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Barclays Bank- Zambia Managing Director Saviour Chibiya interacting with China Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming during the launch of “UNION Pay” Credit Card at Lusaka Pamodzi Hotel
Barclays Bank Zambia Plc has launched the UnionPay International (UPI) card services on all the Bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point of Sale (POS) machines nationwide.
UPI is the largest card brand in the world with over 5 billion Credit and Debit cards issued in 40 countries including China, Russia, Australia, Korea and Japan, and now Zambia. The organization is owned by the Chinese Government and the cards are accepted in over 150 countries worldwide.
UnionPay International Head of Business Development South and West Africa, Mr Herman Botes said, “We are pleased to partner with Barclays Bank Zambia Plc in the launch of UPI card transactions on ATMs and POS machines in Zambia, as we look to expand transactional facilities and access to funds for our growing customer base”.
Barclays Bank Zambia Managing Director, Saviour Chibiya says that the Bank is now able to accept UPI Credit and Debit cards across all its Automated Teller machines (ATMs) and Point of Sale (POS) devices, a first on the Zambian market.
“As one of the leading banks in Zambia, Barclays Bank Zambia Plc is committed to working with the Chinese Government to enhance the banking experience and improve access to finances for Chinese nationals and other UnionPay customers through its wide distribution network of 52 branches, 132 ATM machines and over 2,773 active POS machines countrywide.” Mr. Chibiya added.
Barclays Bank Zambia is committed to providing its valued customers with exceptional service and offering world class banking solutions which speak into their needs. The Bank has been engaging the Chinese business community in Zambia through feedback sessions which has led to the launch of the UPI card services to support their growing financial needs.
The Bank has been a key player in supporting the Zambian government’s diversification agenda to add growth to the thriving economy. Barclays Bank Zambia Plc has strongly supported the mining, agriculture, energy and manufacturing sectors of the economy, of which the Chinese business community has been playing in.
“Launching the UPI card facility in Zambia reiterates Barclays Bank Zambia’s commitment to continue adding value in communities the Bank operates in as part of its Bank’s Shared Growth Citizenship Agenda. We believe that when we share, we grow. And when we grow, we all prosper” Mr. Chibiya said.
Vice President Inonge Wina has revealed that Government will propose legislative and policy reforms to ensure political parties adopt legislated quotas and affirmative action for women in politics, reports Pan African Radio Journalist Hermit Hachilonde.
Speaking at a Non-Governmental Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) 19th elective General Assembly at Mika Convention Centre in Chongwe today themed: “Towards 2030, Forging Ahead with Women’s employment, Gender Equity and Equality” Ms. Wina said Government enacted the Gender Equity and Equality law to narrow gaps at various levels.
Ms. Wina believes in 2021 the number of female Parliamentarians, Councilors and Executive Mayors will increase.
She reiterated Government’s commitment in boosting women’s development programmes, affirming the reason the PF Government came up with the micro credit scheme to run for the next three consecutive years.
Ms. Wina noted that 25,000 women will benefit annually as Government has also a strategic plan to support 14,000 vulnerable girls in 16 Districts by providing requisites for learners’ re-entry policy.
She has since praised NGOCC for remaining true to the Governance ideals and displaying a spirit of continuous solidarity and empowerment with an effective advocacy for a society where women fully participated and benefited in the areas of social, cultural, economical and political development.
“we will propose legislative and policy reforms to ensure political parties adopt legislated quotas and affirmative action for women in politics” Ms. Wina said
And United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan said the UN will continue supporting local CSOs that promote gender balances to achieve economic, social and political rights.
“UN will continue support civil society organizations in Zambia to achieve economic, social and political rights” Ms. Rogan said
And NGOCC Chairperson Sara Longwe was elated that Government is in the process of implementing the Gender Equity and Equality Act.
“We are glad that Government is in the process of implementing the Gender Equity and Equality Act” Ms. Longwe said
Inspector General of Police Mr Kakoma Kanganja has directed all Provincial Police Commissioners to implement the directive by government on the reduction of permanent security and traffic check points.
He has since communicated to Police Commissioners to ensure that all police officers adhere to the Parliamentary pronouncement made by Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Stephen Kampyongo.
Mr Kanganja has warned of stern action against any officer who will be found operating outside the recognized security and traffic check points.
The Traffic section has been advised to complement the remaining checkpoints with increased motorised patrols to ensure that there is observance of laws and regulations.
He has also warned of stringent action against all officers who have a tendency of engaging themselves in corrupt activities during police operations and that his command has put in place mechanisms to detect and bring to book all those who would be found wanting.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Kampamba Mulenga
Newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Kampamba Mulenga has assured that the PF has no intention to muzzle the press.
And Ms Mulenga who is now the Chief Government Spokesperson has announced that she will from next week start her familiarisation tour of media houses across the country.
Addressing her inaugural media briefing at her office this afternoon, Ms Mulenga said the PF government fully supports the freedom of the press.
“I would like to send a message to you that the PF government has no intention to muzzle the press,” Ms Mulenga said.
“The PF will not deliberately generate policies that will degenerate freedom of the media, freedom of expression. The government believes in freedom of expression and the PF as a party came into power with the promise that it would restore press freedom, this is our core values,” Ms Mulenga said.
She also said that she was impressed with the technological advancement in the media industries such as social media and citizen journalism.
On the issue of arrest of four Radio Mano Journalists, Ms. Mulenga said the case is now before the police and she will allow the law enforcement agencies to finish their work.
She however reiterated that the PF will not attack any media house as long as the media houses operate within the law.
She further announced that in a bid to promote the dissemination of information, community radio stations should be encouraged to enter into MoUs with ZNBC to allow community stations rebroadcast the ZNBC news.
President Edgar Lungu says Least Developed Countries (LDC) are concerned with delayed funding towards technically cleared projects for climate adaptation under the climate finance programme.
President Lungu raised the concern when he made a key note statement on behalf of Least developed Countries group during the high level ministerial dialogue on climate finance under the theme ‘Approach to Mobilisation and Delivery of Adaptation Finance.’
He noted that climate change threatens the survival of millions of poor and vulnerable people in least developed countries.
“For the millions of poor and vulnerable people our countries represent, climate change threatens their very lives and livelihoods. Therefore adaptation to the impacts of climate change is a priority for our countries and must be a key component of the long term global response to climate change,” he said.
President Lungu said through adaptation, countries will be able to reverse the impact of climate change on the environment.
“Through adaptation efforts, the least developed countries will be able to restore the degraded ecosystems and increase our adaptive capacities, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change,” the President said.
He lamented that although developed countries are required under the Paris Convention to provide financial resources in meeting costs regarding climate adaptation, least developed countries such as Zambia are being left with little support leading to neglect of adaptation needs.
President Lungu said although LDCs have come up with National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) towards adaptation to the impacts of climate change, access to financial resources for the formulation and implementation of NAPs has been a challenge.
“We also face challenges in accrediting national entities for direct access to funding and this has created delays in accessing funds for preparatory support that is already available under the Green Climate Fund,” he said.
He said parties have to-date failed to agree on a quantified goal for adaptation finance to mobilise sufficient resources to scale up adaptation finance to levels needed.
President Lungu observed that there is low allocation of funding allocated to adaptation a development he said is a strain on LDCs and makes it difficult to attract private sector participation to support adaptation actions.
He said LDCs look forward to receiving new predictable, scaled up and sustainable resources for adaptation actions, pointing out that enhanced resilience to climate impacts will allow countries to transition to low greenhouse gas economies which will in turn reduce the need for adaptation finance in future.
Former Information Minister Chishemba Kambwili has called on the public to ignore “petty statements” circulating on some online media publications.
Mr Kambwili said he has not released any statement against the head of state nor addressed the corruption allegations.
His explained that anything being released by the Zambian Eagle, Mwebantu News Media or any other publication is false and a total fabrication.
“Please be informed that I have not released a single statement against the head of state, neither have I directly addressed corruption claims.
“Any communication from me will be done through my official Facebook page, anything else released on Zambian Eagle, Mwebantu News Media, ZNN or any other online publication is not authentic and it is total fabrication,” said Mr Kambwili on his Facebook page.
He reiterated his loyalty to the PF and his wish to maintain cordial relationship with the head of state.
“I have reiterated the fact that I remain a loyal member of the party and wish to maintain a cordial relationship with the head of state as well as General party structures. All I have said with regards to ACC is that they are welcome to investigate me because I believe I have nothing to hide,” he said.
There is widespread fiscal abuse in the government system leading to failure to implement planned projects and programmes, Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) secretary general
New Cabinet Ministers
has charged.
Mr Mukuka charged that government should maintain its presence in the oil procurement system in order to protect the poor who would not afford the high cost of petroleum products precipitated by profit-motivated oil companies.
Mr Mukuka was commenting on the 2017 National Budget presented in Parliament last Friday by Finance Minister Felix Mutati during a press briefing at the Congress House yesterday.
He said the fight against corruption in the budget was as a result of acknowledgement that was there widespread fiscal abuse in the government system leading to failure to implement planned projects and programmes. He said ZCTU appreciated that the National Budget had also prioritized the fight against corruption to avoid abuse of resources and improve efficiency in public service financial management.
“We are optimistic that resources saved by strengthening of laws and regulations aimed at improving transparency and accountability would help ease the fiscal deficits currently constraining efficient and effective delivery of quality public services,” Mr Mukuka said.
Meanwhile, Mr Mukuka said the non-taxable threshold increment from 3,000 to K3,300, and increase of K300 fell below the ZCTU proposal and expectation of a K4,500 non-taxable threshold.
He also urged government to undertake wider consultation before introducing any new legislation regarding pension reforms.
“ZCTU takes note that government will in 2017 present legislation that will allow new entrants into public pension schemes, revise the employer and employee contribution upwards, facilitate private sector management of pension funds and revise the benefit schemes to ensure longer-term protection for pensioners,” he said.
Mr Mukuka said also said government’s target to create 100, 000 jobs was attainable and urged the government to create beyond the targeted 100, 000 jobs if the current high levels of unemployment and poverty were to be significantly reduced.
On energy, Mr Mukuka said government should consider coming up with various mitigation measures to cushion the poor population from the effects of moving to cost reflective tariffs to attract private sector investment in the energy sector while maintaining the life line tariff to protect poorer households.
He said the decision implied a further increase in electricity tariffs and there commodity prices were expected to increase.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US $10-million equity investment in the Technology and Innovation in Developing Economies (TIDE) Fund I to boost production and growth in Africa.
TIDE Africa Fund I, a venture with a target size of US $100 million incorporated in Mauritius, has 10-year target life within a 5-year investment period. The fund will invest in companies that leverage on new technology to dramatically lower the cost of services ranging from agribusiness to financial services, energy, education and healthcare, expanding access to these services by households and enterprises. It will initially invest in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, followed by Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zambia.
Designed to generate a 16% net internal rate of return to its investors, the fund is coupled with a significant development outcome driven by its focus on businesses providing innovative and affordable solutions for the base of the pyramid population (low-income households); its potential to create quality jobs for youth and women; and its financial and technical support to innovative businesses.
The Fund Manager, TLcom Capital LLP, comprises a team of experienced professionals with a combined 80 years’ experience in the technology sector, a strong track record in performing successful exits including two companies operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a sizable pipeline of 600-plus companies with six companies ready for investments in the first year.
The Fund will support the development of an ecosystem facilitating growth of new technologies and new companies using proven technologies with the following development outcomes: promote the profitability of value-generating companies; stimulate job creation; and increase access and inclusion, including financial service by technologies and innovation. The Manager will also contribute to development outcomes by establishing the TIDE Foundation, a separate non-profit entity to support the development of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem through incubators. Furthermore, 1 % of the 20% of carried interest entitled to the General Partner is to be allocated to entrepreneurship education activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The investment is strongly aligned to the Bank’s Ten Year Strategy 2013-2022 and its High 5 priorities. It will: “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa”, with the funding going toward technologies that lower the cost of providing basics services such as health and education to the underserved; “Feed Africa”, through companies that provide critical farming information, such as weather, market pricing, and farming techniques to farmers; lowering the cost of agriculture inputs through farm-to-market technology platforms and leveraging technology for efficient input distribution; “Industrialize Africa” through digitization of services, industrial processes via the use of computing, internet and mobile technology that ultimately increase productivity; “Light up and power Africa”, with the funding going to companies active in the renewable energy sector mostly in renewables, and with innovative business models to produce, finance, and distribute solar energy solutions; and “Integrate Africa”, with the funding going to companies providing cross-border payment solutions and technology platforms that link countries and entrepreneurs.
Inspector General of Police Mr Kakoma Kanganja has directed all Provincial Police Commissioners to implement the directive by government on the reduction of permanent security and traffic check points.
Mr.Kanganja communicated to Police Commissioners to ensure that all police officers adhere to the Parliamentary pronouncement made by Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Stephen Kampyongo.
Mr Kanganja has warned of stern action against any officer who will be found operating outside the recognized security and traffic check points.
The Traffic section has been advised to complement the remaining checkpoints with increased motorised patrols to ensure that there is observance of laws and regulations.
He has also warned of stringent action against all officers who have a tendency of engaging themselves in corrupt activities during police operations and that his command has put in place mechanisms to detect and bring to book all those who would be found wanting.
We the Greens join other organizations condemning in strongest terms the use of colonial laws before, during and after 2016 General Elections, to arrest and prosecute media and some opposition leaders. We strongly believe time has come to review and scrap colonial laws, in particular offences under Sections 57 and 60 of the Penal Code. Enacted in colonial era in 1938, and amended in 1955, 1964, 1965, 1969, and 1994, which provide for offences that constitute seditious practices and seditious intention that are not in sync with the democratic dispensation post-1990.
The harassment and intimidation suffered by the Muvi TV journalist in Kasama, Prime TV in Lusaka, Radio Mano in Kasama and Chipata TV in Chipata, are just but a few cases over the years, where several people, especially journalists, have been arrested and prosecuted for offences under Sections 57 and 60.
The profound intention by journalists and politicians victimized under these provisions has clearly always been-
i) to show that the Government have been misled or mistaken in any of their measures; or
ii) to point out errors or defects in the Government or Constitution as by law established or in legislation or in the administration of justice, with a view to the reformation of such errors or defects; or
iii) to persuade the people of Zambia to attempt to procure by lawful means the alteration of any matter in Zambia as by law established; nonetheless, the harassment through arrests and prosecution has continued.
Nonetheless, these people have always found themselves behind bars. Whilst condemnation of the harassment is a noble cause, moving forward, the Green Party believes there is need to repeal repugnant provisions of Sections 60, and consequently Section 57, which are usually abused. We believe that repeal of these provisions is a more sustainable and urgent measure.
In this regard, first, we the Greens demand the repeal of Section 60(1)(b) which prohibits bringing into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the Government. This provision has been prone to abuse in the recent past. We strongly believe that if Dr. Kaunda abused this provision in 1990 and 1991, slogans such as “UNIP ni cholera”, “UNIP zwaa”, “Shemuneni” would have landed multitudes of citizens in prisons. Even slogans like “kuwayawaya fye” and “dununa something” can land someone in jail.
Second, we demand the repeal of Section 60(1)(d) which prohibits bringing into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Zambia. This provision is dictatorial and susceptible to abuse. Why should citizens be barred from complaining of bad court decisions? With a provision like this, even if a court decision is hopeless, any expression of resentment can land one in jail.
Third, we demand repeal of Section 60(1)(e) which prohibits raising discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia. Like Section 60(1)(b) above, because this provision can land one in jail on petty things like slogans, we believe it is repugnant and should therefore be done away with.
Fourth, we demand the repeal of Section 60(1)(h) which prohibits advocating the desirability of any part of Zambia becoming an independent state or otherwise seceding from the Republic. If the colonial masters relied on this provision, advocating for the disband of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland would have landed Mama Julia Chikamoneka and several other women in prison. The British who crafted this law for us obviously do not have such a provision on their statutes. If they did, how come the Scots are not in prison for advocating pull-out of the United Kingdom following the Brexit referendum success? Similarly, in a democracy, the Barotse people should be free to advocate for the restoration of the Barotse Agreement or indeed champion session without the risk of landing in jail. We need political solutions to address political issues and not using prisons gag dissenting views.
Last, we demand for the repeal of Section 60(1)(j) which prohibits inciting resistance, either active or passive, or disobedience to any law or its administration. Since 2009, civil society organizations have incited resistance to the inacceptable and shocking NGO Act. If it continues being on our statute roll, one day, when an obnoxious Inspector General takes over office, civil society groups advocating for resistance and disobedience to the NGO Act, and other objectionable laws, will find themselves in prisons for championing noble causes.
We call upon media institutions to join us in the campaign to repeal these obnoxious laws which have resulted in imprisonment of your colleagues. Remember, today it is your friend, tomorrow it is you……
President Edgar Lungu says Zambia will continue to cooperate with the American government despite the uncertainties that have emerged from the recently held elections.
Speaking in Morocco when United States Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs Linda Thomas called on him, President Lungu said Zambia and America share a lot of areas of common interest which need to continue.
“I want to assure that we will continue to cooperate with Washington as we have always done and share the friendship on values that we cherish like good governance, human rights and democracy,” he said.
President Lungu said he was happy to learn that the outcome of the USA elections will not result in any major policy shift because most African countries were anxious about the route that the Republications will take.
“Most of us in Africa who are not so conversant with the American electoral system were worried with the change of government and anxious to know where we stand in our bilateral relations and am glad to know that it will be business as usual,” he said.
And Ms Thomas-Greenfield said the election of Donald Trump will not have any major policy change towards Africa.
She stressed that America will continue to work with African countries in all areas of mutual concerns.
She said the practice in America has been such that new governments continue supporting programmes initiated by the losing party.
Ms Greenfield further pointed out that America appreciates Zambia’s role in peace keeping and that Zambian peace keepers have made significant contribution in maintain peace on the Continent.
She disclosed that Zambia will soon be asked to contribute more peace keepers in United Nations missions in Mali and south Sudan.
“I want to mention how much we appreciate Zambia’s engagement in peace keeping, your peace keepers still continue to make major contributions and we will probably be coming to beg you for more as we have security situations particularly in Mali, South Sudan,” she said.
Kavalamanja village in Luangwa has been cut off from the rest of the district after heavy rains washed away a bridge at Kalulu stream along the only road that connects the village up to Amoro area.
A check by Acting Luangwa District Commissioner Ngoni Moyo and Council Chairman, Austin Bota this morning revealed that the bridge at Kalulu stream along the Kavalamanja road has been washed away by heavy rains.
This has made it impossible for vehicles to cross to the other side of the river.
The heavy rains, which poured in the district last night, also damaged some portion of the Kavalamanja road making it difficult for vehicles to pass through.
Mr. Moyo and Mr. Bota expressed worry at the washing away of the bridge on the Kalulu stream as this was the only route that connects Kavalamanja village to the rest of the district.
The two district leaders said it will now be difficult to provide the disconnected area with medical and education materials and to transport patients from Kavalamanja clinic to the hospital at the Boma and Katondwe mission hospital.
Mr. Moyo has since appealed to the local authority to quickly intervene as his office was waiting for the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit ((DMMU) to address the problem.
Other areas that have been cut off following the heavy rains are Chilombwe primary school, the newly opened health post in Chilombwe and residents of Amoro village where some portions of the road that leads to these areas are flooded.
Villagers, teachers and the health personnel are now forced to use boats to cross the crocodile infested Zambezi river to travel to the Boma to seek other services which are not found in their areas.
Mulenshi Ward Councilor of Mansa Municipal Council Yotham Mwansa has described the 81.1 per cent poverty ranking for Luapula Province as worrisome because it has the potential of reaching 100 per cent.
Mr. Mwansa expressed his worry during the Civil Society Poverty Observation Group, in partnership with the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, and Consumer Unity and Trust Society public hearing meeting on social accountability at Chinuchi Lodge in Mansa.
He said Civil Society Organizations should start encouraging people to serious engage in productive strategies of reducing poverty at personal and household level as opposed to shifting the blame to institutions of government and local authorities.
The Civic leader said he is worried because the poverty figures for Luapula are ever on the increase and might reach 100 per cent if not checked through personal engagement in productive strategies that would improve individual economic welfare.
Mr. Mwansa said the culture of waiting for handouts from Government and other donor Institutions is not sustainable but individual engagement in productivity is the answer to reducing poverty levels in the province.
The Civic leader also expressed concern that many civil society organizations were not physically in the community but were just academic in their work without any tangible and positive impact in the community.
Mr. Mwansa invited all Civil Society Organizations and Non-governmental Organizations including Non-governmental individuals who were engaged in community programmes to visit him at Five Rose Guest House for serious and practical interaction on ways of reducing poverty in the province.
And Civil Society for Poverty Reduction Provincial Coordinator Hope Mwelaisha called for concerted efforts in the implementation of poverty reduction strategies in the province to maximize on the gains from all the sectors dealing with poverty reduction.
Ms. Mwelaisha said the worrisome poverty figures for the province can only be reversed when institutions, organizations and sector ministries dealing with poverty reduction strategies work together in changing the people’s mindsets towards work and productivity.
Finance Minister Felix Mutati interacting with Zambia Daily Mail Managing Director Nebat Mbewe.Minister of Finance Felix Mutati has said government will put forward a stable tax system that will enable mining companies to operate effectively.
Mr. Mutati said the mining sector will continue to take part in growing the Zambian economy.
He said government will implement a stable tax regime in the 2017 national budget that will stabilise the mining industry and create employment.
Mr. Mutati said further government will embark on explorations to continue expanding the mining sector.
He was speaking this morning at a 2017 budget analysis breakfast organised by KPMG in Kitwe.
He said government believes in forming respectable partnerships that will create common benefits for both parties and contribute to the growth of the economy.
The Finance Minister said despite the copper prices going up in the past, tax regimes remained static.
Mr. Mutati has since urged the mining firms to help government by investing more in the sector.
“Government will embark on explorations and will continue expanding opportunities for minerals because government is mindful that mining still remains key in the economy in contributing to the foreign exchange and job creation,’’ he said.
Mr. Mutati has meanwhile appealed to the investors to support local contractors and allow them to contribute to national development.
He noted that there was need for mining industries to build business trust and assist government to set a platform for 2017.
“We urge investors in the mining sector to give local contractors opportunities because they also have families to feed and children to take to school.
Government does not need to put legislation in business. Business must be built on mutual trust and confidence,’’ he said.
President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu signing the Constitution Bill during the Assenting of the Constitutional Bill Ceremony at Heroes Stadium yesterday 05-01-2016. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
By Isaac Mwanza
As I said before, I have never held a view that any country’s Constitution is cast in stone and not amenable to amendments. A good constitution evolves with time.
No Constitution in the world is perfect, not even the American Constitution. I know one America’s lawmaker will be pushing the Senate to amend provisions of America’s electoral college in favour of the popular vote. After hundreds of years, America may soon adopt either the First-past-the-post or the 50% + 1 which will make every vote count.
Where did we go or do we usually go wrong with the Constitution? If we truly want a Constitution that will last the test of time, we must honestly answer this question.
The first reason is that we have always allowed the Constitution reform to be driven by elites within our society and ordinary citizens are only viewed like a footnote. Secondly, we have this belief that lawyers are the only people who know what or how to write a Country’s Constitution just like it had been a tradition to have a lawyer as Minister of Justice.
Law becomes a preserve of lawyers and citizens who are expected to follow it are told, ignorance of the law is no defence.
Those in charge of training our citizens into becoming lawyers also have also devised a way of ensuring that not so many people become lawyers because services such as representing clients or taking up these noble tasks as re – writing the Constitution must be done by a few legal brains.
That is not to belittle the achievements done by learned friends. Your career is noble just like doctors, nurses, accountants, engineers, journalists, etc.
President Lungu has ably appointed Hon Given Lubinda, a non-lawyer, as Minister of Justice to lead this important Ministry and this must also be done if this country is to amend or come up with a new Constitution.
We need a combination of lawyers and very ordinary citizens to undertake this noble task. If we are re – writing the Constitution only for lawyers, then President Lungu must appoint all lawyers for this task. Again, he must remember that the Constitutional reform will never come to an end as the Constitution will be seen as document only for lawyers.
Some of u may not have seen this document (in the link), but to a large extent, what happened leading to the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment), Act No. 2 of 2016 appears to have been a well-guided path at a time when the constitution reform was almost dividing this country.
This document and roadmap was offered by a group of citizens to government, and if government had closely and religiously followed its advice and proposals, we would have largely avoided the mess we in today have with the Constitution. Maybe, the next Committee the President appoints must look at such submissions with an open mind.
I believe it’s time to involve citizens from all walks of life in re – writing our country’s Constitution using the simplest language to be understood and easily interpreted by all citizens, persons who are on trial in criminal cases and potential lawbreakers. Lawyers must provide guidance and elite-influence minimised. Let’s reopen this book and clean it up in the most sincere manner and devoid of selfish interest and greedy associated with this process.
The Constitution must not be written to serve the President or MPs but it must be a law the majority of our people can be proud of. I know President Lungu normally listen to advice and is not afraid of criticism. I have said before that the President ought to advice be surrounded by people who will only praise him but citizens who can tell the Emperor when he is naked.
Let us therefore take to Parliament amendments to fine-tune the Constitution or the whole new Constitution which is not made in the minister’s office or the boardroom at Ministry of Justice. The starting point is to have a well-represented Committee or Working Group of mostly citizens, few lawyers and draftspersons working without any secrecy on amendments or new Constitutional provisions. We also must never make the same mistakes again of writing the Constitution in a language which only the Court and lawyers can interpret.
Let us avoid living like Plato and Socrates are working for Zambia’s Ministry of Justice. The Constitution must be re – written in very plain language especially that we are a country that is not striving to have the normal lawyer-client ratio as we do with doctors.
The Author is a Governance Adviser at the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI)
