President Hakainde Hichilema has announced the government’s intention to introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting the sale of mining licenses to foreigners. The President emphasized that the primary objective is to empower Zambian citizens by providing them with the opportunity to own mining operations.

Addressing the Senior Management Quarterly Meeting in the Public Service held in Lusaka, President Hichilema also revealed plans to enact another law later this year to address the sluggish public procurement process and curb corruption related to tenders. He highlighted that the Electronic Government Procurement System (EGPS) would undergo a review to ensure broader accessibility for citizens seeking contracts.

President Hichilema expressed concerns about certain conditions within the e-GP system, limiting contract access to entities with previous government business, disadvantaging new business entrants. The proposed review aims to create a more inclusive environment, allowing a larger segment of the population to participate in government contracts.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa highlighted numerous successes in the public service since 2021. He cited the full implementation of the decentralization policy, an increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and the introduction of the public service agriculture loan facility as notable achievements. Kangwa emphasized the transformation of decentralization from a dream into a reality, marking a significant milestone for the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for heightened commitment, dedication, and attachment to the people to ensure effective public service delivery. Speaking at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre during the first Senior Management quarterly meeting, the President emphasized the need for accountability and warned of consequences for public officers failing to deliver.

President Hichilema highlighted the government’s focus on assessing progress in public service delivery over the past two years and four months. He emphasized resolving debt, amending laws, and implementing the Constituency Development Fund as key components for economic growth, job creation, and social support. The President urged Senior Management to meet regularly and reinforce efforts to improve government services for the people.

Addressing the issue of the public procurement system, President Hichilema expressed concerns about its inefficiency and called for a reduction in procurement costs. He stressed the importance of shifting away from using a significant portion of revenue on personal emoluments, urging a realignment of the public envelope when growing the economy to avoid excessive consumption expenditure.

President Hichilema questioned the underutilization of government-released resources meant to improve the economy and advocated for a paradigm shift within the administration. He highlighted concerns about the Electronic Government System (EGP) and called for a shared vision to address technological challenges effectively.

Additionally, the President urged the creation of standard models for public infrastructure to cut down on procurement costs. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa echoed the need for a professional public service free from tribalism, politics, and corruption. While acknowledging achievements, Kangwa emphasized the ongoing need for improvement in the delivery of public services.

Zambia’s group F opener against D.R Congo last evening has drawn criticism from some local soccer fans.

A soccer fan of Matero, Mwaba Mbonsheye says it was disappointing to see Zambia being outplayed by D.R Congo in all fronts.

Mbonsheye says except for defender Stoppila Sunzu who put in his level best in the game, the rest of the players were mere passengers.

“ Vamene bana chaya game mailo sivinanisekeseko nangu pangono.” (The way Chipolopolo played last evening was not pleasing at all),” he said.
However, Chibulu Musonda, a soccer analyst said while Chipolopolo played poorly, let the country take a point and build on it.

Musonda, on his Face Book page says just one match, others already criticising the performance of the lads.

He also says the country should not forget that Grant qualified, “us to the Africa Cup after failing not once but three times.”

“In case some have forgotten this is the highest level in national team football on the continent with some of the best players on earth. “Am sure you all see what Yoane Wissa ( DR. Congo lead Striker) does for Brentford in the English Premier League week in and out.

Musonda reasoned that the Chipolopolo lacked real quality on the ball.
But, another Lusaka based soccer analyst Alfred Banda says the Grant tutored side should change their attitude to the game if they are to go beyond preliminaries.
Banda says the Chipolopolo would have lost last night’s group opener had it not been for experienced defender Sunzu who made notable clearances several times for Zambia last evening.

He advised the coach and the entire technical bench to ensure players should not only play for their personal stardom but for the country saying the AFCON finals requires seriousness and self-discipline on and off the pitch.
Banda says AFCON tournaments are not for personalities or popularities to win but teamwork and sacrifice.

He adds that the current Chipolopolo must learn from team work exhibited by the AFCON champions of 2012 who emerged winners against star studded sides like Egypt, Cameroon and Ivory Coast, then.

Banda adds that the poor display by the Chipolopolo in their first encounter at the AFCON 2024 should not be allowed to continue saying if they continue with the style of play like the one exhibited last evening, the national team will not go beyond the group stage.

In their group F opener, Zambia held D.R Congo one all while Morocco beat Tanzania 3-0 to lead the table.
In the next match on Sunday, Zambia will play against Tanzania, a game optimists say is a must win for the Chipolopolo to secure a place in the next round.