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Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has appointed three Board of Directors replacing those whose terms of office expired.
The newly appointed Directors are Prof. Razack Bakari Lokina, Mrs. Rukia Diwani Shamte and Mr. Stanslous John Sichalwe.
The Ministers responsible for Transport in Tanzania and Zambia, Makame Mbarawa and Brian Mushimba made the respective appointments in accordance with the TAZARA Act.
Mr.Mushimba also renewed the membership for Peter Kazhila whose first term as a Director expired in December, 2017.
In the statement made available to ZANIS today by Tanzania-Zambia railway authority Head Public Relations Conrad K Simuchile, the term of office for Zambia’s other member of the Board from the private sector, Mr. Kazhila, has been extended for another three years.
The TAZARA Act, 1995, provides for the establishment and composition of the Board of Directors and stipulates that it shall consist of six members, including the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries responsible for transport in Tanzania and Zambia, and four other members with experience in either transport, commerce, industry or finance appointed by the Ministers responsible for transport in Tanzania and Zambia, respectively.
Nkana start to the 2018 FAZ Super Division season began on a dramatic note on Sunday when Forest Rangers failed to turn up for their rescheduled Week 20 game at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
The two parties had agreed to play their Week 20 match today after Forest’s Week 2 match against Zesco United was postponed and the visitors could not also host Nkana in their delayed Week 1 match due to logistical reasons.
And when Forest failed to turn up in Kitwe for the reverse fixture, referee Michael Lialabi abandoned the match after 15h00.
“It is now up to FAZ to make a ruling. As far as the referee is concerned, he has called off the game because the other team has failed to show up,” match commissioner Aaron Nkole said.
Meanwhile, Power Dynamos stayed top of the table after a 1-0 away win over promoted National Assembly at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Power midfielder Larry Bwalya scored the game’s lone goal in the 50th minute.
Buffaloes stayed second only on goal difference on 9 points after they beat Nakambala Leopards 1-0 at home in Lusaka courtesy of an Eddie Sinyangwe 45th minute goal.
2018 FAZ Super Division
Week 2
25/03/2018
National Assembly 0-Power Dynamos 1
Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy 0-Kitwe United 1
Green Buffaloes 1-Nakambala Leopards 0
Kabwe Warriors 1-Red Arrows 1
Lumwana Radiants 2-Lusaka Dynamos 2
Napsa Stars 0-Nchanga Rangers 2
New Monze Swallows1-Nkwazi 2
26/03/2018
Zanaco-Green Eagles
25/03/2018
Week 20
Nkana-Forest Rangers*
Not played.Forest failed to travel
Minister of Labour Joyce Simukoko has said that, according to the 2017 statistics released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Government has created over 3 million jobs in the formal and informal sectors.
Speaking today during the PF Interactive Forum in Lusaka, Mrs. Simukoko also stated the need for employees to belong to trade unions.
And the Minister of Labour has said that most employees in the country have a poor reading culture and do not know their rights at work places. Mrs. Simukoko added that employees usually want to be head over their employers which is not right because government’s role is to regulate both parties and ensure they are heard fairly.
She said that government is currently working towards improving social security which is an important component that has been neglected in the past.
National Planning and Development Minister Alexander Chiteme looks unimpressed with the explanation on why developmental projects have stalled in western province.
The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has pledged to support the implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and provide land for developmental projects in Western Province.
The BRE made the pledge when Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme and African Development Bank (AfDB) Executive Director Patrick Zampita paid a courtesy call on the Kuta in Limulunga during their on-the-spot check of developmental projects in the Province.
The entourage is expected to inspect the AfDB-financed Cashew nut Infrastructure Development Project and the Rural Water and Sanitation Project.
The BRE, through Induna Namunda and Induna Kalonga said it is committed to work with Government in implementing developmental programmes in the Province.
And the BRE has further requested the Minister to send documents containing the 7NDP as well as a team of experts to explain the development plan to the Kuta so that land can be provided when government requests for it.
The BRE further noted that claims by people that it is difficult to get land in Western Province is just a misconception adding that, when land for development is asked for in the Province it shall be provided as the Establishment is ready to work closely with government in its developmental agenda.
In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Head of Public Relations in the Ministry of National Development Planning, Sikabele Chikuba, the BRE said it has seen many developmental projects in Western Province, including the construction of roads and the Canal that is used for the Kuomboka Traditional ceremony, among others.
On the Cashew nut project, the BRE noted that the project will be very beneficial to the people of Western Province, especially women and youths and requested AfDB to extend the project beyond 2019.
The BRE further requested Mr. Chiteme to convey the Royal Establishment’s plea to President Edgar Lungu, to upgrade Nalikwanda Constituency to District Level and the Mongu Municipal Council to be conferred the status of City, in a bid to woo investors and promote development.
The Barotse Royal Establishment has also requested government to provide funds and monitor some developmental projects that have stalled and those abandoned by contractors and to finance the tarring of roads as the local authority does not have the resources to undertake the projects.
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme said Government remains committed to developing all parts of Zambia including Western Province.
Mr. Chiteme indicated that he is pleased that the BRE dispelled the myths behind acquisition of land in Western Province and also the affirmation to welcome investors to partner with government to develop the area.
Mr. Chiteme has since directed the Permanent Secretary in his Ministry to provide copies of the Seventh National Development Plan to the BRE, and all royal establishments countrywide.
He noted that the Ministry is in the process of translating the 7NDP into local languages, for easy comprehension by all the citizens.
The 7NDP is a policy document that outlines the Zambian Government’s desired developmental outcomes as well as the accompanying strategies and programmes to accelerate development efforts towards the Vision 2030 without leaving anyone behind.
The implementation period for the 7NDP is between 2017 and 2021.
Central Province Permanent Secretary (PS) Chanda Kabwe has called on the financial sector to empower citizens with knowledge and skills to enable them meet their financial obligations.
In commemorating the 2018 financial literacy week under the theme “Save, Invest, Insure –to live a better life”, the PS encouraged citizens to take interest in financial education.
In a speech read for him by Kabwe District Administrative Officer Brave Mazuba, he said the 2018 financial literacy week is a clear demonstration of the importance government places to financial literacy and financial inclusion agenda.
He added that there is need to raise awareness among children, youths and adults on the benefits of financial planning to individual well-being.
The PS further noted that saving and investing leads to prosperity and personal financial stability.
And Principal Education Standards Officer for Central Provincial Kezala Mwale said the importance of financial education in the country cannot be over emphasised.
Mr. Mwale stated that the Ministry of General Education has given great attention to financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills in the 2013 revised curriculum to enable school leavers engage in small scale business in line with the country’s vision 2030 of making Zambia a middle income country.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Finance representative Katongo Musonda revealed that there is over K6 billion estimated cash circulating outside the formal sector.
She disclosed that the saving culture in the country is very low to attract meaningful development.
Ms. Katongo further added that financial inclusion levels in the country stand at 59 per cent and the financial sector players wish to increase it to 80 per cent by the year 2022.
Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Ronald Chitotela
Infrastructure Development and Housing Minister Ronald Chitotela has arrived in India to attend a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) International Conference in New Delhi.
The biggest annual conference which is being held from March 25th to 27th, 2018 has attracted participation of Presidents, Vice Presidents, Ministers and Senior Government Officials mainly from Africa.
Speaking on arrival in India, the Cabinet Minister said he is in India to sell Zambia’s infrastructure development agenda.
This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in New Delhi, India, Bangwe Naviley.
And Mr. Chitotela stated that Zambia is ripe for credible investment in infrastructure development especially from countries such as India which are highly industrialised.
He added that government has identified infrastructure development as a precursor to the development of the country.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga stated that the presence of Zambia’s Infrastructure Development and Housing Minister at the Confederation of Indian Industry Conference is evidence that government is committed towards industrialising the country.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga further noted that the world is currently looking to India and Asia in general for credible investments.
Crowds of people from various denominations gathered at the Golf club grounds in Chipata today to welcome Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem with thunderous songs of praise acknowledging Jesus Christ as their eternal King.
The Bible story indicates that great crowds of people spread their cloaks on the road, while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the path of Jesus so that the Donkey carrying the Messiah should trod on clean ground.
Delivering the sermon at an interdenominational Palm Sunday celebration service Catholic Priest Christopher Sakala challenged the faithful who gathered for the celebration of Jesus Christ entry into Jerusalem to understand what true love is adding that, without love there is nothing.
Fr Sakala said people lay down all sorts of items for the young donkey to pass on because the donkey was carrying Christ adding that, if we don’t carry Christ always in our lives, we are nothing before God.
The Priest who likened the donkey carrying Jesus to the Spiritual life of a true follower of Christ who always acts according to the Christ mind should always carry Jesus in their hearts so that whatever they do is purified.
He cautioned the followers of Jesus to be self-giving, detest from negative vices that are opposed to Christ they believe in such as despising other churches with different affiliations, disregarding other families, and dishonest among them.
And speaking at the same function Chipata Central Member of Parliament Moses Mawere said national development cannot be bestowed on people who are not united.
Honorable Mawere who is also the Minister of Youth, Sport, and Child development said it is therefore, necessary that Christians place their minds before the mirror of eternity so that together they work in unity to receive God’s favours that will see Zambia developed.
And today in Central Province 6 churches gathered at Civic Centre and matched to commemorate Palm Sunday.
ZANIS reports that Rev. Richard Mukandawire of Saint Columbus Presbyterian Church emphasised the need for love and unity in the country.
Speaking at the Gathering, Rev. Mukandawire urged Christians to emulate the love of Christ.
Meanwhile, a Pastor at Salvation Army Dastrator Hamwenda said the gathering is a crusade of unity for all people despite their various differences.
Lt. Hamwenda has since advised all citizens to have a heart for reconciliation as they go back to their daily lives.
Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Hon. Kampamba Mulenga, with Minister of Health Dr Chilufya
Minister of Health, Dr Chitalu has announced the Lifting of the fish ban effective tomorrow, March 26, 2018.
Speaking when he addressed the Press at Ndeke house this afternoon with his Counterpart, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Kampamba Mulenga, Dr Chilufya said that that while one of the measures they had put in place as an intervention in the Cholera outbreak was to extend the fish ban to enable issues of clean water and sanitation to be addressed, significant progress had now been made in arresting the Cholera situation which he announced was now on its way out.
The Minister stated that the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia had made a statement on the floor of the house in Parliament that the multi sectoral task force team against Cholera instituted by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Edgar lungu would meet this week to review the dynamic outbreak as well as to consider reports from the various Cholera task forces doted country wide and make decisions and update the nation over the issue of the fishing ban.
“So we are with the Minister of Fisheries here. We met as a task force and reviewed measures that have been implemented and also reviewed the reports from the Various Multi sectoral task force teams in the many districts and have arrived at decisions which we are going to announce today. We are going to take responsibility as a Multi sectoral task force collective. ” he said.
And Dr Chilufya has said that that various stakeholders had been engaged ever since the extension of the fish ban had been announced by the Minister.
“That is the communities themselves, the traders from various aspects, the companies, including a big meeting that happened last week which the PSs chaired . Bearing in Mind also that the Provincial Fisheries officers have worked together to meet various stakeholders in the fishing camps and in various parts and also bearing in mind that our awareness levels have been escalated and our teams have worked together to engage various communities and improve awareness and any other measures that are necessary to prevent Cholera outbreak,” he said.
“And also considering that our team at the Ministry of Fisheries has advanced in putting up measures with help from other stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, in putting in water and sanitation measures In various parts of the country, such as procurement of tanks and other services that will improve sanitation in areas that have been designated as safe fishing areas, we have come to the conclusion that it is safe now that whilst continuing implementing these interventions that I’ve spoken about, fishing can commence in all parts of the country,” he added.
He stated however that in the event that there was any surveillance report indicating danger to public health in any area, decision would be made to revisit in those areas.
“We must emphasis here, that the reports we got from the stakeholders has been very good. The cooperation has been impressive. And we want to urge continued collaboration with the Cholera task forces so that we can maintain what we have established so far. Because continuing on that trajectory will mean that we will not see a rise in cases, ” he said.
I understand that Zambia did not sign the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) Agreement because Government is still conducting consultations. I also understand that Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Malanji only signed the Declaration and not the Agreement. Additionally, I understand that Zambia has negotiated the Protocol on Goods and Services as well as the Dispute Settlement Mechanism, while the protocols on Trade Competition, Investment and Intellectual Property are yet to be negotiated.
Is the Executive participating in AfCTA legally or illegally? I ask this question because the Constitution of Zambia 2016, in Article 63(2)(e), provides that the National Assembly SHALL oversee the performance of executive functions by approving agreements and treaties before these are acceded to or ratified.
In view of the foregoing mandatory constitutional requirement, I wish to know whether the National Assembly has ever been consulted by the executive on the AfCTA. if so, I wish to know when the motion was tabled and approved by the National Assembly.
Further, I wish to know the position of the National Assembly on the Declaration and the Protocol on Goods and Services as well as the Dispute Settlement Mechanism, which has since been negotiated by the executive and concluded.
Additionally, I wish to know the position of the National Assembly on the Protocols on Trade Competition, Investment and Intellectual Property which are still being negotiated by the Executive.
If the National Assembly has never approved the AfCTA thing, and taken a position on the Declaration itself, and any protocols that form the Agreement, then Government is participating, and making commitments unconstitutionally. This means the Executive is acting illegally. According to Article 1(2), any act or omission that contravenes the Constitution is illegal.
My view is that the National Assembly must critically interrogate the AfCTA, largely from our export portfolio over a period of time, preferably the last five years. Below is a list showcasing 15 of Zambia’s top trading partners in terms of export sales. That is, countries that imported the most Zambian shipments by dollar value during 2017. Also shown is each import country’s percentage of total Zambian exports.
1. Switzerland: US$3.6 billion (44.6% of total Zambian exports)
2. China: $1.3 billion (16.3%)
3. Democratic Rep. Congo: $530.6 million (6.5%)
4. Singapore: $494.9 million (6.1%)
5. South Africa: $452.4 million (5.6%)
6. United Arab Emirates: $293.2 million (3.6%)
7. United Kingdom: $184.1 million (2.3%)
8. India: $176 million (2.2%)
9. Hong Kong: $145.3 million (1.8%)
10. Zimbabwe: $133.7 million (1.6%)
11. Malawi: $99.6 million (1.2%)
12. Tanzania: $89.1 million (1.1%)
13. Kenya: $72.3 million (0.9%)
14. Luxembourg: $52.1 million (0.6%)
15. Rwanda: $33.6 million (0.4%)
A high concentration (94.9%) of Zambian exports in 2017, were delivered to the above 15 trade partners.
Rwanda increased its import purchases from Zambia by the highest percentage from 2013 to 2017 with a 699.5% improvement. In second place was Hong Kong (up 621.4%) followed by Singapore (up 607.2%) and India (up 36.4%).
South Africa decreased its Zambian import purchases at the fastest pace down -60.2% over the 5-year period. The second-greatest reduction was -55.3% for the Democratic Republic of Congo, then -54.5% for Malawi and -51.5% for Zimbabwe.
In view of the foregoing statistics, what will be the value-addition of the AfCTA? What are our top 15 exports? How will the Agreement enhance our export potential? Does Africa really value our exports? If so why then is it only DRC, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda, that we export to in the top-15 bracket? What really do we export to these countries? And why is that apart from Rwanda, our exports elsewhere in Africa have decreased by over 50% in the last five years? Do we have anything else to export besides our traditional exports recorded we have relied upon in the last five years? If so, which ones are our potential export destinations?
The National Assembly needs to get answers from Executive to the above questions before the National Assembly approves that the Executive accents or ratifies the Declaration and Agreement.
FILE: PRESIDENT Lungu with government chief whip Richard Musukwa (right) and Kabwe Central member of Parliament Tutwa Ngulube (centre) after a meeting with parliamentarians at Parliament Building yesterday. PICTURE: COLLINS PHIRI
LUSAKA lawyer Tutwa Ngulube says if the opposition UPND is serious with dialogue it should withdraw the proposed impeachment motion.
And former Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Protection Loyd Kaziya says it was wishful thinking for the opposition to assume he would join forces with them adding that his loyalty was with President Lungu and would never betray him.
And Mr Ngulube who is also Kabwe Central Member of Parliament says the impeachment motion is bound to fail because the opposition has no numbers in Parliament.
Reacting in interview with ZNBC Yesterday to claims by UPND that there PF MPs that may vote in favor of the impeachment motion, Mr Ngulube said that those who care to read the Constitution will note that there is nothing wrong that the President had done to warrant the motion.
“There is a dialogue process between the PF, the UPND and all these opposition political parties. So the presentation of the impeachment motion to Parliament is an attack on the dialogue process so we wish to urge the Members of Parliament that have presented the petition (motion) to withdraw it and commit themselves to the dialogue process. Because for now I do not think the presentation of the petition was done in good faith, ” Said Mr Ngulube
“And secondly, I don’t think the President has committed any offense for which Parliament can be called to investigate.”
And Matero Member of Parliament Kaziya says the fact that he was dropped as a cabinet minister should not be misconstrued as being deviant to the norms and values of the party, PF.
He was reacting to social media comments associating him with the impeachment against President Lungu.
“Please ignore the insinuation going round on Social media associating me with the impeachment vote against my boss. Everyone knows where I place my loyalty. Im a very committed PF member and will not betray my trust to my President. I Lloyd Mulenga Kaziya will always pay my royalty to my President His Excellence Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” Said Hon Kaziya
” Being dropped as CABINET Minister should not be misconstrued as being deviant to the norms and values of my party PF. I will remain PF and will deliver in Matero. It’s wishful thinking to assume I will join forces with opposition.”
Meanwhile, State House has stated that an impeachment motion against President Lungu which the UPND has taken to Parliament will not succeed because they do not have enough members in the house.
And President lungu said the impeachment motion had potential to jeopardize dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition which is being facilitated by the Commonwealth
Presidential Spokesperson Amos Chanda told journalists on Friday that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was not bothered by the action of the opposition UPND because he knows it will not succeed.
The Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has suspended its Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri for a period of 30 days with effect from 24th March following allegations of gross misconduct and impropriety leveled against her arising from her conduct at a party fund raising event held in Chilanga District and graced by the Party President Edgar Lungu.
Announcing the suspension this morning at a PF media briefing, Party Secretary general Davies Mwila said that Mrs Mumbi Phiri was, on 5th March, requested to exculpate herself for her bad behavior that cause embarrassment to the party president and the party membership at large. According, to Mr Mwila, Mrs Phiri was further asked why disciplinary action should not be take against following the allegations and given 7 days to respond.
Mr Mwila said that, in her response, Mrs Phiri admitted her wrongs and asked for forgiveness, adding that she maintained the same position during the disciplinary process and was remorseful through out the process.
Mr Mwila said that, while Mrs Phiri deserved stiffer sanctions, the PF central committee took into consideration that she was the first time offender and committed loyal member of the party.
Mr Mwila further said that the PF central Committee hoped that Mrs Phiri would use the 30 days to reflect and learn. Mr Mwila further all leaders in PF that there will be no sacred cows.
Mr Mwila did not, however, disclose the full nature and details of the misconduct that Mrs Phiri committed.
Below is the full statement
STATEMENT BY PATRIOTIC FRONT SECRETARY GENERAL HON DAVIES MWILA, 25TH MARCH 2018, PARTY HEADQUARTERS
A. Introduction
The Patriotic Front Central Committee met yesterday, 24th March 2018 and chaired by the Party President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who is also the President of the Republic of Zambia.
On behalf of Central Committee, I wish to firstly convey our gratitude to the Zambian people, the ordinary men and women and youth, who entrusted us with the responsibility of administering the affairs of this Country. Central Committee wishes to re-assure that Patriotic Front will never betray the trust and confidence of the Zambian people. The Patriotic Front will do all it can to remain a listening Party and Government. This is because we were formed as a mass movement and therefore the voice of the people in policy formulation as we implement our 2016-2021 election manifesto is very important. PF will do more to create avenues for our people to continue speaking to us and us to them on all matters to do with national development and their societal challenges.
The Central Committee in its deliberations acknowledged PF’s long-standing principle and strengths – to always be truthful to the people and never hide or conceal its own shortcomings and weaknesses, or the extent of the challenges that we face.
B. New Appointments for the Central Committee
The following appointments were RATIFIED by the Central Committee –
a. Hon Dora Siliya, MCC – Appointment as Chairperson for Information
b. Hon Richard Musukwa, Minister of Mines – Appointed as MCC
*c. Petition against Hon Harry Kalaba by Party Structures in Luapula Province*
Following the petition from PF Luapula Province structures against Hon Harry Kalaba, Bahati Member of Parliament and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Central Committee resolved that the matter be reffered to the Province and any recommendations that might arise will be presented to the Disciplinary Committee established under Article 74 of the Party Constitution and regulation 36 (a) which provides for the jurisdiction or powers of the disciplinary Committee.
This is also important as all members have a right to be heard in lin with the rules of natural justice and fairness.
C. Disciplinary Hearing for Hon Mumbi J. Phiri, MP and Deputy Secretary General
Following allegations of gross misconduct and impropriety levelled against Hon Mumbi Phiri arising from her conduct at a Party fundraising event in Chilanga District, which event was graced by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia and Party President for the Patriotic Front Mr. Edgar Edgar Chagwa Lungu, a report was tabled before Central Committee to effect the necessary sanction.
On 5th March 2018, Hon Mumbi Phiri was requested to exculpate herself of the alleged bad behaviour reported to have caused embarrassment to the Party President and the Party membership at large and she was further asked to show cause within seven (7) days why disciplinary action should not be taken against her following the allegations. In her response, Hon Mumbi Phiri asked for forgiveness as she admitted her wrongs. She maintained the same position during her appearance before the Disciplinary Committee. She was remorseful throughout the disciplinary process and while she deserved stiffer sanctions, Central Committee took into consideration that she was a first time offender and a committed and loyal member of the Party.
Article 74, regulation 36 (a) provides jurisdiction to the Disciplinary Committee of the Central Committee “to discipline Party leaders including Members of the Central Committee”. Article 19 of the Party Constitution and the Disciplinary Code Handbook at page 13 provides for sanctions depending on the seriousness of misconduct as follows:
(a) Simple warning or caution
(b) Written reprimand censure
(c) Demotion in office
(d) Suspension from office or function in the Party for a specified period
(e) Expulsion from the Party by Central Committee
Hon Mumbi Phiri has been suspended from Central Committee and from her position as Deputy Secretary General for 30 days effective 24th March 2018.
Central Committee hopes that she will use the 30 days to reflect and learn.
This is to remind all of us that Patriotic Front has no sacred cows and shall not tolerate indiscipline from its leaders and members at any given time. Let me send this warning that leaders have a duty to lead by example and must be above board.
D. Party Position on Dialogue
Central Committee categorically stated that Zambia was not in a crisis. It further reaffirmed PF’s stance that it values dialogue as an on-going process within Zambia’s democratic space and must involve all stakeholders, including the Church, political parties, civil society and others. Central Committee also resolved that all dialogue processes or initiatives must be spearheaded by the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) and urged the Commonwealth team led by Prof Gambari to channel all interventions through the ZCID. Central Committee believes that while outside interventions remain welcome, Zambia had a duty to use its own mechanisms regarding promotion of interparty dialogue.
Central Committee also heard that the Ministry of Justice had made serious headway regarding many proposed constitutional reforms, a clear roadmap was in place regarding electoral reforms and as such some of the demands or concerns by some stakeholders as agenda items for dialogue in that regard might be overtaken by events.
E. Provincial Elections – Western Province & Southern Province
The Party will conduct elections for all structures in Southern and Western Province immediately after the rain season. This followed Provincial tours of the two districts by Party Secretary General and his team.
All other Provinces go for elections on 1st July 2018.
F. Upcoming Local Government By-elections
Central Committee wishes to inform the general public and membership across the country of the Patriotic Front’s readiness in all the upcoming local government by-elections in Western, North-Western, Central, Muchinga and Luapula Provinces.
G. Conclusion
Central Committee is mindful of the great task placed on its shoulders in ensuring that the Patriotic Front remains true to its aspirations and commitment to the Zambian people. It also understands that it owes it to the future generations of this country to take bold and forward-looking decisions aimed at creating a better Zambia for all citizens.
Central Committee is alive to the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality among our people and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the 2016-2021 manifesto is translated into tangible programs of action to create a better life for all our people. More importantly, Central Committee is clear that in while Government has a pivotal role in responding to these challenges, the unity, cohesion and strength of the Patriotic Front was a key determining factor.
Lastly, but not the least, let me call on all Party members to abide by the aims and objectives of the Patriotic Front as set out in the Constitution. While the Party seeks to find ways of empowering its membership across the country, our motivation should not be material advantage or personal gain but our commitment to what the Party stands for. To the members of the Patriotic Front, I call on each one of you to carry out tasks assigned to you by the structures. Together, let us defend the unity and integrity of the Patriotic Front and defeat all tendencies of factionalism.
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty”
(Proverbs 11:24, NIV)
Give More, Have More
In the natural, it doesn’t make sense that you will have more if you give more. But God’s kingdom operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. This is one of the first things He established with Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. He said, “As long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest.”
We have to realize that everything we need in this life has been given to us in seed form. We set the blessing of God into motion in our lives when we plant those seeds and give what we have. Galatians tells us that whatever we sow, we will reap. Seeds produce after their own kind. If you sow apple seeds, you reap apple trees. If you sow kindness and blessing, you reap kindness and blessing in the future. If you sow financial seeds, you’ll reap a financial harvest.
Today, no matter what you need, you have it in seed form. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to plant and water that seed. Trust Him because He is faithful to His Word. Know that when you give, it will come back to you in greater measure. When you give more, you have more. So sow a seed and watch what God will do!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your Word which is truth that sets me free! Today, I choose to sow good seeds so I can reap a good harvest. Guide my thoughts today. Direct my path. Use me for Your glory in Jesus’ name. Amen”
Konkola Copper Mine PLC (KCM) has awarded its unionised workers a 7 per cent pay rise for the year 2018.
This follows the conclusion of the collective bargaining process for the year 2018 between KCM Management and three mine workers unions.
Announcing the increment on behalf of the three unions at a press briefing in Kitwe yesterday, National Union of Mine and Allied Workers (NUMAW) General Secretary James Chansa said the unions have managed to strike a 7 per cent increment considering the factors that affected the negotiations.
Mr. Chansa who urged KCM management to fully implement the collective agreement also advised the unionised workers not to hesitate to report to the unions if management does not implement the agreement.
The NUMAW General Secretary also commended KCM management team for the professionalism and leadership exhibited during the negotiations which he said led to a quick conclusion.
And KCM Plc Vice President for Human Capital Management Chimango Chikwanda said the mining company would have loved to offer a higher percentage pay rise but could not due to its low copper production which is below target.
Ms. Chikwanda however, noted that the 7 per cent increment is competitive considering that KCM is the largest employer in the mining sector.
She further assured the union leaders that the company will implement the collective agreement.
Ms. Chikwanda further appealed to the workers to ensure that they rally behind the company’s production target.
The three Union that represented the workers included Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), United Mine Workers Union (UMUZ) and the Nation Union of Mine and Allied Workers (NUMAW).
Bafana Bafana beat hosts Zambia 2-0 to claim the Four-Nations Tournament title.
Goals from Percy Tau and Lebo Mothiba ended Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda’s three-match unbeaten run against Bafana.
Tau put South Africa ahead in the 15th minute when he punished Toaster Nsabata for some poor goalkeeping after the Zanaco number one dropped the ball and the Mamelodi Sundowns striker planted an iced cool finish.
However, any plans for dramatic comeback went up in smoke in stoppage time of the second half when Lebo Mothiba sneaked in on the right side of the box to put the result beyond doubt just two minutes after he replaced Tau.
Zambia finished second behind Angola who Zimbabwe for Bronze on 4-2 post match penalty win following a 2-2 full time result.
