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The International Association of Athletics -IAAF- has banned Zambian runner Mupopo Kabange for four years for failing a doping test.
The IAAF had conducted a doping test on Mupopo during the London World Championships.
Zambia’s female sprinter Kabange Mupopo
According to a list of sanctions released by the IAAF, Mupopo is among the 43 athletes who have been sanctioned for failing a doping test.
This means Mupopo will not take part in any IAAF organised tournament.
The ban is effective August 12, 2017.
Mupopo is a former Gold medalist at the 2016 African 400 women Championship and has represented the country at major international competitions such as the Commonwealth wealth Games, London Games, All African Games among others.
And Zambia Amateur Athletic Association President Elias Mpondela says ZAAA has not been presented with the findings.
Mpondela says ZAAA is aware that the IAAF was investigating MUPOPO but has not been furnished with official communication.
The Chinese government has given Zambia a grant of thirty million dollars for electrifying the Lusaka East Multi-facility Economic Zone.
State House press aide Amos Chanda says the Chinese President Xi Jinping said his government will also fund the modernisation of Mulungushi International centre in readiness for the African Union heads of state summit in 2022.
Mr. Chanda confirmed the development to ZNBC News in Beijing, China.
And President Lungu says government is vigorously seeking investments that will promote value-addition and job creation.
Speaking when he held meetings with fifteen leaders of multi-national companies in Beijing -China, President Lungu said Zambia wants companies that will add value to mining and agriculture products before exporting them.
And the President said government has a workable development agenda that will improve the lives of Zambians.
The Head of State also expressed happiness over some Chinese companies plans to help government decongest Lusaka roads by coming up with local trains.
President Lungu met business executives of the Chinese construction sector, mining, telecommunications and manufacturers of electric gadgets.
Speaking during the meeting one of the investors Zhang Guanjie from China North Industries Corporation said most Chinese firms want to invest in Zambia.
Mr. Zhang said Zambia has a good business environment.
President Lungu is in China for the Forum on China Africa Cooperation-FOCAC.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s honey is set to penetrate the world’s biggest economy as it will soon hit Chinese supermarket shelves.
This development comes after President Lungu and his Chinese counterpart Xi facilitated the signing of three memoranda of understanding.
The MoUs are on economic and technical cooperation, belt and road initiative and the protocol for the export of Zambian honey to China.
“The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
(Psalm 118:23, NIV)
Brag on Him Today
David had a great attitude of faith in this verse. He was declaring the goodness of God and bragging on His faithfulness! We need to always remember that every blessing in life is from God. That promotion, good break, healing or new opportunity—that was God’s doing. Scripture says that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above.
There’s an old church song that says, “Look What the Lord Has Done.” It’s a song that just brags on God. It was a great reminder that all through the day we should be bragging on God’s goodness. We should be remembering His mighty acts. See, when we give God all the glory, that’s when He will pour out His blessings in greater measure. When we are humble and don’t try to take the credit, His grace and favor increases on us.
Today, look for opportunities to brag on God. If you are breathing today, brag on Him as your Creator. If you got to work safely today, brag on Him for being your Protector. If you are facing a difficulty, brag on the fact that He is your Deliverer and breakthrough is on the way! Keep declaring His goodness and faithfulness and watch what God will do on your behalf!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, You alone are worthy of all the praise and glory for the good things in my life! Thank You for blessing me; thank You for the breakthroughs in my past and the breakthroughs in my future. I bless You because You are good, and I choose to brag on You today in Jesus’ name! Amen.”
Green Eagles have won their petition over their exclusion from the 2018 Barclays Cup.
Eagles were unceremoniously bumped off the top six list and replaced by Lusaka Dynamos who had failed to qualify despite accrusing 30 points from their allotted opening 19 games.
Eagles accrued 32 points by Week 19.
A FAZ Ad Hoc Committee constituted to hear Eagles’ petition, reinstated the Choma side,based on a ten-year precedent that required team’s with outstanding matches to fulfil their rescheduled fixtures before the cut-off date to determine their participation.
The committee also stated in its findings that copies of the tournament rules were not in print following an unsuccessful attempt to source a hard copy of the competitions regulations.
It also stated in its findings that all club’s be availed a copy of the tournament rules before kickoff of the 2019 season.
And so, Eagles qualify and will face 2015 champions Green Buffaloes in the last eight on September 29.
Eagles return to the competition for the first time since 2013 when they made a quarterfinal exit to Zesco United 4-2 on post-match penalties after 1-1 draw.
Zesco United on Saturday salvaged a home draw against 10-man Green Buffaloes in their top two clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to stay top of the 2018 FAZ Super Division log.
Striker Youremember Banda put Buffaloes ahead in the 22nd minute as the visitors were seemingly en route to completing a double this season over Zesco whom they beat 2-0 at home in Lusaka on May 20.
It was an unforgettable goal for Banda who also scored in the first leg against the 2017 champions when he broke the deadlock in the 47th minute of that game in Lusaka that handed Zesco’s its second of third league defeats this season.
But striker Jesse Were equalized in the 75th minute to see Zesco stay top on 64 points while Buffaloes have 63 points from 29 and 31 games played respectively.
Zesco have a game in hand with five matches left before the 2018 title is decided.
But Buffaloes finished with ten men when Mike Katiba got his second yellow of the day in the final quarter of the second half.
Meanwhile, Green Eagles stayed fourth but joined Nkana on 58 points following a 2-0 home win over second from bottom Nchanga Rangers at home in Choma.
Tapson Kaseba put Eagles ahead in the 75th minute and Shareck Mulungwe ensured the the three points in stoppage time to see them extend their unbeaten run to twelve straight games as they home in on a debut CAF Confederation slot.
Nkana only play on Sunday when they host promoted Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy in Kitwe.
The Football Association of Zambia has disclosed that the Super League week 31 fixture between Nkana Football Club and Kabwe Youth Academy Football Club will be open to the public.
FAZ Communication Manager, Desmond Katongo said this is in compliance with SuperSport who have scheduled the match for live broadcast across the continent.
Mr. Katongo however said Nkana will be expected to play their next three home games behind closed doors with respect to the ruling by FAZ Disciplinary Committee.
He further stated that the Super League week 31 fixture between Power Dynamos and Napsa Stars will also be played behind closed doors.
This is according to a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta speaks during the Zambian’s meet the President dinner at the Ambassador’s residence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, January 29,2017 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Susan Sikaneta says Zambia is committed to observing September as Africa month for the surrendering of illegal weapons.
Ms. Sikaneta who is also Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the AU, emphasised the need for all countries to support the stance taken by the AU in order to end conflicts in Africa.
She noted that the decision of the AU to surrender weapons protects people who surrender their illegally owned weapons so that they are not subjected to disclosure, humiliation, arrest or prosecution.
Ms. Sikaneta added that it is important that relevant authorities sensitise the citizenry on the matter.
She also emphasised the need for massive publicity on the Amnesty month by the media stating that the African Union will sponsor two workshops for the media and military personnel in Zambia so that they can be enlightened on the importance of the month and help in creating awareness.
Ms. Sikaneta further urged Civil Society Organisations, faith based organisations and other stakeholders to publicise through media networks the Africa Amnesty month within their territories and regions in order to raise awareness.
Meanwhile, Ms. Sikaneta has also called for peaceful resolution of disputes on the continent.
She said it is the responsibility of African countries to ensure challenges of having a conducive environment are addressed while eliminating the scourge of illegal weapons in the continent in order not to accord people with reasons to seek illegal weapons.
Ms. Sikaneta noted with concern that illicit weapons are sourced first outside the continent, through illegal trade facilitated by networks of corruption, illicit financing, secret transit and delivery to end users in Africa.
The African Union (AU) declared September of each year till 2020 as Africa Amnesty month during the 29th Heads of State and government Summit in 2017, for the surrender of illegal weapons in line with the African and International best practices.
The AU envisages that the Amnesty month can be successful if member states work at strengthening the criminal justice response to illicit arms trade, strengthen the capacities of police and security institutions as well as heighten border security.
This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press and Tourism, at the Zambian embassy in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Inutu Mwanza,
The opposition NDC has demanded to know the fate of Water Development Permanent Secretary Eddie Choma who is alleged to have fake PhD qualifications.
The NDC wants President Edgar Lungu to explain why he has not fired Bishop Choma whose PhDs have been disowned by the Universities he claimed to have obtained them from.
NDC consultant Chishimba Kambwili said it is double standards to allow Bishop Chomba keep his job when teachers with fake qualifications are being dismissed from the teaching service.
In an interview with QTV News Mr. Kambwili said the NDC therefore demands that action be taken against Bishop Choma.
Mr. Kambwili said his party further wants action to be taken against Ministers mentioned in the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) 2017 trending report.
He believes that in a democratic Country like Zambia people must be treated fairly and equally.
Vice President Inonge Wina has bemoaned the rise in school dropouts at Mwanambao Primary School in Sioma district in Western Province.
The school has recorded an increase in drop outs especially for the boy child in search of employment in neighbouring Namibia and Angola.
Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on the School Head Teacher ahead of the flagging off of the
Village Television Prgramme.
Mrs. Wina stated that it is unusual for the boy child to drop out of school as compared to the girl child.
The Vice President has since called on the teachers and parents to sensitive the communities on the importance of education.
She urged the school management to introduce the feeding programme in order to maintain the pupils in schools.
And Mwanambao School Headteacher,Masiliso Sikwibele has attributed the drop out of boys at the
institution to lack of adequate learning infrastructure at the school.Mr. Sikwibele has appealed for the expansion of learning facilities at the school.
Agriculture Minister Hon. Michael Katambo discusses cassava with Zambian Breweries director of corporate affairs Ezekiel Sekele. Picture by Alex Mukuka.
Agriculture Minister Hon. Michael Katambo visited cassava farmers in Luapula Province this week to launch the Zambian Breweries Smart Agriculture under the cassava farming project.
The Minister also took time to learn about the project ad hailed the company for having made the right decision to invest in the area and empower small-scale farmers. He noted this was in line with the Government’s agenda under the 7NDP.
To welcome the Minister were the elated Mansa residents who turned out in numbers for the official launch of the Chembe project, which incorporates a high-tech cellphone-based “block chain” system designed to enhance traceability and purchase of high-yield cassava.
Zambian Breweries launched the cassava scheme in 2017 and now buys cassava from over 4,000 farmers from Luapula, Northern and Muchinga provinces of Zambia. The crop is a key ingredient in the manufacture of the affordable Eagle Lager.
The launch of the block chain project comes after consultants contracted by the company from South Africa, Belgium and the United States of America visited and engaged the farmers earlier in the year in Mansa.
The project, which runs under a system called BanQu, will use GPS to locate farmers, enable farmers to be identified by agents, and facilitate transactions and communications to verify transactions.
Zambian Breweries director of corporate affairs Ezekiel Sekele explained that the project was targeting a wide number of farmers.
“This year, we are targeting to reach 2,000 farmers to be on the technology based platform called BanQu system. Currently, we have 1,000 farmers on the system as part of the pilot project,” he explained.
Mr Sekele also said the BanQu system – locally referred to as Chembe cassava online buying project – brings dignity to farmers through the identification of the smallholder farmers in the supply chain, focuses on yields and skills development and promotes financial inclusion..
“The system will help the assessment of the yield quality, increase demand and will locate our farmers more accurately. I am glad to announce that this project will also meet the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals by promoting financial inclusion, as our partners from the banking and micro finance sectors will enable the project’s transparency and farmer’s ability to save,” he added.
Agriculture Minister Hon. Michael Katambo urged farmers to welcome the Chembe Cassava farming project with both hands and not be sceptical because government was aware with how transparent the system is.
“Please use this initiative because it also promotes financial inclusion and will encourage you to save from your cassava earnings,” Mr Katambo urged.
The minister reminded the farmers how tedious it was, before, for them to trade in cassava, and was elated that the project was in line with Smart Zambia Masterplan, 7NDP, Zambia Vision 2030, as it will encourage ICT skills transfer in the agriculture sector.
“The project is in tandem with the Zambia’s prospects of transforming Zambia into a middle income nation through the use of “smart agriculture,” which is also in line with vision 2030,” he said.
Mr Katambo encouraged other private players to emulate Zambian Breweries in enhancing socio-economic development in its value chain.
Speaking at the same event Luapula Provincial Minister Hon. Nickson Chilangwa said the launch marked a milestone as farmers would be able to find a ready formal market for their crops.
“My wish is that my people in Luapula will be the best in cassava for Eagle Lager,” he said.
Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti is confident of ending his two match winless spell against Chipolopolo.
Namibia and Zambia clash on September 8 on match day two of the 2019 AFCON Group K qualifiers in Windhoek.
This will be third time this year after drawing 1-1 in their final Group B match at 2018 CHAN in Casablanca, Morocco on January 22.
Chipolopolo later beat the Brave Warriors 4-3 on post-match penalties following a scoreless draw in the 2018 COSAFA Cup quarterfinals June 2 in Polokwane, South Africa.
But Namibia trace their last win over Zambia to June, 2016 in the COSAFA Cup Plate final in Windhoek.
“We’re playing at home. People haven’t seen the team play for some time, and I think the energy at the Sam Nujoma Stadium will filter down to the pitch. I expect that Namibia will play much better than we did at Cosafa, and much better than we did at Chan in Morocco,” Mannetti said.
Namibia and Zambia are both seeking their first points in Group K following similar 1-0 opening day defeats away to Guinea Bissau and at home against Mozambique respectively in June, 2017.
Vice-President Inonge Wina with Zambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Mr Joseph Chilengi during a bilateral meeting with TIKA President, Dr Serdar Cam in Ankara today-Picture by JERRY MUNTHALI
Vice President, Inonge Wina says it is government’s vision to have a complete transformation of the broadcasting industry in the country.
Mrs Wina said this is meant to ensure that the country has a well-informed citizenry. Mrs. Wina said the smart Zambia project will make it possible for ordinary people especially those in rural areas not to be left behind but have access to information with available transmission facilities.
The Vice President said this when she flagged off a television satellite in Sioma district today.
She stated that government will ensure television services are available in every town and village hence building a smart Zambia so that no one is left behind.
Mrs Wina revealed that works are underway for the installation of 103 public viewing places in schools and clinics and 1,020 households are set to benefit from the satellite television in Western Province alone.
She noted that people who cannot afford to buy a television set and a decoder will have a chance to watch from the village television service points.
The Vice President further said Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)1 and Parliament Television channels will always be viewed at no cost.
She explained that having access to information will allow a change in perception to issues such as health, education and agriculture among others.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Dora Siliya revealed that government has plans to connect more areas to radio signals and Sioma is one of the districts that will benefit.
Ms Siliya stated that the project will commence as soon as the 2019 national budget is approved.
She said the Ministry of Transport and Communication has already embarked on erecting communication towers throughout the country.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta speaks during the Zambian’s meet the President dinner at the Ambassador’s residence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, January 29,2017 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
Zambia Ambassador to Ethiopia, Her Excellency Ms Susan Sikaneta says Zambia is committed to observing September as Africa Month for the surrender of illegal weapons.
The African Union -AU- declared September, of each year till 2020, as “Africa Amnesty Month” for the surrender of illegally owned weapons/arms, in line with the African and international best practices.
The decision was made during the 29th Heads of States and Government Summit, 2017 where Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu presented a Master Roadmap to summit on Practical Steps to Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020.
The Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 that was presented by President Edgar Lungu during the summit was crafted in November 2016, during a retreat of the Peace and Security Council that was held in Lusaka.
Ambassador Sikaneta who is also Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the AU
emphasised the need for all countries to support the stance taken by the AU in order to end conflicts in Africa.
’’ The decision of the AU on the surrender of weapons states that persons who surrender their illegally owned weapons shall not be subjected to disclosure, humiliation, arrest or prosecution, so it’s important that relevant authorities sensitize the citizenry on this important matter,’’ She said
Ms. Sikaneta also emphasized the need for massive publicity on the Amnesty month by the media. She disclosed that the African Union will sponsor two workshops for the media and military personnel in Zambia so that they can be enlightened about the importance of the amnesty month and help in creating awareness.
She urged Civil Society Organizations, faith based organisations and other stakeholders to publicise through media networks the Africa Amnesty Month within their territories and regions in order to raise awareness.
The Ambassador further called for peaceful resolution of disputes on the continent.
“The honor is therefore upon us to ensure that while eliminating the scourge of illegal weapons in the continent, we address these challenges for a conducive environment, and then the people will have no reason to seek illegal weapons, “she said.
Ms .Sikaneta noted with concern that illicit weapons are sourced, first, outside the continent, through illegal trade facilitated by networks of corruption, illicit financing, clandestine transit and delivery to end users in Africa.
The African Union envisages that the Amnesty month can be successful if member states work at strengthening the criminal justice response to illicit arms trade ,strengthen the capacities of police and security institutions and heighten border security .
President Lungu during the 29th Heads of States and Government Summit states that Zambia had put in place a firearms amnesty, which has a monetary value attached to it, as a means to detect and recover illicit firearms from ordinary citizens. Zambia is one of the countries that have ratified the Arms Trade Treaty.
Felix Mutati Opening a two day Provincial Conference in LuapulaMovement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) other president Felix Mutati on Friday On Nevers Mumba, Mutati said he will not waste his time in courts with the other MMD president Nevers Mumba because the party will not be fixed in court.
Speaking on Friday when opened a two day Luapula provincial conference with a call for “Democracy to thrive in the party and the nation at large, Mr Mutati said that to be president of MMD, you need to go for elections and not the court, adding that it was as simple as that.
“Us as MMD for you to be party President, you need to go for elections, simple and period. In 2012 I stood with him and others but I lost. I did not go to courts, no because that is how democracy is. If you lose you leave for your friends, clap for him (Nevers Mumba) he is our own also. You the people of Chiengi, you are our people.
“There is nothing to worry us here. I have told the National Secretary to deal with the Court issues, have you seen me at court, no, my court is you the people who elected me. We don’t have time we have elections (in 2021). So all these issues of court are in the hands of the National Secretary,” he said.
Mutati further said that MMD was not formed for individuals but for all Zambians and that the party does not impose leaders but elects its leaders by holding periodical elections for the leadership in all structures of the party including the presidency.
The MMD President who is accompanied in Luapula by his two vice Presidents, Mutolo Phiri Vice President political and his counterparty from administration Anne Chungu, National Secretary Raphael Nakacinda and Chairperson for Elections Gaston Sichilima among others said it was important that MMD reorganises itself because they are the people who brought democracy in the country and that small political parties can’t continue to pluck from the MMD and boast of being popular.
He said the founding fathers of the former ruling party formed it so that it can be a vehicle for development and that it should reorganise so that democracy continues to thrive in the country.
“The MMD was founded to give oxygen to democracy for national development. Let us not betray the confidence that our founding leaders gave to us. After the convention in Kabwe we agreed to go for an alliance with the Patriotic Front for the purpose of the people of Zambia on which this party MMD was founded,” he said.
On the alliance with the PF Mutati called on members to concentrate on fixing their party.
“In any marriage every thing is not smooth. We have issues with our alliance PF but these are bedroom issues. For us, ours is to grow our party MMD and they (PF) will give us respect,” he said.
Mutati also told members that NEC picked Luapula province to be the first to have provincial conference because it has a special place in the hearts of MMD members.
He said NEC needed to honour the memory of the first Party President by ensuring that it reorganises Luapula province first and that other provincial conferences would follow soon after Luapula.
Earlier the party members held a minute silent in honouring their departed Presidents Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa.
The former ruling party MMD had earlier put its national tours on hold, with the intention to hold the Luapula provincial conference.
With the large masses that went clad in MMD regalia to witness the conference, its yet to be seen what is the mother of democracy has in store for the Zambian people.
Felix Mutati Opening a two day Provincial Conference in LuapulaFelix Mutati Opening a two day Provincial Conference in LuapulaFelix Mutati Opening a two day Provincial Conference in LuapulaFelix Mutati Opening a two day Provincial Conference in Luapula
Ten prospective investors have expressed interest to startup businesses in Northern Province ahead of the forth-coming investment exposition slated for November.
Provincial Minister Brian Mundubile said the potential investors both local and foreign have shown willingness to invest in the Tourism, Agriculture and Energy sectors within the province.
Mr Mundubile, who is also Mporokoso area Member of Parliament, disclosed that two of the investors have expressed interest in the Kasaba Bay Development project, six on Lumangwe power generation venture and two in agriculture.
This is according to statement issued to ZANIS in Kasama yesterday.
The Provincial Minister added that his office is making frantic efforts to woo more investors to the region in order realize maximum benefits from the upcoming investment expo.
He disclosed that the provincial administration through the Ministry of Commerce and Zambia Development Agency has packaged investment profiles in key economic growth sectors for the province.
And Mr Mundubile has directed all councils in the province to give a face-lift to their respective districts in readiness for the hosting of the expo and centenary commemorations since the end of the First World War.
He said local authorities have also been instructed to work with the business community to ensure that private and public buildings are painted and well maintained.
The Northern Province Expo will be held from 20th to 24 November, 2018 under the theme: “unlocking investment opportunities 100 years after the end of the First World War” while the centenary commemorations will take place on 25th November, 2018 in Mbala.
