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MOVEMENT for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Southern Province chairperson Michael Kashinka has warned Lunte Member of parliament Felix Mutati against destabilising the party in the province.
Mr Kashinka has accused Mr Mutati of sponsoring individuals to tarnish the name of MMD president Nevers Mumba by consistently calling for a convention.
But when contacted for a comment, Mr Mutati promised to issue a comprehensive statement on Mr Kashinka’s allegation.
Mr Mutati also referred all media queries to former MMD Southern Province chairperson Oliver Pelete.
Addressing party officials and sympathisers at the Livingstone MMD secretariat, Mr Kashinka said the party was aware of Mr Mutati’s meetings in the province and was quick to mention that the meetings did not have the blessings of Dr Mumba and all structures of the party in Southern Province.
Mr Kashinka said the former ruling party was aware that Mr Mutati together with some former MMD officials, who defected to other political parties, were just masquerading as MMD officials when meeting other party officials in the province.
“How do we go for the convention then again go for elections, if Mr Mutati has been given some money to distabilise the party, of which we know he has, let him give us the money so that we build our party. Our convention for southern province and the rest of the country will be in 2017 period,” Mr Kashinka said.
He said the former ruling party was disappointed with Mr Mutati for going round the country calling for a convention when the matter was still in court.
“Mr Mutati should not be running round the country conducting meetings when his case is still in court.
“For us we shall wait until the court makes its ruling on the issue of holding a convention this year,” he said.
The provincial chairperson urged Mr Mutati and other members to leave the party and form their own they were not interested in organizing the MMD.
“If you are not interested in organizing the party, resign and leave us alone. If they don’t want to resign, they have an alternative of forming another party like Miles Sampa did.
“Honorable Mutati should also form his own political party if he is not happy with the leadership of Dr Mumba or better still stick to his constituency in Lunte.
“Those people who will abrogate the MMD constitution will face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Delegates during the official opening of the 134th Inter Parliamentary Union(IPU) assembly
Speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament Jacob Mudenda says this year’s Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) general assembly theme is both critical and strategic as it calls for pragmatic action to uplift and create qualitative life among the youth.
And Mr. Mudenda says Zimbabwe and Zambia have a lot to learn from each other through experiences from parliamentary exchange visits.
In an interview with ZANIS, Mr. Mudenda told ZANIS during the on-going 134th IPU conference in Lusaka that the IPU theme of “Rejuvenating democracy; giving voice to the youths” is cardinal and timely in view of the UNDP 2012 publication ‘Enhancing Youth Political Participation,’
The publication states that young people between the ages of 15 and 25 constitute a fifth of the world’s population who need to be involved in influencing global social economic development.
Mr Mudenda said the IPU theme fully captures the IPU’s collective thought to redress the limited influence of youths in national political institutions and the economic sphere.
The Zimbabwean Speaker said all countries need to avoid relegating the youths to a position of obscurity but make them define their own unique and
branded footprint of development in society.
Mr Mudenda said the youth’s road to self-discovery and personal development for self-actualization lies in creating an enabling legislative, policy, financing, education and training framework that are conducive to democratic governance contribution.
He explained that the Zimbabwean Constitution in section 20 provides a youth friendly legal framework which promotes youth political and social economic participation.
Mr.Mudenda said the Zimbabwean government has since used the youth friendly legal provision to spearhead the youth socio-economic development agenda through the National Youth Policy.
He said young parliamentarians in Zimbabwe chair some portfolio committee and six have been appointed to ministerial positions.
resident Lungu and his Vice President Inonge Wina (Fourth from left) and Chief Justice Irene Mambilima (third from l) pose for a photo with newly sworn in Supreme Court Judges. Supreme Court Judge Justice Charles Kajimanga (2nr),Supreme Court Judge Justice Micheal Musonda (2nl),Supreme Court Judge Justice Jane Kazor Kabuka (l), Supreme Court Judge Justice Nigel Mutuna (r), Supreme Court Judge Justice Jones Chinyama (fourth from r)
President Edgar Lungu has called on lawyers and judges in the country to have patriotism in the court system and find better avenues of attacking one another if justified.
Mr. Lungu has expressed worry at former Attorney General Musa Mwenye who has instigated a lawsuit against a mining company on the Copperbelt in a London court.
President Lungu said he will consult the Law Association of Zambia on the matter as to why a former attorney general and member of the bar can go out of the country and cast suspicion on the integrity of the Zambian judicial system.
President Lungu charged that he will defend the integrity of the country’s judicial system.
Mr. Lungu said he has a lot of confidence in the country’s judiciary system hence the need for judges and lawyers to preserve the integrity of the country’s judicial system.
President Lungu said he will not take lightly the casting of suspicion on the court system in Zambia especially by a member of the judiciary.
The Head of State said this at state house today when he swore in five Supreme Court judges.
The five Supreme Court judges include Justice Charels Kajimanga, Justice Michael Musonda, Justice Jane Kazora Kabuki, Justice Nigel Mutuna and Justice Jones Chinyama.
He said Zambians will continue to look to the judiciary when faced with the challenge of resolving differences.
President Edgar Lungu congratulates Newly Sworn in Supreme Court Judge Justice Jones Chinyama at State House during the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme JudgesPresident Edgar Lungu congratulates Newly Sworn in Supreme Court Judge Justice Nigel Mutuna at State House during the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme Judgesresident Edgar Lungu receive latter of Orth from Newly sworn in Supreme Court Judge Micheal Musonda at State House during the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme JudgesPresident Edgar Lungu receive latter of Orth from Newly sworn in Supreme Court Judge Charles Chinyama at State House during the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme JudgesPresident Edgar Lungu receive latter of Orth from Newly sworn in Supreme Court Judge Jane Kazor Kabuka at State House during the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme JudgesPresident Edgar Lungu congratulates Newly Sworn in Supreme Court Judge Justice Charles Kajimanga at State House during the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme JudgesPresident Edgar Lungu and his Vice President Inonge Wina at State House During the swearing in ceremony of the Supreme Judges
Frank Bwalya
Police is Southern Province say three suspects wanted in connection with the assault on PF deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya have handed themselves to police.
Southern Province Police Commissioner Godwin Phiri has told ZNBC news that the suspects handed themselves to police around 17:30 hours in Monze on Monday.
Last week, Suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres attacked and injured Patriotic Front (PF) deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya.
Mr Bwalya was attacked at Sky FM in Monze, where he had gone to give an interview following an invitation by the radio station.
He sustained head and chest injuries and was rushed to Monze District Hospital, where he received medical attention.
“I was on a radio programme on Chikuni FM with one of the UPND members when we got a call from Sky FM that wanted me to give them an interview.
“By the time we got to Sky FM, the UPND member that I was with on the programme alerted three of his colleagues, who confronted me and started throwing punches until they dragged me to the ground, where they continued to kick me in the head and stomach,” he said.
Mr Bwalya said the three accused him of insulting their party president, Hakainde Hichilema, while on the radio programme.
“We were talking about no violence on the programme but they said I insulted their party president,” he said.
HH with Canisius Banda at KKIA this morning enroute to Eastern Province
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has made a passionate call to voters especially the youth not to surrender their voter’s cards to anyone as August elections draw close.
Mr Hichilema said the UPND keep receiving reports of bogus people requesting its members to give them Voters Cards and even NRCs in exchange for money or other incentives.
“Fellow citizens, voting is a very important civic duty that determines the destiny of our country. Being denied an opportunity and the right to vote and decide the direction of your country’s destiny is a curse no-one should wish upon themselves, whatever the temptation,” Mr Hichilema said.
He added, “Let’s not fall prey to short-term incentives at the expense of the broader picture in deciding our leadership and our shared future.”
Mr Hichilema said there is currently no law that requires you to completely surrender a Voters Card or NRCs in order to access certain services such as money, loans or other facilities.
“May we educate our people that when they hear someone asking them to surrender their voting instruments, they must immediately report them to the nearest police station or our local structures on the ground so they can alert the authorities and follow up,” he said.
“We must also keep instructing our people, especially youths and those who have not voted before, on how to vote. Have a great day and God bless you all.”
And Mr Hichilema has embarked on a campaign tour of Eastern Province.
He is accompanied by his Vice President Canisius Banda and other senior party officials.
“We have left for Eastern Province this morning accompanied by our Vice-president Dr. Canisius Banda, while our other Vice-President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM), former Commerce Minister Bob Sichinga, National Trustee Bernard Mpundu and other officials are already ahead having left yesterday in our continued party mobilisation activities.”
He added, “Our appeal to our members is that as we continue our party mobilisation activities across the country, it’s also important to sensitise our people on the importance of keeping their Voters Cards and NRCs safe.”
Meanwhile, Opposition UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has called on President Edgar Lungu to reverse his salary increase saying it is outrageous and selfish.
In a statement made available to media today, Mr. Hichilema said that President Lungu is enjoying a salary increase, from K414, 406 up to K447, 559 with an additional special annual allowance of K117, 648 adding that this is nothing short of an insult to the majority Zambians.
Mr. Hichilema has advised President Lungu to emulate President Buhari of Nigeria who, newly elected in 2015, recognised that his people are struggling and voluntarily cut his salary in half within weeks of coming to power.
He said that another good example is President Magufuli in Tanzania, who after being elected in October 2015 quickly cut the Cabinet down from 60 to 34 ministers, as well as cutting a planned retreat for ministers.
The UPND leader has since called on President Lungu to quickly reverse the decision and donate any additional benefit he has accumulated from the increase to date to charitable causes.
Below is the full statement
President Lungu Must Reverse His Salary Increase
Our people are distressed. It is hard to find a job, parents are struggling to put food on the table, families cannot find the money to send their children to school and basic healthcare is beyond the reach of the majority. Inflation has increased prices and the cost of living has gone up, meanwhile job losses have seen more and more families destitute and without hope.
At such times, a leader must apply austerity not only to the nation but at a personal level. The action of increasing one’s salary when the voters are suffering is not only outrageous but selfish. That President Lungu is enjoying a salary increase, from K414,406 up to K447,559 with an additional special annual allowance of K117,648, is nothing short of an insult to the majority who are suffering and the growing number who can’t afford three meals a day, let alone any of the many benefits he already enjoys just by virtue of his Office. What kind of leadership is this?
For many Zambians they may feel disappointed, upset and even angry at this latest revelation but will ask can we really expect any better from politicians. My answer to you is yes we can. Just look at President Buhari of Nigeria who, newly elected in 2015, recognised that his people are struggling and voluntarily cut his salary in half within weeks of coming to power. He also cut State House budget and allowances, recognising that this money would deliver much greater benefit to the people if spent in more productive areas.
Look also at the example set by President Magufuli in Tanzania, who after being elected in October 2015 quickly cut the Cabinet down from 60 to 34 ministers, as well as cutting a planned retreat for ministers. He has introduced specific restrictions on ministerial costs, from the refreshments they can enjoy at taxpayers’ expense to their mode of traffic – no more first class air tickets or limousines. Over in South America, Jose Mujica the former President of Uruguay set a truly admirable example by donating 90% of his $150,000 salary to charity and forgoing various expensive benefits such as a presidential motorcade.
So yes we can demand better of our leaders and we should demand better. It is in this light that we now call on President Lungu to quickly reverse the decision and donate any additional benefit he has accumulated from the increase to date to charitable causes.
These are not complex policy decisions. These are very simple measures that are both compassionate and show common sense. It is an honest duty to reflect on the times we live in and in this President Lungu is guilty of gross misjudgement.
President Lungu needs to do more than just this, however, he must also quickly share his plans with the Zambian public on how the majority can hope to earn any salary through job creation measures and how together we can fight rising inequality. Soon election season is coming and people will want to see his plans and he can be sure that they will be asking why plans and action on these fundamental and basic areas have not come sooner and no action has been taken to date.
Reverse that SI now, you have done it before, so it should not be a problem to reverse this particular SI.
Girls caught stealing painted in yellow at Levy Mall
Four members of the public, in their capacity as citizens, have petitioned the Human Rights Commission over inhuman treatment of two girls who were suspected of shoplifting in Jet Stores. The two girls were painted in yellow paint and displayed in public.
Below is the full Petition
THE COMMISSIONER
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
LUSAKA – ZAMBIA
22nd March, 2016.
PETITION TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AGAINST JETS STORES FOR VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND ABROGATION OF PART THREE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA
WE THE PETITIONER:
Mr. Celestin Rocky Mukandila
Mr. Albert Lazarus Banda
Mr. Katimba Chisenga
Mr. Chilekwa Lungu
BEING Zambian Citizens and Law abiding citizens, having a responsibility under Article 43(3)(2)(a) of The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment Act No. 2 of 2016) to promote the ideals and objectives of the constitution of Zambia, DO HEREBY, petition and challenge the Human Rights Commission to take to task the management of Jets Stores for having violated the provisions of the Zambian Constitution on the “PROTECTION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF THE INDIVIDUAL” under PART THREE of the 1996 Constitution.
The pictures circulating on Social Media showing two ladies suspected of having shoplifted from Jets Stores between 20th March, 2016 and 22nd March, 2016 and being painted with yellow paint by the Jets Stores management should be condemned by the Commission at all cost for it is a violation of Human Rights and the Bill of rights of the Zambian Constitution.
The following articles of Part Three where abrogated:
Art 15. A person shall not be subjected to torture, or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other like treatment.
Art 18(2) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence- (a) shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved or has pleaded guilty;
HOWEVER, The Human Rights Commission which is a creation of Art 230(1) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment No. 2 of 2016) is tasked with the following responsibility under the foregoing constitution:
Art 230(2) The Human Rights Commission shall ensure that the Bill of Rights is upheld and protected.
Art 230(b) take necessary steps to secure appropriate redress where rights and freedoms are violated;
FURTHERMORE, we wish to challenge the Commission to ensure that there is total protection of the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual by pursuing the violations at hand and ensure that no such violations are condoned.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours truly, Mr. Celestin Rocky Mambula Mukandila_Esq (FOR THE PETITIONER)
Girl painted in yellow after she was accused of stealing
Pilato
Controversial musician Pilato has written an open letter to President Edgar Lungu complaining about a range of issues affecting the nation.
Pilato who was last year arrested and detained for his anti-Lungu sentiments in his music said President Lungu must act now for the sake of his legacy.
He said mealie meal prices have become so unbearable and the government has not explained what has necessitated the increase in prices.
“Dear ba President Lungu, I told myself never to do a song on president Lungu this year but it’s becoming very difficult not to do so. I honestly think the president’s advisers and those that simply talk to him are not doing a great job,” Pilato wrote.
“So many issues affecting the majority of our people have been left without answers for example. The prices of Mealie Meal have become so unbearable and the government has not explained what has necessitated this increase instead they have continued to make those tuma childish statements. There’s also a shortage of the same and yet there’s no clear explanation as to why considering that the minister of agriculture has maintained that we have plenty of maize stocks,” he said.
“Every month we are spending $18million on power but they have not shared with the public the period for how long this unbudgeted for expenditure will go on. We are told that Kariba dam may need 3 years of good rainfall for it to work as expected. For how long will this massive loadshedding be with us?”
He added, “UNZA and CBU conditions are just too shameful. Today it is still unclear under what circumstances the two universities will open as the minister responsible seems to be dancing between two opposing stands. Mr. President this is about your legacy so it’s only right that you act now lwenu.”
Pilato wrote, “These people you are working with do still have ambitions so when your time is over these people will be joining other coming governments and be ministers but for you that may be your last political job. I HONESTLY do have a song about you and you may not like it. Am hesitating to release it hoping that you act on the so many issues affecting our people. Please my president do the right thing and make your legacy your pride.”
President Edgar Lungu being briefed by Masumba
PF North Western Province Campaign Manager Stephen Masumba says there has been an overwhelming response from women willing to participate in next year’s elections.
Speaking in an interview Mr Masumba said women in the province have come on board after the pronouncement made by the President assuring them of 40% places for nomination.
“The people in the Province are very happy and the women have come on board, they are applying for certain positions and we are certain that we will reach the 40% reserved for women. We are also proud that young people are applying and as you know North Western Province is known for young leaders as you can see from the likes of myself,” he said.
And Mr Masumba has praised President Lungu for the developmental projects that he has taken to the Province.
He said President Lungu ought to be commended for the projects that he has launched in the Province within the short period that he has been in office.
He said in the last one year President Lungu has visited North Western 7 times and that he is the only seating President who has frequently visited the province so many times.
Mr Masumba has since called on the people in the province to ignore the prophets of doom who have been lying about the PF in the Province and vote for the party as they can see for themselves the projects which have been launched since he came into office.
He also said UPND should stop lying to themselves that the Province is their stronghold as people have seen that the PF means well and they will vote for the party to ensure that they continue on the development path that the province has started.
YALI President Andrew Ntewewe
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)has called on Zambians to open their eyes and not vote for politicians he described as “monkeys” who jump from one political branch to another.
Speaking in an interview YALI President Andrew Ntewewe said politicians are living citizens in despair as all they are concerned with is themselves as opposed to serving the people who elect them to office.
He said his organization would like to call on the public to open their eyes and ensure the country is rid of such kind of politicians if the nation is to see a change of behavior and improve service delivery from politicians.
“That sort of kills the entire essence of a properly functioning Democratic system of government because a properly functioning system of government people are going to stand by their political party because they want to send their way of thinking to their party but they are joining other political parties because they are motivated by getting a salary, they are motivated by being driven in a big 4?4, they are motivated by having fuel for free that is why they are busy jumping up and down, you know they are behaving purely like monkeys.
“When a monkey is in a tree, it will jump from one branch to another when ever it sees that the fruits may not be adequate so that they can also eat from the next branch because most of these politicians we are hearing defecting from one party to another you will notice that unfortunately that these are characters who have been moving over the years. They have been in UNIP when they saw that UNIP was losing they moved to MMD, when PF came they jumped to PF and now they are also trying to jostle for political positions in UPND.
“It lives much to be desired because you can not bring monkey types of politics in the democratic system of government no, we want politicians that are real, politicians that are motivated in ensuring that service delivery people is improved, we want politicians who are going to think of the best ways of improving the lives and livelihood of the poor Zambians and not politicians who will only think about themselves, ” he said.
He expressed disappointment that politicians are being moved by personal interests and not service to the people.
“As Young African Leaders Initiative we are very disappointed that our politicians are moved more by personal interests, they are moved by personal preservations rather than matters that affect the nation, matters that affect the poor, more often you are going to hear these individuals who have resigned as deputy Ministers say I want to feel how it is like to be in poverty when in actual sense these same people have been Deputy Ministers for four or five years and all of a sadden they are more concerned with the poor than the 4 or 5 years they have been Ministers.
“It is very disappointing in the sense that politicians must have a bit of decora and their decisions must be based on political ideology, they must be based on policies, they must be based on how things can be done in a more proficient manner but is very clear that they are not looking at that. All they are looking at is how are my chances of winning, what are my chances of being in good books with the next government which is pathetic because it driven by greed, it is driven by personal interest,” he said.
A WOMAN of Twapia in Ndola has narrated before the Ndola Main Local Court how her husband dragged her to a bush in Kasongo area in Luanshya and threatened to insert a screwdriver in her private parts after he accused her of having an affair with a tenant.
Angela Phiri, 25, sued her husband Joseph Chisala, 42, for divorce on grounds that he is violent and has been physically abusing her for years.
Phiri told senior local court presiding magistrate Oscar Kalaba, who was sitting with presiding magistrate Rosemary Muuke that apart from physically abusing her, Chisala was in a habit of stripping her naked in front of tenants and their children.
But Chisala, who is a retired soldier from Kalewa Barracks, objected to the divorce stating that he does not want to go through another divorce as his marriage to Phiri is his second and does not want the children to grow without fatherly love.
But Phiri insisted that she wanted a divorce as she was afraid Chisala would kill her due to his violent behaviour.
“I just want a divorce. Chisala beats me up and strips me naked before our tenants and children every time we differ. My first born child who is an elderly boy now has seen my nakedness,” Phiri said.
The couple of house No. 1402, Twapia township got married in 2009 and K100 was paid as bride price.
Phiri told the court that the couple has two children although Chisala got back the bride price in 2012 following a dispute which left Phiri injured.
She told the court that Chisala recently beat her and left her for dead and that she reported the matter to the police.
“He paid K100 as bride price but he claimed it back after my relatives questioned him why he was in the habit of battering me. Not too long ago, he beat me severely and ran away to his village in Chilubi Island and he only returned to Ndola a few days ago,” Phiri said.
But Chisala told the court that he is forced to beat Phiri as she is promiscuous and that she confessed to having an affair with one of the tenants.
He said Phiri was seeking divorce just because he had run out of money he received as pension when he retired from the military.
Chisala said Phiri does not wash his clothes and denies making love to him.
“She does not heed to what I want anymore. She bleaches her skin and dresses like a single woman. If I advise her against wearing trousers, she gets upset,” Chisala said.
In submission, Phiri pleaded with the court to order Chisala to keep away from her because he is obsessive and accuses her of being a prostitute.
And Chisala asked the court to order Phiri to return his car keys.
However, the court could not grant the two divorce as there was no marriage between them as Chisala got back the bride price.
Today’s lovely recipe is this fast and easy Avocado salad. If you haven’t already noticed I am a huge fan of avocados; not only because they taste great, and can be added to a variety of dishes, but also because of their health benefits. Avocados are extremely nutritious and are often referred to as a super food. They contain 20 different vitamins and minerals, including; Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, as well as Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous and Vitamin A… now, that is a long list of vitamins…but that’s exactly why avocado is a super food; and it even includes healthy fats and proteins. The fibre in it helps reduce cholesterol and the potassium in it is good for reducing blood pressure. So all in all eating enough avocados will benefit you greatly. So what are you waiting for? Start now, by trying this delicious and easy avocado salad recipe.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves 2 people
Ingredients
For the salad
4 large lettuce leaves, roughly chopped
2 medium tomatoes, sliced or chopped
1 large onion, sliced and lightly blanched
1 cucumber, chopped
1 avocado, peeled and sliced into chunky pieces
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp of olive oil
For the homemade dressing
½ garlic clove, crushed and finely chopped
2 tbsp of mayonnaise
2 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of white vinegar
Method
Prepare your dressing first. Mix the crushed garlic, mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Set it aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
Season the chicken with the paprika, salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken until cooked through. Allow the chicken to cool.
Combine the salad ingredients in a bowl; lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, avocado and chicken breast.
Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
Remove the chicken if you are serving to vegetarians
Serving
Serve this salad as a main meal, or as a lovely appetiser. 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.
President Edgar Lungu held meeting with An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Tsidi Tsikata who is division chief African department in Washington and Mr Tobis Nybo Rasmussen IMF Resident Representative in Lusaka at State house. Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza/State house.20-11-2015.
By Kalima Nkonde
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its mission to Zambia on the 18th March, 2016 and it is apparent that there was no agreement on a deal again purely because of disagreement on the timing of the economic recovery programme. President Edgar Lungu fears that he would lose the August 11, 2016 elections if the tough austerity measures the IMF insists on are implemented before the elections.
At the end of the mission, the head of IMF mission, Mr. Tsidi Tsikata noted that the Zambian economy is in dire straits. The IMF is now waiting to hear the policy measures that the Government intends to put in place. They will evaluate those measures in Mid April, 2016 during the next meetings between the Zambian Government and IMF/World Bank.
“The Zambian economy is under intense pressure. Lower copper prices, electricity shortages, and poor rainfall have dampened the pace of economic activity. Moreover, inflation has increased, expenditure pressures have raised, and financing conditions have tightened substantially. The mission estimated that economic growth declined to about 3 percent in 2015. Resolute action is needed as quickly as possible to restore macroeconomic stability and pave the way for a return to high sustained growth.
“Government finances are under immense stress. Expenditure is running far above budget, in large part as a result of fuel subsidies and contracted emergency electricity imports that together are estimated to cost the treasury about US$660 million a year at the current pace (equivalent to 3.2 percent of GDP). At the same time, domestic and external financing options have become more limited along with rising interest rates. Mounting domestic arrears are adding to concerns about debt sustainability,” he said.
In view of the fact that Zambia is supposed to be an open society, the writer feels that Zambians need to be educated about the program that the IMF is most likely demanding from the Zambian government to implement and why President Lungu is reluctant to implement it before elections but rather after the elections.
Nobody has clearly explained to the public in simple terms what the costs and benefits of the IMF program are so that the public can make informed decisions in this elections year. Although I am not privy to the negotiations and the IMF’s positions, as a fairly knowledgeable, exposed and objective analyst, I believe the contents of this article are a reasonable reflection of what the final IMF deal will look like. This is because the options for Zambia’s economic recovery are very limited due to the delayed action by government and the weak negotiating position they are in at the moment!
Objectives of the IMF program
The IMF program will in general, aim to achieve the following objectives: fiscal consolidation which simply means measures meant to reduce government expenditure and increase revenue, restore macro economic stability which means stabilization of the kwacha exchange rate, reduction in inflation and reduction in interest rates, better debt public debt management and fostering the restoration of market confidence.
It is expected that the IMF will require the government to implement the following: strong front loaded expenditure cutting and revenue raising measures, structural reforms to strengthen public financial management in order to enhance fiscal discipline, enhance the monetary policy. There are also likely to insist on a comprehensive debt management strategy.
Budget deficit measures
With regard to budget deficit reduction, it is anticipated that the design of the IMF program will aim at the reduction in public expenditure and mobilization of additional revenue. On the expenditure side, we should expect measures aimed at the reduction of the public sector wage bill which is one of the causes of government expenditure overruns as it makes up over 52% of the government budget instead of a more sustainable 20%. This could be done through limiting or reduction of numbers or freezing of the hiring of civil servants hopefully apart from health and education. It also likely to involve the limiting of percentage wage awards to civil servants.
A number of measures such as cleaning up the public payroll by eliminating ghost workers and strengthening the control of the public wage bill should be expected. All in all, we should expect some reforms in the civil service aimed at reducing the size of the civil service and enhancing productivity
In addition, the subsidies on electricity and petroleum products are likely to be fully eliminated with devastating effects on the cost of doing business as well as the cost of living in the short term.
Capital expenditure in general, is likely to be cut drastically as it a major contributor to the deficit. Specifically, the ambitious, massive infrastructure projects, which are the flagship election campaign tool for the ruling party, will also go out of the window and fall victim to the IMF austerity measures.
The IMF will also certainly want to eliminate the current agriculture subsidies, especially the farmers input support programme(FISP).This may result in the reduction of food production as peasant farmers will not be able afford farm inputs. We should expect increased levels of poverty! In general, government goods and services (recurrent) budget will also be cut drastically with negative multiplier effects on private sector suppliers of goods and services to Government. More redundancies should be expected as a result.
On the revenue side, the IMF is likely to require that revenue administration is strengthened by ensuring that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) introduces measures to combat tax avoidance and tax evasion. It will also not be surprising if IMF insist on far reaching Tax administration reforms to enhance revenue collection. The reforms could include a change in ZRA management in order to stem the alleged corruption culture in the institution which facilitates tax evasion and smuggling.
Public Financial Management
In order to address the weak public sector financial management, indiscipline and waste, measures to reform and strengthen the public financial management system will be required to be put in place. The measures will aim at establishing credibility, predictability and control over budget execution. We should also expect the IMF to review the administrative and legal frameworks so as to protect Public finances. This may require the revision of the existing legislation by the enactment of a new public financial management Act.
The purpose of the act would be to ensure among other things, that wasteful, fruitless, irregular, unbudgeted and over expenditure are treated as financial misconduct offences subject to disciplinary action. This will help restore budget credibility and avoid cost overruns and accumulation of expenditure arrears.
Public debt management
The IMF program is likely to require the Government to oversee the development of a detailed debt management strategy. The program is expected to call for a prudent borrowing strategy which will encourage concessional borrowing from multilateral and bilateral institutions rather than commercial borrowings from the capital markets. The IMF is likely to insist on the use of commercial borrowing only for highly productive development projects. Generally, the program will place strict borrowing limits on the government. The government will also be required to strengthen its risk management practices including the reduction of its exposure to contingent liabilities by minimizing government guarantees to State owned enterprises.
Monetary Policy
The Bank of Zambia has been lauded by the IMF in the past for having been carrying out its mandate of implementing a prudent monetary policy regime. The problem in the Zambian economy is that monetary policies have not been complimented by prudent fiscal policy resulting in the depreciation of the kwacha; high interest rates and the run away double digit inflation. We should expect the IMF to encourage the Bank of Zambia to continue with the current monetary policy strategies apart from the persistent interference in the foreign exchange market. The IMF program is likely to require that the kwacha exchange rate should be determined by the market with no intervention or minimum intervention from the Central bank.
Loan disbursement conditions
IMF programs come with a lot of conditionalities to which disbursements are tied. When the IMF says they will give you $1billion dollar loan, do not think you will get it all immediately, the same way that the Government used to get the EUROBONDS loans – within days of concluding negotiations! Before the Government can even get a cent, the Fund will give them a number of prior actions to implement.
It is after the fulfillment of those conditions that the first disbursement will be made. Ghana got $114.8 million or 12.5% as the first installment on the fulfillment of prior conditions of the total $918million loan package. The Fund will also set quantitative targets to be fulfilled before further disbursements are made.
Expected benefits of IMF program
The expected benefits from the IMF program will be that it will compel the Zambian government to be financially disciplined, bring macro economic stability in the economy and thereby help with the stabilization of the kwacha through the balance of payments support, reduce or contain public expenditure, restore investor confidence and help in foreign direct investment inflows, facilitate mobilizing additional revenue sources from multilateral institution and bilateral Donors.
Conclusion
As a patriotic Zambian, I would advice government to resist cutting subsidies on the productive sectors of the economy especially the agriculture sector to ensure food security because even developed countries like United States of America, European Union, China all subsidize their farmers and protect their infant industries! We have been able to be food sufficient for some time now and a net exporter of grain because of the progressive and common sense agriculture policies our late president – and probably the best President so far – Dr. Levy Mwanawasa implemented.
The government should also resist cutting budgets of social sectors like education and health. Lastly, the reduction in the public sector wage bill by way of rationalizing and reduction of the size of civil service should be done over a period of time and not in a big bang approach to avoid undue suffering for our people.
The road to economic recovery for Zambia may turn out to be long and challenging given the hole that the PF administration’s mismanagement of economy has put us in, external factors notwithstanding. The fiscal tightening that the IMF program may insist on may be politically difficult to implement. President Lungu is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Implementing the IMF austerity measures come with political risks on his side, in terms of re-election. On the other hand, if he delays implementing the economic recovery measures, the economy is likely to get worse and still reduce his chances of re-election! He is damned he does and damned he doesn’t! He has to choose the lesser of the two devils.
This is where rational, wise and statesmanship decision making is needed. My advice is for him to make a decision which is in the best interests of the country and not based on narrow personal and Party interests!
The writer is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a financial management expert. He is an independent and non partisan commentator/analyst. He has lived in the diaspora in England, South Africa and Botswana for over 25 years before returning home two years ago.
President Edgar Lungu chats with Constitutional Court Judges shortly after swearing in Ceremony of Constitutional Court Judges at State House
President Edgar Lungu has said that the constitutional court has a huge task to interpret contentious clauses in the amended constitution especially with the coming August General election.
The President said that the Constitutional Court will have to immediately interpret the Grade 12 clause in the amended constitution for the benefit of the nation.
President Lungu said that this was because almost everyone has been busy debating the Grade 12 clause. The President was speaking at State House when he swore in Supreme Court Judge Hildah Chibomba as President of the Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, four opposition political parties have disputed the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ)’s move to disqualify anyone without a Grade 12 certificate from participating in this year’s election even if they have a tertiary qualification.
They said instead that the constitutional provisions on the matter could be addressed better by the Constitutional Court.
The four political parties are Zambia Republican Party (ZRP), National Revolution Party (NRP), People’s Party (PP) and the Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM).
ZRP president Wright Musoma said that the ECZ’s move was prohibitive and would only worsen the already compounded problem of candidate identification by political parties participating in this year’s election.
NRP president Cosmo Mumba blamed the current problems on Members of Parliament who were allegedly “sleeping’’ when the constitutional making process was going on.
PP president Mike Mulongoti said the move by the ECZ to take a fixed stance on the matter showed that they did not understand the legal implication of minimum qualification and the Grade 12’s equivalent.
Mr. Mulongoti said the Constitutional Court would be in a better position to clarify the point and not the ECZ, adding that Zambians did not have time to start taking straight-forward issues to court before the elections.
Meanwhile PF has advised Higher Education Minister Michael Kaingu to stop misinforming Zambians that aspiring candidates who did not meet the constitutional requirement of a Grade 12 certificate will be eligible to contest their respective elective positions for as long as they possessed a diploma or a degree from a recognized college or university.
And the Zambia Youths Association in the Fight Against Corruption (ZYAFAC) says it is concerned with the deliberate manner in which Dr Kaingu had continued to mislead Zambians that aspiring candidates without Grade 12 certificate were eligible to contest elections if they possessed a diploma or degree when the constitutional provision was clear on the matter.
PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri said it seemed Dr Kaingu was inertly intimidating the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to bend its current constitutional position that only candidates who meet the Grade 12 certificate constitutional requirement were eligible to participate in the general elections.
Mrs Phiri has appealed to Dr Kaingu to stop commenting on the Grade 12 certificate clause and wait for the Constitutional Court to make an interpretation on the matter without any form of prejudice.
Mrs Mumbi said it was not correct for Dr Kaingu to insinuate that the ECZ was reconsidering bending the Grade 12 certificate constitutional provision.
She said ECZ chairman Justice Essau Chulu had already given guidance on the Grade 12 certificate clause and that Dr Kaingu had created an impression that he was bulldozing the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) to accept any other qualification outside the provision of the Constitution.
Dr Kaingu yesterday criticized the Examination Council of Zambia claiming that the institution was wrong in its interpretation of the Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent as a qualification to contest elective positions in the August general elections.
Dr Kaingu is appealing to the Electoral Commission of Zambia not to limit the qualification to minimum requirements but should instead consider maximum qualification which would include college diplomas and university qualification.
Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja
Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja says environmental crimes such as poaching has negatively affected the economies of many African Countries more especially in the Southern Region, reports Pan African Radio Journalist Hermit Hachilonde.
Speaking at the official opening of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organization (SARPCCO) Rhino, Elephant and illegal logging Environmental Crime workshop in Lusaka yesterday, IG kanganja said there is need to address the menace on wildlife by putting in place austerity measures.
Mr. Kanganja stated that the three day workshop will ensure that delegates are professionally trained and urged them to go back in their respective countries and train others also so that countries in SADC region can quickly address the scourge that have endangered species like Elephant, Rhinos, Pangolin and leopards.
He cited the recent plummeting reports showing populations in various countries as a result of illegal wildlife traders.
Mr. Kanganja stressed the need for countries and conservationists in the SADC region to come up with new approaches and strategies that will expedite in fighting transitional crimes which are on the increase in the region.
He observed that the gangs are using sophisticated methods which include water poisoning, planes and night vision equipment to track Rhinos.
“Environmental crimes such as poaching has negatively affected the economies of many African countries more especially in the southern region” IG Kakoma kanganja said
Meanwhile the Regional specialized officer Mr. Rso Mbumba based in Harare said in his remarks that it is important to hasten the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations so that the environment gets protected and the environmental harm is reduced as soon as possible.
Mr. Mbumba anticipated that delegates will utilize the three day workshop to devise appropriate strategies which will succor in combating environmental crimes in the SADC region.
“The importance of enforcing environmental laws and regulations is that the environment gets protected and the environmental harm is reduced” he said
The German Embassy in Lusaka has released a statement on the visit to Zambia of the President of the German parliament Dr. Norbert Lammert. According to the statement, Dr. Lammert with had bilateral political meeting with Vice President Inonge Wina, with the Speaker of Parliament, Patrick Matibini, and with UPND President Hakainde Hichilema.
Below is the full statement
Press Release
President of the German Parliament visited Lusaka
The President of the German Parliament (“Bundestag”) Dr. Norbert Lammert paid a three day visit to Lusaka to participate in the 134 th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly. In addition to the IPU Conference program President Lammert had bilateral political meeting with Her Honor The Vice President Madam Inoge Wina, with the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Patrick Matibini, and with UPND President Hakainde Hichilema. Dr. Lammert and his delegation also got-together with leaders of Zambian churches and non-governmental organizations.
For President Lammert and his delegation it was the first visit to Zambia ever.
President Lammert’s political talks focused on the current political, social and economic situation in Zambia and on the long standing German-Zambian development cooperation agenda. Among the issues discussed were the energy and budget crisis, as well as governance and human rights issues such as freedom of speech and assembly and the increase of political violence in Zambia.
Interlocutors shared the hope that the upcoming tripartite elections will be free, fair, peaceful and transparent, and provide a level playing field for all stakeholders. President Lammert also expressed Germany’s confidence that Zambia had sufficient assets to overcome the current economic challenges provided that the country swiftly embarked on coherent and substantive reforms – “walk the talk”, as President Lungu put it.
In addition, President Lammert commended Zambia for its long term generosity and hospitality for having provided a safe haven for hundred and thousands of refugees from its neighboring countries. He also shared with his Zambian interlocutors Germany’s wish that Zambia, given the country’s historic achievements in terms of democratic transfers of power, internal stability and freedom of religion, might play an even more active role in the international fora thus lending a more audible African voice to the many efforts to further promote democracy, rule of law and human rights around the globe.
