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HH in a police vanThe case in which UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and five others are accused of treason will be committed to the Lusaka High Court on Thursday this week.
This follows Lusaka Magistrate David Simusamba’s decision to grant an application by the accused for the case to come up this week and not Monday next week as earlier scheduled.
Magistrate Simusamba had adjourned the matter to Monday next week to allow the suspects to challenge the validity of the committal certificate in the High court.
The Defence had argued that the committal certificate is not valid because the Director of Public Prosecutions -DPP- did not personally sign it.
But, Magistrate Simusamba said he has no powers to comment on the validity of the certificate hence his advice for the defence to seek judicial review in the High court.
However, the defence lawyer later dropped their challenge of the committal certificate and asked the court to refer the case to the High Court for trial.
Speaking after a meeting which was held in the chambers, State Prosecutor Chimbeka Sakala said the state did not object to the defence application for the matter to come up this week and not next week.
Mr. Sakala said the state has always wanted trial to start in the matter.
Four Copperbelt based TV shows that will be shown on Zambezi Magic were launched at Protea Hotel in Ndola.
The shows are Spoiler ,Snakes and ladders ,City on fire and Security guard .
Pictures from the event
Olive Chibakana, who plays Jennifer in ‘Snakes and Ladders’ arrives for the ‘Kopala Magic’ launchKaren Musonda, who plays Tholiwe in ‘Snakes and Ladders’ arrives for the ‘Kopala Magic’ launchLucy Chisha, who plays Doro in ‘Security Guard’ arrives for the ‘Kopala Magic’ launchKaren Musonda, who plays Tholiwe in ‘Snakes and Ladders’ promotes her TV series at the ‘Kopala Magic’ launchCopperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Elias Kamanga (fourth from left), Ndola District Commissioner, Canon Chisulo (on PS’s left) pose with Zambezi Magic Commissioning Editor, Mutibuti Pheeha (in yellow dress) and Multichoice Public Relations Manager, Mwiika Malindima (far left) and some stakeholders in the film industry at the ‘Kopala Magic’ launchMultichoice Public Relations Manager, Mwiika Malindima speaks at the ‘Kopala Magic’ launch408 Empire of ‘Chilepule Baby’ fame perform at the ‘Kopala Magic’ launch408 Empire of ‘Chilepule Baby’ fame perform at the ‘Kopala Magic’ launchDreams performs at the ‘Kopala Magic’ launch
Chishimba Kambwili addressing Journalists at his house
Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili says he has no intentions of leaving the PF saying those trying to push him out should instead leave first.
Mr. Kambwili said he suffered for the PF and he was not going to leave it to newcomers.
The former Information Minister was speaking to Journalists at his residence in Lusaka on Monday afternoon.
“I was one of the five people that started the PF, how can I be against PF? And today online people are saying ‘we challenge Chishimba Kambwili to leave and go and form his own political party’ let me say and I have said this before ‘Mwaloba ilyauma.’ I will never leave PF, I have suffered for PF, I have been imprisoned over PF, I lost my businesses in MMD over PF,” he said.
“How many times have you been imprisoned yourself to call Chishimba Kambwili to leave PF? I was arrested five times in the opposition and put in prison for PF. And today you come from nowhere to say I should form my own political Party, it is you who should form your own political party, I have been there through thick and thin for PF. Now a few of you who have just joined PF you want to malign us, No! Join PF and let us work together,” Mr. Kambwili said.
Mr Kambwili also said that he is concerned about the growing bickering in the PF.
“I have called this press briefing to discuss a few things to express my concern over what is happening in our party. It must be noted that we formed the Patriotic Front as a pro-poor party to serve the people of Zambia. Now, I am extremely concerned that instead of serving the people of Zambia, we are spending more time on insulting one another, on attacking one another and working against one another. Let me make it very clear that you united we stand, and divided we fall,” he said.
Mr Kambwili further charged that the debates about 2021 elections was unnecessary.
“The debates on the 2021 presidential candidate for PF is unnecessary. I find it very unnecessary. Even the endorsements that have been going on all over the country are unnecessary. If you follow politics in Zambia, these are issues that bring division in the party. President Lungu was only elected I think eight plus or minus months ago and I think he needs to be given enough time to settle and deliver to the expectation of the Zambian people. I do not find it necessary for anybody to start endorsing that President Edgar Lungu shall be the sole candidate for then PF in 2021,” he said.
He said, “That is in my view, being irresponsible because every origination has its own constitution and for me as Chishimba Kambwili, I have been very consistent on the issues concerning the PF constitution.”
“When Mr. Sata died in 2015, you remember that there was a suggestion that the central committee would meet to choose the presidential candidate. I said no to that proposal and up to now, I am still saying no to any attempt to veer off the provisions of our constitution.”
He said the PF constitution on the election of the president of PF is very clear and that he does not see any reason why any person would want to veer off from ten provisions of the constitution.
“The constitution states, the president of the part, shall be elected by the general conference which shall be held every five years, end of quote. The constitution does not provide that if there is an incumbent president, there will be no elections in the coming five years,” he said.
“Look, former president Frederick Chiluba was an incumbent in 1996 after the 1991 elections. He was subjected to an election because that is what democracy entails. The likes of Levy Mwanawasa stood against him and because Chiluba was very popular at that time and sat so well with the general membership of MMD, he defeated Levy Mwanawasa. What is so different about the PF claiming that there will be a sole candidate in PF?” he asked.
“Let me make it very clear that PF will never entertain the issue of sole candidacy. Nobody, not even central committee would say that there would be a sole candidate to any position of the central committee. When we say this countrymen and women, we are not against President Edgar Lungu. What we fear is for us to be undemocratic and introduce tendencies that have got potential to destroy PF in future.”
“So, I find it very very unreasonable for anybody to start talking about 2021 because what we need to do right now as a party is to concentrate on service delivery and once the party performs… and I think it is not about an individual, it is a collective effort of the party, meaning those who are in cabinet, those who are in the committee and the general membership should work united together to support the manifesto of the PF which is being superintended by president Edgar Lungu to meet the aspirations of our people.”
He added, “When it comes to 2021, we will just look at the performance. If we come to 2021 and we have performed so well, and things are moving well, people will go to the convention and say oh, those who want to stand can stand but I think the general membership will say President Edgar Lungu has worked so well, we are electing him. All we are emphasizing is that there must be an election after five years.”
Mr Kambwili said those who think that they can drive an agenda of sole candidacy in PF are free to go and join the UPND where he said there are no elections.
“The UPND has had one president since Mazoka died for I don’t know how many ages. Every time there is a sole candidate. We don’t want that to happen to PF,” he said.
And Mr Kambwili says there are some people within the PF that are telling lies to President Edgar Lungu.
“Surely, you expect me, Chishimba Kambwili, to go and sponsor jerabos in Chingola to destabilize the Copperbelt so that president Edgar Lungu can lose the elections and I take advantage and become president? To me that is a lot of nonsense. Somebody goes to tell the President, a minister, your excellence, these jerabos who were killed in Chingola is Chishimba Kambwili who is organizing them. Where are we going? I have never been to Chingola since the beginning of this year.”
“Do I know the jerabos in Chingola? Do I know the jerabos on the Copperbelt? Comrades in PF, more especially those who have juts joined PF, I beg you, help us to build PF, don’t come and destroy for your selfish gains. Bootlickers have never meant well. All they want is to keep their positions. They speak for their pockets, they speak for their gains.”
He said, “Can you imagine, members of the press, a few ministers are now going to private companies where my company Mwamoneni Enbgineering, telling them, cancel the contracts, do not deal; with this company because the owner is not in good standing with the party. Where are we going? I have been a businessman before I came into politics.”
“Why do you want to destroy my business? Why do you want to destroy my business because today you are a minister? Come on, please stop it. It doesn’t help you. Today you are a permanent secretary and you go to a private company and say the president has directed us that you should cancel the contract of this company, for what? I have been in business since 1993 and I have been dealing with the mines since 1993. Why should you use your ministerial position to go and tell the mines to terminate contracts for Mwamoneni engineering? It doesn’t make sense!”
“The bible says he who rises by the sword, will fall by the sword. Do unto unto others as you want them do unto you. People may ask why I am I telling the press about this? I have tried my level best to meet the president, to sit down with him, to explain that some of the ministers have taken it upon themselves to go and destroy my business that I have suffered for and established in good faith. I have not used political power to establish my business. None of my businesses was established when I was a minister.”
He added, “All my businesses were established long before I became minister and I have been dealing with the mines for very long. Why should it take Bowman Lusambo to go and tell companies that they should not deal with me? Young man Lusambo, let me tell you, the direction you are taking is wrong. The direction you are taking is wrong.”
“That is not the way we run PF. Since Sata came into office, we have never squeezed anybody in business because the people you want to squeeze in business have got employees and they contribute to the GDP of this country. They contribute to the economy of this country. You have a lot of work to do as a minister. You have a lot of work to clean the Copperbelt. Please leave Mwamoineni engineering alone. Because you don’t know where Mwamona engineering has come from that is why I am saying what is happening in PF is surprising and is a source of concern where you want to fight others.”
Mr Kambwili also said there is too much indiscipline in the party and that small boys have been allowed to insult senior members of the party.
“Mu Chibemba tweba ati ukutengelesha mafina kucilonda because tomorrow they will not be on Chishimba Kambwili, they will be on you!”
Mr. Kambwili also complained that he had made several attempts to meet President Lungu so that he could give his view in the recently upward adjustment on the electricity tariffs but that all the attempts had proved futile.
“All of you know that this news has been received with a lot of anger by the grassroots. People are not happy but you see! I am convinced that people are not going to the President to tell him the truth that people are not happy. Yes, we know that Zesco needs cost reflective tariffs for it to survive but I don’t think doing it at once 50 per cent increase in May and another 25 per cent increase in September is the right way to go. All the other factors have not changed between May and September, salaries of the people are still the same but electricity tariffs go up, 75 percent in one year,” he said.
“For me I would rather go to the President and tell him that your Excellency, I think we should have spread standards to this increment I think on a period of three or four years, you increase by 10 percent this year, another 15 percent that year just like that. And when we want to tell the President, we are not being given access. I have been to the vice president I want to meet the president, there has been no positive response, I have phoned the presidential aide, no response, I have phoned Kaizer Zulu, no response, I have phoned the secretary to the president, no response. Now where do you air out your views like these?”
He further said that he would not respond to Rainbow party leader Wynter Kabimba who was celebrating his firing, but added “I would not want to respond to Wynter Kabimba because people may not notice the difference. There is a saying in English that if you argue with a fool… Kabimba is a political nobody and I wouldn’t want to talk about him.”
Mr Kambwili said Mr Kabimba is the worst politician this country has ever had.
“When I was fired nobody celebrated, when he was fired the whole country celebrated, so he can’t see the distinction. He can’t compare himself to me, the whole country went on the streets celebrating the firing of Kabimba but when I was fired the whole country was quiet like a sea, it shows him something so he should not talk about issues he doesn’t understand,” Mr. Kambwili said.
Inadequate security forced Mufulira referee Kelvin Musonda to abandon Sunday’s FAZ Division 1 Zone 2 match between home side Geokas Curve United and Ndola United at Garden Park Stadium in Kitwe.
This Week 9 match was called off at half time when the two teams were tied goalless.
Musonda ruled that the match could not continue after Police officers deserted the stadium in unexplained circumstances.
“The match was abandoned at half time when the scores were 0-0 but I can’t say much,” Geokas coach Webby Kabinda confirmed.
The match will be referred to FAZ for a ruling.
Elsewhere in Zone 2, leaders Kitwe United forced a 2-2 draw at Indeni in Ndola to stay top for three consecutive weeks.
Chingalika have 18 points after 9 matches played.
Mufulira Blackpool climbed into the top 8 following a 1-0 victory over visitors FQMO Mining Operation at Kachofa Stadium in Kamuchanga, Mufulira.
In Luanshya, limping Roan United were the biggest winners in this division after posting a 5-2 win over Chingola Police at Kafubu Stadium.
Chileshe Musonda and Esprit Kasongo registered a brace each with Denicious Sinyangwe scoring the other goal.
Roan are tenth on the table with 10 points from 9 matches played.
FAZ DIVISION ONE -WEEK 9
ZONE ONE
Lundazi United 3-1 Petauke United
Paramilitary 1 – 0 Kafue Celtic
Matero United 2-3 Nampundwe
Happy Hearts 1-2 Wonderful
Lusaka Tigers 2-1 Young Green Buffaloes
Zesco Malaiti Rangers 0-1 National Assembly
Katete Rangers 0-0 Lusaka City Council
Police College 2-2 Riflemen
ZONE TWO
Roan United 5-2 Chingola Police Blue Stars
Kansanshi Dynamos 0-0 Chambishi FC
ZNS Lwamfumu 1-0 Copperbelt Buffaloes
Kalulushi Modern Stars 0-0 Zesco Luapula
Geokas Curve Vs Ndola United (Abandoned)
Gomes 2-1 FQMO Roads
Mufulira Blackpool 1-0 FQMO Mining Operation
Indeni 2-2 Kitwe United
ZONE THREE
Chindwin Sentries 1-0 Tazara Express
Mpulungu Harbour 3-1 Isoka Young Stars
Malalo Police 3-0 Northedge (Walk Over)
Kasama Young Fighters 0-2 Kasama United Youth
Mkushi Millers 1-1 Intersport Youth
Fringilla 1-1 Tazara Rangers
Mpande Youth Academy Vs Riverside United (Not Played)
Kabwe Youth Soccer 1-0 Prison Leopards
ZONE FOUR
Mumbwa Medics Vs Mazabuka United (Not played)
Kalomo Jetters 1-1 Kascol Rangers
Senanga Warriors 0-1 Zesco Shockers
Livingstone Pirates 3-0 Limulunga Royal (Walk Over)
Schoolchildren from Luangwa who flew with Proflight Zambia to the Lower Zambezi to learn about environmental conservation.
Proflight Zambia flew 26 very excited school children from Lower Zambezi to Lusaka recently in support of wildlife conservation efforts by Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ).
The airline’s gesture was in line with its belief in the close synergy between wildlife, conservation, education, and tourism, as well as the importance of imparting that passion to the younger generation.
“Proflight is an avid supporter of both local and international tourism in the country, which is why we are very passionate about conservation efforts because they are aimed at ensuring as much of our natural environment as possible remains intact for future generations; and since children are this generation it is important that the right ecological values are imparted in them so they too can make a different for their future generations,” said Proflight Zambia’s Director of Government and Industry Affairs Capt. Philip Lemba.
Proflight released its Jetstream 32 and Caravan 208 aircraft in order to fly the group of the 26 children, two teachers – all first-time flyers – and a CLZ representative from Luangwa Boma to Lower Zambezi for their annual conservation education trip.
In 2015 and 2016, Proflight released its Jetstream 32 and Caravan 208 aircraft in order to fly a group of 24 children and four teachers – all first-time flyers – and a CLZ representative from Luangwa Boma to Lower Zambezi for their annual conservation education trip.
Schoolchildren from Luangwa head to the Lower Zambezi with Proflight to learn about environmental conservation.
Proflight has been supporting the school trips since 2015, during which time it has seen an increase in participation from nine to 16 schools, which some 2,000 children attending such camps during that time.
“Environmental awareness and attitudes toward wildlife among the participating children have improved significantly each year and ten schools were invited for this year’s school camp visit, explained Conservation Lower Zambezi Environmental Education Manager Besa Kaoma.
Just as in previous years, Proflight has continued to support the programme which allows pupils from Luangwa to gain practical knowledge on conservation.
Lower Zambezi is rich in wildlife, several bird species as well as flora which drawn together alongside the river that runs through the wildlife sanctuary, allowing for visitors to view all three in a relatively small area.
Capt. Lemba added: “It’s always a wonderful experience for the children who are usually also first-time flyers; their happy and excited reactions tell it all. This alone has helped motivate and encourage more parents and schools in Luangwa to allow their children to participate in the conservation education initiative.”
“It was an amazing and awesome experience,” some of the children narrated as they disembarked from the plane.
Schoolchildren from Luangwa celebrate their trip to the Lower Zambezi with Proflight.Schoolchildren from Luangwa who flew with Proflight Zambia to the Lower Zambezi to learn about environmental conservation.
Southern Province Minister says he is concerned about the continued use of children as guides for visually impaired people, as their access to education is affected.
Edify Hamukale said it is disheartening for children to miss school as their visually impaired parents and relatives.
Dr Hamukale said the vice was detrimental to children and their right to education as it result in a new generation of street kids.
“You are disadvantaging young people by using them as guides. You may not realize it but you are robbing them of an opportunity to be in school,” he said.
He appealed to persons with disabilities not to perpetuate the vice but instead manage the situation to prevent breeding an uneducated crop of future trouble makers.
ZANIS reports that Dr Hamukale said this when he officiated at a capacity building workshop on rights for persons with disabilities, organized by the Human Rights Commission in Livingstone on Monday.
He said government took great interest in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
And Human Rights Commission Chief of Information, Education and Training Mweelwa Muleya said disability was part of life and a reflection of human diversity.
Mr. Muleya called for the removal of barriers that prevented persons with disabilities from fully participating in economic activities.
He said the Human Rights Commission was holding workshops countrywide for persons with disabilities (as rights holders); duty bearers and journalists to highlight the rights of persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, government says it is against discrimination of persons with disabilities with regards to employment opportunities.
Dr Hamukale says that even with the required academic qualifications, persons with disabilities were deliberately left out by prospective employers.
Dr Hamukale stressed the need for persons with disabilities to contribute to economic activities as they possessed numerous talents and skills in various fields.
“As government we want to build an all-inclusive society so our appeal to employers is to reserve a particular percentage of available vacancies for qualified persons with disabilities.
First Lady Esther Lungu welcomed by Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni on arrival at Uganda State House for the bilateral Talks at Uganda State House in Kampala on June 5,2017. The First Lady with her counterpart conferred on a number of issues including the upcoming Conference on Girl’s Education in Africa and the 10th Triennial General Assembly of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to be held in Lusaka, Zambia -Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu being seen-off by Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu bids farewell to Uganda First Lady Janet Museveni after their bilateral Talks at Uganda State House in Kampala Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu with Uganda First Lady Janet Museveni after their bilateral Talks at Uganda State House in Kampala Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu during a photo session with Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu during a photo session with Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu with Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu with Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni in an interview with ZNBC journalist Mark Ziligone Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu in a meeting with Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni on arrival at Uganda State House for the bilateral Talk at Uganda State House in Kampala Picture by THOMAS NSAMAirst Lady Esther Lungu receives a gift from Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAirst Lady Esther Lungu receives a gift from Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu being seen-off by Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu welcomed by Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni on arrival at Uganda State House for the bilateral Talks at Uganda State House in Kampala Picture by THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu with Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni in an interview with ZNBC journalist Mark Ziligone Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Lungu has congratulated Zambia’s 35-year old Rugano for the positive showing in the Directors’ Fortnight categoryat the recently held 2017, 70thCannes Film Festival in France.
President Lungu says he is delighted especially that the film was directed by a female youth with the Star of the film Maggie Mulubwa only aged nine years old .
This is according to a statement released to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President for press and Public Relations Amos Chanda in Lusaka today.
The Republican President commended the team for their hard work and commitment to filmmaking and for positively representing the country at the highest level of the global film industry.
“We have no doubt that the performance of the production including the positive reviews in the international Press will bring benefits to the cast, crew and the country among them visibility, and open up opportunities for other films,” Mr Lungu stated.
The Republican President underscored the need for the country to seriously tap into youth talent and ingenuity in every aspect adding that his administration is committed to changing the way local filmmaking and the film industry has been viewed in the past.
This is contained in a statement signed by the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda.
Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga says the country has continued to experience environment challenges that poses a danger to the survival of wild life.
And Acting Manager Northern Region at Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA ) Maxwell Chibanga said the Agency requires strong partnerships with all stakeholders in to effectively meet its mandate as a regulatory agency.
Speaking at the commemoration of the world environment at Kitwe’s show grounds on Monday, Mr kamanga says since most households especially in rural areas depend on game meat it has resulted in a number of environmental challenges such as habitat destruction.
“Most of our rural households and friends depend on local wild animals for their meat protein and trees for fuel and both wild animals provide component of traditional medicines used by the majority if people in the world thus the world continues to face a number of environmental challenges including habitat destruction forest degradation , illegal wild life trade and impacts from human activities such as agriculture expansion and industrialization” he said.
ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said over exploiting of animals from the game parks has affected the growth of certain animals and species such as fish which has caused imbalance in the marine system.
He said deforestation has also increased over the years which can lead to the reduction of biodiversity.
“Forest reserves in Zambia continues to play a vital role in traditional medicine ,wood fuel ,food building materials and also play major roles in carbon and hydrological cycles forests are also key factors in water shade and soil conservation, this resource is under pressure as a result of various factors leading to a relatively high deforestation” he said.
Acting ZEMA Manager for Northern Region Mr Kamanga said government has established a number of legal and institutional frame works that will offer guidance to the building of environmental management as utilization of natural resources has become the cornerstone of the country’s economic development.
Mr Chibanga said ZEMA is committed to supplementing traditional strategies by providing appropriate forms of assistance to those it regulates and its stakeholders which comprises a board range of organizations , institutions , agencies , all levels of government , academia, business enterprises and the general citizens.
He said the collaboration exhibited in the commemoration of world environmental day demonstrates commitment from many stakeholders towards protecting the environment .
“To meet ZEMA’s mandate it needs developing and enforcing measures aimed at preventing and controlling pollution, developing standards and guidelines relating to the protection of environment and natural resources, conducting environmental assessment among them environmental impact assessment and integrated environmental impact assessment and reporting and mainstreaming environmental concerns in overall national planning, ” he said.
I don’t always have time to cook, and when I do I certainly don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. So this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken is perfect because it is ready in just 30 minutes; and the parmesan garlic sauce will wow the entire family! This is one of my favourite go to recipes and it always goes down a treat with everyone.
In a large pan add olive oil and cook the chicken on medium high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until brown on each side and cooked until it is no longer pink in centre.
Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
To make the sauce add the butter and melt it; add garlic and cook until tender; whisk in the flour until it thickens. Whisk in the chicken stock, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper and salt to taste. Add the spinach and let it simmer until it starts to thicken and the spinach wilts.
Finally Add the chicken and mushrooms back into the sauce and stir well.
Serving
Serve immediately with pasta or rice.
Kanta Temba is a Cake maker and decorator|Lusaka Times Food columnist|TV show host
Dr Savior Chishimba at Supreme Court grounds
UPP leader Dr Savior Chishimba on Monday staged a one-man protest at State House where he urged Zambians to wake up and resist President Edgar Lungu’s rising dictatorship.
Dr Chishimba who also extended his protest to Supreme Court, Lusaka City Council Mayor’s Parlour and Luburma Market, said it was unfortunate that under President Lungu, the country’s governance was over a glass of Whiskey.
The walk-by protest at State House started at 10:30 in the morning where he was protesting against alleged corruption and economic hardships under the PF leadership.
Dr Chishimba also called for government action in support of the evicted marketeers at Luburma Market.
The moment he reached the Presidential entrance overlooking Arakan Barracks, State House security personnel came out in their numbers – they included plain clothes and uniformed officers and walked with him close by until he reached Brentwood Drive.
After State House, Dr Chishimba proceeded to Supreme Court to demand that the maizegate tribunal be set up and he also demand for the release of incarcerated opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.
He said the scheme to shut down critical media was carefully calculated to get rid of institutions and individuals who were exposing the massive corruption in the PF government.
“It’s very unfortunate, the people of Zambia be wary that this dictatorship and transformation of Zambia from a functional democracy to a dysfunctional one and a rogue state is a deliberate scheme,” Dr. Chishimba said.
“Mr Lungu knew that he and his ministers have (done a lot of wrongs) over the past years of the PF reign together with recycled ministers serving in PF government. So knowing that their corrupt activities would be brought out, they had a scheme to cover that up.”
He said the destruction of a free press in Zambia was meant to cover the wrongdoing in the ruling party and government.
Dr Chishimba also charged that there was so much destruction of the Zambian economy through financial looting.
He said the PF had now resorted to getting rid of all whistle-blowers, including the international community.
The UPP leader said President Lungu would go in history as a leader who defended corruption and the corrupt.
Dr Chishimba said it was unfortunate that State House had been turned into a haven for corruption and drinking Whiskey.
“Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu has lived up to his true prophetic meaning of his name. The prophetic interpretation of his name ‘Chagwa’ has had its fulfilment in the way he has mismanaged the country. He touched the presidency, yoga, anagwesa the dignity of the Presidency; he touched the judiciary, judiciary nayo yagwa; everything the man has touched has fallen, true to his name,” Dr Chishimba said.
“Our economy also Chagwa agwesa economy, Chagwa futi agwesa Zambia’s reputation in the African and international community. Everything that this man is touching is crumbling. Zambia is in practice a dictatorship under Chagwa, he has presided over corruption. There is no President in the history of Zambia who will be remembered for being a defender and promoter of corruption like Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
He claimed that State House has become the centre of corruption and a centre to defend the corrupt in Zambia.
“If you look at what is happening now, it is governance over a glass of Whiskey. Whiskey mates are the ones deciding the fate of close to 20 million Zambian,” he said.
Dr Chishimba’s protest started at 10:30 hours with a solo walk to State House in protest against Chinese corruption in Zambia before staging another one at the Supreme Court at 10:45 where he demanded the setting up of a tribunal to probe Dora Siliya for suspected corruption in the Malawi maizegate scandal.
Around 11:00 hours, the UPP leader mounted another protest at Lusaka City Council Mayor’s Parlour against China Heinan’s 65-year lease of Luburma Market.
He later moved to Luburma Market where he mourned the woman who died as a result of pressure from China Heinan as well as protest against the eviction of affected marketeers at China Heinan Lubarma Market offices and met the Chinese management at the market.
He inspected the Market before meeting with the China Hainan Manager and made it clear that Zambia has been sold by the MMD and PF, put together adding that the deal is horrible and in conflict with the law.
Dr Chishimba told Journalists that one Zambian female who works for a Chinese had just been fired without benefits today after working for two years.
She had a shortage of K149 in cashing and her Chinese employer had initially confiscated her cell phone over the same shortage. Dr Savior Chishimba adddresses media at Luburma Market as some traders look on
Dr Savior Chishimba staging a lone protest near State HouseDr Savior Chishimba at Luburma MarketDr Savior Chishimba approaching State House where he staged a lone protestDr Savior Chishimba meets management of Luburma Market
Chinese nationals in a police cell in Zambia
The Zambian government has agreed to release 31 Chinese nationals it was detaining on the Copperbelt after China’s diplomatic efforts to help repatriate the individuals it claims were held through selective enforcement.
According to Red Star News, a Chinese online publication, Chinese embassy staffers said Zambia agreed to release the Chinese detainees after China’s Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming worked with Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo.
“Zambia agreed to release all the 31 Chinese nationals, and the Zambian government won’t prosecute them. But all 31 have to leave Zambia today, with no exceptions,” the report said.
The 31 Chinese have not been expelled and can return to Zambia in the future, it said, adding that the information still needs to be confirmed.
Zambia detained the Chinese nationals working for a Chinese company and accused them of illegal mining in the country’s copper belt. But the authorities failed to provide strong proof of their crimes, the Foreign Ministry has said.
“The government has always asked Chinese companies and citizens to respect the laws of the countries where they operate and does not shield illegal action,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular news briefing on Monday.
“But China opposes selective law-enforcement actions against its citizens,” she said.
She said the Chinese embassy sent a working group to urge Zambia to improve treatment of the detained.
Lin Songtian, the ministry’s director-general of the Department of African Affairs, told a senior Zambian diplomat on Sunday that China understands and supports actions against illegal mining.
However, Zambia had failed to provide strong proof of criminal activity by the 31 workers and held a pregnant woman and two malaria patients, Lin said.
China hoped Zambia would handle the incident according to the law appropriately and release the workers, Lin said.
The Zambian diplomat said his country cherishes its relations with China and will closely cooperate with China to properly handle the case.
GREEN PARTY PLANS TO ASSIST AFFECTED BUTONDO RESIDENTS IN MUFULIRA TO SUE GOVERNMENT FOR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE 2012 ACID MIST POLLUTION FROM MOPANI COPPER MINES
Following a major acid mist pollution incidence that occurred in Mufulira’s Butondo Township in February 2012, emitted from Mopani Copper Mines Heap Leach Plant situated close to the Township, Government through the Office of the then Vice President, Dr Guy Scott constituted a team of medical experts, under the auspices of the Disaster Management Unit, to undertake a survey so as to determine the impact of the emissions on the health of the residents, particularly, children. The research team conducted the health survey and submitted to a report to Vice President in July, 2012.
The medical doctors established that the emissions had severely impacted the health of a very significant number of children in Butondo Township. They also recommended the compensation and relocation of the affected households from the hazardous area. Over 200 households were found to have been severely affected by the acid mist pollution.
However, almost five years and five months have lapsed since the pollution incidence. Nothing has been done by Government to have the affected children compensated and relocated from the hazardous location as recommended by the medical experts. Government has also deliberated withheld the findings of the health experts all this time.
The law on civil litigation in Zambia provides that an aggrieved person must take court action within six years of the occurrence of an incidence otherwise that person is statute barred to seek redress through court process. This means the affected persons in Butondo Township have remained with only about six months to go before their claim for becomes stale or bad at law.
In view of the foregoing, the Green Party plans to assist the affected children. The party has given a seven day notice to Government, through the Vice President’s Office to release the report to the affected persons, as well as facilitate their compensation according to findings and recommendations of the medical experts.
If Government fails to do so within the stipulated time, the party will have no option but assist to the affected Butondo residents seek redress through courts of law before their legitimate claim becomes statute barred.
Patriotic Front PF National Youth and Security Chairperson Hon Stephen Kampyongo has charged that former Information and Broadcasting Services Minister and Roan MP Hon Chishimba Kambwili should be the last person to talk about discipline in the PF as he is the most undisciplined Member of the Party’s Central Committee.
Speaking in an interview with the media in Lusaka, the straight- talking PF National Youth Chairman who is also Minister of Home Affairs and Shiwang’andu Constituency Member of Parliament says contrary to his rantings, Chishimba Kambwili is the one who is undisciplined as he has been daring the party and its rules since he was shown the exit door from President Edgar Lungu’s Government barely months of his reappointment.
He says Chishimba Kambwili should remember how he was politically handled prior to the 2015 Presidential by-elections when he tried to challenge President Edgar Lungu for the Party Presidency and subsequent National General Elections against the will of the Majority PF members.
Mr Kampyongo has since urged Chishimba Kambwili to come out in the open and declare interest in the party presidency unlike having dark corner manoeuvres meant to destabilize the progress of the Patriotic Front because of his rantings, stating that no one in the PF has stopped him (Kambwili) from expressing himself in the way of becoming presidential candidate at the General Conference in 2020.
And Kampyongo has warned that the PF has not gone to sleep and will not allow detractors like Kambwili to succeed in destroying the party all for person satisfaction.
Meanwhile the Patriotic Front in Luapula Province says it will back the candidature of Republican President Edgar Lungu in the 2021 general elections.
Luapula Province Chairperson (PF) Nickson Chilangwa says the province will back President Lungu because of the rate at which development programs are being rolled out in the Province under his administration.
Mr Chilangwa, who is also provincial minister, has also described President Lungu as a transformational leader said the Head of State has managed to build on late President Michael Sata’s vision of taking development to all parts of the Country including areas where the Patriotic Front receives minimal votes.
He has further said that consistent with what the party stands for, President Lungu was not only taking development to different parts of the Country but was in the forefront uniting the nation beyond tribe and any other consideration.
The Luapula Provincial Chairperson has also called on senior members in the Party to lead by example if they are to inspire the ordinary members to uphold discipline. He says the Party must insist on discipline starting with the leadership down to the structures.
He appealed to Zambians across the Country to continue standing with the Patriotic Front Government affirming that while challenges and tough decisions would have to be made, these are designed to position Zambia as one of Africa’s top investment destinations.
This is according to a statement issue to media by Pf media Director Sunday Chanda in Lusaka yesterday.
Works on the controversial Chisola Dam in Chief Musele’s area in Solwezi North Western Province where First Quantum Minerals is developing Kalumbila Mines have taken shape despite a Protection Order issued against First Quantum Minerals over the construction of Chisola dam
The MINE Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has called for a quick enactment of the Mineral Value Chain Monitoring Project (MVCMP) to ensure accountability and transparency in the mining sector.
Secretary General Joseph Chewe says Zambia has struggled to come up with a comprehensive mineral resources development policy and a proper monitoring project of what is produced in the country in terms of copper and other minerals.
ZANIS reports that Mr Chewe said revenue from the mining sector has the potential to lift people out of poverty and contribute towards sustainable development if proper monitoring is put in place.
He was speaking at a consultative workshop of Mineral value chain monitoring project organized by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) at Sherbourne Hotel in Kitwe, today.
Although the national budget of 2017 reveals a drastic reduction in revenue collections compared to 2016, the MUZ General Secretary said his Union is hopeful that government can begin to collect more mineral royalty tax as copper prices improve in 2017 and beyond.
‘’ The National budget for 2017 reveals a drastic reduction to only K1.980 billion in terms of revenue collections through the mineral royalty tax, compared to K2.889 billion in the 2016 and K5.936 billion in 2014. MUZ is hopeful that government can collect more tax as copper prices become bullish in 2017,’’ Mr Chewe said.
Mr Chewe said Zambia can benefit from its mineral resources if accountability, transparency and value addition is prioritized in the mining sector.
The MUZ general secretary added that the country needs new systems that places mining in a context wider, structural economic and social development.
He further urged government to continue monitoring operations of mining companies by conducting regular audits to ascertain their profitability adding that benefits from the mining industries provide government with a financial base for its infrastructure development and social development.
He called for dialogue in the sector among all stakeholders and ensures a stable fiscal policy that will see a win-win situation between Zambia and the mining firms so that the country benefits from its natural resources.
And Mr Chewe noted that despite government giving a relief on sliding mineral royalty tax, some mining companies were still wanting to shed off labour adding that the move is unacceptable in the prevailing situation.
He stated that mining companies should ensure sustainability of the sector and protect jobs by cutting cost in other areas of operations as retrenchments have an effect on individual households in the mining towns.
‘’Let me warn ( mining ) companies that bought mines through the privatization process that the privatization was meant to inject new capital and propagate these mining investments in growing labour strength in the sector. Some mining firms still want to shade off labour despite being given relief in terms of sliding mineral royalty tax. This is unacceptable,’’ he said.
He has since called on government to protect workers in the country and prevent unnecessary retrenchments.
Speaking earlier the Director of Mines from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Mooya Lumamba said government is keen in ensuring that the mining sector continues to play a pivotal role in shaping up the country’s economic, social and cultural wellbeing.
Mr Lumamba said the ministry and the mineral value chain monitoring project recognizes the MUZ as a key stakeholder in the realization of the objectives of the project.
