Zambia Shepolopolo have set up camp in Ndola ahead of next Tuesday’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup qualifier match against Angola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The team is back in Zambia after beating Angola 6-0 in the first leg match on Wednesday away in Luanda.
The over winners between Zambia and Angola will qualify for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup to be hosted in Morocco.
Meanwhile, striker Rachael Kundananji has asked fans to rally her team in the return match against the Angolans.
President Hakainde Hichilema landed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) High-Level Segment for Heads of State and Government. This marks a significant presence for Zambia at COP28, and President Hichilema is set to play a prominent role in the upcoming climate discussions.
President Hichilema is slated to deliver a keynote address on behalf of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change at the Climate Change Conference. His participation emphasizes Zambia’s commitment to addressing climate-related challenges and contributing to global efforts for sustainable solutions.
Among the key engagements, the Zambian Head of State will take part in a moderated Round Table discussion at the High-Level Stake Presidential Event organized by AUDA-NEPAD and AGRA. The focus will be on leveraging investment for climate adaptation through Food Systems Transformation, underscoring the intersectionality of climate, agriculture, and sustainable development.
State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka has outlined that President Hichilema is also expected to attend the Commonwealth Royal Reception. This event marks the launch of the inaugural Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. The reception will be graced by King Charles the Third of England and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During his stay in Dubai, President Hichilema will engage in crucial bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. These discussions are anticipated to address collaborative efforts in tackling climate change, fostering international partnerships, and advancing sustainable development goals.
Additionally, President Hichilema will be present at the launch of the Critical Materials Club by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aligns with global efforts to secure critical resources for clean energy technologies, a critical aspect of the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future.
President Hichilema expressed his commitment to ensuring that Zambia benefits from the global pledges and initiatives discussed during COP28, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to bridge the financing gap required for achieving net-zero emissions and restoring biodiversity.
This series of engagements reflects Zambia’s active involvement in shaping the discourse and actions surrounding climate change on the international stage. President Hichilema’s participation underscores the nation’s dedication to contributing to global solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Chishimba Kambwili, a member of the Central Committee of the Patriotic Front (PF) and prominent opposition figure, has been sentenced to five months imprisonment with hard labor by Senior Resident Magistrate Samson Mumba in Kasama.
The judgment comes after Mr. Kambwili faced charges related to hate speech, specifically accused of expressing disdain and ridicule towards the people of Southern Province based on their tribe and place of origin. The verdict was delivered yesterday in Kasama, leading to Kambwili being taken to the Milima Correctional Facility in Kasama.
The case against Kambwili has been a topic of significant attention and has now resulted in a prison sentence. The opposition politician, aged 54 and residing at house number 9, Wisteria Avenue, Luanshya, appeared before the Kasama Resident Magistrate for the judgment.
Kambwili is expected to appeal both the conviction and the imposed five-month sentence. His defense was represented by Kaizala Tembo from Ferd Jere & Company.
Radio Yangeni Director Father Constatino Mulenga says the church will continue to advocate for abstinence as a way of reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.
Fr. Mulenga pointed out that abstinence is the only sure way of preventing the spread of the HIV/AIDS hence it needs to be promoted.
Speaking during the candle light service at Mansa Catholic Cathedral , he explained that the church does not encourage other methods of HIV prevention such as condom use as it is not 100 percent perfect.
” Condom use is not something which should be promoted as you can end up regretting so we should all be advocating for abstinence as the only sure way,” he said.
The Radio Yangeni Director noted that HIV/AIDS infection is high among adolescents which shows that there is still more work which needs to be done if HIV/ AIDS is to be eradicated.
Young people need to be given the correct information with regards HIV prevention as opposed to encouraging them to be venturing into pre-marital sex as long as they used a condom.
” There is need to join hands and ensure that young people are given correct messages which will enable them stay aware from sex before marriage if we are to see a reduction in HIV cases,” he observed.
And Fr. Mulenga has encouraged couples to remain faithful to each other as this will help to reduce the spread of HIV.
He pointed out that the behavior of some married couples leaves much to be desired saying they are the ones who are in the habit of spreading the virus a situation which is said should not be happening in a country like Zambia.
Fr. Mulenga said that it was possible for the fight against HIV/AIDS to be won if only everyone takes this fight seriously.
He explains that HIV/AIDS is still around and that each day there are new infections which are recorded hence the need to double the efforts by all the stakeholders involved in this fight.
The HIV /AIDS candle light this year was celebrated under the theme: Let communities take the lead.
Historian Sishuwa Sishuwa has challenged the Zambian government to publish contents of the agreement with Vedanta Resources regarding KCM.
Writing on X, Sishuwa says if Zambians were to see the contents of the just signed Shareholder Agreement with Vedanta for the takeover of KCM, many will be so livid that they will likely demand for the immediate resignation of President Hakainde Hichilema for working against the interests of the Republic.
“I have seen, read, and understood the Agreement, and I challenge the Government to publish it in full in the name of transparency and accountability if they have nothing to hide,” he stressed.
“I am aware that Hichilema discarded the terms and conditions prepared by patriotic and very capable technocrats in the civil service and exerted pressure on the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) to wholly accept the ones produced by Vedanta Resources. The concessions given to Vedanta – let us just say the concessions Vedanta has effectively given itself and which Hichilema agreed to without even subjecting the Shareholder Agreement to discussion in Cabinet – are so dreadful and anti-Zambia that any citizen who signs that terrible agreement must ordinarily be charged with SABOTAGE or TREASON.
Dr Sishuwa said the contents of the Agreement with Vedanta constitute the ultimate betrayal of public trust and the interests of the State.
“Argh! We are going nowhere serious with Hichilema at the helm of Zambia, unless he changes course, for the better. He has become a clear and present danger to Zambia’s economy, to our democracy, our constitutional order, our nationhood and its future, to the lives of ordinary Zambians, and must be peacefully removed from office at the earliest available opportunity.”
Dr Sishuwa said what consoles him is the knowledge that as of today, many people in Zambia may not know who they will vote for in the next election, but they already know who they will not vote for.
“The best thing about electing Hichilema president was that we are no longer distracted by his threat or potential to be better than those who came before him and we can now start looking for suitable, if better, alternatives. If Hichilema did not become President of Zambia, we would have lived with some degree of guilty for not giving him the chance to govern. We could have also succumbed to certain narratives that suggest that some regions of Zambia can provide better leaders than others. To some extent, it is not regrettable that the man got the opportunity to lead.”
He added, “Now we know that in order to develop, Zambia does not need a given region or an individual from a particular ethnic group in State House. The country simply needs competent men and women who are patriots, have a feasible plan, and are committed to restoring the nation’s dignity, where they come from notwithstanding.”
He said, “In a certain weird and perverted sense, it is good that Zambians gave Hichilema a chance to reveal who he truly is.”
Dr Sishuwa said the Chewa-speaking people of Zambia have a saying that “The best way of proving the potency of a man who claims that he is able to achieve an erection is for the woman to undress for him.”
He said in August 2021, Zambians undressed for Hichilema after a decade-and-half of claiming that he is capable of taking them to greater heights.
Prominent legal scholars Prof Muna Ndulo and Dr Obrien Kaaba have described some recent Consent Judgements entered into between the state and some individuals as acts of corruption.
In a statement, Prof. Ndulo of Cornell University and Dr Kaaba from UNZA noted that although some Consent Judgements are justifiable, some are a racketeering scheme.
The duo have since appealed to President Hichilema to put a stop to this.
“We are also concerned that in some cases, the lawyers representing concerned individuals and those in State Chambers have previously had personal connections, raising questions about conflict of interest and the credibility of the negotiations and the protection of public interest in these settlements,” they said.
They also called on President Hichilema to critically analyze his legal team at State House and dismiss those who are behind the racketeering scheme.
Press Statement by Prof Muna Ndulo and Dr O’Brien Kaaba on the Consent Orders Being Entered into by the State and Various Litigants
We have observed with bewilderment and disbelief several consent orders entered into between the State Chambers and various individuals involving huge sums of money.
Although some appear well deserving, in a number these cases, there is either no sound legal justification for the settlements or the awards and the legal costs are grossly inflated. For example, in the case of Kaizar Zulu, it is clear he was not acting on behalf of the state and there is no moral or legal justification whatsoever for the state to compensate those he injured in his private capacity. It would appear that someone in the State Chambers is fishing for such cases for personal gain, and that is corruption. It must be stopped forthwith.
We are also concerned that in some cases the lawyers representing concerned individuals and those in State Chambers have previously had personal connections, raising questions about conflict of interest and the credibility of the negotiations and the protection of public interest in these settlements.
We call upon President Hichilema to critically evaluate his legal team in State Chambers and dismiss those who are behind these racketeering schemes.
We are appalled that oversight institutions such as the ACC, which should be in the forefront of protecting public resources, are doing nothing serious about the problem. This should have been stopped a long time ago had ACC been proactive, strategic and serious about protecting public resources.
The deals at the Ministry of Justice clearly indicate that to have a sustainable fight against corruption, it is not enough that the top national leadership is committed to the eradication of corruption. We need institutional transformation. We need to redesign institutions like ACC to make them capable and truly professional and independent.
Professor Muna Ndulo, Cornell University
O’Brien Kaaba, University of Zambia
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced the decision to maintain petroleum pump prices for the month of December 2023. In addition, the board has introduced a transport cost equalization mechanism to moderate transportation costs associated with petroleum products imported by road.
Reynolds Bowa, Chairperson of the ERB, shared this information during a media briefing held in Lusaka. Bowa emphasized the board’s commitment to implementing measures that mitigate potential adverse impacts on domestic prices during the fourth quarter of 2023.
The transport cost equalization mechanism, utilizing the Petroleum Strategic Reserve Fund, aims to alleviate the financial burden incurred in importing petroleum products by road. Bowa explained that this mechanism would undergo periodic reviews to ensure its relevance, aligning with fluctuations in international oil prices.
According to the ERB’s latest decision, the price of petrol remains at 29 Kwacha 98 ngwee per litre, diesel at 29 Kwacha 96 ngwee per litre, and jet A1 fuel at 29 Kwacha 29 ngwee per litre. The price for kerosene has also been maintained at 20 Kwacha 44 ngwee per litre.
This decision by the ERB is part of its regular monthly revision of petroleum pump prices and reflects the board’s efforts to maintain stability in the petroleum sector while considering economic factors and international market trends. The announcement comes as Zambia navigates the challenges associated with the global energy landscape.
Shepolopolo Zambia Coach Bruce Mwape is pleased with the giant step made by his side toward qualifying for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup.
Mwape’s Zambia side on Wednesday evening thrashed Angola 6-0 in the first leg tie of the final WAFCON qualifying round played away in Luanda.
Zambia captain Barbra Banda registered a hat-trick in Angola.
In a post match comment, Mwape said Zambia is looking forward to winning the return leg set for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on December 5.
“Our target was to finish the game here in Angola. Even when we were leaving Zambia that is the message we left,” Mwape said.
“As a technical bench we are very much happy about the result and when we get back to Zambia we will still make sure that we carry the day so that we qualify to the Africa Cup,” he said.
Overall winners in this round will qualify to the WAFCON to be hosted by Morocco.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has passionately defended her daughter against critics who suggested the star lightened her skin for the premiere of her film, “Renaissance.” The Grammy-winning artist attended the red carpet event on Saturday with a platinum blonde hair look and wore a silver dress, embracing the theme of the film.
Social media erupted with comments claiming that Beyoncé had altered her appearance and “looks so white.” In response, Tina Knowles took to Instagram in a lengthy post condemning the accusations as racist, ignorant, and self-hating.
Knowles stated, “She does a film, called the Renaissance, where the whole theme is silver with silver hair, a silver carpet, and suggested silver attire, and you bozos decide that she’s trying to be a white woman and is bleaching her skin?”
The post, which included a video montage of Beyoncé set to her song “Brown Skin Girl,” received over 250,000 likes since its Tuesday night upload. The song, released in 2019 as part of the film soundtrack for “The Lion King: The Gift,” celebrates blackness and includes empowering lyrics sung by Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy.
In the Instagram post, Tina Knowles expressed frustration with those attacking her daughter, emphasizing Beyoncé’s positive contributions. “This girl minds her own business. She helps people whenever she can. She lifts up and promotes black women and underdogs at all times,” Knowles wrote.
The 69-year-old also admitted that Beyoncé would likely be annoyed by her post but conveyed that she was “fed up” with the unwarranted criticism. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” documenting the world tour of her Grammy-winning album, premiered in Los Angeles on Saturday and is set to release in cinemas worldwide on Friday. The album, Beyoncé’s first solo project after a six-year break, received acclaim for its fusion of black and queer influences and debuted at number one upon its release.
President Hakainde Hichilema has departed for Dubai to attend the 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The invitation, extended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, underscores the global importance of addressing climate change.
President Hichilema, who will participate in the High-Level Segment for Heads of State and Government, aims to collaborate with other world leaders in advancing sustainable development, leveraging new technologies, and mobilizing resources for agreed actions to protect countries and the environment. Key events on his agenda include the World Climate Action Summit, G77 and China Leaders’ Summit, and various high-level roundtable meetings.
During the COP28, strategic bilateral engagements will be held, focusing on energy, agriculture, trade, technology transfer, tourism, and infrastructure development. Additionally, the President seeks to continue discussions on debt resolution, addressing economic challenges faced by Zambia.
In a statement, President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the invitation and highlighted the country’s commitment to addressing climate change, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in securing a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, controversy has arisen as the President of COP28, Sultan al-Jaber, denies allegations that the United Arab Emirates is leveraging the summit for oil and gas deals. Leaked documents revealed discussions on fossil fuel deals with various nations. Al-Jaber dismissed the reports, stating that they aimed to undermine his COP28 presidency and emphasized the summit’s commitment to addressing climate change.
The summit’s theme, “Racing for a Better World,” reflects the urgency of global efforts in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Kenya’s parliament has sparked controversy by instituting a ban on the iconic Kaunda suit, named after the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, within its premises. Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula announced that both Kaunda suits and traditional African attire were no longer permissible.
The Kaunda suit, distinguished by a safari jacket and matching trousers, owes its name to President Kaunda, who played a pivotal role in making it a fashion statement. The attire has gained popularity among the political elite, with Kenyan President William Ruto often choosing it for official events.
Speaker Wetangula justified the ban by citing emerging fashion trends that posed a challenge to the established parliamentary dress code. He outlined a prescribed dress code for men, including a coat, collar, tie, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, socks, shoes, or service uniform. Women were advised to adhere to business, formal, or smart casual wear, with skirts and dresses below knee-length and sleeveless blouses prohibited.
While acknowledging past tolerance of the Kaunda suit in parliament, Wetangula emphasized the need to halt this practice to preserve the parliamentary dress code. The recent attention garnered by the Kaunda suit on Kenyan social media, especially due to President Ruto’s frequent appearances in it during official functions, adds an extra layer to the controversy.
The ban has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some questioning the prohibition of an African attire in an African parliament. Others express support for maintaining a specified dress code. The controversy surrounding the Kaunda suit ban reflects the intersection of cultural expression, fashion, and political symbolism, sparking discussions about the significance of attire within the context of parliamentary proceedings.
Lunte Member of Parliament, Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya, has expressed grave concerns over the alleged collapse of the government’s debt restructuring deal, citing corruption and dishonesty as major contributors to the deal’s demise.
Hon. Kafwaya asserted that the debt restructuring deal, a key initiative pursued by the government, is now “as good as dead” due to what he claims is a lack of transparency and questionable practices in its execution.
Among the highlighted issues, Hon. Kafwaya pointed to the revelation that the government had purportedly agreed to pay $2.5 billion between 2024 and 2025 to bondholders. This decision, according to him, has reportedly angered the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He emphasized that committing to such a substantial amount contradicts the ongoing $1.3 billion program with the IMF and raises concerns about the financial feasibility of such an agreement.
Furthermore, Hon. Kafwaya criticized the government for agreeing to an 18% haircut instead of the 40% demanded from other creditors, deviating from the G20 Common Framework’s principle of equal debt treatment. He disclosed that the face value of the new bonds was increased to $3.135 billion in both scenarios, exceeding the original $3 billion face value of the old notes.
The Member of Parliament expressed his dismay, stating, “The agreement announced on 26th October 2023 with the External Bondholder Steering Committee is so absurd that it has shocked the IMF, Official Creditor Committee headed by China and France.”
In response to these concerns, Hon. Kafwaya urged the government to provide an explanation for the alleged scandalous clauses in the debt restructuring deal, which has reportedly been renounced. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, indicating that an announcement about the renouncement had been directed to the London Stock Exchange.
Hon. Kafwaya concluded by asserting that the reported carelessness in dealing with such matters is now costing the nation and could potentially lead Zambia back into a state of debt distress. He called for increased honesty in governance matters to avoid economic hardship and soaring living costs.
The government has not yet officially responded to these allegations, and the situation is likely to draw further scrutiny in the coming days.
Adolphus Mubanga, a Lusaka businessman and the country representative of CURZON Global Limited, has been convicted and sentenced to two years of imprisonment with hard labor for the possession of properties considered proceeds of crime. The judgment was delivered by Lusaka Principal Magistrate Irene Wishimanga.
Adolphus Mubanga had initially faced joint accusations alongside former Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba. However, they were later separated from the indictment, and Mubanga faced independent charges related to the possession of assets believed to be derived from criminal activities.
The charges against Mubanga specified that between June 1 and August 30, 2021, he was found in possession of four million and 50 thousand units of currency in a named bank, deemed to be proceeds of crime. Additionally, on August 30, 2015, he allegedly possessed K980 000 held at a specific bank, and on November 30, 2015, he held K525 954 in another bank, both amounts considered proceeds of crime.
Lusaka Principal Magistrate Irene Wishimanga handed down the verdict, sentencing Mr. Mubanga to a two-year prison term with hard labor after finding him guilty of the charges. The judgment marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the alleged possession of assets derived from criminal activities.
Mr. Mubanga’s association with CURZON Global Limited, a company where Geoffrey Mwamba reportedly expressed interest for business dealings in 2011 during his tenure as Defence Minister, adds an additional layer of complexity to the case.
It is noteworthy that Geoffrey Mwamba, the former Defence Minister, remains a separate entity in the legal proceedings, and the verdict pertains solely to Adolphus Mubanga’s charges.
President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed a delegation from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at State House, led by Principal Deputy Director, Dr. Nirav Shah. The meeting marked a significant engagement to reinforce the collaboration between Zambia and the CDC in various health programs.
Expressing gratitude for the CDC’s longstanding cooperation, President Hichilema highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in supporting health initiatives in Zambia, ranging from HIV/AIDS to Tuberculosis prevention. Through the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the CDC has played a crucial role in supporting Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV across the country.
The productive dialogue between President Hichilema and the CDC delegation included an acknowledgment of the CDC’s technical and financial assistance to Zambia, ensuring the highest quality health outcomes for the Zambian people.
In line with Zambia’s strategic shift towards a private sector-led economy, President Hichilema urged the CDC to explore opportunities for local manufacturing of medicines and medical consumables. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of job creation, economic growth, and enhancing the capacity of the local workforce.
President Hichilema stated, “We thank the CDC for their unwavering support and collaboration in addressing critical health issues in Zambia. As we transition towards a private sector-led economy, we see great potential in localizing the production of medicines, contributing to both economic growth and workforce development.”
The discussions emphasized the shared commitment to advancing healthcare in Zambia and exploring innovative solutions to meet the evolving health challenges facing the nation.
The visit concluded with President Hichilema expressing optimism about the future of the partnership, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration to achieve robust health outcomes and economic growth for Zambia.
London, November 28, 2023 — The High Court in London heard explosive allegations against former Barclays boss Bob Diamond, claiming that he fabricated a conflict of interest to obstruct Zambian businessman Dr. Rajan Mahtani from benefiting from the sale of Finance Bank Zambia (FBZ).
Dr. Mahtani, who founded FBZ in 1986 and agreed to a takeover by Diamond’s Atlas Mara company, accuses the latter of breaching the terms of the acquisition agreement, leading to a lawsuit seeking up to $100 million (£80m) in damages.
In his testimony on Tuesday, Dr. Mahtani refuted claims of a conflict of interest linked to the appointment of Faber Capital as a fundraising agent for the sale of FBZ and its subsidiaries. He alleged that the conflict was a pretext for delaying Faber’s appointment, hindering the raising of funds to achieve an ‘earn out’ target by the deadline of December 31, 2016.
The alleged conflict arose as Faber Capital was also mandated to work for Crane Bank, a Ugandan bank that Atlas Mara was considering for purchase. Dr. Mahtani dismissed the conflict as a ‘fiasco,’ stating that none of the involved parties, including Faber Capital and Crane, saw any problem.
During cross-examination, Atlas Mara’s representative, Anna Boase KC, cited correspondence indicating the company’s cooperation until the identification of the conflict on August 5, 2016. Boase argued that Atlas Mara resumed working with Faber once the conflict was resolved on September 27, as Faber dropped its Ugandan client.
Dr. Mahtani countered that none of the parties involved agreed on the existence of a conflict during that period. He claimed that the conflict issue soured relations between Atlas Mara and Faber, pointing to an internal email from Faber on September 24, expressing frustration with Atlas Mara’s reluctance to work with them.
Despite the email, Faber continued to work with FBZ, emailing Dr. Mahtani on October 9, outlining conditions for becoming the official fundraising agent. Dr. Mahtani blamed Atlas Mara for preventing the funds from being raised, emphasizing that it was the company’s lack of cooperation.
The ongoing trial raises serious allegations against Bob Diamond, whose past controversies include a forced exit from Barclays in a 2012 interbank rate-fixing scandal. Barclays was fined a record £290 million for manipulating rates determining mortgage payments.
The trial continues, promising further revelations and insights into the intricate web surrounding the FBZ takeover.
Source: Nick Forbes
Central News, Press Room, Central Criminal Court
© Lusaka Times
