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Six people have died on Lake Bangweulu while two others have survived after the boats they were on capsized following heavy winds in three different incidences.
Chilubi District Commissioner (DC), Earnest Bwalya confirmed this to ZANIS in Luwingu yesterday.
Mr Bwalya said that four of the six people who died are from Kashitu village in Chief Matipa’s area of Chilubi district, while the other two are from Kampapa and Mule villages respectively.
He said only two of them managed to swim up to the banks of the lake.
Mr Bwalya said those who died and the two survivors were from Kashitu village taking cassava mealie meal to chilubi district for sale, before they mate their fate while the other two were fishing on Lake Bangweulu.
Meanwhile, the community in Kashitu village is still struggling to search for two dead bodies that perished on Friday.
The DC said that he has however, dispatched a speed boat to the area to help them search for the missing bodies who perished on Lake Bangweulu.
Mr Bwalya further, said that the district is experiencing heavy winds on the main land and heavy storms on the lake forcing people to reduce movements especially those wanting to cross on the side of the lake in Chaba and Nsombo respectively.
He appealed to government to consider sending a big boat to operate from Nsombo in luwingu district to chilubi and chaba area as it has done on the other side between chilubi and Samfya districts of Luapula province.
Efforts to get a comment from Police Deputy Commissioner for Northern Province, Edwin Bwanga failed by press time as the phone kept on ringing.
Zambia Police Service has warned all pupils in Secondary Schools to desist from engaging themselves in any acts of lawlessness following the decision by government to reschedule the 2018 examinations.
Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Esther Katongo said parents and guardians should guide the conduct of their children as failure to do so may result into their children facing criminal charges which may negatively affect their future.
Ms. Katongo said the Zambia Police will not condone any act that has potential to cause any form of anarchy in the country stating that anyone who will be found causing confusion will not be spared.
She said it is unfortunate that some pupils at Lusaka’s Olympia Park Secondary School today staged a protest demanding that they be allowed to write examinations.
“Today between 09:00 hours and 10:00 hours, pupils from Lusaka’s Olympia Park Secondary School staged a protest demanding that they be allowed to write Exams. The pupils blocked roads using stones thereby inconveniencing motorists,” she said.
Ms. Katongo explained that attempts by their teachers to calm the situation failed hence Police was called to quell the situation.
“Upon seeing Police Officers, the unruly pupils began throwing stones at the Police but officers managed to disperse them and calm has been restored,” she said.
Ms Katongo said police managed to apprehend 10 pupils from grade 8, 10, 11 and 12 who were strongly warned and later released.
She stated that any further misconduct by the pupils from any other school will not be tolerated by Police.
This is contained in a statement made available to media in Lusaka yesterday by Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Esther Katongo.
Lumwana Radiants, National Assembly and Nakambala Leopards are all fighting to avoid relegation as they play their final matches of the 2018 FAZ Super Division season on Saturday.
Lumwana, who are placed 17th on the table with 38 points, must beat already demoted Nchanga Rangers away in Chingola while hoping that Assembly and Nakambala drop points in their final matches.
Nakambala host New Monze Swallows in Mazabuka with Assembly visiting Forest Rangers in Ndola.
Fifteenth placed Nakambala have 40 points while Assembly a just one place below the Mazabuka side with 39 points.
“We will fight tooth and nail to win this match,” Lumwana keeper Charles Mweemba said ahead of the trip to Chingola.
Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy, Nchanga and Monze Swallows have already been demoted.
Meanwhile, the rest of the FAZ Super Division teams have already played their Week 38 matches which were brought forward to determine the top four teams earlier in October.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION – WEEK 38
Saturday 27th October, 2018
Buildcon Vs Power Dynamos (Levy Mwanawasa@13:00)
Forest Rangers Vs National Assembly (Levy Mwanawasa@15:00)
Nakambala Leopards Vs New Monze Swallows (Nakambala)
Vice President Inonge Wina says the ongoing forensic investigation into the alleged misappropriation of the social cash transfer will be concluded soon.
Mrs. Wina says a forensic report over the investigation in both in the Ministry of Education and Community development is expected soon.
She says government is very strong on corruption and will get to the bottom of all matters.
Government has deployed auditors to investigate circumstances over the social cash transfer in the Ministry of Community Development which even led to the suspension of some officers.
Mrs. Wina was speaking during the Vice President Question Time in Parliament.
And Mrs. Wina says Government has sent a complaint to South Africa over the rising cases of killing and attacks of Zambians resident in South Africa.
Mrs. Wina was speaking in Parliament in response to Kanchibiya Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Martin Malama.
Meanwhile, the Vice President challenged MPs to propagate message of peace and unity in the country following reports of hate speech and tribal talk.
And Mrs. Wina says government plans are underway to revive and open industrial park in Ndola and Kitwe.
Mrs. Wina says a loan has since been secured meant for the revival of the industrial side of the two Copperbelt towns.
Vice President Wina also informed the House that government will only consider building a new State House once resources were available.
Mrs. Wina has also warned hospitals that have been reported to administering expired drugs to patients.
Sino-Zam Hospital in the Copperbelt was shut by the Health Professional Council of Zambia for allegedly administering expired drugs.
President Lungu at the University Teaching Hospital this afternoon where he visited Dr. Job Kaweshi, the Kidney transplant patient and Mr Tinashe Kaweshi, the Donor. Dr. Tinashe Kasweshi and Mr Job Kasweshi are biological brothers and their mother Mrs Catherine Kabaye Kasweshi expressed gratitude at the succesful transplant which has seen both her sons return to her alive and well.
President Edgar Lungu has praised the team that successfully conducted the first ever kidney transplant at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.
President Lungu said that such an initiative will help to cut down on expenses of sending patients abroad for treatment.
The President explained that if Zambian surgeons are able to carry out such operations, it will help bring in foreign exchange in the country as it will attract others to come for treatment.
The Head of State was speaking this afternoon when he visited the kidney donor and receiver at the main intensive care unit at UTH.
And President Lungu said that government will be able to support the Ministry of Health and medical staff so that such initiatives are sustained.
He was responding to questions on incentives to motivate specialized medical staff at the hospital.
And Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said that government spends over 10 million dollars to send patients out of the country.
Dr. Chilufya briefed President Lungu that a team of doctors from Italy will be in the country next week to conduct open and closed heart surgery working together with Zambian surgeons.
Meanwhile, UTH Medical Superintendent- Adult Hospital Clarence Chiluba said the hospital has been training medical personnel coming from various countries in the region.
And the mother of the patients, Mrs Catherine Kabaye Kasweshi, expressed gratitude at the succesful transplant which has seen both her sons return to her alive and well.
Mrs Kasweshi stated that President Lungu had demonstrated wonderful leadership by taking time to see her children and also thanked the Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya for the wonderful treatment her family had been accorded the duration of the surgery.
She also thanked most profoundly, the team of doctors that had performed the successful surgery that has saved the life of her son. Both the Donor and Recipient confirmed that they where recuperating well.
President Lungu at the University Teaching Hospital this afternoon where he visited Dr. Job Kaweshi, the Kidney transplant patient and Mr Tinashe Kaweshi, the Donor. Dr. Tinashe Kasweshi and Mr Job Kasweshi are biological brothers and their mother Mrs Catherine Kabaye Kasweshi expressed gratitude at the succesful transplant which has seen both her sons return to her alive and well.
Dr Kaunda shakes hands as he congrats Mr Banda on his appointment
Former Republican President Rupiah Banda has been appointed Chancellor of Cavendish University Zambia.
Mr Banda takes over from Dr Kenneth Kaunda who who has been Chancellor of the University since it’s inception in 2003.
The installation of Mr Banda as the new Chancellor was conducted yesterday.
And the opposition MMD has congratulated Mr. Banda on his appointment as the new University Chancellor of the Cavendish University.
“As a Party, we treasure education and the ascendency of President Banda is a testimony to our party,,’s great importance for education. Lastly we would love to wish President Banda all the best in this new journey,” says MMD Deputy Spokesperson Peter Phiri.
Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili, who lost a case in which he was challenging his expulsion from the Patriotic Front party has appealed to the court of appeal. Lusaka High Court judge Maria Kawimbe on October 25 threw out Mr Kambwili’s application on technicalities. The court noted that Mr Kambwili who is also the was not serious with his matter.
According to a memorandum of appeal filed in the court of appeal, the appellant has appealed on three grounds.
In ground one, Mr Kambwili has accused the court below of having erred in both law and fact by failing to recognize his actions after its ruling dated July 5, 2018 as his proof of prosecution.
In ground two, the Roan Parliamentarian further accused Justice Kawimbe of having erred in fact and law by failing to recognize that the law duly provides for the varying of Orders of direction after the same have been issued.
In the last ground, Mr Kambwili charged that the court below misdirected itself in law and fact when it absolved the Respondent’s breach of Orders for directions while penalizing his legend breach of the same.
In July 2017, Kambwili sued the PF seeking a declaration order that the decision of the party’s central committee to expel him was illegal, wrongful, null and void.
In his statement of claim, the former information minister cited PF secretary general Davies Mwila as the respondent Defendant.
Kambwili wanted the court to declare that his rights under the PF constitution were infringed by not giving him a chance to face his charges and further sought an order that the PF central committee could not be complainant, accuser and judge in its own case against him.
But when the matter came up on October 25 judge Kawimbe threw out the case, saying it appeared the Plaintiff was not serious about proceeding with the matter.
Meanwhile, Ruling PF Secretary General Davies Mwila has written to Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini to declare the Roan Constituency seat vacant.
This follows the High Court’s decision to throw out Mr. Kambwili’s application yesterday 25th October 2018.
In a letter dated 26th October 2018, Mr Mwila said the PF Central Committee expelled Mr Kambwili on 24th July 2017 but he challenged the decision in the High Court.
But Mr Mwila said the matter was dismissed on October 25th 2018 by the High Court.
And PF Media Director Sunday Chanda says the PF is ready to move into Roan Constituency and retire Mr Kambwili.
Mr Chanda advised Mr Kambwili to shelve his plans to appeal the High Court decision in the Supreme Court saying doing so would be wasting Court’s time.
He said time has come now for Mr Kambwili to put his “imaginary” popularity to test by going for a by election in Roan.
Shepolopolo will punctuate their preparations for next month’s African Womens Championship with a friendly against tournament hosts Ghana in Lusaka.
Zambia and Ghana warm up for the Africa Cup on November 3 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
“This friendly is part of a build-up to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,” FAZ spokesperson Desmond Katongo said in a statement on Friday.
“We wish to inform the public that our Women’s national team will face the Black Queens of Ghana on November, 3rd 2018 at Nkoloma stadium,” Katongo said.
Coach Bruce Mwape’s women are currently camped in Lusaka ahead of the continental championship to be staged in Ghana from November 17 to December 1.
Shepolopolo have been drawn against defending champions and record winners Nigeria in Group B together with South Africa and Kenya.
The Euromonitor Report of 2018 has ranked Zambia as a country with the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the region.
According to the illicit alcohol trade research finding presented in the Euromonitor report in Lusaka today, Zambia has stood out first at 9.84% followed by South Africa.
The Euromonitor report of 2018 was presented today by Mrs. Carmen Van Niekerk at the Zambia Breweries mentorship and youth empowerment program held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.
The report also highlights illicit trade of alcohol in Zambia and how smuggling of alcoholic beverages have contributed to fiscal loses to the industry.
Vice President, Inonge Wina who was represented by Permanent Secretary (PS), in her Office Stephen Mwansa, said for Zambia to realise its vision of becoming a prosperous middle income country by 2030, the youth must take the lead.
The Vice President said government is determined to mainstream the young people in the socio-economic development of the country by developing and implementing policies that shall create an enabling environment for young people to fully participate in the national development.
Ms. Wina welcomed the newly launched mentorship and youth empowerment program saying the program will help young people and make the communities better.
And Bridges Limited Managing Consultant, Chibamba Kanyama who was among the panelists said illicit alcohol affects not only the consumers of the product but the families and the nation at large.
Mr. Kanyama said the effects of illicit alcohol have devastating effects on the economic growth of the country.
He said the local authorities are partly to blame for failing to regulate illicit alcohol trade and abuse of the substance especially by the young people in the country.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer, Chipego Zulu stated that illicit trade of alcohol is impacting negatively on the revenue of the manufacturers of alcohol who she said, have invested heavily in the industry.
Mrs. Zulu noted that illicit trade of alcohol erodes the investments in the sector.
And Zambia Breweries Country Director, Jose Moran disclosed that his company is committed to curbing underage drinking noting that, the vise robes the future of young people.
Mr. Moran said Zambian Breweries is engaged in raising awareness on the effects of abusing alcohol and will continue to support smart drinking.
He said Zambia Breweries is not only concerned with profit making but also the health of the consumers adding that, illicit alcohol trade is not good for the country.
He further added that, Zambian Breweries wants to continue helping the country by launching the mentorship and youth empowerment program.
When I saw pictures of Amos Chanda’s Matebeto last weekend, my mind went back in time and I remembered the cartoon that was made from George Orwell’s animal farm. For those that have not read the book or watched the cartoon, Animal farm is a satire that mocks the revolution in the USSR. The majority of people supported the revolution in hopes of a better life where everyone was equal but alas the ruling class had become exactly the same as the people they chased away.
In my humble opinion, we have had a revolution one too many. I will take you back to 1991 when the whole country rallied behind Chiluba and the MMD. I was a kid then but goodness me, it was exciting. There was so much hope you could touch it with your hands. Screams of “the hour has come” where everywhere. Finally we were going to have democracy and a fair country where we were all equal with equal opportunities for everyone.
Fast forward 4 years we started seeing the same traits we hated of the UNIP ruling class. The new ruling class was just as corrupt if not worse. In fact they were worse; I mean they were completely shameless. Who remembers Sata and Remmy Mushota trying to walk out of the Bank of Zambia with 2 billion kwacha in cash? Do you remember the Carrington Maize scandal of Nawakwi, Mezaf Flats? Privatization while necessary became an opportunity to loot. Overnight these guys become stinking rich.
It took us 20 years to decide enough is enough and Zambians were by then fed up and just wanted change. So we found a new motto “Pabwatooo” oh yes and “Donchi Kubeba”. Again exciting times. The Whole line of rail was green. Mr. Action man was coming to power. He was experienced, visionary and a no -nonsense man. “But this guy was corrupt” some shouted, “He is the guy of the 2 billion scandal and Mezaf flats”. And the majority screamed “ Just shut up iwe, we want change and he is Mr. Action”.
And so we voted Mr. Sata into power. Granted he remained Visionary, however we saw the most disorganized government during his presidency. And yes there was no surprise when the country became even more corrupt than during the MMD times. Road construction contracts were being handed out from statehouse to family; friends and cadres who knew nothing about construction of roads. Most departments heads chosen from one part of the country. Even the judiciary was given to a relative. All of a sudden, Cadres were the most feared / important people in this country. They literary got away with murder. Fast forward to today we have people we used to know that are now stinking rich because of political patronage. They own everything in town, they are big buyers, spend weekends in Cape Town and book all rooms at Hotels for their birthday party celebrations, hire huge coaches for matebeto . Wait, these guys are looking exactly the same as the MMD we chased out. No difference. In fact the only difference is these guys are worse. They have forgotten why people voted out MMD.
I will leave it here but with a caution. Any change henceforth must be scrutinized; we must not again change for the sake of it and because we will end with the likes of whom will even be worse than the current crop. Any politician whose has corrupt background, violence, tribalism, theft etc. must never be given a chance. For power will not make them reform; It can only make them worse
Footnote:
( I have nothing against Amos Chanda and I hope that he had a good time on his special day. I was just trying to point out that modesty in leaders is key. A person struggling to buy electricity will be envious and perhaps angry when they see they guys at the top living in what can be considered excesses. People who work close to the president should be modest at least for the duration they are working in statehouse)
A Pastor of Valley of Hope Ministry, Amos Chisanga aged 30 committed suicide yesterday 25th October, 2018 at about 08 30 hours in Kabanana by hanging himself inside his children’s bedroom using cross belts.
Brief information received is that the deceased pastor was being alleged to have raped his 22 year old maid.
On the material day at about 08 00 hours, the deceased sent his children to buy sweets while his wife was still asleep. Immediately the children left, the deceased locked his wife inside the bedroom where she was sleeping, and went to his children’s bedroom where he committed suicide by hanging himself on the wall plate.
The wife was awakened by the loud music and forced the door open after she discovered that it was locked from outside and found her husband hanging in the children’s bedroom. She later alerted the neighbors who assisted to cut the string to help save him as he was found still struggling for breath but he later died.
The body was picked and taken to UTH mortuary.
In a related development, a 36 year old man identified as Mackey Phiri of no fixed abode committed suicide after taking doom. This occurred yesterday 25th October, 2018 around 21:30 hours in Chilenje whilst attending a funeral. He was rushed to Chilenje Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police visited the scene and found an empty bottle of doom pesticide. The body is lying in Chilenje Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
In Luapula Province, Police in Chembe have arrested Collins Musonda aged 32 of Mushili Village , Chief Kasomalwela in Chembe District for allegedly defiling his 15 year old step daughter on 20th October, 2018 around 21 00 hours at the above mentioned village.
The victim revealed the sexual abuse to her mother stating that it was the second time her step father was sexually abusing her since April, 2018 and that she could not disclose the abuse to anyone because the suspect threatened to kill her if she did.
The suspect is detained in police custody charged with defilement and will appear in Court soon.
Meanwhile, two people died in an accident which occurred on 25th October, 2018 between 05:00 and 06:00 hours at Nemfwe Bridge in Chief Macha area, along Macha – Chikanta Feeder road.
Involved was a motor vehicle, Hino Ranger registration number ABT 2654 driven by Midias Munkombwe aged 44 of Chinika Compound, Lusaka who was driving from east to west with two passengers on board namely, Masauso Mwanza aged 39 of Garden House, Lusaka who died on the spot and John Kajombo aged 26 of Kanyama Compound, Lusaka who died upon reaching Macha Mission Hospital.
The accident happened when the motor vehicle rolled back the uphill whilst ascending and in the process, the two passengers jumped off the moving motor vehicle. The bodies are in Macha Mission Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Minister of Gender Elizabeth Phiri and NATSAVE Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda admiring the merchandise during the Lionesses of Africa breakfast
The Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs has expressed concern over the reported examination malpractices which have led to the suspension of the 2018 Grade Twelve, Nine and Seven examinations.
And The Ministry has implored institutions, officers and learners dealing with examinations at various levels to exercise the highest levels of professionalism, morality and ethics in their conduct.
In a statement issued to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today, Acting Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Elizabeth Phiri pointed out that it should always be remembered that dishonest does not pay.
“Schools should be places where in the words of Michelle Obama ‘We learn about honesty and integrity ,that the truth matters, that you do not take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules and success does not count unless you earn it fair and square,” she explained.
Ms. Phiri who is also Minister of Gender, praised the Ministry of General Education for suspending and cancelling examinations, so that it addresses the situation.
The Ministry of General Education has suspended Grade Twelve, Nine and has cancelled Grade Nine mathematics Examination until further notice, citing malpractices.
Below is the full statement
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE REPORTED EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES
The Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs wishes to express great concern on the reported examination malpractices which have led to the suspensions of the 2018 Grade Twelve, Nine and Seven examinations and cancellation of the Grade Nine Mathematics Examination Paper.
The Ministry wishes to implore institutions, officers and learners dealing with examinations at various levels to exercise the highest levels of professionalism, morality and ethics in their conduct. It should always be remembered that dishonest does not pay, but ‘No legacy is so rich as honesty’ William Shakespeare.
Schools should be places where in the words of Michelle Obama ‘We learn about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square’. If we train our pupils well and if the teachers are honest, which is one of the core values of their profession then our country will truly stand tall among other nations for ‘Honest citizens are the big reasons behind the development of any nation’ Vijay Sharma July 22, 2016.
At the entrance Gate of University in Uganda, the following message was posted for contemplation: destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students.
Patients die at the hands of such doctors, buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers, money is lost at the hands of such Economists and Accountants, Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars, Justice is lost at the hands of such Judges …. The collapse of Education is the collapse of the nation.” Indeed this is also a point of reflection for Zambians.
Notwithstanding the implications of suspending and cancelling examinations, the Ministry of General Education should be applauded for taking such measures to address the situation.
The Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs wishes to encourage officers in public and private institutions to take their responsibilities seriously and handle them with integrity
Issued by: Hon Mrs. Elizabeth Phiri, MP HONOURABLE MINISTER OF GENDER AND ACTING MINISTER OF NATIONAL GUIDANCE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Government has projected a 7.4 budget deficit partly owing to new staff recruitments.
Acting Secretary to Cabinet Christopher Mvunga says the budget deficit far exceeds the country’s medium-term expenditure target of 3 to 4 percent.
He says the upside risk of higher expenditure is partially driven by additional staff recruitment in the health, education and security sectors.
Speaking during the First meeting on the 2019 negotiations for salaries and conditions of service for the Public Service with trade unions in Chilanga, Mr. Mvunga noted that while job creation and enhanced service delivery are positives moves, it impacts Government’s ability to operate within its budget.
Meanwhile, government says implementation of austerity measures which started in 2016 will move forward into 2019 to ensure that it continues to attain the objectives of the economic stabilization and growth programme.
Speaking at the same meeting, Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary Boniface Chimbwali said the meeting is critical to ensuring there is adequate consultation between employers and employees in fostering industrial harmony in the Country.
Meanwhile Union Team Leader Sefulo Nyambe, who is also SESTUZ President, called for calmness among employees as negotiations are under way.
All Peoples Congress party (APC) President Nason Msoni says the impending dialogue will not achieve anything owing to the rawness of the calibre of Patriotic Front (PF) leadership manning the statecraft.
Msoni accused the PF of not exhibiting a spirit of give and take adding that the ruling party seems not to be convinced on the need for genuine political dialogue.
“My honest view on the impending dialogue is that it is going to achieve nothing substantial to write home about just looking at the rawness of the calibre of PF leadership manning the statecraft.
“Am not persuaded that there is sufficient political will on the part of the PF leadership to exercise a spirit of give and take. Am not entirely convinced that the PF leadership are convinced on the need for genuine dialogue in the Nation.
“Am extremely apprehensive as to whether the PF leadership are genuinely willing to make any reasonable adjustment on the implementation of the public order act. Am not entirely satisfied that the subsisting mistrust among political stakeholders has been dealt with prior to the commencement of dialogue,” he said.
He noted that the exclusion of the Church from the political equation undermines the credibility of the dialogue talks.
“I think the exclusion of the church completely from the political equation will certainly undermine the credibility of the talks. The perception and belief that the discourse(dialogue) should be about foes shaking hands and pronouncing reconciliation that surely would amount to wastage of public resources and time.
“Essentially dialogue among political players should be encouraged, but however, the dialogue process should be inclusive and be able to give the country a new direction,” he said.
On Wednesday the the ZCID announced the names of eminent persons who will Chair the dialogue process starting with the holding of the Presidents summit. The four include
Chief Nga’bwe, Senior Chief Madzimawe, Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika and Chifumu Banda.
The UPND has however maintained their stance that they would only participate in a dialogue led by the the Church.
