An open letter to President Edgar Lungu over human rights
Dear President Lungu,
I am writing to you today regarding the serious matter of the continued and unjustifiable incarceration of one of our fellow Zambians. The citizen in question is Fresher Siwale, leader of a small opposition party named New Labour. He is being held under section 69 of the Penal Code, which provides that “Any person who, with intent to bring the President into hatred, ridicule or contempt, publishes any defamatory or insulting matter, whether by writing, print, word of mouth or in any other manner, is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years”.
Siwale was arrested on 24 April 2018 for claiming that your real identity is Jonathan Mutaware, born in 1956 to Malawian parents working on the Copperbelt mines, not Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The implication of his accusation, if established, is that you were not eligible to contest the 2015 presidential election since the Constitution at the time provided that ‘A person shall be qualified to be a candidate for election as President if both his parents are Zambian by birth or descent’. Prior to his arrest, Siwale had appeared on different media platforms, challenging you to respond to his assertion that you inherited the identity and profile of the real Edgar Chagwa Lungu, whom he alleges is deceased. Following his arrest, it took more than three days before he was formally charged and over a week before he finally appeared in court on 3 May 2018. For reasons that I outline below, Siwale remains in police custody as of today, Monday, 14 May 2018, nearly three weeks after he was detained. Media reports suggest that he has been subjected to appalling and undignified treatment while in detention such as being denied food.
Siwale has been imprisoned not due to your own actions but in your name. Regrettably, it seems to be part of our political tradition that almost each President of Zambia, a former one or a major political leader, faces accusations that he is an identity fraud or a foreigner, or that their parent is one. You will remember that his political opponents, led by Patrick Katyoka and Remmy Mushota, once accused founding president Kenneth Kaunda, who was born to Malawian parents, of not being Zambian. The duo sued Kaunda in the Ndola High Court and judge Chalendo Sakala, in agreeing with the petitioners, declared Kaunda stateless in early 1999. It was not until October 2000 that his citizenship was reinstated following a Supreme Court ruling that reversed the lower court’s decision.
Kaunda’s successor, Frederick Chiluba, was supposedly a Congolese who assumed the identity of a former schoolmate and whose father was of Congolese origin. At the time, in 1996, the Constitution provided that ‘A person shall be qualified to be a candidate for election as President if both his parents are Zambian by birth or descent’. Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika sued Chiluba after the latter won the 1996 polls on grounds that he was not qualified to be President since one of his parents was not Zambian. The Supreme Court eventually declared Chiluba a Zambian on grounds that those, like you, who were in the country at independence automatically became citizens. Levy Mwanawasa was also alleged to be a Yao from Mangoche in Malawi. His challenger was a man you surely know, one Michael Sata who made the extraordinary claim in November 2001. Mwanawasa however declined to pursue the matter in courts of law, choosing instead to provide political responses to the accusations, a strategy that appear to have been effective.
Rupiah Banda, by his own admission, was born in Zimbabwe. As a result, he was spared this persistent accusation. Although Sata did not suffer this accusation while in power, Katyoka had earlier in 2001 claimed that his father was Tanzanian. Sata personally sued his accuser for this remark in the Magistrate’s Court, months before the case was discontinued after Katyoka apologised to the then Patriotic Front leader. The apology followed Katyoka’s confession that he had been asked by Chiluba to accuse Sata as a way of undermining his political standing and presidential bid in 2001. A decade later, in 2011, then Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha resuscitated the matter when he claimed that Sata had Tanzanian roots. The PF leader simply ignored Shikapwasha’s accusations.
Given the aforementioned political history, it must be expected then that some of your opponents would accuse you of being non-Zambian. This much is the same as before. What is different and curious is your apparent reaction to these accusations. As noted above, your predecessors simply denied the accusations and occasionally engaged in court battles to assert or prove their identity and citizenship. One major thing they did not do, however, was turn on their critics, or criminalise any discussion relating to their identity. Not even Chiluba, whose case generally mirrors yours, did that. They recognised that criticism, even unfair criticism, is part of political debate in any functioning democracy. I urge you to learn from their example when it comes to how to respond to this enduring political accusation.
As you probably know, the conditions under which Siwale is being held are intolerable. He has not been convicted of any crime. Neither has he been accused of a serious offense that would make him a danger to the public, such as murder or aggravated robbery. Yet he remains in detention and seemingly indefinitely even before his case is heard. At his first hearing, the magistrate imposed extraordinary bail conditions. Siwale had to not only provide ZMW 10,000 cash but also two working sureties, one of which must be a person working at the level of director or above in government. As you know, Mr President, such individuals are appointed in your name and would not sign a surety for a man accused of insulting your dignity without your permission. It is therefore very unlikely that Siwale would meet the stringent bail conditions imposed on him anytime soon. The result is that this fellow citizen, even after trial commences on 23 May, would remain imprisoned indefinitely without conviction.
I am aware that Section 126 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, under Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia, allows Siwale to apply to the High Court for the variation of his bail conditions. I am also aware that he can use the constitutional route to seek the same outcome. What worries me greatly, and I think what should also worry you, is that many cases proceed slowly through Zambia’s courts and so Siwale faces the prospect of being imprisoned for years while seeking to meet the bail conditions as they presently stand or to satisfy another court to vary them. How is this justice? Is this the kind of a society you wish to preside over? Do you wish for criticism of you to be punished in this way? Media reports say that the Magistrate who imposed the stringent bail conditions stated that she was willing to vary them if Siwale fails to meet the set requirements, which raises questions about why she set them in the first place.
I implore you to show your magnanimity and that you are unafraid of criticism by instructing those acting in your name – as though they are the custodians of your identity or historical background – to halt the case as the facts of the matter can easily be resolved without imprisoning a fellow citizen. This manner of proceeding would also be in your interest. The harsh reaction to Siwale’s questions has raised people’s suspicions. After all, if there is no truth in the matter, and I would like to believe there is not, then there is no need for citizens to be arrested and imprisoned the way Siwale has been. All that is needed is a political rebuttal or a challenge to those aggrieved to seek redress in the courts of law, as did those who accused your predecessors of identity fraud or not being Zambian. To allow the matter proceed beyond the point it has reached, and under the prevailing circumstances, may only raise more suspicions around your identity in the public eye. Already, there are some who are claiming that the reason why Mike Mulongoti – another citizen and leader of a small opposition party who has raised questions about your identity – was not arrested is that you are seeking, through Siwale’s example, to silence or intimidate other critics, including him. You would do well to allay these suspicions by refusing to pursue harsh measures against your opponents.
The legal implication of this case is that it is an attack on fundamental human rights such as the presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty and the right not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment. We may not like what others say about us, but this does not give us the right to shut them up or violate their human rights. The Constitution that you swore to uphold specifically requires you to rise above individual considerations to defend and protect even the rights of your severest critics or political adversaries. Many people may find the constant questioning of the identity and nationality of Zambia’s presidents distasteful and distracting. Yet it remains a fact of political life in Zambia, and one that cannot be entirely avoided. If people wish to say these things, it is their right. If people are jailed indefinitely for expressing an opinion, even before their case is heard, then we will become a country where people are afraid to say what they think and we will all be poorer after that. Is this the type of country you wish to lead as President?
I look forward to your response, either in words or in actions.
Warmest regards,
Sishuwa Sishuwa
The last Zambian nationalist
Chinese, US firms in joint bid for Batoka
Global electrical engineering giants, China Power and General Electric (GE) of the United States have launched a joint bid for a contract to construct the 2, 400 megawatt Batoka Gorge hydropower project being co-developed by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development Minister Simon Khaya Moyo, while officiating at a Zesa annual risk management awards ceremony on Friday, said the two electrical engineering giants paid him a visit at his offices on Friday and expressed strong interest in the project.
The Energy Minister said that while Zimbabwe had successfully commissioned the Kariba South Extension project, in March this year, which added 300MW to national electricity grid, the country was remained shot of adequate power, adding Harare’s goal was to be energy self-sufficient as well as be a net exporter of power.
As such, Minister Moyo said that he would engage his Zambian counterparts to discuss ways in which the implementation of the Batoka power project, which the two countries urgently need to resolve power deficits in their countries, could be expedited.
The Batoka Gorge sits on the Zambezi River, whose administration the riparian states share.
It also supplies water to the jointly owned Kariba Dam, which the two countries use for power generation, 1050MW for Zimbabwe and for 1080MW for Zambia.
“This morning (Friday), I received representatives from China Power and General Electric (GE) from the US. They have shown great enthusiasm to move into Batoka (hydropower project),” he said.
“I do know my colleagues would want to accept this development. I will consult and we will meet, as members of the Zambezi River Authority to discuss how we can speed up the programme.”
The $3 billion Batoka power station will be situated about 60 kilometres downstream of the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River and is expected to improve the two countries’ power supply, currently in deficit and also feed into the Southern African Power Pool.
Zimbabwe and Zambia’s demand for energy are forecast to more than double by 2035.
Proflight to hit Zimbabwean skies
Zambia’s leading airline, Proflight Zambia is set to introduce flights between Lusaka and Harare beginning the first week of July.
Civil Aviation of Zimbabwe Public Relations and Communications Manager Mrs Anna Hungwe said Proflight will be flying ino Harare four times a week.
The airline will be flying on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using a 29-seater Jetstream 4100 (J41),” she said.
Mrs. Hungwe said the arrival of Proflight underlines that the Harere route is a viable and lucrative route and a culmination of the Authority’s marketing efforts.
“There is improved perception of the Zimbabwean destination and our collaborative marketing efforts continue to bear fruit,” she said.
Proflight will have to contend with competition from Kenya, Ethiopia, Angola, Emirates and Namibia.
Proflight was established in 1991 and operates over 200 flights a week with an on time performance of over 80 percent.
It services domestic routes in Zambia and regional routes in Lilongwe in Malawi and Durban in South Africa.
It operates a 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-100 jet, four 29-seater Jetstream 41 aircraft and two 12-seater Cessna Caravan C208 aircraft.
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Zambia Celebrates Relocation of US Embassy to Jerusalem as SA Recalls its Envoy in Protest
Zambia was among African nations that attended celebrations to mark the US embassy’s relocation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Sunday evening.
On Monday, Gaza had its bloodiest day in years after Israeli forces shot and killed 52 Palestinians and wounded at least 1,200 as tens of thousands protested the relocation of the US embassy in Jerusalem.
And South Africa took a strong stance against the killing of 41 Palestinians by Israeli armed forces by pulling its Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect until further notice out of Israel.
But Zambia’s Ambassador to Israel Martin Mwanambale joined 86 other envoys which included 33 from Africa, Latin American, European and a few Asian diplomats at the controversial ceremony.
This is according to a list released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Sunday evening.
The other 11 Ambassadors who attended the event were drawn from Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania.
Notably absent from the list were some of Israel’s allies and staunchest friends, such as Canada, Australia and Germany.
Other important countries with which Israel has good ties such as China, Russia, Argentina and India also boycotted the event.
Most European countries have slammed US President Donald Trump’s move to relocate the embassy as not in line with international consensus, preferring to wait on recognizing the city until its status is finalized in talks with the Palestinians.
On Monday, the new US embassy was officially inaugurated in the capital’s Arnona neighborhood.
“Seventy years ago, the United States, under President Harry S Truman, became the first nation to recognize the State of Israel,” the US State Department said in a statement Saturday.
“Moving our Embassy is not a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace deal; rather it is a necessary condition for it. We are not taking a position on final status issues, including the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, nor on the resolution of contested borders.”
Citing Trump’s December 6 speech, the statement said that “the historic opening of our embassy recognizes the reality that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the seat of its government.”
The US Consulate General on Jerusalem’s Agron Street will continue to operate as an “independent mission with an unchanged mandate responsible for U.S. relations with the Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority,” the statement went on.
And South Africa has taken a strong stance against the killing of 41 Palestinians by Israeli armed forces by pulling its Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect until further notice out of Israel.
“Given the indiscriminate and gravity of the latest Israeli attack, the South African government has taken a decision to recall Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect until further notice,” Department of International Relations spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said on Monday.
Mabaya said the attack also resulted in scores of Palestinian citizens being injured.
He said government condemned “in the strongest terms possible the latest act of violent aggression carried out by Israeli armed forces along the Gaza border”.
“[This] led to the deaths of over 40 [people] killed following a peaceful protest against the provocative inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem,” he said.
Mabaya said South Africa reiterated its view that the Israeli Defence Force “must withdraw from the Gaza Strip and bring to an end the violent and destructive incursions into Palestinian territories”.
Government in collaboration with the Chinese government to launch the Village TV project
Minister of Information and broadcasting Dora Siliya has stated that the Government in collaboration with the Chinese government will soon be embarking on the Village TV programme which will benefit over 10,000 villages across the African Continent and 500 Villages in Zambia.
The Minister stated that this was part of the broad digital Migration agenda.
And Hon Siliya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson stated that what this entailed was that government with the support of China would provide communal television facilities in a number of villages which would assist the rural community to access Television facilities.
“This is part of the bigger agenda to provide universal Television access in Zambia within the next two years. ” She said .
She stated that the digital Migration itself would be completed in december of 2019 and that it was hoped by government that by that time, there would be universal television access in Zambia.
” This to me is a pre requisite for Citizens in a democracy, to be able to engage government and each other . ” She said
” I think that provision of television for entertainment, for News and Information, is a very important cornerstone for democracy.” She added.*
She stated that the development was a good achievement for Zambians which they needed to be proud of because to have universal television coverage was going to be a real milestone as it stood to bring a lot of benefits to the social , economic development agenda of the country.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information has reechoed governments commitment to improving the ICT sector in the country.
“We believe that the growth of the ICT sector will bring rapid improvement in the social and economic development of our Country.” She said.
Hon Siliya however noted that the communications Ministry had experienced a lot of challenges with the growth of the ICT sector .
She stated that 25 years ago , there was no internet nor Smart Phones in the Nation and that with the advent of technology now, clearly new policy direction had to be provided as well as governance in terms of the sector.
” With this new technology that is accessible to a lot of Citizens globally as well as in Zambia, we must look at means of protecting the citizens especially the Children. ” She said .
She stated that such were the issues that the Ministry of transport and communications and ZICTA had been grappling with.
” As you are aware as Media, the growth of the sector has brought about a lot of threats that have been paused around the world. Threats against governments, threats against financial transactions, threats to data protection and management as well as all manner of threats that have emerged as a result of ICT growth has made it even more clear to us as government that we need more reforms so that our citizens can continue to enjoy this sector.” She said .
The Minister said this at a press briefing at Government Complex this Morning.
HH, GBM and Given Lubinda hold a roadside chat, call for dialogue
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema along with his Vice President Geoffrey Mwamba today met with Justice Minister Given Lubinda and held a roadside chat in Chilanga.
The political leaders were in Chilanga undertaking campaigns for the forthcoming by election.
Mr Hichilema and Mr Mwamba used the occasion to stress the need for dialogue and that they remain committed to the process.
The trip agreed that the dialogue process should be led by the Church and not those with partisan interests.
“In that short meeting, we told our colleague that violence was relentlessly visited upon innocent victims but as leaders we can stop this if only we can commit to reforms,” Mr Hichilema wrote on his Facebook page.
“This country does not belong to Hakainde, GBM or indeed anyone abusing State powers and as such it is vital that we come together and talk but under the umbrella of the Church,” he said.
The UPND leader said the Church has a long history of resolving conflicts.
He said ,”therefore, to resolve the impasse of other parties not interested in the Commonwealth-led dialogue and we having no confidence in the Zambia Center For Interparty Dialogue (ZCID), we must all then agree that the Church leads the way.”
He added, “Only those without a faith, denomination or religion, will deny that the Church must not lead the way in bringing unity and harmony in our country.”
Zesco’s opponents Etoile in coaching crisis
Zesco United’s 2018 CAF Champions Group D opponents Etoile du Sahel head coach Khaireddine Madhoui has reportedly stepped down after just one season in charge.
Etoile will host Zesco on Wednesday at 21h00 in the two side’s second Group D match.
According to Tunisian media sources, the Algerian-born coach has resigned after Sunday’s 4-1 loss to holders Clube Africain in the Coupe de Tunisie final.
The defeat left the outgoing Tunisian champions without hope of any silverware this season.
Sunday’s final pitted Etoile, who are third on the Ligue 1 table, and Clube Africain who are second, with both sides tied on 47 points with four games left before the 2017/2108 season is completed.
Esperance are the runaway Ligue 1 leaders on 58 points.
Etoile’s defeat came just three days after they lost 2-1 away to relegation battling Ben Guerdane in a Ligue 1 match on May 10.
Madhoui joined Etoile in 2017 after a decorated spell in his homeland when held Entente Setif to the 2014 CAF Champions League victory and back-to-back league Algerian honours with the same club before stumbling in Tunisia.
Meanwhile, unlike Zesco who have not played any fixtures since they drew 1-1 with Mbabane Swallows in their opening Group D match in Ndola on May 5, Etoile have played two competitive games since they drew 1-1 away in Angola to Primeiro de Agosto in their CAF Champions League opener last Saturday.
All four teams in Group D are tied on one point heading into match-day-two that will also see Swallows hosting Agosto on Tuesday afternoon in Swaziland.
President Lungu’s “abusing powers” remark taken out of context-State House
STATE HOUSE says there is nothing scandalous about the comment made jokingly by President Lungu during the fundraising walk in Lusaka on Saturday.
A Video has appeared on social media where President Lungu is joking with those who were contributing towards the Cheshire Homes Fundraising walk.
According to the Zambia National Broadcasting Coorperation (ZNBC) Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Mr Amos Chanda, said State House is saddened that detractors want to mischaracterise President Lungu’s noble intentions to raise funds for the vulnerable people by taking his comment out of context.
Mr Chanda said President Lungu was merely reinforcing an apology for inconveniencing mototriste during the event.
He said the Heaf of State made the Statement in a joking manner to emphasise his apology.
“When He was moving from car to car to the other, he made a comment to emphasise the apology he was making at everyturn to every vehicle and every pedestrian he met. He rendered an apology that the motorists had to forgive us for abusing our powers today for a noble cause to raise funds for the underprivaleged.
“Yes, he made the Statement which detractors have chosen to mischaracterise the President” He said.
Chief Justice Mambilima should go, she has failed the Judiciary-Changala
Human Rights Activist Brebner Changala has charged that Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima should resign her position as she has allegedly failed to run the Judiciary.
Mr Changala said Mrs Mambilima has lamentably failed to manage the Judiciary and inspire the bench later on the nation at large.
He has since described Justice Mambilima as a disaster to Zambia’s young democracy.
“When she came to the Judiciary from ECZ,the was so much hope that the judicial integrity was going to be on the upswing and the value of the kwacha picked up on the international market, alas, this has not happened and judiciary standard have lamentably plummeted despite the judges being well remunerated, having research officials, the quality of judges and judgements is a tragedy and their seem to be no recourse to the common man to remedy the injustice which has become the order of the day and pervasive,” Mr Changala Saidi
He added, “In light of the serious public concern about the perceived waning judicial independence or state capture of the judiciary at a critical time of constitutional adjudication, there has been no response or refutation of the public perception from the judiciary.”
“As Hitler’s Minister of propaganda once said; when a statement is consistently said, it becomes the truth.”
Mr Changala said the judiciary should be sensitive to the people’s concerns as the people are the institution unto themselves.
“In short,the current Chief Justice, Justice Irene Mambilima has lamentably failed to manage and inspire the bench later on the nation at large.
Mambilima must take leave and go. She is a disaster to our young democracy and it’s people.”
He said, “Where as the law protects her security of tenure as a Judge, she has failed to protect the judiciary from scavenging executive(PF Government). She is an accomplice in PF unconstitutional conduct and state capture.”
WEEKEND SCORECARD: Bwale stays calm after Zambia U20 victory
Zambia U20 coach Charles Bwale is staying calm despite their comfortable away win over Rwanda in last Saturday’s 2019 U20 AFCON qualifier.
Defending champions Zambia beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali on May 12 in a first round, first leg qualifier thanks to a Francesco Mwepu brace in the 33rd and 77th minutes.
The two sides meet in the final leg in Lusaka this Saturday.
“The game is water under the bridge but we cannot sit back just because we won 2-0 and then say that we are done because we still have the second leg in Lusaka,” Bwale said.
“We have seen the strengths and weakness of Rwanda, so the game in Lusaka will be a different ball game.
“We will not sit comfortably on this lead.”
Last Saturday’s win also marked defending U20 AFCON champions entry into the Niger 2019 qualifiers after enjoying a preliminary round bye.
Rwanda on the other hand booked their date with Zambia after a 1-1 away and 0-0 home draw against Kenya in April to advance on away goals rule.
Winner over both legs goes through to the final qualifying round in July where they will face either Sudan or Burundi who are tied at 1-1 heading into this weekends final leg in Khartoum.
SCORECARD
INTERNATIONAL
2019 U20 AFCON 1ST ROUND,1ST LEG
11/04/2018
-Kigali
Rwanda 0- Zambia 2(Francesco Mwepu 33′ 77′)
-Bujumbura
Burundi 1(Juna Mohamed 23′)- Sudan 1(Abdel Salam 27′)
FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 11
12/05/2018
Nkana 1(Idris Mbombo 39′)-Green Buffaloes 2(Diamond Chikwekwe 1′, Jasper Masialeti 48′)
Zanaco 1(Maisha Chavda 85′)-Napsa Stars 2(Luka Lungu 7′, Alex Mwamba 90+5)
Green Eagles 0-Nkwazi 2(Davy Kalandanya 45′, Sebastian Mwansa 77′)
Lumwana Radiants 1(Adamson Mulao 34′)-New Monze Swallows 0
National Assembly 1(Amity Shamende 45+1′)-Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy 1(Peter Chinyama 68′)
Forest Rangers 1(Nicholas Mulilo 73′)-Nakambala Leopards 0
Buildcon 1(John Makwatta 16′)-Kitwe United 1(Rogers Mukenge 52′)
13/05/2018
Lusaka Dynamos 0-Red Arrows 1(Joseph Phiri 21′)
Power Dynamos 3(Godfrey Ngwenya 29′, Lameck Kafwaya 65′,Gampani Lungu 86′)-Nchanga Rangers 1(Omeji Okechukwu 90′)
POSTPONED:
Zesco United-Kabwe Warriors
2018 TOP SCORERS
LEAGUE
13/05/2018
Idris Mbombo(Nkana):6
Chris Mugalu(Lusaka Dynamos):6
Joseph Phiri(Arrows):4
Sebastian Mwansa (Nkwazi):4
Lazarus Kambole(Zesco):4
Rahim Osmanu(Buildcon):4
Hereitier Nkonko(Kabwe Warriors):4
Luka Lungu (Napsa):3
Alex Mwamba (Napsa):3
Rogers Mukenge (Kitwe):3
Diamond Chikwekwe(Buffaloes):3
Larry Bwalya(Power Dynamos):3
Tapson Kaseba(Eagles):3
Emmanuel Okutu(Warriors):3
Peter Mwangani(National Assembly):3
Jesse Were (Zesco):3
Kobe Chipeta (Forest):3
Gampani Lungu(Power):2
Peter Chinyama (KYSA):2
Maisha Chavda(Zanaco):2
John Makwatta(Buildcon):2
Walter Bwalya(Nkana):2
Ronald Kampamba(Nkana):2
Friday Samu (Buffaloes):2
Patrick Ilongo (Forest):2
Nasha Kaya(Nchanga):2
Joseph Ochaya(Dynamos):2
Jonathan Manongo (Eagles):2
George Chaloba(Assembly):2
Fackson Kapumbu (Zesco):2
Kelvin Mubanga (Power Dynamos):2
Simon Nkhata(Napsa):2
Emmanuel Chabula(Kitwe):2
Wilbroad Mutale(Monze):2
Patrick Kasongo(KYSA):2
Reagan Nkuyi(Power Dynamos):2
Aubrey Chellah(Buffaloes):2
Josphat Kasusu (Arrows):2
Peter Zulu(Nchanga):2
Alex Ngonga(Power Dynamos):2
Shadreck Musonda(Nkana):1
Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco):1
Mike Katiba (Buffaloes):1
Conlyde Luchanga(Dynamos):1
Collins Sikombe(Dynamos):1
Mwila Phiri(Dynamos):1
Benson Sakala(Power):1
Ronald Chibwe(Lumwana):1
Romaric Pitroipa(Zanaco):1
Nelson Maziwisa (Warriors):1
Lyson Sikaonga (Kitwe):1
Judge Mkandawire(Nakambala):1
Twiza Chaibela(Lusaka Dynamos):1
Adams Zikiru (Zesco):1
Damiano Kola (Forest):1
Rupert Musonda(Kitwe United):1
Roy Sakwanda (Eagles):1
Langson Mbewe(Eagles):1
Junior Zulu (Nakambala):1
Kennedy Lungu(Assembly):1
Fred Tshimenga(Nkana):1
Tafadzwa Ruskie(Zanaco):1
Isaac Chansa (Zanaco):1
Martin Phiri (Zanaco):1
Austin Muwowo (Kitwe United):1
Lyson Thole(Kabwe Warriors):1
Derrick Mwansa (Arrows):1
Cletus Mulolani(Lumwana):1
Nawa Nawa (Lumwana):1
Reuben Chansa(Lusaka Dynamos):1
Martin Njobvu (Nchanga):1
Peter Nyirenda(Monze Swallows):1
Edward Mwamba (Nkwazi):1
Shadreck Muyumbwa(Nkwazi):1
Eddie Sinyangwe(Buffaloes):1
Lameck Banda(Nakambala):1
Spencer Sautu (Eagles):1
Youremember Banda(Buffaloes):1
Bruce Musakanya(Arrows):1
Felix Nyaende(Zanaco):1
Given Singuluma(Buildcon):1
Clifton Miheso (Buildcon):1
Fahad Bayo(Buildcon): 1
Moonga Chilimba(Buffaloes):1
Bornwell Mwape(Nkana):1
Allan Kapila(Lumwana):1
Clifford Saidi(KYSA):1
Ben Chengo(Forest):1
Chataba Kabole(Nakambala):1
Marcel Kalonda(Zesco):1
Tchite Mweshi (Assembly):1
Kalaba Chikwanda(Nkwazi):1
Cletus Chama(Dynamos):1
Joseph Mwindilila(Swallows):1
Ceaser Hakaluba (Eagles):1
Shadreck Musonda(Nkana):1
William Njobvu(Assembly):1
Musonda Kapambwe(Assembly):1
Emmanuel Banda(Nakambala):1
Stanley Nshimbi(Assembly):1
Akakulubelwa Mwachiaba(Warriors):1
Clement Mundia (Warriors):1
Francis Zulu (Assembly):1
Mwenya Mubanga(KYSA):1
Brian Mwila (Buildcon):1
Kelvin Chomba (Nchanga):1
Chipungu Musukuma(Nkwazi):1
Muma Mumba(Eagles):1
Victor Mubanga(Lumwana):1
John Chingandu(Zesco):1
Laurent Muma(Forest):1
Steward Chikandiwa (Nkwazi):1
Bernard Ofori(Zanaco):1
Godfrey Ngwenya(Power):1
Lameck Kafwaya(Power):1
Nicholas Mulilo (Forest):1
Adamson Mulao(Lumwana):1
Japser Masialeti(Buffaloes):1
Amity Shamende(Assembly):1
Davy Kalandanya(Nkwazi):1
Omeji Okechukwu(Nchanga):1
First President Kenneth Kaunda receives the 2018 UNIADS leadership Award
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Evans Sakala:Nchanga Rangers played under protest
Nchanga Rangers coach Evans Sakala has accused his players for playing under protest in Sunday’s 3-1 away loss to Power Dynamos at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Power demolished Nchanga in almost effortless fashion to return to winning ways after a picking up just two points from their last three games.
Goals from Godfrey Ngwenya, Lameck Kafwaya and Gampani Lungu in the 29th, 66th and 86th minutes respectively handed Power the 3 points.
“I think that they are protesting. They have never played like this since we started the league, we have played crucial games with bigger teams but today (yesterday) they haven’t shown the real Nchanga Rangers,” Sakala said.
“I don’t know, but it shows the body language can show.
“You see I am coach, I can see, I have been with them the whole week, I have also been with them for about two-and–a-half years and I know how they play.
“This is the worst loss.”
The defeat has left Nchanga at the top half of the bottom four relegation zone in 17th place with 11 points from as many games played after suffering their second straight defeat.
Power on the other hand are 3rd on 21points, three behind leaders Green Buffaloes and one adrift of Zesco United.
K5.77 billion released in April for development programmes, debt service, and government operation.
The Ministry of Finance has said that a total of K5.77 billion [FIVE POINT SEVEN-SEVEN BILLION KWACHA] was released by the Treasury in April 2018 to finance development programmes and Government operations.
According to a statement released to the media by the Ministry yesterday, of the amount released, K2.14 billion went towards capital and other key developmental programmes, K1.60 billion was released for debt service, K816.6 million for support to grant-aided-institutions, and K2.19 billion for personal emoluments.
The Public Service Pensions Fund received K91.76 million for retiree pension benefits, K24 million was released to settle salary arrears for TAZARA employees while the Social Cash Transfer Programme got K45.8 million.
The Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) was allocated K245.4 million to settle payments to various creditors for supplies of fertilizer for the 2017/18 farming season while the Food Reserve Agency was given K20 million.
The Ministry of Health received K140 million for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies. From the total of K816.6 million released for grants to different sectors in various institutions in across the country, the Treasury also disbursed K60.8 million to meet operational costs for health facilities.
In the month under review, K62 million was released as Constituency Development Fund [CDF] to support development projects in various constituencies across the country while K89.9 million was disbursed towards the Local Government Equalisation Fund to facilitate the operations of local authorities. The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Project under the Millennium Challenge Account Zambia received K103.80 million.
Of the total funding for the month of April 2018, the road sector received K353.68 million; being funds from the Road Tolls – Fuel Levy – and Road User Charges. The disbursement went towards on-going road projects across the country.
Co-operating Partners also came to the party with some support towards the implementation of different programmes across Ministries Provinces and other Spending Agencies. In this regard, K113.63 million was received and disbursed to various donor funded projects during the same month.
A total of K210.83 million was released to Ministries Provinces and Spending Agencies (MPSA’s) for general operations and implementation of 2018 planned programmes and activities.
Zambia firmly remains in control of her economic affairs-Mwanakatwe
Minister of Finance MARGARET MWANAKATWE has said through implementation of the Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme, Zambia firmly remains in control of her economic affairs.
She said although the economy has a fantastic opportunity to record higher growth rates as a result of the transformational reforms that are being implemented by the Government, the banking and financial services sector needs to pull together with those in the production and real sector in order for the desired 6 percent to 8 percent growth rates to be attained.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe appealed to the private sector to take advantage of the recent developmental oriented agreements signed with the Angolan Government to create alliances and working partnerships that will ensure that Zambian businesses dominate the Angolan market along the two countries common border.
She also requested for targeted financial support for youths adding that, “given empowerment funds, they are ready to take risks, operationalise their projects, and create employment for others thereby contributing to poverty reduction.”
The Minister also called on eligible organisations to plan properly and ensure that the issuance of e-vouchers for the 2018/2019 farming season is effective and efficient, further stating that, “as Government, we are committed to ensure that the process begins early as we do not want our people to experience the challenges that they faced in the last farming season.”
She was speaking, Friday, when Barclays Africa Deputy Managing Director PETER MATLARE paid a courtesy call on her at her office.
And Mr. Matlare said Zambia has a rich depository of capability which was why his organisation was keen to firm-up its partnership with the country in finding ways of closing the investment and infrastructure gaps.
“I have no doubt that we share the passion to improve and work together which is why we have a long-term commitment to this country and its people,” he said.
Mr. Matlare was accompanied to the Ministry by Barclays Bank Zambia Chairperson CHISHALA KATEKA and Barclay Bank Zambia MANAGING DIRECTOR MIZINGA MELU.
AND Mrs. Melu said Barclays Zambia has invested K35 million in technological upgrade. She added that her organisation has intensified its staff career development programme and would continue with the client relationship improvement initiatives.
Mrs. Melu also said Barclays Zambia had invested in a mobile bank disbursement programme in order to contribute to the attainment of the country’s financial inclusion objectives.
Meanwhile,