UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has told Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini that his argument in his response to the letter written to him by Simeza Sangwa and Associates on behalf of the Law Association of Zambia that the National Assembly enjoys exclusive and unfettered jurisdiction in the conduct of its internal proceedings is based on complete misunderstanding and is in disregard to the constitutional provisions and principles of the Constitution of Zambia.

In his letter to the Speaker dated 21st August 2019 and released to the media, Mr Hichilema stated that though the Letter from the Speaker was directed to Simeza Sangwa and Company and was in public domain, he was compelled to reply to it on account of his right and obligation as a citizen of Zambia to defend the constitution of Zambia and promote its ideals and objectives.

“The letter from the Clerk raises two main points on which you based your refusal to suspend your legislative process in the National Assembly pending the determination of the matter in the Constitutional Court.”

“The two grounds stated in the letter are the doctrine of exclusive cognizance and selective application of the ‘sub judice’ rule to the proceedings of the National Assembly. In the letter, you argued that ‘the House (National Assembly) enjoys exclusive and unfettered jurisdiction in the conduct of its internal proceedings’ “, states Mr Hichilema.

He cites the second reason for the Speaker’s refusal to suspend the legislative process as his determination that the application of the ‘sub judice’ rule to the business of the House is not absolute and that it has to be decided by the Speaker on the merits of each case.

“You did not cite any constitutional provisions to support the above claims, save for the narrative followed when enacting legislation. As you have not cited any constitutional provisions that support your arguments, I have taken the liberty to search the Constitution of Zambia to assess the validity of your propositions. Your interpretation and purported application of the above principles is flawed on two grounds”, argues Mr Hichilema.

Mr Hichilema explains that that the doctrine of exclusive cognizance is not constitutional but only affords Parliament privileges and immunity relating to its internal rules and operations provided they were exercised within the ambit of the constitution.

“It is the principle that applies to the United Kingdom, where because the country does not have a written constitution, Parliament is supreme. In Zambia however, the situation is completely different. All institutions including Parliament are creatures of the Constitution and amenable to it. The law making function of Parliament is a constitutional and public function which cannot possibly fall within your narrow construction of what you term ‘internal proceedings’ of the House”, says Mr Hichilema.

Mr Hichilema alerts the Speaker to dangers of usurping the constitutional power in his suggestion of the principle of sub judice not being absolute.

“Your claim that the sub judice rule is not absolute and depends on your discretion based on the merits of each case is grossly flawed as that would amount to your usurping a constitutional power, namely, judicial authority, which is lawfully allocated to the Judiciary in this case the Constitutional Court. Any other interpretation would be contrary to the Constitution and its values and principles expressed in the Constitution of Zambia”, stated Mr Hichilema.

Mr Hichilema also warned Dr Matibini that he runs the risk of being cited for contempt of court if he proceeds to table the Bill.

Below is the link to the full letter

Letter from UPND 21 8 19

Sampa The Great released her latest single “Freedom“, taken from the album ‘The Return‘,to be released 13 September 2019

she had this to say on her social media platforms;

“The balancing act between expressing your art to the fullest and earning a living as an artist is real.

The song Freedom is about the compromises made while navigating this industry. It’s important to remember there are human beings behind the art and the music. It’s important for us to remember that ourselves, especially at times when purpose and wellness can take a back seat.

I was lucky enough to be joined by some amazing creatives on this song. Thank you to my friends and fellow musicians who took their talents and vocal abilities to amazing heights throughout this entire album.”

Artwork by the incredible Mason London.
Produced: S I L E N T J A Y.
Visuals: Mason London

UPND Parliamentary whip and Liuwa Member of Parliament Situmbeko Musokotwane has entered into a covenant with the people of Zambia assuring them of his opposition to the infamous constitutional bill number 10 of 2019.

And Dr Musokotwane says the high tax regime in the country was scaring away potential Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

speaking at a media briefing this week, Dr.Musokotwane said he stands with the Zambian people that have decided to oppose the bill which if enacted would throw the country into total disarray.

He said his commitment to oppose the bill is not borne out of malice or hatred against any group of people but is as a result of self conviction that the document is not good for the country.

“Today,I Situmbeko Musokotwane do make a covenant with the people of Zambia through you members of the press that I shall not support constitutional bill number 10 once brought into the house next month.This is my commitment to the people of Zambia and the people of Liuwa in particular,” he said.

He said the people have placed their last hope in members of Parliament to save them from bill number 10 and hence his resolve to not wanting to be a part of those that shall go against the will of the majority citizens.

“Am here to say yes to all the demands put across by a majority citizens with regards to the Bill.You have said No to the reintroduction of deputy ministers,I agree with you.You have said No to draconian coalition government system,I agree with you.You have said No to reducing powers of the Bank of Zambia in terms of monetary policy,I agree in totality and am here to reaffirm that position,” he added.

Six UPND members of Parliament which include Gary Nkombo of Mazabuka Central,Cornelius Mweetwa of Choma Central and Stanley Kakubo of Kapiri Mposhi yesterday also reaffirmed their position to oppose the constitutional bill once taken to Parliament next month.

And Dr Musokotwane who is former Finance Minister and Deputy Bank of Zambia Governor for operations says poor and inconsistencies in monetary policies was scaring away FDIs in the country and cited the Multi facility economic zones (MFEZ) as one such areas which are becoming white elephants due to government’s insincerity on terms and conditions.

He said the several and high taxes being introduced by the PF were a source of concern for any investor hence the noted reduction in foreign investment in the country.

“The high unemployment rate in the country cannot be absorbed by the scanty FDIs we are seeing.This needs huge investment which unfortunately is being threatened by the high taxes being introduced as a way of trying to service the debt and in the process affecting FDIs.The ZDA is right on its assessment of the situation,” he revealed.

President Edgar Lungu has said that government will help the 40 students that are stranded in India for failure to pay school fees.

The affected students are unable to leave India for failure to settle their fees.

Speaking when he addressed the Zambian students in India, President Lungu urged the Zambian Embassy in that country to ensure that the students are helped.

President Lungu said this is not the time to blame the students but help them to move out of trouble.

President Lungu however warned that government will not allow parents to take their students to India when they have no capacity to pay.

He said it is sad to have children stranded in a foreign country because their parents have failed to honour their obligations.

President Lungu also urged the Zambian embassy in India to scrutinize the Universities that are advertising in Zambia.

He said it is unfortunate that some universities are giving false information to prospecting students only to change when they are enrolled.

The Head of State said this after one of the students complained that most of her lecturers do not use English when teaching and does not have facilities for practical’s.

And, Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Malanji said government wants Zambians in foreign countries to contribute to National Development.

He urged the students to acquire skills that will help to develop the country.

And Zambia High Commissioner to Zambia, Judith Kapinjimpanga thanked the President for visiting India.

She said this will help in strengthening relations between Zambia and India.

National Restoration Party (NAREP) Spokesperson Bwalya Nondo has ditched the opposition political party to join the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) citing good leadership under President Edgar Lungu.

And in receiving Mr. Nondo at the PF secretariat in Lusaka on Wednesday, PF Deputy Secretary General Hon Mumbi Phiri said the ruling party is not segregative as it treats all members equally.

Hon Phiri said she is confident that the former NAREP Spokesperson will add value to the ruling party as he will find a team that is focused on delivering the much needed development in the country.

The PF Deputy Secretary General urged all party members to accommodate the new members who are joining the party.

And Mr. Nondo said he decided to ditch the opposition and join the ruling party because the opposition in Zambia has betrayed the people of Zambia by failing to provide effective checks and balances.

“I have decided to join a progressive political party in Zambia, I am saying it’s progressive because of its developmental agenda for the country. The PF Government is taking development to all corners of this country and that is why I want to be part of this team that is delivering development to Zambians,” he said.

“The opposition in Zambia has betrayed the people. They have failed to provide quality and effective checks and balances. This makes the opposition in the country weak and lacks direction.”

He said the opposition in Zambia has no direction and cannot form government anytime soon.

Mr. Nondo, who is also former NAREP Chairperson for Information, said there is too much bitterness and negativity amongst the opposition political parties saying this is not healthy for a country like Zambia.

Speaking earlier, PF Member of the Central Committee Kebby Mbewe said these are signs that the PF will have no difficulties in remaining in office beyond 2021.

Mr. Mbewe said the party has continued to receive new members who have seen the developmental works under President Lungu.

President Edgar Lungu says Zambia and India have enjoyed cordial relations since independence. The Head of State says he is looking forward to furthering the relations for the emancipation of the two countries.

He was speaking to journalists in the presence of the President India Shri Ram Nath Kovind and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being honoured by a 150 combined defence ceremonial parade at a colourful ceremony to mark his State Visit to New Delhi, India.

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) where he was accorded a 21 gun salute and inspected a guard of honour.

Later, President Lungu proceeded to lay wreaths at Raighat, the memorial site of India’s founding father Mahatma Gandhi.

Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi held restricted talks with President Lungu at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

President Lungu also held restricted talks with the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind and later held a high level delegation meeting.

The Official Programme also included a courtesy call on President Lungu at Taj Palace Hotel by Acting Minister of External Affairs of India Vellamvelly Muraleedharan who is currently Minister of State for External Affairs.

In a statement by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe after the meeting with Dr. Muraleedharan, President Lungu thanked the Indian Government for the support and cooperation over the years in areas such as trade, investment, energy, health, infrastructure development, capacity building and agriculture among others.

The President congratulated India on the 55th anniversary of the India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme under which many Zambian officials have been trained, experts deployed, studies undertaken and financing provided to Zambia.

The President also expressed gratitude to the Indian Government for providing US$ 100,000 for the Mahatma Gandhi Primary School which is being utilised for the upgrading of the school to secondary level.

He also thanked India for the donation of medical equipment worth US $3 Million, which follows India’s President Shri Ram Nath Kovind’s announcement during his State Visit to Zambia in 2018.

The President underscored the need to work closely at the United Nations and multilateral fora in peace as well as address current global challenges of climate change and terror, among other areas.

Meanwhile, the Indian Acting External Affairs Minister Vellamvelly Muraleedharan who is currently Minister of State for External Affairs hoped that the stand off between the Zambian Government and Vedanta will be resolved soon.

Notable projects and investments from India include the Lusaka Roads Decongestion Project, 650 health posts, Itezhi Tezhi Hydro Power Expansion Project, Maamba Coal Power Plant, Kawambwa Sugar Plant, Mansa Sugar, Bharti, Airtel Zambia, among others.

President Lungu is expected to be hosted for a State Banquet later in the evening.

This is contained in a statement released by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in India Bangwe Naviley.