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British High Commissioner to Zambia, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet
British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane-Dyet says the need to regulate the internet should not impede on people’s access to social media.
Mr. Cochrane-Dyet said social media has become an important way of communicating and a platform for free expression of citizens.
He said it is important for governments to ensure that its citizens have access to social media.
Mr. Cochrane-Dyet said the general principle should be that as far as possible, people should be free to use the social media.
The UK enjoy noted that although some elements could use social media to commit crimes, authorities should not implement laws that infringe on people’s access to the internet.
He said social media has proved that it could be a force for good if it is used properly.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has reiterated its call on local business entities to bid for tenders to collect tax on behalf of the authority.
However, ZRA Corporate Affairs Manager, Topsy Sikalinda has clarified that the contracted agents will only be involved in registering, monitoring of compliance and enforcement.
Mr. Sikalinda told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, that none of the appointed agents will be required to collect or receive money from clients as they don’t have the mandate to so.
He explained that collection of payments will continue to be done by the authority through its various collecting channels such as ZRA offices, banks and mobile money services.
Mr. Sikalinda expressed concern over the low response from local business entities that bided for the expression of interest to be appointed as tax collecting agents.
He noted that only bidders from Lusaka and the Copperbelt responded while, no one from other parts of the country expressed interest.
He said this is why so far, Sherwood Green properties Ltd has been contracted to collect rental income tax on commercial and domestic properties on behalf of the authority on the Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces.
Mr. Sikalinda has since called on local business persons to take advantage on the request by ZRA for expression of interest and bid to be appointed as agents to collect tax on behalf of the authority.
So far three, companies namely, Sherwood Green properties Ltd, First Alliance Bank and the Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) out of the nine shortlisted were awarded contracts to collect taxes.
Finance Minister Margret Mwanakatwe recently signed a Statutory Instrument number 48 of 2018 which allows ZRA to appoint private agents to collect different taxes for the authority.
And ZRA Commissioner General, Kingsley Chanda said it is in the interest of the authority and the country to ensure that local business houses are given priority in the awarding of contracts to enable them contribute to the country’s economy.
Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa has today launched the trial of free WiFi project in Lusaka.
This is in line with Mr Sampa’s pre election promise of delivering free WiFi for the city in his 100 days in office.
Speaking during the launch ceremony at the Civics Centre this morning, Mr. Sampa disclosed that the WiFi has been installed at the Lusaka City Council Revenue Hall on a three month trial basis.
Mr Sampa has disclosed that the council is engaging internet service providers who wish to provide the free WiFi to the residents of Lusaka.
He said an open tender will be advertised after the trial period upon which the best companies will be selected to partner with the local authority to manage the project.
Mr. Sampa has also disclosed that the free WiFi will be installed at InterCity and other markets such as City and Kabwata Markets.
“When we promised during our campaigns that we will provide free WiFi, a lot of people launched and said it cannot be done. We are here and today is just day 10 of being in Office and we have fulfilled our promise. We still have 90 more days to go. For us, we don’t believe in it can’t. We believe everything is possible,” Mr Sampa said.
Mr Sampa has also warned that the Council will install software that will block users from accessing pornography and other illicit content on the internet using the free Wifi.
He revealed that a local IT firm called Techmate Systems Limited has agreed to provide free WiFi in the Revenue Hall on a trial basis.
And Techmate Systems Limited Director Chilufya Musosha explained that his firm is using a simple model which involves getting bandwidth from internet service providers and asking for advertisers to place adverts on the internet targeting the users.
Mr Musosha said the adverts are then used to offset the cost of providing the bandwidth.
He said his company is pleased that the Council agreed to partner with it in piloting the project and assured that it will provide good services.
The British High Commissioner to Zambia, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet OBE, has announced that in the last three years the UK Government has substantially increased the number of places for Zambians who wish to study in the UK under the Chevening Scholarship programme.
The High Commissioner said Zambians who have studied at top UK universities are now using their skills and knowledge to contribute significantly to Zambia’s development.
At a pre-departure briefing event for twenty-one Chevening Scholars on 16 August 2018, Mr Cochrane-Dyet said:
“Britain has a global reputation for excellence in the field of education and skills, rooted in our centuries-old yet forward-looking educational system. It is a tradition of learning that we continue to share with the world, including Zambia. An assessment two years ago indicated that four of the six best universities in the world were British”.
Earlier on Wednesday the High Commissioner attended another send-off event for recipients of Commonwealth Scholarships, which are also funded by the British Government. This year eighteen scholarships under the Commonwealth have been awarded to Zambians. Other schemes available to Zambians include Rhodes, Beit Trust, Canon Collins and Africa Fellowship Trust scholarships.
Mr Cochrane-Dyet said the Chevening Alumni Association has been revived and urged scholars to join the Association. He called for more applications from women and people with disabilities, emphasising that Chevening does not discriminate on gender, race, religion or age.
Mr Cochrane-Dyet gave examples of Zambian Chevening Scholars serving in top positions in Zambia and elsewhere. These included Justice Florence Lengalenga, Supreme Court Judge; Stephen Lungu, a former LAZ President; and Chibamba Kanyama, former Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Director General now working as a successful entrepreneur. There are many others in both government and private institutions holding senior positions
Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) consultant, Chishimba Kambwili has urged President Edgar Lungu to consider stepping down if he has failed to run the country.
Mr. Kambwili said President Lungu has failed to run the country as evidenced from the number of wrong decisions his government is making citing the introduction of the 30 Ngwee per day tariff on internet based phone calls.
[pullquote]decision by government to introduce a new tax on internet based phone calls is an indication that it is broke and has no money in the reserves[/pullquote]
He said the decision by government to introduce a new tax on internet based phone calls is an indication that it is broke and has no money in the reserves.
Mr Kambwili who is also PF Roan Member of Parliament says the Zambian people are already over taxed, questioning the justification of the newly introduced tax on internet based phone calls.
Acting Chief Justice Marvin Mwanamwambwa has said accusation on three Constitutional Court Judges of being corrupt by UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema does not need an inquiry because evidence is already there.
Mr. Hichilema at a media briefing at his residence in New Kasama last year accused Constitutional Court Justices Mungeni Mulenga, Palan Mulonda and Annie Sitali of being corrupt and later accused them whilst in South Africa of being under the control of the President for throwing out his petition.
Responding to a Letter written to the Office of the Chief Justice by Lufwanyama resident Henry Chilombo to have Mr. Hichilema investigated as his sentiments may constitute contempt of Court, Chief Justice Mwanamwambwa said the evidence is documented in form of a report of utterances by the named culprit.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Chilombo and copied to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Chief Justice Mwanamwambwa however explained that it is for the court or adjudicator attacked or insulted, who should have the culprit summoned and charged for contempt of court.
Justice Mwanamwambwa emphasised that the Supreme Court does not tolerate attacks and insults on it and a number of persons are facing charges for contempt of court before it, for attacking and insulting it.
Wondering on why the Constitutional Court did not cite Mr. Hichilema, Acting Chief Justice stated that the judges and the court that was attacked and insulted are aware of the attacks and insults.
“For in explained reasons, they did not charge the culprit (Hakainde Hichilema) with contempt of court,” stated Zambia’s Acting Chief Justice.
Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) in Mansa have destroying 2 Tonnes of Cannabis confiscated from various offenders whose court cases have been deposed off in Mansa Magistrate court
In November, the United Nations will perform a deep review of cannabis’ scheduling status under the 1962 Single Convention treaty, which coordinates international drug laws.
The UN World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence found in a pre-review two months ago that there was sufficient scientific evidence to support a full critical review of cannabis’ status, the first part of a multi-step review process.
The review will consider cannabis from multiple scientific viewpoints with epidemiological and pharmacological analyses.
Thankfully the World Health Organization has accepted the challenge of evaluating the placement of cannabis in the 1962 Single Convention treaty. Cannabis placement in the treaty was done in the absence of scientific evaluation and has provided the basis for a moral campaign against drugs by the USA for many decades.
Since work on medical access to cannabis has been based upon scientific inquiry we know that any rational assessment of the evidence leads the observer to understand cannabis indeed has proven medicinal value and, compared to other medicines, has profoundly fewer negative side effects.
After the full review in November, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will receive the committee’s report and bring the issue to the UN floor. By the way, Guterres was prime minister of Portugal in 2001 when Portugal decriminalized the possession of small amounts of all drugs, including cannabis.
If the UN decides to reschedule cannabis, this would trigger a U.S. Federal review of the plant’s scheduling. For poor countries like Zambia, Federal rescheduling of cannabis would signal lost opportunity to maximize economic benefits from cannabis business.
File:Zambia Air Force soldiers captured during the independence day march past at the freedom statue in Lusaka
Defence Minister Davis Chama says Zambia expects stability within the Southern African Development Community(SADC) region as the country takes up Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
Mr. Chama said the region needs peace for development to be attained saying selfish people sponsoring schemes of insecurity will not be entertained.He pointed out that the region should be stable and called for an end to pockets of motives by individuals aimed at destabilising the region.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Windhoek, ahead of the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the SADC, Mr. Chama said Zambia has been providing troops to other member countries to ensure peace and security in the region.
The theme for the 38th summit held at the Safari Court Hotel is “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”.The Defence Minister is hopeful that nothing would destabilise peace in the region especially in countries scheduled to hold elections soon.
And Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo said peace is not farfetched in the SADC region.Mr. Kampyongo explained that SADC has had countries going through elections and transitions peacefully an indication that peace could be embraced.
He explained that Zambia being part of the SADC agenda on peace and security will work hard to ensure peace so that the region focuses on development.The Home Affairs Minister said Zambia is committed to silencing the guns while addressing politics as a source of instability.
Mr. Kampyongo also said military hardware and other drivers of violence need to be eliminated in the region.And Mr. Kampyongo has commended Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila for agreeing not to contest elections in December this year.He is also hopeful that Zimbabwe will stabilize following the contested election late last month.
And President Lungu who is tomorrow expected in Windhoek will assume the Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security which is managed on a Troika basis and is responsible for promoting peace and security in the region.
The Zambian and Turkish delegations shortly after a bilateral meeting between Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jean Kapata and Turkey’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli in Ankara
The Zambian and Turkish Governments have agreed to immediately start implementation of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation in the field of Forestry.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jean Kapata and Turkey’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli agreed during a bilateral meeting in Ankara today that it is important for the two countries to start implementation of the issues contained in the co-operation agreement for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
The Minister said shortly after the bilateral meeting that her Turkish counterpart has promised to send a team of technocrats to Zambia in October this year ,to provide technical support in the areas of forestry, fish farming and land survey,
“We also told the Minister that we need capacity building in the Forestry Department in seeing to it that every district in Zambia has nurseries so that we prepare adequately for the tree planting that we have every year beginning of the rainy season,” Ms Kapata said
She also expressed concern about the high levels of deforestation in Zambia arising from indiscriminate cutting down of trees for charcoal production.
Ms Kapata said to address the problem of deforestation, Government has embarked on a project to buy 15,000 seedlings of a special solid bamboo species at a cost of K375, 000.
The Minister said Government will give each province 1,500 seedlings of this special solid bamboo species, which will be distributed to all districts.
“This species of solid bamboo is special and once one seedling is planted, you have almost 200 sprouts. It has a number of advantages because the charcoal that will be produced from it will last longer than the one which is coming from the trees that we have and also it takes only four years to mature, it is drought resistant and is also nutritious for animals like cattle and goats,” Ms Kapata said.
The Minister called on Zambians to support the Forestry Department as Government undertakes the project.
She also said Government will strengthen laws to protect the forests and partner with the chiefs to secure land for the plantations
And Mr Pakdemirli said the Turkish Government is ready to provide the necessary support to the Zambian Government to ensure the successful implementation of the MoU.
A Lufwanyama resident has written to the Office of Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima asking her to investigate the comments made by UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema towards three constitutional Court Judges last year.
Mr. Hichilema at a media briefing at his residence in New Kasama accused Constitutional Court Judges Mungeni Mulenga, Palan Mulonda and Annie Sitali of being corrupt, the sentiments Henry Chilombo claim may amount to contempt of Court.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima and copied to the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Chilombo said he also understands that Mr. Hichilema was wrong to accuse the Judiciary whilst in South Africa last year of corruption and being under the control of the President.
Currently, Bishop John Mambo and Gregory Chifire have been summoned by the Supreme Court to answer contempt charges laid against them for letters written to the Chief Justice and media statements attacking the judges of the Supreme Court.
Mr. Chilombo said by accusing the three judges of having been paid to throw out the petition, he did not objectively criticise the Judiciary and its decision as permitted by the law.
He asked Justice Mambilima’s office to ensure that this matter is investigated and conclusively brought to an end.
Meanwhile, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) President, Andrew Ntewewe, who said that Mr. Hichilema like any other citizen accused must not be judged from court of public opinion but must be given fair hearing before a competent court of law to substantiate his claims that the three Judges of the Constitutional Court are corrupt, influenced by money and the Executive.
“We have studied the recent complaint against Mr. Hichilema and we believe the complaint raises genuine public concerns on slanderous attacks against the Judiciary, judges, magistrates and their decisions,” said Ntewewe.
Mr. Ntewewe said that while YALI will always stand up tp protect every person’s freedom of expressionas guaranteed by the Constitution, the institution believes decorum, civility and respect of these key institutions is key to ensuring public trust, confidence and credibility.
“Calling judges and the judiciary as corrupt amounts to scandalising the court, which politicians, activists and the public must restrain themselves from doing in order to protect the integrity of the judiciary,” he said.
He said in light of the seriousness of allegations made against Mr. Hichilema by a citizen, natural justice demands that Mr. Hichilema must be heard of his allegations of corruption among judges from our highest court of the land.
“A fair and speedy hearing in which Mr. Hichilema may substantiate his allegations will help clear the doubt in the minds of the public on what Mr. Hichilema termed as deep-rooted corruption among our judges,” said Mr. Ntewewe.
The Baptist Union of Zambia (BUZ) has refuted claims circulating on social media that it had invited Honorable Harry Kalaba to grace the general conference which was held over the weekend at Ibenga Secondary School in Mpongwe district on the Copperbelt Province.
BUZ President, Roswell Chinyakasa said the union only extended an invitation to President Edgar Lungu who could not make it due to other national engagements and not honorable Kalaba.
Rev. Chinyakasa noted that the union is disappointed that honorable Kaluba has even gone further issuing statements on social media that he sent 36 pastors to reaffirm the invitation.
He further stated that the statement is misleading in that the union did not make any invitation to honorable Kaluba be it in written or verbally.
Rev. Chinyakasa said the church does not want to be drawn in any political agenda but to remain relevant to the call of preaching the gospel and promoting peace in the country.
He has since called on honorable Kalaba to immediately withdrawal his statement adding that, the church believes in working with the government of the day.
FOREIGN Affirs Minister,Joseph Malanji briefing the mediaPresident Edgar Lungu is tomorrow expected in Windhoek Namibia to attend the 38th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The theme for the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the SADC being held at the Safari Hotel from August 17 to 18, is “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji told media in an interview in Windhoek today that President Lungu will also assume the Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security which is managed on a Troika basis and is responsible for promoting peace and security in the region.
Mr. Malanji said President Lungu will upon arrival attend a meeting to discuss some of the African Union (AU) reforms which the SADC region has put in place for consideration.
He further explained that the President is expected to hold bilateral meetings with SADC member Heads of State more particularly to discuss issues of elections in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Mr. Malanji stated that Zambia will work with other member countries to ensure peace prevails in DRC saying it will be bad for Zambia if elections are not conducted well in that country.
He however, expressed confidence that nothing to the contrary will happen for the sake of peace and stability in the region.
Mr. Malanji explained that for the region to enjoy a common free trade area, peace should be attained and maintained.
The advance party comprise Minister of Defence Davis Chama, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo, Minister of Sports, Youth and Child Development Moses Mawere and Transport and Communication Minister Brian Mushimba.
Others are Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale, his Home Affairs counterpart Chileshe Mulenga and other senior government officials.
The focus of Namibia as the new SADC chair will be on strengthening infrastructure development in the region as well as harnessing the human capital dividend through youth empowerment to ensure sustainable growth.
Infrastructure development is pivotal to the socio-economic growth including the industrialisation agenda of the region as thriving economies depend on a reliable infrastructure base, both at the national and regional level.
The SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security which Zambia is Chair is managed on a Troika basis and is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region.
It is mandated to steer and provide member states with direction regarding matters that threaten peace, security and stability in the region while coordinated at the level of Summit, consisting of a Chairperson, Incoming Chairperson and Outgoing Chairperson, and reports to the SADC Summit Chairperson.
Apart from the expected arrivals of Heads of State and Government, there will be a Troika meeting of Ministerial committee of the organ.
On Friday August 17 which is the SADC day, the Chairperson will issue a SADC Day message alongside the launch of the theme for the summit before the official opening of the 38th Ordinary SADC summit.
This year’s theme builds on the 37th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held last year in Pretoria, South Africa whose theme was “partnering with the private sector in developing industry and regional value chains,’.
Zambia’s total goat population stands at 3,476,790, the latest Livestock and Aquaculture Census has shown.
The census was conducted in 2017 by the Central Statistical Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The results mean that Zambia’s entire goat population would be wiped out if the country is to go ahead with the goat export deal with Saudi Arabia of a million goats per year.
Saudi Arabia is said to want to import a further 1 million sheep from Zambia.
Livestock and Fisheries Minister Kampamba Mulenga told ZANIS that the Zambian government is waiting for a delegation from Saudi Arabia to arrive and conclude the export deal with Zambia.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2016 after President Edgar Lungu undertook a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
But the figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that the livestock export deal to Saudi Arabia could be a non-starter.
The The Goat population as at census date was 3,476,790 of which Southern Province accounted for the highest population (1,233,435) at 35.5 percent of the total national goats stock, followed by Central province( 585,277) at 16.8 percent.
Western Province accounted for the lowest percentage of goats’ population at 1.9 percent of the total national stock.
Southern is still leading in Cattle, Goat, Sheep population while Eastern Province lead in Pigs in Zambia.
The Cattle population (both Household and Establishment) as at census date was 3,654,668, of which Southern Province accounted for the highest percentage (1,293,715), at 35.4 percent of the total national stock.
Seconded by Central Province with 826,322.
Luapula Province accounted for the lowest percentage (12,359) of cattle population at 0.3 percent of the total national stock.
The Sheep population as at census date was 165,243 of which Southern Province accounted for the highest population (57,855) at 35 percent of the total national Sheep stock.
Western Province accounted for the lowest percentage of Sheep population at 0.1 percent of the total national stock.
The further more the population of Pigs as at Census date was at 996,390 and Eastern province recorded the highest of this national pig population( 282,140 ) at 28.3 percent.
Southern and Copperbelt provinces accounted for 16.8 percent and 10.5 percent respectively.
The province that recorded the lowest pig population was Luapula province at 1.9 percent of the total national stock.
The purpose of the 2017 Livestock and Aquaculture Census was mainly to provide comprehensive livestock, fisheries and honey production statistics so as to better estimate the contribution of these sectors to the economy.
Police in Serenje district in Central Province have arrested a 22 year old man of Mulilima area for allegedly killing his 86 year old grandfather on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
Central Province Police Commissioner, Joe Njase confirmed the development to ZANIS in an interview.
Mr. Njase said Police on Friday arrested Mukosha for allegedly hitting his grandfather Bilson Mukosha with a plank on Thursday around 00.30 hrs. on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
Mr. Njase said that the deceased sustained broken arms and head injuries.
He said Mukosha has been charged with murder and will appear in court soon while, the deceased has since been put to rest.
The Central Province Police Chief warned young people against victimising the old.
He said people who suspect others of practicing witchcraft should report to police other than taking the law in their own hands.
Here is the mid-week Pros Hit List brief for our overseas player in major cup action.
FRANCE
Defender Stopilla Sunzu played the full 90 minutes for Ligue 2 leaders Metz in their 2-1 win over Grenoble in their French Cup preliminary round tie.
AUSTRIA
RB Salzburg on Tuesday edged closer to their 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League group stage qualification following a 1-0 away win over Shkendija of Macedonia in Skopje to advance to next week’s pre-group stage 3-0 on aggregate.
Striker Patson Daka was not on target but played the opening 76 minutes while midfielder Enock Mwepu was an unused substitute.
Salzburg advance to the two legged final round playoff to face Red Star Belgrade away in the first leg on August 21 in Serbia.
The final leg is set for August 29 in Salzburg to decide who goes through into the group draws.
