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Update on Chingola Mine Accident

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Update on Chingola Mine Accident

Rescue workers in Chingola successfully pulled a survivor from the debris of the collapsed Senseli Mine in Chingola, nearly a week after the devastating landslide trapped numerous miners. The survivor, identified as Mwanshe Mukoko, is currently undergoing treatment at Nchanga South Hospital in Chingola.

Mukoko, aged 49 and a resident of Chingola Township, shared his harrowing ordeal from his hospital bed, describing the five days he spent struggling for survival in the collapsed slug mine pit. The rescue team managed to reach him, offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing search and rescue operation coordinated by the government.

The operation has faced numerous challenges.The unfavorable weather conditions, soft ground, and continuous rain have added complexity to the operation with only one person so far been rescued alive while 2 bodies have been retrieved.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit reported that the search and rescue team has been working tirelessly around the clock since the accident occurred, with the aim of retrieving all trapped miners. The collaboration involves various stakeholders, including government agencies, military personnel, and representatives from large-scale mining companies.

The Chingola mine accident occurred on December 1, inundating the open-pit copper mine and trapping a significant number of miners who were reportedly working without proper permits. Conflicting reports about the exact number of trapped miners have surfaced, with government officials estimating over 30 individuals, while the district commissioner mentioned at least 36.

Illegal mining is suspected to be a contributing factor to the accident, as artisanal miners are known to enter mines without the knowledge of the owners. Authorities are focused on the rescue operation, prioritizing the safety and well-being of those trapped underground.

President Hakainde Hichilema visited the site on Tuesday, expressing hope for survivors. He emphasized the commitment to saving lives, stating, Here there is no illegal miner. Our job is to take our people out of the pit,” he said. “Our commitment is to do everything to save the lives that are down there.”

Senseli mine rescue operation

Information Minister is on fire while UPND media team is ndwii!

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Information Minister is on fire while UPND media team is ndwii!

The other day in parliament, former Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya characterised Cornelius Mweetwa, the Chief Government Spokesperson as ‘Chemical Ali’ for his exceptional skills of at disseminating information! We’re so delighted with what Mweetwa is doing at this strategic Ministry. We’re equally so proud that we noticed his skills much earlier and tirelessly lobbied for his relocation to his current work station.

It’s not the job of a Minister to sit “ndwi” and enjoy Cappuccino while government is suffering a constant barrage of attacks from the usual suspects…….abena M’membe, Tembo, Nakachinda, Mwenda, Saboi, Kalaba and Kateka. Their job is to take a fire brigade approach to every situation or indeed jump on the roller skates and dash to every radio station, TV outlets and Newspaper offices and diffuse the lies or debunk the propaganda before it spreads like wild fire and consumes the very good work the New Dawn Administration is doing.

While Mweetwa has impressively matched the ‘fox cunning’ as Chinua Achebe says in one of his books; unfortunately, the Secretariat and the Ruth Dante led UPND media team remains on holiday. Apart from the party National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso who is tirelessly traversing the breadth and width of this nation mobilizing and defending the party from incessant attacks, we don’t hear much from the others. At least madam Chivube who is also putting in much.

Take for instance the scrapping of static security check points and road blocks on our highways…..this is a fabulous Christmas bonus for some of us! The day before yesterday, I set off from Lusaka around 15:00 hours. There wasn’t unnecessary congestions in places such as Kabangwe, Kafulafuta or ZAMTAN as is usually the case. I was already home by 20:00 hours enjoying mataamba and Kakeya while catching up with news and current affairs. And just last night, it took me 40 minutes to drive from Chingola to Kitwe; there wasn’t the usual clogging of traffic at the Mufulira turn-off which holds up traffic several hours on end.

Instead of popping bottles of Champagne and celebrating this feat, the likes of M’membe and Mwamba have chosen to mislead the public by conjuring up conspiracy theories.

Take for instance what Mwamba wrote on his Facebook page, “Shortly after road blocks and static security check points were removed country-wide, accident reveals truck was carrying logs from the endangered hardwood specie Mukula.” As a former diplomat, we don’t expect Mwamba to make a living peddling lies! Where was the UPND media team to take him on?

Bowman Lusambo who has a challenge analysing issues has also weighed in and challenged government to reveal “core reasons” why roadblocks have been removed. What other reasons can be there apart from the congestion and corruption imwe ba former Minister! Ba UPND, a finished politician is throwing weak pouches and you can’t show him his place?

If you analyse those photos carefully, you will establish that it wasn’t Mukula as Mwamba wants us to believe, but actually Rosewood! Mwamba couldn’t of course escape being lambasted and roasted by the public who equally ‘educated’ him that while containers are used to transport Mukula for preservation purposes, Rosewood is transported on low bed trucks.

Ba UPND don’t leave the job of damage control to Mweetwa alone, you must equally play your part!

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Politica/Social Analyst

Director of Public Prosecutions Appeals Kambwili’s 5-Month Sentence

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Director of Public Prosecutions Appeals Kambwili’s 5-Month Sentence

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri SC, has officially lodged an appeal against the five-month sentence handed down to Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Dr. Chishimba Kambwili. The appeal comes in the wake of Kambwili’s conviction by Kasama Magistrate Senior Resident Magistrate, Samson Mumba, for violating Section 70(1) of the Penal Code by expressing or showing hatred, ridicule, or contempt for persons based on their name or place of origin.

Dr. Kambwili, a prominent figure in Zambian politics, swiftly appealed against both the conviction and the sentence following the Kasama Magistrate’s ruling.

In a surprising turn of events, the DPP, alongside the appeal, filed a cross-appeal requesting a higher sentence for Kambwili. This move has added a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings, raising eyebrows among various stakeholders.

The DPP, in a Notice of Appeal against Sentence, emphasized the desire to be personally present during the appeal hearing in Kasama.

However, the conviction of Dr. Kambwili has sparked criticism from several quarters, with accusations of selective prosecution echoing through public discourse. Critics point to instances where individuals, such as Bumba Malambo and Minister of Education, Douglas Siakalima, have made strong tribal remarks without facing legal consequences.

PF Expels Ten Members for Indiscipline and Discrediting Leadership

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PF Expels Ten Members for Indiscipline and Discrediting Leadership

The Patriotic Front (PF) has announced the immediate expulsion of ten of its members, including notable figures such as Pambashe MP Ronald Chitotela, Nixon Chilangwa of Kawambwa, Christopher Kang’ombe of Kamfinsa, and Remember Mutale of Chitambo. Other expellees include Brian Mundubile of Mporokoso, Stephen Kampyongo of Shiwangandu, Mulenga Fube of Chilubi, Mutotwe Kafwaya of Lunte, and PF faction Chairperson for Information and Publicity Emmanuel Mwamba.

The expulsions come on the grounds of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and allegedly tarnishing the party’s reputation by holding unauthorized meetings with non-PF members to undermine the current leadership.

PF Deputy Media Director Yosi Miti released a statement to ZNBC News in Lusaka, confirming the expulsion and outlining the reasons behind the party’s decision. The statement highlights that the expelled members were engaged in activities that go against the principles and integrity of the PF, leading to their removal from the party.

The PF has formally communicated this development to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti.

However, Emmanuel Mwamba, responding to the announcement, contested the expulsions, deeming them unwarranted. Mwamba emphasized that there are ongoing court cases against Miles Sampa’s leadership, and therefore, the expulsions lack legitimacy.

Mwamba asserted that Miles Sampa does not possess the political mandate to conduct activities in the name of the Patriotic Front. He further labeled Sampa’s letters and actions as a potential case of forgery, adding another layer of complexity to the internal disputes within the PF.

HH Salutes African Netball Champions Zambia

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Republican President Hakainde Hichilema has hailed Zambia’s triumph at the 2023 Netball Africa Cup in Botswana.

The Zambia National Netball Team on Wednesday evening lifted their maiden Africa Cup trophy after beating Namibia 57-55 in the final after extra time.

Impressive Zambia only lost one match at the competition.

President Hichilema said he was proud of the team’s achievement in Africa.

“A big congratulation to the Zambia Women National Netball Team for winning the Africa Cup for the first time after beating Namibia 57- 55 after the second quarter of extra time. Mingalato season ba Zambia. Proud of you girls,” the Head of State wrote on his official Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu has also applauded the netball squad for winning the continental trophy.

“Congratulations to the Zambia Netball Team for winning the 2023 Africa Netball Championship Cup final against Namibia in Botswana,” Nkandu said.

DPP Rejects Private Prosecution of PF President Miles Sampa

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DPP Rejects Private Prosecution of PF President Miles Sampa

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has dismissed an application for the private prosecution of Patriotic Front (PF) President Miles Sampa in the Magistrate Court. The allegations against Mr. Sampa include impersonation and forgery.

Lusaka Magistrate Keegan Litia, acting on the decision of the DPP, subsequently dismissed the summons against Mr. Sampa. The development was communicated to Raphael Nakacinda’s lawyer, Jonas Zimba, who represents the PF faction.

In the letter addressed to Makebi Zulu and Company, the legal firm representing the PF faction, DPP Gilbert Phiri explained that he could not grant the application due to ongoing civil proceedings related to the PF leadership dispute before the High Court. The DPP asserted that proceeding with a private prosecution in the Lusaka Magistrate Court would amount to an abuse of the court process.

Magistrate Litia, however, has reserved December 12 for a ruling on Jonas Zimba’s application to review the decision. Zimba has requested the court to reconsider its decision until the DPP personally appears in court to discharge the accused.

The legal dispute revolves around a case where Nakacinda has accused Sampa of impersonation by presenting himself as PF President. Additionally, Nakacinda, jointly with PF Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona, has accused Sampa of forgery. They allege that Sampa and Ng’ona used an inauthentic letterhead when submitting the names of new PF office bearers to the Registrar of Societies.

The rejection of the private prosecution by the DPP adds a layer of complexity to the legal battle surrounding the PF leadership dispute, prompting further legal considerations as the case unfolds.

President Hichilema Launches 2023-2024 Planting Season in Nyimba, Eastern Province

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President Hichilema Launches 2023-2024 Planting Season in Nyimba, Eastern Province

President Hichilema launched the 2023-2024 planting season in Nyimba District, located within Chief Ndake’s Chiefdom in Eastern Province, Zambia. President Hakainde Hichilema reiterated the commitment of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government to elevate agriculture as Zambia’s leading sector.

“Our UPND government remains determined to turn agriculture into Zambia’s number one sector,” affirmed President Hichilema during the launch. The occasion not only signifies the commencement of the planting season but also emphasizes the government’s strategic focus on agricultural development.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change, President Hichilema highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to formulate effective strategies for promoting irrigation agriculture on both small and large scales. Recognizing the significance of this sector to the nation’s economy, the government aims to enhance resilience against climatic uncertainties.

In a bid to ensure widespread access to farming inputs, particularly for citizens in the public sector, the government has entered into partnerships with banks. These collaborations seek to facilitate the availability of financial resources for individuals engaged in agricultural activities.

“To produce enough for household and national food security, we must push up productivity,” emphasized President Hichilema. The government has also taken steps to secure markets for agricultural products, ensuring that in the event of surplus production, exports can contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The President called upon all citizens to actively participate in utilizing every acre of land to increase yield per acre. This collective effort, he stressed, is integral to achieving the government’s vision of transforming Zambia into a regional and continental bread basket.

President Hichilema encouraged a business-oriented approach to farming, he urged the nation to collectively embrace the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of economic prosperity.

President Hakainde Hichilema, during his visit to Nyimba , held a significant meeting with traditional leaders from Eastern Province, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for agricultural development. Acknowledging the crucial role of agriculture in the province’s economy, President Hichilema underscored the need for increased food production to ensure regional and national food security.

“It was good to note that the chiefs stand ready to support us, work with us, and ensure that more food is produced in their Chiefdoms to ensure food security,” stated President Hichilema. Eastern Province, with its agricultural significance, plays a pivotal role in the government’s vision to position agriculture as a key sector in Zambia.

The President expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders, referring to them as partners in service to the people of Zambia. He conveyed optimism about working collaboratively to enhance and secure the livelihoods of citizens in the region.

“Our UPND government remains determined to turn agriculture into Zambia’s number one sector,” affirmed President Hichilema.

President Hichilema has since returned to Lusaka after a fruitful working visit to Eastern Province.

FAZ Chief Celebrates Copper Queens’ WAFCON Qualification

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FAZ Chief Celebrates Copper Queens’ WAFCON Qualification

In an official press statement, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Zambia Women National Team, the Copper Queens, for securing qualification to the Morocco 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations. This triumph follows a resounding 6-0 victory over Angola on the night and an impressive 12-0 aggregate score.

FAZ President, Andrew Kamanga, expressed his pride in the Copper Queens, applauding their consecutive qualification for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Kamanga emphasized that the team has not only made the nation proud but has also solidified its status as a regular contender on the international stage.

“On behalf of my executive committee and myself, I wish to congratulate the Copper Queens and the technical bench for sealing qualification to next year’s WAFCON,” stated Kamanga. “The Copper Queens brand has continued to grow and establish itself as a regular at international tournaments.”

Highlighting the team’s consistent improvement, Kamanga remarked on their progressive performances at each tournament. With qualification secured, he outlined the next steps, focusing on laying the groundwork for thorough preparations.

“Like we have done for any single team that has qualified for major tournaments, we will liaise with the technical bench over an intensive preparatory program,” Kamanga assured.

The FAZ president extended his gratitude to the passionate fans who turned up at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to support the Copper Queens during their historic debut at the 44,000-capacity stadium. He urged fans to continue rallying behind the team with the same enthusiasm.

“Thanks to the fans that thronged Levy Mwanawasa Stadium that lit the atmosphere and gave our girls an extra push. We urge the fans to continue with the same spirit,” Kamanga expressed his appreciation. He also recognized the efforts of the FAZ secretariat staff, acknowledging their hard work in making the qualification a reality.

The Copper Queens’ stellar performance on Tuesday evening, securing a 6-0 victory over Angola, showed their dominance and determination, culminating in a commanding 12-0 aggregate triumph.

Stakeholders Express Disappointment as Parliament Rejects Motion on Sign Language and Braille

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Stakeholders Express Disappointment as Parliament Rejects Motion on Sign Language and Braille

In North Western Province, several stakeholders have conveyed disappointment in response to Parliament’s decision to reject a motion advocating for the introduction of sign language and Braille writing as optional subjects in all public schools. The motion aimed to address communication barriers for individuals with visual and hearing impairments.

Simona Mubiana, Assistant Provincial Coordinator of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), expressed his dismay, terming the motion as progressive and potentially beneficial for the nation. He proposed that the government should reconsider and make sign language a compulsory subject, integrated into the curriculum from Primary to Secondary Schools.

“It is unfortunate that members of parliament have rejected a motion that could have helped to address the communication barriers that exist among the visually impaired, people with hearing impairments, and abled individuals in the country,” remarked Mr. Mubiana.

He emphasized that the rejection of such a motion indirectly promotes inequality, contradicting Zambia’s 2023 vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income country without leaving anyone behind. Mubiana referenced Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 10, emphasizing the need to reduce inequalities through deliberate policies and programs.

Supporting the motion, according to Mr. Mubiana, would have facilitated more effective communication, enabling the future generation to express themselves without depending on interpreters. He expressed concerns about the existing communication barriers, particularly in public service sectors like health, where reliance on interpreters can lead to violations of human rights ethics regarding confidentiality.

Mr. Mubiana urged the church to invest in and incorporate an interpreter’s department to accommodate all congregants, including those with visual and hearing impairments.

Setty Maseka, the Provincial Organizing Secretary of the Zambia National Union of Teacher (ZNUT), shared the sentiment of disappointment. He stressed that the rejection is not only a setback for individuals with hearing and visual impairments but for the education sector as a whole.

“Sign language and Braille writing play a significant role in fostering inclusivity by providing communication accessibility to individuals with hearing and visual impairment,” noted Mr. Maseka.

He implored the National Assembly to reconsider the motion, emphasizing its potential benefits in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no one is left behind. Last Wednesday, Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Services Rodney Sikumba argued that the motion could not proceed, citing the government’s prior introduction of Braille and Sign Language as optional subjects in the Zambia curriculum framework of 2013.

I was sent to Chimbokaila for fighting for restructure of student loan policies!

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I was sent to Chimbokaila for fighting for restructure of student loan policies!

I spent 8 days at Central Police and one day at Chimbokaila before being released on bail for a case called “Idle and disorderly”, a misdemeanor case which is also given to people for curfew (Shishita). At Chimbokaila, I was in cell 13, the same cell where president Hakainde Hichilema was when he was arrested for treason.

That is why, when I Iook at the people taking credit for a fight they were not even a part of, and a raw deal, it makes me laugh.

We started fighting for the restructure of the HELSB policies in 2018. In 2021 during campaigns, the president simpathized with us and promised that he was going to remove the high and draconian interest rate and monthly deductions which sometimes goes up to 60% of an individuals basic salary immediately he was voted into power, but this was not the case. The fight solidified in 2022 after I launched a massive mobilisation campaign on social media and other media platforms. We formed a committee called the HELSB Restructure Campaign Committee (HELSB-RCC) from a WhatsApp group comprising of at least 850 graduates and students. The committee has played a huge part in terns of planning and contributing resources for programs such that without it, nothing would have happened and I would have been in jail right now.

We started by petitioning HELSB in April 2022, then I did a lone naked protest on 21st May, 2022 where I delivered a petition letter to the ministry of Education. The PS, Mr. Joel Kamoko called us for a meeting, and we concluded that we, as stakeholders, should submit a concept note (position paper) outlining our proposals and that after that, we were going to be called for restructure committee meetings so that we could participate in the restructure process. We were never called for any meeting even after making necessary follow ups, therefore, the restructure was not transparent or participatory.

When nothing happened and our proposals were not included in the 2024 national budget, I did another naked lone protest on 28th September, 2023 where I intended to take a petition to state house. That was when I was arrested taken to Chimbokaila. Many of you saw it, I was holding a pamela and cooking oil in a small plastic, you just thought I was protesting against high cost of living because you didn’t read what was on the placard I was holding. The HESB-RCC committee pushed for my bail and sourced for a lawyer for me through contributions. When I got out, I found that the landlady was a UPND member who even has a position at constituency level, she chased me out of the house, she even reported me at the police station that I was refusing to move out, I had to find a house at a sudden notice and shifted.

The reduction of the interest rate which was done by the government is just a small component of the proposals which we made and a political mingalato(gimmick) which does not even address the many challenges which graduates are facing due to student loans. So it’s only the government, praise singers and uniformed poor students who are celebrating the change they know nothing about. Therefore, we are still organizing a bush protest since the police refused to allow us to go ahead with a normal protest to show our displeasure.

What we proposed was
1. Reduction of high interest rate
2. Reduction of high monthly charges
3. Stopping penalties accrued by unemployed graduates
4. The government to rescind it’s decision to list poor and unemployed graduates on the TransUnion’s Credit Reference Bureau.

By DAVID CHISHIMBA
HELSB-RCC COORDINATOR

CEC announces registration of Zambia’s First Green Bond

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CEC announces registration of Zambia’s First Green Bond

Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) has announced the registration of its green bond with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the sidelines of the COP 28 Climate Summit.

This registration of the Green Bond is a first for Zambia’s capital markets and is expected to attract more green finance in the country.

Making the announcement during the Climate Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Energy Day, CEC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Owen Silavwe, said, “We are pleased to announce the registration of our US$200 million Green Bond, structured as a programme, whose proceeds will accelerate the actualisation of our ambitions to generate at least 200MW of renewable energy and specifically solar energy with possible storage implementation.”

Speaking at the same function, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Engineer Collins Nzovu said the Zambian Government has developed a Green Growth strategy, which is part of its aspiration to become a prosperous middle-income country by 2023.

He said the Green Growth strategy is Zambia’s blueprint for greening the economy and the environment by deliberately pursuing a development trajectory that is resource efficient, low carbon, climate resilient and socially inclusive.

He added that the Government has put in place two regulatory frames that are being leveraged to raise green investments, these being the Green Bonds Framework issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019 and the Green Loans Framework issued by the Bank of Zambia.

Eng. Njovu congratulated CEC for successfully registering the country’s Debut Green Bond, further commending the private sector’s leadership in showcasing Zambia’s prowess in the green energy transition.

The US$200 million bond programme has its first tranche of US$54 million, closing by the end of the year.

The lead arrangers of the Green Bond are Cygnum Capital, with Emerging Africa Investment Fund (EAIF), as cornerstone investors in partnership with Absa Group.

“We are proud to have been the lead arrangers for CEC’s Green Bond”, Cygnum Capital representative, James Doree said. “It demonstrates how the combination of a strong sponsor, a transparent policy framework and supportive anchor investor can drive private sector solutions to the green energy transition.”

“We are thrilled to be the cornerstone investor to the first Zambian green bond programme,” said Paromita Chatterjee (representative of the Emerging Africa Investment Fund, a Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company).

He added that he is confident that this avenue of financing will complement the traditional financing options to fast-track energy transition.

“Our partnership with the sponsor has made it possible to actualise the ingenious financing,” said Theuns Ehlers, Head of Project Finance at Absa Group. “Having a sponsor with strong operational and financial capabilities has helped the structuring and bankability of a private-to-private project finance bond raise. Therefore, we are very proud to be associated with this transaction.”

Adding to the conversation, the Securities and Exchange Commission Director for Market Supervision and Development, Nonde Sichilima said, “The announcement of the registration of the Green Bond is a positive development for our capital markets. We anticipate that it will catalyse the listing of more green bonds as a means of capital raising for green initiatives and contribute towards deepening capital in our country.”

The proceeds from the bond, will be deployed towards further solar generation investments within the CEC Group through CEC Renewables.

CEC Renewables is an investment vehicle established by the CEC Group, through which renewable energy development is actualised.

“We began our renewable energy journey, particularly in solar generation five years ago and our announcement today is an affirmation of our commitment to support Zambia’s green energy transition,” said Mr Silavwe.

The Bond will open and close within December 2023.

Barbra Banda Soaks in WAFCON Qualification and Salutes Copperbelt Fans

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Shepolopolo Zambia Captain Barbra Banda has hailed her team’s qualification to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup to be hosted by Morocco.

Zambia qualified for the Africa Cup with a 12-0 aggregate win over Angola.

The Bruce Mwape coached side on Tuesday night secured qualification with a 6-0 home win against Angola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola after winning the away first leg with an identical score-line in Luanda seven days earlier.

In a post-match comment, Banda has attributed Zambia’s third consecutive WAFCON qualification to teamwork.

“Qualification to the WAFCON is sealed,” Banda wrote on her official face-book page.

“Great effort from the whole team and thank you ba Ndola for the support,” she stated.

This is the fourth appearance Zambia will be making at the WAFCON.

Jailing of Kambwili; good lesson for other tribalists!

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Jailing of Kambwili; good lesson for other tribalists!

We’ve no time celebrating or rejoicing over the sentencing of any human being to prison where they’ll have to swap their designer clothes for the orange garb and get to work undertaking backbreaking chores such as growing cabbages and tomatoes and of course, getting themselves soiled tending to pigs! We are a God fearing people……peace loving, in fact.

However, we have little or no sympathy for one Chishimba Kambwili for the unfortunate situation he finds himself in. In case you are not in the loop, the Kasama Magistrates court has handed him a 5 months jail sentence for the offence of expressing hatred and ridicule of the people of Southern province based on tribe and place of origin. Videos of Kambwili energetically uttering disparaging tribal remarks and spewing venom on a certain ethinic group as one of the former senior leaders of PF who is also an MP smiles, eagerly are available on social media.

Kambwili is not a stranger to stirring controversy on issues of tribe; he is a danger to this nation. As a matter of fact, prior to the 2021 general elections, the Electoral Commission of Zambia had censured and briefly banned him from the campaign trail for committing similar offences as the leadership of PF at the time remained tight lipped on the matter.

And way back in 2009, Local Government and Housing Minister at the time, Hon. Benny Tetamashimba, had requested Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata to discipline his Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili for insulting the humble people of North-Western province during a public rally in Kitwe. During the rally, Kambwili blamed the people of Luanshya for having voted for Labour and Social Security Deputy Minister Simon Kachimba as Member of Parliament for the area, saying he knew a lot of well meaning and successful Luvales, but not Mr Kachimba.

Why should Kambwili always bring in the issue of tribe whenever he’s conducting his politics? Pitying one ethnic grouping against another isn’t healthy in a nation which is already polarised. We praise God for President Hakainde Hichilema who is already trying hard to reunite our nation by taking development to every corner of the nation and assembling a government that represents a national character.

Unfortunately, it seems our colleagues in PF and certain opposition political parties are are not comfortable with certain tribes! Whenever a golden opportunity presents itself, you’ll see them go to town demeaning and scandalizing those tribes. We’ve seen this from former cabinet ministers, senior members of the party and some of their MPs. We ought to remind these individuals that the genocide in Rwanda was a culmination of decades of division and incitement of hatred towards the Tutsi by extremists in the country’s leadership, which was controlled by members of the Hutu majority group.

It’s important to reiterate that there are still a few individuals still on the loose out there, including Patriotic Front MPs and so called opposition leaders. They remain unrepentant in as far promoting hate speech is concerned. Like rabid dogs, they have little trouble poking and provoking other ethnic groups by continuously stereotyping or labelling them.

We’d like to sound a clarion call to the police not to hesitate to bring to book such enemies of the people and subject them court processes where appropriate punishment will be prescribed to them as an example to other would be culprits.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a

Political/Social Analyst

Seeking Answers: Accountability in Zambia’s Gassing Saga

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Seeking Answers: Accountability in Zambia’s Gassing Saga

By Mischeck Kakonde

Zambia’s recent history has been shrouded in a convoluted narrative, a tale woven with elements of
evasive justice, political intricacies, and a labyrinth of unanswered questions. The exoneration of a former presidential advisor Dr Zimba and other implicated individuals, accused in the tragic loss of over 50 lives due to alleged gassing incidents, lays bare the unsettling shadows haunting the nations collective conscience.

The nation bore witness to a saga echoing through its political corridors, leaving citizens perplexed and disheartened. The arrest of the ex-political advisor, purportedly tied to the chaotic gas attacks, carried the weight of governmental assertions and vows of retribution.
However, the passage of time and legal procedures unfurled a different narrative, casting doubt on the allegations against the once-incarcerated political figure. With the acquittal of Dr Zumani Zimba and others accused, a glaring void in accountability emerges, prompting the pressing question: who is genuinely accountable for the tragic gassing incidents that claimed innocent Zambian lives?

The imperative need for truth resonates strongly among the Zambian populace.
The government, swift in leveling accusations, now stands on the brink of accountability. The same
authority that implicated Dr. Zumani Zimba in these serious acts must step into the realm of truth. Zambian citizens, grappling with the aftermath of these harrowing events, demand more than superficial political statements or attempts to placate public sentiment. They clamor for transparency, accountability, and the unmasking of those responsible for these grave state crimes.
Moreover, the revelation that over 50 lives were lost during the gassing episodes demands more than mere acknowledgment. Families shattered by irreparable loss seek not only closure but rightful justice. Hence, the question arises: will the Zambian Attorney General heed the calls for reparation, ensuring that those affected find solace within a justice system that upholds fairness and sanctity? Compensation for the bereaved families, if proven, is a necessity.

Restoring faith in governance and the rule of law necessitates truth, closure, and accountability. Hence, I advocate for an immediate commission of inquiry into this transgression against the Zambian people.Politicians must not merely play to the gallery; the truth regarding the matter, including the names and burial details of the deceased, must be unveiled through this inquiry.
Furthermore, unveiling the names of the victims symbolizes acknowledgment, honoring their memory and reaffirming the pledge to never forget. It should serve as a significant stride towards healing the wounds inflicted on the nation and commemorating those who were tragically taken.

The author is a legal scholar, comparative politics specialist, History and Cultural Studies, expertise in international relations, negotiation, and protocol (ZIDIS). Author of the book “peering into Zambian Cultures, Ceremonies; and contributor in the book “Young Zambia between poverty and abundant resources”. Email: [email protected]

Prosecutors’ Jurisdictional Absence Delays Malanji-Yamba Trial”

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Prosecutors’ Jurisdictional Absence Delays Malanji-Yamba Trial”

The trial of former Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Malanji, and former Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba, faced another delay as prosecutors were reportedly out of jurisdiction. The two officials are jointly charged with corruption and possession of goods deemed to be proceeds of crime.

The matter, brought before Lusaka Resident Magistrate Ireen Washimanga, witnessed State prosecutor Lewis Kandela applying for an adjournment, citing the unavailability of two prosecutors who were out of jurisdiction, with one handling a matter on the Copperbelt. The State sought an adjournment to December 13, 2023.

In response, defense lawyer Jackson Mwamba objected to the application, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of evidence provided by the prosecutor. Mwamba argued for more details on the prosecutors’ whereabouts, given the seriousness of the matter.

During the court proceeding, lawyer Makebi Zulu echoed concerns about the compelling nature of the reasons for an adjournment, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of repeated delays.

Magistrate Washimanga expressed displeasure with the absence of the two prosecutors and the lack of detailed information about their whereabouts. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the proceedings are conducted efficiently, expressing the view that other prosecutors could attend to the matter.

The case involves charges against Malanji for possession of goods deemed to be proceeds of crime, including a helicopter and the Gibson Royal Hotel in Kitwe. Yamba faces charges related to the alleged transfer of funds to Zambia’s mission account in Turkey for real estate procurement without following applicable laws and procedures.

Magistrate Washimanga adjourned the trial to December 7, 2023, for continuation, as the legal proceedings continue to navigate logistical challenges.

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