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Message For Today:Water Without Rain

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Today’s Scripture

He then said, “God’s word: Dig ditches all over this valley. Here’s what will happen— you won’t hear the wind, you won’t see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill.”
2 Kings 3:16–17, MSG

Water Without Rain

Friend, after traveling through the desert for seven days, the armies of Judah and Israel were completely out of water and desperate. Even though it never rained here, the prophet Elisha told them to dig ditches and God would supernaturally bring them water. In spite of thoughts telling them it was a waste of time, they started digging, and the next morning water flowed into the valley and filled their ditches.

Sometimes God will ask you to do things you don’t understand, something out of the ordinary. Don’t talk yourself out of it. Dare to trust Him and do what He asks. You have to stir up your faith. Don’t dig just one little ditch. Get a bulldozer and dig some big ditches. If you do what He’s asking, you’ll see water without rain—increase and abundance like you’ve never seen. One touch of God’s favor, and soon your ditches will be filled. God has new lands for you to conquer, new friendships, new levels of influence and favor. Be confident that He always performs His greatest victories in your future.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that it is an easy thing for You to fill the dry valleys of my life with water. Thank You for simply asking me to trust You and to obey what You are saying. I declare that I am trusting You to send the water and make happen what I could never make happen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Joel Osteen

Storm leaves 60 structures blown off in Mumbwa

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Torrential rains have left a trail of destruction in Nangoma Constituency of Mumbwa District where over 60 housing units and public structures have been left without roofs.

The incident has also damaged a mothers’ shelter at Nangoma Mission Hospital leaving about 50 expecting mothers and 20 bedsiders without shelter.

Speaking when DMMU National Coordinator Dr. Gabriel Pollen visited the area, Mumbwa District Commissioner Namukolo Hayumbu said there was urgent need for government to provide alternative shelter to the expecting mothers before the situation worsens.

Mrs. Hayumbu appealed to government through DMMU to urgently rebuild the damaged structure and provide emergency shelter to the victims (mothers) to avoid the outbreak of diseases.

The District Commissioner disclosed that the affected mothers are currently being accommodate at the nearby classroom block which has no toilets and bathrooms.

She regretted that if not urgently attended to, the incident is likely to reverse the gains the country has recorded of ensuring that no mother dies while giving birth which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals on health.

At the time the National Coordinator visited, the affected mothers were found outside the damaged structure preparing meals while others were resting underneath the trees and small kitchen shelters.

And DMMU National Coordinator Dr. Gabriel said there was need to build stronger structures taking into account climate chance which has come with violent rains in most cases.

Dr. Pollen wondered why structure built many years ago were still standing while buildings that were built in recent years succumb to the storms.

The National Coordinator stressed the need to build back better after the storm by ensuring that the materials used are of good quality.

A team of Officers from DMMU led by the National Coordinator was in Nangoma constituency to conduct an assessment in order to ascertain the damage caused by the heavy rains.

The team visited Nangoma Mission Hospital and Mulungushi Clinic where some structures have been blown off and households in the area that have also been affected by the windy rains.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma Rejects ANC pledges to vote for Umkhonto Wesizwe

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Former president Jacob Zuma has withdrawn from campaigning or voting for the ANC of which he has been a member for 64 years, to vote for the newly registered Umkhonto Wesizwe party.Zuma launched an attack on the current president of the ANC and country, Cyril Ramaphosa, calling him a proxy of white monopoly capital and insinuating that he had ended his party’s future.

He made the announcement at a special press briefing at the Ipeleng Centre in Orlando East, Soweto, on Saturday.

During the announcement that was made by his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, he said it saddened him that he had to make that decision after so many years.“After much reflection, it truly saddens me that the ANC of today is not the once great movement that we loved and were prepared to lay down our lives for.

“I believe that it is not enough to withdraw from the ANC campaign which will lead our people to more misery, poverty, racism, unemployment, deepening load shedding and a government led by sellouts and apartheid collaborators. It is also our duty to guide our people on what to do in order to save our revolution from its enemies and to achieve the society envisaged in the Freedom Charter.

“I therefore wish to announce that in 2024, I will vote for the Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) Party. It has already been registered with the IEC with my knowledge and blessings, in response to various pleas expressed to me by some religious leaders,” Zuma said.Zuma accused Ramaphosa of suspected fraudulent manipulation of conference outcomes.

He was referring to the party’s elective conference that took place in Nasrec, where Ramaphosa defeated Zweli Mkhize for the ANC presidency last December.

“Given the death of democratically elected structures of the ANC and the role of money in determining electoral outcomes since the CR17 scandal of blatant white monopoly capture of the organisation and the suspected fraudulent manipulation of conference outcomes, I have full sympathy with those comrades who believe that the ANC can no longer be saved from within its non-existent structures,” Zuma said.

He said something more bold, creative, and dramatic needed to be done “by those who love the real ANC”.

“Firstly, the ANC kept quiet when the powers of the President were taken away in the appointment of the Chair of the Commission on so-called State Capture. This symbolised an opportunistic amendment of the Constitution of South Africa.

“Secondly, the ANC kept quiet when it became clear that the 2017 national conference and the position of President had been stolen or bought by forces outside of the organisation for an amount ranging between the R300 million, which the President admitted under oath, and the estimated R1 billion or more, found by the Public Protector in her BOSASA report in which Ramaphosa was fingered.

“Thirdly, the turning point for me was the misguided statement made by the ANC President, that the ANC is Accused Number 1 for Corruption in South Africa. Neither the leadership of the ANC in the NEC nor the membership at the most recent national conference saw the need to challenge or change that incorrect statement.

“Fourthly, the ANC expelled its Secretary-General using the selective application of the so-called step-aside rule but will now allow the President who is also facing criminal charges to top its list for the next election.

“Fifthly, the ANC stood idle when 400 black people were massacred in KwaZulu-Natal following the avoidable July 2021 unrest caused by the Constitutional Court and Mr Raymond Zondo due to my imprisonment without trial under the ANC of Ramaphosa.

“Sixthly, the last straw was when, due to the Public Protector’s 31 questions in the investigation of the Phalaphala scandal, she was suspended and then impeached by the ANC, DA and Freedom Front working together. I have now been told that the ANC of Ramaphosa has decided to vote in favour of the impeachment of Judge President Hlophe and Judge Motata. The ANC of Ramaphosa has declared war against progressive black professionals and intellectuals.

“Lastly, the ANC of Ramaphosa has plunged the country into darkness with load shedding which has ruined the economy. This could have been easily avoided by keeping the best management which successfully prevented load shedding and adopting nuclear energy many years ago. Today we are told that nuclear power has suddenly become affordable,” he said.

Source : IOL

Power Knockout Mighty at Shinde

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Defending champions Power Dynamos have thumped Mighty Mufulira Wanderers away at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira to post their first win in four matches.

Power overcame Mighty 3-1 in the round 16 fixture of the FAZ Super Division on Saturday to recover from a win-less run.

The two teams went to the break with a 1-1 tie after Mighty’s Owen Mwamba canceled Kondwani Chiboni’s early goals for the visitors.

Forward Frederick Mulambia and Skipper Godfrey Ngwenya sealed the win with a goal each in the 48th and 79th minutes respectively.

Power have moved to 25 points, seven behind leaders Zesco United.

Meanwhile, Zesco opened a five point lead at the top of the table after beating bottom side Trident 3-2 away at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Zesco moved to 32 points, five ahead of now second placed Nkwazi, who edged Prison Leopards 1-0 away in Kabwe.

Trident have 10 points from sixteen matches played.

Red Arrows dropped from second to fourth place following a 2-1 home defeat to Green Eagles in Lusaka.

Arrows remained on 26 points after playing 16 matches.

FAZ SUPER DIVISION – WEEK 16

Forest Rangers 2-0 Green Buffaloes

FC MUZA 1-0 Kansanshi Dynamos

Mufulira Wanderers 1-3 Power Dynamos

NAPSA Stars 0-0 Konkola Blades

Prison Leopards 0-1 Nkwazi

Red Arrows 1-2 Green Eagles

Trident FC 2-3 ZESCO United

Sunday, 17 December 2023

Mutondo Stars VS ZANACO

Nkana Vs Kabwe Warriors

Vatican Convicts Cardinal Becciu of Embezzlement, Sentenced to 5½ Years in Prison

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A Vatican tribunal handed down a historic verdict, convicting Cardinal Angelo Becciu of embezzlement and sentencing him to 5½ years in prison.

This landmark case, marking the first trial of a cardinal in the Vatican criminal court, also involved nine co-defendants.

The charges stemmed from a complex financial trial related to a 350 million euro investment in a London property, revealing internal disputes and raising questions about the rule of law within the city-state.

Becciu’s lawyer plans to appeal, emphasizing his client’s innocence. The trial showcased Vatican intrigue and financial impropriety at the highest levels.

Lake Kariba’s 2024 Water Allocation Cut due to Lower Levels

Lake Kariba is expected to experience lower water levels in the upcoming year, leading to a reduction in water allocation for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. This announcement was made by Energy Minister Peter Kapala during the 41st Council of Ministers meeting of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) held in Livingstone.

In 2023, the initial water allocation for the two countries was set at 40 billion cubic meters but was later revised down to 30 billion cubic meters. The newly anticipated reduction will further decrease the allocation to 16 billion cubic meters in 2024. Minister Kapala attributed this decline in water levels to the El Niño climate pattern, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication by stakeholders to avoid misinformation.

The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often brings about irregular weather patterns, impacting precipitation and water levels in various regions.

Minister Kapala urged stakeholders to keep energy consumers informed about the situation, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to address potential challenges associated with reduced water availability.

Despite the challenges posed by the anticipated El Niño, Minister Kapala shared positive news about progress in the feasibility study for a solar plant on Lake Kariba. Once implemented, this solar project is expected to contribute to cleaner energy generation, diversifying the sources of power in the region.

Zimbabwean Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, echoed optimism amid the challenges, urging both countries to plan for various scenarios. He expressed satisfaction that, despite electricity shortages this year, Zambia and Zimbabwe successfully utilized the allocated water resources as managed by the Zambezi River Authority.

As the two nations navigate potential challenges in the coming year, collaborative efforts and strategic planning will play a crucial role in addressing the impact of the anticipated lower water levels in Lake Kariba on energy generation and water supply for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Chris Katongo Joins Forest Rangers

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FAZ Super Division side Forest Rangers have announced the appointment of Christopher Katongo as a new physical trainer.

Katongo has joined Fole Malembe on two-year contract.

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning skipper joins the Mwenya Chipepo-led Forest technical bench.

The bench already has Manchi Janza and Owen Kaposa.

“Katongo, who is also Under-23 national team physical trainer. Katongo replaces another AfCON winner in Francis Kasonde, who until recently was part of the technical bench at the club,” Forest said in a statement on Saturday.

Former President Edgar Lungu to Challenge Retirement Benefits Rejection in Court

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Former President Edgar Lungu has decided to take legal action against the state’s decision to reject his application seeking the reinstatement of retirement benefits. Lungu, who served as Zambia’s Sixth President, has filed a Certificate of Urgency with the Lusaka High Court, aiming to expedite the filing of his petition during the court’s Christmas vacation.

The legal challenge is spearheaded by Lungu’s lawyer, Likando Kalaluka, who is also a former Attorney General. Lungu contends that the state’s withdrawal of his retirement benefits due to his return to active politics infringes upon his constitutional rights, specifically citing Articles 20 and 21. These constitutional provisions encompass freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

The state, represented by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, recently rejected Lungu’s application, asserting that the decision to withdraw retirement benefits aligns with Section 5, subsection 1 of the Benefits of Former Presidents Act, Chapter 15 of Zambia’s laws. This section empowers the state to revoke retirement benefits if a former President reengages in active politics.

In his response dated December 4, Kabesha emphasized that the state’s actions were within the legal framework. The rejection came after Lungu’s lawyer had requested the reinstatement of retirement benefits in a letter dated November 28.

Former President Edgar Lungu officially announced his return to active politics on October 28, 2023, after retiring on August 26, 2021, following the general election that saw Hakainde Hichilema assume the presidency. The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the interpretation and application of relevant laws regarding the retirement benefits of former presidents reentering the political arena.

As the case unfolds, legal experts anticipate that it could have implications for the intersection of constitutional rights and legislative provisions related to the post-presidential benefits in Zambia.

Zambia Police Issue Warning to Patriotic Front Faction, Opposition Responds

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The Zambia Police Service has issued a warning to the Patriotic Front (PF) Party Faction led by Mr. Given Lubinda, citing credible information about potential intentions to destabilize the country’s peace and security. Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga urged the faction to adhere to peaceful and lawful expression of grievances, cautioning against any actions that could undermine public order and safety.

The police statement did not specify individuals involved but emphasized the need for the PF Faction to respect democratic values and the rule of law. Hamoonga stated that the police had been closely monitoring activities associated with the faction and would take appropriate action to preserve peace.

In response, the Patriotic Front, through its Chairperson of Information and Publicity, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba, accused the police spokesperson of defaming the PF leadership. Mwamba disputed the existence of factions within the PF and criticized the state’s alleged attempts to create a one-party state.

Mwamba expressed concern about illegal rules issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia regarding upcoming ward by-elections, claiming that such actions threatened the peace and security of the country. He urged state institutions, including the police and the Electoral Commission, to uphold the rule of law and allow due process in the upcoming elections.

The PF accused the police of engaging in lawless activities, jeopardizing the peace Zambia enjoys. Mwamba called for an end to what he described as schemes aimed at preventing the Patriotic Front from participating in the by-elections.

Hon. Mwimbu, is it true you don’t buy cops stationery?

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Since most of you government officials are not in the habit of picking up calls, we have no choice but to address you through such media platforms.

First and foremost, we would like to doff our hats and highly commend you for scrapping off all the static check points and roadblocks on all our highways as they did not serve any purpose at all, but benefitted a few corrupt police officers. Unfortunately, the overpowering stench of corruption is still rife in the entire police service due to some rotten eggs still lurking in the system! Since it isn’t in our nature to speak without facts, we shall cite a practical example.

Last Friday afternoon, we found ourselves at Ndeke Village Police Station in Kitwe to sign a police bond for a street kid who had been wrongly detained alongside an elderly security guard for stealing tension cables and a distributor from a vehicle. Readers may be keen to learn that this one of the street kids that ‘escaped’ being trapped in the calamity at the mine in Chingola. We are providing shelter to him like we are doing to many other vulnerable children, particularly street kids.

To start with, the police did not even have any police bond forms; the lady police officer that kept herself busy on her mobile phone much of the time ‘ordered’ us to make photocopies of the police bond forms at a nearby business centre. We obviously had no choice but to comply as we were desperate to extract our beloved ones from the stinking cells.

Just when we thought our woes had come to an end, then boom…….the criminal investigations officer asked us to pay K150 each for stationery for the duo!

“But I thought the president has insisted you should always release suspects on police bond without any qualms and take them to court asap……” I protested.

Instead of giving me a genuine explanation, the officers resorted to abusing me and calling me names!Unknown to me, the relative to the old man had already coughed up a K150.

“Just say, you are broke!” the lady office screamed at me “Government does not buy us stationery. We have to use our initiative to do our work!”

“Madam, let’s just just cancel the bond,” an officer whom I came to identify as Chisanga chipped in. “I am taking the suspects back in custody!”

I stood my ground and told them it wasn’t my responsibility to provide stationery to the police. I decided to call Mr. Peacewell Mweemba, the Copperbelt police commissioner, to get a clarification but my calls went unanswered, unfortunately.

“We won’t get intimidated even if you the police commissioner,” the lady retorted. “We also have connections in government!”

The two officers were particularly disrespectful, unprofessional and intimidating. The sad part is they didn’t even bother to visit the crime scene but rushed in detaining the suspects. Hon. Minister, is true you don’t provide stationery and members of the public have to dig into their life savings to buy stationery for government when we are already paying tax?

Before leaving the station, I officially lodged in a complaint with the Officer in charge a Mr. Polomondo about the officers in question.

We are demanding that the two officers be disciplined for corrupt practices and unprofessional conduct, immediately.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

President Hichilema Allocates K400,000 for Recording Studio Construction to Boost Music Industry

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President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the UPND government’s commitment to supporting musicians by allocating K400,000 towards the construction of recording studios in selected provinces. The move aims to empower artists and contribute to the growth of the country’s music industry.

The President expressed concern that musicians, especially those from distant provinces, face challenges in traveling to Lusaka or the Copperbelt for recording sessions. During a meeting with musicians from across the country at State House, President Hichilema encouraged artists to seize various empowerment opportunities provided by the government, particularly for the youth, to venture into diverse enterprises.

President Hichilema proposed the establishment of an artistic fund where stakeholders can contribute to fostering the growth of the music industry, enhancing its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Elias Mubanga assured musicians that the ministry would empower artists with funds in the coming year to enhance their skills. He emphasized a non-discriminatory approach to provide opportunities for musicians of all backgrounds.

“In 2024, the government will also provide funds to allow citizens, especially youths such as artists, to venture into agriculture, aiming to promote the agriculture sector,” stated Mr. Mubanga.

President Hichilema acknowledged the challenges faced by artists and musicians, including the need for improved medical schemes. The government is actively working to ensure that art and music contribute to promoting peace and unity among the Zambian people.

During the meeting, discussions covered various issues affecting the music industry, and President Hichilema assured artists of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns. He encouraged musicians, primarily the youth, to explore entrepreneurial activities beyond their artistic endeavors. The President highlighted examples of artists who have successfully diversified into farming, carpentry, and bricklaying.

President Hichilema expressed gratitude to artists and musicians who played a crucial role in advocating for positive change in the past and stood with the government. The President concluded by thanking the artists and musicians for the constructive conversation at State House, emphasizing the importance of such engagement.

Power Visit Mighty on Saturday

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Defending champions Power Dynamos and promoted Mighty Mufulira Wanderers on Saturday will renew their old rivalry as they clash in the FAZ Super Division match at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira.

Mighty and Power are just two points apart ahead of this Week 16 tie.

Sixth placed Power have 22 points while, Wandered are tenth on the table with 20 points after 15 matches played.

Power and Mighty are win-less in their respective last three straight games.

Meanwhile, league leaders Zesco United are seeking a routine win over bottom side Trident at Nkana Stadium on Saturday.

Zesco have a three-point lead at the top with 29 points in 15 games.

Promoted Trident are win-less in their debut topflight campaign with just 10 points in 15 games.

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE WEEK 16 FIXTURES

Saturday, 16 December 2023

Mufulira Wanderers Vs Power Dynamos

Prison Leopards Vs Nkwazi

NAPSA Stars Vs Konkola Blades

Red Arrows Vs Green Eagles

Forest Rangers Vs Green Buffaloes

FC MUZA Vs Kansanshi Dynamos

Trident FC Vs ZESCO United

Sunday, 17 December 2023

Mutondo Stars VS ZANACO

Nkana Vs Kabwe Warriors

Kaindu Returns to Zim Giants Highlanders

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Zimbabwean’s top side Highlanders Football Club have re-appointed Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu as head coach.

Highlanders have announced in a media statement that they are pleased to re-unite with Kaindu.

Kaindu previously played for the Highlanders in 1997 before coaching the team between 2012 and 2014.

“Highlanders Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Kelvin Kaindu as the new head coach for the club’s first team,” the club said.

“The entire management at the club would like to extend a warm welcome to Kaindu and wish him all the best as he opens yet another chapter with Highlanders Football Club,” Highlanders stated.

In Zambia, Kaindu has coached Power Dynamos, Zanaco and Nkana.

ECZ sets January 23rd for Mayembe and Kapamba wards By-Elect

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The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set January 23, 2024 as the date for the two Ward By-Elections in Mayembe Ward in Shiwangandu District and Kapamba Ward in Mpika District.

ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga said that the two by-elections in Mayembe and Kapamba Wards in Muchinga Province follows the resignations of the Patriotic Front Councillors in the two wards.

Mr. Hosea Chitemboi, who served as Mayembe Ward Councillor resigned on October 1, 2023 while Kellis Kalima resigned as Kapamba Ward Councillor on November 14, 2023.

The two Patriotic Front Party Councillors resigned their elective civic positions to pursue personal endeavours.

Ms. Luhanga further disclosed that the nominations for the two by-elections will be conducted on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.She added that all aspiring candidates in these by-elections will be required to pay stipulated non-refundable nomination fees.

Ms. Luhanga said Male aspiring candidates wishing to contest will pay a sum of K600 while female candidates will pay K500 while persons with disabilities will pay K500.

The Campaign period will commence on Thursday, December 21, 2023 and will end at 18:00 hours on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Umodzi Kumawa Forum Denounces Tribal Labels Amidst Political Condemnation

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Levy Ngoma, Political Advisor to President Hakainde Hichilema, has criticized the establishment of the Umodzi Kumawa WhatsApp group, claiming it promotes tribalism. Ngoma strongly condemned tribal affiliations, emphasizing their adverse impact on national unity. The remarks were made during a press briefing convened by politicians from the Eastern Province to address concerns surrounding the Umodzi Kumawa WhatsApp group.

Moses Moyo, Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Luangeni Member of Parliament, echoed Ngoma’s sentiments, urging Zambians to refrain from tribal politics. Moyo emphasized the equal standing of all tribes, emphasizing that no single tribe should be considered superior to another.

Mike Mposha, Minister of Water, Development, and Sanitation, called on the Umodzi Kumawa WhatsApp group to clarify its agenda to avoid misrepresentation as a political entity. Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri urged residents to support President Hichilema, highlighting his commitment to developmental projects across all provinces.

At the same gathering, Retired Colonel Bizyayo Nkunika, Former Zambia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, emphasized the need to avoid sectarian approaches to national issues. Other parliamentarians, including Menyani Zulu, Misheck Nyambose, and Davison Mung’andu, also shared their perspectives on the matter.

In response to the criticism, Umodzi Kumawa clarified that it is a developmental group in the Eastern Province, aiming to unite the region’s five tribes for investment and developmental purposes. The forum seeks to foster collaboration among people with diverse tribal backgrounds to advance the province’s development.

The organizers emphasized that Umodzi Kumawa is not a tribal group but a unified front for the province’s developmental advancement. Similar initiatives exist in other provinces, such as the North-western Development Board in the North-western province. The group’s goal is to unite the people of the Eastern Province for common developmental causes, transcending tribal boundaries.

The forum denounced attempts to label it as tribal, asserting that such claims were politically motivated and aimed at personal gain. Umodzi Kumawa emphasized its commitment to unity and progress, urging the public not to be misled by those seeking to exploit the situation for personal and political ends.

Sensio Banda, Former Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Constituency in the Eastern Province, concluded the briefing by affirming the determination of the people in the Eastern Province to unite and work towards progress and prosperity.

Umodzi Kumawa Forum Denounces Tribal Labels Amidst Political Condemnation

Lusaka, Zambia – December 21, 2023

Levy Ngoma, Political Advisor to President Hakainde Hichilema, has criticized the establishment of the Umodzi Kumawa WhatsApp group, claiming it promotes tribalism. Ngoma strongly condemned tribal affiliations, emphasizing their adverse impact on national unity. The remarks were made during a press briefing convened by politicians from the Eastern Province to address concerns surrounding the Umodzi Kumawa WhatsApp group.

Moses Moyo, Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Luangeni Member of Parliament, echoed Ngoma’s sentiments, urging Zambians to refrain from tribal politics. Moyo emphasized the equal standing of all tribes, emphasizing that no single tribe should be considered superior to another.

Mike Mposha, Minister of Water, Development, and Sanitation, called on the Umodzi Kumawa WhatsApp group to clarify its agenda to avoid misrepresentation as a political entity. Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri urged residents to support President Hichilema, highlighting his commitment to developmental projects across all provinces.

At the same gathering, Retired Colonel Bizyayo Nkunika, Former Zambia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, emphasized the need to avoid sectarian approaches to national issues. Other parliamentarians, including Menyani Zulu, Misheck Nyambose, and Davison Mung’andu, also shared their perspectives on the matter.

In response to the criticism, Umodzi Kumawa clarified that it is a developmental group in the Eastern Province, aiming to unite the region’s five tribes for investment and developmental purposes. The forum seeks to foster collaboration among people with diverse tribal backgrounds to advance the province’s development.

The organizers emphasized that Umodzi Kumawa is not a tribal group but a unified front for the province’s developmental advancement. Similar initiatives exist in other provinces, such as the North-western Development Board in the North-western province. The group’s goal is to unite the people of the Eastern Province for common developmental causes, transcending tribal boundaries.

The forum denounced attempts to label it as tribal, asserting that such claims were politically motivated and aimed at personal gain. Umodzi Kumawa emphasized its commitment to unity and progress, urging the public not to be misled by those seeking to exploit the situation for personal and political ends.

Sensio Banda, Former Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Constituency in the Eastern Province, concluded the briefing by affirming the determination of the people in the Eastern Province to unite and work towards progress and prosperity.