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UPND’s Plans to Politicize Cholera Outbreak Heightened

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UPND’s Plans to Politicize Cholera Outbreak Heightened
A WOMAN receiving a cholera vaccine in Lusaka’s Chawama township
A WOMAN receiving a cholera vaccine in Lusaka’s Chawama township

By Sunday Chanda

We can confirm that UPND is not letting go of its agenda to politicize the Cholera outbreak, and now plans to launch a “Cholera Committee” when it is public knowledge that Government is coordinating responses in conjunction with other co-operating partners as part of a multi-pronged and multi-sectoral strategy. The UPND Cholera Committee and its proposed actions are schemes by the Opposition party to politicize the Cholera outbreak and “water-down” Government led multi-sectoral strategies.

1. A very brief history of cholera in Zambia

The pattern of cholera outbreaks in Zambia over the past decades has always been the same – with Lusaka usually being the epicentre. From history, cholera has always been limited in terms of time, place and person. For any outbreaks globally – including the current cholera outbreak in Zambia – the first thing to do is to implement disease “containment measures”, namely: isolation of patients and quarantine, and the full package of related health strategies to curb the spread of the disease.

Responsibly, the PF government has effectively led these “containment measures” in line with global best practices for handling cholera and related outbreaks. Therefore, UPND’s attacks on Government’s sound “disease containment measures” are both irresponsible and pathetic.

Against this background, we wonder what UPND seeks to achieve by creating a parallel and highly politicized committee at this stage. Indeed, it is this sought of desperation that Zambians have continued to reject because it smells of sheer opportunism without due regard to those infected, affected, and the deceased. Truth be told, it is immoral for UPND to seek political mileage from the sore backs of Zambians “infected, affected and killed” by the current cholera outbreak.

Therefore, we wish to call on the UPND leadership to abandon their intended Cholera Committee and, (a) engage in some soul searching to understand that politics have their place and it’s not now; (b) support Government’s “containment measures” which are being implemented to prevent, control and cure cholera countrywide.

2. A key ingredient to fighting epidemics including cholera outbreaks

One of the reasons why the Ebola outbreak was most deadly in West Africa in recent history was because certain opportunistic and/or ignorant people encouraged entire communities to doubt medical interventions being led by their respective governments. As a result, communities started fighting against the very measures designed to save their lives. Unfortunately, this lack of trust in Government fed to the people by opportunistic individuals led to thousands of preventable deaths in West Africa.

The current cholera epidemic is a tragedy which calls for the rest of the Country to pull together by putting aside twisted partisan agendas; and encourage communities to trust and abide by current “disease containment measures” being led by the government. Precious lives have been lost and everyone is affected, and morality demands that all manner of politics is set aside.

3. Other lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Epidemics such as Ebola, cholera and others require stronger coordination among disease “prevention”, “control” and “care”.

Because of the above-mentioned lessons, the PF government has been implementing:

(a)  stronger integration of cholera “prevention”, “control”, and “care” including assisting bereaved families with safer burials.

(These are solemn moments which UPND should not, and must not, politicize).

(b) stronger incident Reporting, Surveillance and Adequate Resourcing in Lusaka, Copperbelt and nationwide.

Perhaps, UPND know the full extent of these government measures currently underway? But why their noise? Perhaps UPND cannot help but be mischievous and seek political mileage anywhere. Or perhaps we give UPND a benefit of the doubt that they do not know about these government efforts currently underway? If that is the case, then UPND will only misinform and mislead its base and the national at large.

4. The Bio-Social Perspective to disease

The PF government is alive to the fact that all diseases have a biological and a social aspect to it. This is the reason why President Lungu stated while visiting Heroes stadium that “government continues to work towards efforts to provide safe drinking water to all Zambians everywhere”. It is these efforts which UPND must commend and support if they are truly a genuine party which cares about the welfare of the masses in Zambia.

In this regard, the UPND leadership must also be ashamed and apologize to the Zambian people for allowing their symbol-raising and sloganeering cadres to disrupt public peace on a matter that affects everyone irrespective of their political affiliation. Zambians must remind the UPND that the Country cannot prioritize cheap politics over public health.

Patriotic Front was founded by the son of a cook and he knew what suffering felt like. Today, Patriotic Front is led by a son of a marketeer and he understands the plight of the marketeers more than the elitist UPND leadership because he can relate. As such, the Patriotic Front leadership would be the last one to neglect traders. We Government takes such containment measures, these are aimed at strengthening “prevention, control and care” strategies needed to combat epidemics, in this case, cholera.

By implementing strict “containment measures”, PF respects and cares for public life and public health. Similarly, by campaigning against and politicizing government’s “disease containment measures” the UPND leadership neither cares for nor respects the lives of Zambians.

As PF, we therefore refuse to politicize ongoing interventions on Cholera prevention, control and cure. Patriotic Front remains proactive in engaging relevant ministries and monitoring the Cholera situation. It is the aim of the PF government to eradicate Cholera from our communities and consign it to the past, never to return. However, this also requires that other players including the UPND be more responsible and stop politicizing disease outbreaks, and stop misleading Zambians. This trust, and not division, in communities will enable these necessary “containment measures” to yield desired results and consign cholera to the past – never to return.

The ruling Party is committed to seeing that hygiene improves in our towns and communities, as well as that all displaced vendors – majority of whom are PF – have alternative trading places as soon as it is no longer a health risk for the people. We continue to assure our people that the measures taken so far are meant to protect them and their loved ones. Let us therefore continue to work together to address the current outbreak, and make future cholera outbreaks very unlikely.

The Author is the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party in Zambia’s Media Director

Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa to visit Zambia next week

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Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa to visit Zambia next week
President Edgar Lungu beads farewell to Newly sworn in Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during private talks at Sheraton hotel in Harare
President Edgar Lungu beads farewell to Newly sworn in Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during private talks at Sheraton hotel in Harare

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Zambia next week for a one-day official visit.

Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji confirmed that President Mnangagwa will arrive in Zambia on Friday, January 19 2017.

Mr Mnangagwa is currently paying courtesy calls on all SADC leaders after taking over power from Robert Mugabe.

President Mnangagwa visited South Africa last month and met with President Jacob Zuma and was yesterday in Angola to meet that country’s President Joao Lourenco.

A statement issued by the Angolan government said the two leaders would discuss the political situation in Zimbabwe.

Mr. Mnangagwa was also expected to brief Lourenco on preparations for general elections to be held most likely during the second half of the year.

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba also confirmed the visit saying it was part of a diplomatic offensive being undertaken by the new government to interact and keep them abreast with political developments in Zimbabwe.

“The President is paying courtesy calls on all regional Heads of States and Governments. We started with South Africa last month and we are going o Angola to do the same. We will go to Namibia on Monday then Zambia and Botswana, among other countries. That is the format, if you have been appointed President, you must pay courtesy calls no elders in the region. The visits shall be placed in such a manner which does not inconvenience office work as well as other engagements,” Mr. Charamba said.

And Mr Malanji said Zambia and Zimbabwe have a lot in common, and that as sister countries, they are working on further deepening the existing cordial relations between them.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe share special bilateral relations and we have continued to grow in these relations. As a matter of fact, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will on Friday, January 19, come to Zambia for an official visit,” he said.

Commentators said President Mnangagwa had to gain regional acceptance before venturing into continental affairs with the AU summit scheduled for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Jan. 28 – 29.

Political analyst Jacob Rukweza said Mr. Mnangagwa was going on a diplomatic campaign to gain acceptance from the region following the nature of his ascension to power.

“What is clear is that President Mnangagwa has launched a diplomatic offensive in the region where he is meeting heads of state with a view to fostering acceptance and cordial relations with fellow heads of state and government following his rise to power with the assistance of the military.

“Mnangagwa is eager to be accepted by his peers in SADC and the AU as this will go a long way in giving currency to his legitimacy as a head of state. It is in this regard that he is paying courtesy calls to regional heads of state beginning with his all-weather friends from former liberation movements in South Africa, Angola and then Zambia,” he said.

ACC challenged to summon individuals alleging graft in Government

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ACC challenged to summon individuals alleging graft in Government

Patriotic Front (PF) Northern Province Chairperson Bwalya Chungu has challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to urgently summon individuals alleging corruption in government so that they can prove their allegations.

Mr. Chungu says it is incumbent upon the ACC officers to ensure that they establish facts and details about the alleged corrupt practices by the claimants.

Speaking to ZANIS in Luwingu today, the Patriotic Front Northern Province Chairperson noted with concern the tendency by some ‘ disgruntled’ politicians who are busy smearing propaganda about corruption without evidence to substantiate their claims.

Mr. Chungu has since urged those alleging that there is corruption in government to provide tangible proof to law enforcement agencies so that the law can take its course against the culprits.

And Mr. Chungu, who is also Lupososhi Member of Parliament, said people should not use politics to dent the image of those in government.

He advised those who do not agree with the ideals of the PF to leave the ruling party peacefully unlike causing unnecessary confusion.

Mr. Chungu pointed out that PF government remains committed to improving the lives of Zambians by taking development to all corners of the country.

He further said there were numerous tangible developmental projects being implemented by government across the country hence the need for well-meaning Zambians to rally behind the PF administration.

HIV, Malaria vaccine trials approved

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HIV, Malaria vaccine trials approved

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has approved the trial of an HIV vaccine and Malaria control to be undertaken by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) and Macha Research Trust respectively.

NBA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lackson Tonga said the permit granted to CIDRZ is for conducting research trials on the safety and immunogenicity of HVTN 120/ALVAC in Lusaka while, the malaria control will be done at Macha Research Trust, Choma in Southern Province.

In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday by NBA Communications Officer Sandra Lombe, Mr. Tonga said his authority approved the permits following the two applicants meeting the required set standards tabulated in section 18 of the Biosafety Act No. 7 of 2007.

“The NBA Board, during the 4th quarter meeting for the year 2017, approved the permit application for CIDRZ. The vaccine trials will be conducted in Matero, Lusaka and the permit is valid for three years,” said Mr. Tonga

He said CIDRZ’s Phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the genetically modified vaccine ALVAC-HIV (vCP2438) in healthy HIV-uninfected adult participants.

Mr. Tonga further stated that the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the NBA met in August last year and was satisfied after reviewing the application as having met the expected safety threshold demanded by collaborating partners such as Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority and the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.

He said Macha Research Trust will carry out research in a contained facility at the Research Trust on Malaria control prospects with engineered symbiotic bacteria from mosquitoes.

Mr. Tonga further noted that the Authority had reviewed all applications it had received in 2017 and those that met the required guidelines and standards had been issued with permits while, others had been requested to submit further details to allow for thorough risk assessment.

Government officials updating the media on the Cholera outbreak

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It’s not just Trump: Western media has long treated black and brown countries like ‘sh**holes’

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It’s not just Trump: Western media has long treated black and brown countries like ‘sh**holes’

The president of the United States essentially called black and brown countries “sh*tholes.” The Internet is aflame with outrage over his comments. There are already many calls to apologize, and there will be more to come. But let’s be real: U.S. media has long treated black and brown countries like “sh*tholes.” This TV-loving president is a product of a media culture that has systemically covered places in Africa and places like Haiti only as war-ravaged, disease-ridden and impoverished — when these countries are even deemed worthy of coverage at all.

Studies show headlines from major Western media outlets are largely negative when it comes to Africa. It was just last year that a New York Times opinions essay about Congo waxed on about monkey brains and how the country was perhaps better off 100 years ago under colonialism. Only with Africa coverage can programs such as “60 Minutes” get away with parachuting American journalists to Liberia to report on ebola — and not interview a single Liberian on camera for the story. Western media and literature are riddled with cliche-white savior journalism. That helps to explain why Louise Linton, the now-wife of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, was able to publish an article in the Telegraph (which was later removed from its website) based on her cliche-addled, self-published memoir about her gap year in Zambia. She wrote in the book that Africa is rife with hidden dangers: “I witnessed random acts of violence, contracted malaria and had close encounters with lions, elephants, crocodiles and snakes.”

Never mind that lazy “Ooga-Booga” journalism (as journalist Howard French calls its) fails to reckon with the fact that African countries are home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Never mind that long before mobile money-sharing systems such as Venmo came to the United States, countries like Kenya were using mobile platforms including M-Pesa. Never mind that African countries are beginning to produce their own cars, embrace biometric technology and venture into space exploration. When it comes to Africa, American media is rarely interested in positive headlines.

My first foray into anything resembling journalism came during my undergrad days at Northwestern, when I wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Northwestern challenging an interview that painted Ghana as a place riddled with diseased children and food that tastes like newspaper. Since then, I have spent much of my adult writing life trying to counter these harmful narratives about Africa: trying to convince people that black and brown nations aren’t “sh*tholes” and that black and brown people are not subhuman.

Trump’s comments are just the latest proof that the United States is being led by a man who is an unabashed white supremacist, one who aims to implement policies that will make America white again by limiting immigration from black and brown countries and deporting those who are already here. But in the storm of mainstream anger, it is hypocritical of the media to fail to reckon with and correct its own practices of reporting on black and brown countries and how this coverage affects perceptions about very real people.

By Karen Attiah

Washington Post

Nkana great Sakulanda wants son to play for Kalampa

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Nkana great Sakulanda wants son to play for Kalampa

Nkana great Musole Sakulanda admits he would like his son Chrispin to play for Kalampa in future.

Nonetheless, legendary striker Sakulanda insists his son must make his own independent decisions in his career.

Chrispin Sakulanda
Chrispin Sakulanda

Ex-Zambia Under-20 star Sakulanda Junior is currently playing for Mighty Mufulira Wanderers.

“Yes, I would like him to play for my team Nkana but it is up to him to decide. Despite being my son I want him to make his own choices,” Sakulanda said.

He believes the young attacking midfielder has a bright future.

“I always tell Chris that he has a bright future. He just needs to be disciplined. He will go far in his career,” Sakulanda said.

He added:” These days it is very easy for players to go out to play professional football unlike in our time when matches were rarely televised. With this publicity some of us would have ended up playing in England.”

Sakulanda was a regular scorer at Nkana and went on to play at Rops in Finland before retiring in 2003.

First Lady, Esther Lungu enrolls at UNZA for a degree in Special Education

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First Lady, Esther Lungu enrolls at UNZA for a degree in Special Education
First Lady with faculty staff at UNZA
First Lady with faculty staff at UNZA

The First Lady, Mrs Esther Lungu , has enrolled at the University of Zambia to pursue a degree programme in Special Education under the Institute of Distance Education.

Mrs Esther Lungu is the founder and Chairperson of the Esther Lungu Foundation trust, a Non Governmental organization which helps out the needy in society.

The First Lady decided to pursue a degree programme in Special Education which is in line with her passion to help the vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.

The First Lady posed for a group photo with Director, Institute of Distance Education, Prof. Boniface Namangala (2nd left), UNZA Librarian, Ms Christine Kanyengo (right) and other staff on Tuesday, 9th January 2018.

NGOCC Congratulates Mumbi Phiri on her nomination as a Member of Parliament

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NGOCC Congratulates Mumbi Phiri on her nomination as a Member of Parliament
PF Deputy GS Mumbi Phiri,
PF Deputy GS Mumbi Phiri,

The Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) congratulates Ms. Mumbi Phiri on her nomination as Member of Parliament (MP).

As the focal point of the women’s movement, NGOCC has continually been concerned about the low numbers of women in decision making positions, especially in politics. We are therefore elated that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has nominated yet another woman to marginally increase the number of female Parliamentarians in the House to 31, against 136 men. It is our expectation that 2018 will witness more women ascending to various decision-making positions in line with Zambia’s commitment as espoused in the Constitution and Gender Equity and Equality Act.

It has become imperative that the country should immediately put in place legal and policy provisions that will enhance the participation of women in politics. As the government is addressing the lacunas in the Amended Constitution of 2016, we urge Parliament to reconsider the Proportional Representation and Quota Systems as this will, in many ways, guarantee the participation of marginalized groups such as women, people with disability and the youth. It is also our hope that the Political Party Bill, once enacted, will bolster the participation of women within the political parties.

Once again, congratulations to Ms. Phiri. Zambians are counting on you and other gallant women and men in Parliament to continue raising issues affecting women.

ISSUED;
for/NGOCC

Engwase B. Mwale
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ERB, LCC inspects the conditions of Toilets at Filling Stations

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ERB, LCC inspects the conditions of Toilets at Filling Stations

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in conjunction with the Lusaka City Council (LCC) officials yesterday conducted on-the-spot checks on sanitary conditions at some filling stations in Lusaka.

The inspection is in the wake of the Cholera situation that has hit the capital city in compounds, urban areas and public places.

Delegation leader who is also ERB Chairperson Raymond Mpundu conducted the inspections at six filling stations which, revealed that some filling stations did not have proper health facilities required in accordance with the Public Health Act.

Mr. Mpundu regretted that some filling stations lacked sanitary items like toilet papers, disinfectants, no water and no disposal bins.

Mr. Mpundu expressed sadness over the dirty surroundings at the station premises as well as the indiscriminate throwing of litter to his disappointment and other LCC officials.

The Board Chairperson warned filing stations that do not comply, that they risked their licenses being revoked.

He advised the station managements to ensure that they adhere to standards contained in their licenses for them to operate.

Mr. Mpundu disclosed that the Board’s Inspectorate Unit will continue to carry out inspections randomly without informing station managements of filling stations in the country.

And Petroda Filling Station Supervisor Joseph Nkausu who was at pains to talk to the officials however, pledged to adhere and comply with trading license requirements by ensuring that all the necessary sanitary measures are put in place at his Station.

Mr. Mpundu, who was accompanied by his Vice Ngande Mwanajiti, ERB Executive Director Langiwe Lungu, LCC Health Inspector Kachikoti Banda, LCC Environmental Health Officer Tendai Chimamba and other ERB and local authority officials, toured Puma, Engene, Kobil, Petroda and Total filling Service Stations in Chelston, Avondale, Twin Palm, Salama Park, Presidential Housing Initiative and Kalinga-linga areas respectively.

The team also toured Mtendere Compound where hundreds of make-shifts stalls dotted at Mtendere market and along the street were being erased by joint military personnel in an effort to combat cholera.

Cholera has claimed over 66 people so far and the accumulative cases of over 3,000 since the disease broke out in October, last year.

Meanwhile, LCC’s Inspectorate team told ZANIS in a separate interview that they are looking for expiry dates on food stuffs in filling station shops.

They said expired food stuffs pose a health hazard to the members of the public when consumed.

Government hopeful of eliminating Cholera in few weeks’ time

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Government hopeful of eliminating Cholera in few weeks’ time

Local government and Housing Minister Vincent Mwale, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya, President Special assistant Amos Chanda , Water and Energy ministry PS Bishop Edward Chomba and Health Minister PS -administration Dr Kennedy Malama during a joint press conference at the Ndeke House boardroom
Local government and Housing Minister Vincent Mwale, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya, President Special assistant Amos Chanda , Water and Energy ministry PS Bishop Edward Chomba and Health Minister PS -administration Dr Kennedy Malama during a joint press conference at the Ndeke House boardroom
The Ministry of Health says it’s optimistic that cholera will be eliminated in the coming few weeks due to the positive results from the multi sectorial approach.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Administration Kennedy Malama said 87 cases were recorded in the last 24hrs of which 14 are children and 73 are adults.

Dr. Malama explained that Lusaka has so far recoded 2,927 cases of which 2,664 were successfully treated and discharged.

During the Media briefing on Cholera update yesterday, The Permanent Secretary pointed out that 182 people are under treatment in various treatment centers with 47 being admitted to National Heroes stadium.

He said over 60 deaths have been recorded stating that only one death was recorded in the last 24 hours.

“So far 65 deaths have been recorded of which 38 occurred in communities and we encourage people to rush to hospitals whenever they have symptoms of this pandemic.

Dr. Malama advised the general public to exercise high levels of hygiene despite the oral vaccination that is being given out.

Meanwhile, various entities made donations towards the fight against cholera.

Among them was Save Life Foundation founded last November that donated 400 work suits, ZAMTEL donated assorted items worth k250, 000 and Agro Chemicals Company that donated various items valued at k100, 000 among others.

President Lungu holds meeting with Zambia’s Mayors

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President Lungu holds meeting with Zambia’s Mayors

President Edgar Lungu meets Local Governmet Association of Zambia delegation at Statehouse

Members of the Local Government Association (LGA) led by their President Christopher Kang’ombe yesterday met President Edgar Lungu at State House to discuss matters affecting councils in the country.

The meeting discussed issues concerning funding to the councils for service delivery and unplanned settlement which has been a long standing matter and an alleged cause of waterborne diseases.

The LGA has proposed to the president that the equalization fund to the councils be adjusted upward from 5% to 10% of the income raised as income for the country.

LGA President Christopher Kangómbe noted that the 5% funding the councils receives as equalization grant is not enough to improve service delivery to the people hence, their proposal for an upward adjustment.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr. Kangómbe disclosed that the association has also proposed to the president that part of the cement levy that has been planned in the 2018 national budget be given to the local authority to upgrade unplanned settlements in various towns and cities.

He noted that unplanned settlement is partly responsible for the outbreak of cholera the country is battling with currently as such areas have no proper water reticulation system and water.

And the Local Government Association has asked the central government to relinquish the authority of collecting levies such as motor vehicle licensing and toll fees to the councils as provided for by the constitution.

Mr. Kangómbe noted that under article 147 of the constitution of Zambia, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and the National Road Fund Agency are supposed to be agencies of the council and collect levies for the local authority.

He said all the 109 councils countrywide are complaining that they have been limited by resources to deliver services to the people because the central government has held on to the role of collecting some levies and taxes.

He said the meeting with the head of state was successful as the President showed commitment to supporting areas that will enhance revenue collection for the council.

The LGA President was hopeful that such engagements with the head of state will continue on a quarterly basis to review the various instructions the president has given.

And Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale said the meeting was important to allow the president understand the vision of the mayors and the local authority.

Mr. Mwale noted that the local government is currently on spotlight because of the outbreak of cholera in the country which is the poor management of the Public health and waste management that has not been well handled by the local authority.

He said it is also important to discuss the issue of unplanned settlements which has not seen the light of day since independence.

The meeting was attended by all the ten vice presidents of the local government association from the ten provinces.

Local Government Commission Chairperson Amos Musonda, Secretary to the Teasury Fredson Yamba and Local Government Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga were also in attendance.

President Edgar Lungu (R) shares a light moment with Lusaka Mayor Wilson Kalumba (L) and Local Government Association of Zambia president Christopher Kang'ombe who is also Kitwe Mayor (C) at State House on Friday, 12th January, 2018. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza, State House.
President Edgar Lungu (R) shares a light moment with Lusaka Mayor Wilson Kalumba (L) and Local Government Association of Zambia president Christopher Kang’ombe who is also Kitwe Mayor (C) at State House on Friday, 12th January, 2018. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza, State House.
President Edgar Lungu tries on the jacket which was presented to him by Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe on behalf of Kitwe United Football Club, at State House on Friday, 12th January, 2017. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza,State House
President Edgar Lungu tries on the jacket which was presented to him by Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe on behalf of Kitwe United Football Club, at State House on Friday, 12th January, 2017. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza,State House

Daniel Munkombwe personally thanks President Edgar Lungu for his evacuation

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Daniel Munkombwe personally thanks President Edgar Lungu for his evacuation

Former Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has met President Edgar Lungu at state house to thank him for his evacuation to South Africa for medical treatment when he fell ill last year.

Mr. Munkombwe met the Head of State today and told journalists at state house that he remains indebted to President Lungu and the government of Zambia for saving his life when he was battling with an illness he did not disclose last year.

He noted that after serving in government for many years, he considers all Zambians as his relatives and finds what the President and government did for him as an honor.

Mr. Munkombwe who served in various government portfolios under all the republican presidents except President Lungu said he came to state house to show his gratefulness to the head of state for his gesture.

And Mr. Munkombwe encouraged politicians to be in harmony with each other despite having different viewpoints.

He said it was important for political leaders to get on well with each other even when they oppose one another on opinions.

The veteran politician noted that when he served in government, and as a politician he has people who opposed him but managed to get on with them well.

Mr. Munkombwe also served as Patriotic Front Southern Province Chairperson before he resigned to join the UPND at the height of political tension in the party in 2015, when the ruling party lost its President, Michael Sata who was also republican President.

President Edgar Lungu with Mr Daniel Munkombwe with Mr Matiya Ngalande at State house after Lunch 5588

Protesting SADC drivers at Kasumbalesa border demand shut down of Whiskey check point in DRC

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Protesting SADC drivers at Kasumbalesa border demand shut down of Whiskey check point in DRC

Trucks waiting to be cleared at Kasumbalesa border
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) truck drivers at Kasumbalesa boarder post in Chililabombwe District on the Copperbelt province have demanded for the closure of Whiskey check point in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

SADC truck drivers vice president Webby Puta said that all documentations that are done at Whiskey check point should be done at Kasumbalesa boarder post to decongest the long ques.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Puta noted that if Whiskey check point is closed and truck drivers be cleared at Kasumbalesa boarder post they will be going straight to the off loading bay cutting the distance of 90km.

He stated that because of this check point truck drivers are made to spend days at the check point thereby causing security issues as they are attacked by thieves.

Mr. Puta added that drivers will continue protesting until the said check point is closed.

The irate South African driver have been protesting for five days now.

Addressing the drivers earlier, Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo and upper Katanga governor Celistin Kapopo pleaded with the drivers to stop the protest and drive into Congo to deliver their merchandise.

Mr. Kapopo explained that he needed sometime to engage central government of DRC on the issue of whisky checkpoint as it was sensitive.

Kabwe PF calls for the suspension of MP Tutwa Ngulube

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Kabwe PF calls for the suspension of MP Tutwa Ngulube
Kabwe Central Mp-Tutwa Ngulube and Kasama-central Mp-Kelvin Sampa at the PF-interactive Forum

Patriotic Front members in Kabwe have petitioned the Provincial executive to suspend Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Tutwa Ngulube from the party.

The ruling party members presented the petition through Kabwe Central constituency Chairman Andrew Sinyangwe.

Mr. Sinyangwe said the constituency had lagged behind in-terms of development because the area Member of Parliament is not ready to work with other organs of the party.

And the District Chairman Richard Bango said the decision by the lower organs was long overdue because the area member of parliament has been dividing the party.

Mr. Bango who also presented the petition to the Provincial Chairman Chanda Mutale said the party in the district was behind the leadership of President Edgar Lungu.

Provincial Chairman Chanda Mutale said the provincial executive has a disciplinary committee which will seat to look at the petition and make a decision on the matter.

On Thursday , the Kabwe lawmaker sued the party for trying to violate his rights as an MP and party member. Speaking to journalists shortly after filing in an injunction at the Kabwe High Court, Mr Ngulube said he has also asked the court for an injunction restraining the PF from expelling him as doing so would affect his rights as MP and as a member of the party.

“Today, the 11th of January, 2018, I have decided to sue the PF and asked the court for an injunction restraining them from victimising me because what they are trying to do is going to affect my rights as MP and as a member of the party,” said Mr Ngulube.

Mr Ngulube confirmed that the matter of expelling him from the party has now been launched and becomes a court case, adding that what remained was to serve the party in the province with the documents so that the legal battle can begin.

Mr Ngulube said as far as he was concerned, the issue of trying to expel him from the party was a serious matter because the people who are trying to do so have no authority under the PF constitution to expel an MP.

He added that the person who appointed them to push for his expulsion, also do not have the powers to appoint them.

“As far as I am concerned, this is not a matter we should even be joking about because the people who want to deal with me do not have the powers under the PF constitution to deal with the MP,” said Mr Ngulube.

He stated that the decision to sue the PF follows its plan to expel him through a meeting that is scheduled to take place in Kabwe yesterday at the PF provincial office.

He said if the party proceeds with the meeting, they should discuss other issues and not the case that is in the courts of law

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