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.
The fire at COMESA Market last week forced Hope Channel to go off air after damaging its brosacast equioment.
The station has however resumed transmission using Radio link (backup) and fibre optic.
Management has since thanked Hope Channel viewers for the patience.
“Like promised we are back on air using a Radio link (backup) and fibre optic has since been spliced. We shall continue to be at your service,” a statement from management read.
Last week, Hope Channel Zambia went off air on GOtv, TopStar and Muvi TV bouquets following the fire that has gutted COMESA market where the fibre optic network cable and radio link passes.
“Both the main (backbone) and the backup were affected. Fibre is the backbone for our transmission while the radio link is the backup. Both links meet at COMESA and move in parallel going to the same signal distributor,” it said.
Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa is confident that countrymen Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga will maintain the good name of Zambians to have represented the club.
Chansa served the Buccaneers over two separate spells, with his second being most significant as having formed a crucial part of the double treble-winning squad in 2010/11 and 2011/12.
The Zambian football legend won six major trophies with the Buccaneers during his second spell with the club.
Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants Orlando Pirates were held by Power Dynamos in their second pre-season match in Zambia on Sunday.
The Buccaneers edged out Dynamos 1-0 in an encounter which was played at the Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Justin Shonga, who is a Zambia international, scored the only goal of the game as the Buccaneers recorded their first victory in pre-season.
Bucs took on Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) giants TP Mazembe in their first pre-season game on Thursday.
Pirates drew 0-0 with Mazembe in an international club friendly match which was played at Zambia senior national team’s home ground, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Buccaneers are expected to take on Forest Rangers in their third and final match in Zambia on Wednesday.
Isaac Chansa during his Pirate days
Meanwhile, Pirates got a surprise visit from their former midfielder Isaac Chansa at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium where they are based in Ndola.
Chansa, who had two spells with Bucs and played an important role in helping the team win the 2010 PSL title, spoke to the club’s website about his visit to the stadium.
“I heard that the team was coming to Zambia for pre-season and when it was confirmed that they’d be in Ndola, I just had to come over and say hello. I live in Lusaka – which is 316 km away – but distance was not a factor in getting to greet the team. An important part of my life was spent at Pirates and as the saying goes: ‘once a Pirate, always a Pirate’. I will always be a Buccaneer,” he said.
“It feels great and it’s also an honour seeing the continued relationship. From the days of Denis Lota and now with my boys, Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga, the relationship continues to grow. I have been talking to them, Shonga and Mulenga, and encouraging them to continue working hard and contribute to the team. But overall its great for me to see the team and being welcomed like this shows that I’m still part of the family, even though many of the people I knew have since left,” he continued.
The former Zambia international further stated that the Buccaneers enjoy a huge following in the Southern African country and has backed his fellow countrymen in Shonga and Augustine Mulenga to succeed at Bucs.
“A lot of Zambians support Orlando Pirates. Since the time of Denis Lota who did very well and was a top goalscorer, to my contribution in the treble… they have been behind this team and continue to be. It has been a long time since I last wore a Pirates shirt but to this day, people still call me “Bhakaniya” even though I’ve played for other clubs here in Zambia. They remember what I did, and that’s special,” he added.
“To see the next generation in Shonga and Mulenga is heartwarming, more so when they are doing well for the Club. I believe in them and I believe in the Club too. I know that they will achieve greatness if they just keep focused and continue working hard on their dream,” Chansa said.
“I would like to think that they chose to be here because they looked at our previous success as Zambian players at Pirates, and also realized that this is a very professionally run Club with massive CAF aspirations. Together, they and the Club are a perfect fit because they want the same things. And hopefully they can inspire the next phase of Zambian stars to continue that legacy that we have with Pirates,” he explained.
Chansa encouraged Mulenga and Shonga to work hard in order to become Bucs legends.
“I read an article where Mulenga said that he wanted to emulate me. While that was encouraging, and even flattering, I told them both that they have talents which surpass what I did with the team. I told them to just follow their dreams and remember with everything they’re doing that they are professional footballers. Pirates is a big team and there is nowhere to hide because the platform you get here means that supporters will recognise you everywhere you go. I told them to always give their best and if they stay focused, they will do well because the possibilities are endless for them,” he explained.
The 34-year-old also reflected on the crucial goal he scored that handed Pirates the 2010/11 PSL title as they defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium.
“It was a special time, a magical time, and I think as players we will always be grateful to have served the Club in that way. For me, it’s not so much about the goal, but about our generation as a whole. We did our part to add to the Club’s already rich history and culture of success. When I look at the team now and I see Happy Jele, it feels good knowing that he was part of that team which won the treble with us. The current crop will need his experience,” he explained.
In parting, Chansa paid tribute to The Ghost, and appealed to them ahead of what will be a testing season. The Buccaneers face the prospect of two additional tournaments in the form of the MTN8 and CAF Champions League.
“We would not have been able to do it (the treble) without our supporters. Pirates supporters are the most passionate and loyal supporters that I have ever come across and they will always be dear to me. I appeal to them to give the same kind of support to this current crop of players,” he said.
“These guys did well last season and obviously everybody is happy and expecting more of the players and the team in the upcoming season. The supporters need to be there to help them like they did with our generation. We will all be watching and supporting them. Even here in Zambia, we will be supporting in spirit,” he concluded.
KOFFI OLOMIDE PERFORMING AT BONA AND SIMBA’S WEDDING
Popular rhumba musician Koffi Olomide has been barred from entering Zambia because of the many criminal allegations against him in Zambia and France.
They include allegations of assaulting photojournalist Jean Mandela in Zambia during a previous tour.
He has also been accused of sexually assaulting his dancers, kidnapping them and employing them without valid permits in France.
Ahead of his now-cancelled visit, Koffi who lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo – had described Zambia as his “second home” and said he would like to perform in the country before “I die.”
An apology from the 62-year-old singer has also been broadcast on Zambian radio and TV stations.
He does not specifically address the allegations against him, but says that he loves Zambian women.
Olomide, whose real name is Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, was supposed to hold two shows in Zambia this month but Religious and National Guidance Minister Rev. Godfridah Sumaili had warned he will be arrested the moment he steps foot in the country.
On Saturday, the French Embassy in Zambia also called for the arrest of Olomide.
France’s Ambassador to Zambia, Sylvain Berger, threatened to involve Interpol to arrest Olomide, whom he said has not yet been cleared of the allegations against him in France.
The rhumba star – known for his flashy dressing and extravagant lifestyle – is not new to controversy.
In 2016, he was caught on camera kicking his female dancer on arrival in Kenya.
He was swiftly deported.
In 2012, he was convicted in DR Congo of assaulting his producer.
The court gave the singer a three-month suspended prison sentence.
The altercation with his producer, Diego Lubaki, was over a debt of about $3,700 (£2,800), the court heard.
In 2008, he was accused of kicking a cameraman from DR Congo’s private RTGA television station and breaking his camera at a concert in the capital, Kinshasa, following disagreement over recording rights.
In the end, the speaker of the national assembly stepped in to resolve the dispute, brokering a reconciliation between the star and owner of the TV station.
President Edgar Lungu has said that he will not tolerate the blame game on who is perpetuating political violence in the country. President Lungu directed the Zambia Police command to arrest anyone found with offensive weapons, regardless of that person’s political affiliation.
The Head of State also said that Zambia should not be governed by dictators and that all political parties intending to assume office should be democratic.
President Lungu said the country’s Constitution stipulates that Zambia should be governed by a democratic party that goes for regular conventions.
The President challenged the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) to demonstrate that it is democratic and call for a convention.
President Lungu was speaking when he addressed a political rally to drum up support for PF’s candidate, Miles Sampa in next week’s mayoral elections.
President Lungu urged the people to vote for Mr. Sampa as he has a proven record and also for continued development.
Meanwhile, UPND Councillor for Kanyama Ward 10, Brighton Vilumba says the UPND leadership has failed to work with its members at the grassroots.
Mr. Vilumba, who is the only councillor for the UPND in Lusaka explained that from the time he was elected to office, the Party president has not made any formal communication with him.
He has since pledged to work with the ruling Party.
And Minister of Infrastructure Development, Ronald Chitotela says Government has selected Chawama to be the starting point for the Urban renewal project where modern houses will be constructed.
President Edgar Lungu drums up support for Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Mayoral candidate Miles Bwalya Sampa during a rally held at Chawama grounds in Chawama constituency this afternoon.Tasila Lungu at a Company RallyPresident Lungu with Daughter Tasila LunguPresident Edgar Lungu drum up support for Lusaka Mayoral candidate Miles Bwalya Sampa in ChawamaPresident Edgar Lungu drum up support for Lusaka Mayoral candidate Miles Bwalya Sampa in Chawama today
George Lwandamina being officially unveiledGeorge Lwandamina has rallied his Zesco United troops to replicate their great form in the FAZ Super Division on Tuesday in a bid to end their 2018 CAF Champions League mini-drought when they host Primeiro de Agosto of Angola in a Group D match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zesco have not won a CAF Champions League group stage match as they head into match-day-two.
Their last victory was a dramatic 2-1 away win over ASEC Mimosa away in Cote d’Ivoire on March 18 in Abidjan that saw Zesco clinch their qualification to the lucrative league round of the competition on away goals rule following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
But Zesco head into the date against their Angolan opponents in roaring form on the home front.
Zesco enjoy a five-point lead the FAZ Super Division and are unbeaten in 13 games and have raked in seven straight victories heading into Tuesday’s home date at Levy Stadium.
Zesco desperately need the win as they have one point from two Group D games tied with Agosto and are both three points behind second placed Mbabane Swallows of eSwatini and leaders Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel.
“It is an important game, I won’t put it as crucial but it is important for both teams because we are in a similar predicament that is how interesting it will be, but we hope for the best,” Lwandamina said.
“We have done so well in the past few games and I am sure the team is now on another level .I just hope they can be able to replicate what they have been doing in the league.”
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has donated assorted items to inmates at the Lusaka Central Correctional Facility worth $30,000 towards improvement of their hygiene and nutrition.
The donation was made ahead of the Nelson Mandela day which will be commemorated on the 18th of July in Livingstone.
Speaking at the official handover, Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Chileshe Mulenga said government is on course in meeting the demands of the Nelson Mandela Rules on the treatment of inmates.
Mr. Chileshe said among the scores government has made is meeting the demand that the installations are adequate to enable every prisoner to comply with the needs of nature when necessary and in a clean and decent manner.
He commended the UNODC for the gesture made towards improving the hygiene and nutrition of the inmates.
Mr. Chileshe stated that government remains open to cooperating partners who wish to supplement government’s efforts in bringing sanity in the correctional facilities in order to fight the disease burden.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Correctional Service, Deputy Commissioner General, Lloyd Chilundika said the Nelson Mandela Day provides a platform for correctional administrators in all jurisdictions across Africa to review their performance in improving the welfare of the inmates in all areas.
He said the gesture by the UNODC has come at the right time as it will see the Zambia Correctional Service commemorate the Mandela Day with pride.
And UNODC National Coordinator Sharon Nyambe, said the United Nations use the Nelson Mandela Day to draw attention to the more than 10 million prisoners worldwide as well as to the work of those entrusted with their safe, secure and humane custody.
Ms. Nyambe explained that with the memory of Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners in December 2015, as the “Nelson Mandela Rules”.
She said the rules resulted from five years of inter-governmental consultations and represent a landmark harmonization of the original version with international law and good prison management practices.
Ms. Nyambe echoed the General Assembly’s call to also celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day with a view to promote humane conditions of imprisonment, raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society and to value the important work of prison staff.
She explained that a lot of work needs to be done to address overcrowding, inadequate prison conditions, violence, recidivism, as well as emerging threats such as risk of violent extremism, as they pose challenges to numerous prison administrations.
Ms. Nyambe noted that UNODC remains committed to supporting the Zambian Government to enhance humane custody of prisoners, promote health in correctional facilities and support social reintegration of ex-offenders.
Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) Director, Patrick Lungu talking to Turkish Ambassador to Zambia Sebnem Incesu when she paid a courtesy call on him at his office, a move aimed at working together in media related issues
The Turkish Government has pledged its continued support towards Zambia’s developmental agenda.
Turkish Ambassador to Zambia Sebnem Incesu said this is because Zambia has continued to provide a conducive investment opportunity in many sectors of its economy.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Ms. Incesu cited the Seven National Development Plan (7NDP) as one of the developmental programmes that her government will support in order to cement the bilateral ties between the two countries.
She named Agriculture and Tourism as some of the sectors that the Turkish government will offer technical support as a way of increasing the trade volume in the two countries.
The Ambassador also disclosed that the recent visit by President Edgar Lungu has further strengthened the relations which will soon be actualized through investment opportunities that are expected to be created through a joint development council on commerce.
Ms. Incesu explained that the investment council is a follow up of the business to business council meeting which was held last month with the aim of enhancing business relations among Turkish and Zambian business persons.
She has thanked the Zambian government for the sustained mutual understanding even after the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, were over 250 people died with thousands others injured.
Ms. Incesu stated that her country commemorates the second anniversary of the coup attempt as investigations are ongoing noting that,a suspected organization which was believed to have master minded the coup attempt has been identified.
She alleged that the organization which is suspected to be operating in over 160 countries worldwide, is disguising itself through its charitable work especially in the education sector.
The Ambassador further added that the Turkish government is already working with Zambia’s Ministry of Home and Foreign Affairs to ensure that the criminal organization does not take advantage and start any operations in Zambia.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador has expressed sadness on the fire that gutted COMESA market and the life that was lost.
Ms. Incesu noted that her government will offer support by ensuring that a lasting solution is found to avert any possible fires affecting important institutions.
Kapiri Mposhi Town Council in Central province has commenced construction of a modern bus station at a total cost of K 1, 3 million.
The council has since set up a temporal bus station in the main business district to pave way for the execution the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) funded project to be completed within 18 weeks time.
The Local authority has engaged a local contractor, Camfield Enterprises who has already moved on site construct the first ever Bus Station in the area.
ZANIS reports that Kapiri Mposhi Town Council Public Relations Officer Chris Mulaliki who confirmed the development to ZANIS today.
Mr. Mulaliki said the construction of a modern bus station will enhance the revenue collection for the local authority.
He said previously motorists used to decline from paying Bus Station levies sighting the bad state of the facility and lack of amenities.
“As you know we have never had a standard bus station in the district despite the district being a transit point with routes connecting various provinces and the country to the neighbouring countries,” Mr. Mulaliki said.
Mr. Mulaliki stated that other than adding beauty to the town the Bus Station will also provide a conducive environment for motorists and travelers to operate from.
The council has been using an open ground as a bus station for local and inter-district buses which was usually flooded during the rainy season.
And Kapiri Mposhi Town Council Director of Works, Justin Phiri said the Bus Station will be accompanied by convenient facilities such as toilets and shower rooms.
Mr. Phiri said the scope of works on the facility involve paving using precast concrete blocks and construction of drainages.
“This place is an eyesore as it is covered in mud and has pools of water whenever it rains. Its paving will provide a convenient operating space for the motorists,” Mr. Phiri said.
Meanwhile, motorists have urged the council to accelerate the construction of the new bus station.
Humphrey Chanda, a taxi driver, said the temporal place where they had been moved to was dusty and had no toilets.
The first consignment of ballot papers for the forth coming July 26th Mayoral/Council chairpersons and local government by-elections have arrived in the country.
Stakeholders from two political parties and the Electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ) officials witnessed the arrival of 16 pallets of the 27 expected while the remaining 11 pallets will arrive in the country tomorrow.
Patriotic Front (PF) Vice-Secretary in the Elections Committee Brain Katunansa has hailed the electoral commission of Zambia for exhibiting transparency in the handling of elections.
Mr.Katunansa said ECZ is equal to the electoral task, adding that the PF is glad with the way campaigns are going on.
“We are happy that the first consignment of ballot papers is in. We will await for the second consignment tomorrow and the commencement of the verification process. As Patriotic Front we are happy with the ongoing campaigns and our candidate has been well received by the people,” Mr.Katunansa said.
Meanwhile, United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) Party member of the committee on national elections team John Kalwena said the electoral process is so far transparent and his party awaits verification tomorrow.
Mr. Kalwena told Journalists after witnessing the arrival of ballot papers that UPPZ is happy with the campaign atmosphere which is violent free.
He further expressed optimism that his party will carry the day owing to the youthful candidate they have fielded .
Zambia will on the 26th of July hold six local government, 7 Council Chairpersons and One Mayoral by-elections.
Mr Bilumba being welcomed by President Lungu and PF Lusaka Mayoral elections Campaign Manager Paul Moonga
UPND Kanyama Constituency Ward 10 Councilor Brighton Bilumba has defected to the ruling PF at a public rally in Chawama Constituency.
Mr Bilumba has accused UPND of not being a party for grossroot people.
He said the UPND does not know grassroot politics and that the people should not be lied to that the UPND is the party of the people.
“I was the only UPND elected councillor in Lusaka District and from the day I was elected I have never received a call from the party leadership either the President or his vice asking how am working, but I receive calls from the vice Republican President asking me how am working,” he said.
“For this today I have decided to join the PF, use me am here to work.”
He was welcomed by PF and Republican President Edgar Lungu during a rally held in Chawama to drum up support for Miles Sampa ahead of the Lusaka Mayoral elections.
Jackson Silavwe with KKThe Zambia Center for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has said that it is still engaging with the Church on chairing the presidential dialogue summit.
ZCID Spokesperson, Jackson Silavwe said that the ZCID is following the mandate it was given by its constituency that the Church be brought on board in the dialogue process.
Mr. Silavwe said that the Center also holds the view that if the dialogue meeting among political leaders is going to stand a test of time, it should be all inclusive.
In an interview with QTV News by telephone, Mr. Silavwe said that to this effect, the ZCID has been meeting with various individual church mother bodies.
Mr. Silavwe sasid that the ZCID last Tuesday met the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), adding that ZCID expects to hear from the three Church mother bodies in the Course of this week.
Mr. Silavwe stated that the ZCID will therefore not give the date on which the presidential summit will be held until it conclusively resolves the issue of chairing the summit with the Church.
Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s SKYSCRAPER as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze. Will must find those responsible, and somehow rescue his family who are trapped inside the building…above the fire line.
PROS
Great acting by Dwanye Johnson.
The movie has an intense, gripping storyline.
Action scenes was done to perfection.
CONS
The movie was a little bit predictable and lacked depth.
There is no worthy nemesis in the movie, the main ‘Bad guy’ merely stalks around like a surly alpha-henchman in desperate need of a boss.
FAVORITE QUOTE
Zhao Long Ji:“Welcome to Heaven.”
Will Sawyer:“Its ok to be scared , in order to be brave you have got to be a little scared.”
CONCLUSION
Skyscapper is an action packed, intense, nail biter of a movie. It is the type of movie that will have you on the edge of your seat with your eyes glued to the screen. Dwanye Johnson is sometimes critiqued for playing the same ‘tough guy’ character in all his films…well this is one is no exception. But with that being said he still gave an excellent performance of a man who is willing to do anything to save his family. The storyline is pretty basic and straight forward, it would have benefitted from more plot twists.
Skyscapper is a great movie to watch on a night out. It is one that will linger in the memory for sometime.
Some of the goods that remained after the inferno at COMESA market
The Ministry of Gender is dismayed with the recent infernos that gutted goods worth millions of Kwacha at both Buteko and COMESA Markets in Mufulira and Lusaka respectively.
Ministry of Gender, Permanent Secretary (PS) Auxilia Ponga said traders especially women and the youth derive a livelihood contribution to economic growth of the nation.
Dr. Ponga has sent a message of goodwill to traders who have suffered irreplaceable loss at both markets.
She said it is unfortunate that as the country is grappling with other economic challenges, money in form of goods and services could be lost through avoidable losses.
Dr. Ponga has since called on contractors of markets and other trading places to work with government in its endeavour to build markets that are fireproof in a bid to protect goods in case of unforeseen fire or other disasters.
The PS has however, implored the Insurance brokers to find a way of engaging small business entrepreneurs such as marketers in an effort to secure their goods.
Dr. Ponga stated that her office will engage insurance companies on how best they can sensitise traders on the importance of securing their goods and provide affordable fees that could be managed by small entrepreneurs in form of insurance.
She further said her Ministry is ready to collaborate with stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to challenges being faced in the informal sector.
This is contained in statement made availed to ZANIS today by Ministry of Gender Media Liaison Officer, Mwape Mwenya.
Home Affairs Minister and PF National Youth Chairman Stephen KampyongoPF National Youth Chairman Stephen Kampyongo has said that government will engage competent mining and environmental experts to coordinate operations at the Black Mountain.
Mr. Kampyongo also disclosed that operations at the mine will resume soon and urged the miners to remain calm as government puts in place operational modalities.
Operations at the Copper Rich Mountain were suspended last month following the death of 11 miners after a part of the mountain caved in burying them alive.
Mr. Kampyongo who is also Minister of Home Affairs said that the experts will be working closely with Chapamo group of companies, the company operating the black mountain.
Mr. Kampyongo said the experts will be carrying out special safety assessments every day before any mining activity is carried out to protect human life.
Mr. Kampyongo also disclosed that operations at the mine will resume soon and urged the miners to remain calm as government puts in place operational modalities.
Mr. Kampyongo emphasized that operations at the mountain will start immediately the experts are engaged by government.
Mr. Kampyongo was speaking in Kitwe on the side-lines of the National day of prayers and action for inmates.
Mr. Kampyongo said the black mountain will remain operational to prevent crime and keep away youths from correctional facilities.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia would like to inform all Political Parties and other Stakeholders that, the ballot papers for the forthcoming Mayoral/ Council Chairperson and Local Government By-elections will be received in the Country in two (2) consignments on separate days.
The ballot papers will arrive in Lusaka today Monday 16th July 2018 and tomorrow Tuesday 17th July, 2018.
The flight details and itinerary are as follows: Date: Monday, 16th July 2018 Flight details: EK 0713 (Emirates) Arrival time: 14.35 PM
Date: Tuesday, 17th July 2018 Flight details: EK 0713 (Emirates) Arrival time: 14.35 PM
The Commission invites Stakeholders to witness the arrival of ballot papers at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as well as the Verification Exercise at the ECZ Warehouse starting on Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th July, 2018.
Margaret Chimanse
Public Relations Manager
for/ Chief Electoral Officer
Electoral Commission of Zambia
