes through to face Botswana or South Africa in the next round.
Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima has directed the newly appointed Lusaka Province Planning Appeals Tribunal to quickly resolve land planning disputes in the province.
ZANIS reports that Justice Mambilima said there is need for the tribunal to work with speed and ensure that disputes surrounding planning for land development and construction are swiftly attended to and resolved.
The Chief Justice said this when she swore in five members of the Lusaka Province Planning Appeals Tribunal in Lusaka today.
Mr Joseph Katolo was sworn in as President of the Tribunal with Muhau Wina as his Vice, alongside Peter Nsombo, Wilma Nchito and Joseph Zulu who were sworn in as members.
Justice Mambilima acknowledged that Lusaka Province is experiencing land development challenges and urged the tribunal to tackle among others cases of illegal land development, illegal sub division of land and illegal change of land use.
She challenged the tribunal members to ensure that justice is not delayed and denied to people and other stakeholders involved in land development planning disputes.
Justice Mambilima explained that the constituting of the Planning Appeals Tribunal follows the dissolution of the former Town and Country Planning Tribunal.
She said this followed the enactment of the Urban and Regional Planning Act no. 3 of 2015, which replaced the Town and Country Planning Act Cap 283 and the Housing (Statutory Improvement Areas) Act Cap 194 as the new authority on adjudication of land development planning appeals.
The Chief Justice stated that the enactment of the Urban and Regional Planning Act arose from the need to address rigidity of the repealed Town and Country Planning Act and provide more flexibility when resolving the planning disputes.
Justice Mambilima also said the new Act intends to ensure that land under customary tenure is properly planned together with traditional leaders.
She further stated that the Urban Act will help to decentralise planning functions to Local Authorities and adjudication of appeal cases at provincial level.
Local Government and Housing Minister Charles Banda and his Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga and other senior government and Judiciary officials attended the swearing in ceremony.
The government says it has been taken aback by the issues raised by British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane Dyet in his farewell statement yesterday. Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya says Zambia has never failed to meet its debt obligations. Ms Siliya says it ought to be realized that Government contracts debt on behalf of and for the benefit of the Zambian people.
On Corruption, Ms Siliya said Government has never and will not under-play the seriousness of corruption and its effects on the country. She said this can be seen in the various measures Government has and continues to undertake to fight the scourge.
Below is a full statement
Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services
GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE STATEMENT BY OUT-GOING BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER TO ZAMBIA MR. FERGUS COCHRANE – DYET OBE
Government has taken note of the remarks by Out-going British High Commissioner to Zambia Mr. Fergus Cochrane – Dyet O.B.E and wish him well as he goes back to the United Kingdom. The government also wishes to appreciate the High Commissioner’s role to foster relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom during his tenure. We hope that the United Kingdom will deal with the Brexit matter successfully so that Zambia and the United Kingdom can continue to have a mutually beneficial relationship.
However, Government has been taken aback by the issues the High Commissioner has raised in his farewell statement and wishes to respond as follows:
1. DEBT
As recently stated by the Minister of Finance Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu, Zambia has never failed to meet its debt obligations. It ought to be realized that the Government of the Republic of Zambia contracts debt on behalf of and for the benefit of the Zambian people. Government, therefore, remains committed to repaying its outstanding debt, now and in the future. It should be noted that even developed countries all over the world contract debt for their development and other programme just like Zambia has done.
2. CORRUPTION
Government has never and will not under-play the seriousness of corruption and its effects on the country. This can be seen in the various measures Government has and continues to undertake to fight the scourge. This is one country where there are no sacred cows as shown in the many high profile cases before the courts of law.
Added to this is Government’s hands-off approach to the various Anti Corruption agencies, which are free to investigate and prosecute anyone suspected of wrong doing. The media is equally abuzz daily, with stories on corruption and other malpractices. This is healthy and it is the desire of Government that this fight is fought transparently and objectively, in which there are no sacred cows.
It is unprecedented in the region that the fight against corruption can be so high on the country’s agenda. It is a fact that Zambians themselves have propelled corruption to the very top of the country’s agenda which makes it seem as though corruption exists only in our country when infact corruption is a worldwide scourge.
3. POLITICAL DIALOGUE
Since Zambia gained independence in 1964, it has peacefully and successfully changed political parties in power three times. In the course of this, we have had six Presidents elected by the Zambian people eligible to vote in General elections. Government wishes to put it on record that every President in Zambia has been elected in a general election by the people of Zambia and not a political party. Zambians have the capacity and necessary abilities to resolve their own issues.
4. DROUGHT/HUNGER SITUATION
Zambia is a sovereign state and reserves the right to make independent decisions on any matter in the interest of its citizens. According to the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2010, it is a preserve of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia to declare a national disaster. This Act is also very clear on the procedure that is followed to declare a national disaster.
Government acknowledges that the hunger situation in some parts of the country is serious and is doing everything possible to ensure that food is distributed to all the needy people. The key issue that is considered in declaring a national disaster, is the severity of the incident and the affected communities’ capacity to cope, in conjunction with Government interventions.
Government reiterates that resources are available to deal with the food insecurity that has resulted from the poor crop yield in the 2018/2019 farming season. As such Government has the capacity to deal with the situation, without the need to rush to declare a national disaster.
The distribution of relief food by Government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit is on-going.
5. FREEDOM OF MEDIA AND EXPRESSION
It ought to be appreciated that the fact that the out-going British High Commissioner can speak freely and at length as he leaves Zambia, is a sign of the freedom of expression cherished and upheld by Zambians. His press briefing has been widely covered by our local media in Zambia, which clearly shows that there is press freedom and freedom of expression in our country.
The Zambian media are able to write freely about any issue of public and national interest such as corruption, regardless of who is involved. Besides, we have also continued to experience an upswing in the number of new media institutions, with the full support of the Zambian Government through the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) who issue broadcasting licenses. All this cannot be attributed to anything else but a favourable environment for the media to operate and grow.
The out-going High Commissioner should be reminded that freedom is not absolute. It comes with responsibility. In this regard, Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from any harm that might arise from careless media conduct, such as inflammatory statements and fake news.
Government is happy that the media practitioners and journalists themselves, have seen the need for self-regulation and they have voluntarily come together and agreed on a self-regulatory framework, which Government will fully support.
Government reiterates its commitment to continued excellent relations with the United Kingdom and wishes His Excellency Mr. Cochrane-Dyte O.B.E the best in his future endeavors.
Chanda Kasolo PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES
Minister of Works and Supply Hon. MUTOTWE KAFWAYA on a tour inspection of the Construction of the Kazungula Bridge
The government says it has recorded tremendous achievements in the implementation of the infrastructure projects in the transport sector.
Minister of Transport and Communications Mutotwe Kafwaya sited the construction and rehabilitation of the 830 kilometers road network and the upgrading of airports in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone, as some of the achievements government has scored in the last five years.
Mr Kafwaya said the government has upgraded the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport in Livingstone in Southern Province while Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe airport in Ndola are being upgraded as part of the transport infrastructure projects.
The Minister said government has also finalized the development of the National Transport Master Plan which he said will facilitate institutional reforms.
He explained that the reforms developed by government will ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operations in the transport sector.
He stated that for the institutional reforms to be achieved, they will be focused on funding, infrastructure and operations.
Mr Kafwaya reiterated government’s vision towards providing a sustainable and efficient transport system in the country, saying that the transport sector is one of the key drivers of economic growth.
He added that developing and improving the quality and reliability of transport infrastructure and services is a main priority for government.
The Minister also urged all cooperating partners to support government in its quest to develop an efficient and cost effective transport system.
The Minister was speaking when he graced the 2019 Transport Sector Performance Review Forum which has brought together all stakeholders in the transport sector.
And Speaking on behalf of all Cooperating Partners, Africa Development Bank Group country Manager Mary Monyau said the sector working group will support initiatives in the transport sector that significantly contribute to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction that will transform the lives of the Zambian people.
In a speech read for her by AfDB Senior Country Specialist Natan Jere, Ms Monyau said the new National Transport Policy of Zambia which was launched recently with support from the World Bank, promises a brighter future for the sector.
She said government deserves to be commended for the new policy, stating that it takes into account the new idea, trends and developments in the sector.
She noted that Zambia being a vast landlocked country, it requires a transport network that promotes international competitiveness.
She added that the cooperating partners will continue to work with government in the transport sector in order to contribute to the betterment of the Zambian people.
Local Government and Housing Minister Charles Banda
The government has maintained that street vending in any part of the country is illegal and those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.
Local Government and Housing Minister Charles Banda said no legislation has been amended to legalize street vending and that it remains illegal in accordance with Statutory Instrument no. 12 of 2018.
Addressing the media in Lusaka today, Mr Banda stressed that the government’s position on street vending has not changed and that the stern warning should be taken seriously.
Mr Banda warned that no one has been allowed to set up stalls along Lumumba road or any part of Lusaka at any given time, adding that such structures are destruction towards efforts being made to beautify the city.
The Minister, however, pointed out that street vending in Lusaka is only allowed around Simon Mwewa Market due to presence of sanitary provisions.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda has regretted the closure of Pep stores in Choma District in Southern Province due to street vending near the premises.
The Minister castigated the local authority in Choma for not curbing street vending as it has the responsibility of doing so.
Mr Banda however commended the Provincial administration in Southern province for its vigilance in curbing street vending in the provincial centre.
The Minister has since directed all local authorities around the country to take charge and Control Street vending in their various localities.
Mr Banda also disclosed that government has come up with a draft urban policy to help municipal institutions to plan and manage urban growth, as well as deliver cost-effective public services and infrastructure.
He pointed out that Zambia is one of the most urbanized countries in Southern Africa and reiterated government’s plan to achieve sustainable urban development.
And, Government says it is scouting for K30 million to ensure that construction of Simon Mwewa Market is completed in full.
Local Government and Housing Minister Charles Banda said government owes subcontractors K15 million and another K15 million is owed to the main contractor Zambia National Service (ZNS).
Mr Banda told journalists in Lusaka today that over K40 million has been spent so far on construction of the Simon Mwewa Market.
The Minister said the construction works have reached 88 percent and that final touches by sub-contractors are expected to be completed by December 2019, if funds are made available.
Mr Banda said it is in his ministry’s interest to ensure that the market is completed on time, even if the ministry is not funding the construction because it is mandated to provide trading places.
The market which is being financed by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is expected to accommodate about 3,500 traders.
Meanwhile Mr Banda has revealed that government has assembled a team of engineers from his ministry and officials from the Ministry of Finance to develop and finalise designs and investment model, for the construction of the state of the art Lusaka city market.
The Minister said the new three storey market will accommodate 14, 000 traders and will have a mini fire station, clinic , police post, kindergarten and an annex bus station to accommodate 3,000 buses per day.
The Lusaka City Market was gutted by fire on 4th July 2017 and government is working to scout for investment to develop a modern market at the old site.
