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President Lungu expected in Mozambique today

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President Edgar Lungu
President Edgar Lungu

President Edgar Lungu is today expected in Maputo Mozambique following that country’s signing of a long term peace pledge between its Government and the opposition Mozambican National Resistance.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and RENAMO Leader Ossufo Momade on Thursday signed the peace accord to mark the official end of the conflict between Renamo armed men and the defence and security forces.

President Lungu will be in Mozambique in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Operation.

He will leave at 15 hours.

This is according to a statement issued to the media by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe.

Government warns Truck Drivers not to go strike

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Above, trucks from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) heading to South Africa mostly carrying copper are stranded at Kazungula border post in Southern Proviince as authorities from Botswana site are not allowing due to enter their country fears of Ebola in DRC. Some drivers are now planning to back to Livingstone and try to use the Victoria Falls border post on the Zimbabwe route to South Africa

Government has warned Truck Drivers not to go ahead with their planned work stoppages and allow government and their representatives’ resolve their issues.

Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya is concerned with the voice and text messages circulating on social media by a selection of serving drivers and non-serving drivers who are inciting other drivers to go on a work stoppage.

Mr. Kafwaya is concerned that this is being done without respecting the process that has been agreed upon by the Drivers Associations, Driver Unions and Government through his Ministry and Ministry of Labour and Social Security to address the many issues affecting them including low salaries.

“I want to urge all well-meaning drivers to be patriotic to this country and ignore those that are bent at negating the positive contribution of your services to this economy”, he said.

Mr. Kafwaya said government is concerned with the conduct of some transporters that pay meagre salaries to their drivers and will do everything possible through his Ministry and Ministry of Labour and Social Security to ensure that conditions of service are harmonized and improved in earnest.

He said his Ministry will also ensure that employment of foreign drivers when such services can be offered by local drivers is stopped with immediate effect.

Mr. Kafwaya said he is aware that some demands have already been acted upon by his Ministry through the Road Transport and Safety Agency while other Ministries are equally working on the components that relate to their respective portfolio functions.

He said going forward, Government will immediately embark on consultations to consider implementing sector based minimum wage for the transport sector and has called on all drivers to call off their impending action and wait for the execution of the agreed actions with your union.

Mr. Kafwaya said his Ministry remains open to positive contribution from all Zambians for the country to achieve its Vision of becoming the hub of transport and logistics in Southern Africa by 2030.

He has urged all Professional truck drivers to have a united front through their union and engage the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for guidance on the means of uplifting working conditions for all drivers in the sector.

Mr. Kafwaya has also requested all stakeholders in the road transport sector to work with Government to enhance a sustainable road transport system for the country.

The mini cabinet reshuffle did little to inspire confidence among Zambians

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File:President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (left) chairs the 17th Cabinet meeting at State House in Lusaka on Monday, October 1,2018. PICTURE BY SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE ©2018

A senior member of the ruling Patriotic Front has appealed to President Edgar Lungu to reconstitute his cabinet and to quickly set up a team of elders who should be advising him on political issues.

The official who is a member of the PF Central Committee choose to remain anonymous because she is not authorized to speak to media but stressed that most Ministers in the cabinet are not working.

She said the recent mini-reshuffle did very little to inspire confidence among Zambians.She said the recent changes to cabinet can be described as cosmetic.

“The general feeling is that President Lungu is carrying with him a lot of deadwood in that cabinet. Even us in the Central Committee fear that going to a general election with the kind of people close to President Lungu will be disastrous,” she stated.

She added, “ With the next election only 17 months away, the people sitting in cabinet are not helping the President, the majority of those are merely serving their personal interests.”

The official singled out President Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe as someone who has failed to effectively executive his duties.

“All we see him (Sikazwe) is smiling and clapping around the President. A State House Minister ought to be active and offer support to the boss(President Lungu) but Mr Sikazwe fails to do so. The country has had previous Presidential Affairs Minister who were far more active. Let Mr Sikazwe learn and emulate Erick Silwamba when he served as Dr Chiluba.”

She said President Lungu should transfer Dr Dennis Wanchinga from the Ministry of Water Development to Luapula Province and move Charles Banda from Local Government to Eastern Province.

The official further suggested that Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba be appointed as Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister replacing Christopher Yaluma who should be dropped.

“Even President Lungu himself, knows that he has a lot of people who are simply liabilities. This is not the time to carry emotions but time to work and deliver before we lose power.”

“The new Sports and Youth Development Minister Hon. Mulenga should be taken to the Copperbelt Province and drop Mwakalombe. Charles Banda should go to Eastern Province and transfer Bowman Lusambo to either State House or Local Government.”

She also suggested that the Minister of Lands Jean Kapata he moved to Ministry of Gender or Community Development while Hon. Sydney Mushanga should be taken to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.

“The current Minister of Gender be moved to Lusaka Province while Ronald Chitotela should be out of Cabinet altogether.”

Other changes suggested include that of Nickson Chilagwa whom she said would do well at Tourism while Makebi Zulu be transferred to the Ministry of Justice with Given Lubinda moving to Livestock and Fisheries.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has been advised to quickly set up a team of elders who should be advising him on political issues.

“It’s worrying that President Lungu doesn’t have a team of eminent elders to whom he could be receiving wisdom on governance issues. People like Kaizer Zulu cannot be political advisers as they lack wisdom.”

Jay Rox releases animated visuals for “Operation”

Headphone Music & Upfront Media teamed up with StormBox Media & Origin Motion to present to you Operation by Jay Rox. This video was done by a Zambian group of creatives. Screen play by Estelle Mantel.

Slap Dee unveils latest video “Wagwan”

Slap Dee released the video for his latest single “Wagwan” produced by Mr Stash.

The video was directed by Emmanuel Chilala.

 

President Lungu urges Church to help unite the Lunda and Luvale

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File:President Edgar Lungu Meets Luvale-Lunda Chiefs In Zambezi.

President Edgar Lungu has called on the Church and other stakeholders to help unite the Lunda and Luvale people of Zambezi District in North Western Province.

The President said he is saddened by the continued tribal conflict between the two ethnic groupings which he said must be brought to an end.

President Lungu said the latest fighting between the two tribes during the delimitation exercise meeting organised by the Electoral Commission of Zambia in Zambezi District is embarrassing.

The President also wondered why the two ethnic groupings have continued to fight in Zambezi District despite them interacting freely in government.

President Lungu was speaking to Journalists at Kansanshi Hotel in Solwezi North Western Province on various issues affecting the National.

Meanwhile President Edgar Lungu is disappointed that some traditional leaders, Civil Society Leaders and Church leaders have misinterpreted his statement where he said the current UPND Leader cannot be President of Zambia.

President Lungu said it is disappointing that Traditional leaders and other stakeholders have twisted his statement claiming it was targeted at the Tonga speaking people.

“At no point did I say that Tongas will never rule this country, my statement was directed at one person whose character does not befit a national leader. How can people who are able to read and write twist my statement like that? This is embarrassing”, he said.

President Lungu maintained that one day Zambia will have a Tonga President but not Hakainde Hichilema.

Zambian Born British National regrets leaving Africa

Zambian YouTuber Lily Mutamz shares an exclusive interesting 2 part series of a Zambian Born British National Nola Vout. In the First part series Nola talks about her life in Chingola. Lily Mutamz met Nola at a corner shop in her town Stockton-on-Tees and Nola immediately guessed that Lily was Zambian via her accent. The two both born in Chingola have since been in touch and Nola has shared quite a lot of interesting History with Lily Mutamz audience on YouTube. Check out this interesting video and leave a comment if you recognize some of the history shared by Nola.

The Most Useless Award

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ACC deputy director general Rosemary Khuzwayo addresses journalists during the TIZ briefing Lusaka on July 11, 2019 – Picture by Tenson Mkhala

By Michael Chishala

For the month of July 2019, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) wins the award for the most useless public institution. It was a very closely fought battle with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), but ACC found some extra reserves in their tank over the last kilometre and won the Marathon of Uselessness.

The entire head of ACC comes on TV and starts saying things that can make you insult. She says that ACC has closed the 48 Flats case because the entire ACC with all the really smart people in it and government power backing them cannot trace anyone to charge with a crime. Hmmmm.

How about asking the 48 tenants to tell you who they have been paying close to K2 million per year in rentals? The names on the title deeds and utility bills may be useless, but whoever is receiving K2 million a year is surely the owner, or a front for the real owner, not so? I mean how can someone receive such large amounts of money and have nothing to do with the flats? I am 100% sure if they follow the money, ACC can also easily establish who built the flats.

So dear ACC, why don’t you drag whoever is collecting the K2 million to court and ask them to testify under oath? Even if the rentals are being collected by some shell corporation from Panama, they must be registered in Zambia with shareholders and directors listed at PACRA, not so? Why can’t these shareholders and directors be dragged to court where they shall sing like a Canary bird before a judge and we will get to know the owner of the 48 flats, who must have spent something in the region of K10 million to build them all? (Oh, and you might want to ask them where they got the K10 million.)

But as former President Kenneth Kaunda used to say, “Stupid question! Sit down!” The ACC employees would have to be complete and utter idiots not to ask such obvious questions and follow the money. They obviously did, and they have a nice fat dossier loaded with damaging incriminating information. Which then begs the question of what the hell is going on. Well, it’s very simple really.

ACC must be just following orders from “upstairs” not to go after the owner of the flats because he is “connected” to the top floor. This then begs another question. If the ACC employees are being hamstrung by the people from “upstairs”, why can’t they just leak the incriminating information to all the independent news outlets like News Diggers, Lusaka Times, Zambian Watchdog or Zambian Observer? It’s not too difficult to go to an obscure Internet Café somewhere and create a fake email address and anonymously send documents with details. Or maybe send using the contact forms on websites. (Of course you have to be extra careful when getting digital copies of the documents because there are too many shushushus in these public institutions).

So, perhaps ACC should stop wondering why people have stopped reporting corruption cases to them. Maybe they should change their name to PCC; Pro-Corruption Commission.

And for this, PCC, sorry ACC, wins the “Most Useless Award” for July 2019.

Now to the runner up, ZICTA.

They deserve a special mention because of how they have sat with their arms folded, watching our data bundles being stolen by the Internet companies due to silly expiry dates. Never mind that the expiration for airtime was scrapped more than 15 years ago, but the ZICTA people failed to apply the same logic to data bundles, even though they themselves are victims. Maybe some clever chaps at these internet companies get the expired bundles and resell them to other people who also end up not using them completely and the expired data is resold and so on. Pretty clever scheme, hey? The lack of action all these 15 plus years forces the public to begin speculating that maybe there are large brown envelopes involved. Enough said.

So dear ZICTA, why did it have to take the entire Parliament to get you to do your job? You are paid so much money that you don’t even know what to do with it, so you end up buying the American Embassy for $5 million and you even begin extending such a massive building. Your colleagues at Bank of Zambia (BOZ) did the honourable thing by stopping the thieving banks from slapping us with silly charges for everything under the sun, including closing your account, or for having a negative balance due to the monthly charges. There is so much automation using computer servers that one wonders why we previously had to pay K20 to close an account, something that can be done in 5 seconds at the click of a mouse, or otherwise automatically done by software for accounts inactive for over 6 months. BOZ did not wait for Parliament to tell it to do its job.

And let’s not forget the utterly useless service from the likes of Airtel who also need a change of name to Airfail (or is it Airhell?). More than half of Airfail, sorry Airtel calls either cannot go through, are dropped or you cannot hear or be heard. It seems the fines the mobile companies paid earlier this year to ZICTA are pocket change. How about increasing the charges ten times?

It should’t be too difficult to get the Minister in charge of Communications (Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya) to sign a Statutory Instrument (SI) to this effect since the minister is also a victim of this nonsense from the mobile companies. Or are you people at ZICTA again waiting for Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa to do his thing again?

Another candidate worthy of mention for this award was ZESCO, who despite loadshedding the whole country for 4 hours a day still often cuts power for the whole day claiming “maintenance”. When being considered for the Most Useless Award, they failed to make the cut because of very strong competition from ACC and ZICTA.

#MostUselessAwardsZambia

The author is a Zambian blogger, entrepreneur and web and software developer and is an Engineer by training. Email: michael [at] zambia [dot] co [dot] zm.

32 more Zambian teachers off to Seychelles to help address shortage

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Minister of General Education David Mabumba
Minister of General Education David Mabumba

A second cohort of Zambian teachers is expected in Seychelles this month following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Saturday to address an acute teacher shortage.

Under the new six-year agreement, 32 teachers from Zambia, 23 for primary and nine for secondary schools are expected in Seychelles ahead of the third school term in September.

The new teachers will join 43 Zambians already teaching in public schools on Seychelles’ three main islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on Saturday morning at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, between the Seychelles’ Minister for Education, Jeanne Simeon, and her Zambian counterpart, David Mabumba.

The agreement “sets a significant milestone between our two ministries in our ongoing collaboration and it also marks the consolidation of a true partnership,” said Jeanne Simeon, the Minister of Education.

She said that such collaborations also provide a platform for mutual benefits for the education professionals.

“Our local teachers have benefitted from the expertise of the Zambian teachers in certain areas such as design technology and hospitality. Likewise, the Zambians have followed several development sessions notably in IGCSE and ICT,” she added.

For his part, the Zambian Education Minister David Mabumba, said that Seychelles and Zambia enjoy warm and cordial relations in sectors such as education and hospitality.

And that it was against this background that his government did not hesitate to respond to the call when the request for Zambian teachers was made.

“The signing of the MOU will not only strengthen the current bilateral relationship but will also increase the cultural exchange between the two countries,” said Mr. Mabumba.

He added that “the signing will open other future opportunities for expansion particularly in the education and hospitality sectors.”

Seychelles launched a recruitment drive in August 2017 after being unable to recruit teachers locally to cater for the increasing demand.

Zambia was the first country to respond and the process which culminated with Saturday’s signing started in September 2017.

The first cohort of 48 teachers was recruited between May and July 2018, two have already left for personal reasons.

The teachers are on a two-year contract, which is renewable, and will teach science, mathematics, geography, information communication and technology (ICT) and design and technology.

The Chairperson of Teaching Service Commission in Zambia, Stanely Mhango, explained that the teachers have to go through an intense recruitment exercise which includes interviews but other aspects as well.

“We consider the number of years in the profession and experience and maturity, taking into considerations they are coming here as ambassadors for Zambia and also as ambassadors for the teaching profession,” he said.

Furthermore, for the second cohort, the Zambian authority has produced a training manual for the new teachers.

“This will be used for induction before they are finally deployed to Seychelles so that in terms of professional issues, they are up to date. And in terms of how they are expected to conduct themselves here in a foreign country, bearing in mind the cross-cultural issues,” added Mr. Mhango.

There are 26 primary and 11 secondary state schools in Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.

Presently, there are 1,050 teachers including 173 foreigners working in public schools.

I own the 48 Houses-Siamaili

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Workwell Siamaili
Workwell Siamaili

A man of Chilanga has gone out publicly to claim ownership of the 48 “mysterious” houses in Lusaka’s Chilala area.

Workwell Siamaili, a businessman said he owns the land and the 48 Houses.

Mr Siamaili took to social media to denounce those questioning the ownership of the houses.

“Stop creating and accusing each other over 48 houses which you don’t know. Those are my houses and if you have anything to talk about ask me they are mine,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“What do you want to know, bricklayers, or source of funds I used to build them or plot number, or the owner then tell me to explain to you how I made it to build them.”

Mr Siamaili boasted that he does not understand the noise over those Houses because he owns a lot more properties in other parts of the country.

“Livingstone I have 24 houses, Chilanga I have 17 Houses where I live, Chirundu have I Investment worth millions of dollars and Kariba dam I have fishing camps where I supply Kapenta more than 15,000 tonnes of fresh kapenta the whole Zambia am number one,” he claimed.

“Its not easy to have tittle deeds in Zambia. Those are new houses I only have letter of offer and how do you expect council and Ministry of Lands to have tittle deeds with my name for the plot?”

He maintained that the houses are all his and that he could not issue a statement earlier on the matter as he was out of the country.

“They are mine, I worked, take me to court and tell Zambian people what you want, don’t bring issues on my houses. My own belongs to me no government what do you want you Zambian.”

“It’s my money I worked and built them and ask me the source let any one come all documents I have I them registered under the Ministry of lands with full set approved land tittles.”

He continued, “Don’t involve the government with your petty politics on real houses u can see physically. What is 48 houses sure that nothing and am worth more than those cheap houses.”

Movie Review : Men in Black International

The Men in Black have expanded to cover the globe but so have the villains of the universe. To keep everyone safe, decorated Agent H and determined rookie M join forces, an unlikely pairing that just might work. When aliens that can take the form of any human arrive on Earth, Agents H and M embark on a globe-trotting adventure to save the agency — and ultimately the world — from their mischievous plans.

Pros

  • Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson gave good performances as Agents H and M. They had good chemistry ,that is similar to a cross between buddy cop repartee and sibling rivalry.
  • The plot is straightforward and easy to follow.
  • The movie had excellent special effects which gave the aliens a realistic feel.

Cons

  • If you have watched the previous movies you may not enjoy this one as much . As it may feel like a watered down version , it lacks the edge and wittiness the original had.

Favorite quote

Agent H“We saved the world together , with nothing but our wits and our series-7 De-Atomizers.”

M.I.B UK Branch Head: “Always remember: the universe has a way of leading you to where you’re supposed to be, at the moment you’re supposed to be there.”

Conclusion

Men in Black International is more of a Spin-Off than a reboot to the Men in Black sci-fi movie trilogy. The major issue I had with the movie was wrapping my head around the idea of a Men in Black movie without Will Smith!! Will Smith carried the entire movie trilogy with his iconic character Agent J , so i went into this spin-off with very low expectations.
It started out like a parody of the Men in Black movies i wasn’t impressed with the opening 20 or so minutes at all , I was almost ready to walk out of the cinema. But as the movie went on and the story started to unfold I got more hooked into it. It has a really good story line with interesting characters . Chris Hemsworth (agent H) , whilst not having the charisma of Will Smith , did a great job in his role and did provide some great comedic moments.

This is one movie that you will enjoy better if you haven’t watched the previous Men in Black movies because you will go into it without any preconceived expectations. But even if you have watched them , go into this one with an open mind and you will enjoy it.

Rating
3 out of 5

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

President Edgar Lungu blame politicians promoting tribalism for the recent tribal fights between Lundas and Luvales

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President Edgar Lungu singing during a church service at UCZ Lilayi
President Edgar Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has blamed politicians for the recent tribal fights that occurred between the Luvale and Lunda people in Zambezi district of North Western Province, adding that the fights where also fueled by some politicians who have continued promoting tribalism every time they speak to the people.

The Head of State has since called on the church to provide counsel to politicians both in ruling and opposition political parties on the dangers of tribalism.

President Lungu says politicians should be told the truth when they utter divisive statement in their quest to gain political mileage.

The President was speaking during a church service at the Evangelical Church in Zambia Bethel Congregation in Solwezi.

President Lungu also said there no reason why Zambians should fight when they country was founded on Christian principles.

And Church Presiding Pastor Chrispine Lutuna has urged Zambians stand firm and pray for the country.

Pastor Lutuna also urged those in leadership not to stop but continue with their style of Leadership on Christian principles.

He also thanked President Lungu for always engaging the church in the governance of the country.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has requested the people of North Western Province to propose to him developmental projects that should be undertaken in region apart from the ones he has initiated.

President Lungu says he has tried to take development to North Western despite having suffered a heavy defeat during the last presidential election.

President Lungu said this when he addressed Solwezi Patriotic Front (PF) members at Kasanshi lodge in Solwezi last evening.

The Head of state has however, reiterated that he will ensure that his administration shares the national treasury equally with all the provinces including regions where people did not vote him.

President Lungu said North Western Province has witnessed unprecedented development since the PF administration came into power among them, opening of mining companies, the construction of the Solwezi-Chingola road and the Solwezi dual carriage way among other infrastructure.

The Head of State has also assured party members that the PF will win the 2021 general election as can be evidenced by a number of by-elections that the party has won in the province.

President Lungu said this is a sign that the party is quickly gaining ground in the region.

Earlier, PF national chairperson and President Lungu’s campaign manager, Samuel Mukupa, urged party members to mobilise themselves and to recruit new members.

Former foreign affairs Minister KABINGA MPANDE attended the meeting and encouraged party members to support President Lungu.

And North Western Province PF chairman Lackson Kungo said the party is intact and getting stronger every day.

President Lungu has been in Solwezi for a two-day working visit where he inspected several developmental projects.

Chiyangi defends Chipolopolo’s unconvincing CHAN win

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NATIONAL team assistant coach Aggrey Chiyangi
NATIONAL team assistant coach Aggrey Chiyangi
Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi has defended his team’s unconvincing display in Saturday’s 3-2 home win over Botswana in their 2020 CHAN second round, final leg qualifier at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Chipolopolo came from behind twice against a very plucky Botswana to clinch a hard-fought-for victory to advance to the final qualifying stage 3-2 on aggregate following a 0-0 first leg draw on July 26 away in Francistown.

But there was little improvement if any by Zambia from the stuttering display by the same team that had beaten Botswana 1-0 in the 2019 COSAFA Cup final on June 8 in Durban.

“They are coming from pre-season rest of the previous season and to play a match of such magnitude is not easy, they have really pushed very hard,” Chiyangi said.

“And also for us, as we play the next the next round, we have to make sure we improve our physical condition.”

Chipolopolo rallied twice to secure their passage after Omaatla Kebatho put Botswana ahead in the 8th minute but Emmanuel Chabula equalized in the 12th minute.

Botswana restored their lead in the 21st minute through Segolame Boy but Zambia restored parity in dramatic style on the stroke of halftime when Kelvin Mubanga fired in a fine free kick.

The drama didn’t end there when 63rd minute substitute Bruce Musakanya tapped -in Mubanga’s pass just two minutes after coming on the pitch for Ernest Mbewe.

However, Zambia had goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange to thank after he made three critical saves after that to crash Botswana’s hopes.

“And the other thing is we have to look at the team. We have to work very hard to ensure that coordination of the team is better than what we did today,” Chiyangi said.

“Another thing we have to understand is that, yes, we have many players in Zambia, but you must understand that whichever player we look at, the first thing you have to look at is physical fitness.

“Football nowadays is played in two phases; it is attack and defence.

“Even though people cry for players, we pick on those two basis: players who can play in attack and defence.”

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo now face eSwatini in the final qualifying round away on September 21 while the final leg will follow in Lusaka on October 19.

Victor over both legs will qualify to the CHAN tournament that Cameroon will host this January.

Transparency International Zambia is being hypocritical

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PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza
PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza

By Antonio Mwanza

Day in and day out, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has been issuing statements, condemning and accusing President Edgar Lungu of not acting on the perceived corruption allegations in his Government. When the President doesn’t act, they condemn him for not acting; when he acts, they still condemn him for acting. The question is, what really is it that TIZ wants the President to do?

1. INTRODUCTION

 

On Thursday, this week, President Edgar Lungu instructed Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo to ensure the case regarding the 48 houses is probed to its logical conclusion.

This followed a revelation by the Anti Corruption Commission Acting Director General, Rosemary Khuzwayo when she featured on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview that the Commission has closed inquiries in the case of the 48 Houses because there was no one who came forward to claim ownership.

Following the announcement made by the Anti Corruption Commission, the President issued a directive, instructing the Minister of Home Affairs, through the agencies that fall under his Ministry to collaborate and ensure the case regarding the said 48 houses was investigated further.

However, in a bizarre turn of events, TIZ an entity which claims to be a champion in the fight against corruption, on Friday issued a scathing statement condemning the President for acting on the case; they accused the President of interference.

2. HERE ARE THE FACTS

a) As Head of State and Head of Government, the President has a Constitutional mandate to ensure that all government wings are discharging their functions and duties in an efficient and effective manner to the satisfaction and expectation of the Zambian people.

It is the job of the President to ensure that every wing of Government operates in accordance to the Constitution and Acts that establish them.

Article 91 of the Republican Constitution is very instructive in this regard; it vests the exercise of all Executive Authority in the Presidency.

Article 91. (1) states, “There shall be a President of the Republic who shall be the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force.

(2) The executive authority of the State vests in the President and, subject to this Constitution, shall be exercised directly by the President or through public officers or other persons appointed by the President.

b) In accordance to the Constitution and the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, the President is the one that appoints the Director General and all the Commissioners of the Anti- Corruption Commission.

Even though all State Commissions enjoy autonomy in the discharge of their duties, it goes without saying that all those appointed by the President are answerable to him as their appointing authority.

No one can claim that he is above reproach; even the President himself is accountable to the people.

So, for TIZ to be condemning and accusing the President of interference for directing his Home Affairs Minister to make sure that the Zambian people are given clear answers with regards to the 48 houses, is quite bizarre and disgusting.

TIZ is being hypocritical. Their stance on this matter is unfortunate and very counter – productive.

Does TIZ expect the President to keep quiet and go to sleep when there is public outcry and discontent over the manner in which ACC has dealt with the matter of the 48 houses?

Does TIZ expect the President as Head of State and Government to turn a blind eye when everyone has been beseeching the Presidency to intervene in the case of the 48 houses?

Does TIZ expect the President, as Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces to just sit and watch while those he has appointed and entrusted with the authority to fight corruption and deliver justice on behalf of the Zambian people exhibit a lacklustre and laissez faire attitude towards their duty?

Let us learn to support those in leadership when they do that which is right.

We cannot make it a habit to condemn and oppose everything that our leaders do just for the sake of it.

We know and understand that TIZ needs that donor funding but do they have to contradict themselves in their desperate attempt to impress their funders?

It is shameful.

The Author is PF Deputy Media Director

President Lungu warns civil servants against involving themselves in politics

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President Edgar Lungu has warned civil servants against involving themselves in politics.

President Lungu said that civil servants’ involvement in politics affects implementation of government programmes and ultimately sabotaging its activities.

ZANIS reports that President Lungu said this when he addressed civil servants in Solwezi last evening.

And President Lungu expressed sadness that workers in the public service do not passionately work at the same pace with their counterparts in the private sector.

He cited late reporting to work and lack of commitment as contributing factors that affect them from meeting their targets compared with those in the private sector.

The President also instructed Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti to cascade Performance Management Contracts to all civil servants.

He said he is confident the proposal of Performance Management Contracts will change the work culture in the civil service.

The Head of state also complained that some Heads of department do not read memos from their subordinates, but just rush to sign them.

He also encouraged civil servants who were listening attentively, to acquaint themselves with the Seventh National Development Plan saying it explains the trajectory that the country is taking between now and 2021.

President Lungu further urged those privileged to participate in procurement, to always think of the country first.

Earlier, North Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu thanked President Lungu for addressing the civil servants based in Solwezi.

Mr. Mubukwanu said in his service as Minister for the past eight years he has never witnessed a president addressing civil servants.