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Patriotic Front Media Committee Chairperson Frank BwalyaThe ruling Patriotic Front has charged that UPND members are living in a fool’s paradise to expect the International Criminal Court (ICC) to overturn President Edgar Lungu’s re-election.
PF Deputy Spokesperson Frank Bwalya says the move by the UPND to take its presidential election petition case to the International Criminal Court will yield nothing.
In an interview with QTV News, Mr. Bwalya has wondered how President Lungu’s re-election can be overturned by a Court that has no competence.
Mr. Bwalya says the PF is in fact not aware of any Court outside Zambia that can hear an election petition which the opposition UPND is seeking.
He states that the move is only an attempt by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to calms his party members.
The Announcement by Finance Minister, Mr. Felix Mutati that the IMF team will be coming at the end of October, 2016 may raise expectations in some quarters especially for those who think that the loan from the IMF is a panacea to the financial challenges that the Zambian government is facing.
IMF loans unlike Eurobonds are not easy and quick to arrange. There are procedures and conditions to be met before funds are disbursed. Zambia has not yet even formally engaged the IMF in negotiations as all issues were kept on hold due to the August 11, 2016 elections.
The IMF and the government have to agree formally on a program of policies aimed at achieving specific, quantified goals in support of the overall objectives of the authorities’ economic program and when both agree to a loan, the government will outline the details of its economic program in a “letter of intent” to the Managing Director of the IMF agreeing with the IMF conditions.
According to the IMF guidelines on conditionality, disbursements are only done on meeting certain conditions.
“Most IMF financing features disbursements made in installments that are linked to demonstrable policy actions. This aims to ensure progress in program implementation and to reduce risks to the IMF’s resources. Program reviews provide a framework for the IMF’s Executive Board to assess periodically whether the IMF-supported program is on track and whether modifications are necessary for achieving the program’s objectives. Disbursements under an IMF-supported program can take place only upon its approval, or completion of reviews, by the IMF’s Executive Board,” the Guidelines states.
The IMF has four broad categories of conditions: Prior actions, quantitative criteria, indicative targets and structural bench marks. Prior actions are measures that a country agrees to take before the IMF’s Executive Board approves financing.
Zambia will not receive a dollar from the IMF until it fulfills the Prior actions of the IMF which in our case are likely to include the following:
Implementing full cost recovery on fuel and electricity by removing subsidies
Implementing measures to reduce fiscal deficit
Limiting public debt accumulation
Ceiling on contracting external debt
Ceiling on public sector wages and salaries and cleaning up public sector payroll
Measures to fight corruption
Removal or reform of agriculture subsidies
The implication is that Zambians will start feeling the effects of the austerity measures before the government receives a single dollar from the IMF. On the basis of the experiences of other countries, the IMF and Government may agree on prior actions to be implemented in their October meeting which will be reviewed after three months say in February, 2017 and thereafter a formal agreement may be entered into after approval by the IMF Board. The first installment of the IMF loan should be expected in March, 2017 or April, 2017.
Ghana received $114.8million installment of the approved US$918million which was 12.5% of the total facility whereas Kenya received 78% or $535million of its $688million facility. This discrepancy is difficult to explain.
There are those who believe that a country’s relationship with United States does influence how it is treated by the IMF as the old adage goes, “He who pays the piper, calls the tune.” The USA is the largest shareholders of the IMF with 16.5% voting rights and with veto power.
In theory, the IMF is independent and does not involve itself in politics as that is violating its Articles of Agreement that prevent it from considering non-economic factors. The IMF argues “ Loans are made strictly on the basis of the monetarist ‘Financial Programming’ model and a ‘Doctrine of Economic Neutrality’ that is blind to such factors as international politics and the nature of developing country regimes.”
However, this denies the interconnected realities of global economic and political policies – everything is closely interconnected and IMF programs do not operate in a vacuum. The IMF statement does not also explain how certain countries receive preferential treatment. It will be naïve for anyone to believe that politics do not play a role in IMF loan approvals and disbursements.
According to James Vreeland he argued that …”the Managing Director has been reported to rarely act against the will of the US since the US has veto power over his or her appointment and reappointment.”
In his research and analysis, Storm Thacker’s, concluded that “political friends of the US are more likely to receive loans than are its enemies… the more closely a country aligns with the US, the higher the probability it will receive a loan from the IMF.”
It is clear from the above and past experience that it is not smart politics to appear to take on the US or UK and appear to be Mr. tough and independent guy like Mugabe and KK found out to their countries economic detriment.
There is no doubt that for countries in economic crisis like Zambia, IMF loans provide only a small portion of the resources needed to finance the balance of payments. But an IMF program can help unlock other financing because the program can serve as a signal that the country has adopted sound policies, reinforcing policy credibility and increasing investors’ confidence. It is in this respect that concluding an agreement by the government with the IMF is very important even if the disbursements are slow and will just trickle in subject to meeting the IMF conditionality.
One of the major sources of funds that the IMF program can unlock is bilateral funding with the Western donor community. It is not a secret that bilateral aid comes with conditions that are tantamount to interference in the internal politics of the country but a beggar is not a chooser. Zambia should expect this even on current aid.
Zambia is expected to return to increased dependency on bilateral aid for budget and balance of payments support. The Government is warned that Donor aid is likely to come with tougher conditions on good governance, rule of law, press freedom, accountability and other democratic practices set by the international donor community and we better be ready.
It is hoped that Zambian authorities will take correct measures immediately to avoid the repeat of 1996 and 1997 when there was a fall out between the Chiluba regime and Donors due to good governance issues resulting in the cutting of Aid to Zambia. Good leaders are those who anticipate events and take corrective measures rather than wait until an event comes and merely react to it, when it is late. Forecasting and anticipating is part of risk management and is an imperative in a knowledge based society of the 21st century. There is no time for posturing.
UPND President Hakainde HichilemaSuspended UPND Vice President for Politics Dr Canisius Banda has castigated Party leader Hakainde Hichilema for circulating his suspension letter before he received it.
And Dr Banda says Mr Hichilema was an ungrateful man who has chosen to punish a man who has been cheering him on.
Dr Banda who has been charged with gross misconduct by President Hichilema, said it was unethical for Mr Hichilema to circulate the letter before giving it to him.
“It’s unethical, how can they do that without giving me first, you know that’s unethical! You first give to the recipient before you circulate it widely,” he said.
And Dr Banda said instead of punishing him the UPND leader should have written a note of gratitude and commendation.
“I was expecting a letter yes but a letter of gratitude and commendation, that Dr Banda with you in our political Party the fortunes of the UPND have improved, that you have been such an exemplary player, you have campaigned passionately for Hichilema and the Party and we are giving you a note of gratitude and we commend your attitude and we would like other citizens to emulate you,” he said.
He added “Yes am disappointed, I mean how can a letter like that be riches to me. I mean I am Vice President for politics in the UPND, if you go to the PF you won’t find records that I am a member there, you go to FDD I am not a member there, if you go to UNIP am not a member there, I am a member of the UPND, am Vice President there and I have executed my duties very well so that letter is not only going to shock you but will shock all the citizens in the country and the origins and the spirit behind it will remain elusive and mysterious.”
Asked on his his relationship with his President Dr Banda said he has performed his duties diligently and that, that is how they relate.
He said he has advised Mr Hichilema on a number of issues including on “wolves like Miles Sampa” but that he has chosen to slap him as opposed to saying thank you for improving the Party’s fortunes.
“I relate with him as President, he has specific duties and functions and I have mine and that is how we relate, when he delegates tasks to me I perform them and I have been with him this way, that way, I have attended meetings with him,I have attended meetings with international organizations with him and I have advised him one on one personally even…I want you to quote me on this even wolves like Miles Sampa I warned Hichilema about Miles one on one because I love the man that’s why I attached myself to him and the UPND because I want to promote him and help him become President and now today you see what he has done, he has slapped the very man who has been cheering him on. That is amazing and I don’t understand it you see am laughing here,” he said.
He also said as a leader Mr Hichilema should have taken time to chat with him before writing a letter of suspension.
“Mr Hichilema could have come home to have a chat with me, I mean he is a leader, we could have discussed this matter,” he said.
He also said the letter by Mr Hichilema vindicates people who have been telling him to leave the party.
“It puts me in very good standing with the citizens because the citizens will be asking but this person is he not the person who sang praises for Hichilema now have you seen what has happened, we told this person that you are stupid! Have you seen the people you are with now. You see, instead of saying thank you they are writing letters like this to you. So people will be shocked as to the origins and contents of the letter,” he said.
Zambian-Scottish singer and songwriter, Namvula ( which means ‘mother of rain) , has been described as a “ true Original” by the Guardian . She is also a photographer, workshop facilitator, and Co-Founding Director of Film Africa, London’s largest celebration of African cinema and culture. Moved by life – by its beauty and ugliness, its creativity, its tenderness and cruelty, and the power of the stories that it holds, both simple and complex, Namvula sees music and photography as mirrors to what she sees.
She was born in Zambia to a Zambian mother and Scottish Father and has lived in Scotland ,Switzerland, USA and Kenya before settling in the UK. The mixture of cultural experiences can be felt throughout her music, which includes song in Lenje , English , French and Portuguese .
Her debut album “Shiwezwa”( which is named after the village her great-great grandmother came from) was released in November 2014 to critical acclaim, and was selected as one of the top 100 albums of 2014 by The Sunday Times. She has been named as one of the 13 voices for the future of African music by Rede Angola alongside artists including Fatoumata Diawara , Jupiter & Okwess international and Sidiki Diabate .
photo by Nitesh Mistry
The album release was followed by numerous radio and TV appearances, including the BBC’s Focus on Africa, Jazz FM , BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour , BBC Radio 3’s World on 3 and ZNBC TV and radio , as well as airplay on various stations including late junction and world routes .
Namvula travels as a four to six piece band comprising vocals, percussion, guitar, bass, saxophone and drums . The band is based in London, England.
Fusing the folk and urban traditions of her Zambian homeland and her Scottish roots with London’s eclectic music scene, Namvula blends African sounds and rhythms with Latin, jazz and folk into uplifting and emotive songs. Crossing boundaries with a refreshing honesty and evocative lyricism, Namvula’s music transports listeners into different worlds, whilst staying firmly rooted in African soil.
One of the few Zambian artists performing in Europe, Namvula has collaborated and shared the stage with artists including legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, multi-award winning Zambian singer Maureen Lilanda, and sitarist Anoushka Shankar. She is working with some of the UK’s most respected African, jazz and folk musicians, including Mercury-nominated Led Bib bassist and producer Liran Donin and saxophonist Chris Williams, percussionist Mamadou Sarr (Baaba Maal), and guitarist Jack Ross (Cerys Matthews, Lucy Ward).
Namvula is also a creative music-making and choral workshop facilitator for groups of all ages, believing in the power of music to uplift and engage. She is fully CRB-certified.
Photo by Mojo Music
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Every story and experience is complex and individual, but, ultimately, it is human. As such, she has worked largely as an independent issues-based photographer; her work has been published in magazines and on websites including The Africa Report, Songlines magazine, Le Monde (AP), the New York Times (AP), theWashington Post online (AP) and the BBC. Work for development and publicity campaigns includes the UN-IPC Humanizing Development global photography campaign (with 2010 global tour), the International Rescue Committee, and Student Partnership Worldwide. She has also photographed for theatre shows, musicians and touring companies. Now and then, she also holds solo exhibition.
TOUR:
Namvula is next month expected to undertake a tour of Southern Africa which will see her perform in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. she will perform in Zimbabwe at Tristan’s, Harare (October 13), Alliance Francaise, Harare (October 24), in Zambia at The Other Side, Lusaka (October 21) before heading to Namibia for shows at FNCC, Windhoek (October 28) and La Brocante, Windhoek (October 29). “I am super stoked that we’re hitting southern Africa (and, I have to admit, slightly nervous…home turf and all of that!). I’ll be performing five shows in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, made possible by the generosity of the Swiss Council arm in SA Pro Helvetia,” she writes on her website. “I feel especially fortunate to be able to collaborate with musician friends from Zambia and Zimbabwe on this particular tour, including Jacob Mafuleni – the percussionist/mbira player for the late Chiwoniso, and one of my favourite guitarists of all time, Zambian legend Sir Jones.”
“Stay in touch via Facebook and Instagram while we’re on the road, I’ll be posting pics and videos of our many adventures and (hopefully fewer!) mis-adventures… As a lover of movement across borders and conversations of all kinds, this programme that I’m curating for Modzi Arts (a new art space in Lusaka) seems natural,” she says.
‘Afro Luso will bring together artistes from across disciplines and southern African borders, to share and celebrate the commonality and diversity of creative expression. Follow Afro Luso and Modzi Arts on Instagram or Facebook.
Suspended United party for National Development Vice President for Politics Dr Canisius Banda has said that he will respond to the letter of suspension issued by the party President Hakainde Hichilema when he receives it.
Speaking to ZNBC TV2, Dr Banda said that there was no evidence of him belonging to any Party and that he has not met any single PF official and neither has he been offered a job by PF
“I am vice president of UPND, no evidence of belonging to any party,no single PF have met, or offered me a job, or offered me money,there.is paranoia in the party, post election state of insanity, I understand, I will respond to the letter when I receive, I have worked diligently for UPND, I remain an asset to UPND, I deserve respect”. he said.
Yesterday, UPND President Hakainde Hichilema suspended party Vice President Politics Dr Canisius Banda for gross misconduct.
In letter dated 22 September, 2016, Mr Hichilema explained that in addition to other negative activities, Dr Banda had issued several inflammatory, derogatory and defamatory statements against other senior members of the Party.
He said the news articles in the Daily Nation edition of the 17th and19th attributed to him had brought the name of the Party into ridicule and public odium in the minds of right thinking Zambians.
“In addition to other negative activities, it has been brought to my attention that you have been issuing inflammatory, derogatory and defamatory statements against other senior members of the Party. You have to note that the Daily Nation edition of the 17th and 19th carried headline news articles attributed to you which have brought the name of the Party into ridicule and public odium in the mind of right thinking Zambians.
”Please note that I have made several attempts to discuss the same with you but to no avail. In the premises, by virtue of the powers vested in me under Article 74(d) of our Constitution, you are hereby charged with gross misconduct, you have seven days from the date here of which to exculpate yourself pertaining to the charge leveled against you,” reads the letter in part which has been copied to Party Vice President Admin, National Chairperson and the Secretary General.
Over the weekend the UPND vice President posted the following on his facebook page
ON LETTERS [The Curious Case of One Canisius BANDA and Service]: …Christopher BANDA is one of my younger brothers. He is charismatic and possesses much wisdom. He is in the picture below.
Today he came home and, with tears in his eyes, he said: ‘…I hear that Hakainde Hichilema has written a letter of suspension to you. But why? Citizens are shocked…’
I furrowed my brow, utterly stunned.
I said: ‘…if at all there is such a letter, my party has NOT given it to me yet.’ “It’s everywhere on social media,’ he said.
I went on: ‘…the letter I am expecting from Hakainde Hichilema is a letter of gratitude. I expect him to say Dr Canisius BANDA, thank you for your loyalty, passion, diligence and selfless service. I expect a letter of commendation, a letter stating just how exemplary I have been as a citizen, a letter acknowledging the many songs I sung in his support, and the priceless value I added to him as an individual and the UPND as a collective at great personal suffering and sacrifice…that is the letter I am expecting, my brother.’
Christopher was quiet for a while, pensive.
Then looking at me, he enigmatically said: ‘…you are a great man, do you know that?’
I didn’t know what he meant by that so I remained silent. Then instinctively, I lifted my face to the Heavens, seeking the face of God.
…what is God saying now? I quietly reflected. With my mind’s eye I saw Joseph being sold off as a slave by his brothers. It was then that a tear coursed down my face. ‘Thank you, my Father.’
Without thinking them, those words just escaped my lips. …nayenso Yesu zimenezi adaziona! Godspeed, my beloved and dear friends. Blessed are the believers…
South African comedy legend and host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” Trevor Noah is heading home to host the sixth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 (MAMA), Africa’s most prestigious music awards ceremony.
The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 is brought to you by Joburg Tourismin partnership with Absolut Vodka and Google and in association with MTN and DStv.
Commented Trevor Noah, “I’m a huge fan of African music and achievement, and it’s going to be a massive pleasure celebrating them both at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in my own home town of Johannesburg.”
Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN Africa), “Trevor Noah is an outstanding entertainer, and testament to the amazing talent that Africa has to offer the world. To have him host theMAMA, our annual celebration of Africa music, creativity and achievement, is a powerful and inspiring message. We are delighted that our first ever show in Johannesburg will be presented by one of the city’s most loved and admired personalities.”
Noah will preside over the live 2-hour telecast at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg on 22 October 2016. Featuring performances from stand-out African stars like Alikiba, Babes Woduma, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Ycee and Yemi Alade, MAMA 2016 will also stream online on www.mtvbase.com. Further performers are to be announced shortly.
Previous hosts of the MAMA have included Wyclef Jean, Eve, Marlon Wayans, Anthony Anderson and Trevor Nelson.
Highlighting the “gold standard” in contemporary music, creativity and achievement, The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 promises to be the biggest and best ever, with more than 15,000 fans expected to fill out the Ticketpro Dome for the joyous celebration. Tickets for the awards are on sale now priced ZAR 250 (standing only) viawww.ticketpros.co.za, and at Ticketpro retail outlets or dealers. Over 18s only.
The definitive annual celebration of African and international talent and achievement, MAMA 2016 recognises and rewards musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African music and youth culture over the previous year. The ceremony will feature stunning performances from African and international artists along with the show’s signature cross-genre and cross-border collaborations.
The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 will broadcast live on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) on Saturday 22 October at 21:00 CAT. The show will also be transmitted worldwide on partner stations and content platforms from October onwards, while MTV channels around the world will broadcast a one-hour MAMA-themedMTV World Stage.
Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo touring Ndola Central Hospital
Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo made impromptu late night visits to Ndola Central and Arthur Davison Hospitals to get a first-hand account of the challenges facing the two health facilities.
Accompanied by Provincial Permanent Secretary Reverand Howard Sikwela and some senior government officials, Mr Lusambo made his first stop at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital around 22:30 Hours.
He interacted with hospital authorities and women whose children were admitted to appreciate the state of the health institution.
The Provincial Minister told Hospital management that the aim of the visit was to see for himself how the two health institutions in the city are delivery health care to the residents.
Mr Lusambo expressed deep concern over congestion at the country’s only specialised children’s hospital saying the trend needs to be reserved.
He told Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Jonathan Mwansa who rushed to meet him and his delegation that it was embarrassing that some children could be sleeping on the floor due to overcrowded wards.
“This is embarrassing and we need to reverse this trend. We cannot allow our children to be sleeping on the floor. We also need to have a solution to the issue of shelters for care givers,” Mr Lusambo said.
Around 23:30 Hours, Mr Lusambo and his delegation moved to Ndola Central Hospital where he said he was not impressed with the level of cleanliness in the wards.
He said the hospital administration should work towards improving the standards of hygiene at the institution.
The Provincial Minister pledged to take up all the concerns raised by hospital managements with Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya.
“I will be liasing with my colleague at the Ministry of Health Dr Chilufya to see how we can work to resolve some of the issues we have noticed here,” Mr Lusambo said.
And briefing Mr Lusambo, Dr Mwansa expressed happiness over the Minister’s commitment to improving the state of health care in the city.
“Your visit here shows that you care for this institution and we are hopeful that together we can resolve some of the challenges we are facing here,” Dr Mwansa said.
Dr Mwansa said there is need to construct a new first or second level health to help decongest Ndola Central Hospital.
Mr Lusambo listening to the concerns from one of the care giversMr Lusambo being briefed by Dr Joseph MusoboyaInteracting with mothers and care givers at Arthur Davison HospitalIn one of the wards at Arthur Davison HospitalDr Jonathan Mwansa briefing Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo during his tour of the hospital
GREEN Party Presidential Candidate Peter SinkambaGreen Party Party President Peter Sinkamba has questioned the country’s capacity to handle nuclear technology in an event of a disaster.
Commenting on President Lungu’s inaugural speech where he announced that government will pursue nuclear technology, Mr Sinkamba said though nuclear energy is considered clean energy it is not on the list of renewable energy because it’s waste is harmful.
He wondered if the country could handle a nuclear disaster the scale of Chernobyl or Fukushima.
“In his Inaugural Speech delivered on 13 September, 2016, President Edagr Lungu announced that his administration will pursue nuclear technology as part of the diversified sustainable energy mix. Is nuclear energy really sustainable energy? Do we, as Zambia, really have the capacity to manage a nuclear disaster of disaster of Chernobyl or Fukushima scale?
“Frankly speaking, although nuclear energy is considered clean energy, its inclusion on the renewable energy list has been ruled out. Renewable energy is defined as an energy source/fuel type that can regenerate and can replenish itself indefinitely. The five renewable sources used most often are biomass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal.
“The major reason why nuclear energy is excluded on the list of renewable energy is the harmful nuclear waste from nuclear power reactors. The nuclear waste is considered as a radioactive pollutant that goes against the notion of a renewable energy source,” he said.
He added “Secondly, nuclear energy cannot be put on the list of renewable for the simple fact that uranium deposit on earth is finite, unlike solar and wind. The amount of uranium deposit available could only supply nuclear energy for about 1000 years. To be counted as renewable, the energy source (fuel) should be sustainable for an indefinite period of time, according to the definition of renewable energy stated above.”
Mr Sinkamba further explained that nuclear energy has been a source of untold pain and suffering to some communities in some developed countries which have depended on the nuclear technology as their source of energy.
“The simple reason of nuclear disasters at Chernobyl in Russia and more recently in Fukushima in Japan, nuclear power in Europe is scaling down. Germany has since permanently shut down eight of its 17 reactors and pledged to close the rest by the end of 2022. By 2025, it is estimated that over a third of the EU’s currently operational reactors will be at the end of their lifecycle and in need of shutdown. As of 2016, countries such as Australia, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and Norway have no nuclear power stations and remain opposed to nuclear while Italy, Spain and Switzerland have joined Germany in phasing-out nuclear power. Is this the technology Zambia should seriously venture into?”
He also reiterated that his Party’s clear plan of sorting out the country’s power deficit.
“As we announced during the Presidential Debate, we the Greens planned to generate 30,000MW from biomass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal of the electricity in 10 years. We planned our energy mix such that 60% of energy is generated from solar power. We planned to set-up Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) complexes – some of Africa’s largest – in the Gwembe Valley of Southern Province and valleys of Western and Tanganyika Provinces.
“In terms of financing, we planned marshal a mix of financing arrangements. Primarily, we proposed to apply $7 billion from the marijuana revenue coupled with multilateral financing through the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and other low-cost debt multilateral investors.”
Republican President Edgar Lungu indicated that the country is considering tapping into nuclear technology as way of alleviating the country’s continued energy demands.
Central Province P.S. Edwidge Mutale(l) inspecting phase 2 construction of Mkushi District Hospital. by Chiza Muzia, ZANIS.GOVERNMENT has terminated the contract of African Constructors Company, the contractor engaged to build the third phase of the newly constructed Mkushi District hospital.
Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya said the construction company was repeatedly delaying works to complete the third phase of the District hospital which costs 14 million despite paying 20 percent of the contract sum. Dr Chilufya was speaking when he toured Mkushi District Hospital in Mkushi on Saturday.
“We have with immediate effect terminated the contract for African Constructors Company and and this should serve as a warning to other contractors to be accountable when given work by Government because it is Government resources ,”he said. He said the pace at which the African contractor is doing the construction works is not good enough to complete the project in time. He said despite the set back Government will still ensure that the project is still completed.
“I am assuring the people of Mkushi that the Hospital will soon be commissioned before the end of this year,” he said. Dr Chilufya said the District Hospital has been constructed at a total cost of K26 000. Dr Chilufya has also Directed Zafec investment construction company which is engaged to construct phase two to speed up the works within four weeks so that the hospital can be operational.
“We need to remedy the situation by ensuring that construction works at the hospital progress so that the Hospital can start operating.” He said.Meanwhile, Mkushi District Medical Officer Mackford Chipili said they was need to speed up the works at the District hospital so that people can start using the facility.
Dr Chipili said at the moment the local people depend on Mukushi District community hospital which has 72 bed capacity catering for 157,000 people plus.” if the newly constructed District hospital is completed it will decongest and efficiently deliver a health to people of Mukushi” he said.
Workers at Trans-Africa Ventures Limited in Kitwe have complained of poor conditions of service at the company which is believed to be getting a lot of funding from its financiers overseas on the pretext of creating employment through the business of transportation and crushing.
The workers, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, said the company was getting a lot of money from its financiers. Musa Capital in the United States of America (USA) and South Africa on the pretext of investing in Zambia, but has few trucks running, while most of its workers have been retrenched.
According to the workers, the company which is headed by Mr Gordon Dodoja was getting money from its financiers meant for expansion of their operations, but has not expanded or improved its operations, while the workers have either been retrenched or are poorly paid.
“As workers, our concern is that this company, Trans-Africa ventures is obtaining a lot of money from its financiers Musa Capital from USA on false pretenses by claiming that it was creating employment through the business of transportation and crushing, but was not expanding or improving its operations.
“Most of the workers have been retrenched, while a few of those who are still working are poorly paid. So our question is how is Trans-Africa Ventures using the money it is receiving from Musa Capital? As workers, we want to know, because it is creating an impression that it is creating employment for the local people when in actual fact it is not,”said some of the workers.
The workers have since urged the government to investigate some investors who were getting a lot of money from their financiers on the pretext of creating employment in the country when they were doing something else.
An incognito visit to the company premises near the Nkana Golf Club found the premises deserted with dilapidated infrastructure and run down vehicles.
Apart from the dilapidated offices which were not being used, only the Security Guard and less than three workers were present at the company premises together with the Accountant who uses the container as an office.
Mufulira Wanderers remained stuck in the relegation zone of the FAZ Super Division after failing to beat ten-man Lusaka Dynamos in Sunday’s delayed Week 26 match played at Shinde Stadium.
Wanderers, who fired coach Paulo Silva last week, gave away a second half lead to draw 1-1 with Dynamos at home.
Austin Banda put Mighty ahead in the 52nd minute with a close range shot to excite home supporters.
Dynamos led by new coach Elijah Chikwanda equalised on 75 minutes through Shadreck Mayembe who fired a shot past keeper Robert Mwanza.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men after Patience Ikambe was booked for the second time by referee Evans Malata.
Wanderers remain 15th on the 18-team table with 27 points from 26 matches played.
Dynamos are one place behind Wanderers with 26 points after playing 26 matches.
UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka(c) having an interview with the Journalists
HH is free to contest presidential elections for as many times as he wishes because the party constitution allows him to do so, says general secretary Stephen Katuka.
Mr Katuka said the UPND constitution permitted Mr Hichilema to contest in general elections for an indefinite period.
Mr Katuka said in accordance with article 79 of the UPND constitution, Mr Hichilema was eligible to contest any election that could come at any time.
In a statement dated September 22, 2016, Mr Katuka argued that the UPND constitution did not put any limit on the term of office for the UPND presidency.
He said article 79 states that ” A person shall be eligible for election for an indefinite period subject to this constitution provided that a party President who is elected Republican president shall only serve two terms that shall run concurrently with the term of office as Republican President. Therefore, HH is eligible to contest any election that can come at any time. After all he managed to win the presidency in the August 11, 2016 elections which all normal Zambians know that it was stolen from him and the UPND,” he said.
Mr Katuka was responding to UPND former deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo who told the Daily Nation in an exclusive interview that Mr Hichilema was not eligible to contest the 2021 general elections.
The former deputy spokesperson told the Daily Nation that according to the UPND constitution, Mr Hichilema does NOT qualify to go beyond 2020 as president of the party.
Mr Lifwekelo said article 79 of the UPND constitutional was allegedly amended by a group of lawyers led by Monze Central Member of Parliament Jacob Mwiimbu with the sole purpose of allowing Mr Hichilema to remain at the helm of the party.He said article 79 which Mr Katuka quoted was a clear indication that Mr Hichilema was a dictator who did not want to allow Dr Canisius Banda and Mr Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba to challenge him through a convention.
Mr Lifwekelo also warned that if voted into government, the UPND would change the Republican Constitution and introduce a one party state because they had demonstrated the dictatorship at party level.
Last week on Monday, Mr Lifwekelo said he left the two UPND vice-presidents fighting for the presidency before leaving the UPND.“So the infighting in the UPND is real and I think, as it is now, the issue of succession with the view that Mr Hichilema will not stand in 2021.
“The little that I know in the UPND constitution is that HH cannot go beyond 2020. Beyond that, the party’s National Management Committee (NMC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) need to sit down to revise that clause if Mr Hichilema would have to legally contest the 2021 general elections,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
He said as per UPND constitution, Mr Hichilema could not go beyond 2020.Mr Lifwekelo said he was aware that the only possible way for Mr Hichilema to contest the 2021 general elections was through amending their party constitution.
President Lungu when he paid a courtesy call on Chieftainess Mpanshya in Rufunsa District
Chieftainess Mpanshya of the Soli people of Rufunsa District has commended President Edgar Lungu for showing political will to roll-out developmental projects across the country in a non-selective manner.
ZANIS reports that Chieftainess Mpanshya is happy that rural areas like Rufunsa district are receiving their fair share of development without any discrimination.
The traditional leader said Rufunsa District has received its fair share of development following its declaration as a district three years ago.
Chieftainess Mpanshya was speaking through her representative Chrispin Njobvu during the Chiwela Kumunshi traditional ceremony of the Soli people of Rufunsa District in Lusaka Province yesterday.
Scores of people from other parts of the country yesterday joined Chieftainess Mpanshya in presiding over her inaugural Chiwela Kumunshi traditional ceremony since ascending to the throne last year.
The traditional leader cited the upgrading of Mpanshya and Chinyunyu Primary Schools into fully fledged secondary schools, construction of her modern palace, and health posts among others as some of the projects taking place in her chiefdom.
She noted that the re-election of President Edgar Lungu and the PF will further spur social and economic development in Rufunsa District and the country as whole.
Chieftainess Mpanshya further noted that President Lungu’s re-election is also a clear testimony of the trust and confidence Zambian people have in his leadership.
The traditional leader however appealed to government to continue grading feeder roads in order to open up the district and enhance food production and economic activities.
And speaking at the same function, Lusaka Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe has reassured the people that government will complete all on-going developmental projects in the province.
Mr Mwakalombe said the connection of Rufunsa district to the national power grid, construction of the district administration block, civic centre and other infrastructure are on course.
Mr. Mwakalombe who is also PF Chongwe Member of Parliament praised Chieftainess Mpanshya for allocating land to government to construct various infrastructure projects in the district.
Meanwhile, Acting Rufunsa District Commissioner Judith Chama has implored parents and guardians against perpetuating the vice of marrying off young girls in the district.
Mrs. Chama, who bemoaned the high cases of child marriages in the district, revealed that the district administration, Child Fund and the Mpanshya Royal Establishment (MRE) have since come together to fight the vice.
The Acting District Commissioner hailed Chieftainess Mpanshya for being instrumental in outlawing bad cultural practices that disadvantage girls and women in her chiefdom.
The traditional ceremony was attended by Senior Chief Mburuma of Luangwa district, Chief Mutunda from Mozambique and Chieftainess Shikabeta also of Rufunsa District.
Others in attendance were UPND Rufunsa Member of Parliament, Sheal Mulyata, Feira Independent Member of Parliament Stephen Miti, Rufunsa District Council Chairperson Batholomeu Kalambalala, District Commissioners from Lusaka province and other senior government officials.
The Chiwela Kumunshi traditional ceremony of the Soli people in Chieftainess Mpanshya is held to celebrate the harvest from the previous farming season and pray for a good harvest in the forthcoming farming season.
Dr Edify Hamukale Minister Southern Provonce with Richard Kapita North Western Minister
Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale has challenged young people in the country to take a leading role in restoring unity in the country.
Dr Hamukale said young people today have a pivotal role to play of unifying the country especially that their parents hail from different provinces and are beneficiaries of ethnic co-existence.
The Minister said government is looking forward to continued free movement of people and resources to all provinces without any form of victimization.
Speaking when he addressed pupils at Hillcrest Technical National Secondary School, in Livingstone today, Dr Hamukale said it was regrettable that the ‘One Zambia, one nation’ motto was almost lost due to violence and ethnic intolerance.
“You young people have the task of teaching us how to unite this country. Failure to do so puts you in a difficult situation because you are the ones who are most affected when ethnic differences arise,” he said.
Dr Hamukale further said the technical school had produced credible leaders who contributed immensely to the country’s development and urged the pupils to emulate them.
And Hillcrest Technical National Secondary School Head Girl Grace Mbofwana said the reduction of school fees had impacted negatively on operations at the school.
Mbofwana said pupils can no longer enjoy certain foods as the school is not in a position to afford them or even carry out external maintenance services.
She appealed to the provincial minister to intervene in the matter.
Dr Hamukale is in Livingstone touring development projects and other facilities ahead of the installation of Livingstone Mayor Elect Eugine Mapuwo scheduled for tomorrow Monday.
