A Clueless Cabinet? – Elias Chipimo
It has to be said: if for some reason the world’s most incompetent thinkers came together to develop policies that made absolutely no sense, they would be hard pressed to match some of the outcomes of the recent cabinet meeting in Zambia.
It is tempting to describe the goings on in our country as a circus. However, that would be giving the circus a bad name. A circus is, after all, well-intentioned, properly planned, carefully coordinated and can generally pay its own way. Some circus acts are indeed clumsy but they only act that way to entertain the audience. The Cabinet circus that is unfolding before our very eyes, is not, unfortunately, an act. Clumsy decisions (like the “WhatsApp tax”) are probably a product of unconscious incompetence as is the decision to create a completely new cyber crime agency at a time when we should be reducing our public expenditure footprint in order to meet our colossal debt obligations. Cyber crime is indeed an issue but this can be dealt with in a much more cost-effective manner.
So why do these recent Cabinet decisions make no sense? First of all, since when was it government’s responsibility to tax citizens on behalf of an industry (telecoms) that is perfectly capable of raising its own revenue to build infrastructure and employ citizens?
Secondly, accessing WhatsApp calls requires one to pay for data anyway, so the telecoms companies are not losing out at all. In fact, the more internet calls people make, the richer the mobile operators whose data is being used.
Thirdly, as a revenue generator for mobile network operators, data has increased tremendously since the uptake of free services like WhatsApp. The technology used to offer calls over the internet is even used by the very call centres that the Zambian Cabinet seems overly eager to protect.
Finally, how exactly will WhatsApp calls be monitored? This requires very sophisticated equipment coupled with the legal authority to tap phones. Was this perhaps why the “WhatsApp tax” was announced hand in hand with the planned measures to tackle cyber crime?
Zambia has to get its act together. We are not going to do it by taxing our citizens to death and ignoring the real enemy of development: complacency. We are complacent when it comes to corruption, theft, immorality, laziness, drunkenness and incompetence. As a result, these have become the attributes by which one can advance rapidly in public life if you grovel before the right people. We have a Cabinet that is more worried about taxing its citizens to death than addressing the serious crimes highlighted in official reports by organisation like the Financial Intelligence Centre.
Surely the words of Scripture ring true in this instance: “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” (Matthew 23:24 NIV). Our Cabinet has no problems ignoring the theft and corruption and ordering expensive vehicles for officials, yet they are ready to fleece the poor citizens of the little money they make through their hard work and unsupported enterprises.
If incompetence was an author, the story of the recent PF decisions would probably not be it’s masterpiece but it would sure come close. Let us just accept the fact that we have a cabinet that is in over its head. The sooner we wake up to this reality and resolve to turn the tables in 2021, the better for everyone.
Elias C. Chipimo
President
National Restoration Party
Inonge Wina hails Turkey Founder
Vice President Inonge Wina says the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, remains a role model for world leaders for his role in the development of a modern and secular country that has become an influential nation on the global stage.
In her message shortly after Lying wreaths at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara today, Ms. Wina said the revolutionary leader leaves behind a legacy of selfless leadership, patriotism and sacrifice for his people as evidenced by the transformative reforms he implemented as Turkey’s first President from 1923 until his death in 1938.
Ms. Wina said Ataturk implemented reforms that entrenched individual liberties and rights for the people of that country.
The Vice President added that Ataturk is also remembered for his pivotal role in 1915 when he and his colleagues stopped a large force of foreign troops from taking Instanbul.
She said as a leader and Zambia’s first woman Vice President, she is inspired by Atarturk’s famous quote that states that everything that is seen in the world is the creative work of women which she said is a testimony of the importance that Ataturk attached to the role of women in national development.
Meanwhile, the Vice President has challenged the Zambian delegation comprising government officials, the Zambia Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Patriotic Front (PF) officials led by Deputy Secretary General, Mumbi Phiri to learn how Turkey is tackling developmental issues.
She noted that Turkey has recorded massive development within a short time because of the political leadership, private sector participation,the ruling justice and Development Party which has navigated the system of governance through constitutional reforms to suit Turkey’s development of demands.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian embassy in Ankara, Turkey, Jerry Munthali.
Zambia on right path-French Ambassador
France Ambassador to Zambia Sylvain Berger says the austerity measures recently announced by the Zambian government are a step in the right direction and affirmed that Zambia is on the right path to economic stabilisation and sustained growth.
Mr. Berger said France’s expectation as a development partner is for Zambia to ensure that the austerity measures are effectively implemented so that the resultant outcomes benefit the people in the long-run.
He stated that France is now clear about the stock of Zambia’s debt because of the transparent manner in which the issues surrounding the economy have been handled by the Government.
Mr. Berger added that a strategic development plan for benefit optimization from Zambia’s rich natural resources needed to be implemented so that the country’s targets for creation of jobs, wealth for
all, and economic progression, are attained.
The France Ambassador was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting President who is also Minister of Finance, Margaret Mwanakatwe at her office in Lusaka.
And Mrs. Mwanakatwe stated that Zambia remains one of the best investment destinations in Africa because of the country’s democratic maturity and efficacy of its economic stabilisation and transformational programmes.
The Acting President said the Zambian government is pleased with the commitment by the government of France to work with Zambia in a mutually beneficial relationship.
She added that the formation of the France-Zambia Business Association is an affirmation of the warm relationship between the two countries and the resolve the two governments have to optimise the benefits from their bilateral relationship through public and private sector partnerships.
Among the other issues discussed during the meeting were sustainable energy
investments, enhancement of fiscal management, support to the private sector, and implementation of bilateral agreements.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer, Chileshe Kandeta.
Zambians must rise up and get rid of PF-HH
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has urged Zambians to rise up against the PF Government for allegedly imposing heavier taxes on the people.
Mr Hichilema said Zambians must rise up and reclaim their nation from the PF’s misrule.
The UPND leader told a media briefing at his Nee Kasama residence that Zambians must unite and get rid of the PF.
“Zambians wake up. This is not ending anytime soon. If we let this go on unabated, the PF will reach 100% taxation on your income, not for them to give you free education, health care and water, but for them to buy personal to holder Landcruisers. Rise up.,” he said.
Me Hichilema has also called on the PF leadership to bring to an end these taxes on a population that is hardly surviving.
“Taxes on rentals, internet, roads, PAYE and several others being introduced by the PF are not only in bad faith but hurting our country’s economy,” he said.
“As if it was not enough that Zambia is one of the countries with high costs of doing business, the PF is making it even more costly,” Mr Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema stated that the latest internet tax and several other taxes are only a channel for the Patriotic Front to continue plundering public resources and day light robbery.
“We all know that these taxes will end up in people’s pockets like the case was in the 42 million US$ fire engines. A situation that remains unresolved. These taxes are hurting the poor, the jobless youths, widows, women and many Zambians whose hopes are pinned on a low cost business environment,” he said.
Mr Hichilema observed that the 30 ngwee is the mark-up most small business persons make on their goods and services they are providing in this depressed economy.
“This is time to get rid of the PF burden and together as citizens we must stand up and reclaim our country. Fellow Zambians, it’s time to say: enough is enough! We have better alternatives than this PF government that will stop at nothing to suck the little you have as citizens for its own benefit.”
He added, “They got “kaloba”, against all economic reason, and we told them these things will come to bite the citizens. Here we are now,” he stated.
Zesco make three changes for Swallows showdown
Zesco United coach George Lwandamina has made three changes for Saturday’s penultimate 2018 CAF Champions League Group D match against Mbabane Swallows away in eSwatini.
Defender Simon Silwimba will miss the match due to suspension after accruing two yellow cards with the second coming on July 27 in the 2-1 away loss against Primeiro de Agosto of Angola.
Shemmy Mayembe has been drafted to replace him in the 18-member team that travelled to eSwatini on Thursday
Defender David Owino has missed the trip due to a thigh strain and Solomon Sakala is likely to start in his absence.
Striker Winston Kalengo has been dropped and his fellow veteran striker Jackson Mwanza has taken his place.
Zesco are bottom of Group D with 2 points, two behind hosts and third placed Swallows while Agosto and Etoile du Sahel are second and first on 5 and 10 points respectively.
A draw or loss will end Zesco’s Group D campaign.
GOALKEEPERS: Dieudonne Ntibahezwa, Jacob Banda
DEFENDERS: Shemmy Mayembe, Solomon Sakala, Marcel Kalonda, Fackson Kapumbu, Bornwell Silengo
MIDFIELDERS: Anthony Akumu, Misheck Chaila, Kondwani Mtonga, John Chingandu, Mwape Mwelwa, Enock Sabaumukama
STRIKERS: Lameck Banda, Jackson Mwanza, Maybin Kalengo, Lazarus Kambole, Jesse Were
Lusaka Province Bowman Lusambo busts illegal roadblock
Gregory Chifire fails to appear in court for his Contempt Charge
This is because Mr. Chifire has developed severe malaria and high blood pressure.
Mr . Chifire is facing four counts of contempt of court in relation to the comments that he allegedly issued against the Judges who handled the case involving Stanbic and Savenda.
When the matter came up today Mr Chifire’s brother in law, John Ngulube told Deputy Chief Justice, Mervin Mwanamwambwa that his brother-in-law was unable to attend court because he has been diagnosed with severe malaria and high blood pressure.
This case is being presided over by a panel of nine supreme court judges led by Mr. Mwanamwambwa.
Meanwhile, Chikondi Trust Foundation Founder Bishop John Mambo appeared in the same court for contempt before he was advised to come on August 23rd, 2018.
In a related case, a Lusaka Journalist Derrick Sinjela has been summoned to appear before the full bench of the Supreme Court and show cause as to why he should not be cited for contempt of court.
In this matter, Sinjela is charged with one count of contempt of court.
Mr Sinjela has equally been asked to appear before the full bench of the Supreme court on August 23, 2018.
Fire destroys School property as firemen rush to a wrong school
Fire has swept through Lupososhi Secondary School Storeroom, in Luwingu, Northern province destroying 117 mattresses, worth 70,000 Kwacha.
The incident happened on Wednesday around 10 hours.
School Head-Teacher, Michael Chinika has confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Luwingu district.
Mr Chinika explained that there were at least 250 mattresses in the storeroom at the time of the fire.
He added that following the fire, the storeroom is completely damaged.
And Luwingu District Education Secretary, Isaac Simutowe has explained that the fire department was called but they went to a wrong school, and school authorities managed to put out the fire, but only after two hours.
Voluntary Testing, Counselling and Treatment policy change is bearing fruit – Hamukale
Government says its policy change from Voluntary HIV counselling and Testing (VCT) to HIV Testing, Counselling and Treatment (HTCT) is posting good results.
And Provincial HIV/AIDS Coordination Advisor Mrs Rosemary Masaku says in the period January to June, 2018, a total of 367,358 people underwent routine HIV testing services and 10,485 were found positive representing a positivity rate of 3 per cent.
Speaking during the commemoration of HIV Counselling, Testing and Treatment Day held at Njola-Mwanza in Chief Mwanza’s area yesterday under the Theme, My Family, My Nation, My Responsibility” , Southern Province Minister Dr Edify Hamukale said the shift by government to shift from the traditional VCT TO HTCT was bearing fruit as it has ensured that there is an increased number of people who know their HIV status and be on Anti-Retroviral treatment.
Dr Hamukale stated that the policy change in the approach to the fight against HIV/AIDS from VCT to HTCT was a sign of government’s commitment to end the health burden by 2030.
“ The policy shift was an expensive venture in the short term as it expands the public health bill to accommodate more people placed on treatment immediately they are diagnosed HIV positive, “ the minister said.
The long term benefits, stated the provincial minister, compensate for the initial high costs on procurement of drugs and equipment through improved health outcomes and sound economy.
“The government policy change from VCT to HTCT is a bold decision aimed at increasing both the number of people who know their status and increasing the number people enrolled on life saving Antiretroviral Drugs.
“ Although this policy change based on sero positive results and not on CD 4 count criteria is an expensive venture in the short term as it expands the public health bill to accommodate more people placed on treatment immediately they are diagnosed HIV positive, the long term benefits of improved health outcomes and sound economy outweighs the costs of procuring drugs and diagnostic equipment,” said Dr Hamukale.
Dr Hamukale also noted that children were still at greater risk of the consequences of HIV than any other age group and that despite this childhood HIV detection and treatment remain low adding that it was for this reason that the Patriotic Front (PF) government was deliberately targeting mothers, children and other vulnerable groups to expedite the country’s crusade towards the end of HIV/AIDS.
Various cooperating partners such as the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), The President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief(PEPFAR), The United Nations among others have played their respective critical roles in helping the country to steer out of the HIV/AIDS epidemic which has witnessed a reduction of annual HIV infections rates from around 80,000 to about 45,000 by end of 2017.
And Mrs Masaku said 11,165 positive clients were started on treatment early this year and that a total of 110,679 people living with HIV were currently active on treatment in Southern province.
She observed that men of age groups 24 to 49 are the most missed in terms of identification and linkage to care adding that more targeted approaches of identifying those who are found positive and not on treatment need to be employed and should include work place testing, index testing among others.
“The UNAIDS spectrum model estimates that a total of 160,000 people in southern province are living with HIV/AIDS and this means that 69 per cent people living with HIV are currently linked to treatment and care.
“ Further analysis shows that men of age groups 24 to 49 are the most missed in terms of identification and linkage to care and therefore, there is need to accelerate efforts to reach out to the unreached population and especially the men between the ages of 24 to 49 years,” said Ms Masaku.
The implementation of the HTCT policy is seen as part of Zambia’s commitment to the global Goals of testing 90 per cent of people living with HIV and know their status, enrolling 90 per cent of people diagnosed on ART and ensuring that 90 per cent of those on ART are virally suppressed by 2020 and ultimately lead to the end of HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Meanwhile, Ms Masaku has appealed to government to support the Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) with domestic financing to enable them continue in the fight against the epidemic in the province.
Currently, there are 185 stakeholders in the province providing HIV related services though a number of them have no funding or have ended their respective projects, in the region
Provincial AIDS Taskforce Chairperson Mr. Timothy Siakasiba thanked government for being supportive in programmes aimed at ending the HIV/AIDS burden in the province.
He also requested government to help in soliciting for funds to enable local NGOs engaged in the fights against HIV/AIDS in the province in order to sustain their programmes .
“ Doing this, will help it (government) to accelerate its efforts towards the ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, “ he said.
The Continued Introduction Of Taxes, Is A Betrayal Of Sata’s Legacy— Ndoyi
Prince Ndoyi, the ardent critic of the opposition UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his party has seemingly turned his guns towards the ruling PF and government at large as he has accused them of betraying the legacy of their founding President Michael Sata.
The outspoken young politician has taken issue with the never ending introduction and implementation of new taxes which was one of the main issues which the PF spoke against as they kicked the MMD out of office in 2011.
Ndoyi in his latest Facebook posting wonders if whether taxation is the new motto for PF or if that is the legacy President Lungu wants to be remembered for when he lives office.
“There are many questions in the heads of many Zambians. Questions like is this the end of the almighty Michael Chilufya Sata Legacy? Is this the introduction of the Edgar Chagwa Lungu Legacy, and if it is, then this begs the question is this the legacy President Lungu wants to be remembered for once out of office?
“Cadres for convenience purposes today may say its a bit of both, Sata’s and Lungu’s legacies combined. Maybe this is the SMART ZAMBIA President Lungu has been talking about,” he said.
He said President Lungu and his team used Michael Sata’s Vision and Legacy to win elections hence their continued introduction of new taxes is not only a betrayal of his legacy but that the PF was taking advantage of the goodness of the Zambian people who voted for them based on the legacy of the late President.
“Zambians are naturally good people and should never be betrayed by politicians especially those in government. We cannot sacrifice the Zambian people on the altar of revenue collection at the expense of the many exploitative and non tax compliant foreign firm and cooperates.
“Today many mining firms are on holiday and honey moon having the best time of their lives. Worse off the Chinaman whose free and tax exempt at the expense of the suffering indigenous Zambian slapped with withholding tax, borehole tax, internet tax among others,” he said.
Ndoyi went on to warn the PF of the consequences that come with the loss of trust saying “politicians should hold public trust with great sense of responsibility knowing too well that trust is like virginity which once broken can never be recovered.”
He has angrily added that “It is heartbreaking to hear rumors of government buying brand new EXPENSIVE and LUXURIOUS GX and VX vehicles for themselves while on one hand imposing new taxes on the squeezed Zambians. Government should reverse this new tax proposal forth with.”
And Ndoyi has called on the PF party to reorient those have recently joined them.
In an apparent reference to former MMD members saving in Cabinet such as Dora Siliya, Joe Malanji, Bowman Lusambo, Michael Katambo, Vincent Mwale and others, Ndoyi urged the PF to reorient their new members on the pro-poor foundation and policies which won them the hearts of the many Zambians.
Ironically the young politician who is in the MMD, the party which is in an aliance with the PF last week lambasted the ruling party whom he described as enemies of democracy after word went round that the UPND candidate Dr Faustin Banda absconded filing in nominations for the Kasenengwa by election because he had allegedly been bought by the PF. Dr Banda barely a day after going missing has since defected to the ruling party a move that has vindicated the upcoming politician.
Zambia is not in a crisis, I am in charge and was voted by the people – President Lungu.
President Edgar Lungu says headways have not been made in the national dialogue process because opposition political parties have not been forthcoming.
President Lungu said he and the Patriotic Front (PF) have been ready and waiting but have been let down by opposition parties’ unwillingness to come to the table with a workable issue based agenda.
The Head of State has since decreed that he will only attend unconditional talks with opposition parties and other stakeholders because Zambia is not in a crisis.
He stated that it is unfortunate that some people are behaving as though the country is in crisis.
“Zambia is not in a crisis, we have a government in place, and all systems are functioning, I am in charge, voted by the people,” said President Lungu.
President Lungu explained that he expects the national dialogue process to take the route of tackling contentious issues such as the electoral process, Public Order Act and some aspects of the constitution.
President Lungu was speaking to journalists at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport(KKIA) in Lusaka before departure for Namibia to attend the Southern Africa Development Community(SADC) Summit, where he will assume the chairmanship of the SADC Troika Committee on Defense, Peace and Security.
President Lungu said he expects Zambia to put in more effort and contribute positively to the promotion and maintenance of peace in the region.
And President Lungu said there was nothing wrong by government in handing over Zimbabwean opposition politician Tendai Biti who was wanted by the legal regime in place to answer some charges.
The President said Zimbabwe would have viewed Zambia as not a good neighbor for granting asylum to Mr. Biti.
He said government consulted and was assured by the Zimbabwean High Commission that Mr. Biti would be safe if he returned home stating that reports have also confirmed that he is safe.
President Lungu added that people should desist from making political mileage over little issues.
President Lungu was seen off by Acting President Margaret Mwanakatwe, some cabinet ministers, defense chiefs, Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa, senior government and party officials.
And President Edgar Lungu has arrived in Windhoek, Namibia for the 38th Ordinary Southern African Development Community-SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government which opens tomorrow.
President Lungu and his entourage arrived at 15:24 hours local time at the Hosea Kutako International airport.
President Lungu was received upon arrival by Namibian Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah who is also Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Namibia Stella Libongani and other senior government officials.
On arrival at Hilton Hotel where he and other Heads of State and Government will be lodging, the President was welcomed by Minister of Communication and Transport Brian Mushimba, Minister of Sports, Youth and Child Development Moses Mawere and the Permanent Secretaries for Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Trade and Industry, Home Affairs and Defence.
President Lungu who is accompanied by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda and Special Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs Hibeene Mweene upon arrival are scheduled to attend the official opening of the Organ Trioka summit on the 38th SADC Summit.
Other Heads of State and Government who have already arrived ahead of the Summit include the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Angola’s Joao Lourenco, President of Seychelles Danny Faure and Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane among others.
The theme of the summit which is being held at the Safari conference centre is “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development’’
The theme builds on the focus of the past four SADC summits that looked at how the region can attain industrial development.
Namibian President Hage Geingob will assume the leadership of the regional organisation from his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa during this year’s 38th SADC Summit.
And Zambia will assume chairmanship of the troika for the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security from Angola during the summit.
It is expected that Zambia will use her well documented credentials in addressing some of the political situations in the region as well as elections to ensure a peaceful region.
The summit is expected to also welcome the Union of Comoros as a new member having been formally admitted into SADC at the 37th SADC Summit held in Pretoria, South Africa last year.
Expected to making their debut at this year’s summit are five Presidents namely President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Joao Lourenco of Angola, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros.
The official opening of the 38th summit tomorrow was proceeded by Council of Ministers meetings which mainly comprises designated Ministers, mostly Ministers responsible for Foreign and External Affairs and the Troika meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the organ meeting.
The main objectives of SADC are to achieve economic development, peace and security, and growth, alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the peoples of Southern Africa, and support the socially disadvantaged through Regional Integration.
The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC.
The SADC Summit is made up of all SADC Heads of States or Government and is managed on a Troika system that comprises the current SADC Chairperson, the incoming Chairperson and the immediate previous Chairperson. The ordinary SADC summit usually meets once a year around August or September in a Member State of the incoming SADC Chairperson.
The current SADC troika comprises of President Cyril Ramaphosa, of South Africa as the Chairperson of SADC, President Dr Hage G. Geingob, of Namibia as the incoming Chairperson, and H.M. King Mswati III, of the Kingdom of Eswatini as the outgoing Chairperson.
The troika for the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation comprises of President João Lourenço, of Angola as Chairperson of the Organ, President Edgar Lungu, as the incoming Chairperson of the Organ, and President Dr John Joseph Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania as outgoing Chairperson of the Organ.
Namibia last hosted such a SADC event in 1992 during the historic Summit held in Windhoek, Namibia, where leaders from the region signed the SADC Treaty and Declaration that effectively transformed the then Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) into Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to the last SADC Council of Ministers meeting held in March in South Africa, the summit is expected to deliberate on a wide range of issues, including implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap and the political situation in the region.
Bowman Lusambo busts Four traffic Police officers for corruption
Four traffic Police officers in Lusaka have been busted while mounting an illegal roadblock where they obtained over K2,200 from motorists illegally.
The police officers who had mounted an illegal road block along Mungwi road where busted by Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo today as he conducted his tours.
The officers who identified themselves as Charity Zuze, Mukela Chibesa, Moses Chiinga and Sergeant Laban Bwalya were caught unawares as they mounted a road block with an unregistered vehicle.
And the Lusaka province minister who was visibly disappointed by the conduct of the officers vowed to get rid of the bad eggs amongst civil servants in the province.
Mr Lusambo says the civil service is not as bad as certain sections of society portray it, but that there are just a few individuals engaging in bad vices which are denting the president’s image.
He has since stated that he will forward the issue and the names of the officers to the Inspector General of Police for further action.
President Edgar Lungu off to Namibia as he makes Mwanakatwe Acting President
President Edgar Lungu has signed an executive order for Finance Minister, Margaret Mwanakatwe to act as President while he attends the SADC summit in Namibia.
Special Assistant to President Lungu for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda disclosed this to journalists at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka before departure for Namibia where he has accompanied the Head of State for the SADC Summit.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Chanda said President Lungu had signed a statutory instrument to allow Mrs. Mwanakatwe to act as President.
The Press Aide said this has been necessitated by the fact that Vice President Inonge Wina is in Turkey attending an international conference.
Mr. Chanda aid President Lungu is expected back home upon conclusion of the SDAC summit.
Meanwhile, Vice President Inonge Wina says Zambia looks forward to enhanced bilateral relations with Turkey in various areas of development.
Speaking shortly after arrival in Ankara, Turkey, Mrs. Wina also thanked the Turkish Government for the invitation extended to Zambia in an effort to strengthen ties between the two countries.
The Vice President who was accompanied by Director Planning and Information Victor Mbumwae in the office of the Vice President and was received at Esenboga International Airport by Turkish Vice Governor Ahmet Cirakoglu, Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata, Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey Joseph Chilengi, Embassy staff, Government officials and other Senior Patriotic Front (PF) party officials.
Mrs. Wina is in Ankara Turkey, for a three day State visit.
According to a programme made available to ZANIS by the Zambian Embassy, the Vice President is later this afternoon expected to visit Anikabir the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk the founder of the sovereign Republic of Turkey.
She is tomorrow Friday, August 17, expected to hold a bilateral meeting with the Vice President of Turkey Fuat Oktay.
Mrs. Wina is also expected to pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Binali Yildrim.
She is also expected to attend a breakfast meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps comprising African Ambassadors resident in Ankara, Turkey on Friday.
She is later scheduled to meet the vice president of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) an international cooperation development arm of the Turkish government to discuss various areas of development and possible investment opportunities in Zambia.
Mrs. Wina is on Saturday August 18, expected to be among 52 Heads of State scheduled to attend the 6thOrdinary Congress of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP) of Turkey.
The Vice President is also expected to interact with the Zambian community resident in Turkey.
Star Singer’s Wild Ride across Zambia for Wildlife!
She braved wild animals, was bitten by tsetse flies, suffered rough roads, a sore bottom and bike malfunctions – but Suffolk mezzo-soprano Laura Wright has finished her epic African Wild Ride!
Laura was one of four conservation ambassadors who pedalled more than 400km across the wilds of Zambia to raise funds and awareness for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. The team have raised almost £25,000 so far to help the charity’s work protecting endangered species in Africa.
Laura sang and danced with local children, visited an elephant orphanage project and wildlife anti-poaching unit, met with community groups and camped under the stars in the bush.
“It has just been one of the most incredible life changing and eye-opening experiences for me,” said Laura.
“It was very challenging – hot in the day and freezing at night and the terrain was tough. We were cycling on dusty, sandy roads, with big pot holes – there’d be a bush fire to your right, a wild elephant to your left and snake in the middle! So that was a challenge, as well as the long distances.”
Laura originally hails from Framlingham and is best known as the “Nation’s Sporting Soprano” for her association with some of the top sporting events held in the UK, from The Grand National, Ascot, cricket, The Grand Prix and The Rugby League, to her role as the first ever official singer for the England Rugby team, performing at their home games in Twickenham.
She now lives in Wimbledon with her fiancé and Wild Ride team mate Harry Rowland, a former professional rugby player and fitness instructor.The pair were joined on their Zambian adventure by former South African cricketer Jacques Rudolph and DSWF’s education adviser and teacher Andrew White.
Chaperoned by local wildlife rangers, the Wild Ride team cycled around Zambia’s Kafue National Park to the famous Victoria Falls at Livingstone, calling in at projects supported by David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) along the way. These included the amazingElephant Orphanage Project and specialist wildlife anti-poaching run by DSWF’s project partners Game Rangers International (GRI).
Laura also shared her musical talents with local school children and women’s groups, singing and dancing to help to spread the word about DSWF’s work to protect endangered species with communities on the ground.
“I sang Amazing Grace with the children and The Lion Sleeps Tonight, with a few dance moves thrown in, which went down well, then finished off with some sporting anthems – it was lovely to share our cultures and it was an amazing experience,” she said.
The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is a highly effective wildlife conservation charity based in Shalford, near Guildford, founded by the late, great wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd CBE FRSA (1931-2017), who had a particular passion for Zambia.
David Shepherd’s granddaughter Georgina Lamb, who is DSWF’s Head of Programme and Policy, was on the Wild Ride support crew and closely followed the cyclists on every leg of the journey.
“Wild Ride was an incredible undertaking by our brave conservation ambassadors and we are so very proud of them. We’d like to say a huge thank-you for all the time and energy they invested in this tough challenge,” she said.
“Sadly more than 50 elephants every day are being slaughtered by poachers in Africa alone – the situation is critical and DSWF’s work is more important now than ever before. Zambia was always very close to grandad’s heart and the money raised by Wild Ride will help us continue his vital legacy fighting wildlife crime, protecting endangered animals and engaging with communities in the region.”
The funds raised by the Wild Ride team will be used to fund anti-poaching and park protection/rescue work, species rehabilitation and release, as well as community education.
Laura added: “We were really struck by the incredible the work that the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation does in Zambia and the money we raise will really help change a lot of lives and help educate people there, so the problems with poaching and human wildlife conflict can be prevented in the future.
We need to protect species like elephants for all our children and our children’s children – so that’s what the cycle was all about. I am just super proud to be an ambassador for DSWF!”
(Photo credit the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation)