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Vice President Inonge Wina(R) with Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfrida Sumaili (r) during the celebration of the 125 years of the Catholic church in Zambia at show ground in Lusaka yesterday.Vice President Inonge Wina has urged parents to take keen interest in the activities of their children.
Mrs. Wina says the recent reports of children engaging in illicit activities is of concern to government and is exhibiting moral decay.
She says it is the responsibility of parents to revisit the parental roles and guide children closely because they are the future generation.
Mrs. Wina was speaking during the recording of national address following reports of children engaging in illicit activities in Lusaka.
The Vice President said it is vital for every Zambian to realize that citizens only have one country that should not be destroyed through immoral acts and bad behavior.
Mrs. Wina has also urged local authorities to build social amenities that will help children build their creative minds.
She said local authorities should not rush to invade spaces meant for social recreation for economically viable activities.
Mrs Wina has further called on various stakeholders such as the church, civil society organsitions to join and build facilities that will create ventures that will allow children to be creative in a positive way.
FAZ has banned Nkana Chairman Evaristo Kabila and Secretary Mutale Kapwepwe from all football related activities for six weeks for ridiculing Football House.
Kabila and Kapwepwe recently issued media statements in which they accused FAZ officials of trying to secretly sale Nkana striker Walter Bwalya outside Zambia when he was suspended.
FAZ has further fined the two K2, 500.
“The FAZ disciplinary hearing chaired by Joseph Jalasi, found the two guilty of putting the image of the Association and the game into disrepute through media attacks contrary to the FAZ disciplinary code 7.10,” said the statement issued by FAZ spokesperson Desmond Katongo on Thursday.
Business and Financial Analyst Blessings Kafwanka has called on government to consider reintroducing the 7.5 percent import duty on copper concentrates in the 2018 National Budget.
Mr. Kafwanka has told QTV Business News that this 7.5 percent import duty was there in the 2017 national budget but was later removed as the copper prices on the international market were not so good.
Mr. Kafwanka says now that copper prices on the international market are improving, it is imperative that the government considers reintroducing this import duty on copper concentrates.
And the Business and Financial Analyst says the increase in copper prices on the international market is a positive development for Zambia as the country depends on copper production for financial earnings.
He says Zambia’s economy has gone through a lot of stress in the recent past and that the increase in the copper prices has come as a relief to the country’s economy.
Lucky MulusaGovernment has disclosed that China holds the largest contracts in the infrastructure sector amounting to about 83 percent.
National Planning and Development Minister Lucky Mulusa says over 10 years from 2011 to 2021, Zambia is envisaged to spend about US$20 billion of which 83 percent will be undertaken by Chinese companies.
And Mr. Mulusa says in as much as Zambia has enjoyed the relationship with China, there is need to fine-tune to make sure that beneficiation is not skilled towards one partner against the other.
Speaking during the China-Africa Trade Development and Impacts Dubbed: Case of China-Zambia relations Policy Consultative Forum, Mr. Mulusa says it is important to learn how Zambia can learn from her relationship with China especially in terms of enhancing its productive capacity to grow and nature the investment in a manner that reduces stress on the repayment obligations.
Mr. Mulusa says there is need for China and Africa to establish a common platform such as a Sino-Africa stock exchange through which investment vehicles, companies and equity options offered.
He says in order to prevent a potentially divisive scramble for Chinese financial resources among African countries.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming says China enjoys the bilateral economic exchanges it has with Zambia.
Stanbic Bank Head of Global Markets Victor Chileshe explains the banks’ latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) report
The rate of job creation in private sector companies in Zambia has quickened to the fastest in more than two years, says Stanbic Bank.
This is contained in the bank’s latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) report for August 2017, which was released yesterday by the Head of Global Markets Victor Chileshe.
The reports noted that this added capacity enabled companies to keep on top of workloads. Backlogs of work decreased for the second month running, and to the greatest extent since February.
Mr Chileshe said recent improvements in Zambian private sector business conditions were sustained in August amid further increases in output and new orders. He said companies reacted to higher workloads by taking on extra staff to the greatest extent in over two years. Meanwhile, cost inflation remained historically muted. This enabled companies to lower their output prices as part of efforts to attract customers.
Stanbic has developed the PMI in partnership with a London-based company, IHS Markit, a leading firm in the provision of information and analysis to support the decision-making process of businesses and governments around the world.
On the index, readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.
For August 2017, the PMI registered above the 50.0 no-change mark for the fourth successive month in August, posting 51.8. Although this was down from 52.5 in July, the reading signalled ongoing improvements in business conditions in the Zambian private sector.
Mr Chileshe said Zambian companies continued to raise output during August, the third month running in which this has been the case. Higher sales were the main factor driving growth of activity, but a positive business environment and a strengthening of the Zambian kwacha were also mentioned.
He said companies reported new orders rising for the fifth month running, and at a solid pace, adding that companies were able to offer discounts due to ongoing muted inflationary pressures. While staff costs rose slightly, purchase prices decreased for the first time since September last year. Firms responded to higher workloads by taking on extra staff for the fourth month running
Survey results also show that purchasing activity increased in response to higher demand, with the rate of expansion quickening from that seen in July. This resulted in a fifth successive monthly expansion of stocks of purchases, with the rate of accumulation remaining solid. Despite the increase in demand for inputs, suppliers reportedly responded well to requests for faster deliveries during August. As a result, vendor lead times shortened for the first time in seven months.
“Business responded to the growth in orders by increasing output and hiring more workers in the month of August. Benign cost inflation enabled firms to lower prices in a bid to attract more customers. The index was lower than July, 51.8 versus 52.5. However, it is the fourth consecutive month that it has signalled improvements in business conditions. The index to some extent provides evidence that efforts to keep inflation in check are beginning to benefit the Zambian private sector and by extension the economy,” Mr Chileshe said.
Commenting earlier, Stanbic Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Helen Lubamba, said the PMI was Stanbic’s contribution to providing information that businesses and policy makers could use to make informed decisions.
“It gives businesses and businesspeople the best available data to help them make better business and investment decisions. The PMI helps them know whether the business environment is improving, sluggish or declining, which can affect people’s investments,” Ms Lubamba said.
“What the PMI does is that it shows changes in the direction various sectors of the economy are moving on a monthly basis. By providing this information, Stanbic Bank is contributing to informed decision making by businesses operating in Zambia, while the government, policy makers and regulators can use the information to gauge the impact of their policies on the economy,” she added.
The PMI is based on data compiled from monthly replies to questionnaires sent to company executives in private sector companies, which have been carefully selected to accurately represent the true structure of the economy, including manufacturing, mining, services, construction and retail. Survey responses will reflect the change, if any, from month to month.
The PMI has been established in all the major economies of the world as an authoritative and leading indicator of business conditions. It provides the most accurate and most comprehensive suite of economic and key economic indicators, helping policy-makers to make well informed decisions as a well as guiding investment strategy and asset allocation.
Minister of Finance Felix MutatiThe Government has paid K308.5 million of verified debt owed by various Ministries, Provinces and spending agencies to Zesco, ZSIC, and Zamtel.
Out of the amount, ZESCO has been paid K172.6 million, ZSIC 91.9 million and Zamtel K44 million.
The funds paid to the three State-Owned-Enterprises through a debt swap mechanism have been ring-fenced to off-set some outstanding tax obligations to the Zambia Revenue Authority, in line with the government’s fiscal consolidation initiative.
Commenting on the development, Finance Minister Felix Mutati has said the initiative to activate a debt-swap with the three companies is in line with the government’s fiscal consolidation policy through which the dismantling of arrears is one of the strategies being used to inject liquidity in the market and stimulate private sector participation in the economy through growth and job creation activities.
Mr Mutati has noted the positive performance of Zamtel over the last few months, adding that, “the government will continue to ensure that state-owned-companies are helped to commercially stabilize by cleaning up their balance sheet so that they compete favourably; grow their businesses; and, perform in a manner that is worth the money for which the public pays for the goods and services which they produce.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati has disclosed that Cabinet yesterday approved the acquisition of US$200 million from the World Bank for feeder roads works in all parts of the country.
“In order to speed up our economic diversification drive, we need to facilitate the construction of feeder roads so that the agriculture logistical chain operates smoothly,” said Mr. Mutati, adding that, “when the programme commences, numerous jobs will be created all over the country from the time construction starts and as we progress in our economic diversification drive through agriculture, tourism and industrialisation.”
National House of Prayer Advisory Board Chairperson Bishop Joshua Banda speaking during press briefing whilst His Vice Chairperson Rev: Pukuta Mwanza (r) and Board Member David Nama (l) listensThe National House of Prayer board has announced a 40-day period of prayer and fasting starting Saturday September 9 to October 18 which is a National Day of Prayer and Fasting.
Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the National House Of Prayer Joshua Banda says the 40-day Period will be dedicated to praying and fasting for the promotion of peace and reconciliation in the country.
Bishop Banda says the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer is “promoting peace and reconciliation and consolidating national unity in diversity.
He has also appealed to all political parties to dialogue on any outstanding national issues and put first the nation’s interest first.
Bishop Banda was speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka.
And chairperson of fundraising committee of National House Of Prayer David Nama said the committee has found alternative means of raising funds for the construction of the house of prayer.
Government is considering introducing electronic court proceedings to keep people abreast of legal cases.
Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda says his Ministry is working with stakeholders to implement the project.
Mr. Lubinda said this in Lusaka when the Chinese Government donated 34 iPads to the Ministry valued at 277,000 Kwacha.
He stated that the donated iPads will go a long way in improving service delivery at the Ministry.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Yang Youming said with the growing of common interests between the two countries, it is important to protect their bilateral practical cooperation.
Mr. Youming also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry for protecting the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies and nationals in Zambia.
The Chipata High Court has convicted and ordered for the suspension of driver’s licences for three motorists for causing death by dangerous driving.
Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Head of Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga has said according to the Warrants of Execution availed to the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), the three drivers namely Hastings Banda, Joseph Sichibaye and Andrew Chimbila were convicted of one count each; of the offence of causing death by dangerous driving contrary to section 161 of the Road Traffic Act Number 11 of 2002.
Mr. Mubanga said during the Criminal Session held in Chipata recently, the Court ordered for the suspension of the drivers licences for a period of one year each, with immediate effect.
Mr. Mubanga added that the Court has since directed the RTSA to effect the suspension of the driver’s licences.
And Mr. Mubanga stated that to this effect, RTSA has effected the orders for the suspension of the three driver’s licences and remains vigilant in enforcing the law in a bid to reduce bad road user behavior on public roads.
Mr. Mubanga has however expressed optimism that the conviction of the three motorists court will act as a deterrent measure to would-be road traffic offenders and send a strong self-control signal to all drivers not to flout road traffic regulations with impunity.
” the three drivers namely Hastings Banda, Joseph Sichibaye and Andrew Chimbila were convicted of one count each; of the offence of causing death by dangerous driving contrary to section 161 of the Road Traffic Act Number 11 of 2002″ Mubanga said
FAZ President Andrew Kamanga with Coach Wedson NyirendaZambia may camp in Europe at the end of September to prepare for their penultimate 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifier against Nigeria.
Leaders Nigeria will host 2nd placed Zambia a crunch clash in Uyo on October 7 in a match Chipolopolo must win to join the Super Eagles at the top of Group B.
“We have asked the technical bench draw a training programme for the next game and where we can camp the team,” FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said.
“But as Faz we have plans of camping the team in Europe for adequate preparations and again it is easier for the team to connect to Nigeria and also for the foreign-based players travel for the game.”
FAZ had earlier this year camped the Zambia U20 team in Spain in February ahead of their successful hosting of the 2017 U20 AFCON that they won in March.
The Zambia Under-20 again returned to Spain for three weeks in late April en route to the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea where they reached the quarterfinals.
Zambia International Investment Forum 2016 Launch: Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mhango Mwanakatwe delivering her speechCommerce Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says despite the improvement of the Country’s economic performance since 2001, as evidenced by the increased inflow of foreign direct investment, Joblessness and poverty has still remained high in the country.
Speaking during the COMESA second committee meeting on industry, Ms. Mwanakatwe says this indicates that the growth which has been taking place has been capital intensive.
She says this has prompted government to craft a ‘strategy on industrialization and Job creation to be funded through foreign and local investments.
Ms. Mwanakatwe has since stated that the investment which has taken place so far has been in the technology intensive sectors, and the other sectors which are more labor intensive have not been fully exploited.
She says to create 1 million jobs in the formal sector over five years, four growth sectors have been identified as having the greatest potential to achieve the objectives of promoting growth.
And speaking earlier, COMESA Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Kipyego Chelugel says Trade amongst COMESA member states have continued deteriorating.
He says the percentage of intra COMESA trade as measured by the ratio between exports to other member states compared to exports outside the region was at 10 percent in 2015 compared to 8.8 percent in 2013.
Police in Lusaka have arrested a male adult identified as Moses Chanda aged 43 of Mazyopa in Chipata Compound for allegedly stabbing his wife Linda Chanda aged 34 who later died on the way to Chipata Clinic.
The incident happened around 11 hours when Mr. Chanda discovered a ‘strange love ‘massage in his wife’s phone purportedly coming from his wife’s boy friend.
According to eye witnesses who reported the matter to the police, Mr. Chanda stabbed his wife twice in the stomach with a knife and later consumed Doom pesticide in order to take his life but quick response from the members of the nieghbourhood who rushed him to Chipata clinic saved him.
He is currently admitted to the University Teaching Hospital ( UTH ) while the body of his wife is in the mortury awaiting postmortem.
And Police in Lusaka yesterday retrieved the body of a juvenile aged 11 from a dam in Garden park area near Mushe Milling in Kanyama Compound.
The boy who was later identified by his mother as Chambala Mwashi of Mbasela area in Kanyama compound went swimming in the company of his friends and in the process he drowned as his friends ran away.
The incident happened on 6th September 2017 around 16 hours.
The body is in the University Teaching Hospital mortury waiting for postmortem.
This is according to a statement issued by Zambia Police Service Acting Spokesperson Danny Mwale.
President Edgar Lungu has said that his Government is concerned with failure by Commercial Banks to significantly reduce interest rates despite the Central Bank having lowered monetary policy lending rates to trigger the Banks to support Government initiatives.
Speaking today when he met Standard Chartered Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Bill Winters, in the company of Finance Minister Felix Mutati, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Christopher Mvunga and Special Assistant to the President (Press and Public Relations) Amos Chanda, the president said that it was sad that his Government has not seen a significant interest rate reduction by Commercial Banks to support Government initiatives.
“Sadly we have not seen a significant interest rate reduction by Commercial Banks to support Government initiatives, which is a source of concern. The high interest rates charged by Commercial Banks have also resulted in increased non performing loan portifolios in the Banking sector.”
And the President hailed the cordial relations that exist between Standard Chartered Bank and the Zambian Government and that the visit by the institution’s Chief Executive Officer was testimony of this cordial relationship.
The President acknowledged the Bank as a strategic partner with a global reach hence Government is confident that the institution will continue as the country’s goodwill Ambassador in promoting Foreign Direct Investments (FDsI) into Zambia through its diversified clientele base.
“The country’s peace and stable political environment makes Zambia a natural destination for FDIs and this was evident in the ever-increasing pledges.”
The Head of State assured the bank that the country’s economic outlook in the medium to long term remained as positive and noted the recent upgrading of Zambia Credit Rating from negative to stable by Standard and Poor.
“GDP growth target for 2017 has been revised upwards from 3.6 percent to 4.3 percent with further gains anticipated. Inflation has dropped over the last 18 months from the high twenties to 6.3 percent. The Zambian currency has also remained stable.”
The President attributed the country’s good economic outlook to partly to Government’s austerity measures he announced on 26th November 2016.
“We are determined to press on with reforms aimed at fiscal consolidation, removal consumption subsidies and reducing bottlenecks that increase the cost doing business. Concerns about subsidies draining Government coffers have been addressed through cost- reflective tariff implementation on petroleum products and electricity migration from Fertiliser Input Support Programme to E-Voucher.”
The President also assured that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund were on a positive trajectory.
And Chartered Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Bill Winters assured President Lungu that on the occasion of the Standard Chartered’s 100 years of operations in Zambia, it was right and proper that the bank pledges to do more to create greater partnerships with the government and the private sector in Zambia.
“Zambia is a special place for us and we are to stay. We have been here a 100 years and we appreciate greatly what we have achieved in Zambia” Mr. Winters said when he led the bank’s delegation to pay a courtesy call on the President at State House on Tuesday evening.
“We will address Your Excellency’s concern that we are not doing enough to lend to agriculture. There is a way we can help to attract capital to help commercialise the agriculture sector in Zambia as we have done in Nigeria where we mobilised investors from Japan.
During the same meeting Standard Chartered Zambia Chief Executive Herman Kasekende announced that the bank will build its new head office at a new location near Addis Ababa Roundabout.
Others who accompanied the Group CEO are Standard Chartered Zambia chairman Mr. Michael Mundashi, Standard Chartered Regional CEO for Africa and Middle East Mr. Sunil Kaushal and Mr. J. Kweku Bedu-Addo, the CEO for Southern Africa.
Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima, Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Chilaizya and Diplomatic and Judiciary staff at the Embassy of Zambia in Washington DC.Zambia’s Charge’ D’Affaires at the Embassy of Zambia in Washington D.C. Joseph Chilaizya has described the Zambian community as one of the best-behaved among the diaspora living in the United States of America.
Mr. Chilaizya says the State Department has informed the mission that there are only 133 Zambians cited to have overstayed or violated visa regulation among other violations.
He says the figures rank among the lowest considering that other national records are in thousands.
“The Zambian community is one of the best-behaved communities in the United States of America. Of all the countries, you only have 133 of the recognized violations of overstay and visa violations that they are not in a hurry to deal with.
“I encourage you to stay on the good side of the law so that we can negotiate favorable terms for you with the US Government,” Mr. Chilaizya said.
Mr. Chilaizya has also called for close collaboration with Zambian association in the USA in order to help effectively attend to the needs of the diaspora.
He said this in Chicago at the Zambian Heritage Association of Chicago during the election of Mr. Blair Siajunza as the association president.
Mr. Chilaizya further called on Zambian associations to ensure that Zambians have a cash plan and health insurance to help cater for funeral expenses during the death of its nationals.
He disclosed the Embassy has recorded deaths of seven (7) Zambians in the past three months.
Meanwhile, the Embassy also conducted Consular clinics on dual citizenship with Zambians resident in Chicago.
Mr. Chilaizya urged Zambians in the diaspora to invest back home now that Government has implemented the dual citizenship clause.
And Embassy of Zambia Minister Counsellor for Political and Consular Affairs Robby Lungu also encouraged Zambians in the USA to contact the Embassy in Washington D.C to formalize any issues regarding dual citizenship.
Mr. Lungu says Statutory Number 50 clearly spells out processes and procedures of acquiring dual citizenship.
