Earl Vezzy (Mr Vezzy) released his latest single “Say Amen”. The song was produced by Kekero. Video by Tiptronic Media Arts , directed by Chichi Ice.
BY KAPA187
Zambia, Zim run out of KAZA univisa stickers
Zambia and Zimbabwe have officially run out of convenient KAZA univisa stickers, leaving tourists with no other option but to purchase regular, single-country visas upon entry.
There is currently a shortage of the KAZA Univisa stickers in Zambia at all four of the entry ports.
Livingstone Airport, Lusaka Airport, Kazungula Border with Botswana and Victoria Falls Border with Zimbabwe (Zambian side) have all suspended the issuing of the UniVisa since the stickers ran out.
All entry points including Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, Kazungula Border (Botswana) and the Victoria Falls Border have run out of stock.
The KAZA univisa sticker was launched back in December 2016, and allows tourists to gain entry to both Zimbabwe and Zambia for just $50.
It also covers day-entry to Botswana via the Kazungula borders.In the meantime, visitors will have to shell out between $30 and $55 for regular Zimbabwean visas, which are available at all points of entry.
They will then also be required to purchase separate Zambian visas.This spells trouble for both countries’ tourism industries.Both tourism authorities have been unavailable for comment.
Trump nominates new US Ambassador to Zambia
Daniel Lewis Foote, a career member of the Foreign Service who has spent much of the last several years in drug enforcement has been nominated to be the United States’ ambassador to Zambia.
If he’s confirmed, it will be his first such posting.Mr. Foote was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in the Buffalo area.He graduated from East High School in Williamsville, New York, in 1982 and went to Columbia University, where he was a defensive end on the football team and participated in track and field for the Lions.
Mr. Foote graduated with a B.A. in economics in 1986.After college, Mr. Foote worked in New York City for six years as a trader and broker of natural gas.
He left the business world behind in 1992 to become a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia, where he oversaw the construction of water systems, improvement of schools and residences, and alternative agriculture and marketing programs.
After his two-year stint was up, Mfr. Foote moved to Northern California to teach high school Spanish and coach football and track.He joined the State Department in 1998.
Mr. Foote was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) in September 2015.He oversees INL program activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in addition to INL’s Office of Anticrime Programs.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Foote was the Coordinating Director at Embassy Kabul, managing all U.S. civilian foreign assistance and law enforcement activities in Afghanistan.
He served twice as Deputy Chief of Mission; in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Previously, he headed INL’s Colombia operations as INL Director at Embassy Bogotá, and led the U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Team in Maysan province, Iraq.
Mr. Foote also served as Management Counselor in Buenos Aires, and as a member of the Regional Reconstruction Team in Erbil, Iraq.
His other overseas postings include Luxembourg, London, and Guadalajara, Mexico.
In Washington, he has worked in the State Department’s Operations Center and in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
Mr. Foote holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Columbia University, where he lettered in football and track and field.A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Foote is a native of Syracuse, New York, and attended high school in the Buffalo area.
Foote met his wife, Claudia, when he was with the Peace Corps in Bolivia.
They have two children: Cecilia and Danny.
Arrest Minister, P.S for fire trucks scandal-Kambwili
Roan PF Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has called for the arrest of all those involved in the controversial procurement of 42 fire trucks.
Mr Kambwili described the purchase of the 42 fire trucks at US$ 42 million as day light corruption.
He said the Minister of Local Government and Housing and his Permanent Secretary must be arrested for what he called as the corrupt purchase of the fire trucks.
Mr Kambwili said the fire trucks which were districted to selected districts last week were grossly inflated by the supplier.
[pullquote]Where on earth have you seen one fire truck costing 1 million dollars? And it is amazing that the Zambians people have kept quiet about this scandal.[/pullquote]
He alleged that he has received quotations from the supplier of the same fire trucks in South Africa which puts each fire truck at US$158,000 dollars.
“Where on earth have you seen one fire truck costing 1 million dollars? And it is amazing that the Zambians people have kept quiet about this scandal. I have the same quotation from the supplier in South Africa, those trucks cost US$ 158,000 dollars each and not US$ 1 million dollars. This is corruption of the worst kind,” Mr Kambwili said.
Mr Kambwili said there is no way one fire engine could cost a million dollars when the world’s most expensive vehicle costs around 952,000 dollars.
“Those are just basic fire engines and cannot cost that much, everyone involved in that tender must be investigated, arrested and prosecuted,” Mr Kambwili demanded.
But Local Government and Housing Minister Vincent Mwale said he will only issue a comprehensive statement in Parliament once all the details are gathered.
“I can’t be giving piecemeal statements to every Journalists who calls me about this issue. Just give me time to compile all the details and then I will issue a statement in Parliament soon,” Mr Mwale said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt University Lecturer Lubinda Haabazoka says there seems to be a lack of expertise in the country’s tendering process or the people involved have completely forgotten whose interests they represent.
[pullquote]There is no way you can increase our pay as you earn to 37.5% and then buy fire tenders for $1m each[/pullquote]
“There is no way you can increase our pay as you earn to 37.5% and then buy fire tenders for $1m each. People should not forget we have been asked to sacrifice a lot but government seems not to live on that principle,” Dr Haabazoka said.
“What is shocking is that this deal will not be questioned by government but we shall see various officials coming out justify such a deal. Even if there was no stealing, you cannot approve very expensive machinery when there is alternative cheap machinery,” he said.
“Logic always beats me when I hear we shall spend $370m on building a terminal at Lusaka international airport. We spent as reported by ZNBC in January 2015 $30 million on drawings for Lusaka international airport!!! New state house will cost $20million dollars. How can drawings cost more than state house?” he questioned.
He added, “I know there are a lot of uneducated people in Zambia but people should not forget that some of us are educated and are able to verify figures looking at similar projects and using other property valuation methods.”
“I heard the president’s speech to parliament on Friday and was very impressed with his agenda on infrastructure, e-governance and a lot of other issues. The main point that impressed me was his saying that we couldn’t develop using old methods and that is very true.”
“However ambitious the president’s plans are, they will come to Zambia at a great cost if we keep our current tendering process where a km of a road costs $3m. I think government is being looted though overpaying,” he charged.
Dr Haabazoka said, “I think if government ordered bread, they will end up paying K50 for a loaf. We need public accountability for all projects.”
“How do people feel moving on the streets looking at other poor citizens after overcharging government? New measures should be put in place”
Dr Haabazoka suggested that all government tenders should be suspended until the country comes up with a new effective system.
Petauke crowned Copa Coca-Cola 2017 champians
Eastern Province’s Petauke Day School are the new reigning champions of the 2017 COPA Coca-Cola schools’ football tournament.
Petauke went up against nine other teams to emerge as the victors in the finals held in Lusaka over the weekend after a thrilling final which ended 2-1 to Mwavi Secondary School of Lusaka. Sekela Secondary School from Chingola were third, beating Northern Provnce’s Ituna Secondary School 3-2.
“Congratulations to this year’s champions and I hope you continue to excel both on and off the field. I am certain that among the talented young players in this tournament will be some of our future stars,” said Coca-Cola Marketing Activations Manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia Takunda Jinda.
Over 400 schools participated in this year’s preliminary knockouts between July and August with the best ten teams from each of the ten provinces in the country qualifying to the finals. Crowds turned out to support the country’s future football stars at the National Heroes Stadium and Olympic Youth Centre (OYDC).
“Coca-Cola remains committed to bringing football to the grassroots and we hope to give a boost to high school football in the country as well as grow the national sports talent bank,” said Mr Jinda.
The champions walked away with K15,000 in prize money while second runner up Mwavi Secondary School went home with K10,000. Third runner ups Sekela walked away with K7,500.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, Hon. Moses Mawere, who presented the teams with the prizes, pointed to the need for a more deliberate inclusion and integration of physical education in the various schools stating that it remained a priority for the Ministry.
“A knowledgeable and healthy population is integral to our development. We have an opportunity that is unique; a population that is mostly comprised of the youth. This means that we have the energy, the enthusiasm, the talent, and the creativity of approximately 10 million young people at our disposal. What we do with this; how we groom and shape this generation, will determine the future of Zambia for the next 50 to 100 years,” said Hon. Mawere.
The minister went on to note that a seamless integration of the two areas of intellectual and physical education would only be possible if both teachers and physical educators came together to produce well rounded student athletes.
He further commended Coca-Cola, as a private sector partner, for stepping up in complementing the efforts of driving education and sports in line with the development agenda of the country.
The tournament has several professional football players among its alumni including 2012 AFCON winners squad captain Christopher Katongo, Stoppila Sunzu and Kennedy Mweene.
The former captain, who was present at the finals, urged the young players to be deliberate in the pursuit of their dreams by planning and acting on those plans to achieve their goals stating that much was expected from them as the nation was looking to them to change the face of Zambian Football.
“What you see on match days is a small part of the life of a player. Behind the scenes, it is all about hard work, discipline, determination and teamwork. It has been an amazing two days and kudos to the schools and all the hard work that the players and their coaches put in,” he said.
“This is the first time the COPA Coca-Cola is being held at the National Heroes Stadium. I think it was a good move because we have a rich football history and it is important for the young footballers to remember where we are coming from and also important for us to see where we are heading with these young ones today,” Mr Katongo pointed out.
“We are very happy with the turnout and efforts that the different teams have put in as our goal is to produce footballers that will represent Africa well on the international stage. We hope to motivate and see more talented young players show up with every year. It’s been a privilege to witness the hard work and excellent sportsmanship displayed by our young athletes and teams as they reached deep and pushed their limits to emerge as the best over the past two days and indeed throughout the whole tournament leading up to today,” concluded Mr Jinda.
Mr Jinda reiterated the global beverage company’s continued commitment to helping create stronger communities as well as impart disciplines that can enhance productivity and overall contribution to society through sporting activities such as football.
“We are currently looking into widening our reach so you can expect higher levels of professionalism and coordination, serious talent scouting and grooming,” he said.
COPA Coca-Cola is the premier grassroots football tournament, sponsored by Coca-Cola in partnership Zambia Schools Sports Association (ZASSA) and the Ministry of Education. The initiative commenced in 1993 with only 100 schools participating and has now grown to include 450 government and private schools in Zambia.
The sponsorship package has grown annually, with the 2017 package going towards prize money, transport and logistics, accommodation and meals for teams and officials, kits and other Coke branded clothing, soccer balls, hire of football pitches and payment to referees.
COPA Coca-Cola is the largest brand-supported grassroots football tournament in the world, played in over 68 countries by 1.3 million teenage players, with the aim of inspiring young people to be active and healthy through their shared passion for the sport. The tournament originated in Zimbabwe in 1989 with the aim of seeking to support the development of budding grassroots talent and promote active, healthy lifestyles among young people, popularised by Mexico, and was launched in Zambia in 1993 as Secondary Schools Soccer tournament and migrated to COPA to fit in the international structure in 1998.
Across Africa, COPA Coca-Cola is played in 23 other countries that include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Congo, Swaziland, Nigeria and South Africa, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burundi. Outside the continent, COPA Coca-Cola is also played in the Americas, Europe and Asia and is in a total 68 countries over 1.3 million players.
President Lungu at the UN General assembly in pictures
In The Kitchen With Kanta : Lemon and Garlic Prawns
Prep 5 mins| Cook 10mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
- 500g prawns, shelled (or if you would prefer remove the shells)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 75ml white wine (optional)
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
Heat the butter in a large frying pan. Once melted, add parsley and garlic and cook gently for 30 seconds.
Add prawns to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until pink. Add lemon juice, white wine (if you are using it) and seasoning. Stir through for a minute or two to let the flavours combine.
Serving
Serve hot, with rice, spaghetti or pasta.
Kanta Temba is a Cake maker and decorator|Lusaka Times Food columnist|TV show host
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World Vision to launch a new Child Protection Campaign
World Vision Zambia says it will soon launch a new Child Protection Campaign which will further maximize the current interventions on the plight of children in Zambia.
The campaign dubbed: “It takes a World… to end violence against children” seeks to drastically reduce child marriages, gender based violence and child labour, vices that are prevalent in Zambia.
ZANIS reports that World Vision Communications assistant, Agatha Mali confirmed the development in an interview today adding that unlike other interventions that are basically at community level, the new campaign is expected to work at both community and national level and will be incorporated in the organizations’ global child protection campaign.
Ms. Mali said stressed out that so far, in a bid to address the plight of children in Zambia, over the past two years World Vision Zambia has supported 15 000 children to obtain their birth registration.
She said birth registration is vital as it enables children improved access to government and legal services hence making it easy to them from vices such as child trafficking.
Current statistics indicate that 31 percent of girls in Zambia are married or pregnant at the age of 18 in Zambia.
Mongu District runs out piped water
Concerned Mongu residents are up in arms with the Western Water and Sewerage Company (WWSC) for its failure to provide water in the provincial capital and the rest of the province.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues , Mr David Makai accused the Utility firm’s management of only concentrating on administration issues instead of sorting out the situation on the ground.
Mr. Makai who once worked for the utility company has since called on government and the Firm’s management to involve stakeholders if the water reticulation system is to improve.
The demand follows a critical water shortage that has hit the people of Mbikusita compound commonly known as Kapulanga in Mongu District.
A survey Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) in Mongu, yesterday, revealed sporadic water supply in the area.
And a Mbikusita compound resident Kingsley Nyambe explained that the erratic water supply was forcing the community to draw water from neighboring compounds kilometers away.
He explained that, despite the development , the community has continued receiving water bills from Western Water and Sewerage Company, a situation he referred to as pathetic.
Mr. Nyambe lamented that people are losing a lot of money because they are left with no option but to buy a 20 liter container of water at 50 Ngwee a situation which is very retrogressive in a modern world.
Meanwhile Western Water and Sewerage Company (WWSC) Public Relations Officer Henry Kashoki said that the company has been supplying water to all parts of the province despite facing challenges such as outdated water reticulation network .
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Mr. Kashoki further said the water deficit experienced in the last three days was due to a malfunctioning valve which he said has since been repaired.
He has since assured the people that with the coming on board of the donors, the situation will soon normalize because more water pumps will be procured to arrest the situation.
Government and WWSC recently have signed a 42.2 Million US Dollars On-Lending and Grant Agreement for water and sanitation programmes in Mongu, Sesheke, Senanga and Kaoma Districts in Western Province.
Government to set up fruit processing plants in Eastern, Luapula, North-western and Western Provinces
Government says Zambian farmers will benefit from the three fruit processing plants to be constructed in Eastern, Luapula, western and North-western Provinces , respectively.
ZANIS Business news reports that Ministry of Agriculture acting Permanent Secretary, Peter Lungu says the three fruit processing plants would provide direct market for the local fruits farmers.
Mr. Lungu said the move to construct the fruit processing plants was a good move as it would add value to the products which will be processed at these plants.
Government had carried out a feasibility study which revealed that Zambian farmers had the capacity to supply fruits which could be processed into various products, he said.
“Our farmers in Zambia grow a lot of fruits such as cashew nuts, pineapples and mangoes but have no market for them. Through the feasibility studies which were carried out, we found out that constructing fruit processing plants will help our farmers because they will have a ready market for their produce.
“Farmers in the areas were these plants will be constructed will be given first priority when it comes to buying fruits for processing,” he said.
He also explained that the amount of money which would be spent in constructing the processing plants has already been sourced and will
be announced during this year’s budget.
The fruit processing plants will include a mango processing facility in Eastern province, a Palm oil processing plant in Luapula Province, a cashew nut processing plant in Western Province and a Pineapple processing facility in North-Western Province.
The the number of unclaimed bodies continues to increase at UTH
Ms. Mashikolo, says from January 2017 to date, a total number of 109 bodies have been buried.
She said out this, 25 unclaimed bodies were buried in the first quarter, with 38 other buried in the second and while 46 others were recently buried.
The Public Relations Officer explained that the bodies are kept in the mortuary for three months without claim before they are handed over to the council for burial.
She also said that it is very rare that relatives or friends come forward with a claim after the bodies are buried. Although some people do come forward, it is not easy to identify those without their Personal Identity documents.
“People should make sure that they move with their identity documents as they carry on with their daily activities, this is a security precaution,” she said.
Mrs. Mashikolo has called on Zambians to show concern for one another, stating that -people should be prompted to trace their relatives if they do not show up in their homes beyond 24 hours without proper cause.
She said every missing person should be reported to the police and a check at the Casualty, the ward and the Mortuary in hospitals should be made.
Mrs. Mashikolo said this during a telephone interview with ZANIS this morningthe number of unclaimed bodies continues to increase.
Attempts to get a comment from the Lusaka City Council proved unfruitful by broadcast time.
Zambia Weights and Measures Agency worried with unlabeled and underweight products
The Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZWMA) has expressed concern at the growing number of unlabeled and underweight products on the market.
ZWMA Public Relations Officer Mutale Chileshe says his the Agency has for this reason intensified its inspection of products on the market throughout the country.
He said it is only right for consumers to get the right quantity of the products they purchase adding that traders should make sure that the products they stock measure to the weight indicated on the package.
“We will not only hold the traders responsible for stocking underweight products, but we will trace these products back to the manufacturers and hold them liable,” said Mr. Chileshe.
Mr. Chileshe stated that the Agency is currently sensitizing both consumers and traders to educate them on regulations pertaining to weights and measures.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has urged Zambians to demand for quality products.
ZANIS News, reports that ZABS Public Relations Officer Hazel Zulu says Zambians should make sure that the products they buy are adequately labeled with a brand name, expiry date and other important information.
Mrs. Zulu said traders should make sure that the products they sell are labeled in English adding that any unlabeled products will not be allowed on the market as they are considered of substandard.
Mrs. Zulu stated that ZABS is committed to taking out substandard products off the market and sensitizing the consumer on the dangers of buying such products.
PF provincial Chairman pleased with Chikankata leadership
Mr. Evans says he is quiet impressed with party leadership in the area particularly for their continued support to the vulnerable groups such as the aged people in the district.
The PF chairperson said what the PF district party leadership is doing should be emulated by all those with a heart for the aged and vulnerable people in society.
Mr. Evans said this in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chikankata district in Southern province.
As PF provincial Chairperson, he said , he was personally impressed with the work they are doing of helping the need in society which he said should always exhibit love for the poor who need much support.
The PF provincial Chairperson further urged the PF Chikankata district party leadership to continue with this good gesture of helping the aged and vulnerable groups of people in the district.
Over the weekend the PF Chikankata district party leadership, donated various items worth Thousands of Kwacha to the aged and vulnerable people of Dimba village in Kafue Gorge in Chikankata district of Southern province.
Police refutes PF media report of a Cadre who died after being attacked by UPND
Zambia Police Services Public Relations Officer Esther Katongo has refuted media reports that a member of the Patriotic Front assaulted during the just ended by-election campaigns in Kalundu area in Chilanga District has died .
Mrs. Katongo says the correct position is that during the said by – election, Police received seven reports of Assault from various complainants and that Teacher Kalaluka is said to have died, is not among the complainants.
She said contrary to media reports only one person among the seven injured identified as Siamutumwa Sikapa aged 37 was admitted to University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and is still receiving medical treatment.
The Police spokesperson says in a statement obtained by ZANIS today that the UTH Management through its Public Relations Office has confirmed that the victim’s condition is improving.
“We would like to dispel reports published in some quarters of the media purporting that a member of the Patriotic Front assaulted during the just ended by-election campaigns in Kalundu area in Chilanga has died, “ she said in the statement.
Investigations in the Assault cases have continued.
And PF media Director Sunday Chanda has retracted his statement issued yesterday.
Below is the statement:
RETRACTION STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Yesterday, 17th September 2017, my Office received information from the Party Provincial Officials to the effect that a PF member who was attacked in Chilanga during the by-election campaigns had passed on. Upon receiving this information, we had it verified with two other Provincial Officials who confirmed the reports.
It has come to our attention that the Provincial Officials information was not accurate. The victim is still hospitalised in University Teaching Hospital and remains in our prayers. We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused on the vIssued by: Sunday Chanda PF Media Directorictim and the bereaved family.
Further, we wish to advise our officials to verify information with the Provincial Party Chairperson before transmitting any such information to the Party Secretariat. Lastly, we continue to call for investigations into the violence to ensure the perpetrators of this violence are brought to book.
Issued by: Sunday Chanda PF Media Director
Numba banking on Zanaco rebound
Mumamba Numba is staying calm despite the defending champions suffering their second straight defeat and relinquishing the lead.
Green Buffaloes on Sunday beat Zanaco 2-0 in convincing fashion at Nkoloma Stadium to exchange place in this top two Lusaka derby clash.
The defeat came four days after Nkwazi stunned them 1-0 away at Edwin Emboela Stadium.
“We need to forge ahead and work hard in order to collect maximum points in the next games,”Numba said.
“This is part of the game, we just need to encourage the players so that they are not demoralised.”
Zanaco have 50 points , three behind Buffaloes with eleven games left in the 2017 campaign.