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Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) President says it is not right for the Common Wealth to organize a dialogue platform between the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Patriotic Front (PF).
In an interview, Edwin Sakala who is also Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) Chairperson said it is ZCID’s responsibility to foster peace talks between UPND and the PF.
Mr. Sakala said since both parties have agreed to talk, this should be the end point of the Common Wealth as ZCID was established for this purpose.
“It is not right for the Common Wealth to organize a dialogue platform between the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Patriotic Front (PF)” Sakala said
The United Nations Capital Development Fund’s (UNCDF) Mobile Money for the Poor Programme (MM4P) recognize the fact that when it comes to financial inclusion in Zambia, women are more likely than men to be financially excluded across both formal and informal services. Compared to their male counterparts, women in Zambia are at a disadvantage in accessing financial services. Although women make up 51% of the Zambian population, only 58% of women have access to formal or informal financial services (this includes banks, mobile money, savings groups combined) as opposed to 61% of men who have access to these same services.
One of the key objectives of the Mobile Money for the Poor Programme (MM4P) is to support DFS providers in Zambia to adopt a method of service delivery that suits the customer’s needs and wants. At a workshop recently held in Lusaka, UNCDF and representatives from various organizations including Airtel Money, FINCA Zambia, MTN Mobile Money, Zanaco and Zoona met to discuss one innovative approach, human centric design and iterative testing, that is changing how DFS providers approach product/service design and implementation to improve access and uptake. “For financial services, specifically digital financial services, to be accessible and useful to all Zambians, they must be designed taking into account the needs, wants and aspirations of the customer, including low-income and rural Zambians. At UNCDF, we believe that by adopting a human centric design (HCD) approach which elevates the customer to the “king/queen” status, we can promote increased financial inclusion for all Zambians.” said Ms. Uloma Ogba, UNCDF Zambia Knowledge Management Specialist.
“We want to see a significant increase in the uptake of digital financial services in the country, stated Airtel Zambia Sales Manager, Alfred Phiri. With the support of UNCDF, Airtel Mobile Money has conducted product tests to address issues such as liquidity management and is taking steps to implement the results of these tests in their operations. Other corporations in financial services performed similar tests and research where the prevalent finding was that the process of understanding the customer was often neglected.
To resolve the need for broader access to financial services, UNCDF has invested in initiatives such as the MM4P to not only promote financial inclusion but also bring human-centered design to DFS to improve the customer’s experience and the provider’s ability to provide services according the needs and wants of the consumer.
Inconsistent Zesco United will test’s Power Dynamos 8-match unbeaten run on Wednesday when they clash in the electricity derby at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Power maybe be 4th on the log and three points behind Zesco but have not lost since June 24 when 2nd placed Green Buffaloes handed them their only league defeat this season.
Zesco on the other hand have lost four games this season, two alone at home in the midst of Power’s purple patch, with similar 2-1 home defeats in Ndola to Nkana on August 16 and Lusaka Dynamos on August 10.
However, Zesco still hold the upper hand over Power in league meetings with four straight wins since the 2015 season.
Zesco have not lost to Power in league action since the 2014 season when they drew 0-0 in Ndola but lost 2-1 away in Kitwe.
Meanwhile,Zesco are expected to field the same lineup that beat Napsa Stars 2-1 on Sunday.
But missing will be first choice goalkeeper Jacob Banda who has been axed from the team following a recent spate of to poor performances.
Burundi goalkeeper Dieudonne Ntibahezwa is set to make his second successive start.
Power on the other hand will be hoping striker Alex Ngonga can find his scoring touch again after a dry day for club and country over the weekend.
Ngonga has scored four goals during Power current unbeaten run since he rejoined them in July after two years at CS Mounana of Gabon.
And in Nakonde, defending champions Zanaco visit second from bottom Real Nakonde seeking their fourth win from 10 games.
Zanaco are 6th on 37 points and and seven points behind leaders Zesco from 20 and 22 games played respectively.
The welcome billboard to Chibuluma Mines reads, “Zambia’s model mine.” We agree. But this model mine may be no more in the near future and we wonder what reading will replace this delightful message to visitors of Chibuluma. It also reads, “We expect responsibility, integrity, honesty and constructive participation from all employees, etc…..” Again, this responsibility will go with the wind as integrity, honesty and participation of all employees. What a shame that time will be when the work place will be a white ghost and children of all those who work there will no longer be economically strong in their families.
Unfortunately, that will be the reality when the last copper deposits are no longer available. No one wants to let go yet, time is nearing when we all may have to bite the bullet. The report in the Lusaka Times of Saturday 19 August 2017, “Chibuluma Mines PLc envisages shutting down its mine by 2022 unless new copper deposits are found” should send chills down every Zambian’s spine. What will Zambia do when all this piece of good fortune that we have had for many hears finally slips away from our country? In 2022 it may be Chibuluma mine, but that warning shot extends to other mines thriving now. It shows that others are not invincible. Neither are they exempted.
We have been warned before. There are many others who have the same. The threats facing Zambia’s dependence on copper may be many but two are distinct and real. The first is the price of copper determined not by the seller but the buyer which, for a long time tormented the country whenever they were down. In the last five years, they came again to inflict further harassment that consigned exports from about $11 billion in 2013 to half in 2016, in particular copper exports from $7 to 4 billion (Figure 1). $ 4 billion is too low to feed Zambians. The second threat is the alarm bell coming from Chibuluma, when the deposits are no longer present.
Unfortunately, the only way to go is the most difficult: Manufacturing
Exporting copper is not the most difficult way to earn a living. It is one of the easiest and also less rewarding. But we have all fed from it therefore is it an important economic activity. But there is a more difficult way to go economically which, however is also the most difficult but quite surmountable too as others have shown. Manufacturing has a higher propensity to create more jobs, provide more income and reduce poverty as countries in Asia, including Viet Nam have shown. I will always use the example of Viet Nam when discussing manufacturing because this is a country, almost wiped out economically due to the war but has overtaken Africa in exports of manufactured goods. If there is one economic activity in which Dr. Kaunda, as President succeeded, it was the increase in manufacturing in the economy. The leader may have had his own weaknesses but his manufacturing strategy, in my opinion is beyond reproach. Kaunda is criticized by some for introducing nationalization of the copper mines and other sectors which were obviously unprofitable. But there is paradox here that we need to discuss. It was during Kaunda’s rule that Zambia’s manufacturing sector in the economy ever flourished.
According to statistics, in 1992, Zambia recorded the highest manufacturing value added in GDP in SADC ranking number one. Of course that is different with manufacturing value added in absolute values. In other words, that doesn’t mean that Zambia has the biggest manufacturing value added in dollar values. Obviously, South Africa with $ 27 billion has and had the highest in 1992 when Zambia’s was only $ 1 million. But Zambia’s ranking in SADC’s manufacturing value added today of number eleven is disapprovingly low. In the last two decades, the country failed to maintain its leadership in SADC of 1992. As we meet in SADC this week, it is important to bear such statistics in mind and to remember that we must be in it to compete and to strive to be number one.
Table 1: Zambia leading SADC in Manufacturing Value Added in GDP in Percentages
1992
2015
Zambia
36
Swaziland
36
Swaziland
29
DRC
17
Zimbabwe
29
Mauritius
16
Malawi
24
Madagascar
14
Mauritius
23
South Africa
13
South Africa
22
Zimbabwe
13
Mozambique
16
Lesotho
10
Namibia
16
Mozambique
10
Madagascar
11
Malawi
9
Lesotho
9
Namibia
9
Tanzania
9
Zambia
8
Seychelles
8
Seychelles
6
Botswana
6
Botswana
6
DRC
5
Tanzania
6
Angola
4
Angola
5
Source: Unctadstat
Let me explain the same point using trends from 1970 to 2015 so you can see the annual performance of manufacturing. During the period 1970 to 1992 Zambia recorded its highest manufacturing value added in GDP (marked in blue in the graph below), rising from 15 to 32% (Figure 2). The question is: how did we allow this share to drop to 8% in 2015? The answer to this question can be best provided by critics of Kaunda’s nationalization policy who saw something wrong then yet today the most powerful economy in the world is advocating “America first.” If we had maintained this share, the sector would perhaps have grown markedly. There is a close relationship between this and Africa’s insatiable appetite for continental free trade area which will see Zambia surrender some of its economic sovereignty to the continental perhaps with little or no value.
There is another point. It is the period of free market economy that coerced Zambia to privatize and move Government away from running the economy that brought the manufacturing sector to its current low level in the economy, down from 32% in 1992 to 8% in 2015 as Figure 2 shows. So, although in absolute values manufacturing value added in the economy has been rising, $1.0 billion in 1992 to $1.7 billion in 2015, its role in the economy is very insignificant and is not regionally or globally competitive. These values are too low to expect transformation of the economy into value chains and networks, create jobs and reduce poverty.
Conclusion
In concluding, difficult as it is, we must change our mindset and try to diversify and add more and more value to our exports. Let us open a Manufacturing Embassy in Viet Nam and inform the host country that we are here for nothing else but to learn how you successfully made it. No politics, no trade, no social activities in the embassy but only to match-make between Zambian entrepreneurs and their Viet Nam counterparts. Let us send young children to Viet Nam and China to learn industrial and production processes, innovation and how to do manufacturing the same way we had some Zambians during Kaunda’s time who were manufacturing cooking oil, batteries, Livingstone motor assembly fiat cars, mango drinks, textiles and clothing, Kapiri Glass, bicycles etc. If these workers had continued up to today, they would have specialized using the experience curve.
Finally, Zambia without copper will be miserable. Imagine the whole copper belt without copper. The belt will be left alone as will the buildings and underground mines will be white or black ghosts. Foreign companies that depend on the mines will no longer be in the country. It will be difficult to trot to the IMF to borrow without collateral. Zambia’s partners in SADC will ridicule us. Public services will suffer. Poverty will be more difficult to address. Business will suffer. Foreign embassies will no longer be funded. We will walk face down. We will lose regional and global competiveness. Politicians will be humbled. You can add your own list of problems. That is why, we must start thinking differently.
Stanbic Bank Zambia Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa presents a portrait by Silvester Mali of South African President Jacob Zuma and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu
A 23-year-old local artist has won admiration of President Edgar Lungu after he drew life-like impressions depicting the Zambian Head of State along with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma.
Silvester Mali’s drawings were presented as gifts to both presidents at a luncheon when President Zuma was in the country recently as a guest of honour at the official opening of the 91st Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka.
Stanbic Bank sponsored the young artist to draw impressions of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and South African President Jacob Zuma, which were be presented as gifts to the two heads of state.
As the gifts were presented, President Lungu, who marveled at the realistic impressions, asked to see and congratulate the artist.
“It was a humbling experience because I had no idea the President was going to call me over,” said Silvester.
“I am grateful for the support I receive from Stanbic Bank. I hope that many companies can emulate the support that Stanbic gives to artists. It can create a platform for people to appreciate art, which I feel generally doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves in Zambia. It can also be a platform for artists to grow more,” he added.
President Lungu encouraged the young artist to continue with his good works, adding that artists needed more exposure to grow.
Stanbic Public Relations and Communications Manager Chanda Chime-Katongo said the bank was keen to promote all forms of art in Zambia.
“Stanbic is an avid supporter of the arts. Whether it is music, paintings, or theatre, it inspires and connects people to what they care about in one form or the other. When we see inspiring talent, we are proud to empower and grow that talent,” she said.
Last year Silvester made a drawing of the iconic music group UB40, which was autographed by members of the band and displayed at the Stanbic Bank Private Banking Suite at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka before being auctioned. The proceeds from the auction were channeled to a charity and the talent behind the art. Ashwini Sagar, a Ndola businessman, bought the drawing for K10,000 at the auction.
With no prior professional training, apart from the technical drawing and art classes he undertook in secondary school, Silvester is a self-taught art prodigy with a deep love for art and wildlife art, in particular.
It is a passion that found its way to the surface when he was just 14, with the young artist landing his first major project working on a calendar for charity two years later.
Silvester hopes to use his talent to inspire fellow youths to follow their dreams and also to undertake more charity work as he grows as an artist.
South African President Jacob Zuma, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Stanbic Bank Zambia Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa congratulate artist Silvester Mali on his portrait of the two heads of state.
Slap dee in rehearsals for Coke Studio Africa in Nairobi.
The spotlight falls on Kuichaila hip hop artist artiste Slapdee as he takes to the Coke Studio Africa stage in this week’s episode of the Coca-Cola music series.
The second episode, which features the Zambian artist and South Africa’s Busiswa, will be broadcast on QTV this Friday, August 25 at 18:00hrs. Fans can also catch the repeat on Monday, September 4 at 19:30hrs and Wednesday, September 7 at 13:00hrs.
Zambia will join the rest of Africa in watching the dynamic duo perform as the show is aired in over 30 countries across the Continent. Top Ghanaian music producer Killbeatz, arguably the best and most sought-after AfroBeats record producer in Ghana, produced the song and fans are to expect nothing less.
Slapdee is known for several hit songs including ‘No Wonder’, ‘Waumfwa’ and ‘Kuichaila’ while his South African counterpart is best known for her hit records ‘Lahla’, ‘Ngoku’ and DJ Zinle’s ‘My name is’.
Other big names this season include Khaligraph Jones & Band Becca from Kenya, Rayvanny, Izzo Bizness, Nandy from Tanzania, Sami Dan from Ethiopia, Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo and Sheebah, Ykee Benda representing Uganda, Nasty C, Mashayabhuqe from South Africa, Youssoupha from Democratic Republic of Congo, Runtown and Yemi from Nigeria, as well as Dji Tafinha from Angola, Laura Beg from Mauritius, Jah Prayzah from Zimbabwe, Bisa Kdei and Worlasi from Ghana, Betty G from Ethiopia, Bruce Melodie, Shellsy Baronet & Mr. Bow from Mozambique, Denise from Madagascar and Ozane from Togo, Freeda from Namibia amongst others.
This year Coca-Cola has merged Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa into one – a bigger and better – Coke Studio Africa – 2017. The show promises an even richer and authentic blend of African sound with renowned music producers and top-notch artists from more countries than previous seasons joining the set.
Coke Studio Africa’s quest to inspire fresh new sounds from the Continent gives these artists wider exposure, while enabling greater interaction, collaboration and cooperation that speaks to a wider audience of music enthusiasts across genres, styles and eras. All the music was performed and recorded live alongside Coke Studio’s highly talented house band.
The show began airing last week and will be broadcast on QTV every Friday at 18:00hrs and repeated on Monday at 19:30hrs and Wednesday at 13:00hrs. It will be aired in over 30 countries across Africa, including DStv’s Zambezi Magic, which covers the SADC region. All 11 episodes will be aired on QTV in Zambia, Times TV in Malawi, on eBotswana in Botswana while in Nambia and Zimbabwe it will air on One Africa TV and ZTV, respectively.
Slap dee on stage for Coke Studio Africa in Nairobi.
Immigration OfficerThe Department has arrested a Zambian woman for conducting illegal immigration consultancy. Ms. Coretta Blockley (38) of Woodland-Chalala was arrested on Tuesday, 22nd August, 2017 at Kabulonga Central Mall at around 13:00 hours. Ms. Blockley on a unknown date but between 1st and 21st August, 2017 introduced herself as a registered immigration consultant when in fact not and received payment of K 50,000 from an Indian national as payment for applications for the extension of three (03) employment Permits.
According to a statement released to the media by the public relations office of the Immigration department, Mr Namati Nshika, the woman’s deceitful ways were discovered by alert officers at Immigration Headquarters when the Indian presented two fake approval letters in an attempt to collect the employment permits which he thought were extended and ready for collection. The client cooperated with the Department in setting a trap for Ms. Coretta Blockley who thinking she was being presented an opportunity to extort more money from the client agreed to meet him at Kabulonga Central Mall, only this time Immigration Officers were on hand to catch her in the act and arrest her. Ms. Blockley has in the past been warned against this unlawful practice on more than one occasion.
The Immigration Department warned anyone who is practicing immigration consultancy without being registered by the Department of Immigration to stop forthwith, as it is a serious punishable offence. The Department further cautioned the public to avoid by all means possible engaging unregistered consultants, because if they do they run the risk of being exposed to migration fraud by people who have limited knowledge on immigration procedures and who may take money without providing any service.
THREAT BY MOPANI TO RETRENCH 4,000 MINERS: IT IS HIGH TIME GOVERNMENT INVOKED ITS GOLDEN SHARE TO END PROTECTIONIST POLICIES IN MINING SECTOR
=====================================================================================================
As the Green Party, we extremely nauseated by Mopani Copper Mines (MCM)’s threat to retrench 4,000 miners if Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) sticks to cost-reflective tariffs. We find this threat, when the electorates are paying even at higher rates a perfect example of corporate impunity bred from protectionist policies. The threat is actually an insult to the Zambian Government and its people.
If MCM proceeds to implement its threat, we urge Government to invoke its golden share to outvote all other shares in on this issue. The golden share held by Government in all mines gives the Government the right of decisive vote, thus to vote all other shares, in a shareholders-meeting.
The golden share, which is entrenched in all vesting agreements for the privatized mines is designed to prevent stake-building above a certain percentage ownership level, and to give Government veto powers over any major corporate action, such as retrenchments or sale of a major asset or subsidiary or of the company as a whole or indeed any action deemed to be of on-going importance to national interests, for example for reasons of national security and national economy.
As we the Greens have always stated, protectionism in the mining sector, entrenched through Development agreements (Das), and other agreements, such as bulk power supply agreements, has had a negative effect on economic growth and economic welfare. This policy has hurt consumers in general, and suppliers and manufactures and workers not only in mining but other sectors as well. It is exactly for this reason that the late President Levy Mwanawasa scrapped the DA clauses in 2008 following the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008. It is high time that Government revisited and scrapped other protectionist legacies in the mining sector.
MCM needs to be reminded that ZESCO, which generates power in question, was financed through Eurobond money to the tune of US$250 million. Add interest to this loan, the total due in 2022 from the ZESCO Eurobond is US$500 million. Where will the Zambian people get this money to repay this loan if MCM is going to get subsidised power? Where is the justification for subsidised power to this mining company when the price of copper on the world market has increased by 30% from US$4,200 last year to US$6,000 at the moment? Where is the justification when CEC has proposed a meager 10% tariff increase to mining companies when the voters are paying 75% tariff increase? Where is the justification, when all other mines are paying the increased tariffs, some of them paying even higher than 10%, despite all their challenges of dewatering?
The solution to end this MCM impunity lies in Government invoking its golden share, if Government is serious with national security and national economy. It is only through the golden share scheme that Government can bring sanity to the mining sector, such that where need be, Government should nationalize the mining operation.
Lusaka mayor Wilson Kalumba flags off the march passed to commemorate the Nation HIV testing, counseling and treatment day
The Zambia Medical Association has supported Government’s move to introduce routine universal HIV Testing, Counseling and Treatment (HTCT) policy.
ZMA President Dr.Chansa Abidan said in a statement that credible research showed that it is possible to end HIV within a generation if the HTCT policy was adopted and implemented.
He said this new policy would help expand HIV services from health facilities and spread them to the community.
He also urged government to include a door-to-door program in its distribution of free self-testing kits.
He said that the ZMA had accepted that the new process would not compromise patient confidentiality and other patient rights.
Centre for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA)Some Youths have commended the formation of an Inter-party organisation which will help young people involved in politics participate in the country’s governance.
And Centre for Young Leaders in Africa Governance Advisor Mbozi Tatila said the Organisation will help change the mindset and public’s perception of women in politics.
Commenting on the formation of Centre for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA), most youths who called in during a live program on Comet Radio said the organisation should be supported as it encourages interaction among youths from all political parties.
A caller who identified himself as Caphas said the organisation is welcome as it will bring young people in politics together to push for a youth agenda.
He observed that for a long time youths have been kept apart by their leaders so as to sustain their stay in power.
And Kenny Lungu from Makeni said the move by youths from different political parties to form one organisation would lessen political violence.
He said because of their interaction youths who belong to different political parties will start seeing each other as comrades and not as enemies.
He urged leaders of the organisation to recruit members from all walks of life including the major pepertrators of political violence.
Others callers called on the CYLA not to loose focus like other organisations which have become political vuvuzelas.
They also cautioned government not to intervene in the operations of the organisation as it’s agenda would help foster peace, unite and stability in the country.
And speaking when she featured during radio program Mbozi Tatila said the perception of women in politics has discouraged many young women from joining politics.
Ms Tatila who is a UPND member said as youths they will fight the negative perception of women in politics using modern technology such as social media so as to encourage young women to join and take up leadership roles.
And Tinashe Mazala from NAREP said the organisation will train and wmpower youths with leadership skills they need.
She said one of the reasons youths find themselves in political violence was due to lack of economic empowerment hence the organisation’s resolve to train members in entrepreneurial skills.
Lusaka Mayor Wilson Kalumba has revealed that he has proposed a Garbage Fee of K10 to be paid by all residents monthly to be collected through phone air time.
Mr Kalumba said he met officials from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) to discuss the proposed figures.
He indicated that charging just USD1 a (or K10 ) month per phone line would translate into USD6 million a month or USD 72 million a year or USD360 million over 5 years in Garbage Fees for the whole country.
“Today, I held a meeting with ZICTA concerning my proposal to ZICTA to allow for Garbage Fee to be recovered from airtime credit. The discussions went well but both parties agreed to conduct more analysis of the proposal and how it fits in the tariff determination and the overall government objective to lower ITC costs,” Mr Kalumba said.
The Lusaka Mayor said ZICTA indicated that there are 12 million subscribers in Zambia.
“However with some people subscribing for more than one line, and SIMs in gadgets it is estimated that there are only about 6 million lines that are attributed to individuals. We have worked the indicative numbers.”
He added, “Charging just USD1 a (or K10 ) month per line means USD6 million a month or USD 72 million a year or USD360 million over 5 years in garbage fees for the whole country. Lusaka has a population of 2.5 million or 15.6% of Zambia’s population.”
“Based on this high level analysis we can assume that about USD56 million is attributed to Lusaka only over 5 years out of which we only need about USD15 million to buy the equipment that we whilst the balance (USD36 million) will be used to pay for running the waste management operations including garbage collection and build a reserve fund for the next cycle of Cape,” he explained.
Mr Kalumba said he believe that using airtime will broaden the base and allow the City Council to charge a very low Garbage Fee.
He said this will benefit everyone including those currently paying over K100 per month garbage collection.
Director of Public Prosecution Fulata Lillian Shawa SiyuniTHE Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lillian Siyuni has condemned people abusing human rights by demeaning the head of State on social media.
She said in an interview that insulting the head of State is not only lawfully wrong but morally bad for Africans, especially Zambians.
Mrs Siyuni, who holds a master’s degree in International Humanitarian and Human rights, said the Penal Code chapter 78; section 69 of the Laws of Zambia clearly states: “Any person who, with intent, tries to bring the name of the President into hatred, contempt or ridicule, and publishes any defamatory or insulting matter whether by writing, printing or word of mouth, or in any other manner, is guilty of an offence and liable to conviction of imprisonment to a period not exceeding three years.”
She also advised against talking ill of one’s own country just because one dislikes those in leadership.
“Let us keep our values as Africans. Some people always want to talk ill of our own country because they do not like the people in power. Is it so difficult to say something positive even if we do not like the person?
“We all have issues and can relate differently, but there is no need to insult, especially the President, or any other elderly person,” Mrs Siyuni said.
She said it is the duty of Government to ensure people’s rights are not deprived and abused in any way.
Mrs Siyuni said human rights are an entitlement for every citizen as enshrined in the constitution but it would be wrong to abuse these rights, especially that Zambia is a Christian nation.
Home Affairs Minister Stephen KampyongoMINISTER of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo says Government will prioritise applications of Zambians who want to restore their lost Zambian citizenship but are in the diaspora.
Mr Kampyongo said priority will be given to Zambians who renounced their citizenship in preference for other countries because of various reasons. He said the Dual Citizenship clause enshrined in the Zambian constitution has been operationalised after extensive consultations with various stakeholders.
Mr Kampyongo was speaking when he addressed Zambians living in South Africa in Pretoria.
“The Citizenship Board and its secretariat have been put in place to speedily process applications for the restoration of Zambian citizenship using a digitalised system in collaboration with the Department of National Registration,” Mr Kampyongo said.
This is according to a statement issued by first secretary for press and public relations, at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa Naomi Nyawali.
He said the digitisation of the two institutions would centrally restore biometric data and remove the delays and inconveniences that people used to experience in the past.
Mr Kampyongo encouraged those with intentions to acquire dual citizenship to take advantage of the favourable laws that Zambia has put in place to ensure that they do not lose out on their natural inheritance of belonging to Zambia.
He said Zambia is also putting in place mechanisms that will ensure certain jobs in all sectors of the economy are reserved for qualified and deserving Zambians to protect them from unfair competition for jobs as is the practice in other countries.
Transport Minister Brian MushimbaCommunications and Transport Minister Brian Mushimba says the ministry has concluded consultations on the establishment of a National Airline.
Mr. Mushimba says the ministry will soon share the outcome with the Ministry of Finance and table it to cabinet.
The Minister says the program to establish an airline has taken long because government wants to come with the best airline.
Mr. Mushimba was speaking in an interview with Tv2 News in Lusaka.
Mr. Mushimba says government has invested heavily in all forms of Transport as it is critical in the diversification of the economy.
He has further urged Zambians to be proud of the various investments that government has undertaken.
