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Members of the Kasama Central Constituency executive committee who has since resigned.
The opposition UPND has suffered a major setback after the resignation of the entire Kasama Central Constituency executive committee.
This comes amidst the wrangles that have engulfed the party in Northern Province.
Among those who have resigned include, the constituency chairperson, Abraham Mulenga and his Information and Publicity Secretary, John Sampa, Vice Youth Chairlady, Doris Chanda.
Others are Buseko Ward Chairperson, Lenard Lombe, Constituency Coordinator, Samuel Kabungo and Youth Chairperson Mathews Musonda.
They said they cannot cling to a party allegedly supporting leaders fueling confusion in the party.
Squabbles in the opposition UPND erupted last week when party officials in Northern Province resolved to remove Mr Ilunga as its provincial chairperson, but later the party Secretary General, Stephen Katuka reversed the move saying Mr Ilunga still remains the provincial chairperson.
But UPND Secretary General, Stephen Katuka has warned officials destabilizing the party at different leadership levels, that the party management will not tolerate such persons to continue to violate the constitution by frustrating the efforts of constitutional office bearers.
In a statement today, Mr Katuka says his office is aware of some officials who are working with the Patriotic Front (PF) to sponsor parallel structures in the UPND.
He charges that disgruntled party officials will be disciplined if they continue to plant a seed of discord in the party.
And Mr Katuka has maintained that the Kasama District Committee, Kasama Central Management Committee, and Lukashya constituency Management Committee has been dissolved with immediate effect.
He has further dispelled social media reports suggesting that UPND Vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has been suspended.
A boy from Kasama does some acrobatic stunts during the Livingstone arts and cultural festival at Livingstone Golf Club last Saturday in readiness for the UNWTO general assembly
The 2019 Zambia Travel Expo and the Livingstone International Cultural and Arts Festival have been put off due to inadequate funding from government.
The Zambia Tourism Agency says about K2 million is required to host the annual cultural tourism festivals which have over the years brought tourists into Zambia from across the world.
ZTA Chief Executive Officer Felix Chaila said it became necessary to put off the two events because of doubts in the areas of funding from government to avoid inconveniencing participants.
He said the Agency is pessimistic about funding from the treasury for the two events hence the decision to put them off.
But Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda says he is unaware about the two events being put off by the Zambia Tourism Agency.
Dr. Banda said he has not been informed about the decision and has directed his Permanent Secretary Charles Banda to investigate the matter.
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba speaking during the launch of the ZamPay Number Neutral Capability as CEO Sydney Mupeta and Mazhandu Family Bus Services Director Justine Mazhandu look on.
The Zambian government has opened talks with Chinese tech giant Huawei over the possibility of deploying 5 Generation Internet in Zambia.
5G is the next generation of mobile internet that is expected to enable everything from instant downloads of movies to connected self-driving cars.
The move to deploy 5G internet in Zambia was disclosed by Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba who met Huawei officials at his office recently.
Dr Mushimba said Huawei, who are the technology partner for the GRZ Communication Tower Project Phase II have committed to upgrading all the sites seamlessly to 5G capability.
He was speaking on Tuesday at Zamtel House in Lusaka when he officiated at the launch of ZamPay Number Neutral Capability Feature.
The Number Neutral Capability Feature allows customers across all three networks in Zambia to download ZamPay, the country’ first Quick Response (QR) code payment platform.
The new feature on ZamPay also allows customers outside Zambia to download ZamPay on their phones and send cash to their contacts in Zambia at a small fee.
Dr Mushimba emphasized that Zambia does not want to be left behind in innovation and adoption of internet technologies.
South Korea SK Telecom KT and LG Uplus launched the world first nationwide 5G mobile on April 3rd 2019 while Verizon has begun rolling out its 5G services in Chicago.
The US has made some solid ground catching up to China’s existing 5G presence.
A recent report published by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), which represents the US wireless communications industry, found the US and China are now tied for first place in 5G readiness.
According to the Financial Times, Huawei, the company that is leading a global race to build 5G mobile networks revealed that it has 40 commercial contracts it has won for 5G equipment are from mainly from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and one contract from Africa.
Since last year, the USA has been lobbying other governments to drop Huawei as a 5G equipment supplier, arguing that the security of their networks could be compromised.
In Africa, MTN South Africa and Huawei conducted the continent’s first outdoor 5G field trial in Hartfield, Pretoria on May 8th 2018.
And Dr Mushimba said Zambia wants to be ready to benefit from the immense opportunities that Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0. and Artificial Intelligence that come with 5G.
“We have put innovation at the center of the future of the digital economy. We will invest to make it to grow. You have heard of the towers, the 1009 we are putting up across the country. We are now motivating for a new project to upgrade all the towers from 2,3 to 4G, that means internet across the country and this is fast internet,” Dr Mushimba said.
“I was meeting Huawei in my office the other day, we are upgrading to 4G all the towers and we understand and for today, that is enough but we have heard about 5G, we asked them what guarantee do we have that as we upgrade from 4G to 5G, will be seamless, they have assured that the upgrade will mean the towers will be 5G enabled. We will be ready because 5G will be here,”
He added, “I truly believe in the unprecedented impact that the internet will have on our lives.
Dr Mushimba described the launch of the ZamPay Number Neutral Capability Feature as ground breaking innovation.
He said even those that are outside Zambia, they can download ZamPay on their phone and send money to someone with a Zambian number.
“I just wish Zamtel would have launched this when I was living in the US many years ago. When I was in the US, I used to struggle to send cash back home to my Mom, sending a 300 dollars, I would be required to pay 60 dollars in fees, I don’t think Zamtel will charge that much,” he said.
Dr Mushimba said with products such as ZamPay, the country will accelerate its efforts of going cashless.
“We are going to transact cashless because all the barriers that existed have been addressed with this launch today,” he said.
At the same function, Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Mr Sydney Mupeta said Zamtel is determined to contribute positively to financial inclusion and urged business players to register with the platform for easier paperless transactions.
Mr Mupeta said the ZamPay platform was not accessible to customers on the other networks except to those on Zamtel.
“However, the Number Neutral capability feature we are launching today will now allow customers on all networks to download the ZamPay Application and be able to enjoy the benefits of transacting by simply scanning a QR code using their mobile devices,” Mr Mupeta said.
He added, “this development is a huge milestone for Zamtel and for our people who were previously not able to use the system because of the limitation when we first launched it. Today we celebrate and welcome to the ZamPay family a number of our brothers and sisters who are currently on other networks and were not able to be part of this exciting innovation. I therefore urge them to take advantage of this opportunity and download the ZamPay Application on Google Play store today.”
Mr Mupeta also announced that ZamPay now has additional features to improve customer experience.
“In addition to the number neutral capability, a number of other features have been added to the ZamPay product to enhance its benefits. Last week, we announced the integration of ZamPay with the Zamtel Kwacha platform. With this integration, our customers on ZamPay are now able to send and receive money just like they would on any mobile money platform. The customers on ZamPay will soon be able to purchase other services such as Water and ZESCO units, DSTV and other services which are available on the mobile money platform. It is evident that ZamPay will soon become an integral part of our day to day lifestyle,” he said.
Zamtel CEO Sydney Mupeta speaking during the launch of the ZamPay Number Neutral Capability at Zamtel HouseTransport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba speaking during the launch of the ZamPay Number Neutral Capability at Zamtel House
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development says it finds the recent statement by the Minister of Finance, Margaret Mwanakatwe, on Bloomberg concerning the status of Zambia’s foreign reserves deeply worrying.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo says the rapid depletion of a nation’s foreign reserves or international reserves must be a cause for serious concern and should not be taken lightly, especially by the Minister entrusted with the responsibility to oversee and manage public finance.
Mr. Mwaipopo said Countries keep stock of foreign reserves in order to maintain foreign currency liquidity in case of an economic crisis and this is why such reserves are translated into month of import cover-implying the need to have reserves to cover imports in case the country’s ability to earn more currency is negatively affected.
He said the Central Bank also keeps foreign currency in order to instil investor confidence, to make sure the country meets its external obligations and to keep the financial market stable.
Mr. Mwaipopo noted that the rate at which Zambia’s foreign reserves are depleting cause for serious remedial measures as failure to do so may result in the country failing to honour external debt obligations with respect to the Eurobonds, reduced FDI due to falling investor confidence, experiences lower economic growth, and exposes itself to currency attacks.
He said the Central Bank will find it increasingly difficult to maintain the inflation rate and respond to exchange rate depreciations.
Zambia’s foreign exchange reserves were estimated at $2.4 billion in April, 2017 but as of February, 2018, Zambia’s foreign exchange reserves stood at US1.867 billion which is roughly two months of import cover.
Most recently, the reserves have been estimated to be around US$1.2 billion as at end of March 2019. This means the reserves have been depleting by about US$600 million per annum on average between 2017 and 2019, based on this CTPD estimates that Zambia will have no reserves by 2021 to cover the US$750 Eurobond bullet payment if the situation is not corrected.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe cited Zambia’s rich mineral resources in copper, gold and uranium and stated that the Bank of Zambia will now start having gold reserves.
Mr. Mwaipopo said although it is true that central banks can also diversify into gold reserves, this may not work for Zambia and if this was the alternative solution, Zambia should have done it many years ago.
He said Government should therefore not take the depletion of foreign reserves lightly as this has the potential to unleash a host of macroeconomic and social hardships on the economy and the Zambian people.
The Zambia Revenue Authority has intercepted 50 trucks carrying Ethanol, Cooking oil and Salaula clothes worth K42.3 million in taxes.
The trucks have been issued with seizure notices in accordance with section 141 and 142 Chapter 322 of the Customs and Excise Act for breaking the law.
Out of these trucks, 8 were transporting ethanol but deliberately declared as methanol (methylated spirit) with intent to defraud the state of over K10.9 million in taxes.
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda says the Ethanol is 98% alcohol that is used in the manufacturing of high content alcohol known as Tujilijili, Junta and other dangerous alcoholic spirits when diluted.
Mr. Sikalinda said the alcoholic spirits are usually sold cheaply in the streets and in most cases to children with consequential health hazards.
He said Further, 34 trucks currently held at the ZRA Makeni Enforcement Centre were intercepted while transporting cooking oil misclassified as palm crude oil when in fact it is purified cooking oil ready for consumption.
Mr. Sikalinda said related to this fraud, another 8 trucks have been seized at Chanida border and are being transferred to the Makeni Enforcement Centre.
He said this fraud would have led to loss of K24.7 million adding that crude palm oil attracts zero customs duty.
Mr. Sikalinda said the misclassification adversely affects local manufacturers through unfair competition and this destroys the market for local farmers of soya beans and sunflower.
He said finally, 6 trucks have been seized for misclassifying Salaula (second hand clothes) as agricultural pumps with intent to defraud the state of K6.7 million which also attract zero customs duty.
Mr. Sikalinda said some of these trucks were declared as transit goods when in fact they were dumping these goods in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sikalinda said the Authority has released 12 trucks that were impounded after a tip off from transporters while the goods have been seized.
He said the Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority, Kingsley Chanda, has invested a lot of money in press adverts asking transporters to report all smuggling activities and these transporters have responded to that appeal by reporting the mismatch between what was on the documents and what was being transported.
Mr. Sikalinda said the identity of these transporters will be protected as promised by the Authority adding that those transporters who do not report these activities risk their vessels being seized and forfeited to the state.
Esther Chungu: winner of the Stanbic Bank Anakazi Women of the Year Award for her contribution to music
Esther Chungu is one of the most recognisable gospel artists in Zambia. She has released hits such as Paka Paka, Jehovah and Runaway Child.
She has shared the stage with greats such as Joe Thomas and Brain McKnight at the Stanbic Music Festival, and recently she was honoured at the bank’s Anakazi Women of the Year Awards for her contribution to music.
Anakadzi Banking was introduced by Stanbic Bank in 2017 and focuses on both increased access to finance and capacity building activities for women entrepreneurs.
This year they sponsored the Anakazi Women of the Year awards, a ceremony that celebrates exceptional women across various fields from agriculture to mining to media.
“The Anakazi Women of the Year Awards were a celebration of exceptional women. We hope that through our recognition of exceptional women we continue to inspire women to do great things in our society,” said Chanda Katongo, Stanbic Bank Head of PR and Communications.
“The Woman of the Year Award was my first award, and to be a part of such a great movement for women encouraged me to work harder. It felt like a game changer for me,” said Ms Chungu.
She comes from a musical family; her late father used to lead his church choir and play the guitar, while her mother also sings.
“I grew up around music because my parents were very actively musically, and I feel that has influenced my love for music and the message I want to spread through my music.”
Ms Chungu first discovered her talent for music when she noticed how happy people became when she sang. Although she was talented, she did not always want to be an artist. She grew up aspiring to be a lawyer, and even enrolled for the law programme at the University of Lusaka but dropped out after she decided to pursue a music career full time.
“I have always had a love and passion for music, but it was not my first career choice, however I decided to take it seriously as I career when I saw the joy I brought people when I sang.”
For Ms Chungu, music is more than just making people happy. She uses her music to minister the Christian word of God.
“I grew up in a Christian home and I got saved really young. I use my music to spread the word of God and I hope it brings people closer to God.”
Ms Chungu joined the popular poetry and music slum group Bittersweet in 2014 where she released some singles and gave impressive performances at their Bittersweet poetry nights.
After Bittersweet she impressed the music executives at the record label Brave Only, which is home to other big artists such as Mag44. They signed her, and in 2016 she released her first studio album: Mubanga. Mubanga was a huge hit and made Ms Chungu one of the most sought-after gospel artists in the country.
She has since gone on to perform to sold-out crowds around the country. One of her proudest moments as an artist in taking the stage at the Stanbic Music Festival.
“I really enjoyed myself at the Stanbic Music Festival it was such an honour to perform there I hope to perform there again,” she said.
Ms Chungu has many plans for her career going forward. She would like to tour extensively around Africa and the world.
“I really want to tour the world but mostly Africa. I want to learn as much I can about our continent and spread the word of God across the continent,” she explained.
Ms Chungu recently released a single called Mama to celebrate women, ad going forward she will keep making music and hopes her music will continue to make people happy and spread the word of God.
Power Dynamos have sacked Kevin Kaindu after a patchy start to the 2019 season.
Kaindu leaves the stuttering Kitwe giants after year and four months in charge of the six time champions who have changed five coaches over the last nine years.
He has been replaced by veteran coach Fordson Kabole who was fired in 2012 in what was the first spark to the roll-call of coaching changes at Arthur Davies Stadium since then.
Kaindu leaves Power at number five and are six points behind leaders Buildcon on 17 and 23 points respectively from twelve games played.
Power finished sixth during his first season in charge in 2018.
His sacking comes a week after suffering a 1-0 away loss at Nkwazi and his fourth against the Lusaka club since his appointment at Arthur Davies.
Meanwhile, Kabole jumps straight into the ring of fire this Saturday when Power hosts Nkana in the Kitwe derby.
The Deputy National Secretary of the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ), Rita Mkandawire, has jumped to the defend of Zambia’s Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe after recent comments by economic commentators like Trevor Simumba that she should be replaced.
In a statement released to the media, Ms Mkandawire said that the Minister of Finance is both academically and professionally fit to be in that position, and that as Finance Minister, Mrs Mwanakatwe has instilled fiscal discipline with the country reducing on the amount of contractor financed projected by 90%.
Ms Mkandawire advised Mr Simumba, as a citizen, to write to the Republican President citing reasons, if he thinks the minister is not performing.
Below is the full statement
MWANAKATWE IS FIT AND COMPETENT ENOUGH TO BE FINANCE MINISTER – WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM UNFAIR ATTACKS
BY RITA MKANDAWIRE
ECONOMIST
DEPUTY NATIONAL SECRETARY OF THE EAZ
It is quiet disheartening to see the level of attacks by economic commentators like Trevor Simumba who have continuously undermined the credibility of our Member of EAZ who also happens to be the Minister responsible for finance.
I believe that we have the right to express our opinions but those opinions should not affect the image our country. Mr Trevor has indicated that he wants to stand as MP in 2021. He should therefore make it known that his opinions are politically biased because we want to avoid him giving opinions that can mislead those investors that pick information on Zambia from secondary sources.
The Minister of Finance is both academically and professionally fit to be in that position. What we find worrying is that Mr Simumba seems to lobby the position for other people in public which is ethically incorrect. By mentioning names of other people, he is exposing their motives or at least painting a picture that those people are using him to lobby for jobs in government.
I challenge Mr Simumba to reveal the three banks that called him after seeing the interview with Bloomberg. Information we have is that everyone in Washington (investors) are very happy with the minister that is why they continue holding Zambian assets.
I advise Mr Simumba to come out clean on why he has picked on Hon Mwanakatwe as if she has been finance minister since 1964. A bit of statistics will reveal that she as finance minister has instilled fiscal discipline with the country reducing on the amount of contractor financed projected by 90%.
As Minister of Finance, she cannot respond to things people say about her because she understands that her words can alter investor behavior.
I therefore advise Mr Simumba to write advisory notes to the President or the Minister herself if he has ideas he feels should be taken on board. If he thinks a minister is not performing, he as a citizen can write to the Republican President citing reasons. The Head of State as the appointing authority can make an independent decision without being pushed. As a consultant, Mr Simumba understands this process therefore I find it as cheap politicking his remarks. Women should be protected in this country.
The idea of calling fellow civil servants at the ministry of finance as being cowards and calling the minister incompetent is not good for the image of the country especially that we hold Mr Simumba the professional in high esteem. Mr Simumba the politician however is being unfair to the economy’s imagine by labeling those entrusted to handle economic affairs incompetent.
It should be noted that the Minister of Finance has Permanent Secretaries, main stream civil servants, the Bank of Zambia, ZIPAR and other insitutions that provide sound economic advice. How is it possible that only Mr Simumba and Dolika Banda are qualified?
The following are some of her achievements:
QUALIFICATIONS
1) BA Business Administration
2) FCCA (UK)
Experienced manager with a successful track record at top management level in the private and public sectors and in local and international organisations. Minister Mwanakatwe possesses strong and effective communications skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and strategic alliances with key players in the private and public sectors, government and international organisations. She has strong people skills and is able to communicate effectively at all levels.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1) 2015 to Feb 2018, Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry
2) 2009 to 2011, CEO United Bank for Africa (UBA) East and Southern Africa
3) 2005 to 2008, Managing Director, Barclays Bank of Ghana Limited
4) 2000 to 2005, Managing Director, Barclays Bank of Zambia Limited – in charge of ensuring that Barclays Bank of Zambia performed according to all group policies, and Governance requirements in implementing the Barclays Africa Strategy in Zambia. Extensive transformation programme which repositioned the bank and built it into a more robust model in readiness for the economic challenges in Zambia. She implemented the transformation programme to build the bank of tomorrow.
5) 1998 – 2000: Director General, Zambia Investment Promotion Agency [Chief Executive/Executive Director, Zambia Investment Centre Support Services Limited].
1992 – 1994: Course Director, Maxims European Institute of Learning, Paris, France. In this position I was in charge of developing, preparing and delivery of the whole financial management and financial accounting syllabi for 2nd and 3rd year degree programs. She was also in charge of the delivery of the same subjects on the MBA programme.
DIRECTORSHIPS
1) Ghana President’s Advisory Council, President John Kuffour – Investment policies and the creation of a thriving economy and efficient public sector.
2) Uganda’s President’s Advisory Investor Round Table by President Museveni whilst she was in Uganda working for United Bank of Africa.
3) British American Tobacco – Past Board Member
4) Zambia Sugar Plc – Past Board Member
5) Nico Insurance Zambia Limited – Past Board Member
6) Unilever Africa Advisory Council – Past Board Member
7) Barclays Bank of Zambia Plc – Past Board Member
Zambia Venture Capital Fund – Past Board Member
9) UBA Bank, Zambia/Uganda – Past Board Member
10) Aureos Capital, Southern Agric Private Equity Fund Investment – Committee Member
11) Zambia Revenue Authority, Past Board Member
12) Munda Wanga Botanical & Zoological Gardens, Past Chairperson
13) National Aids Council of Zambia, Past Chairperson
14) Zambia Business Coalition for HIV/AIDS, Past Chairperson
15) Bankers Association of Zambia, Past Chairperson
16) Forest Wildlife & Human Development Association (FWHDA), Patron
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya touring Diamond TV
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya, says assertions by some quarters of the media that Government is against privately owned media are not only incorrect but misleading.
Ms. Siliya says this is because the private media like public media have a critical role to play in bridging the information gap but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy through employment creation.
Speaking when she toured Diamond Television in Lusaka this afternoon, Ms. Siliya said Government will always view private media organisations as key partners in national development.
Ms. Siliya said stressed that while the private media offer a platform for critical voices, the criticism targeted at Government must be constructive and help provide solutions to some of the challenges the country is going through.
She said it will not do for some critics to criticize Government without offering alternative solutions for Government to consider.
“We are not scared of being criticized. All we are asking is that when people criticize us, let them criticize us and offer alternative solutions and not insults,” Ms. Siliya said.
She said there is also need for the media to balance their news by giving Government a platform to respond and address issues raised by its critics.
Ms. Siliya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson said this would help citizens to make informed decisions.
She stressed that everything Government does is for the people of Zambia and as such the public should be fed with correct information.
The minister said it is the responsibility of media houses to verify stories before publishing because this is what separates fake news from correct news.
Ms. Siliya commended Diamond Television for having set high standards for the station by having a clear editorial policy and minimum qualifications for journalists employed there.
And Ms. Siliya commended Diamond Television for taking a lead in promoting local content.
She said the move is key in promoting the local film industry.
Meanwhile, Diamond Television Chief Executive Officer Costa Mwansa said the television station strives to be relevant in terms of providing quality content.
He said as a business, the station has come up with a number of innovations that are aimed at keeping it afloat and effectively compete locally and internationally.
Mr. Mwansa named the use of various technologies as one among other innovations the TV station has come up with.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya says she is happy that Journalists have agreed to come together and chat the way forward on the subject of media self-regulation.
Ms. Siliya says this commitment which has been expressed through the upcoming media indaba is a step in the right direction.
Speaking to journalist at Daily Nation newspaper in Lusaka yesterday, Ms. Siliya said journalism needs to be recognized as a profession and as such, practitioners must come together and set standards for their craft.
She explained that Journalists both in the private and public sector are the same hence should have the same standards and adhere to the same professional code of ethics.
Ms. Siliya said the establishment of a media council that is backed by the law will help to cure, among other things, polarization which has characterized the media fraternity.
She also said the organization will also protect journalism from invasion by quack journalists.
Ms. Siliya said time had come for the profession to regain its position and status in society.
And Ms. Siliya has commended Daily Nation and other private media organisations for the role they have continued to play by providing platforms for information sharing by citizens.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya touring Daily Nation Newspaper
She said this is important in creating a well-informed citizenry that effectively participate in the affairs of the nation.
Ms. Siliya said her ministry will continue facilitating the creation of a conducive environment for the private media to thrive through taxi incentives among others.
She emphasized that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services is responsible for the development of all media, public and privately owned and will do everything possible to ensure growth of a professional and yet profitable media industry.
And Daily Nation newspaper Managing Director, Richard Sakala said the Daily Nation Newspaper is dedicated to upholding the ethics of Journalism.
He said the Newspaper thrives to be factual, truthful and objective in the manner it carries its news.
Mr. Sakala said the newspaper strives to be a balanced newspaper that covers everyone regardless of political affiliation.
And Mr. Sakala appealed to the Minister to liaise with Finance Minister on issues regarding taxation.
He said newsprint has become expensive for the print media in the country because of the high taxes newspaper companies have to pay.
Mr. Sakala appealed to Government to consider zero rate of news print and other printing machinery if the print media in the country is to record significant growth.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya with Daily Nation owner Richard Sakala
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme speaking at the High-Level meeting on Economic Impact of HIV Spending and Joint Efforts to Plan for a Sustainable HIV Response. This was at the on-going Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC USA. PHOTOS | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
The Government of Zambia has called for sustainable financing to reduce the huge economic impact of HIV on developing countries, increase research to find the cure, reduce stigma and scale up support to rural communities.
Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme, MP, was speaking at the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the Fund’s Headquarters in Washington DC USA when he participated in the High-Level meeting on Economic Impact of HIV Spending and Joint Efforts to Plan for a Sustainable HIV Response.
Mr. Chiteme called for concerted efforts to broaden research into finding the cure to diseases and addressing disparities in the provision of support to people living with HIV/AIDS in urban and rural areas.
Mr. Chiteme said Zambia had made substantial progress in the response to HIV and AIDS.
“More than 4 million people access HIV Counselling and Testing services annually and over 75 percent of people living with HIV are on life-saving anti-retroviral treatment. Estimated annual new infections among adults aged 15+ continue to decline from 67,000 in 2009 to 43,000 in 2018, while those for children aged 0-14 years declined from 23,000 to 8,700,” Mr. Chiteme told the delegates. “Annual AIDS-related deaths have decreased from 69,000 in 2002 to 19,000 in 2018. By the end of 2018, more than 2,900 health facilities countrywide were providing HIV testing and counselling services while the number of ART sites increased to more than 1,000 sites across the country from 509 in 2011.”
The Minister explained that Zambia had already started initiating sustainability measures through the introduction a number of domestic resource mobilisation initiatives and enhancing the country public finance management framework.
“I want to assure you that government will continue to develop mechanisms for its long-term sustainability of the HIV response in Zambia,” said Mr. Chiteme. “Zambia will embrace the National AIDS Spending Assessment (NASA) principles to ensure that we are making right decisions in the allocation of resources for the HIV response.”
The Minister thanked the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for its support to Zambia.
PEPFAR is the U.S. Government’s response to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and represents the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history.
The US Government’s Department of the Treasury organised the High-Level meeting at the 2019 Spring Meetings.
“Bo Lukanda ni siziba” (the belt and the kilt) is a succinct but profound Silozi saying.
The Siziba is that piece of traditional attire in the form of a kilt that is proudly adorned by the males of Barotseland at various ceremonies such as Kuomboka.
“Bo Lukanda ni siziba” is thus a proverb that uses a very appropriate analogy in that a person who wears a kilt must inevitably use a belt as well.
The belt and the kilt are very closely connected and the saying is often used when referring to friendships or relationships that are close or inseparable.
The siziba is more prominent and it covers nakedness and the Lukanda while less prominent, secures the Siziba.
Therein lies the problem for Bo HH and Bo Kambwili; they both want to be prominently seen and heard; and neither wants to play the less prominent background supporting role.
The aftermath of Roan has exposed this dilemna. There have been subtle undercurrents of a battle between as UPND and NDC developing.
Bo HH and his people want to take the credit for the win and render themselves indispensible to Kambwili; while Kambwili wants to assert himself as a self-made man over HH.
While all this is going on a sub plot to this soap opera has GBM also complaining about being marginalised and alienated. The UPND Vice Chairperson has made it clear that he was invited to join UPND as HH’s vice President and that he cannot be subjected anything less.
However with NDC scooping Roan, Bo HH has shifted his “friendly attention” from Mwamba to Kambwili. The situation is headed for an explosion of humongous proportions. Roan is thus likely to be a short term gain for Kambwili and Hichilema; but a long term loss for the UPND alliance as their egos and temperaments will eventually come to a head. Roan could yet prove to be hollow victory.
In the aftermath of the Roan by-election UPND has been quick to claim the credit. The UPND Copperbelt Youth Chairman has played the role of a lead singer in his gloating; while the NDC have been drowned and relegated to playing back-up vocals for their own victory.
Is the new found friendship between the NDC Consultant and the UPND leader strong and resilient enough to hold as _“Bo Lukanda ni siziba”?_
Or are the belt and the kilt going to disengage and expose the dishonourable moral nakedness of the two?
Coming to think of it; between HH and Kambwili, who is the “Lukanda” and who is the “siziba? It is hard to decipher. The truth is that each one of them thinks of themselves more highly than the other!
There is only room for 2 on the ballot paper, so where would the equally larger than life ego of Mr Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba the UPND Vice President fit in the equation?
What about the “royalties” of the shrewd calculating “Owner of the NDC Franchise”- the unpredictable Mwenye Musenge?
If the belt were to come loose and Hakainde and Kambwili were naked in front of each other (a’la Adam and Eve) would they be comfortable and not afraid of each other? I doubt it!
Bo HH doesn’t trust Kambwili and Kambwili’s sentiment in this regard towards HH is mutual.
During his tenure as Roan MP, Kambwili raised a lot of questions in Parliament and outside the house that exposed Bo HH as being sognificantly responsible and culpable for the misery that the miners and people of Luanshya suffered after the Privitisation process in which Hichilema played the part of valuator/Negotiator.
Then there’s the question of Kambwili insulting the whole tribe of my traditional cousins. His shockingly disrespectful comments that even if the Messiah were to stand in an election against Bo HH, the whole of Southern Province would still blindly vote for Hakainde. Apweee! What an insult!
Bo HH may pretend for the sake of being seen to warm up to the NDC Consultant, but I’m certain most of my cousins across Southern Province still think Kambwili is that chifuba-fuba (foolish person). This may yet prove costly to UPND and Bo HH in his stronghold.
THE INCOMPATIBLE CHOLERIC TWOSOME- HH & KAMBWILI
The idea of temperaments is that we are born with some aspects of our personality.
It is generally understood that there are understood to be four main temperaments; namely Phlegmatic, Choleric, Melancholic and Sanguine. For now we will not discuss the details of all the four temperament but we will only touch on one that seem to straddle across the personalities of HH and Kambwili.
According to experts, Incompatibility of temperament means _”not able to live in harmonious or agreeable combination”_.
When there is conflict in the pattern of behaviour and reaction it is said to be “incompatibility of temperament”. This is due to the different manner of thinking and behaving of a human being.
Interestingly, this is a ground for divorce in most states in America, when a married couple no longer have desire to live together due to incompatibility of temperament. On the local scene, it could well be grounds for Kambwili and Hichilema to “divorce”. So much for the belt and the kilt!
Their mutual revulsion aside, the truth is that Hichilema and Kambwili have similar temperaments; and therein lies the problem; they are both choleric, hence incompatible.
The choleric temperament is identified as the most powerful (yet destructive) of the temperaments.
Expert psychologists assert that It is not unreasonable to state that the world’s greatest feared dictators and diabolical criminals were perhaps of the Choleric temperament.
As Kambwili and Hichilema’s temperaments would illustrate, the Choleric is extremely self-centered and the needs of others do not matter, they are perfectionistic and even their own flaws are flawless. (Have you ever heard HH apologise?)
When they are wrong they will not accept it, theirs is the only way that is correct and matters.(Doesn’t this remind you of Kambwili?).
Cholerics like HH and CK don’t like being subject to authority, even though they want to be authoritarian.
They want to be on top of the food chain and be on top. As mentioned before, they will use any trick in the book. (Like forming “alliances” around themselves and taking credit for the Roan Parliamentary By-Election.)
Cholerics want to have total control over themselves and anyone around them and are of the opinion and belief that they know what is best for those around them.
Two extreme cholerics like Kambwili and HH can never be “Bo Lukanda ni siziba”. They will instead strip each other’s nakedness to the public.
The stealing of NDC’s election thunder in Roan by the UPND Copperbelt Youth Chairman and GBM’s growing agitation with his increasing alienation is just the beginning of the loosening of the UPNDC belt; the siziba will not hold.
WINNING A CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION; YET LOSING SWATHES OF PROVINCIAL TERRITORIES
While the UPNDC has been celebrating winning a constituency, the UPND has been suffering an increasing haemorrhage of through an increasing loss of ground in its strongholds.
The recent wins by PF Mitete ward and Chavuma wards in Western and North-western Province respectively as well as the ruling party’s triumphs in Kafue, Chilanga and Mangango demonstrate major incursions by the ruling party into former UPND strongholds.
While Bo HH is jumping for joy celebrating the Roan Result; his once-upon-a-time backyards of North-western and Western Province are steadily being swallowed by PF. Even his “bedroom” Southern Province (including Monze ) does not guarantee him an automatic vote like before.
Voters in former UPND strongholds have become frustrated and exasperated with his prideful arrogance and his opposing anything and everything for the sake of opposing, as development eludes Southerners, just because Bo HH does not allow his Members of Parliament and councillors to engage government officials. Nothing stays ignored forever; consequences eventually come forth (Like Kafue).
At the end of the day Bo HH should open his eyes – he is losing more than he is winning.
On the other hand even though PF significantly lost in Roan, they have comparatively by and large in terms of numbers taken more away from UPND.
After the Roan results were announced, the immediate reaction of the ruling party was to be magnanimous to congratulate NDC and indicate that they were getting back to the people to listen to them and receive feedback.
This is a worrying situation for UPNDC because PF loss in Roan gives them the opportunity to review the feedback well ahead of 2021, giving them an opportunity to do something about it. Afterall like the Easterners say “Munda wakudala si ivuta kulima” (An old familiar patch of land is not difficult to cultivate).
As for Bo HH and Kambwili, they are far from being “Bo Lukanda ni siziba”
The belt has been worn threadbare by their mutual distrust and self aggrandisement; the kilt is falling; they will be caught pants down…
The Writer is a retired Journalist based in Kabwe, Central Province of Zambia.
Minister Chiteme speaking at Spring Meetings
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme has called on the World Bank to approve the implementation of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilient Development to be implemented in Luapula, Muchinga and Northern Provinces of Zambia.
The development objective of TRALARD Project is to increase the ecosystem resilience and land productivity within vulnerable landscapes in the Northern Region of Zambia and, in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency, to provide immediate and effective response to the eligible crisis or emergency.
Mr. Chiteme made the call for approval and expansion of climate change and environmental projects in Zambia when he met World Bank Senior Director Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice Karin Erika Kemper, Director Environment Global Practice Benoit Bosquet, Country Coordinator for southern African region Emmanuel Noubissié and Practice Manager Environment and Natural resource management Africa Olojoba on Thursday at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC USA.
Mr. Chiteme said the Zambian Government was highly expectant that the TRALARD projects would uplift lives of people in the catchment areas.
“I want to assure you that Members of Parliament, community leaders and the Government have worked tirelessly to bring this project on board and it currently stands as one of the most eagerly anticipated projects in the country building on the success of the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR),” Mr. Chiteme said.
The Minister urged the World Bank to also expand its support to the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscaping Project (ZIFLP) currently being implemented in Eastern Province to be extended to North Western and Copperbelt provinces.
Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary Development Planning Chola Chabala and Zambia Integrated Forest Landscaping Project (ZIFLP) National Coordinator Dr Tasila Banda, who participated in the meeting emphasised, the importance to scale up the ZIFL Project.
Mr. Chabala said expanding the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscaping Project will safeguard the source of the Zambezi River in North Western Province and Kafue River in Copperbelt Province as well as address other environmental challenges in the two provinces.
The World Bank directors assured the Bank’s commitment to work with the Zambian Government to address its climate and environmental issues.
“I am happy Minister that you are committed to addressing challenges of climate change. You are a leader and champion of climate change issues,” Mr. Bosquet told Mr. Chiteme.
The World Bank directors agreed with Mr. Chiteme’s proposal to scale up the ZIFL Project and implementation of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilient Development.
This is contained in a statement issued to the Media by Ministry of National Development Planning spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba.
World Bank’s African Governors and Alternate Governors attendAfrica Group meetingMinister Chiteme at the Spring Meeting 2019Minister Chiteme, PS Chabala and Dr Tasila Banda with World Bank
