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MUCHINGA Minister Malozo Sichone has dispelled social media reports circulating to the effect that all District Commissioners in Muchinga Province have had their contracts terminated.
In an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali today, Mr. Sichone said the social media reports circulating suggesting that President Edgar Lungu has fired all District Commissioners in Muchinga are untrue and misleading.
“ No DC in the province has been fired as all the DCs in the area have their contracts running up to the end of September this year, “ he said.
Mr. Sichone has since appealed to all the DCs in Muchinga to ignore the reports and operate normally adding that the fake news is being peddled by some enemies of the Government saying people should desist from abusing social media.
The Provincial Minister said President Lungu will make changes if he wishes at an appropriate time and that the public will be informed through normal channels.
Social media reports have been circulating in the past days suggesting that President Lungu has made changes with regards to District Commissioners and that all the DCs in Muchinga Province have been replaced with immediate effect.
There are a list names of purportedly new DCs who includes PF party youth chairmen and other party officials who have been deployed to districts including the newly created districts of Lavushimanda and Kanchibiya districts, respectively.
President LunguPresident Edgar Lungu has said that government will continue creating more districts to accelerate development across the country depending on the availability of resources.
The President said that he has decided to give Eastern province five districts because people in some parts of the province were not benefiting from government programs.
Speaking when he addressed a rally in the newly created district of Lusangazi, President Lungu thanked the people of Eastern province for appreciating what government is doing for them
He assured the people in the area that all the newly created districts will have schools, district hospitals and other support facilities.
The President is in the district to drum up support for PF Council chairperson candidate William Banda for the upcoming local government by-election.
Speaking at the same occasion, Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu said the declaration of five districts has improved service delivery to the people.
Earlier Msanzala MP Peter Daka said the construction of roads, erection of communication towers and provision of electricity in the area is a sign that President Lungu is willing to improve peoples’ lives.
President Lungu who arrived this morning in the district is on a three day visit to Eastern Province during which he is expected to hold public meetings, meet chiefs and check on development projects.
Meanwhile President Lungu has declared Thursday July 26th a public holiday. The Head of state said that the move has been taken to enable more people to turn up in numbers and vote.
President Lungu said that the declaring is in line with the powers vested in him.
The Centre for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA) Communications Director Gerald Chiluba has accused old politicians of masquerading as young people for the sole purpose of taking away the appointments intended for youths both in government and political parties.
And CYLA Programs Director Robinson Chipili says the organisation which comprises of youths from all political parties has embarked on a project to find ways of using the legislative process to integrate youths in the governance structures of the country.
Speaking when the duo featured on ZNBC’s radio 2 Breakfast programme Chiluba who is also MMD Diehard National Youth Coordinator said it is high time that true youths reclaimed their positions from the old politicians who are masquerading as youths for the purpose of being appointed.
He noted that youths have not gotten what is due to them because old people are claiming to be youths when in fact they are not.
“Not all old people are wise just like young people not all young people are irresponsible. You will see that they are people who have been masquerading today in Zambia as youths in the name of wanting to be appointed. They masquerade as young people but when there is violence the same so called young people will be condemning and even threatening to deal with the real young people, so we want to put an end to this misrepresentation of young people because If you are 36 and above then you cease to a youth according to the definition of a youth in Zambia” he said.
Chiluba further said that young people in the country have been reduced to cry babies because they don’t have anybody to represent their interest and inspirations.
“Young people have been reduced to activism in political parties. Young people do not sit on the table so that they can be part and percel of decisions. Young people are not involved in making policy decisions at party level and when you talk of governance in nature currently as we are talking we have about 4.8 million of the population between the age of 15-35 are youths and when you go to parliament how many young people are MPs we only have 3. If we talk of Cabinet do we have representation of young people? There is non. If we talk of the MPs we have 8 which are nominated by the President there is no young person who was nominated and so we have a population of 4.8 which is not represented anywhere in the top governance structure of this country.
“How then do you expect to deal with the challenges of young people when you don’t have individuals coming from that population. That is why young people today have been reduced to being cry babies. We are crying of unemployment, we are crying of all sorts of things because there is no representation somewhere,” he said.
And Chipili who is one of the PF youths at the centre of the Mukula controversy said the centre has embarked on a project on how the laws of the land can be used to enhence youth participation in the governance of the country by using electoral reforms.
“As CYLA we have embarked on a research project were we are going to review the electoral act and all electoral documents which are in place. The reason why we have embarked on this project is that we want to take the legislative way of lobbying for youth participation in governance.
The new trend of money in politics makes it very difficult for young people to mobilise resources and subsequently participate in the electoral process as candidates, so what we are going to do from now going forward is that we are going to be taking a research and our key respondents are youths between the ages of 15 and 35. We will also use the media to senstise and collect data.
The theme for this project is enhancing Zambian youth participation in governance through electoral reforms.”
Peasant farmers load their maize into a truck before transportation to an FRA depot in chief Mulala’s area. Agriculture faces many challenges in the area and this fuels poverty.
The Food Reserve Agency -FRA- will buy a 50 kilogram bag of maize at 65 Kwacha for the 2018 crop marketing season, a five kwacha increase from last year.
FRA Board Chairman Joe Simachela says the price has been arrived at after a wide consultation with stakeholders among them Zambia National Farmers Union and Millers Association of Zambia among others.
Addressing the media in Lusaka today, Mr. Simachela said the agency will only buy about 5-hundred thousand metric tons of white maize as part of strategic food reserves and advised millers to go in the market and buy maize because the agency will not supply them.
He said the agency has set the crop marketing season to begin on or before August 1st which is expected to see the moisture content drop to 12.5 percent from 13.82 percent as at July 12th.
Mr. Simachela says the agency already has 3-hundred thousand metric tons remaining from last year’s reserves in its storage shades.
He said government is committed to releasing funds on time to pay farmers within two weeks of supplying maize to FRA depots for the exercise expected to cost slightly over 1 billion kwacha.
The FRA Board Chairman had also revealed that the agency will this year only buy maize, Soya beans and paddy rice because of budgetary constraints.
And FRA Chief Executive Officer Chola Kafwabulula says the agency will face some tough time buying maize considering high prices that are being offered in neighbouring countries coupled with a drop in maize production from over 3 million metric tonnes last year to the anticipated 2 point 3 million metric tonnes for the 2017-2018 crop forecast survey.
And National Union of Small Scale Farmers of Zambia Director General Frank Kayula says his association expected the price to be 80 kwacha for a 50 kilogram bag of maize instead of 65 Kwacha.
He says the FRA price is low considering various changes in the economy.
Dr. Kayula says he expects most farmers to look for alternative markets instead of the FRA and may abandon maize for other crops going forward.
And Millers Association of Zambia President Andrew Chintala says his association was part of the consultations and have already moved into the market.
Mr. Chintala says the moisture content in most provinces has already dropped to 12.5 percent.
He says millers annually buy over 1 point 8 million metric tonnes of maize for human and animal consumption.
Self confessed food addict, Katendi Nkanza is a chef who has had a passion for cooking 30 years.
“My business tag line is, “Exploring the world one dish at a time”. I find peace when I cook, It’s a form of divine therapy. If you asked me to create a safe zone, it would be the kitchen. I believe kitchens are spiritual havens. where we can all assemble in unified purpose. Stripped of worry and the struggles of the day, to engage life in a ballet of senses, as we satiate our basic human need for sustenance. Opening people to this awakening experience through the wonders of international flavours, is how “Kate in Your Kitchen “ was birthed.”
Mixed fruit salad with greek yoghurt and chia seeds
KAPA KAUMBA: Tell us about yourself
KATENDI: My name is Katendi, and I’m the 32-year-old second child of a food-loving family of five girls. I was born into the right family, of this I’m certain, because food makes my family and I happy. It’s one of the primary reasons I elected to pursue a degree at KDU & IMI University of Switzerland (Malaysia) in International Hospitality and European Culinary Management. To call me a ‘food addict’ would be an understatement. My passion for helping people experience global flavors has driven me for 30 years. I thrive on seeing peoples expressions of joy, as they taste my food, hence the business tagline, “Exploring the world one dish at a time.”
KAPA KAUMBA: what made you want to become a professional chef as opposed to a more traditional career such as a lawyer or doctor?
KATENDI: I can answer this with a story. After high school, I decided I was going to pursue Information Technology work, like my dad. Somewhere along this road I switched trajectory electing what I believed would be easier, Business, with a major in Marketing. I got to college, only to realize how boring the subject was to me. I was too afraid to tell my parents that I had changed my mind yet again. And it was while I was mulling how to break the news again, that I found myself one night praying desperately for courage, I heard a voice say one word, “Culinary!”
I realized then, that this was what I was destined for. I love to cook food as much as I love to eat it. As Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Katendi with international chef, television presenter, restaurateur Bobby Chinn(left)
KAPA KAUMBA: Has your family always been in support of your decision?
KATENDI: They have all been very supportive of my decision. They are my biggest fans, especially my nephew Mutale. It is because of my family that I do what I do exceptionally. I realized late in life that they played a very instrumental role, leading me to where I am today. My parents are amazing cooks (huge shout out to Alfred and Priscilla). They are responsible for my love for food. My earliest food-love memory is when I was 4 or 5. It was mid-morning and my dad was eating nshima, wusi and dry fish. Usually kids have porridge for breakfast, but I was like, “No thank you, what daddy’s eating smells, and looks way better than porridge.” To this day, I still can’t stand porridge.
KAPA KAUMBA: What do you think is the biggest misconception of professional chefs?
KATENDI: I can name a few. That we are walking, talking, and breathing cookbooks. People just assume I have a thousand and one recipes stored in the back of my head. Another one is that chefs are experts on all food because of years of study. Sometimes I get questions about food, and people get surprised by what I don’t know. That’s the beauty about this field, the learning, exploring and discovery of new flavors, ingredients, and combinations never ends.
Another misconception is specialty. I am often asked what my specialty is, and my answer is, “I don’t have one.” Being the adventurous person, I am, being straightjacketed into one specialty my whole career would be terribly boring. Switching it up now and again appeals most to me and I feel, best fosters my culinary growth.
KAPA KAUMBA: What is your favorite food to eat and favorite to cook and why?
KATENDI: This is a tough one because when I say I love food, I really love food. I do not discriminate. I particularly love Italian and Asian food. I lived in Malaysia for 8 years, and seriously, that place is a food haven. Being a foodie, I fell deeply in love with many dishes from different regions. For example, the Bak Kut Teh from Klang, the Char Kuay Teow from Penang, the Sio Bak with Dayak Kicap from Sarawak, are amongst my favourites. So I made it a point to learn how to cook several of these special dishes which are now part of my repertoire.
I also reckon I was Italian in my past life. That’s the closest explanation I can give, as I love to eat and cook Italian food. Anything with pasta, herbs, garlic olive oil, takes me straight to heaven. My absolute favorite is Aglio e olio and I love to do different variations of it.
KAPA KAUMBA: How important is it to have a good education before becoming a chef?
KATENDI: Having a good education is important, but not all you learn will be from school. However, besides learning basic things like technique, different cuisines, food production, costing etc., it gives you an opportunity to be exposed to different people, cultures and experiences. It a cultural awakening of sorts as you learn about people, ingredients, purpose, and perspectives through food, It basically opens you up to a whole new world.
KAPA KAUMBA: Give an example of a menu you would prepare for this particular season in Zambia.
KATENDI: Seeing as we have “June” in July, I would go for something warm and hearty.
I would prepare a creamy butternut soup with croutons for starters. Roast beef served with rosemary garlic potatoes, and French beans sautéed with garlic in butter for the main course, and a bread pudding with a crème anglaise accompanied with tea, coffee or hot chocolate for dessert.
KAPA KAUMBA: What have been your best and worst moments in your career?
KATENDI: Well my career is only just beginning. I wouldn’t necessarily say worst moments, rather what I’ve found to be a tad bit challenging is getting entrepreneurship off the ground. Everyone must start somewhere, and as I embark on this journey, one of the best parts, is having the opportunity to pursue my dreams and passions. The overwhelming response and words of encouragement from those around me, and those I have encountered over the past few weeks, have been nothing short of incredible. I am truly honored and grateful. The best is yet to come, and I wait with eager anticipation.
KAPA KAUMBA: What three things do you consider to be your strengths.
KATENDI: I would say my love for people, and my drive to see people happy. It is why I put my heart and soul into cooking. I would also say that my curiosity when it comes to flavors is one of my biggest strengths. It leads to the discovery of new exciting flavor combinations.
KAPA KAUMBA: what advice would you give someone who wants to begin a career in culinary arts.
KATENDI: My advice would be, “Don’t hold back.” Be adventurous, try new things, travel, meet new people, and you need to be a people-person. I think this is the only way you can make amazing food that will touch peoples’ souls.
KAPA KAUMBA: Any last words?
KATENDI: First, I would like to thank God for this gift. I am nothing without Him. I would also like to thank Lusaka Times for this awesome opportunity. I am super-psyched. I was like, “Oh my God, they want to interview little old me?”
I’m sorry but I’ve always wanted to do this, “I want to give a shout out to my mom.” I didn’t learn everything in college. She was my first teacher and to be honest, I really hated it when I was younger. It was such a chore, however as I grew older, I started to realize how much I loved it and how good I was at it. She is the best cook I know, besides me of course.
I also want to shout out my manager Molly Mutale. You are the real MVP. My sisters and friends. Uncle Soneka, thank you.
To everyone that took the time out to get to know a little bit more about me, I thank you, your time is much appreciated.
Please follow me on Instagram & Facebook: kateinyourkitchen. Look out for upcoming events. We have a few things lined up. Please stay tuned.
Love and Light
Sample of some of the dishes prepared by Katendi:
Spaghetti aglio e olio with ikan bilis (anchovies)Chopped salad with garlic croutons and Nandos lemon and herb grilled chickenSunflower and poppy seed garlic toast with romaine lettuce,Japanese cucumbers, tomato , chopped olives,basil and crumbled feta cheese topped with prosciutto and a drizzle of olive oil.Salted egg fried sotong (squid)Chocolate cake with salted caramel
A Kilombero Rice Seed field supported by Steward Globe Limited (AFRISEED) at Namushakende Farming Institute in Mongu.
The Mkushi Famers Association has called for wide consultation on the draft land policy.
Association Acting President Bruce Skinner says the issue of the draft land policy has created a lot of uncertainty among commercial farmers in Mkushi.
Mr. Skinner said there is need for sensitisation on what the draft land policy is all about to avoid panic among the commercial farmers in Mkushi farming block.
He said the commercial farmers in Mkushi farming block also have a number of concerns over the current Water Resources Management Authority-WARMA statutory instrument on management of ground water.
Mr. Skinner was speaking during the Mkushi Expo organising committee breakfast meeting held at Country club yesterday.
And Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe assured the farmers of Government’s support.
Mr. Kabwe said the government is ready to listen to the farmers association’s concerns and see how best they can be addressed.
He added that a meeting will be organized between the Mkushi farmers association and the relevant government ministries in Lusaka to chat the way forward.
Mr. Kabwe has assured the farmers in the Mkushi farming block that their investment is safe as Zambia is still the best investment destination in Africa because of its political stability.
Mr. Kabwe added that the commercial farmers should not worry with the land policy which he says is aimed at improving land management in the country.
He had since challenged the Mkushi farmers association to take keen interest and read the draft land policy.
A former United Party for National Development (UPND) councilor in Mushindamo district Godfrey Safali, affirmed the difficulties opposition councilors experience in delivering development to their wards in opposition dominated councils.
Mr Safali said, during his reign as a ward representative, he presented all the people’s concerns to the council but nothing fruitful materialized because the council in the district is full opposition sympathizers.Mr Safali said as a result he was prompted to resign from the opposition and join the ruling Patriotic Front party in order to ensure that people’s concerns in the ward are addressed.
He said this at Kang’wena primary school yesterday during a public rally addressed by Vice-President Inonge Wina to drum up support for PF candidate Steven Kasono in the July 26 Kang’wena ward by-elections.Earlier, on arrival at Solwezi airport, Ms Wina received over 100 defectors from the UPND and MMD in Mufumbwe and Solwezi districts.
Mrs Wina appealed to old members to embrace those joining the party in order for it to continue growing and maintaining its national character.
Speaking on behalf of other 30 MMD defectors, former Kamalamba ward councilor Pastor Luckson Mulumbi said they decided to join the PF because they want to support the party in power achieve its developmental vision for the province.
And Former UPND Mufumbwe district secretary Crispin Lupembe said he ditched his former party because of President Edgar Lungu’s sound leadership and the massive development taking place not only in Mufumbwe but the province as a whole.
And Northwestern province PF Chairperson Jackson Kungo said the new members the party keeps receiving is a plus to the party’s growth ahead of 2021 general elections.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Jean Kapata, told Parliament on Tuesday 17th July 2018 that the draft Land policy currently under consideration by her Ministry does not apply to Western Province (Barotseland).
Responding to a question on whether the land policy covers all parts of Zambia, Kapata reiterated her earlier explanation to the house that the land policy does not apply to Barotseland.
A few weeks ago Kapata responded to a similar question and when queried as to why the land policy only applied to 9 provinces, she responded that the Zambian constitution was very clear that Barotseland has its own land administration different from the rest of Zambia.
Kapata had further explained that in fact, Barotseland had the best land policy in Zambia but when asked why the government has not adopted it, she appeared puzzled and claimed that the chiefs in the rest of Zambia cannot accept the Barotseland model of land administration.
Zambia currently has ten provinces, including the Western Province which falls under the contested Barotseland territory, and the latest ministerial response in parliament by the lands minister is yet another official government acknowledgement that in fact ‘Western Province’ is a part of Zambia on a different basis to the rest of the country – even under the current constitution which does not acknowledge the abrogated Barotseland Agreement 1964 that gave the Kingdom of Barotseland an autonomous status within the Republic of Zambia.
Meanwhile, Vice President Inonge Wina has accused opposition UPND parliamentarians complaining of lack of development in Southern, North Western and ‘Western’ provinces of trying to divide the country.
She was responding to Monze Central Parliamentarian and leader of the opposition Jack Mwiimbu who lamented about the bad state of main roads in Southern, ‘Western’ (Barotseland) and North Western provinces.
Some PF lawmakers claimed that the potholed Livingstone – Sesheke (Nakatindi) road was being rehabilitated when, in reality, they were merely patching the potholes with gravel.
Recently, The Mast Newspaper reported that a land policy validation meeting which was convened by the government to discuss the draft failed to take off at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka as chiefs from across Zambia walked out in protest and total rejection of the entire proposed land policy.
The chiefs said the draft land policy only pursued stealing of their land as it was not in the interest of Zambians “but a minority few corrupt elements”.
The chiefs’ walkout left lands minister Jean Kapata and her Chiefs and Traditional Affairs counterpart Lawrence Sichalwe stunned.
However, agreeing with the chiefs’ protest at the failed meeting, opposition United Progressive People (UPP) President Savior Chishimba said the effective abolishment of chiefdoms under the proposed sections 13 and 25 of the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 2015 was not only unbiblical but was also meant to concentrate all powers on land matters in the politicians.
He said the abolishment of customary land tenure system (Lands Act, Cap 184 (iv)) and the introduction of an open market system would only serve to cement the ongoing scramble for Zambia by the Chinese and other foreign nationals.
He further noted that the proposed land sales by the State for revenue generation would create landless poor Zambians who would be enslaved by foreign landlords.
Simone Anzboeck, Associate Director, International Development at AECOM.
AECOM has been appointed by the Department for International Development (DFID) to deliver its Cities and Infrastructure for Growth project in Zambia (CIGZ).
CIGZ will provide demand-led technical assistance consultancy to national and local government in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure service delivery, and energy access, with a view to harness the power of cities and infrastructure for economic growth. It also aims to improve the quality of projects, promote investment opportunities in key projects, and harness opportunities offered by digital technologies.
The main aim is to drive economic transformation and job creation in Zambia. The DFID will work closely with Zambian government to implement its 7th National Development Plan, which looks to diversify the economy, reduce poverty, create jobs, and set Zambia on a path to becoming a middle-income country.
Simone Anzboeck, Associate Director, International Development at AECOM, said: “We are proud to be supporting the DFID in this hugely-positive initiative. With an urbanisation rate of 4.2% a year, Zambia is one of the fastest urbanising economy in Africa. For its cities to keep up with the pace of this change, CIGZ has come at the right time.
AECOM is looking forward to supporting the Zambian government in addressing the constraints of urban infrastructure service delivery.”
The project further enhances AECOM’s long-term strategic partnership with the DFID, having secured a contract last year to manage its Trade and Investment Advocacy Fund (TAF2 Plus), in collaboration with Saana Consulting.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated materials and equipment worth over K450, 000 to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) meant for the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS).
UNFPA Country Representative Gift Malunga has reaffirmed the UN agency’s support to government towards improving the collection, processing, in-depth analysis and dissemination of timely data for the country’s development aspirations.
Ms. Malunga said during the handover ceremony in Lusaka yesterday that the data which will be collected during the survey is important in decision making and policy formulation which are vital in national development.
She explained that the data collected will greatly contribute to the body of evidence that will serve as benchmarks for the country’s progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ms. Malunga has since reaffirmed UNFPA’s support to the government towards improving the collection, processing, in-depth analysis and dissemination of timely and accurate census for the country’s development aspirations.
She further pledged continued collaboration with the Zambian government in increasing the availability of data to guide investments, resource allocation and development planning.
And Central Statistical Office Acting Director Goodson Sinyenga disclosed that the data survey is important to government as it provides the health sector with evidence of efforts being made towards the attainment of most set goals.
The donated items include mattresses, foldable camp tables and chairs, survey branded shirts, lamps laminating machine, toner, torches and batteries.
President Edgar Lungu with other Heads of State after the official opening of the 20th Summit of the Comesa Heads of State and Government
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Eswatini Prime Minister Dr Barnabas Sibusiso is welcomed by Local Government Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport for the 20th COMESA summit
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President Edgar Lungu flanked by Madagascar President Mr.Hery Rajaonarimampianina after the official opening of the 20th Summit of the Comesa Heads of State and Government
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President Edgar Lungu (c) Madagascar President Mr Hery Rajaonarimampianina (l)and outgoing Comesa Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya during the official opening the 20th Summit of the Comesa Heads of State and Government
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President Edgar Lungu pose for a photo with Madagascar President Mr Hery Rajaonarimampianina before the official opening the 20th Summit of the Comesa Heads of State and Government
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Eswatini Prime Minister Dr Barnabas Sibusiso receives a flower from 6year old girl Naleli Nyundu on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport for 20th COMESA summit
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Newly appointed COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe takes oath of office during the 20th COMESA summit at Mulungushi coneference centre
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Malawian President Peter Wam tarika addressing delegates at the 20th COMESA summit at Mulungushi conference centre
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President Edgar Lungu confers with his Malawian counterpart Professor Peter Mutharika before the official opening the 20th Summit of the Comesa Heads of State and Government
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President Lungu and President Hery Rajaonarimampianina presenting a gift to out going COMESA Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya at the summit
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President Edgar Lungu conratulates Newly appointed COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe during the Summit at Mulungushi conference centre
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President Edgar Lungu and Malawian President Peter Wamutarika follow proceedings during the 20th COMESA summit at Mulungushi conference centre
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From left to right Sioma District Commissioner Litula Maurice, Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Lawrence Sichalwe, Nalolo District Commissioner Teddy Chipinde and Sioma Constituency MP Sibulwa Mbololwa, arrive at the installation celebrations of Chief Lukama Mukiti Sekeli at Kaungamashi Palace for Shangombo and Sioma Districts in Western Province
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First Lady Esther Lungu waves at PF officials on arrival in Ndola
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President of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina presents a media award to Zamba Daily mail business reporter Esther Mseteka during the 20th COMESA Summit at mulungushi conference centre
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President Edgar Lungu talks to Chairman of the COMESA Authority His Excellency Mr.Hery Rajaonarimampianina President of Madagascar before the official closing of the 20th Summit of the COMESA Heads of State and Government
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Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Lawrence Sichalwe (l) listens to Chief Lukama Mukiti Sekeli (r) during the installation celebrations at Kaungamashi Palace in Sioma District, Western Province
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Chief Lukama Mukiti Sekeli (c) and Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Lawrence Sichalwe (r) arrive at the arena for his installation celebrations at Kaungamashi Palace in Sioma District, Western Province
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President Lungu, Madagascar’s President, and outgoing COMESA SG Sindiso Ngwenya share a light moment at COMESA Summit
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President Edgar Chagwa Lungu opens the 20th COMESA Summit
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President Edgar Chagwa Lungu talks to Madagascar’s President and COMESA Chairperson Hery Rajaoma during the opening Ceremony the 20th COMESA Summit
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President Edgar Lungu toast with his Madagascar counterpart President Hery Rajaonarimampianina during the State Banquet at Pamondzi Hotel
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President Edgar Lungu with his Madagascar counterpart President Hery Rajaonarimampianina (2nl) incoming COMESA Secretary General Chileshe P. Kapwepwe (l) and the outgoing COMESA Secretary General Sondiso Ngwenya giving toast during the State Banquet at Pamondzi Hotel
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President Edgar Lungu with his Madagascar counterpart President Hery Rajaonarimampianina and the incoming COMESA Secretary General Chileshe P. Kapwepwe during the State Banquet at Pamondzi Hotel
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Former Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Major Ben Phiri, with villagers whose fields were allegedly grabbed from them by traditional leadership. This came light when he addressed a meeting in Kasenengwa constituency’s Chingazi ward
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Former Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Major Ben Phiri, addresses a meeting in Kasenengwa constituency’s Chingazi ward
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Former Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Major Ben Phiri, dances when he addressed a meeting in Kasenengwa constituency’s Chingazi ward
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Copies of Letters of Credence from H.E Edgar Lungu are presented to Head o Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia by none Resident Ambassador to Slovenia Mr. Anthony Mukwita
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The President of The Republic of Slovenia, H.E Borut Pahor receives Letters of Credence of Ambassador Anthony Mukwita signed by President Edgar Lungu making the Zambian envoy a none Resident Ambassador to The Republic of Slovenia
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Vice President Inonge Wina campaigns for PF candidate Innocent Kapwepwe for the forthcoming Chifunabuli Council Chairpersonship elections at Lubwe Primary School in the New Chifunabuli district
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Wyson Phiri, tries his motor bike he won at this year’s Choova bicycle race competition held in Chipata on Saturday. Phiri came out first in the 52 kilometre race.
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Members of the Red Cross Society carry a Choova bicycle race competitor after he fainted on arrival at the finishing point. This was during the 2018 Choova bicycle race held in Chipata
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Minister of Sport, Moses Mawere, flags off the 2018 Choova bicycle race for the able bodied persons
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A Physically challenged Choova race competitor during the race held in Chipata
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Secretary to Cabinet Dr Roland Msiska shares a light moment with His Deputy Patrick Kangwa( centre) and Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe during the launch of the phase one Human Resource Management Reform Programme at Chibombo Civic centre in Chibombo District
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Secretary to Cabinet Dr Roland Msiska confers with Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe during the launch of the phase one Human Resource Management Reform Programme at Chibombo Civic centre in Chibombo District
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President Edgar Lungu and Lusaka Mayoral Candidate Miles Sampa in Bauleni
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President Edgar Lungu addressing a mammoth really to support Mayoral Candidate Miles Sampa in Bauleni
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President Edgar Lungu addressing a mammoth really to support Mayoral Candidate Miles Sampa in Bauleni
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Vice President Inonge Wina (l) greets Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Buleti Nsemukila (r) as Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa (M) looks on at Mansa Airport
Daniel Sichilongo, Zambia’s ActionAid Youth Leadership Programme Envoy at round-table meeting themed; “Strengthening Youth Leadership to Create Sustainable and Resilient Societies,” on the sidelines of the ongoing High Level Political Forum at the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations.
A Zambian youth activist has paid tribute to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for opening its doors and engaging the Civil Society Orgainisations and youths in the governance of the country.
According to a statement made available to the media by Wallen Simwaka, the First Secretary (Press) Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations, Daniel Sichilongo, a social and economic youth activist has told the United Nations (UN) that Zambian Government has always exhibited willingness to partner with the Civil Society Organisations in addressing the economic, social and political challenges facing the country.
Sichilongo who is Zambia ActionAid Youth Leadership Programme Envoy said Government does not deem it a crime to engage with the civil society in its interaction on governance issues and the general state of affairs of the country.
Sichilongo said this at a roundtable meeting themed; “Strengthening Youth Leadership to Create Sustainable and Resilient Societies,” on the sidelines of the ongoing High Level Political Forum at the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations.
The side event was organized by Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, Denmark, and Office of the United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He said Zambia has been open to partnership with the youths in its endeavor to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly those that are targeting youths and their challenges in all sectors.
He said youths should endeavor to be the solutions to the economic, social and political challenges facing Member States and should therefore break the barriers that work to exclude the youths from fully participating in the governance of their respective countries.
He said there is need for the youths across the globe to build strong partnerships with their governments and the private sector because only then would their participation in the development of their economies be meaningful.
“As young people who want to chase our dreams, we must utilize our energy in engaging in responsible national activities. And coming from Zambia, I must say that our Government has opened its doors to the Civil Society Organisations so that we can engage the leadership on a range of governance issues including social political and economic. Government does not find it a crime to engage with the youth orgainisations and last week, I was even privileged to have a discussion with the Minister of Finance, Mrs Margarette Mwanakatwe on how we could find a solution to get out of our debt trap,” Sichilongo said.
Sichilongo said he was in New York representing the voice of the youth particularly those in rural communities on the UN clarion of leaving no one behind.
Daniel Sichilongo, Zambia’s ActionAid Youth Leadership Programme Envoy at round-table meeting themed; “Strengthening Youth Leadership to Create Sustainable and Resilient Societies,” on the sidelines of the ongoing High Level Political Forum at the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations.
It was a tough day in the Supreme Court when Bishop John Mambo found himself in a contempt of court trial when he was expecting a reprimand.
Bishop Mambo found himself facing a full bench of the Supreme Court headed by Deputy Chief Justice Marvin Mwanamwambwa and his attempts to laugh his way out of trouble failed as he was told that trial had started since he had denied the charge.
The Bishop visibly squirmed and tried to plead for leniency from the Justices but in vain, as he was firmly told that trial would continue.
The man of God found himself on the wrong side of the law following a contempt of court charge slapped on him after he had written to the Chief Justice alleging that the judiciary was incompetent and delivered judgment in a suspicious manner in the case of Savenda Management Service Limited Vs Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited.
With a lot of posturing, Bishop Mambo begged the court to allow him engage counsel to take him through the process.
This was after he realised that trying to cajole his way out of the matter, was not working.
The Bishop told the Justices that money to hire a lawyer would not be a problem because most of the justices were his friends and would give him money.
At this point, Justice Mwanamwabwa warned Bishop Mambo that he was going too far by soliciting for money from judges. Bishop Mambo then pleaded that the words be struck off record, but the court did not respond.
State Counsel John Sangwa was called to testify and in the middle of his submission, Bishop Mambo rose and claimed he did not want to be ambushed and that he did not see Mr Sangwa’s testimony as relevant to his case.
“I am fearing how proceedings are going. I am not following my colleague. I expected to be given what I am coming to court for. Once I received the summons, I thought I should come and hear my charge but since you are proceeding with trial, permit me to engage a lawyer who can take me through this,” Bishop Mambo said. When Justice Mwanamwambwa asked why he had not mentioned that he needed a lawyer and why he had not engaged one in the seven days he had had since being summoned, Bishop Mambo said his expectation was that when he went to court, he would merely be reprimanded or warned. “I only wrote a letter and did not publish it,” Bishop Mambo said. “I have a lot of respect for the court and it appears I am being intimidated.”
Asked if he wanted to apply for an adjournment like another accused person, Gregory Chifire, facing four counts of contempt of court, had done earlier, Bishop Mambo said he was not following Chifire’s way but doing it for himself.
The matter has been adjourned to August 17, 2018.
Below is the court verbatin as captures by Diggers reporter
(Bishop Mambo is called to the stand and the charge is read to him. He pleads not guilty.)
Judge Mwanamwambwa: The first witness will be Mr John Peter Sangwa. Can you tell us your names?
Sangwa: My full names are John Peter Sangwa. I’m 52 years old. I reside in Lusaka West. I’m a legal practitioner.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Are you aware that there was a court case between Savenda Limited and Stanbic Zambia Limited?
Sangwa:Yes I’m aware.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: You are aware that it started in the High Court?
Sangwa: Yes your honour.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: It went in favour of Savenda Limited?
Sangwa: Yes your honour.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Can you confirm that Stanbic appealed and the case went (in favour) of Stanbic?
Sangwa: That’s correct.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Next Savenda went to Supreme Court and the judgement was in favour of Stanbic?
Sangwa: That’s right.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Would you confirm that you wrote a letter to the Chief Justice concerning this judgement?
Sangwa: Yes I did send a letter to the honourable Chief Justice in relation to the judgement by the Supreme Court. The letter is dated April 12, 2018. (Letter is produced and read out by Sangwa.)
Bishop Mambo: My Lord, am I allowed to say something? Because I’m avoiding being ambushed. I’m receiving these documents (Sangwa’s letter), apart from the Bible, I’m a layperson. I thought this appearing was for me to come and hear the Lordships give me what I was supposed to be coming to courts for and there after, I seek legal minds to help me. When I wrote the letter to Chief Justice, I was expecting a response [but] instead I got the summons. And respecting the court, I decided to avail myself and I thought I will be given liberty to engage counsel so that he/she can help in this matter. I’m not talking about money. You can see some of the VIP’s [here], they are my own brothers so they will contribute.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: You remember we asked you to plea the charge. You said you denied.
Bishop Mambo: My Lord I did say that.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: If you say you deny it then we have to hold a trial. What are you saying now?
Bishop Mambo: I was simply saying that, permit me with power that you have, to allow me time to engage a counsel.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Why didn’t you say so after making a plea of not guilty?
Bishop Mambo: My Lord I’m not in church, I’m in court.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Yes you are court. Why didn’t you say so before pleading not guilty?
Bishop Mambo: My Lord, I’m simply begging, I’m not here to argue with the court.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: We are trying to find out why you did not say so in the earlier stage.
Bishop Mambo: I’m simply saying…I doubt if you are a prophet, you would have read my mind.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: I don’t want to be a prophet I’m just keeping court procedure. The court procedure is this, once you plead not guilty, or once you are served with a charge, you will need a lawyer. Do you understand? When were you served with the summons? That was on Tuesday last week.
Bishop Mambo: Yes your honour. All I know myself is that I wrote a letter. I did not go to the press, I did not go anywhere. What I expected as a layperson is normal practice. Since Kaunda days, when you write a letter to an institutional office, you expect a response.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Your main concern here is that in the mean time, you need a lawyer. Now we are saying, why didn’t you engage one?
Bishop Mambo: My Lord, the Deputy Chief Justice, I have a lot of respect for you. I have a lot of respect for you. What I didn’t know, and what you are trying to correct here, it should help me understand. But if I appear here, and I appear intimidated, it’s not going to react.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: Bishop, we just want to find out why you did not engage a lawyer for the past seven days?
Bishop Mambo: We are in a Christian nation. I’m saying [that] it’s not that it was difficult for me to get a lawyer, all I did was get to respect the court. That I will go and hear, thereafter I will appeal to you, the bench to give me time to find a lawyer. Being a layperson, I do not know whether this matter boarders on criminality or it’s Constitutional. So it’s after this now that I can take all the documents that I have for me to engage someone. I’m simply saying, in a Christian nation, a country that has a new Constitution, those are the rights that should be respected. So I’m just merely begging that if you allowed me, I’m not saying [that] I will not manage to find a lawyer.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: So in short you are applying for an adjournment for more time to engage a lawyer like Mr Chifire did?
Bishop Mambo: That is my appeal. It is a very simple appeal. Give me time so that I’m able to engage a lawyer. I have known what the charges are. If I engage someone, I will be able to explain why I’m engaging that person. I could have done it [earlier] but I did not know what I was coming for.
Judge Mwanamwambwa: …that document which has been given as part of his (Sangwa’s) evidence, which you did not object, now we are going to invite him to produce it. Thereafter, we will consider your application. Since the State Counsel read the letter, we invite him to read his article, thereafter we will consider your application.
Sangwa: (Reads his article…)
Judge Mwanamwambwa: …Bishop, we have now come to your application. Although you were expected to make that application immediately after pleading, we have considered it. We will grant an adjournment to enable [you] engage a lawyer. Bishop your matter is hereby adjourned to Friday August 17, 2018 at 09:00 hours.
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe has revealed Zambia’s external debt stock stood at US$9.37 billion as at the end of the first quarter of 2018.
Mrs Mwanakatwe also disclosed that as at June 2018, Government had paid US$161.3 Million in external debt service.
She said that total guaranteed debt was US$2.7 billion, of which US$1.21 billion had been drawn against the principal amount.
The Finance Minister added that the stock of domestic debt as at end June 2018 was K51.86 billion.
She further revealed that the country had US$1.82 billion in its reserves as at the end of June 2018.
The Bank of Zambia said in May that the government financed its current account deficit of $139.2 million in the first quarter of 2018 through a drawdown on international reserves.
Meanwhile, Mrs Mwanakatwe says Zambia will share data on its planned austerity measures with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get feedback on their appropriateness for macroeconomic sustainability.
In February the IMF rejected Zambia’s borrowing plans, saying they risked making it harder for the country to sustain its debt load.
An IMF team is expected in Zambia next week.
“We wish to state that as this work is proceeding, we will refrain from making public statements on this matter until we have a firm position with the IMF,” Mrs. Mwanakatwe said during a mid year state of the economy news conference.
Below are key highlights from Mrs Mwanakatwe’s briefing
GROSS DOMESTIC GROWTH
• Finance Ministry remains confident that the annual projection of the revised growth of above 4% remains feasible as real sector indicators show a rise in economic activity in the first half of 2018.
• GDP growth will range between 4-5% in the medium term, driven by mining, tourism and construction sectors in a stable power supply and stable global development.
• Downside risks to the growth projections include volatility in copper prices, high lending rates and adverse weather conditions.
Fiscal performance remains satisfactory although adverse liquidity conditions has made financing difficult.
REVENUE OUT-TURN
• Preliminary estimates for revenues and grants in the first half of 2018 amounted to ZMW25.07billion and were broadly in line with the period projections.
• Domestic revenues were above target by 3.3%, supported by positive performance of Value Added Tax collections.
• Lower than target performance was recorded in some revenue categories such as the income tax, customs and excise duties, export duties, non-tax revenues and grants.
In an effort to address some of the challenges associated with the low revenue collection in some tax types, government is undertaking measures which include:
• Use of electronic solutions in revenue collection including the telecommunications transaction monitoring system for mobile service providers and roll out of fiscal registers;
• Increased pace of implementing the land titling program which government is working with the World Bank;
• The recent change in the taxation for fuel importers to enhance excise duty collection.
EXPENDITURE OUT-TURN
• Total expenditure (including amortization) for the first half of 2018 amounted to ZMW39.6 billion, against the budgeted K34.19 billion. The major components which were above target were interest payments by 43.2% and capital expenditure by 65%.
• Going forward, expenditure control will be at the core to achieve fiscal adjustment given the tight financing conditions and higher deficit.
• In this regard, measures on enhancing payroll management, expenditure cuts in areas such as use of goods and services, progressing on procurement reforms and debt re-prioritization will be the focus for the rest of the year. This is meant to create a lower spending base as we get into the 2019 financial year.
2019 BUDGET PREPARATIONS
Budget preparations have commenced with broad objectives which include:
• Increased revenue performance, particularly taking bold steps on non-tax revenue collection; ii. implementing in full measures announced by His Excellency the President while protecting growth and enhancing social protection; and
• Reducing Government borrowing, particularly in the domestic market.
• Cooperating partners have been involved in the preliminary work in the joint cluster working groups. The government has called upon economic players to make suggestions on how it can enhance the budget management and credibility.
MONETARY POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
• Inflation remained within the target range of 6-8% closing the period at 7.4% down from the May rate of 7.8%.
• For the rest of the year, the expectation is that inflation will remain within the programmed target.
• The low levels of inflation continued to support monetary policy. We however note that room for monetary easing is becoming tight amid government financing under tight liquidity conditions. Therefore, It government’s priority to scale back in domestic borrowing to help improve monetary conditions and lowering the cost of borrowing.
• Suffice to mention that further reduction in lending rates also hinges on implementation of the austerity measures to support fiscal consolidation.
• Foreign Exchange market and External Sector The Kwacha remained relatively stable against the major trading currencies during the first half of the year, trading at an average of K9.93 per US$.
• Trade deficit during the first five months of 2018 continued being positive with a surplus of K245.4 Million recorded in May 2018.
• Recovery in the performance of Non-traditional exports in the recent past has been recorded with the share of NTEs averaging of 22.9 percent in export earnings between May and April 2018.
• In view of the positive performance it is expected that the current account balance will further narrow down in 2018 and become positive over the medium term.
FOREIGN EXCHNAGE RESERVES
• The reserve position as at end June 2018 was US$1.82 billion.
DEBT
• External debt stock as at end of first quarter was US $9.37billion. The slight increase in the debt stock was on account of disbursements during the review period.
• As at June, 2018, government paid US$161.3million in external debt service.
• Guaranteed debt was US$2.7billion, of which US$1.21billion had been drawn against the principal amount.
• Domestic debt stock as at end June 2018 was ZMW51.86billion.
• Domestic arrears in first quarter 2018 increased to ZMW13.91billion from ZMW12.77billion due to a rise in arrears related to roads and other RDCs.
• Arrears accumulation pace remains a source of concern to the state and commitment controls are being strengthened to avoid accumulation in RDCs.
• Road sector arrears are on account of more work being done as a result of payments made. The concentration of dismantling projects at 80% and above will address this problem going forward.
POLICY AND STRUCTURAL REFORMS UPDATE
The government continues to implement policy and structural reforms key of which include:
• Reforms to parastatal bodies with attention being given to institutions such as ZESCO whose debt is high resulting in operations being unsustainable.
• Energy sector reforms that include reforming the fuel importation system and the completion of the cost of service study which has so far faced challenges that require resolution.
• Legislative reforms that form a cornerstone of fiscal sustainability. In the review period, the Public Finance Management Act has been signed into law, while the crediting reporting and Public Private Partnership bill are at an advanced stage in Parliament.
• Work on the enactment of the Planning and Budgeting bill is advanced with the aim of taking the bill to parliament as part of the budget legislation alongside the new procurement bill.
• Work on the Loans and Guarantees (Authorization) Act has been delayed due to reviews to the constitution.
IMPLEMENTATION OF AUSTERITY MEASURES
• The state in in the process of implementing these measures, to achieve a new fiscal and debt outlook into the medium term. The measures announced are supposed to support growth and social protection going forward. Ongoing projects whose financing has been signed for will continue to be implemented as these will support growth going forward.
• The Ministry of Finance will be selective on the cancellation of current contracted debt which have not yet disbursed to address economic impact, financial and legal implications with the aim of freeing up cash flows by carrying out liability management on selected bilateral loans, both local and foreign in addition to extending respective maturity profiles. The state will target to reduce the pace of debt accumulation, and to smoothen the maturity profile, so that the government has more fiscal space, especially around the time of maturity of the Eurobonds.
• These measures should allow the country to revert to moderate risk debt distress and support fiscal consolidation.
IMF ENGAGEMENT
• The MOF has taken measures to rein in on fiscal slippages and risks related to debt. These measures are now being incorporated in the fiscal and debt position for 2018 and over the medium term. It is this data that once completed will be given to the IMF for assessment measures to gauge the macroeconomic sustainability for Zambia.
• The MOF will, while work is proceeding, refrain from making public statements on this matter until a firm position with the IMF is settled for.
OUTLOOK AND RISKS FOR 2018
Implementation of the recent austerity measures will aid the sustenance of the macroeconomic environment, growth prospects and renewed confidence in the economy. Risks on the outlook include;
• Climate variability
• Failure to achieve structural adjustment measures over the medium term that may impact on growth or failure to address tight liquidity in the market to address the limited access to credit by private sector.
George Lwandamina insists Zesco United are still contenders in the race to reach the 2018 CAF Champions League quarterfinals.
Zesco were held to a 0-0 home draw by Primeiro de Agosto on July 17 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
That result saw Zesco still without a Group D win since the lucrative league phase of the competition kicked off in May in which they have collected just two draws and a defeat with three games left to play.
“Definitely we cannot be happy because it is a barren draw, we tried to do everything possible but that is how football is,” Lwandamina said.
“We still have three games to play and going by the performance of the boys, I am sure it is not every day that we will fail to convert a chances. Prospects are still there.”
Tuesday’s result also left Zesco bottom of Group D with two points , tied with 3rd placed Agosto and five points behind leaders Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia who beat second placed Mbabane Swallows 3-0 away in eSwatini on Tuesday.
Swallows have 4 points.
Meanwhile, Zesco travel to Angola on July 27 for their final leg Group D match against Agosto in Luanda that they must win to keep their hopes of a top two finish alive.
