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Revolution Based On The Christian Spirit Of ST Valentine

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Revolution Based On The Christian Spirit Of ST Valentine

On February 14, every year, the whole world stands still to hail the virtuous and heroic martyrdom of a Catholic priest, St. Valentine, as far back as 496 AD. A selfless and patriotic servant of God, St. Valentine was ascribed to have been officially bumped off for his love and concern for humanity, especially the youth.

Historically, he was killed for imploring for and nursing back to health the frogspawn of his jailor. In another renowned ascription, St. Valentine was exterminated for celebrating Christian marriages for forbidden youths in secret, and before he was in jail, he used to write the youths engraving, ‘’Your Valentine’’, on his letters, not the negative and rapacious derivation of modern and mendacious celebrations and season of merrymaking. It is, therefore, incumbent on pious leaders to redirect our people from celebrating mendacity to the real message of this great and selfless guardian of youth and, by extension, the public.

Instead of making this heavenly day a tide for social events, Zambians need to reflect on the way forward fundamentally from a saintly undercurrent, morally, politically, and economically. St Valentine we commemorate was an angel of good leadership characterised by love for the oppressed, the marginalised and unjustly treated. This is the season our political leaders should learn from this selfless servant of God and society, to see politics as a vehicle for love of our homeland, and the response to the socio-political harms of the current order.

St. Valentine was an answer to Jesus’ sanction in the gospel of St Matthew chapters 5 and 25, where he enjoined us to love, cherish, and provide integral basic rights of the people. He is a sign of good leadership whereby he died for his parishioners and youths in general. Our political leaders and our youths ought to know that it’s only in true love that happiness is to be found. The happiness of others whose lives one has touched through good and effective leadership and respect to divine commandments engrossed in true love and charity.

St. Valentine’s Day is a day to renounce our ethnic, tribal and selfish ideas and practices of sinful and wicked adventurism, which afford scope for pride rather than service. St. Valentine advises us, no matter our religious or political leanings, to renounce ethnic marginalisation, religious brutality, democratic misadventure in order to elevate and ennoble true unity in diversity, restructuring justice, equity and peace. Our politicians and youths must renounce the election and re-election of greed but visionless politicians whose stock-in-trade is the spreading and elongation of puppetry, cabalism, tribalism and integral developmental disaster.

Our revolution, based on the fearlessness, patriotism, and Christian spirit of St. Valentine is to join the bandwagon for an ideological and intellectual revolution going on in the country for the love of fraternal, charitable, and ethnic harmony. This year’s Valentine’s Day should ginger our politicians and youths to be strong and resolute in being constructive, proactive, and positively democratic and nationalistic in order to build the happiness of others. St. Valentine invites all Zambians, especially our leaders in all ramifications, to humanise the already dehumanised Zambia via criminalities of corruption, political thuggery and profligacy, and sexual immorality.

St. Valentine’s message is for us to end the evils of political abuses and intimidation and ethnic chauvinism. St. Valentine, as an enigma, lived a selfless life and taught us the essence of common brotherhood, purity of mind, body, soul, and spirit.

By Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party
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UPND Exudes Confidence in 2026 Election Victory

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UPND Exudes Confidence in 2026 Election Victory

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has expressed strong confidence in securing victory in the 2026 general elections, citing significant developmental achievements under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership.

During an engagement session with community members in Bweengwa, UPND’s Chairman for Special Duties, William Banda, highlighted the substantial progress witnessed across the nation since President Hichilema assumed office less than three years ago.

Banda emphasized President Hichilema’s dedication to transforming the country, which has earned widespread appreciation from Zambians nationwide.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of increased Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in rural areas, Banda noted the positive impact on livelihoods. However, he suggested the need for adjustments in fund allocation to better cater to the needs of beneficiaries.

The UPND’s optimistic outlook reflects its confidence in the ongoing development initiatives spearheaded by President Hichilema’s administration, setting the stage for the upcoming elections in 2026.

President Hichilema and Ghanaian Minister Botchwey Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

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President Hichilema and Ghanaian Minister Botchwey Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasized the importance of actualizing agreements between Zambia and Ghana during a meeting with Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Botchwey, at State House.

President Hichilema stressed the need for both countries to move forward with the various activities and arrangements that have been agreed upon. He commended Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo for nominating Minister Botchwey for an international role, highlighting the significance of Africans participating in international positions to advocate for the continent’s interests.

In response, Minister Botchwey reiterated Ghana’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Zambia, affirming the importance of deepening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe disclosed that Zambia and Ghana have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on defense cooperation and enhanced relations. These MoUs aim to facilitate the sharing of best practices, exchange of ideas, and the overall strengthening of bilateral ties between Zambia and Ghana.

The meeting between President Hichilema and Minister Botchwey reaffirms the historical ties and mutual respect shared between Zambia and Ghana, dating back to the eras of Presidents Kwame Nkrumah and Kenneth David Kaunda.

Kwacha Performance Improves

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Kwacha Performance Improves

The Kwacha has continued to register some gains following interventions from the Central Bank.
The Bank of Zambia last week, injected 50.3 million United States dollars into the market, on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, to save the kwacha from further depreciation.

According to the ABSA Bank Daily Report, Monday’s trading session posted some gains against the United States dollar as Bank of Zambia continued to support the market, which saw a significant drop in the corporate demand.

The report states that the market opened with the commercial banks quoting the local unit at K26.925 and K26.975 respectively, on the bid and offer, before appreciating to K26.900/ and K26.950 and closing the trading day at K26.825 and K26.875 on the bid and offer respectively.

“Near term, the Zambian currency is anticipated to trade range bound with the forces of demand and supply determining its next move,” the report indicated.

Meanwhile, Access Bank also confirmed appreciation of the kwacha against the United States dollar.
The bank’s daily report said the local currency rallied against the US dollar in Monday’s trading session with the currency being quoted at K26.850 against the U.S. dollar as at 13 hours, about 0.82 percent stronger than its previous close.
According to Access Bank, the Central Bank offloaded another 70 million United States dollars onto the market yesterday Monday, February 13, 2024.

“The Bank of Zambia offloaded USD 70 million onto the market, satisfying the majority of the built-up long- term hard currency demand, hence stimulating market activity and local currency appreciation. The kwacha is anticipated to extend its gains in the near term,” stated the report.

Former Konkola Copper Mine Liquidator Milingo Lungu Settles Immunity Revocation Case with State Out of Court

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Former Konkola Copper Mine Liquidator Milingo Lungu Settles Immunity Revocation Case with State Out of Court

Former Konkola Copper Mine Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu and the State have opted to settle out of court in the matter concerning the revocation of Lungu’s immunity from prosecution.

In a recent development, Milingo Lungu, represented by his lawyer Sakwiba Sikota, informed the Constitutional Court that they have reached an agreement with the state to resolve the dispute through alternative means.

On behalf of the state, private prosecutor Mandela Nkunika from Simeza and Associates has requested that the costs incurred in prosecuting the case be awarded in favor of the state.

However, Jonas Zimba, the defense lawyer from Makebi Zulu and Company, argued against condemning Lungu to pay costs, citing his decision to settle the matter with the state outside of court.

The Constitutional Court has reserved its ruling on the application pending further deliberation.

Milingo Lungu had been granted immunity from prosecution on March 22, 2022, regarding his activities as the former Provisional Liquidator of Konkola Copper Mines. This immunity agreement had been approved by the then Director of Public Prosecutions, Lilian Siyunyi.

Rachel Kundananji Shatters Records as World’s Most Expensive Female Footballer

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Rachel Kundananji Shatters Records as World’s Most Expensive Female Footballer

Rachel Kundananji has made football history by becoming the most expensive women’s footballer ever after sealing a move from Spanish club Madrid CFF to USA club Bay FC for a staggering transfer fee of $860,000 (£685,000). This landmark deal, confirmed by Forbes, marks Kundananji as the first African player, male or female, to command a world-record transfer fee, underscoring the growing prominence of African talent on the global football stage.

The 23-year-old striker, renowned for her goal-scoring prowess, scored an impressive 33 goals in 43 Liga F games for Madrid, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. Her exceptional talent has earned her a four-year deal with Bay FC, with the option of an additional year.

Bay FC is set to make their debut in the National Women’s Soccer League this year, providing Kundananji with an exciting platform to showcase her skills and contribute to the club’s success. Her move not only sets a new benchmark for women’s football transfers but also signifies the increasing recognition and valuation of African players in the international football community.

Kundananji’s remarkable journey to breaking the women’s transfer record began with Zambian side Indeni Roses before stints with BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan and Spanish top-flight side Eibar. Her impressive performances both domestically and internationally, including a notable stint at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, have solidified her reputation as one of Africa’s top talents.

The significant transfer fee paid for Kundananji reflects the growing investment in women’s football, with FIFA reporting record spending in January. Despite a marginal increase in international transfers, the total transfer fees soared to $2.1 million, signifying the increasing financial value placed on women’s football talent.

Kundananji joins Bay FC alongside Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala and former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, further enhancing the club’s roster ahead of the upcoming season. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, Kundananji aims to continue captivating fans with her exceptional talent and contributing to her new club’s success on the pitch.

ZICTA Warns Against Fake News

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ZICTA Warns Against Fake News

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has warned the public against circulating unverified information on Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp.

ZICTA Manager Corporate Communications Hanford Chaaba said digital media platforms should be used productivey and responsibly.

Mr. Chaaba said the public should verify the accuracy of the information before sharing.

‘The inappropriate usage of digital platforms for purposes such as spreading fake news or sharing
unverified and potentially malicious information could present significant risks that may lead to
severe social and economic consequences,” Mr. Chaaba said.

A voice note has been going round social media alleging that a named mobile telecommunication service provider may close.

“Recently, the Authority has noted with concern the rise in misinformation circulating on several Social media platforms either targeted at individuals or corporate entities.By collectively committing to responsible and productive usage of digital platforms, everyone can contribute to safeguarding the integrity and viability of the digital environment,” he said.

ARC Ltd. And US Government partner to safeguard food security and expand parametric insurance in Africa

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ARC Ltd. And US Government partner to safeguard food security and expand parametric insurance in Africa

African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) and the United States Government (USG) have entered into a landmark US$11.7 million partnership to safeguard food security and strengthen climate resilience in Africa by increasing access to parametric insurance. The project aims to protect vulnerable smallholder farmers facing increasing climate change-related disasters while assisting African governments to better respond to climate risks.

Parametric insurance provides rapid payouts based on pre-agreed triggers, allowing timely responses to natural disasters. The USG funding will enable ARC Ltd. to scale up technical assistance in-country and increase coverage across Africa over the next three years.

Says ARC Ltd. COO Ange Chitate, who heads up the project: “ARC Ltd. is committed to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists across our African Union member states. Our priority with this grant is to provide coverage to 19 states, and with the support of the USG, we will refine and develop innovative products that will meet the evolving needs of these countries.”

The project has two primary objectives. Firstly, governments will be assisted with capacity building to manage climate change-induced disasters through the effective use of parametric insurance. To this end, ARC Ltd. will work closely with governments to customise risk models for each country, establish contingency plans and integrate parametric insurance into policy frameworks. This localisation helps ensure that the insurance payouts will meet the real needs on the ground.
Secondly, the project seeks to increase the uptake of parametric insurance through close cooperation with the African Union and regional economic communities to encourage adoption. It will also focus on aligning domestic policy frameworks with regional policies to embed parametric insurance in existing climate adaption frameworks.

Increasing climate change impacts requires responsive diversification to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability and ARC Ltd. is committed to expanding its portfolio to cover more countries, hazards and people. Plans include developing demand-driven micro/meso insurance and diversifying beneficiaries, such as pastoral farmers locally and humanitarian organisations internationally.

Various activities have been identified to achieve the objectives. On the technical side, ARC Ltd. will further refine and develop new products for member states with a focus on drought, flood and tropical cyclone models. ARC Ltd. will also work more extensively with technical and financial partners, UN agencies, international financing institutions and universities to identify how data can be used for increased evidence-based policy decision-making and impact measurement.

To pave the way for more countries to participate in the risk pools, ARC Ltd. together with ARC Agency, will align technical, governance, and policy capacity with the risk pool requirements by hosting risk transfer workshops in select countries. Training local experts is also a key focus.

ARC Ltd. will also complete policy underwriting for single and multiperil cover, having identified the countries that qualify for each.
The USA aims to help more than half a billion people in developing countries to adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change through President Biden’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE). With this partnership, it has strengthened its strategic interests in disaster risk financing in Africa while signalling its commitment to investing in locally led climate solutions. For ARC Ltd., this project aligns with its mission to safeguard more nations and create effective pan-African climate response systems.

“ARC Ltd. has set an ambitious goal of protecting the lives and livelihoods of 700 million vulnerable people in Africa by 2034,” says ARC Ltd. CEO Lesley Ndlovu. “The partnership with the United States Government, and others, will help us achieve this goal. It also demonstrates the commitment of developed nations to building the resilience of the global south to withstand climate disasters.”

Prolonged Dry Spell Hits Three Provinces in Zambia, Threatening Maize Crops

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Prolonged Dry Spell Hits Three Provinces in Zambia, Threatening Maize Crops

Several provinces in Zambia, including Eastern, Southern, and Central, are grappling with an extended dry spell, leaving many districts parched and posing a significant threat to maize crops. The dry conditions, attributed to the El-Nino phenomenon, have persisted for the last 21 days, affecting not only agricultural productivity but also raising concerns about food security in the affected areas.

Government authorities have mobilized experts in agriculture, weather forecasting, and disaster management to assess the impact of the prolonged dry spell on maize crops across the affected provinces. Likezo Musobani, Assistant Director Prevention and Mitigation at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), led a team to evaluate the situation in Eastern Province. They found that approximately seven out of every ten maize fields visited had experienced significant withering and stress.

In Lupenga Village, Rufunsa District, one farmer, Esau Nkhoma, lamented the devastating impact of the dry spell on his anticipated maize yield. He reported that his expected harvest of around 200 bags of maize has been drastically reduced to almost nothing due to the adverse weather conditions.

Peter Zulu, Acting Chief Agriculture Economist in the Ministry of Agriculture, who accompanied the assessment team in Eastern Province, expressed grim prospects for crop recovery. He noted that maize crops at the tussling stage, poised to begin pollination, have been severely affected by the dry spell, leaving little hope for meaningful yield.

Matakala Mushimbei, a Meteorological Assistant at the Zambia Meteorological Department, provided insight into the weather forecast, indicating that the dry spell situation is likely to persist in most parts of Eastern Province for the next seven days. This forecast underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to mitigate the impact on agricultural productivity and ensure food security for affected communities.

As the dry spell persists, government authorities and relevant stakeholders are urged to intensify efforts to support affected farmers, provide relief assistance where necessary, and implement strategies to enhance resilience to future climate-related challenges. Collaborative and proactive measures are essential to safeguarding livelihoods and sustaining agricultural productivity in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Canadian Government Hails Zambia as Attractive Mining Investment Destination

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Canadian Government Hails Zambia as Attractive Mining Investment Destination

Zambia’s mining sector has garnered attention as an attractive investment destination, according to remarks made by Canadian High Commissioner Kyle Nunas. Speaking on behalf of the Canadian government, Mr. Nunas highlighted the stability of policies surrounding the mining industry in Zambia as a key factor contributing to investor confidence.

Mr. Nunas emphasized that the longevity projected by mining sector policies has bolstered both domestic and international investor confidence. He noted that this confidence has translated into a sense of security among investors, who are now more inclined to invest in Zambia’s mining sector with the assurance of favorable returns on their investments.

Furthermore, Mr. Nunas revealed that Canadian firms have shown keen interest in investing in Zambia’s mining sector, particularly following the discovery of substantial copper deposits at Ming’omba Mine in Chililabombwe. This interest signifies the potential for significant growth and development within the sector.

During a meeting with North Western Province Permanent Secretary Grandson Katambi, Mr. Nunas reaffirmed the Zambian government’s commitment to enhancing the mining sector through proactive policy formulation and implementation.

In response, Colonel Katambi urged the Canadian government to consider diversifying its investment portfolio in Zambia by exploring opportunities in the agriculture sector. He highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships between Canadian investors and Zambia’s agricultural industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and livelihoods.

Of bluffing and blowing hot-air by the Kwacha Alliance!

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Of bluffing and blowing hot-air by the Kwacha Alliance!

When we initially heard about intentions to form a ‘grand alliance’ by some Lusaka residents, many of them leaders of nondescript or near defunct “nashala neka” political parties, we dismissed them as a bunch of jokers! However, immediately it became common knowledge that former president Edgar Lungu is actually the brains behind the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), which many are now lampooning as “UKWA” in reference to the Nigerian comedian who portrays himself as a clueless and daft character, and its de facto presidential candidate in the 2026 elections, we sought to understand what the so-called alliance was bringing to the table.

After dissecting and critically analysing the communique read to the media, we had little trouble arriving a conclusion that there can never be a better or succinct description to explain what was said during the briefing than simply bluffing and blowing of hot air! If the charade was restricted to the likes of Sakwiba Sikota, Saboi Imboela, Jackson Silavwe, Dan Pule and may be Harry Kalaba, we would have given them the benefit of doubt. But to see ba Lungu who has a tainted record of presiding upon one of the most brutal, intolerant and segregative regimes in the history of this nation fashion himself as the modern day Moses to lead our people to the Promised Land is not only laughable but nauseating! This probably explains why Socialist party leader, Fred M’membe, who as Editor of defunct The Post Newspapers had no kind words for him for defiling the sanctity of the office of the president, is reluctant to join the fray, yet!

To be fair to ba Lungu and his newly found colleagues, we shall narrow down our discourse to 5 points that stood out to us in the communique:

1. We are, currently, very divided not only politically but even the church, as moral pillars of our society, is seen to be divided.

Our response: It’s obviously quite common for the politicians to position themselves on different sides of the aile as they tend to subscribe to different idealogies. However, the church is expected to be united as they worship the same God who dwells in the heavens above! In all fairness, who contributed to the polarisation of the Church? During Lungu’s tenure, we saw Christians being pitied against the other; including the Catholic church, where certain priests were enticed to go to bed with PF and openly campaigned for it while others chose to remain neutral! What about Christians for Lungu from the mainly evangelical sector; who were quick to remind adherents…..nay, gullible Christians that Lungu was our ordained leader? How do expect the Church to remain united if Lungu bounced back into power when he was the very reason why the believers went seperate ways during his tenure?

2. Our people are excluded from the national cake

Our response: Which people are now excluded from the national cake? Do they live on this planet? During the time of PF in power, recruitments in the civil service or military and security wings was more like a state secret! All of these jobs were reserved for party cadres or those with strong connections with those in authority. Did any of us ever see job adverts in the press as is now the case? Zero! Let’s now consider public contracts such as supplying goods and services to various government departments; who were the Dons enjoying these contracts to the extent of even supplying ‘air’ to the government after which they’d take to social media to flaunt their I’ll gotten wealth or literally burn hard currency?

3. We shall ensure that there is uniform development in all the ten (10) provinces

Our response: What sort of a joke is this? While North western province which is currently contributing the bulk of the national treasury, as the mines on the Copperbelt remained limping, was denied infrastructure development and remained the least developed province, government indiscriminately diverted resources to develop one particular region – constructing roads, bridges, airports and Civic centers, and building universities and colleges in one particular province; is this a mark of sound leadership? The only ‘SIN’ that the people of North western province committed is choosing to vote for opposition UPND, at the time! Do you honestly have to punish certain regions for voting in a particular way?

4. It is clear that the Barotse Royal Establishment is currently an open wound. If you ignore a wound and consider it to be a non-issue, gangrene may set in. Once gangrene deeply sets in, you may realise that the only option that remains is amputation

Our response: Who arrested Afumba Mombotwa and his colleagues in December 2014 and charged them with treason for advocating for the independence of Barotseland from the Republic of Zambia? Wasn’t it Edgar Lungu? How dare he wants to launder himself today and pretend to be the champion of the people of Barotseland!

Bo Mombotwa was condemned to a 19-year prison sentence; reminiscent of the brutal Colonial era tactics of psychologically torturing detainees by taking them to far and culturally ‘foreign’ lands, he was shunted to a state prison in rural Luwingu hundreds of kilometres away from the comfort of his home to make it impossible for his relatives or friends to access him! He was eventually transferred to Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe where his dear wife unfortunately met her fate into the hands of a serial killer, an escapee convict from the same facility!

As if to inflict further torture in him, the sadistic Lungu regime announced that government had pardoned Bo Mombotwa, along with 4 other prisoners from various correctional facilities, to mark his 63rd birthday, only to keep in detention for a much prolonged period of time!

When Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo was challenged why Bo Mombotwa’s name was missing from those to be released during a press briefing, he retorted that his statement superseded the earlier statement issued by State House! Lozis wake up!

5. The conduct of this current government is threatening the peace and security of our nation

Our response: How’s the conduct of this government threatening the peace and security of this nation, for God’s sake? Give us examples? Here’s how the previous regime threatened the peace and security of our beloved nation – citizens were gassed in their sleep; opposition political party leaders weren’t allowed to interact with the electorate in the townships; suspected opposition party members were brutalized for merely putting on any red retire; independent media such as The Post Newspapers, Prime TV, Muvi TV and Komboni Radio were shut down, indiscriminately; Cadres took over running of markets and bus stations; regions suspected to be opposition strongholds were denied CDF or any tangible development while men and women in uniform were undermined and direspected by PF cadres! Does it get worse than this?

Please, try in the next life!

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Government Applauds Formation of United Kwacha Alliance by Opposition Parties

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Government Applauds Formation of United Kwacha Alliance by Opposition Parties

The UPND government has extended a warm welcome to the formation of the opposition United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) by several political parties. Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa hailed the establishment of the alliance as a positive indication of the country’s flourishing democracy.

Mr. Mweetwa emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and stated that it will not obstruct the progress of the UKA. He noted that the formation of the alliance is particularly timely, given recent concerns raised by its proponents regarding the perceived narrowing of democratic space in Zambia.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Mr. Mweetwa urged opposition parties to refrain from alleging a shrinking democratic space and instead focus on constructive engagement within the political sphere. He called on members of the UKA to serve as advocates for goodwill and peace, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in political discourse.

Furthermore, Mr. Mweetwa highlighted the significance of the UKA’s formation in dispelling notions of political stagnation within the opposition ranks. He expressed optimism about the alliance’s potential to contribute positively to Zambia’s democratic processes and urged all stakeholders to support its endeavors.

Question of junkies; waiting for disaster to occur before we act!

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Question of junkies; waiting for disaster to occur before we act!

Prominent Lusaka lawyer Dickson Jere who’s best remembered for conducting himself in a dignified manner and executing his duties with utmost professionalism as President Rupiah Banda Press Aide posted something interesting on his Facebook page the other day which deserves our serious attention.

Recounting the menace so-called junkies definitely pose to society; he explains that slightly after midnight, a colleague of his driving on Twin-palm road in Ibex Hill, an upmarket neighborhood, suddenly found a blockade. Dozens of boys waved him down while two lay on the road as if they were hit by a vehicle. As he slowed down while approaching the scene, he instinctively realized it was a trap. He accelerated the vehicle towards them and they scampered in different directions although they ended up smashing his windows with stones! He further narrates that someone posted in his neighborhood WhatsApp group that their young nephew was abducted, tortured and had his phone confiscated by a band of junkies in broad daylight a day earlier! This comes barely a month after a taxi driver was brutally murdered by junkies in Kalikiliki compound after they blocked his vehicle during the night.

“The scale in which this scourge is growing requires concerted efforts from all security agencies beyond just the police. The community must get involved and try and assist the police and in particular to provide lasting solutions. These kids – a number of them – grew up on the streets and know no family or love. That is why they can kill with impunity. We need a solution that involves Integrating them into society – maybe Zambia National Service (ZNS) should assist. It was tried before when a couple of them were taken out of the streets to ZNS camps,” submits Jere.

What do we make of this?

In our previous contributions, we’ve always insisted that if the conundrum of street kids isn’t tackled with a fire brigade approach, it’s just a matter of time before they ‘graduate’ from the streets and begin mobilising themselves into violent gangs to come and haunt us. And true to this, we are now vindicated.

These outlaws who have infamously come to be known as ‘junkies’ have for a long time been wreaking havoc and terror in the slam areas – places such Chibolya, Chipulukusu, Kandabwe to be specific……oceans away from the exclusive leafy surbubs of Sunningdale, Northrise or Riverside! They usually move in groups sniffing glue, imbibing ifinyelele or smoking Chamba; if it so happens that fate brings you in closet proximity with them, you’ve to start whispering prayers immediately beseeching the Almighty God to forgive you of all your sins and let His will be done!

If Lady Luck happens smile on you that particular day, you will probably just get away with a few slaps on your face and stripped of earthly possessions such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or wallets! If you however try to behave like Rambo or indeed play Jackie Chan on them; rest assured you’ll have your dental formula rearranged, limbs broken, eyes probably gorged-out and ears sliced!

But lo and behold, this problem has now migrated ku Mayadi as revealed by Jere. In this country, we seem to have a challenge of waiting for a crisis to escalate to alarming proportions or indeed spread to Mayadi and make the elites uncomfortable before jumping on our roller skates in hot pursuit of solutions! Somebody has suggested that government must consider calling for a National Indaba in order to address this problem. There’s no need to head in that direction! In 2022 or there about, a symposium on street kids was organised by government; what probably remains to be done is just the implementation.

As we wait for that to happen though perhaps government might try to apply the following 3 Point Plan as a possible panacea for this vexing problem that successive governments have struggled to address but to no avail:

1. When junkies are picked up by the police, they are just charged for idling and let off the hook. They obviously have little trouble going back to their old ways. You can’t allow the industry of junkies to flourish to unmanageable levels while you watch. Government must enact some laws that shall compel anyone identified as a junky to be ‘detained’ under the auspices of Zambia National Service (ZNS) to undergo rehabilitation as they spend time growing maize while undergoing vocational skills of their choice.

2. We keep on applying the same solutions such as randomly rounding up the street kids and whisking them away to ZNS over and over again and yet this problem keeps spiralling out of control. May the President consider appointing a commission on street kids or even introducing a desk for street kids at State House which shall be mandated to thoroughly investigate the magnitude of this problem within a specified timeframe and make the necessary recommendations to government.

3. Currently, jenkem is not proscribed as an illegal substance in our statutes which simply means someone can produce, procure or use it without any ramifications. Parliament must consider enacting some laws that shall classify ‘glue’ in the same category as marijuana. Once this is in place, folks will obviously think twice before producing, selling or even consuming it.

You are at liberty to add to the list what you think may be the best solution to this problem. Salute!

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Chieftains, the Clergy and the Constitution

Chief Editor
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Chieftains, the Clergy and the Constitution

By Henry Kyambalesa

In this article, I wish to answer the following question posed by Fred M’membe of the Socialist Party:

“What will be unconstitutional about proposing changes in the law to accommodate policies and ideas that benefit and largely empower our people through their traditional and religious leaders?”

1. Changes to the Republican Constitution must never be made to satisfy the inclinations, or meet the political ambitions, of individual citizens or groups of citizens.

2. Chieftains and the clergy ascend to positions of authority through coronation; they are not elected by the people and can, therefore, not claim to have the authority to lead them in the pursuit of socioeconomic endeavors.

3. One has to be naïve and really crazy to believe that he or she can easily organize believers from the Baha’i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and any of the minor vehicles of faith and worship to harmoniously work together in the pursuit of socioeconomic endeavors.

4. The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) [No. 2 of 2016] Article 168 stipulates the following:

(1) Subject to clause (2), a chief may seek and hold a public office.

(2) A chief who seeks to hold office in a political party or election or appointment to a State office, except that of councilor, shall abdicate the chief’s throne.

Any suggestions or calls to make casual changes to such a Constitutional proviso would be unconstitutional. After all, elected government officials pledge to defend and protect the Republican Constitution, and not to tear it apart—it is essentially the supreme law of the land!

It should, therefore, not be subject to casual changes in the same manner as we decide whether to have ‘nshima’ with chicken and ‘kalembula’ or either anchovy or tilapia and ‘chibwabwa’ or ‘impwa’ for supper.

By the way, a caveat to remember in this regard is that chieftains preside over an institution—the chieftaincy—and we should never contemplate tossing the institution into the political arena.

5. If chieftains are allowed to participate in partisan politics, they can consciously or otherwise abuse the absolute traditional authority they wield by imposing their political views and choices on their subjects—a situation which can lead to tribal politics in our country.

6. Active participation by chieftains in partisan politics can frustrate national efforts aimed at creating a level playing field for all political contestants, since they (the chieftains) already have a faithful following in their areas of jurisdiction.

7. Traditional leaders’ participation in politics can lead to the disintegration of their chiefdoms. Let us consider a few scenarios which can culminate in such a situation.

Firstly, a chieftain is, ideally, an impartial leader of all the people in his or her chiefdom regardless of their political affiliations. However, his or her participation in partisan politics can inevitably place him or her in an adversarial position against subjects who may have different political values and affiliations.

Secondly, the political arena naturally requires participants to advocate certain causes and articulate their ideological convictions which, for a traditional leader, are likely to be at variance with the causes and convictions of some of his or her subjects.

And, thirdly, partisan politics is fraught with slander, snobbery and discourtesies to which traditional leaders can choose to subject themselves only at the immense cost of losing the abounding and unconditional respect accorded to them by their subjects.

How about the following statement?: “Typical of them, even the rebuttal from Mr Hichilema through Hamasaka where he is trying to engage in personalized attacks on me exposes their incapacity to handle delicate national affairs with maturity and sobriety.”

Well, “if you live in a glass house, don’t through stones,” an age-old adage advises us.

UPND Governement have made huge strides in fighting corruption -Nkulukusa

Chief Editor
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UPND Governement have made huge strides in fighting corruption -Nkulukusa

Secretary to the Treasury Mr. Felix Nkulukusa says the Government has made huge strides in fighting corruption as evidenced by the various efforts and the enactment of legislation aimed at promoting transparency.

Mr. Nkulukusa made the remarks in his keynote address titled “the fight against corruption in Zambia: insights on successes, challenges and opportunities going forward”, at the 14th Annual African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Interdisciplinary Conference at James Madison University in Washington DC.

Mr. Nkulukusa said the enactment of the Access to Information Act will help public and private bodies be held accountable by civil society, the media and the public at large hence reducing corruption.

“We enacted the Access to Information Act to provide for the right to access information from public and private bodies. With this law, public and private bodies will be held accountable by civil society, the media and the public at large hence reducing corruption as corrupt officers face higher risks of exposure,” Mr. Nkulukusa said.

“To complement the Anti-Corruption Commission, an Inter-Agency Coordination Framework comprising 21 law enforcement and other competent authorities, was established on January 10, 2023.

“The Framework, spearheaded by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions operates based on existing domestic legal and institutional frameworks, institutional mandates, bilateral and multilateral agreements, recommending best practices in combating economic and financial crimes, illicit financial flows, and stolen asset recovery,” he said.

Mr. Nkulukusa acknowledged the negative impact of corruption on governance and economic development but emphasised the Zambian Government’s ongoing efforts to fight the vice for the benefit of the people.

Mr. Nkulukusa also observed that the contemporary global anti-corruption agenda has achieved a lot in terms of drawing attention to the problem.

And Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States Chibamba Kanyama said decentralization has worked well in Zambia as the money goes directly to the people through the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF).This is contained in a statement issued by Charles Tembo,First Secretary Press and Public Relations,Embassy of Zambia, USA.

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