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The abandoned FAZ Super Division – Week Two match between Kitwe United and Kabwe Warriors will continue on Sunday at 11h00 in Kitwe.
The two teams were tied at 0-0 when Chililabombwe refereee Shem Nyondo was forced to suspend the match in the 53rd minute due to heavy rains as the pitch at Garden Park become water logged.
Match commissioner Mufana Mabolelo informed officials of the two clubs that only the remained minutes will be played.
“It is the remained minutes that will be played tomorrow. There is nothing we can do about rains it’s natural,” he said.
Chingalika and Warriors had gone to the break after an eventful first half.
Striker Rodgers Mukenge came close to giving Kitwe an early lead when his 5th minute short was stopped on the line by keeper Benjamin Ochan.
On the other hand, Warriors almost went ahead when forward Emmanuel Okutu saw his strike go slightly wide with keeper Lameck Siame completely beaten.
Meanwhile, Kitwe and Warriors are in Pool A of the 2019 transitional season.
PF National Chairperson for Agriculture Given Lubinda says majority of Zambians want President Edgar Lungu to contest the 2021 presidential election and win so that he can continue with his development agenda for Zambia.
Mr. Lubinda told a PF youth meeting in Sesheke that even if they deny him a member of parliament in Sesheke on February 12th, 2019, President Lungu will continue as president and take development to all parts of Zambia.
And speaking at the same meeting, Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Martin Malama warned all youths in the PF that the law will be applied against anyone of them that will be found perpetrating any form of violence.
Dr. Malama who is former Inspector General of Police, called on the police and other law enforcement agents to be firm and fair when applying the law
President Edgar Lungu this morning led a number of government officials, public and private corporate figures in a 13 kilometers jogging stint a as sign of citizens being healthy.
Clad in a Barclays Bank branded white T-shirt and blue tracksuit and white jogging shoes , President Lungu who was in usual jovial spirit kick started the two hour long early morning around State Lodge area which covered 13 kilometers.
President Lungu’ s daughter Tasila, Presidential Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe, Michael Katambo (Agriculture), Richard Musukwa (Mines), Ronald Chitotela (Infrastructure) and Bowman Lusambo of Lusaka Province were among the people who participated in the early jog.
Employees from ZESCO, RDA, ZAMTEL, RTSA, ZICTA, ZRA, ZACL also took part in the keep fit exercise by jogging.
The programme was sponsored by Barclays Bank which provided water and fruits to the runners.
After the run, President Lungu said the jogging stint was part of his regular keep fit programme an initiative he said was aimed to expose awareness of keep-fit and pass it on to others.
President Lungu said the motive of the jogging stint was aimed to sensitize people in communities on the best health practices of ridding off non- communicable diseases.
“ It is a matter of concern that one out four people die of cancer, high blood pressure commonly known as BP, diabetes and other related illness due to lack of physical exercises, “ he said.
Mr. Lungu has therefore encouraged all Zambians to not only visit medical experts so as to know their alignments, but to spare their time doing exercises, such as jogging.
“ I also encourage communities to form training clubs such as neighborhood clubs, playing football, tennis and at least walking so that Zambia can have healthier people to steer the desired development, “ he said.
Another corporate jogging stint would in June and December this year expected were awards would be given to deserving runners.
And Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya who also participated in the exercise encouraged people to consider eating traditional foodstuffs such as impwa (African egg-plant) the famous traditional vegetables such ulumanda, chibwaba ( pumpkin leaves) and bondwe among others which he said adds value to the body’s wellbeing.
Dr. Chilufya however warned against smoking and fast foods which he said have a negative impact to one’s health such as lung diseases and obesity, among other ailments.
Barclay’s Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu expressed her optimism ic that the ‘presidential jog’ would have a spiral effect on all citizens in all walks of life.
Ms. Melu said people should not go to the hospital for fitness adding that physical exercises are a good vehicle of in uniting people in the country.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili
Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance, Rev Godfridah Sumaili has advised Multichoice Zambia to discontinue a TV reality show called Lusaka Hustler as it promotes immoral behaviour.
Zambezi Magic has responded to the public outrage about the show claiming the show does not promote homosexual lifestyle despite one of the participants who displays gay lifestyle.
But Hon. Sumaili has advised that the show be discontinued because of the immorality it displays.
“This show should stop immediately. Our stand as a Christian nation is clear and the laws of the land speak louder.”
Head of Zambezi Magic, Mr Timothy Okwaro, has responded to comments on social media about the reality show Lusaka Hustle.
Mr Okwaro expressed regret about a social media post, which he says has misrepresented the content of the show.
“Lusaka Hustle is a locally produced reality show which follows the lives of three Zambian celebrities who regularly appear on television. The suggestion that the show advocates or promotes any particular lifestyle is an unfair misrepresentation”.
He added that Zambezi Magic is deeply respectful of Zambian laws and culture.
Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya and his counterpart Angolan Minister of Health Silvia Lutucuta (r) tours Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
Government has reiterated it’s commitment towards expanding cancer prevention and control programmes countrywide while ensuring financial stability, sustainability and quality services for all, countrywide.
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya says the prioritized cancer prevention and control is government’s quest to attain universal health coverage as evidenced by the setting up of 84 cervical cancer screening sites across the country.
He said President Lungu’s government for this reason plans to construct two new cancer treatment centers in Southern and Copperbelt provinces in order to decentralize cancer services across the country.
ZANIS reports that Dr Chilufya said this in a speech read for him by Northwestern province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu during the national commemorations of the world cancer day in Solwezi today under the theme:” I am and I will.”
The country recorded over 12,000 new cancer cases in 2018 out of which 7,380 deaths were recorded.
3,000 new cervical cancer cases were recorded in 2018 followed by Karposis sarcoma at 1, 700, prostate cancer accounted for 1,230 and breast cancer cases were 900.
Speaking earlier, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country representative Nathan Bakyaita said thousands of lives can be saved with proper cancer prevention, early detection, access to proper treatment and care.
Dr Bakyaita called on all stakeholders at all levels to create an environment in which cancer risk factors are reduced.
“ The Zambian government should be commended for its commitment and partnership with cooperating partners which he said has resulted in increased access to cancer services, “ he said.
And Senior Chief Mujimanzovu of the Kaonde speaking people called on communities to utilize the cancer services that government is bringing closer to them for early diagnosis and treatment.
The traditional leader said 1,049 women were screened for cancer at Solwezi general hospital out which 71 were found with the disease in its early stages, 41 had fully developed cervical cancer and also regretted the death of six women from the disease.
President Edgar Lungu talks to Lubambe Mine Chief Executive Officer Nick Bowen(c) while Mines Minister Richard Musukwa listens at State House
Lubambe mine has announced that the mining company is this year projected to increase production by over 60 percent.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Bowen said in Lusaka yesterday Lubambe mine last year recorded a 22 percent increase in copper production.
He said this after a meeting with Republican President Edgar Lungu at State House in Lusaka, this morning.
It produced 22,000 tonnes of copper which is the biggest increase that has happened to the mine since it was opened.
Mr Bowen said this year the mine again is projected to produce 36,000 tonnes of copper increasing production by over 60 percent.
This will help the company achieve its design capacity of 45,000 tonnes by 2020.
On the new tax regime Mr Bowen said government is looking at earning enough from the mines and that what is important is stakeholder engagement, which is already happening.
He said the mine will continue operating and will not cut down on jobs.
” We have been working closely with the government. We understand their objective is to get more income for Zambians and the increase in production is going to deliver so much more in taxes. The more we produce the more taxes the government will earn,” Mr Bowen said.
The mine has over 1,250 employees and 1,250 contractors,” the great position we are in. We need more workers, not less” he said.
He, however, assured the Head of State that the mine will not reduce its workforce as the current one has managed to increase production for the firm.
Mr Bowen said the mine has discovered 200,000 million tonne new ore body with a seven (7) million tonnes of copper at eight (8) percent, which is a high-grade rate according to global standards.
He said the mine is now processing all the neccessary papers with government to start explorations and is expected to invest US$500 million in its operations from next year.
This will create more than 1,000 jobs at construction stage, which will take five (5) years and over 2,000 new jobs will be created when the mine becomes operational.
President Edgar Lungu talks to Lubambe Mine Chief Executive Officer Nick Bowen(c) when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House
Worker busy working on the newly constructed Simon Mwewa Main Market
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President Lungu and Egyptian Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Prof. Dr. Ezzaldin O. Abusteit during the tour of the fish ponds at State House
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President Lungu and Egyptian Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Prof. Dr. Ezzaldin O. Abusteit during the tour of the fish ponds at State House
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President Lungu and Egyptian Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Prof. Dr. Ezzaldin O. Abusteit during the tour of the fish ponds at State House
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Part of the government workers that attended the meeting to welcome newly appointed permanent secretary Willies Mangimela
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Newly appointed North-Western permanent secretary Willies Mangimela (l) addresses civil servants based in Solwezi outside the Boma conference hall
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Newly appointed North-Western permanent secretary Willies Mangimela (l) addresses civil servants based in Solwezi outside the Boma conference hall
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Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya and his counterpart Angolan Minister of Health Silvia Lutucuta (r) tours Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
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Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya and his counterpart Angolan Minister of Health Silvia Lutucuta (r) tours Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
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Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo (r) DMMU National coordinator Chanda Kabwe with Captain Mabvuto Lungu during the tour of the Simon Mwewa market
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Launch of the Tobacco Youth Awareness at British American Tobacco Lusaka South Muilt Facility Zone
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Launch of the Tobacco Youth Awareness at British American Tobacco Lusaka South Muilt Facility Zone
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DMMU National coordinator Chanda Kabwe listen to Captain Mabvuto Lungu during the tour of the Simon Mwewa market
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DMMU National coordinator Chanda Kabwe flanked by Lusaka province PS Charles Sipanje touring Simon Mwewa market which is almost 78% done
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DMMU National coordinator Chanda Kabwe flanked by Lusaka province PS Charles Sipanje and Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo having a light moment during the tour of the Simon Mwewa market
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DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe admiring the progress on newly constructed Simon Mwewa Main Market
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Captain Mabvuto Lungu showing the progress on the Simon Mwewa Market to DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe during the tour of the newly constructed Simon Mwewa Main Market
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Captain Mabvuto Lungu showing the progress on the Simon Mwewa Market to DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe during the tour of the newly constructed Simon Mwewa Main Market
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Angolan Minister of Health Silvia Lutucuta flanked by Permanent Secretary Training Prof. Eylwin Chomba admiring the Baby during the tour of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The British American Tobacco Zambia (BAT) has saluted the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for instituting stringent measures aimed at curbing the elicit smuggling of inferior cigarettes into the country.
BAT Zambia Managing Director Godfrey Machanzi says the step taken by the authority should be commended as it will enable legal businesses to operate profitably.
ZANIS reports that Mr Machanzi, lamented that the country has been losing huge sums of revenue due to the surge in cigarette smuggling.
He reaffirmed BAT Zambia’s commitment in supporting the efforts of ZRA in protecting local companies from substandard smuggled cigarettes.
Mr Machanzi was speaking in Lusaka yesterday, during the launch of the “Youth Access Prevention” campaign programme.
He explained that the campaign is aimed at raising awareness among retailers not to sell cigarette products to minors under the age of 18.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has commended BAT Zambia for launching the awareness programme.
ZACCI Chief Executive Office Prisca Chikwashi said the move taken by the company, will help to safeguard the health of minors.
The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) says it will this year hold its first ever National Economics Summit to discuss economic matters affecting the country and the world at large.
EAZ president Lubinda Haabazoka who revealed this in Lusaka yesterday added that President Edgar Lungu is expected to grace the summit which will be held in June in the tourist capital, Livingstone.
Dr. Haabazoka said the economics summit will bring together economists, government officials, academicians, scholars from other countries, and university students to discuss economic issues affecting citizens in Zambia and world over.
He said the association has also invited former heads of state of other countries he did not name to attend the summit so that they can share the experiences they have had governing the countries.
The National Economic Summit will be a blueprint of the World Economic Forum which is held annually in Switzerland to discuss economic matters of the world.
The EAZ President was speaking shortly after he presented a corporate membership certificate to Texila American University in Lusaka.
The membership certificate is in recognition of the partnership between the two parties.
Meanwhile, the Economic Association of Zambia says there is need to boost the performance of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) for the country to achieve the four percent projected economic growth for this year.
Economic Association of Zambia ( EAZ ) Copperbelt Chapter chairperson Matthews Simuyemba says there was also need for local companies to participate in business with the mining companies to ensure that proceeds of business transactions circulate within the country.
Mr. Simuyemba notes that mining companies were procuring more of its materials from foreign companies by side-lining local companies which also have capacity to supply the same goods and services.
Yesterday, Minister of Commerce Christopher Yaluma announced that government has projected a four per cent economic growth for the country this year.
“ The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) need to put more effort in building capacity among the local entrepreneurs so that they can increase their production as well as exposing them to export markets, “ he said.
He noted that the projected growth rate was attainable as the economic prospects for 2019 were bright adding that the good copper and cobalt prices on the international markets are some of the factors that would help the country attain the projected growth.
He added that more foreign direct investment is expected this year following a good bilateral relations which government has signed of late.
He also urged government to continue wooing investors in various sectors as this would boost economic growth.
The EAZ chapter chairman however, noted that fluctuations in the global fuel prices and performance of major economies might have an impact on the Zambian economy and necessary interventions should be put to cushion such effects.
Government has advised labour unions to acquaint themselves with labour laws and industrial related documents in order to represent workers, effectively.
Minister of labour Joyce Simukoko observes that lack of information by labour leaders has contributed to high levels of mistreatment of workers by employers.
Mrs. Simukoko wondered why despite Zambia having one of the best labour laws in the World, many employees have continued to be exploited.
Speaking after she toured some companies in Lusaka yesterday, Mrs. Simukoko also explained that employers should not take advantage of the high employment levels and make people work as slaves in their own countries.
She disclosed that there is need for proper negotiations between labour unions and management to ensure effective representation of both parties.
At Lusaka hotel, the minister expressed concern that workers were still been owned seven months’ salary and service charge arears from 2016.
She said there is need for the union and management to come up with a settlement scheme that will see that employees are paid promptly.
And at Verun Beverages on Mungwi road in Lusaka west, Mrs. Simukoko was shocked to learn that workers in the factory were working without protective clothing, while unionized workers where been paid salaries of non-unionized workers.
And Lusaka Hotel Managing Director David Thompson has called on government to help in resuscitating the institution.
Mr. Thompson noted that being the oldest hotel in the country, government should have considered taken the institution and run it as a national monument.
The Minister also visited polythene products where she also urged the management to improve the working conditions of workers.
President Edgar Lungu serving a motorist at the newly commissioned Michael Chilufya Toll Plaza on Sunday, 4th November, 2018, Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza.
THE Auditor General’s ( AG) report for the year ending December 31, 2017 has revealed that various vehicles paid for tolls at discount rate at eight stations when they did not qualify for such an incentive.
The Auditor General report indicates that the National Road Fund Agency ( NRFA ) incurred a loss of about K 1, 091, 814 during the fiscal year.
The NFRA is said to have engaged the systems providers to ensure that the systems functions according to the set parameters.
“ The application of the frequent user discount is automated and each road user is granted the discount upon qualification. The Agency has further engaged the systems providers to ensure that the systems functions according to set parameters and investigations are on-going which are expected to be concluded by January 31, 2019, “ the report states in part.
It adds that the frequent Road User Account Discounts ( FUDs) provide for a discount of 25 percent on qualifying motorist applied on the toll fee of K 20 and K 40, respectively.
The report , however, indicates that 787 vehicles did not pay normal fees at Mumbwa toll station resulting in a loss of K 54, 229 and 6,050 vehicles equally at Shimabala toll plaza did pay resulting in a loss of K 378, 855.
It further points out the 2,523 vehicles did not pay the required fees at Katuba Toll plaza, resulting into a loss of K 195, 800 and 1,416 vehicles didn’t at Manyumbi toll gate resulting in a loss of K 327, 210.
At Kafulafuta tollgate, 557 vehicles did not pay , leading to a loss of K 134, 834 while at Chongwe toll gate, a loss of K 885 was recorded from the 15 vehicles that did not pay
Yesterday Finance Minister Margarete Mwanakatwe sasid that the reported losses in the media were related to minor system configuration challenges across toll booths and toll stations in the country.
Responding to an article in local daily tabloid ,the Daily Nation Newspaper, which alluded that K 1 million has been lost at the toll gates, Mrs. Mwanakatwe says the reported losses were related to minor system configuration challenges across toll booths and toll stations in the country.
“ The matter was originally trailed through the Government’s internal audit processes and later the Office of the Auditor General in their 2017 report. It is not a new case and my Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and conduct integrity checks on the system from time to time,” the Minister said in a statement.
She said steps have been taken to ensure that correctional measures are implemented so that any system related losses are prevented now and in future. She categorically stated that Government’s tolerance level to the mishandling, abuse and loss of public funds is at zero.
Mrs Mwanakatwe however warned that her ministry will not hesitate to evoke the necessary provisions of Public Financial Management Act, 2018 Act aimed at protecting public resources and institute remedial action.
Ministry of Works and Supply Permanent Secretary Agness Musunga told that PAC on November 15, 2018 when she appeared that the Agency has instituted investigations to review the transactions on the reported losses to determine the cause and appropriate action for recovery.
Power Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu says Green Eagles will be a big litmus test for his side after making a flying start to the 2019 FAZ Super Division season.
Power head to Eagles a week after they out-passed new boys MUZA but struggled to put the ball over the line against the visitors in a 2-0 home win on January 27 at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
On Saturday, Power face seasoned Eagles whom they have not beaten in their last three league games.
Last season, Eagles left Kitwe with a convincing 1-1 draw and later beat Power 1-0 in Choma on their way to finishing fourth and making their debut CAF Confederation qualification while the Kitwe side settled for sixth position.
“We are playing Eagles away, they lost in their first league game and they want to bounce back,” Power coach Kelvin Kaindu said.
“It has never been easy playing them away. Last season I think we suffered a narrow loss when we fielded mostly youngsters but it was punch-for-punch.
“But we hope this time, our plans and strategy for that game will help us.”
Eagles head into the home game after losing 1-0 away to Forest Rangers in Ndola last Sunday.
But the pressure is still on Power who looked convincing in all departments against MUZA but their blunt in attack where Alex Ngonga was absent due to an injury and is only expected to return in a month.
The spotlight will be on Power’s attacking trio of striker Elvis Rupia, midfielders Godfrey Ngwenya and Larry Bwalya to try and collect the sides’ first away win in Choma since 2012.
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council has commended the Human Rights Commission for undertaking an independent investigation into the University of Zambia, 4th to 5th October 2018 happenings which saw the eventual saddening death of a female student Vespers Shimuzhila.
The NGOCC has also welcomed the recommendations by the Human Rights Commission in its Investigation Report that all the Police officers, including senior officers that were in charge of the operation at the University of Zambia, on the material day, be criminally charged for causing the death of Vespers.
NGOCC Board Chairperson Mary Mulenga said her Organisation also support the recommendation that the Shimuzhila family should immediately institute legal proceedings against the State and its agents for the arbitrary loss of Vespers’ constitutionally guaranteed and birth right to life, so that they can be adequately compensated.
She said her Organisation look forward to the legal fraternity to step in and assist the Shimuzhila’s family in their quest to seek justice.
Mrs. Mulenga said as established in the report, it is clear that Vespers died as a result of suffocation caused by the Police who were firing teargas canisters and hand-held grenades into student hostels.
She said the investigation by the Commission has vindicated the long-held view, by most citizens, that the Zambia Police was unprofessional in the handling of the unrest at the University of Zambia.
Mrs. Mulenga said this further brings to the fore the fact that women and girls in many instances are rendered unnecessarily vulnerable and end up facing the brunt of such brutality and indeed violent acts.
Mrs. Mulenga has demanded that Inspector General of Police, Kakoma Kanganja, in his capacity as the in-charge of the Zambia Police, should take full responsibility of the death of Vespers.
“It is our call on the Police Command to ensure that this predicament works to change the growing unprofessional tendencies within the Police Service and that immediate pragmatic action is taken to refocus the Police to its noble duty of “protecting life and property” and not perpetrators of brutality and human rights violations”, she added.
She said on behalf of the women’s movement, NGOCC will monitor and advocate to ensure that recommendations in the report are implemented and the culprits brought to book for justice to prevail.
Chipolopolo coach Sven Vandenbroeck admits he knows very little about any of his two prospective 2020 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier opponents.
CHAN is a second tier AFCON exclusively for home-based players with the next edition to be hosted by Ethiopia next year.
Chipolopolo, who enjoy a first round bye, will face Botswana or Seychelles in the second round qualifiers during the weekend of July 26-28 and August 2-4.
Both Botswana and Seychelles have yet to qualify for CHAN.
The winner advance to the final qualifying round where a prospective date against 2011 CHAN runners-up Angola awaits during the weekend of September 20-22 and October 18-20.
The potential of meeting Botswana and Angola is the exact route Chipolopolo negotiated to qualify for the inaugural tournament held in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire where Zambia finished third under Herve Renard.
“I have no idea about Seychelles. For me it is a holiday country rather than a football nation. We need to go deep to research,” Vandenbroeck said.
“Botswana is also not well-known to me.I will request to watch these games.”
Vandenbroeck also revealed that he will start his CHAN preparations next week with weekly Copperbelt and Midlands camps.
He added that he could just field his CHAN team in March’s dead-rubber 2019 AFCON Group K qualifier against Namibia in Lusaka to prepare the team for the Ethiopia tournament qualifiers.
Chipolopolo have qualified for only three of the last five CHAN finals since winning bronze 2009 and reaching the quarterfinals in 2016 and 2018.
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says a story appearing in some sections of the media that over K1 million toll fees under the National Road Fund Agency are missing is not a new.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe says the matter was originally trailed through the Government’s internal audit processes and later the Office of the Auditor General in their 2017 report. It is not a new case.
She says in this case, the reported losses were related to minor system configuration challenges across toll booths and toll stations.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe said steps have been taken to ensure that correctional measures are implemented so that any system related losses are prevented now and in future. My Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and conduct integrity checks on the system from time to time.
“I have instructed the National Road Fund Agency to conduct a briefing with the media and other stakeholders to ensure that clarity is given and further feedback from the public obtained on matters incidental to toll gates”, she said.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe said as stated previously, the Government’s tolerance level to the mishandling, abuse and loss of public funds is at zero.
She added that where reports of verified infringement of the Public Financial Management Act, 2018, are ascertained, her Ministry will not hesitate to evoke the necessary provisions in the act to protect public resources and institute remedial action.
