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Paramount Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people of Luapula is urging FAZ Super Division clubs to start visiting rural districts with the aim of tapping talent.
The Mwata noted that big clubs such as Mufulira Wanderers and Nkana are no longer trekking to rural areas to poach players.
The traditional leader said rural areas have talented players who can compete favourably in the topflight league.
“Teams like Mufulira Wanderer that used to visit Luapula to get players are no longer coming like they used to do in the past. We are asking Mufulira Wanderers, Nkana, Power Dynamos and Zanaco to come here and get players,” the Mwata said.
“There is talent here and these teams must come to get young players and take them to the towns, “he told Radio Icengelo News in Mwansabombwe.
He said teams must learn to groom their own players as opposed to buying established players.
“Clubs must have necessaries as opposed to poaching players from each other. Today you see a good player at Nkana tomorrow Kabwe Warriors comes to get him. That’s not good football.”
My name is Nevers Sekwila Mumba. My wife Florence and I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire Movement for Multiparty Democracy family to wish all Zambians a great and peaceful 2016. With all our conflicts and differences as a people, we have ended 2015 in the Zambian spirit and tradition of peace.
We shall continue in 2016 to depend on the faithfulness of God to keep us as one people under the banner of the Christian nation. May we use 2016 as a season to manage our differences, to enjoy our uniqueness and to celebrate our diversity.
The economic and political challenges we face today will be overcome in 2016 if only we choose to walk in forgiveness and love as a nation. I believe that Zambia shall be saved.
UPND SHOULD BE WARNED NOT TO DRAG THE MWINE LUBEMBA CHITIMUKULU IN ITS TRIBAL CIRCUS – SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, PF MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Mpika, Zambia, 31ST December 2015 – We wish to caution the United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership to desist from dragging their Royal Highnesses in their desperation to throw their infamous tribal jacket. The statement purported to have been issued by the Bashi Lubemba denouncing Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Mr. Davies Chama goes to expose the lowest levels the UPND is prepared to sink to in order to dupe the unsuspecting public.
UPND and Mr. Hichilema must admit that on 20th January 2015, Zambians elected His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to preside over the affairs of the nation and he has been equal to the task. While UPND and the cartel presented President Lungu as a feeble and visionless leader, Zambians can attest that President Lungu is that unifier, inclusive, humble and visionary leader Zambia needs. As 2016 dawns on us, Zambians can be assured of President Lungu’s commitment to a new constitution order as demanded for by different generations of Zambians. While the country would face challenges on different fronts, President Lungu has continued to provide leadership while the Opposition, especially UPND has failed to provide solid alternatives in national discourse.
As we enter 2016, we are calling on the UPND and Mr. Hichilema to among other things:
1. Re-claim the UPND of late Anderson Mazoka, Patrick Chisanga, Sakwiba Sikota, Bob Sichinga and many others which was issue-based and went further to provide alternative policy alternatives, including an alternative national budget; This is the only way they will be seen to be adding value to Zambia’s democratic process.
2. Denounce the violent and bloody Mapatizya formula and all other forms of violence
3. Declare a day of atonement when they would repent in sack cloth and ashes of its tribalism, which should include Mr. Hichilema denouncing the tribal cradle which gave him political birthing;
4. Commit to carrying journalists and the media when they campaign in Southern Province so that Zambians can weigh in on the content and context of the message they give to the unsuspecting electorate;
5. Cease to portray themselves as representatives and owners of the Tonga-speaking people. They should also repent for attempting to use a great tribe as the Tongas as their human shield. We say so fully convinced that the people of Southern Province are independent and honourable citizens of the Republic of Zambia who were born free to choose their own political belonging without any form of blackmail and political misrepresentation;
6. Issue a public apology to the Bashi Lubemba and the Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu Kanyanta-Manga and indeed the Bemba-speaking people because we have no doubt that they were behind the manufacturing of lies peddled as those of His Royal Highness by some media houses. The country has never seen such levels of desperation as manifested by UPND!
7. Take responsibility for Mr. Munkombwe’s tribal mantra during a UPND rally and impliedly endorsed by Mr. Hichilema’s that: “We the Tongas have always been very supportive of other tribes who ruled this country and there is nothing wrong for us now to demand for leadership as well. Leadership should be revolving; now it’s a Tonga, next is a Lozi and later Luvale then at least we can give it back to the Bembas who have dominated it for a long time.”
8. Clarify why Mr. Hichilema’s pronouncement in Chingola to bring back Anglo-America failed to disclose that he was a shareholder under Anglo-Gold, a subsidiary of Anglo-American. We question why Mr. Hichilema would push for Anglo-American’s returning to Zambia to run the country’s Copper Mines when he knew too well that he is an interested party and has not disclosed this interest to the Zambian people.
9. To change their stance on matters of Prayer and Christianity since Zambia is a Christian Nation. This is against UPND’s anti-prayer stance as evidenced prior to the 18th October 2015 when Mr. Hichilema condemned President Lungu for Declaring a Day of National Prayers, Fasting and Reconciliation and Gazetting it as a Public Holiday.
In conclusion, we want to thank the people of Zambia for rejecting tribalism and all tribal elements because they believe that we are ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. Zambians from all walks of life and different parts of the country can be assured that PF remains an ‘open church’ and Zambia’s number one (1) party of choice which is dedicated to implementing a people-driven and pro-poor development agenda. We remain ready to engage all other political parties in the nation in civilized and development oriented politics as commit to pushing the frontiers of poverty and creating a better life for all Zambians.
We wish all Zambians a prosperous 2016 as we walk hand in hand to create a better Zambia for all under the able leadership of President Lungu and PF.
Issued by: Sunday Chilufya Chanda, Vice Chairperson, PF Media and Publicity Committee
Father Frank Bwalya
PRESIDENT Lungu is a seasoned and intelligent politician but the opposition are ever trying to fish out wrongs from him, Patriotic Front chairperson for Information Frank Bwalya has said.
Father Bwalya said President Lungu is a listening politician who has a good Cabinet in place that will deliver to people’s expectations.
Fr Bwalya said this yesterday during a two-hour long radio programme on 5 FM dubbed “Burning Issue”.
“President Lungu has protected the legacy of President Sata and has brought so much development under difficult times”. Fr Bwalya said.
He said the PF has remained a pro-poor party.
“President Lungu is a good man and we are confident that he will win next (this) year’s election. Even the opposition are admitting that PF is working,” Fr Bwalya said.
He said currently, no opposition has the capacity to dislodge the PF.
And Fr Bwalya says President Lungu has actualised the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation by building the National Tabernacle House of Prayer.
“President Lungu is a godly man. And this tabernacle will live among us,” Fr Bwalya said.
And asked by the moderator Albert Phiri how his current relationship is with former President Rupiah Banda whom he viciously opposed, Fr Bwalya said: “We are working well with President Banda. We talk. We strategize and we appreciate his role as a statesman.”
Fr Bwalya said he enjoys a good relationship with the former President and he respects him.
Patriotic Front Choma Central Constituency secretary Joel Kamoko (left) with other youth party members inspect the Mochipapa community market which he is upgrading to a modern facility.
THE sale of condemned meat products has flooded Choma District in Southern Province posing a health hazard which could trigger the outbreak of zoonotic diseases.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), zoonoses are infections or diseases transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans.
It is estimated that, through consumption of contaminated foodstuffs, zoonotic diseases were responsible for the death of 2.2 million people globally every year.
Those who consume such foodstuffs, get sick because of foodborne zoonoses which cause fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, malaise and nausea.
A check by TIMES yesterday at Makalanguzu and Kalukungu markets in Choma, found some women marketeers selling pieces of condemned meat in dishes.
The assortment of meat products sold in open areas, included pieces of meat, offals and trotters which markeeters claim to buy cheaply from some abattoirs.
But Choma Municipal Council (CMC) public relations officer Ramona Phiri said the sale of condemned food was an offence and those found wanting could be prosecuted.
Ms Phiri said in an interview that council officers would move into the markets to confiscate such condemned meat products.
“Such meat products are not healthy for human consumption and it’s an offence to sale such condemned meat, “she said.
She was saddened that, despite the local authority’s repeated appeals to markeeters to refrain from selling uncertified foodstuffs, some were abrogating the law.
The council would not relent in enforcing section seven of the Foods and Drugs Act Chapter 303, which compels traders to only sale wholesome meat in a clean and designated place.
Ms Phiri warned unscrupulous owners of abattoir selling condemned meat products to refrain from the business or face the face.
She said the council health department was intensifying inspections in abattoirs to restrain the sale of uncertified meat products.
Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda briefing Journalists in his office
THE Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) and Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) have supported amendments to the Employment Act that bans casualisation and unjustified termination of employment in the country.
ZFE executive director Harrington Chibanda said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the amendments to the Employment Act have come at the right time when many Zambians have been complaining about the unfair termination of employment and casualisation.
“ZFE has no problem with this amendment to the Employment Act because it is meant to protect our people against casualisation and unfair termination of employment.
“We are, however, of the view that even the employer should have been given the powers to terminate someone’s employment if notice is given with valid reasons,” Mr Chibanda said.
He said the ZFE is happy that the government has ended casualisation.
Mr Chibanda urged Government to employ more labour inspectors to help enforce the law.
On Wednesday, Minister of Labour and Social Security Fackson Shamenda announced that President Lungu on November 26 this year signed into law the amendments to the Employment Act and that the law was published on December 3, 2015.
And the Professional Teachers Union of Zambia (PROTUZ) has hailed Government for banning casualisation of employment and unjustified termination of labour.
PROTUZ secretary general Albert Muyembe said yesterday that the move was long overdue because Zambians have been exploited by investors for a long time.
Zambia United Local Authority Workers Union (ZULAWU) secretary general Kingsley Zulu says the PF government under President Lungu has proven that it is the government of the people by banning casualisation of labour.
Mr Zulu said many Zambian workers had suffered under the name of casualisation.
Meanwhile, VIOLET MENGO reports from Lusaka that ZCTU president Nkole Chishimba has condemned anti-union tendencies perpetuated by some employers who have continued to stifle the rights of workers.
He was speaking in Lusaka at the end of the year press conference where he reviewed the year 2014 giving the successes and challenges in the labour movement.
Mr Chishimba advised Government through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to revise other archaic laws and called for the strengthening of the inspectorate unit under the ministry.
He appealed to the ZFE to work with the labour movement in educating employers on labour laws and the newly amended Employment Act.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu with Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda during his Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Stadium on January 24,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Lungu will on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 assent to the constitution amendment bill.
This is at a ceremony scheduled for the National Heroes stadium at 14 hours.
Permanent Secretary for Administration at cabinet Office, Margaret Miyoba has confirmed this in a statement availed to ZNBC news in Lusaka today.
Ms Miyoba has explained that the general public is invited to attend the ceremony.
And the PF Central Committee says President Lungu has delayed assenting to the Constitution Bill to enable him consider all divergent views in line with the tenets of democracy.
PF Member of Central Committee and Chairman for Information Frank Bwalya says the President’s action is a demonstration that he is a real democrat.
Father Bwalya was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Lungu has promised a referendum for the remaining aspects of the constitution.
President Lungu says Zambians will get a referendum once everything is in place.
The President has explained that the constitution will revolutionise how politics are conducted in the country, adding that this is an epic moment, as it calls for courage in doing things that have been dreaded in the past.
The Head of state says he is proud and ready to sign into law the collective will of the people.
President LUNGU was speaking when he addressed the nation on the eve of the New Year.
He said the year 2016 will be a special one in the history of Zambia, as this will be the first time that the country will be going to the polls, under the fifty percent plus one vote and presidential running mate provisions.
I address you on this last day of the year of our Lord 2015, as a grateful and proud President of this great country.
I have been deeply touched and humbled by the support you have given me and my government from the time we assumed office at the beginning of this year.
Country Men and Women
Three months before that, the country had been brought together by the shock and grief that gripped the nation, following the sudden demise of our beloved President, his Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata. We mourned that great man in the true spirit of one Zambia, one nation.
I say thank you to you all for giving our late president a solemn and dignified send-off. May his soul rest in peace.
Country Men and Women
The months that followed the passing of our dear president were not easy. The very heart and soul of this nation was at stake as the country jostled to find another leader.
We could easily have fallen on the all-too-familiar path of African politics where elections are not a cause for celebration, but rather, a precursor to violence, destruction of property, loss of life and the general breakdown of law and order.
Thanks to the maturity and collective wisdom of our people, we avoided that grand narrative. Once again, we demonstrated to the outside world that democracy was truly alive and well in Zambia. We showed the world that here, in this great country, the will of the people still reigns supreme, and that once the people have spoken through the ballot, we respect their choice.
During the January 20 elections, the people of Zambia reposed their trust in me and the patriotic front party by giving us the mandate to continue running the affairs of this country. We shall forever remain indebted to you all for that distinctive honour and trust.
Country Men and Women
From the very beginning, as the 6th President of the republic of Zambia, I set out the principles that would guide my administration.
I did that after a great deal of thought and reflection. I spoke fervently about the need to foster the unity of our people if we were to develop as a country.
I called on all of us to focus on things that united us as opposed to those that divided us. I said then that there was no room for rancour or revenge in the aftermath of the elections. I still want the nation to live by that principle.
As Government we are determined to banish hunger and poverty from our midst and we cannot achieve that goal if we are consumed with bitterness and the spirit of revenge.
On day one of my Presidency, I implored the nation to join the crusade against poverty by working hard and embracing the robust and transformative agenda of this government.
Country Men and Women
Looking back now, I am satisfied that you, our people and masters, have no cause to doubt the sincerity of this government, your government.
I promised you a listening government and you now have a government that is truly at the service of the people. For instance, government heard the cry of the mining sector and revised the mineral royalty tax downwards to attract more investments.
We also made progress on the constitution making process by passing a truly people-driven constitution during the last sitting of parliament. I stand proud and ready to sign into law that collective will of the people. This is an epic moment when the nation comes together to express their collective aspirations. It is a moment that calls for courage because we are doing things that have been dreaded in the past. That document will revolutionise our politics in many respects. Let me take this opportunity to thank all Zambians for this great achievement. For the remaining aspects of the constitution, I promised the nation a referendum, and that is what the nation will get once we are ready!
Our people are now happy that the government rescinded its decision to increase road traffic penalty fees. Equally government has deferred the decision to re-establish a national airline;
Government is revising the former Presidents’ benefits act and the conditions of service for other constitutional office holders in order to reduce government expenditure;
You will also recall that I undertook to submit myself to your counsel and guidance. I have adequately demonstrated that.
I will remain true to the vision I set out on my inauguration day, regardless of the difficulties that may come our way. When they do, we should be of courage to turn to god our creator and seek his divine counsel and illumination.
Country Men and Women
I am proud to note that in the first eleven months of my presidency, the country has continued to enjoy peace, stability and development.
At a revised projected 3.4 percent GDP growth rate, Zambia’s economy remains strong despite the slump in copper prices and the unfavourable weather conditions.
The latter has affected electricity generation and this has had telling effects on households, the farming community, business houses and the mining sector.
But the nation can be assured that growth is expected to improve in 2016/2017 as copper production picks up and power shortages reduce due to our robust interventions to speed up the commissioning of new power plants.
I remain committed to ensuring that my administration creates conditions to support a further rise in copper production; entrench political stability; improve electricity supply and assure investors of a more stable policy environment that will be anchored on the medium term expenditure framework.
In the southern African region, for instance, Zambia is one of the few countries that can boast of sustained national food security thanks to the hard work put in by our farmers.
I expect agricultural production to increase progressively in the light of our huge investments in rural infrastructure, which I have tasked the Zambia national service to rapidly execute.
Given favourable weather conditions, Zambia is poised to remain food-secure in the coming months. We are one of the few countries in the region that still has sufficient cereals to feed our people.
Our people today are also witnesses to and actively participate in the unprecedented infrastructure development taking place everywhere across the length and breadth of this country.
Construction of roads, schools, hospitals and universities is now a common sight in places where, not too long ago, people had lost hope of ever seeing their government at work.
Thanks to the visionary leadership of our party, today Link Zambia 8000, Pave Zambia 2000, l400 and C400 have become part of our vocabulary whenever we discuss the good things happening to our roads.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN
In addition, this government has kept up the momentum to attract new investments in energy, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and mining.
The overall goal of all these efforts is to create a vibrant economy that will in turn generate the much needed jobs for our people and bring about prosperity for all, regardless of whether they are in town or the countryside. That’s the hallmark of a responsible and smart government.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN
These successes notwithstanding, the country has had its own share of economic challenges attributed mainly to developments in the global economy. Zambia’s major trading partners, especially the Eurozone and China, are experiencing a slowdown in the growth of their respective economies.
This slowdown in the Eurozone and China has impacted negatively on Zambia’s export earnings. Copper prices have dropped by 26 percent since the beginning of 2015, leading to a fall in production and scaling back of some mining operations in the country.
This situation is exacerbated by our over dependence on copper at the expense of agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. Further, earnings from non-traditional exports have declined by over 35 percent.
Developments in the external sector have led to a sharp depreciation of the Kwacha against the major convertible currencies. I am happy to note the Kwacha has posted some appreciable stability and going forward I expect the measured central bank interventions to continue to enhance currency stability. We are a free market economy and even in the face of noticeable distortions in the market we remain committed to the virtues of a free market.
It is in this regard that I urge investors and citizens in general to ignore irresponsible rumour mongering of the previous weeks that Zambia may reintroduce capital and exchange controls.
The currency depreciation has impacted negatively on the general prices of goods and services thereby, fueling inflation but we remain committed to ensuring that inflation does not spiral out of control.
Needless to say, the fall in copper prices and the non-traditional exports has led to a reduction in government revenue and thus, adversely affecting expenditure.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN
In the midst of these challenges, government has taken several measures to ameliorate the situation. These measures are starting to bear fruit as evidenced by the sustained stability of the Kwacha during the last one month.
There has also been sustained supply of electricity following short term measures that government has undertaken which include emergency electricity importation.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN
Looking forward into 2016, I expect continued stability of the exchange rate, a decline in inflation and interest rates as well as increased job opportunities.
Government will also endeavor to mitigate the suffering of those who have lost jobs in the mining sector by relocating the willing to existing farm blocks where further assistance will be given in form of skills for agricultural production.
To insulate our economy from external shocks, we will accelerate the pace of diversifying our economy from being over dependent on copper to agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
Country Men and Women
Zambia is part of a global community that has become highly competitive. To this end, government will continue to pursue the policy of enhancing its visibility abroad while being mindful of the austerity measures that i announced during the November 26 press conference relating to the suspension of the creation of new missions abroad.
In this vein, I would like to urge all Zambians to endeavor to project a positive image of our country both at home and abroad. You are our country’s best ambassadors.
Country Men and Women
The year 2016 will be a special one in the history of Zambia in that it will be the first time that the country will be going to the polls under the fifty percent plus one and presidential running mate provisions in the yet to be signed amended constitution.
I wish to commend our parliamentarians from both sides of the house for passing the Constitution Amendment Bill.
The people will be accorded an opportunity to consider the other aspects of the constitution as we proceed.
Country Men and Women
In the recent past the country has been faced with an increase in violence. Once again, I direct the Inspector General of Police to deal decisively with the perpetrators of this violence and to do so with impartiality.
The police should also ensure that the public order act is administered in a manner that ensures equity and fairness.
Country Men and Women
As we enter the New Year, I want to pay tribute to you all for your resilience and solidarity as we tackle the challenges facing the country.
We should not relent in continuing to seek the face of GOD in the New Year as we pursue our ambitious transformational agenda for a smart Zambia now and our vision of becoming a developed country by 2064.
To this end, hard work, unity of purpose and prayer are not an option but an imperative to ensure that Zambia succeeds.
To our partners in development, I wish to thank you all on behalf of the people of Zambia for the support you have continued to render to the country.
Country Men and Women
As I conclude, may I reiterate that as we go to the elections it is the responsibility of everyone to uphold law and order and avoid incidences of violence.
As political leaders we have a civic duty to ensure that the Zambian people exercise their right to freely express themselves and choose their preferred candidates without fear, intimidation or coercion.
Let me emphasise that Zambia is bigger than anyone of us and therefore citizens of goodwill must ignore those politicians who seek state power through divisive tendencies such as descending to base instincts of tribe, colour, sex and other such issues.
The problems that confront us cannot be the reason for hating one another; we are a nation of tolerance; we do not need extremism as a form of engagement; we are a nation of hope; a nation of peaceful co-existence; we are Christian nation!
Finally, I wish you all a happy and a prosperous 2016.
Hundreds of PF cadres this afternoon disturbed the flow of traffic in Lusaka’s central business district as they marched to the PF Secretariat to petition their party Secretary General Davies Chama to take legal action against United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema
The cadres, who were chanting anti Hichilema slogans, have petitioned Mr. Chama to drag Mr. Hichilema to court for allegedly calling the PF leadership lunatics.
The PF members have further given the UPND Leader 48 hours to apologize to the PF leadership or be taken to court for insulting the PF leadership.
The QFM News crew that rushed into town found the cadres marching through Cairo road forcing motorists to use alternative routes to avoid getting caught up in the traffic that was moving at a snail’s pace.
The cadres accused the UPND Leader of being bitter for having lost elections to President Lungu.
Contributing to UNZA Radio’s Lusaka Star programme on Tuesday the UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday spoke strongly against Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Davis Chama, branding him a lunatic over stories published in the public media in which it was alleged that he blasted Chieftainess Choongo of Monze for interacting with Mr Chama in Bemba.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has demanded that all political parties renounce violence and conduct issue based campaigns ahead of the 2016 general elections.
ZCTU president Nkole Chishimba said that political parties must put the interests of Zambians first as they embark on campaigns.
Speaking at the end of year media briefing in Lusaka , Mr Chishimba also said politicians should restrain cadres from committing violent acts in the run up to the general elections.
The ZCTU leader also praised government for passing the constitution amendment bill in Parliament which is currently awaiting Presidential assent.
And Northmead Assemblies of God Overseer Bishop Joshua Banda has said that the church will never go to sleep until One Zambia One Nation motto is attained as the country goes to the polls next year.
Bishop Banda reiterated that the Church would continue to condemn any statement by politicians aimed at bringing disunity and contradicted the One Zambia one Nation slogan.
He said Zambia was a Christian nation, saying one of the virtues of Christianity was oneness regardless of one’s ethnic background.
“As the Church we will continue talking and condemning such statements and make sure that politicians give right statements that would not interfere with the One Zambia, One Nation motto,” Bishop Banda.
He bemoaned the continued tribally-based statements among politicians.
He said the motto of One Zambia One Nation could only be attained if politicians preached love and oneness towards each other regardless of their ethnic background.
“The One Zambia One Nation is only attainable if politicians lead by example by uniting and loving each other, the Christian message is about loving one another regardless of ethnicity because we are one in God,” he said.
According to him, such remarks were dangerous as they were perpetuating political violence.
“It is sad to note that in last few years political leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties had continued to attack each other and issue statements based on tribal affiliation.
“There have been overtones particularly coming through political leaders in both ruling and opposition that have been reported as having insinuated tribalism; this is really becoming a concern to the church and Zambia as Christian nation; this is causing violence,” Bishop Banda said.
Bishop Banda also predicted that the forthcoming general elections will be peaceful, saying that Zambians were peaceful people and will ensure that peace prevails in the country.
“In my heart of hearts there is this faith and anticipation that we are likely to see the most successful and peaceful election in 2016 because that is what we are praying for. Zambians are peaceful,” he said.
Mr Amos Chanda
A LETTER published by the Post Newspaper purportedly authored by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Amos Chanda over a Zesco tender to STAG African Renewable Energy has turned out to be a forgery.
The Ministry of Energy and Water Development has disclosed that it had not received any instructions from Mr Chanda to consider awarding a Zesco Power Purchase Agreement tender to a company called STAG African Renewable Energy.
Ministry of Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Emelda Chola told the Daily Nation that it was not true that Mr Chanda had authored a letter directing her ministry to award a Zesco Power Purchase Agreement tender to a company allegedly linked to prominent Lusaka lawyer Lewis Mosho.
Brigadier General Chola said she had personally tried to check for the letter at the ministry registry but had not found it and concluded that there had never been such a letter.
She said she had not received the letter nor seen the contents and had only read about the purported letter from the Post Newspaper which claimed the letter had been authored and signed by Mr Chanda. She said although the Ministry of Energy was in the process of awarding a Zesco Power Purchase Agreement tender, STAG African Renewable Energy was not among the companies that were being considered for the contract.
“It is not true that Mr Chanda has written a letter to the ministry directing that the Zesco Power Purchase Agreement tender should be given to STAG African Renewable Energy tender.
“I have not seen the letter nor have I seen the contents unless it is still on the way. In any case, there is a process but STAG African Renewable Energy is not even there.
“I personally checked for the letter in the registry after I read the story and it had not been delivered. Maybe talk to Mr Chanda if he has written such a letter,” Brig Gen Chola said.
And sources have told the Daily Nation that it was not possible for Mr Chanda to have authored a letter directing the Ministry of Energy to award a Zesco Power Purchase Agreement tender to STAG African Renewable Energy and was shocked that the Post Newspaper had published a detailed contract letter which he had never written.
The source said the levels of desperation by the Post Newspaper to discredit and scandalize the presidency in a bid to influence regime change had grown to dangerous levels of alarming the country with perilous motives.
“That letter is a forgery and we know it because it would not be the first time for the Post to be involved in such dirty schemes. Mr Chanda could certainly not have authored the letter to any ministry on any matter because he understands how the presidency operates. We know the newspaper has an agenda to discredit and scandalize the presidency and that is why they can publish story based on a letter that was forged.
“We know they are desperate to discredit and scandalize the presidency but their levels of desperation have reached dangerous levels,” the source explained.
She just invited her own problems, she started flashing a PF symbol towards the UPND convoy, and surely, what did she expect our boys to do? She provoked the situation, of all people in Town, why she was the only one attacked says former Chikankata District Commissioner Sylvester Simayaba.
Mr Simayaba who recently defected to the opposition United Party for National development (UPND) from Patriotic Front (PF) confirmed that the harassment against the PF woman in Mazabuka last Friday was instituted by the UPND but denied that she was stripped.
He said the UPND were moving from Mazabuka radio after the live interview of party vice president Canisius Banda on their way to Garry Nkombo’s house when Ms Kangwa ran to them flashing her party symbol.
Mr Simayaba said it was then that the furious cadres pounced on her and got her Chitenge material from her
“The woman was not stripped, she has always been a problem even to her own party, ask the PF why they suspended her. Her regalia was just taken from her after she ran from her shop to the UPND people in Mazabuka town who were in a convoy” he said.
He explained that Ms Kangwa had always been troublesome and it was the reason that she was suspended from the ruling PF.
The former Chikankata DC explained that the UPND had never interrupted any PF meetings and they would not let them get in their way.
Mr Simayaba also explained that the ruling party should stop accusing his party of violence as it was them that were violent.
“The PF should stop accusing the UPND of violence that we have not committed, it is them that are violent, even you journalists you are beaten by the PF, if you have not been beaten before then maybe you are sacred cows at daily nation,’ ’he said.
He said the PF had continued to propagate false information about the UPND and their leader Hakainde Hichilema.
“It is sad that the PF had continued to tell lies about the UPND, recently they were claiming that HH phoned Chieftainess Simwenda, When she was put live on radio Mazabuka on Wednesday, she refused that she never talked to president HH, it’s a lie so those are then kind of lies the PF is capable of making,’’ Simayaba says.
Chibuluma Mines Plc, majority owned by Metorex of South Africa has confirmed that it is sacking off 236 workers as part of its restructuring process.
The firm says the restructuring plan is scheduled to be carried out within the first quarter of 2016.
The company says the restructuring process is inevitable as its Chibuluma South Mine is fast approaching its end of life.
This is contained in a statement released by Chibuluma Mines Plc – Board Chairman Jackson Sikamo.
‘The mining and geotechnical conditions have become more challenging with the costs of mining continuously rising. Chibuluma Mines Plc’s performance in the financial year 2015 has been characterized by low production volumes and this coupled with the continuously falling copper prices has put severe pressure on the Company’s cash-flow,’ Mr. Sikamo said.
‘The Company is in a loss making situation which, if left unaddressed may force the Company to suspend its operations permanently. Management has therefore resolved to restructure the business, in order to ensure the survival of the Company.’
Mr. Sikamo added that the restructuring places focus on reducing mining rates, substantially outsourcing mining and ore transfer activities and significantly reducing overhead expenditure.
‘Through this process, various mine operating survival options have been considered and though the available options are not economically viable, the Company through its majority shareholder Metorex (Pty) Limited has made a strategic long term decision and selected the survival option with the least losses over the life of the mine,’ he said.
Mr. Sikamo outlined the measures such as the continued development of the Chifupu Copper development project to ensure prolonged Mine life from 2018 to 2022.
He also revealed that management has decided to reduce mining output from Chibuluma South to approximately 27,000 tons per month from 45,000 tons and outsource mining and processing plant ore transfer activities as part of the restructuring plan.
Chibuluma Mines Plc was incorporated in October 1997 following the privatization of the then Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited.
The Company’s copper mining operations are located in Lufwanyama district.
New Revolution Party leader Cosmo Mumba joins in a traditional dance at Parliament grounds
The National Revolutionary Party-NRP- has appealed to President Edgar Lungu not to assent to the Zambian Constitution and Constitution Amendment Bills.
NRP President Cosmo Mumba says his party is opposed to the ‘50 percent plus one’ clause in the constitution, as a threshold for the winning Presidential Candidate.
Dr Mumba says the ‘50 percent plus one vote’ clause poses a political challenge not only for the opposition parties but also the ruling Patriotic Front-PF because the country has various ethnic and religious groupings.
He has proposed that the 2016 General Elections should be held under the current 1996 Constitution.
Dr Mumba says the new constitution should be reserved for the 2021 General Elections.
He said this at a press briefing in Lusaka on Thursday.
Dr Mumba however has welcomed the Vice Presidential Running Mate Clause.
Dr Mumba has further welcomed the Grade 12 Certificate requirement for those seeking public offices.
And Dr Mumba has announced that his party will hold a convention in February, 2016.
At a press briefing in Lusaka,Dr Mumba signed a cheque of 30 thousand Kwacha as nomination fee for his candidature at the convention.
He said all party’s positions will be up for contest except the two Vice Presidents who are appointed by the Party President.
Meanwhile, Dr Mumba has praised President Edgar Lungu and ZESCO management for maintaining power supply in the country despite the national deficit.
Dr Mumba said President Lungu and the ZESCO management have effectively managed the power crisis.
He has however, called for massive investment in the power sector to maintain normal electricity supply in the country.
Newly appointed PF National Youth Chairperson Steven Kampyongo says he will not protect any party youth involved in illegal land allocation and other illegalities.
Mr. Kampyongo who is also Local Government Minister says he wants to work with disciplined youths ahead of the 2016 tripartite polls.
He has pledged to unveil the first ever PF National Youth League Executive Committee as provided for by party constitution.
Mr. Kampyongo was speaking during a PF youth end of the year cocktail party in Lusaka.
And PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri said the Youth League will blend in existing structures.
And one of the youths Michael Mundashi says the youths are geared to support President Edgar Lungu in the year 2016.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) 2016 Small Grants Program application opens January 1, 2016. Registered community-based organizations working in the areas of HIV and AIDS prevention, the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), and democracy and governance related to the national HIV response are eligible to apply. The U.S. Embassy is accepting applications for grant awards up to ZMW 100,000 until February 29, 2016.
“PEPFAR’s Small Grants Program gives local, community-based organizations the opportunity to grow and thrive,” said Dr. Tamu Daniel, acting PEPFAR country coordinator. “The small grants program has helped bring more than 300 community-based ideas and solutions to prevent HIV and support OVC to fruition since 2005.”
HIV and AIDS prevention small grants reduce the spread of HIV by addressing stigma and discrimination, promoting community-based solutions to health issues, behavioral changes that reduce the risk of HIV, voluntary testing and counseling, and other effective prevention methods. Past OVC projects include training families and caretakers of OVC in life-skills, providing psychosocial support, and strengthening communities’ capacity to care for OVC.
“This year we are expanding our portfolio to emphasize democracy and governance in Zambia’s HIV response,” said Dr. Daniel. “Organizations educating citizens about their rights to high quality health services, ensuring accountability and transparency in Zambia’s HIV response, and collaborating with other civil society groups to improve the response, for example, are encouraged to apply.”
Applicants must demonstrate prior success in working in HIV/AIDS prevention, with OVC, or democracy and governance as related to the national HIV response, how the activities proposed will be sustained over the long term, and a monetary or in-kind contribution to the project from the organization or from its community. Applicants must be legally registered non-profit organizations in Zambia. Projects should be ready to begin October 1, 2016 and must be completed by September 30, 2017.
Complete guidelines and application forms are available on the United States Embassy Zambia web site: http://zambia.usembassy.gov/smallgrants.html. For further information applicants may contact Charlene Repique, PEPFAR Small Grants Coordinator, Embassy of the United States of America, P.O. Box 320065, Lusaka, Zambia 10101, [email protected], +260 211 357062.
