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Pope Francis Approves Landmark Ruling Allowing Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples

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Pope Francis Approves Landmark Ruling Allowing Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples

In a historic shift, Pope Francis has formally granted approval for Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples, marking a significant departure from the church’s previous stance. The decision, detailed in a Vatican document approved by the Pope, allows blessings under certain conditions, excluding them from regular Church rituals, liturgies, or civil union ceremonies.

The ruling, an extension of the Pope’s openness declared last October, represents a departure from the 2021 Vatican doctrine office’s stance that explicitly prohibited such blessings, asserting that God “cannot bless sin.” The recent shift is attributed to Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, an ally of Pope Francis, who assumed leadership of the doctrine department in July 2023.

The document specifies that when individuals seek blessings, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be a precondition, emphasizing the grace of God working in the lives of those who humbly acknowledge themselves as sinners. While the new ruling opens “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for same-sex couples,” the decision-making process is entrusted to the “prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers.”

Jesuit priest James Martin, a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights within the Catholic Church, hailed the ruling as a “huge step forward.” He noted that the declaration allows non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, a practice previously off-limits for clergy.

The Pope’s efforts to alter the church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues began in 2013 when he stated, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay clergy. Since then, Pope Francis has advocated for civil recognition of same-sex couples, distinct from marriage, and sought to soften the Vatican’s language concerning LGBTQ+ individuals.

The ruling clarifies that offering blessings to same-sex and unmarried couples does not validate their status or alter the Church’s teachings on marriage. While the Catholic Church maintains that sex should occur only within marriage, the document asserts that the meaning of a blessing extends beyond a narrow viewpoint. It emphasizes that the Pope envisions a Church that does not solely “deny, reject, and exclude” but embraces a broader understanding of blessings.

Despite Pope Francis’ efforts to shift the church’s approach, opposition persists from a vocal minority within the institution. The ruling is expected to face resistance from these quarters. The Vatican’s decision underscores the Pope’s commitment to fostering inclusivity while navigating the complexities of tradition and evolving societal perspectives.

Zambia Receives €23 Million in Direct Budget Support from France, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

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Zambia Receives €23 Million in Direct Budget Support from France, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

In a significant development for Zambia’s economic growth, the Republic of Zambia has received direct budget support worth 23 million Euros from the French government. The financial injection aims to support various sectors of the Zambian economy, highlighting the deepened partnership between the two nations.

The financial support was officially confirmed during a signing ceremony at State House, where the French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, paid a courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema.

President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the bilateral and financial support from France, emphasizing its crucial role in Zambia’s economic growth. He underscored that the strengthened partnership is a testament to the confidence France has in Zambia’s new government.

During the ceremony, President Hichilema and the French Secretary of State signed Declarations of Intent in various areas, emphasizing people-to-people relations and cultural ties. The President conveyed his commitment to fostering more investment partnerships with French investors, seeking capital, joint ventures, technology, and value addition to spur economic growth and job creation.

President Hichilema highlighted the importance of the European Union gateway project of the Lobito Corridor, acknowledging its contribution to connectivity given Zambia’s strategic geographical location. He also appealed to France for assistance in resolving Zambia’s debt impasse with official creditors, a crucial step for unlocking economic opportunities.

President Hichilema said Zambia is ready to carry out more investment partnerships with the French investors, he noted, as the country was looking for capital, joint ventures, technology and value addition that would grow the economy and create jobs.

“President Emmanuel Macron and I have agreed to deepen the relationship between our two countries and these joint declarations of intent and the investment partnerships are results of our interactions,” President Hichilema said.

The Head of State further requested France to help Zambia to finalise its debt impasse with the official creditors, noting that it will open doors for economic opportunities.

In June 2023, Zambia reached a deal with its official creditors, including China, to restructure $6.3 billion in debt. However, this deal did not include Zambia’s private bondholders. In October 2023, Zambia reached a deal with its private bondholders to restructure $3 billion in debt.

Ms. Zacharopoulou reaffirmed France’s dedication to providing strong and sustainable financial support for Zambia’s economic growth. She disclosed a substantial 16 million Euros budget support from 2023 to 2024, with an additional four million Euros allocated to the school feeding program. Other allocations include four million Euros for water and sanitation support and a 1.5 million Euros grant for sustainable forestry management.

Acting Minister of Finance and National Planning Felix Mutati emphasized the significance of the ceremony, marking the entrance of direct budget support from France. He commended President Hichilema’s vision for prudent economic management, transparency, and accountability in public finance.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo highlighted that the commitment from France is a result of high-level engagements between the Presidents of Zambia and France. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) encompasses two financial agreements and two joint declarations of intent covering water and sanitation, sustainable environmental management, critical metals and minerals support, and public finance management, respectively. This comprehensive collaboration aims to foster a mutually beneficial and enduring partnership between Zambia and France.

Minister Chikote Expresses Displeasure over Veterinary Officers’ Poor Response to Vaccination in Shang’ombo

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Minister Chikote Expresses Displeasure over Veterinary Officers’ Poor Response to Vaccination in Shang’ombo

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Makoza Chikote, has strongly criticized veterinary officers in Western Province for their inadequate response to vaccination campaigns, particularly in Shang’ombo district.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Minister Chikote highlighted his concern that, despite the ongoing vaccination campaigns, the veterinary department has not administered any vaccines against Contagious Bovine Pleural Pneumonia (CBPP) to cattle in Shang’ombo district.

The government’s overarching goal is to vaccinate all cattle in Western Province against CBPP, making the lack of progress in Shang’ombo particularly alarming to the Minister. Shang’ombo, being highly dependent on the livestock industry, is a focal point for vaccination efforts.

Minister Chikote has directed the provincial administration to take immediate action to ensure that the veterinary department initiates and accelerates the vaccination process against CBPP in Shang’ombo.

During his visit to Shang’ombo district, Minister Chikote conveyed his concerns while paying a courtesy call on the District Commissioner. The District Commissioner, Mubita Siyamana, echoed the concerns, lamenting the absence of vaccination campaigns in the district.

Siyamana emphasized that, while the veterinary department has been active in collecting blood samples, there has been a notable lack of progress in terms of administering vaccinations against CBPP. The collective call from Minister Chikote and Commissioner Siyamana underscores the urgency of addressing the situation to safeguard the health and well-being of the region’s cattle population.

Bootlicking in Zambian Politics and its impact Governance efficiency and accountability

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Bootlicking in Zambian Politics and its impact Governance efficiency and accountability

By Misheck Kakonde

In the hallowed halls of power in Zambia, where promises during the 2021 general elections
echoed dreams of progress resonate, a government once hailed as the herald of change now
stands tarnished, its ideals obscured by a veil of deceit and manipulation. A regime that once
vowed to work on the economy and champion the voices of the people has turned a deaf ear to
dissent, quelling opposition like a vengeful storm silencing the gentle whispers of truth. Those who dare to speak against the narrative are branded as enemies of progress, their voices muffled by the weight of censorship and fear. In the president’s word “those currently involved in corruption,or misusing limited power you have, you are own your own when you no longer have power”.

With a magicians sleight of hand, this government dances the art of deflection, expertly juggling
blame to shield itself from accountability. Every misstep, every stumble on the path to prosperity,is deftly attributed to the sins of the past, a convenient excuse to cloak their own incompetence in the tattered shroud of history. Meanwhile, as the fingers of accusation point downwards, the corrupt elite bask in impunity, shielded by a web of political connections that render justice a mere illusion. While lower-level officers and artists are paraded as sacrificial lambs in the facade of combating corruption, the true beneficiaries of power revel in opulence, their coffers overflowing while the cronies languish in the shadows of poverty.

The stage is set, the actors play their parts with practiced precision. The script of accountability is rewritten daily, a tragicomedy where the true villains remain obscured behind a curtain of political expediency. The citizens, once hopeful and expectant, now watch in dismay as the promises of a better tomorrow crumble like sandcastles against the tide of corruption.
Citizens deserve a government that upholds transparency, accountability, and fairness as its
pillars. A government's duty is not merely to cling to power but to serve the people with integrity,honesty, and a genuine commitment to progress. Any regime that stifles dissent, scapegoats its predecessors, and shields the powerful from justice undermines the very essence of democracy.

True leadership is not found in deflecting blame or silencing opposition; it is found in courageously facing challenges, embracing accountability, and ensuring that the rule of law applies equally to all, regardless of their connections or status. A governments commitment to eradicating corruption cannot be a mere theatrical performance but a genuine, unrelenting pursuit of justice.

Erosion of Democratic Values in Zambian Politics
Many supporters of the current regime in Zambia tend to overlook evident misdeeds, displaying a
lack of critical thinking that fosters complacency, hinders reforms, and encourages deflecting
responsibility due to educational deficiencies and pressing economic concerns, prioritizing survival over informed political decision-making essential for a robust system.

The author Misheck Kakonde is a legal scholar, comparative politics specialist, History and
Cultural Studies, expertise in international relations, negotiation, and protocol (ZIDIS). Author ofthe book “peering into Zambian Cultures, Ceremonies" and contributor in the book “Young
Zambia between poverty and abundant resources”. Email: [email protected]

AGL Ports and Terminals Signs Concession Contract for Multipurpose Terminal and Containers at Port of Lobito

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AGL Ports and Terminals Signs Concession Contract for Multipurpose Terminal and Containers at Port of Lobito

A significant step toward transforming the Port of Lobito into a modern and competitive port platform was achieved on December 12, 2023, as Olivier De Noray, Managing Director of AGL Ports and Terminals, and Celso Rosas, Chairman of Lobito Port, signed the concession contract for the multipurpose terminal, including containers.

This pivotal signing ceremony, witnessed by Joao Fenandes, Chairman of the Commission, Pedro Maza, Legal Manager of the Angolan Ministry of Transport, and Lidia Amaro, Vice Governor of Benguela Province, followed an international call for tenders. AGL Ports and Terminals emerged as the successful bidder, earning the concession rights to manage the Port of Lobito terminals.

In an ambitious partnership, AGL commits to investing nearly €100 million to upgrade the Port of Lobito, enhancing its efficiency and competitiveness. The aim is to meet the expectations of both national and international customers, fostering the growth and diversification of the Angolan economy.

Olivier De Noray expressed confidence in the transformative impact of AGL’s industrial project on the Lobito port platform. “With the support of the world’s leading shipowner, MSC, AGL’s industrial project will improve the connectivity of the Lobito port platform, boost trade in the region, and support industrialization efforts,” he stated.

The Port of Lobito, as the second-largest port in Angola, is strategically positioned to benefit 35 million Angolans and neighboring populations. With a 14-meter deep quay and direct sea access, the port can accommodate large-capacity vessels. AGL will manage the multipurpose terminal, including the container activity, which boasts a 1,200-meter quay, a storage area with a capacity of 12,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and state-of-the-art handling equipment.

This transformative infrastructure aims to play a crucial role in the global energy transition, serving as the first Atlantic gateway to the Copperbelt region. It will contribute to the transportation of strategic minerals, such as copper and cobalt, to international markets. The Port of Lobito will capitalize on ongoing rail line rehabilitation and construction projects connecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Angola.

Upon the commencement of the new concession in the first quarter of 2024, AGL will take over the staff of the Empresa Portuária do Lobito EP port authority. AGL has committed to an extensive plan for skills development among employees and local subcontractors, ensuring that the Port of Lobito aligns with international standards in providing services.

Vice President Nalumango Concludes Productive Geneva Visit

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Vice President Nalumango Concludes Productive Geneva Visit

Vice President Mutale Nalumango wrapped up her official visit to Geneva, Switzerland, following engagements at two significant United Nations (UN) high-level events focusing on human rights and refugee protection.

The Human Rights 75 High-Level Event coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN. Vice President Nalumango was part of a distinguished group of leaders attending the global human rights event. During the conference, she, along with other leaders, made commitments to support the protection of human rights and individual freedoms in their respective countries.

In her address to the conference delegates, Vice President Nalumango reiterated Zambia’s commitment to aligning its laws with the nation’s aspirations for enhanced protection of human rights.

While in Switzerland, the Vice President engaged in closed-door bilateral discussions with key figures from various international organizations. Among the notable discussions were meetings with the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General, Mami Mizutori, and the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko.

In an interview with ZANIS, Vice President Nalumango revealed that the bilateral talks with cooperating partners focused on strengthening cooperation across various programs in Zambia.

During her stay in Geneva, Vice President Nalumango met with UN High Commissioners for Human Rights and Refugees, Volker Turk and Filippo Grandi, respectively.

The closing highlight of her Geneva schedule featured Vice President Nalumango as a keynote speaker at the Second Global Forum on Refugees. She shared the stage with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who addressed the forum via satellite, and High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

Zambia received praise during the global gathering for its robust refugee integration program, emphasizing inclusive development in refugee settlements to ensure shared amenities with host communities. Vice President Nalumango’s participation underscored Zambia’s commitment to global cooperation and its proactive role in addressing human rights and refugee protection.

Cholera Outbreak in Lusaka: 43 New Cases Prompt Urgent Government Intervention

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Cholera Outbreak in Lusaka: 43 New Cases Prompt Urgent Government Intervention

In a concerning development, Lusaka has reported 43 new cases of cholera along with one fatality, according to the Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo. The rising number of cases has prompted swift action from the government, which has allocated K2.9 million to implement urgent interventions and address the escalating health crisis.

Minister Masebo emphasized the importance of curbing the disease’s spread to prevent a further surge in cases. The allocated funds are expected to support not only medical interventions but also aid caregivers and patients within health facilities.

To reinforce public health practices and awareness, the Ministry of Health plans to engage an additional 120 community health volunteers. These volunteers will be instrumental in conducting door-to-door sensitization campaigns to alter public mindsets and encourage adherence to health guidelines that can help prevent the further transmission of cholera.

During an official visit to the Cholera Treatment Centre at Matero Level One Hospital in Lusaka, Minister Masebo, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Christopher Simoonga and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaundu, expressed concern over the flooding of the treatment center due to heavy rainfall. The minister assured the public that all staff on leave from cholera treatment centers have been recalled to ensure sufficient manpower for the ongoing efforts.

Permanent Secretary Hamaundu directed local councils across the country to prioritize cleanliness in their jurisdictions. He urged local authorities to maintain cleanliness in markets and other public spaces, emphasizing the crucial role of clean drainages. The public received a similar call to action, urging citizens to avoid littering in drainages and refrain from selling food in public areas to mitigate contamination risks.

As the government intensifies its efforts to combat the cholera outbreak, collaboration between health authorities, local government, and the public becomes paramount in minimizing the impact of the disease on the community.

Government institutes inquiry into Chongwe land disputes

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Government institutes inquiry into Chongwe land disputes

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Elijah Muchima has called for an inquiry into how Title Deeds to land in some villages in Njolwe area of Senior Chieftaness Nkomeshya Mukamambo II’s Chiefdom were issued over the past few years.

Mr. Muchima says the inquiry will enable both Ministry of Lands and the Busoli Royal Establishment to determine whether the title deeds to the pieces of traditional land in question were issued through the right procedure or not.

Mr. Muchima was speaking when he addressed residents in Njolwe area of Chongwe District who have been displaced from their farming fields by some individuals claiming ownership over the land.

He stated that the residents can proceed with their farming activities in their fields as the land disputes in the area are being resolved.

He also called on Chongwe Municipal Council to conduct a social survey of Njolwe Ward to take stock of land in the area adding that this will help the Ministry of Lands to find out how land conversions were carried out.

Mr. Muchima implored the residents to ensure they verify the authenticity of land titles that are presented to them by individuals who do not reside in the area.

He further said government remains committed to ensuring traditional land is secured for the benefit of citizens that have settled in such areas.

Meanwhile, Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo wondered how title deeds were issued to individuals claiming ownership over the said pieces of land as it has always been and still remains customary land.

“The other challenge is that our headmen and women have shown weakness because some of them are selling land which is disadvantaging the local indigenous people here. I have always cautioned headmen and headwomen from selling traditional land using the Chieftaness’ name without following the right procedure,” she said.

And Headman Muzembela of Muzembela Village commended for government intervening in the matter.
Headman Muzembela said he is hopeful that government will find a lasting solution to the land disputes in the area.
He assured that the residents will work with government to ensure the matter is adequately addressed.

Message For Today:Water Without Rain

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Message For Today:Water Without Rain

Today’s Scripture

He then said, “God’s word: Dig ditches all over this valley. Here’s what will happen— you won’t hear the wind, you won’t see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill.”
2 Kings 3:16–17, MSG

Water Without Rain

Friend, after traveling through the desert for seven days, the armies of Judah and Israel were completely out of water and desperate. Even though it never rained here, the prophet Elisha told them to dig ditches and God would supernaturally bring them water. In spite of thoughts telling them it was a waste of time, they started digging, and the next morning water flowed into the valley and filled their ditches.

Sometimes God will ask you to do things you don’t understand, something out of the ordinary. Don’t talk yourself out of it. Dare to trust Him and do what He asks. You have to stir up your faith. Don’t dig just one little ditch. Get a bulldozer and dig some big ditches. If you do what He’s asking, you’ll see water without rain—increase and abundance like you’ve never seen. One touch of God’s favor, and soon your ditches will be filled. God has new lands for you to conquer, new friendships, new levels of influence and favor. Be confident that He always performs His greatest victories in your future.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that it is an easy thing for You to fill the dry valleys of my life with water. Thank You for simply asking me to trust You and to obey what You are saying. I declare that I am trusting You to send the water and make happen what I could never make happen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Joel Osteen

Storm leaves 60 structures blown off in Mumbwa

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Storm leaves 60 structures blown off in Mumbwa

Torrential rains have left a trail of destruction in Nangoma Constituency of Mumbwa District where over 60 housing units and public structures have been left without roofs.

The incident has also damaged a mothers’ shelter at Nangoma Mission Hospital leaving about 50 expecting mothers and 20 bedsiders without shelter.

Speaking when DMMU National Coordinator Dr. Gabriel Pollen visited the area, Mumbwa District Commissioner Namukolo Hayumbu said there was urgent need for government to provide alternative shelter to the expecting mothers before the situation worsens.

Mrs. Hayumbu appealed to government through DMMU to urgently rebuild the damaged structure and provide emergency shelter to the victims (mothers) to avoid the outbreak of diseases.

The District Commissioner disclosed that the affected mothers are currently being accommodate at the nearby classroom block which has no toilets and bathrooms.

She regretted that if not urgently attended to, the incident is likely to reverse the gains the country has recorded of ensuring that no mother dies while giving birth which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals on health.

At the time the National Coordinator visited, the affected mothers were found outside the damaged structure preparing meals while others were resting underneath the trees and small kitchen shelters.

And DMMU National Coordinator Dr. Gabriel said there was need to build stronger structures taking into account climate chance which has come with violent rains in most cases.

Dr. Pollen wondered why structure built many years ago were still standing while buildings that were built in recent years succumb to the storms.

The National Coordinator stressed the need to build back better after the storm by ensuring that the materials used are of good quality.

A team of Officers from DMMU led by the National Coordinator was in Nangoma constituency to conduct an assessment in order to ascertain the damage caused by the heavy rains.

The team visited Nangoma Mission Hospital and Mulungushi Clinic where some structures have been blown off and households in the area that have also been affected by the windy rains.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma Rejects ANC pledges to vote for Umkhonto Wesizwe

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Former South African President Jacob Zuma Rejects ANC pledges to vote for Umkhonto Wesizwe

Former president Jacob Zuma has withdrawn from campaigning or voting for the ANC of which he has been a member for 64 years, to vote for the newly registered Umkhonto Wesizwe party.Zuma launched an attack on the current president of the ANC and country, Cyril Ramaphosa, calling him a proxy of white monopoly capital and insinuating that he had ended his party’s future.

He made the announcement at a special press briefing at the Ipeleng Centre in Orlando East, Soweto, on Saturday.

During the announcement that was made by his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, he said it saddened him that he had to make that decision after so many years.“After much reflection, it truly saddens me that the ANC of today is not the once great movement that we loved and were prepared to lay down our lives for.

“I believe that it is not enough to withdraw from the ANC campaign which will lead our people to more misery, poverty, racism, unemployment, deepening load shedding and a government led by sellouts and apartheid collaborators. It is also our duty to guide our people on what to do in order to save our revolution from its enemies and to achieve the society envisaged in the Freedom Charter.

“I therefore wish to announce that in 2024, I will vote for the Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) Party. It has already been registered with the IEC with my knowledge and blessings, in response to various pleas expressed to me by some religious leaders,” Zuma said.Zuma accused Ramaphosa of suspected fraudulent manipulation of conference outcomes.

He was referring to the party’s elective conference that took place in Nasrec, where Ramaphosa defeated Zweli Mkhize for the ANC presidency last December.

“Given the death of democratically elected structures of the ANC and the role of money in determining electoral outcomes since the CR17 scandal of blatant white monopoly capture of the organisation and the suspected fraudulent manipulation of conference outcomes, I have full sympathy with those comrades who believe that the ANC can no longer be saved from within its non-existent structures,” Zuma said.

He said something more bold, creative, and dramatic needed to be done “by those who love the real ANC”.

“Firstly, the ANC kept quiet when the powers of the President were taken away in the appointment of the Chair of the Commission on so-called State Capture. This symbolised an opportunistic amendment of the Constitution of South Africa.

“Secondly, the ANC kept quiet when it became clear that the 2017 national conference and the position of President had been stolen or bought by forces outside of the organisation for an amount ranging between the R300 million, which the President admitted under oath, and the estimated R1 billion or more, found by the Public Protector in her BOSASA report in which Ramaphosa was fingered.

“Thirdly, the turning point for me was the misguided statement made by the ANC President, that the ANC is Accused Number 1 for Corruption in South Africa. Neither the leadership of the ANC in the NEC nor the membership at the most recent national conference saw the need to challenge or change that incorrect statement.

“Fourthly, the ANC expelled its Secretary-General using the selective application of the so-called step-aside rule but will now allow the President who is also facing criminal charges to top its list for the next election.

“Fifthly, the ANC stood idle when 400 black people were massacred in KwaZulu-Natal following the avoidable July 2021 unrest caused by the Constitutional Court and Mr Raymond Zondo due to my imprisonment without trial under the ANC of Ramaphosa.

“Sixthly, the last straw was when, due to the Public Protector’s 31 questions in the investigation of the Phalaphala scandal, she was suspended and then impeached by the ANC, DA and Freedom Front working together. I have now been told that the ANC of Ramaphosa has decided to vote in favour of the impeachment of Judge President Hlophe and Judge Motata. The ANC of Ramaphosa has declared war against progressive black professionals and intellectuals.

“Lastly, the ANC of Ramaphosa has plunged the country into darkness with load shedding which has ruined the economy. This could have been easily avoided by keeping the best management which successfully prevented load shedding and adopting nuclear energy many years ago. Today we are told that nuclear power has suddenly become affordable,” he said.

Source : IOL

Power Knockout Mighty at Shinde

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Defending champions Power Dynamos have thumped Mighty Mufulira Wanderers away at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira to post their first win in four matches.

Power overcame Mighty 3-1 in the round 16 fixture of the FAZ Super Division on Saturday to recover from a win-less run.

The two teams went to the break with a 1-1 tie after Mighty’s Owen Mwamba canceled Kondwani Chiboni’s early goals for the visitors.

Forward Frederick Mulambia and Skipper Godfrey Ngwenya sealed the win with a goal each in the 48th and 79th minutes respectively.

Power have moved to 25 points, seven behind leaders Zesco United.

Meanwhile, Zesco opened a five point lead at the top of the table after beating bottom side Trident 3-2 away at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Zesco moved to 32 points, five ahead of now second placed Nkwazi, who edged Prison Leopards 1-0 away in Kabwe.

Trident have 10 points from sixteen matches played.

Red Arrows dropped from second to fourth place following a 2-1 home defeat to Green Eagles in Lusaka.

Arrows remained on 26 points after playing 16 matches.

FAZ SUPER DIVISION – WEEK 16

Forest Rangers 2-0 Green Buffaloes

FC MUZA 1-0 Kansanshi Dynamos

Mufulira Wanderers 1-3 Power Dynamos

NAPSA Stars 0-0 Konkola Blades

Prison Leopards 0-1 Nkwazi

Red Arrows 1-2 Green Eagles

Trident FC 2-3 ZESCO United

Sunday, 17 December 2023

Mutondo Stars VS ZANACO

Nkana Vs Kabwe Warriors

Vatican Convicts Cardinal Becciu of Embezzlement, Sentenced to 5½ Years in Prison

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Vatican Convicts Cardinal Becciu of Embezzlement, Sentenced to 5½ Years in Prison

A Vatican tribunal handed down a historic verdict, convicting Cardinal Angelo Becciu of embezzlement and sentencing him to 5½ years in prison.

This landmark case, marking the first trial of a cardinal in the Vatican criminal court, also involved nine co-defendants.

The charges stemmed from a complex financial trial related to a 350 million euro investment in a London property, revealing internal disputes and raising questions about the rule of law within the city-state.

Becciu’s lawyer plans to appeal, emphasizing his client’s innocence. The trial showcased Vatican intrigue and financial impropriety at the highest levels.

Lake Kariba’s 2024 Water Allocation Cut due to Lower Levels

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Lake Kariba’s 2024 Water Allocation Cut due to Lower Levels

Lake Kariba is expected to experience lower water levels in the upcoming year, leading to a reduction in water allocation for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. This announcement was made by Energy Minister Peter Kapala during the 41st Council of Ministers meeting of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) held in Livingstone.

In 2023, the initial water allocation for the two countries was set at 40 billion cubic meters but was later revised down to 30 billion cubic meters. The newly anticipated reduction will further decrease the allocation to 16 billion cubic meters in 2024. Minister Kapala attributed this decline in water levels to the El Niño climate pattern, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication by stakeholders to avoid misinformation.

The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often brings about irregular weather patterns, impacting precipitation and water levels in various regions.

Minister Kapala urged stakeholders to keep energy consumers informed about the situation, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to address potential challenges associated with reduced water availability.

Despite the challenges posed by the anticipated El Niño, Minister Kapala shared positive news about progress in the feasibility study for a solar plant on Lake Kariba. Once implemented, this solar project is expected to contribute to cleaner energy generation, diversifying the sources of power in the region.

Zimbabwean Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, echoed optimism amid the challenges, urging both countries to plan for various scenarios. He expressed satisfaction that, despite electricity shortages this year, Zambia and Zimbabwe successfully utilized the allocated water resources as managed by the Zambezi River Authority.

As the two nations navigate potential challenges in the coming year, collaborative efforts and strategic planning will play a crucial role in addressing the impact of the anticipated lower water levels in Lake Kariba on energy generation and water supply for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Chris Katongo Joins Forest Rangers

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FAZ Super Division side Forest Rangers have announced the appointment of Christopher Katongo as a new physical trainer.

Katongo has joined Fole Malembe on two-year contract.

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning skipper joins the Mwenya Chipepo-led Forest technical bench.

The bench already has Manchi Janza and Owen Kaposa.

“Katongo, who is also Under-23 national team physical trainer. Katongo replaces another AfCON winner in Francis Kasonde, who until recently was part of the technical bench at the club,” Forest said in a statement on Saturday.

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