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UN rights expert arrives in Zambia this week to assess the situation of persons with disabilities

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UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Ms. Catalina Devandas-Aguilar
UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Ms. Catalina Devandas-Aguilar

United Nations Special Rapporteur Catalina Devandas-Aguilar will carry out her first visit to Zambia from 18 to 28 April 2016.

She will be examining the situation of persons with disabilities including older persons, women and children with disabilities – as well as legislation, policies and programmes in place for the enjoyment of their rights.

“During my ten-day visit, I will focus on the level of enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities in Zambia, in areas such as social protection, education, mental health, access to justice, and deprivation of liberty,” the human rights expert said.

“Given the current pre-electoral context in Zambia, I am also keen to assess how the right of persons with disabilities to participate in political and public life is being addressed in the electoral process, ahead of the general elections of August,” Ms. Devandas-Aguilar noted. 

The Special Rapporteur reports to the UN Human Rights Council and advises on the realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities word-wide, including by supporting Governments to identify good practices, opportunities, challenges and protection gaps in this area.
Her work is guided by the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities* and other international human rights standards.

The expert, who will visit the country at the invitation of the Government of Zambia, will meet with government representatives at national and local levels, as well as with organizations of persons with disabilities, other civil society actors, UN officials and international donors.

She will visit Lusaka and Ndola.

“I look forward to engaging with authorities, persons with disabilities and their representative organizations and other actors to better understand how the rights of persons with disabilities are implemented in Zambia, the practical approaches that have been prioritised, and the policies, programmes and decisions that have either helped or hampered the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities,” Ms. Devandas-Aguilar explained.

On 28 April 2016, Ms. Devandas Aguilar will hold a press conference at the Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel in Lusaka to share with the media her preliminary observations on the visit.

Today’s Message: The Position of Power

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bible

Today’s Scripture

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.”

(Proverbs 19:11, AMP)

The Position of Power

Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, be frustrated or get offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you at the office. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour, and it ended up taking three.

Life is full of inconveniences; but even though we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reactions to those circumstances. I heard somebody say, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.”

We should always go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope and expecting God’s favor. But at the same time, we should recognize that most days are not going to go exactly as we planned. Remember, we were created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power.

If you get stressed because you got off schedule, or got upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended you, what you’re doing is giving away your power. Instead, make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you live in peace and move forward in the power and victory the Lord has for you!

A Prayer for Today

“Father, today I release every care, concern, offense and disappointment to You. I choose to keep the peace that You have given me knowing that with You, my best days are ahead in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

Nkana tame not so Bravo Nchanga

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Leaders Nkana on Saturday maintained their unbeaten run in the 2016 FAZ Super Division after thumping Nchanga Rangers 4-2 in a Week 6 match at Nkana Stadium.

The huge win pushed Nkana to 16 points from six matches played.

Striker Walter Bwalya bounced back from scoring an own goal in last week’s 1-1 draw at Lusaka Tigers to score a brace against Nchanga in Wusakile.

Striker Freddy Tshimenga put Nkana ahead after 9 minutes before Nchanga levelled on 26 minutes through Emmanuel Banda’s spectacular volley.

Nkana went up 2-1 when Guily Manziba converted a 39th minute penalty after referee Wellington Kaoma penalised Emmanuel Kasonde for handball in the box.

Four minutes after the half time break Bwalya put the score line beyond Nchanga’s reach and later completed his brace nine minutes from time.

Nchanga too had a share of scoring a penalty with striker Kabeya Malume converting an 87th munute spot kick to beat Nkana keeper Fredrick Mwansa.

FAZ Super League Week 6 Results & fixtures
16/04/2016Nkana 4 – 2 Nchanga Rangers
Lusaka Dynamos 0 – 0 Power Dynamos
Red Arrows 1 – 0 Forest Rangers
ZESCO United 3-0 Nkwazi
NAPSA Stars 1-1 Green Eagles
Lumwana Radiants 2 – 0 Mufulira Blackpool
Nakambala Leopards 2 – 0 Kabwe Warriors
17/04/2016
Mufulira Wanderers-Lusaka Tigers
Postponed:
Green Buffaloes-Zanaco

Two year old Toddler admitted after drinking Kachasu

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A two-year-old girl of Kaizya village in Mpulungu district of Northern Province has been admitted to Mpulungu District Hospital after drinking a traditional spirit called Kachasu.

The girl was rushed to the hospital in an in unconscious state.

Mpulungu District Medical Officer, Chitondo Saloule, confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Mpulungu today.

Dr Saloule, however, said the girl is out of danger and her condition is stable.

And mother of the girl, 35-year-old Theresa Kamwelu, said the incident happened on Thursday around 19:00hrs.

Ms Kamwelu explained that the girl took the alcohol which their neighbour gave them to keep.

She has since thanked the hospital authorities for helping the child survive.

And Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Hlobotha Nkunika, is saddened with the incident.

Mr Nkunika, who visited the girl, has since urged parents to ensure safety of children by keeping all poisonous substances out of reach of children.

PF tells Zambians to Ignore Rigging Sentiments

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Sunday Chanda
Sunday Chanda

The ruling PF has called on Zambians to ignore sentiments by some stakeholders that the PF intends to rig this year’s elections by printing ballot papers in Dubai.

The ruling PF was responding to Veteran Politician Vernon Mwaanga who has advised election stakeholders to verify facts that the Dubai-based firm which the Electoral Commission of Zambia has decided to award a tender for the printing of ballot papers for the August polls is the same company that printed ballots for the controversial Uganda elections in February this year.

PF Information Committee Member Sunday Chanda says the sentiments attributed to Dr. Mwaanga are calculated at discrediting the electoral process as it pertains to the 11th August 2016 election.

Mr. Chanda says the script to discredit the result of 11th August 2016 is informed by the cartel’s realisation that no Opposition Party has come of age to dislodge PF from power.

He says the ruling party refuses to believe that Dr. Mwaanga is an expert in rigging detection or the rigging process itself unless he wants the people of Zambia to believe otherwise.

He adds that the UPND to which Dr. Mwaanga is aligned is not in the frame of mind to concede defeat once they once again loose the general elections.

And Zambian Voice has released the statement below on the ballot papers printing

The Zambian Voice

Press Statement on Printing of Ballot papers

16th April, 2016

We are very concerned with the speculations and innuendos, by various stakeholders, that Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) may have an ulterior motives by awarding a Dubai-based Al Ghurair Printing Company to print ballot papers.

Some people have been quoted alleging, that, the said company printed pre-marked ballot papers in the last Ugandan elections.

Such speculations and allegations have a potential to put Zambia in turmoil because the forthcoming elections of 11th August 2016 are seemingly tightly contested and the emotions of political players are high.

It must be borne in the minds of all stakeholders that ECZ has a constitutional mandate to organise and conduct elections in a transparent, free and fair manner independently, without undue influence from any stakeholders.

The attacks on ECZ without substantiated facts borders on interference in the running of an independent body, which is not acceptable from any stakeholder including the ruling party Patriotic Front (PF).

We would like to urge all those stakeholders with facts of malpractices in the awarding of the Dubai company to bring evidence other than putting out speculations alarming the nation unnecessarily.

If it is the issue of cost, let those stakeholders provide credible alternatives meeting ECZ specifications.

We urge all Zambians, especially senior citizens, to be responsible in their statements concerning the forthcoming elections otherwise they are spelling danger for our nation.

CHILUFYA TAYALI

Executive Director

The Zambian Voice

Government calls on stakeholders to help help young entrepreneurs

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Zambia International Investment Forum 2016 Launch: Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mhango Mwanakatwe delivering her speech
Zambia International Investment Forum 2016 Launch: Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mhango Mwanakatwe delivering her speech

Government has called on various stakeholders to come on board and help young entrepreneurs for the growth of the country’s economic base.

Speaking during the official launch of the Zambia Entrepreneurs Forum (ZEF) in Lusaka, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says there is need to help young entrepreneurs in the country if the country is to record steady progress in many areas.

Ms Mwanakatwe says Western African countries have embraced young entrepreneurs saying Zambia should emulate them so that young entrepreneurs can grow and help many youths seeking jobs in the country.

She states that the lives of the young people can be transformed by embracing innovation.
She has since challenged the newly formed Zambia Entrepreneurs Forum to bring on board youth entrepreneurs that are crying for a platform such as this to bring out their ideas and move the nation forward.

Speaking earlier, ZEF Chairman Moulen Siame says the country’s entrepreneurship focus needs to be broadened as well as integrated in order for the country to increase the levels of entrepreneurial activities and experience noticeable economic and social impact.

Mr. Siame says this requires all corporate institutions, SMEs, Government, Business and entrepreneurship societies, men and women and all entrepreneurs in the country not to work in isolation but to cooperate in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Another Ritual Murder Recorded in Lusaka’s George Compound

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zambiaPolicelogo
A 30-year-old man has been killed in a suspected ritual murder in Lusaka’s George compound, the sixth of such murders in the area in a space of four weeks.

Police Deputy Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has confirmed the development to QFM News that the police have picked up a dead body of a male person Anthony Mwaba aged 30 years of house no 376 off Twikatane Road in George Compound.

Mr. Hamoonga says the body was picked about 300 to 500 meters away from his house along a centre road leading to his residence.

He says the body had no heart, both ears and private parts.

The Police Deputy Spokesperson says the police service is making an earnest appeal to residents of George Compound to remain calm and cooperate with the police as they are working and trying with all legal means to resolve this heinous crime as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, reports reaching QFM indicates that residents of Chunga are rioting in protest against the continued legal killings in Lusaka.

Three-hour long search at Martha Mushipe’ s offices yield nothing

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Police surround Martha Mushipe's law firm situated in Millenium Village Complex
Police surround Martha Mushipe’s law firm situated in Millenium Village Complex

A search conducted at lawyer Martha Mushipe’s offices situated in the plush Millennium Village Complex in Lusaka last evening yielded nothing.

Ms. Mushipe is one of the key lawyers for the UPND and is currently handling a number of cases for the party including some top officials such as Geoffrey Mwamba.

Police had camped at Mushipe’s offices attempting to search for what they called seditious documents after former UPND member Ephraim Shakafuswa reported to the Police Inspector General that there are documents in Ms. Mushipe’s offices which details how the UPND plans to use violence to take over power.

Home Affairs Minister Davies Chama is believed to have applied for a search warrant on Tuesday authorising officers from the Zambia Police to invade the offices and conduct the search.

However, Ms. Mushipe’s lawyers comprising Jack Mwiimbu and Marshall Muchende then applied to the High Court on grounds that the search would breach lawyer/client relationship which delayed the planned search.

Throughout the week, some UPND youths had also camped at the offices in what they said was a move to protect the interests of the party.

The High Court application was however rejected late Friday which meant that the police officers could begin their search in the presence of Ms. Mushipe’s lawyers and some UPND officials.

The three-hour search however could not find anything seditious even after police officers combed the entire office building.

The only document found was titled “Strategy of Domination PF against opposition UPND 2015-2016 and beyond-UPND at Crossroads-Transition or Conflict/Patriotic Fronts Use of Ethnic Divide and Rule as a means of maintaining political control in Zambia 2015-2016 and beyond”.
The document is said to have been authored by veteran Zimbabwean politician Didymas Mutasa, Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula and General Tendai Muduli.

And in interviews with Journalists after the search, Ms. Mushipe’s lawyer Jack Mwiimbu described the search as the worst form of political intimidation.

Mr Mwiimbu demanded that the Law Association of Zambia must issue a statement on the lawyer Mushipe-clients privacy bleach by police officers.

He said a number of confidential client documents were searched by police officers.
Below is an excerpt from the document found after the search.

TITLE OF DOCUMENT: STRATEGY OF DOMINATION PF AGAINST OPPOSITION UPND 2015-2016 AND BEYOND.

SUB-TITLE: UPND AT CROSSROADS – TRANSITION OR CONFLICT/ PATRIOTIC FRONT’S USE OF ETHNIC DIVIDE AND RULE AS A MEANS OF MAINTAINING POLITICAL CONTROL IN ZAMBIA, 2015-2016 AND BEYOND.

AUTHORS OF DOCUMENT: GEN. TENDAI MUDULI, DR. NGOSA SIMBYAKULA, MR. DYDMUS MUTASA.
DATE PUBLISHED: 23/01/2015.

CLASSIFICATION: HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL.

TOPIC OF THE DAY: STATE SPONSORED VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION.

As a strategic group we found that during the 2015 elections methods employed by our comrades on the ground after assessments and field visits during the pre-election period and the election itself have found that the Team Edgar and Comrade Willie Nsandas/Chungus efforts at theft to be strategic, targeted, systematic and comprehensive. Our conclusion is based upon the following elements which we recommend that should carry on until after the 2016 election.

Since the death of President Michael Sata, our comrades have been in a crisis politically and economically. The framing of his campaign message Edgar Lungu against the opposition UPND within the rhetoric of anti-tribalism has created and will have to continue creating a veil of legitimacy behind which President Lungu will be free to act.

This document is meant to add value to President Lungu’s habitual use of ethnic divide and rule as a self-governing political weapon in Zambia. We further advise President Lungu and his team to develop a two tiered theoretical framework within which the case UPND will be analyzed.

Thereafter the team will analyze three cases in which the late President Sata utilized ethnic divide and rule to neutralize political opposition: the campaign against UPND using Poniso and Siamunene, the decentralization programme and creation of new districts as well as the nullification of Opposition parliamentary seats; and the repression of the United Party for National Development (2011-2014).

The widespread use of violence against UPND general populace, intimidation and coercion will have to form the backbone of the Edgar Lungu’s governments strategy to cow the electorate either into supporting the PF, not supporting the UPND or staying away from the polling stations in the coming parliamentary bye-elections in Mulobezi, Petauke, Malambo and all pending wards.

Opposition supporters will have to be beaten, tortured or even killed, particularly in areas by the PF youth MILITIA wing unleashed to terrorize the electorate into supporting the ruling party.

These actions will be taken with complicity of the Police and with total impunity. Upon the appointment of the new Inspector General of Police and Deputy, make it known to them the Police will have to be openly partial, dismissing crimes by PF as political matters and providing support to the PFs militia wing.

 

Police officers negotiating their entry into offices of Martha Mushipe's law firm
Police officers negotiating their entry into offices of Martha Mushipe’s law firm
The document found after the search at Martha Mushipe's law firm
The document found after the search at Martha Mushipe’s law firm
Ephraim Shakafuswa's Letter to I.G
Ephraim Shakafuswa’s Letter to I.G

Dora Siliya’s Tribal Rantings and Hate Speech is a violation-Canisius Banda

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ENERGY and Water Development Minister Dora Siliya stresses a point during National Water Day celebration at Choma Stadium
ENERGY and Water Development Minister Dora Siliya

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Friday, 15th April 2016

Minister of Energy Dora Siliya’s tribal rantings and hate speech directed at the people of Southern Province is very disheartening and completely violates the spirit of the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto being preached and pronounced daily on ZNBC.

As a senior member of both the PF’s Central Committee and President Edgar Lungu’s Cabinet we can only assume that Dora Siliya has all the blessings of the President himself who is allowing his Ministers to preach tribal hatred, as she has been recorded yesterday in her address to Katete residents of Eastern Province.

Once again we do not expect any action to be taken against Ms. Siliya from President Edgar Lungu because the President has not acted on any of his senior party officials who have been uttering similar or worse hate speech, derogatory remarks, lies and slander against the UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and other leaders and members.

Dora Siliya’s conduct is not only illegal under the Constitution, but it cleary goes against the resolutions of the recently held political parties Peace Indaba, which resolved that civil political discourse is an important way of reducing political violence in the country.

We also wonder how Dora Siliya’s tribal rantings and hate speech in Eastern Province yesterday will reduce the cost of farming inputs, bring an end to the power-cuts that have crippled business, reduce the cost of mealie meal, and address the many challenges the country is facing at the moment.

As we head towards elections, we call on Zambians to be on the lookout for more divisive sentiments and lies from the PF leadership who, while proclaiming to be Godly, the evidence shows continue to deliver evil messages meant to divide our people.

Dr. Canisius Banda
UPND Vice-President

Lungu happy with renewed relations with Czech Republic

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Presidenty Lungu Delivering his speech
President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu is happy that the Czech Republic has renewed friendship with Zambia.

President Lungu says Zambia will utilise this renewed friendship to further strengthen the mutual relations between the two countries.

Mr Lungu says he expects exchange visits and business entrepreneurs to invest in Zambia

The Head of State was speaking at State House when visiting Czech Republic Minister of Agriculture, Marian Jurecka, paid a courtesy call on him.

This was shortly after Agriculture Minister, Given Lubinda and the visiting Czech Republic Minister, Mr Jurecka, signed two Memorandums of Understandings (MoU) on mechanisation and industrialisation of the agricultural sector.

Mr Lungu said Zambia stands ready to learn best agricultural practices from developed countries like the Czech Republic, thereby deepening mutual understandings between Zambia and the Eastern Europe country.

And speaking earlier, visiting Czech Republic Minister, Marian Jurecka, said his country stands ready to assist Zambia develop her agricultural sector by setting up a food industry in Zambia.

Mr Jurecka, who was speaking through an interpreter, Silvie Ginterova, noted that the relations with Zambia have not been so intensive for over two decades hence, renewing the ties.

He disclosed that his government has prioritised Zambia as one of the two countries on the African continent to benefit modern innovations and technologies in the agro-sector.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Given Lubinda, has disclosed in a separate interview that the Czech Republic has opened up scholarships to Zambians wishing to study in that country.

Mr Lubinda, who has just returned from the Czech Republic a fortnight ago, further said government is determined to diversify from mining to agriculture.

He added that Zambia is on the right path with the involvement and participation of developed countries like the Czech Republic which has demonstrated to help improve Zambia’s agricultural sector.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed at State House by Presidential Spokesperson, Amos Chanda, Agricultural Permanent Secretary, David Shamulenge, and visiting Members of Parliament from the Czeck Republic Petr Stary, Jiri Jirsa, Petr Kulovany and Merek Svoboda.

Another Kitwe Civic Leader in court for obtaining by false pretence

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Court hammer
Another Kitwe civic leader has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to one count of obtaining money by false pretence.

Ndeke ward councillor, Evans Nsokolo, today appeared before Kitwe Magistrate Kampinda Chipamu, and pleaded not guilty to obtaining K17, 000 by false pretence.

This is in a case in which Nsokolo, 37, of house number 512, Ndeke, Changa-changa in Kitwe, is facing one count of obtaining money by false pretence.

Particulars of the offence are that Nsokolo on dates unknown, but in June 2012, with intent to defraud, obtained K17,000 cash from Chrispine Mwanza on the pretext that he had a plot to sell when in fact not.

In denying the charge, Nsokolo said, “Your honour, I understand the charge and I plead not guilty”.

Magistrate Chipamu granted Nsokolo bail in the sum of K10,000 with two working sureties in government pensionable jobs also in the sum of K10, 000 each.

Ms Chipamu set April 27 for prior mention and May 3, 2016, for trial.

Yesterday, Kitwe Mayor, Kelvin Sinyangwe, also appeared in a Kitwe magistrate’s court on two counts of obtaining money on false pretences.

Mr Sinyangwe also pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Devolutions of power to district levels would require devoted civic leaders-Madyenkuku

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Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee Syacheye Madyenkuku (holding balls) with Choma central Constituency party secretary Joel Kamoko (left) and Constituency chairperson Timothy Siakaziba (immediate right) about to present footballs to the winner of the Sikalongo ward tournament sponsored by Mr Kamoko at the weekend. Insert, Limpo Siachaba (in green jersey) of Mochipapa Research football club fight for the ball with Moses Muleya of Sikalongo football club.
Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee Syacheye Madyenkuku (holding balls) with Choma central Constituency party secretary Joel Kamoko (left) and Constituency chairperson Timothy Siakaziba (immediate right) about to present footballs to the winner of the Sikalongo ward tournament sponsored by Mr Kamoko at the weekend. Insert, Limpo Siachaba (in green jersey) of Mochipapa Research football club fight for the ball with Moses Muleya of Sikalongo football club.
A senior member of the Patriotic Front (PF) has called on the electorate to vote wisely especially on local government level to ensure that candidates to be voted, for especially to the office of council chairpersons, would be able to discharge their duties diligently in view of the decentralisation policy.

PF Central Committee member, Syachaye Madyenkuku, said the devolutions of power to district levels would require devoted civic leaders for the process to attain its pragmatic and desired results especially in rural areas.

Speaking at a party mobilisation meeting in Sichimbwali area of chief Chikanta in Kalomo yesterday, Mr Madyenkuku said the local government seats of councillors, council chairpersons and mayors were crucial for the smooth implementation of the decentralisation policy in collaboration with line ministries and stakeholders.

And the PF in Southern province has reiterated its commitment to abide by the resolutions of the recently held inter-party Indaba by engaging itself in peaceful and non-violent campaigns ahead of the August 11, general elections.

Provincial party chairperson for mobilisation, Brave Mweetwa, observed that it would be disrespectful for any party official who would be found wanting to disregard President Edgar Lungu’s calls for peace and unity in the country.
Mr Mweetwa urged all other political players to be non-violent if the country is to continue to enjoy the peace and stability.

Welcoming over 400 defectors mainly, from the United Party for National Development (UPND), among them, 15 village headmen, at the same meeting in Chikanta area, Mr Mweetwa said time of political violence is long gone as all Zambians should now focus on how to develop the country.

“Why do we fight and insult each other when actually we are brothers and sisters? We do not compete with each other but just only how to govern this country,” Mr Mweetwa questioned.

The mobilisation meeting was attended by top PF Provincial and Kalomo district party officials.
Some defectors talked to said they opted to work with the ruling party to forge ahead with its development agenda.

President Lungu reiterates determination to eliminate poverty

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President Lungu greats Marketers10 miles shortly after official opening of Agritech Expo 2016 in Chisamba Central Province
President Lungu greats Marketers10 miles shortly after official opening of Agritech Expo 2016 in Chisamba Central Province

President Edgar Lungu says he is determined to improve the livelihood of the vulnerable people in the country.

President Lungu says he is passionate about uplifting the welfare the Zambian people, especially the vulnerable ones in society.

Mr Lungu says he is concerned that poverty has continued to inflict the majority Zambians.
The Head of State said this when he made an impromptu visit Mwayasuka Main Market in Mwayasuka area in the newly created Chisamba district of Central province.

“I’m passionate about lifting the high poverty levels among the Zambian people. Meeting and sharing with them as l have done today is one way of addressing poverty so that government can know their plight,” he said.

Mr Lungu inspected and toured stands and interacted with the marketers and traders.
He later visited and toured other makeshift markets situated along the Chisamba-Lusaka highway.

Mr Lungu assured that government, through the line ministries, is working round the clock to addressing the high poverty levels among the people in communities by providing them with the necessary incentives and inputs.

He pledged to end poverty in the country through various ambitious programmes being implemented by his government.

This was on his return to Lusaka shortly after officiating at the 2016 Third Expo-Tech Exhibition in Chisamba, Central province.

Meanwhile, business came to a stand-still as President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade penetrated and entered the Capital city, Lusaka.

President Lungu was greeted to a thunderous welcome by scores of people who lined up the streets from Chisamba all the way to Lusaka to have a glimpse of their leader.

He passed along Cairo Road and Independence Avenue as members of the public responded “Pabwato: ni Lungu chabe” and assured him a 100 per cent vote in this year August 11 poll.

Mr Lungu, who was scheduled to use his Presidential chopper, decided to travel by road as a way of his ‘modern fashion’ of interacting and greeting the people.

President Lungu greats Marketers10 miles shortly after official opening of Agritech Expo 2016 in Chisamba Central Province
President Lungu greats Marketers10 miles shortly after official opening of Agritech Expo 2016 in Chisamba Central Province

MMD More United And Stronger Under Dr. Mumba – Lengwe Bwalya

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Lengwe Bwalya MMD National Youth Treasurer
Lengwe Bwalya

Movement for Multi party Democracy (MMD) National Youth Treasurer Lengwe Cornelius Bwalya has charged that the MMD is more stronger and united under the leadership of Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba. Mr Bwalya who is also a member of the National Executive Committee of the New MMD said this after a Press briefing addressed by party President Dr Nevers Mumba at the party Secretariat recently.

“It’s very evident and clear that as a party we have remained united and stronger in unity of purpose, up holding the tenets of democracy, which are the key ethos that guide us as a party, in observance of the rule of law as well as in upholding the constitution of the party and most importantly judging by the bold and some times unpopular decisions this executive has made under the leadership of Dr Mumba!”

“What you see here today going by the President’s address to the nation is a clear will and desire of the party to be further united. Once again we go out in setting a precedent of good will by extending an olive branch to all those that have left the party for various reasons to come back and be a part of this great movement as we head toward 11 the August General Elections” Mr Bwalya said

However, Mr Bwalya was not short of a sound warning to those expelled or suspended members of the party that are reported to be masquerading as party officials in ?various parts of the country.

“As for those who have continued to strive with impunity to destabilise us?, they must know that it’s just a matter of time and the law will catch up with them and shall be dealt with as they deserve”

“Further more, allow me to say that as a youth wing of the New MMD we are vigilant and ready to deal with these inept enemies of the party knowing very well that they don’t mean well for the Presidency and for the party at large. They have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that they are not only frustrated, stranded and ignorant elements but ones that lack wisdom and foresight “? Mr Bwalya reiterated.

“MMD is an institution and will not succumb to insinuations of people who think are bigger than what they are nor the party, we came and so shall we leave this party. This is a party founded on principle and law and one that is strengthened by its structures and the will of its members, I mean these people know this.? So rather than wasting their merger resources, let them devote their time and channels those resources to more sensible issues,” Mr Bwalya observed.

Kwacha gain is real, says Bank of Zambia

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Bank of Zambia
Bank of Zambia

The Bank of Zambia (BOZ)has maintained that the appreciation of the kwacha is due to measures that the central bank had employed rather than what critics are putting across.

Some media reports have suggested that the appreciation of the Kwacha against other major currencies is artificial and cannot be suntanned for a long period time.

ZANIS reports that BOZ Assistant Director, Balance of Payments and Debt Division, Economics Department Ivan Zyuulu told Journalists in Lusaka that during this period it is normal for the Kwacha to perform extremely well because this is the time that companies pay their taxes.

Mr. Zyuulu said it is also during this time that mines remit their taxes coupled with the increase of interest rates in the country.

He said the appreciation of the Kwacha is also as a result of the measures that the bank has put in place to address and control the situation.

Mr. Zyuulu said the central bank is currently monitoring the performance of all the bank’s departments in concerted efforts to stabilize the kwacha.

He said BOZ has a task to ensure that financial stability is maintained for a longer period of time in order to improve the economy.

Mr. Zyuulu said BOZ has put in place monitory policies in order to increase the interest rates because data is usually collected on the interest rate to see where adjustments can be applied.

He said BOZ has a task to ensure financial stability in the country and to ensure that all players in the economy have a levelled playing field