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Director Central Statistical Office Mr. John Kalumbi
Zambia’s annual rate of inflation for the month of September 2016, as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI) has dropped by 0.7 percent to 18.9 percent.
This is from the 19.6 percent recorded in the month of August.
Central Statistical Office (CSO) Director John Kalumbi explains that this means that on average, prices increased by 18.9 percent between September 2015 and September this year.
Mr. Kalumbi says the decrease in the annual rate of inflation this month is attributed to decreases in prices for both food and non-food items.
Speaking this morning at the monthly media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Kalumbi says the annual food inflation rate for September 2016 was recorded at 23.4 percent compared to 24.1 percent in August.
Mr. Kalumbi says this represents a decrease of 0.7 percentage points.
And Mr. Kalumbi has also disclosed that Zambia recorded a trade deficit in August 2016 valued at K708.7 Million from the K476.1 Million recorded in July.
He says this represents a 48.9 percent increase.
The Small Scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) has appealed to the private sector to scale up support for small scale farmers in the country.
SAFADA Director Boyd Moobwe said the poor agriculture performance in the country was largely due to less support to small scale farmers by the private sector.
Mr Moobwe said small scale farmers contribute over 80% to the country’s food basket hence the need to support their agricultural activities.
Mr. Moobwe said this during an Agricultural development and investment promotion sensitization meeting at Mpelekese in chief Chamuka area in Chisamba District yesterday.
Mr. Moobwe however commended government’s effort in reaching out to the small scale farmers through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and other subsidies.
He noted that the private sector should also join in the implementation of government’s support to farmers in order to achieve food security in the country.
Mr. Moobwe explained that SAFADA in collaboration with other stakeholders such as Export Trading Group have introduced a new agricultural approach to support small scale farmer’s development.
He said the objective is to introduce an Economic Partnership Agreement between the private sector and the small scale farmers.
Mr. Moobwe stated that SAFADA is providing farm inputs and equipment to support local farmers to address challenges small scale farmers face in the country in order to attain sustainable agricultural investment in the country.
Raphael NakacindaMMD National Secretary Rapheal Nakacinda has welcomed the announcement by fellow opposition party Forum for Democracy and Development FDD that it will hold a national convention in December this year.
And Mr Nakacinda says the hounding out of former UPND Vice President Dr Canisius Banda from the party was the last nail in the casket of the party’s image as a tribal cult.
Commenting on the announcement that FDD will hold a convention in December Mr Nakacinda said MMD welcomes parties that have drawn inspiration from the mother of democracy in holding conventions as regular as possible in a bid to practice intra party democracy.
“As MMD we welcome all political parties that have drawn inspiration from the mother of democracy in the need to practice intra party democracy by regularly holding conventions or elections for members to be accorded an opportunity to participate in the affaires of their respective political parties by way of aspiring to whatever positions without their Democratic right being stifled.
“We are happy to hear that FDD has called for a convention, we are happy that NAREP has indicated that they will hold a convention this year and we call upon other political parties to emulate their friends by ensuring that they give chance to their members to participate in the affaires of their respective Parties,” he said.
And Mr Nakacinda said the UPND have demonstrated in their conduct that their Party is turning in a political cult as seen from the treatment of Dr Banda who has been harassed for merely commenting on the need for them to have a convention.
He noted that UPND is turning into a political party that disadvantages others while promoting the interest of an individual’s interests.
“The UPND have demonstrated in their conduct of harassing Dr Canisius Banda for merely commenting on the need for the UPND to go for a convention. This development only goes to validate that the UPND is turning into a tribal cult that has interest of advance for those with the appetite to advance tribal politics in this country,” he said.
He explained that if UPND was a democratic political party then Dr Banda would have been a hero in the party as opposed to the ill treatment he has received from his President and Party.
He wondered how the party will do their postmortem of the just ended elections so as to know were they lost when they start chasing the very members who helped the Party.
He further called on UPND leaders to stop tarnishing Tongas, Lozis and other tribes where they enjoy massive support by pitting them against other tribes for their selfish gains.
Mr Nakacinda who is a Tonga himself, said without the contribution great men from these tribes the country would not have attained Independence nor the democracy which they are abusing by using innocent people through their affairs.
He said the only way for a person to become President in Zambia is through the polls and that instead of using tribe the UPND leader should convince Zambians that he is qualified to be in that office.
He said what makes a President in Zambia is the ballot and not the tribe which one may have come from.
LIVINGSTONE Town Clerk Vivian Chikoti has urged the public to desist
the habit of harassing public health practitioners during
inspections to control the illegal sale of liquor in undesignated
places.
Ms Chikoti said it was a challenge to deliver public health services
in Livingstone especially during inspections to control the illegal
sale of liquor in undesignated places as officers were usually
harassed.
She has appealed to residents to consider public health practitioners as
their partners in promoting the wellbeing of the community.
Ms Chikoti said in a speech read for her behalf by
Livingstone City Council director of planning Jamie Mukwato during the
World Environmental Health commemoration ceremony held under the theme
“Tobacco Control – A Response to the Global Tobacco Pandemic”.
“The delivery of environmental health services in our City has not
been without challenges.
“Our professionals have faced numerous challenges including harassment
by the public and lack of appropriate measuring instruments for some
health related hazards such as excessive sound,” she said.
Ms Chikoti also bemoaned the inertia by members of the community to
embrace hygienic practices.
She said the delivery of quality and adequate environmental health
services was a cost effective and efficient way to promote public
health in the City.
Ms Chikoti also urged on various premises in the City to display ‘No
Smoking Symbol’ as tobacco smoking was dangerous to health.
Speaking at the same meeting, acting Livingstone District Commissioner
Harriet Kawina said smoking and the use of tobacco was the primary cause
of preventable illness and deaths.
In a speech read for her by Livingstone District Agricultural
Coordinator Jackson Soko, Ms Kawina said six million people die
globally because of tobacco intake every year.
“My office will support any resolution by the council to enforce the
“No Public Smoking Law” and therefore I urge all premises to comply
with Statutory Instrument Number 39 and cooperate with law enforcement
agencies as they carry out their duties,” Ms Kawina said.
NGANDU Villagers of Chief Mukuni in Southern Province have appealed to
the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) and contractors working on various
projects in the area to recruit local people to reduce unemployment
levels in the area.
ZRA is planning to construct a dam for the 2, 400 Megawatts (MW)
Batoka Hydro-Electric Scheme (HES) at Batoka Gorge on the downstream
of Victoria Falls along Zambezi River while contractors are currently
upgrading an access road passing through Ngandu Village to the Gorge.
Ngandu Village Headman Peter Sitali said there is need for ZRA and
contractors working on various projects in the area to employ local
people especially youths to mitigate unemployment levels.
Mr Sitali disclosed in an interview today in Ngandu Village
where local people were compensated for allowing some of their maize
fields to be destroyed to pave way for the construction of an access
road to Batoka Gorge.
“The villagers here are happy with the current developments taking
place in the area especially that we now have a better road.
“We are looking forward to the area being electrified but most
importantly we want job creation for most youths who are not doing
anything,” Mr Sitali said.
He noted that people whose fields were affected during the construction of
the access roads were paid according to the damage caused on the
field.
Other residents of Ngandu village namely Reymond Siamapepe and Peter
Kamwanga also urged ZRA and the contractors in the area to ensure that
locals benefited from the projects through employment creation.
“The road and the power station have made us happy as they are meant
to develop the rural communities here. We had problems before but we are
happy now. We hope more jobs canbe given especially during the construction
of the dam,” they said.
Currently, preparatory works are progressing well on the planned
construction of the power plants at Batoka Gorge.
ZRA has been mandated by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe to
facilitate the implementation of the project, which was approved in
2012, in close consultations with ZESCO and Zimbabwe Power Company
(ZPC).
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, a delegation of ZRA Board members
and journalists from Zambia and Zimbabwe visited the sites for the
proposed power plants in the two countries.
ZRA Chief Executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa said preparatory works were
progressing well from the time the project was approved in 2012.
“We have done almost 98 per cent of updating engineering
feasibility studies while the final report of the Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment will be released by the end of November
2016
“In December 2016, we will have a Council of Ministers meeting where a
fully-fledged feasibility study and other reports will be presented and
discussed,” he said.
He was hopeful that funding for the project would be mobilised
before 2018 after which procurement and tendering processes would
start in readiness for the construction which is expected to be
concluded by 2024.
Zambia is experiencing the worst economic crisis since the 2008 global financial crisis. The strong economic growth trajectory the country has been experiencing has taken a nose dive and all macroeconomic fundamentals are in disarray.
Our productive capacity as a nation has been constrained by electricity supply deficit threatening hundreds of jobs of our people especially in the mines. While inflation and exchange rates have stabilized, they have remained high making it difficult for ordinary people to afford cost of living. Our revenues and expenditures as a nation are not in balance with the country recording all time high budget deficit of over 8% of GDP.
These are hard times and they call for radical measures. The new Minister of Finance has openly warned the nation that we have to make difficult decisions going ahead that call for tightening of our belts.
We want to remind the Minister of Finance and the Government at large that tightening our belts must not only be expected from ordinary people but government as well. Stringent measures must be put in place in order to increase revenue and cut down unnecessary expenditure. It is thus shocking that a government that is in the process of addressing its deficit and expenditure wants to create more Ministries.
The President’s creation of the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs at a time of economic hardship for example, important as religious issues may be, will unnecessarily stretch the already scarce resources of the Treasury which must be targeted at high growth sectors and reduction of poverty.
The formulation of this ministry comes at a time when Zambia is looking for a possible loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that must be used sustainably looking at the many expenditure saving conditions that are likely to be implemented along with it. JCTR views this ministry as an increase of expenditure that could be directed at economic sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing and therefore appeals to the President to reconsider the ministry whose duties could be performed by an already existing ministry and officers.
Further, no clear justification has been given for this Ministry especially taking into consideration that a ministry will need to have structures up to ward level. JCTR questions the mandate for this ministry as it may also duplicate the work done by church mother bodies such as ZEC, CCZ and EFZ. We urge IMF that one of the conditionalities for the loan that the Government wants to get should be non-creation of new Ministries and not removal of subsidies.
In line with this, the constitutional court ruling made for ministers to vacate office during the campaign process and refund state salaries and allowances over the period must be commended and acted upon by the Minister of Finance.
The court ruling made on this matter of public revenue must be a priority before the Minister of Finance presents the Budget for 2017 if his message of reversing economic woes is to be taken seriously. In ensuring we curb corruption, instill a sense on fiscal discipline and place our nation’s economy back to a growth trajectory, JCTR appeals to the Constitutional Court to make the necessary issuance of the ruling that includes the amounts owing for each Minister and a relevant date of repayment before they begin the parliamentary sessions.
JCTR also appeals to the President and the Treasury not to create a new ministry and prioritize funds directed to growing and diversifying the economy as well as putting in place targets for poverty reduction for the remaining 2016 fiscal year and 2017 budget. The Spiritual welfare of the nation is already taken care of, what people want are sustainable jobs, reduction of poverty and inequality which will not be addressed by creating a new Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Wedson Nyirenda has released all his Zesco United call-ups for Barclays Cup duty this weekend.
The eight players were released on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s quarterfinal clash against Konkola Blades at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Nyirenda also revealed that Zambia will not break camp and that he will cut his 24-member home-based players to half on Sunday when the nine foreign-based callups report for camp.
Zambia will train on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Meanwhile, Zambia played a training match on Thursday afternoon at Levy Stadium when beat Division 1 side Gomes FC.
Nkwazi striker Justin Shonga put Zambia ahead in the 24th minute.
The Zanaco duo of midfielder Roderick Kabwe and defender Ziyo Tembo found the target in the 41st and 44th minutes.
Power Dynamos striker Patson Daka scored the final goal in the 52nd minute.
HH and GBM in KitwePolice on the Copperbelt have summoned UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his deputy Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba for allegedly addressing an illegal meeting.
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga said the duo will appear before the police in Luanshya next Wednesday after having convened an illegal meeting in Mpongwe.
Hichilema and Mwamba have had a bad run on their Copperbelt trip having been turned away at Kamfinsa Prison where they were due to meet their members incarcerated in the post election period.
Among the detained are UPND Copperbelt chairperson Elisha Matambo who is facing a charge of armed robbery.
Initially Hichilema was due to appear before the police on Friday but his lawyers said he would only be available next Wednesday.
The Zambia Tax Platform notes that Zambia’s fiscal deficit has expanded from 5.5% of GDP to 8.1% of GDP in 2015 which has caused negative economic effects as seen from the double digit inflation and high interest rates. The need for fiscal consolidation is therefore, paramount. The Zambia Tax Platform further notes that government is already engaging the IMF and has requested for support. The platform would however, like to caution government that while the IMF support is an opportunity to allow for economic recovery government needs to design and negotiate a reform package that will bring positive economic growth in an attempt to achieve macroeconomic stability. ZTP calls on government to immediately institute measures to address the fiscal deficit and some of the measures that can be instituted are as follows:
Revenue Generating Measures:
There is potential to increase local revenue streams that need to be unlocked in the country. Austerity measures tend to focus on regressive taxes for example, consumption taxes such as an upward adjustment of Value Added Tax (VAT) as opposed to progressive taxes. These progressive taxes include taxes on property, luxury goods and corporate income. More effort can be applied to tackle tax avoidance and illicit financial flows which could increase our revenue base. We are therefore urging government to negotiate tax reforms that respond to reducing harmful tax incentives, renegotiating harmful, restrictive tax treaties and minimizing Private Public Partnership programs that maximize the potential for fiscal risks. This is the time to address the corporate tax gaps estimated at $2billion annually to lessen increasing the tax burden on the poor.
Expenditure Cuts:
The highly inflated public wage bill needs to be strategically cut or capped as the government currently has high employment costs of about K1 billion. Zambia can also cut its spending on energy by increasing private investments in the sector and thus increasing tariffs. This can save Zambia up to an estimated $26million a month according to the World Bank putting less pressure on the budget.
In the face of austerity measures the Zambia tax platform recommends creation of fiscal space for public spending to keep our domestic economy running. Expenditure cuts need to happen in a way that will still allow for GDP growth which will consequently, also help reduce the budget deficit. Expenditure cuts should not dramatically shrink domestic demand so as to facilitate continued productivity in the economy. Subsidies meant for consumption should be scrapped off and subsidies meant for production should be maintained.
Therefore, there is need to prioritize protecting fuel subsidies as this will avoid drastic inflationary pressure which would reduce disposable incomes and consequently consumption in the economy contributing to high poverty. This would additionally make us less attractive for investments. Subsidy cuts in other sectors such as the Agriculture sector needs to be well thought through and implementation spread over a reasonable period of time to minimize the negative social impacts of removing subsidies.
ZTP recommends maintaining the use of E voucher which has proven to be effective. Social protection measures need to be considered and to be enhanced but in the face of austerity we would recommend cutting off the Social Cash Transfer programme as it only benefits 10% of the population compared to the 48% living in poverty. Lastly, in terms of expenditure we wish to state that education is a key driver for poverty reduction and economic development and therefore spending should be prioritized in this sector. Government needs to be cautionary when cutting expenditure as it can lead to not only increased poverty but also lower GDP growth and consequently failure to reducing the debt to GDP ratio.
ZTP reiterates calls to cut unnecessary expenditure related to travel, creation of new ministries or districts until such a time when current fiscal challenges are resolved. Finally, ZTP calls on government to openly and honestly engage citizens as these measures will have an impact on all citizens who need to be made aware and to be prepared for any negative impacts of these measures. ZTP also appeals to the Government to ensure involvement of all stakeholders in the formulation process of the IMF programme including civil society, Parliament and the private sector.
Some teachers in Mongu district of Western Province are allegedly abandoning government teachers’ houses for them to be eligible to receive housing allowance.
A check by the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) at Kande Primary School found five teachers’ houses deserted son that the teachers, who once occupied these houses, can start receiving housing allowance.
The only house which is occupied is for the head teacher. A reliable source, who sought anonymity for fear of victimization, told ZANIS that the teachers were renting houses in Mongu urban area leaving government teachers’ houses unoccupied.
The source further explained that the teachers were boarding mini-buses from Mongu to their designated school and back home every working day.
And Mongu District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Mulonda Sendoi said he was aware of this development but quickly blamed the community for failing to report such matters to his office.
Mr. Sendoi noted that the trend was common in many schools especially those that were located in Mongu pre-urban areas.
He however lamented that he was facing harassment from the members of the public whenever he attempted to take strong action against erring teachers.
He has since advised teachers to reoccupy their government teachers’ houses at their respective schools before disciplinary action is taken against them.
President Edgar Lungu has appointed and sworn-in nine more Cabinet Ministers bringing the total of those so far appointed to 25.
Those sworn in as Cabinet Ministers are:
(1) Hon. Given Lubinda, MP MINISTER OF JUSTICE;
(2) Hon. Michael Zondani,Katambo MP MINISTER OF LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES;
(3) Hon. Chishimba Kambwili, MP MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES;
(4) Hon. Christopher Bwalya Yaluma, MP MINISTER OF MINES AND MINERALS EVELOPMENT;
(5) Hon. David Mabumba, MP MINISTER OF ENERGY;
(6) Hon. Charles Romel Banda, MP MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ARTS;
(7) Hon. Emerine Kabanshi, MP MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE
(8) Hon. Ronald Kaoma Chitotela, MP – MINISTER OF WORKS AND SUPPLY;
(9) Hon. Brian Mushimba, MP- MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT;
The President has also sworn- in Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet-Finance and Economic Development Christopher Mphanza Mvunga, Deputy Army Commander, Maj. General Jackson Miti and High Commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania Benson Keith Chali.
Speaking at the Swearing in ceremony at State House today, President Lungu says he expects total loyalty and support from the Ministers for effective service delivery.
The President says he expects the Ministers to be at their best behaviour, hard working and focused on the implementation of Government policies and delivering without fail, because that is what the Zambian people are expecting.
The President warned that he will not hesistate to fire disloyal and under-performing Ministers.
President Lungu underscored that appointment of Ministers is his preserve and prerogative and that it is wrong to think that these appointments are being made at the expense of PF members who had supported, sacrificed and campaigned for his re-election.
The President says he was not making appointments to appease anyone, but he was merely looking for the best who could deliver and this was in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The President says he was aware of misguided concerns in the party that he was ignoring those who had served long in the party and were faithful, adding that these appointments were not about appeasements and rewarding followers but selecting the best to deliver.
“Ministerial positions are not about appeasing. Appointment of Ministers is a preserve and prerogative of the President. It’s not about appeasing each other. It’s about getting the best to deliver,” The President said.
“For those of you who supported me, your time will come,” The President added.
The President also says he will rally behind Vice-President Inonge Wina to remain in office because of her handy contribution, despite some sentiments that the ruling party did not get massive votes from Western Province where she hails from.
President Lungu called for the need to encourage more women to vie for political office. The President expressed the low number of women representatives in Parliament, saying that both the PF and the opposition were affected.
Given Lubinda Minister of Justice Chats with President Edgar LunguChishimba Kambwili
Christopher Bwalya Yaluma minister of Mines and Minerals DevelpomentMr Brian Mushimba Minister of Commuincation and TransportPresident Edgar Lungu Talks to Major General Jackson Phiri Zambia army deputy Commander after the Swearing in Ceremony at State houseGiven Lubinda Minister of JusticePresident Edgar Lungu Talks to Major General Jackson Phiri Zambia army deputy Commander after the Swearing in Ceremony at State house
2017 schedule will see passengers no longer needing to connect at Lusaka
Proflight Zambia has announced a new direct route between Mfuwe and Lower Zambezi for its 2017 timetable.
The plan was unveiled as part of Proflight Zambia’s bid to make travelling more convenient as well as strengthening and promoting freedom of movement to Zambia’s top tourist destinations. Passengers will no longer have to worry about passing through the capital ,Lusaka, as the proposals will enable them to fly directly from Mfuwe to both Royal and Jeki in the Lower Zambezi.
Proflight Zambia director of government industry affairs, Captain Philip Lemba said that the airline will begin operating the direct flights between Mfuwe and the Lower Zambezi’s Royal and Jeki airstrips from June 16 and continue throughout the peak tourism season until October 31, 2017.
“A direct service on this route has been requested for several years, and now we as a Zambian airline are delighted to be in a position to make this happen,” he said. “We have been in touch with Zambian tourism operators in both Mfuwe and Lower Zambezi about our proposals and we believe the revised schedule will be well received by all our customers.”
The introduction of the new service will mean some modifications to the Lower Zambezi timetable already in place for 2016. The morning Lusaka – Lower Zambezi flight and the evening Lower Zambezi – Lusaka return flight will be adjusted to enable direct connections to the Emirates flight from Lusaka.
Fares and taxes on the proposed direct Mfuwe to Lower Zambezi service will remain the same as the present tariff on the Mfuwe-to-Lower Zambezi route via Lusaka. This will allow for easy ticket changes should a passenger’s flight date change, or the direct flight be sold out or if a later flight via Lusaka is preferred.
“We do appreciate that the change to the schedule will inconvenience some passengers with existing bookings; however, the numbers are small, and we believe the positives of the new route far outweigh the loss of some connections through Lusaka for Lower Zambezi. We will contact agents individually for all affected bookings. We thank our customers in advance for their understanding,” said Capt. Lemba.
Special group fares are available for groups of ten passengers or more travelling together, applicable on either the direct or via-Lusaka Mfuwe-to-Lower Zambezi seats.
Flights on the Lusaka-to-Lower Zambezi and Lower Zambezi-to–Mfuwe routes will be offered throughout the whole year.
Proflight Zambia expects that the addition of these direct services will make travelling in Zambia more convenient for its valued customers.
A view over the Lower Zambezi from a Proflight plane.
Finance Minister Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of National Development Planning Hon. Lucky Mulusa, and Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe with Zambi
Beverage company sponsors Chamber of Commerce forum
Zambian Breweries has praised the new government for its dialogue and willingness to engage with business in order to grow the economy and improve livelihoods.
Speaking during a landmark government and private sector consultative forum facilitated by the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), and was sponsored by the company, Corporate Affairs Director Ezekiel Sekele said: “Zambian Breweries is delighted to partner with ZACCI. Our purpose at Zambian Breweries is to grow livelihoods. We believe this can only be done through partnership – public-private partnership. We all have one common constituency to serve and that is to positively change the lives of our people in society.”
The event was attended by Finance Minister Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe and Minister of National Development Planning Hon. Lucky Mulusa, along with leading business people.
Finance Minister Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of National Development Planning Hon. Lucky Mulusa, and Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe listen to
Mr Sekele told the ministers that Zambian Breweries had seen a 15 percent increase in revenue since the reduction of excise tax on clear beer from 60 percent to 40 percent at the beginning of the year, resulting in additional VAT being paid to the government and further investment in the business.
“At Zambian Breweries we want to continue being in business for the foreseeable future and hence sustainability is key. We urge government to continue to create a stable tax environment,” he added as he outlined the group’s commitment to supporting Zambian agriculture through the purchase of maize, sorghum, cassava and barley and , particularly, growing livelihoods of small scale farmers,” said Mr Sekele in his closing remarks.
He also mentioned the company’s work on water sustainability and its Manja Pamodzi clean-up campaign on packaging waste.
During the meeting Mr Mutati reiterated the government’s desire to work together with the private sector and engage with them on the national Budget and challenges faced by business.
Meanwhile Mrs Mwanakatwe pledged that the government would meet with the private sector on a regular basis in order to foster dialogue and address challenges in order to be a “listening government” that was “determined to get the economy on an even keel”.
Finance Minister Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of National Development Planning Hon. Lucky Mulusa, and Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe with Zambi
President Edgar Lungu flanked by Vice President Inonge receive latter of Oath from Newly appointed Minister of General Education Dennis Wachinga taking Oath before and during swearing in ceremony at State House
The Young African Leaders Initiative says it supports the creation of new Ministries if the gesture is meant to improve service delivery to the people.
YALI executive director Andrew Ntewewe explained that since the amended Constitution has abolished the positions of Deputy Ministers, the creation of new Ministries as the President can now only a point up to 30 Cabinet Ministers.
He said his organization sees nothing wrong in creating new Ministries if the move will enhance efficiency and professionalism in the public sector.
He said what the people in the country will be looking for is service delivery in an expeditious manner so as to improve their lives.
“First of all government has a responsibility to find means and ways of reducing excess recurrent expenditure. No doubt with the coming in of the IMF package the government will have to tighten it’s policies and ensure fiscal discipline. The fact that the current situation where recurrent expenditure levels are too high can’t be denied as it gobbles more than 55% of our annual budget.
“However, the YALI wishes to underscore the fact that to reduce poverty and enhance national development it is crucial that public service delivery has to improve. So if the President is increasing the number of ministries to improve efficiency and professionalism in our public service then he has to be commended.
“Ultimately what the Zambian people will be looking for is to have government services provided in an expeditious manner. Note must be taken also that to make certain ministries efficient some of the activities of the ministries have to be realigned, hence it may be prudent to increase the number of ministries.
“We support this decision to increase the number of Ministries on an understanding that the position of deputy Ministers has been abolished and that President can only appoint up to 30 Cabinet Ministers. We recognise that there has a been a significant reduction in the outlay of financial resources to government Ministers especially with the abolishment of the deputy ministerial position by close to 50%. We are alive to the fact the last session of government business had a combined total of 78 Cabinet and Deputy Ministers,” he said.
He also said those in positions of responsibility should ensure that they put the interest of Zambians first.
He added that his organization recommends an effective implementation of the ministerial code of conduct as it is critical for the promotion of accountability and transparent use of public resources.
“Those entrusted with these positions of responsibility, must ensure they represent the interests of the people of Zambia. We call on the President to sound another warning against corruption. In this regard we call the effective implementation of the government appraisal system and that it should be extended to ministers so that those that do not perform are quickly replaced. We also recommend the effective implementation of the ministerial code of conduct. This is a critical for promoting accountability and transparency in the utilisation of public resources,” he said.
President Edgar Lungu receives an affidavit of Oath from Hon Emirene Kabanshi, Minister of Minister of Community Development and Social Services during the Swearing -In-Ceremony at State House on 29th September, 2016. (Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza)
The Zambia National Women’s Lobby has hailed President Edgar Lungu for observing gender parity in his appointment of Cabinet Ministers so far.
Lobby Executive Director Juliet Chibuta in a statement issued to the media observed that seven women have been appointed out of the 16 cabinet ministers that the President has appointed.
Ms Chibuta said the development is a step in the right direction towards the attainment of gender equality in top leadership positions in the country.
She called on President Lungu to continue on this path even as he appoints the remaining 14 cabinet Ministers as provided for in the constitution.
She said the inclusion of women in all leadership positions will have a positive impact on the setting of priorities for national development.
Mrs. Chibuta also said the appointment of many female Cabinet Ministers and the increase in the number of women elected at local government and parliament level in the just ended election will improve Zambia’s ranking with regards to representation of women in political decision making positions.
She has since congratulated all the women who have been appointed as cabinet ministers and has urged them to utilize the opportunity to advance gender equality by facilitating gender equity in their respective ministries.
