PATRIOTIC Front (PF) deputy national chairman Davies Chama says Lusaka lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube can continue dreaming about his ambitions to contest the party presidency.
And Chama in an interview said it is laughable that an educated lawyer like Fube does not understand the party constitution.
Reacting to Fube’s remarks last week that he does not recognise his expulsion from the PF because the Central Committee that expelled him had no mandate, Chama said the lawyer was hallucinating.
Chief Cooma of Choma District in Southern Province has castigated the behavior of opposition political party, United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament for Choma Central Cornelius Mweetwa over his remarks against Vice President Inonge Wina on the floor of the house in parliament.
The chief observed that it is shocking to see an Honourable Member of Parliament behave in the manner he did adding that a leader should serve with respect and honor in and out of parliament .
Chief Cooma has since pledged to counsel Hon. Mweetwa to ensure that he offers an apology and stops such behaviors as it would set a bad precedence in the country.
Meanwhile Chief Cooma has appealed to President Edgar Lungu not to feel discouraged but continue working hard and delivering development to all parts of the country.
Commenting on the Incident that recently happened in Monze District where UNPD carders jeered the Presidential motorcade Chief Cooma said that behavior should be condemned and people involved should be reminded that Zambia is a democratic Country which can only be ruled by one president at a time.
He said the behavior exhibited by UPND carders in Monze District should however not be allowed to continue.
He reminded people of Southern Province that President Edgar Lungu is President of all Zambians and has a responsibility of checking on all developmental projects in the country and was free to visit any part of the country without intimidation.
He noted that the people of Monze District have the Monze- Nickle road which they have been asking government to work on but wondered how the president was going to work on such projects if the people were giving him such attitudes.
He advised Chiefs to continue working with the government of the day and ensure that development is taken without intimidation.
Chief Cooma has also declared his support for the Constitution amendment bill number 10.
He said the bill contains many good things that can help Zambia move forward.
The Chief was speaking when Religious Affairs and National Guidance Minister Hon. Rev. Mrs Godfridah Sumaili MP, paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace.
President Edgar Lungu has said that his government is determined to end poverty through the promotion of Climate Change resilience programs.
Speaking when he visited the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) were he handed over support to beneficiaries in Lukulu district and handed out empowerment funds to various groups, President Lungu said that the program have allowed people in Western and Southern Provinces to diversify their sources of income.
The Head of State said that the government with support from the World Bank is scaling up the program to Northern, Muchinga and Luapula provinces.
President LUNGU said that 100 million United States dollars has been pumped into the program following the successful implementation of the project in Western Province.
And during the ceremony 13 groups were given empowerment funds to venture in livestock, crafts, milling and mining.
Speaking at the same event Minister of National Planning Alexander Chiteme said the government will continue helping families that have been hit by Climate Change.
And one of the beneficiary Namakando Mubita said members of her group are now able to take their children to school.
President Edgar Lungu has transferred Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr Felix Phiri to the Ministry of Defence.
According to a statement released to the media by his Special Assistant for Press and Public relations, Isaac Chipampe, the President has also transferred Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr Stardy Mwale to Cabinet Office to be in charge of the Remuneration Division in the same capacity.
Remuneration Division Permanent Secretary at Cabinet Office Mr Kashell Mwenya has since been moved to the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development in the same capacity.
And Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Mr Charles Mushota has been transferred to Luapula Province.
The President has wished the Permanent Secretaries the best in their new portfolios.
The Women from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in Lusaka have asked Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini to take stern action against UPND Choma central lawmaker Cornelius Mweetwa if he fails to apologise for disrespecting Republican vice President Inonge Wina
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, PF vice provincial chairlady Chilando Chitangala said it is sad that Mr. Mweetwa has refused to apologise to the Vice President for issuing derogatory remarks against her on the floor of the house.
She said it was heart-breaking that at a time woman are fighting for 50 percent representation in parliament there are men like Mr. Mweetwa who are making it difficult.
‘ We are aggrieved as women in this country by the remarks made by Hon. Mweetwa against the Vice President, this is at a time we are fighting for 50/50 representation in parliament and other key decision making positions and the men we think can support us are by the ones disrespecting us’ Ms. Chitangala said.
She Mrs. Wina has inspired many women to join politics because of her exemplary leadership style.
‘ The exemplary leadership of Madam Inonge Wina inspired some of us women to be in politics and the speaker of the National Assembly should take this matter seriously because men like Him. Mweetwa are making it difficult for women to be politics,’ said Ms.Chitangala.
She added that women groups should also come out and condemn the conduct of the Choma central lawmaker.
She said there was need for the quick enactment of the constitution amendment Bill number 10 because it will guarantee women representation in parliament.
President Edgar Lungu has said that he has received reports of some opposition political parties planning to make the country ungovernable through violence so that they can force him to meet with UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
The President has wondered why some church leaders have never asked Mr. Hichilema to publicly condemn violence, adding that he expected the Church to condemn violence whether it is coming from the PF or UPND.
President Lungu said that there was also a plot to provoke the PF in Mongu and Lukulu so that they can blame him for the violence, adding that those who are in leadership have a duty to maintain law and order.
The President urged the urged youths not to be used in violent activities and those youths should question why political leaders do not send their children to fight but those of other people.
The President was speaking when he addressed people in Lukulu district that had gone to welcome him. President Lungu urged people to get national registration cards (NRCs) and participate in the 2021 general elections. He said this is the best way to participate as opposed to violence.
Here is a brief warp of this past weekend’s Pros Hit List.
= RUSSIA
The Kangwa brothers, Evans and Kings, started for 10th placed Arsenal Tula in Saturday’s 2-1 home win over third from bottom Tambov to record their second league win from six games since the restart in June to collect 6 points along the way.
Kings finished the match while Evans was substituted in the 61st minute but Lameck Banda was an unused substitute.
=TANZANIA
Midfielder Clatous Chama scored another cup goal for Simba SC with the second goal in the 50th minute after taking a 1-0 halftime lead to finish 4-1 against arch-foes Young Africans on Sunday to send them into the Azam Federation Cup final.
=SWEDEN
Midfielder Emmanuel Banda was an unused substitute on Sunday in 4th placed Djurgarden’s 2-1 away win over number 10 side IFK Gothenburg.
Compatriot Edward Chilufya remains sidelined with injury for a second straight week.
The opposition Democratic Party has refuted media reports that its leader Harry Kalaba has tested positive to Covid-19.
DP Spokesperson Judith Kabemba said the party is astonished with the story runnung in the Mast Newspaper that Mr. Kalaba is hospitalised with Covid 19 in UTH.
“As a matter of fact, President Harry Kalaba is home and has no Covid 19. We are taken aback on how someone would get a fake story and without verifying it, make a publication in the name of news. We appel for professionalism in media reporting,” Ms. Kabemba said.
She said the publication is false and must be dispelled with the contempt it deserves.
Ms. Kabemba has since challenged anyone to produce results indicating that Mr. Kalaba tested positive to Covid 19.
We need to realise that President Kalaba is also a human being and as such he can also fall sick, but associating every kind of a small sickness to COVID 19 is a very sick joke and defamatory on his part.”
“It is in this regard that we retaliate to inform the nation that the situation with President Kalaba is normal and getting on well from the under weather situation, contrary to falsehood that he is admitted in UTH hospital for Covid 19.”
She added, “We urge people not to take President Kalaba’s health for political expediency, because it is not morally right in our Society to politicise someone’s health and attempt to get political mileage out it.”
The Young African Leaders Initiative has unveiled Bill Boards that accurately explain the provisions of Bill No 10 which seeks to amend the Constitution.
During a press briefing held at Mika this morning, YALI President Ntewewe said his organisation’s continues to engage the public in civic education on Bill 10 for them to appreciate the provisions and intentions of Bill No 10, contrary to what those opposed to Bill 10 have been championing.
“The idea was to simplify the essence of the Bill even to those living in the per-urban areas without access to traditional and digital media platforms,” he said.
He said YALI is targeting high density communities such as Bauleni, Chawama, the communities from Dambwa in Livingstone and that all citizens living along Great East Road, Along Chilumbulu Road will be able to see the messages.
“In Kitwe all those coming into town Parklands area will be able to gain insights on what really is in Bill 10. And all those living in Kapiri including those traveling to the Copperbelt, Northwest, Luapula, Muchinga and Northern Province inter-crossing the Junction will be able to read and understand the 5 basic important elements of Bill 10,” said Ntewewe.
In those communities, resolving of succession wrangles involving chiefs is important to safeguarding the dignity and honor of the chiefdoms while also promoting peace and development in their communities.
YALI has isolated 15 messages about what is in Bill 10 and the five messages include Bill 10 reaffirming Zambia as a Christian Nation.
“It is only true that once enacted, our Constitution will reaffirm the Christian character of our nation under the supremacy of God Almighty. This will, not in any way, stop other persons from exercising their right to religion and worship because that right will remain protected by the Rights enshrined under Part III of the Constitution and recognised in the revised preamble itself,” he said
Other messages include that Bill 10 will change the current electoral system to a multi member electoral system for electing our members of Parliament. This means that our Parliament will be a multi-member Parliament with guaranteed seats for women, youth and persons living with disabilities.
This proposal is meant to ensure our electoral system lives upto the principles set out in article 45 that require gender equity and representation of special interests groups in Parliament, that is, the youth and the disabled.
Mr. Ntewewe also says Bill 10 will continue to support delimitation of electoral boundaries, thereby contribute to creation of constituencies and wards, where existing ones are too big.
But by introducing a new electoral system, the framers of Bill 10 made it clear that new constituencies will be created, on an equal basis in provinces, as safer seats for women, youth and persons living disabilities.
He said when constituencies are made smaller, it is easier to deliver development as we have seen when districts have been created.
“Bill 10, colleagues, will allow our chiefs through the House of Chiefs to be involved in resolving disputes in chiefdoms, contrary to what you have been told that the President is the one who will be empowered to deal with these issues,” said Ntewewe
The proposed Article 165(3) clearly states that:
“Where there is a dispute in respect of an appointment or election of a chief and the dispute is not resolved in accordance with the culture, customs and tradition of the people to whom it applies the dispute shall be resolved by the House of Chiefs”
Mr Ntewewe also says Bill 10 will increase the days of hearing a presidential petition from 14 days to 30 days. This will afford ample time to those who lose an election as it happened in 2016 to present their petition to the court and for the court to determine the same.
“In fact, the Judiciary which includes the judges who hear these petitions were of the view that the petition require a minimum of 45 days for the court to dispense justice by hearing and evaluating the evidence. So this is good for all parties in an election rather than those who are already in government”
The newly appointed Independent Broadcasting Authority Board has embarked on a countrywide familiarization and sensitization visit of broadcasting stations.
The Board has so far visited Southern, Copperbelt, North-western and Luapula Provinces and others yet to be visited are Eastern, Western, Northern and Lusaka Provinces.
During the visits, the IBA Board has called for ethical and professional conduct of broadcasting stations.
The Board has also called on Stations to broadcast content that meets the highest ethical and professional journalism standards in accordance with Section 33 of the IBA Act No. 17 of 2002.
The IBA Board has also urged Stations to adhere to licensing conditions, including payment of Annual Operating Fees in accordance with Section 1 ) of the IBA Act (Amendment) No. 26 of 2010 which prohibits the provision of broadcasting services without a broadcasting licence.
The IBA Board has also called on Stations to engage relevant protective wings to provide added security as and when needed at the Stations.
The IBA Board comprises of the Chairperson Mabel Mung’omba, Vice Chairperson Chalimba Phiri, Amos Malupenga, Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, Claire Limbwambwa, Margaret Siwale, Enita Hamatumbika and Clement Ng’andu.
The IBA Board has thanked broadcasting stations for their role in disseminating messages on COVID 19 and has further encouraged the Stations
To promote a pluralistic broadcasting industry in Zambia through fair, transparent and effective regulation to continue playing the COVID 19 messages, as these continue to play a major role in mitigating the spread of the pandemic.
And the Independent Broadcasting Authority has reiterated its position that harassment and threats of violence on any broadcasting station are unfortunate.
IBA Director General Josephine Mapoma said the Authority’s position has always been that persons should follow laid down procedures of registering their grievances about any broadcast material with which they are aggrieved.
Mrs Mapoma said complaints or any misgivings about media coverage must be made to the concerned station within three months of the broadcast.
She said should the station fail to make good or correct the complaint raised within fourteen days, then the complaint can be addressed to the IBA.
“In an unfortunate circumstance that harassment or threats of violence occur, against a person and or a broadcasting station, the incident must be reported to the Police because radio and television stations are strategic installations and the police are duly mandated to maintain law and order”, she added.
The Patriotic Front has received with shock and profound sadness the untimely death of Dr Chileshe Mulenga –the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
PF Secretary General Davies Mwila says Dr Mulenga immensely contributed to the Party in Opposition as part of PF’s think tank, Deputy Secretary General and acting Secretary General, demonstrating his aptitude as an intellectual par excellence.
“He has now joined the great crowd of witnesses led by our Patriarch – President Michael Chilufya Sata and other PF departed heroes, as they watch from heavenly terraces how the ruling Party runs its race in serving the people of Zambia”, he said.
Mr Mwila said the PF honour his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his wife Mrs. Mary Mulenga and the family; as well as the Minister of Home Affairs and staff at the Ministry.
The Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Dr. Chileshe Mulenga died yesterday.
Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Simon Miti confirmed Dr Chileshe’s death.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia regrets to announce the sudden death of Dr Chileshe Mulenga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs who died in Lusaka yesterday morning, Sunday, 12th July, 2020,” Dr Miti said.
President Edgar Lungu has expressed shock on this sudden sad development and has conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Executive Board Members, have unanimously adopted the Global Africa Priority Resolution which was sponsored by nearly 60 Countries including Zambia.
The Global Africa Priority Resolution came as an element on the revised provisional agenda of the just ended 209th session of the Executive Board Meeting held in presentia at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
Debate on this Resolution was protracted, lasting for almost eight hours, and often heated, necessitating tough negotiations for the UNESCO Executive Board Members to reach a consensus and finally adopting the document.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to France Dr. Christine Kaseba-SATA, added her voice by reminding the Board about the establishment of Priority Africa which was aimed at translating the commitment of the international community and that of UNESCO in particular, to accompany and support Africa in its development.
“The establishment of Priority Africa in 1989 was anticipated that UNESCO and development partners would be attentive to the Educational, Scientific, Cultural and Communication needs of the fifty-four (54) African States with a stronger and better targeted strategy. This strategy has won positive results albeit not at an anticipated pace.” Ambassador Dr. Kaseba-SATA said.
The Ambassador noted also that prioritization of Africa still remained relevant especially given the context of the prevailing coronavirus pandemic adding that, the resolution was a quest for more resources and hence the need for greater attention for Africa’s specific needs not only by UNESCO but indirectly other development Partners.
The Zambian Envoy who is also the Country’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO noted with emphasis that now was the time and quest to fulfil Africa’s aspirations as stipulated in the African Union (A.U) agenda 2063 for a Strong Cultural and Identify, Common Heritage and Values and Ethics.
An elated Ambassador Dr. Kaseba-SATA further commended Co- sponsoring Member States for putting up a spirited fight and advised them to continue with the same spirit of solidarity that which guided the establishment of Africa as a Priority in 1989 stating that the win was not an African win but a UNESCO win.
“Sincere gratitude to our gallant Men and Women who identified and voted in favour of this resolution, thanks to development partners who have been supporting UNESCO to address this priority. Thanks to UNESCO for accommodating all Member States given the Financial constraints.” The Ambassador said.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Continent, Chairperson of the Africa Group, H. E. Ms. Phyllis Kandie Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Kenya to UNESCO, expressed gratitude to all Member States for placing Africa as a UNESCO Global Priority, and for the conviction in the relevance of Priority Africa.
Ambassador Kandie stressed that the world was rapidly evolving and hence, it was imperative that UNESCO through its strategic transformation continued to be agile and fitfor-purpose.
And Ambassador Kandie reminded the Board, that the Resolution sought to facilitate not only the strategic discussion on Global Priority Africa but also the importance of fostering the implementation of the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, in recognition of UNESCO’s role in facilitating cooperation between States, capacity building and fostering information sharing for the repatriation of African Cultural Heritage.
“The elaboration of the next UNESCO Medium Term Strategy presents an opportunity to give fresh impetus to Priority Africa. The Time is ripe to re-think and re-conceptualize Priority Africa, taking cognizance of its successes and addressing its challenges. By building on lessons learnt, we are confident we can build a solid Priority Africa for the future” The Chairperson of the Africa Group added.
This is according to a statement issued to Hot FM News by First Secretary Press at the Zambian Embassy in France and and Permanent Delegation of Zambia to UNESCO Yande Musonda.
Two small-town singers chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where scheming rivals, high stakes and onstage mishaps test their bond.
PROS
CONS
FAVORITE QUOTES
Lars Erickssong: “She’s probably not my sister.”
Graham Norton: “Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Iceland. Every performance is an adventure with this group. They’re called Fire Saga and why they’re here is anyone’s guess.”
Sigrit: ” I saw you and then all of my nights turned morning / You turned ’round and i suddenly found my glory”
Crowd: “Play Ja Ja Ding Dong!”
CONCLUSION
Eurovision Song Contest : The Story of Fire Saga is a melodramatic over the top parody of the Eurovision competition. Will Ferrells character ,Lars Erickssong, is an overgrown ,childlike, adorable loser from a small fishing village who, along with his singing partner and probable soul mate Sigrit Ericksdottir (Rachel McAdams) have the audacious dream of performing at and winning the singing contest.
I was pleasantly surprised at how good the music actually was ! Kuddos to them for taking the musical aspect of the film seriously. The performances were so catchy, beautiful, and at times ridiculous… but in a good way.
On the surface Eurovision may not seem like something worth watching , but give it a try and it will surely exceed your expectations. It is a light-hearted , silly comedy that will leave you with a smile on your face and a catchy tunes on your mind.
RATING
3 out of 5
BY KAPA KAUMBA
Green Buffaloes goalkeeper coach Joel Kambili has hailed the FAZ organised goalkeeper coaching course being facilitated by the Chipolopolo technical bench.
Kambili was among 12 goalkeeper coaches trained in Lusaka from 9-11 July as 24 more are being trained in Ndola and Kabwe.
In an interview, Kambili said the course provided a rare opportunity for goalkeeper trainers to be updated with current trends in their field.
“Firstly, I want to thank FAZ and the national team coaches led by coach Micho for organizing the training,” the retired Green Buffaloes and Chambishi keeper said.’
“It was a good training which we have never seen in the country for many years. When I started goalkeeping it was rare to be trained and we were behind in many things,” Kambili said.
He said goalkeeper training should be continuous.
“We learnt that over the years, Zambian keepers have been costing their teams results. An infield player can make a mistake and it can be covered but when a keeper makes a mistake it usually results in a goal,” Kambili said.
“Such training should continue so that we are kept updated with the latest information in goalkeeping,” he added.
Meanwhile, 36 other coaches are being trained in Video Analysis.
By Hakainde Hichilema
Government borrowing affects consumption and saving behaviour of citizens. When the people of Zambia favour us with the opportunity to superintend on the affairs of this country, UPND Government borrowing if at all, will primarily be guided by five fundamental questions in addition to Parliamentary approval, as follows:
Our friends in PF used the borrowed money to build cheap roads at an exorbitant cost. Surprisingly the roads are already undergoing repairs in less than three years. Also, there is anecdotal evidence of the borrowed money ending in the politicians’ pocket—corruption at its worst. Houses now even grow like mushrooms—boom 48 house with no owners.
The unemployed youth, women, retirees and many others are unable to earn a decent living as almost 80 percent of what ZRA collects go into paying the nkongole leaving nothing for economic development.
Clearly PF have learnt nothing about the dangers of reckless borrowing. Every week they are on the market borrowing through treasury bills and the recently issued COVID 19 bond. That K8 billion Covid 19 bond should have been money available to entrepreneurs and citizens to borrow for help grow our economy — private investment supplements government efforts. Those who try to compete with the government in borrowing in our financial market end up paying high-interest rates.
Can you imagine that our hard working fellow citizens who borrow via mobile money just for one month the interest is as high as 21.4 percent? If you borrow K4,500 within one month, you are expected to pay back K5,463.00.
After we are sworn in with your support, you the people of Zambia, all these huge loans ending in politicians’ pockets, and extortionate loans with high interest that citizens borrow will come to an end. High bank interest rates and the Kwacha will behave. Bally will Fix it.
