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We took time off politics to check on our farms from where we raise funds to support the less privileged in our country.
We do this by trading our farm produce which includes milk, maize and beef. The Agriculture sector is currently facing numerous challenges but we are confident that with determination, this sector alone can employ thousands of our youth and women as it has a long value chain.
When our time to be in government comes, we will do even more in improving the agriculture sector as one of our strategic economic boosters.
Agriculture demands for land and we will ensure that every Zambian youth and woman has a piece of land as their capital and then we can bring in the aspect of joint ventures with those with technology know-how so that together we can grow our economy and ensure food security.
Together with you, we will ensure a food secured Zambia.
Vedanta Resources has reiterated its appeal to the Zambian government to discuss the KCM matter face-to-face.
Giving an update on the latest legal issues surrounding KCM, Vedanta says it remains committed to resolving the current situation in the best interests of all parties involved.
It said the Lusaka High Court granted Vedanta an interim order which stayed a number of powers that had been granted to the KCM Provisional Liquidator.
The company said these powers were stayed until an inter partes hearing on the order, scheduled for 4 July 2019.
“Subsequent to such order the Provisional Liquidator (on behalf of KCM) and ZCCM filed applications in opposition to Vedanta making the application and for the stay order to be set aside. The opposing applications were scheduled to be heard inter partes today (Friday).
“Vedanta’s counsel requested an adjournment to prepare opposing affidavits and arguments. This was accepted and the hearing on the applications has now been scheduled to be heard on 4 July 2019, along with the motion of Nchito and Nchito, on behalf of the KCM directors’ to represent KCM.”
“However as part of the decision handed down today the stay on the exercise of the powers of the Provisional Liquidator has been lifted pending the inter partes hearing on 4 July 2019.”
And KCM yesterday released the statement below regarding the court decision
Press release
High Court vacates Oder to Stay some powers of the KCM Provisional Liquidator
CHINGOLA, 28 June 2019: The Provisional Liquidator (“PL”) of Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM), Milingo Lungu, informs that Lusaka High Court judge M. Bobo Banda has vacated the initial ex-parte order she granted limiting some of the powers of the Provisional Liquidator.
On 26 th June 2019, the High Court had issued an order to restrain the Provisional Liquidator, Mr Lungu, from exercising and performing some of his powers in KCM following an Ex-parte application to Stay some of the PL’s powers which was filed by lawyers representing Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited. The latest court decision on 28 th June, 2019 follows an urgent application by lawyers representing ZCCM to discharge the Ex-parte Order which was granted by Judge Mrs. Anessi B. Banda on 26 th June, 2019. The 26 th June, 2019 Ex Parte Order, among others restrained the PL from engaging with KCM suppliers and contractors as well as other business partners which would have crippled operations of Konkola Copper Mines.
In view of the court’s latest order issued on 28 th June, 2019, Mr Lungu wishes to update the nation and all KCM stakeholders that operations of KCM remain on course with production ramp- up being the key focus as the company continues to engage with its business partners in a normal way.
As provided for under Zambian legislation, the Provisional Liquidator continues to exercise the executive responsibility of running the Company and the KCM Executive Management Committee remains accountable to the Provisional Liquidator.
“I am glad to reiterate that operations of the Nchanga Smelter, which commenced on 17 th June following the suspension of the operations on 17 th May 2019, have progressed in a smooth and sustainable manner. The Smelter has since started to produce copper anodes and acid required for the Tailings Leach Plant (TLP) operations,” Mr Lungu commented.
Mr Lungu further added that, “The Tailings Leach Plant itself is operating normally since resumption of operations on 20 th June 2019. All efforts by the various teams are entirely focused on ramping-up production. I therefore, urge employees to continue working normally, safely and remain steadfast in the pursuit to make KCM a great organization. Our stakeholders should also remain calm as we continue to work towards a common goal-safe and increased production.”
Shapi Shachinda
Manager Public Relations & Communications
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is saddened by the death of former KK11 captain Dickson Makwaza senior who was also a Life Member.
Makwaza captained Zambia at the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where the KK11 emerged runners up to the then Zaire.
Nicknamed barbed wire in his playing days, Makwaza coached Zambia at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games where the team reached a historic quarterfinal finish.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has wished the Makwaza family God’s guidance during the period of mourning and beyond.
Kamanga says the game has lost one of its greatest icons.
“The FAZ Executive and the entire football family mourns Mr Makwaza. Mr. Makwaza was one the longest serving captains of the Zambia Nations Team formerly known as KK11 and was also a Life Member. He was recognizable by his humility despite his achievements in life,” Kamanga said.
“It is our prayer that our modern day footballers learn from his great spirit of sacrifice and dedication.”
Makwaza’s son Linos starred for the Chipolopolo in the post Gabon disaster era and has taken up coaching roles at various clubs. The deceased’s grandson Linos junior is on the books of Power Dynamos.
Makwaza died in Ndola in the early hours of today (29/06/19). He was born on July 15, 1943 in Mazabuka.
The funeral is being held at Number 50, Ghana Circle Road in Luanshya.
For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Andrew Kamanga
PRESIDENT
George Lwandamina admits that the pressure weighs heavily on Zesco United heading into today’s 2019 league title decider against Green Eagles in Lusaka.
Seven-time champions Zesco seek a third successive league title but Eagles stand in their away at Woodland Stadium this afternoon.
Eagles are contesting their debut league title since their promotion in 2008.
“I think we have been in this business for quite some time, psychologically any situation creates its anxieties. We are no exception as football family it goes with the same it is the reaction of the body,” Lwandamina said.
“I am sure we have more to fight in this game compared to Eagles.
“Experience does not matter in football. Football is a game of situations, new and old situations will arise.
“It is unpredictable; it is how best you go into this best. How best you create your chances and put them away and how best you defend. It is a one-off there is no replay or return match it has to be decided.”
Sunday Chanda with UPND President Hakainde Hichilema
”Politics by their nature can get intense, but politics should by no means become a grudge driven no-holds-barred personal battle where one individual develops personal vendettas against another. Mr. Hichilema permanently appears to be in a rage where he permanently blames others even for his self-inflicted woes…In fact, all of his many political scars and bruising have been as a result of battles with himself that he lost”.
By Sunday Chilufya Chanda
During a recent Independence Celebration for one of our friendly nations, I looked forward to an evening of friendship with the hosts as well as other foreign and local dignitaries.
Among the local guests was Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the leader of the main opposition UPND. Upon noticing his presence as he was being interviewed by the media, Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya who was guest of honour and I went and greeted him after doing so with several other guests. I anticipated a cordial, brotherly conversation in spite of our political divergences.
However, the UPND leader suddenly turned the celebratory air into an acrimonious atmosphere when he alleged that I “insult” him, how he’s “noted” what I write (I guess my file is growing bigger and bigger by the day) and that he is not going to “leave Zambia “ for me.
This not the first time that the UPND leader has uttered personal threats against this author.
Only a few months ago when he featured on a live radio phone in programme, Mr Hichilema was passionately menacing when threatened to make this writers’ life miserable because he would be made “to flee Zambia” in the unlikely event that the UPND leader became president.
During my recent encounter with Hakainde, I could not help but notice how deeply rooted his bitterness has developed and how and personal and petty he has sadly become. The venomous intensity of what spewed forth from his mouth portrayed the picture of blind rage.
Politics by their nature can get intense, but politics should by no means become a grudge driven no-holds-barred personal battle where an individual pursues personal vendettas against another.
My elder brother Hakainde is troubled. He appears to be permanently in rage and permanently blaming others even for his self-inflicted woes. He is the perfect example of how troubles hurt the most when they are self-inflicted.
His anger typically involves the externalising of blame. He considers the source of his anger to be outside of himself, when it is really inside of himself.
In fact, all of his many political scars and bruising have been as a result of a battle with himself that he lost.
The problem with my elder brother is that he is quick to blame others for his lack of political progress, but slow to blame his own dubious strategies of promoting fake news, regionalism and a people-detached UPND “Life Presidency”. The tragedy is that he keeps repeating them over and over again, trying to make them work.
Those 4 minutes were unmemorable.
I wish to repeat what I said to Mr. Hichilema in my previous articles: “When you accost us with insults we will not hear you; but when you present constructive criticism without malice, we will not only hear you, but we will listen to you.
If Hichilema stop telling lies about the Patriotic Front Government of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu; then we will stop telling the truth about him.” I really look forward to engaging Mr Hichilema for 40 minutes as cordially as brothers would, especially at events commemorating our own national days.
Let us have politics of decency rather than hostile confrontations
The Author is Patriotic Front Media Director At the Patriotic Front Secretariat Lusaka
AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) Zambia Programme Manager, Mabvuto Kango has noted that lack of access to sanitary towels by school going girls predisposes them to harmful activities.
Dr. Kango says lack of availability of sanitary towels especially in rural areas, exposes girls to find ways of assessing them, adding that this results in them undertaking dangerous ventures which make them vulnerable.
He said this in Kafue this morning when AHF Zambia in collaboration with Miracle Corner made a donation of sanitary towels to Chikupi Primary school.
Dr Kango noted that menstrual periods are a major cause of absenteeism from school of about one in ten girls in Africa, adding that girls also miss one to four days of school in a month which eventually leads to dropping out of school.
He said his organisation is determined to help improve access to education for the girl child, adding that once they are empowered with education, they become less vulnerable and have the potential to become vibrant women who can contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth.
And Miracle Corner Country Manager, Violet Mwansa, has called on government to consider reducing the tax paid on sanitary pads in order to make them more affordable.
She noted that menstrual periods just like early marriages and early pregnancies, also has the potential to make a girl child stay away from school, hence the need to find a lasting solution to the challenge.
Meanwhile, Chikupi Primary School Deputy Headmistress, Matama Mulenga, has expressed gratitude to the AIDS Health Foundation for the donation.
Ms Mulenga noted that the donation will help boost the enrolment of girls at the school, as well as the general attendance.
She added that the donation will also contribute to improving the performance of girls at the learning facility, and their participation during lessons, and boosting the confidence within them.
Chikupi Primary School has 1,002 pupils out of which 461 are girls and 541 are boys.
First Lady Esther Lungu has urged corporate entities and privileged Zambians to consider donating some of their excess material gains and finances to the vulnerable and needy in society.
Mrs Lungu noted that there are people, especially in rural areas who are not able to afford buying clothes for their children, hence the need for the privileged Zambians and corporate entities to come to their aid.
She said she has taken it upon herself to help vulnerable people in rural areas of Zambia especially mothers and children.
She stated that some mothers who go to the hospital to give birth have no capacity to provide for the newborn babies hence the need for people who have means to come to the aid of such parents.
The First Lady was speaking at State House this morning when she received a donation of assorted clothes and shoes worth K180, 000 from the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services.
Mrs Lungu noted that by donating to the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust, the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Service, is contributing to the relief of many people especially women and children in rural areas.
The First Lady who is well known for helping children and women in rural areas disclosed that rural areas are the geographical focus of the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust.
She has since thanked all the partners and donors for entrusting her foundation with the mandate to respond to the needs of the vulnerable in Zambia and pledged to remain accountable and transparent.
Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Service Chief Executive Officer Victoria Mumba handed over the donated item on behalf of the institution.
Speaking during the handover, Mrs Mumba thanked the First Lady for her commitment towards serving the vulnerable and poor in Zambia.
Mrs Mumba said her institution is grateful to make a contribution to the work of the first lady’s foundation trust in uplifting the lives of many women and children.
And a member of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Service Council Simangolwa Shakalima noted that his institution and partners have taken note of the works of the First Lady which he said has contributed positively to the uplifting of lives of the less privilege and vulnerable in the society.
Mr Shakalima expressed hope that through the donation, his institution will contribute to the greater works of the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust.
The donation comprised blankets, baby napkins, girls’ and boys’ shoes and clothes plus men clothes among other things
Government has launched a new HIV drug called Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF).
TAF is co-formulated with Emtricitabine and Dolutegravir as one tablet known as TAFED.
The newly launched regimen suppresses the viral load within 10 to 14 days and it can also be given to children of 25 kilogrammes and above, as a single tablet daily.
Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya who launched the new drug on Thursday evening in Lusaka said Zambia is the first country in the world to introduce TAF, which is better and safer tolerated with less bone and kidney side effects.
Dr Chilufya says the simplification led to harmonisation of antiretroviral regimens between children and adults and provide better outcomes.
He said government is optimistic the new drug will help Zambia achieve the epidemic control of HIV by 2021.
Dr Chilufya thanked President Edgar Lungu for what he called unprecedented political will towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.
He also thanked cooperating partners singling out the United States Government for being an all-time partner.
The Zambia Amateur Athletics Association has insisted that it has the powers to regulate all running activities in the country.
In a statement, ZAAA says mass participation in any sport under the National Sport Policy is subject to regulation.
“We are not stopping any individuals or companies from running or walking for their fitness as the social media peddlers seem to propagate. Running Clubs run without being stopped or regulated, while some are now seeking partnership or affiliation to upgrade their status and enjoy some Club privileges from ZAAA,” the statement read.
“Please note that Mass Participation in any Sport under the National Sport Policy is subject to regulation. In any case, all who are now complaining want to use our Sport to raise funds for their interests without Partnering with ZAAA.”
It added, “While others want to use our Sport and Properties to enhance their Brands without entering into a win-win Partnership with ZAAA. We decided to provide this additional reinforcement information of actions to enable you have our side of the story too, apart from what is already provided for in our Constitution and the National Sport Policy.”
Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili at a press briefing flanked by PR Girl Media partners Chishimba Nyambe and Monde Nyambe
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has urged Zambian artists, musicians and event promoters to desist from condoning or participating in activities that undermine the countries national values and principles.
Rev. Sumaili took cognisance of the huge role performing artists play in shaping public perceptions opinions, but insisted that they should detach themselves from foreign influences that dent the country’s national values and principles inline with the Republican constitution.
Speaking during a press briefing with the PR Girl Media at the New government complex in Lusaka, Rev. Sumaili purely stated that government will not allow a situation where event managers invite people with questionable characters as this undermines the morals of the land.
This follows the PR Girls consultation with her ministry on their intent to bring into the country South African Choreographer and TV personality Somizi Mhlongo who is reportedly GAY!
Rev. Sumaili has reiterated that Zambia does not condone gayism and homosexuality adding that it remains a crime according to the Zambian laws.
“In Zambia we do not condone gayism and homosexuality and this is a crime …Inviting people with such means we are slowly accepting the vice. We must guard against such foreign influences as they pose a risk of disturbing our social fiber as a Christian nation,” Rev. Sumaili reaffirmed.
She said government shall remain committed in supporting innovation and creativity but will not compromise the countries shared values.
She maintained that government shall remain consistent in putting the nation first.
Below is the Minister’s full statement
Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili at a press briefing flanked by PR Girl Media partners Chishimba Nyambe and Monde Nyambe
JOINT PRESS BRIEFING WITH THE NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL AND PR Girl MEDIA ON THE ROLE OF NATIONAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ON 28TH JUNE, 2019 AT MINISTRY OF NATIONAL GUIDANCE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Performing artists have a strong influence in society and help shape public perceptions and opinions. Therefore, in the promotion of National values and principles, Artists, Musicians and Event promoters are expected to develop a mechanism to hold their members accountable for compliance with National values and principles.
They are equally expected to refuse to condone or participate in acts of Commission or omission that undermine the national values and principles.
Therefore, as a Government we would not condone a situation where Event Managers are inviting people with questionable characters that might undermine the morals of the land as espoused in our Republican Constitution on National values and principles. Further, the Constitution demands that these national values and principles be applied in the enactment and interpretation of the laws as well as development and implementation of state policies.
In Zambia, we do not condone gayism and this is a crime and inviting such people means we are slowly accepting this vice. We must guard against such foreign influences as they pose a risk of disturbing our social fibre as a Christian Nation.
Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili at a press briefing flanked by PR Girl Media partners Chishimba Nyambe and Monde Nyambe, and NAC Director Mr Adrian Chipinde
Green Eagles are 90 minutes away from history when they face defending champions Zesco United in the 2019 FAZ Super Division playoff final on June 29 at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Eleven years after making their FAZ Super Division debut, Eagles play their biggest match to date just seven months after their first-ever continental campaign in the 2018/2019 CAF Confederation Cup that ended with a second round exit last December.
“The feeling is we are ready, we have prepared well for this game. We are looking forward do that we can win our first league in our history. This is our chance and we are looking forward,” Eagles assistant coach Alex Namazaba said.
Victory for the Southern Province -based side will also see the first time a team from outside the Zambian football hotbed of the Copperbelt and Midlands would have won the league title.
Eagles captain Ceaser Hakaluba said they are excited but not under any pressure to be heading into Saturday’s date with destiny.
“For us, I think, we want it more than Zesco because we want to make history for the first time. This will be an interesting game and we are ready for it,” Hakaluba said.
“This will be a different ball game. We are not afraid of Zesco, we have prepared for them, and we know what we are capable of doing.”
Meanwhile, this will be Zesco and Eagles’ first competitive meeting since 2018 after they were separated in the group stages of the 2019 transitional season before winning their respective pool’s to book Saturday’s rendezvous.
They have met 16 times in the league with Zesco dominating with seven wins and losing three matches.
But Eagles beat Zesco in their last meeting 1-0 at home in Choma last October on the latter’s way to retaining the title.
And both sides will represent Zambia in the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League after winning their respective league groups campaigns.
Government has again deferred the implementation of the General Sales Tax to September 1, 2019.
The General Sales Tax was initially supposed to be implemented starting from July 1, 2019.
Delivering her ministerial statement in Parliament today, Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said the implementation of Sales Tax was differed because the Bill has not yet undergo parliamentary procedures which include second reading, committee stage and third reading.
Ms Mwanakatwe said once passed parliament the bill has to undergo Presidential assent.
“Clearly these processes cannot be completed before the stated date of July 1, 2019. To this end I wish to inform this house and the nation that the implementation date for sales tax has been moved to September 1, 2019.
“Government has continued to receive submissions from both the public and private sectors as it continues to sensitize them on the content of the bill. Like I said in my brief to the house in April, 2019, we do not want to leave any stone unturned. It is in this regard that my ministry working hand in hand with Zambia Revenue Authority went to all the 10 provinces to engage stakeholders in order to get their key input on the bill that was presented before this august house. We also interacted with professional bodies, academia, think tanks and other business associations,” she said.
She said there is need of support and determination to ensure that the nation gets enough resources to provide social services.
Ms Mwanakatwe proposed to hold a workshop with all Members of Parliament next week to discuss and clarify all issues on the General Sales Tax.
Below is the full statement
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank you for giving me this opportunity to respond to the point of order raised by the Honourable member and to update the house and the nation on the progress made towards the implementation of sales tax.
Mr. Speaker, as I announced in April 2019 before this house we intended to implement the move from vat to sales tax on 1st July, 2019.
Sir, as you may be aware, the bill is yet to undergo parliamentary procedures which include second reading, committee stage and third reading. Once passed by parliament the bill has to undergo presidential assent.
Clearly these processes cannot be completed before the stated date of 1st July 2019. To this end Mr, Speaker, I wish to inform this house and the nation that the implementation date for sales tax has been moved to 1st September, 2019.
Mr. Speaker, the government has continued to receive submissions from both the public and private sectors as it continues to sensitize them on the content of the bill.
Sir, like I said in my brief to the house in April, 2019 we do not want to leave any stone unturned. It is in this regard that my ministry working hand in hand with Zambia Revenue Authority went to all the ten provinces to engage stakeholders in order to get their key input on the bill that was presented before this august house. We also interacted with professional bodies, academia, think tanks and other business associations.
Mr. Speaker, may I take this opportunity to thank the Zambian people for their support and determination to ensure that this nation gets enough resources to provide social services. I also wish to inform the nation that their views and suggestions will be taken into account as we implement sales tax.
Additionally Mr. Speaker I propose to hold a workshop with all members of parliament next week to discuss and clarify all issues on sales tax. I look forward to the support of the house during further consideration of the bill presented before this house.
I thank you Mr Speaker.
Through the emPawa Africa initiative, Nigerian artist ,Mr Eazi, selected 100 artists to receive $3000 each to create a music video. Zambia singer Chembo was one of the artists chosen.
Chembo was able to create the music video for the song ‘Iyelele Africa‘ that was produced by Fabrice of Star House Music and co-produced by Emmanuel Shambaka.
President Edgar Lungu on 10K finishing line.Team ZAF member crossing the line as the Team ZAF becomes the overall winner.Some of the sponsors of the tournament being recognizedSome of the sponsors of the tournament being recognized
Team ZAF which emerge the overall winner.Team ZAF which emerge the overall winner.Team ZAF celebrating the winning by throwing up its coach.President Edgar Lungu on 2019 ICR 10 km race finishing line and being awarded a participation medal and congratulated by Madison Life board chairman Lawrence Sikuntwa and Madison Life CEO Agnes Chakonta at Lusaka National Heroes StadiumPresident Edgar Lungu on 2019 ICR 10 km race finishing line and being awarded a participation medal and congratulated by Madison Life board chairman Lawrence Sikuntwa and Madison Life CEO Agnes Chakonta at Lusaka National Heroes Stadiumsome participants on finishing line.Aerobics time before the running by teams
