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President Hichilema signs Access to Information bill into Law

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President Hichilema signs Access to Information bill into Law

President Hakainde Hichilema has signed the long awaited Access to Information Bill (ATI) into law to the excitement of the media personnel and other stakeholders in the country.

President Hichilema says the signing of ATI into law is a major milestone in the media sector and the country at large as it will promote access to information by the media and other players.

President Hichilema signed the  ATI Bill during the press conference in Lusaka today, making it historical considering the many years that have passed for the piece of legislation to be signed into law.

The historical signing of the ATI will also promote human rights and democracy in the country as people will freely approach government agencies and other institutions to get vital information on any issue.

And Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the signing of the Bill will remove limitations that people face in search of vital information.

He observed that it has taken over two decades for the country to arrive at the stage where the President has signed the much awaited ATI Bill.

Sometime this year the Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa presented the ATI Bill to parliament for consideration and was passed by it before closing business.

Napsa gives K4 million cleaning contract to a foreign company

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Napsa gives K4 million cleaning contract to a foreign company

Zambia’s largest pension fund NAPSA has awarded a K4 million contract for cleaning services to a foreign owned firm that is under investigations by the Anti Corruption Commission for corruption, tax evasion and money laundering.

Tender documents seen confirm that the firm was recently awarded the lucrative contract to clean Napsa owned properties including Levy Mall, Napsa Headquarters including regional offices.

The award of the contract has infuriated the Cleaning Association of Zambia and have since called for its cancellation.

Association President Lawrence Makumbi stated that awarding such a huge contract to a foreign entity abrogates the law that stipulates that the cleaning sector is a preserve of local companies.

Mr Makumbi wondered why Napsa can proceed to do business with an entity which had had its accounts frozen by the ACC for corruption related offenses.

“We know that the ACC has found some very damaging issues at this company and its mind boggling that Napsa has ignored all those and awarded the contract,” he said.

Mr Makumbi believes that awarding such a huge contract to a locally indigenous owned company would have gone a long way in growing the cleaning sector.

“Imagine 4 million given to a local coming, even splitting the order so that more companies participate. That would help grow our industry,” he stated.

Mr Makumbi has since implored President Hakainde Hichilema to take a keen interest at the happenings in some parastatals.

“Our appeal is that the procurement team at Napsa be disbanded, some people there have overstated and they are acting not in the interest of the organisation and are facilitating corruption,” he said.

Mr. Makumbi insisted that local cleaning firms have the capacity to clean all major establishments in the country.

“Who is cleaning these places? It’s the same Zambian men and women. The foreign company owners just come here to get the contracts and they ask our people to clean the places. So Zambians can clean and clean very well.”

International Holdings Resources new owners of Mopani mine

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International Holdings Resources new owners of Mopani mine

 International Holdings Resources (IHR) is the new investor in Mopani Copper Mine and is expected to pump in US$1.1 billion dollars in the mining operation.

 President Hakainde Hichilema announced the completion of the Mopani Copper mine transaction during a press conference at Mulungushi International Conference centre in Lusaka.

The Head of State disclosed that the investment will be split between equity and debt.

President Hichilema explained that about US$400 million dollars will be provided as a shareholder loan to Mopani Copper Mine as part of the consideration to settle the original Glencore debt of US$1.5 billion dollars.

The president said that this is the first time that a transaction has been able to agree a new equity capital with a share factor of 51 percent stake in Mopani copper mines and 49 percent to the government through ZCCM-IH.

President Hichilema stated that there was need to amend the wrong transactions

, and pointed out that in the near future, transactions should not take longer because it costs money and time.

President Hichilema reiterated the government’s commitment to serving the interests of citizens to the best of the State’s ability, stressing the need for private sector skills to be engaged in future mining transaction negotiations.

And President Hichilema said that the government will continue driving the necessary changes in the mining sector in an effort to achieve the three million tonnes production target.

Mr Hichilema thanked the committee of ministers and other stakeholders for the successful conclusion of the Mopani transaction.

Nitrogen Chemicals to build US$ 6 million blended fertilizer plant

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Nitrogen Chemicals to build US$ 6 million blended fertilizer plant

Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) will next year embark on the construction of a fertiliser blending plant at an estimated cost of US$6 million.

 Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kafue district, NCZ Technical Manager, Simon Mwape said the project is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024.

 Mr Mwape said the plant is expected to produce about 400 metric tons of blended fertiliser per day.

“The proposed project will be developed on approximately 0.5 hectares of land. It is expected to have a production capacity of 400 metric tons of blended fertilizer per day,” said Mr. Mwape

Mr. Mwape said the construction of the plant has been necessitated by the high demand for blended fertiliser in the country following an increase in the population and agricultural activities.

“The increase in population and farming activities in Zambia has led to a high demand for fertilizer hence we need to increase production and meet the demand for the current market,” said Mr. Mwape.

He added that the project seeks to alleviate the existing fertiliser shortages in Zambia and to create a new local blended fertiliser capable of meeting the market demands.

Mr. Mwape said that the blended fertiliser will be tailor-made to meet the needs of individual customers.

“The blended fertiliser will be tailor-made, and soil assessment will be done to determine the exact fertilizer needed for the customer,” said Mr. Mwape.

 Mr. Mwape stated that the project will also create employment opportunities for local people and respond to the Government’s call for investment which will complement the commercial growth currently taking place in the agriculture sector and the district.

He added that the company will not neglect the old fertiliser production plant but an investment of K4 million will be made to boost its production level from 35 metric tonnes to 65 metric tons of ordinary fertilizer.

Meanwhile, Kafue District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe is happy with the fertiliser-blending plant venture.

 He said the project will create employment opportunities for the local people and enhance the economy of the district.

Mr. Hikapulwe said the fertiliser blending plant will produce tailor-made fertilizer according to the needs of individual customers.

“We are happy with the project because clients will be able to get the right fertilizer for their crops,” said Mr. Hikapulwe.

Nkana FC Executive Committee Dissolved

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Mopani Copper Mines has dissolved the Nkana Football Club Executive Committee which was led by Chikusi Banda.

Mopani has appointed an interim executive committee to be led by Joseph Silwamba, the immediate past Nkana President.

Other members of the interim executive committee include Joseph Khunga, David Phiri, Mulenga Chisunka, Lillian Musenge and Prince Sinkala.

“Mopani Copper Mines PLC has announced the dissolution of the current Nkana Executive Committee headed by Mopani Tax Manager Chikusi Banda with immediate effect,” the statement from Nkana read.

Struggling Nkana are currently second from the bottom of the FAZ Super Division table with 13 points in 16 matches and have lost nine games.

Zambias Access to Information Bill: Navigating the Path to Transparency Amidst Potential Challenges

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Zambias Access to Information Bill: Navigating the Path to Transparency Amidst Potential Challenges

Zambia’s recent passage of the Access to Information (ATI) bill stands as a significant leap towards fostering transparency and accountability within governance. Yet, beneath this positive stride, critical concerns emerge that warrant immediate attention. Foremost among these is the assignment of oversight to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) for the ATIs execution. However, the HRC faces inherent challenges,notably resource constraints, which could impede its effective enforcement of this pivotal role.

Insufficient funding and staffing shortages might compromise the commission's capacity to robustly implement the ATI,posing a concern for its efficacy.

The language within Section 23(2)(a) of the bill, specifically addressing third-party consent, raises alarm about inadvertent consent instances, where individuals might unknowingly grant consent, such as when signing contracts without a comprehensive understanding of implications. To fortify this, a rephrasing emphasizing informed consent becomes imperative to ensure individuals fully comprehend the consequences of their actions.
Crucially, harmonizing the ATI bill with the Data Protection Act assumes paramount significance. This synchronization acts as a shield against potential misuse of personal information obtained through the ATI process. Ensuring coherence between these laws is essential to avoid contradictions and safeguard citizens privacy rights effectively. Granting prosecutorial powers to the HRC emerges as an indispensable step for the ATIs effective enforcement. Presently lacking these powers, empowering the HRC to prosecute would significantly enhance its ability to ensure compliance and address violations, thereby strengthening the bills implementation.

I hold a view that as compared to using the same model with south Africa, we would have given the oversight institution role to parliament and allow parliament to be an oversight institution for the implementation of the Act, this is through an assigned parliamentary officer.

Furthermore, an independent officer could be appointed by the legislature or parliament. The role of the officer would be to run an open desk to investigate complaints from individuals, against government agencies or public institutions. They must be empowered with their team to have powers to receive complaints, mediate disputes, ensure compliance with the law, work with the judiciary to facilitate for prosecution and educate the public about their rights regarding access to information. Instituting a comprehensive review and rigorous enforcement strategy for the bill is imperative, drawing from past challenges during political transitions. Addressing ambiguities and potential loopholes becomes a proactive measure to prevent selective enforcement or misuse of the Act.

The officer and the team at parliament must run an open-door policy of involving civil society organizations,legal bodies, and educational institutions, to allow them to amplify the bill's actualization through submissions for improvement. Also, facilitate for easy phone access to the public for submissions on challenges and guidance on the individual rights to information.

The UPND government commitment to enacting the bill into law is commendable. However, it is imperative to engage in deliberations and revisions to address concerns before enactment. This meticulous approach fortifies the laws efficacy, ensuring it actively serves its core purpose of promoting transparency and accountability in Zambias governance landscape.

Misheck Kakonde is a legal scholar and comparative politics specialist (MA). Email: [email protected]

India bans Cough mixture for children under 4 after deaths

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India bans Cough mixture for children under 4 after deaths

In response to global concerns and reported child deaths linked to Indian-made cough syrups, India’s top drug controller has banned an anti-cold drug combination for use in children below the age of four. The ban follows a spate of child deaths in The Gambia and Uzbekistan, which were associated with Indian-made cough syrups in the previous year.

The banned combination includes – chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrin – and was approved in 2015 for use in cough syrups and tablets to treat symptoms of the common cold. At least 12 children in India reportedly died between 2019 and 2020 after consuming a similar medication, leading to increased scrutiny.

Manufacturers of the drugs have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their products are safe for use. The order, made public on Wednesday, mandates drugmakers selling the combination to label their products with a warning against use in children below the age of four.

Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global warning about four India-made cough syrups allegedly linked to the deaths of 66 children in The Gambia. Lab analysis confirmed the presence of “unacceptable amounts” of diethylene glycol and another toxic alcohol called ethylene glycol in the samples.

Similar deaths were reported in Uzbekistan, where 18 children died till 2022 allegedly after consuming an Indian-manufactured cough syrup. In India’s Jammu region, at least 12 children between the ages of two months and six years died in 2019 after drinking an allegedly toxic cough syrup.

Indian regulators have maintained that the deaths reported in the country were isolated instances. While they claim that the four cough syrups linked to child deaths in The Gambia complied with specifications when tested at home, the WHO has contested this. The manufacturing license of the firm whose products allegedly led to fatalities in Uzbekistan was canceled.

Zambia Police Reintroduces Security Checkpoints Nationwide

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Zambia Police Reintroduces Security Checkpoints Nationwide

In response to the escalating challenges posed by criminal activities and to enhance public safety, the Zambia Police Service has announced the reintroduction of security checkpoints at strategic locations across the country. The decision is a proactive measure to address the rising concerns related to criminal incidents and ensure the well-being of citizens.

The security checkpoints will be strategically placed in various provinces, with the primary focus on deterring criminal activities, enhancing community safety, and creating a secure environment for residents and visitors. The Zambia Police Service emphasizes that the checkpoints will be manned by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department and uniformed officers. Additionally, traffic officers will conduct motorized and foot patrols on the roads to enforce compliance among motorists, rather than remaining stationary at the security checkpoints.

Key Objectives of the Security Checkpoints:

Crime Deterrence: The reintroduction of security checkpoints is part of a comprehensive strategy to deter criminal elements from engaging in unlawful activities. Visible law enforcement presence is a powerful tool in discouraging criminal behavior.

Community Safety: The Zambia Police Service is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all members of the community. The checkpoints will serve as a means to actively engage with the public, gather information, and address any concerns that residents may have.

Emergency Response Enhancement: The strategic placement of checkpoints will facilitate rapid response to emergencies, ensuring that law enforcement can swiftly attend to incidents, minimizing potential harm and damage.

Collaborative Approach: The Zambia Police Service encourages collaboration with the community to foster a sense of shared responsibility in maintaining public safety. By working together, law enforcement and the public can effectively address and prevent criminal activities.

Inspector General of Police, Mr. Graphel Musamba, stated, “The reintroduction of security checkpoints is a proactive measure aimed at addressing the challenges posed by criminal activities in our country. We are committed to working closely with the community to ensure a safer living environment for everyone.”

The Zambia Police Service reassures the public that these security measures are implemented with the utmost consideration for human rights and will be conducted professionally and respectfully. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers at these security checkpoints and report any suspicious activities promptly. The success of these security measures relies on the collaboration between the police and the community.

Chikotesha is Zambia’s Ref at 2023 AFCON

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Lusaka based FIFA referee Diana Chikotesha has been selected to officiate at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The AFCON will kick off on 13 January, 2024.

Accordinh to FAZ Media, Chikotesha is among two female referees that have been named alongside 28 assistant referees for the Africa Cup.

Carine Atezambong of Cameroon is the other female assistant referee.

“The Lusaka-based referee (Chikotesha) has risen through the ranks and recently officiated at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the CAF Women’s Champions League in Côte d’Ivoire,” FAZ media wrote.

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo returns to the AFCON for the first time since 2015.

President Hakainde Hichilema Vows to Safeguard National Boundaries Amid Border Concerns

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President Hakainde Hichilema Vows to Safeguard National Boundaries Amid Border Concerns

In response to growing concerns over international boundaries, particularly between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to protect the country’s borders. President Hichilema emphasized the importance of revisiting the issue of international boundaries, addressing the specific concerns raised by residents in Luapula Province.

The President expressed his commitment to reviewing the matter after the upcoming General Election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This assurance came during a meeting with Senior Chief Puta of Chienge district at the Community House in Lusaka.

Senior Chief Puta highlighted the evolving nature of the demarcation between Zambia and the DRC, noting that the beacons marking the boundary have been displaced towards the Zambian side. Concerned about this development, Chief Puta appealed to President Hichilema to engage with his Congolese counterpart to discuss and address the border-related issues post the DRC’s elections.

In acknowledging the concerns brought forth by Chief Puta, President Hichilema reiterated his commitment to safeguarding Zambia’s territorial integrity. He assured the traditional leader and the people of Luapula Province that the matter would be given due attention and addressed through diplomatic channels.

In a separate note, Senior Chief Puta expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for the recent pardon extended to former Finance Minister Katele Kalumba. The Traditional Leader appreciated the President’s decision to grant clemency to Kalumba, demonstrating a spirit of reconciliation and unity.

Angola Announces Withdrawal from OPEC Amid Output Quota Dispute

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Angola Announces Withdrawal from OPEC Amid Output Quota Dispute

Angola has declared its departure from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) following a dispute over output quotas. The decision comes after OPEC and allied nations agreed to further reduce oil production in 2024 to stabilize global prices. Angola, a key oil exporter in sub-Saharan Africa, currently produces approximately 1.1 million barrels per day, contributing to OPEC’s total of 30 million barrels.

The announcement led to a drop in oil prices, with Brent prices falling over $1 to $78.5 a barrel. Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Diamantino Azevedo, stated that the country sees no benefit in remaining in OPEC, emphasizing its commitment to avoiding production cuts and respecting contracts.

Azevedo highlighted that the decision was made in defense of Angola’s interests, as remaining in OPEC would require mandatory production cuts. Both Angola and Nigeria, the largest oil exporters in sub-Saharan Africa, have expressed discontent with production cuts at a time when increasing foreign currency earnings is crucial.

Angola’s departure from OPEC, after 16 years of membership, adds to a list of countries, including Ecuador, Indonesia, and Qatar, that have exited the organization. The move raised concerns about OPEC’s unity and its broader coalition, OPEC+, which includes Russia and other allies.

As OPEC+ implemented new oil-output cuts in January, international oil prices fell by as much as 2.4%. Analysts suggest that Angola’s exit poses questions about the cohesion of OPEC and OPEC+.

Angola’s decision stems from a protest regarding OPEC+’s reduction of its output quota for 2024, leading to delays in the November policy meeting. The departure reduces OPEC’s share of the world oil market, standing at 27 million barrels per day, or 27% of the 102 million bpd global market.

Despite concerns about the impact on OPEC’s unity, analysts believe that other countries may not follow Angola’s path. Nigeria, another African OPEC member, has faced challenges meeting its quota and received a higher OPEC+ target for 2024 at the November meeting.

As Angola leaves OPEC, questions about the organization’s market share and effectiveness in managing global oil prices emerge. The move reflects the challenges faced by oil-producing nations amid evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.

Zambia Netball Plots To Join Global Top 10

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Zambia is seeking to be among the best ten nations in world netball.

Zambia is currently ranked 15th in world netball.

Netball Zambia President Martha Sichone said after winning the Africa Cup this month Zambia is expecting to move closer to the top ten of the world netball rankings.

Sichone said Zambia wants to reach great heights in netball just like South Africa, Uganda and Malawi.

She called for support to the game.

“This is the time individuals and companies should come on board to support netball in a big way so that we can go to high levels,” Sichone said.

Don’t Blame Government On Kwacha Fall – Former BOZ Governor Christopher Mvunga

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Don’t Blame Government On Kwacha Fall – Former BOZ Governor Christopher Mvunga

Christopher Mvunga, the former Governor of the Bank of Zambia (BOZ), has asserted that blaming the government for the depreciation of the Kwacha is unjustified. Mr. Mvunga encourages Zambians to consider the broader global challenges impacting economies rather than isolating the Kwacha’s depreciation.

In an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Mr. Mvunga emphasized the need to contextualize the depreciation of the Kwacha within the framework of various global challenges that have affected economies worldwide, including Zambia.

The former BOZ Governor highlighted that the past two years have posed significant challenges to economies globally, with Zambia being no exception. He specifically pointed to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the effects of Climate Change as contributing factors to the economic challenges faced by nations, including Zambia.

Mr. Mvunga urged Zambians to consider the interconnectedness of global events and their cascading effects on economic indicators. The complexities of the international economic landscape, exacerbated by events such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have created an environment in which currencies, including the Kwacha, experience fluctuations.

While acknowledging the concerns surrounding the Kwacha’s performance, Mr. Mvunga stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive perspective when evaluating economic conditions. He noted that external factors beyond the control of any single government significantly influence currency values and economic stability.

The former BOZ Governor’s comments aim to foster a better understanding of the challenges faced by Zambia and other nations, reinforcing the idea that economic fluctuations are often beyond the direct control of any individual government. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, Mr. Mvunga encourages a nuanced and informed discussion surrounding economic issues for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors at play.

Police Fight battles with ECL-PF Faction in Mpika

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Police Fight battles with ECL-PF Faction in Mpika

Police fought running battles with supporters for the Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front faction who staged a protest after nominations for a by-election were done.

The situation became tense soon after the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ ) officials announced that Aaron Kabanda the aspiring candidate sponsored by the Edgar Lungu-led PF was not among the five candidates who had successfully filed their nominations for the Kapamba Ward by-election.

The irate cadres took matters into their own hands and consequently blocked the road with culverts while they stoned vehicles carrying ECZ officials.

However, the situation was contained by alert police officers who firmly responded by firing tear gas to overcome the unruly cadres clad in PF regalia.

Meanwhile, the ECZ received nine nomination papers from eight political parties and one independent candidate ahead of the Kapamba Ward by-elections.

The eight political parties that filed in their nominations included, the United Party for National Development (UPND), Socialist Party (SP), Patriotic Front (PF), Zambia Republican Party (ZRP), Citizens First (CF), National Congress Party (NCP), United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) and an Independent candidate.

Later, the Commission rejected nominations for three candidates from PF, CF and ZRP for failing to meet the set requirements for the nominations, the decision that triggered a near-protest among the Edgar Lungu PF camp.

It has also emerged that Miles Sampa-led Patriotic Front camp aspiring candidate Arnold Chibesa failed to file in his nomination because he could not reach the nomination centre following the fiasco at the venue by the other PF camp.

Officially, five political parties will contest Kapamba Ward seat, who are John Chali for ruling UPND, Patrick Sichula for the National Congress Party ( NCP) , Ephraim Mulenga for the Socialist Party ( SP) and Clayton Mulenga for the UPPZ.

Bemba Royal Establishment Disapproves Unlawful Use of Chitimukulu’s Image in Political Messaging

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Bemba Royal Establishment Disapproves Unlawful Use of Chitimukulu’s Image in Political Messaging

The Bemba Royal Establishment (BRE) has strongly condemned the unauthorized use of the image of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu in a political message, expressing dismay at what it considers a disrespectful and malicious act.

In response to an article from the Kola Foundation, published online, the BRE expressed its concern over the appropriation of the image of Mwine-lubemba, Chitimukulu Kanyanta-Manga the second, in a political context. The foundation had called for a meeting of all descendants of Kola to discuss strategies for protecting their purportedly threatened existence in Zambia.

The BRE clarified that neither the author of the article nor the Kola Foundation had the authority to use the image of Mwine-lubemba in their message. The establishment highlighted that the message, issued by Mr. Patrick Bwalya Mukuka, an agent of the Kola Foundation, included a photograph of Mwine-lubemba Chitimukulu Kanyanta-Manga the second, creating a false impression that the Chitimukulu endorsed the message, which was not the case.

In a statement released to ZANIS in Kasama today, Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena Secretary, Richard Mukuka, stated that such actions are not only in bad taste but also a deliberate attack on the nobility and honor of the Bemba Royal Establishment.

The BRE affirmed the constitutional right of the Bemba-speaking people to engage in political activism and identify themselves as Bemba, but strongly emphasized the need to refrain from involving traditional leaders in political calls.

“The constitution of Zambia (see 2016, Part 12, Articles 165–172), which we ourselves have fashioned, does not allow us to recruit our kings and queens in our political activism,” the statement read.

The establishment urged Bemba individuals and all Zambians to exercise prudence, good judgment, and care when exercising their constitutional rights, emphasizing the importance of respecting the cultural and traditional significance of the royal establishment.

As the custodians of Bemba culture and tradition, the BRE emphasized its commitment to upholding the dignity and respect associated with the Bemba monarchy, urging all citizens to contribute to maintaining the cultural integrity of Zambia.

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