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Zambia remains an attractive destination for global citizens as showcased by the recent WorldFest hosted by the American International School of Lusaka (AISL). The school’s annual festival celebrates AISL’s diversity, peace and shared humanity. AISL, which has been present in Zambia for 31 years, has more than 70 nationalities from across the world at its campus.
AISL director Russell Menard says Zambia is home to many nationalities, cultures and races as seen during the festival and that the event is an opportunity to help students shape the world as they want it to be, where genders and diverse cultures appreciate one another.
“We recently celebrated WorldFest, bringing together more than 70 nationalities that are present here at our school campus in Lusaka. The festival, which is attended by students and parents, is a time for equality and a time to demonstrate how each member and culture within the AISL community is greatly valued,” he says.
This year, WorldFest brought together parents, students and the faculty at AISL for day of festivities that included a colourful parade of national flags as well as a food festival where different food and drinks from all over the world were sampled.
Menard adds that the diversity at AISL also reflects Zambia’s open doors to the world, welcoming different cultures and nationalities to the country. He says that Zambia’s appeal for people working and living in the country is drawn from opportunities to secure a great academic record for their children and that AISL has a rich track record of providing world class education in Zambia.
“AISL offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is a pre university qualification recognized by universities Governments throughout the world. Zambia is an attractive destination for global citizens because the level of education, facilities and overall environment at AISL is a gateway to some of the top universities worldwide,” says Menard.
Founded in 1986, AISL is an independent co-educational day school that welcomes children from 3 to 18 years of age. With a student body of approximately 540 students, the school is fully accredited internationally by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools of the United States and the United Kingdom’s Council of International Schools.
The international nature at AISL is reflected in the school’s curriculum and programs. AISL is one of a handful of schools in Africa authorized to deliver all three of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs: the Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Zambia’s hunger for the 2018 COSAFA Cup final will be put to the test by Madagascar in Wednesday’s semifinal clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Kickoff will be at 17h00 of this semifinal doubleheader.
The match will be the two sides first since 2001 but their debut in the COSAFA Cup.
Both side advanced to the last four via similar 4-3 post-match penalty shootouts win following 0-0 fulltime draws for Zambia against Namibia while Madagascar dumped host South Africa.
But Madagascar have come into the match with more mileage after winning two and drawing one in the group stages.
Zambia on the other hand has entered the fray in the quarterfinals after enjoying a group stage bye.
“We have reached a very critical stage of the competition and we must beat Madagascar to reach the final,”Chambeshi said.
Meanwhile, Chambeshi hit back at Madagascar coach Franklin Andriamanarivo who vowed to beat Zambia especially after watching Chipolopolo stutter against Namibia.
“Football is played on the field, we will meet them on Wednesday so it will be a good game and the 90 minute will tell the result,” Chambeshi said.
And Chambeshi also disclosed that he may stick to a similar formation as that against Namibia although changes are expected to attack where Lazarus Kambole could just start with Ronald Kampamba.
Winner will face Lesotho or Zimbabwe who meet in the 19h30 kickoff of the doubleheader.
Minister of Religious and National Guidance Godfridah Sumaili
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs GODFRIDAH SUMAILI has called on Zambians, particularly Chilanga residents to accept the outcome of today’s by-election.
Speaking to ZNBC News in an interview, Reverend SUMAILI said the people of Chilanga are going to decide whom they want to be their leader.
The Minister said that accepting the outcome of the result will play an important role in fostering peace and development in Chilanga.
Reverend SUMAILI has further commended members of the ruling party and opposition parties for conducting peaceful campaigns in the build up to the by-election.
And the three of the four candidates in the Chilanga parliamentary by election have cast their votes.
PF candidate MARIA LANGA said that she was not impressed with the voter turnout so far but however expressed optimism that more people will cast their vote as the day progresses.
Ms. LANGA said this shortly after casting her vote at 07:13 hours at Mundawanga polling station.
And UPND candidate CHARMAINE MUSONDA said that she was happy that the campaign period went on well despite a few pockets of violence in Chilanga and Chimenja Wards.
She said this shortly after casting her vote at around 08:30 hours at Kalundu primary school.
And speaking after casting his vote, NAREP candidate PRIDE MAZABUKA has urged more people to turn out in numbers to cast their vote.
Mr. MAZABUKA cast his vote at around 9 hours at Musamba primary school.
And Zambia Police issued the following.
VOTING IN CHILANGA-POLICE UPDATE
05TH JUNE, 2018 – We received a report that people who were going to vote at a School in Kalundu area were being waylaid by some suspected UPND caders camping in the area and were beating them up.
They are also reported to have gone to the PF camp and damaged some motor vehicles belonging to PF supporters and one person was injured and rushed to Kanyama first level hospital, later referred to UTH due to head injuries.
Officers have been deployed to the area and order has been restored. Investigations have been instituted to bring to book perpetrators.
In Mundawanga, some UPND and PF Officials are reported to have imported cadres to the area which resulted in commotion. However , sanity has been restored.
We urge all political players to keep the peace and avoid acts that may bring confusion during the remaining period of the Chilanga bye elections.
ESTHER MWAATA KATONGO ZAMBIA POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Council Workers exhuming the body of the girl who died and was buried at grave 73
Ndola City Council hs ordered the exhumation of the body of a dead girl who has allegedly come back to life.
Records show that Winnie Lufunia of Masala township of Ndola died on November 14th 2016 after an illness.
She was later buried at Mitengo Cemetry and records show that her body was held in grave number 73.
Two years later the girl has returned home saying she has been a victim of witchcraft and that she has been alive all the time.
She explains that a named household kept her as an indentured slave to do housework chores and other duties.
Ndola Central Police is currently holding a girl bearing the same details and the parents swear that their daughter was buried two years ago and its their daughter that has returned to life.
Authorities have since exhumed the body and DNA samples are being taken for testing.
Yesterday after a girl of Masala Township in Ndola who is believed to have died two years ago walked back to her parents’ home.
Winnie Lufunja 19, died on November 14, 2016 after an illness.
Her body was taken to the mortuary and after body viewing which acts as surety that the right person was in the casket she was buried on November 16 at grave number 73 in Mitengo Cemetry.
Shepolopolo on Wednesday continue fighting for a place at the Ghana 2018 Africa Women Championship as they host nemesis Zimbabwe in the first leg match of the final round in Lusaka.
Zambia and Zimbabwe clash at Nkoloma Stadium in the 15h00 kick off match.
The Zimbabwean Women are already in Lusaka ahead of the Zambezi derby.
Shepolopolo coach Bruce Mwape has declared Zambia ready for Zimbabwe.
“We are ready for the Zimbabwe game,” Mwape told journalists in Lusaka.
Mwape is hoping that Captain Misozi Zulu, who is battling a minor injury, passes a late fitness test.
Winner over two legs will qualify to the Ghana 2018 Africa Cup of Nations which takes place in November.
Zambia eliminated Tanzania in the previous round while Zimbabwe overcame Namibia.
Government has commended MultiChoice – Zambia for its role in the development of the Television sub-sector in the country.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya says Multichoice has also continued to play a significant role in the development of the local film industry by providing opportunities for the young upcoming Zambian artist and film producers.
Speaking when a team of officials from MultiChoice paid a courtesy call on her in Lusaka today, Ms. Siliya, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said Government will continue to consult and rely on the expertise of the company to grow the local broadcasting sector.
She said with the experience the company has amassed in the many years it has been operating, Multichoice is well placed to advise the ministry on how best the sector can thrive and effectively contribute to the country’s economy.
Ms. Siliya said Government remains open to receiving ideas and proposals that can help spur the development of television and the film industry from all players in the sector.
“We want to ensure that the sector thrives and all players in the value chain make a living,” she said.
And Ms. Siliya said Government is happy that multichoice has decided to move its Southern African regional office to Zambia.
She said the move is an important recognition of the country’s good economic policies.
The Minister advised the company to ensure that Zambians are given first priority when job opportunities arise as a result of the new development.
“I am happy this meeting is taking place at a time when you have moved your regional office here in Zambia and this is an assurance that you are here to stay and have a thriving market,” Ms. Siliya said.
Speaking earlier, Multichoice regional Director for Southern Africa, Nyiko Shiburi thanked Government for the support it has continued to render to his company.
Mr. Shiburi assured the Minister that his company will continue to be an active player in the television sub-sector and will support Government efforts to grow the film industry.
He said the establishment of the multichoice regional film academy to be based in Zambia, is one of the many initiatives by the company to help grow the sector.
“Hon. Minister we are happy to continue our business in this country and appreciate the support and guidance we have continued to receive from your ministry and Government as a whole,” said Mr. Shiburi.
He said the Zambian film industry has potential to grow and effectively contribute to the economy if well managed.
“I assure you that we will do everything within our means to ensure that we support the local film industry through our regional film academy to be based here in Zambia where in the first phase we intend to train 20 filmmakers, artist, producers and many others in this sector. Half of the trainees will be Zambians and the rest will come from countries in the region.
Mr. Shiburi was accompanied by Multichoice-Zambia General Manager, Ngoza Matakala and other senior officials.
File:Teenage girls pose for a photograph at Chinzili village with their babies
By Henry Kanyanta Sosala
On the face value, it seems a lot of Zambians are very highly educated, however, to me it appears that the greatest amount of intelligence exists in that country where people are best able to defend their moral values and liberties as against anything desirous of undermining them. And in addition try their best to solve their own national problems. I believe that any knowledge, and especially at this critical period in Zambia which does not come down to try and break the vicious cycles of youth unemployment, early marriages, street kids and high poverty levels especially in rural areas, no matter how brilliant is just an illusion. Education can only be valuable to us and to those around us when we grasp its essence and properly apply it to our daily realities. It is not the acquisition of book knowledge, but the application of that knowledge to serious national issues at hand that counts.
Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere wrote that learning has not liberated a man if all he learns to want is a certificate on his wall, and the reputation of being a ‘’learned person; a possessor of knowledge………..The accumulation of knowledge, or worse still, the accumulation of pieces of paper which represent a kind of legal tender for such knowledge is nothing.’’
What is heart-wrenching is that our newspapers are just full of stories of people insulting each other and totally blind to such national challenges as youth unemployment, street kids, early marriages etc. And Zambian politics does not induce any sense of reality and one current notable feature is that politics is based on reactions to issues and not on principals or on sound reasoning. The political scenario appears to bear hallmarks of simple blind and personal struggles and hence with no ideology to sustain it except the monotonous recitation and of trading insults. And someone crudely put it: ‘’We just keep on barking at each other like mad dogs.’’ Ngande Mwanajiti wrote: ‘’Those who resort to unpalatable language and insults are just not capable of dealing with issues at hand in a reasonable manner. It is not any different from the case of war lords or terrorists who measure success by the number and level of destruction.’’(Daily Nation 1st July 2015).
Ba Sikota Wina hit the nail on the head: ‘’We inflate little things and pretend they are big…. Our complaints and our controversies, our commotions and our causes have grown ridiculous and we have all of us, become specialists in transforming the trivial into momenta. Even deeply personal matters have become public debate, even President Mwanawasa’s baptism can cause political controversies.’’ (The Post 15th March 2005)
And we are just slowly recovering from ‘’a political tsunami’’ that took the entire nation on edge in which Swazi King Mswati had given land to President Lungu. And on which few people thought was the King’s reciprocal to the same gift that his Royal Highness Senior Chief Mujimanzovu had earlier bestowed on him. And when such ‘’great controversies’’ appear on the scene and especially when they concern the head of state, politicians compete as to who will become the champion in doing more damage on character assassination of the President. And in this instance a opposition presidential hopeful took the lead and after hard work and sleepless nights of perusing various law books, the Anti-Corruption manual and various previous constitutions. And he jubilantly announced to those whose ears are always itching to hear bad news on President Lungu. He came up with sections in the Anti-Corruption Commission Act that President Lungu had breached the Act for receiving a land gift. However, the Law Association of Zambia found no merit and simply rubbished it off.
All those fighting President Lungu maliciously must bear in mind what Eckhart Tolle wrote: ‘’Whatever you fight, you ignite and strengthen and whatever you resist persists.’’
What is the problem? The power of the spirit of hatred and jealousy can easily distort a person’s way of thinking where one can even go to the evil extreme of claiming that people are praying for President Lungu to die. Does one really pray to God for a person to die or do you pray to the devil since he is the master of destruction and here is what Katherine Ponder wrote:
‘’When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. The release of the supposed ‘victim’ is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.’’ And unfortunately there is only one Presidential vacancy and which is not so easy to fill and that is why the Americans say: ‘’Unum Pluribum Est’’ i.e., ‘’Out of Many One.’’
The problem of irresponsible child marriages is a very serious and complex issue since it hinges on the moral fabric of our very existence as a nation. Sex drive is very strong in teenagers and sex is something very difficult to be reasonable about. And even the apostle Paul had to warn Timothy, ‘’……. avoid the passions of youth and strive for righteousness (purity)’’ (2 Timothy 2: 22). And one fact that our ancestors were aware of it and I only learned of it through Mr. Colin Cunningham, the best lawyer this country has ever had, when he was defending a rape case. He emphasized on the point that the tropical climate like ours is a catalyst for sexual arousal and according to him was compounded by the use of ‘’roots.’’ And our ancestors made sure that a boy and a girl should never be at close contact with each other and especially in isolation and hence the saying, ‘’Cikwi tapalamana na mulilo’’ i.e., ‘’Don’t put a petrol-soaked cloth near the flame of fire.’’
It is, however, saddening to note that we as a nation and to borrow Mwine mushi’s expression have not critically tried to dig the ‘’root causes’’ of child or early marriages since we only look to the investors to solve all our problems. However, this is a worldwide problem that includes even the western countries. The only feeble and monotonous pronouncement that we daily hear from the crusaders against early marriages campaigns who are sponsored by foreign-funded NGOs is: ‘’the girls are being married off.’’ And by which they imply that parents ‘’sell off their children,’’ to anybody who can give them some cash. And they usually end up by condemning the parents who ‘’sell off’’ their children in marriages! And threaten them with imprisonment.
It was recently reported in the Zambia Daily Mail that about 500 school girls got pregnant in Eastern Province in 2017. If one follows this shoddy, shallow, disgruntled, distorted and perverted reasoning, of the foreign-sponsored crusaders means that the parents ‘’send off’’ their children to commit adultery and thereby get pregnant. However, in our African cultures, if they get pregnant, then they automatically declare themselves ready for what I refer to as ‘’shot-gun marriages.’’ And in this case, we as un-sophiscated parents can no longer accept them back into our homes since it now becomes the responsibility for their ‘’husbands’’ to look after them. And we are very poor to keep the girl who is pregnant at home. And so we ’’do not marry them off,’’ but they themselves ‘’marry themselves off.’’
The first major problem is the abandonment of our rich African cultures for the western cultures and which means, ‘’sex has now been liberised.’’ And we are actually face-to-face with the bitter consequences of fleeing to what seemed the attractive sex restriction-free western cultures. In fact the then Secretary for African Affairs, R.S. Hudson, distressingly noted as early as 1930s that ‘’when an African settled in town, he ultimately ceased to belong to a tribe and no longer fitted into the native authority system.’’ And other colonial officer Orde-Brown sadly wrote: ‘’A disquieting feature of compounds of all kinds is the large juvenile population without occupation or control. Children and adolescents of all ages throng the vicinity, finding amusements as they can and devoid of training or teaching. In native villages this would not be the case, since almost all the tribes have very definite arrangements for training the young people according to their ideas.’’
David Punabantu added: ‘’ In other words, children were being born in towns without any knowledge or concept of village life. These children produced other children ____ compound kids and their concept of development at that time was to follow the white man into shops. These compound kids then, became compound adults and ended up, as street vendors, while others became street adults as seen today. And against this, Zambian rural culture in the colonial era was seen as the only tool to deal with this cultural genocide that occurred in urban Zambia.’’ (The Post {supplement} 24th November 2004).
On the other hand, in this liberated sexual scenario, we see teenagers publically kissing each other and they even go out to dances, cinema shows and other entertainments and bring back the girl later in the night and that is now accepted by the girls’ ‘’modern, educated and civilized’’ parents, since this is within the context of Children’s Rights in accordance with the Human Rights Charter. However, there is the problem of peer pressure within the liberated sex scenario because if a boy takes a girl out for three or four times without any attempt whatsoever to have ‘’ a go,’’ since other ‘’couples’’ are doing it, then the girl might begin to think her partner ‘’is not man enough,’’ and could eventually if it continues be declared impotent.
We must also critically try to find answers to the fact that girls reach or attain ‘’womanhood’’ at the age of 13 years and in whatever culture as soon as they reach the stage of ‘’womanhood,’’ they are ready for marriage. However, the determination by the authorities at the age of marriage, for example 18 years in this country is only meant for the physical maturity of the girls. The difficulty arises especially in rural areas when they drop out of school, should they just be watching stars for five years until they attain the age of 18 to get married! I have recently heard that they want to make 21 years now as the year of marriage. The problem is that we are indeed blind to our own realities because those who tell us to make such decisions are able to keep their children up to 25 years because they are in universities or colleges. On the other hand, the flowery beauty of a woman is from 14 to 20 years that is when they are at their peak of beauty and then at 21 years their beauty slowly begins to fade. And do you expect our young men to be marrying finished women? ‘’Wailasha kwa Zecco.’’ And surprisingly some of these useless suggestions come from our womenfolk themselves!
In rural areas and unlike in urban areas there are no social amenities to keep both boys and girls at least somehow busy and a result the boys resort to heavy drinking of alcohol. When I visited Swaziland (now Eswatini), I learned that girls in rural areas have sex experiences at the age of between 6 and 7 years while in urban areas, it was at the ages between 9 and 10 years.
In one neighbouring country, prostitution has been legal since the colonial rule and a social scientist told me that in order to protect school-going girls from being victims of sex abuse, the colonial government introduced tough deterrent measures for those who impregnated school girls. They could be sent to jail for ten years and received ten strokes of a cane every Saturday. He told me that they have now increased to twenty years imprisonment since they are no longer subjected to be caned. I think we should think in terms of deterrent measures to protect the school going girl-child. For example, it was reported in Zambia Daily Mail of 31st May 2018: ‘’The Court of Appeal overturned a 25-year jail sentence slapped on a 40-year-old defiler by a lower court and replaced it with 45 years imprisonment with hard labour.’’ I believe, it could also help if some punishment could also be effected on the parents who fail to report such a defiler to the authorities.
Dr. Kaunda has a penetrating insight: ’’ …educational institutions turn out streams of technical, professional and scientific people required in central areas of national building….yet the nation that lacks a firm cultural structure is jelly-built and though the people have title deeds to the property and the key to the front door in their pockets, they are still homeless.’’ Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa in a paper: Chinese Confucius Institute and the Cultural War in Africa wrote:
‘’Culture is the invisible thread that ties people together or separates them…….. the effectiveness control of the world; that is to truly control a people, one must influence the cultural habits, language and belief system of a people _____ that is why they have established Alliance Francaise, British Council, American Cultural Centre etc. All imperialisms recognize that it must empty Africans of their independent human essence if it is to thrive and defeat existing patterns of social practices that inform the locals’ knowledge and understanding of the world; how they engage in that environment and how they re-create and interact with it through customs, moral norms, laws, beliefs, art or other forms of cultural expressions.’’
It’s unfortunate that today many so-called Zambian intellectuals wrongly believe that their cultural heritage is derived from their education and conscious approximation to the western living standards. For example, in an article African Culture and development, Simeo Siame wrote: ‘’Culture for what?….it is futile to mobilize thousands of manpower to paddle a big boat or spend days and nights dancing round a bonfire, when such manpower should have been at points of economic production….this culture can no longer be a tool for modernization and economic development..’’
And cultural genocide was endorsed according to the Report of the Technical Committee of the foreign-drafted Zambian Constitution. In Part V on Bill of Rights, Article 63: ’’Language and Culture states in 63 (3): A person shall not be compelled to- (a) perform, observe, participate in, or be subjected to, any cultural practice or rite; or (b) form, join, contribute, maintain or pay allegiance to any cultural, traditional or linguistic association, organization, institution or entity.’’
It is general knowledge that no one forces the other to do what have been itemized above i.e., who goes overseas to force the tourists who flock to watch the Kuomboka ceremony? The chiefs should particularly note: ‘’….NOT to maintain or pay allegiance to any cultural, traditional or linguistic institution..’’
In fact the Members of the National Assembly have surrendered their powers of decision to the civil society groups. The former Germany envoy, His Excellency, Erich Kristof pointed this out when he was leaving the country that the National Assembly was his major disappointment and he went on to state that since his arrival in the country, it was strange to observe that the National Assembly didn’t play a major role in many national matters despite of being elected representatives of the people. ”I wish the National Assembly being elected representatives of the people can be proactive when dealing with national matters instead of the civil society. The civil society is not elected….the chiefs should also play a major role in areas where government is not present.” (Sunday Post 10th July 2005)
Of course, no one can overlook the fact that the white man has brought a lot of good civilization to Africa, but it comes with a sly danger, because while celebrating the generous donor aid such as the distributions of free skippers and such privileges as learning and enlightenment, it can easily blind us to who we really are and come to the fatal conclusion that the white man is the measure of all things. The truth is that you can never outperform the self-portrait you have of yourself. We have been taught never to see beyond the white man. This hypnotizing mentality has subverted the African personality like no other ideology.
And in closing I want to state that the issue of early marriages is the challenge of all Zambians and we should try to put our heads together and try to find viable ways of at least bringing the scourge to the minimum.
The Africa unite music festival was held on the 1st and 2nd of June at Woodlands Stadium Lusaka. It was an African music extravaganza that featured multiple artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi , Micasa, Skeffa Chimotto, Prince Kaybee, Roberto. Chef187, Caitlin Deville ,James Sakala among many others.
The highlights of day one was the mesmerizing performance by electic violinist Caitlin Deville and the splender of Micasa.
Day 2 was headlined by Oliver Mtukudzi who had the audience in awe of his timeless music. Other performances on the day were from Chef 187 ,Roberto , among others.
Soccer fans in Kitwe want the Chipolopolo to improve as they face Madagascar in Wednesday evening’s COSAFA Cup semifinal match in Polokwane.
Zambia sweated to eliminate Namibia via penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
“Zambia is not playing well. We should not be struggling at the COSAFA Cup because we are former African champions,” a fan commented in the town centre.
“Strikers failed to do a good job against Namibia. We need to win the next game,” Chanda Mweemba said.
Madagascar ejected hosts South Africa at the quarterfinal stage.
“The defence is fine and the midfield is fine but strikers must improve,” Peter Phiri noted.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will face Lesotho in the second semifinal also on Wednesday.
Lusaka, Zambia, 4th June 2018 – We wish to state that there is nothing wrong with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) if it plays the role it was established for.
The Finacial Intelligence Unit was established in November 2010 by an Act of Parliament. It’s a national agency designated and mandated to receive, request, analyse, and disseminate disclosure of information concerning money laundering, terrorist financing, and other serious suspected crimes to competent authorities for purposes of investigations.
According to the Act that establishes the Centre (Financial Intelligence Centre No. 46 of 2010 and Act no.4 of 2016) the FIC gathers this information from banks, financial institutions and others but must submit such information to law Enforcement Agencies and investigative wings and similar foreign entities related to cross border and international crimes.
We have however noted with concern Mr Elias Chipomo, an Oxford university lawyer, who is on a clear mission to mislead and misinform the general public.
Indeed If Mr. Chipimo was serious, he would have known that the Financial Intelligence Centre exists to collect raw information and as such it’s reports are nothing but intelligence reports whose contents are not prosecutorial in nature. Reports by FIC are not prosecutorial in nature and any lawyer knows it!
Mr. Chipimo ought to know that there are reports pointing to the FIC sending demands that lawyers or their accountants should disclose financial transactions related to their clients and such details should also include source of funds for amounts and business transactions above $5,000.00.
Mr. Chipimo ought to know that there are reports pointing to the FIC requesting selected estate agencies to disclose to them any civil servants above the position of Assistant Directors, Ministers and any magistrates and judges, who had recently bought a property.
Mr. Chipimo ought to have known that the order to compel banks to report all client’s transactions beyond the threshold of $5,000.00 has also instilled fear that businesses might begin to conduct transactions outside the banking and formal systems thereby creating a thriving black market and parallel economy.
Mr Chipimo should have known that in the manner FIC seeks to conduct itself, many have expressed concern whether this was the reincarnation of the feared Special Investigations Team for Economy and Trade (SITET) under UNIP, a terror monster used by the then one-party-state to terrorise businesses and political enemies under the cover of investigating economic crimes.
Mr. Chipimo ought to know that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is exactly that! An intelligence arm of the state specialising in gathering and providing information related to suspected financial and economic crimes and also help alert or flag financial support to terrorism activities.
But contrary to innuendos by Mr. Chipimo and others, the FIC:
1. Is not a law enforcement agency;*
2. Its information is raw and not prosecution material as it is intelligence information and usually sourced from third-parties. This information however, is actionable, but would require further investigations and verification to make it meet the pre-trial stage standard. At this stage, like all intelligence information it is not fit for prosecution but for information and leads.*
3. This information has to be further processed and should not be put out to the public as it alerts the alleged criminal suspect and also endangers opportunities and effort to a successful prosecution.
Many are concerned at the grand-standing and populist manner the FIC has taken to even jeopardise in its work by making these unverified, un-researched information to the gallery.
Its own law that regulates the Unit mandates to provide it provide its findings to competent authorities (law Enforcement Agencies) and the Act forbids publication of this information to the public.
The Act provides that the Board is appointed by the President. He appoints the Chairperson and four persons with the experience in law, financial analysis, accounting, forensic auditing and financial investigations.
From the above it is clear that the Board is qualified enough even without reminding them of the law to work in a professional manner.
But Mary Chirwa-Tshuma contends that Act No.4 of 2016 section 3(e), (i) and section 5 (h) and (j) empowers FIC to make the findings public only if FIC protects the identity of such persons or entities. Ms Tshumba states that her reports will be rendered irrelevant if she publishes them but is not acted upon by Law Enforcement Agencies.
But this is not true as after every Trends Report the FIC has put out, there comes a leakage of names and entities.
Ms Tshuma knows that she is grandstanding with *Raw information*, *Unverified information* and *Information that requires follow up with Law Enforcement Agencies*. She knows *FIC is NOT a law enforcement agency*. She knows *FIC has no powers to prosecute or even call witnesses*.
Lastly, we challenge FIC which seeks to play to the gallery to tell Zambians what they have done about exposing the Saturnia offshore accounts. We challenge them to tell Zambians whether they have any information on the Paradise papers, and whether there are any Zambians involved, and if so the extent of involvement.
Issued by:
Sunday Chanda PF Media Director Party Headquarters
The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has presented resolutions of the National Democracy Stakeholders Summit (NDSS) to the three main Church Mother Bodies which among them advised that the Church be part of the National Dialogue to lead Reconciliation amongest political leaders.
ZCID met with the three Church Mother bodies on Monday afternoon.
In a statement issued by ZCID Spokesperson, Jackson Silavwe, the board met the three Church Mother Bodies namely, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) to see how they can be involved in the dialogue process.
He explained that the Centre shared the resolutions and defined the parameters according to the submissions from the NDSS.
“ZCID met the three Church mother bodies which includes ZCCB, EFZ and CCZ and presented their resolutions and made a request to the church to come on board in as far as national dialogue is concerned. We defined the parameters according to the submissions by the National Democracy Stakeholders Summit on how we can involve the church in the dialogue process,” he said.
Mr. Silavwe noted the Three Church Mother Bodies have since promised the Centre that they will discuss the way forward amongst themselves before committing to the submissions from the NDSS.
“The Church listened but promised to get back to us on our request as soon as possible to give their position as to their involvement in the process,” he said.
ZCID has endeavoured to be inclusive in its process of the national dialogue by meeting a number of strategic stakeholders and eminent persons in the country.
Before Monday’s meeting the Centre held a National Democracy Stakeholders Summit (NDSS) were civil society organisations, faith based organisations, academia, intelligensia and political parties deliberated on four thematic areas which should form the basis in the dialogue process.
The four thematic areas are Constitutional and Institutional Reforms, Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence, Tolerance, Freedom of Assembly and Civility in Politics and Electoral Reforms and Integrity of Processes.
The Centre further engaged political parties outside parliament and is expected to hold a secretary general’s meeting were they are expected to endorse the submissions from the NDSS in readiness for the Summit of Presidents.
Silavwe named those in attendance as CCZ President Alfred Kalembo who Chaired the meeting, CCZ Secretary General Emmanuel Chikoya, EFZ’s Bishop Paul Mususu and Rev Pukuta Mwanza and ZCCB’s Cleophus Lungu.
The Green Party is alarmed by escalating delinquency on finance control and management regulations by Government.
Reacting to a press query to comment on the latest exposé of the sale of Kalingalinga Police Station, the Greens leader Peter Sinkamba said time is running out for President Edgar Lungu to get on top of things as the Head of State to arrest the situation.
“Our country has laws and regulations intended to curb financial delinquency in government. In particular, we have the Public Finance Management Act of 2018. We also have Finance (Control and Management) (Public Stores) Regulations. The two laws set the legislative requirements to provide for the control and management of the public finances of the Republic of Zambia. Sections 42 to 47 of the Public Finance Management Act and Regulations 104 and 105 of Finance (Control and Management) (Public Stores) Regulations provide the framework for disposal of Government assets by government agencies which must be comply with, including treasury Instructions. As Head of State, President Lungu should be on top of things and bring the delinquency into control because time is running out for him,” Mr. Sinkamba said.
“Going by the recent disposal of Government assets such as NRDC, Chimbokaila Prison and Jacaranda Basic School, Kalingalinga Police Station, and several others which the public is not privy to, it is abundantly clear that the sale of these assets is not being carried out in accordance with the said laws. Furthermore, they are not being accrued out with an outcome of achieving the best net return when selling. Disposal dealings are not being undertaken in an efficient, fair, transparent and accountable manner prescribed by law. Put simply, the sales can be summed up as acute financial delinquency,” he added.
He said accounting procedures when disposing Government assets must be carried out in accordance with the statutes and treasury Instructions and added that disposal recommendations, with reasons for disposal, must be documented.
“It appears there is no documented policy which Government is following. Proper record keeping is also questionable. Policy and proper record keeping not only does assist for auditing and other examinations purposes, but also highlights successes and issues for future references. However, our colleagues in PF Government do not respect these transparency and coherence processes hence all transactions of assets reviewed so far are unfair, obscure, and done in an unaccountable manner,” he said.
He said assets to be disposed via sale must be based on reserve value that reflects fair market value for each item.
“The sale price established should be based on the condition of the goods or assets and their current market value. Assets must be disposed at the best available net value. Officers need to ensure that disposal of assets is undertaken with probity: that is, ethically, honestly and with fairness to all participants; and to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. However, this is a pipe-dream in PF Government,” he added.
He said asset disposal should be conducted in an efficient and accountable manner.
“Valuation plays an important part in the effective and efficient disposal of goods. It provides an important reference point which assists in the recommendation as well the approval of the most appropriate disposal option.
“In fact, technical experts selected as the member of the Board of Survey should have or obtain sufficient technical knowledge to place a value on items identified for disposal. The most accurate determination of value is always what the competitive market is prepared to pay. In addition to this, there must be a number of agents, usually external),who identify, mark, and record all Government property promptly upon receipt, except as may be exempted by statute, and should remain so identified so long as they remain in the custody, possession, or control of Board of Survey. Assigned Government property identification numbers must be recorded on all applicable receiving documents, disposal documents, and any other documents pertaining to the property control system. Such markings should only be removed or obliterated from the property involved after disposal,” he said.
He said upon submission and consideration of the recommendations of the Board of Survey Report, the Permanent Secretary for Finance or Secretary to the Treasury may authorize the Permanent Secretary of that ministry or department to dispose of that asset by sale or exchange or transfer to any other agency, state institution or whatever the case may be.
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“Where the assets are found to be obsolete or redundant, the Permanent Secretary for Finance or Secretary to Treasury may direct a sale. However, the sale of any government asset ought to be by auction or public tender. This is not the case,” Mr. Sinkamba said.
Chief Muyombe of the Tumbuka people of Mafinga district in Muchinga Province has also added his voice in giving of land to President Edgar Lungu by King Mswati of eSwatini.
Chief Muyombe told ZANIS in Mafinga that there is nothing wrong with President Lungu being given land by King Mswati.
The traditional leader said that the issue should not be politicized.
He said that as traditional leaders they are free to give gifts to any person adding that the gesture by King Muswati to give land to President Lungu was done in good faith.
Meanwhile, Chief Mwenechifungwe said President Lungu has not committed any offence by being given land in eSwatini by King Muswati.
He said that there is nothing wrong in King Muswati giving a piece of land to a fellow head of state.
Chief Mwenechifungwe said it is normal for presidents to be given pieces of land in a foreign country adding that even First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has land in South Africa which was given to him.
He said that as traditional leaders they do not choose when giving gifts such as pieces of land and if he wishes he could also give land to President Lungu in his chiefdom.
Reuters reports that China’s debt crackdown is a key risk to the country’s economic growth and will have significant knock-on effects for the global economy, particularly emerging markets with high commodity dependence or close Chinese trade links, Fitch Ratings said.
Beijing’s campaign to put a lid on debt could also lead to a sharp slowdown in business investment, Fitch said late on Sunday, forecasting that growth in the world’s second-biggest economy would slow to around 4.5 percent over the medium term.
Fitch said the implications of this scenario for the global economy would be significant but not dramatic, unlike a full-scale hard landing.
One of the most significant effects would be on commodity prices, with Fitch expecting oil and metal prices to fall 5 to 10 percent from its baseline scenario, reflecting China’s large role as a commodity consumer.
In April, a Reuters poll of 72 institutions showed economists expected China’s economic growth to slow to 6.5 percent this year and 6.3 percent next year as Beijing extends its crackdown on riskier lending practices.
Gross domestic product in 2017 expanded 6.9 percent in real terms and 11.2 percent in nominal terms.
Beijing’s financial crackdown, now in its third year, has slowly pushed up borrowing costs and is choking off alternative, murkier funding sources for companies such as shadow banking.
The ratio of Chinese corporate debt to GDP is already very high by international standards – at 168 percent in 2017 – and is expected to start rising again as nominal GDP growth declines towards 8 percent from the unusually high rate of more than 11 percent in 2017, Fitch said.
If the government aims to stabilise its corporate debt ratio by 2022, Fitch said China’s nominal economic growth rate could fall by 1 percentage point a year over the medium term while business investment growth would drop 5 percentage points per year.
Net global commodity exporters would be affected through a decline in direct exports to China and weaker terms of trade, Fitch said.
The rating agency’s model suggests a particularly strong impact on Chile while direct exposure is lower in Latin America’s other major economies that are generally less dependent on Chinese demand.
Exporters of energy products and metals, such as Zambia, could also be hurt as China’s role as a source of financing sub-Saharan Africa has increased considerably in recent years.
Fitch singled out Mongolia as the most vulnerable of Asia’s net commodity exporters as China accounts for all of its coal and iron ore exports.
A bigger impact on the global economy would result if the Chinese currency were to depreciate significantly in the slower growth scenario, Fitch said.
“It is hard to put a precise time frame on when China will start to see the deleveraging of the real economy, but at some point it looks inevitable,” said Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch.
“The scenario analysis we have undertaken suggests that, when it does occur, it will be a process that will be a significant drag on growth.”
