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Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) Executive Director Bernadette Deka making a contribution from the floor during the panel of discussion on ending Violence Against Women at the Workplace. This was on the sidelines of the 61st Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
A civic leader in Lusaka has commended government for its consistent participation in deliberately prioritizing women empowerment in various programmes.
Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) Executive Director Bernadette Deka says it is gratifying that government has continued to do that in programmes such as those implemented through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission ( CEEC ) and other Funds.
Ms. Deka also commended government on the implementation of the monumental Girls in Education, Women Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) program implemented by the Ministry of Gender.
She explained that the project is an inter-alia ministerial initiative designed to empower women through improved livelihoods of 75,000 rural women and provide secondary school bursaries to 14,000 girls who are not in school due to poverty.
GEWEL is a US$65 million project supported by the World Bank which is being implemented between 2016 and 2021.
The project is set to cover 51 Districts across the country.
And Ms. Deka also commended government for the positive impact which the village banking programmes implemented by the community Development and Social Services has had in improving financial services for women in rural areas.
Her organization has further called for a deliberate policy beyond the current programmes to further secure and facilitate the empowerment of rural women across the country.
First Lady Esther Lungu receives a gift from Barclays Bank Managing Director Mzinga Melu during the Barclays Bank women’s month dinner at pamodzi Hotel on Thursday,March 29,2018-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Esther Lungu has appealed to women in the country to stop the pull her down tendencies but support each other.
Mrs Lungu women should support each other as it is important for them to contribute to the development of the country.
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The First Lady said this when she officiated at the Barclays Bank Women’s Month Customer Dinner in Lusaka , this evening.
She commended Barclays Bank for leading in the diversity and inclusion agenda.
Diversity and inclusion is focused on creating an equal platform for people of different backgrounds to co-exist, she emphasized.
The First lady also commended Barclays Bank for championing women’s rights as evidenced from the 60 percent women representation in management at the Bank.
She said she will continue to uplift the lives of the vulnerable especially women and children.
Speaking at the same event, Barclays Bank Board Chairperson Chishala Kateka commended the First lady for contributing to the transformation of lives for the vulnerable in communities.
Ms. Kateka stated that her organization is committed to championing gender equality across the country saying that the Bank is committed to adding value in the various communities it operates in.
The Barclays Bank Board Chairperson revealed that Barclays Bank has for this reason invested more than K7 billion towards community led initiatives since , 2017.
First Lady Esther Lungu with Labour Minister Joyce NondeFirst Lady Esther Lungu cheers with Barclays Bank Board Chairperson Chishala Kateka, Barclays Bank Managing Director Mzinga Melu and Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Tukiya Kankasa Mabula during the Barclays Bank women’s month dinner at pamodzi Hotel on Thursday,March 29,2018-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu presents an award to Barclays Bank employee Rudo Marian Mwesha during the Barclays Bank women’s month dinner at pamodzi Hotel on Thursday,March 29,2018-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
HH and GBM at a correctional facility to visit Nevers Mumba
The opposition United Party for National Development Leader Hakainde Hichilema has been denied to visit incarcerated MMD Leader Faction Nevers Mumba At Mwembeshi Prison.
Mr. Hichilema has expressed that the state has refused him and his entourage to visit dr. Mumba who is being held at Mwembeshi prison in central province.
He explains that his Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and several other senior officials, arrived at Mwembeshi prison around 12:00 hours and were made to stand in the rains for close to two hours before being told that they cannot see Dr. Mumba.
This week, MMD faction leader Dr Nevers Mumba was convicted and sentenced to three months simple imprisonment in a matter where he was facing one count of giving false information to police officer.
Dr. Mumba was however been acquitted in a matter where he was charged with criminal trespass.
Lusaka Resident Magistrate David Simusamba convicted and sentenced Dr Mumba to three months with an option to appeal within 14 days.
“I have heard with deep concern from the defence team of Mr Mumba. It’s my view that the convict being the former Republican Vice President and the public figure should have avoided that. I therefore send the convict to prison for three months from today and the appeal can be made within 14 days,” Magistrate Simusamba ruled.
Particulars in count one were that Dr. Mumba on November 8, last year, did give false information to a police officer Gladson Mwanza that he had an appointment with a Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) editor.
HH and GBM at a correctional facility to visit Nevers MumbaHH and GBM at a correctional facility to visit Nevers Mumba
The Economic and Equity Party (EEP) Leader Chilufya Tayali has challenged police to arrest Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo for assaulting Roan member of parliament.
This follows after Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini suspended Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo from the service of the house for the maximum period of thirty (30) days for slapping Mr. Kambwili.
Mr. Tayali says he may have issues with the roan member of parliament, but he does not support hooliganism.
He says parliament’s ruling by parliament on the suspension of Mr. Lusambo for 30 days from parliament is evident enough that he indeed assaulted Mr. Kambwili.
He is of the view that since Mr. Kambwili reported the matter to emasdale police after it occurred, police should now arrest Mr. Lusambo in all fairness.
President Edgar Lungu with Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji at State House during the New year greeting ceremony with High Commissioners and Ambassadors accredited to the republic of Zambia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Joe Malanji has said that the impeachment motion by the opposition UPND has the potential to tarnish the image of the Presidency and the country to the international community.
Mr. Malanji said that the impeachment motion is ill intended and meant to dilute investor confidence in the country, but said added that the motion is an exercise in futility.
Mr. Malanji accused UPND of deliberately wanting to derail President Edgar Lungu’s vision to develop the country.
Mr Malanji, who is also Kwacha Member of Parliament was speaking after touring the ablution blocks at the Copperbelt University this afternoon.
And former Chilubi Constituency Member of Parliament Obius Chisala has condemned the impeachment motion being raised by some opposition political parties.
Mr.Chisala who is immediate past Chilubi MP says that the issue of impeachment is retrogressive to the economic development of the nation as it has potential to scare away investors.
He charged that the opposition lawmakers should not put their interest first but looks at the welfare of the general public as they are the ones who are likely to suffer the consequence which comes with impeachment of the Republican President.
Mr. Chisala told ZANIS that the opposition members are also not being genuine to their electorates because they are more interested in occupying the higher offices.
He further said the matter being perpetuated is unconstitutional as it is not justifiable and it has no grounds.
Mr. Chisala has since challenged those calling for impeachment to wait for 2021 elections if they are to prove their popularity and avoid using shortcuts to gain power.
United States Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote has expressed happiness at the completion of pre-deployment training for the fourth Zambia Battalion ( ZAMBATT 4 ) to deploy to the United Nations MINUSCA peacekeeping operation in Central African Republic ( CAR ) .
Ambassador Foote said the United States is proud to have provided the financial and technical support for all of Zambia’s pre-deployment training to send peacekeepers to CAR, including ZAMBATT 4.
Ambassador Foote disclosed that the total dollar value of U.S. support to Zambia just for this latest training effort is approximately one million U.S. dollars, but the ultimate value of the training and equipment is priceless due to the lives that will be saved and changed for the better through ZAMBATT 4.
He also congratulated President Lungu, Minister of Defense Davies Chama, Army Commander, Lieutenant General Mihova, Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Chimese and all members of Zambia Defense Forces for their continued and “ demonstrated resolve to support the United Nations peacekeeping mission in CAR.”
Ambassador Foote also congratulated all Zambian Defense personnel comprising ZAMBATT 4, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ngosa on their successful completion of a rigorous and comprehensive nine-week pre-deployment training program.
He said For 930 Zambian service members to prepare to assume responsibility from ZAMBATT 3—in an austere and at times high-threat environment—is no easy task, and one that was successfully executed here at Nanking over the past two months adding that the United States is pleased to be a part of that success.
“For 42 personnel of the Zambian Army and Air Force—you commenced two weeks earlier than the rest of the battalion, during which time you completed a Training-of-Trainers course on 28 United Nations Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials, ”, he said.
“As the men and women of ZAMBATT 4 know, yesterday was the conclusion of the culminating U.S.-funded Field Training Exercise—or FTX—in which you exercised and were tested in the skills and knowledge in which you have been rigorously trained, and in a realistic training environment that could just as well be in northern Central African Republic.”, he further added.
He reminded them that as they are being deployed to CAR in the near future to keep in mind that all U.S.-supported training completed at Nanking is to prepare you to support the United Nations’ MINUSCA mandate which includes the protection of Civilians, Child Protection, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and Creation of a secure environment for the immediate, full, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The US Envoy explained that by fulfilling this mandate, they trained officers will be able to return to Zambia proud to have achieved an important mission in a tough environment and equally proud to have built upon the reputation of those who served before them, and who established Zambia as a contributor of a capable, highly respected and proficient peacekeeping force.
He said as he looks beyond ZAMBATT 4, he will similarly be proud to support future U.S. government efforts enabling Zambia Defense Forces to support peace operations within the SADC region or indeed throughout Africa.
‘The United States is building the capacity of our African partners through a number of U.S. Government-funded programs. The Global Peace Operations Initiative is but one of these programs, and has enabled training of ZAMBATT 4 and Zambia’s current and previous MINUSCA battalions.’ he stated.
He commended the Ministry of Defense and Defense Service authorities present for partnering with the United States to build a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Central African Republic, or wherever you may be called upon to serve your nation.
Football Association of Zambia Vice President Richard Kazala
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it will not table the matter of expelled FAZ vice president, Richard Kazala during its Annual General meeting (AGM).
FAZ deputy general secretary Adrian Kashala said the Annual General meeting which is scheduled for this month 31st of March, the matter of Richard Kazala will be top of the agenda.
Kashala added that according to the AGM of 2018 agenda, FAZ has complied with the international court of sports arbitration (CAS) ruling for the item where Kazala is expected to plead his case before the council which expelled him.
The FAG General Secretary added that the AGM which will be held on Saturday will be under a new constitution.
Meanwhile , Kashala says that the attendance of this event will be strictly according to article 22 of the new constitution act.
ZANIS sports reports that the General Secretary said this in a statement obtained in Lusaka, today.
The Mazabuka Magistrates court has acquitted Eight United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres who stood charged with a case of Arson contrary to Section 328 Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Senior Resident Magistrate Chilingala Chilingala said due to failure by the prosecution team to submit proper evidence to warrant a conviction in the matter, he had no option but to acquit the eight UPND cadres.
This was in a case where Evans Lungu a member of the Patriotic Front dragged the UPND cadres to court on allegations that they burnt and destroyed his house in Kabobola compound which was used by the ruling party as a campaign center for Mazabuka Central Constituency prior to the 2016 Presidential Elections.
It is alleged that the cadres torched the house immediately after President Lungu was announced as having been duly elected President for the Republic of Zambia on 15th August 2016.
But the court yesterday acquitted the eight UPND accused persons who later jubilated within the court premises with some women accused persons breaking into tears of joy.
But the outcome of the case has not settled well with Mr. Evans Lungu whose house was burnt and the Patriotic Front leadership in the area describing that have described the judgment as unfair.
PF Youth District Chairperson Paul Sinyangwe said there was sufficient evidence in the matter to warrant a conviction of the UPND cadres.
Mr. Sinyangwe said the fact that the UPND Members through their area Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo dug the foundation of the house belonging to Mr. Evans Lungu after damaging it, sowed that the eight accused were guilty and not remorseful over their actions.
And Mr. Lungu said he is shocked with the judgment and has since appealed to the party leadership to help secure him legal representation to enable him appeal to the high court so that justice in the matter can prevail.
First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Namugala yesterday gave matching orders to UPND Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu who refused to obey her point of order to allow the Vice President Inonge Wina who was to propose to the House that it goes Sine Die.
And Ms. Namugala castigated the Members of Parliament for reporting late to the House, a situation which delayed the commencement and business of the House as a quorum was not formed.
The Deputy Speaker gave the matching orders to the Monze Central lawmaker against rising a point of order when Mrs Wina was on the floor prior to announcing the house to go on sine die.
“ As Leader of the opposition you cannot raise on a point of order when Vice President and Leader of Government Business of August the House is on her feet. Leave the chambers now,” she ordered.
The order made the entire UPND MPs to follow Mr. Mwiimbu, as he haggardly walked the house.
The lawmaker and his UPND parliamentarian demanded that that Standing Orders 21 , 22 and 100 before the House could finalise its business and adjourn sine die.
The Monze Central lawmaker stood against the Vice President as she was about to propose that the house goes on sine die without the named standing orders being tabled in the house.
Mr. Mwiimbu, who is leader of the opposition, said the House could not adjourn until the three standing orders which about planned impeachment motion against Republican President Edgar Lungu.
However Mrs. Wina said the motion to suspend business of the House was non-controversial and wondered why the opposition were opposed when in the past they supported the move.
And Mr. Stephen Kampyongo, who is PF Shiwang’andu lawmaker, said the motion ably moved by Mrs. Wina was important for the House to adjourn so that MPs could visit their constituencies and interact with their electorates on challenges faced.
Mr. Kampyongo, who also Minister of Home Affairs , said MPs should not mislead the public that they could dictate the running of the House as it was guided by rules and regulations.
Later , the Deputy Speaker asked the House whether or not to vote for the motion to which they responded “YES” in the affirmative.
Earlier, Ms. Namugala castigated the Members of Parliament for reporting late to the House, a situation which delayed the commencement and business of the House as a quorum was not formed.
Ms. Namugala expressed displeasure that MPs reported late, a situation which stalled business of the House for about ten minutes.
The Deputy Speaker observed that though the Vice President Inonge Wina was on time to commencing business of the day but that unfortunately MPs were late.
She directed that if 30 minutes elapsed without a quorum being formed, she would be forced to adjourn Parliament.
“If 30 minutes elapsed without a quorum being formed, then l will be forced to adjourn Parliament,” Ms. Namugala sounded.
She also directed Chief Whip Stephen Chungu and leader of the opposition Jack Mwiimbu to see her during break time (tea break) because of what had transpired.
The Deputy Speaker urged members of the House to be prompt as electorates who sent them to the House expected them to ably represent their needs.
But just before the 30-minutes ultimatum elapsed , the parliamentarians were seen walking into the House and Ms. Namugala gave a go ahead to Ms. Wina to move a motion according to the schedule on the order paper.
FILE: UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and MMD leader Nevers Mumba talks to journalists after Hichilema’s court appearance
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has described as harsh the three months prison sentence handed to MMD faction leader Nevers Mumba by Lusaka Magistrate David Simusamba.
Dr Mumba was yesterday sentenced to three months simple imprisonment for giving false information to a public officer.
But Mr. Hichilema feels the sentence was too harsh considering the fact that Magistrate Simusamba had an option to fine Dr Mumba.
He says Dr. Mumba should not have been imprisoned considering that he once served as republican vice president.
Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe is one of the six African match officials chosen by Fifa for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In addition there will also be 10 assistant referees from Africa.
The other African referees are Mehdi Abid Charef from Algeria, Malang Diedhiou of Senegal, Bakary Papa Gassama from The Gambia, Gehad Grisha from Egypt and Ethiopian Bamlak Tessema Weyesa.
The referees and the assistants make up a total of 99 officials selected for the tournament.
The referees and the assistants make up a total of 99 officials selected for the tournament.
Fifa has also announced that video assistant referees (VAR) will be chosen from the pool of officials.
VAR will be used for the first time at a World Cup when the tournament starts on 14 June.
The officials, chosen from 46 countries, will attend a two-week seminar at the Italian Football Association’s base in Coverciano next month.
Europe will be represented by referees from Germany, Turkey, Russia, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Slovenia and France.
Asia will have six as will north and South America and two from Oceania.
JUSTICE Minister Given Lubinda says he shal present the political party’s bill in the next sitting of parliament which is aimed at inculcating democracy in all political parties in the country.
And Mr Lubinda says for democracy to thrive at national level it must visibly exist in the organizations that sponsor national leaders.
Speaking in parliament yesterday, Mr Lubinda who is also Kabwata Member Of Parliament wondered how a named political party, in apparent Reference to UPND, has continued to participate in the growth of national democary when the party has not held intraparty elections since 2005.
“Madam (Speaker), we shall be coming next sitting with political party’s bill to make sure we entreach democracy in our political parties,” Mr Lubinda said.
“There must be democracy in political parties, we can not have political parties that are not Democratic.”
Meanwhile, Lubinda, in demonstrating how undemocratic UPND has been, disclosed that he was the last legitimately elected National Chairperson For Information and Publicity in UPND.
“For the sake of the record, madam speaker, I happen to be the last legitimately elected chairperson for information and publicity in the party called United Party for National Development,” confessed Mr. Lubinda
” To date, Madam Speaker, I have not been replaced since 2005, check the records for elections, it will show that Given Lubinda sometimes called Zayelo is chairman for information for UPND, surely how can that be?.”
Justice Minister revealed that there was wide consultations made before coming up with the Political Party Bill.
The political party bill will cure a number of undemocratic tendencies among which includes the fielding of the same losing political leader without subjecting them to intraparty elections.
And Mr Lubinda has stated that the lives of Zambians were in safe hands under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu adding that tampering with the authority of his goverment was an exercise purely out of immorality.
The Minister appealed to UPND MPs to reflect during parliament’s recess on what it is they intend to do for the country and concentrate on that and keep away from calling everybody corrupt except themselves.
President Edgar Lungu pose for a group photo with the newly accredited ambassadors to Zambia after they presented their credentials at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu pose for a group photo with the newly accredited ambassadors to Zambia after they presented their credentials at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu shares a light moment with the newly accredited ambassadors to Zambia after they presented their credentials at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu walks outside State House for a group photo with Mr Nelson Pages Vilas Cuban Ambassador to Zambia (center) and Mr Ahmed Mostafa Abdel Aal Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia after the presentation of credential at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu receives a letter of credentials from Mr Cho Jai- Che Korean Ambassador to Zambia during the presentation of credential at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu receives a letter of credentials from Mrs Barbra Maria Van Hellemond Netherlands Ambassador to Zambia during the presentation of credentials at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu receives a letter of credentials from Mr Nelson Pages Vilas Cuban Ambassador to Zambia during the presentation of credential at State House
Justice Minister Given Lubinda says the constitution of Zambia amendment bill will be tabled in parliament on 19th June, 2018.
Mr. Lubinda told parliament in a ministerial statement that government has made headways in refining the republican constitution.
He says his ministry is preparing the draft constitution amendment bill, 2018 taking into account the stakeholder comments and submissions.
Mr. Lubinda says government is expected to finalize the drafting of the bill by 13th April 2018.
He says the draft copy of the constitution of Zambia amendment bill, 2018 will then be subjected to a team of independent draftspersons and eminent scholars for scrutiny between 16th to 20th April, 2018.
He explains that the ministry will then proceed with the process of obtaining cabinet approval in principle to introduce in parliament a bill to amend the constitution of Zambia.
Mr. Lubinda says the bill will then be published for 30 days as is required by law.
He adds that in order to continue on the basis of broad consultation, his ministry will conduct a consultative caucus for members of parliament on 12th June.
