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The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue says it will go ahead with the proposed National Dialogue despite the Church mother bodies pulling out and wishing to take it alone.
Speaking during a Media Briefing in Lusaka today, ZCID Board Spokesperson Jackson Silavwe said the Centre will proceed with the national dialogue as it was mandated and agreed upon by its constituent members and other stakeholders.
He said during the National Democracy Stakeholders Summit held in Lusaka early this year and Political Party Secretary General’s meetings among other meetings, it was agreed that ZCID facilitates the Dialogue while the Church Chairs.
Mr. Silavwe said noting that the Church has pulled out and wants to organize its own Dialogue, ZCID has resolved to appoint a five personell team from eminent persons to Chair in place of the Church.
He clarifies that the five will be nominated by political parties with representatives at ZCID and all have submitted the persons except for the opposition UPND.
“ZCID shall continue to facilitate the process of National Political Dialogue involving all the political parties and stakeholders based on the aforementioned thematic areas. The ZCID Board has requested all the political parties both in and outside Parliament to submit a name of an independent eminent person to constitute a team of five (5) to chair the National Political Dialogue,” he said.
The ZCID Board Spokesperson added that “ZCID shall proceed with the Summit of Presidents (SOP) to commence the constitutional reforms and consider the four thematic areas outlined above as per the Secretary Generals Resolutions. ZCID shall announce the date/s of the Summit of Presidents together with the five (5) eminent persons”.
And Mr. Silavwe said ZCID has no problem with the Church mother bodies contrary to some perceptions.
He said the ZCID is only doing what it was mandated to undertake by the NDSS and political party SGs.
Meanwhile, ZCID says it will proceed with the planned Presidential Summit which will also have a bearing on the country’s Constitutional reforms.
President Edgar Lungu during a meeting with the ZCID board at the PF Secretariat had halted Constitutional reforms to allow the political parties under the auspices of ZCID have the Dialogue and President’s Summit to be held.
Media Briefing in Lusaka with ZCID Board Spokesperson Jackson SilavweZCID Board Spokesperson Jackson Silavwe
PARAMOUNT Chief Gawa Undi of the Chewa people in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and his guest of honour, Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko the second, of the Lozi people in Western Province, during this year’s Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa in Katete. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO
The Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II of the Lozi people of Western Province has called on traditional leaders in the country to unite and fight tribalism in the country.
Speaking in a speech read on his behalf by the Ngambela Nyambe during the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony in Katete today, the Litunga said tribalism is a cancer that is dividing the nation and as custodians of culture and traditions, it is important that traditional leaders fight this cancer.
ZANIS reports that the Litunga who was the Guest of Honour at this year’s Kulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa people of Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi said tribalism is eroding the efforts of peace building and unity in the country.
“This cancer of tribalism is destroying the good relationship that exists among our people in this country,” he said.
He said tribalism in the country will only be fought by the oneness of purpose by traditional leaders in enhancing peace and unity in the country.
Meanwhile, Kalonga Gawa Undi Mkhomo V of the Chewa people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique appreciated the presence of the Litunga at this year’s ceremony.
He said the Litunga’s presence is uniting the two provinces and making them one which will enhance peace and development in the country.
“Apart from fostering and deepening unity in the country, it will foster the “One Zambia and One Nation” among Zambians,” he said.
He said the presence of the Litunga at the ceremony has broken through all cultural barriers and has shown what people can achieve in oneness.
The Kalonga, who was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Chewa Heritage Foundation Member, David Phiri also emphasised the need for education among Zambians to ensure that development is achieved.
He said education remained a critical aspect in order for the country to achieve the country’s developmental agenda.
NGAMBELA, Nyambe Mwenda, the Pime Minister of the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko the second, delivers a speech on behalf of the Litunga of the Lozi people in Western Province at this year’s Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people held at Mkaika in Katete on Saturday where the Litunga was guest of honour. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANISPARAMOUNT Chief Gawa Undi of the Chewa people in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and his guest of honour, Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko the second, of the Lozi people in Western Province, during this year’s Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa in Katete. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKOPARAMOUNT Chiefs Gawa Undi of the Chewa ( in white) and his guest, Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko the second, of the Lozi people in Western Province, at this year’s Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa held at Mkaika in Katete on Saturday. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANISHIS Royal highness, Paramount Chief Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko the second, the Litunga of the Lozi people in Western Province, is ushered into the main arena to signify the beginning of the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique at Mkaika on Saturday. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has advised traders and shop owners in the city against turning their shops into houses at night.
Council Public Relations Manager George Sichimba says the crime is against the council’s public health order act and no one is allowed to turn their trading places into a private residence.
Mr. Sichimba has explained that it is illegal for any trader to sleep in a shop or market stall as it is against the law and is a health hazard.
He said to this effect the local authority will move in and conduct inspections to ensure that a permanent solution is found to the problem for the betterment of the general public.
He explained that this is because it’s unhygienic for sellers to be using the same place for sleeping and as a storage facility for various food stuff for consumers.
The council Public Relations Manager was reacting to concerns raised by members of public on millennium radio this morning who alleged that there is a growing trend by shop owners of foreign origin who are turning their trading places such as shops as homes at night.
The residents who phoned in alleged that in the morning there is usually unpleasant smell which comes out from the groceries, thereby questioning the safety of the food that is stored in the same shops.
And Mr. Sichimba has warned vehicle repairers against using undesignated places for their businesses.
He said whoever will be found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the Statutory Instrument on street vending which is now law.
He further called on vehicle spare part dealers to stop allowing mechanics from using their premises for repairing car
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people (Middle), Chief Luchembe of the Bemba people (left) with Senior Chief Kanongesha of the Lunda people at this year’s Likumbi Lya Mize Traditional Ceremony in Zambezi District on Saturday, August 25, 2018 – Pictures By Godfrey Chikumbi/ZANIS
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, Mwine Lubemba has hailed President Edgar Lungu for introducing a policy to allow traditional leaders to be gracing their ceremonies.
The Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said this move is going to enhance unity and development in the nation.
He was speaking in a speech read for him by Chief Luchembe when he graced this year’s Likumbi Lya Mize traditional ceremony of the Luvale speaking people of Zambezi district today.
Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu has hailed people of Zambezi district for the thunderous welcome that he received upon his arrival at the Zambezi airstrip yesterday at 14:30 hours.
He has appealed to government through Senior Chief Ndungu to construct a bridge along the Zambezi River to easy movements of the people to and from the palace during the ceremony.
Speaking earlier through the former Likumbi Lya Mize National Chairperson, Max Mbunji, Senior Chief Ndungu thanked Paramount Chief Chitimukulu for accepting to grace the ceremony.
The Senior Chief said the coming of Mwine lubemba to grace the ceremony is a true reflection of the one Zambia one nation motto.
He also encouraged all Zambians to invest in their cultural heritage.
And Likumbi Lya Mize National Chairperson, Isaac Kanguya said cultural ceremonies should be embraced by all because they play an important role in uniting people regardless of tribes.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people (Middle), Chief Luchembe of the Bemba people (left) with Senior Chief Kanongesha of the Lunda people at this year’s Likumbi Lya Mize Traditional Ceremony in Zambezi District on Saturday, August 25, 2018 – Pictures By Godfrey Chikumbi/ZANISParamount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people (Middle), Chief Luchembe of the Bemba people (left) with Senior Chief Kanongesha of the Lunda people at this year’s Likumbi Lya Mize Traditional Ceremony in Zambezi District on Saturday, August 25, 2018 – Pictures By Godfrey Chikumbi/ZANIS
Government has challenged higher learning institutions in the country to step up and come up with modalities that encourages students during enrolment stage.
Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary (PS), Paul Chanda disclosed that colleges and universities in the country should adopt deliberate measures that attract students to be enrolled.
The PS notes that one such institution is the School of Mines at the University of Zambia (UNZA) which has very few number of students.
Officiating in Lusaka yesterday during the prize giving ceremony for 32 graduates, the PS said Zambia has a deficit of 40 percent metallurgists and geologists.
Mr. Chanda leant that only 20 students had successfully finished their course out of 100.
The PS was dismayed by the low number of professionals being offloaded to the mines industry.
He further disclosed fears that as Zambia commemorates 100 years of mining activities in 2024, the mining sector will have very few professionals working under his ministry.
He noted that mining is a major economic activity in the country hence, tertiary institutions should come up and fill in the gaps.
He however, said government is aware of the challenges UNZA is faced with and assured that his ministry is not sitting idle but addressing the challenges.
And UNZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Luke Mumba bemoaned the poor infrastructures at his institution.
Prof. Mumba appealed to mining firms in the country to consider sponsoring students at the school of Mines.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts PS Dr. Liya Mutale on arrival at the Lets Do it for Munda Wanga campaign
Government says institutional homes have helped in reducing the high number of domestic disputes in communities and gender based violence (GBV) cases in the country.
Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary (PS), Liya Mutale cited home craft centre which are laboring in educating women and the youths in life skills.
The PS notes that home craft are providing and supplementing government’s efforts in training women and young people in tailoring, sewing, baking, cookery, knitting and designing, embroidery, bricklaying, carpentry, family hygiene and good morals among others skills.
Speaking at the graduation of 47 women in Lusaka today, the PS commended Holy Family Home craft for imparting them with knowledge and to help them improve their standard of life.
She said this is one way of empowering women and young people with jobs as government grabbles with the high unemployment levels in the country.
This was in a speech read for him by Chief Community Development Officer, Changano Ngoi.
The PS said home craft has significantly contributed to national development as most of the women and youths have benefited from the trainings.
She noted that some of them have not been able to complete formal education due to poverty, lack of financial support and other challenges.
She however, disclosed that her ministry has got ambitious empowerment packages such as village bank programs, women and youth clubs to support them thereby, reducing poverty and vulnerability in communities.
And Holy Family Home Craft Centre Principal, Magdaline Wanjamunyua commended government through the Community Development and Social Services for the grants her institution is receiving.
Sister Magdaline called on the private sector for assistance noting that, most parents and guidance fail to send their children to school.
She disclosed that students are face with many challenges among them market linkages for their products for the goods they produce.
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba speaking during the launch of a new communication tower at Kalilo in Chingola rural.
Government says once the project to construct 1,009 communication towers across the country by Zambia telecommunications company network (ZAMTEL) is completed, it will increase mobile coverage and access to telecommunication services.
Transport and communications Minister, Brian Mushimba said the project which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017 has already yielded 172 completed towers with another 300 more expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Mr. Mushimba said this in speech read on his behalf by North-Western Province Assistant Permanent Secretary, Beatrice Muyambango during the launch of a communication tower by ZAMTEL in Solwezi yesterday.
He said the construction of communication towers in North-Western Province and other parts of the country shows the importance that government attaches in ensuring that every region in the country is given support to facilitate economic growth.
Mr. Mushimba said government is paying special attention to the province because it recognizes that it as the future of mining in Zambia.
Meanwhile, ZAMTEL Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Mupeta disclosed that the province currently has 30 sites with communication towers and the project aims at increasing the number to 163 which will extend coverage to all parts of the region.
“Once we complete this roll out, the entire North-Western Province including, Mwinilunga, Zambezi, Manyinga, Kabompo, Kalumbila, Kasempa and Ikelengi among others will be properly covered,” Mr. Mupeta said.
He said government is deliberately implementing the project in the region because it is one of the country’s priority areas of investment due to its immense economic potential.
Mr. Mupeta said the company has implemented 4.5G sites in Solwezi in order to enable subscribers in the province to access internet at high speed.
He explained that ZAMTEL has received complaints in the past regarding the low quality of network in the province and is currently building an optical fibre backbone to link the area to Copperbelt Province as a way of addressing the challenge.
Mr. Mupeta also stated that the introduction of the 30 ngwee user fee to all subscribers using overtop applications such as WhatsApp to make voice calls will enhance the capacity of local operators such as mobile service providers to provide employment to Zambians and to help them to continuously upgrade their networks.
ZAMTEL CEO Sydney Mupeta speaking during the launch of a new communication tower at Kalilo in Chingola rural.Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba speaking during the launch of a new communication tower at Kalilo in Chingola rural.Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba and ZAMTEL CEO Sydney Mupeta cutting the ribbon during the launch of a new communication tower at Kalilo in Chingola rural
Zambian’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Susan Sikaneta has described the late Former United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Kofi Annan as a great leader who was preoccupied with the need to maintain international peace and security.
Ms. Sikaneta in a statement released to ZANIS, by the First Secretary Press and Tourism, Inutu Mwanza said M. Anan devoted his life to making the world a more peaceful place.
She said the greatest recognition that could be given to Mr. Annan would be by keeping his legacy and his spirit alive.
Ms. Sikaneta, who is also Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council, was among several African Diplomats that gathered at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to commemorate the life of Mr Annan.
And UN Women Representative to Ethiopia, AU and UNEC, Letty Chiwara described Mr. Annan as a man who fought for gender equality and emphasized the need for women to be given their rightful positions in decision making.
Ms. Chiwara said Mr Annan was a leader who respected all people and was not selfish in his discharge of duties.
Meanwhile, Representative of the Donor Community, Counselor of the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia, Emelie Rennerfelt said Mr. Annan lead the UN with integrity and boldness.
President Edgar Lungu is today August 26th, 2018, expected in Harare, Zimbabwe to attend the inauguration ceremony of President elect Emmerson Mmnangagwa.
President Lungu will be joined by other Heads of States from the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) region among others.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Emmanuel Chenda, confirmed the development to the ZANIS in Zimbabwe yesterday.
Mr. Chenda said Zambia has a moral obligation to support Zimbabwe as the two are considered as Siamese twins because of their strong bilateral and cordial relation.
Meanwhile, High Commissioner Chenda, has praised the Zimbabwean politicians for conducting a peaceful transition.
He also praised the main political players in Zambia for the strides they have made in bringing peace in the country.
The Zimbabwean Constitutional Court dismissed the electoral petition filed by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) faction led by Nelson Chamisa.
The July 30 presidential polls were the first ever in which President Robert Mugabe’s name was not on the ballot.
The 94-year-old Mugabe resigned after nearly 40 years in power, surrendering the Presidency to Mmnangagwa, who was his Vice President.
Late Divo Katete (R) with UPND President Hakainde Hichilema
UPND Copperbelt Deputy Information and Publicity Secretary Divo Bydon Katete has committed suicide after he allegedly raped his 17-year-old niece.
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga has confirmed the development to Journalists in Ndola.
Mrs. Katanga said Katete committed suicide in his car in Garnaton area in Kitwe after it was obvious that he would be reported to the police.
“Yes, we have a case of suicide in which the victim’s elder brother reported that his young brother by the name of Divo Bydon Katete committed suicide. It is alleged that Katete raped his niece at his house around 16:30 hours yesterday (Friday). Upon sensing that he will be reported to the police, he went to Garnaton where he committed suicide. This happened around 19:00 hours yesterday,” Mrs. Katanga said.
“Katete of house number 45 Geddies street Nkana East raped his niece in his house. Out of fear, that is how he went to commit suicide.”
She said the body of Katete was deposited in the Kitwe Teaching Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
And UPND Copperbelt Provincial Chairman Elisha Matambo said the party is saddened with Mr Katete’s death
Mr Matambo said Mr. Katete was a pillar and a fearless defender of political and human rights not only in the UPND but the Copperbelt as a whole.
He said the late Katete was a young fearless politician who had carefully shaped his political destiny and that his death is a huge blow to the party on the Copperbelt and Zambia as a whole and shall greatly be missed.
“He stood up and spoke for the oppressed and marginalised. He was a gallant soldier who was never ashamed to speak out his mind.The UPND will surely him. Hon Katete was the UPND 2016 parliamentary candidate for Nkana constituency prior to which he served as Mayor of the City of Kitwe.
And UPND President Hakainde Hichilema posted the following statement
Good morning friends
We wish to express our utmost shock and deep regret at the untimely death of the UPND Copperbelt Province Deputy Information, Divo Bydon Katete, who passed away yesterday.
Zambia and UPND have lost a gallant patriot and selfless leader whose prime interest was for the advancement of this nation to freedom, equality and prosperity for every citizen.
It’s more shocking to me and my wife Mutinta, because a few days ago Divo paid us a visit at our residence in Lusaka where he passionately spoke about his vision and love for his country and people and what he thought was the best way to attain prosperity and unity for all citizens.
We wish to express our sincere condolences to the people of Copperbelt and the UPND family and most importantly to his wife and his family for this sad news. Our prayers and thoughts are with them.
By Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D.
Professor of Sociology
Suddenly loud numerous wailing and mourning piercing sirens cut through the air from the Independence Avenue bridge over the railway line. Since I was standing on top of the Supa Baking Company bus I could see the huge presidential motorcade with numerous flashing red, blue and yellow lights. Fifteen Police officers were riding white motorcycles with the flashing blue lights and piercing sirens. There were 2 black Mercedes Benzes. The front one had the Zambian flag and the second one had the Mozambican flag.
When the 2 Benzes arrived at the dais, the massive crowd wave surged forward. The police pushed the crown back and gestured for people in the front to sit down. President Kaunda emerged out of the front black Benz just as Samora Machel emerged out of the second one. Smartly dressed high ranking police, security, and military officers saluted to both Presidents. President Kaunda was a taller big man 1.88m (6ft 2ins) while President Machel was smaller and shorter 1.61m (5ft 3 ins). President Kaunda waving his white handkerchief and Machel walked together up to the podium as ululations from the women reached a crescendo, young women and men dancing came to a climax. The master of ceremony was making a running commentary of the spectacular events on the stage through the large loud speakers. The drumming from dancers was louder as some women dancers gyrated and men dancers leaped into the air serenading both leaders. President Kaunda and Machel were wearing military fatigues. They sat down.
After many short speeches from several UNIP and top Government leaders, President Kaunda was finally called upon to introduce the rally’s guest of honor President Samora Machel. President Kaunda was raising his hand clutching his white handkerchief to the crowd for a few seconds when he vigorously shouted.
“One Zambia!!!!”
“One Nation!!!!!” the massive crowd responded reverberating and echoing between the trees in the Kafue Park.
“One Zambia!!!”
“One Nation!!!!” the massive crowd responded again.
“Tiyende Pamodzi ndi Mtima umo!!! (Lets walk together with one heart)” President Kaunda began to sing while clapping his hands rhythmically.
“Tiyende Pamodzi ndi Mtima umo!!!” the massive crowd responded as the group and I on top of the bus responded with the singing.
“UNIP Tiye!!!!!” President Kaunda sung.
“Limba Moyo” (Be strong) the crowd responded.
“Zambia Tiye (Zambia lets go)” President Kaunda sung.
“Limba moyo, Tiyende pa Modzi ndi Mtima umo” (be strong, lets walk together with one heart) the crowd responded with the chorus.
President Kaunda introduced President Samora Machel as a close neighbor and a true son of Africa and called on him to address the rally and the Zambia people. There were loud ululations from the women again.
“One Zambia!!!!” President Machel pointed and jabbed one finger in the air.
“One Nation!!!!!!!” the crowd roared very loudly in approval.
One Mozambique!!!!!”
“One Nation!!!!!” the crowd roared even louder.
“Viva FRELIMO!!!(Front for the Liberation of Mozambique)!!!”
“Viva!!!!” the massive crowd roared.
President Machel began to address the rally in Portuguese with the translator into English.
President Machel said: “…something something paishi… miseria,.. kunsao Vasco da Gama 1497–1499… 500 anos Portuguese colonialismo”. President Machel gesticulated with his right hand; pointing and jabbing his fore finger to the sky. To empathize how Africans were the rightful owners and Mozambique, Zambia and Africa was their home, he pointed jabbing to the ground numerous times with his fore finger as he seemed to leap off of his toes emphasizing a point. His eyes and face were animated with passion, emotion, and determination.
The translator narrated the political history of Mozambique started with the European explorer Vasco da Gama with the 500 hundred years of Portuguese colonialism from about 1500. The Portuguese did not want to leave until the Frelimo armed struggle up to 1975 when Mozambique gained its independence.
“Aluta!!! (the struggle)” President Machel shouted after about 20 minutes of animated oration sometimes causing laughter from the huge crowd with his stage histrionics.
“Continua!!!” (continues) the massive crowd responded
“Abash colonialismo!!! (away with colonialism)”
“Abash!!!” the crowd responded.
“Abash capitolismo!!!” (away with capitalism)
“Abash!!!!!: the crowd responded.
President Machel sat down and the crowd roared clapping their hands, cheering as the women ululated. The dais party and the 2 Presidents stood up as their Mercedes Benzes drove to the front of the podium. President Kaunda waved to the massive crowd with his white handkerchief one more time. President Machel waved to the crowd one last time. The massive crowd almost swallowed the two presidential cars as the Police motor cycles led the way and the other more than 20 vehicles of the motorcade followed.
During the rally chills sometimes went down my back at the sheer massive size of the audience and electricity that gripped all of us. I felt very fortunate to have attended the rally to report it 41 years later. The electrifying experience I shared with thousands of my ordinary Zambians made me more patriotic, proud, my chest raised high, loved Zambia and loved Linda Jitanda even more than ever to the end of time.
**If you loved this story, this author published “The Bridge” a highly acclaimed romantic thriller novel in 2005 that reflects deep aspects of our Zambian culture. The Ministry of Education Curriculum Development CDC) in April 2015 approved or accepted the book to be used as a supplementary reader for grades 10 – 12 in the Zambian Secondary School Literature syllabus. An application was filed with the Zambia Examinations Council for the book to be adopted by Secondary School in June 2016. Please kindly contact Zambia Examinations Council to urge them to adopt the book.
Area Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda Meeting the 1,000 displaced residents.
Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa Constituency Dr. Jonas Chanda says the foreign investor Golden Lay Company, who bought 3,000 hectares of land in Chichele area in Ndola under questionable circumstances, has refused to share part of the land with over 1,000 displaced residents. The land was formerly owned by the defunct parastatal company Dairy Produce Board under UNIP and MMD governments.
Dr Chanda was speaking when he addressed over 1,000 displaced Chichele residents on the meeting he had earlier held with Golden Lay Company owner Mr Fletcher, an immigrant from Australia. He disclosed that in his frank discussions with Mr Fletcher, he made a proposal to him to consider parting away with part of the 3,000 hectares of land on humanitarian grounds so that displaced individuals could be resettled.
The Lawmaker says in the meeting Mr Fletcher insisted that he is the legal owner of the land as the Ndola High Court had ruled in his favour. This is despite the ‘questionable circumstances’ under which the original land title showing 300 hectares was converted to the new title of 3,000 hectares when a Mr Mutambo, former caretaker of the farm, sold the land to Golden Lay and left the country to live in the UK.
However, Dr Chanda says he advised Mr Fletcher that the land dispute was not merely a legal issue, but also a moral and political matter. He further informed the meeting that since he has already brought the matter to the attention of Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Hon Jean Kapata, he will now be writing to Republican Vice President Mrs Inonge Wina requesting for government’s intervention in the matter.
Meanwhile, the displaced Chichele residents have bitterly complained about their suffering following their displacement from land as it has been a means of livelihood for them through subsistence small-scale farming. They further questioned why foreigners are dispossessing Zambians of their land, and appealed to the MP and Republican President His Excellency Mr Edgar Lungu to urgently intervene in the matter.
In response, Dr Chanda reassured the displaced people that the PF government was pro-poor as the Party Manifesto protects poor people from being displaced from land easily. He also says the reason the PF government is in the process of finalising the National Land Policy, the first for Zambia since 1964, is to protect poor people in rural and urban areas, and to ensure an orderly land administration and management system which contributes to sustainable economic development.
Area Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda Meeting the 1,000 displaced residents.Area Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda Meeting the 1,000 displaced residents.Area Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda Meeting the 1,000 displaced residents.
Area Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda Meeting the 1,000 displaced residents.
Government says it has future intentions of linking the justice system electronically so as to enhance accountability and transparency within the institution and to society.
Justice Minister, Given Lubinda said linking of the justice system on electronic computers will not only minimize on the loss of official documents but enhance networking within the judicial system countrywide.
ZANIS reports that the Minister was speaking at the recently introduced National Prosecution Authority’s (NPA) premises in Mongu district in Western Province while on a familiarization tour of judicial institutions in the province.
And Western Provincial National Prosecution Authority Deputy Chief State Advocate, Monica Mwansa told the Minister that her prosecutors are operating using an open desk policy for transparency and accountability.
Mrs. Mwansa told the Minister that the main cases the National Prosecution Authority are handling at the High Court that sits every after a month in Mongu are murder cases while, the subordinate court handles assault cases.
She further stated that murder cases that are handled are mainly domestic related and also suggested to the minister that there is need to investigate whether it is due to a degree of abuse and initiate sensitization over the issue to reduce the cause.
However, the Minister advised the NPA to work together with the Ministry of Guidance and Religious Affairs in order to restore peace and establish national values.
Earlier, Mr. Lubinda who paid a courtesy call on Western Province Minister, Richard Kapita disclosed that he is receiving complaints from the public about his Ministry’s operations hence, touring Western Province to familiarize himself.
UPND Spokesman Charles KakomaThe United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson, Charles Kakoma, must withdrawal his pronouncements that the Constitutional Court decided not to charge the UPND leader with contempt of court because they did not deem it as an offence for Mr. Hichilema to call Judges and the court as “corrupt, three musketeers who are agents of evil,” and accusing female constitutional court judges of “having set the country ablaze just over money, nepotism and unprofessionalism.”
YALI President, Andrew Ntewewe said the statement attributed to Mr. Kakoma in The Mast Newspaper of August 22, 2018 that Judges of the Constitutional Court deemed Mr. Hichilema’s remarks as not constituting an offence is an insult to the integrity of the Court and confirm the source of inspiration for UPND youths who have continued to call Constitutional Court judges as “morally bankrupt and corrupt.”
“On the other hand, citizens cannot entirely fault Mr. Kakoma for making these remarks because, as explained by Deputy Chief Justice Marvin Mwanamwamba, the Constitutional Court for “unexplained reasons” has not cited Mr. Hichilema to prove his allegations against the court and the honourable judges.”
Mr. Ntewewe said the Constitutional Court may have put itself in a scenario where some citizens can continue calling judges as corrupt, nepotistic, morally bankrupt and other insulting words demeaning to the office of a judge because they have accepted the tag as explained by Mr. Kakoma.
“This scenario where some citizens are called to answer charges of contempt while others are is giving an impression of accepted disparities existing in our society on delivery of justice where powerful political figures can easily enjoy the luxury of calling judges corrupt while the less powerful and poor ones get to face the long arm of the law,” he stated.
