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Minister of National Development Planning, Honourable Alexander Chiteme addressing Member States at the ongoing United Nations (UN) High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development themed: “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies.” Picture courtesy of Zambia Mission/WALLEN SIMWAKA
Government says it is waiting for Cabinet approval of the composition of the Public Investment Board before it is announced to the public.
Minister of National Development Planning, Alexander Chiteme said the terms of reference to guide the operations of the board have been developed and the composition of the institutional representation has also been determined.
Mr Chiteme explained that government has set up the Public Investment Board to approve all Public Investment projects before they are implemented.
“The ultimate objective for putting in place the Public Investment Board is to provide policy direction in the selection of the public projects that will ultimately have higher impacts,” said Mr Chiteme.
The Minister said the Board’s responsibility will be to provide policy guidelines on the development and selection of projects that meet the required technical, economical and appropriate social requirements for the country and citizens.
He said the board will scrutinise the cost implications involved in undertaking the projects by comparing the financial inputs and gains as well as assessing the most feasible financing modalities for such projects.
The Minister said this is in line with government’s austerity measures to manage escalating costs on public investments and bring them to the most bearable levels that will guarantee value for money to both Government and beneficiaries.
Mr Chiteme said his ministry with support of Cooperating Partners under the Public Financial Management Reform Programme is putting in place the public investment management system to strengthen the work of the Board in appraising public investment projects.
He disclosed that a total of 25 officers from the Ministry of National Development Planning and other line ministries have also been trained in project appraisal adding that work is in progress in developing an ICT system and database to support the Public Investment Management System.
This was contained in a press statement made available to ZANIS by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Chibabula Silwamba.
Vice president Inonge WinaVice president Inonge Wina says the purported Social cash transfer funds which were allegedly misplaced, mismanaged and misappropriated was not the funds from the DFID.
Speaking in parliament during question for oral answer, Ms Wina says the person who raised the alarm in relation to the stolen social cash transfer money did not realize that the alleged stolen money did not belong to the DFID adding that there was no way that money could be stolen and found in the bank the following day.
The vice president who was responding to a question from Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo on when she could give a specific statement on the issue of the money which were allegedly lost and found into a ZANACO account, She says if MP’s wished to know what transpired in relation to this funds they are at liberty to approach the Bank on when the money was deposited in that account.
“Making statements on speculations does not help the situation, the case is still under investigations and when the final results are known then the members will know what actually transpired”, She has said.
Meanwhile, Ms Wina has maintained that the Patriotic Front government does not buy any opposition Councilors and offer them jobs.
She says Councillors for the first time in the history of the local authorities Councillors are receiving allowances of K3, 000 so for a Councillor to leave a lucrative destination it means they are desperate and does not want to stay where he is and are looking for greener pastures.
“A UPND Councillor would say there is nothing that the UPND Party is offering and says the party is no where near power so they have decided to make an early exit before the big hand falls”, Ms Wina has said.
Ms Wina was responding to a question from Ikelenge MP Elijah Muchima who wanted to find out why the PF despite announcing on taking austerity measures are buying the opposition Councillors when they are failing to release the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Police shot teargas canisters on mourners during burial in Kaoma District
Police in Kaoma District yesterday fought running battles with irate villagers after a ritual, locally known as Chikondo, was performed on a dead person to prompt the coffin lead them to the alleged killer before the burial.
And two suspected witches are admitted to Kaoma District Hospital after sustaining injuries when the mob pounced on them following the coffin’s directive. The mob further burnt to ashes the houses of the suspected witches.
The event which attracted scores of residents took place at Naliyele Royal Village around 12:00 hrs.
The police, who arrived at the scene after a tip off an hour later, had a tough time in dispersing the angry mob, a development that forced them to fire teargas canisters to disperse the crowd, forcing the pallbearers to abandon the coffin, which the police picked and bury later.
According to the elder brother Michael Sipumo, the deceased Sydney Sipumo 40 was said to have developed stomach problems and was rushed Kaoma District Hospital where he later died.
The police have since launched a manhunt for the supplier of charms.
This year alone, eight similar incidences have taken place in different parts of Kaoma District.
The Pastors Fellowship Leadership (PFL) in Lufwanyama district has called on politicians not to politicize the National Day of Payer, Fasting, Reconciliation and Repentance but instead pray for a better economy.
Lufwanyama district Pastors Fellowship Chairperson, Bernard Kasonde made the appeal in an interview with ZANIS in the district today.
Reverend Kasonde who is also Pentecostal Assemblies of God Overseer, said the national day of prayer is meant to strengthen the spirit of oneness and reconciliation in the country.
The clergyman further advised that it is high time people stopped shunning the day but rather reflect on its impact in strengthening people’s biblical faith in the country, adding that worshiping goes beyond politics and religious boundaries.
The clergyman also emphasised that there is need to dedicate national leaders to God if the country is to continue witnessing peaceful leadership and meaningful development.
Reverend Kasonde says leadership comes from God and it is therefore important that people take advantage of the national day of prayer to commit leaders in the country, in order to get guidance from God’s wisdom.
He stated that it is for this reason that he is calling on everyone in the country to realise the value of this day and come together in prayer come October 18, 2018.
DFID Director General LINDY CAMERON shakes hands with Minister of Finance MARGARET MWANAKATWE after a bilateral meeting in Bali-Indonesia
The United Kingdom Department for International Development [DFID] has confirmed receipt of US$ 2.7 Million which was refunded by the Zambian Government following concerns raised by the United Kingdom on utilization of social cash transfer programme resources.
Last month the UK based Africa Confidential reported that the Zambian government was diverting donor funds meant for social sector spending to make debt repayments.The UK’s DFID then suspended its funding to Zambia and demanded restitution.The British Government also confirmed that it has frozen all funding to the Zambian Government following allegations of widespread corruption in the PF Government.UK High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane-Dyet confirmed that London had cut all bilateral funding to Zambia until all audit queries are addressed.
However the Zambian Government said the money had not been misused and remained unutilised in a ZANACO bank account.The Government then wrote to the British government over its intentions to pay back the 2.7 million pounds which was meant for beneficiaries under the social cash transfer.
DFID Director General Lindy Cameron said in Bali, Indonesia, this afternoon, that she is grateful to Zambia for honouring their request. She said this during a bilateral meeting with Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Margaret Mwanakatwe.
Ms. Cameron added that once the results of the social cash transfer programme forensic audit are finalised and appropriate action taken, the DFID will engage Zambian authorities to chart the path for resumption of positive development cooperation.
The Senior United Kingdom Government Official also took the opportunity to invite Mrs. Mwanakatwe to the Africa Investment Forum which will be held in London in 2019. She said DFID will be on hand to assist Zambia in preparing for the 2019 UK/Africa Investment Forum.
Ms. Cameron further said that the recent visit of the British Prime Minister Theresa May to Africa gave the British leader a clearer perspective on the need to develop new partnerships with Africa and using London as a hub for private sector partnership development. She added that the agenda for new partnerships with African based private sector institutions is a priority for the British Government in their aspiration to generate long-term development cooperation.
Zambia’s macro-economic situation was also discussed, during the UK/Zambia bilateral meeting attended by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Christopher Mvunga.
Speaking at the same meeting, Mrs. Mwanakatwe said the Zambian Government had taken decisive steps to demonstrate its commitment to the implementation of the new Public Financial Management Act, 2018, by taking the necessary administrative action against officials who were expected to ensure that there was prudence in the utilization of social cash transfer resources.
The Minister emphasised that the Public Financial Management Act is the whip with which public service workers who will be found wanting in the management and utilization of public resources will be sanctioned and punished severely.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe also assured the United Kingdom Official that despite the turbulence’s related to the general public debt, the Government is implementing reforms and measures that are aimed at ensuring that there is stabilisation and growth in the economy.
She affirmed that the country had not only implemented a debt management strategy and but also implemented a system for dismantling domestic arrears.
The Minister also confirmed that social protection funds totaling K2.1 billion have been provided for in the 2019 National Budget. She further stated that the Government will continue to treat concerns which were raised by stakeholders on the utilization of public resources, with the deserved seriousness.
The Minister took the opportunity to announce that she will be traveling to Europe and America for a non-deal-road-show for Zambia’s bond holders and prospective investors.
This morning Mrs. Mwanakatwe and her delegation attended the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings Plenary addressed by Indonesian President, Joko Widod, IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde and World Bank President,Jim Yong Kim.
Minister of Higher Education, Nkandu Luo has dispelled assertions circulating on social media and some sections of society that unions have be banned in public universities.
Prof. Luo said the information circulating on social media is wrong and misleading.
She clarified that government did not ban union activities but introduced a new model of unionism called ‘Guild’.
Prof. Luo explained that unions have moved from the old leadership structure that only allows a few students to participate in union activities to a more inclusive model.
ZANIS reports that the Minister was speaking during a Press Briefing in Lusaka today.
Prof. Luo said students in public universities were given ample time to research on the Guild model, which they have since accepted.
She stated that workshops were held at various higher learning institutions where students were educated on the Guild concept.
Prof. Luo said from the trainings conducted students accepted and embraced the new model of leadership as it was more inclusive compared to the unionism model.
She disclosed that most public universities and colleges have already written new constitutions so as to domestic the Guild concept.
The High Education Minister cited the University of Zambia (UNZA) as one of the higher learning institutions that has already written a new Guild Constitution.
Prof. Luo further said the Acting Dean of students is yet to announce the date when the new constitution will be launched.
She hoped that with the new leadership concept, riots will reduce in institutions of higher learning.
Vice President Inonge Wina says Kenyan Professor Patrick Lumumba was denied entry into Zambia for security reasons.
The Vice President said government is not mandated to divulge security reasons to the public over why he was denied entry into the country.Mrs. Wina says Prof. Lumumba was merely denied entry and not deported from Zambia.
The Veep, who disclosed this in Parliament today said Zambia however enjoys warm and cordial relations with Kenya.
“Prof. Lumumba was merely denied entry and not deported. Government is not bound to give security reasons to the public,” the Veep said.
On September 29, 2018, Kenyan Professor Patrick Lumumba was denied entry into Zambia for security reasons.The Kenyan Professor was invited by Eden University for a public discussion at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka.
File:An unidentified woman and her daughter selling vegetables and other foodstuffs at Kapapa market in Chipata, Zambia
The September 2018 JCTR Basic Needs Basket (BNB) for a family of five living in Lusaka which stood at K5356.36 was K46 less than the August BNB which stood at K5, 402.31. Significant changes in prices were noted in Kapenta which decreased by K42 from K229.75 in August to K188 in September per kg. Charcoal decreased by K25 from K165 in August to K140 in September per
90 kg bag. Dry bream fish increased by K8 from K124 in August to K132 in September per kg.
As can be seen from the BNB survey, even with the noted reduction, the cost of living has remained high and below incomes of many Zambians who continue to struggle to access basic needs of life.
JCTR has noted that prices of basic commodities are sticky downwards and this has contributed to the high cost of living.
Amidst high cost of living the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) on 2nd October, 2018 announced an upward adjustment in fuel prices by K2.31 per litre of petrol, K2.61 per litre of diesel and K2.49 per litre of kerosene, due to changes in the fundamentals that determine fuel prices.
According to ERB,the fundamentals that have adversely affected fuel prices are increased price of crude oil on the international market and the depreciation of the kwacha against major trading currencies, especially the US dollar. JCTR expects local producers to increase commodity prices as they try to cushion themselves against increased cost of production instigated by increased fuel prices and in the process the consumer will pay the brunt of fuel hike.
The importation of oil dominates many other expenditures and forms a major part of Zambia’s import bill. Oil is one of the key drivers of industrial and commercial activities within the country.With regards to increased economic activities in the country, national consumption of oil has increased. It is for this reason that JCTR expects adjusted fuel rates to negatively impact the prices of essential goods and services such as food, water, sanitation, electricity, health care and housing.
JCTR therefore urges government to locally accelerate the process of exploration and production of oil as this will increase supply of oil and henceforth reduce fuel prices. Reduced fuel rates would cushion Zambia from the high cost of living due to the fact that fuel is a major determinant. Further on, we urge government to enhance transparency when procuring petroleum feedstock in accordance with the provisions of the Zambia Public Procurement Authority.
Lastly,Indeni Petroleum Refinery Limited financial structures must be enhanced and strengthened to allow for efficient purchase of petroleum. Indeni should have a provision for reserves that can be used to stabilize fuel prices locally
when international prices increase.
Minister of Finance Margaret Mwanakatwe has said the constitutionality of debt repayment obligations, make it difficult for the Government of Zambia to conceal any debt or to default.
“It just cannot happen,” she affirmed, and further clarified that, “the quarterly adjustments in the figures have been due to new disbursements from loans that were previously obtained and for which projects are ongoing.”
Mrs.Mwanakatwe said this when she addressed over 30 investors from Asia, The United States of America, The United Kingdom and Mainland Europe, during a Standard Chartered Bank organized investment forum held on the sidelines of the ongoing Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The forum was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, yesterday afternoon in Bali.
Asked about the Chinese portion of the country’s debt portfolio, Mrs. Mwanakatwe assured the investors that the total debt owed to China was below 30% and that measures were being implemented to ensure that Zambia remained within sustainable thresholds for both domestic and foreign debt.
She informed the investors that the process of asset and liability management for the loans obtained from China, which process began during the FOCAC meeting, was now in motion.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe also indicated that the Government of Zambia is resolved in focusing on access programme financing from multilateral and bilateral partners and to a lesser extent, concessional financing, to supplement its domestic resource mobilisation drive.
The Minister affirmed that the Loans and Guarantees Authorization Act of the Republic of Zambia, currently assigns the mandate of loan contraction to the Minister of Finance, and she added that, “therefore, no Ministry or Province has been able to contract any loan without input from the treasury, my Ministry.”
The Minister also said the new mine tax regime is an initiative towards policy stabilisation and predictability for the sector.
The Minister said through several tax measures announced in 2019 National Budget Speech, domestic resource mobilisation will be strengthened to ensure that obligations such as debt servicing, and programmes related to social development and economic growth are not derailed.
She told the investors that manufacturing, the agriculture value-chain, tourism, energy development, the precious metals sub-sector, and infrastructure development through public private partnerships, offer the greatest prospects for green-field investments.
She was accompanied to the forum Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Christopher Mvunga, Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya, Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary for Economic Management MUKULI CHIKUBA, and Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary Chola Chabala.
As part of the day’s events, the delegation also attended the launch of the Africa Financial Markets Index, the 2018 Commonwealth Finance Minister’s Meeting, The IMF Africa Group One Constituency Meeting, and the closed door IMF briefing on economic developments in sub-Saharan Africa for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.
All Peoples Congress Party President Nason Msoni says he can do a better job as President of the republic with his government comprising of men and women of proven integrity.
In a statement issued to the media Msoni said the current government leadership led by President Edgar Lungu was incompetent and lacked the integrity to move the country forward both economically and socially.
He explained that he has been fortunate as an opposition leader to have been tutored for the role of head state.
“Am fortunate that amongst my peers on the Opposition bench I have had the rare opportunity and privilege to have been meticulously tutored and well prepared and groomed for the role of head of state.
“Am a political leader informed and deeply imbued with political convictions based on ideology that speaks to the welfare and emancipation of the people,” he said.
He noted that the country desperately needs a leader untainted by corruption in the past or at present.
“Zambia desperately needs a leader of discipline and a leader untainted by any Corruption of either the present or of the past. My hands are clean for the Job.
“I pledge to unify Zambia as per our motto of one Zambia one Nation. I believe this is the moment. Zambia needs this man at this hour of need and destiny,” he said.
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick MatibiniSpeaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini is today Friday October 12 set to rule on the Chinese articles running in the Times of Zambia Newspaper.
This follows a point of order raised by leader of the opposition Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know why the publication has been sidelining Zambians by publishing the Chinese language and not any other Zambian language.
Mr Mwiimbu who raised a point of order pursuant to Article 23 of the Zambian Constitution indicated that it was, trite law that by virtue of this constitution government should not be discriminating anyone who is Zambian or a Resident in Zambia.
Referring to a copy of a Times of Zambia Newspaper, he alleged that the publication has been discriminating Zambians and against the majority tribes in Zambia by publishing an article under the headline “SADC moods DRC peace whose article is in Chinese language when there has been no such article in the Zambian local languages.
The Leader of the opposition wondered why government is finding it proper and prudent in its own wisdom to start interpreting articles that are appearing in the newspapers in Chinese.
Mr Mwiimbu wanted the Speaker Dr Matibini to make a ruling on whether Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya was in order to remain quite and not to inform the house and the nation that Chinese is now an official language in Zambia.
” Mr Speaker I need your serious ruling, the Minister should tell us whether Chinese is an official language in Zambia so that we all start learning Chinese”, He said.
Mr Mwiimbu also wondered whether Ms Siliya was in order to abrogate the Constitution of Zambia under the above cited Article.
In his ruling the Speaker said he would render his ruling on Friday 12, October as he needed time to study the point of order.
FILE: Kambwili flanked by HH and GBM at Court on Tuesday afternoonLusaka magistrate, Nsunge Chanda has told Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili that he will represent himself at the next hearing if his defence lawyers will not be present.
And Ms. Chanda refused two of Kambwili ‘S defence lawyers from cross examining the witness on stand Chilufya Tayali because they were not present when he was led in his chief in examination at the last sitting.
This is in a matter in which Mr. Tayali asked the court to institute contempt proceedings against Mr. Kambwili for allegedly tampering with evidence before court relating to Mwamona Engineering Technical Services Limited.
After the examination of Mr Tayali by defence lawyer, Keith Mweemba , deputy chief state advocate, Margerate Chitundu sought to have the case adjourned to October 16 .
But three defence lawyers, Keith Mweemba, Gilbert Phiri and Zevyanji Sinkala informed the court that they will not be present on that day as they will be appearing before the High Court .
And in her response Magistrate Ms. Chanda said it is not her problem as the court had already set the date of October 16 prior to today’s session.
She informed Mr. Kambwili that if his lawyers will not be present she will proceed with trial and the alleged contemnor will have to represent himself.
And during trial, Equity for Economic Party Leader Chilufya Tayali has told the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court that at no point did the NDC Consultant Chishimba Kambwili presented any uttered documents before honourable David Simusamba’s court but that does not mean he did not tamper with the documents at PACRA.
This is the matter in which Kambwili is accused of tampering with evidence in a case in which the latter is facing three counts of forgery, uttering false documents and giving false information to a public officer.
Tayali who is a key state witness said this when he was being cross examined by Kambwili’s lawyer Keith Mweemba before Magistrate Nsunge Chanda.
The Witness says it is for a fact that Kambwili did not present any uttered documents before Magistrate David Simusamba’s Court were he is facing three counts of forgery, uttering a false document and giving false information to a public officer but the accused uttered with the documents which were the board resolutions signed by the accused as chairman of the meeting that sat to utter the the records at PACRA.
Mr Tayali has maintained that the fact that Kambwili had chaired that meeting confirmed that he caused the alteration of the documents even though he did not physically file them at PACRA.
“By the fact that he chaired the meeting that resolved. I confirmed that he chaired because the board resolutions were filed with other documents at PACRA which counsel brought out when I was being cross examined,” he said.
“Sometimes, like in this case, people made a resolution to file documents at PACRA but they did not themselves to PACRA to file the documents. However they sent someone else to go and file. And from my knowledge this agent acts on behalf of the people that have sent him. Therefore in as much as they did not go to file physically by themselves I concluded they filed in the documents to utter the records at PACRA.”
The EEP Leader has further said he had lodged the complaint against Kambwili because the records from PACRA that he was shown by the police, were different from what he had testified earlier in magistrate Simusamba’s court.
Mr Tayali adds that he was concerned because if anyone went to PACRA to get a print out of the records, they would be different from what he had testified earlier.
The matter has since been adjourned to October 16 for continuation of trial.
Economics Association of Zambia President Dr Lubinda Haabazoka says it is dangerous for Zambia to have people without qualifications in Economics issuing statements about the state of the economy.
Dr Haabazoka has since suggested the need to enact a law that will stop non economists to comment on economic issues.
He said it is saddening that people whose core expertise is not economics related have been given a platform to speak and advise on national economic matters.
“We have seen people become prominent commentators on national economic issues without having solved any problem in econometrics,” Dr Haabazoka noted.
“It is very dangerous as a country to open expert debate on national economic issues to parties that do not even have a background on the history of economic thought. Last week it came to my attention that in this country as an economist, you don’t qualify to teach or practice public financial management (literary Public Finance),” he stated.
Below is the full statement from Dr Haabazoka
Just like in law, economics in most cases is not an exact science. The danger of this is that you find different views on any issue. Law and economics will in most cases attract non specialists to give opinions about issues relating to the field.
This is very good because it gives specialists in these fields an idea of how their trade is perceived. But we need to understand that common sense does prevail when we go into the details.
In Zambia for sometime now, we have seen a number of individuals and organizations commenting on national economic matters! That is very good because it means citizens are very much interested in the economic aspects of Zambia’s development.
What is rather saddening is that people whose core expertise is not economics related have been given a platform to speak and advise on national economic matters! We have seen people become prominent commentators on national economic issues without having solved any problem in econometrics.
It is very dangerous as a country to open expert debate on national economic issues to parties that do not even have a background on the history of economic thought. Last week it came to my attention that in this country as an economist, you don’t qualify to teach or practice public financial management (literary Public Finance).
I am beginning to fear for my country.
Zambia has a lot of commenters on a lot of issues. You will find a lot of people that comment on any issues. Why do people court the media? Why do people speak so much? What is the purpose? Self recognition or what?
Well I can only answer for academicians. In academia, one important factors considered for promoting is community service. Commenting on various issues in either print or electronic media scores points in our promotion criteria. Our freedom to research and speak in our field of expertise is enshrined in the republican constitution.
We have a lot of intelligent economists in the ministry of finance and even the Bank of Zambia. You don’t hear about them because that is not part of their job description. For some who move to academia, you hear about them almost immediately. So what is the motivation for those whose core business is not advocacy to speak on national economic issues?
What we should avoid is having a situation where people use common knowledge to convince government (politicians at policy level) and in most cases citizens to take certain positions on national economic issues. Our friends the lawyers have protected themselves by going statutory.
Accountants won’t even allow you to touch a balance sheet if you are not a chartered accountant. So as economists why have we opened our area to everyone? Economics sounds simple but is a very difficult field. You need to understand theory and the quantitatives for you to succeed in solving economic problems.
Economics has certain rules and in most cases when these rules are ignored, you arrive at wrong conclusions. Economics does not sing to popular tunes just like law. A rapist can escape jail when there is no evidence. Just like in law, we can’t assume things because that is what is perceived to be popular. It is easy for non specialists to rush into unfolded popular conclusions.
But for us economists and more especially those in academia, until certain conditions are met, we cant give a verdict.
In some countries, media houses will ask for your CV before entrusting you with a platform. In Zambia anybody can speak however they want and whenever they want. Let us do an experiment.
Let us for the month of November ask for CVs of experts we collect information from. I can tell you that the newspapers will be blank and news will be quiet for November.
We should not argue with pressure groups and non specialists on national economic issues. Just like we don’t argue with engineers or lawyers, I also ask others not to move into our field. But we have to be careful because economics has a lot of other related fields.
Actually business studies, development studies among others are part of economics. Those we embrace.
When we argue with fellow economists, we argue on substance. We in most cases will even refer to different schools of thought and outline weaknesses of each school. The one with less weaknesses is the one we agree to take. In some cases we never even agree but arrive at the same answer despite takin different routes.
That is what makes economics great! Some economists are quantitative, some are qualitative and others are both.
We need to set strict economic ethical rules in this country. Sometimes you hear NGOs formed to fight gender violence talk about interest rates in the certain platform with economist. I have shared platforms unfortunately with economists who in an argument move from issue based debate to personal attacks.
To such economists, please revisit theory. Sometimes you need that to sharpen your experience.
To my fellow media outlets, please watch Bloomberg and transfer what they do to your business/economics news rooms. That way, the country will positively benefit from economic debate.
My personal thoughts from Florida. Lubinda Haabazoka
Hon. Banda, Sir Dixon and John Jackson during a meeting at the Natural History Museum in London.
Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda on Wednesday held bilateral talks with United Kingdom’s Natural History Museum Director Sir Michael Dixon and discussed collaboration between the Zambia Government and the Museum on establishing a Natural History Museum in Zambia.
During the meeting, the Minister said the Zambian Government is committed to establish a natural history museum that will research and document the country’s biodiversity.
According to a statement released to the media by Abigail Chaponda, First Secretary Press and Public Relations at Zambia High Commission in the United Kingdom, Hon. Banda said putting up the Museum will enable Zambians to be able to trace where they come from, where they are and where they will be tomorrow adding that the Museum will be a wealth of information that people can always refer to.
He said there was need to preserve Zambia’s history for the benefit of its present and future generations through the establishment of a museum of natural history in Lusaka which will benefit Zambians and the international community.
The Minister said President Edgar Lungu was serious about establishing the Museum saying the project is an important undertaking and is intended to preserve and showcase Zambia’s local nature and natural history collections.
“We are looking to forging new partnerships with different countries, regional cultural, scientific and wildlife that will help us put up a Museum like yours that has been in existence for a longtime. I am here to explore and learn how as a country we can secure a sustainable future for our Museums and preserve the past, present and future of Zambia,” he said.
And Sir Dixon said that the Natural History Museum was happy to work and partner with the Zambian government.
He said the British Government can support important undertakings like the establishing of a Natural History Museum in Zambia.
Sir Dixon said Natural History Museum exists to inspire a feeling of the natural world and give answers to questions that people ask concerning humanity and the planet.
He said the natural history museum is a world-leading science research centre and has a unique collection and unmatched expertise in undertaking issues such as disease eradication, the environment and managing resource scarcity.
The Minister also toured the Museum and had an opportunity to see Zambia’s prized fossil – the skull of Broken Hill Man. The skull was discovered in Broken Hill (now Kabwe) on June 17, 1921. The skull of Broken Hill Man, also referred to as Homo heidelbergensis, belonged to an adult male and may be between 200,000 and 300,000 years old.
The Minister is currently in the United Kingdom to attend the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) conference hosted by the UK government from 11 to 12 October 2018.
The illegal wildlife trade is an urgent global issue, threatening some of the world’s most iconic species with extinction, damaging sustainable economic growth and the livelihoods of vulnerable people in rural communities. It’s worth up to £17 billion per year and is the fourth most lucrative transnational crime after drugs, weapons and human trafficking.
The 2018 London conference is an opportunity for global leaders to build on previous efforts, address the underlying issues that facilitate the IWT, and make steps to tackle this criminal trade.
Sir Michael Dixion showing Hon. Banda the skull of the Broken Hill man. UK’s National History Museum Director Sir Michael Dixion presenting a book to Tourism Minister Charles Banda at the Natural History Museum in London.Hon. Charles Banda with Assistant Director Conservation and Management at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Andrew Chomba Eldred after a meeting at the Natural History Museum in London
The Patriotic Front (PF) has appealed to opposition political parties in the country to take advantage of the National Day of Prayer and kick start the delayed dialogue process.
PF Secretary General Davies Mwila said it is imperative that political parties come back to the negotiating table to address matters affecting the country.
Mr. Mwila explained that the National Day of Prayer offers all political stakeholders an opportunity to forgive and forget and put the country’s interests first.
He said Zambians should come together to pray as a people in order to reconcile and work towards maintaining the peace and unity the country continues to enjoy for the last 54 years.
The PF Secretary General said it is important that all political parties and Zambians participate in the National Day of Prayers which will be commemorated next week on Thursday 18th October.
And the former ruling party, Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) National Secretary, Raphael Nakachinda regretted that politicians have been at the forefront of ridiculing and demeaning the National Day of Prayer due to the insatiable desire to advance political interests.
Mr Nakachinda said the National Day of Prayer gives the country an opportunity to express faith in God and seek divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.
He said there is need to cultivate high levels of maturity for people to pray together and reconcile despite their differences in political philosophies and policies.
He stressed that political stakeholders can use the National Day of Prayer as a stepping stone to revive the national dialogue process.
And when contacted for comment on whether his party would participate in the 2018 National Day of Prayers, opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Stephen Katuka referred all queries to his party’s Religious Affairs Chairperson Rev. Kelly Mukonka who was unavailable.
Recently, Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili warned political parties to refrain from stopping their members from participating in the National Day of Prayers, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation because they have no right to do so.
President Edgar Lungu will grace the commemoration of the National Day of Prayer on October 18 in Kabwe while Vice President Inonge Wina will attend the prayers at the National House of Prayer grounds in Lusaka.
