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Vice President Mrs Inonge WinaVice President Inonge Wina says the provision of legislation to guide operations of political parties should be viewed as an opportunity for the country to enhance the legal framework of the country’s democratic agenda.
Mrs. Wina says political parties have a role to play in promoting democracy, constitutionalism and transparency. She was speaking during the official opening of the 5-day national stakeholder’s consultative forum on the 2017 political party’s bill.
Mrs. Wina says the financing of political parties will strive to curb corrupt financing in politics and bring about transparency and accountability. She has urged various stakeholders to guide the way political parties should operate in a growing democracy.
And minister of justice Given Lubinda says his ministry has received a number of written submissions from various stakeholders concerning the political party bill 2017 since the consultative process started in August.
Mr. Lubinda says the political party bill will promote morality, patriotism and also constructive criticism in the political system. He explained that this is because political parties will begin to function with a national purpose and represent the interests of the people.
And European Union head of delegation Alessandro Mariani says once the political party bill is adopted, it will strengthen and formalize the role of political parties in the country.
Ambassador Mariani says the EU recognizes the role that political parties play in holding government accountable and is supportive of an inclusive consultative process on the political party bill.
The UNDP Officer in Charge Sergio Valdini says the process will deepen democracy and increase participation among various political parties in the country.
And the Zambia Law Development Commission chairperson Roydah Kaoma says the commission will report the recommendations made during the 5-day consultative forum to the ministry of justice.
She said the commission is happy to participate in the attainment of the legal reforms of the country.
Minister of Religious and National Guidance Godfridah SumailiThe Lusaka Magistrate Court has acquitted Minister of Religious and National Guidance Godfridah Sumaili on one count of contempt of court.
Lusaka Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga acquitted the Minister after the state offered a no evidence against the suspect. In this matter Reverend Sumaili was dragged to court by UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and five others for allegedly commenting on a treason charge that they were facing.
The treason Charge in question was however dropped by the Lusaka High Court following the DPP’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi. When the matter came up today lawyers from the National Prosecution Authority informed the court that after going through the matter they have come to a conclusion that there is no evidence to prosecute the Minister.
Mr. Hichilema and five others who are the complainants in the matter were not before the court.
Mr. Hichilema and five others had attempted to prosecute the case using private lawyers but the DPP refused saying the law only allows her office to prosecute all criminal matters in Zambia.
Lusaka Magistrate Ireeen Wishimanga allowed the DPP to take over the case after Mr. Hichilema and five others withdraw their objection for the state to take over the case.
First Lady Esther Lungu with a delegation from Coca Cola during the VIP reception hosted in her honour by Project C.U.R.E at Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USA
On Monday, September 25, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (19:00hrs- 21:00hrs Zambian time) Project C.U.R.E. will host the 2017 First Ladies Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. This fundraising luncheon welcomes Her Excellency Esther Lungu, First Lady of Zambia to raise awareness of global healthcare needs and supports the delivery of life-saving medical supplies and equipment to medical professionals, and patients under their care, in Zambia.
Joining Her Excellency Esther Lungu in raising awareness about healthcare needs in Zambia is Former First Lady of Colorado, Ms. Frances Owens; First Lady of the City and County of Denver, Mary Louise Lee; Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs of Swire Coca-Cola, USA and Presenting Sponsor, Jenifer Jessep; and Project C.U.R.E.
co-founder, Dr. AnnaMarie Jackson. Anne Trujillo, news anchor for ABC 7 News, will emcee the event.
“We are thrilled to join Coca-Cola and local sponsors in hosting the First Lady of Zambia for this historic event. I am grateful to those in the community who have agreed to participate in the Luncheon,” said Dr. Douglas Jackson, president and CEO of Project C.U.R.E. “The funds raised through the Luncheon will improve health and save lives in Zambia through the delivery of medical supplies and equipment. Together, we are changing the world!” he explained.
Project C.U.R.E. expects approximately 1,000+ of the city and state’s business and community leaders to attend this invitation-only luncheon. The goal for the First Ladies Luncheon honouring the First Lady of Zambia is to raise enough funding to deliver nearly $3 million in medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics in Zambia.
“Coca-Cola is proud to support the work of Project C.U.R.E. in Zambia. As one of the largest private sector employers on the continent with over 75,000 associates – including more than 1,000 in Zambia – improving the quality of life in communities that we serve is a core component and responsibility of our business. From empowering women and youth economically through our supply chain to providing sustainable access to safe drinking water, education and many other efforts, our sustainability efforts in support of the people of Zambia stretch across three decades. These efforts certainly would not be possible without the expertise of NGO partners like Project C.U.R.E. and committed government leaders like Her Excellency, First Lady Lungu.” said Jenifer Jessep, representing The Coca-Cola Company at the event in Denver.
Launched in 2006, Project C.U.R.E.’s First Ladies Luncheon is a fundraising event that brings awareness to the humanitarian efforts of First Ladies from around the world. At each event, thousands of distinguished guests join together to learn about the First Lady’s key healthcare issues and raise funding to deliver life-saving medical supplies and equipment to the most deserving hospitals and clinics throughout her country. Combined, Project C.U.R.E.’s First Ladies Luncheons have raised funding to deliver a total of $19 million dollars’ worth of medical relief to hospitals and clinics around the developing world.
Former First Ladies Luncheons have welcomed Señora Ana Ligia de Saca of El Salvador; Mrs. Margarita Zavala of Mexico; Mrs. Kim Simplis of Belize; Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills of Ghana; the First Lady of Panama, Mrs. Marta Martinelli; Mrs. Mama Salma Kikwete, First Lady of Tanzania; Mrs. Bolormaa Khajidsuren, First Lady of Mongolia; Dr. Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza, the First Lady of Mozambique; the First Lady of Papua New Guinea Lady Lynda Babao O’Neill, and most recently the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta.
First Lady Esther Lungu with a delegation from Coca Cola during the VIP reception hosted in her honour by Project C.U.R.E at Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USAFirst Lady Esther Lungu talks with Arulussa Farm’s Edward Ingve during the VIP reception hosted in her honour by Project C.U.R.E at Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USAFirst Lady Esther Lungu talks to Liberty Day founder and president Emeritus Andy McKean (Second from right) during the VIP reception hosted in her honour by Project C.U.R.E at Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USA
First Lady Esther Lungu poses for a photograph with African Methodist Episcopal Church Pastor Dr Timothy Tyler and his wife Nita Mosby TylerFirst Lady Esther with acting Zambia’s deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC James Chisenga, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Zambia in Colorado Cherri Briggs and Project C.U.R.E founder member Dr Douglas Jackson during the Church service at African Methodist Episcopal Church
First Lady Esther Lungu being ushered by Rev Alan Pettis on arrival at African Methodist Episcopal for the Church service
MultiChoice Zambia today announced the upcoming launch of an exciting new GOtv package called GOtv Max which will take entertainment to the maximum! From Sunday 1st October 2017.
GOtv Max which will further unlock GOtv’s world of entertainment to more quality content at great value.
“Great entertainment has always been a key focus of GOtv – and we are excited to continue building our fantastic entertainment options for our customers by bringing them this new package,” MultiChoice Zambia Acting Managing Director, Ngoza Kasunga Matakala said. “Go-getters can now access more entertainment and sport – including the best football titles in the world – with the GOtv MAX package. We will bring the best football titles in the world, including La Liga, providing more choice for the whole family.”
GOtv MAX will provide families with a broader choice than ever before on GOtv – with four (4) new channels of the hottest local and international programming featuring anything and everything from the series, music and sport to the latest in fashion reality, celebrity and kiddies programming. The GOtv MAX package will become GOgetters’ most economical way to get access to the latest and best content straight from Hollywood and around the world.
“We’re delighted that our GOtv Plus customers will get to experience this new world of entertainment. With more package options now available to our valued GOtv customers, they can choose a subscription plan that best fits their needs and budget, added Ngoza Kasunga Matakala. “We remain committed to delivering the best entertainment that is affordable in order to give millions of television viewers the opportunity to enjoy quality digital entertainment.”
A University of Zambia student studying computer science at main campus has developed a density controlled traffic lights prototype as part of the efforts to locally come up with a smart traffic control system that can dynamically control changing traffic density.
The density controlled traffic lights system works more like the traffic control police who come in handy when different routes on the road have got different traffic densities.
The system works by counting traffic on all routes and dynamically assigns appropriate time slots to each route to avoid unnecessary delays. The prototype can also display the number of incoming and outing cars on a display.
The system was designed to replace traffic lights which use static hard programmed times which are not smart enough to detect at any given time the status of traffic on the road.
The student identified as Mike Mudimba plans on adding more features to the system such as production of real time traffic statistics that can be displayed by motorists on their mobile devices, this will aid motorists navigate through traffic.
The system may also come in handy in case of emergencies such as creating paths for Ambulances or government motorcades.
The computer science student has further called for funding to enable the full testing and production on live environment.
“We know similar technology exists in first world countries but there is no need to import something we can locally produce. We need to start supporting our own ideas and products”, Mundimba said
FILE: President Edgar Lungu chats with Mr Joseph Daka Maize Seed farmer of Mkushi farming Block during the Tours of Mkushi farms
The Zambia National farmers Union (ZNFU) has urged the Government to be caution in the way it handles the proposal from Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers to ban maize exports so that the country only exports finished products in the form of mealie meal.
In a statement released to the media today, ZNFU said that the country is ill prepared to store the excess maize as it does not have adequate storage facilities where this maize can sit while the process of adding value takes place.
ZNFU also said that the Maize ban will lead to rampant smuggling of maize grain across our borders., loss of revenue to the Central Treasury and loss of maize grain, which will in turn affect national food security.
Below is the full statement
PROPOSED BANNING OF MAIZE EXPORTS
The call on Government by the Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers to ban maize exports so that the country only exports finished products in the form of mealie meal, should be treated with utmost caution and be well thought through.
What we should immediately ask ourselves is does the country have adequate storage facilities where this maize can sit while the process of adding value takes place?
If the Food Reserve Agency buys only 500, 000 metric tonnes in a season, where will farmers, 85% of whom are small scale, going to store their maize? At whose cost?
Will this result in maize grain wastage or not? How will this impact on farmers?
Firstly, Zambia has 458 grain storage units (as at 2010) with capacity to hold 2 million metric tonnes (and a further 98, 000 metric tonnes planned additional capacity). However, of this space only 1.1 million metric tonnes is grain-habitable, while the rest needs major facelift and overhaul.
Government does not have adequate silos to store away maize from farmers, neither is it willing to buy maize off of all farmers, given the FRA’s capacity, both financially and capacity storage. Other silos are in private hands; mostly grain traders.
The storage inadequacies have resulted in the usage of modest technology; slabs, logs and sheds.
While Grain stored in a silo can remain in good condition for a longer period because fumigation and grain management is more effective; holding grain in sheds, on slabs and logs is disastrous and leads to losses of huge proportions associated with deteriorating crop quality due to long periods of outdoor storage, and rotting.
We should also ask ourselves how much shelf life mealie meal has, and how much would be moved at any given time!
Secondly, stopping the maize from being exported would lead to prices crashing further. Already maize prices have tumbled to K1.2/kg.
While this may be good for millers and consumers, it is definitely a stumbling block to the growth of the agriculture sector. Reduced earnings would lead to reduced investments and production, and ultimately reduced processing. Then the country will go back to importing maize.
This would lead to loss of jobs and increased poverty among farmers and rural dwellers. It will also lead to rampant smuggling of maize grain across our borders., loss of revenue to the Central Treasury and loss of maize grain, which will in turn affect national food security.
While it is plausible to think of strategies on how to earn the country the much needed Foreign Exchange, we should, as a country, first address the issues stated above of storage, markets, food security, jobs and the well being of the people producing the crop; the farmers.
FILE: Late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa pictured here with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in December 2007 led the charge for opposition to Genetically Modified Food (GMO)
Biosafety Policy amendments: in who’s interest?
By Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB)
Zambia has been a pillar of strength and model on biosafety in the region. Many people remember famously the firm stand taken by our government against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the early 2000s. Since then, health conscious and environmentally responsible citizens throughout Africa have seen Zambia as a shining example of good leadership in sustainability and social justice.
In the last decades, biotechnology and poison manufacturing corporations (Monsanto/Bayer and Syngenta/ChemChina predominately), have made exorbitant profits. They now hold global lobbying power to influence national scale policies. Working hand in hand with trade promoting institutions (including COMESA, ACETESA, ARIPO, NEPAD, and supporting agencies USAID, The Gates Foundation, amongst many others), they facilitate the expansion of neo-colonial industrial agriculture systems and extraction of Africa’s natural, economic and social resources.
Numerous countries around the world have been pressured into altering their agriculture frameworks – particularly pertaining to seed trade and biosafety – ultimately about citizen livelihoods, nutrition and economic justice. Across Africa, national biosafety legislation intended to uphold public interest, is being manipulated to facilitate the growing and consumption of GMO crops.
It now seems that Zambia is the next target. Our internationally acclaimed Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy of 2003 is set to be reviewed today – in Livingstone – by a very small select group of invited participants. Considering the contentious nature of a new draft national policy on Biotechnology, the short notice and limited nature of the consultation process, there is reason for serious concern and question of due process.
Once the National Policy is re-written, the current Biosafety Act of 2007, will also be repealed and replaced. There has been considerable demand from foreign profit oriented corporations for this process to go head – in order to remove in particular – the essential “Liability and Redress Clause”. The clause ensures that the technology manufacturer is held responsible for the negative consequences caused by their product. The standard practice in any industry ensures that if a product is defective or causes harm to humanity or the environment at large, then the manufacturer is held accountable.
The developers of GMO technology do not want to be held liable for the negative consequences of their products: including contamination of farmers own seed and agro-biodiversity; herbicide and pesticide resistance build up and poisoning of natural agro-ecosystems (pollinators, soil, water courses etc.); and the multiple health problems, particularly cancers, allergies and reproductive problems associated with GMOs and Glyphosate (RoundUp poison) use.
The pressure for Zambia to change its National Biosafety legislation comes the same year that 1) Monsanto was held on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and charged with crimes against humanity; 2) Court action in the US forced Monsanto to reveal the documentation it has deliberately covered up that gives evidence of the toxicity of its GM associated poison product, RoundUp. A recent report, The Toxic Story of RoundUp, “describes the origins and growth of the Poison Cartel and the ways in which these giant agri-business companies (Monsanto, Bayer, Syngenta, Chem China, Dow, Dupont, Basf) gain and keep control of their empires, in collusion with governmental agencies; undermining independent science and our democracies”. Close to 1000 court cases have been taken out in the last year against Monsanto by people affected personally or through loss of family members from the Glyphosate caused cancer Non Hodgekins Lymphoma.
Citizens of Africa are familiar with the myths profit orientated companies use to promote GMOs. The same falsehoods will be increasingly used in Zambia. Particularly the misrepresentation that GMOs are needed to feed an increasing world population, and that GMOs are beneficial in a changing climate.
Modern biotechnology does not alter the performance of a crop nor its productivity. Change is made through the insertion of specific traits that the modified genes are designed to express. Either to be a living pesticide (e.g. Bt maize that makes its own poison) or to withstand excessive amount of toxic weed killers (e.g. the herbicide Glyphosate that is linked to causing cancer) – or a combination of both of these traits. In the modification process, gene segments are inserted into hybrid varieties of crops that are already being grown commercially. These hybrids were developed from crops originally bred over hundreds of years by famers themselves and are instead now licenced to corporations.
Productivity of a plant is dependent on a wide range of factors. Unlike local varieties that are diverse and thus still produce something even without expensive fertilizer and mechanised irrigation. Hybrid and GM varieties are bred and tested in very specific conditions. If water and fertilizers are not applied at the exact time in farmers’ fields, productivity ‘potential’ (that is what makes commercial seed so expensive), is effectively made redundant. These seeds are therefore a complete waste of money for farmers. GMOs instead lock farmers into a cycle of debt and dependency on foreign agri-businesses, whilst poisoning the soil and ground water systems, and undermining rural farming community resilience.
The modified traits in modern biotechnology are “novel”. The process does not exist in nature and this allows companies to “patent” (become the exclusive owners) of the GMO. Patents of genetic resources facilitate royalty claims and profit, as opposed to ‘development’.
Once farmers use GM crops, there is widespread contamination through cross pollination and in storage facilities. The organic market is critically constrained by this contamination. To lessen contamination the GM scientists still talk of “terminator genes” that are designed to switch off the reproductive capacity of seeds. There is always a percentage of escape and malfunction of any technology. The concern worldwide is the spread of ‘terminator genes’ through cross pollination of crops into the wild. The consequence of its eventual effect on food availability and biodiversity is too terrible to imagine.
It is for these and numerous other reasons that Zambia has maintained the globally acclaimed ‘Precautionary Principle’ in its guiding policies.
Faith leaders, agriculture training institutions, civil society organisations, farmers and consumers alike, raise our voices in concern and distress. We support our President Mr Edgar Lungu, in his efforts to prioritise the rights of small holder farmers in Zambia, over and above foreign neo-colonial agriculture systems that extract wealth from the poor and from the country, and undermine the health of our families, our farming systems and our environment. We ask Zambia’s leaders to remain strong; to resist and reject the unjust and unethical efforts of foreign pressure to weaken national laws for the benefit of corporate profits.
ZAAB is a united network of concerned citizens, faith and farmer based organisations, committed to a common cause of upholding just and sustainable food and ecological systems in Zambia.
Senior Ngoni Chiefs led by Senior Chief Nzamane
Senior Chief Nzamane of the Ngoni speaking people of Chipata district has given a piece of land to investors to develop an industrial park that would among other things accommodate an ultra- modern Chipata international airport.
Senior Chief Nzamane says the intended investment will help open up rural areas that have remained underdeveloped for a long time.
He said rural industrialization was the way to go if people in rural areas were to be economically empowered.
He further observed that villagers’ economic status would change as they would be involved in many activities including land
clearing to pave way for the construction of various infrastructure in the park other than the airport.
Speaking earlier, Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) Director General James Chirwa said money for the development of the industrial park was already available as his organization has partnered with different entities who are ready to invest in the country.
Mr Zimba said his organization wants the industrial park to be established in Eastern province because of its potential in
agriculture.
The industrial park would also house , an automatic tobacco curing plant, feedstock production, a research centre for
animal diseases among others.
And Chipata District Commissioner Kalunga Zulu said it was gratifying to note that investors were willing to put up an ultra-modern airport as the current Chipata airport could not accommodate bigger aero-planes.
Mr Zulu , who received the investors on behalf of Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo , thanked Senior Chief Nzamane for opening up part of his land for investment.
Various investments into feed production would go a long way in increasing the poultry industry and cutting
costs for farmers to travel long distances to treat their tobacco, he said.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Alex Chilufya with other defence and security personnel during prayers and fasting day held at David Kaunda Stadium in ChipataEastern Province Commissioner of Police Alex Chilufya has said police in in Petauke have arrested a pastor identified as Masautso Mwanza, 32, of Baptist Church for defiling a minor who is also his niece of the same abode.
In a statement to Pan African Radio news this morning, Mr. Chilufya revealed that Mercy Zulu, 14, is now pregnant for his uncle Pastor Masautso Mwanza.
Mr. Chilufya notes that this occurred in June 2017 on unknown date in Petauke and the suspect is currently in Police custody to help the police with investigations.
“We have arrested a pastor identified as Masautso Mwanza, 32, of Baptist Church for defiling a minor who is also his niece of the same abode in Petauke” Mr. Chilufya said
And Commissioner Chilufya says a 10 year old girl Falace Njobvu drowned and died in Lunkuswe River in Mbenjere area near Eastern Girls Secondary school in Chipata District.
Mr. Chilufya states that the incidence happened on 22nd September, 2017 at 10:30 hours at Lunkuswe River in Mbenjere and the matter was reported to the police by her father Thomas Njobvu of Chaola Farms in Chief Chikuwe.
Mr. Chilufya notes that the body was retrieved by Fire Brigade and inspected by the police, affirming that the decease’s body had no injuries.
In a related development, Dalitso Phiri aged 7 also drowned in Lutembwe Stream whilst swimming together with his friends and the body was retrieved with no foul play suspected.
Mr. Chilufya states that the incident was reported by his grandfather Patrick Zimba, 47, of Chipumba village, Chief Jumbe in Mambwe District who is a peasant farmer.
“Dalitso Phiri aged 7 drowned in Lutembwe Stream whilst swimming together with his friends and the body was retrieved with no foul play suspected” Mr. Chilufya said
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Youming Yang showing a letter to Journalists written by Chinese first Lady Peng Liyuan to Zambia students under Chinese Government scholarship at the press conference at the Chinese Embassy
Chinese ambassador to Zambia Young Youming says progress has been towards the implementation of the china digital satellite project which is aimed at benefitting 500 villages in the country.
Mr Youming explains that the project is meant to help people in rural parts of the Country to increase their knowledge and better understanding of the world.
He further explains that the project which is under the China-Africa cultural and people-to-people exchange plan will see the free installation of satellite TV receiving devices and digital TV projector sets.
He says in an effort to ensure that the devices are effective they will be installed with solar panels especially in villages where electricity is scarce.
GOVERNMENT and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions – ZCTU have reached an agreement to increase salaries for civil servants between 7.4 and 9.6 percent effective January 2018.
The two parties reached a consensus after 10 days of serious deliberations that saw eleven different civil service union leaders from across the country attending the discussions held at Twangale park in Lusaka.
The 9.6 percent salary increment is the first of its kind for public service workers.
Speaking after signing the agreement last night, ZCTU General Secretary COSMAS MUKUKA said the increments were done in the best interest of both government and the civil service.
Mr. MUKUKA said the wage freeze that was imposed on civil servants against increased cost of living affected their input which led to less production.
He said government has demonstrated its willingness to improve the welfare of civil servants in the country, by allowing the workers to express themselves through their respective unions.
Mr. MUKUKA said all the negotiations are concluded and that the parties are satisfied with the agreement reached.
Mr. MUKUKA said the deliberations of the meeting and the subsequent increment of salaries will be presented to the ministry of finance so that they can be added in the national budget to be presented on Friday.
And Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary BONIFACE CHIMBWALI said the PF government has once again fulfilled its promise of increased salaries to public service workers.
He said it is the first time government has increased the public service workers salaries by a margin of 9.6 percent.
He said the PF government wants to have a happy workforce for increased productivity and economic development.
After months of promotions, speculations, and anticipations, the time finally came for legendary R&B group to grace Zambia with their talented voices.
Boys II Men (made up of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris) performed at the famed Stanbic Music Festival, held at the Polo club in Showgrounds Lusaka, on two magical nights, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September.
Both nights had different sets of local entertainers while being headlined by the harmony/a cappella trio.
MC’s for the event were Dj, host, presenter and radio personality, Chishala Chitoshi AKA Gesh Groove and voice over artist, corporate communications specialist Kamiza Chikula.
MC’s Chishala Chitoshi (left) and Kamiza Chikula
The Friday event had a highly anticipated performance by Mumba Yachi. Many people were not optimistic that he would be able to make it to the event due to his recent legal battles, but, much to the delight of his fans, he made it. Mumba did not disappoint, the folk musician gave a stellar performance. Hip-hop heavy weight Chef 187 was a crowd favorite. Everyone spoken to had nothing but high praises about his performance!
Mumba Yachi
On the second night revelers took a trip down memory lane with K’millian belting out his unforgettable tracks. As expected his song “Kakabalika” and “Nizakukonda” were instant hits with the crowd, everyone was joyfully singing along.
k millian
Apart from Boys II Men, the stand out performance of the event was electronic violinist Caitlin De Ville. There was a lot of skepticism before the show about having Caitlin perform right before the main act. She proved all her doubters wrong with her spectacular performance! This was the first time for many to watch the Copperbelt native her perform live. She was exceedingly better than most had anticipated.
Caitlin performed covers of popular songs such as “Shape of you” by Ed Sheeran, “Bottle of loneliness” by El Mukuka, “Wild thoughts” by Dj Khalid ft Rihanna , “Galamukani” by James Sakala. She really got the crowd hooked by playing electric violin covers of old school (90’s) hits such as, “Gangstas paradises” by Coolio, “I’ll be missing you” by Puff Daddy, “Changes” by 2pac, “Black or White” by Michael Jackson among others. The whole audience was singing along and reminiscing about the ‘good old days’.
caitlin deville
After a short intermission the MC’s of the event came on stage to introduce the long awaited main act. The audience was restless and began to chant for Boys II Men.
Their hit song “Motown Philly” started playing and the crowd went wild. “Motownphilly’s back again, doin’ a little east coast swing. Boys II men going off, not too hard, not too soft…” they sang as the audience screamed in excitement. It was a dream come true for many to finally get to watch the legendary Boys II Men in person.
The trio went on to sing their greatest hits such as “ On bended knee”, “Its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday”, “Water runs dry”, “I’ll make love to you” among many more of their seemingly endless hits. It was an emotional night, couples reminisce about their youth, and for others it took them back to a time when they were kids listening to their parent’s favorite songs. Songs such as “A song for mama” and “4 seasons of loneliness” literally brought some people to tears. The crowd loved it and got every bit of their moneys worth.
The biggest reactions from the crowd were to “One sweet day” and “End of the road”, which are arguably their biggest hits. Boy II Men cut the music to let the audience sing along, and to their amazement they knew every single word to both songs and sang at the top of their lungs.
Wanya give a rose to a lucky lady
The Boys II Men concert is one that will live long in the memory. It was a magical experience that many will treasure for a lifetime.
Boy II Men member, Nathan Morris, took to social media to thank the Zambian fans:
“September 19th marked 26 years of doing what we do. When doing it for so long you tend to get jaded… but when you leave the continent to perform, and 26 years later people are still singing your music at the top of their lungs you remember what its all about. It is and has never been about you… it’s not all about you. I thank God for using us to musically spread the message of love around the world! Thank you Zambia!” he said
WeziWezi performingWanya MorrisMumba YachiK’millianfansboys II menK’millianJames SakalaJames Sakalaexcited crowdChef 187 performingWanya giving flowers to women in the audienceShawn StockmanShawn StockmanNathan MorrisMumba YachiChef 187 (left) performing with Mumba YachiCaitlin Deville
Boys II menBoys II menBoys II menWezi PerformingBoys II menBoys II MenBoys II MenBoys II menBoys II MenAbel Chungu MusukaAbel Chungu MusukaMesmorized audience
EASTERN Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, greets Senior chief Luembe (far left), chiefs Mumbi (second left), chief Nyalugwe ( third left) and chief Ndake when he paid a courtesy call on them shortly before the Tuwimba traditional ceremony of the Nsenga in Nyimba on Saturday. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
Government has advised traditional leaders in the country to always resolve their chiefdom wrangles in a peaceful manner whenever it arises.
Eastern Province Permanent Chanda Kasolo says this is because land must be effectively and efficiently administered as it has a potential to bring untold miseries , as has been the case in some countries.
Mr. Kasolo said chiefs should not allow divisions due to land wrangles but maintain peaceful in the administration of the precious resource.
ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary was speaking at the Tuwimba traditional ceremony of the Nsenga people, which was held under the theme: ‘Promoting National Development by Preserving Culture and Tradition for the future Generations in Fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV), Early and Child Marriages and HIV and AIDS,’ in Nyimba district this yesterday..
And Mr Kasolo has noted that unless tradition and culture are at the centre of government’s developmental agenda, the country’s growth prospects will not be achieved.
“The success of the country’s developmental agenda will be measured by how citizens contribute in which women and girls have no limitations in realizing their potential,” he noted.
Mr Kasolo said that Government recognizes the contribution of traditional leaders towards effective governance of communities in the country.
He noted that traditional leaders understand their subjects and know priority areas where development should be directed.
“In this regard, it is not the duty of Government to impose chiefs as it is a preserve of the traditional leadership,” Mr Kasolo said.
Mr. Kasolo also stated that Government will soon complete the construction of chieftainess Nyanje’s area and start the construction of other chiefs’ palaces.
And the permanent secretary said government has so far captured 5,615 under the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) scheme and that it will soon start the disbursement of funds to the selected beneficiaries.
And chiefs in Nyimba have praised President Edgar Lungu for spearheading the fight against child and early pregnancies in the country.
The four traditional leaders said through Secretary of the Nsenga Royal Association, Festus Phiri noted that the head of state was conferred as champion of Gender Based Violence (GBV), early marriages and HIV and AIDS because of his contributions in the fight against the social vices.
He also stated that all chiefs in Nyimba support the stance taken by the head of state making it mandatory for all people seeking health care services to undergo routine counselling and testing to make those found positive access treatment early.
The traditional leaders also appealed to Government to expedite the construction of phase two of Nyimba district hospital.
Mr Phiri also lamented that the construction of health posts in Nyimba District has not yet started.
Out of 560 health posts that were to be built countrywide, six were allocated to the district but that not even one has been built so far, he said.
The traditional leaders also called on Government to electrify Chibale, Kacholola and Hofmeyer secondary schools under the Rural Electrification project (REA).
He stated that the schools and chiefs’ palaces have not been connected to the national power grid.
Senior chief Luembe said Nyimba district has not fully benefitted from some of Government’s developmental programmes such as the agriculture mechanization, dip tank construction and the upgrading of township roads.
He also stressed the need for Government to increase the maize market floor price to enable farmers in the district benefit from production of the grain.
In Zambia’s quest to restore fiscal fitness for sustained inclusive growth and development, President Edgar Lungu has affirmed that the time to act is now, adding that, “we will therefore, need to be bold and decisive.”
Reflecting on developments in the last decade in the forward of the recently disseminated Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme 2017-2019, Zambia Plus, President Lungu observed that there has been turbulence in our development agenda, as a consequence of which, “this made it difficult to implement long-term policies for sustained economic stability and higher growth.”
Mr. Lungu said the mandate that the Zambian people have given his administration provides ample time to achieve set goals and objectives in stabilizing and growing the economy.
“The government is committed to the achievement of a fiscal balance as it is a critical step in getting the economy back towards a growth trajectory that is more sustainable and inclusive,” he said, further stating that, “the team work exhibited by all well-meaning Zambians in coming up with this home-grown programme is a true testimony of our commitment to restore fiscal fitness and stimulate sustainable economic growth and development, ” he said.
Mr. Lungu said the government would ensure that development reforms that could not previously be undertaken were also implemented.
“We are all agreed that the task of restoring stability and accelerating growth comes with its own challenges,” said the President, adding that, “turning the economy around and improving the lives of our people requires that we make hard choices and implement appropriate reforms.
“The time to act is now and we will therefore, need to be bold and decisive,” said President Lungu.
The economic environment in which the 2017 budget has been executed and the subsequent Government budgets will be implemented is expected to be challenging. This is on account of anticipated continuation of subdued growth in the global economy and domestic shocks which may constrain production and general economic activities.
“ This reality means that we have to act decisively to address the challenges we face in order to restore economic stability,” further guiding that, “only unity and hard work will help us overcome these challenges for shared prosperity.
“It is in this regard that Government has developed this Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme (ESGP) for the period 2017 to 2019 dubbed Zambia Plus,” he said.
The ESGP is a home-grown programme and a product of wide consultations with various stakeholders. This Programme is a medium-term document that sets out concrete actions that are required to restore fiscal fitness, so as to reinvigorate the economy after a few years of sluggish growth. This is embodied in the theme of the document, “Restoring Fiscal Fitness for Sustained Inclusive Growth and Development”.
The document also serves as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the period 2017-2019. The ESGP which is an anchor to the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), 2017-2021, has five key pillars. These are:
1) Restoring credibility of the budget by minimising unplanned expenditures and halting the accumulation of arrears;
2) Enhancing domestic resource mobilisation and refocusing of public spending on core public sector mandates;
3) Improving our economic and fiscal governance by raising the levels of accountability and transparency in the allocation and use of public finances;
4) Ensuring greater economic stability, growth and job creation through policy consistency to raise confidence for sustained private sector investment; and,
5) Scaling-up Government’s social protection programmes to shield the most vulnerable in our society from negative effects of the programme.
The President has also observed that the successful attainment of the above pillars will require concerted efforts, and commitment of all stakeholders to shared prosperity.
“We are alive to the fact that the hard choices we are making have consequences, therefore, we commit to scale-up our social safety net programmes in order to mitigate the impact on the poor,” said Mr. Lungu, adding that, “the government’s commitment is that resources over the programme period are allocated to promote equitable development across the country.”
He emphasized that Cooperating Partners will play a significant role in complementing the implementation of Zambia Plus.
“I wish to re-echo that, the time to act is now, for sustained, inclusive growth and development,” he said.
In the foreword of the 2017-2019 Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme, President Lungu listed the key success factors for the programme as:
1) Strong governance and political will;
2) Ensuring policy consistency;
3) Strict implementation of structural reforms;
4) Adherence to fiscal discipline; sustainable debt management; and,
5) Provision of quality and timely statistics.
And Mr. Mutai explains that the ESGP, 2017-2019, is Government’s response to the current economic challenges.
“ Given the scale of the challenges we are facing, we need a coordinated approach based on domestic solutions that will be supported by our cooperating partners. The focus of the Programme is restoring fiscal fitness for sustained inclusive growth and development. This will be done through curbing unproductive expenditure while raising domestically generated revenues, ‘ he said.
Monetary policy will be re-aligned to Government’s fiscal consolidation measures without compromising inflation and growth objectives. To unlock economic activity, Government will work towards dismantling arrears owed to suppliers of goods and services, as well as contractors, he said.
“ Government will at the same time ensure that the country remains within sustainable debt levels. Further, Government will pursue necessary structural reforms while implementing an effective social safety net to lessen the impact of stabilisation measures on the most vulnerable. These principles will be key to laying a foundation for the successful implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), 2017 – 2021, “ he added.
Consistent with the 7NDP, the ESGP puts particular emphasis on agriculture, tourism, energy, mining, as the basis for diversification. Access to markets, ICT and infrastructure development are emphasized as key growth enablers.
Meanwhile Mr. Mutati is expected to present the 2018 National Budget to Parliament on Friday, 29th September, 2017.
This is contained in a statement issued by Chileshe Kandeta, the ministry of finance senior public relations officer.
