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Best Female Southern Africa 2015 Afrimma award winner Cleo Ice Queen solidifies her status as Queen of African Rap with this easy going hip hop track she has dubbed as “Her dedication to Hip Hop… the love of her life”.
Produced by Zamba and sprayed with backing vocals from Jay Rox, Cleo Ice Queen delivers this long awaited hit song and promises a fantastic video. “Don’t Mind” is track number 3 on her debut album Geminice.
Zambia have been handed a suspended ban by Cosafa for fielding overage players at the just-ended Cosafa U17 Cup in Mauritius.
FAZ has been fined $5000 to be paid in two months or will be banned from all Cosafa competitions whle
However, Under-17 coach Oswald Mutapa and team manager Collins Phiri were not that fortunate together with striker Nicholas Mulilo and defender Benjamin Phiri who both failed second MRI tests at the Cosafa Under-17 Cup in July where Zambia had cruised unbeaten to the semifinals from Group B.
The quartet has been banned for four years.
“Coach Oswald Mutapa and team manager Collins Phiri have been banned by Cosafa from all Cosafa competitions for a period of two years,” FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe said.
“Cosafa has suspended Zambia from Cosafa junior tournaments for two years, but the above suspension be suspended for a period of two years during which should a similar incidence occur in any Cosafa competitions.
“The initial suspension shall applied against the association.”
Martha MushipeUnited Party for National Development (UPND) vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba commonly known as GBM has been put on bed rest.
This came to light this morning when Mr Mwamba failed to appear in the Magistrates Court at Lusaka Complex in the case where he is charged with threatening violence against the Head of State Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
When the matter was called in court 4 before Senior Resident Magistrate Ms Jenpher Bwalya State Prosecutor Dennis Manda informed the court that the state was ready to proceed with trial but that the accused was not before court. He said neither the sureties for Mr Mwamba were in court.
But one of the lawyers representing Mr Mwamba Ms Martha Mushipe informed the court that her client was unwell. She presented a note to the court showing that Mr Mwamba was put on bed rest for some days.
And when contacted for a comment about the development PF Deputy Spokesperson Frank Bwalya who reported Mr Mwamba to the police causing his arrest in March said he couldn’t speculate on whether Mr Mwamba was indeed unwell.
“I can’t speculate on whether GBM is telling the truth. But what I think is that his illness was sudden and it must have occurred immediately after he finished insulting President Lungu at a press briefing yesterday (Thursday) at his residence”, said Fr Bwalya.
The PF Deputy Spokesperson who was also President Lungu’s Deputy Campaign Manager in the just ended general election said Mr Mwamba’s sudden illness was God’s way to remind him that it was an abomination to insult the leader God had chosen for his people.
The matter has been adjourned to 28 September 2016 and bail for Mr Mwamba has been extended.
President Edgar Lungu take Photo with Constitutional Court President and Judges (2ndr) Constitutional Court President justice Hildah Chibomba, (r) Constitutional Court Judge Justice Mulenga Mugeni, (from left) Constitutional Court Judge Justice Mwewe Anne Sitali (l) Constitutional Court Judge Justice Enock Mulembe, and Constitutional Court Judge Palan Mulonda shortly after swearing in Ceremony of Constitutional Court Judges at State House
The Council of Churches in Zambia and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has appealed to the Constitutional Court to adjudicate the possible petition justly and expeditiously.
In a statement, Council of Churches of Zambia President Reverend Alfred Kalembo and Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishop Telesphord Mpundu said the Church believes that the courts are the arbitrators of justice and play a critical role in strengthening the rule of law.
The church leaders have also appealed to the aggrieved parties on the results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to adhere to provisions in the law for dealing and settling election grievances.
The two also appeal led to the victorious party to avoid celebrating in a manner that will incense and provoke the losing party.
“Both PF and UPND must take responsibility and make public pronouncements against violence and internally dialogue with their members and carders to resist any temptation to take the law into their hands and thereby disrupt the life of ordinary citizens,” they said.
They said, “In the event that there will be a petition against the announced results, we appeal to members from both sides of the political divide to wait patiently for the court’s adjudication and ruling.”
“We take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Zambia for exercising their civic right and duty with great magnanimity. Notwithstanding the fact that the task at hand was complex and new experiences came into play, to date most people in Zambia have handled the ending electoral process with patience, understanding and maturity.”
They said the Church does not doubt God’s hand in this and thank him for his continued love and mercy upon Zambia.
“As such, most of the local monitors and international election observers have acclaimed the quality of our elections and the commitment of Zambians to peaceful elections. They have also added their significant voices to calls for peace and national reconciliation. We are all witnesses to the electoral process as a nation, both as groupings and as individuals,” he said.
“Our common desire is to see the 2016 electoral process concluded in peace and harmony, and with the continued spirit of respect for divergent views, national unity, love and harmonious coexistence among Zambians. We are however alive to the anxiety and tension that has characterized the announcement of election results.”
The two leaders however expressed concern over reports that some communities are fighting each other particularly between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development ((UNPD).
“Christians must always strive to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Let us then play our God-given role. As Church, we commit ourselves to preaching messages of love and reconciliation to the faithful because this is what we are called to do. Remember that we are one nation which is much bigger than our political fortunes, whether individual or collective. May God bless you all and bless our nation Zambia,” they said.
Former Lusaka Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta
Former Kafue Member of Parliament Obvious Mwaliteta is one of the four UPND officials who have been arrested for intercepting records of election results, a day before President Edgar Lungu was declared winner of Thursday’s elections.
The five has since been charged with Aggravated Robbery while others are still on the run.
Police Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja disclosed that the incident occurred on Sunday 14th August, 2016 between 10:00 hours and 13:00 hours along Haille Selaise road near City Airport in Lusaka.
“Facts of the matter are that on the material day, three Returning Officers who were coming from the Copperbelt aboard a Zambia Air Force plane, after arriving at Lusaka City Airport, were intercepted as they were proceeding to the Electoral Commission of Zambia Headquarters to deliver materials that included records of proceedings (Form 18) and announcement of poll results (Gen 12),” Mr Kanganja said.
“Upon arrival at City Airport, they were picked up by a Toyota Land cruiser vehicle belonging to the Electoral Commission of Zambia. After driving for about fifty meters from City Airport gate, a Toyota Hiace mini bus blocked them from the front whilst another vehicle, a Toyota Mark II blocked them from behind.”
He said about fifteen men came out from the mini bus and pepper sprayed the ECZ officials in their faces and later assaulted them.
Mr Kanganja said the assailants got away with the Electoral Commission of Zambia materials including the victims’ personal belongings, that is, a hand bag containing various documents and K 350 cash and a Blackberry phone valued at K4,000 and sped off, abandoning the Toyota Mark II at the scene and that in the process, they dropped an Alcatel phone and a number plate ABZ 1919.
He said both the abandoned motor vehicle and a phone have been identified to be for a named UPND official who is on the run.
“Five people have since been arrested in connection with two counts of Aggravated Robbery Contrary to section 294 and 22 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia have appeared in Court today, Friday 19th August, 2016. They have been identified as Obvious Summerton Mwaliteta aged 46, Evans Mukobela aged 44, Macmillan Shimukonka aged 33, Laswell Phiri aged 42 and Emmanuel Mumbi aged 46. A manhunt for the others who are on the run has continued,” he said.
And the Police Chief said the motor vehicle which was used to drop the three Electoral Commission officials at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Ndola was also attacked by some UPND cadres on the Copperbelt and went away with photocopies of records of proceedings (Form 18) and announcement of poll results (Gen 12).
He said the assailants were arrested and charged with Aggravated Robbery and they have since appeared in Court.
Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) Head Marketing & Public Relations Hazel Zulu says the regulatory body has increased the number of inspections on all imports in the second quarter of 2016 by 51.5%, reports Pan African Radio Journalist Hermit Hachilonde.
Ms. Zulu said the products were inspected in order to ensure conformity to required standards and to also to have them scrutinized if they were safe for public consumption.
She noted that during the 1st quarter of 2016, ZABS inspected well over 3000 product consignments imported from around the globe stating that in the second quarter the organization boosted the number to 5,932 consignments bringing the number of inspected goods between January and June this year to 9,847.
Ms. Zulu said the products entered Zambia through Nakonde, Chirundu, and Livingstone, Katima Mulilo, Kazungula, Chanida and Mwami borders among others.
She stressed that a progression of 2,017 product consignments was indicated translating into 51.5% and that the hike in the number of inspections on imports could be attributed to the rise in understanding and adherence levels to laid down procedures by importing firms.
And Ms.Zulu observed that the there was improved economic performance levels in the country going by inflow of impotrted goods on the local market the second quarter than the first quarter.
“The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has increased the number of inspections on imported general goods in the second quarter of 2016 by 51.5%”
“The products were inspected to ensure that they conform to the required and set Zambian standards and to also check that they are reliable and safe for public use and consumption.
During the 1st quarter of 2016, the Bureau inspected 3,915 product consignments imported from various countries. In the second quarter the Bureau increased the number to 5,932 consignments bringing the total number of goods inspected between January and June this year to 9,847”
“The products entered into the country through various border entry points particularly Nakonde, Chirundu, and Livingstone, Katima mulilo, Kazungula, Chanida and Mwami borders. This shows a progression of 2,017 product consignments which translates into 51.5%. “ she said
African countries have been urged to consider developing sustainable irrigation schemes for crops and livestock in order to mitigate drought challenges.
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Monique Barbut urged the African continent to also explore the cultivation of more drought tolerant crops and promote water harvesting schemes through recycling and reuse of water.
Opening a high-level session of the African Drought Conference on Thursday, Monique Barbut said it is possible to address a drought with tangible solutions.
“We can identify measures to address these risks head-on. Things that can be done at a very practical level to reduce drought risk, started right away and that deliver real and tangible benefits to your communities, ”said Barbut,
“Unless countries change their approach when drought comes and less rain is experienced, the future of about 400 million African farmers who rely on rain-fed subsistence agriculture is in jeopardy,” she added.
Ms Barbut said frankly that people are going to be increasingly forced to decide whether to ride out a drought disaster and then rebuild, or simply leave.
She pointed out that governments are moved by subjective and poliotical considerations when declaring a drought.
Ms Barbut noted that Africa would benefit from an early warning system in all countries, and need to invest in good data and maximise on the available local and traditional knowledge, adding that no amount of early warning will work without action to protect the most vulnerable.
She cited examples from around the world where countries are implementing plans to be prepared.
Ms Barbut noted that progress is starting to happen in Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam and Morocco, who are now implementing drought plans with a strong emphasis on risk mitigation and preparedness.
The African Drought Conference in Windhoek is the first conference focusing on one of the continent’s natural disasters that takes many lives each year and leaves the population in a state of panic and distress.
“With this conference, Africa can recognise that the traditional approach of responding to drought is not viable any more. It has proved to be ineffective far too often. Instead, Africa could lead a proactive drought revolution,” she said.
“Investing in early warning systems and addressing their vulnerabilities head-on, as well as well-planned and coordinated drought action, will have a positive ripple effect across sectors and across borders,” added Barbut.
The conference under the theme ‘Enhancing resilience to drought events on the African continent’ brought together local and international delegates, and ends on Friday.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and Finance Minister Alexander ChikwandaParamount chief Chitimukulu Mwinelubemba Kanyanta Manga II has urged Zambians to embrace peace and unity in the aftermath of last week’s general elections.
Chief Chitimukulu said the peace that characterized the elections should continue even after the polls.
He has since praised electorates countrywide for remaining peaceful and calm during the elections.
And the Mwinelubemba has observed that the recent general elections were conducted in a free and fair manner thereby rendering them credible.
He however said political parties opposing the outcome of the polls are at liberty to exercise their democratic right to seek legal guidance.
Meanwhile, Paramount chief Chitimukulu has expressed confidence that the Patriotic Front (PF) administration will efficiently complete the on-going developmental programmes following the re-election of President Edgar Lungu.
He is hopeful that more projects aimed at developing the country and improving the welfare of citizens will be undertaken during PF’s new five year mandate.
He has since congratulated President Lungu on his re-election.
The Mwinelubemba said this when newly elected Malole Constituency Member of Parliament Christopher Yaluma called on him at his palace in Mungwi district yesterday.
And Mr. Yaluma thanked the traditional leadership for playing a key role in ensuring that peace is upheld during the election period.
Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Justice Essau Chulu has announced that the Referendum on a new Bill of Rights and Article 79 has failed.
Justice Chulu announced during a news conference that the referendum vote has failed to meet the first threshold.
He said the estimates of eligible voters was 7, 528, 091 and the minimum threshold was 3, 764, 046.
He said out of these, only 3, 345, 471 voted and from that figure 1, 853, 559 voted Yes while 753, 549 voted No.
Gordon Igesund
Gordon Igesund is still waiting to hear back from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) over the vacant head coach role with the senior national team.
Igesund was interviewed for the post earlier this month and reports out of Zambia suggested he was the leading candidate‚ with some quoting unnamed FAZ sources as saying the job would be offered to the former Bafana Bafana coach.
But there has yet to be any indication of the same to Igesund‚ nor any contract negotiations opened by FAZ.
“As we stand there is no offer on the table‚” Igesund’s agent Mike Makaab said.
“He was interviewed by them [FAZ] and the only feedback we have had to date is that they are considering him.
“But I am hopeful that we will know something more concrete either way by the start of next week.”
Should Igesund get the job it would mean he takes up a post he was first touted for 15 years ago when he was sounded out over a caretaker role with Zambia in 2001.
Other coaches short-listed for the post include former Ghana tactician Goran Stevanovic‚ Frenchman Sebastein Desabre and Swiss national Raoul Savoy.
Igesund has been out of a job since he was axed by SuperSport United in January.
He is one of the most successful coaches in South Africa after winning four league titles with four different sides‚ including unfashionable Manning Rangers and Santos.
He also lifted the league trophy with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former winger finished runner-up in the league as well with Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows‚ after which he was appointed Bafana coach in 2012 after several near-misses in the past.
He failed to qualify the side for the 2014 Fifa World Cup and also exited from the 2013 African Nations Cup finals at the quarterfinal stage on home soil.
His finest moment with the national team came in a 1-0 friendly win over then world champions Spain.
OC announced that he will be collaborating with Nigerian artiste Iyanya
He said the following on social media:
Yes it’s finally coming to your ear drums with a bang!!!
Allow me to officially unveil the massive Zambia /Nigeria collaboration, it’s OC Osilliation Umusana Wandalama featuring the Kukere master!! Iyanya Mbuk .. This African banger is called “Tie your Wrappa” .. The song is set for release and premieres across the globe on my birthday which is the 25th of August 2016!!!.the song will be available on iTunes and other leading Music blog and websites.
UNWTO general secretary Taleb Rifai addresseses international journalists covering the general assembly during the first media briefing at Elephant Hills HotelCONSTRUCTION of a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) legacy project in Livingstone is expected to start next month, Ministry of Tourism and Arts regional tourism development coordinator for South-West region, Harold Mweene, has said.
Following the successful hosting of the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Livingstone in August 2013, the UNWTO Secretariat has set aside US$ 47,500 to construct a legacy project known as Livingstone Community Sustainable Tourism Resource Centre to honour the local people for their hospitality.
The Government has already already acquired land in Livingstone’s Dambwa North Township to construct the project.
Mr Mweene said in an interview that works to construct the project were expected to start next month once the various technicalities were finalised this month.
“We are waiting for the architectural designs and the Bill of Quantity (BOQ) to be finalised.
“Once the BOQ and architectural designs are done, we will have a tender meeting while construction is expected to start at the start of next month,” Mr Mweene said.
He said the local people in Dambwa North had started clearing the place in readiness for construction works to start.
In May this year, the UNWTO Secretariat gave Zambia US$ 47,500 to construct a legacy project in honor of the people of Livingstone for their hospitality during the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly.
Fund were donated by the Government of the Republic of South Korea through the UNWTO Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) Foundation.
The primary goal of this project is to empower the Livingstone local community with the necessary tourism knowledge and skills that will in turn enable them to generate their income through various training and expertise activities that they will be carried out at the Resource Centre.
Some of the objectives of the Centre are to provide the community with a self-sustaining facility that will contribute to improving the livelihood of the Livingstone local community and to provide skills acquisition and income generation at the Resource Centre and household levels
It will also contribute to tourism product diversification in Livingstone as well as to contribute to the sustainable management of the World Heritage Site (Victoria Falls) and to add on to product and service offering in Livingstone.
The Centre, which is expected to be constructed by December this year, will also build a legacy of Tourism and hospitality in the tourist capital.
In terms of expected impact of the project, the Centre will provide knowledge as well as skills and showcase talent and skills in areas of tour guiding, handcraft making, curios making, traditional Zambian food cooking, art and designs as well as environmental conservation awareness and other skills which are necessary for developing and marketing the tourism industry in Livingstone.
It would also provide training to the youths, men and women in the community especially the vulnerable.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, the idea is to provide skills and showcase the skills and in turn generate income for the community.
The Centre will also provide a chance for both domestic and international tourists to visit and participate.
Other UNWTO ST-EP projects in Zambia are Mwandi Cultural Centre in Western Province and Mafungausi Cultural Village found in Lower Zambia in Cheftainess Chiawa area.
THE security outlook in Southern Province has remained unpredictable following the recent re-election of President Edgar Lungu on Monday this week.
More than 150 United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters in Southern Province have been arrested for riotous behaviour related post elections which occurred on August 15, 2016.
Southern Province Commissioner of Police Godwin Phiri said the general outlook had remained unpredictable with sporadic outbreaks of tyre burning.
Mr Phiri urged residents in the Province to ensure that they take precaution and personal safety at all times.
In a press statement released yesterday, Mr Phiri said there were cases of continued tyre burning during the night particularly in Monze.
“Although the situation appears to return to normal during the day, precaution and personal safety is advised at all times as general outlook remains unpredictable with sporadic outbreaks of tyre burning,” Mr Phiri said.
He also said 22 suspected UPND cadres incarcerated for riotous behaviour appeared in the Magistrate Court in Namwala for plea on Wednesday.
“The cadres all denied the charge and the matter has been adjourned to August 24, 2016 and August 26, 2016 respectively for commencement of trial.
“Bail has been denied and all suspects have been remanded to prison,” Mr Phiri said.
He also said 33 suspects have been apprehended in Maala area of Namwala and they were all being screened.
“Chitongo and Kabulamwanda along the Choma to Namwala road are still unstable and suspected UPND cadres have continued to block the main highway,” Mr Phiri said.
We would like to commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the job well done. ECZ prepared for the 11th August general election and the referendum very well.
Most of all, we are happy that ECZ were very transparent every step of the way and the involved all stakeholders.
ECZ were also very patient and tolerant to all the views and concerns expressed by all stakeholders especially political parties.
During the day of elections, ECZ conducted the elections very efficiently such that most polling stations opened and closed at the right time after serving the electorates that turned up to vote.
The management of results was also very transparent because all political parties were allowed to verify the figures before they were finally announced.
We would also like to commend the police for securely the Country as a whole and all the electoral process, such that citizens voted peacefully.
As Zambian Voice we participated in the preparation of elections and monitored the voting and the announcement of results.
We are glad to state that the elections were transparent, free and fair according to our constitution and the international standards for holding a credible and democratic election.
We therefore commend all Zambians and all those who participated in this election.
CONCERNS
While we affirm that the last elections were transparent, free and fair, we recognize that, there were a few incidences that did not go according to the expectations of the ECZ and other stakeholders, however, we believe that those incidences could not change the outcome of this election.
It is normal to have a few hiccups in a huge process such as the just ended elections because it involves a lot of activities and individuals with different character and motives.
Therefore, it is unreasonable for anyone to over emphasize the few negatives of the last election and discredit the all process.
What is of more concern is that, there have been people who have been antagonist and discrediting the process right from the beginning.
Some stakeholders have been speculative of almost everything relating to the elections.
During the registration of voters, some stakeholders alarmed the nation that ECZ had registered 500, 000 voters with a view to rig the 2016 elections. This speculation ended up with some members of a named political party being in court charged with criminal offenses relating to the same rumors.
The printing of ballot papers was also a subject of speculation and suspicion. However, all the stakeholders who witnessed the printing of ballot papers in Dubai proved that, there was nothing sinister in the awarding of the tender and the printing of ballot papers.
ECZ was put under pressure during the distribution of electoral material throughout the Country as the same stakeholders intercepted trucks carrying ECZ material.
During voting, eminent lawyers rose on point of order alleging that some people were voting more than once (6 times) but no one was proven to have had voted 6 times.
The issue of verifying of results was also a tedious task for the ECZ because some political parties did not have representatives in some polling stations and yet they were querying the results transmitted.
In other instances, some political representatives were dodging the signing of the GEN12 (primary source document of the ECZ to enter results) if their candidate did not do well.
Some political representatives were also communicating different results, other than what they had signed for, to their superiors at Mulungushi were the final verification was being done before the announcement.
These incidences caused the delay in announcing of results and the discrediting of the process by some political parties.
PETITIONING OF RESULTS
It is within the rights of any stakeholder to petition the results following the legal processes. However, we are concern with the provocative and inciting statements coming from the opposition, especially the United Party for National Development (UPND).
We have noticed with dismay the some statements coming from the UPND leadership.
While President Lungu has been preaching peace and unity, the UPND leadership is issuing provocative and inciting statements, stating that the Patriotic Front (PF) have stolen their vote and urging their members not to accept the results but rather take President Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate as the winners of the just ended 2016 elections.
This is very unfortunate and we would like to urge the UPND to refrain from issuing such statement but rather take their petition to the Constitutional court in dignity without being their own judges.
We also wish to urge the Constitutional Judges to exercise the ultimate wisdom as they consider the evidence and the situation in the Country so that they can pass a ruling that will reflect the will of the majority as expressed in the last election as soon as they analyse all facts when should the petition be launched.
It is unfair to the majority Zambians that, a few people would hold the Country at ransom that, unless they get the power then that is when there will be peace and unity.
Democracy should not only be accepted when things favors the individual interests and ambitions but the majority.
The Zambia Meteorological Department says the current weather pattern being experienced in most part of the country is not the start of the rainy season but a transitioning period.
Zambia Meteorological Department Deputy Director Joseph Kanyanga has since urged all stakeholders especially farmers not to panic but start preparations for the next farming season.
ZANIS reports that Dr. Kanyanga also cautioned farmers to wait for the 2016 /2017 Seasonal Rainfall Forecast to help them make informed decisions before embarking on any farming activity.
He further called on farmers to ensure that their produce is well covered as there may likely be some sporadic occurrences of light showers and intrusion of moisture which may damage their crops.
The Zambia Meteorological Department was responding to the current signs of the start of rains in most parts of the country.
And Dr. Kanyanga has disclosed that the 2016/2017 Seasonal Rainfall Forecast for the country is expected to be released next month.
He said the release of the annual seasonal rainfall forecast will be preceded by the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) which kicked off in Harare, Zimbabwe on August 15 and will end on August 26, 2016.
Dr. Kanyanga said the SARCOF forum will enable all participating stakeholders from the region to downscale the actual computation of the regional weather outlook into national seasonal rainfall outlook.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kanyanga stated that the climate variability and climate change effects has in the recent years resulted into the shift of the traditional norm of the start of the rain season.
Dr. Kanyanga has since appealed to all stakeholders in the country’s economy to ensure that they regularly consult with the meteorological department before embarking on any major activity so as to enhance their productivity.
