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Media Icon Jeff Sitali Passes Away

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Media Icon Jeff Sitali Passes Away

Media icon Jeff Sitali has tragically passed away, leaving a profound impact on Zambia’s media and entertainment industry.

The devastating news was confirmed by Mr. Sitali’s close friend, Dickson Mwansa, who disclosed that the talented media personality had succumbed to injuries sustained in a studio accident.

Details regarding Mr. Sitali’s funeral arrangements will be provided at a later date.

Jeff Sitali will be fondly remembered for his pivotal role in Zambia’s television productions. He was both a notable on-screen presence and a creative force behind the scenes, contributing to numerous TV series and advertisements.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves throughout Zambia’s media landscape, with many expressing their condolences and reflecting on his significant contributions.

Berry Lwando, the Director General of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), expressed his shock at Mr. Sitali’s untimely death. He praised Sitali for his revolutionary impact on advertising in Zambia, particularly for transforming it into a storytelling medium. Many of the productions Jeff Sitali was involved in bore witness to his creative genius.

Lwando described Jeff Sitali as one of the top creative directors Zambia has ever had and emphasized his influential role in mentoring and guiding numerous media practitioners in the country.

Jeff Sitali’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate in Zambia’s media and entertainment industry, and he will be deeply missed by colleagues and fans alike.

UPND failures accumulate

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UPND failures accumulate

By Venus N Msyani

UPND failures have accumulated to the point it is no longer easy to agree on which one is the biggest

Zambians are debating as United Party for National Development (UPND) failures continue to accumulate. The pile has reached a point where it is no longer easy to agree on which failure is the biggest.

To some, monthly fuel price adjustment is the new dawn administration’s biggest failure. To others, the high cost of living, while others think drifting away from promises is the biggest failure.

Many other failures make the debate even more interesting. Failure to move to State House is on a list. President Hakainde Hichilema is hesitating to move to State House.

He commutes from his private home in New Kasama to State House every day, which has added a burden on the government budget. Currently, Zambia is in bad shape economically. Every dollar is needed. Hichilema refusal to move to State House means instead of the country saving the whole dollar, it spends some cents on Hichilema’s commute.

Failure to lead by example in the fight against corruption is another big one. To date, Hichilema has not publicly declared assets and liabilities. To many, this overshadows all other failures.

The fight against corruption is Hichilema’s top agenda. He started with full force, but now he has softened. Every time he tries to be tough in the fight, it reminds people of his failure to publicly declare assets.

Another failure that cannot be ignored is waiting to be reminded to act on laws suffocating Zambia’s democracy. The Public Order Act is as bad as the Defamation of the President law was, but still here. Hichilema appears to be waiting to be reminded to act on it.

He is busy holding rallies in Lusaka and around the country in the name of commissioning and launching development projects, while the opposition is being denied a permit to gather. It cannot be concluded the president is not aware it is a threat to the country’s democracy.

Afraid Zambians will have to go through the same struggle they went through on the Defamation of the President law for the Public Order Act to go. Some may disagree, but very true. If it were not the voice of the people, the Defamation of the President law would still be here.

The arrest and detention procedure is another Hichilema administration’s biggest failures. People continue to spend more than 48 hours in police custody, which is against the law. The same was happening under the previous government. Under the new dawn administration, it has reached a different level.

People are being arrested in abduction style. Police pick suspects up and take them to unknown places. Family and friends have to search for a picked suspect in different police locations until they find him or her. People without families and friends to search for them may be disappearing just like that.
Recently the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) party leader Sean Tembo was arrested for hate speech. It took about 24 hours for the family and friends to locate where he was being kept.

All these failures make it no longer easy for Zambians to agree on which one is the biggest failure. And the point is, if President Hichilema has failed he should step down.

Ifikala Chimbwi Tefikala Inama Ikata

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Ifikala Chimbwi Tefikala Inama Ikata

Interrogating the Auhthenticity of The Agreement On the Establishment Of the Luapula River Authority

Dr. Henry Kanyanta Sosala

PART III
Recup

I had of course previously heard in our conversations with senior Zesco staff during the PF administration about a joint venture between ZESCO and SNEL And the Zambian delegation had proposed the creation of Luapula River Authority to manage the common water together with DRC Congo. They had
to set up a hydropower station on one of the three water falls on the Luapula river.

A Mission of Deception and Deceit

In February 2023, a team which comprised of officials from various government ministries including Zesco paid a courtesy call on me. I was told that they had come to meet and get inputs from traditional rulers and other stakeholders in respect of the proposed hydro-electric power project on the Luapula river between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

And during our discussion I got a bit curious as to why they should get inputs from Muchinga and Northern Provinces stakeholders since the project was solely connected to Luapula Province. But I did point out to them that the Chambeshi river’s mouth into Lake Bangweulu was about seventy-two kilometers away from the departure point of Luapula river out of the Lake, and how could Chambeshi river be it’s source!
I then sensed that the delegation had some fishy hidden agenda and it was not long when somebody told me that the document that was being presented was: THE AGREEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LUAPULA RIVER AUTHORITY. I was further informed that when one alert civil servant asked the presenter why they were invited for inputs when the agreement had already been made. I was told that the presenter was taken aback and looked shocked at such an unexpected question and he simply replied shyly: ‘’It was an oversight.’’ And indeed,

‘’It was an oversight.’’ But the truth of the matter was that it was not ‘’an oversight,’’ but the document was deliberately presented to SADAC Secretariat for adoption and it was at SADAC where the fake document was rejected because it lacked ‘’the community component.’’

The difference in this respect is that the white man leads with truth, though he does not lead to truth and whereas the Zambian starts with lies and leads into multiple lies. And Professor Michelo Hansungule narrates how those in authority cheat the masses which they wanted to over-carry to international organizations : “When the 1995 Land Act was being debated in Parliament, people especially in rural areas rejected it. Chiefs cried foul with authorities pointing out that the government intended to take away the powers of local people over their land in favour of foreign investors under its Western inspired market reform programme. After much pressure across the country, the government announced that it would enact the law against the wishes of the people and decided to fast track the Bill in Parliament by waiving the 21 days rule on publication of Bills before being presented for reading. Even before the people realized it, the Bill was law.”

The white man’s mind being an exploiter is sharpened to the edge of a razor and he cannot therefore involve himself in cheap lies which can shortly back-fire. Our God-given resources as peasants are protected through the Raoul Wallenberg Institute Compilation of Human Rights Instruments under the Convention Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries as stated in article 7:1:’’The peoples concerned have the right to decide their own priorities for the process of development as it affects their lives, beliefs, institutions and spiritual well-being and the lands they occupy or otherwise use, and to exercise control, to the extent possible, over their own economic, social and cultural development.’’ And article 14:1 states: ‘’The rights of ownership and possession of the peoples concerned over their lands which they traditionally occupy shall be recognized.’’ Article 17:1 further states: ‘’Procedures established by the peoples concerned for the transmission of land rights among members of these peoples shall be respected.’’

In article 17:3 the Human Rights Instruments further protect tribal peoples from foreigners who might try to use unreasonable local stooges (as in the case at hand), who think more of filling their stomachs than anything else to help them alienate land: ‘’Persons not belonging to these peoples shall be prevented from taking advantage of their customs or lack of understanding of the laws on the part of their members to secure the ownership, possession or use of land belonging to them.’’

The Contents of the Fake Agreement.

The contents of the so-called c AGREEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LUAPULA RIVER AUTHORITY was presented in a paper by Martin Sodala, Assistant Director, Luapula Province from 22nd to 25th November 2019, titled: ‘’The Background and Status of Luapula River Authority: And he quoted the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA): ‘’The Luapula Catchment occupies an area of about 113,323 km2 within Zambia and 60,063 km2 in Congo DRC, covering the entire Luapula Province and part of the Northern and Muchinga Provinces

Luapula River starts from the Bangweulu Swamps (one of the world’s largest wetlands); Length is estimated to be 560 kilometer; The Luapula River has Mumbotuta Water Falls in Milenge & Mambilima waterfalls in Mwense.

I cannot still understand how our water experts at WARMA had arrived at this because as stated, ‘’Luapula river starts from Lake Bangweulu swamps, why can’t Luapula river be in Lake Bangweulu catchment and not vice versa? It is the same as transferring the motherhood to the daughter!

Article 14 (b): ‘’The Authority shall establish a Platform for data and information exchange and Decision Support in relation to the shared water resources of the Luapula River and Lake Mweru and the associated catchment areas,’’ And so in this subtle dimension all water basins of Muchinga and Northern Provinces were cunningly included in the associated catchment areas.

Here are other shockers: Annex 1 Environmental Impact Assessment and article 8 states: ‘’The construction and operation of large dams, reservoirs or hydro-electric power schemes on any part of Lake Tanganyika or on any river that forms part of the Lake Basin or that flows out of the lake. And article 9 further states: Large scale water abstraction from Lake Tanganyika or any river that forms part of the Lake Basin…….

And Lake Tanganyika is more than one thousand kilometers from the Luapula river, but it is included in the Luapula catchment. The serious implications in the above articles can only be clearly understood with reference to what had happened during the colonial rule as regards water rights held by the British Southern Company (BSA), and, as was recorded by Richard Hall in his book The High Price of Principles: Kaunda and the White South: ‘’…….it was not permitted for Africans to dig sand from a river bank without special permits from the Chartered Company. And some remote villagers who earned little money from locally produced salt (called chibwa in Mpika District) were subjected to the company’s severe regulations.’’ (ibid p.72).

And deducing from this document, it means that no one, for example, can even dig a pit latrine in a village in Chinsali District without the permission of the Luapula River Authority whose offices might even be based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In my two previous articles, I went at length to prove that the AGREEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LUAPULA RIVER AUTHORITY was a fake document. I was told that the conspirators had held their fingers tight expecting a stormy reaction from Bemba politicians but as usual none came. Then they proceeded to produce a similar fake document namely: PROPOSED AGREEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LUAPULA RIVER AUTHORITY.
The Lusaka Times reported that Honourable Mike Mposha, the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation said that the consultative process regarding the establishment of the Luapula River Authority (LRA) has reached an advanced stage. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia are in the process to establish the Luapula River Authority to manage the shared water bodies between the two countries. Zambia’s territory is entirely in a shared river basin. Zambia has decided to asset to the UN Water Conversion. Zambia has two trans-boundary basins, namely Zambia and Congo basins which constitute around 75% and 25% of Zambia geographical territory areas respectfully. Considering cooperation played in social economic development and regional economic integration among the riparian states. The Ministry has embarked on the process of accession to the UN Water Conversion joining the Congo Oubangui Sangha basin as well as establishment of the Luapula River Authority which is a bilateral river basin organization between DRC and Zambia.
Unfortunately this document has not been distributed and I only chanced a copy from a sympathizer and therefore the Honourable Minister was just misled since they have never been any consultations with the peasant stakeholders.

The only addition to the new document is Sub-Article 16.3.1 which states: ’’The Traditional Leadership Committee shall comprise a selected number of chiefs appointed by each Party from along the common border of the Luapula river and Lake Mweru and a selected number of Chiefs appointed by each Party from the associated catchment.’’

In addition the technocrats do not in the least understand the critical issue of where the turbines and switchgear will be. On 11th November 1965, we experienced the gravity of the position of these instruments on the Kariba dam when Mr. Ian Smith rebelled against the Queen and declared Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) an independent white republic because the dam which supplied power to the copper-belt mines had the switchgear on the other side and the rebels were threatening to switch off.

The attempts by the South African regimes to annex our water basin has been going on now for over one hundred years (i.e., 1922 – 2023). And it only by God’s grace as you read in my next article. What is actually unfortunately heart-wrenching is that our ancestors knew the serious consequences of our losing the water basin than the current breed of ‘’Bemba-speaking geniuses.’’ In 1953 a third attempt was made and In this instance, the colonial administration tried to implement the so-called ‘’conservation’’ measures in Luapula-Bangweulu area which led to the 1953 rebellion. It was felt among the Aushi, Kabende and Ng’umbo people that the conditions impinged unjustly on their God-given land. And as a result, three chiefs led by Senior Chief Milambo stood up in opposition and incited their followers to civil disobedience because it was seen as the first step towards the annulment of the African population’s rights to their water basin. The colonial government responded to the rebellion forcefully, deposing Senior Chief Milambo and had him exiled across Lake Bangweulu in Luwingu District.in Northern Province.

The dangers our illiterate ancestors foresaw 70 years ago (i.e., 1953- 2023) cannot even be imagined in the minds of any of our Bemba Presidential aspirants as well the Bemba intellectuals who are supposed to be “the conscience of our society?” What shame! This, however, is my first time to personally and physically witness of how the white man has managed through mis-education to have the African’s brain locked up in total darkness of his skull.
I must make it abundantly clear that the chiefs and the people of Northern and Muchinga Provinces are not against the project, except that we MUST NEVER INCLUDED IN THE ASSOCIATED CATCHMENT. It is certainly thinking of ‘’boiled ice’’ for anyone to automatically conclude that we the Bemba people can blindly surrender our water basins to an unstable foreign government.

TO BE CONTINUED

Vedanta grabs back its KCM, promises to pump in one billion US$ investment

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Vedanta grabs back its KCM, promises to pump in one billion US$ investment

Government through the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) has made progress in concluding the impasse regarding the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

The differences that had taken over two years has seen one of the country’s mining giants bringing its underground operations almost to halt.

The negotiations which include legal issues are expected to be concluded within three months before KCM can resume full operations.

Vedanta Resources has announced a new one billion United States dollars additional investment for the next five years to be used for paying creditors, 20 percent salary increment and investing in Social Corporate Responsibility among others.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe announced at a media briefing in Lusaka today that progress had been recorded towards concluding negotiations to restore back full operations of KCM.

Mr Kabuswe explained that the government is committed to unlocking the potential of the mining industry in contribution to the economic development of the country.

He said it was against this background that the government was concerned that the impasse that surrounded the mining company that started in 2019 resulted in legal disputes.

He announced that ZCCM IH, Vedanta and government have since reached an agreement for Vedanta to return the majority shareholding in running KCM and resuscitate the operations of the three mines on the Copperbelt Province and that all cases before the courts have been dropped.

The Minister stated that the government has always opposed the liquidation route as a way of resolving the impasse that was faced at the mine.

Mr Kabuswe further said instead the government supported an amicable way which is going commercial in addressing the issues with the operators, for the benefit of all the interested stakeholders and the Zambian people.

He further explained that contrary to speculations that Vedanta has been given back to operate KCM, adding that the truth is that Vedanta never left but only halted its underground operations due to the disputes that were in the courts of law.

He also advised Vedanta to ensure that it starts on a new path and fulfill all the aspects of the agreement which is more centered on improving the welfare of the workers and communities in which the company operates from.

ZCCM IH Board Chairperson, Kakenenwa Muyangwa announced that negotiations for Vedanta to start full operations have advanced and are expected to be concluded within three months, after ensuring that all the agreed processes have been put in place.

Mr Muyangwa noted that among the agreed requirements is for the firm to improve its working operations, enhance its sustainability measures and operate its assets as a world class company thereby contributing positively to the country’s set target of three million copper production annually.

He added that both ZCCM-IH and Vedanta resources have agreed to withdraw all legal cases, and Vedanta will take over the management of KCM and the board will be reinstated.

And Vedanta Senior Manager Pushpendra Singla described the decision by the government as a millstone in the process of resolving all the disputes between parties.

Mr Singla said Vedanta Resources is ready to play its part in contributing to the government’s vision of attaining three million tonnes copper production every year for the next ten years.

And both the Mine Workers Unions and the Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors of Zambia have praised the government for resolving the dispute with the mining company and outside court, stating that the decision will go a long way in uplifting the living standards of people in the three towns that the company operates from.

In 2019, KCM was placed under liquidation for allegedly breaching environmental and financial regulations.

Nkana Hire Bakala

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Nkana Hire Bakala

FAZ Super Division giants Nkana have appointed Ian Bakala as new head coach.

Bakala has signed a three-year contract with the Wusakile club.

He was unveiled at Nkana Stadium on Tuesday afternoon just hours after resigning as Forest Rangers head coach.

Bakala has replaced Beston Chambeshi, who was sidelined by Nkana last week.

He has inherited a team placed bottom of the table with no point after losing their first three matches in the new season.

Bakala will be assisted by Sipho Mumbi and Josphat Nkhoma as George Chilufya maintains his position on the Nkana bench as assistant trainer.

President Hichilema pledges to drill boreholes in Lusaka

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President Hichilema pledges to drill boreholes in Lusaka

President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to drill boreholes in all the wards in Lusaka.

President Hichilema says this is meant to cushion the water challenges being faced by the residents in the respective areas.

The President said this today when he addressed a rally in Kanyama Constituency in Lusaka today.

The Head of State said he will use his personal funds to drill the boreholes around Lusaka stating that no government funds will be used towards the project.

The President who donated a borehole in Kanyama, urged the residents to take care of the water reticulation system.

“This project of drilling boreholes is a personal programme, it has nothing to do with government or CDF. I heard the councilor from Kanyama when he was welcoming us that this borehole will not be enough because the constituency has five wards. Mr Councilor, I have taken up this task and I will ensure that I drill boreholes in all the five wards and actually in all the 38 wards of Lusaka,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema says government is committed to ensuring that law and order is maintained in the country.

The President said violence was the order of the day years back hence the new administration is working towards ensuring that there is love and peace in the country.

The Head of State said two years of being in office, government can boast of slowly returning peace in the country for the betterment of Zambians.

“I remember the time I came to Kanyama, I was not even allowed to hold a meeting and talk to people. Every time they hear am in this constituency there will be Police Officers everywhere and before we could know it, violence was everywhere. When I was elected in power, I promised the people of Zambia that I will ensure that law and order is maintained. And this is what am doing,” President Hichilema said.

The President further said government is aware of the many challenges the citizens are faced with, saying government is working on them including the escalating mealie meal prices.

The Head of State said he is working on reducing the price of the commodity by implementing a number of interventions such as stiffening security at the borders.

And the United Party for National Development (UPND) Deputy Secretary General, Gertrude Imenda said President Hichilema should be commended for the many developments he has undertaken including the debt restructuring deal.

Ms Imenda said the restructuring programme will see the country undertake a number of developmental projects that will trickle down to improving the living standards of people.

And Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata who thanked the people of Kanyama for turning up in numbers, said President Hichilema has scored many successes such as the increment of the Constituency Development Fund and recruitment of health workers and teachers.

Meanwhile, Kanyama Member of Parliament, Monty Chinkuli thanked the President for drilling a borehole in his constituency saying people in the area are facing water challenges.

“Mr President these people love you so much, it is evident from the over 61 thousand votes that these people gave you. We are thankful for this donation but sir consider drilling boreholes in the other four wards that have remained,” he said.

3 children die in inferno

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3 children die in inferno

Three children of Kawina village in Chifuwe south of Kabompo district in North-western Province have been burnt to death after the grass thatched house they were sleeping in caught fire.

t Kabompo District Commissioner, Hubert Chinyanga, has confirmed receiving the report that  the three children namely Chisola Kasanga, a boy aged five, Njinga Kasanga, a girl aged three and Lillian Kasanga, a girl aged two, all died in the inferno on Friday, 1st September 2023 around 21:00 hours.

“I can confirm that I have received the report from police that an unnatural death involving three children occurred in Kawina village of Chifuwe south of Kabompo, when the grass thatched house caught fire from unknown sources and burnt them whilst sleeping,” Mr Chinyanga said.

And speaking in a separate interview, the mother to the deceased kids, Pezo Njuka aged 37, of the same village in chief Sikufele, narrated that her children were left sleeping on Friday night as she went to a neighbouring village to brew local beer known as Kachasu with her friend.

Ms Njuka said she only realised that her house was on fire when she heard neighbours shouting.

She said she rushed to the house and found her children burnt to death.

Police in Kabompo later rushed to the scene and found the bodies of the three children already removed from the inferno.

When the bodies were physically inspected, found legs, hands, lips and ears completely burnt to ashes and the intestines protruding from the stomach.

The bodies of the deceased have since been buried and an inquiry file has been opened while investigations have been instituted to establish the source of the fire.

Meanwhile, Kabompo Stakeholders Association chairperson, Rodgers Chinyemba, has expressed sadness at the death of the three juveniles saying the demise could have been avoided.

Mr Chinyemba said mothers should always put the safety of children first even as they conduct other activities.

“We are saddened by the development as such incidents are avoidable. The children are future leaders and such deaths are painful,” he said.

He has since appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to consider conducting awareness programmes so that the illicit brewing of Kachasu is curbed.

2 Luano accident victims evacuated to UTH

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2 Luano accident victims evacuated to UTH

Government has evacuated two patients who were among the seven survivors in the accident that happened on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 which claimed 32 lives in Masansa area of Luano district in Central province.

The patients have been evacuated to Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH) by the Zambia Flying Doctor in collaboration with Zambia Air Force (ZAF).

Zambia Flying Doctor Public Relations unit said in a press statement that the evacuees have been identified as Rebecca Mulumba aged 47 and Ephraim Tinashe.

The five other accident victims that are awaiting evacuation have been identified as Elizabeth Simukonde, Francis Chibwe, Kapiri Tembo, Barnabas Kaunda and Rebecca Namonje.

The other victims remain admitted in Mkushi General Hospital.

However, government is saddened with the death of 32 people following a tragic road accident that occurred on the Masansa-Mboroma road in Luano district

Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda described the tragic incident as devastating.

She conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Central Province on the painful loss of many lives.

Ms Kasanda added that thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during the challenging and sorrowful time.

“As government, we understand the immense pain and grief that you are going through, and our hearts are with you.” Ms Kasanda noted.

Ms Kasanda said government also extends its sincere wishes for a swift and complete recovery to the 25 people who sustained injuries in the  accident.

She said in response to the tragedy, Government, through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), will provide support to the affected families and survivors.

“The following measures have been put in place, such as the Provision of Coffins, transport and food for bereaved families. The Government will bear the full cost of medical expenses for the injured survivors to ensure they receive the best possible care and treatment and the Evacuation of Critical Cases and Government has evacuated seven (7) people to medical facilities in Lusaka,” she said.

Ms Kasanda further emphasized on the importance of road safety saying the accident serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of not adhering to traffic rules and regulations.

She implored all motorists to observe traffic laws diligently, prioritise safety, and exercise caution on the roads.

Luanshya man stabs wife to death

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Luanshya man stabs wife to death

A 33-year-old woman of Mikomfwa township in Luanshya district has allegedly been stabbed to death by her husband following a marital dispute.

Idah Mkandawire, of house number 391 Muzabwela Street, died after she was stabbed in the stomach by her husband, Size Museteka, who is currently on the run.

Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner, Peacewell Mweemba, confirmed the incident that occurred on 3rd September around 02:45 hours.

Mr Mweemba said the matter was reported to the police by the deceased’s landlord.

He explained that on the material day, the landlord was awakened by the deceased who was knocking on the window of the landlord’s house.

When he opened the door, he noticed blood on the deceased’s stomach, who informed him that she had been stabbed by her husband using a knife.

The Copperbelt Province Police Chief said the victim was rushed to Thompson district hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mr Mweemba added that police visited the crime scene and recovered a knife alleged to have been used in the act.

He said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Zimbabwe’s Opposition Forgoes Legal Challenge as President Mnangagwa Prepares for Swearing-In Ceremony

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Zimbabwe’s Opposition Forgoes Legal Challenge as President Mnangagwa Prepares for Swearing-In Ceremony

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has officially announced that it will not pursue legal action to challenge the results of last month’s presidential election. Incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa emerged as the winner of the election, securing nearly 53% of the vote, according to official results. However, international observers have raised concerns about the election’s adherence to democratic standards.

The decision not to challenge the election outcome in court leaves President Mnangagwa on the path to his imminent swearing-in ceremony.

Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the CCC, had previously called for a fresh election due to alleged irregularities and concerns over the legitimacy of the results. However, with President Mnangagwa’s inauguration looming, the prospects of such a request materializing have become increasingly difficult.

As Zimbabwe prepares for this significant political event, the country has witnessed the arrival of several heads of state from the southern African region. Additionally, representatives from China and Belarus have also touched down in Harare ahead of the inauguration.

CTPD Comments on Taxes Performance in the First Half of 2023

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CTPD Comments on Taxes Performance in the First Half of 2023

As Zambia grapples with the challenge of ensuring the sustainability of its public debt, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has released a statement shedding light on the critical issue of tax revenue performance in the first half of 2023. The analysis comes at a pivotal time when the nation is seeking to minimize its reliance on external financing to fund its national budget.

Tax revenue mobilization plays an indispensable role in Zambia’s financial landscape, with its ability to reduce dependency on external sources. However, the first half of 2023 has witnessed a significant shortfall in meeting tax revenue targets.

According to data provided by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the first half of 2023 saw a substantial decline in tax revenues, amounting to 6.3 percent below the targeted figures when compared to the same period in the previous year. This alarming trend was observed across various tax categories, with company tax experiencing a staggering decline of 29.1 percent. Mineral royalty tax declined by 23.2 percent, customs duty by 13.0 percent, and domestic value-added tax (VAT) saw a drop of 6.8 percent.

One of the primary drivers of this revenue decline is the prolonged closure of major mines, resulting in reduced output and consequently a diminished contribution to the national revenue pool. Addressing this issue swiftly is imperative to mitigate further revenue losses.

Furthermore, the net tax collection during this period showed a 7.7 percent decrease, mainly attributed to reduced output in the mining sector, which has had a detrimental impact on key tax categories, especially company taxes.

During the same timeframe, VAT on imports, pay-as-you-earn (PAYE), and withholding taxes emerged as the top three contributors to total revenue, accounting for 21.1 percent, 20.1 percent, and 10.1 percent, respectively. While this signals an increase from the previous year, it also highlights an overreliance on formal sector taxation. There is an urgent need for the ZRA to expand its tax base into the informal sector and encourage its transition into the formal economy. However, the high fixed entry costs into the formal sector act as a deterrent, necessitating government intervention to eliminate these barriers and bolster tax revenue.

As Zambia approaches the presentation of the 2024 National budget, expected later this month, CTPD underscores the importance of resource generation to fund critical sectors such as education and healthcare. This underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges in the mining sector and enhancing tax administration and enforcement capabilities within the ZRA to strengthen revenue streams and improve the performance of underperforming tax categories.

CTPD is calling on the government to expedite the process of attracting investors to revive non-operational mines, thus enhancing revenue generation. These steps are essential to ensure a sustainable fiscal future for Zambia.

Wedson Counsels Patson After Summer Transfer Setbacks

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Ex-Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda has told Leicester City striker Patson Daka to move on after his proposed move on transfer deadline day failed.

Daka was linked with a move to Italian giants AC Milan and Premier League side Bournemouth but both transfers fell through late on the final day of the window.

Nyirenda said Daka should not be frustrated by the failed moves away from Leicester.

The Zanaco coach want Daka to fight for his place at championship side Leicester.

“I thought it was going to be better for him to remain in the EPL but for him do go down together with the team (to the championship) is a loss,” Nyirenda said.

“He should not get frustrated about this issue (failed move away from Leicester). I know he is a strong boy. He should just continue doing what he knows best. Play when given a chance and show the people that he is there,” he said.

Daka has been at the King Power Stadium since 2021 after completing a big-money move from RB Salzburg.

The 24-year-old has scored 15 goals across 74 matches for the Foxes, but he is yet to make an appearance in the Championship this term.

Daka is currently on Chipolopolo duty in Lusaka ahead of this weekend’s away Africa Cup qualifier against Comoros.

President Hichilema Acknowledges Concerns Over High Mealie Meal Prices

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President Hichilema Acknowledges Concerns Over High Mealie Meal Prices

President Hakainde Hichilema has addressed the growing concerns surrounding high mealie meal prices in Zambia, assuring citizens that his government is actively working to resolve the issue.

Residents across various parts of the country have expressed their grievances over the soaring costs of mealie meal, with prices ranging from K200 to K350 per 25kg bag, depending on the town.

Speaking during the Enthronement of Archbishop Albert Chama as Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lusaka at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, President Hichilema empathized with the citizens and reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing the issue of exorbitant mealie meal prices.

In his sermon during the event, Bishop William Muchombo reminded leaders of the importance of staying close to the people they lead, emphasizing the need to be in touch with the realities faced by the citizens.The reminded leaders to be closer to the people they lead to an extent of smelling alike.

Reflecting on his presidency, President Hichilema stated, “In the two years we have been in office, we understand the meaning of that smell, the things that we have done with the support of the people of Zambia such as the debt restructuring. We had to do it because it affected the people of Zambia.”

President Hichilema acknowledged that his government is aware of various challenges faced by the people of Zambia, including the rising cost of mealie meal. He assured the public that they are actively collaborating with citizens to stabilize the prices of this essential commodity.

While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, President Hichilema reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing this particular challenge and working towards a solution that benefits all Zambians.

Former Presidential Political Advisor and Three Others Plead Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges

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Former Presidential Political Advisor and Three Others Plead Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges

Former Presidential Political Advisor, Dr. Chris Zimba, aged 44, of Chongwe, along with his three co-accused, have entered not guilty pleas to terrorism charges. The pleas were made before Lusaka High Court Judge Koreen Mwenda.

Dr. Zimba’s co-accused include Given Phiri, aged 36, Marlon Banda, aged 34, and Portipher Gwai, aged 44. The four are scheduled to stand trial, with proceedings set to commence on Thursday.

According to the charges, it is alleged that Dr. Zimba, at some point between February 1 and February 22, 2020, in Lusaka, aided Mr. Phiri and Mr. Banda in conducting terrorist acts in the Petuake district of the Eastern Province.

Mr. Phiri and Mr. Banda are accused of possessing, between February 22 and February 23, 2020, in Petuake, a 250-milliliter quantity of Halothane and other substances, which were allegedly intended to be used as tools for the commission of acts of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gwai is facing one count of procuring terrorism articles, as stipulated under Section 28 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non-Proliferation Act.

The accused individuals were taken into custody in May of this year.

Wedson Exhales After Zanaco’s First League Win

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Coach Wedson Nyirenda is relieved after Zanaco recorded their first win of the new FAZ Super Division season.

Zanaco over the weekend beat promotedTrident 2-0 at Nkana Stadium after two draws.

In a post match comment, Nyirenda said it was good that finally Zanaco managed to win.

The former Chipolopolo coach said Zanaco were improving.

“Trident gave us a good run for our money but I think we played a better game,” Nyirenda said.

“Every day, every game that comes we are improving. We have come from two draws and we have played better games than our opponents. Today we meant business,” he said.

Trident coach Israel Mwanza lamented the loss to Zanaco.

“We played a good game but unfortunately we didn’t find a goal,” Mwanza said.

“It’s nice we are going into the break so we have to work on the striking force,” he said.

Trident have one point from their first three games.

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