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Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga
At least one hundred and ninety three (193) Zambians visited India for medical tourism.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga said the majority were ordinary citizens who were self sponsored.
“The Government sponsored patients were referred mainly to Apollo Hospital New Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai with whom the Government of Zambia entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with,” she said.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga said others were sent to Yashoda hospitals in Hyderabad after Government recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Yashoda Group of hospitals in Hyderabad.
She said among the common problems were; heart, renal, sickle cell anaemia, tumour and cancer conditions.
“I regret to mention that the Mission recorded a total of seven (7) deaths and we facilitated the repatriation of the remains of the deceased through authentication of necessary documents as required by the laws of India,” Mrs. Kapijimpanga said.
She said the Mission was happy to note that two MOUs were signed between the Zambian Government and two Indian multi specialty hospitals, Yashoda and Apollo.
“We are in talks with Cytecare Cancer Hospital that has offered to retrain Zambian cancer oncologists at no cost to the Zambian Government,” Mrs. Kapijimpanga said.
She said the Mission also facilitated a visit to Zambia of Ping Pong Chief Executive Officer Siddhart Jaain Jain who plans to build multi specialty hospital in Zambia.
“We want to take advantage of the fully sponsored post graduate medical progammes by the Government of India in the promotion of traditional medicine through the Ministry of Ayush of India,” Mrs. Kapijimpanga added.
This was contained in a statement made available by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in New Delhi India, Bangwe Naviley.
Prominent PF Member Kelvin Bwalya Fube has proposed that the party holds a party indaba to resolve a lot of issues affecting the general membership of the party.
Mr Fube said the general memebefship of the PF is currently not happy with the way things are moving in the party.
He has since appealed to the general membership of the Patriotic Front to calm down and be patient for a little while.
Mr Fube said that while he is alive to the frustrations, grievances and anger that many of the general membership of the Patriotic Front are feeling, he agrees that members have every right to complain and demand answers from the leadership when things do not seem right.
In an open letter, Mr Fube has proposed the weekend of 12th/13th and 14th January 2018 as the feasible earliest time for such an indaba.
Below is the full letter from Mr Fube
I HUMBLY CALL FOR A PF PARTY INDABA – KBF
To My Dear PF Family,
Season’s Greetings.
Allow me to outrightly apologize to those who shall be offended by my call for an indaba. I have learnt that people will always construe things according to the positions they have chosen to take. This I cannot help. My concern is the unity and future of the Party.
I have come to the conclusion that silence is not always golden. I am therefore, humbly appealing to the general membership of the Patriotic Front to calm down and be patient for a little while. I am alive to the frustrations, grievances and anger that many of the general membership of the Patriotic Front are feeling. I agree that members have every right to complain and demand answers from the leadership when things do not seem right.
I know that we as a party have got problems and we must face them and deal with them together. I accept and believe that we as the Patriotic Front Party have the best members because our members have fought for the party and given it all they have without complaint and without revolt. This we must applaud as leaders and take responsibility for the unhappiness of our members because they as members have played their part repeatedly and it is we the leaders who must reciprocate.
That being said, I am appealing to the general membership, especially our youths to take a “Michael Sata Chill Pill” and reflect. During this reflection period let us please allow the leadership an opportunity to attend to the concerns that the membership has raised and brought to the fore over the last few weeks.
In view of the foregoing, it is now my humble appeal to His Excellency the President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu to sanction my call for a leadership/membership indaba. The purpose for this important gathering is to bring together
# Central Committee
# Parliamentary representatives
# Women’s representatives
# Youth representatives
# Party stalwarts
# Special groups representatives
# Any other groups that may be deemed necessary.
Whereas it is my earnest belief that the indaba is an urgent opportunity, I am alive to the time of and season of the year and therefore propose the weekend of 12th/13th and 14th January 2018 as the feasible earliest time for such an indaba.
Further, I earnestly besiege the President’s indulgence that a steering committee to spearhead the indaba be constituted; comprising, The Party Secretary General Mr Davies Mwila, The DSG Madam Mumbi Phiri, The Women’s Chairlady Honourable Jean Kapata, The Youth Chairman Honourable Steven Kampyongo, 2 Members of Parliament, The Media Director Mr Sunday Chanda, Colonel Panji Kaunda, Mr Mumba Kapumpa SC and I, including any other persons the President may deem necessary to be part of such a committee.
It is my sincere hope that I have caused no offence and truly hope and pray that the proposed indaba can and will help bridge the gap between the leadership and the general membership.
It is my sincere submission that the President sanctions this indaba.
As the Green Party, we are extremely depressed by incoherent statements coming from government officials on the export of mukula logs laden in the 21 containerized trucks impounded three days ago by youths claiming to be PF members are extremely depressing.
First of all, we are alive to the statement made by the Minister of Lands Jean Kapata in July this year when she informed the nation that Government has banned harvesting, transportation, trading and export of Mukula tree in accordance with Statutory Instrument number 94 of 2015.
We are also alive to the statement by the same Minister when three days ago she informed the nation that all illegal cargoes of Mukula logs that have been seized and forfeited to the State will be auctioned. Meantime, Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale says ZAFFICO has been mandated by government to export the illegally harvested and confiscated mukula logs to China. So, between the minister responsible for forest management and the permanent secretary responsible for defence, who is telling the nation the truth?
The minister responsible for management says the ban for harvesting, transportation, and trading in Mukula logs for export is still in force, while the permanent secretary responsible for defence says the 21 containerized trucks which ZAFFICO was transporting from Lusaka to Chirundu and from Mporokoso to Chirundu is for export to China? So, between the minister responsible for forest management and the permanent secretary responsible for defence, who is telling the nation the truth?
If, policy and law on the ban for harvesting, transportation, and trading in Mukula logs for export has been lifted without knowledge of the minister responsible for forest management, what lawful criteria was used government or ZAFFICO to select the buyers in China? Why China? Why not anywhere else in the world? Has any payment been made? How much is involved? When was the payment done, and in whose favour? Was there any tendering according to the law? Was the auction in accordance with the Laws of Zambia? When were the adverts placed in the Government Gazette, and other public media?
Clearly, the whole episode is depressing and stinks of corruption and other illegalities. Sadly, the Anti-Corruption Commission and other agencies responsible for combating economic and financial crimes are too compromised to credibly investigate the matter.
Peter Sinkamba
President
Green Party
31 December, 2017
Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba says Zambia has always advocated for a two state solution to the Palestine and Israeli challenges.
Mr Kalaba said that it was normal procedure for a country to abscond from voting on a proposed motion at the United Nations, as doing so is expressing a vote in itself.
Mr Kalaba said Zambia would like to see a peaceful settlement of the impasse between Israel and Palestine.
He said Zambia enjoys cordial relations with both Israel and Palestine adding that both countries have Ambassadors resident in Zambia.
Mr Kalaba also said Zambia being a Christian nation understands and values the important role that Jerusalem plays in the Christian faith, as well as its importance to the people of Palestine.
He said Zambia was not the only country but was amongst the 35 who absconded on the vote to move the capital of Israel to Jerusalem.
And Mr Kalaba called for unity amongst Zambia as the country goes into a new year.
He says Zambians must work at that which united them and avoid that which divides the country.
In his message of love and unity in the Nation, Mr Kalaba said time had come for Zambians to push differences aside but work for a common good and develop the Country.
He was speaking at Bole International Airport when he transited from France.
Mr Kalaba was received by Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta and newly appointed Minister Counsellor John Chanda Chisanga.
Zambia National Service (ZNS) Chief of Training and Operations Josphat Jere has commended the Zambia National Service Luamfumu Unit in Mansa for the continued increase in the number of Cattle at the unit.
Brigadier General Jere says it is gratifying to see that since the time the unit began the rearing of Cattle with 84 heads the numbers have kept on increasing to up to the present number of over 250 animals.
Brigadier General Jere has since directed the Zambia National Service Luamfumu Unit to get prepared and engage in the production of Hey and supply to other units.
Zambia National Service Chief of Training and Operations said this when he officiated at this year’s Luamfumu Unit Officers Annual Ball last night.
Brigadier General Jere has since stressed the need for continued accountability saying as the service ventures into deferent businesses there is need to place accountability highly if the service is to enjoy the benefits of its businesses.
He said the service command will not tolerate any misapplication of funds and urged the unit to remain united and not to allow pertness to divide the unit.
And Zambia National Service Luamfumu Unit Commanding Officer Luke Mumba reviewed that the vision of the Luamfumu Unit is to transform the unit into a model unit of the Zambia National Service.
Lieutenant Colonel Mumba disclosed that in line with government policy to make agriculture one of the major drivers of the economy the unit has grown 50 hectors maize in the 2017/ 2018 farming season.
Lieutenant Colonel Mumba says the unit is delighted that the ranch is now able to support itself in infrastructure development in a bid to even grow more.
He said apart from its own business ventures the unit has continued to bring sanity in many of its operations including in the illegal trade of the Mukula Tree in the Province.
The colorful Zambia National Service Officers Annual Ball was also attended by Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba and other senior government Officials from Luapula Province.
Esther Katongo
Police in Lusaka have apprehended one criminal and are still looking for three others for robbing a Rwandese national of K4,000.00 at gunpoint at his shop in Lusaka ‘s Ngombe Compound .
Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Esther Mwaata Katongo said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka that the quartet staged an Aggravated Robbery on 29th December, 2017 at about 20 00 hours at a shop located on Zambezi road belonging to the Rwandese national.
Ms Katongo said the criminals who were armed with a pistol and driving a motor vehicle Toyota Corrolla white in colour attacked the Rwandese national while in his shop and stole money amounting to K4000.
The Police Spokesperson identified the apprehended suspect as Martin Simutowe of Chamba valley who was armed with a pistol while the other three criminals sped away to unknown destination.
Meanwhile, Ms Katongo has disclosed that a Rwandese national aged 29 years who was attacked by criminals armed with machetes and knives on 26th December, 2017 whilst at his shop in Kanyama Compound died yesterday, 29th December, 2017 at about 01 00 hours.
She said the victim identified as Jean Boston Bahati was admitted to UTH after sustaining deep cuts in the head.
Ms Katongo said the body is in UTH mortuary awaiting postmoterm and that investigations in the matter have continued.
“…the goodness of God leads you to repentance.”
(Romans 2:4, NKJV)
His Goodness Leads You to Him
In the natural, when we’ve wronged someone, sometimes it’s easier to avoid them than to face the discomfort or potential rejection.
Oftentimes, people have this same approach to God. Have you ever heard someone say, “If I walk into church, the roof will cave in?” They think they should keep their distance because of the wrong they’ve done. But nothing could be further from the truth! God’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! He’s waiting for you with open arms. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done; know that His goodness is what’s drawing you to Him.
Today, don’t let condemnation keep you from going to God. Trust His kindness. He wants you to experience His goodness. He wants to show you His faithfulness. He’s promised He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. Turn to Him today and let Him pour His lovingkindness out on you and empower you to live the good life that He has planned for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your kindness. I come to You and repent of any sin that would keep me from You. Give me strength to live in the blessing You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Boxing sensation Alfred Muwowo has successfully defended his African Boxing Union Flyweight title on the first attempt with a 3rd round knockout win over Dalisizwe Komani of South Africa.
Muwowo barely broke any sweat after easily dropping Komani in each round of their ABU title fight at Government Complex in Lusaka on December 30.
Komani, who had not seen any action for over a year, was clearly rusty against his 20 year old opponent who was also 15 years his junior.
Muwowo is now unbeaten in his last eight fights with his last six wins all coming via knock-outs.
Meanwhile, ex-WBC Super Bantamweight champion Catherine Phiri returned to winning ways with a knockout victory over Rukia Nasirite of Kenya in her non-title bout.
However, there was a controversial home town decision in favour of Lolita Muzeya who was clearly out boxed by Ruth Chisale.
Government has dismissed allegations levelled against senior Government officers that they were involved in the illegal exportation of Mukula logs.
Defense Permanent Secretary Stard Mwale told a media briefing held at his office today that the allegation is false and malicious.
The PS however, said government officials found wanting in the illegal mukula logs would be dealt with accordingly.
Mr. Mwale disclosed that investigations have been instituted and warned members of the public that defense and security personnel are on high alert and would sternly deal with those involved in illegal exportation of Mukula tree.
“The nation may wish to know that allegations that senior government officials were involved in the illegal exportation of mukula logs is false. Government has mandated ZAFFICO to export the illegally harvested and confiscated mukula logs to China on its behalf,” the PS said.
He said the ban of the ‘government trophy’ is still enforce.
Meanwhile, the PS has disclosed that the Zambia Forest and Forestry industries (ZAFFICO) has been mandated by government to export the illegally harvested and confiscated precious mukula logs to China.
Mr. Mwale stated that ZAFFICO was transporting 21 containerized trucks from Lusaka to Chirundu and from Mporokoso to Chirundu when they were intercepted by suspected opposition UPND cadres in Shimabala area.
Mr. Mwale said ZAFFICO officials escorting the trucks were robbed off in the process.
He further disclosed that K30,000 was allegedly stolen in the fracas and security wings are investigating the matter to bring the culprits to book.
He said the trucks laden with mukula were later taken to Zambia National Service Kafue Camp and Chilanga Police Station for safety following alert defense officers who rushed at the scene.
The PS advised political party cadres to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
Mr. Mwale said cadres must report to the relevant defense and security wings if they suspect anything.
And Home affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has warned youths in the party against indiscipline. This is in view of what he terms unwarranted misuse of social media by young people.
Mr. Kampyongo said that youths who are in a habit of using the name of the party to engage in such activities will not be tolerated anymore.
Mr. Kampyongo said that as PF national youth chairperson he will ensure such youths are brought to book. Mr. Kampyongo, who is also Minister of Home Affairs, is not happy with some Party youths abusing social media to react to issues.
Mr. Kampyongo is disappointed with a named youth for challenging him to explain why he was interacting with an opposition Member of Parliament.
Mr. Kampyongo said this in Shiwang’andu district where he is on a tour of his constituency
Cholera Patients in a tentGreen Party President Peter Sinkamba is saddened by the reported death of 41 people in Lusaka due to cholera. He also regrets that others have been devastated by the disease in the last three months.
He said there is no justification for a life to be lost in Zambia from cholera and any other sanitation-related disease after 53 years of independence, and that doing so is sheer disgrace.
He has attributed the continued recurrence of cholera in Lusaka and elsewhere in the country to poor implementation of sanitation policies, especially the National Solid Waste Management Strategy of 2004.
“It is extremely saddening that 41 lives have been lost so far since October. It is also regrettable that over 1,500 people have contracted the disease during this period.
“You know, cholera is spread mostly by poor sanitary conditions such as unsafe water and unsafe food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria. Undercooked food is another common source.
“Put simply, what I am saying here is that there is no justification whatsoever to lose a single life in Zambia due to poor sanitary conditions. Not after 53 years of independence. That is sheer disgrace!
“Cholera is like polio. You can eliminate it if there is political-will. For example, there haven’t been any cases of cholera originating in England and Wales for over 100 years. This record has been made possible due to political-will.
“You see, I was one of the architects of the National Solid Waste Management Strategy which we developed from 2001 to 2004 under the auspices of the Environmental Council of Zambia, now called Zambia Environmental Management Agency.
“We developed the strategy to ensure that Zambia establishes a coordinated approach to sound solid waste management in the whole country and thereby lead to improvements in the management of waste encompassing all waste streams.
“The main objective of the strategy was to eliminate perennial outbreak of diseases such as cholera, dysentery as well as to control pollution of water resources, air, soil or land contamination, including the proliferation of pests and vermin.
“However, 14 years after the strategy was developed, it is disgraceful that there is still so much domestic and industrial waste which lies uncollected especially in the major urban and peri-urban areas.
“It is shameful that is still limited financial capacity and lack of trained manpower, which in turn makes it almost impossible for the local authorities to fulfill their obligations concerning solid waste management.
“Worse still, 14 years after the strategy was developed, there is no implementation plan for the strategy has been put in place.
“This is extremely disgusting. It is like all efforts and resources marshaled to develop the strategy have been poured down the waste-water drain.
“And the consequence is loss of waste of 41 lives and devastation of thousands more by cholera. If this is not disgusting and shameful, then what is it!” he exclaimed.
He said lack of political-will to finance environmental programmes is a serious cancer which will continue wasting and devastating lives provided voters fail to take environmental issues seriously during elections.
“Unfortunately, this cancer will continue wasting and devastating lives unnecessarily provided the voters remain indifferent to the green agenda,” he said.
And Sinkamba has commended President Edgar Lungu for deploying defence services and the Police to compliments efforts of the Ministries of Health and Local Government. However, he has blamed President Lungu for moving in too late.
“Ideally, the army and police should be part and parcel of the cholera preparedness committees we set up in the 1990s.
“Immediately a case of cholera or dysentery is reported in a particular locality, naturally, the army and police must immediately be deployed to compliment efforts of other government agencies.
“Now, in this instance, the reaction time has been slow. The Commander-in-Chief did not need wait for 41 people to die and devastation of thousands others to deploy the defence and police personnel. That is bad commandership,” he said.
President Edgar Lungu has congratulated Liberia’s President-elect George Weah for emerging victorious in that country’s Presidential runoff election held on 26th December , 2017.
President Lungu said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka by his spokesperson Amos Chanda that Mr Weah’s electoral victory represents the triumph of democracy and renewed hope for Liberia to cement its democratic dispensation and credentials.
The Head of State said the development in Liberia is a proud moment for Africa as it demonstrates the strides the continent is making in cementing its democratic dispensation.
“Liberia is a transformed nation that has demonstrated that the will of the people is supreme. Your victory also represents the affirmation that it’s possible to have a smooth power transfer from one party to another,” said President Lungu.
Mr Weah is an iconic football legend who is the only African to date to win the World Football Player of the Year in 1995 and Ballon d’Or, while plying his trade at Italian Soccer giants AC Milan.
The ex-soccer star defeated incumbent Vice President Joseph Boakai after polling 61.5 % of ballots counted compared to 38.5 % for Mr Boakai.
Mr Weah had ran for office in 2005 and won the first round before losing the second round to Africa’s first female President, Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after two terms.
President Lungu has since wished Mr Weah and the people of Liberia a prosperous 2018.
Patriotic Front cadres who yesterday impounded nine trucks loaded with Mukula logs pose for a victory Picture
State House says investigations have been completed into the incident where truckloads of Mukula logs were intercepted yesterday in Kafue District by some individuals.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda disclosed to ZANIS in a statement that the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) immediately instituted investigations into the matter last night.
Mr Chanda said President Edgar Lungu was made aware of the incident in which some members of the public in Kafue District intercepted trucks laden with Mukula logs on Kafue Road.
He said the Committee which comprises various security wings tasked to control the illegal trafficking of Mukula logs in the country will soon issue a comprehensive statement regarding the Mukula logs incident.
Yesterday, Patriotic Front youths impounded nine trucks loaded with Mukula logs which they say were being allegedly being illegally exported.
The PF youths also alleged that a named State House official, who was driving a Land Cruiser Reg No ALG 3464, was escorting the trucks to ensure smooth passage at check points.
The cadres, who filmed themselves after impounding the trucks, complained that senior members of the party were benefiting from the illegal export of Mukula whilst disadvantaging others.
“Right now, no one is trading in Mukula, but right behind me with Elijah and Mumba, there are nine 40 foot trucks loaded with Mukula which was prohibited. So tell us, is it only ZAFICO which has a license to trade in Mukula? We need to know because us as PF youths countrywide, we are youths of action. They told us that there is no trading of Mukula so there are illegal traders,” a woman said in one of the videos.
“As PF youths who mean well for the President of Zambia, we want to protect President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, anyone who is transporting is illegally doing so these trucks are not going anywhere. As PF youths, we will not sit down and allow people looting money outside the country when we can actually do this within ourselves within our country. So we won’t let go of these trucks. We will die from right here. They impounded two trucks of Mukula from me but others are exporting.”
The trucks are currently parked at Chilanga Police station and the cadres have vowed that they will not be released until they get answers.
FQM engineers work on the Chingola-Solwezi Road.The Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has applauded the Patriotic Front Government over the speedy works on Solwezi – Chingola road and the dual carriageway on the Independence Avenue.
MUZ Kansanshi mine branch Chairperson Mr. Happy Messiah stated that the works done so far shows that the Patriotic Front Government under the leadership of H.E President Edgar Chagwa Lungu does not segregate in terms of taking development to all parts of the country. “We really appreciate the PF Government’s work done so far on the Solwezi – Chingola road and the dual carriageway, we are very happy as a union, ” Mr. Messiah said.
Mr. Messiah speaking during the end of year meeting where Patriotic Front Provincial chairperson Mr. Jackson Kungo was guest of honor. Mr Messiah stated that his Union will support the Government of the day because as a union they had an obligation to. He also praised the Provincial Chairman for his continuous engagement with stakeholders in the Province.
He however appealed to Mr. Kungo to appeal to the office of the Provincial Minister, Permanent Secretary and District Commissioners to open their doors to the union. He further appealed to Government through the ruling party’s Provincial Chairperson to expedite the works on the township roads.
And Mr Kungo said the PF Government under the leadership of H.E President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is committed to deliver development to all parts of the country including North Western Province as evidenced with the expansion of the Independence Avenue and the soon to be completed Solwezi Chingola road.
He said president Lungu has a passion for North Western Province and wants to see the province develop just like any other place.
He encouraged the union leadership to continue saving the people wholeheartedly. “In the same vain, continue to engage the party and it’s leadership because this will cement our relationship, ” Mr Kungo said.
On the township roads, the Provincial Chairperson assured the union leadership and the general public that the roads will be worked on soon. “The same contractor that is working on the dual carriageway is the same contractor that is going to work on township roads,” he said.
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has given a grace period of 14 days within which motorists should acquire motor vehicle and trailer licences (road tax) and road service licences for the year 2018.
All motorists and Public Service Vehicle Operators have been given an extension of up to the 14th January, 2018 to pay for the required licenses.
Therefore, there will be no enforcement of the validity of the said documents until the stated grace period has expired. Thus law enforcement agencies are being informed accordingly. The grace period is effective 1st January, 2018.
The Agency is providing this grace period to accommodate the licensing needs of all motorists.
However, the extension does not include the certificate of fitness and the test certificates as the two relate to the road-worthiness and the safety of the vehicle.
The RTSA hopes that the public will utilise the extension to comply with the law and pay for all road licences.
The Agency further wish to urge motorists to renew and pay for motor vehicle and trailer licences for the year 2018 in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.
The RTSA wishes all Zambia’s an accident free festive period and urge all motorist to follow traffic rules and regulations in a bid to prevent road accidents.
