Minister for National Guidance and Religious Affair visits UPND Secretariat
Minister for National Guidance and Religious Affairs Hon. Rev. Godfridah Sumaili yesterday visited the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretariat where she held a meeting with both the UNPD’s National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango and the party Secretary General Stephen Katuka.
During the meeting, Rev. Sumaili took the opportunity to explain the great importance placed on national values and ethics being actively inculcated by the PF government as emphasised in President Lungu’s address to parliament on March 17, 2018.
Rev. Sumaili said that she was reaching out to various stakeholders including the UPND because the ruling party respects national values and ethics.
According to reports, Ms Nalumango praised the Cabinet Minister for visiting the UPND Secretariat to promote dialogue because the PF and UPND relationship looks hostile from the outside.
Ms Nalumango said that the gesture by the Minister was unprecedented and must be encouraged because there is only one Zambia
Meanwhile, the PF media team has released the following statement in regards to the meeting that too place yesterday.
Leadership of the dialogue process with the Church as an integral part of it must be a product of consensus, says PF
Lusaka, 26th May 2018 – The Patriotic Front has noted the cordial meeting held between Minister for Religious Affairs and National Guidance Hon Godfredah Sumaili and the UPND leadership which included its National Chairperson Mrs Mutale Nalumango and Secretary General Stephen Katuka respectively.
Patriotic Front still holds the position that the leadership of the process with the *Church as an integral part* of it must be a product of consensus for a locally-driven process open to any necessary external support especially in capacity-building and other areas that require the intervention of our cooperating partners. That is the position of the Patriotic Front and Hon Sumaili maintained this position when she made remarks to the media during a jointly addressed briefing with Mrs Nalumango. She did not depart from the Party’s position.
As observed by the Head of State and Party President His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu a fortnight ago, the space of disagreement over the national dialogue process is now narrowing following the main Opposition’s agreement that the process must be locally driven.
Following today’s important meeting at the UPND Secretariat, the position of the Patriotic Front has not changed with regard to participation of the Church in national dialogue. This is consistent with the repeated calls by President Edgar Lungu to the Church to join the Dialogue process.
Patriotic Front has maintained its stance that it has noted that the UPND which had previously been against a locally-driven process, is now in agreement that the Church which is the conscience of the nation, must be at the Centre of all efforts of consensus building and envisaged broader national dialogue. This change of position by the UPND which had previously been opposed to any locally driven process especially if the all-political parties body, the Zambia Centre for InterParty Dialogue (ZCID) is involved, insisting then that only the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat was to lead the process.
The Patriotic Front continues to respect the place held by the Church since times immemorial in pushing for consensus and achieving admirable results out of previous processes of political dialogue. PF’s confidence in the church has therefore remained unquestionable. It was in that spirit that President Lungu and the entire Patriotic Front welcomed UPND’s affirmation that a locally-driven process with the Church at the Centre of it, was the way to go.
The Patriotic Front believes that this process must be all-embracing and should not exclude any shareholders from national dialogue. We stand for a broad-based coalition of the willing that must arrive at a consensual position.
Lastly, we wish to warn that any attempts to distort the spirit and outcome of today’s meeting will make it increasingly hard for PF leaders to engage UPND.
Issued by:
Sunday Chanda
PF Media Director
Party Headquarters
Media challenged to get involved through investigative reporting
Northern Province Minister Brian Mundubile has challenged the media in the region to carry out investigative reporting on acts of corruption in order for culprits to be prosecuted.
Mr. Mundubile said the media, as a fourth estate, has a critical role to play in combating corrupt practices in society.
ZANIS reports that he said this at a media briefing held at his office in Kasama district.
Mr. Mundubile observed that the fight against corruption cannot be left to government institutions alone but all Zambians must get involved.
He expressed concern that corruption has penetrated various institutions in the public and private sectors.
Mr. Mundubile said if it is left unchecked this can derail national development as resources meant for projects may not be utilized prudently.
And Mr. Mundubile disclosed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is doing a lot to fight corruption in the country.
He urged Zambians to develop confidence in the ACC in order for corrupt practices to be rooted out of society.
Mr. Mundubile further said government will look into the shortage of human resource at the ACC regional office in Kasama in bid to strengthen the work of the Commission in Northern Province.
Today’s Message:New Mercy
Today’s Scripture
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
(Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT)
New Mercy
Isn’t it good to know that no matter what happened yesterday, no matter what you said, no matter what you did, God’s mercy is new for you today? Mercy is empowering. It gives us the chance to let go of the our mistakes and move forward in Him. We have to always remember that God is not condemning us. Romans tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. God wants to love us and equip us to overcome in this life.
Do you need new mercy today? Receive it by faith. You don’t have to beg God to forgive you. He forgives you the first time you ask, but it’s up to you to receive that forgiveness. Open your heart today and receive His mercy. Let Him wash over you with His peace and joy. Then choose to extend that mercy to others. Remember, you are God’s representative in the earth. As you show His love and character to others, He’ll pour out His blessing on you and use you in ways you never dreamed!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I receive Your mercy and forgiveness. Thank You for cleansing me of all unrighteousness. Thank You for making me new. I love You and bless Your Holy Name in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Motor Vehicles Regulations must be observed by all Government Workers- Mutati
Works and supply minister Felix Mutati says no government worker is exempted from following regulations which guide the use of government motor vehicles.
Mr. Mutati said all officers including ministers are required to have a certificate of competence, a weekend pass when driving government vehicles on weekends and only carry authorized cargo when driving any government vehicle.
He said this in Solwezi when he paid a courtesy call on North-western Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Ephraim Mateyo.
Mr. Mutati said government is spending a lot of money on repairs and maintenance of vehicles because of the high number of officers driving without competence certificates.
He however, expressed pleasure with control mechanisms which the office of the Provincial PS has put in place to ensure that abuse of government vehicles is prevented.
“I am impressed with the fact that North-western province already had government transport control mechanisms in place even before my ministry begun the exercise of inspecting government vehicles. We hope other provinces will take a leaf in emulating what you are doing,” Mr. Mutati said.
He commended the provincial government transport control unit for being professional and effective in carrying out their duties.
Mr. Mutati said inspectors will be recruited in all districts in the province and at provincial level to enhance inspections.
The Minister revealed that there has been significant improvement by government officers in the proper use of government vehicles in Lusaka as only 2 out of 100 vehicles which were inspected yesterday were impounded.
He said his ministry is aiming at reducing the number of vehicles being impounded during inspections to zero.
Govt urged to set up mechanism for enforcing alcohol policy
The Primary Health Care Education and Training Trust has urged Government to put in place necessary mechanisms for implementing the recently approved national alcohol policy aimed at curbing abuse of the substance.
Care Education and Training Trust Executive Director Clement Sakala adoption of the National Alcohol Policy is a milestone achievement.
Dr. Sakala expressed this in a statement released to media in Lusaka.
He commended government for approving the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy that will provide a legal framework to address escalating levels of alcohol abuse among youths and adults in the country.
Dr. Sakala said there is need for government to quickly put in place systems to implement the policy so that it does not waste away on the shelves.
He pointed out that the increase in alcohol intake by young people has resulted in moral decay and has been linked to Gender Based Violence (GBV), sexual assault cases, rape and defilements.
Dr. Sakala said Alcohol Harm Reduction Project under his institute is optimistic that the alcohol policy will help stem the tide of destruction among youths and adults in the country.
He appealed to stakeholders in the country to partner with government in implementing the policy to address the widespread scourge of alcohol abuse.
Nkana down Chingalika, Warriors go 3rd
Nkana ended their three-match winless draught on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Kitwe United in a customary dull Kitwe derby at home in Wusaklie.
Ronald ‘Sate-Sate’ Kampamba scored the games’ lone goal to break the monotony at Nkana Stadium.
Nkana are now fourth on 23 points, five points behind leaders Green Buffaloes who drew 1-1 away at Lumwana Radiants on Saturday.
Lumwana took a first minute lead through Victor Mubanga but Diamond Chikwekwe equalised in the 67th minute to see the two sides share the points.
But the biggest result of the day came in the Midlands derby at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka where in-form Kabwe Warriors beat hosts Zanaco 1-0 away thanks to an Emmanuel Okutu goal.
Tennant Chulumba’s Warriors are now third on 24 points, one adrift of second placed Zesco United who play on Sunday at home in Ndola against new boys Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy.
Zanaco are sixth on 23 points after Warriors ended their three-match winning run.
Meanwhile, promoted Monze Swallows made history on Saturday in the lunch time kickoff at the same venue when they won their first FAZ Super Division match.
Swallows beat fellow strugglers Napsa Stars 1-0 away courtesy of a Joseph Wamundila goal in the 38th minute.
WEEK 13
25/05/2018
Power Dynamos 1-Green Eagles 1
26/05/2018
Nkana 1-Kitwe United 1
Lumwana Radiants 1-Green Buffaloes 1
National Assembly-Nakambala Leopards
Buildcon 3-Red Arrows 2
Napsa Stars 0-New Monze Swallows 1
Zanaco 0-Kabwe Warriors 1
27/05/2018
13h00:Forest Rangers-Nkwazi
15h00:Zesco United-Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy
POSTPONED:
Lusaka Dynamos-Nchanga Rangers
Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda commends Stakeholders who took part in the cleaning exercise
Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda has thanked stakeholders for their response to the call to promote general cleanliness.
Mr. Chanda said this through his deputy Golden Mulenga in Luanshya district during the cleaning exercise.
The cleaning exercise started at 08 hours and went up to 13 hours.
Mr. Chanda said the cleaning exercise was a multi -stakeholder program that should be taken seriously by everyone.
He noted that government is committed to ensuring continued implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the cleaning exercise to incorporate participation by all for it to succeed.
ZANIS reports that the exercise attracted various stakeholders which included government departments, the local authority, banks, and chain stores such as Shoprite, Pic n Pay, and luanshya residents among others.
All businesses countrywide were supposed to remain closed until 10:00hours to allow for participative cleaning by all stakeholders.
Mr. Chanda was however disappointed with the decision by Zambia Postal Services in the district to shun the cleaning exercise and go on with business.
He has since summoned Zampost management to exculpate their actions in writing.
Business houses appealed to government to reconsider time for the cleaning exercise as it consumed the entire business operating hours which end at 13:00hours especially for Banks.
And Luanshya District Health Director Jonh Kamalamba observed that the re-launch of the cleaning exercise will help reduce the burden of diseases related to dirty surroundings.
The cleaning exercising which included sweeping, weeding and garbage collection was conducted in the Central Business District (CBD), Schools, markets and second class trading area in Luanshya district.
The keep Zambia Clean Green and Healthy campaign was launched by President Edgar Lunga early this month and was today being localized in all parts of the country.
Kitwe Acting DC’s vehicle impounded as CCGT moves to copperbelt
Acting Kitwe District Commissioner Taphan Mulongo had a turf time explaining himself to the Chief Controller of Government Transport Enerst Kunda when he was caught driving a government vehicle Thursday night in Ndola.
And Kunda whose operations have shifted to Copperbelt this weekend has warned councils across the the country to put their houses in order as regards documentation for usage of government vehicles during weekends and afterworking hours.
Mulongo who claimed to have been driving from Kitwe where he gone to do some government business had no documentation allowing him to drive himself at 23 hours.
He claimed that he was late getting in Ndola because the meetings to resolve the issues regarding the blusting at black mountain had taken long but Kunda explained to the acting DC that he had no choice to impound the vehicle because there story was not adding up and that even during government it was a requirement to have a pass when driving a government vehicle afterwork hours.
Meanwhile a number government vehicles were impound in Ndola Friday morning by the department of government transport control including 4 Ndola City council vehicles.
In an interview after the operations in Ndola Kunda warned councils across the country to follow stipulated regulations on the usage of government vehicles or face the consequences.
He said officers will not only visit provinces but that they would go further and visit individual districts to ensure that sanity prevails.
He expressed worry that in Ndola documentation did not seem to matter to the people using government vehicles saying here it is worse because people seem not care about the circular issued by the Secretary to Cabinet on the usage of government vehicles.
He said most government drivers and officers were driving government vehicles on weekend with impunity as if there are no rules and regulations.
Among those impounded included the driver to the deputy provincial Immigration Commissioner Mufalo munalula was on his way to pick his boss for African Freedom celebrations.
CPC seizes expired and substandard products in Itezhi Tezhi
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), in collaboration with Itezhi Tezhi Council and Ministry of Health have seized goods worth thousands of kwacha.
The goods were seized from three leading shops in Itezhi Tezhi district following a routine inspection conducted in the district.
ZANIS reports that CCPC also conducted sensitization and advocacy tours in various populated places in Itezhi Tezhi aimed at sensitizing local people on their rights and obligations as well as inspecting trading premises.
CCPC Central Province Investigator Royd Banda explained that the seized products had defects and did not meet retail requirements.
“The defects on the products included expired products, having no expiry dates, broken seals and inadequate labeling” Mr. Banda explained.
He said that some products were not properly packaged as outlined in the in the food and drug Act cap 303 of the Laws of Zambia as well as the Completion and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010.
And Environmental Officer at Itezhi Tezhi District Health Office Mweemba Hamane said that the health department in Itezhi Tezhi will not relent in seizing unfit products that have potential of causing diseases to the people.
Mr. Hamane appealed to shop owners to ensure that they order only goods that meet the standards stipulated in the law to avoid having their goods seized.
The seized products included carbonated drinks, biscuits, cosmetics, Chickens and other meat products.
The goods were seized from Sirivandu Super Market, Suni General Dealers and Macro Super Market.
PS happy with response to keep Zambia clean re-launch
Acting Copperbelt Permanent Secretary (PS), Joyce Nsamba has commended shop owners in Ndola for responding positively to the re-launch of the “Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy “.
ZANIS in Ndola reports that the PS said it is gratifying that the business community is in support of the move which is aimed at promoting cleanness in all cities and towns across the country.
Mrs. Nsamba who participated in the cleaning exercise expressed happiness that Councilors from various wards in the district joined the crusade.
She has further urged Councilors to ensure that they replicate the cleaning exercise in their wards.
And Ndola Town Clerk Wisdom Bwalya says the cleaning exercise should be embraced by all Ndola residents.
Mr. Bwalya said it was embarrassing that it had to take the Head of State to call for all local authorities to ensure that their towns and cities are clean.
He added that, as local authorities, Ndola City Council and other councils in the country have a mandate of ensuring that issues of public health are dealt with.
Meanwhile, Ndola Deputy Mayor Kennedy Lasagna has urged all shop owners to ensure that their shops are painted as the local authority will close all those that will not comply.
It’s time to cut the talk, and do the working-President Lungu
President Edgar Lungu has directed all government leaders and Zambians to stop talking and start working in order to get the job done.
The Head of State noted that there has been a lot of procrastination among those charged with implementing programmes and projects hence affecting delivery of service.
President Lungu observed that since Zambia’s independence over 53 years ago there have been several action programmes by the many regimes that have governed the country without feasible success.
The president said he wants to be seen and judged differently hence his resolve to adopt a work and no talk approach to the many programmes being devised by government and the private sector to make Zambia green.
ZANIS reports that President Lungu said this when he officiated at a double event of Plant a Million Trees and Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy Campaign at Chakunkula Basic School in Munali Constituency in Lusaka.
“It’s time to cut the talk, and do the working. So I have come to this school to work and not to talk” said President Lungu.
He said the country recently launched the Plant a Million Trees and Make Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy campaign hence the need to start working to ensure that the programmes succeed.
President Lungu said people need to understand the importance and participate in planting trees and keeping surroundings clean.
The president led the way in sweeping the surroundings of the school where he and his entourage planted citrus fruit trees.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo and Ministers for Higher Education Nkandu Luo, General Education David Mabumba and Lands Jean Kapata and several permanent secretaries, government officials and other stakeholders joined in the cleaning and tree planting.
President Lungu also toured the school’s tree nursery and planted seedlings of various citrus trees that will be supplied to the Plant a Million tress Initiative for planting around Lusaka District.
And speaking earlier, Minister of Lands Jean Kapata said her ministry will ensure that it provides technical support to schools to develop and manage citrus fruits nurseries and orchards.
Minister of General Education David Mabumba made assurance that the over 4 million pupils in primary schools will all participate in the Keep Zambia Clean campaign and Plant a Million trees initiative.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo said there is need for patriotism among all Zambians to clean their backyards in order to ensure that the programme of cleaning the city and country succeeds.
Plant a Million Trees Initiative Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel ChibesaKunda urged Zambians to cultivate habits of planting economic trees such as citrus fruit to help replenish the millions of trees that have been cut over the years.
MTN Zambia acting Chief Executive Officer Mwenzi Mulenga said her organization is ready to support the implementation of campaigns to ensure that they become sustainable.
Ms. Mulenga said her organization will embark on a 21 day yellow care programme next month to help residents of Lusaka’s Ngombe Township to clean up their neighborhood.
She handed over a generator set to President Lungu donated by MTN Zambia to Chakunkula Basic School.
And area Member of Parliament Nkandu Luo thanked President Lungu for coming to her constituency to kick start and implement the two programmes.
Every last Saturday of the month, businesses are expected to shut down and all Zambians to take up positions and participate in cleaning up their backyards and communities in order to make their surroundings clean, green and healthy.
Eto’o wows Bauleni community ahead of Castle Africa 5’s
Football legend and former Cameroonian national team striker Samuel Eto’o thrilled people in Lusaka’s Bauleni area on Friday (May 25) as he visited the community’s football pitch, which is being rehabilitated by Zambian Breweries, as part of its responsible alcohol programme
The soccer giant was in Lusaka for the first ever Castle Africa 5’s football tournament to be hosted by Zambia and joined the Area MP and Minister of Finance Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe in Bauleni where they handed over sports and educational material donated by Zambian Breweries.
The community was later surprised with a visit from the First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who counselled youth on the importance of fair play, and working together, and the need to avoid harmful practices.
The four-time recipient of the African Footballer of the Year award noted that football is a great tool for developing communities, especially in underprivileged ones, and promoting good in society.
The Bauleni Primary football pitch, aims to help in developing football talent as part of the Zambian Breweries goal to create a better world by engaging youth on constructive activities through sports under its three-year responsible drinking programme.
“It is an honour for me because it wasn’t too long ago that I was in a similar situation; football made me the person that I am today. It’s an honour and a pleasure for me to be a part of this initiative that is giving back to the community,” said Eto’o, who was also accompanied by his counterpart and Castle Africa 5’s ambassador Christopher Katongo.
“We hope that with this legacy pitch, the youth will direct their energy towards harnessing their sporting talent rather than spend it on unproductive and harmful activities such underage drinking, drug abuse,” added Zambian Breweries Country Director Jose Moran.
As countdown to the final begins, Eto’o’s presence at the five-a-side tournament adds another dimension of excitement even as the teams gear up for the matches on the 26th and 27th May, 2018 at the Futsal Complex in Longacres, Lusaka.
Zambia will be represented in the continental finals by Stout One FC who will go up against their southern central African counterparts from South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The winning team will walk away with an opportunity of a lifetime to watch the 42nd match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, hosted by Samuel Eto’o.
“We are very excited that Zambia is hosting the inaugural Castle Africa 5’s Continental Final which is currently the biggest of its kind in Africa. The tournament showcases the spirit of friendship and unity through football. We are also happy to be hosting our friends from around the southern African regions, who share the same passion as we do for the beautiful game,” said Mr Moran.
Castle Lager has sponsored football on the African continent for over 60 years and continues to provide fans with the opportunity to live out their passion for the beautiful game through this unique and exciting five-a-side tournament. .
The popularity of five-a-side football, a variation of association football in which each team fields five players, has grown considerably in recent years and is now played by millions across the globe.
Mr Moran concluded on a lighter note: “Now is when the hard work begins for the teams as this is the final leg of the competition and they have to bring their best game. But only one can come out on top so we look forward to crowning the winners. All the same, there will be a lot of comradery and we hope that family and friends turn up in numbers to give their support.”
Zambian Breweries continues with its dream of bringing people together for a better world by supporting music, cultural and sporting events.
As one of the world’s leading footballers, Eto’o won 14 major trophies, including the prestigious UEFA Champions League three times, twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star, a four-time recipient of the African Footballer of the Year award and who has also played in three World Cup tournaments is an inspirational figure to up-and-coming African players.
TAZAMA Pipelines pays its first ever dividend Cheque to Zambia
TAZAMA Pipelines, a joint venture between the Governments of the Republic of Zambia and the United Republic of Tanzania, has handed over its FIRST EVER DIVIDEND Cheque to Zambia, 50 years after the establishment of the company in 1968.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, a K6 million cheque, representing two-thirds portion of the dividend, was received by the Minister of Finance Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe who is the shareholder in TAZAMA on behalf of the Republic of Zambia.
Tanzania will receive K3 million, proportional to its shareholding in TAZAMA.
“18 months ago, President EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and his Tanzanian counterpart PRESIDENT JOHN MAGUFULI both expressed concern about non-performing State-Owned-Enterprises. This was during President Lungu’s visit to Tanzania.”
Mrs. Mwanakatwe said the dividend declaration is a pleasing response to the concern raised by the two leaders as it demonstrated the positive impact that good governance practices can achieve on institutional performance.
“TAZAMA is a success story of friendship of the two Presidents and of hard work of the peoples of the two nations; it is a success story of corporation by neighbouring countries and presents a model of how peaceful relations between countries can culminate into positive developments,” stated Mrs. Mwanakatwe.
She added that “this event speaks positively of Government to Government business cooperation and negates the notion that Governments are unable to do business together and create wealth for their peoples.”
And Energy Minister MATHEWS NKHUWA has said Government’s aspiration for the Petroleum sector is to ensure an adequate reliable and affordable supply of petroleum products.
“To achieve this, it is imperative that all players in the sector are well aligned to this policy objective,” he said, adding that, “a number of reforms are being pursued to ensure that we have a vibrant petroleum sector and satisfy the demands of the country so that economic growth and development are propelled to greater heights.”
And TAZAMA Board of Directors Chairperson Brigadier General Emeldah Chola [Retired], who is also Zambia’s Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary highlighted that TAZAMA recorded a profit before tax of K50.4 million in 2017, an increase of 104% from 2016.
She attributed the positive result to improved throughput and prudent cost management measures put in place by the Board and Management to improve the performance of the company, and added that: “TAZAMA has opportunities for improvement, diversification, and modernization of business operations.”
“This will be done through a number of projects that TAZAMA intends to embark on such as pipeline expansion, construction of a finished products pipeline, and installation of a fiber optic infrastructure,” she said.
Kambwili castigates Chiefs defending President Edgar Lungu over the land gift
Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has castigated Chiefs defending President Edgar Lungu over the land he received from King Mswati of Eswatini.
Mr. Kambwili has wondered why all of a sudden some Chiefs have jumped to the defence of President Lungu when they are supposed to be providing moral guidance to citizens.
He told Q-news that the chiefs in question should apologize to Zambians because their acts are embarrassing.
Meanwhile the case in which Mr Kambwili’s son Mwamba is charged with two counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime has failed to take off because the matter has not yet been allocated to a magistrate.
Despite the ACC giving the accused stringent instructions to appear before court without fail or risk having his bail revoked, ACC prosecutors were not present at court.
The matter comes up on Monday, 28th May, 2018, for possible allocation.
