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Government Delegation led by Presidential Affairs Minister Hon Freedom Sikazwe inspecting the washed away bridge
Mpulungu Member of Parliament Freedom Sikazwe says government is worried with the continued collapsing of bridges in Muchinga and Northern Provinces.
Mr Sikazwe says the continued collapsing of bridges is a drain on national coffers.
And Mr Sikazwe has expressed disappointment with delays by the Road Development Agency -RDA- to reconstruct Lunzuwa Bridge which is on the verge of collapsing in his constituency.
He was speaking after inspecting Lunzuwa Bridge in Mpulungu district.
Mr Sikazwe said interventions by the defense force are temporary but there is need to construct a permanent bridge.
He said Mpulungu is a business area which cannot risk being cut off from other parts of the country.
Mr Sikazwe who is also presidential Affairs minister said there is need for intensified inspection of bridges countrywide.
And Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela said government is doing everything possible to rectify the situation.
Mr Chitotela has urged RDA to send inspectors across the country to check the state of bridges and give a report as soon as possible to avoid disasters.
Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda has expressed optimism that the Make Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy Campaign has a bright future in the mining town as it a stakeholder driven initiative.
Mayor Chanda says the manner in which stakeholders are voluntarily participating in the cleaning exercise every last Saturday of the month in Luanshya is overwhelming.
“Stakeholders’ participation and the realization that we are capable of changing the face of our town through the spirit of team work and consistent efforts have helped us all face reality that having a clean and cholera free Luanshya was not a farfetched dream but something which is achievable, ” said the Mayor.
Mr Chanda has thanked Zamefa, Shoprite, Luanshya Municipal Council, the District Administration, Zambia Police Service, Zambia Correctional Services ( ZCS ) and the Bus and Taxi Drivers Association ( BTDA ) Personnel, and the ruling party’s district leadership for demonstrating commitment to cleaning different parts of Luanshya every last Saturday of the month as part of government’s Keep Zambia clean, green and Health campaign.
Over the weekend Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda led hundreds of residents sweeping the roads, collecting garbage and clearing dirty, trimming of trees, from Welcome to Luanshya town’s main entrance up to Roan Mall before after which he joined in social football with the youths of Mpatamato for as part of wellness.
Some residents of Luanshya used the National Cleaning day to clean up their surroundings, while others worked on their office premises.
Business temporarily stalled in Luanshya from 08:00 hours up to 10:00 as all the chain-stores and markets closed to facilitate for the cleaning exercise.
And Zamefa Human Capital and Employee Relations Officer Angela Zimba said the national cleaning day is wonderful exercise which deserves to be supported by all companies and individual residents who truly want Luanshya to change for the better using concerted effort.
On the other hand , BTDA District Chairperson Shadrick Salikula appealed to all bus drivers and other motorists to help transform Luanshya by voluntarily working with the Town council in the cleanup exercise every last Saturday of the month.
Luanshya District Commissioner (DC) Joel Chibuye, Deputy Mayor Golden Mulenga, who is also Patriotic Front (PF) Luanshya District Chairperson, some Ward Councilors, acting Town Clerk Thinkwell Mwaba, chief council officers, some residents, who included the youth and women voluntarily where among the notable figures who participated in exercise.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph Malanji with the Zambia Delegation visiting the Nuclear Research Centre in Russia
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph Malanji has said the transfer of technology from the developed world to Zambia was key in President Edgar Lungu’s foreign policy. Mr. Malanji said the Zambian government has decided to bring nuclear technology to Zambia as part of the overall plan to modernize and find homegrown solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.
The minister made the remarks during his recent visit to Moscow, Russia, following an invitation by his counterpart, Sergey Ravrov. During the visit, the Kwacha lawmaker visited Dubna where he toured a nuclear research center.
“We had to visit the facility to deepen our appreciation of modern research activities in nuclear science which we are seeking for civilian purposes”, Mr. Malanji said.
Zambia has signed an agreement with Rosatom, a Russian company to construct a nuclear research facility in the country. As part of efforts to be ready for the facility once completed, the Zambian government is seeking partnership with the Dubna-based research center to gain an understanding of how nuclear research works.
So far, some Zambian government officials have been to Dubna as well as some experts in the nuclear field. Mr. Malanji is visiting as a top policy maker as part of Zambia’s efforts to underscore the importance attached to the program.
In order to ensure that not only nuclear technology is transferred, about 20 Zambian students are currently in Russia studying nuclear science at under graduate level. Upon graduation, the students are expected to form the backbone of the Zambian research facility.
Once experts between Zambia and the Dubna research center work out the necessary technicalities, it is expected that Zambian experts will be regular visitors to the Russian facility.
The research facility has signed agreements of cooperation with various governments around the world that include those in Europe, Africa and Asia. Zambia is seeking a formal agreement with the institution to formalize the relationship and benefit from what it has to offer.
“Setting up a nuclear research center is not just an idea we are exploring, it’s a program the Zambian government has already agreed to proceed with”, Mr. Malanji said emphatically.
The general public associates nuclear science with military purposes but the science has contributed to finding solutions to food production, clean drinking water, some forms of cancer, the production of electricity and many civilian problems.
Once set up, the Zambian Nuclear Research facility will lead to the creation of scores of both specialized and non-specialized jobs. It is hoped that a new town will emerge around the facility to accommodate the center employees and their families.
Mr. Malanji was accompanied to Moscow by Ambassador Lombe Chalwe, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation and Industrial Development Corporation, IDC, Chief Executive Officer, Mateyo Kaluba. Zambia’s Ambassador to Russia Shadreck Luwita accompanied the Minister to Dubna to tour the nuclear research center.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph Malanji with the Zambia Delegation visiting the Nuclear Research Centre in Russia
Wedson Nyirenda on Saturday collected his first league win in 2019 at South African PSL club Baroka.
Baroka stunned hosts SuperSport United 2-1 away in Pretoria on Saturday night to collect their first league win since December 22 when they beat Martizburg United 1-0 away.
The two side’s previous meeting finished 0-0 in Polokwane last October.
Saturday’s victory also saw Baroka extend their unbeaten run to five successive league matches after coming into their date against SuperSport with four straight draws.
The win sees Baroka move from third from bottom at number 14 to 12th on 21 points from as many games played.
SuperSport are fifth on 32 points.
Meanwhile, Nyirenda was the only Zambian of interest in that matches while SuperSport’s Chipolopolo duo of defender Billy Mutale and striker Gampani Lungu did not make the team.
Zanaco opened a five-point lead in Pool A while Nkwazi are the new leaders in Pool B at the end of Week Five of the 2019 FAZ Super Division.
At Sunset Stadium in Lusaka, Zanaco maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-0 home win over Nakambala Leopards.
Rodgers Kola scored his sixth goal of the season when he struck the target in the 85th minute to help Zanaco rise to 13 points while Nakambala drop from eighth to ninth on 4 points.
Lusaka Dynamos are second on 8 points after a 1-0 away win over Red Arrows thanks to a Chris Mugalu goal.
At Independence Stadium in Choma, Nkwazi and Green Eagles exchanged places in their top two Pool B match.
Nkwazi moved from second to first after a 1-0 away win over Eagles thanks to a 79th minute goal from Emmanuel Chabula.
Eagles drop from first to third after their three match winning run was ended by high flying Nkwazi.
Power Dynamos have sneaked onto second place following a 2-0 home win over debutants Circuit City at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Jimmy Dzingai scored a brace in the 13th and 71st minutes while Biston Phiri scored sixth placed Circuit City’s consolation goal.
Power has 9 points, three points behind Nkwazi.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION WEEK FIVE RESULTS
POOL B
22/02/2019
Forest Rangers 1-Lumwana Radiants 1
POOL A
23/02/2019
Green Buffaloes-Kabwe Warriors
Red Arrows-Lusaka Dynamos
Zanaco-Nakambala Leopards
Prison Leopards-Kitwe United
Postponed:
Mufulira Wanderers -Zesco United
POOL B
Power Dynamos-Circuit City
Green Eagles-Nkwazi
Buildcon-Napsa Stars
Postponed:
FC MUZA-Nkana
Zesco United coach George Lwandamina says the coaching changes in Sundays CAF Confederation Cup Group C opponents Al Hilal’s camp are not his business.
The Sudanese club heads into Sunday night’s match against Zesco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola under new management following the demotion of Tunisian Irad Zafouri following last week’s 2-1 Group C away loss to Nkana in Kitwe.
Zafouri has been replaced by compatriot Nabil Kouki who returns for a third stint with the Khartoum giants.
“I can’t talk about changes in the other camp, all that we need to do is believe in ourselves as Zesco,” Lwandamina said.
“What is happing elsewhere is not our baby and I shouldn’t even start wonderings. I don’t the coach who was there and I don’t know the coach who is there now.”
Meanwhile, Zesco and Al Hilal head into 18h00 kickoff seeking to rebound from their respective defeats.
Zesco lost 2-1 away to Ghana giants Asante Kotoko on February 13 away in Kumasi.
However, Zesco stay top of Group C despite the defeat tied on 3 points with second placed Al Hilal.
Kotoko are third heading into their Sunday afternoon away match against Nkana at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has come up with new regulations that could prevent female athletes who naturally produce above-normal amounts of testosterone, from competing in events ranging from 400 to 1000 meters to reduce their blood testosterone level by taking hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control. Administering drugs to an athlete in order to inhibit or enhance sporting performance is doping.
For elite female track and field athletes to be eligible to race in future international competitions, they could be forced to take medication to lower their testosterone levels or, if they don’t want to alter their body’s chemistry, compete against men.
Two times Olympic 800m champion South African Caster Semenya is the key victim of this regulation. Though she has appealed against IAAF new regulations, I feel that the African Union leadership has let her down. In fact, the leadership has let down the entire black race. The leaders should have forcefully rejected this regulation because is an insult to the black race for the reasons below.
It is known fact that the black race has the highest levels of testosterone out of the major races of humanity. The simple reason for this natural endowment is our exposure to intense sunlight which in turn increases our vitamin D in our bodies.
Now, vitamin D is not really a vitamin; it is a steroid hormone. Higher levels of testosterone occur to people who live in areas of increased exposure to the sun.
Of course, this is the case for the African race. Since vitamin D comes from the sun, the more the Africans get exposed to sunlight, the more Vitamin D that person gets, which in turn increases their testosterone levels.
For this reason, those populations closer to the equator get more vitamin D from the sun’s rays, and consequently have higher levels of testosterone, on average. Of course, the Middle East also gets more sunlight than does Europe, so their levels of testosterone will be higher due to increased vitamin D, which in turn increases testosterone. No wonder there are more acts of aggression in higher testosterone areas: DRC, Uganda, Angola, Nigeria, Sudan, Venezuela, Middle East, name it.
So, is it our fault that we the Africans were born in Africa, and live in Africa, which receives more sunlight than Europe? Why should our sunlight endowment be our curse? For centuries, we suffered at the hands of Europeans untold misery for our gold, diamonds, and other natural resources.
Due to our higher levels of testosterone, we terribly suffered at the hands of Europeans, taken as slaves to the Americas and Caribbean to go and do all sorts of donkey work. And for our endowment of higher levels of testosterone, we continue to suffer humiliation like Semenya.
Meanwhile, our African Union leaders are mute over this insult? Africa mayo, Africa, twasebana!
The Author is a leader of the Opposition Greens Party in Zambia
President Edgar Lungu was represented by the Home Affairs Minister who is also Acting Defence Minister Hon. Stephen Kampyongo.
Government says it is important to treasure the country’ cultural heritage in a dynamic and changing world where people change values and beliefs due to external influence.
President Edgar Lungu says traditional ceremonies are a thread through which culture is transferred from generation to generation.
He was speaking in Chipata at the N’cwala traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province which was held under the theme: ’ Preserving our Culture through Gender Equality.’
President Lungu , who was represented by Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo at this year’s N’cwala traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province said there is need to instill love for the country by teaching laws, traditions and culture of the country in order to instill discipline among citizens in the country.
“ There is need to impart the spirit of harmony and unity among people as they are vital ingredients to economic and social development, “ he said adding : “ without unity and harmony, there can be instability as development cannot take place in such an environment.”
He urged traditional leaders to encourage their subjects to uphold customs and values as well and culture and traditions to maintain their identity.
And President Lungu says it is inspiring that traditional leaders have taken steps to ensure that communities are sensitized on gender equality as some traditional practices have been a major hindrance in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“Let us ensure that parents stop marrying off their children at a tender age but instead encourage the girl child to acquire an education. Government is concerned about the tendency of some parents who marry off their children at the expense of education,” he said.
The President noted that most traditional practices still believe that conflicts between husband and wife should remain within the confines of the matrimonial house and he for this reason urged chiefs not to relent but ensure that there is a change of mindset in their chiefdoms.
Government will continue to provide equal opportunities to girls and boys in accessing education, Mr Lungu assured.
And Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the N’cwala traditional ceremony provides a platform to remember and look ahead to how people can meet future challenges and remain strong.
Prince Buthelezi who was the guest of honour at this year’s Nc’wala ceremony said that the experience of attending the cultural festival is touching and that there is no better way for Zambia to showcase the spirit of its people through the symbolic ceremony.
He commended Paramount chief Mpezeni for bringing back departed spirits for the good of the people saying he is a symbol of unity, strength and wellbeing of the Ngoni people.
Prince Buthelezi noted that the holding of the N’cwala in Zambia and Wokweshwama in South Africa are symbolic acts of healing from the past saying he was honored to be part of the celebration.
The traditional leader also commended the Paramount chief for banning women from attending the ceremony with bare chests saying the move portrayed his willingness to promote the rights of women.
“These symbolic actions tell us that the Ngoni people respect gender equality and that it is important to the preservation of our cultural heritage, ” he said.
Prince Buthelezi noted that women play an important role overcoming challenges such HIV and AIDS for they have a unique ability to empathize and get things done.
Meanwhile, Eastern Province Minister, Makebi Zulu, commended Paramount chief Mpezeni for making frantic efforts to promoting the rights and welfare of women in the region.
Mr Zulu noted that government is grateful that chief Mpezeni has been making helping address the social ills that affect women and impede them from leading successful lives.
And Paramount Chief Mpezeni stated that that the presence of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi at this year’s N’cwala traditional ceremony will strengthen the historic relations between the Zulu’s of Kwazaula Natal in South Africa and the Ngoni people.
He said in a speech read for him by N’cwala organizing committee chairperson Mkwinda Sakala that the Ngoni people who trace their origins from the Nguni and the Zulu people South Africa have a strong relationship with the Zulu’s as both tribes were led by Shaka Zulu.
Paramount chief Mpezeni noted that tradition has been cited for the widening gender disparities between men and women saying there is need to empower women but also ensure that men are not left behind.
And Paramount chief Mpezeni has commended Government for supporting the developmental needs of the people in Eastern Province.
Public Health Professionals of Zambia (PHAZ) has commended government for abolishing licensure examinations for Medical Doctors.
PHAZ President Maimpa Mumba says the move by government to abolish licensure examinations for Medical Doctors had come in handy as it would facilitate for the quick deployment of intern Doctors, especially.
Mr. Mumba, who is also Kalabo District Public Health Officer, observed that the move has potential to add value to the labor force as opposed to licensure examinations which are only once off and marred with suspicions of management and procedural impropriety.
PHAZ will follow these developments with keen interest and hoped that there will not be a biased approach towards the treatment of professions being regulated by Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ).
Government through Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya this week abolished the HPCZ ‘s mandatory licensure examinations for Medical Doctors with a view to have more Doctors in the country.
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya recently said government will not allow a situation where doctors graduate but wait for licentiate examinations while Zambians need to be attended to.
Dr. Chilufya said the important benchmark for doctors is a standard training which comes with qualified lecturers as well as adequate equipment and facilities.
The Minister directed medical schools to comply with the directive saying every doctor who graduates would now be issued a provisional license and later be issued with a practicing license upon satisfying the consultant.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mumba a has appealed to the Ministry of Health to engage HPCZ, relevant professional representative bodies and training institutions to develop well informed guidelines and tools to facilitate for skills enhancement for all health professions.
He said there is need to ensure that professionals are made within their training period through regulated practicum undertakings, workshops and internship.
“ the Ministry must strictly ensure that there is induction of all health professionals during deployment, “ said the PHAZ President who has since urged government to consider enhancing in-service trainings and workshops for health professionals at their various institutions in tandem with other Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs and activities.
“Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it…”
(Genesis 1:28, NLT)
Too Busy For Joy
Are you missing out on the joys of life because you are too busy? God called you to be fruitful; He never called you to be busy. Don’t get activity mixed up with productivity. Just because you are on the go and always doing things doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re fulfilling God’s best plan for your life. All work and no play is not healthy. Ask the Lord to show you which areas need to be cut back and which areas need more focus. Ask Him to show you which relationships to let go of and which relationships to develop in your life. Stop allowing the unproductive areas of your life to consume all of your time, focus, and energy. As you make adjustments to bring balance to your schedule, you will have room for the activities and relationships that bring you joy and peace.
A Prayer for Today
“God, order my steps today. Help me to prioritize and to focus on those things that honor You and fulfill Your plan for my life. There may be relationships, commitments, and activities that I have to let go of; give me the courage to do so. I want to slow down, restore balance, and experience more joy in my life!”
President Lungu in Chilanga during the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign
President Edgar Lungu says the Republican constitution is supreme law of the land affecting all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation and should therefore not be politicized in the process.
President Edgar Lungu has therefore urged Members of Parliament not to politicize the constitution making process because the document is for all Zambians.
Mr Lungu says it is important for parliamentarians to think beyond their political affiliations when dealing with legislative issues such as the constitution.
“ Drafting a constitution that suits a political grouping could be dangerous for the country and its people as it is same law could be used against those who drafted supreme Law once they change sides,” he said.
President Lungu has since encouraged various stakeholders such as the church to participate in the constitution making process.
He said all interested stakeholders will be welcomed to participate in the crafting of the constitution so that the document can be refined.
The Republican President was speaking to Journalists in Chilanga District today, shortly after conducting Zambia clean, health and green campaign exercise which has been going on every last Saturday of the month.
Mr Lungu made an impromptu visit to Chilanga Town to participate in the cleaning exercise at Twatasha market along Kafue Lusaka road near Munda Wanga Gardens, this morning.
He took time to help pick garbage behind the market shops as the whole front area of the shops was clean.
The President who earlier showed his satisfaction with the cleanliness of the area, however expressed disappointment after he discovered that the place was operating while the toilets were locked.
He took to task Council Chairperson Ann Brown, Chilanga MP Maria Langa and District Commissioner Edith Muwana who earlier on bragged that the district was the cleanest in Lusaka province.
Chilanga MP Maria Langa disclosed that the Town has not recorded any case of cholera this year so far because the Town has heed positively to government’s Keep Zambia clean, green and healthy campaign.
The President also visited Chilanga health center and interacted with staff and patients in the wards before touring Katandabale Market which is just in the vicinity of the health facility.
President Lungu later on toured Munda Wanga Gardens where he implored line Ministries to find a way of reviving the park by way through public private partnership.
During its hay days, Munda Wanga used to house over 40 bird species and about 200 individual animals in its wildlife sanctuary.
The President also took over an hour’s stroll into the park under the guidance of Munda Wanga Park Ranger Hendrix Sambiana to see some animals such as lions, Warthogs, Wild dogs and monkeys among others.
Zambia Breweries Country Director Jose Moran chats with Zambia Association of Musicans President Tivo Shikapwasha and Salma Sky at the launch of Budweiser lager in Zambia.
The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) says it values the role which the media play in the development of the country.
ZAM president Tivo Shikapwasha says since the media is a mouth piece of progress at different levels of all sectors of the every country’s economy , it should therefore not be undermined by anyone.
“ The media is at the center of all sectors of the economy where it receives and disseminates to a diversified audience what is happening in every sector, “ he said.
He added that without the media, there will be no development hence calling for all stakeholders to recognize and value the role the media plays.
“The media is an important integral part of the development progress at all levels, our cultural affiliation and all what is happening in different parts, it is needed in everything that we do,” he said.
Asked to comment on the alleged attack on the media by musician and politician, Mundia Mukubesa aka Petersen Zagaze that the media in Zambia only pay attention to stories where transport refunds are dished out, Mr. Shikapwasha said he had not had time to go through the alleged article.
He said it is difficult for him to give a comment without thoroughly studying the alleged comment adding that he needs time to go through the comments and if possible give a comment later.
Meanwhile the Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) has described the development as a disappointment bearing in mind the
significant role the media play in the country.
According to a statement issued, ZIIMA says the media has always provided a platform for musicians in the country where artist including Mukubesa have thrived.
“It has been brought to our attention that you have labelled Zambian journalists as transport refund parasites as cited in your tweet where you compared the Zambian media landscape to that of the international scene specifically in Europe
ZIIMA said it finds the statement derogative and insulting and has called upon all well-meaning journalists and media houses in the media fraternity to black him out,” part of the statement read.
And Ndola Press Club acting president Mike Mubanga has called on the media to black out Mr. Mukubesa in their reporting further calling on journalists to delete his music from their phones and computers.
Mr. Mubanga has described Mr. Mukubesa’s remarks as stupid, careless and unnecessary adding that journalism is a noble profession hence being the fourth estate.
“It is not as rotten as you think because not all journalists are involved in doing work for personal gains, “ Mr. Mubanga said adding: “The majority of journalists in Zambia have spent years contributing to the development of the country despite the harsh environment they work in. “
He said journalists have been used as a bridge between the less privileged and the decision makers, including promoting your music which at some point spoke so good and advocating for social injustice.
Mr. Mukubesa allegedly posted on his facebook page saying that “With ‘most ‘Zambian journalists, a good story will remain uncovered as long as it does not produce or promise transport refund. That’s why all hot stories are politician based. “
HH and President Lungu meet at late Munkombwe’s burial in Choma
President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda yesterday said that President Lungu will not engage himself in dialogue with rogue elements who want to subortage country by plastering falsehoods to the International community.
Responding to queries on what next with regards to the dialogue process following the political impasse in Sesheke, Presidential Spokesperson said President Lungu will concentrate on governing the country as he has been elected to do so and will not be bullied to a round table with what he described as minute, self centered brains.
“You can’t engage in dialogue with rogue elements. A government has been elected with a clear mandate within the provisions of the Constitution; the President will carry on with the business of governing, and he cannot be bullied to go onto a table with people whose brain is the size of a rat! He cannot be bullied into a conversation with people like that,” Mr. Chanda said, “On the same table with a criminal? What sort of dialogue can take place?”
Mr Chanda went on to say, the Minister of Justice Given Lubinda had issued a statement in Parliament after the Government had waited all along to bring the Constitutional Bill, Public Order Act, to the dialogue table wit no progress.
“You are not going to govern from outside. The Bills will be presented to Parliament, the President will continue to govern, he has Executive powers, ” said Mr Chanda before adding that President Lungu did not need to entertain or work with rogue law breakers to govern Zambia.
“Where criminal elements begin to disrupt law and order, the law will take its course. The President can govern without those rogue elements,” Mr Chanda highlighted.
He went on to emphasize that President Lungu was not tolerant to any form of violence from any political faction.
“The President has ordered the police not to tolerate any form of violence whatsoever from any quarters. Whether the rogue elements in the police are UPND, the law will take its course so there will not entertainment of any form of violence whatsoever,” said Mr. Chanda.
