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.
Minister of Religious and National Guidance Godfridah SumailiMinister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has expressed concern over the 28,000 divorce cases the country recorded in 2017.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Reverend Sumaili said that it is regrettable that a Christian nation like Zambia is recording such a large number of divorce cases.
“According to the word of God, it is only death that should separate couples. When two people enter a sacrament of marriage, it is a life covenant and not a trial and error,” she said.
Reverend Sumaili explained that it is important that enough time is given in courtship to enable couples to get to know each other well and accept their short comings.
She added that inner virtues should be the attraction above the outward appearances of people and not the material things.
The Minister explained has called on Churches and family to take the leading role of counselling both women and men before entering marriage, adding that in most cases only women receive counsel.
“Counselling before marriage is important in that the couple is given knowledge and wisdom to go about marital problems, “she explained.
Reverend Sumaili however, attributed abuse of alcohol by both men and women, infidelity, gender based violence and external negative influence to be the driving factors of many divorce cases.
Meanwhile, the Reverend has urged all couples to put Jesus Christ in the Centre of their marriages and to build marriages on Christian values and principles.
The 30th ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government closed its business this evening with the new AU Chairperson encouraging member states to promote the establishment of closer collaboration with the private sector for enhanced economic growth and development.
Paul Kagame, who is also President of Rwanda, further said consultation and collaboration with critical partners is essential for Africa if it is to achieve its many challenges that it faces in the present day.
During the official opening of the 30th ordinary session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, President Paul Kagame, said despite the challenges facing the continent, it is important to act in the present day by fusing the economies with technology for advanced development.
“Africa is important and the free movement of the people is achievable in 2018,” he emphasized.
He stated that Africa’s defining challenge is to create a pathway to prosperity for its peoples especially the young people.
On young people, Mr. Kagame appealed to them not to take for granted the advise availed to them by their grandparents including their parents or elders.
“Elders should be able to enjoy the pleasure , of telling you how hard they had it at your age, so you don’t take things for granted, and are inspired to work even harder”, he explained.
He also observed that the people of Africa have in some ways, for a long time perpetuated the narrative that the continent is a burden.
Mr. Kagame was quick to squash the narrative and instead challenged the continent to begin to respond to such situations with focus and facts in order to underscore a common humanity.
While in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, the Vice President participated in the African Union Peace and Security Council presentations where she reaffirmed Zambia’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling principles of the African Union Peace and Security Council including other international organisations.
Mrs. Wina urged the African Union member states that have not yet ratified to the international treaties on institute of security studies, small arms surveyor and regional centre for small arms and light weapons to do so, as this is key in addressing the continued spread of weapons, ammunition and funds that continue to contribution towards the destabilisation of the continent.
She informed the Assembly that as Zambia continues to play a role in combating the acts of terrorism, radicalisation and extremism, she is aware that the exercise requires concerted efforts from other stakeholders if the spread of such acts is to be contained.
The Vice President condemned the acts of corruption describing it as a cancer that destroys the fabric of society.
Mrs. Wina took recognition of the African Union member states’ commitment to fight corruption despite challenges surrounding the scourge.
She added that the action taken is a positive step in the right direction as the continent will be able to achieve its developmental goals.
Mrs. Wina further added that in order for African countries to transform the continent, there is need to fight corruption both at national and international level.
And the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations remains committed in affirming its strong partnership to the membership and the people of Africa.
On migration, Mr Guterres challenged the union stating that migration is a positive globe phenomenon which powers economic growth and reduces inequalities.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari was elected Anti- Corruption Champion of the AU.
President Buhari in his recent statements has vowed that looters of Nigeria’s treasury will not sleep well.
“Justice will be done to all in the war against corruption. As religious leaders, l urge you to tell your followers to respect the rights of others”, the President said.
Issues that engulfed the summit include corruption, conflicts and self-financing resources.
During the official opening of this year’s 32nd session of African Union Executive Council, the African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat cited the need for African leaders to strengthen their financial independence in order to avoid dependency syndrome from the developed world.
He emphasised that financial independence among African countries is crucial and therefore, should not be viewed as irrational but a collective responsibility.
Mr. Mahamat further observed that time has come for the continent to look ahead and focus on building its financial capacities through its abundant natural resources and other expertise.
“Africa is gradually positioning itself to begin financing its own economic growth and development,” he stated.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda KabweCentral Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe has directed all commercial banks in the region to improve sanitary conditions in their premises in order to avoid the outbreak of diseases such as cholera.
Mr. Kabwe said it was unfortunate that most banks in the province had a limited number of public conveniences available for their customers to use.
He said this has posed a challenge especially when banks have an overwhelming clientele during the redeeming of the e-voucher system and other times.
The Permanent Secretary has since appealed to commercial banks intending to open outlets in the newly created districts to ensure that they plan for adequate public conveniences for their clients.
And Mr. Kabwe has warned that he would not condone any traders who will resort to selling merchandise in undesignated places.
Mr. Kabwe has assured traders that government will address the issue of the run down infrastructure in the markets in Kabwe.
The Permanent Secretary said traders would in the next two weeks see an improvement as government moves in to work on the run down infrastructure.
Mr. Kabwe said this shortly after he toured market facilities at Kasanda, Pollen, Chowa and Bwacha in Kabwe district.
He said most traders will be taken to empty stands in various markets and urged them to comply with the move which government was taking.
He said the Patriotic Front (PF) administration was a government caring that would ensure that all traders are allocated trading spaces in designated areas.
At Kasanda market, some marketers complained that their merchandise was not selling as fast as in the streets.
However, a tour of the main market in Chowa revealed that there were empty trading spaces and the marketers called on their fellow traders that were shunning trading in the markets to move conduct business there.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chief Government Spokesperson kampamba Mulenga
Government has refuted media reports suggesting that parts of Luangwa and Kafue National Parks has been sold.
Chief Government Spokesperson Kampamba Mulenga said it is not right for UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to mislead the public by stating that government has sold the two National Parks.
Ms. Mulenga said contrary to Mr. Hichilema’s unfounded and malicious allegations, Government has no intentions, now, or in future, to sell any national park because of their nature as national trophies and heritage.
In an interview with Journalists in Lusaka yesterday, Ms. Mulenga Who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said just like corruption allegations, the rumours being peddled by the opposition leader are only calculated to derail and slow down Government’s zeal to fulfil the promises it made to the people in 2016.
She, however, said Government will not relent in its efforts to deliver development to all parts of the country.
And Ms. Mulenga has called on all well-meaning Zambians and civil society organisations to denounce the tribal talks being perpetuated by some politicians.
Ms. Mulenga further stated that tribal talk has no place in Zambian politics because it has the potential to cause chaos and divide the country.
Reacting to Mr. Hichilema’s allegations of tribalism in the employment process of staff at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) at a media briefing over the weekend, Ms. Mulenga said Zambians must rise and condemn tribal talk and demand that politicians tell state what they will do better than the current Government as opposed to ‘divisive political talk’.
She said Zambians have for a long time now co-existed under the One Zambia One Nation motto and that no one should attempt to divide them by making unfounded allegations.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services has since called on Zambians and the civil society to take a proactive stance in condemning the tribal talk which President Edgar Lungu equally does not condone.
Meanwhile, Ms. Kampamba has reiterated that government will continue using ZAFFICO as the legal exporter of the Mukula tree, and not any other channels because it is the only institution mandated by law to oversee the country’s forests.
“It is false to allege that ZAFFICO is being used as a conduit to illegally export Mukula logs by Government because the institution is established by an Act of parliament to oversee the forests,” she said.
Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa has disclosed that the construction of the FTJ University in Mansa District will commence this year.
Mr. Chilangwa said the delays in commencing the construction works have been due to the redesigning of the University in order to accommodate more faculties that were not in the original plan.
Mr. Chilangwa stated that government is mobilizing adequate resources for the project to run without stopping.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Chilangwa told journalists in Mansa today that President Edgar Lungu is expected to re-launch the construction of the university in Mansa before March 31, this year.
He explained that government has a robust plan to build and complete FTJ University within 36 months until its completion.
Mr. Chilangwa said the institution will be the only university to have a full sports faculty in the country adding it will also offer programmes that will be relevant to Luapula Province.
In November, 2013 late President Michael Sata laid a foundation stone for the construction of the Luapula University which President Edgar Lungu later renamed after late second Republican President Fredrick Titus Jacob Chiluba
The opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) says it is not aware that spokesperson and Deputy National Secretary Antonio Mwanza joined the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
FDD Vice President Chifumu Banda said in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today that Mr. Mwanza is still their member.
Mr. Banda said his party has not been officially communicated to about Mr. Mwanza‘s defection to the ruling PF.
“When did Mr. Mwanza join PF? As FDD, we’re not aware of his move as he is still our member,” the FDD Veep said.
Mr. Banda stated that he only heard of Mr. Mwanza’s defection in the press.
The FDD Veep noted that his party led by President Edith Nawakwi is an attractive political party that is growing, receiving and embracing new members from other political parties on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza said the ruling PF is the only capable political party that serves the interests of the Zambian people and not the opposition.
Mr. Mwanza who last week defected from FDD said the party is finished and appealed to them to stop living in denial.
He charged that more people will join the ruling party because of its visionary leader.
And Mr. Mwanza who last evening featured on the Sunday Interview programme stated that he wanted to work with progressive people.
“My conscience is clear to join PF and I can assure you that more members will defect from FDD to the ruling PF,” Mr. Mwanza said.
Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili will face trial after pleading not guilty to fraud charges on Monday following his arrest last week.
State prosecutors accuse Mr. Kambwili of forging a signature on an official document and presenting false documents and he appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate Court where he pleaded not guilty.
The offences are said to have occurred as far back as October 2013 and were initiated after a complaint by EPP President Chilufya Tayali.
“I understand the charges your honour and I plead not guilty,” lawmaker Mr. Kambwili, 50, told Senior Resident Magistrate David Simusamba.
Magistrate Simusamba has since set the trial date for March 6 2018.
Mr. Kambwili has emerged as President Edgar Lungu’s fervent critic who has accused the Head of State of grand corruption and theft.
In interviews shortly after leaving court, Mr Kambwili said “I am extremely excited that the matter has come to court. As you know there has been so much mud thrown at me.”
“This is chance for me to be cleared once and for all. I am extremely excited that the matter has come to court because i have received so much mud from Tayali claiming all sorts of things but bringing the matter to court is the best way for one to be cleared so we will wait until we adduce the evidence in court and we will see, wina azalila (one will cry),” he said.
When he was arrested last week, Mr Kambwili repeated his corruption allegations against President Lungu.
“Lungu is drunk with his corruption and he is getting confused day by day, and those saying Lungu is not corrupt are foolish. I want to tell you Lungu – I know you are listening – all those monies you are getting… you will not enjoy it. We know you, Lungu and your family, and we are watching you.”
The Zambia National Students Union has challenged Antonio Mwanza to explain his stance on the issues affecting the nation which he spoke so passionately about when he was in opposition.
Speaking in an interview ZANASU Vice President Eddie Miyoba said young people in the country expected Mwanza to firmly stand for what he believed in when in opposition such as better standards of Education in the country.
Miyoba wondered how the charismatic former FDD Spokesperson will speak about the issues he tirelessly advocated for she he was in opposition.
“As ZANASU we expect Comrade Mwanza to stand firmly for what he believed in the time he was in opposition,i.e better standards of education (in higher learning institutions) now that he is in the ruling party what is his take over the pro longed closure of CBU and UNZA.
“The time he was opposition he tirelessly advocated for the amendment of the Public Oder Act now that he is in the ruling party what’s his take? After his few Media appearance under PF, we question whether his defection was genuine or was because of hunger that every Zambian is facing under this government,” said Miyoba.
Miyoba further said Mwanza was an embarrassment to youths not only in the student community but to the general youths as well.
He added that the confidence young people had that such political practice would change but that Mwanza had proved them wrong.
“He is an embarrassment not only to the student community but to the youths at large, we deeply feel ashamed that a person like Antonio is even linked to student governance because those are not values of unionism.
“We were confident that we were going to change the practice of politics as young people but what we have seen is not inspiring at all, one thing for sure is that he will not have a clean consious because we know what he believed in and we are very sure that there is a spell which was cast on him and we shall forgive him for that.
“We want to urge the youths not to despair in their fight for clean politics, Antonio is but just a drop in a ocean who cannot halt the process of cleaning the political environment, we have many young people today who can who are more vibrant and can do a better job…..aluta continua” Miyoba said.
District Commissioner,Joseph KamanaKafue District Commissioner Joseph Kamana has refuted media reports suggesting that he has banned churches from congregating at Shikoswe combined school.
Mr. Kamana said churches congregating at the said school have only been asked to observe cholera preventive measures and not banned from assembling there.
He said the church plays an important role in society hence there was no reason to stop congregants from carrying out their worship services.
He has since urged the church to continue supporting government’s efforts towards enhancing development in the country.
Mr. Kamana was reacting to reports in some sections of the media that he has stopped churches from congregating at the school,
And Shikoswe Combined School Headmaster Kolase Mvula said about 15 different churches congregate at the said institution on Sunday.
Mrs. Mvula has meanwhile confirmed that no church grouping has been banned from congregating at the school.
She said churches have only been asked to maintain high standards of hygiene while conducting their services at the school because of the outbreak of cholera.
The nine year old CHAN record held by ex-Zambia striker Given Singuluma has been broken.
Morocco striker Ayoud el Kaabi’s six goals, at the ongoing tournament his country is hosting, broke Singuluma’s all-time top scorer feat that has stood since 2009.
Singuluma scored five goals at the inaugural tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire where Zambia finished third.
El Kaabi, of Moroccan club RS Berkane, broke Singuluma’s record last Saturday in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Namibia.
Meanwhile, the 2018 CHAN semifinal line-ups are complete.
Nigeria will face Sudan while Morocco play 2014 CHAN champions Libya on January 31.
Defender John Mwengani has received some consolation from the Zambia bench after enduring a forgettable international debut in Saturday’s 2018 CHAN quarterfinals.
A defensive blunder by the Nkana defender handed Sudan the winning goal in the 32nd minute that was scored by Maki Saifeldin that saw Zambia eliminated 1-0 from the tournament.
All this happened, as back home, Mwengani was on the same night handed the Nkana Fans Player of the Year and Most Improved Player award’s in absentia following an outstanding 2017 season that saw him earn his debut Zambia call-up.
“We had so much confidence in the player that is why we brought him in but unfortunately, he did not perform well,” deputy Zambia coach Aggrey Chiyangi said.
“But we cannot punish him, he is a player and it was his debut and he had never played at international level.
“It happens. Yes, because of the mistake he made we lost the game but it happens in football.”
Mwengani made his first start as the Zambia bench shuffled the defence following the suspension of right-back Simon Silwimba who missed the match after accruing two yellow cards in the group stages.
If I were his personal assistant, I would be brave and polite enough to provide him with advice including on the wardrobe. Presidents don’t wear black trousers and checked jacket of another color on their bodies. They don’t wear two different things. As President, what you were often carries messages. That is why you can’t just wake up one morning and wear just what you want. Presidency is more than simply the human being occupying the post. A President wearing anything other than a suit on the body is normally carrying some message of what he would like to say but does so through his clothing. And often, this is not a powerful message. Wearing a jacket on top of a different color of the trousers is simply not good enough for the President. It does not show dignity or strong leadership. We all want to be unique but that should not be at the expense of good looking. Presidents chair many important meetings. They also meet many foreign leaders visiting our country or our own meeting with others abroad. Dressing that is not flamboyant and admirable can easily spoil a deal in international negotiations because other heads of state may make judgement, unfair as it may be. The world is in a hurry where business opportunities occur only once and, out of so many criteria, people are limited to a few. Impressions are made and they help investors to make a decision.
Says Aveta Business Institute, “The main reason why dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional is because it gives the message that you are dedicated to your position.” Even hardworking employees must worry about how they look in front of their bosses and colleagues because these days, it is not only about hardworking. The way the employee looks matters too. In foreign countries, it is easy to be mistaken for someone else when Presidents don’t dress in a suit, what seems to be the traditionally and formally accepted code of dress. On red carpet, looking like this, come on, not good for you and for our country. We all have the right to seek identify, and position ourselves differently. Even Presidents have that right. But, you don’t position yourself like the image below. It certainly fails to impress. If I were judge of the wardrobe of Heads of State, I would give this image 1%. It is unique but the uniqueness is on the wrong side. Come on first lady, how come your attire is trying but you allow the big man to wear this? No, please tell him to change. It doesn’t help him or the country. I am only trying to help. I don’t mean to condescend or belittle our President. How else can we, as poor citizens who will never be privileged to be near him like Mr Chanda advise? We can only express our opinions in newspapers like this. We so this because we are concerned and objectively would like him to change. Even I as a common person refuse to dress like this.
Please don’t wear this below either
President Edgar Lungu Shake hands with Estern Province PS Chanda Kasolo at the fundraising dinner Protea Hotel in Chipata
Please wear this below which looks very presidential.
The image below looks much better than the first one above. It is not simply about what you, as President wants to wear. It is also about what matters representatively to the people. After all, Presidents represent people. They are not in it so much for themselves. The President of any country is the chief negotiator of trade, investment, technology and other deals. Every business man, both inside and outside the country want to do business only with, or through the President. Of course, there are institutions with their own heads but like the President, they too must look professionally representative of the country. One way this is done is through good dress that portrays strong but humble leadership. Countries are routinely competing for few resources in the world. To do that, Presidents must interact routinely with potential business people hence need to always look professional. All over the world, except in a few countries where they were robes, Presidents typically wear suits like the one with our President below, not even safari suits. Safari suits must be worn during weekends or when the President is not working officially. When he looks good, the impression and judgement formed about the President and his country and his people is likely to be good too. The dress code of a President should be constantly professional. There is nothing wrong in wearing a suit all the time during business days, even weekends if there is anticipated business coming up.
Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan used to wear a hat on his head. I think that is because it is a culture in Nigeria. But we don’t have that culture of wearing hats as Presidents when on official duty. I personally don’t think it looks humble and business-like. It simply gives an impression of identity-seeking. You are smart, admirably smart dressed like you are below.
Yes, in the above suit, our President certainly looks no different from former President Obama below. One day, our President will come and tell me, “Thanks, you were right.”
“Obi one with the rap game / they call me lyrical master / you should probably get my last name / yeah boy im your father “ – The last Jedi
24 year old rapper Kunkeyani Phiri , commonly known as Tha Jedi is rapidly gaining momentum as one of the top upcoming hiphop artistes in Zambia.
Asked how he got the moniker ‘Lyrical master‘ he had this to say; “ I had gotten to a point where I felt that I was a genius with words and I would mention it every now and then on songs and eventually it became a thing.”
Jedi has been into Hiphop from a young age. His influences range from Kenny Roc, Chef 187, Duncan Sodala ,on the local side to Kanye West, Dizzy Wright, Maleek Berry and Lil Wayne internationally. As to what made him take up music as a career he said he realised it was something he was really good at and that it was a platform he could use to inspire other people.
Tha Jedi explained that his style of music is versatile, in view of the fact that he can fit into any genre. “Currently we are experimenting with a genre called Trapindula. It is a fusion of trap music and kalindula.”
Jedi released a 9 track E.P entitled “The Lyrical Master”. He described the E.P as his introduction to the music industry. Top songs on the E.P are ‘Mama told me‘ , ‘Like I made it’ and ‘Teti’
Recently the ‘lyrical master’ released his latest single “The last Jedi” to positive reviews. “The last Jedi was a song requested by a fan as a way to celebrate the release of the latest star wars movie ‘The last Jedi’. It was created the next day after the request was made, I guess it was just good timing. “
At the moment Hip-hop is the most prominent music genre in Zambia. Jedi explained that in his view if Hip Hop artists could work together towards pushing the music outside the country we’d have a greater chance of expanding our coverage.
As we get further into 2018, Jedi stated that his fans can expect more music, more videos because, he intends to take his brand across boarders.
In his spare time, the last born of five siblings, loves to read motivational and spiritual books, hang out with friends and of course make music. “I am currently exploring acting and involving myself more in the business side of music.”he sated when asked what he is involved in apart from music.
“I’d like to say thank you to my supporters and also if you would like to buy my music you can find it on Itunes, spotify and all other major online stores. Find me on twitter@itsthajedi, Instagram@itstha_jedi and ‘its tha jedi’ on Facebook.”
