Punza bundled out of Rio Olympics
Mathew Punza’s 2016 Olympic hopes are over after bowing out in the pre-quarterfinals of the Judo competition.
Punza, who was making his Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro, was beaten 101-0 in the last 16 by Adrian Gomboc of Slovenia in a 66kg class bout.
This after he advanced from the preliminary round with a 100-0 win over Golan Pollack of Israel.
On Tuesday, Middleweight boxer ben Muziyo will try and keep Team Zambia’s lone boxing hopes in Brazil alive.
The 2014 Commonwealth Bronze medal winner will face Onder Sipal of Turkey.
President Lungu will concede defeat if PF loses – Bwalya
The ruling PF has maintained that President Edgar Lungu is ready to concede defeat if it loses in the August general elections this week.
PF Deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya says President Lungu is a man of his word.
In an interview with QTV news Mr. Bwalya notes that this means that what he says is what he does.
Mr. Bwalya states that the ruling PF will in this case respect the will of the people and therefore no one should think President Lungu will hesitate to hand over power if he is defeated in the election.
He says his party is however confident that it will win the forthcoming general elections.
Mr. Bwalya states that the ruling PF has done its homework and has delivered development it promised to the Zambian people.
He says this is besides governing and providing leadership to the Country so well in the last 5 years it has been in power.
President Lungu appeals to Southerners to vote for PF in this weeks’s elections
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has urged southerners to vote for Patriotic Front (PF) candidates in this year’s General Elections.
Mr Lungu said he came to Southern Province to ask for votes because people in the region did not support the ruling party.
He said the ruling party believed in One Zambia One Nation motto and hence it embraced all tribes and races.
Mr Lungu was speaking in Livingstone yesterday at Villa Grounds where he addressed a mammoth public rally.
There was euphoria at Villa Grounds when President Lungu arrived around 18:00 hours as thousands of residents stormed his motorcade to offer solidarity and catch a glimpse of the Head of State.
Mr Lungu said a vote on PF candidates would be a vote for continued development, unity and peace in the country.
“On August 11, 2016, look for the boat and vote only for all PF candidates. Further, vote YES on the referendum for you to have an improvement on your human rights.
“All of you are equal with the rest of other citizens across the country and this is why we have taken development to all corners of the country regardless of your past voting patterns,” Mr Lungu said.
He said PF was not a party for Bembas but for all Zambians and that he was not going to be the Head of State if the ruling party was for a specific tribe.
Mr Lungu said PF demonstrated its inclusiveness by appointing Richwell Siamunene as Defence Minister, a position which ranked third from the top in Government hierarchy.
He asked United Party for National Development (UPND) to explain to Zambians how PF wanted to rig elections using the referendum.
Mr Lungu said the referendum was not a political document and described UNPD as a team of jokers who were misleading Zambians on the referendum.
He said politics was not for jokers especially for people who wanted the highest office of the land.
“I am not promising you anything but development and peace. There is no need to fight each other to go to State House,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the PF manifesto had prioritised education, agriculture, energy and other sectors of the economy.
Mr Lungu also said some independent candidates were lying to the electorates that they had his blessings when they did not have.
He said unlike UPND which died after the death of its founder Anderson Mazoka, PF had grown bigger and better after the death of its founder Michael Sata.
Mr Lungu said Zambia needed an inclusive leader and not individuals who claimed to be the most intelligent and yet they had never been in Government or Parliament or local government administration.
Christian Democratic Party Dan Pule urged Zambians to vote for President Lungu because he was appointed by God.
PF parliamentary candidate for Livingstone Omar Munsanje and mayoral candidate Edward Ntinda also asked for votes from Livingstone residents.
PF has constructed 650 clinics and over 30 district hospitals-Kambwili
Dr. Kambwili says no party has had such a record within its first five year in power hence the need to give the party another term under President Edgar Lungu.
Addressing thousands of Kabwe residents at Kawama grounds this afternoon, Dr. Kambwili also revealed that government has also constructed over 100 secondary schools and 68 primary schools across the country since assuming office.
He has since called on electorates in Kabwe to vote for President Lungu and PF candidates in Kabwe Central where Kabwe Lawyer Tutwa Ngulube is standing, Syndey Mushanga in Bwacha Constituency, Prince Chileshe as Mayor and all councilors.
And PF National Chairman and Minister of Justice Ngosa Simbyakula says the candidates that the PF has settled for are able to deliver to people’s expectations.
Meanwhile former Kabwe Central MP Captain Austin Chewe has thanked government for accelerating development in the country.
And Immediate past Kabwe Central MP James Kapyanga says he did not leave the PF despite not having been adopted because of the PF is key in rolling out national development.
And the Copperbelt University Students Union -COBUSU- leadership has endorsed the candidature of President Lungu saying he is the only hope for Zambia’s development.
Outgoing COBUSU President Humphrey Mwenya says national development cannot be achieved in a short period hence the PF needs another 5 year mandate to continue with its development.
HH blames PF’s “Chipantepante” approach for loss of Jobs and Investment in the Mining Sector
United Party for national Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has accused the Patriotic Front (PF) Government letting down the mining communities.
In a press statement released after he held rallies in across the Copperbelt in Chililabombwe, Chingola and Luanshya, the UPND leader said that the communities have been let down by what he described as the visionless Lungu’s Government.
Mr Hichilema said that Zambia needed a mining sector that delivered for the people, but the PF’s chipantepante approach to mining policy had cost the country thousands in jobs and millions in lost investment.
“The potential for growth of our mining sector is still there. With a stable policy environment we could produce 1.5 million tonnes each year, not less than 750,000, ” he said.
The UPND leader stopped short of promising to increase tax for mining firms, but said that the country need to fix the tax collection from the existing amount that is owed.
“The UPND will fix it. First off we will fix tax collection, ” he said before asking, “What use is increasing the level of tax if we are not properly collecting the existing amount owed?”
Mr Hichilema said that UPND will also ensure a tax regime that is sensitive to fluctuations in prices, so that when prices are low we protect jobs and when prices are high our revenues increase.
Furthermore, the UPND said that his party will secure benefits beyond revenues that are too often neglected, such as business for local companies as supplier contracts or in value-addition industries.
The UPND leader concluded by urging people to vote for him and UPND for a government that is committed to transparency and has the capacity to negotiate a good deal with investors rather than vote President Lungu and PF for more instability, uncertainty and job losses in the mining sector.
Zambia U17 hold Sudan after Cosafa overage scandal
The Zambia Under-17 Team has started life after being disqualified from the COSAFA Cup over age cheating with a modest 0-0 home draw against Sudan in Lusaka.
The Junior Chipolopolo Boys on Sunday drew with Sudan in their opening match of the 2017 CAF Under-17 Cup qualifiers played at Nkoloma Stadium.
This was the first match the disgraced Zambia team was playing since exiting the COSAFA Cup for parading over-age players ten days ago.
Zambia fielded a completely new squad from the one disqualified from the regional championship in Mauritius.
Keeper Prince Bwalya started in goal with Andrew Phiri,Hillary Mwiinga, Musonda Kalale and Jonathan Kapelembe playing in the back line.
Mwape C. Chewe, Chanda Mukuka and Niza Simutenda played in the middle of the pitch with Prince Mumba, Christopher Phiri and Francisco Mwepu leading the attack.
Nchanga, Dynamos share spoils
Nchanga Rangers and Lusaka Dynamos on Sunday played out to a 2-2 draw in a delayed round 21 match of the FAZ Super Division played at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
Nchanga led just after eight minutes thanks to a Simon Nkhata goal that was cancelled by Dynamos’ Kennedy Musonda after 27 minutes.
The two teams went to the half-time break with 1-1 score-line before the last half produced two more goals.
Webster Muzaza gave the visitors the lead for the first time in this match in the 71st minute to silence a handful of home supporters at Nchanga Stadium.
Dynamos’ lead lasted only seven minutes as striker Anos Tembo equalised from the spot.
Tembo stepped up and equalised from the spot after Musonda handled in the box.
Nchanga now moves to 27 points, while Dynamos increases their tally to 22 points.
Kampyongo calls on parties to manage their supporters who are stopping ECZ trucks randomly
Mr. Kampyongo has called on opposition youths to refrain from activities that might disturb the smooth running of Thursday’s election.
He said leaders of the opposition should manage their supporters who are stopping ECZ trucks randomly on suspicion of carrying pre-marked ballots.
Mr Kampyongo said police should enforce President Edgar Lungu’s instruction to deal with those causing confusion regardless of political affiliation.
And PF Lusaka province chairperson Kennedy Kamba has called on its members to remain calm and peaceful as they prepare to turn up in numbers during voting day.
Mr. Kamba said the PF should wake up early and guard the vote for the party.
He has since called on the PF youth to remain calm and not respond to any kind of provocation from the opposition.
Mutembo Nchinto Tribunal hands in report to President Lungu
The tribunal appointed to investigate allegations of misconduct by suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchinto has concluded its investigations and has handed over its findings to President Edgar Lungu.
Tribunal Chairperson Justice Annel Silungwe who presented the report to President Lungu at State House said they had completed their inquiry and had the honour of submitting the report and recommendations to the President.
Other members of the tribunal are former Chief Justices Matthew Ngulube and Ernest Sakala together with Justice Matthew Zulu.
And receiving the report, President Lungu said government will ensure transparency so that justice is done.
On March 10th, 2015, President Lungu appointed a tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct by suspended director of public prosecutions Mutembo Nchito.
Meanwhile ZNBC’s Michael Kaumba reports that President Lungu has arrived in Maamba to commission the Maamba Power Plant after which he is expected to address public rallies in Itezhi Tezhi and Livingstone.
Gladys Lengwe officiates first Olympics football match
Gladys Lengwe officiated her first Olympic Games match on Saturday.
The Kitwe-based female FIFA referee took charge of New Zealand’s 1-0 Group G win over Colombia on August 6.
Lengwe and her assistants Bernadettar Kwimbira of Malawi and Moroccan Souad Oulhaj are the only African match officials at the Olympic women’s football tournament in Rio.
PR Girl Media launches ‘Lusaka July’
PR Girl Media, the trendy and vibrant PR and Events agency that has been making a buzz on social media since their inception 6 months ago has launched ‘Lusaka July’ as an annual event. The event was a deliberate spin-off the glamorous ‘Durban July’ where socialites indulge in fashion, luxury and style. Lusaka has definitely warmed up to the culture of lavish entertainment which was evident at the well-attended event held at The Retreat at Roma Park on the 31st of July.
Namibian fashion designer Nikola Conradie showcased at the event alongside leading local designers Mwenge Kapumpa, Debbie Chu and Chisoma Lombe; marking this event as the very first time that a Namibian fashion designer has showcased in Zambia. “I am inspired from what I have seen in Zambia, the fashion industry here is quite advanced and I could learn a lot from it. I will most certainly return next year and I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to showcase in Zambia again” said Nikola Conradie following her involvement in the event. Political First Secretary of Namibian High Commission, Elina Ndadi attended the event to support Nikola Conradie and later urged for more Zambian and Namibian cultural integration. “Young Zambians and Namibians should collaborate more often, our histories are linked and so should our future. Namibians love Zambians.”
Also present at the event were corporations in aviation, tourism and hospitality industries. Air Namibia, as one of the event sponsors attended the event in their corporate capacity. “We are proud to be a sponsor of this event and support young entrepreneurs. We look forward to next year and more of what Lusaka July has to offer” said Mwenya Lwando, Country Manager of Air Namibia.
Photos from the Event (Photo credit Kreative Kingdom)
Lusaka July promises to be a spectacle of Lusaka’s evolving cosmopolitan culture. We should expect to see the event grow bigger and better next year. The public can follow PR Girl Media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more pictures and further details of the event.
BY KAPA187
Team Zambia kicks off 2016 Rio Olympics campaign
Seven-member Zambia’s 2016 Rio Olympics campaign begins on Sunday in Brazil.
Zambia are represented in the track and field, boxing, swimming and Judo.
Mathews Punza will be the first in the spotlight on Sunday when he steps onto the mat of the 66 Kg Judo event against Golan Pollack of Israel.
Punza is set for his Olympics debut after missing the 2012 Olympics that he had qualified for but the Africa Judo Union axed him when he failed to make a mandatory participation in the the World Judo Championships in Spain just before the London Games.
On Tuesday, boxer Ben Muziyo will also set to make his Olympic debut.
The 2014 Commonwealth games bronze medal winner will enter the ring in his middleweight bout against Onder Sipal of Turkey.
Swimmer Jade Howard who will be taking part in her second Olympics and will take to the pool on August 10 in the 100 meters women’s free style while debutant Ralph Assafrao will be in the men’s 100 meters butterfly heats on August 11.
100 meters men’s rep and 2012 Olympics semifinalists Gerald Phiri will take to the track in the heats on August 13.
Africa female 400 meters champion Kabange Mupopo will take part in two events starting with her specialty on August 13 in the heats.
She will later enter the 200 meters heats on August 15.
Jordan Chipangama will be the last Zambian to start his campaign in the men’s marathon on August 21.
Nevers says President Lungu has paid RB K5 billion retirement package ahead of other former presidents
Speaking at a rally in Nakonde after a stop in Isoka straight from touring the Copperbelt towns of Chambeshi, Kamuchanga township in the continued whirlwind rallies around the northern block with UPND Vice-President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Bernard Mpundu, Dr. Mumba questioned Mr. Lungu’s morality and reasoning in appeasing his ‘mentor’ Mr. Rupiah Banda with an illegal allocation of K5 billion from taxpayer’s money to build his house in the same week that he has been filmed openly campaigning for the PF in Chipata, in breach of the Zambian Constitution.
Dr. Mumba said the widows and families of the late presidents have yet to be given their allocations of accomodation and yet Mr. Banda has been attended to after ‘crying’ that the queue to get his house was too long causing Mr. Lungu to jump the other families and quickly attend to his tribesman. He further said the law on this matter was very clear and does not provide for a cash payout but GRZ is supposed to hand over a house.
The Benefits of Former President’s Act no. 15 of the Laws of Zambia gives a list of lavish pension benefits which include 80% of the incumbent presidents’s salary per month, 3 cars and 3 drivers, 3 house servants which can be increased by Cabinet if so desired, 2 gardeners, a house build or bought by the state at location of his choice, 1 secretary, 1 car for the surviving spouse, free fuel, free travel abroad etc. However an amendment to this act states that these benefits will be forefeited should the former president in question engage in active politics and goes further to give the definition of ‘active politics’ to mean any activity that could be viewed as furthering or promoting a political party. In Mr. Banda’s case, both the principal and amended act have been violated.
Dr. Mumba wondered how Mr. Lungu, a learned lawyer could blatantly and knowingly flout the Constitution of Zambia ignoring the rule of law in such a reckless manner and allow Mr. Banda selfishly ‘eat with both hands’ using taxpayers’ money in abbrogation of the Constitution which he swore to defend under oath. He said this was a serious and impeachable offence but Zambians should now use their vote to quickly remove Mr. Lungu and the PF from power before they cause further damage to the country. He said Mr. Banda’s immunity will be set aside again after the election and criminal charges will be raised against him to recover all the people’s money he has received received in breach of the Act since 2014 when he entered active politics.
He further said the people of Zambia should examine the damage that has been inflicted on the Zambian economy in the 5 years of lawlessness and recklessness of the PF Government; the sky rocketting price of mealie and other commodities, the collapse of the mining sector and agricultural sectors, deterioration of the foreign exchange rate, depletion of foregn reserves and therefore use the ballot box next week to remove them from power.