Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
The next wave of Zambian exports to the South African PSL will be looking to impress when the season resumes on Tuesday in the wake of a litany of flop signings.
Allan Mukuka, Bonwell Mwape including Musonda Mwape and Lewis Macha have failed to ignite over the last three seasons after some highly publicized moves to the PSL.
The situation has seen veteran Collins Mbesuma continuing to set the bar for his compatriots in the PSL.
On Tuesday evening, the ex-Zanaco duo of midfielder Roderick Kabwe and striker Aubrey Funga are due to make their debuts for Ajax Cape Town who travel up to Johannesburg to play Bidvest Wits.
Ajax and Wits are 9th and 2nd heading into their first league game back after the two month break.
On Wednesday Kabwe and Funga’s former club mate defender Salulani Phiri too will be expected to make his debut when 5th placed Polokwane city host Maritzburg United who are 8th.
L eft to right- Patrick Walsh, Deputy Director General – EIB, Zambian Finance Minister Felix Mutati, & Diedrick Zambon, Head of Division, Sub-Sahara Africa – EIB leaving the EIB HQ in Luxembourg after the EIB-Zambia Seminar on EIB Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Minister of Finance Mr. Felix Mutati has said the decision by the European Investment Bank to set-up a country office is a clear endorsement by Europe that Zambia is one of the best investment destinations in Africa. And the European Investment Bank [EIB] is in the process of arranging blend finance comprising loans and grants to Zambia totaling Euro 320 million this year.
“The plan to set up a country office in Zambia by a Triple A [AAA] credit rated organisation like the European Investment Bank whose board of governors are Finance Ministers in the entire European Union, means the international community is steadily appreciating the government’s algorithm for the economic recovery and stabilisation programme, Zambia-Plus,” a beaming Mr. Mutati told members of his senior management team at the Ministry of Finance when he shared a report on his recent trip to Europe.
“We welcome the EIB because they are not afraid of money,” charged Mr. Mutati, adding that “the fiscal prudence and economic-governance measures which we have put in place under Zambia-Plus need to be sustained so that quality investments flow into Zambia for us to meet our job creation and poverty reduction objectives in line with the development vision of President Edgar Lungu.”
“The coming of EIB to Zambia will improve the credit-rating bench mark for the financial sector,” Mr. Mutati assured his senior management team and urged them to “be on high alert so that all economic fundamentals continue to move in the right direction.”
During the Zambia-EIB Seminar on EIB Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa which was recently held at the EIB Headquarters in Luxembourg, Europe, EIB Deputy Director General, Patrick Walsh disclosed that, “due to our growing investment portfolio in Zambia, significant progress will be made in the coming few months to establish an office by the third quarter of 2017.”
Mr. Walsh said the operations of the EIB Zambia Country Office will be targeted at supporting the European Union’s development agenda; contributing to poverty reduction; and, facilitating achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals [SDG’s]. Zambia will become only the sixth country in Africa to host an EIB Country Office after earlier establishments in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon.
“EIB is keen to support programs related to climate action such as renewable energy, climate adaptation, and projects with a high and sustainable impact on society and the environment,” stated Mr. Walsh.
The Minister of Finance was recently on a trip to Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany and Sweden to strengthen economic cooperation; build alliances; source for investments; and, mobilise resources for Zambia’s development needs in sectors such as energy, cash-crop agriculture, infrastructure, social welfare [social-cash-transfer], and multi-sectoral capacity building – including financial sector development.
For 2017, the EIB is in the process of finalizing finances for several projects such as:-
1. Investment grant of Euro 45 million blended with a loan of Euro 110 million for rehabilitation of the Great North Road;
2. Investment grant of Euro 40 million for the Kenya-Tanzania-Zambia Interconnector;
3. Investment grant of Euro 65 million blended with a loan of Euro 15 million for the Lusaka Power Transmission and Distribution Network; and,
4. Investment grant of Euro 15 million blended with a loan of Euro 15 million for Aquaculture.
Other projects under EIB consideration in 2017 are the IDC Scaling-Up Solar Project and the Zambia Water for Health Facility.
For the period 2010 to 2015, the European Investment Bank supported several public and private sector programs in Zambia. Under the public sector arm, the EIB financed projects totaling Euro 407 million, of which: Euro 80 million was for rehabilitation of the great east road; Euro 22 million for the Kafue-Livingstone Power Transmission Line; and, EURO 50 million for the Itezhi-Tezhi Transmission Line. Others included Euro 75 million for the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project; Euro 78 million for the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Network; and, Euro 102 million for the Lusaka Sanitation Project.
Among Zambian based private sector organisations which benefitted from Euro 56.5 million EIB support between 2010 and 2015 include institutions such as BancABC which got Euro 25 million for lending to SME’s, Madison Finance Company which got Euro 4.5 million for a micro-finance program, Pulse Financial Services which was given Euro 4 million for a micro-finance program, AB Bank which obtained Euro 3 million for micro-finance, and FNB Zambia which received Euro 20 million for SME’s and Micro-Finance programs.
The overarching priorities of the EIB are infrastructure and private sector development. Under infrastructure, focus is on energy development, water development, transport and logistics and, telecommunications. In actualization of this, the EIB provides direct loans to the public sector, helps to mobilise private sector participation in Public Private Partnerships [PPP’s], and promotes regional integration in order to unlock sustainable economic growth.
For private sector development, the focus of EIB is on Micro-Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Corporates. In operationalization of this, the emphasis is on development of the financial sector, increased direct lending to corporates, guarantees, project finance, and Public-Private-Partnerships [PPP’s].
“The EIB is keen to develop the local private sector through facilitation of their access to finance, and, funding of critical social and economic infrastructure,” said Mr. Walsh at the conclusion of the Zambia-EIB Seminar on EIB Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa which was recently held at the EIB Headquarters in Luxembourg, Europe.
Conditionality for access to finance for eligible projects under the EIB mandate objectives for local or regional integration projects, include:
1. Consistency with EU external policy goals;
2. Technical soundness;
3. Economic viability;
4. Financial viability;
5. Environmental soundness;
6. Social acceptability; and,
7. Open procurement.
The EIB has over 50 years’ experience supporting EU development policies in Africa, and in that time has invested over Euro 18 billion in more than 1, 300 projects. The bank is the world’s largest multilateral lender and borrower, and is committed to the central axes of Africa-Caribbean-Pacific/European Union Cooperation, notably development of the private and financial sectors in countries and territories outside the EU.
Zambia is set to benefit immensely from the establishment of an EIB Country Office.
Gilgal church Overseer William Ng’ambi has challenged fellow clergymen to focus on building the body of Christ by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ than being flamboyant.
Prophet Ng’ambi said it is disappointing that a lot of men of God are concentrating on competing on who is rich and who is driving the best car on the expense of preaching the word of God.
“I have been following and observed the fights and mud smearing among servants of God and it breaks me down. There is so much competition in the body of Christ in trying to prove who is the richest, who is driving what car,” Prophet Ng’ambi said.
[pullquote]Jesus Christ in his time never did a miracle to prove his great anointing[/pullquote]
He said it is a pity that People are being deceived by all sorts of miracles being staged in the Church today. Prophet Ng’ambi said Jesus Christ in his time never did a miracle to prove his great anointing. At a wedding in cana, he told the mother that time is not yet. He displayed humility.
The clergyman based in Mzuzu, Malawi said “saints you will perish with miracles, Jesus Christ is our focus. In Revelation 19:10 the bible speaks of teaching the testimony of Jesus Christ as the true spirit of prophecy. Jesus heals and God can do anything but not in the way things are happening in the church today”.
Prophet Ng’ambi said true servants of God are called to win souls for Christ and that should be the focus of every well-meaning man of God.
Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma has charged that Zambia like other African mining countries has not realised the full benefits from mining.
Mr Yaluma said mining represents potential wealth for many economies in Africa with a variety of benefits including job creation, export earnings, skills transfer,and industrialisation through value addition which have not been fully realised.
The Mines Minister was speaking on Monday evening in Cape Town, South Africa when he featured on a panel discussion during the launch of the State of Mineral Governance in Southern Africa report on the sidelines of the ongoing 2017 Mining Indaba.
Mr Yaluma said the report brings out key issues relating to sector performance and mineral governance across the Southern African region including the shortcomings and the possible interventions that can be adopted to ensure increased accountability and transparency in the sector.
He observed that it is important to take cognisance of the fact that over the years, African countries have been instrumental in implementing several initiatives aimed at increasing transparency in the extractive sector.
Mr Yaluma highlighted initiatives such as the Publish What You Pay, African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Extractives Transparency Initiatives (EITI), Kimberly Process Certification scheme (KPCS), the African Mining Vision (AMV) and many others aimed monitoring the behaviour of companies and government in an effort to increase transparency and accountability.
He said Zambia has not lagged behind and has been implementing initiatives such as the EITI.
“Zambia joined the EITI in 2009 as a candidate country and became compliant in 2012. The EITI process publishes information on payments made by the mining companies and revenues received by government from the mining sector,” Mr Yaluma said.
Mr Yaluma also announced that Zambia has commenced the domestication of the African Mining Vision which advocates for transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and social economic development.
The Mines Minister is leading a high powered Zambian delegation to the Mining Indaba which includes Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Christopher Mvunga and officials from ZCCM IH.
The Zambia Meteorological Department has warned of more flash floods and heavy fall in North-western, Central, Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces.
So far more than 360 houses have collapsed in Kabwe and a further 100 in Choma following heavy rain that has left hundreds of families homeless and in dire need of emergency aid.
The department said that during period from February 7 to 8, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) would continue oscillating about the southern parts of Zambia and the high pressure system over Luapula, Northern, and Muchinga Provinces which would see the reduction in rainfall activities over much of eastern half of Zambia.
The department said that From February 9 to 12, a high pressure system from the South East coast of South Africa would be pushing northwards weakening and moving the ITCZ to the central parts of Zambia allowing relatively moist and stable airflow from the southeast to affect much of southern half reducing rainfall activities.
“ By 13th February, 2017, the High pressure System will drift further south east, this will tend to strengthen and move the ITCZ to the south allowing moist and unstable Congo airflow to cover much of the Country,”the department said.
From yesterday to today Eastern, Muchinga, Northern, Luapula and Eastern districts of Central Province was expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance of morning rain, afternoon showers and thunderstorms in few places while the rest of Zambia would be cloudy with morning rain, afternoon thundershowers in places coupled with night rain and thunder in places.
The department stated that on February 9 to 12 Western, Southern, Lusaka and western districts of Central Provinces would be partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance of light morning rain, afternoon showers and thunderstorms in few places.
“Muchinga, Northern and the southern districts of Western and Southern Province will be partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance of morning rain and afternoon showers and thunderstorms in few places,” it stated.
An eleven-year-old girl of Nyimba District has committed suicide by hanging herself on a tree using a mosquito net rope.
Catherine Tembo of Mushalila in Chief Luembe’s area hanged herself on a tree around 17:00 hours on Sunday.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Alex Chilufya said this happened after the deceased was chased from home by her mother for some misconduct.Mr Chilufya said the deceased sustained a swollen neck and relatives were advised to proceed with burial as no foul play was detected.
SACCORD has said that it has taken note of the internal disciplinary measures that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has undertaken over the matter involving Honourable Kambwili and Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda.
In an interview Boniface Cheembe noted that the tone of reconciliation that has been shared with the public gives hope that when differences arise over two personalities in various political parties, a platform and process of reconciliation can be given to these individuals for an amicable and peaceful way forward.
Mr Cheembe said there had been high expectation that the only resolution that was going to be arrived at was the immediate expulsion of Honourable Kambwili, which often time is a much easier route to take as opposed to applying peace building measures that need patience.
He explained that internal wrangles and conflicts will always arise in any given entity hence the need to resolve conflicts amicably.
“…Therefore, the issue is never whether conflicts will arise, but rather how they are resolved once they do. It is always expected that the ruling party will lead by example when it comes amicably resolving conflicts and as SACCORD we have taken note of the manner with which they have handled the matter that has been a subject matter for sometime in the nation.
“We hope that the Vice President led mediation team will produce results that will help the individuals involved in the conflict to reconcile,” he said.
A typical African, gets really defensive and quickly irritated when the vast areas of his or her intellectual shortcomings are highlighted and compared to people of other races, who by the way, have proven to make better decisions at numerous spheres of national life.
We’re quick to condemn criticism however sincere or polite, classifying it as racist, even if it were from a fellow African! Indeed, common sense isn’t quite common after all…
From the overwhelming backwardness of the African continent, one can be almost certain to conclude that the bulk of Africans are ‘blessed’ with specially configured minds that rarely THINK! We just empower the brilliant and crafty few amongst us to do the thinking, while we tag along like abducted little children, lured away with sugar candies by their abductors after school.
THE EXPENSIVE LUXURY OF COMMON SENSE IN AFRICA
• It is the absence of common sense, that makes an individual continue to prioritize political party affiliation, far above the prospects of tangible development or the complete lack of it! It’s quite stunning how people continuously stay stuck to political parties that have either impoverished their country in the past(naively believing they’ve repented and turned a new leaf), or tag along still, with the political party that currently impoverishes them!
• It is the lack of common sense, that grants an entire army of citizens the fortitude and patience to tolerate a flawed democratic system, that continually renews the tenure of a frail power hungry leader(of 92years of age) who has clung to power since independence(almost four decades of that country’s existence) and intends to carry along his exalted presidency to the grave! He’s already been endorsed as candidate for the 2018 elections!
• It is the overwhelming deficiency in common sense, that prompts a large congregation of African Christian worshipers(comprised of both the ‘highly educated’ and the pardonable illiterate ones) to eat and drink toxic substances at the command of a weird and creepy prophet! In this modern time of knowledge and enlightenment, this can rarely be done anywhere but Africa!
If collectively as Africans, we cannot evolve our thoughts towards politics, religion and other socio-economic areas that truncate our growth, then we shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed to bear whatever nickname(regardless of how condescending) our peers from other races tag us as, because that’s actually who and what we are, until we decide to rebrand ourselves!
Zlatko Krmpotic has arrived in Ndola to begin his two-year reign as Zesco coach.
The 58-year-old Serb arrived on February 6 and his first day in the office will be on February 7 in Ndola.
“We have three fronts; the Confederation Cup,domestic cup and the league,” Krmpotic said.
“Last year, Zesco had good results in the Champions League and I believe they can repeat that feat.
“I don’t want to say much but I want to make Zesco tick.”
The ex-Don Bosco coach and TP Mazembe assistant trainer is the first foreigner to take charge of the five-time Zambian champions.
Krmpotic won the 2015 CAF Champions League as Mazembe assistant while working under Frenchman Patrice Carteron.
He replaces George Lwandamina who resigned last November after three years at the helm to take over the coaching job at Tanzanian champions Young Africans.
The ex-Yugoslavia defender played at the 1982 FIFA World Cup and won silver with his ex-club Red Star Belgrade in the 1979 UEFA Cup.
He also coached the Serbia Under-19 team in 2008 and was youth team coach at his ex-club Red Star from 2008-2009.
About 100 households in Choma’s Overspill and part of Zambia Townships
have been left homeless after their houses were flooded following a
heavy pour.
A check at the affected houses in Overspill area, revealed that the people
watched in disbelief as to what could have befallen them while their
houses were flooded.
Efforts for the residents to save some of the household properties,
daily supplies all proved futile as their belongings including beds
were all submerged.
Some residents remained in indoors trying to remove the water but that
did not yield anything and were left stunned as the water levels kept
on rising and they ended leaving the houses.
One of the affected residents Angela Siabasimbi said the area had
drainage on Masuku road but the contractor who was working on the road
blocked it hence the flooding in the area.
“We used to have a drainage here but ever since they started working
on this road it was blocked I have been to the council to request that
it be unblocked but nothing has been done,” she said.
Choma District Commissioner (DC) Sheena Muleya accompanied by Mayor Javen
Simooloka assured the residents that her office would engage the
Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to find a
solution to the problem in the area.
“We have conducted a physical check the situation is sad, we really
need to find a lasting solution to this problem,” Ms Muleya said.
She said the culverts at the main drainage was smaller and needed to
be replaced to avoid re-occurrence.
Choma Mayor Javen Simooloka attributed the flooding to lack of a
drainage system in the area.
“This problem may continue that is why we will need the DMMU to come
in because the residents are at a high risk of water contamination. We
are lucky no one has died,” she said.
And Councillor Navy Moonga in charge of the ward said the affected households were in
Overspill, Zambia, and part of Zimbabwe Townships.
Hi Everyone to celebrate the premier of my TV show “Kanta’s Kitchen” on Zambezi Magic, DStv channel 160; I decided to share this Shish Kebab recipe, from my first episode. Shish kebabs are a quick and different way to serve meat at dinner, a party or a barbecue (braai). They are delicious and you can use any meat; from beef, pork, lamb or chicken. Throw in any spices to marinate, add a variety of fresh veggies and you have one seriously tasty dish. Shish Kebabs can be cooked in the grill or on the braai stand; so I see no reason why we cannot enjoy them all year round.
Cooking time: 10 mins
Serves 4
Ingredients
3 tbsp soy sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp paprika
Vegetable oil
3 bell peppers; 1 Yellow, 1 green and 1 red pepper
1 large red onion
1kg Beef, cubed
Side salad
1 whole lettuce, chopped
½ a Cucumber, chopped
2 Spring onions, chopped
3 tbsp of vinegar, lemon juice or mayonnaise
Salt & Pepper
Method
First marinate the meat with; soy sauce, paprika, garlic powder and salt to taste – mix well.Cover the bowl of meat with cling film or foil and leave it overnight in the fridge, to soak in the flavours.
Preheat the grill to a medium high heat
Using metal or wooden skewers, place the marinated meat, chopped peppers and onions onto the skewers, in an alternating fashion, to make each kebab bright and colourful.
Lightly brush the kebabs with vegetable oil, and add a bit of pepper for that extra kick.Place them in the grill for 10 minutes.Remember to turn them over halfway through, to cook on both sides.Be sure not to overcook them because we want our kebabs to be nice, juicy and tender.
In a bowl mix together, your lettuce, cucumbers and spring onions for your salad.Add vinegar, lemon juice, or mayonnaise; salt and pepper to taste and mix well.You can also have any side dish with these kebabs e.g. rice or potato salad.
Serving
Serve hot with your side dish of salad, rice or potato salad.This is the perfect dish for a barbecue/braai and will go down a treat with your guests. Enjoy!
Kanta Temba is a Cake maker and decorator|Lusaka Times Food columnist|TV show host
Minister of Sports Moses Mawere is confident FAZ will meet the March 31 deadline for aligning its constitution with FIFA Status.
FIFA will suspend FAZ if the association miss the March deadline for amending its constitution.
FAZ was on Saturday forced to defer the adoption of the FIFA driven constitution after members raised objections to certain clauses during an extra ordinary gathering in Lusaka.
In an interview, Mawere said there was nothing sinister with the deferring of the FAZ council meeting.
“Deferring the meeting does not mean council members are dragging the process. The matters of constitution making are supposed to be agreed by every member of the association,” Mawere.
“All councilors should be consulted and must be given time to digest the proposed constitution,” he said.
“As Government we are happy that councilors deliberated in a mature manner,” Mawere said.
FIFA has directed FAZ to reduce the electoral college to 80 members.
Zambia International Investment Forum 2016 Launch: Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mhango Mwanakatwe delivering her speechTHE Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry will soon meet the Cleaning Association of Zambia (CAZ) following their written complaint to President Edgar Lungu over huge contracts being awarded to foreign companies at the expense of local ones.
Commerce Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said in an interview yesterday that she was in receipt of the letter by CAZ and will meet them to address the matter.
“I am aware about the letter, their concerns are genuine and I totally agree with them, I will be meeting them soon so that we can chart a way forward and ensure that they too benefit, especially that they have the capacity,” she said.
CAZ secretary general Lawrence Makumbi said the issue had been brought to the attention of the Head of State, due to his commitment to prioritise the awarding of contracts to locals and curbing corruption.
Mr Makumbi bemoaned the alleged domination of foreign cleaning companies in the cleaning industry, which had disadvantaged the local companies.
“Your Excellency, we need this instrument as soon as possible, we have been lobbying for this for some time now and are hopeful this time it will come, as enshrined in the Budget (paragraph 116) that the Government will formulate a conducive legal and institutional policy framework that will give struggling businesses greater chance to survive”, Mr Makumbi’s letter to the President read in part.
He said the letter to the President and copied to other vital ministries was, among other things calling for a deliberate policy to make the cleaning sector a preserve of the Zambian people, as they had the capacity to carry out the works.
Mr Makumbi said while he was not against foreign companies working in Zambia, his cry was equal awarding of the contracts.
He suspected corruption in the awarding of the contracts, a matter his members demanded that it be addressed quickly.
He said the alleged attributive statement of ‘lack of capacity of local contractors’, which was frequently abused by individuals in decision making positions, had not spared Zambians in the cleaning sector, giving rise to numerous challenges leading to the business being dominated by foreign companies.
The perception should be changed as capacity of most entrepreneurs could only be built if local contractors were availed with opportunities as pronounced by the ruling Government on the need to prioritise local contractors.
Commissioner General Kingsley ChandaTHE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is in the process of setting up a local customs clearing facility in Livingstone.
Speaking when he visited the Livingstone Port office yesterday, ZRA commissioner general Kingsley Chanda said it is saddening that trucks laden with goods which are not cleared are allowed to park in private parking yards, a situation which leads to some goods being smuggled
.
Mr Chanda warned that clearing agents whose goods are released before being cleared will have their licences revoked.
“ZRA will set up its own parking yard with full security. We will not relent in our effort to ensure that smuggling is brought to an end, especially at border points,” he said.
This is according to a statement issued by ZRA senior communications officer Oliver Nzala.
He said perpetrators of smuggling will be brought to book and all taxes due to the Government will be recovered from them.
And Mr Chanda said he is impressed with ZRA and Immigration staff’s punctuality at Victoria Falls Border Post.
A random check by Mr Chanda around 06:00 hours yesterday found all the workers at their work stations and serving the public.
Mr Chanda said it is such commitment and professionalism towards work that made ZRA meet and go beyond the January 2017 target by K27.4 million.
He encouraged workers to remain committed to their work to be able to contribute to national development.
“In order to perform well as an institution, ZRA management must put people, products and profits at the core of its business,” Mr Chanda said.
He said ZRA is working on a number of initiatives aimed at improving the institution and working conditions of the workers.
HEALTH Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) public relations officer Terry Musonda with HPCZ senior accreditation officer Ennie Sampa during a media briefing
THE Health Professional Council of Zambia (HPCZ) has warned some health workers allegedly in the habit of posting pictures of the dead on social media to stop because it is unethical to do so.
Recently, the country has witnessed a growing trend of posting photos of deceased persons in hospital beds on social media platform such as WhatsApp and Facebook.
HPCZ spokesperson Terry Musonda in an interview yesterday said the trend is unprofessional and must be condemned.
Mr Musonda said the Patient Rights and Responsibility Charter is clear that every patient has the right to physical privacy and confidentiality.
“Therefore, even in death, a patient’s rights should be protected and safeguarded at all times,” he said.
He appealed to family members aggrieved to report to the council so that it can commence investigations.
“If the postings are coming from health facilities, the health workers should desist. It is against the Zambian culture for some people to reach an extent of posting pictures of dead bodies,” Mr Musonda said.
