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Lesotho Under-20 coach Leslie Notsi has hailed the organisation of the 2017 COSAFA Youth Championship staged in Kitwe, Zambia.
The regional junior championship ended on Saturday with South Africa as champions after edging Lesotho 2-1 in the final at Arthur Davies Stadium.
“It’s been a great tournament. We would like to thank the local organising committee for a job well done. The hospitality has been great,” Notsi told journalists after the final.
South Africa coach Thabo Senong branded the tournament as great and also saluted his boys for emerging winners.
“It’s been a great tournament. For us Zambia is our second home as South Africans,” Senong said.
“I am very proud of our boys. We knew when to defend, attach or delay,” he said.
Egypt won bronze after thumping fellow guests Uganda 3-1 in the third-fourth play-off earlier on Saturday at Arthur Davies.
I have seen a post by Larry L Mweetwa and let me say that I have been principled enough to have never said anything bad about UPND- and I don’t intend to.
UPND has/had been the only party I had ever known and loved and even when I started to have more enemies inside than outside I still held on.
People will love you until they begin to see you as a competitor then you begin to have enemies that you don’t even know about… Let me mention to Larry that I have resisted to say anything bad about UPND because all parties have problems and better to sort out things internally than air out dirty laundry in public. So people like Larry should not force me to speak all the things that I feel are wrong in UPND because I can.
All I can advise my dear comrade is that he is Tonga and UPND is his ‘birthright’ so let him stick there because he has the right surname to excel in UPND. For some of us that have to be checked by the name you carry instead of skill, ability and even qualification, have a choice to leave and be wherever we want.
When you are a mere member you are ok and loved because you are a voter and adding to the votes, but aspire for anything then you will understand that you are not ‘equal citizens’ in the party and others will always have a tribal advantage due to the way the party is structured. So you have to accept being in UPND as merely a person escorting others to fulfil their God knows what plan, while yours should never even be talked about.
Until UPND goes for a Convention and cleans out a few people that feel that the party is theirs by virtue of their tribe it will continue to lose people that are genuinely talented and want the best for the party and this is a General post and dare me to publish all names of most party structures even in Lusaka or Kafue and you will see what I mean.
No chance for reason when you prioritise tribal affiliation to quality. Even Larry yourself, I have never ever argued with you BUT how you shifted when tribe was at play only God knows. People that accuse UPND of being tribal actually have no idea just how bad that is and for some of us that have been UPND almost all our lives and hoping that things will change one day and don’t ever change can actually shade good light on that which can even make the party be seen for what it really is.
So please leave me alone my brother, you have your life and I have mine to live. I am a free and focused person and I will not let small boys get me in a war that will get many injured because I can get there if you want me to.
Some of us even went to school to do Political Science so that we learn how to govern our parties and countries properly. I never went to school with a vision of ending up as a carder in some party that will appreciate you only if ‘the clique’ decide that you are worth appreciating… We have different paths and reasons for following them, so let’s stick to that.
Maybe one day I will come back to UPND if I change my name to Saboi Himboela.
The Author is a former UPND aspiring candidate for Kafue. Over the weekend defected from the opposition UPND to join newly formed National Democratic Congress(NDC).
MEDICAL Stores Limited Warehouse Manager Ernest Sinyinda explains to Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya the availability of drugs at Medical Stores Limited in Lusaka yesterday during a conducted tour of the facility. Pictures By WEZI SIMBEYE/MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya visited Medicle stores yesterday afternoon were he conducted a checkup and took time to verify the stock status of drugs in the Country.
Dr Chilufya said that Government through his Ministry would continue investing in resilient health systems that assured universal health coverage.
“One of the fundamental pillars we will be focusing on is the national supply chain for medicines.” he said.
Dr. Chilufya stated that it was of great importance that the public was kept informed to allay anxieties about medicine stockouts, Medicine expiries and other vices in the national supply chain.
“I will begin by stating that there is stability in the national supply chain. We have adequate stock of all public health commodities. We have adequate stock of ARVs, adequate stock of Anti Malarials. We have adequate stocks of Anti TB drugs, adequate stocks of many epidemic control logistics as well as essential antibiotics.” He said.
He stated that Government had continued to increase its investment in the medicine supply system.
“In the year 2018, we will see an increase of 56% in the drug budget . This demonstrates governments commitment to better health for all Zambian’s.” He said.
The Minister stated that in November, the medical stores limited, which is mandated with the responsibility to recieve, store and distribute medicines countrywide recieved stocks worth a Hundred and fourty Million Kwacha.
” In the 1st two months of december, medical stores has already received stocks worth 27 Million Kwacha. There are shipments that are in transit as we speak. This is to ensure that the medicine supply chain is stable. ” he said.
MEDICAL Stores Limited Warehouse Manager Ernest Sinyinda explains to Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya the availability of drugs at Medical Stores Limited in Lusaka yesterday during a conducted tour of the facility. Pictures By WEZI SIMBEYE/MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The Minister who stated that he wanted to go beyond rhetoric, then took the Media on a tour of the Medical Stores facility.
” Today, we will go beyond rhetoric and show you our warehouses were we keep our medicines. Show you the stock and also, for you to see the processes that go on here.” He said.
He stated that every day, work was being done at medical stores . He paid glowing tribute to the hard working, committed and dedicated members of staff at government stores.
” The staff you are seeing here are working . If you go down stairs, there is the distribution team which is busy loading trucks for distribution to various parts of the country.To various hubs of the Country.” He said.
The Minister also revealed that distribution of drug kits and medicines had commenced to areas that got cut off during rain season.
” We are distributing beyond three months stock to such areas to ensure that even when the weather becomes like this, when the areas become unreachable, People do not run out of stock.” He said.
“Washishi in Mitete is one such area. Many , Many areas which are hard to reach are now getting between 3 and 6 months stock of medicines to ensure that there is continuity in the drug supply chain.” He added.
MEDICAL Stores Limited Warehouse Manager Ernest Sinyinda explains to Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya the availability of drugs at Medical Stores Limited in Lusaka yesterday during a conducted tour of the facility. Pictures By WEZI SIMBEYE/MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya has stated that better security systems had been invested in at Medical Stores ltd to avoid pilferage.
” We are aware that there were cartels in the past that were responsible for slippages. We have invested in better systems and we have plagged the leak. And so we want to assure you that the slippages, the pilferage, that was picked out previously is being worked on and we have invested in better systems to avoid drug pilferage . ” He said.
We also want to send a signal to all health workers countrywide working at dispersing points in hospitals to desist from any practice that shall result in pilferage of drugs.” He added.
And the Minister further stated that the vast majority of health workers were proffesional and responsible and that he applauded them for that. But he had a stern warning for the few that were enganged in drug pilferage that they would be fished out and that the law would visit them.
” Our task force on medicines is active. It has DEC , Zambia Police, ZAMRA, Ministry of health. And we are improving our operations to ensure we root out the few that are involved in such vices. Said the Minister
Loud and Clear-Green Party members advocate for legalisation of Marijuana
We, as the Green Party are happy that finally, the World Health Organization (WHO) experts have confirmed medical value of cannabis. We are also elated that scientific evidence gathered by WHO confirms that the substance could not be abused or create dependence as for other cannabinoids. We are also impressed that WHO is in the process of re-scheduling cannabis by next year.
Last week on 13 December, 2017, the WHO published a Report by the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) which confirms that over the years, the Committee has gathered more robust scientific evidence on therapeutic use and side effects of cannabis and cannabis components.
According to ECDD Report, evidence from animal and human studies shows that its use could have some therapeutic value for seizures due to epilepsy and related conditions. Current evidence also shows that cannabidiol is not likely to be abused or create dependence as for other cannabinoids (such as Tetra Hydro Cannabinol (THC), for instance).
The ECDD concluded that current information does not justify scheduling of cannabidiol and postponed a fuller review of cannabidiol preparations to May 2018, when the committee will undertake a comprehensive review of cannabis and cannabis related substances.
We as the Green Party, who have been campaigning on the platform of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes are happy that total victory is around the corner. There is light at the end of the tunnel, come May 2018, when a more compelling decision will be made.
Nonetheless, from the current evidence availed, we are delighted for the confirmation that cannabidiol is not likely to be abused or create dependence as for other cannabinoids.
And the Colorado Department of Revenue last week released the state’s latest cannabis sales data from January 2014 to the present and, will from point forward release monthly reports on the seventh business day of each month.
The Revenue Department’s Office of Research and Analysis will produce the reports which will show gross sales minus wholesale sales for retail and medical cannabis shops county-by-county.
“We know this information is highly desired by the general public, media and researchers. To that end, in our efforts to be as transparent as possible, we will now provide aggregate sales data. That, coupled with state tax revenue data already provided, will give an accurate picture of the financial footprint of this burgeoning industry.” – Mike Hartman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue, in a press release.
According to the data already released by the department, Colorado sales have reached more than $1.2 billion so far from January to October and will likely exceed 2016’s total sales of more than $1.3 billion by year’s end. The report shows that since legalization in 2014, cannabis sales have exceeded $4.2 billion.
The state’s monthly sales data shows that retail sales in the state peaked last July – to about $140 million – but fell slightly in September to about $130 million.
Peter Sinkamba President Green Party 17 December, 2017
The Brazilian Development Bank (BDB) says it looks forward to forging stronger cooperation with the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ).
Director of Institutional Funding and International Relations Leonardo Botelho said this during a meeting with the Minister of Finance Felix Mutati, who is currently in Brasilia, for bilateral talks on strengthening the South-South development cooperation between Brazil and Zambia.
“We have the capacity to finance private sector transactions for projects of any size in agriculture, transport, infrastructure, and the industrial equipment supply sphere through export credit for Brazilian firms and their private sector partners in foreign countries, said Mr. Botelho.
He added that his organisation is willing to forge stronger ties and collaborate with DBZ in meeting the export credit needs of Brazilian companies that wish to do business with their counterparts in Zambia.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Mutati stated that reinforcing the relationship between DBZ and BDB will offer opportunities for the Zambian private sector players.
He said the Zambian private sector are looking for transactional cooperation with the Brazilian private sector through trade and investment in cash-crop agriculture, livestock development, manufacturing, tourism, transport, energy, scientific research, and industrial technology.
Mr. Mutati affirmed that the Ministry of Finance working in collaboration with responsible Ministries such as Commerce, Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, and Livestock.
He further added that government will endeavor to encourage the private sector as individual entities to tap into the best competencies of their counterparts in order to set Zambia’s diversification and industrialisation agenda in mode.
Mr. Mutati is today scheduled to hold a consultative meeting with Zambia’s Ambassador Designate to Brazil Alfreda Kansembe Mwamba .
This is according to a press statement issued to media by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Manager Chileshe Kandeta in Lusaka yesterday
MMD National leadership have sent a brutally honest massage to their membership across the country telling them to stop living in the past and re-assess themselves.
Winding up the mobilization tour of Central Province NEC members told party structures across the country to wake up and remember that they are no longer the ruling party.
The leadership told the Chisamba District Executive committee and other organs that members should get ride of the mentality they had when the party was in office as the privileges they had were lost when the party lost elections in 2011.
Leading the entourage was National Secretary of the party Raphael Nakacinda who said it was high time members rekindled the spirit of 1990 when the party was formed and started sacrificing to the cause of rebuilding the party and taking back to its glory days.
He said at the time the party was formed people were poorer than they are today but that due to their selflessness, meetings were held with out any need for logistics because they believed in the cause.
He said hard work and sacrifice are the most important ingredients which will take the party to power as opposed to logistics because the resources that are there now can not be compared to belief in the cause.
“I know as national leaders we have a duty to ensure that we provide certain things to ensure that the party leadership across the country is active and working but you as local leaders should also realise that losing elections has its consequences and unwanted effects. We are not like UNIP which has property sprinkled across the country. The party does not have the resources it had when we had a lot of Members of Parliament and the privileges that comes with being the ruling party are no longer there hence the need for us leaders to relearn the spirit at the formation of the party.
“At the time the party was formed most of us here were poor but we sacrificed the bit we could to the common cause. Our for fathers held meetings without sending the so called logistics which we got accustomed to in the 20 years we were in office but its time to wake up and realise that we are in opposition and those logistics are no longer there. We will divide the little we have when we have but for the most part lets sacrifice our time to ensure that we reorganize the party. It is our duty to ensure that this party does not only survive but to take it back in office for the betterment of our country. To be honest the burden of rebuilding the party falls on all of us because we know the difference of the three governments and can make comparisons.”
Nakacinda further said MMD was the most recognised party in the country with a presence everywhere which only need some awakening to re-esturblish itself as the force to be reckoned with in Zambian politics.
“We are the largest political party in this country there is no argument about that but what we have done is go to sleep while other parties have continued to get our members. These hypocrites are busy insulting your leaders and in the night coming to you with sweet talk enticing most of you to join them. What you need to do is instead of going to strengthen our enemies stay in your party. We have been turned into a nursery by political parties, it is high time we started harvesting our members back.”
And Chairperson for Education Henry Mulenga urged members to tell their children about their party.
Mulenga said the strength of the party can only be maintained if parents ensured that their children believed in their party.
He said the beliefs of the party should be passed on from one generation to another so as to creata a cadre of citizens and politicians who will not just jump from one political party to another but believe in its ideologies.
And Maggie Musonda the party’s National Chairlady urged women in the party to come up with ideas that would help to keep them active in the party.
Musonda said women being the backbone of the party should find activities which would attract other women to join their club.
She said MMD women have always lived like one family by ensuring that they helped each other in times of need something she said she had noticed was going down and needed to be rekindled.
And Dauzen Tembo the National Youth Chairperson called on youths to be creative and innovative in their quest to attract other youths to the party.
Tembo challenged party youths to come up with party youth groups which he would help lobby to empower with survival skills.
He said the party had helped a lot of people when it was in office and that some of them are willing to help by contributing to the empowerment of youths.
Tembo who joked that even opposition leaders would be willing to help him because most of them still support MMD said he would approach former party leaders for material help so as to make the party attractive to youths.
Others on the tour were Gaston Sichilima Chairperson for elections, Mary Phiri Chairperson Arts and Tourism and Provincial Executive Committee members led by their provincial Chairperson George Kangwa.
Party members at a meeting in MkushiDauzen Tembo addressing members in Kabwe.
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has disclosed that he is not a Freemason.
And Mr Hichilema has again denied ever privatizing any mine.
Making his first ever appearance on the Sunday Interview on ZNBC, Mr Hichilema denied accusations that he belongs to a secret society known as Freemasonry.
He said he is an Adventist who believes that all denominations are one under the Body of Christ.
Mr Hichilema said as an Adventist, he respects Catholics, Evangelicals and all other faiths.
The UPND leader said he has tolerated people who have accused him of being a Freemason for many years but that now time has come to put a stop to that.
He said his lawyers have already drawn up court papers suing some individuals who have relentlessly spread what he called falsehoods about his faith.
Mr Hichilema said most of these will soon be “dancing in court”.
And Mr Hichilema says he never participated in the privatization of any mine during the privatization period.
He said all the records are there at the Zambia Development Agency, the successor organisation to the Zambia Privatization Agency
Mr Hichilema said all those that accuse him of having created his wealth because of the privatization exercise are only interested in spinning facts to suit their own agenda.
He clarified that he created his wealth from the free education he obtained from the Zambian people right through to university.
On the Paradise Papers, Mr Hichilema said he never took any money out of Zambia but that he went to the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market window and raised risk free capital and used part of it to invest back home in Zambia.
He said in other countries, he would be praised for his entrepreneurial spirit that has created jobs for Zambia and not being victimized.
The UPND leader also labelled interviewer Grevazio Zulu ignorant after he liked the PF policies to that of the UPND.
He said the UPND’s Ten Point Plan is clear on the policies that the party would implement once elected into governance in sectors such as health, education and agriculture.
Striker Jesse Were has win his debut Zesco United Best Player Award.
The Kenyan international striker s’ honour was one of two he won in Ndola on Saturday night during the club’s annual end of season awards dinner.
Were, who scored 23 competitive goals for Zesco , also retained the Golden Boot Award.
He joined Zesco in the 2016 season from Kenyan club Tusker.
Were’s strike partner Lazarus Kambole also won two awards.
Kambole won the Most Improved and Most Valuable Player Award’s.
He scored 10 goals this season and has just been handed a debut Zambia call-up for Chipolopolo’s 2018 CHAN pre-tournament training camp that kicked off in Lusaka on December 11.
Other recipients on the night included midfielder Kondwani Mtonga who took home The Fans Player of The Year Award while defender Ben Banh won The Most Disciplined Player Award.
Coach Tenant Chembo was awarded the Zesco Chairman’s Award.
The Zesco assistant coach has just guided Zesco to its 6th league title after he took charge ten games ago when his boss Zlatko Krmpotic was sent on forced leave.
GOVERMENT has announced that measures have been put in place to ensure processing of land title deed is completed within a month.
And Minister of lands Jean Kapata has warned that goverment will be revoke and re-advertize over 13 000 land offers that have not been paid for over 5 years.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by journalist during the PF Interactive Forum who wanted to know the practical measures the ministry had put in place to ensure issuance of title deeds was accelerated.
“The issue of issuing of titles… we are now tagging time to it. From the time you lodge your application for the title we do not not expect the time to exceed 1 month… Within a month someone should be able to get the title,”Said Hon Kapata
The minister added that the ministry has opened customer service centre that operates on weekends in an attempt to speed up the process of title deed issuance.
She further disclosed that the commissioner of land’s signature will be placed on E signature with a view of managing to issue over 1000 letters of offer in a day.
Meanwhile, the Mandevu lawmaker has announced that Lusaka province has run out of land.
“I want to be on record record; Lusaka has no land. We have run out of land. Am talking about Lusaka, Chongwe, Chisamba, Chilanga, Katie.. but we have alot of land in the outskirt, in (other) provinces. And it looks like everyone want to to be in town, As minister I have declared there is no land” she said
The minister sounded a warning trumpet to councils in the province with the tendency of creating land where there are active service lines.
“I have given a warning to the councils to stop creating land. This is where you find someone is given land in the road reserve, under electricity pylons or on top of a sewer line. Being a vicious minister that I am if i find such a situation we will demolish because it hinders progress and the people who depend on the sewer line will be affected” earned the minister.
The Patriotic Front Central Committee has re-emphasized that the recognition of President Edgar Lungu as Republican President is non-negotiable by and for those who may wish to participate in the pending dialogue process.
In a statement released to the media by the ruling party’s secretary General covering a number of issues, the ruling party party further said that dialogue was not a matter between the Republican President and the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema but all inclusive, involving all political parties and stakeholders and that this must be an on-going process and not an isolated event.
Below is the full statement
STATEMENT BY PATRIOTIC FRONT SECRETARY GENERAL HON DAVIES MWILA, 17TH DEC 2017, KITWE
The Party leadership, Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the Press,
A. Introduction
The Patriotic Front Central Committee met on the 16th December 2017 and chaired by the Party President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who is also the President of the Republic of Zambia.
Let me report that Central Committee continues to deliberate its proceedings in a very democratic manner and after exhaustive debate, common positions are arrived at. Underpinning Central Committee’s democracy is mutual respect and contestation of ideas without taking away anyone’s right to express themselves.
It is this same democracy we seek promote within and among the Party structures. It is the same democratic culture we shall continue to promote between the Party leadership and the membership of the Party.
The Central Committee in its deliberations acknowledged PF’s long-standing principle and strengths – to always be truthful to the people and never hide or conceal its own shortcomings and weaknesses, or the extent of the challenges that we face.
The Central Committee in its deliberations upheld in principle that our people continue to hold the PF in high regard, and demonstrate their confidence by coming out in even greater numbers in support our Party in each successive election.
B. New Appointments for the Central Committee
Following the number of Central Committee who had been sent into Foreign Service and civil service in general, the following appointments were RATIFIED by the Central Committee –
a. Hon Samuel Mukupa, MCC – Appointment as National Chairman for Patriotic Front
b. Hon Chitalu Chilufya, MCC – Appointment as MCC and Chairperson for Health ratified
c. Kebby Mbewe, MCC – Appointment as MCC and Chairperson for Sports ratified
d. Hon Brian Mundubile, MCC – Appointment as MCC and Chairperson for Legal Affairs ratified
e. Mr. Gunston Mulando – Appointment as MCC Ratified
f. Hon Davies Chisopa – Appointment as MCC Ratified
g. Hon Joseph Mulyata – Appointment as MCC Ratified
h. Hon Kampamba Mulenga – Appointment as MCC Ratified
C. Party Constitution Review Central Committee Adhoc Committee
Following the appointments of three members of this adhoc committee, Central Committee resolved to reconstitute the adhoc committee as follows:
a) Hon Samuel Mukupa – To Chair the Adhoc Committee
b) Hon Given Lubinda, MCC (Member)
c) Hon Jean Kapata, MCC (Member)
d) Hon Brian Mundubile, MCC (Member)
e) Hon Susan Kawandami, MCC (Member)
f) Hon Lawrence Evans, MCC (Member)
D. Commonwealth-initiated Dialogue and the Party Position
Central Committee expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat for showing concern following the arrest of Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema after his motorcade attempted to bash the Presidential motorcade in Mongu. The process led to Mr. Hichilema’s release on a Nolle Prosequi and the appointment of Professor Gambari to lead the dialogue process. The Central Committee is grateful to the efforts made by Professor Gambari to this point.
In this regard, the Central Committee dispelled the notion that Zambia was in a crisis because it was not. The Central Committee also resolved that all dialogue processes or initiatives must be all-inclusive and spearheaded with and through the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) and other players such as the Church.
It was further resolved that the interface between Government and the Commonwealth will be handled by Member of the Central Committee Hon Given Lubinda, who is also Minister of Justice and Party Deputy Secretary General Hon Mumbi Phiri will represent the Party interests on the process.
Central Committee further resolved that dialogue was not a matter between the Republican President and Mr. Hichilema but all inclusive, involving all political parties and stakeholders and must be an on-going process and not an isolated event.
Central Committee also re-emphasized that the recognition of His Excellency President Lungu as Republican President was non-negotiable by and for those who may wish to participate in the dialogue process.
Central Committee also heard that the Ministry of Justice had made serious headway regarding many proposed constitutional reforms and some of the demands or concerns by some stakeholders might be overtaken by events.
E. Provincial Elections – Western Province
Following the tour of 16 Districts in Western Province, the Secretary General’s political report was tabled before Central Committee. The political report presented detailed challenges and opportunities for the Party in Western Province and recommended early elections for all structures from the section up to the Province.
After presentation of the Secretary General’s political report on Western Province, it was noted that lessons should be drawn from recently held party elections in North-western Province. Central Committee unanimously agreed that early elections should be called for the Province for all the structures. The Elections Committee headed by Hon Yamfwa Mukanga, through the Party Secretariat, shall announce the dates for elections in Western Province.
F. Fight Against Corruption
The Party President informed the Central Committee that he was resolved to fight any form of corruption irrespective of who was involved in the vice. On the issue of corruption allegations, Central Committee was mindful that part of the Opposition’s strategy to make the ruling Party unpopular was by “dressing” every development project with a jacket of corruption.
In this regard, Central Committee resolved that it will fight both the Opposition’s corruption smear campaign as well as deal decisively with those who may fall prey to the vice. Central Committee reminded itself against falling for any form of witch-hunt and as a benchmark, will demand for evidence of corruption to strengthen the fight. Central Committee resolved that there shall be no sacred cows in this fight!
G. Improving Government and Party Interface
Central Committee also resolved that Civil Service, which is supposed to serve the Government of the day must understand the Party manifesto. In this regard, the Central Committee called for more deepened interface between Civil Service and the Party in implementing the 2016-2021 manifesto.
H. Conclusion
Central Committee is mindful of the great task placed on its shoulders in ensuring that the Patriotic Front remains true to its aspirations and commitment to the Zambian people. It also understands that it owes it to the future generations of this country to take bold and forward-looking decisions aimed at creating a better Zambia for all citizens.
Central Committee is alive to the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality among our people and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the 2016-2021 manifesto is translated into tangible programs of action to create a better life for all our people. More importantly, Central Committee is clear that in while Government has a pivotal role in responding to these challenges, the unity, cohesion and strength of the Patriotic Front was a key determining factor.
Lastly, but not the least, let me call on all Party members to abide by the aims and objectives of the Patriotic Front as set out in the Constitution. While the Party seeks to find ways of empowering its membership across the country, our motivation should not be material advantage or personal gain but our commitment to what the Party stands for. To the members of the Patriotic Front, I call on each one of you to carry out tasks assigned to you by the structures. Together, let us defend the unity and integrity of the Patriotic Front and defeat all tendencies of factionalism.
The local football fraternity is mourning ex-Zambia Under-20 promising midfielder Changwe Kalale.
Kalale, who was left paralysed by a road accident in 2014, died on Sunday morning at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.
“Changwe died on Sunday morning around 09:00 hours. Funeral is at our home in Chambishi on the Copperbelt,” his father Ben Kalale confirmed on Sunday.
Kalale was on the road to join the Chipolopolo camp in December 2014 when he was involved in the accident together with ex-Zambia defender Nyambe Mulenga and keeper Satchmo Chakawa.
The accident involving two vehicles claimed four people on the spot.
Meanwhile, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has paid tribute to Kalale.
“It is with a heavy heart that we receive the passing on of a gifted player whose career was cut short through a terrible accident that confined him to a wheelchair,” Kamanga said in a statement.
Kalale was in and out of hospital prior to his death.
AUGUSTINE Mulenga, the 2017 MTN/FAZ Super League Player of the Year winner2017 Zambia Footballer of the Year Augustine Mulenga has dedicated his award to his late child.
The Zambia and Zanaco attacking midfielder lost his daughter on the eve of Chipolopolo’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifier away to Nigeria on October 7 that the team lost 1-0.
Mulenga also had a 22nd minute goal in that match disallowed.
“This award means a lot to me. I dedicated it to my late daughter who died while I was out of the country,” Mulenga said.
“I thank God for giving me the courage to fight each situation that came my way this season.
“Thanks to the coaches for giving me the opportunity to express myself.
“I will continue working hard next season so that I can win more awards.”
Mulenga played an instrumental role for both club and country in 2017 in the CAF Champions League where Zanaco reached the group stage.
With Zambia, Mulenga was a key figure in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2018 CHAN qualifiers that saw him score a goal in the latter assignment.
The UPND has announced that ZNBC is this evening immediately after their evening main news scheduled for 19:00 hours, likely to run a pre-recorded “Sunday Interview program” which features the its leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Hichilema’s Deputy Press Aide Brian Mwiinga said the public broadcaster did not make available a copy of the raw interview (unedited version) to the Press office of the UPND President despite earlier agreeing to do doing so.
“It is my sincere hope that the public broadcaster will run the interview without unnecessarily being arm twisted by some political interests, considering that Mr. Hichilema as usual, did articulate on how this country can be developed, with a zero tolerance to corruption approach and ensuring independence of key governance institutions,” Mr Mwiinga said.
“As you may be aware, there has been a deep mistrust between the public broadcaster and the public especially on issues relating to being run by known political interests,” he said.
“However, Mr. Hichilema is taking bold steps in trying to help build public confidence with public institutions such as ZNBC for the greater good of the country. And the UPND President remains determined to ensuring that the country has strong independent public institutions but that this can only be possible if reforms are made to such institutions by way of detaching political arms and putting in place very candid pieces of legislation.”
Meanwhile, former UPND aspiring candidate for Kafue, Ms Saboi Imboela has defected from the opposition to join newly formed National Democratic Congress(NDC).
During its meeting at Lilo Lodge held in Kafue, Saboi announced her decision to join the party.
On hand to receive her was NDC Secretary Mwenya Musenga.
Former UPND aspiring candidate for Kafue, Ms Saboi Imboela
Luambe National Park in Zambia has achieved a conservation milestone last week as it became the most carbon neutral National Park in the world.
Luambe’s carbon neutral status is a result of the USAID-funded Community Forests Program (CFP) implemented by BioCarbon Partners (BCP) , in partnership with the Zambian Government. This world-first level of carbon neutrality means the emissions of all tourism and conservation management activities within with the park are offset, including all international tourist airline travel. Platinum is the highest possible carbon rating available from BCP.
The announcement comes just 18 months after the Lower Zambezi National Park – also in Zambia – became the world’s first to achieve carbon neutrality from operations. This latest announcement from Luambe secures Zambia’s recognition as a global leader in carbon offsetting.
“Luambe National Park’s carbon neutral status sets a great example for other protected areas in Zambia,” said USAID/Zambia Economic Development Office Director Jeremy Boley. “This status shows the world that Zambia takes emissions reduction seriously.”
Luambe Camp voluntarily funded the carbon neutrality from their own internal revenues, investing in renewable energy sources and purchasing Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) audited forest carbon offsets generated within Zambia. Luambe Camp began operations in June 2017, and are committed to establishing a new bar of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Mario Voss, Director of Luambe Camp, stated that “as a business that operates as a showcase and celebration of Luambe National Park’s unique beauty and biodiversity, it is crucial that we take responsibility for its conservation. We’re passionate environmentalists and it is important to the whole Luambe Camp team that we can offer our guests a truly eco-friendly experience.”
Funds raised from REDD+ offset sales are reinvested into conservation and community development in buffer zone areas to national parks within Zambia. All countries on earth have now signed up to the Paris Climate Agreement, and there are more signals towards innovative carbon conscious milestones and action. With experts agreeing that Africa is likely to be the continent most vulnerable to climate change, the leadership of Zambian tourism businesses and the Zambian Government agrees to operate with carbon neutrality and set a positive example throughout the continent.
Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), Mr Paul Zyambo, stated that “We are happy to partner with another innovative carbon-conscious achievement in the conservation and tourism sector in Zambia with partners like Luambe Camp and BCP. Luambe forms a part of Zambia’s famous Luangwa Valley and we hope that this showcases how special this area is, and why it is worth a visit.”
Dr Hassan Sachedina, BCP’s CEO, added, “It is exciting that Zambia now has two of the world’s first carbon neutral parks, which are helping to conserve two of the most important biodiversity strongholds left in Africa. I am really proud to be partnering with these family-owned businesses raising the bar of what eco-tourism to include carbon offsetting.” We hope that this spurs more action globally to address climate change.”
Farmers Queuing up for Electronic Voucher Cards Collection in Mansa DistrictOver 127, 000 Farmers have successfully been captured and registered on the E-Voucher Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in Central Province.
Central Province Agricultural Coordinator (PACO) Adreen Nansungwe, said 127, 605 farmers were successfully registered out of the 172, 149 total allocation for the province.
Speaking in an interview in Kabwe, Dr. Nansungwe said the number is expected to go up by the close of the week because registered farmers are uploaded unto the system every day.
She said out of the successful registered farmers 27, 923 have made their deposits while 7, 405 cards were loaded with redeemable amounts.
The PACO said at the time of the interview only three farmers had fully redeemed their inputs while, 17 had done a partial redeeming.
Dr. Nansungwe observed that the total target for the province may slightly reduce after some salaried workers who are ineligible were initially enlisted on the programme
And More than 5, 000 farmers have deposited their money on the e-Voucher system cards under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in Katete District in Eastern Province.
Katete District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO) Robbie Musendo in an interview said the district has only remained with about 760 farmers who have not yet deposited the monies.
Government introduced the e-voucher system in order for farmers to access subsidized inputs
And more than 1,000,000 farmers are earmarked to benefit from the programme
