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Government is playing on the minds of Zambians – Kabimba

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Rainbow Party Presidential Candidate Wynter Kabimba
Rainbow Party Presidenti Wynter Kabimba

Rainbow Party leader Wynter Kabimba has described as a joke government’s reassurance that it still attaches great importance to the review of the Public Order Act.

Mr Kabimba says he believes government is merely playing on the minds of the Zambian people.

He says if the PF government was truly committed to reviewing the Public Order Act it would have done so by now because it is already knows what is wrong with this legislation.

In an interview with Qfm News, Mr. Kabimba says this because while in opposition, the ruling PF faced the same restrictions the opposition political parties are facing under the Act.

Mr. Kabimba states that as far as the Rainbow Party is concerned Zambia will go into the 2021 general election with the same Act because the PF does not have the political-will to amend it.

He says it is actually a waste of time for government to call for the submission of recommendations on the review of the Public Order Act.

Edward Mumbi says HH is being disingenuous to say his victory was stolen

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Mulenga Sata with Edward Mumbi
FILE: Mulenga Sata with Edward Mumbi (L)

The antagonism and hate speech spread by UPND President Hakainde Hichilema is a danger to national unity, peace and stability, Edward Mumbi, his former spokesperson has said.

It was impossible he said for HH to win a national election given the limited regional support that he commanded.

“You can’t have a party with membership from one region and you expect to win a national election. As long as UPND maintains its current status, it will be very difficult to win an election because you need a party with a national character,” he said.

On Tuesday, Mr. Hichilema told a Commonwealth delegation that there could have been mayhem in Zambia had the UPND allowed its supporters to go on the streets after his victory was stolen and challenged the international community to be proactive in the way it handled election matters as opposed to waiting until political situations became hostile in countries.

Mr. Mumbi said that the same institutions he was trying to hoodwink into believing that votes were taken away from him declared the 2016 polls free and fair.

He said in as much as losing an election was painful, it was important for Mr. Hichilema to exercise caution in the manner he was painting the country to the outside world.

He explained that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) was the only institution mandated by law to preside over elections in Zambia and declare the winner contrary to Mr. Hichilema’s assertions that the ruling party doctored the outcome of the results.

He also said that it was insincerity of the highest order for Mr. Hichilema to allege that only the PF perpetuated violence during campaigns as both parties were at the receiving end of the scourge, a move which prompted President Edgar Lungu to institute a committee of inquiry so that Zambians could know who the real culprits were.

Instead of being antagonistic over losing the election, Mr. Hichilema would win kudos from Zambians if he could let by-gones be by-g0nes and come to terms with his loss rather than finding solace in complaining that UPND victory was stolen.

“It is disingenuous for Mr. Hichilema to lie to international communities such as the Commonwealth that his victory was stolen from him and that only the PF perpetuated violence when the same international organizations he is lying to observed the elections and declared them as free and fair.

UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema is so economical with the truth about the 2016 election that he can afford to mislead the international community that victory was stolen from him, says his former spokesperson Edward Mumbi.

There was need for Mr. Hichilema to show leadership and civility in the manner he was articulating issues, said Mr. Mumbi.

Huawei Outlines Opportunities for Growth in Emerging Markets

William Xu, Executive Director of the Board and Chief Strategy Marketing Officer of Huawei, outlined opportunities for growth in emerging markets

At the Digital Transformation Forum held this week, Huawei outlined its role as an all-round strategic partner to countries looking to advance economic and social development. Huawei is committed to creating value for communities by collaborating with operators to help them maximize network assets, deploy home broadband and indoor digitalisation, and drive connectivity to enhance the user experience, while promoting economic and social growth.
As we enter a fully connected era, digital infrastructure is facilitating economic growth and emerging markets are on the cusp of a major transition towards digital economies. The Global Connectivity Index (GCI) published by Huawei in 2016 reported that for each GCI score point increase a country improved its innovation capacity by 2.2%, competitiveness by 2.1%, and productivity by 2.3%. Operators around the world are in a unique position to invest in these emerging markets to capitalize on huge ICT industry potential, untapped demographics, and national ICT strategies.
Huawei is committed to helping operators increase efficiency and drive profitable growth by promoting the sustainable development of emerging markets. William Xu, Executive Director of Board and Chief Strategy Marketing Officer, Huawei, explained: “We work hand-in-hand with operators to help them identify valued customers, develop valued businesses, and build valued networks. We enable operators to combine industry policy with the utilization of existing network resources, and integrate technological and business innovation. Our goal is to help operators drive new revenue streams and a positive business cycle of service development and network construction.”
Huawei has analyzed the current landscape in emerging markets to formulate its strategic approach from four angles: user+, family+, asset+, and efficiency+. Rapid deployment of home broadband and indoor digitalisation will improve coverage and the user experience. Existing network assets are leveraged to maximize network value and spectrum efficiency, improve O&M, and serve every economic level. Interconnecting all users promotes the development of economy, society, and humanity.
“By 2025, we will see 2 billion more people with mobile connections, and another 500 million broadband homes. Our commitment has always been to enable world’s operators to build roads to new growth,” Mr. Xu emphasized. “Huawei continues to drive its social responsibility to help emerging markets grow by at least 1 GCI point while guaranteeing coverage in times of major world events or natural disasters.”
MWC 2017 will be held between February 27 and March 2 in Barcelona, Spain. Huawei will showcase products and solutions at booth 1J50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1, booth 3130 in Hall 3, and the Innovation City zone in Hall 4.

Slap Dee to release his highly anticipated album “Black Na White 2” on 3rd March

Zambian Hip hop heavy weight , Slapdee , will be releasing his sixth studio album called “Black Na White 2 on Friday 3 March, 2017. 

He had this to say on his official Facebook page:

” I Will be very brief and precise. The best Zambian album ever BLACK NA WHITE 2 drops tomorrow!!!! We will announce stores before day end which means by tomorrow this time, you will be able to buy a copy of BLACK NA WHITE 2 from selected stores. It will be on iTunes, Amazon, Tidal and all other online music stores 3 days from it’s release.

My team and I have spent over 2years crafting & perfecting this album and it would be very uncouth for ANYONE to go out and duplicate our work unlawfully. Feel free to report ANYONE pirating, sharing or uploading our music without our permission to us or the nearest police station. As you may all know, it is a crime to pirate music.

Our target is to sell atleast 5,000 copies across Zambia in the first week and we realise it is impossible without everyone’s sincere support therefore I(on behalf of my entire team) ask you to go out and purchase an original copy with the hologram on it. I have personally signed the first thousand copies by way of making your buy as realistic as possible ( also, it was my way of saying Thank you in a special way). The first thousand will cost K100 each. I have no idea what the next batch will cost.

The music on this album represents life as I know it. It is a blend of my old, current and next level music styles.

I Will not ask if you are ready coz I know you ve’ been for a while now.

Let’s do this!!!!!!! “

BY KAPA187

President Lungu rededicates his life to Jesus after visiting his tomb in Jerusalem

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President Lungu at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried in Jerusalem
President Lungu at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried in Jerusalem

President Edgar Lungu says he has rededicated his life to follow Jesus Christ after he visited his tomb in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

President Lungu said faith and the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation now has a new appeal as he knelt and prayed at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried.

“As I offered my prayers, I rededicated my life to follow my Saviour and recommitted my family into God’s hands. I also thanked God Almighty for having brought me to the Office of President at such a time as this. I humbled myself and asked for more wisdom as I lead the great nation of Zambia,” President Lungu wrote on his official Facebook page.

He added, “For the Christians across the world, today is Ash Wednesday as we begin our 40 day Lenten journey and pray for the humility to walk back into the Open Arms of God.”

“On this Journey, Jesus Christ teaches us to give, pray and fast in secret, and in this way to give glory to God. In the book of Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18, the words of scripture says “Your father, who sees all that is done in secret, will reward you”.

He said, “Let us all renew our faith before God’s throne of mercy and draw ourselves closer to God.”

“May God’s mercy continue to abide on our great nation even as we reflect on His love for Zambia. Countrymen and women, in this season let us reflect on 2 Chronicles 7:14.”

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their Land.”

“May God continue to Bless Zambia,” he wrote.

President Lungu praying at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried in Jerusalem
President Lungu praying at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried in Jerusalem
President Lungu with Commerce Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe and Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried in Jerusalem
President Lungu with Commerce Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe and Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba at the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried in Jerusalem

Poacher arrested for killing a warden in Nyimba

POLICE in Nyimba District have arrested one of the poachers who were
involved in the killing of an officer for the Department of National Parks and
Wildlife (NPWD) in Luangwa Game Management Area.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Alex Chilufya confirmed and
named the prime suspect as Isaac Phiri 35 of Chiwanda Village in Chief
Nyalugwe’s area.
“Police conducted operations in which a short gun was recovered from
Isaac Phiri 35 of Chiwanda village in Chief Nyalugwe’s area who at the
same time got arrested and is currently in custody as a prime suspect in
the shooting incident leading to the death of the NPWD game scout
Roderick Ngulube,”he said.
Mr Chilufya said that the suspect was now being interrogated to
establish the whereabouts of his six colleagues.
He said that police were on the ground to ensure that all the poachers
involved in the killing of Roderick Ngulube were brought to book.
He said the suspect was facing possible charge of murder.
On February 12, 2017, poachers shot dead at Mweteshi stream around 07:00 hours.

Labour union against the proposed quashing of maternity leave pay

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The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union (CSAWUZ) in Northern Province says it is against the proposed withholding of salaries for women on maternity leave.

Provincial Secretary Wallace Kasao says the proposed withholding of salaries for women who go on maternity leave discriminates against women’s rights..

Mr. Kasao told ZANIS in Kasama in an interview yesterday that there is a better way of making the women in employment productive rather than punishing them for being pregnant which is their right.

He said as a labour movement in the province they support government’s intention to have a performance based system in the civil service but not withholding of salaries for female employees.

Mr. Kasao said the performance based system will carter for both genders as opposed to the withholding of salaries which only targets women as if they are unproductive.

He noted that the performance based system is better because both male and female employees in the civil service will have to be paid according to their level of performance.

Mr. Kasao argued that some women were better performers in terms of work outputs than their male counterparts adding that the proposed withholding of salaries will disadvantage them greatly.

The union leader stated that child bearing was a right and should not be taken as burden for women who are employed in government and the private sector.

Mr. Kasao added that all those women working in both private and public sectors must be allowed to enjoy their full right of child bearing without any discrimination of any kind.

He noted that women in employment should not be punished for exercising their natural right of child bearing as well as breastfeeding but that they should be tested to prove if they were capable of delivering.

The union leader added that his union will defend the rights in employment in the public sector

Mr. Kasao also urged other unions in the country to stand up against any deliberate policies which are against women’s rights.

Calm returns at CBU’s Riverside campus after unrest over meal allowances

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CBU Vice Chancellor Naison Ngoma
CBU Vice Chancellor Naison Ngoma

THE Copperbelt University (CBU) management says calm has returned to the university following a student unrest that occurred on Saturday 25 February 2017 over meal allowances.

According to a statement obtained by ZANIS in Kitwe today, CBU Vice Chancellor Professor Naison Ngoma said relative calm has been recorded at the tertiary institute adding that students had resumed classes.

The unrest that occurred on Saturday night was in reaction to the perceived delayed meal allowances following what some students interpreted as assurance from the Minister of Higher education Hon. Professor Nkandu Luo who recently visited the institution.

Professor Ngoma said management has meanwhile instituted investigations to identify the ring leaders of the Saturday night disturbances that led to the damage of property.

He said disciplinary action will be taken against students who will be found wanting once the investigations are concluded.

Professor described the action taken by the students as criminal adding that resorting to destroying private and public property is not the best way to get government’s attention.

He added that management was disappointed by the stance taken by the students despite having taken part in the orientation and team building session a few days ago where they pledged to work with management and refrain from riotous behavior but instead engage in dialogue.

He further disclosed that efforts by the Copperbelt Students Union (COBUSU) Secretary General aimed at calming the students down and informing them that the meal allowances would be paid by 28th February 2017 fell on deaf ears.

And COBUSU President Alfred Lukwesa said it was unfortunate that the students resorted to be heard adding that the move they took was not the right way to air their grievances.

Mr Lukwesa said the mood in the campus is frustrating and tension is high among the students.

He appealed to the Ministry of Higher Education to release the funds on time stating that payments of their meal allowances will bring calm to the institution.

Zambia should allow Commercial Farmers to Export Maize- British High Commissioner

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Minister of Finance Felix Mutate shake hands with British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane after signing ceremony of the first amendment to the grant agreement of the Public Financial Management Reform and launch of the Zambia PEFA assessment 2016 whilst Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba
Minister of Finance Felix Mutate shake hands with British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane after signing ceremony of the first amendment to the grant agreement of the Public Financial Management Reform and launch of the Zambia PEFA assessment 2016 whilst Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba

BRITISH High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane has advised the government to allow commercial farmers to export maize to Zambia’s neighbouring countries if the nation records a bumper harvest in the 2016/2017 farming season.

Mr Cochrane was speaking in an interview in Choma said the exportation of the maize to the neighbouring countries would be beneficial to the country’s economy.

Mr Cochrane said the exportation of the maize would also enable the country to be recognised as the major exporter of maize in the region which the nation and the citizenry would also be proud of.

He said the next step that the government should consider was the exportation of maize but the priority was to ensure there was adequate stock in the food reserve.

“I think in all this, what is important is government to allow commercial farmers to export maize. Hoping that Zambia has a bumper harvest it should be proud to share that bounty with the countries that are less fortunate, like for example Malawi, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Angola.

“My understanding is that there is enough food in reserve and the next step that the government should be looking at is maize export and Zambia will be recognised as the maize exporter or let me use the cliché as the breadbasket of Southern Africa which all Zambians will be proud of,” he said.

He said there was need for the country to avoid dependence on copper but to diversify and have an emphasis on agriculture.

Meanwhile Mr Cochrane who arrived in the country before the 2016 general elections said the British Government has recognised the current government that was in place.

He said there was need for healing and the ruling party should reach out to the people that did not vote for current government for the good of the country.

“I think it is important that the government reaches out to those who didn’t vote for the ruling party or the President. It’s clear who won the elections. The UK has recognised the results.

“But there’s more work to be done as there’s need for healing for those people who were disappointed with the results this should involve all from both sides for the good of Zambia,” he said.

The High Commissioner also visited the Zambia Sugar Company in Mazabuka and also visited some beneficiaries of the UK Emergency Cash Transfer in Pemba and there after proceeded to Choma and would today be in Livingstone.

“I think it is important that the government reaches out to those who didn’t vote for the ruling party or the President. It’s clear who won the elections. The UK has recognised the results.

Meanwhile, Police in Mwinilunga district in Northwestern has arrested one Zambian and two Congolese nationals for allegedly attempting to smuggle 119 by 25 kilogram bags of Mealie meal to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo through the Kabimba boarder.

Northwestern Province Police Commissioner Auxension Daka who confirmed the incident in an interview with ZANIS in Mwinilunga today identified the culprits as Elliot Ndeki aged 27 a Zambia and Lutumba Mudikolela age 32 and Mbikayi aged 40 both of Lubumbashi in Congo DR.

Mr Daka said Police have since impounded the canter truck registration number ACZ 3536 which was being driven by Elliot Ndeki belonging to a named teacher which was found 100 kilometers away from the boarder recently.

The trio have since been charged with attempted smuggling contrary to section 147 Cap 335 Customs and Excise Act and will appear in court soon.

In a related development police have also recovered 10 x 50 kilogram bags of maize out of 200 bags from a truck registration number ABZ 7256 which was involved in an accident 25 kilometer away from the Kambimba boarder as it attempted to smuggle the commodity to DR Congo.

Mr Daka said another truck was used to ferry maize across the border and only 10 bags where recovered adding that no arrest was made as the culprits fled into Congo DR.

AFCON under 20 Group B match Previews

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South Africa and Cameroon under-20 teams sing their National anthems at Ndola's Levy Mwanawasa stadium:Pictures by Frank Ching'ambu
South Africa and Cameroon under-20 teams sing their National anthems at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa stadium:Pictures by Frank Ching’ambu

As the Total under- 20 AFCON group B teams play their second matches today, group leaders South Africa are on the verge of booking an early ticket to the 2017 South Korea under-20 World cup tournament which will kick off in May this year.

Having recorded a victory in their first match against Cameroon, South Africa’s main focus will now be on young Lions of Senegal to ensure that they pocket another three points which enable them represent the southern African region at the continental under-20 showpiece.

ZANIS sports reports from Mwanawasa staduim that the Amajita will again depend on their goal poacher- Luther Singh who scored three goals that saw the 19 year old top the list of top scorers’ in the ongoing under- 20 soccer show piece.

The bouncing back of to Malepe who was serving his one match suspension following the second yellow card he received in the qualifiers against Lesotho in June last year will be a morale booster to the team.

.
It’s very tough to deal with the psychology of players after a win especially that they are young but we are doing all we can to motivate them so that they don’t lose concentration on the pitch. The match against will be tough, it won’t be easy,” South African Coach Thabo Senong said.

He has described Senegal as one of the best teams in group B which has not lost a game in the last six months.
Pressure is on Senegal which will be without skipper Mamadou Diarra who was shown a straight red card after 14 minutes of play in the game that ended in a 1-all draw against Sudan.

Sudanese coach, Marie Joseph Francois has a huge task of solidifying his midfield to contain their South African counterparts who he said are fast and furious in the middle of the pitch.

Cameroon is aiming for nothing but a win to keep them in the tournament. Despite losing to the Amajita, the young Indomitable Lions showed resilience in the midfield but lacked concentration in defence.

They have to put behind the loss suffered at the hands of South Africa and put their minds on the ball. They have to put a high fighting spirit and ensure that they collect the maximum three points.

Sudan which is participating in the tournament for the first time since 1997 has to double up their paces upfront to match the speed and giant Cameroonian defenders who were caught unaware by Luther Singh in the opening match.
Sudan failed to beat 10 man Senegal on Monday will be looking forward to Hassan Hassan(Mutwakil) to liberate them from the fast legs of the giant Cameroon.

Mutwakil who in the first game a scored from a spot kick has a huge task of putting his team on the path for a historic win, which will brighten their hopes for the semi- final place.

Coach Suliman Mohamed Slaih says he still has hope that his boys will turn around tables and make put smiles on the faces of soccer fans in Sudan.

“We still have two matches and our concentration will be will be on the remaining matches. Cameroon is a very strong team despite them losing to Amajita. We will ensure that we use a different approach in today’s tomorrow’s (today) game.

I have a lot of confidence in my team and I still belie they will make us proud,” he said.

South Africa and Cameroon under-20 teams sing their National anthems at Ndola's Levy Mwanawasa stadium:Pictures by Frank Ching'ambu
South Africa and Cameroon under-20 teams sing their National anthems at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa stadium:Pictures by Frank Ching’ambu
South Africa's Luther Singh takes a free kick that resulted into an equlising goal against Cameroon on Monday.
South Africa’s Luther Singh takes a free kick that resulted into an equlising goal against Cameroon on Monday.:Pictures by Frank Ching’ambu
South African Under-20 CoachThabo Senong giving instructions to his player during a match against Cameroon on monday:Pictures by Frank Ching'ambu
South African Under-20 CoachThabo Senong giving instructions to his player during a match against Cameroon on monday:Pictures by Frank Ching’ambu

With improved Electricity supply and Copper prices, Luanshya mine recalls workers

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CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines has started re-calling its workers who were sent on unpaid leave over one year six months ago owing to low copper prices and increased cost of production.

LCM Public Relations Manager Sydney Chileya said the company has decided to recall the workers following in increase in copper prices coupled with the increase in energy supply which has resulted in low cost of production.

In September 2015 over 900 workers were sent on forced leave following LCM management decision to suspend operations at its Baluba underground mine and at the slag treatment plant.

The operations were suspended due to the drop of the price of copper on the international market, the energy deficit the country was facing and also the escalating cost of production.

Equipment at the Luanshya Copper Mine and Muliayashi Mine, which are one of Zambia’s mines promising a profitable future.

Mr. Chileya disclosed that so far, 50 workers have been reinstated and the company targets to recall 150 workers by the end of March 2017.

Among the workers who have been called back consist of artisans, who include boiler makers, plant feeders and electricians.

Mr. Chileya further noted that the number of workers who have been called back is quiet small because the mine was undergoing rehabilitation as the first step in recovery.

He however indicated that by the end of this month the mining plant will be up and running and the number of the workers who have been called back will rise from 50 to 150.

Government procures software that compiles a comprehensive list of properties and assets in Zambian Missions

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Minister of Works and Supply Mathew Nkhuwa says government has purchased software that will enable the Ministry compile a comprehensive list of properties and assets in Zambian Missions around the world.

Mr. Nkhuwa says there is urgent need to have a detailed profile of all government properties in foreign missions including motor vehicles and their values.

He directed all missions to compile information on properties to feed into the comprehensive data system.

The Minister of Works and Supply is in the US capital Washington DC on a familiarization tour of government properties and assets.

Mr. Nkhuwa who visited the Embassy Chancery building where works had stalled, expressed shock at the state of the building and called for works to resume immediately.

The Minister who was accompanied by the Charge’ d’ affaires James Chisenga visited the newly renovated Ambassador’s Residence.

He also took an inventory of motor vehicles.

He was told that the fleet comprised cars and vans all of which were five years or older. This had contributed to the high cost of running the fleet both in maintenance costs and insurance.

The Minister directed that the Mission to start the process of replacing all old vehicles with new ones.

This was contained in a press statement issued by First Secretary at the Zambian embassy in Washington DC Patricia Littiya

Hon Nkhuwa accompanied Charge D'affaires James Chisenga on a tour of the old chancery building in Washington DC.
Hon Nkhuwa accompanied Charge D’affaires James Chisenga on a tour of the old chancery building in Washington DC.
Hon Nkhuwa accompanied Charge D'affaires James Chisenga on a tour of the old chancery building in Washington DC.
Hon Nkhuwa accompanied Charge D’affaires James Chisenga on a tour of the old chancery building in Washington DC.

OYDC to conduct free eye tests and treatment

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The Ministry of Health in partnership with ORBIS with funding from Standard Chartered Bank organized a free eye screening, provision of spectacles and drug campaign in Solwezi on Thursday. Above, an eye specialist George Chipeta from Solwezi Urban clinic (l) screening Christine Kamuyutwa from Highland compound at Kyawama grounds on Friday as Nurse Dorcas Mulenga(m) looks on
The Ministry of Health in partnership with ORBIS with funding from Standard Chartered Bank organized a free eye screening, provision of spectacles and drug campaign in Solwezi on Thursday. Above, an eye specialist George Chipeta from Solwezi Urban clinic (l) screening Christine Kamuyutwa from Highland compound at Kyawama grounds on Friday as Nurse Dorcas Mulenga(m) looks on

The Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) says it will conduct free clinical eye screening services to athletes and members of the public.

The eye clinic services will be done in partnership with One Sight commencing on the 12th to the 18th of March 2017.

OYDC Health and Education Officer Lyson Zulu disclosed in statement made available to ZANIS that the programme is targeting three thousand people.

He explained that those who will be found with sight problems will provided free health glasses in a bid to improve their sight.

Mr Zulu disclosed that the registration of people who want to undergo free eye screen will be conducted on 3rd to 4th of March 2017 at OYDC starting from 09:00 to 15:00hours.

He further revealed in the statement that patients with genuine and valid prescriptions obtained from eye clinics will be given free health glasses.

OYDC has been providing free healthy checkups to athletes since 2010.

Mr Zulu has appealed to athletes and the general public to take advantage of the free eye clinical eye services being offered by the centre.

Zambia down Mali with Quicksilver magic

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Zambian Players celebrating after scoring
Zambian Players celebrating after scoring

Zambia smashed Mali 6-1 to reach the 2017 U20 AFCON semis and qualify to this May’s FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea.

Beston ‘Quicksilver’ Chambeshi’s side is the first team at the tournament to reach the last four of the competition Zambia is staging from February 26 to March 12 and also pickup one of the four Africans tickets to South Korea.

A brace each from Edward Chilufya and Fashion Sakala plus a goal a piece from Enock Mwepu and Emmanuel Banda sent Zambia through to the March 8 semifinals.

However, Mali gave Zambia an early scare after Abdoul Dante headed-in the ball to give the West Africans the lead in the 3rd minute.

But their lead lasted just four minutes before Sakala nodded in the equaliser.

Banda then fired in a breathtaking volley from halfway inside Mali’s area in the 25th minute before Mwepu added the third in the 39th minute.

Chilufya them added two quick fire goals in the 49th and 52nd minutes before Sakala put the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute.

Zambia win Group A on maximum 6 points with a game to spare and wait to know their semifinal opponent from Thursday’s Group B matchups in Ndola.

Egypt, who face zambia in their last Group A match on March 4 in Lusaka, are second on two points while Guinea and Mali have a point each in 3rd and last respectively.