Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
FILE: Koffi Olomide and dancing queens during the wedding ceremony of Bona Mugabe, Daughter to Robert Mugabe , President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Simba at President Mugabe’s private residence in Harare, Zimbabwe on March 1,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has observed that enhancing cultural and musical exchanges between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo can contribute meaningfully to the growth of the music and art industry in both countries.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Lusambo said there’s need for Zambia and DRC to consider working together in promoting music and tourism considering that the two countries have similar cultural heritage and customs.
He implored accomplished musical stars like Koffi and others from Congo to also consider helping Zambian artists to penetrate the competitive international musical market.
The Lusaka Provincial Minister was speaking when celebrated Congolese rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide and his ensemble called on him at his office in Lusaka today ahead of two planned rhumba musical shows slated for Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
Mr. Lusambo explained that government in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) has placed high premium on arts and film industry as a way of creating the much needed wealth and jobs for young people in the country.
And speaking on behalf of Congolese rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide, 360 General Dealers Chief Executive Officer Suke Tshile said Koffi is now a rhumba legend and has started grooming a generation of next rhumba stars in Africa.
Tshile has since called on Zambian artists to consider forging partnering with Koffi Olomide so that they can be mentored at his two state of the arts studios in Congo.
Koffi is expected to perform on Friday, 26th July, in Lusaka and Saturday, 27th July, on the Copperbelt respectively.
Green Party President Peter Sinkamba says he is still optimistic that Finance Minister Margret Mwanakatwe will deliver on the repayment of the US$750 Million Eurobond repayment which is due in 2022.
Responding to a press query on the K5 Billion first quarter 2018 budget overrun, Mr. Sinkamba said the overrun is quite depressing. He has called upon Ms Mwanakatwe to be on top of things and immediately implement some of the measures discussed.
He said Ms Mwanakatwe has goodwill of the majority of Zambians. He prodded her not squander this golden opportunity.
“It is quite depressing that in the first quarter alone, the 2018 budget has been overrun by K5 Billion. This means from the of K71.7 Billion budgeted for the year, we only have a paltry K27.8 Billion remaining. This clearly shows we are in red and the only way out is to trigger some emergency measures,” he said.
“Moving forward, Ms Mwanakatwe needs to put her foot down. She needs to drastically cut budgeted expenditure. Unbudgeted expenditure should be a no-go area. If anything, now is the time to be on top of things and set the austerity measures into fully-fledged mode,” he added.
“To start with, Ms Mwanakatwe must start implementing some of the measures we discussed aimed at generating funds to repay the US$750 Million Eurobond loan. Some of the measures we proposed require a gestation period of three years. Therefore, now is the time to set the measures into motion,” he said.
With regard to the budget overrun, he said that the starting point is the issue of personal-to-holder cars. He said Ms. Mwanakatwe must order that all personal-to-holder cars be parked forthwith. He has also suggested that apart from defence, security and emergency vehicles only a limited number of pool vehicles should be allowed to service ministries and all government agencies.
“This is the moment of truth. She must make up for the budget overrun. The starting point is to drastically cut recurrent spending, especially on public service transport support. She should order that all personal-to-holder cars be parked forthwith. Ministers and the rest who hold public offices should find their way to and from respective offices. The only exemption should be the President, Vice President, as well as defence, security and emergency vehicles. The rest should use their own transport. She must live by example. So, she should be the first to surrender her car, and other ministers should follow suit” Mr. Sinkamba said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sinkamba has commended recent moves by the PF and UPND youths to reconcile and make peace.
“We are extremely delighted that PF and UPND youths have made commendable moves to reconcile. We all know this is a complicated world. There are times when we may be called to arms, but as the Greens, we maintain that violence is almost always self-defeating, and always must be the very, very last choice. Therefore, we must all work to end violence and eliminate the root causes of this ugly crime. So, what the PF and UPND youths are doing must be applauded by all well-meaning Zambians, and we encourage the two groups to continue on this trajectory,” he said.
High Commissioner Chikonde with Dr. Kaunda’s former Personal Secretary Gloria Sleep
Zambia’s First President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has sent a message of condolence to the family of Reverend Dr. Colin Manley Morris, a missionary who served in Zambia from 1956-1969 and was elected as the first President of the United Church of Zambia.
During a service of thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Reverend Dr. Morris that was held at Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission City Road, London, Dr. Kaunda in a tribute read on his behalf by Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde, said he learnt with profound sorrow the death of his dear friend Reverend Dr. Morris.
Reverend Dr Morris was known for his passionate and outspoken views on political and social issues and was a close friend of the First President Dr. President Kenneth Kaunda, with whom he worked in the negotiations for Zambia’s independence.
In his tribute Dr. Kaunda writes “My dear Sandy and the larger Morris Family, It was sad hearing that Colin had passed on. You and the family have my deepest condolences. What struck me the most at that moment, as the month of May rushed by and I was told that my friend was gone, was remembering the calmness with which Colin had let me know that this last challenge he was facing was probably unassailable. I didn’t believe him and I replied that God would see him through. In my mind I truly thought we had time and that surely we would get to meet again while still on this earth. I was worried but not unduly so.
Obviously Colin affected many, many live across continents in his ministry as fearlessly and without compromise he spread the word of God. I can only speak about how he impacted my own life and that of my country.
High Commissioner Chikonde with later Reverend Dr. Morris’s wife Sandy after the thanksgiving service
Although we didn’t get together as often as I would’ve liked our thoughts and philosophy towards God’s creation were so closely meshed that it always seemed to me that our hearts beat as one. I loved that man Sandy. I cannot imagine my personal history without him in it. Indeed, I cannot see Zambia’s history being without his name being mentioned. His footprint is so much larger than a normal personal life. His body is returning to dust as all of ours must, but his good works will always be seen and his spirit will be remembered for as long as our own breath remains in us.
I can tell you that as we fought for my country’s right to liberty it was decided at a point that the only way to get rid of our colonial yoke would be through a military struggle. And accordingly we begun to train our young men and we had already secured assurances of arms. But we found several young white men like Colin who felt about universal liberty the same way we did.
And this made us realise that there was a large white constituency within the United Kingdom which did not agree with the government’s plans and policies. We then saw that we had only to reach out to it and let public opinion sway Her Majesty’s Government favourably towards our request for freedom.
And it came to so happen that our peace in Zambia did not have to pass through the barrel of a gun, but through negotiation and dialogue. What ?we have achieved so far is in no small part due to the bridges built between fairly different worlds and cultures by brave men like Colin who dared to be different.
Colin, I wish as you rest now, waiting for resurrection, that you could know just how grateful I am that you walked this planet and that God saw it t that you also came my way. A brother and a comrade who loved me, and whom I loved.
Rest in God’s bosom till we meet in his eternal kingdom. God bless,?Kenneth
Among those that attended the service were Reverend Dr. Morris’s wife Sandy, Ms. Margaret Hawley and Dr. Kaunda’s former Personal Secretary Gloria Sleep.
Issued by: Abigail Chaponda (Mrs.)
First Secretary | Press and Public Relations
Zambia High Commission in the United Kingdom.
File picture:Give us a bribe…Traffic police officers confront a public service bus driver at Longacres in Lusaka
The Zambia Bribe Payers Index (ZBPI) survey has ranked the Zambia Police Service particularly the traffic department as the most corrupt among public institutions in the country.
According to the report of the survey which is jointly conducted by the Anti Corruption Commission and Transparency International Zambia, between 2014 and 2017, the likelihood of one paying a bribe to the Zambia Police traffic department increased form 50.1 percent in 2014 to 63.9 percent in 2017.
Speaking during the launch of the report in Lusaka,ACC Director General,Kapetwa Phiri says trends in the 2017 ZBPI report show that incidences of bribery have increased in some public institutions and reduced in others.
Mr Phiri says the report findings show an increase in the overall aggregate bribery index from 8.5 percent in 2014 to 10.0 percent in 2017.
He has expressed concern about the increase in the overall aggregate bribery index in the 2017 findings.
The ACC Director General said this calls for more concerted efforts among stakeholders to ensure that opportunities for bribery in both public and private institutions are curtailed.
Speaking at the same event, TIZ Chapter president Reuben Lifuka said corruption has become a beast running out of control thus the urgent need by all stakeholders to take action towards eradicating the scourge.
Officiating at the same launch, Secretary to the Cabinet, Roland Msiska said the release of the Zambia Bribe Payers Index report compliments government efforts and commitment to the fight against corruption.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Patrick Kangwa, Dr Msiska said the increase in the overall aggregate bribery index from 8.8 percent in 2014 to 10 percent in 2017 is a clear indication that a lot still needs to be done to combat corruption and other related vices in public service institutions.
Congolese Rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide has arrived in the country for shows billed for Lusaka and Kitwe.
The Kenyan Airways flight carrying Koffi, real names Antoine Christopher Agbepa Mumba, touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport just after midnight.
He was met by promoter Anthony Chisola Likayi.
He is scheduled to perform at a VVIP show at the Government Complex this Friday and at Kitwe’s Mindolo Dam on Saturday.
Koffi is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo at his office at 10:00 Hours before laying wreaths at Embassy Parrk and thereafter visit Matero Old People’s Home where he will make a donation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Zambia Police Service have cleared Koffi to perform in Zambia.
A 53 Man delegation from Japan will today, July 25 be in Zambia on TWO days business and investment trip.
The delegation which is led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manabu Horii comprises 30 business executives, government and officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) respectively.
The trip is a public and private sector joint mission aimed at promoting trade and investment in Zambia.
The companies represent various sectors including infrastructure, Manufacturing, energy, agriculture, health, financial, technology, tourism and travel.
During the mission, the delegation will hold meetings and networking sessions with government and the local business sector.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Ndiyoi Mutiti has hailed the upcoming business and investment mission.
“There is no doubt that the mission is very important and will contribute positively to Zambia and Japan bilateral relations. I would therefore encourage the business community, and associations to take advantage of the mission in order to create business ventures with Japanese companies,” said Ambassador Mutiti.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been sending such missions to Africa and this year Zambia was among those chosen for this important trade and investment mission.
Harriett Baldwin, Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development
The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, is visiting Zambia today to see how the UK can strengthen its partnership with Zambia by supporting growth and poverty reduction and working towards shared prosperity.
Minister Baldwin will hold meetings with Her Honour the Vice-President, Inonge Wina and the Minsters of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Energy.
During her visit, Minister Baldwin will sign the Energy Africa Compact and announce 406 million Kwacha of new UK development assistance. This funding will support the growth of the sustainable energy sector, giving a boost to local businesses and providing millions of Zambians with reliable, affordable energy.
The Energy Africa Compact is a partnership agreement between the UK and Zambia for the Government, the international community and the private sector to expand the household solar market and deliver increased and sustainable energy access for millions of Zambians.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Minister Baldwin said:
“I am looking forward to my first visit to Zambia, where the UK enjoys so many strong bilateral relationships, whether with Government, communities or businesses.
“It will be a great opportunity to highlight the ways in which we can work together for a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for both our countries.”
Zambian Open University Student Union (ZAOUSU) meeting in Kitwe
The Zambia National Student Unions (ZANASU), an umbrella body for all students unions in Zambia, has called on the Minister of Higher Education, Professor Nkandu Luo, to ensure that her Ministry intensifies inspection of all universities and colleges to ensure competent lecturers are employed and adequate facilities provided for use by our students.
In a statement released to the media in which the students body expressed concerned on the continued impasse in resolving the closure of Lusaka Apex and Cavendish Universities, ZANASU said that it cannot allow institutions of higher learning to employ half-backed lecturers and entrust education of Zambian students into their hands as this has potential to contribute towards grooming of half-backed and less skilled graduates.
Below is the full statement
ZANASU CALLS FOR RESOLUTION OF IMPASSE BETWEEN AUTHORITIES WITH APEX AND CAVENDISH UNIVERSITIES
The Zambia National Student Unions (ZANASU), an umbrella body for all students unions in Zambia, sympathise with students from Lusaka Apex and Cavendish Universities for the inconvenience leading to withdrawal of licenses by the Health Practitioners Council of Zambia and the continued impasse in resolving the issue.
The existing situation is deeply regrettable and calls for timely resolution of the problem so that students are not inconvenienced any further.
We however wish to state that ZANASU cannot allow institutions of higher learning to employ half-backed lecturers and entrust education of Zambian students into their hands. This has potential to contribute towards grooming of half-backed and less skilled graduates.
ZANASU calls on Minister of Higher Education, Professor Nkandu Luo, to ensure her Ministry intensifies inspection of all universities and colleges to ensure competent lecturers are employed and adequate facilities provided for use by our students.
However, where problems arise or are discovered, closing institutions or withdrawing programs must only be an option of last resort. Authorities are encouraged to find ways to ensure adherence or compliance.
ZANASU recognizes that the country is witnessing the mushrooming of many private institutions of higher that have no laboratories and do not offer practical learning or research to its students. The country cannot expect to develop scientists when potential scientists have never seen a test tube or Benson Burner.
We cannot develop good agriculturalists if institutions are not offering hands-on practical and neither can we expect to groom good nutritionists if students of food and nutrition don’t know how a microwave works
As much as most of our private institutions of higher learning institutions are in business, they must put the interest of students first and the education of a nation ahead of the profits by recruiting competent people and providing facilities that enhance learning.
PF Lusaka Mayoral candidate Miles Sampa kept with the party tradition when he shunned a public debate on Tuesday evening ahead of this week’s Mayoral debate.
Organized by a consortium of Civil Society organizations, the debate focused on key challenges that face Lusaka city such as Water and Sanitation, running of Bus Stations and Markets and Recreation, City Planning and Security in Lusaka.
All the other candidates turned up and actively participated in the debate held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and articulated issues.
The debate was broadcast live on privately owned Diamond TV and was moderated by Costa Mwansa.
Mr Sampa failed to turn up and there was no explanation from his campaign team on why he could not feature on the debate.
Through out its party history, the Patriotic Front has never featured in any pre election public debate from the days of its founding leader late Michael Sata.
Some of the candidates that hugely impressed during the debate were the lesser known RPP candidate Wesley Chikuse, veteran UNIP loyalist Rev. Alfred Banda and Mundia Mukubesa who is better known as Petersen.
25 year old Madalitso Musukwa of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia who is the youngest in the race observed that Lusaka is divided into two social classes, those with and those without.
“My manifesto is people driven. It is the right time to inject fresh energy into a new leadership. I’m a 25 year old candidate who doesn’t have kids to send to Russia once elected. I’m urging the youth to vote for young leadership,” Mr Musukwa said.
Mr Musukwa said he will create equal opportunities for all residents in Lusaka by prioritizing job creation across the city.
He said there is also need to increase safety within Lusaka and improve the quality of education through better school Infrastructure.
‘It’s time a young man injects a new type of leadership in Lusaka. I want my elders to rest,” he said.
Saviour Chishimba of the UPP said he will instill discipline and insist on the rule of law once elected Mayor.
“I’m coming with the rule of law. Local govt has to simply implement what central govt agrees on. All revenues meant to be collected by council should be collected only by council itself,” Mr Chishimba said.
Mr Chishimba said the Central Government needs to conform to the Local Governance Act and noted the need to maximize on revenue collection.
He said once elected, he will focus on ending the culture of looting of Looting of public property by taking back all Markets and Bus Stops.
Reverend Alfred Banda of UNIP said there is need to. decongest Lusaka’s roads by building overpass roads and flyovers.,
Reverend Banda said the Lusaka City Council needs innovative revenue generating mechanisms than the existing ones.
He also stated the need to curb rising crime levels in Lusaka.
“Lusaka can be a prototype city. We can make it clean and green again just like during the UNIP days,” he said.
Reverend Banda said there is need for a better drainage system in Lusaka and better street lighting across the city.
NAREP’s Bwalya Nondo said he will prioritize the economic empowerment of women and the youth in Lusaka.
Mr Nondo said there is need to depoliticize the Lusaka City Council which will help enhance revenue collection.
“I need to exorcise the demon that has taken over Lusaka City Council. Time has come for criminals to go where they belong, prison,” Mr Nondo said.
“We want youth and women citizens empowered.”
Mundia Mukubesa of PAC says parties need to understand difference between a party and government.
“We’re giving too much power to one political entity that is whose decisions are not debated. Need for balanced government to fix Lusaka’s problems,” Mr Mukubesa said.
He said once elected Mayor, he will work hard to depoliticize the local council and bring about efficient revenue measures.
Pastor Kangwa Chileshe of UPND says his party manifesto is a development agenda through economic empowerment and efficient service delivery.
He pledged to end a culture of reactive governance to more proactive one once elected Mayor.
Mr Chileshe said there is also need to free the running of Bus Stations and Markets from political elements and introduce efficient leadership at the city council.
Saboi Imboela, the only female candidate in the race observed that voting for a female Mayor will help accelerate development in the city.
Ms Imboela said there is need to improve the state of housing and general infrastructure in Lusaka.
She said as a Mother, she will open Drop in Center for Youths and Children once elected Mayor and improve water and sanitation.
On street vending, Ms. Imboela said it is sad that the PF Government has criticized street vending which she said is a source of livelihood for many poor households in Lusaka.
She said once elected, she will work hard to create new trading spaces to accommodate those wishing to trade.
RPP Wesley Chikuse says he will focus on upgrading shanty compounds and creating employment opportunities for the residents of Lusaka.
He said he will reallocate some residents to pave way for the upgrading of shanty compounds.
Meeting of PF and UPND at the PF Party Headquarters
The Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) have agreed to resolved to depoliticise markets and other trading places to allow everyone to trade freely.
This follows a meeting held at the PF Secretariat by the two political parties in Lusaka yesterday.
In a joint statement, PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza said the two parties have agreed to form a steering committee on ending political violence with leadership from both PF and UPND.
He also said that no party will be allowed to transport cadres to various places where by-elections are held as it proved to be a source of political violence.
Earlier, PF National Youth Chairperson, Stephen Kampyongo said it is good to see the PF and UPND come together and resolve to end the perceived differences.
Mr. Kampyongo who is also Minister of Home Affairs called on the youths from both political parties to STOP engaging in violence.
He said the law will not fail to deal with any offender regardless of the political affiliation.
And, UPND Chairlady for Women Affairs Namakau Kabwiku praised the youth wings for taking a step in ending political violence.
Ms Kabwiku said the violence that the country had experienced has not helped build the country but destroyed the image of the country.
Meeting of PF and UPND at the PF Party HeadquartersMeeting of PF and UPND at the PF Party HeadquartersMeeting of PF and UPND at the PF Party HeadquartersMeeting of PF and UPND at the PF Party Headquarters
Zambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Mr Joseph Chilengi presents letters of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex
TURKEY’S President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for stronger bilateral and trade relations between Turkey and Zambia.
President Erdogan said the trade volume between Zambia and Turkey, which stands at US$22 million as at 2017, does not reflect the potential of the two countries.
President Erdogan said this at the Presidential Palace in Ankara today shortly after receiving letters of credence from Zambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Mr Joseph Chilengi.
“In Zambia you have a population of around 17 million people and here we have 80 million and together this makes a population of 90 million people. Our economic potential and trade volume should be much higher,”he said.
The Turkish leader also said Turkey was actively pursuing the African partnership policy and had opened 41 embassies on the African continent.
“We have a win-win approach and through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), we will continue to support development in Zambia,” President Erdogan said.
He also said he was happy that President Edgar Lungu was in attendance during his inauguration ceremony as the first Turkish President under the new presidential system of Government.
President Erdogan also hoped that his visit to Zambia , which he will soon undertake, would add impetus to the bilateral relations between the two countries.
“This will actually be the first Presidential visit to Zambia that is why it is of historical importance,” President Erdogan said.
And Mr Chilengi said it was Zambia’s desire to take the existing cordial relations between the two countries to a higher level.
Mr Chilengi was happy with the growing interest from Turkish investors to invest in Zambia , especially in the construction industry.
He also said Zambia appreciates Turkey’s technical assistance in various sectors such as tourism, health, agriculture and media .
Mr Chilengi said this has supplemented Government efforts to accelerate development and improve the livelihood of the people.
He also commended President Erdogan for his efforts to fight international terrorism.
Mr Chilengi said Zambia supports Turkey in this cause because of the threat that terrorism poses to world peace.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Mr Joseph Chilengi presents letters of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential ComplexZambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Mr Joseph Chilengi presents letters of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex
Two days after Zambia’s 2019 U20 AFCON qualifying exit, their junior compatriots have also failed defend their COSAFA U17 crown consquentlely ending their quest for 2019 U17 AFCON qualification.
Zambia Under-17 blew away a 1-0 lead against South Africa to lose 2-1 in their final Group B decider at the tournament Mauritius is hosting from July 19 to 29.
South Africa qualify on 7 points but Zambia exit second in Group B on 4 points and have not amassed enough points to stay in contention for the best runners-up slot up for grabs.
Hosts Mauritius stay in that race on 6 points after finishing second in Group A but await the outcome of Wednesday’s Group C clash between 2nd placed Malawi and 3rd placed Swaziland who are tied on 3 points heading into their shadow playoff.
Meanwhile, Zambia took the lead in the 7th minute through Vincent Kalinda but South Africa replied five minutes later through Thando Buthelezi.
The two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 until the last ten mnutes of the match when the appropriately named Boitumelo Radiopane blessed South Africa with the winning goal.
South Africa match on to the semi-finals to face the best runners-up and stay on course in the battle for a record third COSAFA U17 title that will clinch them COSAFA’s sole qualifying place in the 2019 U17 AFCON final.
Zambia’s 2017 COSAFA U17 Cup win was their first one in the competition.
PF Southern Province Spokesman Trymore Mwenda who was acquitted of the case of sexually molesting his biological daughter
Civil rights activists Laura Miti has called for the the review of the court judgement in which Lusaka Magistrate Alice Walusiku acquitted PF Southern Province official Trevor Mwenda of a case of sexually abusing his biological daughter, Jane aged 19.
Ms. Miti said the acquittal of Mr Mwenda on grounds that the complainant’s testimony was self contradictory and could not be relied on since it was not supported by independent evidence does not make sense at all.
She said the entire judgment is flawed and illogical and unreasonable.
When the matter came up for ruling on case to answer on Monday, Magistrate Walusiku acquitted Mwenda saying it was strange that the complainant waited 10 years before deciding to report what her father used to do to her.
This is a matter in which Mwenda, 41, of Avondale in Lusaka has been dragged to court with his wife Racheal Kafula for indecent assault.
It was alleged that Mwenda, whilst acting together with his wife unlawfully and indecently assaulted his daughter Jane Mwenda between January 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018.
In the second count the duo whilst acting together between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013 unlawfully and indecently did assault their daughter.
Mwenda however pleaded not guilty to both charges.
On May 2, 2018, Mwenda’s daughter Jane, currently student at the University of Zambia had narrated before magistrate Walusiku that her father had started abusing her when she was only 12 years old.
She had told the court that her father would ask her to help him masturbate.
Jane had further narrated that her father would ask her step mother to tell Jane to go to their bedroom where he would abuse her.
“He forced himself on me and tried to put his penis in my vagina. He ejaculated near my vagina and told me I can’t get pregnant because I didn’t start my periods. I then went to the bathroom to… ” she had said amidst sobs.
She explained that she had told her biological mother about what she was going through.
Jane had narrated that she didn’t report the matter to the police because her father had threatened her.
She said her father had chased her out of his house after she suspected that he was also sexually abusing her 11-year-old sister.
“When I confronted him, he told me to pack my belongings and go. He said if I wanted I should go to the police or ZNBC because nothing was going to happen,” she said.
The 20 year old had further told the court that each time she asked her father why he kept abusing her, his response was that her mother also went through the same.
And Mwenda’s sister testified that her brother’s wife was aware of the abuse.
She testified that after Jane had narrated to her about what had been happening, she confronted her sister in law to explain why she had allowed her husband to continue sexually molesting the children under her custody.
Mwenda’s sister narrated that her sister in law’s response had been that “she did not know that the issue had continued.”
She disclosed that as she was talking to her sister in law, she was also recording the conversation and that the recording was available.
Mwenda’s sister narrated that when she asked her sister in law if it was some kind of a ritual, Mwenda’s wife responded that ‘Mwenda’s friends had been telling him lies’.
But Ms Miti has called for a review of the entire judgment as it makes no sense.
“A girl says her father sexually abused her systematically from age 9. She lives pained but quietly. Now older, she one evening sees her dad taking her little sister behind the house (like he used to do to her). She freaks out and confronts him. Tells him she won’t let him do to her sister what he did to her. She reports the case and it ends up in court.”
“This week, Magistrate Alice Walusiku acquitted the influential politician saying there was no independent collaboration of the abuse. Someone else should have seen it happen, it seems,” Ms. Miti stated.
“She asks why the girl took so long to report the matter. It’s a long time since I heard such flawed, just about illogical, reasoning underpinning a verdict,” she said l.
Ms. Miti has since called on the state to appeal the case.
“I think this case must be appealed by the state. A girl claiming abuse must not be victimized for when she reports the story. It takes a whole lot of bravery for a child to report her powerful father to the authorities,” she said.
“If she cannot rely on courts to, at least, reach a verdict on a premise that is somewhat reasonable – girls will not report these matters which we know are now endemic. Come on Zambia, what can we do to get this case reviewed?”
File:Peasant farmers load their maize into a truck before transportation to an FRA depot in chief Mulala’s area. Agriculture faces manay challenges in the area and this fuels poverty
The NAKONDE Transporters Association in Muchinga Province has appealed to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to consider paying its transporters in full who were engaged to transport maize grains in 2016 and 2017 crop marketing seasons.
However , efforts to get FRA Board Chairperson Joe Siyachela for comment on the matter were unfruitful time as his mobile phone went unanswered by broadcast time.
The Association has lamented that it is not fair for FRA to pay each transporter a uniform sum K50, 000 across the board despite it owing them more.
ZANIS reports the Association’s Chairperson Kenny Mugala to said disclosed this in an interview today adding that the part payment of K50, 000 across the board was unfair.
“ The part payment of K50, 000 across the board which has been paid to all the affected transporters in the country is not fair considering that the affected transporters are owned more than that, “ said Mr. Mugala.
He further appealed to FRA to consider revising the rates considering that the local transportation rates from satellite to holding depots has remained unchanged for the past five years when the cost of fuel has gone up during the same period.
“ The affected transporters have sacrificed a lot by ensuring that they get to remote places to move grains to safe holding depots, “ he said adding that ,” the agency should consider revising the rates as well as paying what is owed to them in good time.”
He said as the crop marketing season opens in the next few days, the FRA should consider paying transporters in full for the work they did in 2016 and also pay them half for the work done in the 2017 season before engaging them for the 2018 and 2019 exercise.
