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FAZ Statement on Allegations of Financial Irregularities

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FAZ Statement on Allegations of Financial Irregularities

I wish to advise that following the illegal circulation of financial documents relating to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) activities, it has become necessary to clarify some of the assertions circulating prominently on social media platforms.
The documents that have been circulated make up part of the audited accounts that were approved by the FAZ Council in the meeting of 31 March, 2018.

Constitutional Authority
Article 35(a) gives the Executive Committee power to pass all decisions that do not come under the sphere of responsibility of the council or are not reserved for other bodies by the law or under these statutes.
Article 35 (d) may decide to set up ad-hoc committees if necessary at any time. Article 35(e) shall compile the regulations for the organization of standing committees and ad-hoc committees.
Article 35(m) may delegate tasks arising out of its area of authority to other bodies of FAZ or third parties.
These clauses allow the Executive committee to make decisions as stated in Article 36(a) that elaborates on decision making powers of the executive committee
36(1) The Executive committee shall not engage in valid deliberations unless a majority (more than 50%) of its members are present.

EXCO Allowances
The FAZ Executive Committee members and staff members were part of the U20 Local Organising Committee. The LOC included officials from various government ministries. for the U20 Africa cup hosted by Zambia between 26 February and 12th March 2017. The allowances relating to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations under FAZ and the Local Organizing Committee cover a period of 5-months. During this period the FAZ Executive Committee members were actively involved in running the eleven committees that were set up for the purpose of managing the event. Their involvement was on a day-to-day basis and required full-time commitment to the preparation for the tournament.

The current FAZ structure remunerates committee members sitting allowances for meetings as follows:
Sitting/Daily Allowances- Exco Members K1,000 (K1500 Veep), K2,000 (President)
Lunch allowance K300/day for all members
Fuel refund from K600 to K1200
Accommodation outside Lusaka K2,000 per day and vice versa for those travelling to Lusaka
This structure has been adopted strictly for this 5-month period as the method of payment for work done during this period. Had the traditional method of payment been followed during the same period, the amount would have been K2.56 million compared to K805,000 which was paid for only 30 days as opposed to 150 days. This reduced the payment due to each committee member as per circulated figures now in the public domain.

Despite the committee members working tirelessly between November 2016 and March 2017, no payment was made until funds were available in November 2017. The amounts paid were standard daily allowances except they were paid in one lump sum six months after the end of the tournament.

An amount equivalent to one-months pay was earmarked for Secretariat staff for their contribution to the LOC for the success of the U20 Africa cup of nations hosting as opposed to payment of their entitlement of servicing and other allowances.
U20 Players allowances

The allowances for the U20 national team were paid after the team won the Africa Cup of Nations and prior to the team’s departure for the World Cup in Korea. Each player received the sum of $3,300 for winning Africa Cup after considerations by the Executive Committee and despite payments to the teams strictly forbidden by CAF and FIFA statutes as these tournaments are deemed development.

This was viewed as an exception especially that CAF offered a prize money of US$250,000 for winning the cup. No bonus was paid for the U20 FIFA World Cup as there was no prize money in the competition.
FIFA paid each player the sum of $100 each for the duration of the tournament. The FAZ President, in his individual capacity, also paid each player and the technical team $100 as gratification for their performance in the tournament.
KoPa Replicas and Kit

A sum of $80,000 was paid to the KoPa Kit manufacturer and to date $50,000 amount of replicas and $30,000 worth of playing kit has been received. This kit was used by the senior national team during the recently played CHAN tournament in Morocco.
Refunds to ENFIN SOLUTIONS Limited

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to advise that during the course of its operations the association has turned to the FAZ President Mr. Andrew Kamanga for short-term financial assistance during emergencies. Suffice to mention that this support has been rendered at no extra cost to the association especially that the financial position of the association was too weak to even support normal overdraft from our banking partners.

The President through his company, made it possible for the U17 national team to meet its obligations at the COSAFA tournament in Mauritius by assisting with the purchase of air tickets valued at $11,000. This amount was later refunded when funds became available at no additional cost to FAZ.

The Company also assisted with the purchase of playing kits for division two and three clubs at the end of March 2017 and was only refunded in May 2017, two months later with no interest charged. This is the basis of the $38,000 refund approved in one of the leaked documents.

This was also the case in January 2018 when the team was due to travel to Morocco for the CHAN 2018 tournament when delays in procurement for tickets by the sponsor almost derailed the team’s travel plans. The President’s company rescued the situation. A total sum of $25,000 was paid towards the travel costs, and the same was refunded at the end of January 2018.
National team Ghana costs

There is also a payment of K30,000 to the FAZ General Secretary, Mr Pasipononga Liwewe, for Ghana hotel costs during the team’s stopover on the way to Nigeria for a World Cup qualifying match. This was necessitated again by the delay in funding by the sponsor. The General Secretary availed his debit card to the team manager at the airport when the funds did not materialize, and a deposit was made into the account which the team manager used to make hotel payments in Accra. All payments are backed by documentation.

Leaks of documentation

We note with concern involvement of expelled members of the Executive Committee in the distribution of these documents. Mr Kazala is still due to appear before the FAZ Council to respond on charges levelled against him relating to abuse of office and misuse of funds amounting to K150,000. It is clear that these machinations are an attempt to divert attention from his pending matter.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) remains available to clear the air over these and other matters and will fully cooperate with any organ of the law if required to provide further clarity.

FAZ will be taking remedial action at the secretariat to prevent any further such breaches of confidentiality that the staff is bound by. Those found to have participated in such breach will face the full course of the law and internal disciplinary action will also be taken. FAZ clearly understands the difference between whistleblowing and attempts to destabilize the smooth running of the organization.

further we wish to advise that we have briefed the ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development and have since rendered a detailed report. we will in due course also inform CAF and FIFA accordingly.

For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Pasipononga Liwewe
GENERAL SECRETARY

Kambwili vows to dismantle what he termed the Monster he helped create

Chief Editor
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Kambwili vows to dismantle what he termed the Monster he helped create
Mr Kambwili at ACC Headquaters
Mr Kambwili at ACC Headquaters

National Democratic Congress (NDC) Consultant Chishimba Kambwili says his recent personal humiliation and persecution has cemented his resolve to boldly demobilize what he has termed as the monster he helped create after the death of President Michael Sata.

In a statement made available to Q-News, Mr Kambwili says he’s resolved now than ever before to see to it that state power and its accompanying responsibilities is democratically taken away from the hands of what he has referred to as desperate,thieving,heartless and sadistic people.

He says Zambia deserves better and that what the country has today is not even an inch closer to what can be termed as sensible and credible leadership.

Mr Kambwili says his humiliation and persecution,together with that of other progressive political leaders and cadres across the country serves as a reminder to all, that Zambians are living under a fightened,evil and despotic regime, which is determined to paint decent and innocent citizens as criminals.

He says there is no doubt in his mind that tough times lie ahead, but that he believes in the common resolve to overcome sooner rather than later.

Mr Kambwili says the PF government is panicking because they have realized that while their time is up, their alleged crimes of yesterday, today and tomorrow pose a greatest threat to their alleged looting of the state treasury, livelihoods and comfort beyond their tenure of office.

He states that it is very clear that President Lungu has become increasingly paranoid and desperate.

He says his heavy-handed crackdowns on political opponents and a failure to offer voters anything positive only causes his opponents to multiply.

Mr Kambwili has cited the government’s reaction to the launch of the Socialist Party and the subsequent expulsion of the Cuban Ambassador to Zambia as indication of their fear of the coming of Fred M’membe and other critical voices onto the political scene.

The Roan Member of Parliament says during his humiliation and persecution in the past days, he has gone through a period of intense reflection and soul searching and that what comes out prominently is the fact that he needs to make it right once more with people he might have injured in the course of his political activities in the recent past.

He says nothing surpasses the pain and regret of realizing that President Edgar Lungu’s alleged mediocrity is what he defended and risked his life for in the last two Presidential elections.

Mr Kambwili has since apologised to all those he injured whether knowingly or unknowingly.

He has thanked those who stood with him in the opposition,civil society, the church and other stakeholders during his recent predicament.

FAZ clarifies leaked documents allegations

Chief Editor
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FAZ clarifies leaked documents allegations
Outgoing FAZ General Secretary Ponga Liwewe (c) addressing a media briefing
Outgoing FAZ General Secretary Ponga Liwewe (c) addressing a media briefing

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has clarified a number of issues concerning recent in-house leakage of financial documents in the aftermath of the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

FAZ has been on the receiving end of a barrage of attacks based on the documents forcing the association to set the record straight.

FAZ General Secretary Pasipononga Liwewe flanked by vice president Rix Mweemba and Communications Manager Desmond Katongo addressed a media briefing at Football House.

APRIL 3rd 2018

MEDIA BRIEFING ON FAZ DOCUMENTS CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I wish to advise that following the illegal circulation of financial documents relating to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) activities, it has become necessary to clarify some of the assertions circulating prominently on social media platforms.

The documents that have been circulated make up part of the audited accounts that were approved by the FAZ Council in the meeting of 31 March, 2018.
Constitutional Authority

Article 35(a) gives the Executive Committee power to pass all decisions that do not come under the sphere of responsibility of the council or are not reserved for other bodies by the law or under these statutes.

Article 35 (d) may decide to set up ad-hoc committees if necessary at any time. Article 35(e) shall compile the regulations for the organization of standing committees and ad-hoc committees.

Article 35(m) may delegate tasks arising out of its area of authority to other bodies of FAZ or third parties.
These clauses allow the Executive committee to make decisions as stated in Article 36(a) that elaborates on decision making powers of the executive committee

36(1) The Executive committee shall not engage in valid deliberations unless a majority (more than 50%) of its members are present.

1. EXCO Allowances

The FAZ Executive Committee members and staff members were part of the U20 Local Organising Committee. The LOC included officials from various government ministries. for the U20 Africa cup hosted by Zambia between 26 February and 12th March 2017. The allowances relating to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations under FAZ and the Local Organizing Committee cover a period of 5-months. During this period the FAZ Executive Committee members were actively involved in running the eleven committees that were set up for the purpose of managing the event. Their involvement was on a day-to-day basis and required full-time commitment to the preparation for the tournament.

The current FAZ structure remunerates committee members sitting allowances for meetings as follows:
• Sitting/Daily Allowances- Exco Members K1,000 (K1500 Veep), K2,000 (President)
• Lunch allowance K300/day for all members
• Fuel refund from K600 to K1200
• Accommodation outside Lusaka K2,000 per day and vice versa for those travelling to Lusaka

This structure has been adopted strictly for this 5-month period as the method of payment for work done during this period. Had the traditional method of payment been followed during the same period, the amount would have been K2.56 million compared to K805,000 which was paid for only 30 days as opposed to 150 days. This reduced the payment due to each committee member as per circulated figures now in the public domain.

Despite the committee members working tirelessly between November 2016 and March 2017, no payment was made until funds were available in November 2017. The amounts paid were standard daily allowances except they were paid in one lump sum six months after the end of the tournament.

An amount equivalent to one-months pay was earmarked for Secretariat staff for their contribution to the LOC for the success of the U20 Africa cup of nations hosting as opposed to payment of their entitlement of servicing and other allowances.

2. U20 Players allowances

The allowances for the U20 national team were paid after the team won the Africa Cup of Nations and prior to the team’s departure for the World Cup in Korea.

Each player received the sum of $3,300 for winning Africa Cup after considerations by the Executive Committee and despite payments to the teams strictly forbidden by CAF and FIFA statutes as these tournaments are deemed development. This was viewed as an exception especially that CAF offered a prize money of US$250,000 for winning the cup. No bonus was paid for the U20 FIFA World Cup as there was no prize money in the competition.

FIFA paid each player the sum of $100 each for the duration of the tournament. The FAZ President, in his individual capacity, also paid each player and the technical team $100 as gratification for their performance in the tournament.

3. KoPa Replicas and Kit

A sum of $80,000 was paid to the KoPa Kit manufacturer and to date $50,000 amount of replicas and $30,000 worth of playing kit has been received. This kit was used by the senior national team during the recently played CHAN tournament in Morocco.

4. Refunds to ENFIN SOLUTIONS Limited

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to advise that during the course of its operations the association has turned to the FAZ President Mr. Andrew Kamanga for short-term financial assistance during emergencies. Suffice to mention that this support has been rendered at no extra cost to the association especially that the financial position of the association was too weak to even support normal overdraft from our banking partners.

The President through his company, made it possible for the U17 national team to meet its obligations at the COSAFA tournament in Mauritius by assisting with the purchase of air tickets valued at $11,000. This amount was later refunded when funds became available at no additional cost to FAZ.

The Company also assisted with the purchase of playing kits for division two and three clubs at the end of March 2017 and was only refunded in May 2017, two months later with no interest charged. This is the basis of the $38,000 refund approved in one of the leaked documents.

This was also the case in January 2018 when the team was due to travel to Morocco for the CHAN 2018 tournament when delays in procurement for tickets by the sponsor almost derailed the team’s travel plans. The President’s company rescued the situation. A total sum of $25,000 was paid towards the travel costs, and the same was refunded at the end of January 2018.

5. National team Ghana costs

There is also a payment of K30,000 to the FAZ General Secretary, Mr Pasipononga Liwewe, for Ghana hotel costs during the team’s stopover on the way to Nigeria for a World Cup qualifying match. This was necessitated again by the delay in funding by the sponsor. The General Secretary availed his debit card to the team manager at the airport when the funds did not materialize, and a deposit was made into the account which the team manager used to make hotel payments in Accra. All payments are backed by documentation.

6. Leaks of documentation

We note with concern involvement of expelled members of the Executive Committee in the distribution of these documents. Mr Kazala is still due to appear before the FAZ Council to respond on charges levelled against him relating to abuse of office and misuse of funds amounting to K150,000. It is clear that these machinations are an attempt to divert attention from his pending matter.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) remains available to clear the air over these and other matters and will fully cooperate with any organ of the law if required to provide further clarity.

FAZ will be taking remedial action at the secretariat to prevent any further such breaches of confidentiality that the staff is bound by. Those found to have participated in such breach will face the full course of the law and internal disciplinary action will also be taken. FAZ clearly understands the difference between whistleblowing and attempts to destabilize the smooth running of the organization.

Further we wish to advise that we have briefed the ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development and have since rendered a detailed report. we will in due course also inform CAF and FIFA accordingly.

This concludes our press briefing

Source: FAZ Media

Green Party President accuse Nkandu Luo of running CBU like a “Katemba”

Chief Editor
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Green Party President accuse Nkandu Luo of running CBU like a “Katemba”
Prof Nkandu Luo
Prof Nkandu Luo

Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has charged that the Copperbelt University (CBU) and other public universities are in current dire straits because Higher Education Minister Professor Nkandu Luo is running public universities like “utuntemba”.

Mr. Sinkamba wondered why Professor Luo has been running CBU without a substantive university council for many years. He says running a university without a substantive council is like running a “kantemba”.

“Per Section 25 of the Higher Education Act of 2013, a university council is responsible for the governance, control and administration of a higher education institution. The core mandate of a university council is to act in the best interest of the higher education institution at all times. The council is mandated to provide for the welfare of the staff and students. It is also mandated to initiate the removal from office of the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their functions of the offices. These functions are key to smooth running of a university. So, where a university council is non-existent, a university is literary dysfunctional, and subsequently the best interest of a higher education institution greatly suffers,” Mr. Sinkamba said.

“Take for instance the case of the Copperbelt University. It has not had any substantive university council since 2015. The university has been running on a care-taker committee since then. It has been on dire straits for three years in a row, with closures one after another. The university opened last week after almost four months of premature closure. As at this morning, no classes are running. Lecturers are on go-slow and planning to go on a legal strike any day this week or so. Government sponsored students have not yet been paid their bursaries. I understand that they are unlikely to get paid anytime soon. I understand that government is expecting the students to use the bursary payouts of four months ago, or so. Are you sure that students have kept the bursaries after being thrown out in the night from the university? Put simply, Prof Nkandu Luo is running CBU like a ‘kantemba’. I foresee another closure. It is looming. It is really so disgusting that the university is consistently running on dire straits for three years?” he said.

Mr. Sinkamba reiterated his earlier call for President Edgar Lungu and intervene per provided under the Constitution since his Minister has failed to provide leadership in the running of the institution.

Copperbelt P/S warns witch finders

Chief Editor
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Copperbelt P/S warns witch finders
Muchinga PS Bright Nundwe
Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe

Government has warned that it will not condone people causing havoc in the name of witch finding.

This follows a spate of violence in Mpongwe district where members of the public ransacked shops and burnt a vehicle of a person suspected of practicing witchcraft.

Copperbelt province permanent secretary Bright Nundwe says law enforcement agencies are the only wings mandated to make investigations of any suspicious activities and not civilians.

In an interview with ZANIS, Mr Nundwe said any looting or destruction of property of persons suspected to be practicing witchcraft amounts to breaking the law with impunity.

“let someone be buried normally, other issues can come later and it is against culture to be dragging coffins here and there looking for a witch or wizard, this should stop , we want order in Mpongwe” he said.

Mr Nundwe warned that the law will take its course against persons causing destruction to public and private property in the name of witch finding.

Simataa Simataa reports Andrew Kamanga to the ACC

Chief Editor
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Simataa Simataa reports Andrew Kamanga to the ACC
Simataa at ACC Headquarters
Simataa at ACC Headquarters

Veteran football administrator Simata Simata has reported FAZ President Andrew Kamanga and his executive committee for theft of K800,000 to the Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC)

Simataa also reported the Kamanga led Executive to the Zambia Revenue Authority for tax fraud.

During the FAZ AGM held last week financial and accounts documents revealed that Kamanga and his executive members paid themselves hefty allowances amounting to K800,000 for work done for the U-20 tournament.

The funds were directed by FAZ Secretary General Pasipononga Liwewe who directed First National Bank to transfer K805,000.00

Those paid include Andrew Kamanga(K105,000), Eric Mweemba(K103,900.00), Dr Joseph Mulenga(K60,650.00), Brenda Kunda (K80,650), Elijah Chileshe(80,650), Ponga Liwewe(K106,100), and Lombe Mbalashi (K99,650.00)

ZTA welcomes Angola’s move to scrap VISAs for Zambians

Chief Editor
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ZTA welcomes Angola’s move to scrap VISAs for Zambians

The Zambia Tourism Agency has welcomed the scraping of VISA requirements for Zambians visiting Angola.

Reacting to an article which appeared in the Zambia Daily Mail on Friday, March 30th 2018 headlined “Angola scraps VISA requirement,” ZTA Chief Executive Officer Felix Chaila said the decision taken by the Angolan government will enhance tourism between the two countries.

Mr. Chaila explained that VISA restriction poise a threat to the development of the tourism sectors.

He explained that tourists have a tendency of shunning countries were VISA applications are not relaxed.

The ZTA CEO expressed optimism that tourism will grow in the continent once VISA applications are eased for tourists to obtain.

And when asked whether tourist’s arrivals have increased following the introduction of electronic VISA application, Mr. Chaila said the Ministry is still compelling the statics of tourist’s arrival following the implementation of the electronic VISA.

In 2016 government launched the electronic VISA application in a bid to ease challenges tourists go through to obtain VISAs.

Office of the First President denies endorsing Fred M’membe’s Socialist Party

Chief Editor
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Office of the First President denies endorsing Fred M’membe’s Socialist Party
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda

The Office of the First Republican President has clarified that the newly formed Socialist Party President Fred M’membe never visited Dr. Kenneth Kaunda to seek support of any kind.

In a statement made available to media today by the Office of the First President Administrative Assistant Rodrick Ngolo, the stories that appeared in the online publication of Daily Nation on 2nd of April and Daily Nation Newspaper on 3rd April 2018 are totally misleading.

“The headlines in the Daily Nation online Publication dated 2nd April 2018 which states ”KK endorses M’membe” and also Daily Nation Newspaper dated 3rd April,2018 which states “Desperation failure” are not true and misleading,”stated Mr. Ngolo.

Mr. Ngolo stated that Dr. Kenneth Kaunda is above party politics and will always support the government of the day.

He further urged media organisations to verify matters concerning the First Republican President with his office in order to avoid issuing unconfirmed statements which will bring the name of Dr.Kaunda into reproach.

The expulsion of the Cuban Ambassador is an act of intolerance-UPND

Chief Editor
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The expulsion of the Cuban Ambassador is an act of intolerance-UPND
Mulondwe Muzungu

The opposition UPND says the expulsion of the Cuban Ambassador to Zambia Nelson Pages is an act of intolerance to international support for democratic growth in Zambia.

UPND Chairperson for International Relations Mulondwe Muzungu said the unofficial and undiplomatic policy of “Falling on people with divergent views like a ton of bricks” has now been extended to the diplomatic community by President Edgar Lungu.

Ambassador Muzungu said the action further displays the ruling party’s propensity for confusion and miscalculation.

“This is not the first time an envoy of a foreign country has attended a political party meeting. The Patriotic Front itself, while in the opposition, invited the Ambassador of the United States of America then, Mark Storella, to their Party Convention in July 2011. He addressed the conference and congratulated Mr. Michael Sata after delivering his keynote address.”

“What has changed now is that there is a fearful, bullish and insecure presidency in State House that does not tolerate political competitive space. In our view it is a decision that is based solely on hatred of the opposition that has capacity to offer alternative entrepreneurial and visionary leadership as opposed to dictatorial leadership that the Patriotic Front has become,” Ambassador Muzungu said.

He said the decision to expel the envoy was uncalled for and embarrassing to the Zambian people.

“A simple censure of the diplomat was enough if the PF feel so threatened. This expulsion will have far reaching consequences for this country. We all know that Cuba has been one of countries from where Zambia has greatly benefitted. The scholarships, the medical support and many other things that Cuba has provided to Zambia risk being jeopardised because of politics and insecurity,” Ambassador Muzungu said.

“Diplomats interaction with the country is not limited to the Government, it extends to all stakeholders. By stakeholders it means the diplomats are free to interact with everyone they feel has a stake in the running of the country. This is the reason diplomatic missions are structures along the facets of general life i.e. political, economic, trade to mention a few.”

He added,” By its nature such relationship necessitates interaction with all relevant key stakeholders, for short of this, the Diplomatic mission risks being partially informed, misinformed or even ill informed. And it’s because the PF thrives on propaganda that they are uncomfortable with anyone who wants unfiltered information.”

He said President Lungu’s accusation of the Cuban Ambassador having violated the Diplomatic Relations Protocol is wrong for nowhere in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is it stated or implied that the initiative such as taken by the Cuban Ambassador was in violation of the Diplomatic Relations Protocol.

“The support the Ambassador offered to the newly established Socialist Party should be seen as moral support to the growth of democracy in general. The intolerance and the dictatorship recklessly being extended to the global community as seen in several actions taken against other foreign dignitaries and officials such as Mmusi Maimane and others are not acceptable. Zambia is not an island. Every effort should be directed at building good relationships with the international community as Zambia is a member of the global community

Is Freddie Mmembe’s Socialist Party the Right Answer for Zambia?

editor
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Is Freddie Mmembe’s Socialist Party the Right Answer for Zambia?

By Jones K. Kasonso

This past weekend we saw the re-emergence of one of the toughest and most outstanding sons of Zambia. Freddie Mmembe owner of the now-defunct Post Newspapers has resurfaced on the national stage as a politician and presidential candidate. Doubtless for his writing and entrepreneurial dexterity, probably the most influential journalist since the founding of the republic, Freddie Mmembe is no small man as his stature suggests. His impact towers over Zambia since the third republic. To many of us, he is a hero and a person of unmatched courage who risked his life for truth, democracy, and justice in our country. If we were a country that places national leadership in the hands of those who have paid their dues in life and something for their country, the Dr. Freddie Mmembe has many personal attributes that would make a great President for our country. However, with that said let me be the first to question his current adopted political platform and ask the simple question: Is socialism the right answer for Zambia?

I listened to his stump speech on the evils of capitalism and his historical perspective was audacious if not even intriguing to an attentive ear. But I did not hear any constructive solutions for the problems of our country. In this, I was very disappointed. As a curious but critical observer, I saw three serious flaws in the socialist platform constituting: a misdiagnosis of the problem of Zambia, an inadequate definition of the problem, and a failed proposed solution.

A Misdiagnosis of the Problem of Zambia

In Dr. Mmembe’s view, the capitalist is the problem of Zambia. Not inept leadership. Not the lack of competitive focus in a globalized economy. Not the worldview of hunter-gatherers who don’t understand the gist of wealth or its purpose. Not the deficits in public policy and strategic implementation. Not the auctioning of the nation’s resources to foreign multinational corporations by our own clueless leaders. In the end, it seems to me the anti-western, anti-capitalism, anti-democracy posture and platform that Dr. Mmembe has adopted is more for personal recovery or self-preservation against a vicious ineptocratic PF government that for political survival closed his company. Clearly, a personal reason sits at the center of all aspirations to gaining political power. In this regard, we need candor from our politicians including the new entrants. An English novelist George Orwell (1984) was more candid in this when he wrote:

“Now I will tell you the answer to my question. It is this. The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from the oligarchies of the past in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists came very close to us in their methods, but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just around the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal. We are not like that. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now you begin to understand me.”

Therefore, we must be awake to this reality. If retribution and survival against the Edgar Lungu administration have taken Dr. Mmembe to the level of abandoning his lifelong crusade for free speech intolerable under socialist regimes, then even his long-term followers have cause to pause and consider his motivations. It is not inconceivable that Dr. Mmembe has successfully courted Cuba to secure support to help confront the Edgar Lungu PF for using government to strip him of his enterprise. Unfortunately, the PF government appears to take the bait already and started fighting with Cuba. Dr. Mmembe has clearly won this round because he drew the PF to start fighting a bigger and more terrifying opponent.

An Inadequate Definition of the Problem

In Dr. Mmembe’s view, capitalism is synonymous with a 20th Century businessman called Cecil John Rhodes. But in research, any concept defined on the character of a single participant in that concept is susceptible to drawing apathetic inferences. Dr. Mmembe suggested that based on this one-character capitalism steals, kills and destroys. This was a very simplistic proposition. Capitalism a word coined in mid-19th Century during the industrial revolution is defined as:

“an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.” [dictionary.com]

It is this economic system that is responsible for transforming our world into a better place as private enterprise have soared to create products and services that have been replicated worldwide to meet customer needs, and thereby earn profits and retain equity in privately owned enterprises. Capitalism is the force behind the global integration of all peoples and the flow of capital, and delivery of superior products and services. Clearly, no one single country is an outright capitalistic society as every country in the world has some form or dose of capitalism with most western nations generally accepted to be based on this model. Dr. Mmembe himself is a prime example of an individual who invested and owned the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth at the Post Newspapers Ltd [in liquidation]. We can’t use him as an individual businessman to say CAPITALISM DOESN’T PAY TAXES or CAPITALISM WROTE NASTY STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE. That definition would be inadequate.

A Failed Solution

Dr. Mmembe’s solution is to bring back a failed ideology of socialism as a philosophy of governance for the beautiful republic. Socialism is defined as:

“An economic theory or system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned by the community collectively, usually through the state. It is characterized by production for use rather than profit, by equality of individual wealth, by the absence of competitive economic activity, and, usually, by government determination of investment, prices, and production levels.” [dictionary.com]

In answering the question: Is socialism the right answer for Zambia? Our traditional wisdom counsels that we anticipate the safety of a concept or object by way of comparison (Ichikwanka bachimwena kumampalanya). Socialism falls short of admirable models for resolving national problems. As an incredible journalist and chronicler of note, Dr. Mmembe knows that socialism is a failed concept from the defunct Union of Soviets Socialist Republic (USSR), Yugoslavia to Cuba, Venezuela and the post-independence Pan-African states. On the other hand, nearly all the tools that we are using to improve the human condition in the 21st Century are products and services hatched in capitalism. Whereas am no proponent of ultra-capitalistic administration of socio-economic services, that leaves the majority poor in perpetual debt, the contribution of the concept of capital and entrepreneurship is the most powerful ideology for upward mobility at the personal-level, firm-level, and country-level. I take the view that a moderated version of capitalism under a just and robust legal framework is a more constructive platform for crafting a prosperous future for our country than an experiment with an isolationist ideology.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, notwithstanding that it would be too premature to discount the Mmembe-Musumali proposition for us to have a look at socialism as a constructive political platform for addressing the current systemic problems of our country, the specific public policy propositions are what we must watch out for during campaigns. It’s suspicious, however, that a quintessential capitalistic indigenous entrepreneur in Freddie Mmembe would resort to socialism. Rick Godwin once said: “If something looks suspicious, it is suspicious.” With no notable models of success in the 21st Century prescribing socialism for today’s Zambia feels like a witchdoctor telling a barren woman that to have a child:” Ukembe sansa, no mubanga ichishimba mutima wakanyelele or imishila yamukole nomupapi ichishimba lino lya musungu.” (dig the roots of the trees called Sansa, and Mubanga and mix it with the heart of an ant or dig the roots of the trees called umukole, and umupapi and mixed it with the tooth of a white man). We all know the inevitable end of those types of solutions.

The author is a Zambian, An Author, A Consultant and Accounting Professor in Washington DC and holds Ph.D., CPA, CGMA, MBA, BSc., NATech qualifications.

Mr Eazi “Pours water” on Lusaka city

Entertainment Editor
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Mr Eazi “Pours water” on Lusaka city

 

Mr Eazi performing

30th March was the day many had been waiting for, the highly anticipated ‘Big 10up’ concert that was to be headlined by Nigerian superstar singer/songwriter Mr Eazi. The event was held at Lusaka’s Queensmead Stadium organized by Amigos Events.

The thousands of audience members went into raptures when Mr Eazi got to the stage. His energetic performances of his many hit singles including ,“Sample you”, “Leg over”,”Dance for you”,”Accra to Lagos”,”Skintight”, was simply amazing.

 Mr Eazi ended his set with an infectious performance of his mega hit ‘Pour me water’. He had the entire audience singing along word for word and pouring water on him. Besides the awesome performance, what stood out was Mr Eazi’s interactions with his fans and immersion into the local entertainment culture. From taking many pictures with his adoring fans , to interacting with them on social media to attempting the famous Chimwemwe dance on stage and incorporating some local lingo into his performance.

Zimbabwean singer Ammara Brown gave a stand-out performance of her hit single ‘Akiliz’. For many it was their first time to listen to her music but they quickly got hooked and began to sing-along.

The event had a plethora of talented musicians on hand such as Zambian heavy weights Mampi , Jay Rox , Chef 187 ( who’s set was unfortunately cut short due to time being overran). Others were Wezi ,Kantu ,Mic Burner ,Jae Cash among others.

The night was closed off by South African house/Gqom music duo Destruction Boys as they played their contagious jam Omunye, among other hits.

This was a night that will live long in the memory.

Pictures from the event

Mr Eazi performing
Mr Eazi concert
Mr Eazi performing
Mr Eazi performing
Mr Eazi performing
Mr Eazi performing
Jay Rox performing
Jay Rox performing
Jay Rox performing
Chef 187 performing
Chef 187 performing
Ammara brown performing
Ammara brown performing

(Photos by Tino Nyandoro)

BY KAPA KAUMBA

Fred M’membe Critising Zambian Government

Chief Editor
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37
Fred M’membe Critising Zambian Government

In The Kitchen with Kanta:lamb chops 

Entertainment Editor
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0
In The Kitchen with Kanta:lamb chops 

In-The-Kitchen-With-Kanta-Logo (1)

 

A nice meal to have with your family over the Easer period is Lamb chops. Lamb chops are perfect for this time of the year, and they go perfectly with roasted veggies, potatoes, rice or even couscous (depending on how healthy you are trying to be). Try these delicious garlicky lamb chops 

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10-15 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 32g freshly chopped rosemary
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • 900g small lamb chops
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Method

On a large plate, combine rosemary and garlic and season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Marinade the lamb chops by mixing them into the mixture, then set aside.

In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the lamb chops and cook for 4 minutes per side.

Serving

Serve hot with your choice of roasted vegetable, salad, potatoes or rice. Enjoy!

 

Kanta Temba is a Cake maker and decorator|Lusaka Times Food columnist|TV show host

 

Splash your colour: PR Girl Media successfully host first ever Champagne Picnic

Entertainment Editor
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Splash your colour: PR Girl Media successfully host first ever Champagne Picnic
Bonang Matheba

The Lifestyle PR Agency, PR Girl Media has consistently introduced trend-setting events that showcase Zambia’s luxury and premium brands. The Champagne Picnic is the newest addition to PR Girl Media’s calendar of premier events. For this outdoor and day-time event, PR Girl Media partnered with other colourful brands such as Stella Artois and The Terrace. The luxurious gardens of Taj Pamodzi Hotel made a perfect venue as guests were entertained in a garden of absolute delight.

Lusaka’s A-listers, socialites and celebrities came out for a day of style and glamour under the fashion theme “Splash Your Colour”. The array of colour at this event was undeniable as our guests strolled into the garden in their most fashionable. In attendance was South African entrepreneur and media personality, Bonang Matheba who wowed the audience with her charm and poise.

El Mukuka kicked off the entertainment with a sundowner session followed by Kuni’s electric performance. Esnoko’s preview of his SA Fashion week line was brought out in a unique way as the models walked through the crowd bringing the fashion even closer to the guests. The music continued with headline performer Roberto giving a sensational performance delivering smash hits “Into You” and “Vitamin U”. Sebastien Dutch ended the night with the perfect fusion of house, hip-hop and urban hits.

“This year, we decided to add another premium and exclusive event to our calendar. Bonang Matheba was a pleasant special guest and we loved every moment with her. We would like to thank everyone for coming out to the first edition of this event and can definitely confirm that this is an event we cannot wait to host again next year!” said Monde and Chishimba Nyambe, Managing Partners of PR Girl Media. Photos of the event and details of other upcoming events by PR Girl Media can be found on their social media pages.

Pictures from the event

South African TV personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba (center)
Roberto performing
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Bonang Matheba
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
South African TV personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba (center)
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
El Mukuka performing
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic

Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic
Champagne Picnic

 

( Photos by  Dwayne photography)

StarTimes hands over new ZNBC Outside Broadcast Vans

Chief Editor
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21
StarTimes hands over new ZNBC Outside Broadcast Vans
Zhao Yueqin, Vice President of StarTimes Group hands the key of OB and DSNG vans to Beaton Kaluba MIBS Planning and Information Director
Zhao Yueqin, Vice President of StarTimes Group hands the key of OB and DSNG vans to Beaton Kaluba MIBS Planning and Information Director

In a bid to justify the most expensive digital migration in Africa – StarTimes has handed over 2 Outside Broadcast Vans to the Zambian Government.

The vans will be used to upgrade the outside live broadcasting capability of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), which will enable the national TV station to obtain, edit and transmit high definition signals in real time at outside events.

The vans are part of the digital migration project which has been criticized as one of the most expensive in Africa.

Four out of the 15 member states that make up the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have fully migrated from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT) – Malawi, Mauritius, Tanzania and Namibia.

Zambia’s US$273 million digital migration project will see the 63 digital TV transmitters installed across all the 10 Provinces.

Government is implementing the digital migration project under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting services and the project will also cover construction of ZANIS studios, 6 Provincial Studios, training of staff and construction of national centres in Lusaka and Kitwe.

Government also established TopStar as the public signal distributor under a joint venture between StarTimes of China and ZNBC.

StarTimes is providing USS$44 million towards the project through provision of equipment and technical expertise.

The two OB (Outside Broadcasting) Vans and one DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) Van were handed over to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services in Beijing, China.

Zhao Yueqin, Vice President of StarTimes Group said: “I sincerely hope that the delivery of OB and DSNG vans will help to satisfy Zambian people’s demand of watching more TV programs and to enhance the influence of Zambian TV industry in African continent.”

Ms Zhao says StarTimes will provide support to ZNBC after the delivery of the OB Vans with training to operational staff of both the OB and DSNG vans.

On receiving the van MIBS official Beaton Kaluba said the hand over of the OB vans marks a milestone for Zambia’s digital migration project.

Kaluba who is MIBS director for Planning and Information led a delegation to China to inspect and receive the three vans on behalf of the Zambian government.

Kaluba said that he was deeply impressed by the quality and advanced technology of the whole outside live broadcasting system and expressed his thanks to StarTimes for their contribution to Zambian digital migration.

OB Van outside
OB Van outside
OB Van inside
OB Van inside
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