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Forward Simon Bwalya says Nkana are prepared to face Zanaco in next week’s Charity Shield semifinal match in Kitwe.
Nkana and Zanaco clash on Saturday in the semifinals of the season opener Charity Shield dubbed Samuel “Zoom” Ndhlovu.
Bwalya said Nkana are looking forward to the season opening match.
He said winning the first competitive match in 2017 will set the tone for the new season.
“We have prepared very well as a team,” Bwalya said.
This match will also mark Nkana coach Zeddy Saileti’s first competitive game in charge, since he was promoted to head coach in January, following the axing of Aggrey Chiyangi.
“We will take the match seriously as we want to give our new coach (Saileti) a victory,” he said.
The Samuel Zoom Ndhlovu Charity Shield will signal the start of the 2017 football season.
“A win will give us the direction for the 2017 session,” Bwalya remarked.
I came across a saying “The Mark of a great leader is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the Vital ones”
During his National address to the nation in parliament, President Lungu stated that Zambia had no money for holding of the referendum on the Bill of Rights. This is a position I disagree and indeed agree to what LAZ president said on the Hot Seat program yesterday that a lot of stake holders are willing to fund the referendum on the Bill of Rights. But then even if that was not true, how has government managed to find K2 million within two (2)days to hold consultative meetings on whether Zambia should leave the ICC or stay?
Firstly before we even debate more on this matter it is a fact that circa 10% of Zambians or less know what the ICC is and what it’s jurisdictions are. Here is what the ICC is;
The International Criminal Court (“the ICC” or “the Court”) is a permanent international court established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, namely the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Given that definition, it maybe important to answer whether the ICC really affects the lives of most Zambians at this very point or not.
The idea for us as a country to start debating this motion is because some African countries have shown displeasure in the ICC with Gambia being the latest country to have left the ICC late last year. The argument by most African countries is that MOST countries considered to be super powers in the world are not members of the ICC. Some countries that do not belong to the ICC include China, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Qatar, the United States, and Yemen.
With that background given now let me get back to the question “Where has the K2 million come from? This money has been found in a record shortest time possible. This is happening at a time when retirees are still not paid and continue camping at the gates of state house everyday hoping they can see the president. Unfortunately for them they actually position themselves at a gate President Lungu will potentially never use.
How does leaving the ICC or even staying in the ICC affect or improve the lives of those people in Chawama, Chibolya, Magoye, Chibuluma Township, Dambwa in Livingstone and indeed my good friends the homeless children on the streets? Is the PF telling us that really this was such an emergency which needed this kind of money at a time when our country is surviving on borrowed funds?
As far as I know 80% of this money will be spent on allowances for the officers belonging to the ministry that will embark on this exercise. So in actual sense it is a money making venture for ‘some of us’. We can’t allow a country to have such kind or priority setting. It is bizarre that the government has decided to make the issue of ICC as priority. I can argue that if this was not a money making venture can government hold a consultative process without extra expenditure. For example asking the line ministries in various districts to conduct this process at the council community halls without officers having to travel around making themselves even richer.
In conclusion, I wish to remind the Patriotic Front (PF) government that concentrating on the referendum on the Bill of Right would make more sense than thinking about the ICC. Pay attention to improving the lives of the people who sung ‘Sontapo’ with you and gave you a mandate to rule them. This kind of actions show poor planning in the part of government. You have failed to find Money for Student Loans, you have placed a wage freeze on civil servants, you have told us you have no money for the referendum on the Bill of rights, the people who voted for you are complaining that the cost of living is very high. But it takes you two (2) days to find Money for the alien ICC.
Your days are numbered, use the open windows to throw your souls to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set and you will go down with it.
UPND Leader Hakainde HichilemaTHE politicisation of the death of Zambia Airforce sergeant Mark Choongwa by opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema has been condemned as an insensitive and an inhuman political ploy.
After visiting late sergeant Choongwa’s funeral in Lusaka on Thursday, Mr. Hichilema alleged that the officers at Woodlands Police were Patriotic Front (PF) cadres in police uniforms brutalizing innocent citizens.
But the PF Lusaka Youth Chairman Mr Kamba PF observed that Mr. Hichilema was using the death of late sergeant Choongwa to gain political mileage.
In a statement issued to the Daily Nation yesterday, Mr Kamba said Mr. Hichilema should instead concentrate on mobilizing his political party instead of using a funeral to gain cheap political mileage because it would not help the UPND in any way.
“The Zambian people know that Mr Hichilema is a failure who has failed to coordinate and mobilize his own political party,” he said.
Mr. Kamba said the UPND leader had also failed to coordinate his Members of Parliament and his secretary general following conflicting statement for boycotting Parliament on Friday last week.
He has challenged Mr. Hichilema to go to Woodlands Police Stations and check for how long the police officers were employed for him to claim they were PF cadres.
“Let him not use the funeral and death of someone because doing so is seeking cheap political mileage. Zambian they know who Hakainde Hichilema is and how many times he has lost elections,” Mr Kamba said.
He said it was clear from the happenings in Parliament that the UPND lacked leadership.
Mr. Kamba said combining the leadership quality of Mr. Hichilema and that of leader of the opposition in Parliament Jack Mwiimbu and UPND whip Garry Nkombo was clear that their party was in a serious leadership crisis.
He said Mr. Hichilema should concentrate on finding solutions to their internal political differences and not to politicize the death late flight sergeant Choongwa.
“We are equally saddened by the death of Mr. Choongwa and we want the tribunal which has been set up by the ministry of defence and home affairs to make sure that they culprits who are behind the death of Choongwa are brought to book,” Mr. Kamba said.
Kaizer Zulu (c) with President Lungu and Harry Kalaba at StatehouseState House says President Edgar Lungu’s has not acted on calls for him to fire his political affairs advisor Kaizer Zulu for allegedly assaulting a female Police officer recently because the matter is still under investigation.
The President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda says Police are still investigating the alleged assault case.
Mr. Chanda states that State House cannot therefore comment on a matter that is under investigation.
He has also told Qfm News by telephone that President Lungu cannot takeover investigations into the alleged corruption of Ministers whom he is being asked to fire.
Mr. Chanda states that the fact that President Lungu cannot carryout investigations on his own, it’s imperative for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to be proactive.
He says President Lungu’s view is that government agencies such as the ACC should not only perform prosecution functions, but also remain institutions of integrity.
Mr. Chanda was responding to concerns that President Lungu may be paying lip service to the fight against corruption owing to his reluctance to fire alleged corrupt Ministers in his government
Police have charged four inmates with the murder of ZAF Flight Sergeant Mark Choongwa.
The four are Joseph Phiri, 32, Andrew Konga, 31, a police sergeant of Kamfisa who was facing charges of criminal trespass, Felix Kalumba, 40 and Martin Chanda aged 24.
The police say the four have been arrested after it concluded its own investigations into the murder of Sergeant Choongwa.
Police Assistant Spokesperson Chifuta Nephas revealed that the quartet will appear in court on Monday.
Mr Chifuta has also warned the media against issuing what he said unverified and alarming statements on the matter to stop forthwith.
It is not clear why the police has issued a statement alone when the investigations where jointly conducted with ZAF under the Ministry of Defence.
Government has welcomed the launch of Kwese, a new satellite network that will focus on broadcasting more of locally generated content.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister and Chief Government Spokesperson Kampamba Mulenga said the launch of Kwese on the Zambian market will greatly contribute to promoting competition and the generation of local content.
“Government wishes to congratulate ECONET, the owners of Kwese for launching such a pay television that is premised at airing more of local content. We hope that the newly launched pay television will provide a platform for the dissemination of diverse information to the members of the public”, said Ms Mulenga.
She said this when Kwese management team paid a courtesy call at her office today.
The Minister said Government wants to work with both the public and private media in developing the media industry and hopes ECONET would help grow the media industry.
ECONET regulatory, policy and Government affairs for Africa executive Zolile Ntukwana said Kwese will offer an array of programmes which will be affordable to ordinary Zambians.
Mr. Ntukwana commended Government for providing a conducive environment for private media investment.
He emphasised that Kwese would stick to the Zambian laws and uphold morality in their programming.
ECONET, through Kwese, would offer a subscription bouquet, apart from a free channel on the Topstar bouquet, and other services, including live streaming.
President Edgar Lungu meeing with Bank of China Mr Tian Guoli,ah his delegation which encluded Chinese Ambassador to Zambia H.E. Mr. Yang Youming an at Statehouse on Friday 24-03-2017- Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza.President Edgar Lungu has called on Chinese investors to partner with local private companies to foster economic growth in the country.
President Lungu says government values participation of the private sector in improving the country’s economy.
He said this when a delegation from the Bank of China led by the chairperson of the board of directors Tian Guoli paid a courtesy call on him at state house today.
The Head of State said it is clear that China has confidence in the stability of Zambia following the setting up of Bank of China offices in the country.
The President further called on the bank to avail products that will benefit the Zambian people.
President Lungu said he is hopeful that cooperation between Zambia and China will continue to be strengthened to enhance development.
And Mr. Tian has described Zambia as one of the best investment destinations in the world.
He said due to the mutual friendship between the two countries, China has a duty to help develop Zambia.
The Bank of China has been opened in 51 countries and currently has 600 branches.President Edgar Lungu with Bank of China Mr Tian Guoli(left )and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia H.E. Mr. Yang Youming an at Statehouse on Friday 24-03-2017- Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
Batoka gorge hydro – electricity power station is scheduled to be constructed on this proposed site as can be seen in the picture above. The proposed site is situated in the Zambezi river 26 kilometres from Livingstone town. The project will be financed by both the Zambian Government and Zimbabwe.
By Betniko Kayaya
An old Bemba saying has it that “munwe umo tausala inda” meaning one finger cannot deal with a louse.” This seems to be the motivating factor behind the partnership between Zambia and Zimbabwe to jointly embark on the Batoka Hydro-Electric Power Scheme aimed at mitigating the electricity shortage faced by not only the two neighbouring countries, but the region at large. The saying also re-enforces the well placed view that Zambia and Zimbabwe are ‘Siamese’ twins, not separated, but connected by the Mighty Zambezi river, as the two countries search for common solutions to their common challenges.
The two sister Republics have since jointly organised a high level international investor conference to be held from 30th to 31st March, 2017, in the Zambian tourist capital Livingstone to mobilise funds for the construction of the power project at an estimated cost of US$ 4 Billion. The project, when completed, will produce 2, 400 Mega Watts to be shared equally between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The conference to be held at David Livingstone Safari lodge overlooking the Zambezi river, is expected to attract Multilateral Development Financial Institutions (DFI’s), Bilateral Cooperating Partners and Local, Regional and Multinational Private Sector Organisations, among others – with a view to marketing the financing requirements of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme through the Independent Power Producer Arrangement (IPPA).
This follows the 34th Session of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers Meeting held recently in the Zimbabwean Victoria Falls Town, where the Council considered a report by the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Transaction Advisors, Ernst and Young, and mapped out a strategy on the development of the project. The Council comprises Ministers responsible for Finance and Energy from Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It is projected that during the construction phase, 6,000 jobs will be created and a further 1,200 permanent green jobs during the operational phase, split equally between both countries.
“Upon completion, the project will significantly increase power exports to the regional Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) energy generation mix. It will also help address the power crisis by reducing load shedding and spurring additional investment in industrial development in the region,” said Finance Minister Hon. Felix Mutati at the recent Council of Ministers meeting in Zimbabwe.
The Zambian Finance Minister affirmed that “the model being adopted will ensure that the Batoka power project to be located 54km downstream the Victoria Falls across the Zambezi river on the international boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, produces the cheapest power in Africa and so we are excited to get it going.”
His Zimbabwean counterpart Hon. Patrick Chinamasa added: “ Feasibility studies for the project are over and it is now time to step up resource mobilisation for the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme.”
The Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme construction phase is expected to commence in 2017/2018 under an arrangement between Zambezi River Authority [co-owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe] and international financiers.
The development of the project is in three phases: part one involves updating engineering feasibility studies, carrying out of environmental impact assessment studies, and addressing institutional legal aspects of the project. Phase two comprises resource mobilisation and tendering while phase three will involve financing support works related to construction and commissioning.
The proposed scheme includes a 181- metre high dam and two underground power stations located in each country with installed capacity of 1,200 Mega Watts on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.
Preparations
The Zambian Government, through the Ministries of Finance and Energy and Zambezi River Authority, has since intensified preparations for the hosting of this high profile investor conference expected to be attended by no fewer than 400 local and foreign delegates in the tourist capital Livingstone.
An inter-ministerial committee has since been established under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance to spearhead preparations for the conference. The Committee comprises representation from Cabinet Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Communication and Transport, Ministry of Works and Supply, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and Arts, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services.
Other institutions on the inter-ministerial committee include Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), National Airports Corporation, Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Zambia Police, Immigration and Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
The above structure has further been broken down into sub-committees namely Tourism and Hospitality Sub-Committee responsible for hotel and other hospitality services for the conference, Conference, Events and Protocol responsible for protocol and other conference facilities and services, Transport, Logistics and Infrastructure and Security and Immigration Sub-Committee.
Other Sub-Committees are Health and Green Issues, Investment Opportunities and Exhibitions, Finance, Budget and Procurement, Information, Communication and Publicity with the Ministry of Finance and Zambezi River Authority playing the role of Secretariat. This is largely the same structure that spearheaded preparations for Zambia’s hosting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings last year rated as one of the most successful conferences in the history of the AfDB.
“We have a huge task to prepare for the Investor conference on the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme to be hosted by Zambia in Livingstone at the end of this month. We have, therefore, called this meeting so that all the Sub-Committees understand their respective roles in preparing for this important meeting. In so doing, we will rely on the expertise and experience of most of you who were part of the preparations for the AfDB Annual Meetings hosted by Zambia last year, hence the decision to call you back to be part of the preparations for the Batoka Gorge conference,” said Ms Chasiya Kazembe who is Senior Economist (Donor Coordination), in the Ministry of Finance, when she chaired the inter-ministerial preparatory meeting last week.
Launch
And speaking when he officially launched the implementing process of the project at a media Breakfast in Lusaka on 22nd March, 2017, Zambia’s Energy Minister Hon. David Mabumba, observed that currently, electricity demand outstrips supply in Zambia and Zimbabwe and the SADC region at large, adding that this has impacted negatively on socio-economic development.
The Minister said the situation is further compounded by the fact that there are large portions of the communities that do not have access to electricity, thereby putting pressure on the environment in search of alternative energy.
“The result is deforestation, a scourge that the SADC region is battling which has contributed to land degradation, global warming and climate change,” Hon. Mabumba told the audience which included his Permanent Secretary Brig-Gen. Emelda Chola, her Finance counterpart Mukuli Chikuba, Zambezi River Authority Chief Executive Officer, representatives of financial institutions, the media and other stakeholders at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Hon Mabumba said it is against this background that the Council of Ministers that govern the Zambezi River Authority, made a commitment to raise funds for the Batoka power project through an investor conference slated for 30th and 31st March, 2017, in Livingstone.
“The US$4 billion required to implement this project is colossal which neither Hon. Mutati nor his Zimbabwean counterpart can raise from their respective state treasuries, hence this conference aimed at raising the funds from the private sector and other development partners both locally and internationally. And you the media are our ambassadors to help us market this project to potential financiers, said Hon. Mabumba.
He added: “The aim of the conference is to market the financing requirements for the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme through the Independent Power Producer Arrangement (IPPA).”
Zambezi River Authority Chief Executive Officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa, in his welcome remarks at the media breakfast, said the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric project was long overdue, having been mooted in the early 1990s when the cost of implementing it stood at US$2 billion which has since doubled.
“Today, we launch the implementation process of a good, high priority project, that makes good economic sense at national, regional and continental levels – the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme,” said Mr Munodawafa.
Ends.
The Author is a member of the Information and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Investor Conference Organising Committee
FILE: President Edgar Lungu speaking to Tsidi Tsikata Internatinal Monetary Fund Division Chief Africa Department (c) and Resident Representative Tobias Rasmnssen during a courtesy call to the President at State House yesterday 20-11-2015. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
An IMF team led by Tsidi Tsikata visited Zambia during March 9-24, to conduct the 2017 Article IV consultation and hold discussions on an economic program that could be supported by an IMF financial arrangement.
Summary
Fund staff and Zambian authorities made progress regarding economic program that could be supported by an IMF arrangement
Economic growth is expected to improve slightly to 3.5 percent in 2017. Sustaining high inclusive growth in the future requires sound policies & reforms to improve competitiveness.
IMF team welcomed the government’s fiscal consolidation plans which aim at putting public finances on a sustainable path
At the end of the mission, Mr. Tsikata issued the following statement:
“We have had fruitful discussions with the Zambian authorities and made progress towards reaching understandings on an economic program that could be supported by an IMF arrangement. There is broad agreement on key objectives, targets, and policies, most of which are drawn from the Government’s Economic Program. However, further engagement is needed on details of measures and reforms to achieve fiscal consolidation targets while protecting social spending and clearing the large stock of arrears without accumulating new ones. We have agreed to continue discussions at the forthcoming Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington D.C. next month.
“The mission held wide-ranging discussions with a broad range of stakeholders. Topics included Zambia’s experience under past IMF-supported programs, reforming the subsidies in the energy and agriculture sectors, and policies needed to diversify Zambia’s exports, create jobs and make the economy more resilient to shocks.
“The mission projects real GDP growth in Zambia to improve slightly from about 3 percent last year to 3.5 percent this year, reflecting good rains which are expected to boost agricultural output and domestic electricity generation. Over the medium term, realization of Zambia’s enormous potential for achieving and sustaining high inclusive growth will depend on the continuous implementation of sound economic policies, and on reforms to boost productivity across sectors and enhance Zambia’s international competitiveness.
“The mission welcomed the fiscal consolidation plans outlined in the 2017 budget speech by the Minister of Finance, which aims at putting public finances on a sustainable path. However, in the first two months of the year, expenditures outpaced revenues substantially, with the deficit financed mostly by domestic borrowing. In contrast to most of last year when the government faced severe domestic and external financing constraints, so far this year government securities auctions have been consistently over-subscribed, with increased participation of foreign investors. The mission advised the government to steadfastly implement the measures needed to achieve the 2017 budget targets; this would reassure markets and reduce the risk of souring sentiments and associated outflow of funds.
“The mission welcomed the recent easing of monetary conditions by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ). The BoZ’s tight monetary stance since late-2015 succeeded in stabilizing the exchange rate and lowering the annual rate of inflation from a peak of 22.9 percent in February 2016 to 6.8 percent in February 2017. However, the ensuing very tight liquidity conditions contributed to elevated stress in the banking system. Monetary conditions remain tight; although interest rates in the interbank money market and the yields on government securities have started coming down, lending rates remain very high.
“The mission also discussed the findings and recommendations of the Joint IMF-World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) mission that took place in July 2016. The assessment found that the financial sector was under considerable stress from the combination of external and domestic shocks. Financial supervision was not fully effective and several financial sector laws are in urgent need of upgrading. The authorities have welcomed the FSAP findings and recommendations, and have energetically initiated remedial actions. A resulting Financial Sector Stability Analysis report is expected to be published in the context of the Article IV consultation process.
“The mission met with Minister of Finance Felix Mutati; Governor of the Bank of Zambia Denny Kalyalya; Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya; other senior government and BoZ officials; members of parliament; and representatives of the private sector, labor unions, civil society organizations, and Zambia’s development partners.
“The mission expresses its gratitude to the authorities and stakeholders for their openness and the constructive spirit in which all discussions were held.”
Defence Advisor at the Zambian Mission in Brasilia Colonel Godwin Chenda chatting with Embraer Sales Engineering Manager Mr. Gustavo Siqueira when he passed through the Chancery to collect the Visa for Zambia.
A delegation from Brazil’s aerospace conglomerate (Embraer) that produces military, commercial, executive and agriculture aircraft and provides aeronautical services, will next week be visiting Zambia on programmes aimed at strengthening economic and military ties between the two countries.
The delegation will be headed by Embraer Business Development Director Mr. Caetano Spuldaro Neto and Sales engineering Manager Mr. Gustavo Siqueira, on the programme arranged by the Zambian Mission in Brasilia through Defence Advisor Colonel Godwin Chenda.
Speaking during the meeting with Colonel Chenda at the Zambian Chancery on Friday, Mr. Siqueira said the delegation will arrive in Zambia on Sunday in readiness for the commencement of meetings next Monday with Defence Minister Mr. Davies Chama, followed by a stakeholders meeting, including those in air transportation.
The three-day visit by the delegation is expected to result in possibilities by the Zambian defence forces in the purchase of Brazilian military aircraft as well as possibilities of looking towards Brazil to improve air transportation.
Embraer Sales Engineering Manager Mr. Gustavo Siqueira will be in the Brazilian delegation to Zambia aimed at strengthening business ties between the two countries
Central province permanent secretary Chanda Kabwe thanking Evance Chabala 35 the driver of the power tools bus for bravery by trying by all means to avoid losing lives.
No fatalities have been recorded in the road accident involving a Power Tools bus and a fuel tanker which happened today along the Great North road.
According to the statement released to the media by the Police, the accident happened at a place called Prospects around 11:40 hours.
The accident occurred after the driver of the fuel tanker ACV 8404 belonging to Mohab transporters heading south direction overtook several vehicles and misjudged the speed and distance of the oncoming Power Tools bus registration number ADD5736.
The drivers of the two vehicles, in trying to avoid a collision, decided to go off road culminating in the tanker overturning and catching fire with the bus having minor damages which resulted in two passengers and the driver sustaining minor injuries. The injured have since been rushed to Kabwe general hospital and are in a stable condition.
The statement ended by urging the all motorists to follow speed limits, exercise maximum patience and caution on the road to avoid such accidents.
-Central province permanent secretary Chanda Kabwe and central province deputy police commissioner Yobe Luhana inspecting the accident scene where 42 passengers boarded in the marcopollo escaped death after the bus Reg ADD 5736 they were traveling in ,belonging to power tools was hit by a fuel tanker truck Reg number ACV 8404 along the great north road near prospects police.The fuel tanker broke into flames and blockaded the great north road near prospect police in kabwe.The fuel tanker broke into flames and blockaded the great north road near prospect police in kabwe.
Secretary to the cabinet Dr Roland Msiska delivering his remarks.Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has said the President Edgar Lungu’s launch of performance based contract system for permanent secretaries aimed at improving performance and accountability of public office holders will very soon also apply to Directors.
Speaking during the Zambia Society for Public Administration (ZSPA) 2017 International Conference Media Breakfast at Lusaka’s Radisson Blue Hotel today, Dr. Msiska in a statement read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary in charge of Policy Analysis and Coordination at Cabinet Office Bernard Kamphasa echoed President Edgar Lungu’s directive on the need for public officers to urgently deliver quality services to the Zambian people.
The Pan African Radio Journalist Hermit Hachilonde reports that Dr. Msiska also revealed that President Lungu have already started receiving quarterly reports from Cabinet Ministers on the progress made in implementing Government policies and programmes in all the sectors of the economy.
Dr. Msiska was however quick to mention that Government has continued to enhance capacities of Permanent Secretaries through training, affirming that recently a number of permanent secretaries underwent a training in what is dubbed “balanced Scorecard” which is a tool for Management in public offices, adding that this is to show that how serious the Zambian Government is about performance management in public offices.
Dr. Msiska also stated that matters of Gender Equity and Equality are of great importance and very strategic management to the growing country like Zambia, stressing the need for the values of performance and strategic management in public service to be supported by all Zambians.
“INDEED, MATTERS OF GENDER EQUI1Y AND EQUALI1Y ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OUR COUNTRY. THE VALUE OF PERFORMANCE AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC SERVICE NEED TO BE SUPPORTED BY ALL ZAMBIANS”
“AS GOVERNMENT WE VALUE THE IMPORTANCE OF PERFORMANCE AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT. AS YOU ARE AWARE, HIS EXCELLENCYTHE – 4 PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, MR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU RECENTLY LAUNCHED THE PERFORMANCE BASED CONTRACT SYSTEM FOR PERMANENT SECRETARIES AIMED AT IMPROVING PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS”
“THIS WILL ALSO APPLY TO DIRECTORS VERY SOON. DURING THE LAUNCH, HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT DIRECTED THAT THERE WAS URGENT NEED TO DELIVER QUALITY SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE BECAUSE WE ARE IN THESE PUBLIC OFFICES MAINLY TO SERVE” Dr. Msiska said
Meanwhile, Zambia Society for Public Administration (ZSPA) President Kelvin Esiasa has commended President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for calling on every Zambian to be inspired with hard work so that every citizen can remain vital to Zambia’s developmental agenda.
Mr. Esiasa who also appealed to Zambians and all organisations in the country to consider the media as their partners as well as a vital instruments to national developments said the call by President Lungu for Zambians to arise and appreciate the values that are cardinal to the development of Society is welcome because that was a call to national Development or call to duty.
He added that ZSPA was delighted to hear the call from the president because the institution thrives on the same ideologies, stating that if everyone works hard it hasten development in Zambia.
Mr. Esiasa further noted that the attitudes that may frustrate the principles of hard work in Zambia must be discouraged.
“As you are all aware the Republican President his Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu has called on every Zambian to begin to appreciate the values that are cardinal to the development of Society”
“The President has called on many of us to be motivated or get inspired with hard work so that we all remain vital to the development of Zambia”
“As ZSPA we agree with the republican President and we feel this is a call to national Development or call to duty” Mr. Esiasa said
The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) heads of churches and leadership meeting in Lusaka on 23rd March, 2017 took time to reflect on a number of national issues as they unfolded since the elections in August, 2016.
INTRODUCTION
We note government’s efforts towards improving the living standards of people in the country by the many infrastructural developments in the various parts of the country especially the construction of roads, schools and health facilities. We have also noted the many pronouncements indicating plans for further actions in the continued wellbeing of the Zambian people.
We acknowledge the report which the President presented to Parliament on Friday 17th March, 2017 as per requirement of the amended Constitution which states that he should report on the application of the National Values and Principles. This new phenomenal is a positive development. As a Christian organization we are passionate about this matter of morality and ethics and these are values which should be encouraged and supported by all Zambians at all times.
We now take opportunity to comment on the various aspects of issues as we read and perceive them.
1. REGULATION OF CHURCHES
CCZ wishes to acknowledge government’s commitment to work with the existing church mother bodies in the country to help in regulating the activities of individuals and organizations which endanger the citizens in the name of religion.
The position taken by government to enforce the regulation will ensure protection of citizens from abuse and reduce on the inflow of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as prophets and pastors.
The formulation of strong and viable policies to regulate church registration in an attempt to flush out false prophets, pastors and all other types of bishops is well received and CCZ will support all measures taken in order to bring sanity to the body of Christ in Zambia. CCZ, from the inception of this regulatory discussion with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has contributed to the conceptualization and vision of the idea and has been very supportive of this move. This will ensure that vulnerable people, especially women and children, are protected from abuse in the name of God.
2. ECONOMIC SITUATION
CCZ wishes to express and to bring to light the pain and agony that many Zambians who occupy our pews every week are going through. It is evident that the much talked about growth and improvement in the economic outlook of the country does not interpret into meaningful improvement of people’s livelihoods who have continued to wallow in poverty, which poverty is on the increase as the President himself acknowledged in his address to parliament on 17th March, 2017. He acknowledged that poverty levels in the country have reached unacceptable high levels at 54.4% of people living below the poverty line in urban areas and around 74% in rural areas. He also recognized the growing gap between the rich and the poor resulting in serious inequalities in the well-being and dignity of people.
While many are making efforts to improve their lives by venturing into small businesses the policy environment has not support them to create enough resources to adequately support themselves.
The economic environment that people are subjected to at the moment has resulted in many Zambians losing their integrity and dignity. Many people, especially the youth have ventured into degrading conducts such as criminal activities, alcohol abuse and prostitution resulting in the erosion of morals among people. That is why it is imperative that the issue of application of morals and ethics has become urgent.
The President’s pronouncements on strides being made to create jobs, wealth and prosperity for the people of Zambia should be honoured and must be seen and should reflect in the daily lives of the people. We would also like to see a reduction in the cost of living which at the moment is adversely affecting the poor and thereby reducing their capacity to feed families.
We, as church leaders, will support any effort that also ensures that national resources are equitably distributed and should reach Zambians in their abodes. Prudent management of resources would be one way of achieving this need. Strong resolve to ensure that corruption is dealt with is another way to save the much needed resources which at the moment find their way into individuals’ hands. We would like to see the President act firmly on this matter as he has said before. He told the nation that there were some political leaders who have finances going into their accounts which are suspicious. We are waiting for the President’s action against these individuals.
3. ILLICIT FLOW OF FUNDS
We are aware that the matter of illicit flow and externalisation of funds from our country by multinational companies and some individuals is an issue which has not been dealt with adequately. Part of the challenge has been the existing weak and unstable policy environment governing taxing and tax regimes. We, as CCZ, stand ready to support government if it resolves to formulate strong and concrete policy that will enhance tax revenue collection from all multinationals investing in Zambia.
The people of Zambia deserve to benefit from their own mineral wealth which wealth invested in the future generations. There is no reason why as a nation we should dance to the music of investors, they should in fact dance to our music because they are extracting our wealth given by God in our land for our betterment.
We shall continue to campaign for review of mining taxes to ensure that the mining sector, which is generating good return in terms of global copper prices, contributes their fair share of taxes to the government.
4. MEDIA FREEDOM
The Church has noted with concern the continued limited sharing of media space to allow for divergent views to be expressed to create debate and shape opinion for people to make informed decisions and understand the many issues that affect them as citizens.
While the private media has been accorded an opportunity to operate, the environment has not been conducive enough with various methods being used to suffocate its operations which include harassment, prosecution and intimidation of personnel, a situation which is not good for a growing democracy such as ours.
We therefore would like to call for a free media starting with the public media which we expect to allow all citizens and political players to be given a platform to express their views and be heard especially on matters of national growth and development.
CCZ believes that the public media, as the names goes should reflect the public opinion, free to be accessed by the public and be managed professionally to allow for divergent views. It is unfortunate that the public media has continued to provide unbalanced coverage with bias towards the ruling party and government officials thereby depriving people of their right to information as enshrined in the Constitution, and giving them limited access to information to allow them make informed decisions.
We therefore call on government to allow the public media to be owned by the public whom it is called to serve and refrain from dominating and interfering in the running of the public media especially ZNBC which must be transformed into a genuine public service broadcaster.
CCZ has noted that the media has been used by individuals to drive selfish agendas which promote division especially the private media whose content is usually offensive to the public. We therefore call upon all media houses to ensure that they uphold ethical values and conduct in order to serve the public in accordance with the professional standard expectation. Professional conduct of journalists in their course of duty has the potential to promote unity and co-existence among Zambians.
We also have noted that for a long time, our lawmakers namely Parliament has neglected to enact the Access to Information Bill which has been on their table for over fifteen years now. The country needs a free press with access to information. This is what has enabled all developed countries to thrive in their democracy. It is our hope that this sitting parliament will do due diligence to this all important tenet of democracy and freedom of people.
5. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
The church would like to express concern at the prevailing political environment that has caused tension in the country with the continued campaign mood behaviour exhibited by leaders and followers of the main ruling party and the opposition.
While we appreciate divergent and parallel political views aimed at encouraging the growth of democracy, the current environment has instead been a breeding ground for the expression of hate and personal attacks, a situation which has allowed the supporters to despise each other and clash whenever an opportunity arises.
We would like to caution that if the situation is allowed to continue this will result in the supporters engaging in physical confrontation in an effort to prove a point or defend their political stance. It is from this background that the church is urging all political parties to come out of the confrontational political mood and embrace each other and desist from using hate speech as a tool for intimidation.
Zambia needs this peace for the achievement of our aspiration for a better nation. Peace is an ingredient of development and prosperity. The future of our children and their children’s children depends on the decision we make today to embrace each other with love regardless of our different opinions and political affiliation. At the end of the day we are all one family of God.
CCZ would like to urge all its member churches to promote national unity through dialogue and reconciliation among and between themselves under the leadership of their pastors hoping that political leaders who are also members of our various denominations would be part of these efforts.
CONCLUSION
The church will continue to exercise its prophetic voice and praying for the peace of the nation and improvement of people’s well-being for the nation to record meaningful development.
President Edgar Lungu (right) listens to Vedanta Resources PLC Chairman Anil Agarwal (left) who paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Friday.
President Edgar Lungu, met today with Vedanta Resources Chairman, Anil Agrawal. The meeting took place at State House in Lusaka. President Lungu and the Vedanta Chairman Resources discussed the outlook for the global mining industry and Vedanta’s investment in Konkola Copper Mines plc (KCM), one of Zambia’s largest integrated copper producers.
Vedanta’s Chairman outlined his 50-year vision for mining in the Copperbelt and his plans for investing another $1 billion for the next phase of growth. This investment is expected to create 7,000 jobs. He said, ‘’I want KCM to be the largest integrated copper producer in Africa, the pride of Zambia and Vedanta’s hub for copper and cobalt production in Africa.’’
“The ramp up of Konkola is the centerpiece of my 50-year vision for KCM. It’s technically very challenging, because of the massive amount of water we have to pump out of the mine, but I’m determined to find technical solutions,” Mr Agarwal said.
Vedanta’s Chairman announced his commitment to further help diversify the economy of the Copperbelt by supporting initiatives in agriculture and technology. KCM currently supports 2,700 families and small scale farmers through its Sustainable Livelihoods programme.
Vedanta’s Chairman was accompanied by Tom Albanese, CEO of Vedanta Resources and Steven Din, CEO of KCM.
Vedanta Resources plc is a London listed diversified resource and mining company which owns 79.4% share of Konkola Copper Mines plc, which operates underground mines and open pit mines as well as metallurgical plants at Nchanga, Konkola, Nkana and Nampundwe.
President Edgar Lungu welcomes Vedanta Resources PLC Chairman Anil Agarwal who paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Friday.President Edgar Lungu (behind) poses for the picture with vedanta resources team after having a meeting at state house today . Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA /. ZANISPresident Edgar Lungu (left) with Vedanta Resources PLC Chairman Anil Agarwal after a photo session at State House on Friday.President Edgar Lungu (left) with Vedanta Resources PLC Chairman Anil Agarwal after a photo session at State House on Friday.
Four players are set for their Zambia debuts this weekend against Zimbabwe.
Zambia face Zimbabwe away in a friendly at National Sports Stadium in Harare in what will be Chipolopolo’s first engagement in 2017.
The quartet of new faces include Napsa Stars striker Chitiya Mususu and his club made Justin Banda.
Zanaco defender Taonga Bwembya and his club mate Augustine Mulenga are also set for their zambia debuts.
Meanwhile, two high-profile local players have been dropped from the 21-member team.
Power Dynamos goalkeeper Allan Chibwe and Zesco United midfielder Misheck Chaila have been dropped with the latter missing the trip after sustaining an injury in camp.
The team will only have one foreign-based player in Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
Zamalek striker Emmanuel Mayuka failed to travel due to logistical reasons after the Egyptian clubs’ 2017 CAF Champions League engagements on Sunday away to Enugu Rangers.
GOALKEEPERS: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Racha Kola (Zanaco), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
DEFENDERS:Ziyo Tembo, Taonga Bwembya George Chilufya(all Zanaco), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Fackson Kapumbu (Zesco United), Mweene Mumbi (Green Buffaloes), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Billy Mutale (Power Dynamos)
MIDFIELDERS: John Chingandu, Kondwani Mtonga (both Zesco United), Clatous Chama (Lusaka Dynamos), Kelvin Mubanga , Fwayo Tembo (both Power Dynamos), Justin Banda (Napsa Stars), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco)
