Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
“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.
Last week, the Commercial Farmers’ Union sounded said the supposedly revamped 99-year lease for Zimbabwe may not be attractive enough to lure back commercial farmers who were hounded out of Zimbabwe at the dawn of the new millennium. This is very concerning, given that agriculture provides the lever for resuscitating our agro-based manufacturing exports.
Zambia versus Zimbabwe
Our northern neighbour, Zambia, hosts the largest number of our former commercial farmers who found refuge in that country.
Available information points to at least 200 former Zimbabwean commercial farmers successfully contributing to farming output and exports, especially the “golden leaf”, tobacco. When these farmers entered Zambia, they were welcomed as investors. They responded in kind, out-producing the incumbent farmers by as much as 250%, contributing 70% to total output.
What is intriguing is that the land tenure systems of Zimbabwe and Zambia are practically similar. The irony is that though the land tenure systems are analogous, the Zambian system is more attractive to farming investors. Cases in point: a Saudi Arabian investor is pouring close to US$200 million to start a pineapple growing venture in Zambia.
One of South Africa’s largest sugarcane farming consortiums is all but certain to start a sugar cane growing venture in Zambia. You have to ask hard questions as to why Zambia seems to a darling of the international farming investor and Zimbabwe is ignored, given that we have comparable land tenure systems.
Zambia nationalised land at the dawn of its political independence; abolishing freehold tenure in favour of leasehold contracts. This was an outgrowth of the socialism ideology on which the first government of Zambia rested upon. Zambia’s law on land states that all land belongs to the state with the head of state having the power to distribute land to anyone as is deemed fit on leasehold basis, with 99-year leases being standard, though there is a conversation in Zambia beginning to swell around the notion of reducing the lease period to 25 years. This is no different to our current law on land; the state holds a monopoly on land distribution. So why do our former commercial farmers?
The policy of the Zambian government allows leases to be transferrable. Let me hasten to say the relevant law on land in Zambia does not expressly allow transferability and tradability of leases.
However, in practice, the Zambian government tacitly permits transferability of leases. One of the biggest former commercial Zimbabwean farmers acquired close to 1 600 hectares of land in Zambia for lease from the local chiefs. The Zambian government did not object.
Contrast this with the gloomy ballad narrated by the former Zimbabwean president at the zenith of the controversial youth interface rallies last year. He excoriated indigenous Zimbabwean farmers for leasing farms to former white commercial farmers.
In his typical satirical oratory, he narrated a tale from a book he had read in his formative years — the saga of a camel that tricked its master out of a tent and occupied it. It would appear that the new government still has a dalliance with the “camel must not occupy” philosophy on land. Zambia allows the master to lease the tent to the camel. Period. So be it here.
The untold story
What many may not be alive to is that the transferability of 99-year leases in Zambia was not the most decisive factor in transforming agriculture there. Our former commercial farmers started from scratch, scouring for funding from Zambia and abroad.
An interesting case in point is that of one the most successful erstwhile commercial farmers in Zimbabwe before the forced exodus from Zimbabwe to Zambia. He sourced US$900 000; partly coming from a tobacco company in the US and from the European Investment Bank.
Ironically, our government owes tonnes of money to this bank. It was the farmer’s impressive track record at growing tobacco in Zimbabwe that convinced international funders to give him the money. Farming business is a complex enterprise. Some international farming investors also get insurance from a World Bank-related entity to underwrite the risk of farm disturbances. Here is my point: largely, the former Zimbabwean commercial farmer used their own good credit history and convincing business plans to get money from international financiers; local Zambian capital credit markets did not help much.
What may also be unfamiliar is that many of the former commercial farmers who left for Zambia did not start their own farming operations, opting to be employed as managers on the farms of their counterparts who had managed to source capital to restart. It must be remembered that these farmers were not allowed by our past regime to take their machinery; they had to start from scratch. It was a case of the survival of the fittest; not all former commercial farmers had personal international connections to help them recapitalise. The notion of racial priviledge is misplaced. It is largely an excuse for mediocrity and cheap political point-scoring. Business is business. Funders fund success, not dreams.
Way forward
First, government must dump the “camel must not occupy” thinking immediately. It needs to ink it on paper that leases of land are transferable. That will be a masterstroke. It costs zero dollars. Though this is not a sufficient condition, it is a necessary condition to help reduce the credit risk of farmers.
Second, government must never forget that the former commercial farmers who left Zimbabwe were not allowed to take some of their major equipment. In all honesty, government is complicit in vaporising the capital commercial farmers had. In that vein, government must speed up compensation for farm improvements and moveable equipment that the former commercial farmers lost to invasions. The farmers need this as part of their start-up capital.
The former commercial farmers will not find it easy to borrow from local commercial markets because they will have no title to land. The best they will get will be short-term loans based on their farming output. This is exactly what has been obtaining in Zambia when it comes to indigenous farmers who have no title to land; credit facilities based on output have been the best banks can offer, very token in nature.
It is imperative that government compensates in full as per our law. The message that Zimbabwe is open for business is likely to be a hard sell to former commercial farmers whose capital was destroyed at the height of farm invasions. Government must say “Here is your compensation. Please come and invest it here again, Zimbabwe is open for business.”
Third, our government must know that as long as we have not cleared our debts to the Paris Club and the multilateral institutions, our current and former commercial farmers will not get funding from abroad. These commercial farmers may have the required track record to get medium-term and long-term funding, but our high country risk will always make them unattractive to lenders.
Government must reform the whole political and economic system; it is a systemic problem we are dealing with. Political and economic reforms are Siamese twins. These reforms are what will deliver favourable country risk. Country risk is always a leadership metric; it is the stock price of national political leadership.
Former commercial farmers have the skill, but no longer have the capital. Government has the land, but has no skill and capital. Government and the one-time commercial farmers must find each other. Government must take the first credible step.
Chulu is a management consultant and a classic grounded theory researcher who has published research in an academic peer reviewed international journal.
Fish traders in Kalabo District of Western Province yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration against the extension of the annual fishing ban from 28th March to 30th April.
The over one hundred traders who matched to the office of the District Commissioner told ZANIS that Government must consider lifting the fishing ban in order to alleviate household poverty.
One of the traders Pelekelo Chalula noted that fishing is the main source of livelihood in the area.
Ms. Chalula said proceeds from fish trade are used to enhance household economy, send children to school, look after the vulnerable and strengthen family ties.
Another trader, Oliver Mafo lamented that floods have ravaged crop fields forcing some farmers to venture into fish trade in order to fend for their families.
Mr. Mafo noted that extending the fishing ban had potential to promote illegal activities such as poaching as a way of earning income.
A youthful trader, Namangolwa Kahilu, observed that fishing is a major source of employment for many unemployed youths and that those in the industry have already purchased fishing nets in readiness for the venture.
Meanwhile, Malilo Chikeba argued that extending the fish ban has potential to worsen her HIV positive status because she relies on fish protein to improve her health.
The traders have since appealed to Government to allow them to locally fish and trade the commodity within the district as opposed to being subjected to the Cholera epidemic affecting urban areas.
And justifying the protest, Luanginga Ward Councilor Francis Mungomba likened the area’s fishing sector to a mine that offers employment to many local people.
And Kalabo District Commissioner Fridah Luhila says Government has taken note of the concerns raised by fish traders.
Mrs. Luhila told ZANIS in an interview that Government will consult key stakeholders before responding to the traders’ concerns.
Zesco United and Napsa Stars clash on Saturday in the last semifinal of the 2018 Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Winner will face Nkana in the final on March 10 at the same venue where the record 15-time champions beat Zanaco 2-1 in the other semifinal on Thursday at Nkoloma.
Zesco are unbeaten in 2018 heading into their third competitive game of the year after a 0-0 away draw and 7-0 home victory over JKU of Zanzibar in February’s 2018 CAF Champions League preliminary round.
Furthermore, a victory will be a big boost for Zesco to take into Tuesday’s CAF Champion League pre-group stage, first leg home date against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosa at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
But Zesco have to overcome Napsa who beat them twice in three competitive meetings in the 2017 season.
One of those wins was in the Barclays Cup semifinals that Napsa won 4-2 on post -match penalties to deny Zesco hopes of successfully defending the Cup.
And so revenge is in the air this weekend as Zesco pray that lightening does not strike twice in their quest for a 5th Charity Shield title that will see them tie with Green Buffaloes and move one short of Power Dynamos.
National Restoration Party (NAREP) President Elias Chipimo has demanded that President Lungu must come clean over the handing over of 10% of the Black Mountain to the Jerabos.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka on Friday where he touched on a number of issues, Mr Chipimo accused the President of merely using the Black Mountain issue as a public relations stance to hold onto his slim chances of surviving the political storm that is brewing.
“Make no mistake, we need to ask the question: what deal has been done with the Jerabos? The President is merely using this as a public relations stance to hold onto his slim chances of surviving the political storm that is brewing,” he said
Below is Mr Chipimo’s full press address
2 March 2018
Eight years ago today, we launched our party at Mulungushi International Conference Centre. I will quote some of the words I used then in my launch address because I believe they still ring true today:
“Our politicians seem to have no long-term vision or plan to take us to new heights as a nation. At a time such as this, every Zambian should be asking the question: what can I do for my country? Many of us sit idly by as our politicians fight with each other; when the nation is being torn apart at the core. We can no longer blame only the politicians for the state of politics in our country. We must all examine our lives and see where we have individually failed our nation. Each one of us regularly faces the choice about whether to embrace or reject a culture of hate; whether to embrace or reject a culture of violence; whether to embrace or reject a culture of insults. Each of us can decide to do the right thing when it becomes clear to us that our action can make a positive difference. We cannot take satisfaction in blaming corruption and intolerance on our political leadership when in our very own homes; in our very own workplaces, in our churches and social communities, we remain small dictators that reject correction and wise counsel from the people around us who see our faults all too clearly. When we ourselves lie to, steal from and cheat one another daily.
And this is where the change and transformation of our nation must begin. It must start from within; with each one of us seeking to understand the role we have played in harming our common interests. With each one of us seeking to understand how we can make things better. We must ask ourselves what it is we have to do to be more responsible citizens and create the Zambia that we all wish to live in.”
We meet again at a time when I wish I could be the bearer of good news about what is going on in our nation but, sadly – although expectedly, nothing much has changed. If anything, things are much worse. We are still plagued by mediocrity, corruption greed and neglect. We are still consumed with politics of division rather than unity and we are still witnessing the relentless pursuit of power at any price.
If the current administration was wise, they would open their eyes and ears to the open rebellion from the people who have had enough of the greed and manipulation of the nation’s resources. We see this with the private media who have become victims of greed and neglect as epitomised by the TopStar deal; we see this with the rush to promulgate the new Health Bill into law that will place an even further burden of tax on already highly taxed citizens who hardly have any decent income to speak of; we see this in the handing over of Kitwe’s famous “Black Mountain”; in the blatant and abhorrent campaign tactic of desecrating children’s school books with the portrait of a president; in the desire to usher in a new national airline without the requisite accountability framework in place and without thinking about our strategic interests. We also see a government that wants to do plausibly good things but lacks the credibility to be believed it can be trusted to look after interests other than those of a few individuals whose sole aim appears to be to hold onto power even if this means undermining the rights of ordinary citizens and depriving them of the right to a free and fair election.
As you see, the list of issues is a long one. So let us tackle them one by one.
TopStar
We have now entered the so-called digital migration era. This was supposed to be a time when our local media could flourish under new rules and regulations that would enable them to broadcast their content across the country at minimal cost and educate and inform the nation while making a sensible commercial return.
Sadly, as with all things that the current administration has been able to lay their grubby hands on, this is slowly turning into a nightmare for the hard-working men and women in the private media sector. To date we have had no explanation as to why ‘Phase One’ of the digital migration cost only $9.6 million and covered 6 provinces and yet ‘Phase Two’ somehow required a loan of $273 million to cover only 4 provinces. There can be no logic or justification for such an astounding difference and an explanation must be provided to the people of Zambia.
We know that Mr. Chishimba Kambwili was privy to a lot of things and can easily provide the requisite data as to what really transpired in this matter. We are ready to work with him to bring the evidence to court in a civil action and will be engaging with him to see how we can bring this issue to the full attention of local and international audiences. We demand answers to some very troubling questions:
– Who was the $273 million paid to?
– How was it utilised?
– Why was it acquired on behalf of a foreign company, which is 60 per cent owned by non-Zambians?
– Where were the payments made?
– What was the actual cost of ‘Phase Two Implementation’ of the digital migration if ‘Phase One’ cost only $9.6 million?
– Who signed the relevant documentation and on what basis?
– How is it that a digital signal carrier has now become a content provider as well as a pay TV channel at the expense of local media and production companies?
These questions need answers.
We must demand an audit before we can be compelled to pay the ever increasing taxes being imposed on us. If our taxpayer monies are being spent in a reckless manner, why should we have to have to carry the cost of other people’s corruption and greed and mediocrity? Why should we be charged a tax to maintain health services when our ministries are authorized to spend $288,000 on individual ambulances that are worth less than a quarter of that price? Why should we squander our hard earned resources to pay over four times the value of fire tenders and then be made to pay for the cost of maintaining our roads. We demand our rights as citizens to a full audit of the monies that have been spent in our name as a nation.
Health Bill
The current administration is going all guns blazing in its attempt to introduce a Health Bill to pay for health services and infrastructure. We appeal to our colleagues in parliament to stand up and for once defend the Zambian citizen and taxpayer. If there was something worth protesting about, it would be the attempt to place an even heavier burden on an already heavily burdened citizenry that has already has to suffer the intolerable cruelty of a selfless and uncaring administration and is now being asked to pay for its reckless lack of fiscal discipline.
We are all already burdened with debt from the Eurobond and the numerous loans from China that are building our roads and infrastructure along with the personal homes and properties of some of our leaders through overpricing and laundering. Should we really be required to bear the indignity of being stripped of what remains of our meager earnings after being pummeled by an economy that appears only to favour those with Grand connections?
We reject the attempt to place a further burden on us through this indirect tax. If the current administration of the PF is at all serious about raising funds, let them plug the loopholes that are allowing their most sacred cronies to benefit from their connections and channel the savings into the sectors that most need developmental support.
Black Mountain
Here we go again. The long-suffering youth on the Copperbelt have once again been duped into believing a Party that is desperate to hold onto power actually cares them for. They were fooled once in order to extract their vote and they are being fooled again into believing the PF actually cares about them. Make no mistake, we need to ask the question: what deal has been done with the Jerabos? The President is merely using this as a public relations stance to hold onto his slim chances of surviving the political storm that is brewing.
I have visited illegal miners and spoken to families whose sons have died digging up material in unsafe locations just because they are desperate to make a life for themselves. If the PF really cared about the Jerabos or any of the youth struggling to make a life for themselves on the Copperbelt, they would not treat this matter as lightly as they have. We want our people to own large-scale mining licenses in the future. This will come about by investing in the young people and putting in place partnership arrangements that will ensure they are fully and properly trained to engage in productive and sustainable mining practices that will build them up to even greater ownership roles in future mines. This is why NAREP is proposing implementation of the TiPanGeni initiative for genuine empowerment that will build skills and create wealth in all communities across the nation.
Land
The recent presentation of the land policy has ended up in disaster for the simple reason that the Chiefs – the original custodians of the land predating our colonial history – have seen the real intention behind the proposed changes. We have a government that does not regard traditional authorities as the best guardians of the land and yet is prepared to give away valuable and precious land to foreign investors in unthinkable ways. Our land must be carefully managed and protected for future generations and not parted with on the pretext of attracting investment. This requires collaboration between the government and the people and between the government and our traditional leaders.
President’s portrait on schoolbooks
When we rejected the one-party state, we rejected along with it, the idea of a leadership cult. The approval through silence of our head of state to having his portrait on the covers of our children’s schoolbooks is a reflection of the level of impunity with which many of the decisions that emanate from State House seem to be made. Appointing ministers who have election legitimacy cases pending before the courts, allowing a campaign to be run using the portrait of a man who may be disqualified from standing because he has served his time in office all point to a lack of respect for our judicial institutions and undermine our standing as a nation. The new minister of finance may well be qualified for the job but what message do we send when she has an election nullification case pending before the courts at a time when our financial stability as a nation and our ability to pay back our debts when they fall due has hardly been worse? These decisions are not made in the interests of the people. They are made only in the interests of the Party in power and its leaders – although not necessarily in that order.
National Airline
While the idea of a national airline is emotional and laudable, we have to ask ourselves: how has our parastatal sector performed over the years? We have failed to hold our parastatals accountable to standards of international best practice and while there are some that are doing their best to run their organisations efficiently, they are all subject to the sudden whims of an aggressive minister or president who will tend to interfere at will in the manner in which resources are applied or managed. Further, if we think that the solution lies in handing over management and part ownership to Ethiopian Airlines, we are badly mistaken. Consider, for example, what other management contracts are being operated by Ethiopian Airlines – are they running at a profit or a loss? Further, why would Ethiopian Airlines seek to make Zambia Airways profitable when it will in effect be competing with itself since it also provides flights to the same routes that will be offered by the new national airline that it will be managing? These ideas always seem good on paper but they end up being rather difficult to apply in practice.
Printing of ballots
The printing of ballots in Zambia will only make sense if all stakeholders are part and parcel of managing the whole system from beginning to end including: the manner in which the ballots are printed; the way the electoral system is operated; the collection and transmission of data. Full access must be given to two separate independent and internationally accredited technical teams that represent the PF on the one hand and the collective opposition on the other.
These teams must have full access to all the operations and electronic activities of the process from beginning to end.
The intention of local ballot printing may be a worthy one but anything worthy administered by an unworthy administration will nullify its worthiness.
Constitution
Finally, we come to the issue of the republican constitution.
We all recognize that the constitution has flaws that need to be tidied-up but this must not be a back-door attempt to resuscitate the failing career of a president that has outlived his welcome. Now let us be clear: no one is afraid of standing against President Lungu in an open and free election. Our issue is that we want to protect the constitution and not have it manipulated to suit the desires of an individual.
Conclusion
It has been eight years since we launched NAREP. We have seen our nation’s fortunes rise and fall. We have seen the hopes of millions dashed against the hard rocks of mediocrity, corruption, greed and neglect. We stand at a critical point in our history; poised to make a dramatic change for the better but only if we summon up the courage to rise up against the abnormal and call things what they are. If the PF were ready to fight corruption, mediocrity, greed and neglect with the same zeal and integrity they have shown in robbing the women and youth of our nation of their livelihoods, what a great nation Zambia would be. Then we would not be the headless nation that we seem to be fast becoming.
Minister of Religious and National Guidance Godfridah Sumaili
Controversial South African dance artiste Zodwa Wabantu famous for performing without wearing underwear will not be allowed entry into Zambia to perform at a musical event set for this month, Religious and National Guidance Minister Rev. Godfridah Sumaili has vowed.
Zodwa known for her seductive dances is scheduled to perform in Zambia at dancehall singer Karasa’s album launch on March 10th at Hollywood night club in Lusaka.
But Rev. Sumaili said government will not allow Zodwa to come and corrupt people’s morals in Zambia.
“The promoter has not applied for the said licence and as you may be aware, any foreign artiste who wants to perform in Zambia are supposed to be cleared at least three months before the date of performance and in any case, Zambia being a Christian Nation upholds Christian values of morality and ethics and human dignity and in any case, its not in the interest of the nation to have an artiste who performs without an underwear,” Rev. Sumaili said in an interview.
And in a seemingly cheeky response to Rev. Sumaili’s statement, Zodwa gave a sharp reaction on her Facebook saying only grandmothers should wear underwear.
“Underwear for who? Your granny maybe. How is it going fam?”
