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MINISTER of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga
Government has said that it is dismayed by sentiments from the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) which criticises President Edgar Lungu for the statement he made on the Judiciary.
In a statement released to the media this evening, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ms Kampamba Mulenga said that there was no statement from the President that appear to threaten the Judiciary.
Below is the full statement
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON, HON. KAMPAMBA MULENGA,MP ON THE LAZ STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017
Government is dismayed by sentiments from the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) which criticise His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu for the statement he made on the Judiciary.
LAZ claim the statement “appears” to threaten the Judiciary against making any adverse ruling against President Lungu in the impending judgment on whether President Lungu is eligible to stand in 2021.
LAZ further purports to call on the President to retract the statement he made on Thursday at Solwezi Airport.
Government is concerned that a respected professional body could base their statement on stories being peddled by the media without clarification with the source.
In their statement, LAZ have not made any specific reference to a particular part of the President’s speech to show that the President indeed threatened the Judiciary.
This is not a coincidence. It is simply because there is no such statement that appears to threaten the Judiciary.
Article 122(4) of the Republican Constitution, empowers the President or indeed any person or a person holding a public office to protect the independence of the judiciary so that it does not act on the basis of adverse external influences. It provides as follows:
122(4) a person and a person holding a public office shall protect the independence, dignity and effectiveness of the judiciary.
In the issue at hand, the President provided caution to the judges to act independently with dignity and effectiveness in the manner they discharged their duties. This is evident even in the LAZ statement when they referred to a portion of the speech where the President called on the judiciary to act without fear or favour.
It is, therefore, absurd that while LAZ acknowledge the President’s call on the judiciary to act without fear or favour, in the same breath they purport that the President “appeared” to threaten the judiciary.
Government calls upon LAZ to be the voice of jurisprudence and not to be embroiled in the day-to-day politicking.
Government further challenges LAZ to dissect the President’s address line by line and come to a fair conclusion on the matter.
LAZ were being speculative in their attack on the President and that does not resonate well with their standing as a professional body.
Perhaps it is LAZ who should retract their statement and contextualize the address by the President.
Government agrees that the President has a duty to protect the independence, dignity and effectiveness of the judiciary in accordance with Article 122(4), and President Lungu, who is a lawyer, knows this and has never and will never perform acts that would go against this vow.
The Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature are all expected to respect, uphold and safeguard the Republican Constitution; promote democracy, enhance the unity of the nation; promote and protect the rights and freedoms of a person; and uphold the rule of law in accordance with Article 91 of the Constitution of Zambia.
Roan Patritic Front(PF) Member of Parliament (MP) Chishimba Kambwili and Opposition United party for National Development (UPND) Members of Parliament on Friday walked out of Parliament in protest to Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini’s ruling on a point of order raised by Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo.
Mr. Nkombo had asked Dr. Matibini to rule if government was in order to interfere with the judicial system following President EDGAR LUNGU’s cautioning of judges against making decisions that would cause confusion in the country.
Dr. Matibini however, ruled that Vice President Inonge Wina’s answer that President Lungu was only providing counsel to the Judges and not warning them was adequate.
He further noted that the issue was also political and he does not deal with issues outside parliament.
Mr. Nkombo however was not happy with the ruling and walked out of the house followed by all UPND MPs and Mr. Kambwili.
And speaking in Parliament Minister of Justice Given Lubinda said walking out of parliament does not sort out anything despite being a democratic right for MPs
THE Patriotic Front wishes to reaffirm its position that it holds the country’s Judiciary in high esteem despite relentless attempts by some disgruntled elements in the country trying to create a false impression of a prevailing environment of hostility. The PF is on record calling on public institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), even the Judiciary, not to be persuaded by any other considerations except that for which they were established. This has been proved overtime by both reforms and the independence which the foundation of justice has been granted because as the party in power, it is also our duty to ensure that public institutions, the judiciary inclusive, serve the interests of the nation in line with the law.
We have received reports that some members of the Judiciary are inciting the Zambian Courts to adopt decisions similar to those made by their Kenyan counterparts under the misguided belief that this amounted to bravery.
Our distinguished members of the Judiciary should be left to preside over matters and make decisions without external or any form of undue influence from outsiders. We call on all well-meaning Zambians to condemn those behind this scheme and where possible expose them for the public to judge.
What President Lungu did when he spoke in Solwezi is in line with the duty he carries as one holding public office in line with Article 122 (4) of the Constitution of Zambia to protect the Judiciary in order for it to act with dignity, independent and in an effective manner. He was advising the nation based on credible information so that we do not end up in a chaotic situation as some countries have done just because some individuals have allowed themselves to be driven by motives other than the good of the nation.
President Lungu said and we quote: “I have information that some of you want to be adventurous, your adventure should not plunge us into chaos please.”
There is no denial of the existence of machinations within and outside the Country with political elements sponsored by well-known imperialists are agitating for regime change in certain countries in Africa. These countries include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Zambia, among others. The desperate agenda by these imperialists would do everything it can including “auctioning weak souls” in the judiciary as well as other institutions.
The world is witnessing the sad episodes that have unfolded in Kenya after the so-called brave decisions by the Kenyan Courts. No responsible citizen would desire or indeed celebrate the circumstances which have engulfed that country following the Supreme Court ruling which annulled the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta and called for fresh elections.
We have no doubt that the Judiciary on its own and in any country, does realize the onerous responsibilities that it carries and would, therefore, ensure that it retains its dignity, independence and effectiveness without being a copycat of any other judiciary from other jurisdictions.
We have noted that in his quest to redeem himself from a crushing BBC Hardtalk interview, Hakainde Hichilema has jumped to the occasion to raise alarm. This does not shock us because it was also very interesting that when he was asked an innocent question about his adamant position following his 5th electoral defeat during his regrettable BBC Hardtalk interview, he referred to Kenya which was not part of the question. Unless someone wants us to believe dots must not be connected, we are left with no option but to do exactly that. It is also interesting that a while ago, his Kenyan counterpart featured on the same platform, BBC Hardtalk where the Zambian Opposition leader had a regrettable bruising.
We also advise the Law Association of Zambia to avoid hurriedly issuing speculative statements but instead dedicate time to construe matters as they arise. In this vein, we also wish to condemn the irresponsible journalism being practiced by some known sections of the media which we have come to learn are part of the scheme aimed at alarming the nation with their fake headlines and twisted news content.
The latest incident involves some social media outlets, which we have we have known for a long time to be tools for the attainment of political objectives of some politicians, reported with a clear view to mislead and alarm the nation, that President Edgar Lungu had said that there would be chaos in the country if judges disqualified him from contesting the 2021 elections.
We must place on record that the Zambian people will not blink because Zambia is not for auctioning to the highest bidder. 53 years after Independence, Zambians must continue to reject sellouts hiding in some political parties and key institutions pursuing an imperialist foreign agenda of reclaiming control over the country’s resources.
The Author is the Media Director of Zambia’s Ruling Patriotic Front(PF) Political party
Football Association of Zambia Andrew Kamanga says the process of the league being governed as an independent entity have began.
Kamanga said a semi-autonomous league from FAZ is in line with most league models around the World.
“It has always been the intention of this executive committee to de-link the League’s from the Football Association of Zambia. This is standard and best-practice worldwide, and Zambia should be no exception,” Kamanga said during a press briefing at Football House in Lusaka on Friday.
“It is our belief that this decision will go a long way towards making our league’s attractive to more sponsorship opportunities, including some that have already been presented to the Association.
“Before the renegotiations of the MTN league sponsorship, we will engage all stakeholders, particularly our members whose input is critical to structuring a deal that meets their needs and the current business environment.
“Further, the league will function in a fully professional manner, with little disturbance or interruption in the programme. This new structure will create a multitude of sponsorship opportunities for corporate partners to associate with the national teams at all levels.
“The Association will focus on managing all national teams as well as provide regulatory oversight in line with the statues and regulations. A working committee will be appointed immediately after the end of the 2017 season to undertake this assignment and provide the implementation timeline.”
Zanaco visit Kabwe Warriors on Saturday bidding to reclaim top spot with six games left before the 2017 FAZ Super Division season comes to an end.
The defending champions dropped to number two on Wednesday when they exchanged places with Zesco United following the latter’s 1- 0 home win over Warriors in Ndola.
Zanaco’s game also comes a week after they lifted their debut Barclays Cup title following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Napsa Stars in Lusaka.
With morale high in the Zanaco camp after that feat, victory away at Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu Stadium this weekend will see them take a one point lead for at least 24 hours before Zesco play Nkwazi away in Lusaka.
Zanaco have 60 points while Zesco lead on 62 points after 32 games played.
Meanwhile, a bruised Warriors hope to recover from Wednesday’s loss that saw them suffer their first league defeat in four games.
Another defeat will put the pressure back on 15th placed Warriors who were looking like they were on the road to survival before Zesco halted that move forward in mid-week.
Moreover, Warriors lost 2-0 away to Zanaco in the first leg and they need a vital result at home with a difficult away date against 7th placed Lumwana Radiants coming up next.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 33
04/11/2017
Napsa Stars-Mufulira Wanderers
Real Nakonde-Lumwana Radiants
Green Eagles-Konkola Blades
Red Arrows-Nakambala Leopards
Power Dynamos-Green Buffaloes
Forest Rangers-Nchanga Rangers
Buildcon-Nkana
14h00:Kabwe Warriors-Zanaco
05/11/2017
13h00: Nkwazi- Zesco United
15h00: Lusaka Dynamos-City of Lusaka
The late 90s and early 2000s produced some of the best music all over the world. From the R&B classics like Ushers ‘My Way’ to hip-hop all-time favorites like Jay-Z’s ‘Blue Print 2’.
All these genres influenced one of Zambia’s Iconic artiste’s Exile – now known as Izrael – to release a classic album of his own, the Romaside-produced ‘So Lucky’.
In November 2017, Izrael revealed, in several tweets, how he started out as a Zambian musician. He talks about meeting Leo of Black Muntu and telling him that he wanted to introduce something new to Zambian music.
Of course Leo, at the peak of Black Muntu’s fame, looked at Izrael like he was out of his mind.
“It was [around] the years 1999/2000. At the time, I remember how hard it was to record a song, we only had about three studios in Lusaka and they were not cheap. But I will always appreciate about people like Leo Muntu & the late great Joe Chibangu [because] they gave me a chance.
Izrael says Mondo music aimed to create only the best music so songs had to be done over and over until Chisha Folotiya was satisfied.
“Mondo music trained me to be a perfectionist because we just never put out music until after it was good enough. The “house, money, car” song that people now know was actually the 2nd version of that song, original version never came out. I appreciate Chisha Folotiya for that because he [made sure] we our best at all times.”
It looks all rosy, but with heavy weights like Daddy Zemus and Amayenge with frontman Chris Chali, it was not easy to break into Zambian music yet it gave new artistes a chance to come up with their own sound
“[These guys] were just winding up so it was a beautiful time. It wasnt about the money because at the time there wasn’t much to be made, I just wanted to make good music, Zambian music.”
The song writer and singer says he is willing to help other upcoming artistes and pass the torch because thats how he was taught.
“Chris Chali always taught me to nurture the ones coming up and I will always love that man for this. He taught me to plant a seed and never be selfish. If you help nobody who will remember you?” he asks.
Izrael’s career has seen him do other things outside his music, but he says his love for music is never dying.
“Music is my life, I have had opportunities to be other things but the one thing that always gives me life is music all the time.”
Izrael says he believes that as a nation we have something to offer to the world, not just in music but in different aspects.
“I believe that each one of us has a gift & it doesn’t have to be in the arts, believe it or not we are a unique brand of people.”
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has condemned President Edgar Lungu for threatening the Judiciary and that he should retract his stamen t to restore confidence in the judiciary.
In a statement to Lusaka Times, the Council of LAZ said President Lungu’s statement which he made in Solwezi yesterday was alarming.
“That appears to threaten the Judiciary against making any adverse ruling against him in the impending judgment on the issue of whether the President is eligible to stand in the presidential election in 2021,” the LAZ council said.
On Thursday while in inSolwezi President warned Zambian Judges that they should not emulate the Kenyan Judges who disqualified the election of that country’s President Uhuru Kenyanta in the first round.
They said such a statement do little to dispel the notion that the executive tries to interfere with the work of the Judiciary and that the separation of powers in the country’s democracy is limited.
The LAZ Council pointed out that such statement erodes the public confidence in the institution.
They noted that article 118 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia states that, the Judiciary Authority of the republic derives powers from the people of Zambia and shall promote accountability.
They said the integrity of the judicial system rest in this principle and no one is above the constitution.
And that the Judiciary should be able to perform their duties without intimidation or treats especially from President Lungu who should be the first to person to defend and protect the Judiciary from attacks.
LAZ reminded President Lungu that as a Lawyer himself, of his sworn duty under article 91 of the constitution, to respect, uphold, and safe the constitution, promote democracy and enhance the unity of the nation, promote and protect the rights and freedoms of a person and uphold the rule of law.
They called on President Lungu to assure the Judiciary and the public that justice will be allowed to prevail no matter the outcome of the impending judgment in his case which is under the constitution court.
“Our national unity and integrity of our democracy depend on the rule of law and justice for all,” the LAZ council noted.
Muvi TV Journalist Mwape Kumwenda on Thursday night scooped the prestigious the 2017 Free Press’s most Resilient Journalist Award in The Netherlands.
Mwape was the only African at the International media award held on Thursday night and received 15,000 Euros for the award.
Mwape is a Community News and Political Affairs Journalist for the private owned Muvi Television which is mostly viewed as anti-government.
Mwape who in 2015 also won the Courage Award in the US, was presented with this year’s honour in the Netherlands.
She was one of the two female journalists that made the final list with the other four being male.
Mwape beat among others Iraq war journalist Huner Ahmed.
The only other female making the finals was 23-year-old Marina Ansiforova of Ukraine.
Ecuadorian Andersson Boscan and Vino Lucero from the Philippines were also in the final
The Free Press Award organisers describe Mwape as a journalist known for her perseverance.
“Once she gets involved in an investigation, she won’t stop until the guilty parties are held accountable for their actions.
“It’s not an easy task in a nation where government entities routinely censor news content and harass independent journalists and news outlets.
“But she takes her responsibility to disseminate accurate, balanced information far too seriously to let any acts of intimidation silence her reporting,” the organisers state.
President Edgar Lungu talks to Vice President Mrs Inonge Wina at the airport
Vice President Inonge Wina told Parliament on Friday morning that she is not aware of the attacks on the Judiciary issued by President Edgar Lungu in Solwezi yesterday.
During the Vice President’s Question and Answer session, Mrs. Wina said he has not read the newspapers and therefore could not comment.
This was after some MP’s demanded answers from Mrs. Wina on why President Lungu could threaten the judiciary by starting that any court ruling that will bar him from standing in 2021 will cause chaos and mayhem in the country.
Mrs. Wina said she was rushing to Parliament this morning and did not have a chance to read the newspapers and could not respond to the question.
President Lungu on Thursday warned the judiciary to avoid plunging the country into chaos by trying to emulate the Kenyan Courts at the expense of peace and by failing to reflect the will of the people in the constitution.
Speaking on arrival at the Solwezi Airport in North Western province, President Lungu re-echoed his availability to contest the 2021 general elections if mandated by the ruling Patriotic Front.
“I want to conclude by saying those people who don’t love peace and freedom will say President Lungu is intimidating the Courts of Law”.
He further said “I am not intimidating you my colleagues in the judiciary, I am just warning you that I have information that some of you want to be adventurous, your adventure should not plunge us into chaos please!” He cautioned.
“there is an old English quote which says ‘forewarned is forearmed.’ We don’t want to plunge this country into chaos because of trying to imitate what is happening elsewhere, we have been a beacon of peace, freedom, justice and liberty, let us keep it that way.”
Zambia 15s Team coach Mwamba Chishimba has declared his side ready to face Algeria in Saturday’s Africa Rugby ranking match in Mufulira.
After advancing to Group 1B this year Zambia and Algeria are fighting to top the pool as they clash at Mufulira Rugby Fields.
“The squad is very ready for the match against Algeria. We just have to win this one, it is a very important match,” Mwamba said.
“We need to work hard so that we don’t let our fans down. So far we have prepared well,” the Red Arrows coach said.
Mwamba is urging fans to rally behind the national team.
“It is been long since Copperbelt hosted a game of this magnitude so I expect fans to come in numbers. Fans should come in numbers to watch the team,” he said.
Zambia have since shifted camp from Kitwe to Mufulira.
Meanwhile, Algeria arrived in the country on Thursday afternoon and are currently camped in Mufulira.
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on government to facilitate a market within the region where local farmers can sale their remaining maize following the Food Reserve Agency’s decision to close its maize marketing season.
UPND Chairman for Rural Reconstruction and Development Moono Mapani says most farmers especially in rural areas still have maize stocks, wondering where they will take their stock.
Mr. Mapani says it is a mockery for the Minister of Agriculture to tell farmers to hold on to their maize until December when the price of the commodity is expected to go up.
He says if the government means well for the local farmers, they should consider facilitating a market for the farmers within the region where they can sale their produce.
Mr. Mapani has told QTV News that even the private sector cannot manage to buy the remaining maize stocks from farmers, thus the need for government to help find an alternative market for their produce
President Edgar Lungu arrive at Solwezi airport greets the Crowd that welcomed him
President Edgar Lungu says persons responsible for financial irregularities cited in the latest Auditor General’s report should be taken to task.
The President says he expects investigative agencies such as the Anti-Corruption to do their job in relation to the findings in the Auditor General Report on accounts for 2016.
President Lungu says those found wanting should be investigated and brought to book.
And President Lungu said he has sent the Auditor General’s report to Parliament.
He was speaking to journalists at City Airport in Lusaka shortly before departure for North Western Province on a two-day working visit.
The Auditor General’s Report on accounts for 2016 shows that misapplication of funds has increased from about 28-Million Kwacha in 2015 to about 1-hundred and 62- Million kwacha in 2016.
The report has further revealed that unaccounted for Revenue has increased from about 5-hundred Thousand Kwacha in 2015 to about 3 point 7-Million Kwacha in 2016.
The Auditor General’s report has also shown that unaccounted for funds has increased from about 1-hundred and 90 Thousand Kwacha in 2015 to about 3-hundred and 80 Thousand in 2016.
According to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Head Public Relations in the Office of the Auditor General, Ellen Chikale, unretired accountable imprest also increased from about 12- Million Kwacha in 2015 to over 17-Million Kwacha in 2016.
talks to Journalists after presentation of their quarterly report at State House on Wednesday, February 15,2017-Picture by THOMAS NSAMAMinister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo says government does NOT owe University of Zambia students any meals and project allowances.
Professor Luo says only nine students were not given their allowances because they registered late but that funds have since been made available.
She has explained that the Nine students will be paid once they register for the 2017 to 2018 academic year.
And Professor Luo has warned students with riotous behaviour that government will not hesitate to expel them.
She says government will not condone hooliganism and destruction of property by students over allowances.
The Minister said this when responding to a question from Mazabuka Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo who wanted to know how much money in meal and project allowances, the government owes the University of Zambia students.
