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There is need for decent shelter in Zambia in order to achieve development as a country – KK

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First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda(c),his granddaughter Sonji(l) and Minister of Water and Sanitation Loyd Kaziya(r) cutting the cake during Zambia Association of Musician KK's Birthday Bash in Chongwe
FILE: First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda(c),his granddaughter
Sonji(l) and Minister of Water and Sanitation Loyd Kaziya(r) cutting
the cake during Zambia Association of Musician KK’s Birthday Bash in
Chongwe

First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda says there is need for decent shelter in Zambia in order to achieve development as a country.

Dr. Kaunda says this is because poor housing exposes people to structural vices associated with poverty which is a threat to not only human security but national development, as a whole.

Dr. Kaunda, who is also Habitat for Humanity Zambia Patron, said the housing deficit in Zambia is worrying and render the country into a crisis if unattended to.

He said if unattended to, many vulnerable groups in the country will become homeless and consequently remain unhealthy.

Dr. Kaunda said this in a speech read on his behalf by His son Kaweche Kaunda during the KK Build 2018 Event in Chilanga District’s Mapepe area, yesterday.

The First Republican President noted that in the fight against poor substandard housing is everyone’s concern as it is a universal right to good shelter.

He further alluded that since 1984 to date, Habitat for Humanity has built 4,000 house for the vulnerable people in different communities in the country.

And first National Bank head of strategic, marketing and communications officer Clotilda Mulenga said that they believe that home ownership gives a family self-esteem and determination which allows the family to grow and prosper.

She added that FNB and Habitat for Humanity have been partners since 2014 adding that that its part of her Bank’s corporate social responsibility in its areas of operation.

University of Pretoria distances itself from Prof Hansangule’s letter to the UN on Recalling Janet Rogan

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Prof Michelo Hansangule
Prof Michelo Hansangule

The University of Pretoria in South Africa has distanced itself from a media statement issued by Michelo Hansangule, who is Chairman, Africa Centre for Good Governance and Professor of Law at the institution calling on the United Nations Secretary General to recall United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia Janet Rogan.

In a letter dated 24th April, 2018 University’s Registrar Professor Caroline Nicholson says Professor Hansungule did not follow procedure or seek clearance from the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University when he commented on governance issues in Zambia.

According to a statement released to the media by Mrs Naomi Nyawali, First Secretary Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s High Commission in South Africa, the University of Pretoria says it is concerned that Professor Hansungule expressed his personal opinion using the name of the university by using its letterhead to issue a statement without being authorised by the institution.

The Registrar has since assured the Zambian Mission in Pretoria that the University will take steps to ensure that the error of judgement of Professor Hansungule in using an official letterhead for his statement of opinion will not be repeated.

The University’s reaction follows a letter written to the Institution by Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba on the 19th of April ,2018 who sought clarification from the University whether frequent statements issued by Professor Hansungule concerning local Zambian political issues using the University’s letterhead stationery, were a reflection of the institution’s views.

The Registrar disclosed that Professor Hansungule has since been made to revoke his statement and has apologised to management for the use of the Centre’s letterhead to express his personal opinions.

Professor Nicholson stressed that the opinion expressed in the particular statement dated 14th April 2018 on UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, were an expression of personal opinion of Professor Hansungule and did not represent the official opinion of either the Centre for Human Rights or the University of Pretoria.

Mr. Mwamba expressed concern that most of the issues that Professor Hansungule raised particularly in his letter to the Administrator of the United Nations Development Program in New York regarding the recall of Janet Rogan who is the UN Resident Coordinator for Zambia appeared to represent the official position of the University of Pretoria.

Mr. Mwamba has since thanked the University for its prompt response to the High Commission’s concerns.

He also expressed gratitude that the University management had shown it’s determination to correct or rectify the misrepresentations made by Prof. Hansungule.

President Lungu signs National Health Insurance Bill into law

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President of Zambia His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has signed into law the controversial National Health Insurance Bill meant to achieve Universal Health Coverage for all Zambians.

Act No. 2 of 2018 signed by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu establishes the National Health Insurance Scheme that will ensure that all Zambians have equitable access to quality health care irrespective of their status in society.

The Bill will see working Zambians make a monthly contribution into a Fund which Government will use to run the public health system.

The Bill was heavily criticized by sections of the trade movement with the Zambia Federation of Employers warning that it will take the Zambian government to the International Labour Organisation if it does not shelve the bill.

Zambia is an amazing country with amazing people-Roger Federer

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Rodger Federer With President Lungu at State House

Tennis star Roger Federer has described his four day stay in Zambia as exciting.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer arrived in Zambia on Sunday to check on how is his Foundation is doing.

The Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) began its work in Zambia in August 2011, aiming to provide equitable access to quality basic education to children.

Federer met children, parents and teachers to have a better idea of how the whole system is working in Eastern province.

Seven years ago, the Roger Federer Foundation launched a project aiming to support and strengthen education in Zambia.

Speaking at the Kenneth Kaunda International airport before departure to Switzerland, Federer said he enjoyed his time in Zambia describing the country as amazing.

He said he met amazing people including children, government officials and his Foundation partners.

“Visiting Zambia has been exciting and getting to see the projects was an eye opener and gave me an insight on how much work needs to be done in the education sector. It was also pleasing to see the impact that our Foundation is having and it was great to see that the work we have done has been really fruitful and the money goes down to where it belongs,” Federer said.

He said government must prioritize the development of the Early Childhood Education sector as it is important for the overall development of children.

“I enjoyed dancing with the kids and the teachers and I hope to return one day,” he said.
Federer thanked the Foundation partners Reformed Open Community Schools and People’s Action Forum Zambia for what he called a great field visit in two community schools in Lundazi.

He said the partners are doing a fantastic job and changing children’s life.

“We have been operating in Zambia together with our local partners since 2011 and by the end of 2018, we will have invested US$5.1 million in Zambia. I urge the Government to expedite the establishment of the early childhood policy framework to enable organisations operate more effectively.’ Federer added.

“it was first time in Zambia and Southern Africa, a region which holds a special place in my heart as my mother is South African. I know about Zambia because my parents have extensively travelled to the country,” Federer said.

During his stay in Zambia, Federer met President Lungu who said the country was honoured to welcome the Swiss.

President Lungu said he is confident that Federer can start a new trend for bringing more celebrities in Zambia, which would definitely give a great image to the country and more possibilities in helping unprivileged children.

The two held talks at State House before Federer presented President Lungu with an autographed racket.

On Tennis, Federer said his dream remains to play Dream in Africa for a charity match.

“I played in Morocco in 2002 in the Davis Cup but I have played anywhere south of the continent, maybe this year or next year if we see how my fitness levels are,” he said.

“In Zambia, we need more tennis courts, the game is not even known out there. We still have a long way to go. Zambia is a big country with hard to reach areas. Children need to be exposed to Tennis as the sport teaches you lifelong lessons.”

Augustine Mulenga soaks in man of the match award

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Zambia midfielder Augustine Mulenga says his Man of the Match Award in Orlando Pirates 4-0 demolition of outgoing South African champions Bidvest Wits on Wednesday was down to team work

Mulenga scored a brace in the 36th and 58th minute while his Chipolopolo team mate Justin Shonga added the third in the 41st minute after a Sifiso Hlanti own-goal in the 13th minute sparked Pirates on their way to victory.

The win over 12th placed Wits kept Pirates second on 52 points, four behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with two games left to play.

“For me as a player, it’s because I work hard in training and no wonder I got the performances I did today it’s because of the hard work I put training and the guys who keep encouraging each other. No wonder we are this far,” Mulenga said who joined Pirates in January from Zanaco.

“We just have to work hard in the last game and know where we are going to find ourselves. So we just have to work hard for the upcoming games.”

Mulenga played the full 90 minutes while Shonga came off in the 63rd minute.

Shonga and Mulenga have 4 and 3 goals respectively for Pirates this season.

Government starts funding stalled projects

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Government Spokesperson, Dora Siliya, who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister, speaking when she featured on the local Breeze FM Radio station

Government has assured contractors whose projects had stalled in the last two years of funding to enable them resume their construction works.

Government Spokesperson, Dora Siliya said government has already started paying some small Zambian contractors and will soon be moving to bigger contractors.

Ms Siliya told ZANIS in an interview that as of Friday last week, government had already paid about K200 million to some small contractors.

She disclosed this following concerns raised by the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) on Agriculture on the delayed payments of contractors who were constructing dip tanks in Katete District.

Ms Siliya who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said the delay in payment was purely due to treasury constraints that had been caused by the economic recession experienced in 2014 and 2015.

“Because of the economic recession, as government we decided to concentrate on priority areas like health. The Minister of Finance has started paying off some small scale contractors and will soon move to bigger contractors so that all projects in the country that had stopped in the last one to two years can commence,” she said.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) on agriculture, Chairperson Howard Kunda said the committee was in the district to check on three dip tank projects that were funded under the euro bond.

Mr. Kunda who is also Muchinga Member of Parliament (MP) said the committee wants to ensure that there is accountability and value for money used in the implementation of the projects.

He said the committee was impressed with two of the three projects as people were accessing the services adding that works for the other dip tank had stalled because of delayed funding from government.

“We are appealing to government to ensure that they pay the contractors so that they can finish the project so that our people can benefit from the services,” he said.

Zambia records rise in inflation rate

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Shopping in Lusaka
Shopping in Lusaka

Zambia’s annual inflation rate has increased to 7.4 percent from the 7.1 percent.

Central Statistical Office (CSO) acting Director of Census and Statistics Goodson Sinyenga revealed this to journalists at a briefing in Lusaka today.

Mr Sinyenga attributed the increase in the inflation rate to price increment in food.

He explained that the average prices of goods and services increased by 7.4 percent between April 2017 and April 2018.

Mr Sinyenga said the inflation rate was measured by the all items at Consumer Price Index (CPI).

And commenting on the annual food inflation rate for April 2018, Mr Sinyenga disclosed that the country recorded an increase of 6.5 percent in food inflation rate as compared to 5.8 percent recorded in March 2018, indicating an increase of 0.7 percent.

The Acting Director told journalists that the increase in the annual food inflation rate was triggered by price changes in vegetables such as tomatoes and onion.

Meanwhile the annual non-food inflation rate for April 2018 stood at 8.4 percent while March stood at 8.7 percent indicating a decrease of 0.3 percentage.

The decrease in non-food annual inflation rate was attributed to price changes for Motor Vehicles and Airfares.

Mr Sinyenga said of the 7.4 percent annual inflation rate recorded in April 2018, food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 3.5 percent while non-food items accounted for 3.9 percent.

Meanwhile Eastern province had the highest annual rate of inflation at 10.5 percent followed by Western province at 9.6 percent, with Luapula province recording the lowest annual rate of inflation at 4.2.

Lusaka recorded the highest provincial contribution of 2.4 percent to the overall annual inflation rate of 7.4 percent recorded in the month of April this year.

According to CSO acting Director, price movements in Lusaka province significantly influenced the annual inflation rate.

He cited Copperbelt as the second highest province that contributed 1.2 percent to the overall annual inflation rate while Luapula province had the lowest contribution of 0.2 percent.

Graffiti artists create Zambias biggest mural

Graffiti artists London Kamwendo and Dwain Whitaker created Zambias biggest mural at Toyota Zambia Cairo Road, Northend.

Three toll stations to be commissioned in Western province

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A Truck Driver making a payment at Manyumbi Tollgates in Kapiri Mposhi District following the commissioning of the same

National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has disclosed that three toll stations are expected to be commissioned in Western Province by June this year.

NRFA Public Relations Manager, Alphonsius Hamachila said the agency has put up three simplified toll stations which include Mweke Toll station on Kaoma-Mongu road, Tapo station on Mongu-Kalabo road and one at Seyi Bridge on the Senanga-Sesheke road.

Mr. Hamachila stated that the toll stations under construction are simplified versions which will only have a small control room and a barrier because of the low traffic on the respective roads.

He further said the money that will be collected from the toll stations will be used in maintenance of roads.

Meanwhile, Senanga District Commissioner Vivian Mubukwanu has expressed happiness over the putting up of a toll station in Senanga district as it will provide employment to the local youths.

Mr. Mubukwanu said the toll stations in the province will help generate revenue to be used in renovating main roads that are currently in a bad state.

Slap dee and Bobby east unveil “For a long time” music video

Following the success of the single, Slapdee and Bobby East finally unveil  music video for their collaborative effort dubbed “For A Long Time“.

Directed by Emmanuel Chilala and Lawdak.

 

Siwale spends two nights in jail, remains uncharged

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Fresher Siwale
Fresher Siwale

New Labour Party Leader Fresher Siwale spent his second night in police custody on Wednesday after he was picked up by police on Monday.

Mr Siwale who along with People’s Party President Mike Mulongoti have launched a campaign questioning the nationality and identity of President Edgar Lungu was arrested picked up at his Chelstone home on Monday.

Heavily armed police officers stormed Mr Siwale’s house with a search warrant to search for a National Registration Card (NRC) which is believed to belong to the “real” Edgar Lungu.

It was not clear whether the NRC was found at Mr Siwale’s house after the search but he was immediately taken to undisclosed police station for further questioning.

From Monday, no one including his immediate family members where aware of his exact whereabouts as Police did not disclose where they were holding the opposition leader.

But on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Mulongoti managed to track Mr Siwale at Chilenje Police Station in Lusaka after going round almost all the police stations across the city.

Mr Mulongoti liased with the Officer in Charge who confirmed that Mr Siwale had not been charged yet.

When reached for a comment, Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo said the Police is not issuing any statement on the matter at this stage.

And Mr Mulongoti has stated that he is not aware that the police are after him.

He said there is no need for the police to launch a man haunt on him as he is readily available.

Mr Mulongoti said he does not under why the police had to storm his office and Mr Siwale’s house looking for an NRC as if the duo was Mr . Lungu’s guardians.

He stated that the police should go ahead and charge Mr Siwale so that they could have their day in court.

“We have been waiting for this. We would just like the police to quickly go ahead and charge Mr Siwale and myself if they have anything against us and allow us to appear in court where all the evidence we have will be presented,” Mr Mulongoti said.

Religious ministry launches 1st strategic plan to transform people’s attitudes, behaviors

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Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili cutting the ribbon whilst Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Katongo Chifwepa looking on during the Launch of it's 2018-2021 Strategic Plan at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday 25-04-2018. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili cutting the ribbon whilst Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Katongo Chifwepa looking on during the Launch of it’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday 25-04-2018. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has launched the Ministry’s first strategic plan aimed at significantly transforming people’s attitudes and behaviors through the promotion of national values and principles.

Ms. Sumaili says the Strategic Plan and Balanced Scorecard will promote patriotism and national unity so as to reverse the social ills affecting the country and expedite national development

She further stated that the implementation will involve sensitization and engagement with other stake holders like political, civic, traditional, public and private sectors including youths.

Speaking at the launch which was held in Lusaka yesterday, MS. Sumaili disclosed that the successful implementation of the plan will be anchored on values of integrity, stewardship, excellence, confidentiality, impartiality patriotism modesty and team work.

She also pledged to work hand in hand with the church mother bodies and civil society organizations to ensure proper implementation of the plan.

Ms. Sumaili stated that the Ministry will also develop a number of policies, regulations and legislation for the implementation process.

And National Guidance and Religious Affairs Permanent Secretary Katongo Chifwepa said the plan which is from 2018-2021, is not for the ministry alone, but for the people of the Zambia as well.

She stated that the plan is important and as it will give direction, promote respect and social Justice among Zambians.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) Director Patrick Shindano has commended the move by the ministry.

Mr. Shindano said such initiatives should be emulated by other ministries.

The launch was attended by church mother bodies, senior government officials, and civil society organizations among others.

Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili cutting the ribbon whilst Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Katongo Chifwepa helps during the Launch of it's 2018-2021 Strategic Plan at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday 25-04-2018. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili cutting the ribbon whilst Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Katongo Chifwepa helps during the Launch of it’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday 25-04-2018. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili being congratulated by NGOCC Vice Chairperson Mary Mwale  whilst Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Katongo Chifwepa receiving the Strategic Plan during the Launch of it's 2018-2021 Strategic Plan at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday 25-04-2018. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili being congratulated by NGOCC Vice Chairperson Mary Mwale whilst Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Katongo Chifwepa receiving the Strategic Plan during the Launch of it’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday 25-04-2018. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

Zambia in fruitful discussions with World Bank, IMF on development projects – Chiteme

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Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme on Voice of America (VOA) Nightline Africa in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme on Voice of America (VOA) Nightline Africa in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP

The Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme says the Zambian delegation to the 2018 Spring Meetings held fruitful meetings with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), focusing on the country’s development.

According to a statement releaased to the media by Mr Chibaula Silwamba, the Ministry’s spokesperson, the Minister of National Development Planning was speaking when he featured on a live Voice of America (VOA) programme, Nightline Africa, with host Peter Clottey and producer Shaka Ssali on the sidelines of the 2018 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings.

“We had very fruitful meetings with the IMF and world Bank; as the country we are open to discuss frankly with both the Fund and the Bank,” said Mr. Chiteme on a programme broadcast across the globe on radio and online. “We are very optimistic on the projects we are doing with the World Bank.”

The interview focused on Zambia’s Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and Zambia’s participation at the on-going 2018 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, USA.
Mr. Chiteme said Spring Meetings were taking place at the right time when the World Bank was developing the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Zambia.

“We have had and continue to have open and frank engagements with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on how they can help us unlock our development agenda in line with our Seventh National Development Plan,” Mr. Chiteme said. “The Spring Meetings have given us opportunities to create synergies between the Seventh National Development Plan and the Country Partnership Framework of the World Bank. Our engagements are important to our continued close collaboration with the World Bank as we implement the Seventh National Development Plan.”

He said financing for the 7NDP would be through domestic resource mobilization and international financing mechanisms.

“In this regard, the Government has put in place measures to enhance domestic resource mobilization by tracking the mineral industry, and the entire extractive sector on how they are accounting for tax their obligations,” he said. “Further, the Government of Zambia has set up various institutions which will facilitate accountability on the Seventh National Development Plan at National Level, Provincial Level, and District Level; and these are required to account for their outcomes.”

He said the just-launched Seventh National Development Plan (implementation plan Volume Two) sets out targets to be reached by various government sectors.

He said the Ministry of National Development Planning would closely monitor and evaluate the implementation of the 7NDP to ensure that it was fully realised in line with the set targets.

In response to the commendation by the presenter that the Seventh National Development Plan is a well-articulated document, the Minister said that Government of Zambia was mindful that having a well-articulated Plan was just part of the equation but to implement and realise the set outcomes is a much bigger battle the focus now is to ensure that the set goals are achieved.

Mr. Chiteme expressed concern that Zambia’s absorption of the donor funded projects, particularly the World Bank’s was lower than expected. “It’s my commitment that during my tenure as Minister of National Development Planning the portfolio performance moves to levels that are satisfactory and this will not only be in the interest of the World Bank but in our interest as the country because it is our desire to accelerate our national development agenda,” the Mr. Chiteme explained. “We intend to re-model the institutional framework for implementing the projects which are financed by the World Bank by creating separate dedicated Project Implementation Units (PIUs) whose sole responsibility will be to provide leadership in implementation of projects.”

The World Bank portfolio is about US$1.3 billion.

Nightline Africa is the only English programme on VOA during the weekend with millions of listeners across the globe.

Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme during an interview on Voice of America (VOA) Nightline Africa with host Peter Clottey in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme during an interview on Voice of America (VOA) Nightline Africa with host Peter Clottey in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme handing over the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) to Voice of America (VOA) veteran broadcast and host of Straight Talk Africa Shaka Ssali and Nightline Africa host Peter Clottey in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme handing over the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) to Voice of America (VOA) veteran broadcast and host of Straight Talk Africa Shaka Ssali and Nightline Africa host Peter Clottey in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme (c) and ministry’s Director for Development Cooperation Catherine Lishomwa chatting with Voice of America (VOA) veteran broadcast and host of Straight Talk Africa Shaka Ssali in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme (c) and ministry’s Director for Development Cooperation Catherine Lishomwa chatting with Voice of America (VOA) veteran broadcast and host of Straight Talk Africa Shaka Ssali in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme on Voice of America (VOA) Nightline Africa in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme on Voice of America (VOA) Nightline Africa in Washington DC, USA, on Saturday 21 April 2018. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP

Felix Mutati challenges Accountants to participate in public debates

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Works and Supply Minister Felix Mutati
Works and Supply Minister Felix Mutati

Minister of Works and Supply Felix Mutati has challenged accountants in the country to participate in public debates on policy since they are knowledgeable on issues concerning governance.

Mr. Mutati says that accountants who are well trained must begin to voice out the change that is desired for Zambia to be a better country.

He was speaking last night when he was officially presented with the ACCA Global Advocate of the year Award winner Trophy during the cocktail reception and launch of the ACCA Advocacy Programme held at Radisson Blu Hotel.

“You have so much engine power in terms of competence, in terms of training but you are rather shy to participate in public debates about policy when you know too much, and then you keep pointing fingers at the politicians, that they don’t know what they are doing,” he said.

MR Mutati said, “this is because you are not panel beating us, you are not advising us in the various programmes of accounting”.

On the award, the minister said he will take it all parts of Africa and globally, and tell of Zambia’s story on how it deals with ethical standards as well as issues of integrity and how the profession continues to stand between cash and those that abuse the cash.

He called on the accounting profession to design common ethical standards as well as training platforms in order to minimise the fatigue on the students so that they do not write same things twice.

“The other challenge is the legitimate concern about ethical standards and conflict of interests,” he said.

He said accountants are being put in situation where they have to compromise their decision making potential “ sometimes called creative accounting” which he said is prevalent and much talked about by the Auditor General and must be tackled.

Mr. Mutati also called for clear communication skills in the profession for people to be able to make quick decisions.

He said accountants are one the greatest professions in the world because they make sure that wastage is minimised and prudent management of the resources is adhered to.

“And this is why last week on Saturday, we began the process of controlling the usage of the key component of Government asset which is transport to ensure that we minimise wastage, to ensure that the resource of the people of Zambia is used prudently and that is advocacy and it is critically important,” he said.

And ACCA Zambian Network Panel Vice Chairperson Sean Mukelabai urged all ACCA members to in Zambia to play a key role in developing the profession.

“There are many opportunities for you to get involved. Get involved, speak up and make things happen and at the same time broaden your professional network and learn new skills,” he said.

Mr. Mukelabai further noted that it was now time members to play their part in inspiring then next generation of accountants by sharing the diverse accounting experiences at some of the career talks and fairs where members of ACCA Zambia team deliver presentations.

On the other hand chairperson of the Local Advocacy Committee of the Global Forums Hastings Mtine reminded the members to embrace the Siavonga Annual General Meeting theme, “ Step Up and Be Counted ” adding that they all need to step up by getting involved in various causes and initiatives that seek to enhance the development of the accountancy profession and national development.

“Advocacy is more likely to be nurturing the next generation of professional accountants and we can harness your power and expertise in particular subject areas to raise the profile of ACCA membership and ACCA as an organisation and help us to champion public value and highlight the important role we play in making a positive impact in changing people’s lives,” he said.

This is contained in a statement issued to the media by Ministry of Works and Supply Public Relations Office, Ndubi Mvula , yesterday.

Planned construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology will support Zambia’s diversification agenda

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President Edgar Lungu when the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Yukiya Amano paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018. Pictures by Thomas Nsama/State House
President Edgar Lungu when the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Yukiya Amano paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018. Pictures by Thomas Nsama/State House

Rosatom Central and Southern Africa Communications Director Ryan Collyer says the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology will support the country’s diversification agenda from over dependence on copper.

The planned center’s laboratories will allow for more accurate and efficient study of materials and samples such as rock composition to identify valuable materials and resources, which will increase economic benefits and export potential.

This is because the Center will effectively contribute to the country’s economic growth as it will see many developments such as job creation, growth of demand in other sectors of the economy, Mr. Collyer says .

Rosatom Central and Southern Africa Communications Director said this during a Nuclear Public Relations Boot camp in Lusaka today.

“ The plant will see the coming of different skilled man-power which will cater for different sectors of the economy such as agriculture, the medical sector such as the cancer treatment, “ he said.

He stated that the plant will also bring on board industry and construction sector development, social infrastructure development and export opportunities among others.

It is important for the Zambian people to be empowered with information and understand the benefits of the development so they may appreciate the move by government, Mr Mr. Collyer stated.

He appealed to all stakeholders to get on board and contribute to the dissemination of information to the public.

Speaking at the same event, University of Zambia ( UNZA ) Marketing Officer Joseph Siwo commended government for taking up the initiative to improve the living standards of the ordinary Zambians as the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Mr. Siwo stated that government need to do more to disseminate information so that the negative myths are eradicated adding that most people are skeptical about it because they do not fully understand much about nuclear energy and technologies.

Mr. Siwo also called upon government to invest funds in research towards nuclear science as the country can effectively utilize the country’s raw materials and develop local expertise in treatments of cancer.

He also called upon institutions such as the University of Zambia to take advantage of the knowledge of nuclear energy to explore the technology as it could probably be a way for fundraising for the country.

“ The sooner the institution grasps the expertise of the science the better as government could use the institution to process and be more strategic in giving expertise knowledge than outsourcing experts from outside the country, “ he said..

He said there are a lot of physicists at UNZA and those specializing in nuclear physics should take the opportunity for them to explore opportunities available in the nuclear industry.

The development of the Center will contribute to the development of science and education, Mr. Siwo further explained .

Recently government signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia for the construction of the Nuclear Centre in Chongwe Constituency.