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.
City of Lusaka have re-appointed Francis Majaka as team head coach ahead of the 2018 FAZ Division One campaign.
Majaka, who coached City to winning promotion to the Super Division in 2006, will be assisted by Charles Kafula.
He takes over the City coaching job from Italian Roberto Landi whose contract ended in December last year.
According to club chairman Justin Zulu, Majaka and Kafula have been handed one-year performance based contracts with the task of guiding Yamoto back to the Super Division.
“I am very happy that the technical committee led by Desmond Mugawa has done its work professionally. There was transparency in the whole process of recruiting the new coach,” Zulu said.
Majaka has previously coached Nkwazi and National Assembly while Kafula once served as an assistant coach at his old club Red Arrows.
City are seeking a quick return to the Super Division after being demoted last season.
Ex- Zambia captain Christopher Katongo has weighed-in on bench-warming goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene but also warned that the Zambia bench must pragmatic.
Mweene has spent the last two seasons on the bench at Mamelodi Sundowns but has continued to enjoy first choice status with Chipolopolo despite his lack of game time.
“I think it not is easy for me to say this or that, to criticize any players or talk about the truth but what is important is for the coach to select the best keeper or best player who will bring more honour to the country,” Katongo told journalists in Johannesburg.
“Otherwise he needs to follow people who have more game time and who are doing well at club level.
“But we also need the experienced players.
“This is what is killing Zambian football; when you take out all the experienced players and bring in the young players.”
Katongo said the onus was on Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda to find a rational balance.
“I think they (Nyirenda) have a different philosophy,” Katongo said.
“For me I want to tell my coach that he needs the players who have been there, he still needs the players who have an experience of being at the AFCON.
“He needs the people who have grip on what is happening .And no matter what, he needs those people.”
Katongo also warned that even the World’s elite coaches knew the importance of a balanced team and being open-minded.
“By the way in this World, you must be ready to be thought, whether you are a top coach, whether you are Mourinho or Guardiola,” Katongo said.
“These top level coaches can still be taught. So if our African coaches are ready to be like that, I think we can produce a coach who will represent Africa well at the World Cup and be successful like Herve Renard.”
The ruling PF has accused the opposition UPND of having sponsored the riots in Kanyama that erupted Friday morning.
In a statement, PF Media Director Sunday Chanda said that the slogan-chanting UPND cadres burnt tyres as they fought running battles with the Police under what they had disguised as a protest by “traders” from Kanyama who were moved to another site following the Cholera breakout.
Mr Chanda said that today’s protests were politically engineered by UPND in their quest to politicize the Cholera outbreak and that PF had warned about this 48 hours ago, and UPND went on to deny it.
Below is the full statement
THE POLITICIZATION OF CHOLERA WE WARNED ABOUT CONFIRMED
Lusaka, Zambia, 12th January 2018 – The statement circulating on social media attributed to the PF Department and apportioning blame on street vendors is fake and must be ignored with the highest levels of contempt it deserves.
Today, slogan-chanting UPND cadres burnt tyres as they fought running battles with the Police under what they had disguised as a protest by “traders” from Kanyama who were moved to another site following the Cholera breakout.
Today’s protests were politically engineered by UPND in their quest to politicize the Cholera outbreak. We had warned about this 48 hours ago and UPND went on to deny it. Today, UPND cadres chanting their Party slogans took to the streets in Kanyama, burnt tyres and threatened public peace.
We find such politics to be obnoxious and against the acceptable standards of decency acceptable in politics. We wonder what UPND seeks to gain if they disrupt ongoing Cholera interventions.
We have said before and saying it again that UPND’s desperation because it is threatening the national security and unity of our Country.
In 2017, Zambians witnessed the burning down of Courts and markets as well as acts of sabotage targeting Zesco power lines with a clear view to make Zambia ungovernable and UPND was implicated.
Zambia does not need a political party that is ready to place lives of innocent supporters in harm’s way just to make a statement. We have seen innocent lives lost such as the late Mapenzi Chibulo who was short during UPND protests.
We do not want to imagine what would have happened in Kanyama today had the Zambia Police reacted with maximum force. Lives could have been lost all because of a political party seeking to prove political relevance.
In this regard, we wish to commend the Zambia Police for exhibiting maximum restraint in Kanyama after the politically staged-managed protests.
Lastly, we call on Zambians to condemn UPND’s politicization of the Cholera outbreak. This is immoral and amounts to a party attempting to indirectly celebrate a misfortune.
Cholera is a matter of public health and we call on the rest of society, traders and street vendors inclusive, to cooperate with the necessary measures government has taken so far in protecting lives.
Issued by:
Sunday Chanda Media Director – PF *PARTY HEADQUARTERS*
Defending FAZ Super Division champions Zesco United are set for a one week training camp in Mongu.
The 2017 champions kicked off their 2018 pre-season training on January 8 at their Trade Fair Ground base in Ndola.
“We are going away to Monday for seven days starting next Wednesday,” Zesco coach Tenant Chembo said.
Zesco have just completed their first week of pre-season with home-based players who include striker Winston Kalengo who has returned after a two year stint at Congo-Brazzaville giants AC Leopards.
Ghana-born forward Adams Zikiru, who has joined from Nchanga Rangers, has also been part of the first weekend of training.
Nkwazi striker Lameck Banda, defender’s Solomon Sakala from Napsa Stars and Edward Tembo of City of Lusaka are the other new faces who have reported for pre-season training.
“Everyone should be in before we leave. We are expecting the Kenyans and the Burundi guys to arrive on January 13,” Chembo said.
Jesse Were, Anthony Akumu and David Owino from Kenya including the Burundi duo of Enock Sabamukama and goalkeeper Dieudonne Ntibahezwa are all still away on holiday.
Meanwhile, Zesco’s first scheduled assignment for the year will be an away date in Zanzibar against JKU during the weekend of February 12.
The two sides play in a 2018 CAF Champions League preliminary round, first leg match before Zesco hosts JKU in Ndola on February 17.
ZAMBIA ARMY OFFICER PATROLLING THE STREETS OF LUSAKA
The Zambia Army has moved into Kanyama to quell the riots that have rocked the area.
Kanyama residents on Friday morning ran amok destroying property worth millions of Kwacha in protest against the removal of marketeers at Total filling station in the area.
The irate residents have also burnt a tipper truck and looted several shops in the area.
Police armed in full riot gear fought running battles with the protesters who threw stones.
Police led by Lusaka Division Commissioner of Police Nelson Phiri had a tough time to calm the rioters.
And addressing the rioters Mr Phiri appealed to them to removal objects used to block the roads but all was in vain.
And the traders complained that they were not warned and were surprised to see armed officers who told them to vacate the trading place.
Meanwhile, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Political Consultant Chishimba Kambwili has condemned government for removing street vendors in Lusaka’s central business district amid fears of the cholera spread.
Mr. Kambwili said that he has been to many countries which allow street vending and their streets are always clean.
Mr Kambwili said that the cholera outbreak in Lusaka and some parts of the country is as a result of the local authority’s poor attitude in waste management and not street vending.
Kambwili says Zambia is crumbling as a result of misplaced priorities and irresponsible leadership.
“Cholera was first reported in October and if this was a serious government they would have taken preventive measures back then.
“Now the poor are being punished because of an epidemic that is preventable. Instead of commissioning exorbitant priced roads and airports, as well as globe trotting and spending money on unnecessary things you could have prevented this by diverting that money into sanitation,” he says.
Kambwili said that the common man on the street is suffering.
“The poor marketeers and street vendors are now suffering because they are hungry, their livelihoods have been taken away from them in a flash and there is nothing worse than a government that does not prioritise the poor people.
And Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo has directed Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja to ensure that the situation is put under control.
Speaking when he featured on Radio Phoenix’s Let the People Talk Program, Mr. Kampyongo says Mr. Kanganja should reinforce the officers to control the situation.
The Home Affairs Minister has also advised innocent residents in the area to remain indoors as the police deal with the rioters.
Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo has refuted media reports suggesting that a police officer has been killed by irate residents in Kanyama during the riot.
Meanwhile, Government is set to connect Kanyama Township to piped water. Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Permanent Secretary Eddy Chomba confirmed the development when he signed a contract with China Civil Engineering to start setting up the water network.
Bishop Chomba says the project which is slated to be completed within the next seven months is meant to provide a permanent solution to the Cholera epidemic.
He says government is waging a war against Cholera which is why many stakeholders have come on board to fight it.
China Civil Engineering General Manager Eric Ding has promised the government and Zambians that he will do quality works on the water network.
Mr. Ding says his company’s partnership with Zambia has resulted in great works completed including the TAZARA railway line constructed about forty year’s ago.
1 A Front end loader from Chipata City Council demolishes an illegal structure allegedly built on top of an Eastern Water and Sewerage Company water pipe near Kapata Market in Chipata. This was during a cleanup exercise to curb the spread of cholera in the district. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
2 A Front end loader from Chipata City Council demolishes an illegal structure allegedly built on top of an Eastern Water and Sewerage Company water pipe near Kapata Market in Chipata. This was during a cleanup exercise to curb the spread of cholera in the district. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
3 AN Illegally built waterborne toilet at one of the residences in Chipata is being demolished to curb the spread of cholera. The toilet is also alleged to have been illegally connected to the sewer line of the Eastern Water and Sewerage Company. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
4 RESIDENTS participate in the cleaning exercise at Kapata Bus station in Chipata to curb the spread of cholera which has broken out in the district. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
5 AN Environmental Health Technologist at Mwami Border Post educates travelers crossing the border from Malawi about issues of cholera which has broken out in the country. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
6 Workers contracted by Serenje town council working on the drainage system at the Serenje bus station to improve the drainage system. The measure will help in preventing an out-break of Cholera in the district.
7 Shopkeepers at down town in Serenje district participate in the cleaning of the surroundings to prevent an outbreak of Cholera. This was during the recent cleaning exercise spearheaded by Serenje the town council.
8 A cook preparing food in one of a restaurant in Serenje district.
9 Mongu District Commissioner Susiku Kamona (r) inspecting the demolition exercise and closure of Kaoma-Kaoma Market make-shift structures as a preventive measure against the outbreak of Cholera in Mongu
10 Garbage heaps and temporal pit latrines here, are some of the factors which has led to the demolition and closure of Kaoma-Kaoma Market make-shift structures as a preventive measure against the outbreak of Cholera in Mongu
11 Zambia Police Officers stand guard during the demolition exercise and closure of Kaoma-Kaoma Market make-shift structures as a preventive measure against the outbreak of Cholera in Mongu
12 Traders comply during the demolition exercise and closure of Kaoma-Kaoma Market make-shift structures as a preventive measure against the outbreak of Cholera in Mongu
13 The Zambia Environmental Management Agency on Monday swung into action and removed scavengers operating from the Chunga dump site in Lusaka. Officials from ZEMA and a team of stakeholders and security personnel moved in to halt waste picking and scavenging from the Chunga disposal site which is the designated waste disposal site for Lusaka City.
14 The Zambia Environmental Management Agency on Monday swung into action and removed scavengers operating from the Chunga dump site in Lusaka. Officials from ZEMA and a team of stakeholders and security personnel moved in to halt waste picking and scavenging from the Chunga disposal site which is the designated waste disposal site for Lusaka City.
15 The Zambia Environmental Management Agency on Monday swung into action and removed scavengers operating from the Chunga dump site in Lusaka. Officials from ZEMA and a team of stakeholders and security personnel moved in to halt waste picking and scavenging from the Chunga disposal site which is the designated waste disposal site for Lusaka City.
16 The Zambia Environmental Management Agency on Monday swung into action and removed scavengers operating from the Chunga dump site in Lusaka. Officials from ZEMA and a team of stakeholders and security personnel moved in to halt waste picking and scavenging from the Chunga disposal site which is the designated waste disposal site for Lusaka City.
17
18 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera. Here street vendor picking the remains of the make shifts stalls.-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
19 Kasama Municipal Deputy Mayor Osward Mukuka (work suit) when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action to demolisheall makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera today.-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
20 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera. Independence road after the demolition exercise. -Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
21 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera.-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
22 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera. Here street vendor unblocking the drainage at NCU market were they intend to relocate-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
23 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera. Independence road after the demolition exercise. -Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
24 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera.-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS)
25 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera. Here street vendor unblocking the drainage at NCU market were they intend to relocate-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
26 Business came to a standstill in Kasama today when a team of Council officers and state security swung into action and demolished all makeshifts in the central business area in a bid to prevent the outbreak of cholera.-Picture by Mary Bwembya (ZANIS).
27 Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya (centre) , Kanyama area member of parliament Elizabeth Phiri (right) and deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Mvunga (left)taking the oral cholera vaccine to officially launch the vaccine in Kanyama Mutanda bantu
28 Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya (centre) , Kanyama area member of parliament Elizabeth Phiri (right) and deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Mvunga (left)taking the oral cholera vaccine to officially launch the vaccine in Kanyama Mutanda bantu
29 Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya (centre) , Kanyama area member of parliament Elizabeth Phiri (right) and deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Mvunga (left)taking the oral cholera vaccine to officially launch the vaccine in Kanyama Mutanda bantu
30 Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya giving the.oral cholera vaccine to a boy to officially launch the vaccine in Kanyama Mutanda bantu .looking on is area member of parliament Elizabeth Phiri (right) and deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Mvunga (left)
31 Kanyama Residents queue up for Cholera vaccine
32 Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya giving the.oral cholera vaccine to a boy to officially launch the vaccine in Kanyama Mutanda bantu .looking on is area member of parliament Elizabeth Phiri (right) and deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Mvunga (left)
33 Cholera vaccine being administered to Kanyama Residents
34 Cholera vaccine being administered to Kanyama Residents
35 Minister of Local Government Vincent Mwale administering Cholera vaccine
36 Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya giving the.oral cholera vaccine to a boy to officially launch the vaccine in Kanyama Mutanda bantu .looking on is area member of parliament Elizabeth Phiri (right) and deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Mvunga (left)
37 The Launch of the Cholera vaccine to fight the spread of the disease
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Trade or stay poor
Last year in 2016, Minister, Madame Dora Siliya said the following about agriculture, “Government has challenged stakeholders in the agriculture sector to boost agricultural products exports from about US$645 million last year to US$2 billion to build up on revenue to cushion the trade deficit.” She was referring to exports for 2015. In 2016, Zambia’s exports of top 19 agricultural products amounted to about $654million, almost the same number as that which came from the Minister’s mouth, which is about 11% of total exports of the country of about $6 billion that year (Table 1). The Minister had a point. Zambia’s agricultural exports are simply too low to write home about. Why are we exporting only three main agricultural products? The economic strength of many countries lies in the quantity and quality of what they export to the world. Nations are reducing poverty, building better lives for their citizens and even helping others largely because of their success in diversified and value-added trade. Success in trade has enabled nations to stop begging and instead to rely on themselves. Success in trade has a huge multiplier effect on nations. In 1989, in a book, “Everything is negotiable,” Gavin Kennedy was right when he said, “Trade or stay poor, that is the bottom line for every country that aspires to compete in the world economic system. If you don’t trade at all you will have sealed your fate as surely as if you had gone in for free-fall parachuting – without a parachute.”
The Minister means well. It is the traders that trade. But the Minister must facilitate this trade. I am not privileged to information about this facilitation but clearly, Zambia’s exporters in agriculture have to do better than they are currently doing. Look at the top three agricultural exports products in Table 1, comprising tobacco with exports of only $163million, maize with $114 million and sugar with only $113million. The money in dollar values are simply too low to achieve the target of $ 2billion professed by the Minister. Yes, she is right that exports need to go up. And up in big numbers.
Table 1: Zambia’s exports of top 19 agriculture products to world in $ Millions
Cereal preparations, flour of fruits or vegetables
9
14
Mechanical handling equipment, & parts, n.e.s.
8
15
Lead
8
16
Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (excluding flour)
8
17
Edible products and preparations, n.e.s.
6
18
Barley, unmilled
6
19
Spices
4
Total of the 19 top products in $Millions
654
Share in %
11
Source: Unctadstat
We must always compare what we do with other countries
It is always important to compare what we do with other countries. One of the reasons why Zambia is not globally competitive is simply that we don’t bother to look at other countries. If we were able to integrate competitiveness in our daily work, we would probably be doing better today. I remember my working life at BP Zambia then as a salesman. You were a failure if you did not carry with you a file every day detailing competitive figures of other filling stations to see where BP was. No wonder, BP was always on top. That is something I learnt from the managing director then called Lishomwa. It is a pity that such successful Zambian managers are not an integral part of the bigger picture – the Government. So, even Minister Siliya must have that kind of file in her hands. She must know how Zimbabwe, Malawi and other neighboring countries are doing in agriculture. Look at Table 2 below, showing Viet Nam’s exports of the top six agriculture products. We boast of exporting maize and professing that Zambia will become a hub of agriculture in Southern Africa or compete in the world. But there are countries like Viet Nam who have never known a culture of boasting but are heavy weights in agriculture exports. Viet Nam’s exports of these products are all in billions, with spices, the least fetching $1.5 billion. Is it that the soil in Viet Nam is more fertile than in Zambia? I don’t think so. One reason is that Asians work harder than we do generally. They grow their own food for consumption and exports. But we don’t. They simply have a different mindset from ours. We like making big statements about small successes even pledges. We talk about agriculture as being important to our economy and livelihood. But this is a myth and an absurd thing to be proud of. It absorbs about 60% of the labor force but it is low productivity and traditional agriculture.
Table 2: Viet Nam’s Exports of Top 6 Agriculture Products in $ Millions
2016
Fruits and nuts (excluding oil nuts), fresh or dried
In the five decades, growth of Zambia’s agriculture value added in the economy has been pathetic, to say the least, and everyone has admitted that this is due to limited investment. Again, to prove that we talk more than we do, the high-pitched preaching that agriculture is important has not been matched with investment. In 2015 for example, total agriculture in the economy stood at only $1.6 billion or less than $2billion from $139million in 1970. If you consider how that has grown over the years, on an annual basis, the image below in Figure 1 provide the answer. Normally, growth is explained in percentage terms but for me, it conceals the real picture. In Figure 1, growth is shown in absolute values or dollars per year. There is only one year, in 2007 when growth went over $400 million. In percentage terms, agriculture value added in the economy has lamentably dropped from about 33%, the highest level ever achieved in 1993 to 8% in 2015. That is terrible. You cannot expect this kind of growth to be used to reduce poverty or improve living standards of people because the numbers are simply too low. Serious growth must around $2 billion each year. We, especially agriculture business people need to do more work and avoid showboating. It cannot always be the Government that has not done its work. This Zambian business sector is simply a joke.
Figure 1: Annual Growth of Zambia’s agriculture value added in GDP in $ Millions
Why is Agriculture Budget allocation declining if we are serious about it?
If we want to match what we preach with action, one best way is to look at the budget allocation of agriculture. We don’t have figures for 201 to 2017. But the budget for the period 2009 to 2014 in Figure 2 shows that the share of agriculture in total budget of the country declined from 7.2% in 2009 to 6.8% in 2010, then down to 6.0% in 2011, then down to 5.8% in 2013and finally down to 4.1% in 2014. This is not a trend of budget that demonstrates seriousness about our vision for agriculture.
Figure 2: Agriculture national budget allocation in share percentages: 2009 – 2014
When Zambians ask for agriculture, they must be given a professional Minister
Leadership matters in agriculture. When a child asks for bread, he is not given bread, not a stone. We cannot preach strong love for agriculture but give the ministerial post to someone who has no academic or professional qualification in the field. It is contradictory that we decide that agriculture is the country’s mainstay of the economy, that we must transform the sector and use it to create jobs, improve living standards and reduce poverty and become competitive in Africa and then select a Minister without credentials to lead the vision. The Head of State needs to be supported by academically strong Ministers and professionals. Agriculture is a highly professional field. And Zambia is lucky that since independence, President Kaunda educated many young men and women from the University of Zambia School of agriculture. There must be other Zambians working outside the country who are professionals in the field. I personally do not believe in the agriculture revolution because I prefer that the country takes the manufacturing or industrial route to development. But that is not the point. If democracy decides that we go agriculture, we must go agriculture but supported by relevant human resources. Otherwise, when history comes to judge us, we will be asked, “What was the point of erecting an expensive University and school of agriculture which produced experts but you instead decided to ignore and belittle them in place of leaders who did not obtain these qualifications? When you educate your own child in agriculture, will you not ensure that she is employed in agriculture? Can you expect productivity in agriculture from someone who is not well equipped professionally to advance agriculture? When Zambians ask for agriculture, please give them a Minister who will lead and, hopefully, the new year will do just that.
Minister of Justice Given LubindaREVELATIONS that an opposition party is building a mansion for a judge on the Constitutional Court should trigger action by law enforcement agencies,
especially that the Judiciary is flooded with matters of national interest, Justice Minister Given Lubinda has said.
Mr Lubinda charged that it was very alarming for an opposition leader to build a house for a judge, amid the many petitions that had been brought before the Judiciary
He said that enforcement agencies should not wait to be told to investigate illegalities that were being exposed in the media.
Mr Lubinda, who is Kabwata Mmber of Parliament, pointed out that the media played a critical role of shining light where people had created darkness.
He reiterated that it was the duty of the Anti-Corruption Commission and other enforcement agencies to investigate activities that might be illegal.
“ACC does not only operate on the basis of someone going there to report that such a person is involved in this and that. ACC is mandated to investigate any matter irrespective of how they got to know about it.
“The media play a critical role of shining light where people had created darkness. So, revelations that an opposition party is building a mansion for a judge on the Constitutional Court should trigger action by law enforcement agencies,” Mr Lubinda said.
Mr Lubinda said law enforcement agencies should take keen interests in the assertions that an opposition party was building a mansion for a judge.
He said that investigative wings should find out who was financing the house being built, whose was it, and what agreements the parties involved had.
Mr Lubinda said investigative wings should be proactive, and not wait for instructions to do their job.
Chilufya TayaliCHILUFYA Tayali has accused the Patriotic Front (PF) government of shielding Chishimba Kambwili from arrest because they fear he could spill the “beans”` against the system.
Mr Tayali said it is painful to see Mr Kambwili going scot-free despite alleged fraudulent activities involving the Roan Member of Parliament being availed to police.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, the Economic and Equity Party (EEP) leader complained that despite police warning and cautioning Mr. Kambwili over fraud allegations a few months ago, nothing had been done.
This was after Mr. Tayali filed a complaint of alleged fraudulent activities against Mr. Kambwili in November last year.
“Government should stop shielding Mr Chishimba Kambwili from prosecution for his fraudulent activities.
“Despite having reported and availed evidence to the police over Mr Kambwili’s fraudulent activities almost two months ago, nothing has been done,” complained Mr Tayali.
The EEP leader also said he was let down by the investigative wings for allegedly failing to arrest Mr Kambwili when the evidence was availed to them two months ago.
He said that he was more than ready to testify in court that Mr Kambwili committed a crime.
“I have provided evidence before the police but it’s unfortunate that I’m just being let down by the investigative wings and the security wings.
“It is the same issue that I am facing with Mr Chishimba Kambwili, I have reported him to the police and I have given evidence because I just don’t talk. I am very convinced that Mr Kambwili committed criminality, it is out of the evidence that I have that I have taken this matter to the police but look what is happening. I reported him and gave evidence some months ago but up to now he is still roaming the street without being arrested,” he stated.
“ Why is the PF protecting Kambwili and I must tell you that I started complaining against Mr Kambwili together with other ministers way before he was fired but he was being protected by PF but I am surprised that even after being fired, the PF has continued protecting him.
“What is it that Kambwili knows that the PF are scared of that if they touch him it might spill over? Why are they not arresting Mr. Kambwili because I am complaining in the interest of justice because many times when you report a poor person in the morning at 08:00 hours, by 08:30 hours that person will be inside the cells?’’ he asked.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same event Mr Tayali has commended government for circumspective response to combat cholera. “We note, especially, the Presidential intervention which has drawn concerted efforts from various ministries, preeminently, the Ministry of Health and Local Government.
Four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji – you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives
PROS
Great performance by the whole cast especially Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Heart.
Easy to follow, hilarious storyline.
CONS
The villain was one-dimensional and had no real purpose.
FAVORITE QUOTE
Dr. Smolder Bravestone: This is a video game, which means we have special skills.
[Bravestone runs at super speed]
Moose Finbar: Why am I running so slow?
Martha: [sarcasm] Are you gonna help, or are you too pretty?
Bethany: [serious] I’m too pretty.
CONCLUSSION
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a stand alone sequel to the original 1995 Jumanji film that starred Robin Williams. Very few remakes, reboots or sequels live up to the original but ‘Welcome to the Jungle‘ is the exception. It feels fresh and original. Both fans of the original and those who never watched it will enjoy the current adaptation.
The teenaged protagonists in Welcome to the Jungle are very much archetypes (the nerd, the jock, the outsider, and the hot girl) and are presented as two-dimensional stereotypes for much of the film. What makes the characters fun are the performances by the older actors as their in-game avatars.The trio of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Heart, and Jack Black was comedic gold. They had great on-screen chemistry that made the movie flow seamlessly.
The only weak point about the movie is the villain, Van Pelt, played by Bobby Cannavale. His character was not fully developed. He was basically a generic ‘bad guy’.
Jumanji: Welcome to the jungle is a great movie that the whole family can enjoy.It has something for everyone.
astern Province Minister Makebi Zulu confers with World Bank Group Coordinator, Climate Smart Agriculture Africa Region Ademola Braimoh during the Carbon payment recognition ceremony at (COMACO) Community Markets for Conservation officers in Chipata
Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu has challenged those accusing Government officials of being corrupt to bring evidence and mention people that are involved in the same corruption allegations.
Mr Zulu says this is the only way that the corruption allegations by former Ministers who failed to perform can be proved.
He charged that Ministers who resigned from government failed to perform according to the people’s expectations.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, Mr Zulu said ministers that resigned failed to perform and should not mislead the people by saying that there is corruption in government.
He said it is surprising that some former ministers are accusing government officials of being corrupt but are clinging on to the Patriotic Front (PF) party which is currently running the affairs of government.
Mr Zulu said serving Ministers have the mandate to deliver to see to it that what they promised the people during campaigns through the party manifesto is fulfilled.
“The moment one feels they are incapable of delivering to the expectations of the Zambian people who gave them a mandate based on the manifesto, they can go ahead and resign. But for us who are willing and are carrying the vision of the party, we will run with the vision and see to it that we implement what we promised the people through the manifesto” he said.
He said he has no intentions of resigning as Provincial Minister based on mere allegations of corruption.
Mr Zulu said government will not be frustrated with mere corruption allegations but will make sure it delivers to the people’s expectations.
Kanyama residents whose livelihood have been disturbed by the decision to ban street vending have fought running battles with riot police.
The residents who mobilized themselves this morning blocked roads, burnt tyres and threw stones at police officers who attempted to quell the unrest.
The residents were protesting against their removal from the streets and the curfew imposed on them by government.
Police threw teargas canisters which chocked several residents including elderly women and children.
Some of the residents who used to trade from the streets are demanding that they be allowed back on the streets as it is their only source of livelihood.
Samuel Mwale, an eyewitness said police fired excessive teargas which choked many innocent people.
“Please can someone to command the police to stop teargassing people right now it’s too much we shall lose lives here in Kanyama. The teargassing is too much in houses where they are little children and pregnant women. Please ba President Lungu stop these police what they are doing is bad. I cant move out of my vehicle right now with my guys because teargas concentration outside is bad,” Mr Mwale posted on his Facebook page.
By the time of publishing, the riots were still ravaging.
And opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has called for calm among Kanyama residents.
In a statement, Mr Hichilema said “We have received information that traders who were displaced from the streets and resident in Kanyama have run out of patience and are protesting, demanding to get back their trading places so that they can continue earning a living.”
He added, “We fully understand the challenges that everyone is facing at this moment but we want to call for calm as together we identify lasting solutions to these challenges.”
Mr Hichilema has further called on every well meaning Zambian not to involve themselves in violent protests that would lead to death.
“May calm be restored in our country and we hope even those whose trading places have been declared prohibited throughout the country will not resort to violence but dialogue and identify lasting solutions. It is understood that people’s lives and livelihoods have been disturbed and its time the PF took this matter seriously. The solution to roadside trading is to designate an area for traders to conduct their business.”
Kanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morningKanyama Riots this morning
A Representative of the Cooperative receives Cooperative Certificate
The Government has commenced the formalisation of illegal gold mining in Districts endowed with gold deposits through the setting up of cooperatives.
The Government through the Trade Related Facility (TRF) Project, implemented under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI) is also undertaking preliminary geological assessments of gold deposits in Petauke and Rufunsa.
This was confirmed by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development and Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretaries during the launch of sensitisation and formalisation of illegal gold mining held at Mphashya Hospital, Rufunsa District on Wednesday.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretaries Mrs Kayula Siame explained that the Government intends to promote responsible mineral production and supply chains by encouraging legalisation and formalisation of small scale mining and trading.
“It is for this reason that the two Ministries have partnered to promote responsible mining and trade of gold not only in Rufunsa but other areas where such activities are taking place,” Mrs. Siame said.
She said Government wants to build secure, transparent and verifiable value and supply chains of gold and ensure that local communities in mineral reserves benefit from these resources through organised mining and trade thereby enhance the socio-economic development of these areas.
Mrs. Siame emphasised that this whole process sits at the core of the diversification agenda that Government has embarked on.
“As you are aware, actualisation of diversification is a process. It involves putting in place both soft and hard infrastructure. Hard infrastructure will involve the construction and/ or acquisition of requisite infrastructure such as access roads, mining equipment, and refineries, among others. Soft infrastructure will involve putting in place the right governance structure and associated accessories such as rules and regulations to guide mining operations,” she said.
She explained that the joint intervention between the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Mines and Mineral Development will focus on the soft infrastructure and emphasis will be placed on developing structures to support the formalisation of mining communities in order to pave way for other interventions such issuance of mining or panning certificates.
And Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda explained that all mining and panning activities in the area remained suspended as per Ministerial directive.
Mr Chanda explained that this was for purposes of ensuring that the sector is better organised through formation of legal entities that will in future be eligible to obtain mining or panning certificates.
He also indicated that Government had commenced undertaking preliminary geological assessments of gold deposits in Petauke and Rufunsa as a means of quantifying the quantities of gold in the two areas.
He further indicated that Government was also exploring ways of developing a sustainable market for gold through the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH).
“We have tasked the two institutions to explore the possibilities of them being the sole buyers of gold that will be produced by the cooperatives and other miners. Modalities are being developed and this affirms Governments ambition to ensure that everything is in order.
He added that the cooperatives which are being formed may be capacitated with modern equipment or grants but that the issue was also under discussion.
At the launch of the sensitisations, three cooperatives where formed and issued Cooperative Certificates.
The launch was attended by local civic and traditional leadership, and the benefiting communities.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame and Mines Permanent Secretary Paul ChandaMr B Kapumpa Council Secretary and Council Chairman Mr B KalabalalaPart of the Cooperative Community
On Thursday, in a meeting with a senators and House members on immigration, the President of the United States, asked this: “Why do we want all these people from ‘shithole countries’ coming here?”
Yes, he said “shithole countries” — apparently in reference to the fact that immigrants from places like El Salvador, Haiti and Africa were being protected in a potential bipartisan deal to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and secure funding for border security.
What’s even more appalling is that the White House didn’t even try to deny that Trump used that slur, which was first reported in The Washington Post. In fact, in a lengthy statement from White House spokesman Raj Shah, the administration seemed to even defend the sentiment. “Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people,” said Shah.
Trump then suggested that the United States should instead bring more people from countries such as Norway, whose prime minister he met with Wednesday. The president, according to a White House official, also suggested he would be open to more immigrants from Asian countries because he felt they help the United States economically.
In addition, the president singled out Haiti, telling lawmakers that immigrants from that country must be left out of any deal, these people said.
“Why do we need more Haitians?” Trump said, according to people familiar with the meeting. “Take them out.”
The president’s remarks were quickly met with scorn from Democrats and some Republicans and could throw another wrench into bipartisan discussions on immigration, which had shown promise in recent days, according to legislators.
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) said the comments “will shake the confidence that people have” in the ongoing immigration policy talks.
“Democrats and Republicans in the Senate made a proposal. The answer is this racist outburst of the president. How can you take him seriously?” Gutiérrez said. “They [Republicans] don’t believe in immigration — it’s always been about people of color and keeping them out of this country.”
Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said on Twitter that Trump’s remarks “are further proof that his Make America Great Again Agenda is really a Make America White Again agenda.”
Some Republicans also raised objections. Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah), whose family is from Haiti, said in a statement that Trump’s remarks were “unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values. This behavior is unacceptable from the leader of our nation.”
Minister of Agriculture Dora Siliya(r), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Julius Shawa with Ministry of Agriculture Human Resource director Gwaba Mode during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to construct a New National Resource Development(NRD) College in chief Shakumbila’s village in Mambwa districtGovernment says it will start weaning off farmers in 2019 from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) under the Electronic Voucher system being implemented across the country.
ZANIS reports that Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Julius Shawa said the necessary framework has been put in place to ensure that farmers graduate from the e-voucher after three years.
Mr. Shawa said all necessary data on all farmers on the programme is now available and operational to closely monitor and ensure that farmers don’t perpetually over stay on the system.
“Our database is in place, we should be able to track farmers who have taken what, how long they have been, now that the system is in place, “said Mr Shawa.
Some Cooperating partners supporting the country’s agro sector and other stakeholders had raised concern on the non-graduation of farmers who had perpetually been on the FISP programme for a longer time.
Government is optimistic that the introduction and implementation of the e-voucher system will save the state a lot of money once ghost farmers are weeded out from the virtual platform for farmers.
The e-voucher system was first piloted in the 2015/2016 farming season on 241,000 farmers in 13 districts across the country and scaled up to over 600,000 farmers in 39 districts across the country in the 2016/2017 farming season.
Government has since targeted to put over one million farmers from the country’s over 100 districts on the e-voucher system in order to receive farming inputs for the 2017/2018 farming system.
Recently Minister of Agriculture Dora Siliya announced that over 840, 000 farmers had their e-voucher cards activated and assured that the remaining 160, 000 farmers will have their cards activated in due course.
