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UPND President Hakainde Hichilema with Miles Sampa
92 former BP Zambia workers, who won a court case regarding final salary pension scheme have issued a 7-day ultimatum to Saturnia Regna Pension Trust Fund owned by Hakainde Hichilema to pay up the outstanding K457m.
Group representative and lead plaintiff Expendito Chipalo said the representatives of the 92 workers (236 families) will deliver the Petition at 09:30 Hours at Mr. Hichilema’s home on Tuesday 24th May 2016.
The 92 workers who have been battling in court with Hichilema’s pension fund for over 20 years for their pension benefits to be paid said they could not wait any longer as many of their members had died.
They warned that if Mr. Hichilema does not pay within the 7 days, the 236 families will camp at his home until he paid their money.
Recently the former BP workers finally won the case in the Supreme Court ordering Saturnia Regna Pension to settle immediately the Pension Benefits.
On 28th April 2016, the assessment court also ruled in favour of the former BP workers but Hichilema has raised another technical appeal despite the final Supreme Court Ruling.
For the last 20 years the company has used all sorts of legal gymnastics to evade paying the workers’ pension benefits.
In January 1995, Saturnia Regna Pension Trust took over the administration of the BP Pension Scheme from the Zambia State Insurance Corporation.
Saturnia received initial contribution of K1.5 billion and the fund grew to K22.7 billion then.
With benefits and interests, the workers’ fund has grown to excess of K457m.
After this Saturnia began to procrastinate to pay due pension claims insisting that workers would only be paid after age 55 years or at death.
“This was crude theft of our pension savings”.
Both the High Court and Supreme Court have ruled in favour of the workers saying the action by Saturnia was contrary to the Income Tax Act and pension laws.
Mr. Chipalo said the representative will deliver a petition at 09:30 Hours today and warned that the 236 family members will next Tuesday camp at Mr. Hichilema’s home indefinitely, until he paid their money.
They said threats and attacks will not deter them as this was their money that they have patiently waited for 20 years.
Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and his Mamelodi Sundowns team mates had a surprise call on Tuesday from CAF with news that they will play in the 2016 CAF Champions League group stage.
Sundowns replaced AS Vita of DR Congo who eliminated them from the last 16 in April on away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
The South African campions were later ejected from the Confederation Cup were they were relegated to by Medeama of Ghana last week, again on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.
Sundowns are back in the Champions League after AS Vita fielded an ineligible player in three games including the final leg against Sundowns in April that the latter won 2-1.
And so Mweene will know on Tuesday afternoon whether he will face either Zesco United or Zamalek who have Emmanuel Mayuka on their books….or both…. when the draws are made at 14h00 today.
FAZ Super Division side Mighty Mufulira Wanderers say they expect to announce their new head coach this week.
Wanderers are currently searching for a coach following the resignation of Manfred Chabinga late last month.
Club secretary Samuel Kalunga said so far Wanderers have received over six applications from aspiring coaches.
Immediate past Power Dynamos coach Tenant Chilumba is the favourite to land the Shinde Stadium top job.
“We expect to make the announcement this week because this issue has become urgent. We have received more than six applications but we want to get the best coach,” Kalunga said.
“This week we will be knowing who will be our coach,” he said.
And Kalunga clarified that Egyptian trainer Ahmed Suliman – Mighty were reported to have hired was not be head coach.
“The Egyptian is not a coach. He was meant to be technical advisor,” Kalunga said.
Suliman is not qualified to coach in Zambia as a result of lacking CAF approved coaching badges
Zesco United prepare to mark their 10th anniversary of their continental debut waiting to know who they will face in the 2016 CAF Champions League Group stage.
The Ndola side , who made their continental debut with a 2nd round placing in the 2006 Confederation Cup, on Tuesday mark another milestone in the clubs and Zambian football history.
Zesco go into the 14h00 draws in Cairo as the only Zambian club to have reached the CAF club cup group stage competition twice after finishing 3rd in Group A of the 2009 Champions League.
Interestingly, Zesco is the only club heading into the 2016 edition of the group stages that has never won the title.
The Zambian champions’ prospective group stage opponents include record 8-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt, their compatriots and five-time winners Zamalek including 2003 and 2004 victors Enyimba of Nigeria.
Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, DR Congo side AS Vita, ASEC from Cote d’Ivoire and Algerian club ES Setif, all with one win each, are also through.
Al Ahly is the only side in the draws that Zesco have faced before in the pre-group stage of the 2011 edition of the same competition.
Zesco drew 0-0 before losing 1-0 away in Cairo.
They were later relegated to the Confederation Cup last 16 where they sampled some Moroccan flavour in the form of MAS Fes whom they beat 1-0 but missed out on group stage qualification with a 2-0 away loss in Fes.
While Zesco have never faced Enyimba, they have played Kano Pillars in the 2009 Champions League group stage drawing 1-1 in Ndola and losing 3-2 in Kano.
Zesco also played Warri Wolves in the 2011 Confederation Cup pregroup stage losing 3-0 away and and winning 2-0 in Ndola.
Zesco also pride themselves has never losing to Cote d’Ivoire opposition in the 2009 Champions League last 16 drawing 0-0 in Abidjan before winning 1-0 at home to qualify to the group stage that season.
The Miss Heritage Zambia finalists are currently engaged in a fierce online tussle for votes for the Miss Personality title as the pageant nears the grand finale on June 16 in Lusaka.
Following auditions in March, 14 contestants were picked to undertake rehearsals before entering into boot camp on June 1.
A fortnight ago, the organisers of the pageant announced that with only a few weeks to go, they will be posting pictures of the 14 surviving finalists so that the public could help determine who wins the Miss Personality. “Your votes [likes of the pictures from the official page and page likes of their individual pages] will help us to determine who our Miss Personality for Miss Heritage Zambia 2016 will be,” the brief read.
Visit Miss Heritage Zambia official Facebook page to voteHERE
Below are the 14 finalists:
My name is Janet Muchindu. I am 22 and an international logistics student at NIPA. I deserve to be miss personality because I believe its all about being able to influence and inspire people regardless of the different languages, age or sex as long as I have the heart and a strong mind. Help me win by liking my picture and my page.
Janet Muchindu
My names are Emma Lukundo Mwaba, I will be 21 on the 27th of May and am a second year student at the University of Zambia pursuing a degree programme in Environmental Studies. I strongly believe I can only make a good Miss Personality with you guys tagged on my CROWN with your vote. I would make a good Miss Personality because I connect with people very well, am good at listening and though I might not provide all possible solutions I have a shoulder I trust is welcoming for everyone.. I reflect the acts of MATTHEW 5 vs 8
Emma Lukundo Mwaba
My name is Munda Candy Hademu. I am 24 years old and a Teacher by profession. My assertiveness, values and self-motivation tells alot about me. I am principled and stand for want I believe in because at the end it is the endurance and hard work that aids one to reach his or her goals in life. I believe the Miss Heritage Zambia is the appropriate platform for me to be able to inculcate the spirit of volunteerism into our future generation beginning with ours. Iam very compassionate about people and always love to put smiles on the faces of people who need a smile for a change.
I love socialising and exchanging knowledge and experiences.. I also like to look out for the best in others.
I joined miss Heritage Zambia because I want to improve upon my personality and be groomed to be a woman of substance and Miss Heritage Zambia will provide that platform for me
Munda Candy Hademu
Maria K Chibula are my names, 21 years of age am a third year student at UNZA… I belive i would make a perfect miss personality becouse am unique, handworking, higly motivated, self driven and have a beautiful smile… Thank you ?#?mariachibulaformissheritagemisspersonality?.
Maria K Chibula
Hello! My names are Luwi Lusa Kawanda, a 22 year old student at The University of Zambia. The Miss Personality title goes beyond physical appearance, it emulates a persons character within… I would make a good Miss Personality because I am bubbly, friendly to all, always lend a helping hand where I can and I’m confidently beautiful with a heart.
Luwi Lusa Kawanda
My name is Clara Mutale and am 21years of age, a second year journalism student at Evelyn Hone College. I would make a good Miss Personality because I have a heart for people and am willing to take up all it may take to protect promote and also educate others about my heritage and my culture.. I am also willing to use my career as a means to reach larger masses so kindly help me win..
Clara Mutale
My name is Katende Mariana Chibwe I am 23 years old and an Agriculturist by profession. I would make a good Miss Personality because I have empathy (put myself in others shoes), I am humble, kind, ambitious and most of all respect people from all walks of life despite there social political and religious affiliation.
Katende Mariana Chibwe
Sarah Salifyanji Namonje are my names,am 20 years old and i would make a good Miss Personality for Miss Heritage Zambia 2016 because i believe my personality is what I am,what i will be and what i will for ever be. An interactive personality is what i have and that will help me educate others about our beautiful Heritage.
sarah salifyanji Namonje
My Names are Lucy Malindi, am 22 years of age and I work for an engineering company. I would make a good Miss Personality because personality is not how a person looks, its how amiable and welcoming they are from inside, which reflects from inside our hearts. Its the ability to attract courage to the weak, hope to the faultless and the hands that changes everything it touches. The ideal to leave a good legacy to the community and peoples lives makes a good personality… Please vote for me as I know I would make a good Miss Personality talk of me being a people person.
Lucy Malindi
Am Dorcas Nyirongo, and am a 3rd year student at Unza.. I would make a good Miss Personality becuz I like to do community work hence this may be a platform to start a little community talent search more especially in rural areas in order to bring out creativity among young people, this will lead to economic development and will reduce poverty in Zambia,in short this can be one of the ways to have young entrepreneurs.
Dorcas Nyirongo
My name is Natasha Mapulanga and I am 20 years of age. Having a title allows you to inspire people Miss Personality would be my stepping stone to inspire my fellow countrymen and that would all me to exude my positivist.
Natasha Mapulanga
My names are Charity Nomvuula Mwanza aged 23 and a second year student at ZBCT. I would make a good Miss Personality because of my friendly influential character, i believe i have a strong personality and i have a strong passion about being Miss Heritage as it is my objective.
Charity Nomvuula Mwanza
My name is Laurisca Kalongo and I am 18years . I would make a good Miss Personality because my personality Itself is good and i am a God fearing young lady, i love to talk to people and i am a good listener. To conclude i never give up no matter how difficult a situation may be so like my picture and page to help me win.
Laurisca Kalongo
The overall winner of the pageant will be Zambia’s representative at the Miss Heritage Global finals to be hosted in South Africa.
Today’s recipe is something that I love to make a lot, it’s quick and simple, and doesn’t involve a lot of ingredients. It tastes amazing, and the great thing is that you can easily add or remove more veggies and flavour; depending on your preference. This delicious beef stir fry is perfect for a lovely weekend dinner for the family. So try it out.
Preparation & cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 x 300g (sirloin) steak
olive oil
1 red onion , peeled and finely sliced
2 cloves garlic peeled and finely sliced
1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger , peeled and finely chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tspn chilli flakes
2 bell peppers sliced, red and green
Method
Slice the steaks into finger-sized strips and season with salt, pepper and chilli flakes. Prepare the peppers, garlic, ginger and red onion,
Heat a wok or large frying pan until very hot. Pour in about 2 tbsps of olive oil and add the onions, garlic and ginger. Fry for a couple of minutes until the onions have softened a little. Drop in the seasoned pieces of beef and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Add the bell peppers and fry for a further 2 minutes, stirring all the time.
Pour in the soy sauce, and more salt & pepper to taste. Toss in the pan until everything is well coated.
Serving
Serve with noodles or steamed rice. Enjoy!
Kanta Temba is a cake maker and decorator. She is also the owner and founder of Kanta Kakes – cake shop.
You can find her work onwww.kantakakes.com. Follow her on twitter @KantaKakes and Instagram @KantaTemba.
Kellies “Paymaster” Mwaba has told his old club Power Dynamos to be patient with interim coach Anderson Phiri.
The legendary ex-Power goal-king said Phiri should be given ample time to prove his mantle.
Power made Phiri interim coach after the dismissal of his former boss Tenant Chilumba on May 5.
Phiri has recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat as interim Power coach.
“Coach Anderson Phiri and Alex Namazaba (assistant) should not be put under unnecessary pressure. So far they have done well and must be supported,” Mwaba said.
“If you see Power are not doing bad so these coaches should not be changed,” he said.
Mwaba believes Arthur Davies club was still in contention to win the 2016 FAZ Super Division title.
Sixth placed Power have 18 points from 12 games played ad are eight points behind leaders and archrivals Nkana.
“Power’s performance is okay. They can even win the league,” Mwaba said.
Zambia’s foreign based call-ups are expected to join the team in West Africa ahead of next months 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier away to Guinea Bissau.
Chipolopolo face Togo in the first of two friendly games in the region on May 27 and on May 30 against Gambia en route to Bissau.
Zambia leave for West Africa on Tuesday from Ndola with only one foreign-based player expected to travel with the team.
Interm team manager Stanley Kaseko said only captain Rainford Kalaba will accompany the team.
Kalaba is also the only TP Mazembe player released while Nathan Sinkala and Kabaso Chongo expected to fly out on May 30.
“No professioal player has joined us so far. The foreign based players will fly directly to Togo,” Kaseko.
Zambia will play Togo and Gambia as build-up matches before taking on Guinea Bissau on June 4 in the two sides penultimate Group E qualifier in Bissau.
Chipolopolo are 3rd in Group E on 6 points, one behind leaders Guinea Bissau but tied with 2nd placed Congo-Brazzaville who have a better goal difference.
WEEKEND SCORECARD
FAZ Super Division Week 12
21/05/2016
Mufulira Wanderers 1(Mike Katiba 18′)- Power Dynamos 0
Suspected UPND Cadres have allegedly battered a Kitwe Police officer who was manning a road block near Moba hotel in Kitwe.
AND police in Kitwe have arrested 12 UNPD Cadres for unlawful procession and causing a breach of peace.
The incident happened immediately after UPND Vice President for administration Geofrey Mwamba was released on bond.
The 12 were part of the cadres who had thronged Kitwe magistrate court to attend the court case for Mr Mwamba.
Copperbelt Police Chief Charity Katanga says the cadres immediately after the court case decided to drive to moba hotel at blocking the main road into and out of Kitwe.
Mrs. Katanga said police moved in to try and control the traffic jam but they were attacked by the cadres.
She said in the process three UPND cadres were injured and police managed to apprehend 12 but three of them managed to escape from lawful custody at Nkana east Police post.
Mrs. Katanga added that the cadres later pounced on the traffic police officer who was manning a road block near moba hotel leaving him with injuries.
INFORMATION and Broadcasting Minister Chihimba Kambwili(left) confers with Kitwe DC Chanda Kabwe before the PF rally started at Mukuba grounds in Kitwe .Picture by KENNEDY MUPESENI
Government has taken over the burial arrangements for the thirty two people who died in the Mufulira-Mokambo bus accident on Friday last week.
Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe said government will also provide necessary logistics required by the bereaved families.
Mr Kabwe was speaking in Mufulira during a meeting with families of the deceased held at the civic centre.
AND Mufulira District Commissioner Hildah Mwansa said the remains of the deceased will be buried in a mass grave since they cannot identified.
Thirty two people were burnt to death after the scania bus from Kitwe to Luwingu overturned and burst into flames along the pedicle road.
The accident happened around 12:50 hours on the pedicle road, about 20 Kilometres from the Mokambo border post.
Meanwhile, three PF members died in separates incidents over the weekend.
One died on the way from Solwezi to Lusaka to witness the launch of the PF manifesto while another died on the way to Kitwe on the Great North Road after witnessing the PF events in Lusaka.
PF Deputy Spokesperson Frank Bwalya says the third PF member died in an accident in Lusaka after attending the PF rally.
Mr Bwalya said the party is saddened by the tragic death of its three members He said the PF will meet the funeral expenses and the bill for the injured.
Mr Bwalya has since conveyed the PF’s condolences to the families of the deceased. He was speaking to ZNBC news in Lusaka.
UPND posters destroyed in Lusaka
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has come out strongly to condemn the damage being done to the party’s campaign materials by PF cadres.
Mr Hichilema said the damage being done to UPND billboards and posters has never been seen before.
He said, “There is a lot of provocation going on. We fully understand the anger and frustration of our supporters but we want to reiterate the importance of restraint at all times.”
Mr Hichilema said this call is not a sign of weakness but a show of strength that UPND members can bare such pain and not lower themselves as the party has the positive and clear message for the people.
“In such matters we take solace and wisdom from Jesus Christ who still found room in his heart to forgive those who tormented him. Our billboards, posters and other campaign materials are being savagely ripped to pieces by opponents in a manner never seen before in the history of our great nation,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said part of the UPND’s 10 Point Plan for Zambia is to leave this thuggery behind through good governance and bringing order and peace to the nation once again.
“We want a country and a democracy where it will not be a crime to hold divergent views. We want a country where people are held to answer for such criminal acts, which not only violate the electoral code of conduct but vandalism of public property which is also a crime.”
Mr Hichilema said these billboard companies do not belong to the UPND but to Zambian companies and entrepreneurs who are being paid and who in turn create jobs for our people under difficult economic situation.
“Our message to our people once more is let’s be civil and forgiving. God is watching and sees all. Matthew 6:14-15 NIV. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Meanwhile, Police have warned political party cadres to desist from removing their opponents’ campaign posters.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Ray Hamoonga said that political cadres should allow candidates of all political parties’ equal space to disseminate their campaign messages in the interest of peace.
Mr. Hamoonga said that all validly nominated candidates of the various political parties must have the same level playing ground that will ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
He said that the Police will arrest anybody found remove any billboard or poster of any candidate will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
UPND cadres carrying UPND bannersDestroyed UPND supporters in LusakaDefaced UPND posters in Lusaka
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina speaking whilst former President of Ghana John Kufuor listens at the Achieving Nutritional Security conference
The five day African Development Bank -ADB- 2016 annual meeting has opened in Lusaka. Thousands of delegates from across the continent and the globe have converged for meeting.
The meeting will however, be officially opened on Tuesday with at least three African Heads of State and former presidents expected for the meeting taking place at the Mulungushi Conference Centre.
For the first day, the bank has launched the African Economic Outlook 2016 report. The report indicates that Africa’s economic performance held firm in 2015 amid global headwinds and regional shocks.
It says the continent remained the second fastest growing region after East Asia. According to the report’s forecast, the continent’s average growth is expected at 3.7 per cent in 2016 and pick up to 4.5 per cent in 2017, provided the world economy strengthens and commodity prices gradually recover.
The report also highlights that In 2015, net financial flows to Africa were estimated at 2-hundred and 8 billion US dollars, 1.8 per cent lower than in 2014 due to a contraction in investment.
At 56 billion US dollar in 2015, however, official development assistance increased by 4 per cent and remittances remain the most stable and important single source of external finance at 64 billion US dollars in 2015.
Launching the report, Acting Director, Development Research department, at the African Development Bank Abebe Shimeles noted that in order to make any real impact at ending poverty, Africa needs to growth at a rate of seven percent per year.
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina and Managing Director Dangote Foundation Zouera Youssoufou signing the connection with the Technical Partnership on Nutrition at the Achieving Nutritional Security conference
Meanwhile, The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the Gambia government on Monday, May 23, 2016 signed a USD 9 million loan agreement to finance an Agriculture Value Chains Project.
The project, which involves the production, processing and storage of or Rice and livestock, will improve food security and create jobs, said the Acting AfDB Vice-President, Sector Operations, Kapil Kapoor, who signed the agreement for the Bank.
Kapoor said the project, which builds on existing agriculture projects in the country, is aligned with the Bank’s High 5 priorities, especially the Feed Africa component. It is among the Bank’s 15 agriculture value-chain engagements across the continent.
He expressed the hope that the government would implement the project as quickly as possible in line with the Bank’s new accelerated projects and programmes delivery approach.
In his response, The Gambia Finance and Economic Affairs Minister, Abdou Kolley, who signed the agreement for his country, thanked the Bank for the support, which, he said, would further strengthen the long relationship between The Gambia and the AfDB.
He said the project will go a long way toward the realization of his county’s food self-sufficiency goal and promised that the government would work hard to reduce bottlenecks which cause delays in the projects implementation.
The Agriculture Value Chains Development Project (AVCDP) was approved in March 2016. It seeks to increase, on a sustainable basis, the income of rural producers, entrepreneurs engaged in the production, processing, storage and marketing of rice and livestock. It will also create shared wealth and jobs.
To be implemented over a period of five-years predominantly in the Upper River (URR) Regions of the country where poverty and food and nutrition insecurity are highly endemic, the project will benefit an estimated 8,300 households comprising 3,320 women and 4,980 men. An additional 4,150 people will benefit indirectly from the project, bringing the overall beneficiaries to some 12,450 households.
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina (c) Managing Director Dangote Foundation Zouera Youssoufou (r) and Jamie Cooper Chair and President of Big Win Philanthropy signing the connection with the Technical Partnership on Nutrition at the Achieving Nutritional Security conferenceAfrican Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina (c) Managing Director Dangote Foundation Zouera Youssoufou (r) and Jamie Cooper Chair and President of Big Win Philanthropy exchanging documents after signing the connection with the Technical Partnership on Nutrition at the Achieving Nutritional Security conference
Dr JOHN PHIRI
Minister General Education John Phiri has said that the high number of counterfeit grade 12 certificates presented by some people aspiring for elective office is alarming.
Dr Phiri has disclosed that the Examination Council of Zambia -ECZ-has so far recorded 60 forged grade 12 certificates from aspiring candidates.
He however, says the ECZ will continue working diligently to ensure that no counterfeit documents are allowed to pass.
Dr. Phiri was speaking to journalists at media briefing held at the Ministry of General Education in Lusaka.
Last week, The Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) unearthed a scam in which Commissioners of Oaths were certifying academic qualification as true copies without verifying with the examination body or institutions the documents were obtained from.
ECZ Director General Michael Chilala said that his institution is the only rightful body to verify academic qualifications.
Dr Chilala said that some Commissioners of Oaths are certifying forged academic qualifications without verification.
He revealed that the ongoing verification of academic qualifications for aspiring candidates ahead of the August 11th general elections, has revealed that 60 forged academic certificates of which 55 are local while 5 are international.
Dr Chilala further disclosed that the ECZ had extended the grade 12 verification of results to the 25th of May to enable more aspiring candidates to verify their academic documents.
He has since assured aspiring candidates that they will have their verified academic certificates ready for nominations by their political parties.
Three million Malawians are expected to be hit with hunger this year following the poor rainfall received during the 2015/16 farming season.
This came to light when a delegation from the Farmers’ Union of Malawi (FUM) paid a courtesy call on the Eastern Provincial Administration in Chipata over the weekend.
FUM Director of Research, Policy and Partnership, Candida Nakhumwa, said Malawi was coming from a poor season last year where it was hit by adverse weather conditions as a result of the elnino.
Dr Nakhumwa said the President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, even declared it as a state of emergency.
She noted that the FUM wanted Zambia to help Malawi in a formal manner where the two countries could trade in Maize to cushion the hunger in that country.
‘’We want Zambia to help us where we can import maize from this country. We want to ensure that trade happens in a formal manner. Our President has declared a state of emergency because 3,000,000 people will be in need of food this year,’’ Dr. Nakhumwa said.
She observed that Malawi was lucky that Zambia had surplus maize this year and it would be prudent that the two countries helped each other by engaging in formal trade of the staple food.
And Dr Nakhumwa commended the Zambian government for relating well with the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU).
She said the Zambian government had recognised farmers as important players in economic development and FUM would also want to learn from that in implementing agricultural activities.
Dr Nakhumwa said the delegation appreciated the value-addition farmers made in their agricultural activities, citing the processing of cooking oil from sunflower using Yenga Press machines.
She noted that Malawi would also want to do the same by acquiring the equipment from Zambia.
Meanwhile, FUM President, Alfred Banda, said farmers in Malawi were hard working but lacked markets.
Mr Banda said his union wants to rely on ZNFU for the facilitation of the procurement of agro-equipment so that farmers in Malawi can also add value to their crops.
And Eastern Province Assistant Secretary, Royd Tembo, said Zambia is expected to have a bumper harvest in Southern Africa this year as a result of cooperation government has with the ZNFU.
Mr Tembo said ZNFU was the voice of the farmers and instrumental in looking at the farmers’ needs.
‘’The Zambian government appreciates working with ZNFU because it has realised that agriculture is slowly becoming an economic mainstay as the country tries to diversify the economy from copper dependency,’’ he said.
Mr Tembo also called for more similar visits in the region where countries can learn from one another, especially with the effects of climate change so that they can put their heads together to be food secure.
The FUM delegation is in Eastern Province to learn from ZNFU’s operations and share information with the Zambian Farmers’ Union which has been in existence for the past 100 years.
The delegation has so far visited Petauke, Chadiza and Chipata disitrcts.
A consortium of civil society organisation has maintained that the proposed mineral royalty tax bands are retrogressive and will compromise mineral resource revenue collection.
In a statement in response to a press statement issued by the Chamber of Mines last week, the civil society organisations restated their position that the resources should be left in the ground for exploitation by future generations if current regulations are deemed too onerous by potential and current investors.
The organisations are part of the Publish What You Pay Zambia and the Zambia Tax Platform.
“We wish to re-emphasize the we are in total support of having progressive tax reforms in the mining sector, however, the proposed tax bands as the floor and ceiling tax rates pegged to the value of the mineral on the London Metal Stock exchange are too low, investor led and do not represent the interests of the Zambian people in getting a meaningful compensation share for mineral extraction,” they said.
They added, “It’s of our understanding that the mineral royalty tax is meant to be a compensation for mineral resource extraction, but however the new tax bands will not enhance revenue collection for compensation in times of commodity booms which subsequently lead to increased production in the mining sector.”
They also expressed displeasure at statements issued by the Chamber of Mines president Nathan Chishimba who amongst other things claimed that civil societies reasoning on mineral resources was “short-term thinking” by claiming that “mineral resources are finite, and Zambia needs to make the most of what it has while it has it.”
“We wish to remind Mr Nathan Chishimba that Zambia has been mining for over a century and evidently Zambia has not been able to make the most of resource post privatization which subsequent come with a number of incentives,” they said.
They charged that it is immoral for a country with high levels of poverty and inequality to continue to make decisions of this nature that compromise its ability to generate its own resources and address its challenges domestically.
“We Civil Society also wish to re-commit ourselves to research on the impact of current tax regimes and campaign for reforms at the national and international level to ensure that the taxing rights of our countries are not undermined by abusive international tax practices and investors. Consequently, we will neither be intimated nor silenced on this matter.”
They added, “With respect to this, we firmly demand government to justify and disclose to the public the tax revenue that will be forgone with the implementation of the new tax regime sliding mineral royalty tax regime verse the double tier regime of 6% for underground and 9% for open cast mining as legislated in the 2015 Mines and Minerals Act.”
“Furthermore, we urge government to consider engaging in a more consultative and participatory process in developing taxation regimes and we also urge our governments to establish mechanisms to conserve adequate revenue gleaned from mining operations for future stability, growth and unforeseen downturns,” they said.
