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The Police in Ndola have charged five pastors and three officials from the Centre for Trade Policy and Development for unlawfully assembly.
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga said the eight will appear in Court on Friday.
She said the meeting that the group had was ‘political’ as they did not have a police permit.
On Friday Police disrupted a meeting organized by CTPD to reflect on the proposed 2019 national budget.
The meeting was at Ndola Central Baptist Church.
Katanga said eight people were warned and cautioned on Friday.
“Yes, we have a report where people were arrested for unlawful assembly. We had information that there is a ‘political’ group that had meeting without police notification. Initially, 53 people had gathered. But only eight were picked with one Pastor George Palo who who the led convener of the meeting. So eight were picked up, a warn and caution statement recorded from them. They were arrested and detained, later released on police bond. So they will appear in court on Friday charged with unlawful assembly,” she said.
Clergymen following the proceedings during the National Day of Prayer in Kabwe theme “Facing the future as a Reconciled, United Prosperous Nation Under God’s Guidance” yesterday 18-10-2018.
By Peter Madoda Bungane
FAITH does not suddenly appear out of the blue. Faith belongs right at the heart of our life experience, and relevant theology can also only be drawn out of that lived experience. Otherwise, it not only risks becoming irrelevant, but it ought to be seen as irrelevant.
Likewise, building peace and reconciliation in this wounded country does not come out of the blue, but arises from the heart of this wounded community. ‘Reconciliation’ is a word we have become almost too used to. Maybe we need to rediscover its meaning. It comes from Latin and the word consists of four parts: ‘re’, meaning ‘again’; ‘con’, meaning ‘with’; ‘cili’ is the Latin word for ‘eyelash’; and ‘ation’ denotes an action.
Reconciliation, then, literally means ‘the act of bringing back into eyelash contact’ – the ability to touch eyelashes with another person, to look into another person’s eyes without barriers or obstacles. For me, that is a very new, different and dynamic understanding of reconciliation. It calls us to something new that goes further than we ever dared to think or imagine.
In the book of the prophet Habakkuk we read: “God, how long will I cry for help while you pay no attention? I denounce oppression and yet you do not save. Why do you make us see injustice everywhere? Are you pleased to look on tyranny? All we see is outrage, violence, quarrels, wars.” Those words of Habakkuk came 600 years before Jesus, but they could almost be read from our newspapers today.??
It is a pity – scandal, even – that an explicit commitment to work for peace and reconciliation is missing from the pastoral plans of our churches, dioceses and parishes. But what would be happening in our churches if we not only took up that task, but made it our priority? What if all our churches’ plans, visions and missions were measured against the barometer of advancing healing and reconciliation in our Mother Zambia? For me, the government of the republic of Zambia, opposition parties, civil society, the Church, foreigners and residents and the citizenry of Zambia this is a call to all. We must check ourselves spiritually using the scriptures before we call for reconciliation. Check ourselves before we go on our knees and pray for our land.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Luke 17:3-4 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Minister of livestock and Fisheries Kampamba Mulenga at her wedding
Vice President Inonge Wina was among scores of Kalulushi residents who attended the wedding service for Minister of livestock and Fisheries kampamba Mulenga at Saint Michaels Catholic church.
Ms Wina arrived at the church at 10 hours accompanied by Kalulushi Mayor Rashida Mulenga and District Commissioners for kitwe and kalulushi Binwell Mpundu and Ken Siamasumo.
ZANIS reports that the Minister got married to a local business man of Kalulushi district Kizito Chewe.
This was at a colourful ceremony which was also witnessed by Minister of Commerce and Trade Christopher Yaluma, Higher Education Minister Nkandu Luo, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe and some senior party officials.
Vice President Inonge Wina told the couple that caring for the less privileged in society will contribute to building a nation.
Ms Wina noted that it’s not the wealth one has accumulated nor the political power that build a country, but the care one gives to human life that God has entrusted in the people.
She described the Minister’s marriage as a destiny as the two have known each other for a long time.
Ms Wina advised the new couple to anchor their marriage on the wisdom of Jesus Christ.
The Vice President wished the couple well and God’s blessings as they start a new life together.
Ms kampamba, who is also Member of Parliament for Kalulushi, was joined in holy matrimony by parish Priest Nicholas Mubanga.
Fr Mubanga advised the new couple to continue considering the needy as doing so will bring happiness in their marriage.
The Priest told the couple not to take their public lives into the marriage because this will negatively affect it.
“…God…calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”
(Romans 4:17, NKJV)
Speak Vision
Very often, we see potential in other people that they can’t see in themselves. When you speak vision into them, when you tell them what they can become, you can help set the direction for their life. Your words have the power to push people into their divine destiny. I believe that the reason some people are not living at their full potential is because no one has ever spoken faith into them.
One of our assignments in life is to call out the seeds of greatness in other people. Look around at who God has placed in your life. Speak vision into them. Tell them what they can become. Help them rise up in confidence so they can be all God has called them to be!
A Prayer for Today
“Heavenly Father, help me speak life to those you’ve placed in my life. Thank you for giving me words of blessing to declare over them and for divine prompting when to speak Your faith-building words in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Keith Mweemba and Pep President Sean TemboThe Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) president Sean Tembo says the contradiction between the findings of the Financial Intelligence Centre and those of the Auditor General, relating to the same financial period of the Republic of Zambia, cause for further investigations.
Tembo has however, noted that the 2017 Auditor Generals report in areas such as misapplication of funds, undelivered materials, unvouched expenditure have recorded a huge and sudden improvement averaging about 85%.
He says under normal circumstances PeP is elated by the sudden improvement of accountability.
“we in the Patriots for Economic Progress would be elated by this sudden improvement of accountability in the use of public resources by our Government. However, on closer scrutiny we have noted that there are no known significant reforms and/or interventions that Government implemented during or prior to the 2017 financial year, which can explain this sudden 85% improvement in most of the accountability indicators in the 2017 Auditor General’s Report.”
” As Patriots for Economic Progress, our consternation about this Report is further exacerbated by the fact that the Financial Intelligence Centre Trends Report for 2017, which was released a few months ago, clearly showed a significant increase in waste of public resources as determined by various indicators including but not limited to misappropriation of funds. Therefore, this contradiction between the findings of the Financial Intelligence Centre and those of the Auditor General, relating to the same financial period of the Republic of Zambia, caused us to investigate this matter further,” Tembo said.
Tembo claims that the report was falsified in order to pain a positive picture about the performance of the PF government.
He claims that it is this same reason that saw the Auditor General Mr Ron Mwambwa resign.
“As Patriots for Economic Progress, after reviewing all the available information and documents, we have come to the conclusion that the Auditor General’s Report on the Accounts of the Republic of Zambia for the financial year ended 31st December 2017 was possibly falsified in order to paint a positive picture about the performance of the PF and its Government in terms of accountability of public resources. It is also our conclusion that the previous Auditor General, Mr. Ron Mwambwa, who suddenly resigned a few months ago, possibly did so because he could not allow himself to be part and parcel of the PF Government’s scheme to falsify the Auditor General’s Report on the Accounts of the Republic for the financial year ended 31st December 2017.”
” As Patriots for Economic Progress, our belief is that the PF and its Government will now soon be targeting the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) in order to undermine it and put a compromised management team there as well, now that the Auditor General’s office has successfully been compromised. Once this is done, then the PF and its Government will be at liberty to plunder our financial resources at will, without any of our watchdog institutions raising a red flag. Country men and women, this is the grave situation in which we have find ourselves in,” Tembo claimed.
Minister of Higher Education Nkandu LuoUnions are needed in tertiary institutions for the smooth running and coordination of students, says former Copperbelt University Students Union Culture Secretary Garry Musonda.
Musonda said it is clear that the banning of students Unions at CBU and UNZA by higher education minister Prof Nkandu Luo is ill timed.
He said in an interview that students coordinate more among themselves.
“Unions are needed in institutions of higher learning. The decision that was taken by Prof Luo to ban students union is ill timed. That is weakening the voice of students. Unions play a key role administering the affairs of students. That is the voice for students.”
Musonda said he was happy that the Zambia National Students Union has continued to engage Prof Luo to rescind her decision.
“We have heard what is coming out from meetings between ZANASU and the minister. Unions are needed and we are positive that a solution will be found. Students should have a voice that will speak for them. So we are confident that unions will be back.”
He has since encouraged students to be more united and fight for the unions to be brought back.
Senior Chief Shakumbila of the Sala people in shibuyunji has ordered his head men to follow laid down procedure in allocating land to both foreign and local people to avoid negative reports.
Chief Shakumbila has also expressed disappointed over the negative reports in land administration in his chiefdom.
He observed that each time there are land disputes head men rush to the media to air their grievances.
The Royal highness noted that the negative reports have brought more confusion than development.
He has since called on discipline among head men as they air their grievances.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief shakumbila has refuted claims of having recently sold land to investors.
He however said his intention is not to displace people but bring development to his chiefdom.
The Chief was speaking when he addressed over one hundred head men in shibuyunji district at his palace.
And in a separate interview with ZANIS Shibuyunji District Commissioner Jairos simukoko echoed the Chief’s sentiments over land administration in the area.
Mr Simukoko said its government’s responsibility to ensure that land is distributed equally and for the benefit of the people.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda negotiated the first hurdle of his cup final target mandate in the South African league following Baroka FC’s Telkom Cup last 16 home win over Golden Arrows on Saturday night.
Baroka beat Arrows 2-0 at home in Polokwane to qualify to the quarterfinals.
Collins Magaka and Tebogo’s goals in each half of the match handed Baroka its first competitive win since beating Cape Town City 2-1 in league action at the same venue on August 8.
The ex -Chipolopolo coach’s brief following his appointment as Baroka coach was to ensure they reach a Cup final this season and also secure a top eight finish.
Meanwhile, Baroka will know their quarterfinal opponents when the draws are made on Tuesday.
There will be a brand new champion etched on the Barclays Cup trophy this season after a dramatic semifinal doubleheader at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka that saw a giant fall and a Kitwe derby showdown that did not disappoint.
2014 runners-up Nkana are smelling their debut Barclays Cup title after a riveting 5-4 post -match penalty victory over ten-man Power Dynamos following an equally dramatic and controversial 2-2 full-time draw.
Jimmy Dzingai put Power ahead in the 6th minute but Ronald Kampamba and Kelvin Mubanga ensured Nkana went into the break leading 2-1 with goals in the 26th and 42nd minutes respectively.
Kenya striker Elvis Rupia restored parity in the 52nd minute against the run of play with his debut goal for Power, and four minutes later, they were very fortunate to still be tied when Kampamba hit the woodwork.
The drama continued into the last ten minutes when Power captain Alex Ngonga was sent off for stomping Fred Tshimenga in the 84th minute.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Nkana thought they had won it when Idris Mbombo converted a rather soft penalty.
However, referee Jan Sikazwe erased the spot-kick in controversial fashion for an infringement by Walter Bwalya when it was taken before the lottery of penalties decided the semifinal.
And the shootout didn’t disappoint either when Nkana goalkeeper Allan Chibwe and Power number one Jackson Kakunta out-did each other with five and four stops respectively.
But Fidel Bosandja’s kick in sudden death was saved by Chibwe to send Nkana to the Promised Land.
Nkana will face second tier side Young Buffaloes in the final on November 10 at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Young Buffaloes reached their debut final after another big kill this time they beat 2015 champions Green Buffaloes 4-3 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Emmanuel Mwiinde put Young Buffaloes ahead in the 45th minute before Mubita Yubia leveled in the 80th minute and the tied later decided on penalties.
Young Buffaloes’ semifinal victory came a month after they eliminated outgoing champions Zanaco 2-1 in the quarterfinals on September 29 in Kitwe.
We have noted with worry the rate at which the Patriotic Front Party and its leader, Mr Edgar Lungu are selling our country’s strategic assets and land due to their corruption and debts to foreigners.
The most recent being ZNBC, which has been merged with the Chinese owned Star times.
We are aware that ZNBC in its current form is having difficulties to give a platform to all the voiceless Zambians despite paying taxes, but this decision by the PF who are in fact the major beneficiary of this strategic asset when citizens pay taxes, must be reversed. If that does not happen, the PF’s rule will be reversed to opposition status, and we shall see to it that this is done.
In simpler terms, being in a merger means that ZNBC is no longer our country’s asset but belongs to the Chinese and will only be fully owned by our people when the loans acquired by Mr Edgar Lungu and his PF are paid back. If ever they pay back.
But we are certain that the PF will never pay back these Chinese debts and this is the more reason why we wrote to the Chinese government alerting them to stop giving loans to the PF as they were choking our citizens and leading to the stripping off of our sovereignty as a Nation.
The PF administration is acquiring expensive loans not for the good of our country but to only do the following: Repay their old huge debts and corruption and unfortunately, these loans have to be paid back by Zambians.
Does this surprise us? No, because the PF are shameless liars who will never accept anything and let alone taking responsibility for the economic melt down they have caused our country.
When we stated that ZNBC had been sold due to PF loans and corruption, the same small group of corrupt individuals went to town arguing that this was not true but now that they have disclosed, it goes to show that there are more strategic assets and land that Mr Edgar Lungu has sold.
We call on the country to remain strong because there are more economic problems lying ahead of us due to the PF’s reckless loans and corruption which may eventually render us foreigners in our own country.
As citizens of this Nation, we must unite to reclaim our land, social, economic and political freedoms from this group (PF) of few corrupt individuals.
And lastly, our appeal to the country is that do not lose hope because help is on the way and together we shall triumph as there is no single corrupt group that supersede people power! Our power! Our land! Zambia First!
As her Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia Madam Inonge Wina highlighted in Parliament, the misinformation and distortion of facts being circulated by those who wish ill for their country is affecting the nation from receiving support for development, because of the negative picture that these gloom and doomsayers people are portraying to the international community.
What kind of opposition “leader” writes to the Chinese Embassy in Zambia to stop all development projects in the country?
Only a retrogressive element and enemy of progress with an anti-development retarded agenda can be so cold-hearted as to deliberately call for the withholding of available development from areas historically characterised by serious infrastructure deficit such as Western and North-western Provinces among others.
Such a person is in fact an enemy of humanity.
Sadly, there is one among us who morbidly distinguishes himself in this dishonourable regard. He actually sticks out like a sore thumb!
Impelled by a hateful smear campaign against his own country and driven by an uncontrollable itch to occupy State House at all costs, Mr Hakainde Sammy Hichilema the beleaguered UPND Life President and veteran of perpetual election defeats, recently wrote to the Chinese Ambassador asking the Chinese Government to stop funding more roads.
Thanks to Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s campaign of calumny against the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and his widely publicised xenophobic calls for an uprising against Chinese foreign investment in Zambia together with his relentless and ruthless condemnation of nationwide infrastructure development backed by the People’s Republic of China; some Chinese investors are now dragging their feet to fund the Katunda-Lukulu road in Western Province.
Thanks to Hakainde Hichilema’s selfish ambitions, the people of Lukulu and Mitete districts in Western province potentially have to endure an even longer agonising delay for the long-awaited Lukulu-Katunda-Watopa Road to actualise.
What state of mind was Hichilema in, when he scribbled that letter to China prompting China Harbour, the Chinese company constructing the Mumbwa-Kasempa road and Katunda-Lukulu road to contemplate halting construction of vital roads in these areas?
It is shocking that the UPND would write to China urging them to stop development and stall all their investment in Zambia until the UPND- a party grappling with the scourges of tribalism, xenophobia and intra party dictatorship, assumes power.
If this selfish request were to be honoured , our people in these areas and many other rural areas would have to wait aeons or at least half a century before they would see these bituminous standard roads constructed.
Why is Hakainde Sammy Hichilema being so unfair to people who need development NOW rather than later?
Why is he being so insensitive and inconsiderate of the needs of the majority of Zambians?
Hichilema is being so desperately eccentric and he is behaving like a cat on a hot tin roof because with PF-driven infrastructure development, his chances in 2021 will be as realistic as a cow laying eggs.
He is trying by hook and crook to stall development so that in 2021 he can turn around and deceive the people in the affected areas into believing that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s PF Administration is selective in the way it applies development.
Typical!
Hichilema is interested in no one but himself.
Shame on Hichilema; and shame particularly, on the relevant UPND Members of Parliament whose constituencies are unnecessarily suffering prolonged under-development because of one man’s gluttonous appetite and unending fantasy for power.
These MP’s must wake up and wise up and smell the coffee. A paralysing misplaced awe of their leader has held them captive. Because they are slaves that love their chains, their constituents will continue suffering the bondage of underdevelopment.
While their Life President selfishly holds them hostage, for the sake of his humungous sino-phobic ego, precious Zambians in the affected constituencies will continue to suffer under-development and they will continue to bear the brunt of infrastructure gaps.
Shame on such (mis)leaders; Abash such stinking thinking!
The Patriotic Front Government of His Excellency President Lungu has demonstrated an unwavering and impartial commitment to work for all Zambians regardless of region or political affiliation.
As His Excellency President Lungu has demonstrated on innumerable occasions, he is a President for all Zambians
Hichilema knows that there is nothing he can promise the people of Zambia that the PF has either already accomplished, or is work in progress.
Hakainde Hichilema is well aware that he cannot promise schools, hospitals, and a university in each provincial capital, just like he cannot promise roads, bridges and other infrastructure developments because the execution of the promises of the Patriotic Front Manifesto are miles ahead of him, and Zambia is well on its way in terms of infrastructure development.
The resulting industrialisation that is materialising as a result of massive and unprecedented infrastructure development is a prerequisite for the eventual sustainable diversification of the economy, in conformity with the goals of the Seventh National Development plan and the aspirations of vision 2030.
Envy and vain glory has consumed Hichilema. His condescending attitude and his snotty airs of self-importance coupled with his arrogance have not helped him much either.
No wonder the People of Zambia have continued rejecting him since 2006.
He has in fact been rejected as many times as the number of fingers on the extend palm on his party’s symbol!
Cloak and dagger deception are traits of his character.
Unsurprisingly, a dearly departed former President of the Republic of Zambia in his Memoirs portrayed Hichilema as an “opportunist, a cheat and one that was not truthful”.
The contents of his letter to the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Zambia, confirms the UPND leader’s opportunism and aversion to Truth.
Who did he think he was fooling when he wrote glaring fibs like: he “valued” Chinese cooperation?
His double-crossing and deceit have understandably left even the most avid of the UPND faithful confused and disillusioned.
How can a person who during the day condemns every bit of Chinese backed infrastructure development change their stance during the night; and try to snuggle close to the very Chinese he condemned by day, and in the cover of darkness huskily whisper to them that “He values their cooperation”?
It appears he “values” the People’s Republic of China so much that he backed an international plagiarist to come to Zambia to deliver an anti-Chinese lecture!
The UPND leader has given all of us a new meaning of the word “Value”.
He has also given us further insight into his psyche, and we all now know and understand what he means by “value”.
This also puts into perspective how he “values” the UPND and by the same token how much he “values” the people of Lukulu and Mitete as well as the people of Manyinga, Mwinilunga and Mumbwa-Kasempa.
In fact it shows just how much he “values” the people of Zambia as a whole!
(Could this be the same way he “valued” National Assets in his role as a valuator during the Privatisation Process?).
Our brother seems to have a perverted Midas Touch.
Perhaps it would be much better for his own sake if he didn’t “value” anything.
Could his eccentricity be the outcome of his self “value”?
We sincerely hope he desists from “valuing” anything least of all himself.
Evidently, there are four things that cannot be long hidden:
The Sun
The Moon
The Truth
Mr Hakainde Sammy Hichilema’s arrested development illustrated through his “value” for the People of Zambia.
The Author is Patriotic Front Media Director At the Patriotic Front Secretariat Lusaka
Catholic Media Services (CMS) and the entire Catholic Communications and Media fraternity are deeply saddened at the passing on of Mr. Ben Kangwa.
His death is a great loss to the Church especially that Mr. Kangwa continued to be instrumental in the Communication ministry of the Catholic Church in Zambia.
Even in his death, we still celebrate his contribution towards the growth of the media in our local Church. He was key in the initial days of Radio Maria Yatsani Voice by training our volunteer media workers who have continued to make strides in many media houses across the country.
When he was recalled from his diplomatic posting, Mr. Kangwa continued to help the communication ministry of the Church by publishing latest Church information to fellow Parishioners in a Parish newsletter.
As the Catholic Church in Zambia, we also acknowledge his contribution as Board member of the yet to hit the air, the national Catholic television, LUMEN TV Zambia.
On behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Zambia, Catholic Media Services and entire Catholic Communications ministry, I send heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kangwa, Children and all the family members.
Issued by
Fr. Winfield Kunda
Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops
Communications Director
Ndola clergymen say they are still in shock why the Police disrupted a meeting that was organized by the Centre for Trade Policy and Development to reflect on the proposed 2019 national budget.
The police on Friday afternoon disrupted a meeting and picked up Pastor George Palo who had organized the meeting.
CTPD had organized a meeting with Ndola pastors to reflect on the budget with Church leaders in Ndola.
The meeting was at Ndola Central Baptist Church which attracted a number of pastors from different denominations.
But other Pastors have complained that it is unfair for the police to stop a meeting that is discussing national development.
Pastor Brian Chanda said what the police did is very unfortunate.
“Then how are we as the clergy going to particular in national development. If we shun such meetings, we will be called names. Now we come so that we can contribute, the police arrest us and disrupt our meeting. Then what role should we play in the governance of the country? We are stakeholders,” Pastor Chanda said.
He said the Pastors should not just be respected and needed if its for national prayers only.
Pastor Chanda said the Church needs to be respected because it can never plan anything evil against the government.
He said the Church works with the government of the day.
“So it is not good that we can be treated like this. It is not fair. We need to be respected. So these police officers should be told to have respect for us. The same people that politicians asks votes from, are the same people that we preach to,” Pastor Chanda said.
Minister Harriett Baldwin shake hands with High Commissioner Chikonde after a meeting at her office.
United Kingdom Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Minister of State at the Department for International Development Harriett Baldwin has said the UK is a steadfast friend of Zambia.
During a meeting when Minister Baldwin hosted Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde at her office on Tuesady, the Minister restated the UK’s commitment to continue partnering with Zambia to strengthen their historical relation.
The Minister said there was a lot of potential in the energy sector in Zambia and the UK partnering with Zambia will support to deliver a more secure and sustainable energy future that will help uplift Zambians and drive economic development.
In July this year Minister Baldwin and Energy Minister Matthew Nkhuwa signed the Energy Africa Compact, a partnership between the UK and Zambian governments and the private sector to support the growth of the sustainable energy sector. While in Zambia, Minister Baldwin also announced £22m of new UK aid funding which will support the development of innovative energy solutions and help millions of Zambians access reliable, affordable off-grid solar energy.
“We are steadfast friends of Zambia and we want to reaffirm our commitment to our bilateral cooperation with Zambia,” she said.
Minister Baldwin told the High Commissioner that Zambia holds a key strategic position as a landlocked country centrally located in Southern Africa region and is pivotal to regional trade and cooperation with other countries.
Minister Baldwin further announced available partnership opportunities with Zambia and neighboring countries in the de-mining near the border areas in order to open-up the space for trade, a program which she said the UK government would support.
The Minister informed the High commissioner that that the UK was passionate about ameliorating the plastic pollution of the Oceans and although Zambia was a Landlocked Country, she was aware that the country was home to large water bodies and a source of water for the region and the UK could assist in dealing with the problem of plastics.
The Minister also acknowledged Zambia’s effort in the fight against Forced and Early Child Marriages and applauded President Edgar Lungu for Zambia’s leading role in the fight against the scourge.
During the 72nd United Nations (UN) General Assembly last year, British Prime Minister Theresa May commended President Lungu for leading a robust campaign against human trafficking, forced labour and early child marriage.
The British Prime Minister also pledged the United Kingdom’s support to Zambia to help the country’s efforts in eradicating modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.
And Minister Baldwin hoped that Zambia will send a High-Level government and strong business delegation to the UK-Africa Investment Summit that will be held in the United Kingdom in the Summer next year in order to attract UK based companies and forge partnerships that will help accelerate economic growth and alleviate poverty in Africa and Zambia in particular.
The Minister informed High Commissioner Chikonde that during the Prime Minister,Theresa May’s visit to Africa, she stated that the UK was looking to forge new partnerships with countries around the world in view of Brexit and the Prime Minister wanted the UK to be the number one G7 investor in Africa by 2022.
And in response High Commissioner Chikonde said the Zambian government is committed to enhancing its bilateral cooperation with the UK government through various partnerships and new areas of cooperation beyond Development Assistance.
The High Commissioner added that the UK was one of Zambia’s major sources of FDI and that CDC has already investments in companies like Zambeef but emphasized that there was much more scope for UK investment into Zambia.
High Commissioner Chikonde also said President Lungu was passionate about the Girl Child and he was committed to lead the campaign to protect women and the girl child.
He added that Zambia will continue to lead the campaign both at Regional, Continental and global and he welcomed the Prime Minister’s support to ending modern slavery.
The High Commissioner also stated that that Illegal Wildlife Trade was transnational in nature and made sense to have regional strategies and therefore the need for collaboration with neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Minister Baldwin responded that the UK stands ready to partner with Zambia to help fight illegal wildlife saying the UK would be willing to support regional initiatives that would help bring illegal Wildlife activities under control.
Zambia and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to their bilateral cooperation and both countries are looking forward to the expeditious conclusion of the forensic audit in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Education.
This statement was issues to the media by Mrs Abigail Chaponda, the First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Zambia High Commission in the United Kingdom.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu chats with Mr Joseph Daka Maize Seed farmer of Mkushi farming Block during the Tours of Mkushi farmsPresident Edgar Lungu has called on Zambian farmers to venture into production of high value agro produce to take advantage of the regional demand.
President Lungu has cited fish and livestock production as among high value agro produce.
Officiating at the 113 Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) Annual Congress in Lusaka, President Lungu revealed that neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo had already requested Zambia for maize.
President Lungu has further called for enhanced consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture and ZNFU on challenges facing farmers.
And President Lungu has called on the private sector and financing institutions to come on board and finance the purchase of agro produce.
Meanwhile, ZNFU President Jarvis Zimba has lamented increased costs of agro production.
Mr. Zimba has since called for consultations by government with concerned stakeholders.
The ZNFU President has also noted that the imposition of export bans on maize, maize seed and mealie meal is affecting the industry’s development.
But, Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo says his Ministry stands ready to work with ZNFU in developing the agriculture sector.
Mr. Katambo says his Ministry has not issued a Statutory Instrument banning the export of maize and mealie meal but had just taken an administrative measure to maintain food security in Zambia.
