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Lusaka Magistrate Greenwell Malumani has reserved ruling on a preliminary matter raised by Hakainde Hichilema.
Magistrate Malumani is expected to deliver his ruling on Wednesday 19th April 2017.
Lawyers representing United Party for National Development (UPND) leader, Hakainde Hichilema, who appeared in Court had applied for a preliminary matter seeking that the charges Hichilema and others were facing be seperated.
Vincent Malambo SC told the Lusaka Magistrate, Greenwell Malumani that the prosecution should be be made to separate the charges as according to them, felony and misdemeanours cases have been mixed.
Treason charges are are not bailable offences while the charge of obstruction is deemed a misdemeanour and is bailable and can attract even a fine.
The lawyers contended that Hichilema would be afforded a speedy trial if the charges were seperated.
Treason charges would require a High Court trial.
Another lawyer, Keith Mweemba submitted the Magistrate Court had powers and jurisdiction to separate the charges and should rule on the matter and if possible separate the charges so that the accused was afforded a speedy trial.
State prosecutor applied for an adjournment to consider a reply to the defense application.
Malambo also used the opportunity to complain about the alleged mistreatment that Hichilema had gone through during the last few days of incaceration.
Malambo raised a concern that , the accused was denied access to meet his Lawyers, his friends, his supporters and Doctors.
He also demanded that the State disclose a purported stranger who visited Hichilema in the night.
Malambo said the stranger introduced himself as a Pastor but he was not known to the accused.
He stated that the alleged stranger left Hichilema some bibles.
“Your Honour we ask for a forensic investigations as to who this Pastor was and how he wasballowed to have access to the accused when the visitors that matter to him like Lawyers , Doctors , friends and family were being blocked?” Malambo asked.
Malambo also wondered why the accused was denied access to a bed , mattress, reading books, and blankets.
He stated that the Police alleged that the these things constituted a security risk.
“The state says all these are a security threat… Your honour , how can a mattress represent a security risk?” He said.
He also narrated that Hichilema was not treated properly from inception.
“He was attacked at his place of residence at night. He was not a danger to the Police. Teargas were discharged in the room were he was with his family. The inhilation of the teargas has an effect on his health. I defended my first treason case in 1989 and I am suprised at the manner Mr. Hichilema was treated compared.”
He said.
“Even under One-Party -State, political prisoners were not treated like this one. There was decency during those times”. He alleged.
“With the amount of teargas that the accussed was exposed to, immediate access to treatment health should have been given, he has demanded for his family doctor to examine him but that too has been denied.”
Zesco United hope to extend their unbeaten run in 2017 on Wednesday when they kickoff their challenge for this season’s FAZ Super Division title.
The 2015 champions host promoted Konkola Blades in a rescheduled Week 1 match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zesco missed the opening two weeks of the league campaign to take care of their 2017 CAF Confederation Cup obligations that saw them beat Enugu Rangers 5-2 on aggregate to successfully reach the group stage of the competition that kicks off in May.
Wth a month without continental action, Zesco can now focus on the league in their next four league games before returning to continental action on May 12.
Zesco face promoted Blades who made a promising start to the season with a 1-0 home win over Green Buffaloes on April 15 in Chililabombwe.
But Blades take on a Zesco side that is in fine form having won four and drawn two of their competitive matches played so far.
Zesco’s depth is very apparent despite missing striker Jackson Mwanza, midfielder Misheck Chaila and defender Simon Silwimba who are still sidelined with injury.
Zesco coach Zlatko Krmpotic will be banking on his in-form duo of John Chingandu and Jesse Were who have scored four competitive goals each so far this season.
Meanwhile, a win for Zesco will see them as the only team that finished in the top four in 2016 to pick up the three points in their opening league game in 2017.
Nkana, Power Dynamos and champions Zanaco all drew in Week 1 fixtures a week ago.
The Patriotic Front Information and Publicity Committee has urged traditional leaders in Southern Province not to be used by politicians who want to gain political office by all means.
Committee member Brian Hapunda says the party is aware that some chiefs have travelled from Southern Province to Lusaka and are holding meetings on holding demonstrations in the Province to press for the release of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr. Hapunda has told ZNBC News in a walk in interview said Mr Hichilema’s detention is purely a police matter and not a political one and therefore traditional leaders must not be dragged into legal issues.
And Mr Hapunda has castigated some foreign diplomats for meddling in the internal affairs of the country.
He said Zambia is a sovereign nation that has laws and rules that must be respected.
Last week Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo warned that all those engaging in unlawful practices will face the full wrath of the law.
Government has dismissed fears over the presence of Malawian soldiers along the Zambia-Malawi border line.
Eastern Province Permanent Chanda Kasolo told a media briefing in his office in Chipata that the Malawian government had deployed soldiers along the border line to curb the smuggling of tobacco, maize and other unauthorised products.
“Malawian government is concerned that they have been smuggling of tobacco and other unauthorized goods and products into Zambia, ”he said.
Mr Kasolo said the soldiers were deployed at all strategic points to ensure that no smuggling of any kind into Zambia and vice versa is allowed.
He said the people along the border should not be alarmed with the heavy presence of soldiers who were manning the strategic points which included Mwami border.
He said the Malawian soldiers were merely doing their job in cramping down the illegal smuggling.
Mr Kasolo appealed to people to be vigilante and report any suspicious people who were involved in smuggling to both the Zambian security wing and Malawi security forces.
Recently the Minister of Justice, Honourable Given Lubinda, alleged on ZNBC TV that there was a conclusive judgement on 5th September 2016 by the Constitutional Court regarding the election petition by UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba. This assertion is a lie. In fairness to the Minister and what he called “the PF Government”, I reproduce the verbatim statement and then proceed to analyse and respond to it.
The Minister’s Verbatim (emphasis my own): “..that on the 5th September 2016 when the Constitutional Court passed their judgement over the matter it came to a complete close. There is no election petition that is being heard by the courts of law. The matter that Hakainde and Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba are following up in the High Court is an issue where they have asked the Court to determine whether they were given their right to be heard by the Constitutional Court or not. It is not the same as the petition. The election petition was concluded and that is the reason why we have a President in Zambia in the name of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. There is no dispute whatsoever on that matter. Now let us assume that the High Court said to Hakainde that he was not heard that does not necessarily mean that the election of Edgar Chagwa Lungu is nullified. Far from it. And I would like to ensure that the Zambians are told the truth that there is only one incumbent President until 2021. That President is Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his PF. They are the ones in government.” END OF QUOTE. My analysis/response follows.
THE LUBINDA RUMBLE IN LUSAKA – BLOW BY BLOW!
ROUND 1 LUBINDA DELIVERS BRUTAL OPENING PUNCH BELOW THE BELT: that on the 5th September 2016 when the Constitutional Court passed their judgement over the matter it came to a complete close.
MIYANDA WINCES PAINFULLY, THEN BOBS AND WEAVES: There has been NO JUDGEMENT of the Hichilema/Mwamba Petition; this is a fabrication, if not a deliberate misrepresentation. Ordinarily a judgement follows the giving of evidence by the parties to a petition, with the attendant cross examinations, re-examinations and finally submissions (legal arguments). The Court would then retire to consider the evidence and submissions. I was in court on Friday 2nd September 2016 from about 09.30 hours (after being chased from the Court grounds by some strangely dressed uniformed persons – maybe security, maybe PF cadres) until soon after midnight on Saturday 3rd September 2016; no such judgement was delivered in Open Court. Is the Minister confirming that a different Court, otherwise known as a Kangaroo Court, took place elsewhere? If there was no judgement then the Constitutional Court door has remained wide open and hence there was nothing that came to a COMPLETE CLOSE – no Bwana Minister, you have lied that the CONCOURT has delivered a judgment in the Hichilema/Mwamba petition. If the judgement does exist it is a fraud and an actual judicial scandal in Zambia! If what I have stated herein is treason, then so be it!
ROUND 2 LUBINDA ATTEMPTS THE ALI SHUFFLE: There is no election petition that is being heard by the courts of law.
MIYANDA COUNTERS WTH A GUNDUZANI RIGHT BLOW AND A LEFT HOOK: This is political gibberish and not law. The genesis of the Hichilema/Mwamba complaint in the High Court is the premature baby birthed by the CONCOURT. The Petitioners’ claim of “NOT BEING HEARD” is a valid grievance that the Constitutional Court DID NOT hear the petition (that is, receive evidence) nor did they determine (consider the evidence and arguments and arrive at a decision) in terms of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Number 2 of 2016 and the Electoral Process Act Number 35, 2016. Contrary to Minister Lubinda’s judgement, if the High Court holds that the Petitioners were NOT HEARD it follows that their petition is still alive in the CONCOURT incubator and must be nurtured and retrieved therefrom, since one age-old principle of law is that THERE IS NO RIGHT WITHOUT A REMEDY. The Learned Authors in Halsbury’s Laws of England Volume 10 at paragraph 716 state thus “The General Rule is that wherever there exists a right recognised by the law, there exists also a remedy for any infringement of such a right.” In Ashby v White (1703) 2 Ld Rym 138 at 952, Holt CJ held “Indeed it is a vain thing to imagine a right without a remedy, for want of right and want of remedy are reciprocal.” To say that the matter before the High Court has nothing to do with the Petition is hollow and has no legal basis but seeks to oust the jurisdiction of both the CONCOURT and the High Court to deliver justice, even in the face of the so-called 14 days limitation. In Attorney General v Boden and Another (1912) 1 KB 539 at 561 Hamilton, J held thus “Where an issue arises upon the proceedings before the Court, the jurisdiction of the Court to dispose of that issue can only be ousted by plain words.” In Ealing London Borough Council v Race Relations Board (1972) AC 342 at 353 Lord Donovan stated “…Clear words are necessary to oust the jurisdiction of the High Court and there are none in the Act of 1968.” I contend that reliance on the 14 day limitation provision is misconceived as the provision has no express fetter against either the CONCOURT or the High Court and is clearly a departure from well-founded fundamental principles on the jurisdiction of Courts to HEAR AND DETERMINE CONCLUSIVELY matters before them. In Pyx Granite Co. Ltd v Ministry of Housing and Local Government (1960) AC 260 at 286 Lord Simmonds states “…It is a principle not to be taken away, by any means to be whittled down, that the subject’s recourse to Her Majesty’s courts for the determination of his rights is not excluded except by clear words. That is, as McNair J called it in Francis v Yiewsley and West Drayton Urban District Council, a ‘fundamental rule’ from which I would not for my part sanction any departure”. I again defer to Halsbury’s Laws Volume 10 at paragraph 720 where the Learned Authors state, on the ouster of jurisdiction by statute,“The subject’s right of access to the Courts may be taken away or restricted by statute, but the language of any such statute will be jealously watched by the Courts and will not be extended beyond its least onerous meaning unless clear words are used to justify such extension.” Is the Minister of Justice labelling the Petition before the High Court illegal and/or a mere waste of time? That petition is too serious to be wished away, even by the very CONCOURT.
ROUND 3 LUBINDA AIMS ILLEGAL BLOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BUT MISSES: The election petition was concluded and that is the reason why we have a President in Zambia in the name of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
MIYANDA COUNTERS FURIOUSLY BY DELIVERING A PAINFUL UPPERCUT UNDER THE JAW: It is a lie to allege that “the election petition was concluded…” since the Petition was not heard nor determined in accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution (Amendment) Act Number 2 of 2016 which was assented to by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on 5th January 2016. The Presidential Petition is only to be concluded when, AFTER hearing evidence and submissions from the parties, the Constitutional Court makes the following pronouncement in open Court and in the presence of the parties, along the following lines: (a) that the Respondent, in this case Presidential Candidate Lungu, was validly elected; or (b) that Presidential Candidate Lungu was NOT validly elected; or (c) that it was Presidential Candidate Hichilema who was validly elected; or (d) that there was non-compliance with any provision of the Constitution as amended and/or other law, and in this case CONCOURT orders what should happen, for example hold a re-run of the election. I maintain that no such pronouncement or Ruling was given in Open Court either for Candidate Edgar Chagwa Lungu or Candidate Hakainde Hichilema. Hence there is no conclusion as alleged by the Honourable Minister.
ROUND 4 LUBINDA EXECUTES A DUMMY: Now let us assume that the High Court said to Hakainde that he was not heard does that mean that the election of Edgar Chagwa Lungu is nullified? Far from it.
MIYANDA COUNTERS WHILE SHOUTING ‘TAKE THAT’: it means that there is NO JUDGEMENT of the said electoral petition – period!
ROUND 5 LUBINDA ATTEMPTS TO LAND A SPIRITUAL AND MORAL PUNCH BUT MISSES: And I would like to ensure that the Zambians are told the truth that there is only one incumbent President until 2021. That President is Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his PF. They are the ones in government.
MIYANDA IS MOMENTARILY DISORIENTED BUT QUICKLY NOTICES THE TRICK AND REMEMBERS HOW TO RESIST WITH A CHRISTIAN QUIP: The truth that is awaited by all right thinking Zambians is the truth of the evidence to be provided by the witnesses for the Petitioners, the witnesses for the Respondents, the legal arguments by both parties, the determination by an impartial CONCOURT and the final declaration by the same impartial CONCOURT that either Candidate Lungu had been validly elected, or Candidate Hichilema had been validly elected; or that in view of non-compliance with the Constitution (Amendment) Number 2 of 2016 and other law, the ECZ should conduct a re-run of the presidential election. In this regard this MUST be the truth communicated in a judgement by the CONCOURT in this Christian Nation. Why has President Lungu been reluctant to let God reveal the truth through ballot re-counts and truthful evidence tested by rigorous cross examination by both sides?
ROUND 6 LUBINDA ALMOST GIVING UP, PLEADS AND SEEKS PUBLIC ATTENTION, SCREAMING: President Lungu was sworn in.
MIYANDA SCREAMS BACK ‘BOMA YEEEH’ AND DELIVERS THE KILLER ‘FORGERY’ PUNCH: Minister, that is not a credible excuse. A forged cheque does not become good just because it has been cashed!
POSTSCRIPT
On 4th September 2016, before the alleged judgement on 5th September 2016, I wrote a statement titled “Why President-Elect Lungu must Vote Yes for the Concourt Midnight Decision!” which was published by the Lusaka Times (www.lusakatimes.com) on 4th September 2016. In the concluding paragraph I wrote to Candidate Lungu “Finally I believe that you, as a Christian, want the truth of what transpired during the last elections to be established so that our efforts at uniting the nation will be made easier. Please, Sir, I urge you to let the Petition continue and for you to stand up in Court, boldly and truthfully to give your rebuttal evidence.”
My Big Question is: who applied or complained to the CONCOURT to review their decision delivered on Friday at 23.45 hours on 2nd September 2016? Under what provision? Where, when and how was that application/complaint, if any, managed? And, further, if the CONCOURT’s jurisdiction ended at midnight leading to 3rd September, where did the same Court acquire the jurisdiction to dismiss or pass judgement on 5th September 2016? YOU’ALL, ANSWER THIS BIG QUESTION TRUTHFULLY!
Hakainde-HichilemaThe anxiously awaited case in which UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and five others are facing treason charges has commenced in the Lusaka Magistrate Court this afternoon.
And Mr Hichilema has refused to take a seat before Magistrate Greenwell Malumani in protest against what his lawyers say is the way the opposition leader has been treated.
Mr Hichilema who is represented by a team of lawyers comprising Vincent Malambo SC, Hon Jack Mwiimbu, Keith Mweemba and Martha Mushipe is appearing for mention and an explanation of the four charges slapped on him.
Mr Hichilema’s wife Mutinta, family members, opposition MMD leader Nevers Mumba, People’s Party President Mike Mulongoti ,ADD Leader Charles Milupi and some of his supporters are present in court.
Vice President Geoffrey Mwamba is conspicuously missing from the court session.
Security is tight at the court premises with Police in full riot gears manning the court and nearby places.
And defend Lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told the court that the other accused persons other than Mr Hichilema we’re severely tortured even on their private parts.
He said the accused were made to open their mouths and pepper sprayed in the mouth causing excruciating pain
Earlier, Magistrates Kennedy Mulife allocated the matter to Magistrate Malumani after reading out the Case and names of the accused persons.
The court Room is full to its capacity with other siting on the floor.
As Mr. Hichilema walked into the court room from a holding cell, his party members where seen flashing the party symbol in court.
Vodafone Zambia has lauded government’s resolve to transform and modernise the telecommunications sector by introducing a new licensing framework for the industry in order to re-align it and promote competitiveness.
This follows the pronouncement made by Transport and Communications Minister, Hon. Brian Mushimba on 14 April 2017, advising on Cabinet’s decision to approve a new licensing framework for the telecommunications industry intended to reform the sector and spur investment.
Vodafone Zambia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lars Stork noted that the landmark decision coincided with Zambian consumers’ increasing desire for more variety and competitiveness in the industry.
“We applaud Cabinet, particularly the Ministry of Transport and Communication under the leadership of Hon. Brian Mushimba, for this step. As Vodafone Zambia, we are excited about what this means for Zambian consumers who will soon have a multiplicity of communication options best suited to their needs. We are convinced that this decision will open the door for innovation, leading to excellence in service delivery,” he said.
Mr Stork emphasised the pronouncement would create strong incentives to invest and innovate, paving way for superior products and services that contribute toward bridging the digital divide.
“We anticipate increased investment in the sector, translating into better quality of service for the consumer, increased employment opportunities and revenue vital for development projects. This decision will forever be etched in Zambia’s development story and its ripple effect will be felt for generations to come,” he added.
Zambia’s mobile telecommunications sector has seen positive and significant development over the last two decades with reforms in the early 1990s opening the market to new entrants; it is widely believed that the recently unveiled licensing regime will usher the sector into the next phase of its growth.
Jay Rox released the video for the song “Get Lost” off his album “Lusaka”.
“This video focuses on inspiring the youth to be confident in themselves in their pursuit of their dreams and to carry on being enthusiastic despite all the negativity society may throw at them, ranging from false rumors to family unduly pressuring one to choose a career path against their will. This video seeks to communicate to the youth a message of perseverance and that through hard work they can overcome hurdles caused by society’s negativity. Tell ’em Get Lost!”
Audio produced by Solomon Plates, and the music video was shot by Qbick and Lawdak of NXT Solutionz.
This week’s recipe is a little bit random. However I am currently on a vegetable kick and I don’t discriminate when it comes to my veggies. Last Christmas I made this Garlic Brussels Sprouts recipe for the first time, and it went down a treat. So I thought I’d share it with you. I have never really enjoyed Brussels sprouts, but I thought it was time to get over that. This recipe is beyond easy and I guarantee that they will be gone in no time.
Ingredients
680g of fresh Brussels sprouts, cut into halves
Black pepper
Salt (preferably sea salt)
2 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp Olive oil
Method
Wash and cut the sprouts. In a medium sized pan, heat the olive oil on a medium heat.
Place the sprouts into a bowl and season to taste with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Add the sprouts to the pan cut side down, cover, and cook them without stirring for 10-15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife.
The cut side of the sprouts should get nice and browned, with a nutty, buttery flavour enhanced by garlic.
Serving
Top with freshly grated parmesan and salt& pepper to taste. Enjoy these with any meat or poultry.
Kanta Temba is a Cake maker and decorator|Lusaka Times Food columnist|TV show host
The burning of public property has continued with Katondo Court building in Kabwe becoming the latest building to go up in flames.
The cause of the fire has not been established but it is suspected that the fore started on Monday night and spread into the early morning of Tuesday.
Kabwe Mayor Prince Chileshe confirmed the incident the entire building housing the court has been burnt.
“I Arrived on the scene at 02:30hrs. The Zambia Police are investigating the cause of the fire but the guard on duty says he just heard a loud noise like a gunshot or fire work. The next thing the documents caught fire, the ceiling board and the whole building was on fire,” Mr Chileshe said.
On Sunday, Chalimbana University in Chongwe and over 100 shops were burnt in similar circumstances.
No arrests have been made so far and the cause of all the fire outbreaks remain unknown.
African Liberal Networks President Stevens Mokgalapa
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent arrest of the Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on charges of treason.
The Network says this is the latest development in the ruling party’s attempts to silence dissent and opposition.
ALN President Stevens Mokgalapa urged the Zambian government to respect due process, the rule of law, and to immediately cease all arbitrary arrests of its political opponents.
Mr Mokgalapa said It is unacceptable for the governing party in a constitutional democracy such as Zambia to allow for politically-motivated issues such as this to occur.
“As President of Africa’s largest political affiliation, I will encourage representatives and our member parties to submit questions to their respective national legislatures and other structures concerning this alarming matter. We will explore potential options to add pressure to President Lungu’s government and request satisfactory clarity,” he said.
Huawei Technologies Zambia has joined with the University of Zambia to set up a new academy to improve the standard of information and communications technology (ICT) skills in the country.
The Huawei Authorised Network Academy (HANA) was officially opened today (April 13) by Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Special Duties Felix Phiri on behalf of Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Roland Msiska in an event also attended by Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr Ouyang Daobing, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Professor Luke Evuta Mumba, and representatives from the University of Zambia and Huawei.
“As government, we are pleased that Huawei’s strategy in this academy is aligned with our vision to create more jobs for local people. Thus, this initiative strengthens our resolve to create opportunities that will help us build a stronger economy anchored on smart Zambia transformation agenda through adopting new technologies,” said Dr Msiska in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Phiri
“The private sector bemoans the lack of real world class skills of those coming out of institutions of higher learning, complaining that young graduates do not have the hands-on experience necessary to apply themselves on the job. All these issues affect the quality of education and the students these institutions produce – ultimately affecting the development of our country,” he added.
“The establishment of the academy falls in line with governments ICT human development roadmap which hope to ultimately develop local skills to achieve a knowledge and innovation driven economy. Government has identified education as a means through which ICT skills can be developed and nurtured, and therefore this academy has come at a right time as it will create vital human resource to drive our national ICT development agenda.”
Huawei’s initiative, launched in partnership with University of Zambia (UNZA), adopts the university-enterprise cooperation model that supports solution features cooperation with universities for course development, training and certification.
“We have been connecting Zambia with innovative ICT technologies for more than 13 years against all odds but we will still continue. Through the joint efforts between Huawei and the government of Zambia and local partners, we are glad to see that more than 80 percent of Zambian people are being connected by Huawei’s ICT technologies, enjoying the convenience of a digital world,” said Thomas Hu, Huawei Technologies Zambia Incoming Managing Director.
The newly launched academy will accommodate training-the-trainer programmes that will help UNZA to support ICT trainers to familiarise themselves with ICT industry practices and promote professional development in universities.
The academy The ICT practice centre at UNZA includes wireless, transmission, solar power and optical fibre equipment, enabling students to receive practical hands-on experience to enhance their ICT capabilities.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Hu said the academy was important for transfer of ICT skills. “ICT has become the enabler of the digital world and it drives the social- economy of every country. The global connectivity Index a study produced by Huawei concludes that a 20 percent increase in ICT investment will expand the GDP of a country by 1 percent,” he said.
The academy offers authorised ICT courses aimed to help UNZA optimize curriculum and teaching content, accelerate development of subjects and ensure competence of graduates.
Through the academy initiative, the ICT solution provider hopes to support local ICT education and create more opportunities for individuals. Mr Hu added: “We believe this program is in line with our smart Zambia program to enhance the empowerment and skills transfer of ICT talent in Zambia.”
Under the initiative eight ICT lectures were trained to enable them facilitate with ICT industry practices and five have been awarded ICT certificates. In addition, the program has set US$17,500 scholarship program in UNZA this year for top five students to encourage their study in university.
The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection [JCTR] has thrown its weight behind the planned IMF Supported Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme for Zambia.
According to an advisory note from JCTR Executive Director Fr. Leonard Chiti addressed to the Minister of Finance Felix Mutati, JCTR will back the proposed IMF support to Zambia if no stringent conditionality is attached.
“The economic cost of not seeking support from the IMF would be severe for Zambian households and the economy more generally,’ said Fr. Chiti, adding that, “the government should increase social protection expenditure to cushion low poor families from removal of subsidies.”
BELOW IS THE FULL ADVISORY NOTE FROM Fr. LEONARD CHITI – JCTR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JCTR will support the proposed IMF support to Zambia if no stringent conditionality for a bailout programme is attached.
It is our understanding that the proposed package could among other things:
· Help government address the current balance of payment situation;
· Provide fiscal relief thereby ring fencing government plans to invest in social services;
· Boost investor confidence in the economy which has been declining; and,
· Enforce discipline in the management of public financial resources which has been lacking from government.
Our major concern however on the Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme for Zambia is that, most of the measures proposed in the four pillars of the programme are not new. They have been proposed before but government has been reluctant to implement them.
We are also concerned that removal of subsidies seems to be the easiest measure to implement and yet other expenditure measures such as government trips, and proliferation of central and local government layers of administration are not being cut back.
We therefore urge government to increase social protection expenditure to cushion low poor families from removal of subsidies.
So overall, the IMF bailout is welcome but the conditionality of reducing expenditure/ removal of subsidies must take into account needs of the poor. Already we have seen ZESCO increasing life line units from 100 to 300 units. Meaning poor people will continue paying old rates on units less than 300.
Finally we wish to state that the economic cost of not seeking support from the IMF would be severe for Zambian households and the economy more generally. If Zambia does not access an IMF loan in order to help implement the home grown recovery plan, it might lead to further debt accumulation and more and more public resources being spent on debt repayment. This might result in less investment in health, education and other services that benefit the citizens.
Meanwhile Finance Minister Felix Mutati is today scheduled to leave for the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings to be held in Washington, United Stated of America.
In acknowledging receipt of the advisory note from Fr. Chiti, the Minister commended JCTR for being candid in their submission stating that dialogue and collective ownership is the hallmark of successful homegrown developmental programmes.
Chileshe Kandeta
Head-Media & Public Relations
For/MINISTRY OF FINANCE
President Lungu Greets ZF Commander Gen Chimese at City airport in LusakaTHREE Church mother bodies have commended President Lungu for openly declaring that he will not interfere in the operations of law enforcement agencies.
And the Church has pleaded with United Party for National Development (UPND) members plotting violence because of the detention of their leader Hakainde Hichilema to exercise restraint.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) and Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) said in separate interviews yesterday that they welcome calls by President Lungu to follow the rule of law.
EFZ executive director Pukuta Mwanza said UPND members, who are aggrieved by the decision made by law enforcement agencies, should wait for the outcome by the courts of law.
BIGOCA overseer Peter Ndhlovu also condemned those planning to break the law with impunity.
He said reports of UPND members of Parliament planning to incite their supporters are dangerous and can cause turmoil in the country.
And ICOZ board chairperson David Masupa has described as uncalled for manoeuvres by UPND to incite their members to rise against Government.
