KB released his latest single “Cinderella” that features Jay Rox , Dimpo and Kaladoshas .
Listen/download the song HERE
BY KAPA187
World Food Programme commends Government on exemption to export maize
The World Food Programme (WFP) has thanked President Lungu and the Zambian Government for granting them an exemption to export maize for use in its humanitarian operations.
WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin has also acknowledged that the re-election of President Lungu presents an opportunity to continue working in Zambia towards achieving zero hunger in Zambia.
She further called on government to urgently accelerate maize export procedures for the organization’s humanitarian operations.
Ms Cousin commended government for the stewardship shown in the agricultural sector, which has placed Zambia as a grains basket for Southern Africa.
Meanwhile First Quantum Minerals Limited has pledged continued commitment and closer collaboration with the Zambian government.
First Quantum Minerals Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman Phillip Pascal said the company has continued its commitment to Zambia as shown by the organization’s promotion of commerce and trade.
And Country Director Tarmer Kirolos said his organisation believes that every child deserves the best chance for a bright future, hence its unequivocal commitment to ensuring children not only survive but also strive.
This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President, Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda.
Government is not aware of missing examination papers
Government is investigating allegations that grade nine examination papers destined for North-western Province have gone missing.
Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Henry Tukombe said that the ministry is investigating the matter with relevant authorities on the Copperbelt.
Mr Tukombe charged that the ministry was not yet aware of the information pertaining to the missing examination papers, as is being circulated on social media.
He further urged the general public to remain calm while the relevant authority looks into the matter.
He was speaking to journalist during a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
This week, some Grade 9 examination question papers that were destined for Solwezi went missing in Chingola.
The papers were being ferried in a containerized vehicle to Solwezi for the November 2016 junior secondary examinations.
Copperbelt Police Chief Charity Katanga confirmed the development saying the criminals broke into the vehicle while in motion at the place called Mushishima in Chingola and stole the carton boxes.
She said the area were the incident occurred had a lot of pot holes which gave the thieves ample time to break into the containers.
“When vehicles slow down thieves jump on the trucks and steal the goods. This is the same point at which the Grade 9 English exams question papers were stolen from.
“A pass by found one carton box sealed and five packs were opened. So far we have not ascertained the number of carton boxes that were stolen because they were destined for Solwezi. The Education Council of Zambia officers from Lusaka have already come in Chingola with a view to ascertain the stolen papers. They want to know how many were received in Solwezi and compare with what was dispatched,” she said.
She further explained that the criminals thought it was food that was in the containerized vehicle thereby breaking into it.
She has since said that investigations into the matter had since been instituted.
Source at DABS office in Chingola said the people transporting the Grade 9 exams question papers ignored given instructions not to move at night for security reasons.
Dr Canisius Banda should clear speculations about his dark corner meetings with PF-UPND Women
The suspicion over alleged impending defection of UPND Vice President for Politics have continued manifesting in the opposition party with the Lusaka Province women having challenged the leader to come out in the open.
Rose Zulu the Party Provincial Chairperson says Dr Canisius Banda should come out in the open and tell the membership whether he is still part of UPND or not.
Ms Zulu rumours that their Vice President is holding dark corner meetings with the ruling PF should be addressed and buried once and for all.
She said if Dr Banda can not address the rumors then he should go on a break so that he reflects on his future in the Party.
“With due respect to our Vice President for Politics Dr Canisius Banda, we as women demand that he comes out in the open and tells us whether he is still our member or he is under pressure from the Patriotic Front to join them.
“There is no way we can be subjected to stories of our Vice President holding dark corner meetings with Patriotic Front officials and secretly visiting State House , he is our Vice President for Politics for God’s sake and not an ordinary member let him come out in the open and address us as women now. If he cannot make a decision then we advise him to go on a break and look at which way to go unlike the current situation where most members look at him with suspicion,” she said.
“Dr Canisius Banda is an intellectual and its unlike him to get intangled in issues of defections, such issues are common and most acceptable among young cadres and those seeking to feed their bellies.
She also accused the PF of lacking credible leaders hence their move to have their Vice President intangled in issues of defections.
“Dr Canisius Banda is an intellectual and its unlike him to get intangled in issues of defections, such issues are common and most acceptable among young cadres and those seeking to feed their bellies.
“However we are aware that PF are short of credible leaders hence hunting down our Vice President so that he takes up a professional and technical role. UPND is a democratic Party with ideals and if one feels they no longer believe in the ideals they are free to leave,” he said.
She added “Zambia needs UPND because this is the only party whose leadership has a vision and technical know how of fixing the economy and making life better for all. President Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate have demonstrated in their private lives that they can make life better for all .
“All we want as women in the party is to stop all speculations about our Vice President moving to the Patriotic Front by him addressing us or the nation on his position and that should be done now. We love you Dr Banda remember where there is love there is pain, even our God is jealous and so are we.”
Wedson picks Chiyang as his Zambia assistant coach
Aggrey Chiyangi has bounced back on the Zambia coach.
Wedson Nyirenda has picked the his ex-Power Dynamos team mate and fellow 1991 CAF Cup Winners Cup gold medal winner as his first assistant.
The Nkana coach was axed from the Zambia fold after the team failed to qualify to the 2016 Cosafa Cup semifinals in Namibia in June.
Kampamba Chintu will revert to second assistant after serving in the assistant role during George Lwandamina’s final game in charge on September 4 in a 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier against Kenya that ended 1-1 in Ndola.
Meanwhile, 24 Zambia home-based players go into camp on September 25 in Ndola for preliminary week of their 2018 World Cup Group B qualifying home match against Nigeria on October 9.
The match is expected to be Nyirenda’s debut competitive game.
Zesco feeling no pressure ahead of semifinal D-Day
Zesco United’s Nigerian defender Ayo Oluwafemi says the pressure is on the hosts Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s’ 2016 CAF Champions League semifinal final leg in Pretoria.
Zesco beat Sundowns 2-1 in the first leg on September 17 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
A draw will suffice for Zesco but Sundowns need a win to end the visitors hopes of a debut Champions League final appearence.
“Our main aim is to go to the final so we just have to get the desired result so that we get to the final,” Oluwafemi said.
“Sundowns should have more pressure than us because they are playing in front of their home crowd and they need to score a goal.
“They came here and they scored and it is also possible for us to also score in Pretoria.”
Meanwhile, Zesco have a big boost heading into the final leg with the return from suspension of playmaker Clatous Chama to give the visitors that extra spark in midfield that was missing in the first leg.
Government announces GCE results
A total Number of 108,595 candidates who sat for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 2016 have obtained certificates.
ZANIS reports that Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Henry Tukombe announced the results at a press briefing in Lusaka today.
Mr Tukombe, said that 37,050 representing (34.12%) were male and 71,545 representing (65.88%) were female.
He said a total of 124,780 registered candidates entered for the examinations, of whom 43,070 (34.5%) were male and 81,60 (65.5%) were female, representing an increase of 18.60% from the 2015 GCE examination.
“Of the 124,780 registered candidates, 116,883 (93.67) sat for the examination of whom 77,291 (66.13%) were female while 39,592 (33.87%) were male indicating that there were more female candidates sitting for the examination “said Mr Tukombe.
He added that a total number of 7,897 candidates were absent from the examinations, of whom 4,419 were female and 3,478 were male representing an absenteeism rate of 6.33% which is a decrease from 9.67% recorded in the 2015 GCE examination.
The permanent secretary noted that there is an increase in the proportion of candidates that obtained GCE certificates from 90% recorded in 2015 to 92% in 2016.
He said the ministry of education is happy that since the inception of the GCE examination, candidates have continued to increase and that government will continue with the programme.
Mr Tukombe, also disclosed that there were no reported cases of examination leakages during the 2016 examinations.
He advised candidates to collect statements of results from their respective examination centres.
UK Universities to visit Zambia to to make an open presentation on scholarships
The United kingdom University Consortium for Africa (UKUC) will be visiting Zambia next month to make an open presentation on scholarships.
First Secretary, Press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission in the United Kingdom Abigail Chaponda disclosed the development in a press statement issued to ZANIS, in Lusaka today.
Mrs. Chaponda said that the UKUC comprising of nine UK Universities that have voluntarily come together to support African students study in the UK will be in Zambia on 1st October, 2016.
Other countries yet to be visited in Southern Africa are Botswana and Zimbabwe between 25th September and 9th October.
She said the aim of the presentations is to assess student qualifications for conditional offers to study in the United Kingdom.
She has since appealed to parents and possible students interested to make online appointment for a one-to-one interview, or attend the scholarship presentation at Southern Sun Hotel from 10 am to 6 pm at no fee.
Mrs. Chaponda said the consortium stems from the significant contribution African students make to the UK Higher Education.
She further noted that Zambia’s High Commissioner to London recognizes this visit as a good opportunity for Zambians to ask questions and learn to explore the potential of studying in the UK.
Mrs. Chaponda said the Zambian High Commission in London is considering the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK University Consortium for Africa, to allow prospective students obtain up to 30 per cent discounted university tuition fees throughout the 9 universities that form the consortium.
Mrs. Chaponda added that Chief Executive Officer of UKUC Tim Hunt will make the main presentation on The Truth about Scholarships.
Ministry of Health directed to employ all graduate health workers
Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya has directed the Ministry of Health to immediately recruit all nurses, midwives and Clinical Officers who have graduated today and in the recent past.
Dr Chilufya issued the directive when he officiated at the second combined graduation ceremony of 800 Clinical Officers, Nurses and Midwives from different health institutions in Lusaka today.
ZANIS reports the Minister disclosed that, the country’s health sector is in need of 17,000 health personnel, but that only 11,000 are employed leaving a deficit of 6,000 health workers.
Dr Chilufya, who is also Mansa Central Member of Parliament, stated that government will strengthen and modernise the health care system and develop human capital at all levels especially in rural areas in its quest to improve provision of quality health care services in the country.
And General Nursing Council of Zambia (GNC) registrar, Beatrice Zulu thanked government for the support it renders to the nursing and midwifery profession.
Ms Zulu also urged the graduates to uphold and protect the Nursing and Midwifery’s ethics and code of conduct as they serve patients.
More than 800 students among them Clinical Officers, Nurses and Midwives from different Health training schools graduated at a colourful ceremony held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre today.
Clinical Officers, Nurses and Midwives constitute the largest workforce of health workers in the ministry of Health.
FDD’s Budget Expectations
By Antonio Mwanza, FDD Spokesperson
Where we are now?
It is no secret that we are going through one of the worst economic turbulence of our time. Our coffers are dry. The country’s debt has risen by 170% from 3.5billion dollars in 2011 to over 9.7billion dollars today.
Zambia has three outstanding Euro bonds totalling over 2.9billion dollars and with an estimated annual interest on the bonds at 240million dollars the amount required to service the interest and repay the principal is about 440million dollars annually.
Considering the fact that all the foreign debt is in dollars, Zambia has to significantly pay more owing to the weak Kwacha that has drastically depreciated from about K5 to a dollar in recent years to about K9 to a dollar as at close of business today. This means that money which is supposed to finance key sectors of the economy such as health, agriculture, energy and education has to be diverted to servicing the debt.
Zambia’s trade deficit has continued rising owing to the dwindling levels of production due in part to the deepening power deficit and high cost of production which have led to massive job losses and in extreme cases closure of companies particularly in the mining and manufacturing sector.
The widening fiscal deficit posses a key challenge on how the ballooning budget deficits shall be financed in the coming months and years as the GDP has continued to shrink from an estimated 7% to a paltry 3.8%.
The cost of living has escalated way beyond the reach of many households owing to a rise in the cost of essential goods and services as a result of high inflation, which has nearly tripled from 7% in 2014 to about 20.5% in 2016 as well as the rise in the cost of production as a result of increased electricity tariffs and fuel prices. This has been worsened by the depreciation of the national currency which has eroded the purchasing power.
Poverty levels have continued to worsen especially among women and youths. Tightening of the monetary policy by the central bank has not helped matters as it has resulted into high interest rates thus constricting spending by denying small and medium scale businesses access to loans to finance and expand their businesses.
What the 2016/17 Budget Should be Focused On
Looking at the challenges facing the country as itemized above it is crucial that deliberate measures be taken to ensure prudent and efficient management of available resources in order to reduce deficits, cut debt, spar growth, create jobs, reduce the cost of living and improve the lives of our people.
The Minister of Finance in his presentation of the National Budget should take into serious consideration the following things:
The Ministry of Finance should come up with stringent regulatory measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public resources and implementation of the budget lines. Government must avoid budget over-runs by strictly adhering to approved budget lines in the disbursement and use of public funds.
Government must reduce unnecessary public expenditure by cutting down on excessive and unnecessary financing of non-productive ventures such as payment of hefty allowances to senior Government officers, buying of SUVs for senior Government officers and holding of workshops. The savings from such austerity measures should be channeled to the productive sectors of our economy to enhance growth.
Government must avoid the contraction of further debt and establish mechanisms which will enhance efficient and prudent management of the existing debt.
The bulk of the money in the National Budget should be allocated to the productive side and not to the consumptive side of the economy.
Not less than 20% of the budget must be apportioned to Agriculture in order to create jobs, create wealthy, cut-down trade-deficits and increase foreign exchange earnings. This should include investing in mechanisation, diversification, agro-processing, fish-farming and animal husbandry.
Government must reduce the cost of production by subsidising power, fuel and agro-inputs.
More money must be invested in the processing and manufacturing sector in order to create jobs especially for the youths.
A significant portion of the budget must be invested in alternative sources of energy such as solar, thermal, bio etcetera in order to end load-shedding and increase access to electricity.
Not less than 15% of the budget must be allocated to the health sector and particular emphasis must be put on the provision of primary health-care, training of medical personnel and provision of clean water and sanitation.
Funds for youth and women empowerment programs must be expanded and the disbursement of the fund must be streamlined and decentralised to ensure accountability and efficient use of the fund.
The budgetary allocation to education must significantly be increased and particular emphasis must be placed on improving the quality of and access to education.
Sufficient funds must be apportioned to empower and formalise the informal sector as a way of broadening the tax base and ensuring that the bulk of our people have social safety nets.
The existing tax regime must be revised particularly in the mining sector; re-introduce windfall tax to ensure that the mines pay a fair share of taxes.
PF bows to Pressure, Selects a Woman Candidate for Position of Deputy Mayor
The Ruling Patriotic Front has bowed to demands to have a woman as a candidate for the Position of Deputy Mayor of Lusaka following the move by Nkoloma ward one Councillor and President Edgar Lungu’s Daughter, Tasila, to contest the Position of Deputy Mayor.
In a statement released to the media, PF has decided to field Roma Ward 17 Councillor Chilando Chitangala as the candidate for position of Deputy Media.
According to the statement, the candidature of Councillor Chitangala has been welcomed and endorsed by all PF Lusaka district Councillors including Councillors Christopher Shakafuswa and Tasila Lungu.
Below is the full statement
For Immediate Release
Subject: Official Candidate for the Position of Deputy Mayor for the City of Lusaka
Following recent developments regarding the issue of election of the Deputy Mayor for the city of Lusaka and subsequent consultations on this issue which has generated a lot of interest we wish to announce that the PF official candidate for the position of Deputy Mayor for Lusaka is Councillor Chilando Chitangala.
She is councillor for Roma Ward 17 of Mandevu constituency. The candidature of Councillor Chitangala has been welcomed and endorsed by all PF Lusaka district Councillors including Councillors Christopher Shakafuswa and Tasila Lungu.
It is our trust and confidence that Ms Chitangala will receive full support from all Councillors as she endeavours to provide leadership as Deputy Mayor after elections slated for Monday 26th September 2016.
Issued by PF Secretary General Davies Mwila
September 23, 2016.
STARS ROCK TO COKE STUDIO BEAT
Hip hop supremo Cleo Ice Queen joins Africa’s elite in Season 2 of Coke Studio
Musicians, actors and A-list socialites joined DJ, rapper and diva Cleo Ice Queen last night (September 22) for the celebrity event of the year to launch the latest series of Coke Studio.
After months of anticipation, the new season of the widely acclaimed reality show Coke Studio Africa hits Zambia’s TV screens in October on QTV, with the Zambian icon among the top names in the series. The show premieres tonight(Friday, September 23 at 18hrs, with a new episode every Friday.
Introducing Coke Studio at a glittering preview event in Lusaka, Cleo said: “Making music is an amazing journey, and Coke Studio really shows the talent, effort and fun that artists put into their craft. I’m just so pleased that Zambian music fans can now have a chance to share that passion on QTV.”
Each week Coke Studio will bring together artists from across Africa to come up with original material, and all within 48 hours. That means they have to write, produce and perform their hits in two days. No pressure!
Nandi Madida, née Mngoma and Trevor “Trey” Sineke will be presenting the second season of the show. Back by popular demand, lovers of New Original Music can look forward to the show featuring some of Africa’s hottest artists.
In addition to Cleo Ice Queen, the Coke Studio Season 2 artist line-up will include continental collaborations consisting of AKA and Patoranking a Nigerian super star. Cassper Nyovest pairs up with legend Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania and Angola’s hottest property Landrick pairs up with Ash Muzic. Pairings from rapper Nasty C with Buffalo Soulja, SAMA-award winning Rap artist Fifi Cooper with Ryki and other exciting fusions promise to bring next level entertainment for music enthusiasts.
Coke Studio will feature the best producers in the industry, including Sketchy Bongo, Gemini Major and Mobi Dixon, each bringing their unique sounds and talents to the show.
“We are so excited to bring music lovers another season of Coke Studio, showing off Pan-African talent while they do what they do best,” says Coca-Cola Marketing Activations Manager for Zambia and, Malawi, Takunda Jinda.
“Coca-Cola has a passion for the authentic music process, and as a brand, we are proud to be able to share the process of creating New Original Music with our Zambian audience,” he continues.
The catch is, artists will have only 48 hours to create their tracks, with the added pressure of all their ups and inevitable downs caught on camera. All of this will culminate in an epic performance, hosted by the lovely Nandi.
Other familiar faces from Season One, such as hit maker Riky Rick and pop sensation Jimmy Nevis, will once again return, now in mentorship roles, guiding fellow artists through the music-making process.
Coke Studio Season 2 also features Trey, a season one alumni and producer, taking viewers on a journey across South Africa. His mission will be to pair the best talent for the ultimate track in the final episode. “Make sure to tune in every week to see who will have their name written all over the incredible final track” concludes Takunda.
To be part of the wavey conversation, use the hashtag #CokeStudioZA. Visitwww.cokestudio.co.za for more information.
Cleo Ice Queen collaborates with South African artiste Bucie on Coke Studio track “Simunye”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2if7mbtpEE
About Coke Studio Africa
Coke Studio Africa is a non-competitive show which seeks to bring together and showcase the diversity of African musical talent. It also gives upcoming artistes the opportunity to work with some of the best local and international music and production talent. It brings together performers from different genres, eras and regions to create a modern and authentic African sound through musical fusion.
Kantu releases new single with T-Sean
2016 BEFFTA Awards nominee ,Kantu has released her latest single “Love Me”. The song features f T-Sean and was produced by Raydo.
Listen/download the song HERE
BY KAPA187
Swearing in Ceremony of Speaker and his deputies in Pictures
President Lungu Swears in Matibini, Namugala and Malama
President Edgar Lungu says he is open and available to consultations and visitations from the National Assembly.
President Lungu said he will freely avail himself at all times to the National Assembly Speaker Dr Patrick Matibini, Members of Parliament (MPs) and National Assembly staff.
Mr. Lungu also assured the Speaker, MPs and all National Assembly staff of continued enjoyment of their full rights and privileges accorded to them under the law.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State said this at State House in Lusaka today when he swore-in the Speaker Dr. Matibini, National Assembly first Deputy Speaker Catherine Namugala and Second Deputy Speaker Mwimba Malama.
“I shall be freely accessible to you Mr. Speaker, MPs and all National Assembly staff at all times as well as interpret their words and actions in most favourable manner,” the President said.
Dr. Matibini, Mrs. Namugala and Mr. Malama took their oaths where they pledged to show their allegiance, preserve and defend the republican constitution in the execution of their duties.
And speaking during the same event, National Assembly Speaker Patrick Matibini said MPs would also access themselves freely to the Head of State.
Earlier, National Assembly Clerk Doris Mwinga disclosed that the trio were this morning elected by the MPs in accordance with the Constitution Article 82 (6) and National Assembly Standing Orders 4 and 5.
Mrs. Mwinga further disclosed that Mrs. Namugala and Mr. Malama were elected with Standing Order 5 (16) provision.
“The Members of Parliament shall elect, by secret ballot, a Speaker of the National Assembly from a list of names of persons, who are qualified to be elected as Members of Parliament, but are not Members of Parliament, submitted to the National Assembly by the President; political parties holding seats in the National Assembly, a person is qualified to be elected as Speaker of the National Assembly if that person is a citizen by birth or descent; does not have dual citizenship; has been ordinarily resident in Zambia; and is at least thirty-five years old,” the Constitution reads in part.
Earlier in the day, the National Assembly elected Dr. Matibini as Speaker while Mrs. Namugala and Mr. Malama went un-opposed during the elections.
The today’s ceremony was witnessed by republican Vice President Inonge Wina, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila and his Deputy Mumbi Phiri , Some Cabinet Ministers, Secretary to Cabinet Roland Msiska, and other senior government officials attended the swearing in ceremony at State House .
