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Zesco United beat Lusaka Dynamos 2-0 away in Lusaka on Wednesday in a rescheduled FAZ Super Division Week 13 fixture to relegated Nkana to 3rd place.
Zesco exchange places with Nkana following the victory moving to the number two position on goal difference.
Goals from Jackson Mwanza and Cletus Chama at Edwin Emboela Stadium saw Zesco move to 28 points, six behind leaders Zanaco.
Mwanza put Zesco ahead in the 34 minute minute to see the defending Super Division champions take a 1-0 halftime lead.
Chama then fired in a free kick in the 48th minute to score his third goal in two goals.
His goal came just three days after his brace in Zesco ‘s 3-2 home win over Al Ahly of Egypt in both sides’ 2016 CAF Champions League Group A opening game in Ndola.
However, Chama was sent off in the 84th minute for elbowing Jubel Sakala.
The win is a massive boost for Zesco who travel to Morocco on Saturday ahead of their June 29 Group A clash against Wydad Casablanca on match-day-two of the CAF Champions League.
Dynamos remain rooted second from bottom after suffering their eighth league defeat of the season on 14 points from 16 games played this season.
Post Newspares Managing Editor Joan Chirwa speaks to MISA Zambia Director Austin Kayanda this morning outside the Post offices
Post Newspapers workers were this morning prevented from entering their offices as armed police officers kept the gates to the premises closed.
When the workers reported for work this morning, they were ordered to go back and they ended up gathering on the pavement along Bwinjimfumu road which houses Post Newspapers head offices.
Most of the workers kept high spirits throughout the process as members of the public stopped by to offer solidarity.
And MISA Zambia officials this morning toured the closed Post Newspapers officers and interacted with the newspaper management to get an update on the situation.
MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale and Director Austin Kayanda revealed that the media body toured the Post Newspaper to ascertain the situation and show solidarity.
Ms. Mwale has since called on the Zambia Revenue Authority to immediately reconsider its actions to shut down the newspaper.
She has questioned the move to close the Post and the lack of due process as the move was clearly politically motivated.
She further questioned why ZRA had not moved on other companies that owe sums much bigger then what was at the centre of the Post tax claim.
The MISA Zambia Chairperson noted that the Post had indicated it will to comply and had even paid the principle sum which therefore brings into question the genuineness of the ZRA action in addition to their refusal to recognise a lawfully obtained court injunction.
She also called on all media practitioners to put aside all differences and stand to protect the freedom of the press which is under threat.
Ms. Mwale has reiterated the Post’s role in promoting democracy and offering a platform to dissenting views, which have been blacked out in most media outlets.
Some placards outside the closed Post Newspapers
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission is appealing to the State to reconsider the decision to close down the Post Newspapers and save throwing hundreds of workers into unemployment thereby adversely affecting the welfare of their families.
HRC Chief of Information, Education and Training
Mweelwa Muleya said the Commission appreciates the fact that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) exhausted the legal process leading to their action to close the Post Newspapers.
Mr Muleya said it is also a matter of human rights law that the State is entitled to enforce such laws as it deems necessary to secure the payment of taxes or other contributions.
“It is however the view of the Commission that there should be further room for negotiations to find an amicable solution to meeting the tax obligation of the Post Newspapers without necessarily closing it. The Commission wishes to advise that there is need to use negotiations, mediation and conciliation methods rather than exclusively using a legalistic approach in this matter,” he said.
He said the Post Newspapers is also one of the institutions of good governance involved in promoting and protecting fundamental human rights and freedoms in Zambia.
Mr Muleya said the Post has over the past 25 years played a pivotal role in safeguarding and consolidating democracy and development.
“It has particularly been instrumental in promoting the right to freedom of expression of divergent viewpoints, providing checks and balances to various State and Non-State institutions and individuals as well as in promoting transparency and accountability,” he said.
It would be a sad chapter in the development of Zambia’s democracy if a drastic action was taken to close the Post Newspapers. It is hoped that there will be high level intervention in this matter aimed at giving the Post Newspapers an opportunity to meet its tax obligation while continuing operating. The Commission believes that allowing the Post Newspapers to operate while ensuring that it meets its tax obligations will be in the best national interest.”
Some Post Newspapers workers managing a catch a light moment with MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale
Meanwhile, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has condemned the closure of The Post newspaper by the PF Government in the strongest terms.
Mr Hichilema said this is a blatant attempt to manipulate and suffocate any remaining free-thinking media ahead of elections in 50 day’s time.
“While the last truly independent voice among our print media-The Post – has been hounded over the past 18 months and now closed on account of its tax obligations, the outstanding ZRA and statutory debts of the various pro government media outlets such as ZNBC, Daily Mail and Times of Zambia continue to go ignored,” Mr Hichilema said.
He said attempts by President Lungu and his government to use ZRA against The Post to intimidate the paper, its editor and its staff into following the editorial line of State House are in direct opposition to the values of democracy and threaten the very existence of a free press in Zambia altogether.
He said the levels of media censorship and manipulation under the government of Edgar Lungu are unprecedented during Zambia’s years of multi-party democracy and if we do not speak out now then it will be too late.
“President Lungu should know that a free press is a vital lifeline in any country. Where people are unable to see different views reflected or debated in the public sphere, levels of frustration in society will only escalate further. The deep concern we have now, and what we have already started to see happening, is that when the people feel there is no verbal outlet of expression or representation of their views then physical action quickly becomes more commonplace.”
Post Newspapers outside their offices on Bwinjimfumu roadMISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale speaks to Journalists after she toured the closed Post Newspapers
Funeral of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
Ministry of General Education Spokesperson Hillary Chipango (in black T-shirt) pays his last respect during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDA
Southern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (center), Livestock and Fisheries Deputy Minister Lawrence Evans (left in white shirt) and Southern Province Permanent Secretary Sibanje Simuchoba pay their last respect during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDAA combined team of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and Zambia Army officers carry the caskets during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDA
A combined team of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and Zambia Army officers carry the caskets during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDAA combined team of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and Zambia Army officers carry the caskets during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDAA combined team of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and Zambia Army officers carry the caskets during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDAA combined team of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and Zambia Army officers carry the caskets during the burial of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone.Picture by KELVIN MUDENDA
HH explained his plan to fix the country by supporting local business
Education is a top priority for the UPND and its one of the areas in which we are most ambitious when it comes to our plans. Being ambitious does not mean that our goals are not achievable, however.
No nation in the world can advance without investing in its people. Furthermore, education is the best equaliser; in other words education is an enabler, it enables the one who benefits from education to advance themselves. As a country that is struggling to realise its economic potential and continues to be plagued by inequality there are few things we should be more concerned with than opening up good quality education to all our citizens, regardless of gender, tribe or family income.
Let me be clear on what the UPND’s pledge is on education. We want to provide access to quality education for each and every Zambian child. In government we will ensure that those children coming from families that cannot afford the fees are able to meet them through the means of bursaries or other financing mechanisms. In other words, money should not be a deterrent for someone who wants to pursue education in this country.
We will invest until every child is in school, and let us be clear that education is an investment, not only for the individual, but also for the family, the community and the nation at large.
How will the UPND fund such a programme? Firstly, the UPND will cut the waste at the heart of government and use the money saved to invest in our people. Secondly, we will cut waste and the heart of government and invest the savings in education. People say there is no money for education but we say that currently we pay salaries for over 71 ministers, we pay for presidential delegations to fly all over the world, and the wastage at bodies such as FRA is through the roof. Fighting corruption will also be important. In a UPND government there will be no sacred cows. We need to recover those misappropriated funds to channel into our education sector. Just cutting that cabinet by half saves us over five hundred million kwacha (500 million) from salaries alone, which can pay for over 10,000 university students.
Every child must have the opportunity, regardless of gender, tribe or family income to access a good education and we will not rest until that is the case. This is the foundation of a productive, prosperous and cohesive society.
FILE: Polling officers wait for voters inside the City Library Polling Centre in Lusaka
By Mainda Simataa President – Movement for Economic Freedom (MEF)
REFERENDUM QUESTION: “Do you agree to the amendment to the Constitution to enhance the Bill of rights contained in Part III of the Constitution of Zambia and to repeal and replace Article 79 of the Constitution of Zambia?”
While we agree in principle, that during the evolution of every nation, constitutional changes, and even referenda, are necessary and inevitable in order to preserve of “enhance” the rights of a people, we are adamantly and diametrically opposed to the procedure adopted, namely, ECZ’s ill-timed and ill-advised decision to hold the referendum alongside a general election, would be a first of its kind in world electoral history.
There are many reasons for our objection, but if we could only advance one critical and over-arching reason, it would be simply this – Never ever must we ever consider repealing (deleting) or amending (changing)/replacing Article 79 of the Zambian constitution because it safeguards the sacred Bill of rights. To repeal Article 79 for whatever reason, as the referendum question states, would be tantamount to mass-suicide, it would be granting whichever party controls parliament the license and unlimited power to alter or take away our human rights without the obligation which article 79 has imposed on parliament, namely – to consult and get consent from over 50% of all Zambians aged 18 and above, and only via the referendum. Article 79 is what makes Zambia a democracy and not a dictatorship, and be reminded, the repeal of the Bill of rights is what opened the door for UNIP to declare Zambia a one party state, on the pretext that parliament needed unlimited powers to repossess land from the whites, which the whites had cleverly protected under part three of the Bill of rights – the one part which politicians have no power to change, unless they consult the people right to enter.
Therefore, we hereby advance 10 more grounds on why we, and every other well-meaning, and well informed Zambian should stand up in opposing the ECZ chaos-formula, and vote NO, if ECZ proceeds with its stance.
1. Commonsense (which seems to be in short supply at ECZ), will inform you that if you hold a referendum question alongside the general election, the voters will invariably consider and decide on the issue based on the official position of the respective parties/leaders, which should never be the case; because socio-economic rights, which are the subject of this referendum we are told, cross political boundaries – they are for everyone – our generation and the future!
2. It is in view of point number one that in the history of the world, and the history of Zambia, a referendum HAS NEVER BEEN, and must never be held alongside a general election because the referendum is not a political contest or consideration that serves to advance the narrow interests of a given political party, no, a referendum is there to advance the interests of an entire nation (or at least the interests of the majority of the indigenous people of that nation).
3. Holding a referendum alongside a general election will ultimately result in politically-driven constitution that will not last the test of time, since the constitution will have the brand of a particular party stamped on it.
4. Having a politically driven constitution will sooner or later, call for more constitutional amendments which will come with further costs of their own, cost which can be avoided if the referendum question is not politicized or mixed with the general election.
5. Holding a referendum alongside a general election will create a loophole for rigging, and therefore compromise the outcome of the general elections because, under the proposed ECZ system of holding the referendum alongside the elections, eligible referendum voters, who are not registered voters, but nonetheless registered Zambians , will have an opportunity to also cast an election vote since ECZ is telling us that referendum voters will share the same polling day, same polling station, same polling booth, and same ballot papers, and ECZ has not put any control mechanism to ensure that the referendum voters to not cast an election vote.
6. Further, under the rules of referendum voting, ECZ is supposed to acquire and publish an updated register of all Zambians turned 18 and above – and also ensure that they are all issued with a green National Registration Card, before the date of the referendum, so as to safe-guard the integrity and process of the referendum which requires that more than 50% of eligible Zambians participate in the process. As things stand, foreigners holding unverified NRC’s can vote in the referendum and also in the election since the loophole already exists.
7. ECZ has failed in its duty, to ensure that as far as possible, the referendum question itself is made SIMPLE, CLEAR and CONCISE, for the average literate person to understand. A question that is posed in lengthy legalistic fashion is of no good to the average Zambian.
8. Further to point 8, as a course of natural justice and common sense, the ECZ has lamentably failed to print, distribute and avail in all local languages, the referendum question in all local, and to all whom it concerns, and further, they have failed to direct sufficient financial and time, for analysis, debate and consideration, required to prepare the lowest Zambian as fit to vote in the referendum.
9. The cost reduction excuse being advanced by counsel Edgar Lungu as the reason why the referendum process should held simultaneously with the general election does not hold water; for the simple reason that such an important and mammoth undertaking, which can be likened to a census, should have been budgeted for long in advance, or at least borrowed for, as is the tradition in Zambia.
10. The referendum question as posed by ECZ is deceptive, for the reason I’ve stated in my preamble. Further, it’s the longest, most ambiguous and most confusing question in referenda world history even drawn. It framed in a fashion fit for the legal or high minded, which confuses the ordinary people from whom it is meant. It is to avoid such confusion that Canada, in 1985, actuality passed a “clarity Act” to protect the voting public from being deliberately misguided. The UK also has a “12 weeks” law that requires a selected board to simplify the referendum down to one sentence or two, before the question is published for public consideration. The referendum question must be SIMPLE to understand, clear and brief.
In view of the above reasons, the Movement for Economic Freedom, acting for and on behalf all Zambians, strongly recommends and submits, that the referendum, as a matter of national security and the preservation of democracy, be forthwith SEPERATED FROM THE GENERAL ELECTION and POSTPONED to enable ECZ consider and clarify the implications thereof, and allow such time as is necessary to allow for proper organization and education/preparedness of the people to enable them decide on this matter that is above partisan politics. Anything less than such an Act will be a travesty of justice.
Our closing advice: VOTE NO IF YOU DON’T KNOW OR IN DOUBT.
Today’s edition of the Post Newspapers
The Post Newspapers has managed to print its edition for today, June 22nd 2016 despite the Zambia Revenue Authority shutting down its printing plant.
The newspapers with the headline ZRA turns Post off was available by 07 Hours in selected places in Lusaka although its distribution was limited.
There are fears that the ZRA will move in to confiscate the printed copies from vendors when they are distributed as the publication has been placed in distress and entails that all revenue generated by the newspapers should be recovered by ZRA.
Sources at the newspapers revealed that today’s edition was printed in Namibia through a commercial printer.
The Post Newspaper employs more than 1,500 workers.
ZRA officers yesterday raised the Post Newspaper Limited and closed down the publication.
The officers arrived at Post Newspapers head office and printing press around 17:00hours in the company of armed police, demanding that the company pays a total of K68 million in tax arrears immediately.
Post Newspapers general manager for finance Rowena Zulu explained that the money ZRA was demanding had already been paid almost in total.
But a ZRA officer responded that they had not yet accessed the money and thus they could not withdraw the warrant of distress.
The lawyers from Nchito and Nchito then produced a court order restraining the officers from issuing a warrant of distress on Post Newspapers, but the officers disobeyed the order. Instead, the ZRA officers chased all employees who were still working at the head office, before locking up the entrance.
At the printing plant, the ZRA officers also switched off the printing press, locked up the premises, leaving the heavily armed police officers in charge.
Ghanaian Dance-hall artist Kaakie is set to perform in Zambia. She will have two shows. One on 1st July at Twangale Park in Lusaka the second on 2nd July at Curious Bar & Shisha Lounge in Ndola.
Kaakie is known for hits such as she has released “Too Much”, “Toffee Pon Tongue”, “Top Gyal Time”, “DC Tun Up”, “Zuuchia”,Koom Koom Cha” and many more.
Zambia’s leading scheduled airline, Proflight, has signed a partnership agreement with the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) that will set the nation’s top athletes on course for Olympic qualification.
The airline has agreed to sponsor 20 return tickets from Lusaka to Durban to enable athletes and officials to participate in the 20th Africa Senior Championship taking place in Durban, South Africa, from 22 to 26 June, 2016.
“The fastest athletes in Zambia will be taking the fastest, most direct route to Durban with Proflight Zambia,” said Proflight Director of Government and Industry Affairs Captain Philip Lemba. “We are a proudly Zambian airline and believe in supporting our national team in their quest for sporting glory.”
This partnership is important because it shows Proflight’s commitment to the nation’s sporting talent and reflects how Proflight values energy, determination and teamwork, added Capt. Lemba.
As part of the agreement, Proflight is also supporting the ZAAA’s Inter-Company Relay in to be held on June 26, 2016 at the Lusaka Show Grounds.
The airline hopes to inspire people from across the country and the region to fly to Lusaka and enjoy the ICR event in June – whether to participate or spectate, and likewise, to travel from Lusaka to Durban to support the national team in the championship.
The ZAAA is responsible for the administration, conduct, management, supervision, regulation, promotion and control of athletics activities throughout the country in accordance with its rules and regulations.
Proflight, a leading corporate sponsor, participates in a wide range of community initiatives and charity programmes throughout Zambia.
In an effort to boost the Zambian athletic career Proflight looks forward to seeing more athletes qualify for national, regional and international competitions, enabling sports to grow in Zambian and fostering national pride and team spirit.
Government has released funds to contractors working on the 169 km Chingola-Solwezi road and on township roads in the district.
North-western Province Permanent Secretary, Ephraim Mateyo, confirmed to ZANIS that the contractors were paid last week and have since resumed works.
The works on the Chingola-Solwezi road, which has delayed, are being done by China Geo and Buildcon Contractors at a cost of over K1 billion.
Mr Mateyo said both contractors working on the road have gone back on site.
A check on township roads by ZANIS crew found that China Geo, the contractor working on the 20.6 km township roads in Solwezi has resumed works on the Medical Centre road.
The township roads are being constructed at a cost K221 million.
Mr Mateyo appealed to the people to be patient and stop politicising the road works because the road, once completed, will benefit every Zambian.
He said the releasing of funds to complete the road works was a testimony of government’s commitment to finish all road projects in the province.
Funeral of Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School accident victims at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
TWO PUPILS and a teacher from Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School who died in a road traffic accident on Friday night near Kozo Lodge in Choma were yesterday afternoon put to rest at the Livingstone Old Cemetery in Livingstone.
Before the burial, a church service was held led by Southern Provincial Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu,Livestock and Fisheries Deputy Minister Lawrence Evans, Southern Province permanent Secretary Sibanje Simuchoba,General Education Spokesperson Hilary Chipango, National union leaders, opposition political leaders and other senior Government officials was held at Villa Grounds were hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their last respect.
The accident happened on Friday night involving a Hillcrest Rosa Minibus and a stationary truck. The School team was on their way to Canisius Secondary School in Monze for the Coca-Cola tournament.
Southern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu directed the Provincial Education Officer, to ensure that all schools stop transporting pupils during the night so that fatal accidents and loss of more lives can be avoided.
Mr Mubukwanu who on behalf of President Edgar Lungu conveyed a message of condolences to the bereaved families , lamented that it was unfortunate that the nation had lost intelligent pupils at a tender age, a situation that deprived them of a chance to meet their dreams.
“Am equally directing RTSA and the Zambia Police to ensure that no school bus should be allowed to move with our children after 18:00 hours from now onwards.
The country has been robbed of great leaders that would have become great academicians. Hillcrest is where Zambia’s cream are found and for you to get a school place at Hillcrest, you have to be intelligent and be among the best in the country, ”Mr Mubukwanu said.
Secondary School Teachers’ Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) General Secretary,Sitibekiso Wamuyuwa appealed to RTSA to effectively investigate the cause of the accident to the fullest so that the culprits could be brought to book.
Mr Wamuyuwa thanked Government for facilitating and spearheading all the funeral arrangements and expenses.
“Our Government has shown its full commitment and it fatherly love by taking charge of all the funeral expenses, this has lessened on the burden that is already being felt by the bereaved families. The Gesture is a sign that this is a listening Government,” He said.
Provincial Education Officer Florence Chikalekale disclosed that the ministry in the province has always been against pupils traveling at night and wondered why the school authorities had decided to go against the set rules.
Ms Chikalekale consoled the bereaved the family and promised to honor all the pupils and a teacher that died in the tragic accident.
She promised to introduce to an award in science in honor of Robby Zulu who was an outstanding pupil in sciences before his death.
And Zambia Air Force Livingstone Chaplin Lieutenant Colonel Mofat Nyambe urged the families to seek God’s guidance during the trying moments, adding that only God had the answers as to why the pupils had to die at a very tender age.
Those buried in Livingstone included Robby Zulu grade 11, Mukumbi Kaputa grade 11 and a teacher Sikaswe Syasiya, while others will be buried in Siavonga,Chililabombwe and Ndola respectively.
Nevers Mumba
MMD leader Nevers Mumba says the closure of the Post Newspapers represents one of the darkest days in the history of Zambia’s democracy.
Dr Mumba said the intolerance, intimidation, and victimisation facing the opposition parties, has now been turned onto the media.
He said these acts represent the last kicks of a dying horse and only serve to condemn the already failed, and soon to be removed rule of an intolerant regime.
Dr Mumba has since demanded the immediate reopening of the Post newspapers and an immediate negotiation be arranged.
“The government itself owes contractors, food suppliers, stationery suppliers, pensioners, utility companies, and civil servants and nobody, nobody, has shut them down,” Dr Mumba said.
He has also called on all Zambians to join the fight to save the free Media, and the Post in particular.
“In a week when we were just commemorating the 5th memorial of Late President and our First Party President, Dr. Frederick J T Chiluba, it is unacceptable that we can have a crop of leaders that are hell bent on reversing the many gains this man, and we as the MMD, fought for such as Democracy, the rule of law and the respect for all fundamental freedoms, and instead, start to run a banana Republic,” Dr Mumba said.
And MISA Zambia says it is closely monitoring the situation and the nation will be updated on what action will be taken.
It however observed that a media house’s economic freedom is closely linked to its editorial freedom and the situation with the Post is a classic example of what happens when economic freedom is manipulated to interfere with a media house’s editorial freedom.
Zambia Revenue Authority officers arrived at Post Newspapers head office and printing press around 17:00hours on Tuesday in the company of armed police, demanding that the company pays a total of K68 million in disputed tax arrears immediately.
Post Newspapers general manager for finance Rowena Zulu then explained that the money ZRA was demanding had already been paid almost in total.
But a ZRA officer responded that they had not yet accessed the money and thus they could not withdraw the warrant of distress.
The lawyers from Nchito and Nchito then produced a court order restraining the officers from issuing a warrant of distress on Post Newspapers, but the officers disobeyed the order.
Instead, the ZRA officers chased all employees who were still working at the head office, before locking up the entrance.
At the printing plant, the ZRA officers also switched off the printing press, locked up the premises, leaving the heavily armed police officers in charge.
Information and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili with his wife in Paris, France.
ZAMBIA cherishes the long standing relations with France, Information and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili has said.
And Dr Kambwili has assured people living in the Diaspora that Zambia remains calm and peaceful with all governance fundamentals firmly in place under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu.
This is according to a press statement released yesterday by First Secretary for Tourism at the Zambian Embassy in France, Percy Ngwira.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador to France Humphrey Chibanda and staff at the Mission in Paris on Monday, Dr Kambwili said relations between the two nations were strong and continued to grow as evidenced by the recent visit of President Lungu at the invitation of his counterpart President Francois Hollande.
“I take this opportunity to commend you, Ambassador and your staff for the good work you are doing to deepen these relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
“I am happy to also inform you that the situation back home is calm and peaceful under the leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. All fundamentals of governance are firmly in place and the Government is busy delivering on its development agenda under the able leadership of His Excellency President Lungu,” Dr Kambwili said.
Giving a brief on events in Zambia, Dr Kambwili said the country had re-affirmed its impeccable credentials as an oasis of peace and unity regardless of the people’s diverse political persuasions through the holding of mayoral, parliamentary and presidential nominations under a peaceful atmosphere.
This is ahead of the presidential and general elections to be held on August 11, 2016.
“As Patriotic Front, our track record in terms of development speaks for itself and we are confident that come August 11, the Zambian people will give us another mandate to lead the country under the leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his running mate Honourable Inonge Wina,” Dr Kambwili said.
He said the Government had delivered a people driven Republican Constitution which had eluded the Zambian people for a long time while another milestone would be attained during the general elections when Zambians will vote in the Referendum on of the Bill of Rights.
He said Zambia had continued to remain a preferred and priority investment destination for most investors as evidenced by the commitment of US$1.1 billion investment by Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) in sinking three new mine shafts in Nkana, Mindolo and Mufulira on the Copperbelt.
He said from this commitment, the Government expected more direct and indirect benefits to accrue to the economy including securing thousands of jobs and extending the lifespan of the three MCM mines.
Dr Kambwili challenged the Embassy in Paris to learn from the best practices in France in terms of capturing tourist arrivals which stands at an average 80 million per annum, the highest in the world.
He further told the diplomatic staff that the Government was committed to diversifying the economy and would ensure developing the tourism sector including agriculture among others which were more sustainable than the heavy reliance on copper.
And in welcoming Dr. Kambwili and his delegation, Ambassador Chibanda thanked the Minister for sparing sometime from his schedule to pass through the mission and meet with the diplomatic staff.
Mr Chibanda informed the Minister and his delegation that the mission continues working hard in delivering on its bilateral and multilateral mandate.
Meanwhile, Dr Kambwili has also praised Multichoice’s investment and its confidence in Zambia which has seen jobs created in the last 20 years of operations in the country including providing access to world class entertainment such as the ongoing Euro 2016.
He observed that Multichoice had created a mutually beneficial partnership with the national broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.
He hailed the company’ corporate social responsibility that has seen DStv education bouquet worth millions of kwacha connected to over 300 secondary schools, teacher resource centres and teacher training colleges countrywide.
“This is commendable and in line with Government’s job creation agenda aimed at uplifting people’s quality of life. It is from this background that my delegation and I are here in France, courtesy of Multichoice,” Dr Kambwili said.
The Chief Government spokesperson was in France at the invitation of Multichoice to witness the Euro 2016 tournament, and was accompanied by his wife Carol Kambwili, Multichoice Zambia board chairman and General Manager, John Mulwila and Ngoza Matakala, respectively.
Information and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili with his wife in Paris, France.Information and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili with his wife in Paris, France.Information and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili with his wife in Paris, France. at a European tournament football matchInformation and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili with his wife in Paris, France. at a European tournament football matchInformation and Broadcasting Services, Chishimba Kambwili with his wife in Paris, France. at a European tournament football match
Ministry of Local Government and Housing Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga
GOVERNMENT has directed Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) to immediate suspend disconnections of water supply exercise and write-off all historical bills inherited from the previous service provider organizations such as Municipal councils and Nkana water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).
Ministry of Local Government and Housing Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga said this following the resolutions made when he held meeting with MWSC customers in Mufulira to hear first-had grievances.
“Disconnections have been suspended forthwith until customer’s complaints are resolved in the affected areas” Mr Malupenga said.
The main complaint that was raised by MWSC customers were historical bills which the water utility inherited from the previous service previous service provider organizations as Municipal councils and Nkana water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).
Other bills incurred in times when there was completely no water supply over a period of time for the customers that are on fixed billings, while customers on fixed billing accounts whom water supply were disconnected bills still comes out.
On resolutions Mr Malupenga also directed to write-off bills generated on fixed bills subject to determination of period when there was no water supply.
Mr Malupaenga said to customers who are already disconnected on the recent bills should be given chance to agree on terms of payments before reconnections is done.
And MWSC Public Relations Manger Debora Kagende urged customers to come forward to ensure they benefit from these resolutions which has been made after the meeting in Mufulira.
Ms Kangende said MWSC will follow problems when effecting these resolutions so customers are requested to bring along with following documents:
1. Tenants – National Registration Card (NRC), tenant agreement and most recent water bill.
2. Landlord – National Registration Card (NRC), tile deeds and most recent water bill.
“MWSC advises its customers that the bills for the month of June were already printed and some dispatched before these resolutions were made and therefore, some amounts that maybe subject to be written of still reflect on the already dispatched bills” Ms Kangende said.
CHIPATA Magistrate Court Moses Phiri has said President Edgar Lungu had always been advocating for non-violent.
Magistrate Phiri said when he fined a 47-year-old Vubwi district Patriotic Front (PF) chairperson Michael Tembo for two accounts of assaulting by occasioning actual bodily harm to Peter Sukwa, a correspondent with the Post Newspaper and Kelvin Phiri, a Feel Free FM station radio journalist.
This is in a matter in which Tembo is on December 10th last year allegedly assaulted the two journalists who were investigating a story where it was alleged that foreigners were being aided to obtain National Registration Cards (NRCs) and being registered as voters in the registration centre in the district.
Facts were that on 10th December last year, the convict jointly and whilst acting together with unknown persons beat the two journalists and assaulted them, thereby causing actual bodily harm on them contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Magistrate Phiri said it was unfortunate that as a leader, the accused ended up committing such offences by denting the name of the ruling party.
He said President Lungu had not hidden his sentiments by advocating for non violent cadres.
He said cadres should stick to their role and respect the duty that journalists have even as they also fulfil their role.
‘’ It is clear that the witnesses did not testify against their own boss and the third state witness who earlier identified himself as a business person, was identified by the convict as a potential candidate of the ruling party in Vubwi constituency and I therefore find you guilty of assault and convict you accordingly,’’ Magistrate Phiri said.
He said the convict had the power to choose who can be a candidate on the ruling party’s ticket and the third witness, Charles Nyoka, was saving his interests of defending the convict.
The court noted that it was also a fact that the two journalists were beaten whilst doing their verification duty, adding that, they did not do their duty of informing people as they were blocked by the convict.
Magistrate Phiri said the court noted that the convict was casual during cross examinations and only realized when he was found with a case to answer.
In mitigation, Tembo said he was the only one helping the family where he was looking after four children of his sister apart from his three biological children.
He also said his mother was a chronically ill person who frequented Chipata Central hospital to seek medication and depended on him.
But the court said his mitigation was heard and that he was the first offender but he should have thought about his family which depended on him before engaging in such acts of violence.
The Magistrate however fined Tembo K 12, 000 or in default serve nine months sentence. The magistrate gave Tembo only Monday to pay the fine or to serve the nine months sentence, stating that of the total fine, K 2000 would go to the state while Sukwa and Kelvin would share K 5000 each.
Magistrate Phiri said the court was satisfied that the prosecution presented its case beyond reasonable doubt to warrant the conviction of Tembo.
He said the convict’s witnesses failed to testify to convince the court when they were cross examined by the state that Tembo was innocent and that it was clear that they wanted to save a person they called their boss as they all belonged to the ruling political party.
“The President is busy telling you people to be non- violent and in order to deter any cadre from any political party, I order you to pay K 1000 on each of the complainant and this money will go to the state.
You are also ordered to compensate each one with K 5000, failure to which you go to jail for nine months with immediate effect,” he said.
President Lungu watches as Councillors introduce themselves during the rally in Chongwe
President Edgar Lungu has described UPND Presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate Geoffrey Mwamba as conmen who want to get into power to enrich themselves.
Addressing a public rally at Chongwe grounds in Chongwe late Tuesday afternoon, President Lungu advised Zambians not to be deceived by Mr Hichilema and Mr Mwamba’s campaign messages.
Mr Lungu wondered why said the two opposition leaders are running for office when they cannot even work together.
He said the two are simply rich conmen who want to enrich themselves when they get into power.
“The two can’t even agree on a common message. This one says we will reduce mealie meal to K50, the other one says we will be selling mealie meal at K150. They can’t even agree on one thing,” Mr Lungu said.
He added, “The other day they were on the same programme, all of them, the President and the running mate and GBM says Lungu is now campaigning with ten helicopters and HH says Lungu can’t even get out of State House to campaign. So you can see that these men don’t have a clear message, they are always contradicting one another.”
“Nibamambala (They are crooks). Don’t be deceived, lets continue with peace and we move forward. We don’t want violence in this country because children and women will be the most affected. Fyena fikabutuka (Them, they will run away. I want to plead to PF don’t react to provocation from the UPND because all they want is to shed blood.”
Mr Lungu said Mr Hichilema is going round telling the country that he will fix Zambia when he has allegedly failed to fix his own party.
“Why can’t he first fix his own party? He has failed to run his party, today he has brought a lot of new comers to the party at the expense of old ones. He should first fix his party because talking about fixing the nation,” President Lungu said.
“They say, if it is not broken, don’t fit. Why take the car to the mechanic if it is not broken? Zambia is not broken so it doesn’t need fixing. The economy is now picking up, what is he going to fix?”
PF Chongwe rallyPF Secretary General Davies Chama during the Chongwe rally
