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President Hichilema woos Israeli investors

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President Hichilema woos Israeli investors

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Israeli investors to consider investing in Zambia.

Mr. Hichilema says Zambia has a conducive business environment to support and promote foreign investment.

 President Hichilema said this during a State banquet hosted in honour of him and his delegation by the Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, at the presidential residence in Jerusalem last night.

President Hichilema said Zambia is politically stable and safe for foreigners wishing to establish their business in the Central African country.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia has had peaceful transitions after general elections and he is currently the 7th President.

“May I take this opportunity to invite Israeli investors to consider investing in Zambia because our country is politically stable and safe for foreign investors wishing to invest in Zambia,” said President Hichilema.

The Zambian Head of State said Zambia was more keen on seeing agricultural investment saying this is because Israel is technologically advanced when it comes to agriculture technology.

And Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, says it’s high time that his country increased trade and business with Zambia.

President Herzog said this is because Zambia is slowly becoming a major hub in food security on the African continent.

“Zambia is slowly becoming a major hub for food security on the Continent of Africa” said President Herzog.

President Herzog also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to continue working with Zambia.

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has paid glowing tributes to the Jewish forefathers for the vision and commitment they had which resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel.

President Hichilema said this when he visited the burial site of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism.

President Hichilema said the Jews fore fathers had a vision despite what happened to them that one day they will reunite and establish the State of Israel.

He said in life it is important to have a dream and a vision adding that this should be supported with action.

“Our Jewish forefathers had a dream and vision that one day they will be reunited and establish the State of Israel and here we are today having this great State of Israel,’ said President Hichilema.

The President also visited Yad Vashem, which commemorates the Holocaust, located on the West of Mount Herzl in West Jerusalem and laid a wreath before proceeding to another museum for 1.5 million children who died during the period of the Holocaust.

President Hichilema is in Israel on a three Day State Visit at the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Israel is ranked as the 4th most successful economy among developed countries.

The IMF estimated Israel’s GDP at US$564 billion and its GDP per capita at US$58,270 in 2023 (13th highest in the world).

The population of Israel is edging toward 10 million, making it a dozen times larger than it was on the day the Jewish state was established, according to figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of Israel.

There are 9,727,000 people living in Israel, the CBS said of those, 7,145,000 are Jewish, or 73.5 percent, along with 2,048,000 Arabs (21%) and 534,000 members of other minorities (5.5%).

Israel’s major economic sectors are high-technology and industrial manufacturing.

Simataa Hails Zambia’s FIFA Womens World Cup Outing

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Simataa Hails Zambia’s FIFA Womens World Cup Outing

Experienced football administrator Simataa Simataa has hailed Shepolopolo Zambia’s debut FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Zambia exited their debut World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica on Monday to avoid finishing bottom of Group C.

Simataa said he was proud of the efforts put in by FAZ, coaches, players and the Government.

He singled out FAZ President Andrew Kamanga in his praises.

“Now that the tournament is over let me say to my friend of many years Andrew Kananga – a big thank you. The Woman’s Cup founded in 1991, Zambia qualified for the first time in 31 years. From 211 members of FIFA, we were in the 32. In our group we came out third,” Simataa said.

“Through you my man to your team of officers, coaches, players and GRZ accept my hearty congratulations and thanks for leading us to this historical fate. Proud of you all. Walk head high and with a spring in your steps my highlight was the sound of our national anthem on day one,” he said.

Lands Minister says electronic title deed issuance is efficient

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Lands Minister says electronic title deed issuance is efficient

Minister of Lands and Natural resources, Elijah Muchima, has clarified that the electronic title deeds issuance under the Zambia integrated land administration system is working efficiently.

Mr Muchima says the system has also eliminated agents who have been duping members of the public by charging them exorbitant fees to get the title deed.

Mr Muchima was speaking during a media briefing at his office, where he urged members of the public to trust the electronic title deeds issuance portal.

The Lands Minister added that plans are underway to decentralise the electronic system to all parts of the country so that people can access their title deed in good time.

“I want to confirm to the members of the public that the electronic title deeds land issuance is up and running, so far quite a number of title deeds have been issued to applicants, “he said.

Mr Muchima further explained that the electronic system has helped to seal the leakages which characterised the manual title deeds issuance in the past.

He called on the media to sensitise people on the benefits of the new system of obtaining title deeds through the digital platform.

The clarification by the Minister comes in the wake of doubts by some sections of the public that the new digital system has got flaws.

And Mr Muchima called on people that have continued to build in the Kawena forest of Shibuyunji district to stop until investigations are concluded.

He said people who are still constructing in the Kawena forest and other designated forests such as palabana and Munali, among others should halt their activities as the law will visit them.

Earlier, Ministry of Lands Assistant Director Information Communication technology (ICT), Monica Bwalya said the electronic system is proving to be effective and efficient.

Ms Bwalya advised the public to continue using the new system because there are no longer middle men in the process for one to get land title, since it was launched in May this year.

Grade seven pupil commits suicide in Nalolo

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Grade seven pupil commits suicide in Nalolo

A 16-year-old grade seven pupil of Muoyo Primary School in Nalolo District in Western Province has committed suicide by using his school neck tie.

A family representative, Likando Mutakatala who is also Induna Ikakena from Lwambi Chiefdom in Nalolo has disclosed the incident.

Mr Mutakatala, who identified the boy as Joel Njamba, said the deceased was last seen on Friday when he left the market where he used to help his mother sell second hand clothes, saying he had gone to school.

“The boy loved school very much so we all thought he had gone to school but we got worried when the day ended without returning home,” he added.

Mr Mutakatala further disclosed that on Saturday morning, after searching everywhere, they were informed by some Muoyo residents that they saw him moving near an unoccupied flat with a stool.

He said the deceased was later found in one of the rooms in an unoccupied flat hanging on the roof with a tie around his neck.

“We found him hanging in one of the rooms with his school tie while standing on a stool,” Mr Mutakatala stated.

He said the family is devastated and puzzled as they have lost a vibrant boy who loved school.

“The boy was even the best pupil during the grade seven mock examination and was also a member of the Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists (JETS) club,” Mr Mutakatala said.

He said they do not know what prompted the boy to end his life in such a manner, adding that he did not leave any note behind.

And Nalolo District Education Board Secretary, Victor Likezo has described the death of the boy as a big loss to the education family.

“It is very unfortunate that we have lost a very intelligent school boy who would have excelled in life,” he said.

The body has been deposited in Lewanika General Hospital Mortuary and will be put to rest today in Katongo area in Mongu District.

However, in Muchinga Province ,two people have committed suicide in two separate incidents in Kanchibiya.

Kanchibiya District Commissioner Chrispin Chilekwa has confirmed the incidents of suicide that occurred in Chikobo and Mpepo areas of Kanchibiya District.

Mr Chilekwa has identified the two deceased persons as Binwell Nyangasha aged 30 from Chinkobo area and Bernard Changwe aged 38 from Mpepo area of the Kanchibiya District.

The District Commissioner explained that Changwe is suspected to have committed suicide yesterday between 06:00 hours and 07.30 in Chongo area of Mpepo chiefdom, which is about 10 Kilometers away from Mpepo main market where he was last seen.

He said Changwe committed suicide by hanging himself on a tree using a fibre rope and that his body was only discovered by a passer-by at 07.30 hours yesterday.

Meanwhile, Binwell Nyangasha committed suicide by hanging himself to a tree using his pairs of trousers in a near bush about 10 metres away from his house.

He explained that Nyangasha went missing a week ago and was only found dead hanging on a tree yesterday.

‘It is too sad that two people have ended their lives in such a horrible manner,” the District Commissioner said.

And Chief Mpepo has advised the community in his area to always find a better way to resolve matters than resorting to ending their lives by committing suicide.

Chief Mpepo has since urged families and the community in his area to be close and sensitive enough to family members who tend to have been overwhelmed by various challenges of life and quickly engage people who can offer counselling services to them.

“Suicide will never be a solution to solved challenges that people are passing through,” Chief Mpepo said.

And Mande Nyangasha, the brother to suicide victim Binwell Nyangasha, said it is sad that his brother decided to end his life in such an unfortunate manner.

“My brother has left two children and a wife,” Mr Nyangasha said.

FRA on course to buy 2.6 million bags of maize in Muchinga

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FRA on course to buy 2.6 million bags of maize in Muchinga

Muchinga Province Minister Henry Sikazwe says the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is on course towards achieving the target of buying about 65,000 metric tonnes of maize from farmers in the province.

 Mr Sikazwe stated that the rate at which farmers are selling their maize to FRA in the province has been impressive as evidenced from the many satellite depots visited so far.

Speaking when he checked on the Chozi and Mwenzo Satellite Depots in Nakonde district, Mr Sikazwe stated that farmers should continue selling their maize to FRA to help the country remain food secure in case of any disaster.

He said FRA should ensure that it also continues paying the farmers on time in a bid to motivate them towards increasing their productivity.

“I am impressed with the level we are moving at here in Nakonde and the province at large with regard to the number of maize bags that are being bought from our farmers,” he stated.

However, the Provincial Minister expressed concern over reports of some farmers allegedly selling maize to neighbouring Tanzania, stressing that the illegal selling of maize outside the country should be discouraged at all costs.

He said FRA in collaboration with security wings should quickly intervene in any activities of smuggling maize into Tanzania.

“The news we got three weeks ago was that some people from Tanzania are buying maize. Let us sensitise our farmers to sell their maize to FRA because we are keeping food for them that they will need when circumstances arise,” said Mr Sikazwe.

And Muchinga FRA Standards and Quality Officer Robinson Nyambe, said the response to sell maize to the agency has so far been remarkable from the local farmers.

Mr Nyambe stated that there has been no cases of farmers selling maize outside the country recently, adding that security wings and FRA have been on the ground to closely monitor the farmers.

He further disclosed that farmers who sold their maize to FRA since the agency started buying the commodity in Nakonde district are already getting paid for their grain.

Mr Nyambe disclosed that the treasury last week released K50 million, which is sitting in the bank, for maize marketing in Nakonde FRA about K100, 000 has already been paid to the farmers so far.

“Our target is that by Monday next week, all the farmers that sold their produce here will be paid,” he added.

Recently, there have been reports of some farmers from the Nakonde Border town, allegedly selling their maize to Tanzania.

FRA has targeted to buy 2.6 million x 50 kg bags of white maize from farmers in Muchinga Province during the marketing season.

President Hichilema confers with Israeli President

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President Hichilema confers with Israeli President

Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, has called for enhanced bilateral relations between Zambia and Israel.

Speaking in Jerusalem today when President Hakainde Hichilema paid a courtesy on him at his residence, President Herzog said Israel and Zambia have had an outstanding relationship for many years now.

President Herzog said there is a need to enhance the bilateral relationship that exists between Israel and Zambia as his country believes in cooperation and advancement of relations.

He said there is so much that can be done and achieved if the two countries worked together especially in areas of technology, agriculture, science and health, among others.

“Mr President, Zambia and Israel have enjoyed a good relationship for many years and it is just good and important that the existing relationship is enhanced,” said President Herzog.

Mr. Herzog said Zambia is an important and strategic partner in Africa saying global leaders have much respect for Zambia and its leader President Hichilema.

He also said Zambia has made great positive advancements in her political system.

President Herzog has also asked Zambia to take advantage of the existing food shortages in some parts of Africa to produce more crops for export.

“Your country has a good climate and soils to produce more crops. Take advantage of the shortage of food in the horn of Africa and grow more crops for export,” said President Herzog.

And President Herzog says he is happy that Zambia has a President who is a Seventh – day Adventist (SDA) and believes in the Sabbath.

He said President Hichilema is the first SDA member in the entire World to have been elected President of a country saying this brings not only joy but blessings for the African country.

President Herzog said he believes that the Sabbath is the greatest gift of the people of the book to humanity.

“The Sabbath is one of the greatest gifts of the people of the book to humanity. You lit a candle and we lit a candle as well,” said the President.

And President Hichilema says Zambia appreciates the good relationship with Israel that dates back many years.

President Hichilema says the good relationship of the people of Israel and their Government has been outstanding.

He said Zambia wants to build on the existing relationship with Israel saying back home Zambia works very well with the Jewish people some of whom are in the business sector.

He further said that Israel has been doing a lot of good things for the people of Zambia Aand that  he is a beneficiary of the Israel assistance through education sponsorship.

“Your Excellency, as Zambia, we are grateful for many things that your country has done and continues doing for us. Am a beneficiary of the Israeli education sponsorship at undergraduate level,” said President Hichilema.

President Hichilema said his political party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) was elected on the ticket of change to deliver economic success to the Zambian people.

He said the economic change that Zambia wants to see back home is anchored on trade and investment adding that Zambia wants to enhance the existing relationship with Israel because of its experience in technology in agriculture, health , and digital platform.

President Hichilema says Zambia admires the precision advancements made by Israel in irrigation technologies.

He said Zambia has good soils and weather conditions to support the growth of various crops despite not being spared by the effects of climate change.

President Hichilema is in Israel on a 3- day State Visit at the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Lusaka man dies as wall collapses on him

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Lusaka man dies as wall collapses on him

Zambia Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, explained that the Embassy Police Post, under Chawama Police Station, received a report of suspected sudden death on Monday, July 31, 2023, at around 12:30 hours. The report was made by Boniface Mwamelo, aged 48, on behalf of Stalwart Company, stating that a building under construction collapsed while the workers were on the site.

“It was reported that Joseph Sakala, aged 31, of house number 18/7 John Howard, a worker, is suspected to have been trapped and died after the building collapsed,” he said.

Mr. Hamoonga stated that the Council Fire Brigade, along with the Zambia National Service and Police officers, are currently searching at the scene to retrieve the body.

He added that the incident occurred around 11:00 hours at Plot number 401A along Kafue road near Linda Roundabout.

Would HH concede electoral defeat in 2026?

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Would HH concede electoral defeat in 2026?

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

Bamushanina bwali (praise singers) tulefulilakofye which is why the pool of critical minds capable of providing decent checks and balances to the incumbent government is shrinking – at an alarming rate for that matter. Could this be the reason why amidst this paucity in political discourse, the gist of a critical electronic posting (was it on twitter or X) by a hip shooting academic almost got drowned in infantile noises.

‘Lungu might help HH to peacefully concede defeat,’ – is one of the recent postings by Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa that has caused some consternation across the political aisle. Justifying his argument in the write up, he chronicled roles played by former Heads of State, from KK to Rupiah Banda – in resolving electoral disputes. Delving deeper, the apt summation of this write up infers that Lungu is unlikely to stand in the next elections but could however play the role of an arbiter in the event that President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) loses but refuses to concede.

Ghastly as it seems for the UPND faithful to fathom such a reality, this tweet implicitly entertains the prospect of HH losing the next Polls. You see, politics is habitually allergic to crystal balls. In any case ours is a constitutional democracy, we shouldn’t stifle free thinking. Hence this question, would HH concede if he lost? Let’s ignore the answer for now, I’m already fashioning expletives raining down on me for having a brain, the size of a bean pole. Ni mbanje ya bwanji yamene abema uyu mufana, Hakainde ku luza sure – loosely translated as, what type of weed is this lad inhaling to contemplate such a possibility?

Pitfalls of overconfidence

Borrowing a famous idiomatic expression coined by former British Premier Harold Wilson, a week is indeed a long time in politics – besides the Polls are almost 2 and half years away. That said, it’s thus implausible to give an outright prediction of who will win the next elections. Need we remind those that have forgotten the disappointment that characterised the over-confident cheer leaders of this chant, ‘Alebwelelapo pamupando’. Sarcastic as it reads, the President has crafted a better response for nay sayers seeking to defy political gravity. Natwikalapo, alebwelelapo pamupando wisa?
Naivety is rife in our body politic which is why disbelief tears and loud wailing shrouded the aftermath of the August 2021 Polls. It took statesmen, Bai Koroma, Jakaya Kikwete and Rupiah Banda to convince a crestfallen Edgar Lungu to concede. This is the nature of a beast called politics. Further afield in the land of the free which also boasts one of the world’s oldest democracies, the mop haired one still refuses to concede to Joseph Biden who trumped him at the polls – three years after he grudgingly left the White House for the quieter confines of Mara Largo in Florida.
Aside from the view that the UPND is the front runner – at least granted the fragmented opposition, it is only rational for other people to hold a different opinion. Lest we meander off this discussion, the gist is not to ascertain the UPND’s electoral prospects but determine whether HH has the magnanimity or temperament to accept defeat in the event that Zambians reject him in 2026. Back to the question, would he concede and quietly vacate the Presidency?

Travesty of Justice

Let’s take a step back. It took him five failed attempts to wrest the Presidency eventually succeeding on his sixth shot, a rare mark of resilience – Albert Einstein certainly has living equals. On his 5th attempt in 2016, he lost by a whisker – prompting him to seek redress from courts for what he claimed were electoral malpractices by the former governing party.

Did the court find merit in his claim? The Constitutional Court regrettably dismissed his petition on a technicality – this without hearing his argument. This judgement was a travesty of Justice, a blatant disregard of the law. In her own words, quote verbatim, Justice Hilda Chibomba admitted as much. ‘It is a painful decision for the court to take to dismiss the case without hearing the evidence, but there is nothing the court could have done considering the time limit provided to conclude the petition,’ reads a part of her judgement.

It’s HH’s response though to this judgement that provides us a glimpse of his ability to stretch his fight for his rights. ‘I never thought one day we will have a situation where an election petition will be dismissed without hearing evidence from the parties. Our position is that we came to this court to seek justice, but it has been denied to us by this court. And as such, we have not conceded in the just-ended Presidential election where the Patriotic Front was declared winner,’ he remarked. This was vintage HH in opposition then, steadfast, principled but defiant to the bitter end.

Would he concede?

Could a successful conclusion of his petition have swayed his mind – assuming the Judgement went against his party? Only he knows the answer. However, few would disagree that he never recognised the Lungu Presidency. In his eyes, the PF were an illegitimate government that had robbed him the most prized possession in Zambian politics. While he has brought decorum to the Presidency the HH who is stubbornly ensconced at Community House – to the chagrin of many is a vastly transformed politician to the one that was criss-crossing the country begging for votes ahead of the 2021 Polls.

History has a way of repeating itself. How ironic that once in power, his party has been able to easily bend laws purely for self-serving interests. Case in point – the UPND twisted the interpretation of a ruling by the same Constitutional Court – which by the way in 2016, declined to hear their petition to steal the Kwacha and Kabushi Parliamentary seats from the opposition. Then out went the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Lillian Siyunyi. Never mind her transgressions, she too like the President has rights yet she was never accorded the opportunity to defend herself against a slew of charges laid before her – instead she was dealt a cold hand and left to hang in the court of public opinion.

HH has now tested power and he is using it to maximum effect. Is he using his position to entrench democratic tenets? You see, any politician that has scanty regard for the judiciary or rule of law is a danger to democracy. As the saying goes, a democracy where lies have replaced truth, where truth is illusive and where truth is secondary in the conduct of government business with no means of accessing or ability to question, dies in the end.
Would he concede?

About the Author: Mwanza enjoys reading Political History and Philosophy. Conversations with famous politicians takes you down memory lane, beautiful read for a translantic flight. * Amos – Nanga volume 2. For feedback, email [email protected]

CTPD Calls for the Inclusion of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in the Legal Frameworks

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The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD), a prominent trade policy and development think tank, has issued a call to the government for the inclusion of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in the legal frameworks. This move aims to address the environmental and social implications that accompany investments in various economic sectors and ensure equitable benefit sharing with local communities.

With the government encouraging investments in sectors such as mining and agriculture, there is a growing concern about the adverse effects on the environment and the livelihoods of communities living in the project areas. Large-Scale Land Investments (LSLBIs) have witnessed a surge in recent times, leading to issues like human rights violations, environmental degradation, and land alienation without adequate compensation.

In light of the ongoing policy and legal framework reforms across the economy, the CTPD sees an opportunity to safeguard the interests of local communities affected by such investments. The organization stresses that CDAs can play a pivotal role in mitigating risks and enhancing the well-being of these communities.

A Community Development Agreement (CDA) is a legal commitment between an investment license holder and the affected community or communities, approved pursuant to regulations. At present, several legal frameworks concerning LSLBIs lack clear mechanisms for community engagement or consensus-building. Companies often engage with impacted communities on a case-by-case basis, leading to inconsistent and non-binding arrangements that fail to provide adequate protection to local communities.

The CTPD urges the government to establish appropriate measures and mechanisms to ensure consistency, accountability, and responsibility in company practices. CDAs offer an avenue for equitable revenue-sharing arrangements and provide a legal basis for communities to solidify their agreements with mineral rightsholders in the mining sector.

Moreover, CDAs foster effective community engagement and participation before any investment activities commence. By encouraging access to information and enabling community-defined development outcomes, CDAs empower local communities to have a say in the distribution of royalty payments, infrastructure development, and other social benefits contributed by investors.

Solomon Mwampikita, a researcher specializing in Climate Change and Environment at CTPD, highlighted the importance of CDAs in enhancing community welfare and promoting sustainable development. The implementation of CDAs, he noted, would enable communities to shape their own future and hold investors accountable for their commitments.

President Hichilema praise China and France for the debt restructuring deal

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President Hichilema praise China and France for the debt restructuring deal

President Hakainde Hichilema says with the successful clinching of the debt restructuring, Government’s focus now is on economic cooperation, trade and Investment.

Speaking in an interview with the Israel 24 television channel in Jerusalem yesterday, President Hichilema said Zambia is indebted to the G20 framework co-chaired by France and China for the role they played in ensuring that Zambia’s huge debt was restructured.

He reiterated that that the huge debt that Zambia had incurred over the years, was choking and stiffening the country’s economy saying efforts by France and China to ensure Zambia’s debt was restructured is highly commendable.

ZANIS reports that President Hichilema says Zambia appreciates all the countries that contributed in seeing the country clinching a deal on debt restructuring.

Asked how Zambia’s relationship is with the West and China, President Hichilema said there are no complications with regards to Zambia’s relationship with the West and China.

He says Zambia is committed to work with any country in order to advance its economic developmental agenda aimed at bettering the lives of the Zambian citizens.

Mr. Hichilema said his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) will not depart from its 2021 campaign promise of bettering the lives of the Zambian citizens.

He says Zambia believes and will promote economic diplomacy with other countries as it believes that economic diplomacy is the anchor that is needed in order to grow the country’s economy and improve the lives of Zambian citizens.

“There are absolutely no complications with regards to Zambia’s relationship with the West and China. Economic diplomacy is our anchor that we want to achieve in order to grow our economy and provide our children’s needs in terms of education and also job creation for our youths in the country,” said President Hichilema.

He emphasised that Zambia is ready and committed to work with various countries saying good relationships with other countries is good not only for Zambia but the world as a whole.

And President Hichilema says there is no room for military coups in Africa saying military coups take away the space for democracy through the suspension of the Constitution.

President Hichilema said military coups have no space in Africa and should not be allowed to take root.

“Military coups are bad and should not be allowed anywhere in Africa,” said President Hichilema.

He said that democracy advances development while military coups affect the ordinary citizens and should be condemned in strongest terms.

President Hichilema says there is a need for a stable world where every country is at peace with other countries and citizens working together within the spaces provided for through democracy.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema says Zambia has a lot to learn from Israel in terms of technological innovation and advances.

He said using technology, Israel has recorded success stories in agricultural production saying Zambia would like to leverage on the technological innovation made by Israel to improve and grow its economy.

President Hichilema says water harvesting is another thing that Zambia wants to learn from Israel  to improve agricultural production.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia wants to reduce the cost of doing business by incorporating technology and innovations.

He said Zambia has drawn a lot of lessons from Israel through a presentation by Start – up Nation Policy Institute on the need to incorporate technology and allow the private sector to participate in the economic development of the country.

Earlier, Start-up National Policy Institute Senior Policy Fellow Danny Biran said Israel is where it is today through technological innovation and advances as well as the participation of the private sector in the economic development of the country.

Mr. Biran said Israel 30 years ago was very poor but invested in technological innovation and advances and allowing the private sector to fully participate in the economic development of the country.

He said technology is key in economic development.

“Israel is where it is today compared to 30 years ago because of investment in technological innovation and advances and also because of team work of allowing the private sector to participate in the economic development of the country,” said Mr. Biran.

President Hichilema accompanied by the First Lady Mrs Mutinta Hichilema arrived in Israel yesterday on a debut visit at the invitation of Israeli President His Excellency Mr. Isaac Herzog.

Unresolved Mopani/KCM negotiations raises concerns

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Unresolved Mopani/KCM negotiations raises concerns

Green Party President Peter Sinkamba says it is understandable that government could not announce the conclusion of the Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines negotiations because the issues involved are complex.

Speaking in an interview in Kitwe  after the Mines Minister’s press briefing in Lusaka on the two mines future, Mr. Sinkamba said the issues around the two mines cannot be done hurriedly because of the complex issues surrounding the negotiations.

On Monday July 31, 2023, Mines Minister told Journalists in Lusaka at a press briefing that he could not announce the final decision on Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines as he promised early this month because the negotiations have not been concluded.

Mr. Kabuswe however promised to be giving the national frequent updates on the progress.

Mr. Sinkamba said government should be given ample time to resolve the issues in a manner that will ensure a good final deal for Zambians.

“It is understandable that the Minister could not announce the final decision on the two mines today because the issues involved are complex, there are issues of the accrued debt that happened during the PF time and during the UPND time, the deterioration of the assets, and also some assets have been sold, so it is a complex matter,” said Mr Sinkamba.

He, however, urged government to find a way of resolving the issues as soon as possible as the people on the Copperbelt are depressed economically and socially because of the poor performance of the two mines.

He further disclosed that there are planned public protests slated for August 31 in Chingola and Chililabombwe if the issue is not resolved before that date, which he said government should curtail by resolving the issue soon.

And Kitwe Chamber of Commerce Emmanuel Mbambiko said it was disappointing to hear that government has failed to announce the conclusion on the issue of the two mines once again.

Mr. Mbambiko said government needs to make a decision on the issue.

“I am speechless, I don’t know what to say, I feel it’s now an issue of decision making which government needs to take, you cannot remain undecided forever,” he said.

And National Union of Mine and Allied Workers (NUMAW) President Saul Simujika appealed to mine workers to remain calm as government continues the process of resolving issues around the two mines.

Negotiations for new Mopani/KCM mine owners still ongoing

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Negotiations for new Mopani/KCM mine owners still ongoing

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe says the announcement of a new investor to take over Mopani and KCM will be done soon after negotiations are concluded.

Mr Kabuswe says the meetings with the potential investor are still on-going and once the negotiations with the rightful investor are concluded, the announcement will be made.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Mr Kabuswe said his office will continue updating the nation on the status of the negotiations.

He explained that government wants to settle for an authentic investor for KCM and Mopani Mines in a quest to have a formidable investor(s) who can benefit all Zambians.

“The delay to conclude negotiations with possible investors to take over KCM and Mopani Mines is because government wants to settle for a serious and professional one, who is going to deliver to Zambians,” he said.

Mr Kabuswe also indicated that government will continue to stiffen laws regarding the management of mines and minerals in the country  to stop illegal mining activities.

He said currently, his Ministry is tying all the loose-ends in a bid to manage the mineral resources which are illegally mined by a few unscrupulous individuals.

And Mr Kabuswe disclosed that his Ministry is coming up with the minerals Commission, which will act as a regulator for the minerals in the country.

He noted that the draft of the memo is currently at Cabinet office pending approval.

He said for the country to ramp- up copper production to the projected three million tonnes per year in the next 10 years, suitable investors are needed to meet the set target.

The announcement of a new investor to take over the operations of the two mining giants KCM and Mopani was supposed to be made on Monday July 31, 2023 by Minister of Mines and minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe.

Mwape Salutes Zambia After Win Over Costa Rica

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Shepolopolo Zambia Coach Bruce Mwape is thrilled to see his side conclude the FIFA World Cup with victory over Costa Rica.

Zambia exited their debut World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica to avoid finishing bottom of Group C.

In a post-match comment, Mwape said playing at the World Cup for the first time was not easy.

“After today’s game everyone is happy in our camp,” Mwape said. He believes Zambia would approach the World Cup differently next time they qualify.

“We have made history because it is our first World Cup appearance, despite losing the first two matches we have managed to at least go back home with a win. There are few teams that come to the World Cup for the first time and win a match with a 3-1 margin,” he said.

“I hope next time we will come to the World Cup we will come with a different approach,” Mwape said.

Zambia captain Barbra Banda says her team worked hard to beat Costa Rica 3-1 in the last Group C match at the World Cup in New Zealand.

Banda said it was not easy to beat Costa Rica.

And Banda has told journalists that she targets to feature more at the World Cup.

“It was amazing to the team and everyone is happy and excited,” Banda said.

The China based star scored Zambia’s second goal on the day which was goal number 1000 in the history of the Women’s World Cup.

Gardener Murders Employer in Mumbwa District Over K700

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Gardener Murders Employer in Mumbwa District Over K700

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Mumbwa district in Central Province, a gardener is alleged to have brutally hacked his employer to death following a heated dispute over his salary.

Central Province Deputy Police Commissioner, Charity Chanda, revealed in a statement that the gruesome attack resulted in the employer’s untimely demise, with the assailant repeatedly striking the victim with a machete on the back of the head and left shoulder.

According to Ms. Chanda, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect went to demand his owed salary, amounting to K700 from his employer. The confrontation escalated rapidly, leading to a violent altercation that ultimately ended in tragedy.

As authorities search for the gardener who is currently on the run, an intensive investigation has been launched to bring justice to the grieving family and to establish the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Local authorities are urging the public to cooperate with the ongoing investigation by providing any information that may help locate the suspect. Community members are advised to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to let the law take its course in apprehending the perpetrator.

Former Defence Permanent Secretary’s uniform payment authorization was not irregular

Chief Editor
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Former Defence Permanent Secretary’s uniform payment authorization was not irregular

The Lusaka Magistrate Court has heard testimony asserting that there were no irregularities in the authorization of a payment exceeding 1.6 million dollars by former Defence Permanent Secretary, Stardy Mwale, for the supply of Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers’ uniforms in September 2017.

The payment was made to African Security Academy of Poland, the company that secured a contract with the Ministry of Defence in April 2016 to supply uniforms for ZNS officers.

Ministry of Defence Senior Procurement Officer, Sangu Mpande, testified before Lusaka Resident Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, stating that there was nothing suspicious about Mr. Mwale’s authorization. Mr. Mwale, however, was not the Defence Permanent Secretary when the contract was initially signed. The officer in charge during that period was Felix Phiri.

The matter involves charges of corrupt practices, with Mr. Mwale facing accusations related to over 8.5 million Zambian Kwacha. It is alleged that between March 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018, Mr. Mwale solicited and attempted to receive 200,000 dollars from Eagle Trading International.

Mr. Mwale’s arrest took place in August 2022, and he has since been under scrutiny regarding the financial transactions in question.

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