Today’s Scripture

“Be devoted to one another in love…”
(Romans 12:10, NIV)

Be a Dream Releaser

Think about the people God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. God brings people to you for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.”

Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “What can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?” Don’t make the mistake of going through life being ingrown.

Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else.

Remember, there is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best. It may have just been a two-minute phone call where you encouraged someone; but when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive, too!

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Show me ways to be a dream releaser and help others to rise up higher. Help me to use my influence to encourage others and honor You always in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Members of a faction calling for her impeachment were immediately suspended from the party following revelations that the FDD leader had started manoeuvres to amend the party constitution to pave way for her unconstitutional stay at the helm of the opposition party.

Subsequently, the FDD chairperson for legal and good governance, Happy Chongo, has questioned Ms Nawakwi’s motive in calling for a national policy committee meeting without informing him being the secretary of the committee.

In a statement obtained by the Daily Nation yesterday, Mr Chongo said the FDD constitution was founded on the premise of promoting democratic principles and the respect of the rule of law as well as the protection of human rights and freedoms, and as such, it should not be amended at the whims of individuals with the desire to remain in perpetual leadership.

He said the national policy meeting scheduled for today ? at which it is believed the FDD constitution would be amended and formalise the suspension of members against Ms Nawakwi’s attempts to have a third term ? was against the spirit of the party constitution. Mr Chongo said in as much as the FDD constitution provided for amendments, members that were opposed to such amendments should never be victimised for expressing their democratic rights and freedom of expression.

He explained that FDD members who were opposed to the amendment of the party constitution should not be seen as enemies of the party and be targeted for disciplinary action. He explained that the standing committee of the national policy committee comprised seven members to which according the FDD constitution, he as legal and governance chairperson should have been the one to issue a notice for today’s meeting.

The Brazil Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) has called for enhanced scientific corporation with African countries to achieve enhanced Agricultural productivity.

Speaking during the 4th Brazil Africa Forum, aimed at encouraging broad debate on opportunities of the Agricultural sector in Brazil and Africa, in Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil, Head of International Relations at EMBRAPA Mr. Mario Seixas said technical cooperation was key but not important in achieving increased productivity, hence the need to enhance scientific cooperation with the African countries.

He said EMBRAPA had operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa, with scientific connections forged with developed countries and others on technical cooperation, a situation he said must change.

Mr. Seixas said before 1970 Brazil was not a food secure country, but in 43 years the country had become one of the largest Agriculture producers in the world, by developing a science based Agriculture model aided by government commitment.

He said this had resulted in the creation of 70 Agricultural universities and 48 national agriculture research centers, with the acquisition of key Japanese technological know-how.

He said the institution has 9843 employees, 2415 scientists, and researchers with PHD/DSC 2182.

EMBRAPA is a state-owned research corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture, and has since its inception in 1973 devoted to developing technologies, knowledge and technical scientific information aimed at Brazilian Agriculture.

And Development Bank of Africa (AfDB) President Mr. Akinwumi Adesina said one of the Bank’s key priority areas is to support Agriculture so that the Continent could become a key global player, saying Africans should start looking at Agriculture as a business as opposed to a way of life.

He also said that Africa needed to develop its infrastructure and push for regional integration in order to move beyond the 15 percent intra-Continental trade.

AfDB Vice-President Kapil Kapoor said AfDB was focused on adding an additional 160 gigawatts to the electricity grid by 2025, which would require $60 billion every year, although the Continent was only providing half the amount, hence the need for the private sector participation.

Nigeria’s minister for Agriculture and Rural Development chief Audu Ogbeh said since the structural adjustment programme that was forced on most African countries in the 1980s, interest rates on the Continent had remained high, but that Nigeria was reforming the Bank of Agriculture in order to keep interest rates at five percent despite the criticism.
“In Kenya Parliament imposed a ceiling of below 14 percent interest rates, despite protests the Parliament is still there,” said chief Ogbeh.

This statement was released to the media by Patson Chilemba , the First Secretary (Press) at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia to Brazil

The Non Governmental Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has charged that the proposed amendments to the Republican Constitution has nothing to do with people’s interests but based on personal, narrow, and selfish interests of some the members from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Sarah Longwe said that she is concerned with PF proposed amendment of the Constitution barely a few months after the enactment of the amended constitution.

Ms Longwe noted that the motion moved by PF Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament (MP), Rodgers Mwewa in Parliament on Wednesday to amend the Constitution to remove popular clauses that were proposed for inclusion by the Zambians themselves, who are the owners of the document is unfortunate.

“As an organization and civil society in general, we believe that our position for rejecting the piecemeal amendment of the Constitution was precisely to avoid some of the flaws that are now being witnessed,” she said.

She reaffirmed the need for Zambia to embrace a wholesome people-driven process that would completely repeal and replace the current Constitution.

“We note with concern mischievous attempts by the ruling party to now want to remove the majoritarian clause, requiring a winning Presidential candidate to get 50 percent plus 1 vote, from the Constitution so that the country reverts to the First Past the Post system,” Ms Longwe bemoaned.

She said the act shows that there is no understanding and appreciation of the need for separation of duties between the main legislation arm and the local governance system that now excludes Members of Parliament from the local councils.

Ms Longwe observed that the attempts to bring back the position of Deputy Ministers with no reference to the proposed structure of provincial assemblies and proportional electoral system that were set aside during the last Parliament sitting is a concern.

“In a period when the country is faced with serious cash-flow challenges, it is difficult to imagine a government that wants to pay a blind eye to a matter requiring magnanimity in the wake of rising cost of goods and services,” she noted.

She explained that It is clear that the added value of Deputy Ministers is almost nil given some of the experiences shared during the last government as it is considered to be unnecessary cost and is unacceptable.

“NGOCC wishes to reiterate that the Constitution belongs to the Zambians and not one political party, therefore, Zambians must be at the centre stage of giving unto themselves a Constitution that embodies the fundamental human rights and as well as promotion of good governance,” Ms Longwe explained.

She urged Parliamentarians to desist from further proposing amendments to the Constitution and recommit to citizens aspirations by doing the rights thing.

Ms Longwe said the Constitution making process is about Zambia, therefore, it must be driven by the people.

High Court Judge Matthews Zulu upheld Mr Sialubalo’s election and dismissed Patriotic Front (PF) losing Sinazongwe candidate Richwell Siamunene’s petition on grounds that the petitioner failed to prove his allegations according to required standards.

Mr Justice Zulu ordered the two parties to meet their own costs and that Mr Siamunene was at liberty to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

He delivered a 70 paged judgement in the Livingstone High Court yesterday for about 44 minutes as scores of UPND supporters celebrated the ruling.

The Petitioner, Mr Siamunene, has asked the Livingstone High Court to nullify Mr Sialubalo’s election saying his election could not be deemed to be free and fair because of alleged widespread violence, intimidation, bribery and other electoral malpractices instigated by UPND supporters.

But Mr Justice Zulu, who read several legal provisions and cited judgements from various previous election petitions, said Mr Siamunene had failed to prove his allegations.

He said the Supreme Court had guided that allegations in electoral petitions should be proved to the highest degree.

Mr Justice Zulu said according to the new legal provisions guiding election petitions, the Petitioner must prove that the said allegations were committed by the Respondent or the issues raised happened to his knowledge or were perpetuated by his agents.

Mr Justice Zulu also said there was need for the Petitioner to prove that majority of his supporters were prevented from voting for the candidates of their choice and that the allegations must have occurred in Sinazongwe Constituency.

“In conclusion, I wish to state that the Petitioner failed to prove his allegations to the required standard and Mr Sialubalo was duly elected.

“In view of the issues raised, I order the two parties to bear their own costs and Mr Siamunene is free to appeal to the Constitution Court,” Mr Justice Zulu said.

Mr Sialubalo polled 34, 397 votes while Mr Siamunene got 6, 171 votes during the August 11, 2016 Parliament Elections in Sinazongwe Constituency.

Speaking in an interview after his election was upheld, Mr Sialubalo described the judgement as wonderful and thanked the people of Sinazongwe for supporting him.

“This is a wonderful judgement. I promise the people of Sinazongwe Constituency that I wont dump them.

“I will represent the people of Sinazongwe as UPND MP up to the time they want me to rest. I don’t have any vengeance on Mr Siamunene,”he said.

As we enter into Africa’s party season, Zimbabwe’s most prolific and talented club DJ – RayDizz has crafted an international dance floor anthem that is set to take over the summer. RayDizz’ electro-reggae fusion song Don’t Delay features Zambian Pop sensation and AmaRulah hit maker Roberto and Zimbabwean superstar Simba Tagz. The up-tempo song that melds Caribbean Steel Drum and Soca music elements with EDM synths and drops was produced by Jae Mac and Verseless under the direction of RayDizz.

“This song represents a fusion of some of my favourite sounds in music right now. Jae Mac sent me a beat that was very Dancehall and reggae. I loved but it was missing something. So I worked with Verseless who is one of Zimbabwe’s best producers to add some EDM elements to it and really make it pop. “

On how he managed to get the incredibly popular and successful duo of Roberto and Simba Tagz on the song RayDizz adds ; “I met Roberto last year when I was performing in Lusaka and I asked him to be a surprise guest during my set at the height of AmaRulah. When he came out to perform in Zimbabwe I was able to return the favour and we started working on this song with my close friend and collaborator Simba Tagz.”

Download Dont delay  HERE

BY KAPA187

ICT company champions youth empowerment by bridging digital divide

Vodafone Zambia has officially opened its latest retail outlet at the University of Zambia (UNZA) main campus along Great East Road in a move that will see university students easily access the company’s ultra-fast 4G-LTE internet and devices.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the store, Vodafone Zambia CEO Lars Stork said: “Fast and affordable internet access will be this generation’s greatest leveler. Access to the internet means access to information, and access to communication networks; access that will improve education, and career outcomes. That’s the rationale behind the opening of this store at the University of Zambia campus.”

Mr. Stork stated further that Vodafone Zambia believes it is playing a critical role in empowering young people by giving them access to the devices and the network that will enhance their academic ambitions, optimise their aspirations, and enable them to soar as they pursue their careers.

“Zambia’s young people are ambitious and hardworking. We have made it our mission to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to fully realise their potential,” he added.

The event was also graced by the university’s dean of students, Mr Lastone T. Zgambo, who emphasised how technology has become embedded in education and the need to provide learners with relevant and contemporary tools that allow them to successfully engage with their study material and prepare them for life after school.

“The digital age has transformed the way young people communicate, network, seek help, access information and learn. We must recognise that young people are now an online population and access is through a variety of means such as computers and mobile phones

“We therefore thank Vodafone Zambia for opening this store and providing the tools necessary for university students to thrive even as technology becomes more and more embedded in our culture,” said Mr Zgambo.

Vodafone entered the Zambian market on June 9, 2016 and young people have formed a core part of the telco’s strategy in Zambia. As proof of its commitment, it is empowering students through its graduate trainee programme that makes up 50 per cent of the company’s staff compliment; Brand Ambassador programme that has 250 students of which 60 are from the University of Zambia as well as the e-learning portal – JUMP, which continues to provide students with content that is relevant to their everyday life.

About Vodafone

Vodafone is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 58 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. As of 31 March 2016, Vodafone had 462 million mobile customers and 13.4 million fixed broadband customers. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com.

Finance Minister Felix Mutati has unveiled a K64.5 billion 2017 national budget with a focus on restoring fiscal prudence while maintaining a growth path.

And Government hopes to borrow close to K20 billion to finance the budget while around 42.94 billion will be through domestic revenues and K2.23 billion through grants from Cooperating Partners.

Meanwhile, Mr Mutati has Increase the exempt threshold for PAYE from K3, 000 to K3, 300 per month and has adjusted the income bands accordingly and increase the top marginal tax rate from 35 percent to 37.5 percent for those earning above K6,200.

Mr Mutati presented the budget under the theme Restoring Fiscal Fitness for Sustained Inclusive Growth and Development.

He has also announced increase in excise duty on air time from 15 percent to 17.5 percent.

On allocation, Mr Mutati has pushed the allocation for social protection by 85 percent, to K2.7 billion in order to cushion the vulnerable.

Of that amount, K552 million for the Social Cash Transfer Scheme and K1.7 billion for the payment of pension benefits under the Public Service Pension Fund.

And Mr Mutati has announced that Government will be reviewing the performance of many State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Zesco, Zamtel, Zambia National Building Society, Indeni, TAZAMA Pipeline, Zambia Railways and Zambia State Insurance Corporation in 2017.

Mr Mutati has also increased to 40 percent from 25 percent surtax on plastic carrier bags for shopping and 15 percent for both single and multiple yarn (acrylic yarn) from zero percent and 5 percent, respectively.

He said this will help stimulate local production and support Government’s efforts towards promoting local value addition and diversification.

He has also increased the specific excise duty rates on cigarettes to K240 per mille from K200 per mille and remove the ad valorem rate of 145 percent to induce a reduction in the consumption of cigarettes by increasing the price, in line with the recommendation of the World Health Organisation– Framework Convention for Tobacco Control.

The Download Link of the Full Budget Speech is below

The 2017 Full Budget Speech Download Link here