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Miners and Wives of Miners on the copper belt protesting against Vedanta
Dozens of miners, miners’ wives and community members from Nampundwe, Chingola and Chililabombwe have held a peaceful protest against Vedanta’s continued stay in the country.
The placard carrying protesters marched for a kilometer in Kabundi South area of Chingola to the Nchanga Parliamentary office where they presented their concerns to area Member of Parliament Chali Chilombo.
One of the protesters Elisha Mhone from Chingola said the community in Chingola is fully in support of the liquidation of KCM by government.
Mr Mhone said Chingola had gone down economically and there is need for a new investor to revive the town.
And Maureen Musonda of Nampundwe said KCM must not be allowed to come back because it has scaled down its operations in many aspects which has affected the whole Copperbelt.
Meanwhile, Nchanga Member of Parliament Chali Chilombo promised to forward the protesters concerns to Mines Minister Richard Muskuwa who would in turn forward them to President Edgar Lungu.
ZESCO Muzuma substation being upgraded to KV 330 (from KV 220) in order to be connected to the national grid as soon as the Maamba coal plant station is commissioned
Power utility company Zesco says it is elated by the conviction and sentencing of two vandals by the High Court of Zambia to 12 years imprisonment with hard labour for vandalizing ZESCO cables valued at K20,000.
The two namely, Wallence Munsaka aged 35 years and Most Hachinyama aged 29 years, both of Kafue Gorge, have been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment with hard labour by the High Court of Zambia for vandalizing ZESCO copper cables.
The incident happened last year in August in Mazabuka district at the Rockdale 33/11 KV substation along Chikankata Road.
The duo was found cutting ZESCO copper cables inside the substation and were apprehended by ZESCO police for the offence of vandalism and brought before the courts of law.
On 23rd July 2019, the case came for continued trial before the High Court of Zambia and the two accused were found guilty of the offence of vandalism contrary to section 341D subsection 1(2) and (a) (1) of the amended Act of No. 17 of 2017
“ZESCO is pleased with this development as it will act as a clear warning and deterrent to would be offenders. As a corporation, we have repeatedly warned perpetrators of this vice that we will not relent and allow unscrupulous people to vandalize our installations but will instead take drastic measures to ensure that the culprits are brought to book”.
Zesco Public Relations Manager Hazel Zulu said the power utility firm therefore welcome the conviction of the two culprits and are confident that this will serve as a clear warning to those who may want to engage in acts of sabotage and derail the development of the country through vandalism of ZESCO installations, which are very critical to the development of the country.
Mrs. Zulu has assured the public that Zesco will continue to step up line patrols, investigations, and intelligence gathering and sensitization programs at localities where rampant vandalism of cables and transformers have been recorded.
She said ZESCO will also enhance security controls for access to critical facilities.
Mrs. Zulu said Zesco remains committed to ensuring that they ‘make it easy for people to live a better life’ as they continue to work vigorously to bring these vile acts to a halt.
Zamtel CEO Sydney Mupeta speaking during the communication of the tower at Kafumbwe boarding school in Katete
State owned mobile phone operator Zamtel has grown its subscriber base which now stands at over 3.3 million.
And Zamtel’s shareholder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has commended the national network provider for crossing the three million subscriber base.
IDC Group CEO Mateyo Kaluba said the record increase in mobile subscribers to the Zamtel network over the past two years had increased by over 175% from 1,244,117 in 2016 to 3,367,700 as at June 2019.
Mr Kaluba said the growth translates in an increase in market share from 10% in 2016 to the current 19%.
He said this is also the highest number of subscribers in the history of ZAMTEL and the highest market share attained by the company in a very competitive sector.
Mr Kaluba commended the Board, Management and staff of Zamtel on the attainment of the key milestones, which he said were on account of the Board and Management embracing the transformation agenda of the IDC.
He further said the growth has been underpinned by innovation in designing competitive products, the ongoing network rollout across the country as well as the graduation to 4G and 4.5G in urban and suburban areas.
“I strongly urge the Board and management to continue to drive transformation from within particularly in areas of cost reduction, innovation and internal restructuring. We look forward to a growing, sustainable and profitable business “, he said.
Mr Kaluba added, the IDC would render its full support to the continued growth of the business and to ensuring that Zamtel remains a key player in the telecoms sector.
This is according to a statement issued IDC Public Relations Manager Namakau Mukelabai.
Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has urged political parties participating in the Katuba Parliamentary by election to maintain peace to avoid spoiling the peaceful environment that has existed since the campaigns commenced.
Mr. Kanganja said Police have information regarding criminal minded people who are planning to invite others to bring disturbances and violence by disrupting the prevailing smooth campaign environment.
He said the tendency of ambushing the peace loving voters by some people as experienced in previous by elections will not be tolerated.
Mr. Kanganja said the Zambia Police Service is more than determined and ready to bring the perpetrators to book.
He said as a preventive measure, more police officers have been deployed to beef up the current manpower so as to enhance security and the increase in the number of officers deployed is basically intended to protect the electorate and all other stakeholders as well as repeal any imminent disruption of the good order and peace that has prevailed since the inception of campaigns.
Mr. Kanganja has reassured the people of Katuba Constituency and other parts of the country where by elections are taking place that police will ensure that the areas are violence free during and after the election.
Zambian businessman based in South Africa and UPND- South Africa Chairperson Bizwell Mutale has resigned from the party and pledged to work with President Edgar Lungu and the ruling Patriotic Front.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Pamodzi Hotel, Mr. Mutale said to develop Zambia, it required concerted efforts from all.
He announced his resignation from the UPND and pledged to work with President Lungu.
Mr. Mutale who has been instrumental in mobilizing the UPND members, strategy and financial resources in South Africa said his numerous visits to many parts of the country revealed that people are willing to work with President Lungu.
He said he joined politics to serve mankind and the people of Zambia.
Mr. Mutale said he has come to the conclusion that he could contribute to the welfare of the country by supporting the ruling party.
He condemned the rise of political violence in political parties and urged leaders to guide members against the vice.
Mr. Mutale said the rise of political violence will negate the democratic gains Zambia has made since 1991.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has commended stakeholders in Nalolo District in Western Province for holding a peaceful delimitation exercise.
ECZ Director in charge of Elections Mwanamoonga Wina praised the stakeholders for exhibiting maturity and unity throughout the deliberations.
Mr Wina who was speaking at the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Muoyo during the closure of the delimitation exercise, also commended the stakeholders for preparing well in advance, saying it made the work of the commission easy.
And Nalolo Town Council Secretary Mutandi Mwanamwalye thanked ECZ for the good guidance provided throughout the exercise.
Several Stakeholders that included representatives from the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), Local Government, Non-Governmental Organizations attended the delimitation exercise where they proposed for the creation of two new Constituencies to be called Nalolo West and Nalolo East and eleven (11) new wards that will be spread across the district.
The four days delimitation exercise that started on Thursday last week finally came to an end in the district today.
The Zambia U23 national team regroups on August 4 in Lusaka to begin their preparations for this September’s 2019 U23 AFCON final round qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville.
Zambia U23 coach Beston Chambeshi has named a provisional 25-member home-based team ahead of the decider.
His foreign-based call-ups will be announced at a later date.
Zambia Under-23 team manager Hastings Ndovi said the team will be holding weekly three-day training camps starting this weekend in the lead-up to the first leg.
Zambia will host Congo in the first leg on September 4 in Lusaka and travel to Brazzaville for the final leg on September 9.
Winner over both legs will qualify to the U23 AFCON to be held from November 8-22 in Egypt.
The top three finishers in Egypt will qualify to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Football Tournament.
Team:
GOALKEEPERS:Mangani Banda (Zanaco), Lameck Siame (Kitwe United), Jackson Kakunta (Power Dynamos), Samson Banda (Zesco United)
DEFENDERS: Kebson Kamanga (Zanaco), Solomon Sakala, Shemmy Mayembe (both Zesco United), Field Kandela, Wayne Museba (both Kabwe Warriors), Paul Banda (Lusaka Dynamos), Moses Nyondo (Nkana), Benson Chali (Forest Rangers), Prosper Chiluya (Nkwazi)
MIDFIELDERS: Edward Tembo (Zesco United), Harrison Chisala (Nkana), Clinton Lubula (Kansanshi Dynamos), Biston Banda (Circuit City), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Ngosa Sunzu (Buildcon), Musonda Siame (Lumwana), Linos Makwaza (Power Dynamos)
STRIKERS:Twiza Chaibela (Kabwe Warriors), Leonard Mulenga (Green Buffaloes), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), John Chisala (Kafue Celtic)
The Patriots for Economic Progress has noted with regret the conduct of some political leaders and activists to celebrate and get excited over the adverse judgement by the South African High Court on the KCM matter last week.
Party President Sean Tembo said the negative impact of such a court judgement will not only affect the PF and its Government but will have far reaching consequences on the common citizen.
Mr. Tembo said any political leader or activist who celebrates such a misfortune on the nation is not patriotic to the Republic of Zambia and their motives must be queried.
He reiterated that Vedanta Resources as major shareholders of KCM have been misbehaving since day one and Government was in order to kick them out, however much more thought should have been invested in arriving at the most appropriate route to be used to kick them out.
Mr. Tembo said his party is always saddened whenever there is an adverse ruling against Zambia in this ongoing battle against Vedanta Resources.
He has since advised other political leaders to spend more time offering alternative solutions to national problems rather than sitting on the fence, mute and waiting for a misfortune to visit Zambia at which time they jump up and down with excitement.
Mr. Tembo said one of the most practical ways in which political leaders can offer alternative solutions to national problems is through Alternative National Budgets, which is a written proposal of how an opposition political party can manage the economy and national finances if it was them governing the national affairs.
He said any political leader who is unable to offer alternative solutions to national problems but is merely a doomsayer waiting for a misfortune to visit the country so that they can celebrate, is not fit to be trusted with managing the affairs of this Republic.
Mr. Tembo said Patriotism and a genuine love for Zambia, her citizens and their respective welfare should be a compulsory attribute for any political leader.
Tanzania President John Magufuli has ordered the Treasury to probe 15.3 billion shillings ($6.65 million) paid by the government over two years to revive operations of TAZARA which links the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam to neighboring Zambia.
The Presidency said in an emailed statement that the funds were allocated to buy seven new locomotives to increase cargo capacity by 400,000 tonnes, refurbish tracks and improve aging infrastructure.
Instead, the railway is only handling 250,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
The 1,860 kilometre railway known as Tazara needs 19 new locomotives and 700 wagons to ferry passengers to return to profitability, according to the statement.
He issued the order when he made a stopover at Tazara Main Station in Dar es Salaam before he boarded the train on his way to Kisaki, Morogoro Region, a trip that will also take him to Rufiji, Coast Region where he is today expected to lay the foundation stone for the historic Rufiji Power Project.
According to President Magufuli, the Act that established Tazara denied either partner (Tanzania and Zambia) a chance to make any investment initiatives single handedly, a situation that also made it difficult to make any reforms in running the authority.
The president directed that the documents with proposals for the legal framework changes be sent to the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication to be submitted to his office within this week.
In order to revamp the authority, the two heads of state directed attorneys general of the two countries to meet and review the legal framework of the 1975 Tazara Act to accommodate changes and make it commercially viable and attractive to private players.
President Magufuli met with his Zambian counterpart, Edgar Lungu, to discuss among other issues, Tazara’s long-standing woes in November 2016.
He said their decision was aimed at restoring Tazara’s ability to serve its customers, noting that in 1976, Tazara transported five million tonnes of cargo annually, but due to low investment causing lack of engines and wagons, the figure had dropped to less than 300,000 as of last year.
“It was agreed that it was essential to review and restructure the legal frameworks so that any side that wants to invest can do so without hindrance,” he pointed out, adding: “Currently, neither country can invest without the consent of the other, but must do so together. We must restructure the laws; Tazara is for both countries but legal provisions should allow any of the two countries to be able to conduct investment activities.” The process is taking too long; the matter is supposed to be treated urgently for Tazara to survive, he noted.
“We will not abandon Tazara; it is the realization of the thoughts of our founders (Kenneth Kaunda and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere) aided by China; this is in their memory. Tazara will never die in our hands,” he stated.
He further urged the Tazara management to make sure that they help their workers, noting that they were frustrated even though they did not want to voice their problems presumably because of fear.
“The workers look burdened with problems, so sit with them and solve their problems and draw my attention to the ones that will not be settled,” he directed.
Tazara Managing Director Engineer Bruno Ching’andu and TAZARA’s Regional General Manager for Tanzania, Mr Fuad Abdallah, affirmed that they had received the directives of restructuring the legal framework and had already submitted the proposals to the ministry.
“The process has been completed at the level of experts and attorneys general in both countries; what is pending is the ministerial level, for the cabinet paper to be submitted and be decided upon,” said Mr Abdallah.
Edward Chilufya scored his debut competitive goal in Europe on Sunday joining his compatriots on target over the weekend as their respective 2019/2020 campaigns overseas begin to gather pace.
SOUTH AFRICA
Striker Lazarus Kambole’s competitive debut for Kazier Chiefs began with a 2-0 Soweto derby loss to Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the 2019 Carling Black Label Cup at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Kambole, who missed two great chances including a shocking sitter, started the match and was substituted in the 62nd minute.
Compatriot Augustine Mulenga scored Pirates opening goal in the 18th minute before he was substituted in the 87th minute while Justin Shonga, who did not score, left the seven pitch minutes earlier.
AUSTRIA
In Austria on Friday, RB Salzburg began their title defence with a 2-0 away win over Rapid Wien in Vienna.
Striker Patson Daka started the match but was not on target before he was substituted in the 71st minute.
Midfielder Enock Mwepu came on in the 71st minute but he too was not on target.
BELGIUM
Striker Fashion Sakala came off the bench in the 58th minute to inspire KV Oostende to a stunning opening day of the season 2-1 away win over 34-time champions Anderlecht on Sunday.
Sakala scored the winning goal in the 75th minutes after the two sides came from the break locked at 1-1 after Oostende rallied from one-down in the opening period.
RUSSIA
It is the third week of the Russian season and Arsenal Tula lost their first game of the campaign on Sunday following a 3-2 home loss to FK Rostov.
Striker Lameck Banda came off the bench in the 79th minute but was not on target while midfielder Kings Kangwa was an unused substitute.
SWEDEN
Zambia Under-23 striker Edward Chilfuya scored his debut goal for Djurgarden on Sunday, two years after joining the club.
Chilufya came off the bench in in the 82nd minute to score a stoppage time goal in Djurgarden’s 2-0 home win over Hacken.
President Lungu’s Rally at Shifwankula grounds in Chunga Ward of Katuba Constituency to drum up support for a PF Candidate
President Edgar Lungu has reiterated his call for peaceful campaigns ahead of tomorrow’s by election in Katuba Constituency.
The President has urged participating political parties to embrace one another and emulate their leaders who are enjoying a good relationship.
Speaking at a Public Rally to drum up support for PF candidate Zacks Mwachilele, President Lungu claimed that he enjoys a good relationship with United Party for National Development President Hakainde Hichilema hence the need for their followers not to fight.
President Lungu said he and Mr. Hichilema laugh and shake hands when they meet and their families are safe and this should serve as a reminder to all cadres on the need to be peaceful.
He however reminded the electorate in Katuba to vote for the PF in tomorrow’s by election if they are to see the much needed development.
President Lungu said the opposition has failed the people of Katuba as evidenced by the lack of development in the area under the UPND.
The people of Katuba are going to the polls tomorrow to elect a new member of parliament following the demise of incumbent MP Patricia Mwashingwere of the UPND.
President Lungu’s Rally at Shifwankula grounds in Chunga Ward of Katuba Constituency to drum up support for a PF CandidatePresident Lungu’s Rally at Shifwankula grounds in Chunga Ward of Katuba Constituency to drum up support for a PF CandidatePresident Lungu’s Rally at Shifwankula grounds in Chunga Ward of Katuba Constituency to drum up support for a PF CandidatePresident Lungu’s Rally at Shifwankula grounds in Chunga Ward of Katuba Constituency to drum up support for a PF Candidate
The sale of Vodafone Zambia to the new owners is expected to be completed by August 2019, company Spokesperson Mutale Kapaso has disclosed.
In a statement, Ms. Kapaso states that the arrival of new shareholders is expected to inject capital funding that will enable Vodafone Zambia to expand its operations countrywide and launch the long-awaited Voice and SMS services.
She noted that due to the delay in capital injection, some of the company’s network coverage areas have consequently experienced outages.
“Mobile Broadband Limited trading as Vodafone Zambia launched its operations in 2016, introducing the first 4G high speed mobile internet network into the Zambian market. It grew rapidly on account of its next generation innovation on products and services offered to customers. Unfortunately, the withholding of funds by shareholders of the holding company – Afrimax Holdings BV in 2017 led to the company undergoing financial distress which led to employees petitioning the court for Business Rescue while it embarked on a process of obtaining new shareholders.”
“Mobile Broadband Limited T/A Vodafone Zambia commenced Business Rescue proceedings following the approval of the same by the High Court on 15th October 2018. Through the supervision of the Business Rescue Administrator (BRA) and the Court, a Business Rescue Plan was developed for implementation. The plan encompasses restructuring of the company’s affairs, business, property, debt and other liabilities and equity in a manner that maximizes the company’s continued existence and growth on a financially sound basis, resulting in a better return for all its stakeholders. This process also provided MBL a temporary moratorium or stay on the rights of claimants against the company enabling management and employees to focus on the company’s recovery,” she said.
“The introduction of the Business Rescue Process by the Government of the Republic of Zambia is provided for in Part III of The Corporate Insolvency Act, 2017. This provision is a major milestone for Zambia and places her at the forefront of implementing a positive, progressive mechanism that supports companies that have evident underlying strengths to weather temporary challenges, so that they continue to play an important role in the economy. With this process in place we are confident and convinced that MBL will bounce back stronger and more competitive in the Zambian ISP and soon Voice market.”
She continued, “During this Business Rescue process the BRA, Management, Employees, Stakeholders and with the assistance of key suppliers, have kept the business running to enable service provision to our customers as well as ensure that MBL is saleable to its soon to be new owners, a process we are confident to close by August 2019.”
“It is also important to note that due to the delay in capital injection, some of our areas with network coverage have consequently experienced network outages. The arrival of new shareholders is expected to inject capital funding that will enable MBL to expand its operations countrywide and launch the long-awaited Voice and SMS services.”
“We take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for the continued network outages we are still experiencing in some areas of Lusaka and the Copperbelt. With the acquisition process soon finalizing, these outages will soon be resolved,” she concluded.
Zambian High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga
One of India’s leading private hospitals, KIMS, has offered free air tickets to the underprivileged patients in Zambia to be treated in India if a Memorandum of Understanding is signed with Government.
KIMS Hospital Director Bollineni Abhinay says the MOU should further lead to the establishment of a dialysis centre in Zambia.
He says KIMS has 10 hospitals in India totaling over 3000 beds with separate units for bone marrow, heart and kidney transplants.
Dr. Abhinay says the hospital trains over 200 doctors every year and Zambian doctors can benefit from the training for further skills transfer.
He says the hospital has specialised skills in dialysis for patients suffering from acute and end stage kidney disease.
Dr. Abhinay says dialysis is also used as a bridge to kidney transplant for patients with end stage kidney disease.
This came to light when Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga toured KIMS Hospital.
And Mrs. Kapijimpanga said former University Teaching Hospital- UTH Managing Director Dr. Clarence Chiluba’s appointment as Counselor Health at the Mission in India is commitment by Government to leverage on opportunities obtaining in the global health sector, India in particular, where most Zambians seek quality super-specialized health services.
She said Zambia has over 200 patients on chronic dialysis and about 800 acute kidney injury patients per year of which the figures are grossly underestimated as most patients are lost before they are referred to dialysis units.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga said the Zambian Government has put a premium on health as a catalyst for economic development to ensure that investment in health and other sectors is supported.
The High Commissioner said Zambia’s health sector has made significant investment in infrastructure and equipment but requires capacity building.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga said the Mission is further looking for a serious investor who can build a multi super-specialty hospital to service both the country and sub SAHARAN Africa.
This is contained in a statement released by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in India Bangwe Naviley.
Mr Chitotela speaking to Journalists outside the Lusaka Magistrate Court following his acquittal
Minister of Tourism and Arts Ronald Chitotela has thanked the people of Pambashe Constituency for their support during the time he was in court over corruption allegations and trial.
And Mr. Chitotela has thanked President Edgar Lungu for keeping him as Cabinet Minister despite calls from some stakeholders that he be dropped to pave way for investigations.
Speaking at Mushota Primary School Ground during a thanks giving rally yesterday, Mr. Chitotela said he will remain indebted to the people some of whom even made effort to travel to Lusaka for the court sessions.
He also thanked God for letting the truth out through the court that acquitted him.
And Senior Chief Mushota of the Chishinga people of Luapula Province told the Minister to now concentrate on developing his constituency.
He congratulated the Minister for his transfer from the Ministry of Infrastructure to the Ministry if Tourism and Arts.
The traditional leader said the Minister’s new office is strategic for the development of Luapula and the country as whole.
He pointed at the availability of natural endorsements like the several waterfalls and rich traditional culture.
Labour commissioner Chanda Kaziya says it is illegal for any company to terminate a contract of a Zambian worker and fill the vacancy with an expatriate.
Mr. Kaziya has also directed all foreign employers to employ qualified human resource practitioners who are conversant with Zambian Labour laws.
He says the new Labour act is a good piece of legislation that has been crafted to protect the interests of Zambians.
Mr. Kaziya was speaking in Kitwe after conducting a training workshop of about sixty-five representatives of Chinese companies based on the Copperbelt.
He implored the participants to desist from the tendency of employing workers on good will without following laid down procedures.
And speaking earlier, Zambia Chinese Association -ZCA- vice president Wang Xin who is also president of Copperbelt chapter said participants have collectively updated themselves with the new employment act.
Mr. Wang explained that his association will continue to engage the ministry of labour for continuous sensitization to avoid conflict with the Zambian labour laws.
