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Songstress Mampi has openly up about her frustrations about not getting married and not having kids.
In a candid posting on her Facebook page, the songstress known for her raunchy onstage dances said is getting tired of answering questions about when she is getting married and why is not having children.
Mampi said she will only get married when God gives her a compatible partner and will not do it just for the sake of pleasing society.
“I have been getting a lot of people asking why I’m not married yet and i felt like i needed to address the elephant in the room. I am certain I am not the only single woman facing such kind of pressure to get married. When are you getting married is becoming a popular question not only to me but many other women in our society. I would have chosen to ignore this and focused on my interests but i decided to take this opportunity to speak for me and many other women who are subjected to such pressure,” Mampi wrote.
She observes that that kind of pressure has pushed many women into marriages of convenience for the sake of fitting in which leads so many women into unhappy marriages, high levels of divorce and in worst cases Gender based violence.
“Marriage is a beautiful thing and when one enters this institution it must not be because society pressured them to jump in but because they found the right partner and they decided to get married. Secondly, it’s very unfair to make single women feel bad about themselves just because of their marital status, icibemba chitila ati “ubushimbe tebulwele” so stop treating it as such.”
She added, “As for me, I am a strong independent hard working woman who believes that marriage is not something you just wake up and jump into. When i do find someone i am compatible with someone, whom i share the same values with and loves me for me not because of what he saw on stage or who he thinks i am then i will gladly do it. I will not just date or marry anybody that comes my way with a proposal to impress the society.”
“One thing I’d love the public to understand is that life in the limelight is not for the weak at heart, you ought to be smart enough to know that some men will fall in love with your image and not you as a person this is one of the many reasons why i can never rush into such commitments without wisely scanning potential spouses just cause he can fit a ring on it ,no i’m not doing it, i will not marry to please society otherwise I would be misleading so many people that look up to me that its okay to succumb to the pressure,” she said.
“Another question is “when are you having a child?” Honestly just stop it. We are more than that, yes children are beautiful and mothering should not be limited to entering labour ward because being a mother is having a heart to raise a child which am already doing ..I am mothering my nephew whom I love whole heartedly which makes me a mother.”
She says she will not have a biologic child whose father is not her husband.
“As for many single moms I have great respect for you as mothers hustling it it out for those beautiful kids and my not having a child as a single woman is just a personal choice. i will not do it because this is me and these are my principals and i live by them. I believe that not many moms planned to be single moms it’s just circumstances that put them in such positions and some of them it could have been cause of these same pressures of expecting women to have children at a certain age,” she said.
Mampi continued, “For those still bothered about my marital status. i will get married and have children when God provides me with a suitable partner and if not I will stay happy knowing that my creators purpose for me is not just about marriage and kids because those are just blessings instead.”
“For those that know me well, it is clear that I’m not moved by the worlds perception of me if i did i would have drowned in it lost my way but NO i know who Iam and for all you single women out there facing these challenges do not allow society to define you, only your creator has the final say in your life..being single aint a crime so stay that way until God brings the right man focus on your goals, find yourself and know that marriage wont complete you..it only compliments.”
Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Dora Siliya, MP
The opposition UPND has strongly condemned Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya for handing over offals to poor villagers in Eastern Province.
UPND Chairperson for Agriculture Levy Ngoma said Ms. Siliya who is also Petauke Central Member of Parliament is handing out offals to the poor women of Eastern Province, instead of handing them heifers to raise their own animals.
Mr. Ngoma said this must be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians, especially the women movement for the humiliating and degrading manner in which Ms. Siliya is treating her fellow women.
“Under Dora’s watch, the e-voucher system has been a disaster. The procurement of maize has been in shambles. Agriculture financing has been in a crisis. Then as if to add salt to injury, Dora finds it wise to distribute left overs to an already desperate people. Just who ate the rump steak from those same animals?”
Mr Ngoma added, “PF thrives in populism. But on this one they have got it all wrong. They are impoverishing the people to later hand over offals to them. How sustainable is this policy? What we would have wanted Dora to do was to simply handout starter packs to the people so that they can produce their own food instead of giving them offals that will only last one day and then they start begging again. Dora must apologise to the nation for that humiliating treatment.”
President Lungu during the Presentation of 4th Quartely Report by Ministry of Transport and Communication at State HouseZambia News And Information Services (ZANIS) Director Patrick Lungu flanked by Zambia News And Information Services (ZANIS) Deputy Director Victor Hachimbi welcomes Palastine Ambassador to Zambia Dr. Walid Hasan when the Ambassador paid courtesy call to ZANISZambia News And Information Services (ZANIS) Director Patrick Lungu confers with Palestine Ambassador to Zambia Dr. Walid Hasan when the Ambassador paid courtesy call to ZANISZambia News And Information Services (ZANIS) Director Patrick Lungu showing Palestine Ambassador to Zambia Dr. Walid Hasan the Map of ZANIS office in Zambia when the Ambassador paid courtesy call to ZANISNational Council for Construction Principal Architecture Chance Kaonga confers with National Council for Construction Executive Director Mathew Ngulube during the meeting at Protea Hotel Lusaka TowerMinister of National Development Planning, Alexander Chiteme (second from left), launches the Strategic Plan for the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi for 2017 to 2021 at Ibenga Secondary School. Looking on are Provincial Superior for the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi, Sr. Theresa Chisanga (left), Ndola Diocese Director of Social Development, Fr. Francis Mukosa (right) and Catholic Relief Services Country Representative, Juan Sheenan (far right).Minister of National Development Planning, Alexander Chiteme (right), launches the Strategic Plan for the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi for 2017 to 2021 at Ibenga Secondary School. Looking on is Provincial Superior for the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi, Sr. Theresa Chisanga.Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe (right) speaks to Anthony Goddard when he visited Ndola Teaching Hospital on a familiarization tour onCopperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe (second from left) talks to a patient at Ndola Teaching Hospital while Senior Medical Superintendent, Dr. Alex Makupe (left) looks on
Emeralds from the Kagem mine in Zambia’s Lufwanyama District.
Emeralds from the Kagem mine in Lufwanyama District have been sold at auction for a total of US$10.8 million.
Proceeds from the auction will be fully repatriated to Zambia, with all royalties due to the Zambian Government paid on the full sales prices achieved at the auction, the company stressed.
The auction was of predominantly commercial quality rough emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Ltd – believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine – which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
The sale, monitored by representatives of the Zambian Government, took place last week in the Indian city of Jaipur, the main global centre for emerald trading.
Bidding at the auction was thinner than usual, with several customers noting decreased availability of financing for gemstones in India due to allegations surrounding fraudulent bank lending to Nirav Modi and Gitanjali, two leading diamond and jewellery groups in India.
But Kagem remained optimistic for the future of Zambian emeralds in the world market, noting that its next auction, this time of predominantly higher quality emeralds, is presently scheduled to take place in Lusaka later this year.
“This auction sees Kagem pass US$500 million of aggregate revenue since Gemfields acquired its 75% stake in 2008. We believe this is the first time a coloured gemstone mine has transparently attained this milestone with publicly available data. The Zambian Government’s share of these revenues – in the form of royalties, corporation tax and dividends – exceeds US$105 million, or 21% of the revenue generated, a figure which also solidly exceeds Kagem’s aggregate net profits over the same period. We congratulate our hard-working team and our partners in Kagem, the Government of the Republic of Zambia,” Gemfields Chief Executive Officer Sean Gilbertson said.
The auction saw 31 companies placing bids, generating total revenues of US$10.8 million with an overall average value of US$3.05 per carat. Robust demand resulted in 95% of the offered carats being sold (or 90% of the number of lots offered).
Gemfields is a world leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones. The company’s 27 auctions of emeralds and beryl mined at Kagem since July 2009 have generated US$506 million in total revenues.
Gemfields has developed a proprietary grading system and a pioneering auction and trading platform to provide a consistent supply of coloured gemstones to downstream markets, a key component of Gemfields’ business model and has played an important role in the growth of the global coloured gemstone sector.
Kagem emerald mine in Zambia’s Lufwanyama District.
My friends run away toward the village in terror. The women who were drawing water at that nearby well and carrying it on their heads to the village, abruptly dropped the water shattering their gourd calabashes as they fled in terror.
“Mwizengeeeeee!!! Wafwaaaaa!!!!!! (Is dead!!!!)” They wailed as they ran to the village. “Chi Njoka chamkomaaaaa weeee!!!(A big snake has killed him).
“I stared at the snake’s angry furious eyes as its forked tongue stuck out. Its eyes were bulging out and green with rage. It was suffocating and annoyed with the pressure around its neck. Thank God the mbobo deadliest and fastest snake had not bitten me dead yet as I had grabbed it around the neck but just below its deadly mouth. Either I would die or the snake would die. I had to kill it. I squeezed its neck as hard as I could with all my power with my one small right hand. It continued wriggling and coiling itself around my little arm. The 11 year old small boy pressure was not enough to kill it.”
“At first I was stunned and frozen to the spot. I cried with panic, fear and anger. I cried with terror, because I was alone, helpless and abandoned by my friends to face certain death. I felt power leave the rest of my body and collect in my right hand to help squeeze the creature’s neck. All of this might have taken a few seconds. But I felt as if I had spent a whole hour in slow motion in this agonizing emotional condition. The snake had not yet bitten me. I had to think fast. I felt my blood melt. For the last time, I summoned all the strength to my right hand. The snake coiled around my small arm once again. With all my might, I hurled it about ten meters away and fled in the opposite direction, homewards.”
“Amama ineeeeee!!!!” Misozi cried out again flapping her hands on her wrists as she bounced on the living room sofa.
“The mbobo, the fastest and most poisonous African snake, recovered from its fall and within seconds, it was running after me, at my height with half of its body vertical to the ground. I was light and used to running but I could not outrun a mbobo which is well known for its lightning speed particularly in bushes. The dambo was plain with black soot and ashes all over. It was the two of us and dust-ashes rose in our trail. I have never run as fast as this in my boy life. Something had conducted a momentary coup d’etat of my body; instinct and reflex was conducting all the maneuvers.”
“I glanced back and there it was gliding at an incredibly fast speed with its small head just above my head, ready to strike me. I ducked to one side and made a sudden sharp turn. Staggering, I regained my balance and resumed running. At that incredulous speed, the snake could not make sharp instant turns. So momentum carried it forward and it stopped about twenty meters away. By the time it turned around to resume its chase, I was forced to run in a different direction, away from village and where there was little likelihood of being rescued. I avoided the snake’s lethal strike twice in this manner.”
“I was now tired and worn out. I was giving up resigned to my fate. My bank of extra energy had been exhausted. I was hoping someone would save me. Perhaps more miracles would happen. The dangerous mbobo snake was still after me but it was probably also getting tired too.
There was a chiziba pond of water ahead of me surrounded by thick vegetation of creeping plants. I was going to plunge into the water. Maybe by sheer chance, the snake did not know how to swim. Just at the edge of the water, I slipped and fell flat on the mud. With its full speed, the snake slithered over me and plunged into the pool of dark water. It would now come to finish me off with its deadly fangs. I tried to rise, but my power was gone. I had no strength to command my body. I was stuck in the mud. The world went black.”
“When I regained consciousness, I was in my father and mother’s house lying on a reed mat with a lot of people of the village who were obviously crying and sad. Some were mourning. I started crying. Surely, the snake must have bitten me. Why wasn’t I dead?”
“But later I learned that the snake did not return. Maybe the water cooled its bursting heart after the giant race or maybe it had drowned. People had flocked to the dambo instantly on hearing the alarming news. They had picked me up unconscious on the edge of the pond. Expecting the worst, my father had torn into the bush immediately with an axe clinging to his broad shoulder. He had brought a variety of herbs from the bush. Some for treating snake bite. I drank some of them.”
“Normally, I slept with the boys the mphala young men’s hut. This night I slept with my two twenty and twenty-three-year-old sisters who were very strong from doing hard work in the field and home every day. At night, I violently woke up with an ear-splitting scream. I saw the huge, green eyed, menacing mbobo snake again. This time, it was on the wall staring at me as if ready to charge. One of the sisters grabbed me fast enough to prevent my running out of the house into the night. She locked me, almost to a point of suffocation, in her strong arms against her bosom.
“There it is!! There it is!!” I screamed pointing at the wall. “It will bite me, let me run away!”
“No, there is nothing there,” she was soothing me like a baby. “Absolutely nothing, not even an ant. Just sleep, it’s all right.”
“Still crying, I dozed in her now tender and relaxed arms and slept. She slowly put me down on my mat bed. The same nightmare and hallucination and a dream of the snake, happened many times during the night. Finally, on the third day, I was all right and returned to sleep with the boys in our hut.
“Very scary story,” Misozi finally said with obvious great relief. “I am glad the big bad mbobo snake didn’t bite you, Uncle Mwizenge”
“That was not even scary at all,” Tizaso responded obviously trying to put on a brave face in front of her little sister.
ProBASE staff member Leonard Mbasela (left) presenting the donated items to Jedidiah Learning steps founder Sifelani Mwanza (right)
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a broad term used to describe a company’s efforts to improve society in some way. These efforts can range from donating money to nonprofits to implementing environmentally-friendly policies in the workplace.
CSR activities can be very effective in bridging the gap between societies needs and where the obligatory hand of Government can reach.
It’s a huge task for any government to possibly meet all the human requirement of its people single-handedly. The collective efforts of all stakeholders as such make such an enormous undertaking more feasible.
Assorted items donated to Jedidiah learning steps
Late last year leading Fintech (Financial technology) company ,ProBASE, as part of their corporate social responsibility program, made a donation to Jedidiah Leaning steps School in Lusaka’s Makeni Konga area.(read article HERE)
ProBASE pledged that the donation would not be once-off but that they would continue to assist the school. In keeping with that pledge, staff members from the IT firm made another donation to the school on 23rd february. The items donated included text books and some hygiene equipment to aid in the prevention of cholera in the wake of the recent outbreak of the disease.
Jedidiah Learning steps founder Sifelani Mwanza (in red) with her mother (far left) and teachers
Receiving the items, founder of Jedidiah Leaning steps ,Sifelani Mwanza, expressed her gratitude to ProBASE for their continued support. Stating that herself ,teachers and pupils of the school were deeply appreciative of the fact that the innovative tech company took time out of their busy schedules to visit and spend time with them.
ProBASE staff serving food to the kids at Jedidiah Learning steps school
The children were encouraged to work hard in their schooling ,as education is the key to a brighter future for them and for Zambia as a whole. They were further cautioned to stay away from vices such as child marriages and alcohol/drug abuse, and were told that they should not take for granted to opportunity to have an education that many of their peers can only dream of.
ProBASE staff members spent the afternoon interacting with the kids , playing various games with them.
ProBASE staff interacting with the kids at Jedidiah Learning steps schoolPupils of Jedidiah Leaning Steps schoolkids enjoying the day
File:UPND members celebrate nullification of the Munali seat
By Isaac Mwanza
The political eyes of many Zambians appeal to be focused on how the Constitutional Court will decide the appeals resulting from the High Court nullification of the Parliamentary Petitions involving Munali Member of Parliament, Hon. Nkandu Luo and her counterparty lawmaker from Lusaka Central Constituency, Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe. There are many questions we can ask:
Why is there so much interest in the Munali and Lusaka Central Petitions? Is it because the incumbents or the official agents personally breached the electoral rules thereby warranting nullification of their seats? Is it because they are serving as ministers in President Lungu’s administration or it’s because of their affiliation to the Patriotic Front? Can we predict how the ConCourt will rule in these cases? What is the criterion that the Courts have used to decide whether to nullify the election or not after the enactment of the new electoral law on 7th June, 2016?
Objectively, lets analyse how the High Court were able to saving the seats of both the opposition and ruling party Members of Parliament from being nullified and what the court has said about the new law. I will avoid making comments on the two cases before the Constitutional Court because it may be subjudice but will leave my readers to make a conclusion, all things being equal:
In the case of Richard Sikwebele Mwapela v. Miyutu Chinga (2016/HP/EP/0016).
This was an Election Petition challenging the declaration that the Respondent was a duly elected MP for Kalabo Central Constituency. The gap between the two candidates was 8,613 votes. At the hearing of the Petition, the Petitioner testified and called 12 other witnesses and the Respondent called 15 witnesses including himself.
The Judge in delivering her Judgment observed that:
“Arising from the provisions of Section 97 (2) of the EPA, an election of a Member of Parliament in my considered view can only be avoided if it is proved to the satisfaction of the High Court that such candidate or with his knowledge and consent or approval or that of his election or polling agents committed corrupt practices, illegal practices, or other misconduct. The section goes further in that it must also be proved that as a result of such corrupt practices, illegal practices, or other misconduct, the majority of voters in a constituency were or may have been prevented from electing the candidate of their choice.
What this entails is that the strict liability rule that was in the repealed Electoral Act of 2006 has been done away with meaning that some of the old cases or precedents are no longer good law… The test to be used is now more stringent than before as it must be borne in mind that election Petition is no ordinary Petition as it encapsulates a public interest”[1].
The Petition was accordingly dismissed as the Petitioner failed to prove the case to the required standard. The election of the Respondent was accordingly upheld.
Andrew Kafuta Kayekesi v. Dr. Chishimba Kambwili and Attorney General – 2016/HN/EP/001
This was a Petition relating to Roan Constituency in which the gap between the Petitioner and the 1stRespondent was more than 6,000 votes. The Petitioner testified in his own right and called 9 witnesses while the 1stRespondent also testified and called 4 witnesses. Part of the allegations included use of Government resources and vehicles.
In its Judgment, the Court held that:
“Bearing the totality of the evidence before me, and bearing in mind my findings, can it be said that the majority of the electorates in Roan Constituency were robbed of the opportunity to elect a person of their own free will and choice? There is no doubt that there was a wide difference of over 6,000 votes between the Petitioner and the 1st Respondent. But sight should not be lost that the alleged corruption took place on the voting day at only two polling stations, Mangano and St. Thomas, of a one off incident each. It could not therefore be reasonably said that the election was so flawed that the defects seriously affected the results which no longer represented the true free choice and free will of the majority of the voters in Roan Constituency. For the above reasoning and conclusions, I find and hold that the Petitioner has failed to prove his Petition to the requisite standard and it lacks merit”[2].
Josephine M. Limata v. Makozo Chikote – 2016/HP/EP/0020
The Petition herein related to the elections held in Luampa Constituency. The Petitioner polled 2,921 votes and the Respondent polled 9,524 votes. The Petitioner apart from herself called 11 witnesses and the Respondent called 16 witnesses apart from himself.
In passing his Judgment, the Honourable Judge said the following:
“Primordially, I must remark that the EPA No. 35 of 2016 was assented to on 6th June, 2016. Therefore, reported cases based on the repealed Electoral Act of 2006, or before, may have limited precedential value to this adjudication, in particular on the grounds for nullification of the Parliamentary election. The MICHEAL MABENGA case, and the JOSEPHAT MLEWA case wherein it was held that satisfactory proof of any one corrupt or illegal practice or misconduct in an election Petition is sufficient to nullify any election, regardless of the wrongdoer, is no longer law in view of the current Act”[3].
The Court accordingly upheld the election of the Respondent and dismissed the Petition.
More significant, the fourth case below offers an in-depth analysis of what the Court, concerned with fulfilment of the three-tier criteria in Section 97 Subsections 2 and 3, ought to do when making a decision whether to nullify or not nullify an election.
Rose Salukatula v. Victor Lumayi – 2016/HP/EP/0028
The Election Petition related to the Chavuma Constituency. In arriving at its judgment, the Court made the following observations:
“Having determined that the Respondent offended sections 81 and 89 of the Act, as well as sections 15 (1) (c) and (h) of the Code of Conduct, I must undertake an impact analysis to determine whether the breaches meet the litmus test prescribed under section 97 (2) (a) to justify the avoidance of the election of the Respondent.
Chavuma Constituency had 43 polling stations with a total of 13,810 votes as reflected in the declaration of results exhibited on page 7 of the Respondent’s Bundle of Documents.
From my findings, there are only four out of the forty three polling stations where I found that the Respondent was in breach of the Act. These were Kambuya, Kakhoma, Sewe and Mandalo.
In Kambuya, I found that the Respondent gave one Chitenge to PW2. In his testimony, PW2 assured the Court that he was neither influenced by the gift nor did he influence any other person on account of the gift. It follows therefore, that this misconduct had no impact on the result of the elections.
However, the Petitioner was successful in satisfying me, with a high degree of clarity, that in Kakhoma, the Respondent was (i) greeting people in voting queues using the UPND symbol as he visisted Kakhoma Polling Station and (ii) that during the campaign period, the Respondent aligned the Referendum to same sex marriages and attributed the attempt to introduce same sex marriages to the Patriotic Front.
The Respondent received 686 votes out of 1148 ballots in Kakhoma.
In Sewe, the Petitioner was successful in satisfying me, with a high degree of certainty, that the Respondent was embracing people in voting queues.
The Respondent received 233 out of 633 ballots.
In Mandalo, as in Kakhoma, the Respondent was found wanting as regards falsely aligning the Petitioner and her party to attempting to introduce same sex marriages.
In Mandalo, the Respondent received 67 votes from the 445 ballots.
The total number of votes which the Respondent received in contentious areas of Kakhoma, Sewe and Mandalo, where there may have been an impact, was 986 votes, which represented less than 10% of the total votes cast in Chavuma Constituency.
As I indicated in the genesis of this Judgment, my position is that there can only be one of the three conduits prescribed under Section 97 of the Act, to which this Petition can be considered, namely Section 97 (2) (a).
Section 97 (2) (a) of the Act is cast conjunctively. That is, it requires that the transgression must not only exist, but it must necessarily result in the possibility of the prevention of the majority of voters in that constituency from electing their preferred candidate.
My impact reveals that less than 10% of the total number of voters in Chavuma may have been prevented from electing their preferred candidate by virtue of the Respondent’s misconduct.
Clearly, any percentage less than 50% of the electorate represents a minority, thereby falling foul of Section 97 (2) (a) of the Act. This being the case, avoidance of the election of the Respondent would not be supported by the law, as applied
Accordingly, the Petition of the Petitioner filed on 26th August, 2016 is dismissed”.
Conclusion
The above cases highlight the new changes in Zambia’s Electoral law and the attitude of the courts when it decides to strictly interpret the law. The duty of every court and every judge, as we know it, is to enforce the law as made by the people through their representatives in Parliament and not to make new laws. If the law has a problem, you cannot blame the court and the only way to remedy the problem is though Parliament. This current law was passed by Members of Parliament from the PF, UPND, FDD, and MMD.
(The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent any institution I may be associated with and neither is it meant to offer a legal opinion. Those seeking a legal opinion can contact the Law Association of Zambia, which is an authority of legal matters in Zambia)
Zesco Managing Director Victor MundendeZambia Electricity Supply Corporation ZESCO says the Zambian Grid Code has now been passed into Law.
The Grid Code regulates the reciprocal obligation amongst all the players and also stipulates and guides how the various power entities should behave in providing the service.
ZESCO Managing Director Victor Mundende disclosed that the law entails that system operators will now be put in place one independent Transmission Network Service provider (TNSP), four independent Power Producers (IPPs) and one Independent Distribution Operator, interconnected and operating within one electricity supply industry of Zambia.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mundende who made the remarks during the 50th SAPP official opening meeting at Avani Hotel in Livingstone also stated that most private enterprises continue to participate in the electricity supply industry through power purchase agreements with ZESCO.
“With such diverse supply options, we believe we are on the path to offer “Choice of Supply” for customers as well as facilitate competition amongst the power producers,” he said.
Mr. Mudende also noted that ZESCO has experienced good times when the power pool has been able to support the utility company during generation capacity constraints and adequate transmission capacity.
This year’s SAPP meeting was sponsored by ZESCO and supported by its partners that include Sino Hydro, Standard Chartered Bank, Copperbelt Energy, Maamba Collieries and Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation.
And Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale commended SAPP for introducing four products on their competitive market platform that include Month Ahead, Week Ahead, Day Ahead and Hour Ahead Markets.” I was informed that the traded volumes on the competitive markets have been going up since inception and that over USD 70 million was exchanged on this market among the SAPP members in 2016.
Dr.Hamukale implored SAPP and SADC Centre for Renewable Energy SACREE to work together in driving the SADC agenda on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
He further thanked utility companies in the region for providing support to Zambia in facilitating power imports during the power crisis that was caused by the energy deficit and added that Zambia saw and realized the benefit of belonging to the Power Pool and an operational Electricity market.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Jean Kapata
The Zambian government has proposed to ban the ownership of land by foreigners. The government is also seeking to review existing long term leases and the land in question cannot be disposed of, sold or exchanged without prior consultation with and approval by the government.
In its draft policy unveiled by Lands Minister Jean Kapata, the government hopes to regulate access to land by non-Zambians.
The state wants to restrict ownership of land, both state and customary to Zambians only.
If the policy is adopted, it will only provide for sub-leasing and or renting of land only by non Zambians.
This is the first comprehensive land policy framework since Zambia’s independence.
To date, land policy was in form of Ministerial Statements in Parliament, Presidential pronouncements and the Administrative Circular No 1, 1985 that has guided the system of land allocation and the Lands Act of 1995, the principle land legislation.
This national land policy primarily seeks to promote equitable access to land to all the people of Zambia on state and customary land, for both poor and the wealthy and irrespective of gender.
According to the draft policy, Zambia will replace all leases for 14 and 30 year term with 99 year renewable Leasehold Titles subject to meeting terms and conditions in the lease agreement and the relevant legislation for Zambian citizens only.
The policy will also provide for lease period for investment projects which shall be tied to the period of the licenses and concessions for the planned developments, but shall not exceed 25 years, and shall be renewable subject to terms and conditions set in the license, concession and lease agreement.
The draft policy also seeks to introduce and implement stringent change of land use conditions for both Zambian and non-Zambian owned companies to curb the proliferation of unfinished investment projects, land hoarding and land speculation as well as the indiscriminate disposal of land for profit.
It also seeks to introduce and implement limitations and ceilings on the amount of land allocated for use by a single foreign investor.
“We do not take kindly to this wholesome accusation. Why is no one pointing fingers at government who are at the centre of selling land legally and illegally?”
On the role of chiefs in land administration, the draft policy proposes to clarify and provide regulations and guidelines on the role of Chiefs in customary land administration and the powers of executive authority in allocation and registration of land rights of non-Zambians.
The draft policy notes that chiefs have authority to consent to allocation of land to individuals, families and investors for their use in line with integrated development plan and ensure equitable allocation of land between men and women in their operational areas.
On Wednesday, Chiefs under the House of Chiefs walked out of a draft policy validation meeting called the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Wednesday after they felt that the draft policy does not adequately cater for their interests.
House of Chiefs Chairperson Chief Ngabwe who made a brief statement on behalf of five chiefs from each of the ten provinces stated that there is no chiefdom without land.
Senior Chief Nkomeshya Mukamambo II rejected the draft land policy saying there are 288 chiefs in Zambia and only a few of them were picked and cannot speak for all of them.
She described the draft policy as a government document and that she does not want to have anything to do with the process.
Senior Chief Nkomeshya Mukamambo II said government should take back the document and shelve it adding that Government has a lot of money and must call for a meeting for all chiefs.
KK, Chiluba, Levy, Banda and Sata did not have a land policy. Why bring documents which purport to protect the poor yet defending the rich. Do you want to bring conflict? We want a Zambian document and want a conference that will involves 288 chiefs in Zambia.
She said it is not right to discuss such a big document in a few hours suggesting that the validation process should have given three days at a minimum.
Chief Munukwa of Chipata said Chiefs were attending the meeting on behalf of their poor subjects who will be affected by the land policy.
He was also unhappy with accusations that Chiefs are selling land. “We do not take kindly to this wholesome accusation. Why is no one pointing fingers at government who are at the centre of selling land legally and illegally?”
Chief Ngabwe said the Chiefs would not be part of a ploy discriminating citizens.
“KK, Chiluba, Levy, Banda and Sata did not have a land policy. Why bring documents which purport to protect the poor yet defending the rich. Do you want to bring conflict? We want a Zambian document and want a conference that will involves 288 chiefs in Zambia. Do not want one which discriminates the poor like this PF policy which protects the rich. We reject the document. We do not want one to be part of this scheme. Why uplift a law from a country that is experience conflict and has abolished the Chiefs position,” said Chief Ngabwe.
Lands Minister Jean Kapata was shocked at the position taken by the Chiefs at the meeting but assured them that their role in land administration is well protected as they will be the ones to issue title deeds for customary land.
She called for objective comments and observations and that government expects the policy to go to cabinet for approval.
Ms. Kapata lamented that problems in the land sector are a result of the absence of a comprehensive land adding that government is committed to a comprehensive development of supportive legislation and regulations to operationalise the policy.
A Passenger BusBus Fares for public service transport on the Copperbelt have been increased by two Kwacha for all inter-mine routes, effective March 1, 2018.
The Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia has also increased bus fares for local routes by 50 Ngwee.
The Association Chairperson Amis Daudi says the hike comes in the wake of recent upward adjustment in fuel prices by the Energy Regulation Board.
Mr. Daudi has also announced that the bus fares for long distance have been increased by ten percent.
Mr. Daudi says the decision to increase the fares was arrived at after engagements with various stakeholders and the transport sector.
He told ZNBC News in an interview that bus fares have not been increased in the past two years despite upward adjustments in fuel pump prices.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has fined Airtel Networks Zambia PLC K 600 000 in a matter in which a complaint was raised against the Company for deceiving internet users.
Facts are that on September 13th, 2013 the complainant, Macnicious Mwimba lodged a complaint against Airtel Networks Zambia Plc that it deceived internet users by providing an internet service called “unlimited daily/monthly plan” which, according to him, was in actual fact limited.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on February 28th, 2018 chaired by Willie Mubanga State Counsel, delivered a judgement read by Eness Chiyenge also ordered Airtel to pay costs incurred by the complainant to include costs of the proceedings in the last 4 years.
According to the judgement, the tribunal concluded that Airtel sought to lure consumers into purchasing subject internet product, believing that they would enjoy the data usage service for the whole product, even if the data bundle purchased was exhausted.
Further, the tribunal has urged Airtel to refrain from advertisements that are misleading to consumers as they are likely to distort their purchasing decisions.
Works and Supply Minister Felix Mutati says government will save US$ 7 million by printing ballot papers for the 2021 general elections locally.
Mr. Mutati told Journalists that domestic printing of ballots will help the government save a lot of money used to print the papers outside the country and there is no need to be sceptical on the decision.
Mr Mutati disclosed that K5.6 million has so far been released for recapitalising Government Printers.
He says there is need to focus on the viability and sustainability of the Government Printers.
Mr Mutati says the goal of printing ballot papers locally is a component of what the Government Printers needs to do.
He said Government Printers can begin to contribute to the treasury once revived.
Last month, President Edgar Lungu announced that Government Printers has the capacity to print ballot papers and he will ensure the local printing of ballots for the upcoming general elections.
But the opposition UPND has maintained that the PF can’t be trust to print ballot papers locally.
UPND Chairperson for Elections and Mobilisation Sylvia Masebo said from past experience, the PF cannot be trusted with printing of ballot papers in Zambia because there is no distinct and visible independence of Government from the Party.
Ms. Masebo said this means all Government departments are compromised and answer to the whims of the PF as a political party.
“Currently the Country is governed without the tenets of democracy and the respect for the rule of law. This cannot therefore instil any confidence in the electoral process and the likehood of conflict and dispute is ever present if due respect for consensus and consultation for all stakeholders is not observed by the PF,” Ms. Masebo observed.
She said the last electoral process was messy with the voters’ registration riddled with so many flaws and inclusions of foreigners who had been issued with NRC’s and voters’ cards to enable Lungu win the election by hook or by crook.
“According to the International corruption index, the levels of corruption in Zambia have increased. Amnesty International have also indicated a worsening trend of political intolerance and gross abuse of human rights by the PF. How can then such a corrupt and intolerant Government grant itself the responsibility of printing ballot papers?”
She said the case of printing of ballot papers is a very serious election issue that requires wide and exhaustive consultations of all stakeholders.
“The UPND and the people of Zambia will do all within its power to ensure the next election will be free, fair, credible and devoid of any intimidation. We will not allow the PF hijack and rig the process like they did in the last election and we will not allow the printing of ballot papers by a Government that is riddled with corruption and has no regard for dissenting views,” she said.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Mwale says there is a lot of potential that exists between Zambia and Singapore in many sectors such as trade and investment.
Mr. Mwale said it is important that the two countries continue to interact and exchange views on bilateral and international issues of interest.
The minister said this when a delegation from the Foreign Affairs of Singapore paid a courtesy call on him in Lusaka today.
Mr. Mwale proposed the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a mechanism for political consultation.
He said the two countries should explore the conclusion of a General Cooperation Agreement which will promote economic, social, technical and cultural cooperation between the two countries which will benefit both countries.
Mr. Mwale noted that the Agreement will be the basis for cooperation in specific areas such as trade, investment, tourism, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development and human resource development.
He explained that Zambia can learn a lot of things from Singapore which may greatly benefit the country as Singapore has performed better in human resource development.
Mr. Mwale added that the importance of human resources development is recognized in the Zambia’ Seventh National Development (SNDP) plan under the priority focus area of enhanced Human Development Improvement.
With regards to trade and investment, the minister said Zambia and Singapore are trading partners with the trade balance in Zambia’s favour due to the export of copper to Singapore.
He however stated that there is room for improvement as the volume of bilateral trade is minimal and encouraged the country to undertake a trade and investment promotion Mission to Zambia to explore areas of Potential interest to Singaporean companies.
Mr. Mwale reaffirmed government’s commitment to enhanced relations and cooperation of mutual benefit with Singapore.
And Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa Director General Jonathan Tow stated that his government is ready to share the technical and systems skills that Singapore has learnt and acquired over the years.
The delegation is scheduled to meet with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry during their visit where issues of fostering trade and investment linkages with companies in Singapore will be discussed.
Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has said the increasing demand for power in the region will outstrip the current excess generation over the medium term while, the short term will exert considerable pressure on the regional transmission infrastructure.
And CEC Managing Director Owen Silavwe says the Sothern African Power Pool (SAPP) meeting highlights the importance of energy to the continent’s development agenda.
ZANIS reports that the CEC Managing Director made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by CEC Commercial Officer Titus Mwandamina during the official opening of the 50th SAPP Manco meeting held at Avani Hotel in Livingstone.
Mr. Silavwe said CEC is committed to contribute to increasing the generation capacity.
He has since expressed interest in projects like the Luapula Hydro-Electric Schemes and in bankable projects like the Kabompo Gorge Hydro-Electric Power.
He disclosed that once commissioned, the projects will improve the technical performance of the national grid.
Mr. Silavwe further stated that CEC is soon expected to connect 1Mega Watts of Solar power to its grid in Kitwe as a pilot project.
He added that the company is currently undertaking feasibility studies for the 50 MW of solar for direct grid connection.
He reiterated the company’s support for initiatives and efforts aimed at strengthening transmission networks and diversifying power sources both at national and regional level.
