ZNBC unable to televise the AFCON under 20 tournament
ZNBC Cooperate Affairs Manager Masuzyo Ndhlovu says the National Broadcaster has not been granted broadcasting rights by CAF owing to the unsettled debt.
Ndhlovu has explained that ZNBC has no capacity to clear the outstanding debt in order to acquire the broadcasting rights any time soon.
He has appealed to viewers and listeners’ to follow the proceeding through Radio and television which will be provided through various sports programmes and News bulletins.
But the Football Association of Zambia -FAZ- has engaged CAF on the possibility of giving ZNBC the rights to broadcast the 2017 Under-20 AFCON games.
FAZ President, Andrew Kamanga has confirmed in an interview with ZNBC sports.
Kamanga says it is important that the national broadcaster is allowed to televise the on-going Under-20 tournament to allow as many Zambians as possible to watch the games.
He has observed that it is not good that the national broadcaster for the host country cannot be allowed to televise the games.
Government’s commitment to Dialogue with the Media impresses Sweden
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Henrik Cederin says the Swedish Government is happy to learn that Government will hold an indaba early April to chart the way forward regarding a number of issues affecting the media industry.
The Swedish envoy was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Kampamba Mulenga in her office in Lusaka today.
Mr. Cederin observed that there were challenges in the role the media played before and during elections adding that the proposed indaba will help create a new standing between Government and the media.
“It is pleasing to note that Government will hold an indaba in the first week of April to exchange ideas on how the two parties can enhance professionalism and freedom of the media,” said Mr. Cederin.
The Ambassador urged the Zambian Government to consider enacting the Access to Information Bill as it will help the media to report factually.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Kampamba Mulenga said Government is committed to ensuring that the media in the country operate in a professional and free environment.
Ms. Mulenga said Government has invited the media to dialogue and exchange ideas on how the two parties can move forward.
The Minister further said that Government wants to partner with the media in its efforts to develop the country.
“The media through the dissemination of information plays a vital role in the development of the country. This why we have called the media to an indaba in the first week of April to exchange ideas on how we can move forward and develop our country,” said Hon. Mulenga.
Ms. Mulenga said Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Changwa Lungu is keen to sustain the warm relations which exist between Zambia and Sweden.
The Minister also said that Government is eager to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the Information and Broadcasting sector.
President Lungu meets with Isreal Prime Minister
President EDGAR LUNGU has held private talks with Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU at his office in Jerusalem.
The meeting which started at 12:20 hours ended at 12:55 hours this afternoon.
Speaking after the meeting, President LUNGU says the relationship between Zambia and Israel is now cordial adding that it will last.
The Head of State says Zambia has a lot water which is under utilised urging Israel to help in technology transfer.
MR. LUNGU says Zambia is also trying to explore education opportunities for the Country to prosper in other fields such as energy, agriculture, health and technology.
And Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU says his Countey will soon send Israeli experts to Zambia in the fields of energy and water to see areas of collaboration.
MR. NETANYAHU says Israel is happy with Zambia’s democratic record as it has been a beacon of peace.
He says Israel is focusing much on Africa for partnerships in many areas such as water, Energy, technology and agriculture.
Intermarket Banking Corporation will not be liquidated – Mutati
Finance Minister Felix Mutati has assured the nation that Intermarket Banking Corporation will not be liquidated.
Presenting a ministerial statement in Parliament this afternoon, Mr Mutati revealed that Intermarket Banking Corporation is expected to resume operations in 30 days.
He said the bank has managed to attract fresh capital from new shareholders as part of its restructuring process.
Mr Mutati also explained that the issue of the name having the risk of scaring away customers is secondary as the new shareholders have already provided for adequate resources to take care of anticipated withdrawals once the bank reopens.
He said the possession of IBC by the Bank of Zambia was pursuant to Section 81 of the Banking and Financial Services Act which empowers the Central Bank to take possession of a financial service provider which is insolvent, unable to meet its financial obligations, and consequently posing a threat to financial systems stability.
“Following the possession of IBC, the Bank of Zambia as required by law prepared a Statement of Affairs of the Assets and Liabilities of IBC within 90 days and engaged the shareholders in order to explore modalities for the restoration of the bank’s solvency,” Mr Mutati said.
He added, “I am pleased to inform the House that the Bank of Zambia has accepted the proposal submitted by shareholders as providing a viable basis for a substantive restructuring of the bank which should lead to the resumption of its operations. Consequently, IBC is now taking steps to implement the restructuring plan as approved by the Bank of Zambia.”
Mr Mutati said during the restructuring period, the Bank of Zambia will closely monitor the activities of the bank and the public will be informed in due course regarding the timing of the resumption of its operations.
“In short, Mr. Speaker, the Bank is not going into liquidation but is being restructured so that it meets its obligations and consequently its capitalization requirements to continue its normal operations,” he said.
ECZ, Edgar, CONCOURT AND High Court Judges will never be forgiven by Zambians-GBM
Mr Mwamba who is popularly known as GBM said that the said parties have denied the Zambian people credible and capable leadership of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and himself.
He said with escalating high levels of poverty that the country is experiencing under the PF government, the Zambian people are very angry with president Edgar Lungu and individuals as well as institutions that helped PF to rig the 2016 presidential elections.
“Ba ECZ [abena Priscilar na Chulu], nama judge ba mu Konikoti namu Hayi koti pamo pene na Edgar wine, abena Zambia tabaka mwelele pakubalalika insala nomulandu wabun`go bwenu [the ECZ [Priscilar and Chulu], Concourt and High court judges together with president Lungu Zambians will never forgive you for stealing their victory,” he said.
Mr Mwamba said that Zambians will never be happy with the PF government because it is an illegal government that is imposing itself on people that rejected it.
Mr Mwamba has since challenged president Edgar Lungu to go to the polls again with Hakainde Hichilema to see how legitimate his government is.
“The PF government is only the government of ECZ and PF members and not the Zambians because Zambians voted for my president HH. Am challenging Edgar to go for elections again with my president we see whether he can manage to get even ten votes from any polling station in Chawama, he is now an enemy of his own people and even himself because of incompetence,” he said.
“Edgar lost and he is not my president, my president is Hakainde Hichilema [he is the only right man for the position and the only legitimate Zambia`s Republican President and not Edgar,”added Mr Mwamba.
LAZ Offers Services to M’membe’s Lawyer Nchima Nchito
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has appointed Lusaka lawyer Musa Mwenye to represent lawyer Nchima Nchito in his personification case.
Mr Nchito who is in court on a charge of personating a Post Newspapers in liquidation lawyer and has denied the charge.
A warrant of arrest had been invoked by the Lusaka Magistrate Court with Nchito successfully appealing for its quashing on account of it being unnecessary.
Lawyer Mr Mwenye took the stand in defence of Nchito on instruction from LAZ.
Mr Nchito is the lawyer for Fred M’membe’s Post Newspapers in liquidation but liquidator Lewis Mosho has been insisting that the lawyer’s services were terminated once the liquidator took over.
Magistrate Greenwell Malumani adjourned the matter to April 3, 2017 for hearing.
LAZ president Linda Kasonde was in attendance alongside former Director of Public Prosecution Mutembo Nchito.
Mr Nchito has been caught up in crossfire given the Post Newspapers in liquidation’s long standing battles with tax authorities that the defunct publication allege is politically motivated.
The defence team led by lawyer Rabson Malipenga opposed LAZ’s appointing of a lawyer to defend Mr Nchito saying it was outside their mandate but Magistrate Malumani passed it saying the law was not categorical.
Source Zambia reports
Harvest prospects remain good despite army worms and delayed input support-FEWSNET
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network says given the good seasonal rainfall, crop conditions are good and households will start consuming their green harvest and supplementing it with market purchases by March.
It says by April and May, household level food stocks will significantly improve, reducing dependency on food purchases.
It adds that by June, households will start consuming staples other seasonal foods, improving their food consumption and dietary diversity.
FEWSNET however notes that Maize and meal prices have remained exceptionally high despite the large in-country stocks and the continued maize export ban.
It said these above average prices are increasingly making it difficult for poor households to access food.
“Given the continued high demand for maize and meal from the DRC and Malawi, maize prices are projected to remain high up until March. In April, maize prices typically begin to decrease as food supplies from the green and main harvests enter the market and demand for food purchases declines. By June, maize prices will remain above the five-year average, but will fall to levels below last season,” it says.
On the rainfall situation, FESNET says after a 10 to 20-day delay to the start of season, rainfall improved by mid-December in terms of both amounts and distribution.
“Since mid-December, widespread moderate to heavy rainfall has been received, which has promoted planting and good crop development. Due to the slight delay at the beginning of the season, most planting was completed in mid-December, which is still within the optimal planting period.”
It says in January and February, widespread heavy rainfall continued and improve water availability for domestic and livestock use.
“These rains have increased the water bodies required for domestic and livestock use. As of February 10th, all areas had received in excess of 400 mm of rainfall. Consequently, many areas especially in western Zambia show surplus water requirements for the maize crop. It should be noted that most of these areas produce low amounts of maize but high amounts of rice therefore, the rice crop will benefit from increased moisture after two consecutive below average rainfall seasons.”
It notes that field reports indicate that farmers planted additional rice in February due to the good rainfall, which is likely to increase overall rice production for the country.
“After receiving persistent heavy rains in the first twenty days of January, there was reduced rainfall for the remainder of January in western Zambia, reducing the risk of flooding. So far, there are no reports of atypical flooding in the Zambezi plains. The crops typically affected include the off-season crops planted along the Zambezi River, which as usual were already being harvested.”
It says, “At the start of the season, most seeds (maize, soybeans, sunflower, and beans) and fertilizer were generally available on the market for purchase, allowing farmers to plant on time.”
It observes that government subsidized input support was very late and was mostly made available in January, outside of the optimum planting period for most crops.
“In some cases, farmers began to use inputs/ vouchers as late as February. Groundnut seeds were received so late at district level such that farmers decided not to redeem the seeds, since it was too late to plant them and instead planted recycled seed. Based on field observations and information, during the planting period groundnuts and cowpea seeds were in high demand, but appeared in short supply,” it said.
“Since most planting took place in mid-December, most crops are currently in the flowering to grain filling stage and field observations and reports indicate that crops are mostly in good condition. In response to the good market and prices, field reports indicate that farmers planted more maize, soybeans, groundnuts, sunflower, and cowpeas this season, with respect to the previous year.”
It added, “In contrast and as expected, due to the poor prices in recent years, the area planted to cotton and tobacco is reported to have significantly reduced this season with respect to both average and the previous season.”
It observes that armyworms and stalk borers affected 77 districts out of the 105 districts in Zambia.
“The Fall armyworm was identified for the first time in Zambia. The Copperbelt Province, parts of Western (including Luampa, Nkeyema and Kaoma districts), Southern Province (including Kalomo, Choma, Namwala, Mazabuka, and Siavonga districts), and Eastern Province (including Nyimba, Mambwe, and Lundazi districts) were most affected by the outbreak. The infestation was highest for maize crops in the vegetative stage,” the report said.
It said that although the pests were first sighted and reported in late November, lack of an effective early warning system and an under-resourced agricultural extension service resulted in delayed interventions and widespread infestation beyond the initial Copperbelt Province outbreak area to the remaining nine provinces.
FEWSNET says that overall, based on current crop conditions and continued good rainfall, prospects for the green and main harvest are good and expectations are that at the very least an average crop output will be attained for maize for the 2016/17 season, assuming that the increased area planted to maize could to some extent make up for potential yield losses due to pest infestations.
Intermarket Bank is now solvent-BoZ
The Bank of Zambia says Intermarket Banking Corporation which was taken over by the Central Bank in November last year is now solvent after shareholders decided to restructure the bank.
Depositors who have not been able to have access to their funds will however have to wait for the next course of action from the Central Bank.
On November 28th, the Bank of Zambia took over Intermarket Banking Corporation after it determined that the bank was not solvent and is not in a position to meet its obligations as they fell due.
But in a statement released by Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor-Operations Bwalya Ng’andu, Intermarket Bank is now solvent.
“While IBA was indeed insolvent at the time of possession, the Bank received a proposal from shareholders to restructure IBC so as to restore its solvency and operations. The Bank reviewed the restructuring proposal and business plan as submitted by shareholders and concluded that t provides a viable basis for the successful restricting of IBC,” Dr Ng’andu said.
He said as a result of financial commitments by shareholders and a new equity partner, the Statement of Affairs of the Assets and Liabilities shows that IBC is now solvent.
Dr Ng’andu said the Bank has therefore decided to restructure IBC in line with Section 84B (a) (i) of the (BFSA).
“Depositors, creditors and the general public will in this regard be advised on the further steps to be taken by the Bank in the process of effecting the restructuring of IBC in line with the relevant provisions of the BFSA,” he said.
Things would have escalated had we allowed our supporters to get into the streets, HH tells Commonwealth Chief
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema says the party leadership restrained its youth supporters from rioting to claim the stolen victory on the aftermath of the August 2016 elections.
Mr Hichilema said the UPND chose the civilised route of going to court where it was let down as the petition was not heard.
He was speaking yesterday when he met a delegation from the Commonwealth led by Deputy Secretary General-Political, Dr. Josephine Ojiambo which is in the country from its London Headquarters.
Mr Hichilema was accompanied by UPND National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango.
“We discussed a wide range of issues regarding the governance of our country from the political environment to the economic situation. We reiterated our call for peace and unity in the country despite the challenging and oppressive environment,” Mr Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema also called on the International community to be proactive in handling issues as opposed to waiting until there are hostilities and instability in a particular country.
“We maintained that things would have escalated out of hand had we allowed our supporters to get into the streets to claim the stolen victory. We chose the civilised route of going to court where we were let down as the petition was not heard,” he said.
He added, “We put a strong case on what we want to see in terms of reforming institutions of governance such as the Zambia Police, Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Judiciary and others as we believe citizens should have confidence in these governance institutions as a way of ensuring stability and promoting economic development in the country.”
President Lungu Meets Israeli Counterpart
President Edgar Lungu has held talks with Israeli President REUVEN RIVLIN at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem.
The Head of State who is on a five-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President RIVLIN at 09:45 hours this morning.
President Lungu says Zambia looks forward to the amicable solution over the security challenges facing Israel.
He says Zambia draws inspiration from Israel hence the need to put the house of Israel in order as it plays a key role in the global economy.
The Head of State says Zambia is looking forward to working with Israel in many spheres as for the benefit of Zambians.
He says the Zambian Government will dialogue with Israel and Palestine for them to get a win – win solution.
And Israeli President Reuven Rivlin says all Jews have a warm feeling towards Zambians as they contributed effectively to the independence of Zambia.
President Rivlin says Zambia was one of the first Countries in Africa to receive Jews when they hunted down during the second World War.
He says Zambia harboured the Jewish people in Livingston and Ndola resulting in setting up a Jewish Museum.
President Rivlin says Zambia is growing rapidly, a move that has excited the Government of Israel.
He says the Government of Israel is happy with Zambia’s stance on the need to fight terrorism.
MR. Rivlin says terrorism should not be tolerated as it is affecting the Middle East and other parts of the world.
He says Israel is happy with the many Zambians that are seeking educational needs from his Country.
President Rivlin says Israel is keen to see peace and harmony in his Country and the Middle East in general.
He says Israel sees Zambia as a symbol for cooperation with Africa.
President Lungu who wants to strengthen economic Diplomacy with Israel established the first ever Embassy in Israel two years ago headed by Ambassador Martin Mwanambale.
During the official visit, President Lungu is also expected to officiate at a business forum organised by the Israeli and Zambian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) which would focus on investment opportunities within the two countries.
The Head of State is further accompanied by a business delegation in order to accord an opportunity to the private sector representatives of both countries to interact and forge business partnerships.
The visit is further expected to provide Mr Lungu and his delegation an important opportunity to market the numerous business opportunities that Zambia has to offer with the view to attract Israeli investment into Zambia.
President Lungu will also interact with Zambians living in Israel.
2017 U20 AFCON GROUP B WRAP
2015 silver medal winners Senegal crawled back from one-down with ten-men to draw with Sudan who came into the tournament with a big reputation in the qualifiers.
The 2015 hosts were reduced to ten men in the 18th minute after Moussa ba was red carded for foulon Khaled Nasser.
Two minutes later Senegal gave away a penalty that was converted by Hassan Hassan.
Senegal, though, got out of jail in the 85th minute when Ibrahima Niane was rewarded for his persistence with an equalizer.
However, South Africa stole the thunder in Group B when they rallied to crush Cameroon 3-1 in the second match of the Levy doubleheader.
Eric Ayuk put Cameron ahead in the 15th minute.
But Luther Singh hit back with hat trick that began a minute after Cameroon took the lead when he equalised from a stunning free-kick,then added a 26th minute penalty and completed his good day at the office with a solo effort in the 58th minute.
Singh is now the man to beat for the tournament golden boot on three goals.
South Africa top Group B on 3 points while Sudan and Senegal are tied on a point each while 1995 champions and vanquished Cameroon are licking their wounds in bottom place.
South Africa face Senegal while Sudan take on Cameroon on Thursday at the same venue.
HH eats Nshima at Chelstone Market, interacts with Marketeers
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday afternoon spent time interacting with Marketeers at Chelstone Market and enjoyed a plate of Nshima served with Chibwabwa, Delele and Fresh Fish.
And Mr Hichilema has called for an end to victimisation of UPND members in markets by PF cadres.
He said marketeers regardless of their political affiliation have continued paying taxes.
Mr Hichilema said the UPND would have empowered marketeers with affordable loans, proper shelter and not suppression and victimization.
“With the little time we had, we listened to the several challenges our marketeers are going through. We would have spent more time with them but due to the constrained environment under PF, as far as freedom of association and freedom of assembly is concerned, we could only manage a few minutes which our people understood,” Mr Hichilema said.
“It is now becoming normal when it shouldn’t be that each day that comes by, women and youth are being victimized in markets on the of holding a different view on governance and economic development.”
He said, “We wish to inform the nation that even under these very difficult circumstances, we will continue to interact with each one of you whenever we can but more so to reiterate our economic emancipation vision. Otherwise we had a nice meal of chibwabwa, delele, and fresh fish.”
Rainbow Party on Copperbelt condemns the assault on media freedom
The Rainbow party in the Copperbelt has expressed saddeness at the continued suppression of the media in the country.
In a statement Rainbow party Copperbelt Province Spokesperson Dennis Kapukulo said his party is deeply saddened in the way the media freedom is being suppressed in the name of pursuing crime.
Mr Kapukulo said the attacks on the media fraternity has nothing to do with Pershing crime but a direct assault to media freedom in the country.
“”This action by the PF government is quiet dangerous and it has a great potential to divide the country further at the time we are crying for unity.
He said the Rainbow party wants to see greater freedom and openness on the media as opposed to more injustice,more regulations, and regimentation.
Mr Kapukulo noted that the country’s media houses already have various challenges and they can not be sorted out by police brutality or tight regulations.
He described the government acts on the media as detrimental has called on stakeholders to come to the rescue of the media.
“Rainbow party knows that media houses have serious problems and challenges already that needs to be sorted out by the PF government. And none of the serious problems and challenges confronting Zambian news media today can be solved by police brutality nor by tightening regulations,” he noted.
Mr Kapukulo said unfortunately all the detrimental acts by the pf govt happening in full view of the church, civil society organisation, and other stakeholders but they have all remained mute waiting for 18th October pray day to come and force the injured for reconciliation which does not even exist.
He added that socialist Rainbow party expects the church to play progressive role in advocating for human rights,speaking against oppression and economic exploitation of the masses as well as advocating for reconciliation whenever need arises not only on 18th October.
“Religious institutions,NGOs,and civil society organisation must be allies for a common cause and be courageous to point out the wrongs that pf govt is committing and Rainbow party has not heard anything from from these groups,we only hope that they will rise to the occasion and do the needful before it becomes too late for the remedies.”