Changes at the Police Service Confirm PF Murdered the Innocent Citizens -UPND
Joseph Kaunda was executed; murdered by the very people who were supposed to protect to him-HH
Two arrested journalists likely to be charged with defamation of President Michael Sata-MISA
By Memory Siabonga
By Mubanga Malama
In recent months, police have consistently cited resource constraints as a reason for failing to issue opposition parties with permits to hold public gatherings.
Amidst the unravelling internecine wrangles in the opposition PF, police have suddenly found enough resources to send a heavily armed platoon of officers to barricade the PF head office. The mission? To provide security to the weakest faction claiming control of the PF. In scenes reminiscent of the cold-blooded murders of Lawrence Banda, Vespers Simunzhila and Mapenzi Chibulo, police fired volleys of rubber bullets last week to disperse crowds of PF cadres protesting the brazen theft of their head office.
The difficulty in comprehending the current state of our politics is that this brutality is unfolding right under the watchful eye of President Hakainde Hichilema, a leader who in his campaign swore to protect and uphold the rule of law. Interestingly, the US and Britain who are his strongest backers and countries which in recent years have supported Zambia’s ascent to becoming a beacon of democracy in the SADC region have opted to fold their arms and watch the UPND annihilate the country’s democratic credentials.
It is fact that Hichilema’s main political foes are all drowning in a sea of legal troubles and those that have dared to show him a semblance of a backbone have been politically defanged, posing no threat to his authority. Any discerning Zambian can tell that the political vandalism unfolding in the PF has an endgame, the result of which is to pave the way to removing Edgar Lungu’s immunity. But should the country’s democracy be imperilled just to achieve this agenda?
Sadly, instead of solving the intractable challenges facing the country, a responsibility for which they were elected, Hichilema and the UPND have squandered the goodwill bequeathed to his party by the electorate. As things stand, there is no turning back from this destabilisation agenda because their political fortunes are warning and waning so fast. Its thus not surprising that the return of President Edgar Lungu to active politics which in all turns and purposes should have been a damp squib is now garnering generous coverage. Suddenly a leader that was embarrassingly whistled into retirement is fast gaining public sympathy.
It is rather disappointing that the judiciary is also lock in step with the ruling party in efforts to destabilise the opposition with other state organs bucking this trend. While there is no denying that the Lungu Presidency was brutal in dealing with dissent, Hichilema’s UPND is proving to be more clinical and lethal. The President seems to be winning in his bid to perfecting and moulding an embarrassing record which his predecessor failed to achieve. Indeed, the UPND’s diversionary tactics are paying dividend as the wrangles in the PF take centre stage. Makes you wonder, is this the Bally that we so viciously fought to send to State House?
The tragedy herein is that the UPND’s actions are tainting Zambia’s democracy and the modicum of respect we have left in our political tank is slowly being stolen before our eyes. For the time being, the country’s psyche has shifted from the usual bread and butter issues. This is exactly what the governing party wanted. You can tell, screams of rising costs of mealie meal, fuel and other essential commodities have now taken a back seat with Miles Sample, a cunning but pliant politician with a cheap political price over his head taking centre stage.
The success of the UPND’s stratagem is that nobody is talking about Peter Kapala’s alleged dodgy and corrupt dealings with one Shashant Patel and how the Energy Minister’s recklessness is costing Zambians more money at the pump. Did Solicitor General Marshal Muchende receive a US$500 000 bribe from a named former liquidator so he could unfreeze the said individuals accounts? What is the fate of the frivolous Auditor General’s report which in actual sence should be the main topic of discussion in parliament?
What about the never-ending whispers of the Fertilizer gate scandal that ensnared Morris Jangulo’s Alpha Commodities. Will Jangulo ever be called to account for the Fertilizer gate? The absence of answers from government to these burning questions is precisely how the UPND is stealing your future. To their credit, they seem to have embraced corrupt practices without ample tutelage from the PF. While it took PF seven years to obliterate our coffers, it has taken UPND barely three years to break a number of standing records on corruption. With that in mind, the little that Bally promised to fix once elected to office, is now being broken piece meal.
It is sickening that sections of the media have become complicit to the UPND’s scheme by giving Miles Sample and his faction undeserving coverage. Desperate times do indeed breed strange bedfellows. Have UPND members forgotten how the sly Kanchibiya PF legislator Sunday Chanda, who is now a strong member of the PF demolition squad would insult the current Head of State at will? It was Sunday and the PF Media team that christened Hichilema when he was still in the opposition with the moniker ‘an under 5 tribal deviant’.
It was the PF Media team led by Sunday that kept using every available media platform to lampoon HH as a heartless businessman who benefited from the spoils of privatisation. Today, Sunday and many others are being feted by the UPND. A reminder to the UPND that politicians of Sunday’s ilk have no shame to their conscience. All they care about is their bellies. He ate under MMD, then moved to PF and now he is fervently knocking on the UPND’s door hoping his efforts to destabilise the PF will earn his elder brother McPherson Chanda, a free pass from jail. Ironically, McPherson is the only former high ranking PF associate to have been convicted in the UPND era for crimes committed during the Lungu Presidency.
Anthony Mumba, Andrew Lubusha and many others in Sample’s camp also have dates with the law. They are now throwing in their lot with the destabilisation agenda not because they want to rescue the PF from Lungu’s clutches but because of self-serving interests. But for how long can the UPND government sustain this diversionary agenda? Like the PF, the UPND need no reminder that a hungry and unemployed Zambian youth can be a danger especially if let free to cast his vote.
It is also important to consider that many observers that are voicing concerns at these developments have little sympathy or association with the PF but are merely patriots that have Zambia’s interests at heart. For our democracy to flourish, Zambia needs a strong opposition to provide checks and balances to the UPND’s freewheeling antics. It is not too late for the President and his party to change course and whip his subordinates to order otherwise failure to act will consign Lawrence Banda, Vespers Simunzhila and Mapenzi Chibulo’s deaths to a scrapheap of political irrelevance.
The Civil Society Health Partnership has issued a call for increased financial support to both public and private media outlets in order to bolster public awareness and sensitization efforts regarding critical health issues, including Anthrax, Cholera, and COVID-19. The organization’s Executive Director, Humphrey Monde, stressed the importance of disseminating information about these pandemics to the public.
Mr. Monde appealed to the government and other stakeholders to allocate resources for potential partnerships with media organizations. Such partnerships would enable the dissemination of crucial information aimed at raising awareness about the health issues affecting the public.
In light of the ongoing battle against Anthrax, Mr. Monde underscored the necessity for collective efforts from all key stakeholders to support the Ministries of Health and Livestock and Fisheries in containing the spread of the disease. He highlighted the importance of enhancing surveillance measures to prevent the spread of Anthrax. This includes taking measures to halt the transportation and sale of meats in areas that are not designated for such activities, such as streets and open markets.
Mr. Monde also called on the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities in their respective communities. This collaborative approach can contribute to early detection and containment of health threats.
Additionally, Mr. Monde cautioned the public about the significance of maintaining high standards of hygiene to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 and the increasing cases of malaria, especially with the onset of the rainy season.
The Executive Director commended the Ministry of Health for its swift response to the Anthrax outbreak in the country, emphasizing the importance of enhancing surveillance systems and mechanisms. The organization’s call for collective action and increased public awareness is aimed at combating the ongoing health challenges and ensuring the well-being of the population.
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed hope that various political stakeholders in the Kingdom of Lesotho will come to a consensus and implement the necessary reforms that the Basotho people eagerly await. President Hichilema’s remarks came during his visit to Lesotho, where he engaged with key political figures and stakeholders to discuss the reform process.
As the Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Corporation, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of political leaders prioritizing the interests of the people of Lesotho above all else. He stated that the reforms agreed upon after the 2022 elections are critical for stabilizing the kingdom and enabling it to focus on social and economic development.
The President acknowledged the significance of the ongoing engagements with various political players in Lesotho, aiming to yield positive results and assist the kingdom in moving forward. He stressed that SADC’s overarching objective is to establish the region as one of the most stable in the world.
During his visit to Lesotho yesterday, President Hichilema was accompanied by Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, the Chairman of the SADC Council of Elders and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The two leaders held productive meetings with the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Rt Hon. Samuel Matekane, and the President of the Lesotho Senate, Mr. Mamonaheng Mokitimi, among other stakeholders.
In addition, President Hichilema and Dr. Kikwete paid a courtesy call on His Majesty King Motlotlehi Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Maseru, where they engaged in a fruitful conversation on advancing peace and stability within the SADC region.
Upon returning to Zambia, President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the continued support and prayers of the citizens, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to advocating for peace and security both domestically and across the region.
The President’s visit to Lesotho underscores the commitment of SADC member states to fostering peace, stability, and political reforms in the region, addressing the pressing needs of their neighboring nations.
The Zambia Police has been dispatched to provide security at the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat as tensions rise and concerns mount over potential clashes between rival factions following the announcement of former President Edgar Lungu’s return to active politics. Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwimbu revealed the move, emphasizing that the internal divisions within the PF pose a risk to peace and could undermine investor confidence.
Addressing the media in Lusaka, Jack Mwimbu dismissed any insinuations that the government is supporting newly elected PF President Miles Sampa to destabilize the party. He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security within Zambia and addressing the ongoing internal disputes within the PF.
The Minister shed light on the recent extraordinary convention held by the PF, stating that the event was under police protection because the organizers provided timely notice for it. He refuted claims that police had been refusing permits to the faction led by Given Lubinda, clarifying that any issues related to security concerns on proposed rally dates were the primary reasons for any adjustments in the schedules.
The deployment of police to the PF Secretariat comes amid heightened tensions within the party, as various factions grapple for control and influence, particularly following Edgar Lungu’s announcement of his return to active politics.
In another development, Minister Mwimbu commended the security agencies in Zambia for their recent efforts in cracking down on notorious criminals, often referred to as “junkies,” in the Chibolya compound and other parts of Lusaka. He highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and security for all Zambians, underscoring the importance of maintaining law and order throughout the nation.
The government has officially revoked the retirement benefits and privileges previously extended to former President Edgar Lungu. The decision follows Mr. Lungu’s return to active politics, a move that has led to the withdrawal of his retirement benefits in accordance with the Benefits of Former Presidents Act.
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa made this announcement during a press briefing held in Kitwe, explaining that Section 5 of the Benefits of Former Presidents Act stipulates the conditions under which such benefits can be withdrawn. According to the Act, a former President’s retirement benefits and privileges can be revoked if they actively engage in politics after their term in office.
Mr. Mweetwa emphasized that the ruling party is not threatened by Mr. Lungu’s return to active politics. The decision to withdraw his retirement benefits is based on the legal framework established by the Benefits of Former Presidents Act, which aims to uphold the principles of political neutrality for former heads of state.
In a separate development, more milling companies have expressed interest in producing and distributing the Zambia National Service (ZNS) branded mealie meal across the nation. Minister Mweetwa disclosed that the government is currently engaged in discussions with these millers who seek to provide affordable mealie meal to the Zambian public.
He assured that the ZNS-branded mealie meal will be made available in all areas of the country where it has not yet been distributed. This initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and affordable essential commodities for its citizens.
Addressing another issue, Minister Mweetwa refuted claims made by opposition political parties regarding the importation of genetically modified organism (GMO) mealie meal from South Africa to be sold in Zambia under the ZNS Eagles brand. He clarified that such allegations are unfounded, emphasizing that the government is committed to adhering to safety and quality standards in food production and distribution.
President Hakainde Hichilema has called for collaborative efforts within the region to combat food insecurity, as the nation grapples with the impact of regional food instability exacerbated by climate challenges and conflicts in neighboring countries.
During a meeting with the World Food Programme Director for the Southern Africa Development Community Region (SADC), Menghestab Haile, President Hichilema highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s food security. He emphasized the challenges posed by prolonged droughts, flash floods, and the looming El Niño, which negatively affect food production opportunities, as witnessed last year.
President Hichilema underscored the importance of addressing the insecurity in Eastern Congo, which remains a top agenda item for the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security. He emphasized that the instability in Eastern Congo has far-reaching implications for the development of neighboring nations in the region. Vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, are displaced, oppressed, and deprived of their lives and access to food.
In response to the situation, SADC has decided to establish a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling leaders to meet and collaborate on measures to stabilize the country and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.
While Zambia has sufficient food for domestic consumption, President Hichilema acknowledged the pressure stemming from neighboring countries that face food shortages, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the East African corridor, Malawi, and others. This increased demand has impacted food prices within Zambia.
President Hichilema affirmed Zambia’s determination to enhance agricultural productivity for both domestic consumption and exports beyond the region. He appealed to the World Food Programme for expertise to develop strategies to mitigate the anticipated El Niño’s impact in the region.
Zambia possesses favorable agronomic conditions suitable for a variety of foods, but the president stressed the need for full exploitation of this potential and the incorporation of technology in agriculture.
Menghestab Haile, the World Food Programme Director, urged leaders in the SADC region, with Zambia currently chairing the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Security, to play a central role in addressing the Eastern Congo crisis. He revealed the dire humanitarian situation, with approximately 800,000 people displaced and about 50 women subjected to sexual violence daily, underlining the urgency for governments to allocate resources to address these issues.
Mr. Haile commended the Zambian government for its governance and leadership, describing Zambia as one of the two SADC member states offering promising change in the region. He stressed the role of Zambia in addressing food insecurity, emphasizing the need for SADC leaders to prepare for the expected El Niño by securing necessary resources.
In addition to discussions on food security and regional challenges, President Hichilema appointed and swore in Kennedy Lishimpe as the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services and Etambuyu Anamela as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation. The president encouraged the newly sworn-in officials to prioritize public service and urged them to work towards economic diplomacy and overcoming drug availability challenges in health facilities. He noted the importance of public servants upholding ethical standards in their roles.
Cabinet has granted its approval for the issuance of a Statutory Instrument (SI) pertaining to the revision of minimum wages and conditions of service for various categories of workers covered by the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act. This decision comes in response to the recommendation put forth during the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council meeting, where government representatives, Trade Unions, and employers’ representatives collectively concurred on the necessity of reviewing the existing minimum wage rates.
The announcement of this pivotal development was made following the 18th Cabinet Meeting, which took place on Monday under the chairmanship of President Hakainde Hichilema. This is according to a press statement released to the media by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa.
Mweetwa explained that the decision to review minimum wages was guided by the desire to ensure that workers earning the minimum wage receive improved conditions of service, acknowledging the rising cost of living that affects their livelihoods.
The issuance of the Statutory Instrument represents a pivotal step in addressing the well-being and economic security of the nation’s workforce, particularly those in lower-paying employment sectors such as domestic workers and shop workers. The revised minimum wage rates aim to align better with the current economic realities faced by workers.
In addition to the review of minimum wages, Cabinet also approved the issuance of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Penalty Waiver Regulations for the year 2023. This action is intended to enact the provisions of the National Pension Scheme Amendment Act Number 20 of 2022 concerning penalty waivers.
The NAPSA Penalty Waiver Regulations, 2023 will significantly alleviate the financial burden on businesses and offer relief to employers regarding the settlement of their outstanding NAPSA contributions.
Furthermore, Cabinet has greenlit the introduction of three key bills to the Zambian Parliament. These bills are the Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Bill, 2023, the Zambia Institute of Architects Bill, 2023, and the Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors Bill, 2023. Each of these proposed legislative measures holds the potential to bring positive changes and enhancements to their respective professional sectors.
Lastly, Cabinet has endorsed the Amendment Protocol on the Agreement for the Establishment of the Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping of goods in international trade. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to streamlining and enhancing international trade procedures.
The series of approvals and legislative measures demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering improved conditions for workers, supporting businesses, and facilitating streamlined governance across various professional sectors.
In a significant gesture of support and cooperation, the German government has allocated €10 million to Zambia for the improvement of water supply management. Germany’s President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, made this announcement during a joint press conference with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, underscoring the importance of ensuring quality water access for the people of Zambia.
President Steinmeier highlighted the primary objective behind this financial aid, stating, “This funding is intended to assist Zambia in guaranteeing that its citizens have access to clean and reliable water.”
Furthermore, President Steinmeier disclosed that he was accompanied by a business delegation, eager to explore investment opportunities in Zambia. This delegation will engage with the Zambian government and the local business community to foster potential investment partnerships that can contribute to economic growth and collaboration between the two nations.
In response to this generous offer, President Hichilema expressed his gratitude during the same press conference, following a closed-door bilateral meeting with President Steinmeier. President Hichilema conveyed Zambia’s commitment to working alongside Germany to ensure the effective management of water resources, both for domestic use and economic purposes.
“Zambia appreciates Germany’s support in improving water management,” President Hichilema affirmed. “We are determined to collaborate closely to ensure the responsible and efficient utilization of this precious resource, benefiting our people and our economy.”
President Hichilema also emphasized the significance of water harvesting for agriculture, aiming to bolster food production in the region where food scarcity is increasingly becoming a concern. By harnessing and channeling water for agricultural purposes, Zambia intends to enhance food availability and promote food security.
Additionally, President Hichilema expressed the desire to collaborate with Germany on adding value to critical minerals, particularly Lithium and Copper, which play a pivotal role in the electric vehicle battery industry. This partnership not only seeks to advance Zambia’s economic development but also create employment opportunities for its citizens while contributing to the use of clean energy.
“Working together to add value to these critical minerals is essential, as it will generate jobs for Zambians and support the adoption of clean energy practices,” President Hichilema emphasized.
The collaboration between Germany and Zambia in water management and economic development signifies a promising step towards addressing crucial issues such as water access, food security, and sustainable energy solutions.
In a historic moment of diplomatic cooperation, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, arrived in Zambia for a high-level official visit. The warm welcome extended by President Hakainde Hichilema and the people of Zambia sets the stage for significant discussions and collaborations between the two nations.
The official visit commenced with a joint press briefing held at State House, where President Hakainde Hichilema expressed his delight at hosting President Steinmeier and his delegation. President Hichilema warmly welcomed his esteemed guest and emphasized the strong historical ties and shared values between Zambia and Germany.
“Germany and Zambia share common values, in democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights,” President Hichilema remarked. “Our relationship dates back to our independence in 1964, and we greatly appreciate that it has strengthened over the years.”
President Hichilema also took the opportunity to express Zambia’s gratitude to the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union for their invaluable support in the debt restructuring process, which has been crucial for Zambia’s economic stability. Furthermore, he acknowledged their assistance in the Lobito Corridor project, a transformative initiative that connects three neighboring countries – Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola.
“The Lobito Corridor project will facilitate the easy movement of goods and passengers between our nations, enhancing trade and connectivity in the region,” President Hichilema explained. “This is a testament to the collaborative spirit that underlines our bilateral relations.”
Aligned with Zambia’s Foreign Policy, which is built on two pillars – Economic Diplomacy and Peace, Stability, and Security, President Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Federal Republic of Germany on various economic initiatives. These initiatives aim to create job opportunities and foster economic growth, with a particular focus on sectors such as Energy, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation, and related technologies.
“We will continue to engage and collaborate with the Federal Republic of Germany on various economic initiatives that will create jobs and business opportunities for our people,” President Hichilema affirmed. “This partnership holds the promise of shared prosperity and a brighter future for both our nations.”
The official visit of President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Zambia marks a significant step in the strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
By Michael Chishala
Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu recently announced his return into active politics, to the surprise of no one. According to information in the public domain, it strongly suggests that he resigned as PF President in August 2021 and he then wrote to Cabinet Office informing them he was no longer party President and therefore entitled to his benefits as per Benefits of Former Presidents (Amendment) Act of 1998.
Cabinet Office obliged and have been paying him taxpayer money for his benefits as a former president, presumably because they did their due diligence and were satisfied that he was no longer in active politics. The Act states in Section 5(1) as follows:
5(1) The pension and other benefits conferred by this Act shall not be paid, assigned or provided to a former President who is—
(a) in receipt of a salary from the Government; or
(b) engaged in active politics
“Active politics” is defined in the Act to mean either “the doing of any act indicating a person’s intention to hold elective or appointive office” or “the holding of elective or appointive office” in a political party or in an organization whose main aim is the furtherance of political objectives.
All this raises a number of pertinent issues. Mr Lungu on 28th October 2023 declared out of his own mouth the following as quoted by News Diggers:
“I have decided to return to active politics and continue as president of PF…. I am back to active politics as PF president elected in 2021 with a mandate up to 2026. The PF will hold a general conference at the right time to choose a leader before the next elections in 2026. After this conference, I will hand over to whoever will be elected to lead the PF in the 2026 general elections.”
He was thus clearly admitting that he has been the PF president all along since 2021, hence the use of the word “continue” and referencing his “mandate” up to 2026. Three big issues immediately arise:
1. If Mr Lungu is still PF president from his election in 2021 by his own public admission, does it mean he is guilty of obtaining money under false pretences which is an offence under Zambian law? Why would he claim his benefits from the government if he was still PF president at the time? Does it mean he deliberately misled the government of Zambia that he was no longer in active politics (as defined by the Act) when in fact, he was?
2. Mr Lungu receiving his generous benefits on the basis of a misleading letter he wrote to Cabinet Office suggests he uttered a false document to the government of Zambia. The law frowns upon such, and he may be liable to being prosecuted for this.
3. If Mr Lungu is still the PF president and this was already known to Cabinet Office, why have they been spending hundreds of thousands of Kwacha on him, including spending possibly millions to build him a retirement home?
Mr Lungu might be at risk of being dragged to court for fraud, obtaining money under false pretences and uttering a false document to the government. Provided he did in fact resign as PF President and there is documentary proof of this, he will have to answer some very difficult questions on the witness stand to square his latest public statements with the letters on file.
If he ends up in court and faced with fines and possible jail time he retreats to the previous default position of retirement, his zombie party dies even faster. And it means his foot soldiers have to go fight Mr Miles Sampa without him and that fight will be very ugly and protracted with no prisoners taken.
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Michael Chishala is a Zambian analyst, blogger, and ICT Specialist. He has interests in Philosophy, Economics, Politics and Art. Email: michael [at] zambia [dot] co [dot] zm.
REFERENCES
1.Lusaka Times
Is former President Edgar Lungu engaged in “active politics”?
2.Zambia Daily Mail
Lungu’s resignation not yet in effect – Chilangwa
3.News Diggers
I won’t allow PF to die, vows Lungu as he announces political comeback
By Benedict Tembo
The demand for Zambian potato chips has continued to grow in East Africa, with Uganda being the latest to make orders.
The Zambia Potato Company has literally reversed the importation of chilled potato chips from South Africa, and saved the country foreign currency, thereby helping to replenish the treasury with the greenbuck.
Zambia Potato Company Country Sales and Business Development Manager Mathews Kaubo is happy with the progress his potato processing company has made in the few years it has been on the international market.From the 27 metric tonnes it first exported to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the company is slowly gaining a lion’s share in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets.
Mr Kaubo said following successful exports to Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda has made orders.
In the SADC, the company has apart from the DRC, been exporting to Malawi, Namibia and South Africa.
“South Africa is our biggest market.
From the pilot export of 27 tonnes to the DRC in January, 2022, the company now exports to eight countries in the EAC and SADC markets,” he said.Mr Kaubo has paid glowing tribute to Government through its quasi institutions for guidance.He said the Zambia Development Agency has been pivotal in helping the company to enter the export market after having been brought on board for the business expo in Lubumbashi, DRC in late 2021.
He also commended the Zambia Revenue Authority and the Zambia Bureau of Standards that ensured the company was compliant to the country’s tax regime and phytosanitary standards for the export market respectively .
Since then, the company has been growing its footprints in the EAC and SADC markets.
The company has so far cruised the 1,850 metric tonnes from the 750 tonnes exported in 2022 and is still aiming to surpass going to the year end.
Mr Kaubo said the company strikes a delicate balance by ensuring that both the local and export markets are satisfied.Locally, the company supplies to chain stores countrywide while local entrepreneurs are serviced by the Buya Bamba outlet on the outskirts of Lusaka City Market.Buya Bamba is both an outgrower agent and distributor for raw potatoes.
“Our focus was mainly to satisfy the local demand. But the processing equipment was projected to be producing more than the country’s needs,” Mr Kaubo said.With local demand estimated to be around 700 tonnes monthly, the company needed to offload the surplus on the foreign market.
“We started our exports in 2022 with 27 tonnes to the DRC. It has since increased to 780 tonnes. We are happy we are exporting the surplus after meeting the local demand,” Mr Kaubo said.
He said the Zambia Potato Company has been exporting 50 tonnes to Botswana, Malawi and Namibia.
“South Africa is our biggest market. Kenya and the DRC are our second biggest markets in terms of demand,” Mr Kaubo said.
The company, which established in 2018 but started production in 2019, has employed 150 full time staff members, mostly women at its Ngwerere factory in Chongwe District.
Mr Kaubo said the company has created hundreds of jobs through its outgrower schemes in Northern and Southern provinces.
“Farmers employ about eight people per hectare. We are growing above 2,000 hectares,” “he said.
Hundreds of marketeers benefit from loose raw potatoes at Buya Bamba.
“We are happy to keep our farmers growing. The more they increase the hectarage, the more jobs they create. We have to continue growing the export market,” Mr Kaubo said
A valedictory ceremony was held in the chamber of the National Assembly in honour of the late former Speaker of the National Assembly Amusaa Mwanamwambwa.
The casket, draped in the Zambian flag, arrived at the National Assembly buildings and made its way into the chamber at about 10:08 hours.
The ceremony which was attended by Members of Parliament was also attended by dignitaries that included former Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini.
The sombre ceremony was characterized by tributes which were delivered by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Government Whip, Stafford Mulusa and Leader of opposition Brian Mundubile , which was followed by a valedictory speech by Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti.
Thereafter, body viewing was then conducted.
And in an emotional speech, the Speaker, Ms Mutti disclosed that when she took up her position, she regularly consulted the late Amusaa Mwanamwambwa on Parliamentary matters.
“Immediately I was elected Speaker, I paid a courtesy call on him and continued to consult him from time to time on matters of the house,” she said.
Ms Mutti said even during her tenure as Speaker, she regularly reached out to the late former Speaker of the National Assembly.
She paid tribute to the late former Speaker on Parliamentary reforms instituted during his tenure.
Ms Mutti said even after retiring, the late Mwanamwambwa rendered guidance whenever called upon by the National Assembly.
She also revealed that she used her discretion to hold a valedictory service for the late former Speaker in honour of his distinguished service to the country.
“Although the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders 2021, do not expressly provide for the holding of a valedictory service for a former Speaker or indeed a former Member of Parliament , I invoked the provisions of Standing Order 239 of the National Assembly of Zambia, Standing Orders 2021 to enable the house conduct a valedictory service for the late Hon.Amusaa Mwanamwambwa, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia in recognition of his distinguished and patriotic service rendered to this August house and the nation at large,” said Ms Mutti.
And Vice President Mutale Nalumango said she learnt a lot when she served under the late former Speaker as Deputy Speaker.
Mrs Nalumango described the late former Speaker as a man of integrity who was a great professional.
“To me and probably many others, Hon. Mwanamwambwa was a gentleman with personal, professional and exceptional qualities which enabled him to execute his role as presiding officer exceptionally well,” she said.
And Government Whip, Stafford Mulusa said the UPND will never forget Mr Mwanamwambwa for dealing with the party, then in opposition, with fairness.
Meanwhile leader of the Opposition, Brian Mundubile paid tribute to the late former Speaker saying he made a positive impact both locally and at international level.
The Energy Regulations Board ERB has maintained the pump prices for Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene for the month of November 2023.
Petrol will continue selling at K29.98 per litre , K29.96 per litre for diesel and K20.44 for kerosene.
ERB Board Chairperson, Reynolds Bowa said the pump prices for petrol and diesel have been maintained because the movements in the international oil prices and exchange rate of the kwacha against the United States Dollar were minimal and below the set threshold of 2.5 percent.
Mr. Bowa however, explained that the pump price for kerosene has also been maintained because the country has sufficient national stock.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Bowa assured the nation that the prices will be more stable as the country transitions to transporting fuel through the pipeline as opposed to the road transportation, which is more expensive.
He further disclosed that 80 percent of diesel is coming to the country through the pipeline while 20 percent is through road transportation.
Germany’s Federal President, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is set to undertake a significant two-day State Visit to Zambia from November 1st to 2nd, 2023. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia announced this highly anticipated visit, highlighting its importance for the strengthening of bilateral ties and the pursuit of shared developmental goals.
During the visit, President Steinmeier and President Hakainde Hichilema, are expected to engage in bilateral discussions that will center on a range of critical areas of mutual interest for both nations. These key issues include cooperation in water and sanitation, agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development, energy, trade, and investment, among other significant sectors.
Furthermore, President Steinmeier is slated to visit projects in Zambia that have received support from the German Government. These projects exemplify the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in various sectors, and President Steinmeier will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact of this cooperation. One notable event on the agenda is the signing of an agreement between the Zambian Department of Water and KfW Development Bank, which is set to take place in Livingstone.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P, stressed the importance of President Steinmeier’s visit in reinforcing the longstanding and excellent bilateral ties that exist between Zambia and Germany. These ties are rooted in shared values and mutual aspirations for prosperity, making the visit a pivotal occasion for Zambia to further its partnership with Germany, a global economic powerhouse and a prominent member of the European Union.
Minister Kakubo emphasized that the visit holds great significance for the Zambian Government, providing an opportunity to foster sustainable development for the mutual benefit of both nations. The high-level engagements and discussions are expected to make significant contributions to Zambia’s Economic Transformation Agenda and deliver tangible benefits to the Zambian people.
President Steinmeier is set to conclude his visit and depart from Zambia on November 2nd, 2023.
© Lusaka Times
