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Zambia hope to wrap-up Group C with a 100 percent run at the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea when they face Costa Rica on Saturday in their last pool phase game in Cheonan.
The African champions lead Group C on 6 points and are expected to win it as they enjoy a three point lead over second placed Iran whom they beat 4-2 on Wednesday.
“We are representing Africa and Zambia which is good and nice. I am happy but the war still continues we have to look at the coming games and see how we do in our games,” coach Beston Chambeshi said.
Chambeshi added that said he will not treat the match as a formality nor does he have plans to rest his star players.
The only regular expected to miss the match will be without captain and defender Solomon Sakala who is suspended after accruing two yellow cards in the group stage.
“We cannot relax and we cannot choose that we shall play these players for that game,but yes we have a reservoir of players, but it depends on how that day will be.I will see how it goes,” Chambeshi said.
Confirmation as Group C winners will see them play on May 31 against either Argentina, Germany or the number three finishers from Group F that contains USA,Senegal,Saudi Arabia and Ecuador.
UPND supporters in South Africa protesting this morning
The Lusaka Magistrate has adjourned the matter in which opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema is charged with treason.
The matter will now be heard on June 12th 2017 for judicial issues.
The Court however threw out the Defence’s request in which they applied for constitutional matters to be be determined by the Court.
In his ruling, Magistrate David Simusamba ruled that this was the exclusive preserve of the High Court regarding the committal certificate.
The Court has however allowed for the Defence to undertake a judicial review on the validity of the DPP’s committal certificate to determine its validity since it was signed by someone else other than the DPP.
The Magistrate stated that in the past, a certificate signed by another person other than the DPP but signed in his/her name was accepted and the practice was established.
Magistrate Simusamba stated that the subordinate court had no jurisdiction to comment on the validity of the certificate.
He stated that the duty of the Court was to refer to the High Court once instructions were issued by the DPP.
He said that the instructions to refer the matter to the High Court was never questioned.
The matter has since been adjourned and the Defence is at liberty to inquire through a judicial review.
The Lusaka Magistrate has adjourned the matter in which opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema is charged with treason.
The matter will now be heard on June 12th 2017 for judicial issues.
The Court, however, threw out the Defence’s request in which they applied for constitutional matters to be be determined by the Court.
In his ruling, Magistrate David Simusamba ruled that this was the exclusive preserve of the High Court regarding the committal certificate.
The Court has however allowed for the Defence to undertake a judicial review on the validity of the DPP’s committal certificate to determine its validity since it was signed by someone else other than the DPP.
The Magistrate stated that in the past, a certificate signed by another person other than the DPP but signed in his/her name was accepted and the practice was established.
Magistrate Simusamba stated that the subordinate court had no jurisdiction to comment on the validity of the certificate.
He stated that the duty of the Court was to refer to the High Court once instructions were issued by the DPP.
He said that the instructions to refer the matter to the High Court was never questioned.
The matter has since been adjourned and the Defence is at liberty to inquire through a judicial review.
The Zambia High Commission to South Africa has informed South Africa’s foreign Ministry known as Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO, that Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane presence at the Zambian courts was going to undermine integrity of the Zambian Judiciary.
In a statement released to the media by Naomi Nyawali, First Secretary Press Public Relations Zambia High Commission to South Africa, the Zambia embassy said that they told the South Africa Government during a meeting that hat the matters regarding Mr. Hichilema were in court and it was imperative that the due process of the law was respected without undue pressure or interference.
Below is the full statement
MAIMANE’S PRESENCE WAS GOING TO UNDERMINE INTEGRITY OF THE JUDICIARY.
PRETORIA- Friday 26th May 2017 The Zambia High Commission to South Africa has informed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) that Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane was turned away from Zambia as his presence was going to undermine the sanctity, integrity and independence of the Judiciary.
During the meeting between DIRCO officials and His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba, Zambia stated that the matters regarding Mr. Hichilema were in court and it was imperative that the due process of the law was respected without undue pressure or interference.
Government was concerned with Mr. Maimane’s and the DA’s media statements prior to his visit to Zambia that stated that his party would pressure the Courts of the Law to release Zambia’s opposition leader, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema who is currently undergoing a treason trial.
Mr. Maimane alleged that Mr. Hichilema was facing trumped up charges and therefore he would mobilize fellow regional opposition sister parties and leaders to pressure the Zambian courts to release Mr. Hichilema.
The Zambian High Commission had earlier advised Mr. Maimane to reschedule his visit until this and other concerns were resolved but clearly turned down such an advice.
And the High Commission has informed DIRCO that Zambian authorities advised Mr. Maimane to return to Johannesburg upon landing at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at 17:40hrs. Zambia as a sovereign state, can determine persons to allow entry into the country.
Zambia continues to have mutual and admirable diplomatic relations and cooperations with South Africa based on the historical, economic and social ties between the two countries. And His Excellency Mr. Mwamba said that this is demonstrated by factors as: Zambia was South Africa’s top ten trading partner and the volume of movement of people, goods and services between the two states was one of the highest in the region.
This is also demonstrated by South African Airways that takes about 35 flights a week to Zambia, besides other carriers. Zambia’s democratic credentials and processes remain admirable in Africa and the respect for the rule of the law is at the heart of its democratic growth.
WHY SHOULD MUTALE NALUMANGO, GARRY NKOMBO AND OTHERS HAVE THEIR CLOTHES ON WHILE THEY PARADE POOR NAKED OLD WOMEN AND DRUNK YOUNG MEN BEFORE THE CAMERAS? ASKS LUSAKA YOUTH PROVINCIAL CHAIRPERON KENNEDY KAMBA.
Lusaka, Zambia – United Party for National Development (UPND) National Chairperson Mrs. Mutale Nalumango and her counterpart and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema’s successor Garry Nkombo should apologize to the nation for parading naked poor old women and desperate drunk young men.
It is immoral that Mrs. Nalumango and Hon Nkombo had their clothes on while their rented crowd was asked to remove their clothes all to drive a political point on criminal charges being faced by Hichilema.
We are shocked that a fellow woman and a mother for that matter had no sense of shame in asking her fellow women to address for the cameras simply because they are poor.
We are calling on the Church and women movement in the Country to condemn these cheap political manoeuvres orchestrated by Mrs Nalumango. Maybe it could have made a difference had she joined in the stripping together with her Mazabuka MP counterpart Garry Nkombo.
We call on all Zambians of goodwill to condemn these levels of desperation by the UPND to the extent of stripping our mothers of their dignity, all because they are poor. Where was Mrs Mutinta Hichilema, Ms Martha Mushipe, and other women in the UPND to lead this procession? Are they more of women and mothers than the old women they paraded naked yesterday?
We demand that Mrs. Nalumango personally apologizes to our mothers!
Signed by:
Kennedy Kamba PF Provincial Youth Chairperson – Lusaka Province
If you are thinking to buy and import a used car, know your options first and then source it from a reliable car dealer to help you with your car shopping, so you can come up with a sound decision. Below are some of the highly recommended used cars under $1,000 in Zambia: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Voxy, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Mark II and Chevrolet Blazer.
** Note: This article is sponsored by BE FORWARD.JP – your great source of used cars with unbeatable prices and worldwide shipping.
Honda Odyssey | Features and Reviews
The Honda Odyssey has great features and powerful engine – efficient, economical and with lower emissions – specifically the year 2005 version. The engine is available in 4 cylinder, direct injection and v6 variety which give it a lot of power and torque.
At cruising speeds, Honda Odyssey has features that can stun any driver and passenger as it has the I-VTEC engine with variable cylinder management technology that cuts off three cylinder while cruising and a noise-cancelling frequency broadcast through the sound system which minimizes audible evidence through its fully equipped engine mounts that are electronic liquid filled to mask any vibrations.
With an elegant design that is simply stunning, the interior of the Odyssey is very spacious, luxurious and includes a stowable second row plus one seat that allow seating capacity for 8 persons and one split third row magic seat that makes cargo loading easy when in use. Its power operated rear seat foldaway system is a testimony to the Odyssey luxury by pushing a button in the cargo area; the third row seat automatically tumbles beneath the floor for a perfect flat cargo surface. It’s extremely impressive to watch. There is no fumbling about with the seatbelts or latches – you only need to ensure that the head restraints are tilted forward before pushing the button. When more carrying capacity is needed, the second row seat`s 60:40 split backrests can be folded forward creating a lot of space.
Apart from that, the Odyssey has a low ride height of which is convenient for families with small kids. This mini van also has large picture windows, which provide young passengers a better view of the passing by scenery as you entertain them.
The luxury version of the Odyssey has an electric two stage sunroof, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto headlights, 6 stack CD player, lidded second row door pockets, extensive use of wood grain and titanium look trim, 8-way electric driver’s seat adjustment and two-stage electric front seat warmers.
The safety features of the Odyssey include the following: child proof rear door locks, vehicle stability assist (VSA) which enhances stability by detecting over steer or under steer, Driver & Front passenger airbags, Anti-lock braking system, side impact airbag, electronic brake distribution, Brake Assist, Dual stage driver and front passenger airbags (SRS), etc.
What makes the Honda Odyssey great?
It can be stated here that the Honda odyssey is a great vehicle to drive and highly recommended from middle to larger families as it can accommodate a maximum of 8 family members.
Toyota Voxy | Features and Reviews
The Toyota Voxy is a compact vehicle with a similar passenger capacity with that of the odyssey except that with this unit it has multipurpose uses with two sliding doors that makes it a favorite for families all over the globe. The Toyota Voxy features a neatly designed interior, which is user friendly to all drivers and passengers. The Voxy features two roles of seats with sufficient leg and sitting room. These seats are able to rotate 60 degrees and 30 degrees on the driver’s side and have a special feature for buckling and unbuckling small children. Apart from those, the seats of this compact family vehicle can be easily folded up with a touch of a button and the interiors also host a powerful air conditioner with clean airflow and self-operating temperature activity control.
The exterior features of the Toyota Voxy are the distinct expression of elegance and individualism of the unit as the vehicle has unique yet big enough headlights and compact surrounding framework. In addition to those elegant looks, it also has a lower center of gravity, which perhaps makes it stable and comfortable on the road. Basic standard features of this unit include power steering, power windows, front and side impact airbags.
Perfect car for any family size
This car is highly recommended to small, medium and large families, as it can be used for quite a number of tasks apart from being a family vehicle. It has lots of space for cargo and the consumption is definitely ideal for covering long distances.
The Toyota Vitz | Features And Reviews
The Toyota Vitz or the Toyota yaris as it might be known in some parts of the global market is one of the brands of the automobile manufacturer that has had a positive major impact when it comes to car sales. The Toyota Vitz is a small sub compact car that is typically easier to handle than other compact units in the market, the versatile nature of this unit makes it ideal for city driving and cope with urban traffic congestions. The Toyota Vitz has engine dispensation of 1500cc with a four-cylinder engine, which is fuel efficient. The unit is very cheap to buy and easy to maintain than most regular-sized automobiles as one can easily access spare parts everywhere in the world.
The interior of the Vitz features split back seats with the flexibility of being able to fold with ease to create enough space in the cargo area, the rear seats also have enough legroom for standard height passengers and it can also accommodate a carrier or car seat. Other interior features include the standard air conditioner, spacious compartments, radio system, standard automatic transmission, etc.
The exterior features of the Toyota Vitz consist of powerful headlights, wide windscreen and nice trim sides.
Ideal for young couples
The Toyota Vitz is ideal for young couples or solos who want to have an efficient ride from one place to another with less financial stress in their pockets in terms of fuel consumption and ease of maintenance of the car.
4. Toyota Mark II | Features And Reviews
The Toyota Mark II is known to be a luxurious car that offers a lot of space and comfort. The vehicle comes in an engine capacity of 2,499cc with an option of a turbo charger. This vehicle has a higher consumption rate than the above units but it fully compensates in terms of comfort and stylish interior/exterior features. Most of these units come in automatic transmission with rear wheel drive. The interior of this unit includes nice dashboard finishing, powerful air conditioner, radio/audio system, various storage compartments, spacious front and rear legroom with enough sitting room to accommodate a medium size family. The exterior of the Mark II features the powerful headlights, nicely designed side trims with compact grille that is uniquely designed to give that luxurious feel to it. The cargo area has enough space to accommodate medium to large groceries.
One of Toyota’s luxurious saloon cars
The Toyota Mark II is one of the luxurious saloon cars in the Toyota family line of cars, which is capable to host small to medium families and has that comfort and space to it that is quite unique and appealing to everyone.
5. Chevrolet Blazer | Features And Reviews
Finally, the Chevrolet Blazer – one of the powerful SUVs that can take you anywhere as it is suitable for both off road and tarmac driving. The standard features of this vehicle include alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, ABS, airbags, spare tire, wheel spanner, jack, etc. with a body kit of a true SUV. The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer has an engine capacity of 4,290cc and features a four-wheel drive with automatic transmission. Weighing in at 1890kg this powerful SUV has interior seats that can accommodate medium families with a lot of space for extras, and unlike many SUVs the interiors are neatly designed to blend with the rest of the dashboard. The Chevrolet Blazer has everything that you might need in an SUV except for a little bit of higher consumption levels but that is typical of all SUVs as they host bigger and powerful engines.
Suitable for urban and off road driving
The Chevrolet Blazer is recommended to medium and upcoming large family units as it is ideal to be taken off road and can also be suitable for urban driving. Apart from that, this SUV can also be safe for you and your passengers.
Esther KatongoPolice Public Relations Officer (PRO) Esther Mwaata has revealed that 13 bodies out of the 17 victims in the Luangwa accident have been identified and postmortem was conducted yesterday on eight bodies.
She said among the identified, seven are female while six are male and most of the identified victims were based in Eastern Province, one Tanzanian while others were from Copper belt and Lusaka.
Katongo noted that those identified are as follows: Bridget Mutale, Ann Chali both of Lundazi District, Willy Mwanza of Nyimba District, Ian Tembo of Chipata District, Ann Lungu of Nyimba, Agnes Ngoma of Katete, Laston Ngoma of Chipata, Susan Shamilimo, Janet Kasalu of Luanshya, Hassan Munkondya of Lundazi, Paul Ngulube also of Lundazi, Abel Mwakasala, a Tanzanian national and Thokozile Nyirongo of Lusaka’s Zingalume and she has since called on members of the public to continue helping the police identify the remaining bodies.
And the Police spokesperson said the driver of the Kapena Scania bus has been identified as Matomola Mubyana aged 36 of Lusaka’s Zanimuone and will soon be charged with 17 counts of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.
She said the driver who had initially escaped was apprehended yesterday from Lusaka’s Garden compound around 22:00 hours and he will be taken back to Luangwa District where he will appear in court after being examined by doctors since he is complaining of body pains.
“13 bodies out of the 17 victims in the Luangwa accident have been identified and postmortem was conducted yesterday on eight bodies” Katongo said
DA President Mmusi Maimane at the Zambian High commission in Pretoria for a press briefing
Patriotic Front (PF) director of Media Sunday Chanda has said the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Mmaimane is using Zambia as a deflection from the Hellen Zille racist slur heat.
In a statement today, Chanda was quick to state that the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema is not a political prisoner but a criminal suspect.
He refuted claims by some stakeholders that Zambia has political detainees, adding under the leadership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu there will be no political prisoners.
He insisted that Hichilema is a criminal suspect and not a political detainee and has since noted that was unfortunate that South Africa’s “Nazi Party” Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Mmaimane and his sponsors intend to make a political issue out of a criminal case.
Chanda further stated that the PF shall not be lectured by architects and beneficiaries of apartheid like Democratic Alliance, adding that Zambia fought apartheid and even at this stage, Zambia shall not relent in dealing with its agents like DA.
He said Zambia is a sovereign country, with sovereign laws which must be respected by all in the continent of Africa and the world at large and everyone must know that Zambia is not a playground for every tom and dick, including agents of capital such as Maimane.
Chanda further noted Mmaimane must appreciate and realize that he is very lucky and should thank his Sangomas for making immigration officers to favour him by not arresting him on contempt charges after passing highly contemptuous remarks.
“Potentially he was a jailbird. On record, Maimane made the following reckless and highly contemptuous remarks that “We want to pressure the Courts to release Hakainde Hichilema”. Maimane also said, “mobilized the fellow opposition to pressure government and the Courts to release Hakainde Hichilema”. We want to remind Maimane and his sponsors that Zambia is a Country of laws and if they think they can turn Zambia into their political playground, they are gravely mistaken”
“International diplomats accredited to Zambia and who have commented on the arrest of Hichilema have never referred to it as political but with great wisdom, they have called for speedy and fair trial as per the rules of natural justice. They have also understood that under the doctrine of separation of powers, His Excellency President Lungu cannot interfere in a matter that is before the Courts. In the same vein, we expect all credible organizations to insist on the due process of the law in the case of Hichilema”
“We wish to place on record once more that if blocking a Presidential motorcade is political in South Africa, it is criminal in Zambia. Further we wish to say that it does not matter whether Zambians laws on treason are laughable to others, once someone crosses the line, they are triggered, unfortunately. If it is politics to just walk into a South Africa as an alien, it is law in Zambia that everyone is screened at the port of entry and entry can be denied without explanation”
“We have no apologies to make when Maimane is denied entry into Zambia. It was inevitable and he was correctly advised by the Zambian High Commission in South Africa. It must be said to Maimane that Zambia is a sovereign state and he has no right to enter Zambia as he ignorantly alleged in his interview”
“Entering a foreign state as an alien is the preserve of that Country’s immigration department and we think this is simple civics which a political front should grasp easily. Immigration at ports of entry do not exist for decorative purposes. They are meant to screen and send back or arrest characters with questionable agendas like Maimane” Chanda said
DA members protesting outside the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria
Meanwhile, Some Zambian nationals along with supporters of the opposition Democratic Alliance gathered outside Zambia’s High Commission in Pretoria where they protest against the incarceration of Hakainde Hichilema.
The protest also follows last evening’s incident where DA leader Mmusi Maimane and his team were barred from entering Zambia at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Heavily armed immigration officers prevented them from disembarking and their passports and cellphones were confiscated.
Addressing the protestors, Mr. Maimane said the incident shows that Zambia’s democracy is falling apart.
“We will stand for democracy, we will stand for the rule of law and we will make sure dictators will not rise,” he said.
“How do you charge a man with treason for simply standing up for democracy. That behaviour is only done in North Korea.”
Mr Maimane said President Lungu is proving more and that he is a dictator.
“HH has been good in prison for 6 weeks. Why would you charge a person who stands for democracy and you charge him with treason?”
He said democracy is fragile in Zambia adding that the protestors are asking for the freedom of Mr. Hichilema.
Meanwhile, the South African International Relations Department says the manner in which Zambian authorities handled Mmusi Maimane’s incident at KK international Airport may have been slightly over the top.
The department says it is understood that a number of heavily armed officers entered the plane on which Maimane and his team arrived at Lusaka Airport on Thursday.
Immigration officers confiscated their electronic devices and passports.
The department’s Clayson Monyela says they are now requiring more information from authorities in Zambia to explain why Maimane was barred.
“It wouldn’t be over the top to send one official to go into the plane and inform somebody that unfortunately you’re not allowed to enter the country for whatever reason, even if you don’t offer any explanation. But to send in a number of police, heavily armed, may be slightly over the top.”
Mr. Hichilema is facing treason charges for failing to give way to a presidential motorcade last month.
Protests outside Zambian High Commission in Pretoria
And the Green Party has released the following statement to the media,
GREEN PARTY CONDEMNS DENIAL OF ENTRY AND DEPORTATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN OPPOSITION LEADER MMUSI MAIMANE
======================================================
We as the Green Party are extremely depressed and saddened by the decision by the Zambian government to deny entry and deport Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane last evening. We believe that the action by government was high-handed and unwarranted considering the warm political, social and economic relations that have existed between the two countries since 1992.
There was absolutely no breach of Zambia’s immigration and other laws that Maimane committed to warrant physical persecution and subsequent denial of entry and deportation. The diplomatic row that the Zambian government has started with South Africa is extremely regrettable and, as the Green Party, we shudder to see the row escalating further. Zambia stands to lose the most economically and socially if South Africa decides to invoke political, economic and social sanctions against us. We therefore solemnly appeal to President Edgar Lungu to reconsider government stance.
There is nothing wrong for Maimane to visit incarcerated UPND President Hakainde Hichilema. Not only did Zambia host ANC leadership but Mukhonto We Sizwe combatants as well.
Zambian and South African politicians have always had reciprocal political visitations before and after the independence of South Africa. The first Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda used to have meetings with pre-independence Prime Ministers of South Africa John Vorster and P.W. Botha long before independence of that country. When he was charged with tramped up charges of treason, Dr Kaunda was provided refuge by South Africa.
Speaking for myself as an opposition leader, in 1991, at the climax of apartheid in South Africa, together with late John Sakulanda, I did travel to meet former Prime Minister PW de Klerk and his Cabinet on the issue of black-on-black violence. Prime Minister de Klerk facilitated our meetings with all main opposition parties including ANC, National Party, Democratic Party (as DA was known then), Inkhata Freedom Party, Pan Africanist Congress, and others. What the Zambian government has done to Maimane is therefore utterly wrong.
Peter Sinkamba
President
Green Party of Zambia
Mmusi Maimane arriving at the Zambian High Commission in PretoriaUPND supporters in South Africa protesting this morningProtests outside Zambian High Commission in PretoriaUPND supporters in South Africa protesting this morningProtesting in solidarity currently camped outside the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.
PROS
Excellent performance by the whole cast . Drax (Former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista) was my favorite character ,he was hilarious .
Interesting and fresh feeling storyline.
Amazing visual and special effects.
CONS
The movie did not do a good job of introducing the characters to the audience. Viewers who have not watched the previous Guardians of the Galaxy movie will not know how/why they came together and the complexities of the relationships between them.
FAVORITE QUOTE
Baby Groot: “I am Groot.”
Rocket: “You people have issues.”
Peter Quill: “Well of course I have issues, that’s my freaking father!”
Rocket: “Are we really saving the galaxy, again?”
Peter Quill: “Yeah.”
Rocket: “Great! We can jack up our prices if we’re two-time galaxy savers!”
CONCLUSSION
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is a thoroughly entertaining sequel that brings a glorious combo of action ,adventure and humour…lot and lots of humour. Chris Pratt gave a splendid performance in the lead role as Peter Quill but , in my view , the real star of the movie was Drax ( Dave Bautista). His dry humour was hysterically funny.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 was not all action and comedy. It also had a very interesting story line. It touched on topics such as family , loyalty and having a sense of belonging .There are some emotional scenes and dialogs between the characters. An example of this is Yondu (Micheal Rooker) and Rocket ( Bradly Cooper) who had a couple of meaningful conversations that depict their growth in a surprisingly touching way.
The music in this movie is a character on its own. Classic from the 60’s and 70’s are plentifully and give a sonic backdrop to this awesome movie .
Some opposition UPND supporters on Thursday staged a protest at the party secretariat and stripped off as a form of protest at the incarceration of their leader Hakainde Hichilema.
The protestors mostly women exposed their breasts and underwear and displayed placards reading “Zambia is not a police state, release HH now!”
Other placards read “We say no to police brutality. Lungu, stop the dictatorship, Free HH”.
The protest was characterised by songs and dance and Party National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango and Mazabuka Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo addressed the protestors.
The protesters attempted to continue their protest at the Freedom Statue, but were forced back by armed police officers who were keeping vigil at the venue.
Mrs Lusambo handing over some of the donated items
Wife of Copperbelt Minister Nancy Manase Lusambo says there is need to recognise the value of freedom fighters.
Mrs Lusambo said without the freedom fighters, the peace and freedoms that the nation is enjoying today would not have been possible.
She said citizens need to follow the example set by President Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu in encouraging peaceful co-existence, community participation and empowerment through supporting and helping the needy in society.
Mrs Lusambo was speaking on Thursday at Ndola Teaching Hospital when she led wives of Leaders of Ndola in donating an assortment of items to some freedom fighters admitted to Ndola Teaching Hospital.
She was joined at the event by wife of Ndola District Commissioner, wife of the Ndola Mayor and wife of the Deputy Mayor of Ndola and wife of the Provincial Medical Officer.
The Wives of Leaders of Ndola donated blankets, duvets, assorted cleaning materials and groceries valued at K15,000 to the freedom fighters.
She said, “H.E Edgar Chagwa Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu have led by example in encouraging peaceful co-existence, community participation and empowerment through supporting and helping the needy in society. To supplement this effort, as Wives of Leaders of Ndola City, we thought it is wise to put our little resources together to recognise the value of freedom fighters without whose sacrifice, we would not be enjoying the peace environment.”
Mrs Lusambo said she was also impressed with the efforts the management of Ndola Teaching Hospital is making to improve service delivery at the institution.
She observed that there is a positive change in attitude towards patients which has seen tremendous improvement in service delivery, thereby improving the image of the institution.
Mrs Lusambo said issues of efficient service delivery have been of great concern to the Government through the Ministry of Health.
“As Wives of Leaders of Ndola City, we have not just been watching the strides by Government but in a small way have brought this small token of recognising the elderly who are in the category of freedom fighters and in this situation here at the Hospital,” she said.
Mrs Lusambo added, “Quality service delivery is in line with the First Family’s emphasis on hard work and commitment to duty by all well-meaning citizens of our great country.”
She said government through the Ministry of Health is also focusing on health promotion and disease prevention by ensuring that individuals, families and the community at large take responsibility for their own health issues by preventing disease through behaviour change and seeking treatment early.
“To management and Staff, I wish to urge you to continue working hard towards making Ndola Teaching Hospital a Centre of Excellence. This is the start of so many things to come and a little goes a long way and blessed is the hand that giveth,” Mrs Lusambo said.
Mrs Lusambo with Wives of Ndola Leaders arriving at the HospitalMrs Lusambo (in yellow dress) on arrival at Ndola Teaching Hospital
Mrs Lusambo with Wives of Ndola leaders visiting freedom fighters admitted to Ndola Teaching Hospital
Tom Albanese, Chairman of Vedanta Resources Holdings
Vedanta Resources is planning to improve production at its Konkola Copper mines after a difficult full year to March 2017 in which mined copper metal output was 23.5% lower at 94,000 tonnes.
According to Vedanta Resources chairman, Anil Agarwal, the group is focused on “… initiatives both to ramp-up volumes and develop captive power generation sources” in the short term.
In Zambia, the company “experienced some operational challenges during the year” ranging from equipment unavailability, higher electricity tariffs, regulatory issues, and a depreciating Kwacha currency, he said.
Despite these challenges the company has commenced production ramp up at the Nchanga underground mine which had been put under care and maintenance in the third quarter of the previous year.
“The Nchanga underground trial operations are progressing well with improved grades and recoveries. We continue to focus on a further ramp-up and to break through the two million tonne mark for ore production on an annual basis,” said Vedanta CEO, Tom Albanese.
Revenues for the period were 10% lower at $874m while Ebitda earnings came in at $6m, reflecting an improvement from the previous year’s loss of $18m “mainly due to the impact of kwacha appreciation” on VAT receivables.
Unit production costs for the period, excluding royalty payments, surged 5.4% to 209 cents in dollar terms.
Zambia has announced revised power tariffs that are 15% lower since the beginning of the 2017 calendar year.
Although mining production at the Zambian copper mines has been subdued, the company’s smelting operations have been firm, with custom volumes rising 31% over the previous year to 84,000 tonnes.
This has been attributed to improved third party concentrate availability and our ability to handle feed rates greater than 70 tonnes per hour” at the smelter.
The company is now focused on an initiative to re-engineer the mine design at Konkola to allow for accelerated dewatering and further mine development. This will help “increase production” from the mine.
South Africa’s International Relations Department spokesperson Clayson Monyela
Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba is set to be summoned by South Africa’s International Relations Department to explain why Maimane was barred from DA leader Mmusi Maimane from entering Zambia on Thursday evening.
The department says it has noted what has happened with the barring of Mr. Maimane from Zambia and says it will be calling in the Zambian High Commissioner to get an explanation of what happened.
The department says that according to its own understanding, South Africans don’t need visas to enter Zambia.
South Africa’s International Relations Department spokesperson Clayson Monyela says this is regrettable as Zambia is considered a friendly neighbour.
“There are cordial relations that exist between the two countries, hence our intention to call in the Zambian High Commissioner to get an explanation as to what led to this incident, and we’ll take it from there.
“Let’s first get the rationale behind their decision to not allow Mr Mmusi Maimane to enter their country.”
“We intend calling in the Zambian High Commissioner to come and explain this whole thing to us,” Mr. Monyela.
He confirmed that this would be a “démarche”, the strong form of diplomatic protest which the DA had demanded.
Mr. Monyela also said that an official from the SA High Commission in Lusaka had been at the airport to receive Mr. Maimane but had been unable to help him.
Mr. Maimane said on Thursday night from OR Tambo International Airport on his return that the whole incident was “madness” and that he had been subjected to “apartheid-era” treatment at Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda airport.
Mr. Maimane was with a bodyguard and his chief of staff.
He had arrived on a flight to observe the controversial treason trial of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema which is due to start on Friday.
The DA leader said first immigration officials boarded the SA Airlink flight and told him he was being denied entry to Zambia.
“No reasons were given,” he wrote on Twitter.
“When they saw I had taken a photo of them with my phone they asked me for the phone so they could delete it. When I refused they manhandled me and grabbed it. But it was locked and so they demanded I unlock it. I refused and so they said they would have to arrest me.”
Mr. Maimane said the Zambian authorities – by then reinforced by police – then forced his head down and demanded he unlock the phone, which he still refused to do.
They eventually gave the phone and other equipment to the pilot.
The Zambian authorities kept him and his two colleagues on the aircraft while they loaded the outward-bound passengers and then flew them straight back to Johannesburg.
They got the phone and other equipment from the pilot there.
DA national spokesperson Phumzile van Damme said Thursday night that Mr. Maimane had arrived in Lusaka on Africa Day to attend Mr. Hichilema’s trial on Friday and to “show support to Mr Hichilema, who is being unduly persecuted by his government, and to show the DA’s commitment to a human-rights based foreign policy”.
Mr. Hichilema is being charged with treason because he refused to order his convoy to give way to President Edgar Lungu’s convoy when it tried to overtake his on a country road recently.
Zambian authorities have accused Mr. Hichilema of thereby endangering President Lungu’s life.
“Mr Maimane had strongly denounced the trumped-up charges against Hichilema, and had condemned the ANC government for not yet taking a stand against his treason charges,” Van Damme said.
She said Zambian Police had “aggressively confronted Maimane” and had taken his phone.
“The South Africa government has the right and the duty to issue a démarche, or diplomatic order, and we expect that they will do so.
“It is a deeply shameful day for the Republic of Zambia, when a Leader of the Opposition from South Africa cannot pass freely into the country – especially on Africa Day. But we will not be deterred.
“The Republic of Zambia is a regional partner of the Republic of South Africa and their treatment today of our country’s Leader of the Opposition flies in the face of these relations on Africa Day.”
Greg Mills, head of Johannesburg’s Brenthurst Foundation and an expert on Africa, said last night it had been brave and politically astute of Maimane to travel to Lusaka to support Hichilema and show democratic solidarity.
“Zambian authorities should simply have let him get off the plane and complete his visit,” he added.
Mr. Mills said the Zambians had started something they could not control by charging Mr. Hichilema.
He said they would be unable to convict him on the treason charge but they were too proud to drop the charges.
Responding to Mr. Maimane’s demand that the South African government should condemn Zambia’s action, Mr. Mills said Pretoria would have to decide if it supported democracy or authoritarianism.
“You can’t have democratic authoritarianism or authoritarian democracy,” he said.
“South Africa will have to decide which side of history it wants to be on.”
