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The department of fisheries and livestock in Mufumbwe district has warned people in the district against fishing activities following government’s decision to extend the ban to 30th April, 2018.
Acting district fisheries and livestock coordinator Japhet Chiyesu told ZANIS in an interview in Mufumbwe that disobeying the ban order will attract a K3,000 fine or three years imprisonment with hard labour in default or both.
Mr Chiyesu has however, commended the public for the positive response given to the department from the time government announced the ban.
He explained said the district has only recorded three cases of fishing since the ban was announced out of which two men have been fined K2,000 each while the one man has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with simple labour.
Mr Chiyesu has called on government to increase the number of personnel in the district in order to help realize the expected results from the fishing industry.
He said the two officers under the fisheries department are not enough to handle the illegal fishing activities against hundreds of fisher men and women in the district.
Last week the ministry of fisheries and livestock announced the extension of the fish ban to 30th April, 2018 on account of cholera.
The ban was initially meant to last from 1st December, 2017 to 28th February, 2018.
Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba
Following the sentencing to death of former Chilanga Member of Parliament Keith Mukata last week, execution of death roll convicts is back again as a hot issue publicly debated.
I remember this issue hotly debated during my participation at various levels during the 2012 constitutional consultations at district, provincial, sector group and national levels. The debate went in favour of pro-death sentence advocates. I was one of them.
The fact that the majority of participant voted in favour of death sentence was the reason this sentence was retained in the Final Draft Constitution of 2014 which was released into public domain by President Edgar Lungu, who at the time was Justice Minister.
I still very much remember issues raised by participants including: the morality of executions; whether or not executions are a deterrence; issues of retribution; issues of irrevocable mistakes in cases where an executed convict is later found innocent; issues of the cost of keeping death convicts in prison perpetually at unlimited cost to the tax payer; the issues execution of a convict versus inhuman conditions in prisons; issues of convictions due to quality of legal representation as a consequence of poverty; the need to bring closure to families of victims, etc.. Those in support of abolishing the death penalty mainly pointed to the possibility of an innocent person being executed.
Let’s face it, some crimes are so heinous and inherently wrong that they demand strict penalties – up to and including death. As a society we have the responsibility to punish those who deserve it, but only to the degree they deserve it. Our judges impose death penalty for the most heinous murders and the most brutal and conscienceless murderers because the punishment fits the crime.
Moving forward, I think those of us who intend to contest the presidential elections in 2021 should make a commitment before the elections whether or not they will sign execution orders. Speaking for myself, I will definitely sign execution orders within 30 days after the Supreme Court or Constitutional Court confirms the death penalty.
Voters must know beforehand that I will not hesitate to do so after the due court processes because only criminals convicted of the most heinous crimes are placed on death row. Voters should also know that I will do so because I feel for those left behind, the grieving families, and their loved ones, who do not deserve anything less than justice.
Further, I do not think that death penalty is inherently unfair and biased towards the poor and cannibals. Whatever the feelings are toward the death penalty, one thing most people will never know is the pain experienced when a family member or family members are brutally tortured and murdered or indeed are victims of the robbery themselves. Those who feel it know it.
Having been a victim of an armed robbery before, with a gun pointed to my head, and the robber’s finger ready to pull the trigger, I understand the pain and agony victims of armed robbery go through towards the final moments before the bang. The experience is extremely nerve-cracking for the faint-hearted.
Thank God that in my case, before the robber pulled the trigger, I garnered invincible, divine energy. I disarmed him. Instead, I pulled the trigger myself. The rest is history. Not so many experience such miraculous chances.
Lastly, unless executions resume, robbers will start insulting the judges when they pronounce such sentences. Already, one can see the cheekiness and remorselessness in death-sentence convicts because they are confident they will after-all be pardoned within months. So, what the heck!~
Peter Sinkamba
President
Green Party
4th March, 2018
Defending champions Zesco United secured their 2018 Charity Shield final passage on Sunday after beating Napsa Stars 3-2 in their replayed semifinal match at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The match was restarted at the 60th minute mark after Saturday’s game was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Nkoloma following a first half storm.
Zesco and Napsa went into the last 30 minutes tied at 1-1 after a Bornwell Silengo equalizer via a 43rd minute free kick and an 6th minute Alex Mwamba penalty respectively.
And it was Silengo who opened scores on Sunday with another free kick in the 81st minute but Luka Lungu restored parity five minutes later.
Zesco they won a stoppage time penalty after Napsa goalkeeper Masosa Bola charged at and elbowed Dave Daka in the area.
Bola was sent off by referee Wisdom Chewe and then Zesco midfielder Misheck Chaila stepped up to convert the penalty against ten-man Napsa.
Zesco will face Nkana on March 17 at the same venue in a repeat of last year’s final that the defending champions won 2-0 in Ndola.
Nkana qualified to the final after a 2-1 win over Zanaco at Nkoloma on Thursday.
Jean kapata, MP, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
This is Zambia’s Draft National Land Policy and as such is a working document and not a final policy document. It should not be quoted and interpreted as the policy of the Government of Zambia or any other government ministry or department until it has been finally agreed to and adopted.
During the past few years the Ministry and all the stakeholders have been involved in the preparation of a national land policy for the wellbeing of all Zambians. I now have the privilege to submit to the nation Zambia’s first comprehensive national land policy. This is in line with the desires expressed by various quarters of society on the need for a comprehensive land policy to guide land administration and management for the protection of the land resource for the benefit of present and future generations.
The land policy puts into effect the equality of citizens to land wherever they may be in Zambia. From now, citizens will enjoy similar legal protection of rights and freedoms to own and transact in land, whether or not they are on state land or customary land. The policy has set the context in which the laws governing land will be changed and the way that land will be allocated to Zambians and non-Zambians. This land policy will enable all players in the public and private sectors to plan and efficiently manage this important and limited resource. It will enable the Government and citizens to correct indiscriminate use and poor development practices by promoting orderly management of land.
The country needs to have a disciplined land market and effective and efficient land administration and management systems in order to achieve harmonious growth and prosperity. It also needs an improved scope for handling land disputes.
The national land policy is based on public views and expert opinions gathered through a participatory, inclusive and consultative process across the breadth and length of the country, up to holding of the national conference. This policy has also been carefully crafted to support other public policy positions such as those on environmental conservation, poverty reduction, foreign direct investments and market led development in general and specifically on successful implementation other sector policies.
The policy is a result of dialogue, sometimes explosive and emotive, but ultimately guided by goodwill and collaboration by all stakeholders. I am therefore grateful to acknowledge the contribution of all participants to the process.
I now wish to call on the nation to join hands in the implementation phase. The Government needs public support of all partners towards a Zambia where there is equitable access to secure land ownership by all Zambians, that is administered and managed efficiently and effectively for sustainable development of the country.
Honourable Jean Kapata, M.P
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Green Eagles reliable defender Boniface Sunzu has been celebrating after winning the club’s Player of the Year Award at the gala night on Friday in Choma.
Sunzu pocketed K5, 000 for winning Eagles top award.
“I am very happy to win this award. This is the first time I am winning such an award and I didn’t expect it,” he said.
“I am dedicating this award to my wife Faith Kaira Sunzu and my child Cristal Sunzu,” Sunzu said.
Striker Tapson Kaseba was Eagles’s Top Scorer after scoring six goals in last season’s FAZ Super Division campaign and also bagged the Most Improved Player Award.
Club captain and midfielder Ceasor Hakaluba was voted the Most Disciplined Player while left back Collins Mulenga won the Most Consistent Player Award.
The Chairman’s Award went to defender Warren Kunda.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:14, NIV)
Don’t Be Just “Good Enough”
God has planted His seed of hope, power and victory inside of you! All you have to do is allow God to bring the best out of your life and decide you won’t settle for “good enough.” It may not always be easy to do this, but it’s very possible! Perhaps you have made a hurtful mistake in your past, and that is still haunting you. If you let the enemy tell you that you’re not good enough for God’s forgiveness, then you’re settling for less than God’s victory. Setbacks are part of life, but Jesus said He came to give you an abundant life! If you decide to strive for excellence, there is no limit to what the Lord can do through you and with you.
A Prayer for Today
“God, I know that You have given me forgiveness, and You desire that I live in victory. I choose to live in Your victory today and not settle for “good enough” in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Communication and Transport Minister Brian Mushimba announcing the cabinet approval of a new national airline during a “Team building” cocktail at Lusaka Intercontinental Hotel on Monday, 18 December 2017. Picture By Jean Mandela
Kankoyo Member of Parliament Brian Mushimba says he has secured two mining licences for the cooperatives of Zimba in Kankoyo constituency to legalize the illegal mining of silica in the peri uban area.
The minister is optimistic that President Lungu will address issues facing the black mountain in Mufulira the way it was done in Kitwe so that the cobalt rich heap can be beneficial to the district.
Addressing journalists yesterday morning in Kankoyo constituency, Mr Mushimba said that he was committed to ending illegal mining through legalization.
“There is an illegal mining of Silica in my constituency in Zimba which is a peri urban area. People survive through Agriculture and mining of silica. That mining has been illegal by and large. I have acquired 2 licences given by the ministry of mining and mineral development for the community of Zimba for Zimba cooperatives miners and I will hand them over at the ceremony that is being planned. What that does is the illegal mining operations are now going to be recognised by law,” said Mr Mushimba
Mr Mushimba said he will end exploitations that the people of Zimba have been subjected to by businessmen by connecting the two cooperatives to Mopani and Kansanshi mines so that they can supply directly and cut out the middlemen that take the chunk of the money without doing real work.
MMD youths have accused opposition UPND leadership of abandoning their own manifesto after they walked out of the house during debate on the Health Insurance Bill in parliament on Friday.
MMD National Youth Treasurer Geoffrey Mulenga described the move by UPND parliamentrians who were acting on instructions from their leader Hakainde Hichilema as an act of cowardice.
He said it has become common knowledge that the UPND leadership will oppose everything even progressive ideas meant for the well being and development of the nation.
Mulenga noted that the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and his MPs have chosen to go against their own Manifesto where they proposed to introduce a sustainable health insurance framework for all Zambians because it suits them.
He adds that just like their opposition to printing ballots within the country the UPND have failed to convincingly explain to a common Zambian why they are opposed to the Health Insurance Bill which seeks to improve the well being citizens in the country.
“Yet again HH and his UPND have taken a misleading role in this debate without providing a strong direction to solve the illusions and misconceptions they have about elections. UPND is stuck and fast losing relevance so they are desperately making attempts at not taking a firm position on anything.
“Today HH and his UPND with their numbers in parliament have failed to promote or propose any progressive laws in the interest of Zambians. UPND ironically have opposed the Health Insurance Bill because it best suits them for convenience. They have gone against their own Manifesto where they proposed to introduce a sustainable health insurance framework for all Zambians,” he said.
He called on the UPND leadership to stop changing goal posts on issues because as things stand they seem to have no loyalty to their followers who vote for them based on their manifesto.
He said it was high time that the UPND contributed to the passing of progressive laws in the country saying the same energy they are using to oppose everything should be channelled to more sober and real issues.
“The same way his MPs have walked out on Parliament, that energy should be channelled to more sober and real issues. Issues such as reforms in our electoral system which is time and again a source of conflict whenever we have elections. Instead of contributing to the debate they yet again chose the cowardly way out. They cant debate. They are cowards.
“UPND has the best chance of getting something passed in parliament. But because they have absolutely no loyalty to any fixed position or anyone not even to their followers.
“Which direction is HH and UPND heading? Easy answer: both directions, to further divide Zambians, and above all, to distract us from the real issues surrounding their illegal stay in leadership,” he said.
Further Mulenga urged citizens not to take the UPND seriously because they don’t mean anything they say.
“No one currently should take these guys seriously because they don’t mean anything they say. At any challenging time they can quickly U-turn. They lack the honesty to defend anything they promote. They cant be trusted, its not safe to depend on them because they can dump anything or anyone at any given time.
“What Hakainde and his party should know is that have a fan base and not supporters because they have misunderstood their role in the political discourse of the country.
“Munshebwa aile namashinsha kubuko, HH doesn’t listen to anyone except himself. HH is jumping at every opportunity, If HH had an opportunity he could have even reacted to Zodwa to coming to Zambia.”
He advised Mr Hichilema to realise that Zambia is bigger than him adding that the youths in UPND should also stop following their leaders blindly because leaders will not be there forever.
“HH should quickly realise that this country is bigger than him. Everything should not always be about him, rigging is a process but not an illusion.
“Our advise to the youths in UPND is that they should realize that the future of this country is in their hands, and so they should not follow anything that their leaders says and does because he will not be there forever.
“Our focus as politicians should be on electoral reform and focusing on new electoral laws that guarantee dispute free elections collectively. As opposed to this cry baby mentality they are exhibiting. Because as things stands he is bound to lose again and cry foul,” said Mulenga.
Mr Amos Chanda
State House has stated that anyone is free to put a portrait on exercise books and donate them to any public school of their choice.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda said it is not an offence to donate brand books to schools in Zambia.
Mr Chanda said State House does not understand the “noise” that has followed President Edgar Lungu’s decision to distribute books bearing his portrait to public schools.
He was speaking on Friday evening during the PF Chilanga District Fundraising Dinner at Ndozo Lodge where the State House Advisory Team donated K500, 000 to the PF for party mobilisation.
“We don’t understand why so much noise. If President Lungu decides to distribute 300,000 books and you know the number of vulnerable children requiring books is 500,000, you are free to donate the rest and fill up the gap. Everyone is free, you can even put your face on it if you want,” Mr. Chanda said.
Mr. Chanda said the distribution of free learning materials and aides is infact contained in the PF manifesto and that there is nothing wrong with the exercise.
Nkana have settled down in Algeria ahead of Tuesday’s CAF Confederation Cup match against CR Belouizdad in Algiers.
Kalampa and Belouizdad clashes in the first leg match of the first round in Algiers.
Nkana held their first training session on Saturday morning at Algiers Sports Complex after arriving in the North African nation on Friday.
Coach Beston Chambeshi is promising a good display against the Algerians – hinting that Nkana will attack.
“I think my coming here is to play good football. We have to play good football because we are looking for a good result. I am telling the boys to put up a good display. We won’t defend,” Chambeshi said in Algiers.
Nkana arrived in Algeria less than 24 hours after a 2-1 moral boosting win over Zanaco in the Charity Shield semi-final in Lusaka.
The Zambian giants are entering the Confederation Cup fray at the first round stage after being handed a bye during the preliminary round.
Nkana Squad in Algeria
GOALKEEPERS: Moses Mapulanga, Kelvin Malunga
DEFENDER: Gift Zulu, Dieugo Apanane, Given Sinyangwe, Amos Simwanza, John Mwengani, Joseph Musonda
MIDFIELDERS: Danny Silavwe, Yannick Mulenda, Jacob Ngulube, Shareck Musonda, Freddy Tshimenga
STRIKERS: Festus Mbewe, Ronald Kampamba, Idris Mbombo, Walter Bwalya, Simon Bwalya
Jean kapata, MP, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata has maintained that the reaction by the Traditional Leaders during the National Validation meeting was extremely surprising because the document that was sent to them in 2017 for use in the National Validation Meeting had to a large extent addressed the issues that were brought to the attention of the Technical Committee in September 2016.
Ms Kapata said that her remains committed to finalizing the process of validating the new land policy, despite the setback created by traditional leaders walking out of the validation meeting.
In a press briefing held today to explain what transpired during the document validation during the week, Ms Kapata said that her ministry will continue to seek opportunities to engage with the Traditional Leaders who are key stakeholders to the process.
The Minister further said that clarification on the specific issues brought up by the Traditional Leaders at the National Validation Meeting shall be communicated in writing through the Office of the Clerk of the House of Chiefs, with the hope that that another validation meeting shall be convened to move the process forward.
Below is the full address
Press statement by Hon. Jean kapata, MP, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on the outcome of the National land Policy Validation meeting held on Monday, 28th February, 2018.
I have called this press briefing in order to explain the events that transpired during the National Validation Meeting for the draft National Land Policy Meeting which was convened by my Ministry on Wednesday 28th February 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka.
Both print and electronic media have carried stories and aired footage regarding the walk-out by the Traditional Leaders at this meeting where they communicated their rejection of the draft policy document for various reasons.
I can confirm Ladies and Gentlemen that this indeed transpired. It is for this reason that my Ministry has seen it fit to have this press briefing in order to respond to what happened as well as clear the air and address the questions that must be lingering in the minds of the public and stakeholders.
In making my address, I shall first make reference to the most recent event of 28th February 2018, then move to provide some historical background so that there is a clear appreciation of the context. I shall conclude my address by providing what my Ministry sees as a way forward to make progress on this very important issue which is a matter of National interest.
1. The National Validation Meeting
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources convened a National Validation Meeting for the Draft National Land Policy on Wednesday 28th February 2018. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure broad stakeholder participation in finalising the National land policy making process. The expected outcome was a validation of the draft National Land policy subject to the consideration of comments and clarification of issues raised in the meeting.
Present at the Meeting were Members of the House of Chiefs represented by the Chairperson of the House of Chiefs and two (2) Chiefs from each province.
In addition, stakeholders representing civil society, national, provincial, district and local government, cooperating partners, members of the academic community and others were invited to participate in the validation.
The meeting begun with a presentation on the contents of the draft land policy, where the proposed Policy Measures were presented in detail. Following the presentation, the Traditional Leaders were all given an opportunity to provide their initial comments, observations and suggestions.
Individual Chiefs spoke, and each of them expressed concerns that the draft policy document was not acceptable as it was taking powers away from Chiefs and did not indicate their roles and functions in land administration and management.
The Chairperson of the House of Chiefs was the last speaker who summarized the feedback from the Traditional Leaders with the conclusion that the House of Chiefs rejected the draft policy document on the following grounds:
I. There was no mention of Chiefs in the draft Policy document, thereby implying that the institution of Chieftaincy was being abolished;
II. The document was copied in exact form from the Land Policy in another Country where Chiefs had no role in land administration and management;
III. None of the comments that were previously provided by the Traditional Leaders in their comprehensive submission of 8th September 2016 had been taken on board in the current draft;
IV. Generally, the Traditional Leaders had not been consulted throughout the process;
V. The Traditional Leaders did not understand how only twenty-two (22) of them were invited to the National Validation Meeting when the country had 288 Chiefs.
The Traditional Leaders, led by the Chairperson then walked out of the meeting without providing Government an opportunity to respond to the points raised by way of clarifying the matters raised and clearly pointing out how the draft policy document had actually addressed the issues.
2. Historical Background
The members of the public might wish to note that Zambia has not had a comprehensive National Land Policy since independence. Land administration and management has been guided by legislation and other administrative circulars and guidelines.
The need for a National Land Policy strongly came to the fore during the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) from around 2002. Through an extensive consultative process, a draft National Land Policy was developed in 2006. The document could not be finalized due to the Constitutional Review process that had been embarked on by the Country during that period.
Following the guidance in the draft Constitution on matters related to land administration and management, my Ministry re-ignited the process of moving ahead to develop and finalize the National Land Policy in August 2015. The first step was to review the 2006 draft to align it with the current developments.
3. Stakeholder Consultations
A Technical Team comprising officers from my Ministry and other relevant ministries and institutions, including representatives from civil society, was constituted to spearhead the process, and the following consultative process was embarked on:
I. The first Meeting with the House of Chiefs was held on 3rd December 2015 in Lusaka. The meeting did not achieve the objective of receiving the views of the House of Chiefs on the proposals in the revised draft National Land Policy. The Chiefs indicated that they needed more time to study the document and consult their fellow Chiefs and subjects;
II. Ten (10) Provincial Consultative meetings convened as follows: Southern Province (15th November 2015); Eastern Province (22nd December 2015); Copperbelt Province (29th December 2015); Central Province (18th January 2016); Muchinga Province (20th January 2016); Northern Province (22nd January 2016); Luapula Province (25th Janaury 2016); North-Western Province (2nd February 2016); Lusaka Province (25th January 2016); Western Province (11th March 2016).
It must be noted that save for Lusaka and Western Provinces, Chiefs, and in their absence representatives, participated in the provincial consultative meetings. The section of the Chiefs was done in consultation with the House of Chiefs. The Provincial consultative meetings also included other stakeholders such as civil society, national, provincial, district and local government representatives, citizens and special interest groups;
III. The Second Consultative meeting with the Traditional Leaders represented by Members of the House of Chiefs took place on 12th May 2016 in Lusaka. The Meeting rejected the revised draft policy citing that it was defective especially in the area of preserving the institution of Chieftaincy and recognizing and defining their roles, responsibilities and place in customary land administration and management. A comprehensive submission from the House of Chiefs was sent to my Ministry on 8th September 2016.
Following the above consultative processes, the submissions were analyzed and some of the suggestions from the House of Chiefs as well as Provincial consultative meetings were taken on board in the 2nd revised draft.
It is important to summarize the main issues that were communicated in the comprehensive submission of 8th September 2016 from the House of Chiefs. These were the main issues that contributed to the rejection of the 1st revised draft:
a) The document was implying the abolishment of Customary Tenure, Exclusion of Chiefs from Land Administration and abolishment of Chieftaincy due to the transfer of land administration functions to the proposed Lands Commission;
b) The proposal that title deeds for customary land be issued and facilitated by a simplified government machinery for land delivery were not favorable. As an alternative, Customary title deeds for customary land shall be issued by traditional authorities and government must enact legislation recognizing customary land certificates issued by chiefs to be a legal document;
c) Institutional Framework comprising District Land Committees and Customary Land Committees to deal with Customary Land was not accepted. These bodies should restrict their activities to land on leasehold tenure;
d) Traditional authorities must be consulted by the Ministry of Mines before prospecting licenses are issued, consent must be given before mining rights are issued to investors, mining royalties must be paid to Chiefdom Trust accounts and there shall be agreements signed on shareholding between chiefs and investors;
e) The reference to vestment of land in the Republican President must be struck out of the draft policy document and replaced with classification and alienation of land and land tenure as enshrined in the amended Constitution under Article 254 (1) (2) of 2016.
As alluded to earlier, the above submissions, including others that were non-contentious and straightforward were taken on board. It is important to point out however, that the proposal related to mining was not taken on board as it was considered more relevant to a policy on mining and minerals development.
The 2nd revised draft is the document that was presented to the following additional consultative meetings:
Three (3) Committees of Parliament on 31st October 2017;
A 3rd Meeting with the House of Chiefs on 11th November 2017; and
A pre-validation meeting with civil society, cooperating partners, academia and other special interest groups on 21st November 2017.
The meeting of 11th November 2017 with the House of Chiefs was positive and cordial, with the Chiefs indicating that the draft presented was an improvement from the previous draft shared in 2016.
It was concluded that any further and specific comments and suggestions should be communicated in writing to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for consideration by 17th November 2017 to enable the preparation of the final revised draft for the National Validation Meeting. Having received no further written comments from the House of Chiefs, my Ministry proceeded to plan for the National Validation Meeting.
It is important to mention here that the main new addition to the final revised draft that was presented to the validation meeting was on the issue of non-Zambian ownership of land and the policy measure to restrict ownership of land to Zambians only, while non-Zambians would only enjoy access and use rights with an option to sub-lease or rent land from the government, private land owners and traditional leaders. These proposals came from the consultative sessions with the three (3) select committees of Parliament and in the pre-validation meeting.
Therefore, Members of the Press, the reaction by the Traditional Leaders during the National Validation meeting was extremely surprising because the document that was sent to them in 2017 for use in the National Validation Meeting had to a large extent addressed the issues that were brought to the attention of the Technical Committee in September 2016.
The copies of the versions at each stage have been made available to you. I would like to urge you to take time to read carefully, make comparisons and observe, how for instance the version that was tabled at the National validation meeting has:
1. Made reference to Traditional Leaders and their proposed roles in land administration and management. These provisions are captured in paragraph 7.1.3 of the draft policy document;
2. How the Chieftaincy has not been abolished and the dual tenure system has been retained as in the Constitution; Paragraph’s 6.3.1 and 6.3.2 have made reference to both Leasehold and Customary tenure, thus indicating that the two tenure systems shall continue to exist;
3. How there is provision for the Chiefs to issue customary certificates which are proposed to have legal recognition, subject to the development/review of the relevant legislation regulations and guidelines which shall detail rights and obligations to be enjoyed under such certificates. This is captured at paragraph 6.3.2, specifically Objective 5 on page 29 of the draft policy document;
4. That various pieces of legislation shall be reviewed and harmonized. This is reflected at paragraph 7.5 on page 45 which describes next steps regarding the Legal Framework;
5. How the institutional framework has been reviewed and revised, removing the structures that were rejected. This can be found at paragraph 7.1 on page 43 where the Implementation Framework is proposed;
6. The emphasis on consultation and consent by traditional leaders and their subjects especially on large scale land investments in their kingdoms. This is reflected at paragraphs 6.3.4 and 6.3.6 of the draft policy document.
It was also surprising to learn that the Traditional leaders do not understand how out of 288 traditional leaders, only 22 were invited to the national validation meeting. I must say colleagues, that convening meetings of this magnitude is a costly affair and is therefore based on representation.
You may wish to note that the House of Chiefs comprises five (5) traditional leaders per province. The fifty (50) that sit in the House represent the 288 Chiefs. Two (2) members per province was therefore considered at least representative enough. Of the two per province invited, the Chairperson of the House of Chiefs was consulted and he personally provided guidance on the Chiefs to be invited.
In conclusion, the objective of validating the draft land policy with the participation of key stakeholders was not achieved.
Despite this set-back, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources remains committed to finalizing this process, and shall continue to seek opportunities to engage with the Traditional Leaders who are key stakeholders to the process. Clarification on the specific issues brought up by the Traditional Leaders at the National Validation Meeting shall be communicated in writing through the Office of the Clerk of the House of Chiefs. After concluding the discussions with the Traditional Leaders, it is our hope that another validation meeting shall be convened to move the process forward.
The Zesco United and Napsa Stars’ 2018 Charity Shield semifinal has been abandoned.
The match was called off in the 63rd minute due to a waterlogged pitch at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka after a storm in the first half pounded the ground left and it looking like a bog.
The game was tied at 1-1 before referee Wisdom Chewe called time on the match.
“The game has been pushed to Sunday, March 4 at 13h00 at the same venue,” Zesco media officer Maurice Sichone disclosed.
Meanwhile, Napsa took a 9th minute lead when Alex Mwamba converted a penalty after Zesco captain and defender Dauti Musekwa handled the ball.
But Zesco turned on the pressure and equalized through Bornwell Silengo who crashed-in booming free kick from outside the area that ripped through the driving rain and startled Napsa goalkeeper Masosa Bola.
Winner will face Nkana in the final on March 10 at the same venue.
Nkana beat Zanaco 2-1 in the other semifinal match played at Nkoloma on March 1.
President Edgar Lungu says Zambians still believe in the Patriotic Front.
Speaking at the PF Chilanga District Fundraising Dinner at Ndozo Lodge, President Lungu said the people are still with the PF because they still believe in its ideals.
President Lungu said party members should take innovative and productive ideas to the business community who are ready to support the party.
He said the party can still raise funds saying the PF was supported when it was in opposition but the same business community and does not see why it cannot be supported now especially when it is in government.
President Lungu said the party will not use public funds for mobilisation but will always go out and fundraise.
He also urged the party members of Chilanga to take advantage of empowerment funds such as the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission and the Youth Development Fund to empower themselves.
At the same function, PF Lusaka Province Chairman Horrace Longwe said Chilanga will soon be a place of high political activities.
Mr Longwe said it is important that the party is well oiled and equipped for party mobilisation from now up to 2021.
Over 500,000 million was raised at the event through pledges and contributions with Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo pledging K250, 000 on behalf of himself and all the district commissioners while President Lungu pledged K150, 000 after he asked to be excused from dancing.
A combined team of Cabinet Ministers present donated K300, 000 while State House Special Assistants together pledged K500, 000.
The University of Zambia is set to reopen on Sunday 11th March 2018. In a statement released to the meadia last eveining, UNZA Public Relations Manager Damaseke Chibale said that squatting is illegal and will not be tolerated.
The Statement further said that all first year and returning students at both the Great East road and Ridgeway campuses should report for the beginning of the 2017/2018 academic calendar year.
Mr. Chibale encouraged students to start paying online for tuition and other user fees to avoid long queues as online registration will remain open until the 30th of March.
Mr. Chibale said the deadline for late registration is 14th April 2018.
Earlier this week, Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo clarified and maintained that government has banned sub-letting of accommodation at colleges and universities amongst the students popularly known as ‘squatting’.
Professor Luo said that institutions of higher learning in the country should shape and develop students academically instead of teaching them to ‘steal’. She cited that UNZA Mina campus with a population of 3,800 were allegedly charging K700 per bed space thereby enriching themselves from squatting activities.
Vice President Inonge WinaVICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has said that there is nothing wrong with President Edgar Lungu’s suggestion to remove tribe from Zambians’ National Registration Cards as it is a pro-active way of stemming deep-rooted tribalism that could trigger genocide in the country.
During the Vice-President’s question time in Parliament today, Mazabuka Central UPND member of parliament Gary Nkombo, in his question, observed that in most recent times, there had been a lot of statements that President Lungu had made that had caused a lot discomfort and consternation in the country.
“The latest one that he made was that ‘you are going to exclude tribe,’ which is a distinct feature of a social grouping, from the National Registration Card. Knowing very well that tribes are what make a nation, what do you think was going on in the President’s mind when he made this obnoxious statement?” Nkombo asked.
But Speaker Dr Patrick Matibini said: “Honourable member for Mazabuka Central, maybe help me appreciate the meaning of the word obnoxious.”
Nkombo then answered: “Very clearly; I’m a teacher of English – it means very unpleasant!”
In response, Vice-President Wina explained the context in which the President’s remarks were made.
“Mr Speaker, we should take into context where this statement was given. If I remember correctly, the statement was made by the Head of State after visiting the genocide museum in Kigali, Rwanda. Anybody who has visited that museum will never come out the same after seeing the atrocities,” Vice-President Wina said before heckles of ‘question, question’ watered down her voice.
“I’m amazed at the lack of empathy among some of the members of parliament. Genocide is not a laughable matter. That statement was made after visiting that museum and what is on display in that museum will make every person who visits that museum [to] move in disgust as to what human beings can do to others. What happened in Rwanda during the 50s, 60s, was discrimination based on tribe. The colonial masters were telling one tribe to rise against another and they will even mark the houses; this house belongs to such a person of such a tribe. This led to one tribe resenting the other tribe [and] it came to a situation where families were so divided [and] killing each other. This is the context in which that statement was made and the Head of State is free to make statements of this type so that our nation can debate and reflect on issues of tribe and what happens to a nation when tribe is raised above everything else. So, I do not see anything wrong with such a pronouncement or a statement made by His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu in Kigali, Rwanda after visiting that museum.”
While in Kigali, Rwanda, last month, President Edgar Lungu proposed that the word “tribe” be removed from the National Registration Card (NRC) for Zambians as a way of preventing tribalism.
However, a green NRC has no provision for tribe but a citizen’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, father’s/mother’s place of birth, village, district, chief, registration date, special marks and the holder’s and registration officers signatures.
