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Zambia withdraws Recognition of Western Sahara
The announcement was made by Zambia’s Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba on Saturday.
“I reiterate my statement made on July 9, 2016 in Rabat,” Zambia’s top diplomat told Morocco’s official news agency Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).
During a visit to Rabat last July, Mr Kalaba had announced his country’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the so-called SADR and cut all ties with it.
In his interview with MAP, the foreign Minister reiterated that his country “supports the efforts of the United Nations to help the parties find a long-lasting solution to the conflict over the Western Sahara.”
“Zambia seeks to contribute in a constructive way in these efforts by adopting a position that is neutral and open to the concerned parties and supporting an efficient dialogue,” he added.
The Zambian Foreign Minister went to add that his country believes that “Morocco’s return to the African Union affords the African family an opportunity to push for this question, which has lasted for a long time, towards a peaceful solution in a spirit of African consensus, dialogue and mutual respect.”
The announcement was made less than a month after Morocco’s return to the African Union and few days following King Mohammad’s official visit to Zambia.
During the visit, King Mohammed VI and Zambia’s President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, chaired the signing of 19 partnership agreements between the Morocco and Zambia.
NGOCC Supports the Payment Of “LOBOLA”
The Non Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has noted the ongoing debate that has engrossed the country on whether government should regulate or abolish the payment of bride price commonly referred to as “Lobola” in Southern Africa.
As an organization, we note that payment of bride price in Zambia called “Lobola”, “Chimalo”, “Impango”, “Lubono“ and so forth, depending on what part of the country one comes from, is a tradition that defines how we as a people celebrate our marriage rite. However, NGOCC is deeply concerned with the commercialisation of “Lobola” which is de-humanising to women and girls, who are treated as commodities, chattels and sex objects.
Some families are literally using Lobola as a way to make capital and making women and girls as commodities for sale. It is such practices that have led to the misconception that paying Lobola condemns women into commodities that would be abused by men. The high Lobola fee being charged is considered as a price paid for the transfer of a woman’s sexual and economic rights to her husband and his family. It is no doubt that the high Lobola charge has a negative effect on the marital stability and has contributed to the rise in child/early marriages and violence against women and girls.
We call on government through the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs working with Traditional leaders that are custodians of our customs and traditions to guide the country on how to positively establish a marriage contract between two families without destroying the wellbeing of the couple thereafter.
There is also need to sensitize communities that the payment of Lobola should not place women into slavery. A human life is priceless and therefore society must be made to understand that women and girls should never be made commodities for sale to the highest Lobola bidder. Marriage should respect human rights, integrity and dignity of both women and men.
Issued;
for/NGOCC
Sara H. Longwe
Chairperson
NAREP can Provide A Future that can Build Zambia – Chipimo
NAREP President Elias Chipimo? has reiterated the need for the youth to take a lead in the fight for a better Zambia because they determine who will become the next government in 2021. Mr. Chipimo was speaking at the ongoing NAREP Youth convention in Ndola where he observed that, with over half of Zambians being below the age of 15, the future is actually with the youth and that if the youth decided to change government, then government could change. 80% of Zambians are below the age of 35, with today’s youth being the key changemakers in the 2021 elections.
Imploring the youth to take a stance and make it happen in 2021, the President urged them to be focused, noting that he sees so many Zambian youth fighting, insulting, patronising bars and not focusing. He emphasised that this was not what NAREP youth stood for. NAREP is a party of focused youth who are bound by values that they stand for and live up to. Reciting the 8 core values together, the convention delegates pointed these out as Excellence, Integrity, Responsibility, Service, Equity, Humility, Commitment and Community. The NAREP youth representing the NAREP brand should set themselves apart by distinctly adhering to the values of the party without leaving any doubt.
Elias Chipimo was also emphatic on the need for the youth to be ready for 2021 affirming that he is excited about the support he is getting from the youth and honouring them by acknowledging that he draws his strength from them and is also aware that they too are strong when he is strong.
Citing the Bible, President Chipimo said the kingdom of heaven has been advancing forcefully with forceful men and women laying hold of it, the President remarked that we would not get the Presidency on account of someone handing it to us, but we have to take it for ourselves and our future children. Alluding to the suffering that many Zambians are experiencing ranging from poverty, unnecessary deaths to lack of employment opportunities, Elias Chipimo lamented that Zambia is not fulfilling its potential to meet the needs of the citizens under the current regime.
The NAREP youths responded that they could not see a future for themselves under the current government, nor could they see a caring government in the Patriotic Front agreeing that only NAREP can provide a future that can build our country.
Newly elected NAREP National Secretary, Mr. Ezra Ngulube?, a youth himself was congratulated on his journey of integrity and his execution of the NAREP values whilst steering the fight to raise NAREP’s profile with integrity and honour.
Rounding off his address, Mr. Chipimo gave the following points as cardinal to progression of NAREP and Zambia towards Vision 2021:
1. Respect women and girls as custodians and builders of our communities
2. Putting God first in everything we do as NAREP and as Zambians
3. Correct the President. Do not lie to me as your President. NAREP should be honest and hold honour. Mr. Chipimo asked to be correct respectfully when he is wrong and called for everybody to work hard and bring solutions to the President.
President Lungu jets off to Israel
President Edgar Lungu is this morning expected in Israel for a five-day state visit at the invitation of his counterpart Reuven Rivlin.
President Lungu is travelling with five cabinet ministers and several business people.
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba confirmed that President would meet with the Israeli President and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Kalaba said the President was also expected to officiate at a business forum organised by the Israeli and Zambian chambers of Commerce and Industry which would focus on investment opportunities within the two countries.
“We are all aware that Israel is a technologically advanced market economy and is globally renowned to have made significant strides in areas such as water management. Our country therefore stands to gain a lot in terms of shared best practices with Israel across several sectors,” Mr Kalaba said.
He said the delegation to Israel would include cabinet ministers from Agriculture, Health, Commerce and Industry, Energy, Tourism and Arts among others.
Mr Kalaba said Mr Lungu would also be 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.
He said the visit would further 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 Toasts Junior Chipolopolo Victory
President Edgar Lungu has congratulated the Junior Chipolopolo for the 1-0 victory against Guinea under-20 national team of the Group A opening match in the Africa Cup tournament played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka today.
The President is happy that the Zambia under-20 national team has started on a good note and encouraged them to even work extremely hard ahead of the upcoming matches.
President Lungu has urged Zambians that as host of the AFCON under-20 tournament, support should not only be provided to the Junior Chipolopolo but also to the visiting teams.
The President is confident that the Junior Chipolopolo will again make the country proud.
Chief Kambwali challenges Luapula ministers
Chief Kambwali has challenged the eight Luapula Ministers currently serving in President Lungu’s Cabinet to unite and change the poverty levels of the Province by implementing more poverty reduction programmes in the Province.
Chief Kambwali thanked President Lungu for appointing eight Cabinet Minister from Luapula as a strategy of reducing the poverty levels which currently stand at 82 per cent in the Province.
The Chief said President Lungu has given Luapula people through the appointment of eight Ministers a test to see if they can use their privilege to serve in their ministerial portifilios to reduce the daunting poverty for the people of Luapula.
The traditional leader predicted that there might be no other chance for Luapula to have eight Ministers in one Cabinet if this opportunity is not used properly to develop the Province.
He emphasized that if this chance to develop Luapula eludes the region, then Luapula will continue to remain backwards for millenniums to come.
Chief Kambwali reminded the serving Ministers to focus on the campaign promise that the late President Sata made to the people of Nchelenge of building them a Science and Technology Institute.
He disclosed this when Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Buleti Nsemukila paid a courtesy call on him on Saturday.
The Chief said Government should consider providing vehicles for all the Chiefs in the Province to ease their movements when going for their medical attention and reviews including attending meetings in Mansa and travelling to Lusaka when need arises.
He said he is happy with the cadre of civil servants working in Nchelenge because they are dedicated to their work.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Buleti Nsemukila disclosed that the President is equally concerned about the 82 percent poverty levels in Luapula and the Province being the poorest in Zambia.
Dr. Nsemukila said that is the reason probably the President appointed more Ministers from Luapula in his Cabinet to see how best they can help him to improve the human economic and social development index for the Province by reducing the poverty in the region.
He confirmed that if Luapula will fail to develop, the President will not be in the blame but the blame will be squarely on the civil servants who are tasked to implement the Government policies that should improve the living conditions of the people.
The Permanent Secretary said it is the role of civil servants to push for the implementation of political promises for the people to see results for their benefit.
Recently President Lungu when addressing a public rally at Katungulu Primary School grounds in Nchelenge stated that he will from 2017 to 2021 focus on Luapula first because it is the poorest province in Zambia and then western Province to reduce poverty in the two provinces as they are still economically backwards.
Regina Chiluba’s death sadness Govt
Government has learnt with sadness the death of Mrs. Regina Chifunda Chiluba.
Mrs. Chiluba who was widow of the late Second Republican President Dr. Fredrick Chiluba died at UTH in Lusaka this on Sunday after battling with cancer.
Mrs. Chiluba was former Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) National Women’s Chairperson.
Information and Broadcasting Service and Chief Government Spokesperson Kampampa Mulenga said she worked tireless to mobilise the party at all levels.
Ms Mulega conveyed Government’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on the passing on of Mrs. Chiluba.
“We ask the Lord God almighty to strengthen the bereaved family during this trying period,” she said.
Zambian banks charge highest interest rates in region, they need to reduce interest drastically
Why Banks ought to reduce lending rates drastically
……Zambian Banks’s margins highest in region, BOZ should consider capping
By Mwansa Prospery Chalwe
The Zambian economy will not recover quickly enough as long as Commercial banks continue charging unjustifiable and exorbitant lending rates. Zambia commercial Banks interest rates continue to be high despite improvements in other economic fundamentals. The finance Minister, Felix Mutati was recently quoted in the Zambia Daily mail of 18th February, 2017 that high interest rates are constraining private sector growth and the economy as a whole.
In the last twelve months or so, the major determinants of lending rates have all being going down but there has not been any significant change in the lending rates of the roughly eighteen Commercial banks in Zambia. Inflation rate has dropped from a high of 22.5% to 6.8%, the monetary policy rate has gone down from 15.5% to 14.0%, the Bank of Zambia Statutory reserve ratio has reduced from 18% to 15.5% and the government Treasury bill rates has reduced from a high of 27% to 21% in February,2017.
The Zambian private sector and households have borne the blunt of the high interest rates in the last couple of years resulting in massive repossessions of farms, vehicles, houses, reduction in disposable income of households with loans as loan and mortgage repayments have more than double. There have also been numerous closures of businesses resulting in loss of jobs. Private sector borrowing has declined tremendously in past few years due to high interest rates resulting in low economic activity. The so much talked about growth and diversification will remain a pipe dream in this economic environment of limited and expensive capital to expand or start up a business.
In order to put the argument that Zambian Commercial banks are overcharging its customers, risk considerations notwithstanding, we should consider two economies in the SADC regions – Botswana and South Africa- and ask questions as to why the interest rate margins are so high compared to these two countries. The margins for the purpose of this article are the difference between what the banks charges its customers and the four major determinants of lending rates: The risk free interest rates as represented by Government Treasury bills, Bank of Zambia Policy rate, the inflation rate and the term deposit rates paid to customers saving with banks.
The current average Commercial bank lending rate is about 44% but there are banks that have been charging as high as 48%. The current Government Treasury bill rate averages around 21% which means the premium on risk free rate is 23% which gives a margin of 109%. Zambian inflation has dropped from a high of 22.5% to 7% in January,2017 and this means that banks’ positive interest rates which is the difference between inflation and commercial bank lending rate is 33% which is 417% above inflation. The Bank of Zambia’s old policy rate was 15.5% (revised to 14% last week). The difference between the policy rate and what commercial banks are charging customers is 24.5% which is 158% above the old policy rate. Commercial Banks mobilize deposits from customers for onward lending and prime customers are currently being paid interest on their savings on average about 25% which gives the banks a margin of 76% above term deposit.
According to the latest information available, the average commercial Bank interest rates in South Africa is 10.5% and the inflation rate is 6.9% which gives a positive interest rate of 3.6% which is 52% above inflation compared to Zambian banks’ 417% above inflation. The South Africa Reserve Bank’s repo rate which is the equivalent our Bank of Zambia Policy rate is 7.0% which means commercial banks are charging 3.55% margin above the repo rate and compare this with our banks’ 24.5% above policy rate or 158% above the policy rate. The South African Government bond rates which we can compare with our Treasury bills though the latter is more short term than the former is 8.97%. Commercial banks are charging 1.53% above the risk free rate.
In Botswana, the average commercial Bank interest rates in is 7.5% , the inflation rate is 2.7% which gives a positive interest rate of 4.8% which is 177% above inflation compared to Zambian banks’ 417% above inflation. The Bank of Botswana prime rate which is the equivalent our Bank of Zambia Policy rate is 5.5% which means commercial banks are charging 2.0% margin above the prime rate and compare this with our banks’ 24.5% above policy rate or 158% above the policy rate. The Botswana Government bond rates which we can compare with our Treasury bills though the latter is more short term than the former is 8.0%. Commercial banks are charging 2.5% above the risk free rate.
In neighbouring Zimbabwe, where the economy is in tatters, the average lending rate has been averaging about 18%.The Zambia Daily Nation of February 23, 2017 quoting the Zimbabwe Daily News reported an outcry in Zimbabwe about the super profits made by banks whose profits had increased by 42% year on year t because of charging “unacceptable charges” and “extortionist fees”.
“The super profits announcement was immediately followed by an announcement by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya in his 2017 monetary policy statement that he had capped interest rates at 12% per annum from 18% and further reduced bank charges,” The Daily Nation reported.
Although we are liberalized economy, there is need to ensure that oligopoly and monopolistic tendencies are kept in check for the sake of the economy as a whole. It is rather disappointing that even after the Bank Of Zambia’s goodwill gesture of removing the capping of interest rates a few years ago to ensure economic stability and bank profitability, Commercial banks have abused the gesture by charging “extortionist” interest rates, fees and other bank charges. Zambian banks are giving a role deal to its customers. How does one, for example, justify a charge of K110 per page for a duplicate bank statement by one of the South African Banks as this writer was charged by his bank recently? In the light of the fact they are only about eighteen commercial banks in Zambia and most of them foreign owned, allegations by some observers that there is some collusion in interest rate pricing by our banks may have some credence.
The recent example in South Africa where banks were found by the Competition Commission to be involved in price fixing and market allocation regarding the South African rand and the US dollar since April 2015 is a case in point. The commission found that banks had a gentleman’s agreement dating back to at least 2007 to collude on prices for bids, offers and bid-offer spreads for spot trades on rand-to-dollar exchanges. This is a major red flag for Zambian regulators like Bank of Zambia and the Competition Commission of Zambia.
It is imperative that the Bank of Zambia should revisit the re-introduction of capping interest rates because Zambian Banks like those in Zimbabwe have failed to self regulate. This is also a lesson to Zambian government that multinationals including mines cannot be trusted to act in the best interests of the host country or the World economy as the 2008 financial crisis proved. They serve the interests of managers and shareholders. There is need to for reasonable regulation and oversight.
The Author is a former financial Advisor to Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) under the USAID FINANCED Botswana Private Sector Development Project (BPED)- a Tripartite Project between the Government of Botswana, USAID and the Private Sector.
Child marriage derails the development of every nation-Esther Lungu
Mrs. Lungu however noted that much emphasis is on the girl child because the impact of child marriage is more traumatic on girls.
She said this is why more concerted efforts are needed to ensure that the vice is combated in order to give the girl child an opportunity to grow and contribute to the development of their respective communities and countries.
The First Lady made these remarks during her presentation on the activities that her office is undertaking to address child marriage and early pregnancies in Zambia at the official opening of the national conference on ending child marriage and early pregnancies in Pemba City in Mozambique.
Mrs. Lungu pointed out that among other activities, her office is working tirelessly to empower women especially in rural areas where child marriages and early pregnancies are more rampant in order to ensure that more girls in various households are sponsored in education.
Mrs. Lungu who expressed gratitude for being given a platform to share Zambia’s experiences and approaches in ending child marriage has since called for the two countries to work together to eliminate the vice in both countries.
And Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale says government is making tremendous efforts in ensuring that child marriage in Zambia is curbed by among others putting in place line ministries that have greatly contributed to fighting child marriages in the country.
She further disclosed that the Zambian government has procured a K65 million loan from the World Bank which will see 75,000 women in the country will be empowered and 14, 000 girls sent back to school.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the 75,000 women will be empowered because they are able to sustain the process by paying for other children within their various households.
And Mozambique First Lady Isaura Nyusi noted that her country is among countries in Africa that has a high prevalence of early marriages.
Mrs. Nyusi said the situation has prompted her to come up with a three years project aimed at eliminating child marriage and early pregnancies.
“According to our latest Demographic Health Survey 14% of girls between the ages of 20-24 got married before 15 years old while 48% of girls got married before the age of 18.
Zambia take command of Group A
Hosts Zambia are in command of Group A after Mali and Egypt could only draw on match day one at the 2017 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mali and Egypt played out to a 0-0 draw in the late kickoff at Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday night.
The result leaves Zambia two points clear of the two teams heading into their penultimate Group A date with Mali on March 1 at the same venue in an 18h00 kickoff.
Guinea, who are bottom after losing 1-0 to Zambia, will play Egypt in the early kickoff at 15h00 on the same date.
President Lungu Mourns Regina Chiluba and Errol Hickey
President Edgar Lungu has said that he was deeply saddened by the passing away of late Second Republican President Mr Frederick Titus Jacob Chiluba’s widow Regina who died today after an illness.
In a statement released to the media today by State House, the President described Mrs Chiluba as a strong and supportive spouse who firmly stood by the late President.
President Lungu also extolled Mrs Chiluba’s tremendous contribution to the success of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy(MMD)particularly in mobilising the women to rally behind the former ruling party.
The President has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Chiluba and Chifunda families and urged them to find fortitude in the Almighty God as they mourn.
“Her passing away is not only a great loss to her family but also to the entire nation and particularly the womenfolk. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult period. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the President has regretted the passing away of Mr Errol Hickey, a pioneer in the development of Zambia’s first private radio broadcasting.
The President hailed Mr Hickey for his ingenuity and unwavering commitment to take radio broadcasting to the level that it is in the country today.
President Lungu has said Mr Hickey an icon in the media industry will not only be missed by the media fraternity but also the entire country.
The President has extended his profound condolences to the bereaved family and wished them God’s solace and strength as they go through this trying moment.
“On behalf of Government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, we commiserate with the bereaved family. May the Soul of Mr Hickey rest in peace,” the President said.
And Government has released the following statement
STATEMENT BY HON. KAMPAMBA MULENGA, MP, MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON ON THE DEATH OF MRS REGINA CHIFUNDA CHILUBA
Government has learnt with sadness the death of Mrs. Regina Chifunda Chiluba.
Mrs. Chiluba who was widow of the late Second Republican President Dr. Fredrick Chiluba died at UTH in Lusaka this afternoon after battling with cancer.
Mrs. Chiluba was former Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) National Women’s Chairperson. She worked tireless to mobilise the party at all levels.
Government conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on the passing on of Mrs. Chiluba.
We ask the Lord God almighty to strengthen the bereaved family during this trying period.
Hon. Kampamba Mulenga, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
26th February, 2017
Zambia beat Guinea in 2017 U20 AFCON opener
Zambia made a promising start on Sunday as 2017 U20 AFCON hosts after beating Guinea 1-0 in the tournament’s opening game at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Beston Chambeshi’s side go top of Group A on 3 points until late Sunday night before Egypt and Mali clash in the other pool match of the doubleheader at Heroes Stadium.
Guinea threatened in the early stages of the match and Naby Bangoura missed a one-on-one chance with goalkeeper Mangani Banda in the 29th minute.
Edward Chilufya then thought he had the ball in the back of the net in the 39th minute but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The winner came just after the break through striker Patson Daka of Austrian club FC Liefering in the 48th minute.
Chilufya again had the back in the back of the net in stoppage time, and again, his goal was disallowed.
Zambia now turn their attention to Mali on March 1 at the same venue seeking a win that will send them to the semifinal finals.
