A meeting schedule to take place between Government and the Zambian Truckers Association and Petroleum Association failed to take off after police failed to heed to demands from the associations.

The association leaders were demanding for the release of their colleagues who were detained for berating up a security guard who shot dead their colleague on Tuesday in Lusaka.

The leaders have since refused to dialogue with government until their demands are met.

By lunch time on Friday, the truck drivers were threatening to leave the premises owing to delays by police to release their colleagues who are in police custody.

The protest by the two associations has caused a serious fuel shortage in most parts of Lusaka.

And Energy Minister Dora Siliya has called for calm and patience among motorists in Lusaka as Government intervenes in the matter.

In a statement, Ms Siliya who is currently out of the country assured that all is being done to avert the worsening of the fuel situation.

‘I am currently out of Zambia but I have been informed about the fuel shortage since yesterday. My understanding is that one oil marketing company has been suspecting foul play in the quality of the oil delivered by a particular truck driver. As such they trailed the driver to a private yard where they suspected he intended to remove some fuel and replace it with water or kerosene,’ she said.

‘A confrontation occurred resulting in the OMC security firm shooting at the driver. I believe this has resulted in other truck drivers protesting by refusing to deliver fuel to filling stations,’ Ms Siliya revealed.

‘I will only be able to know the full details when I return tomorrow and will update you. In the mean time the Ministry is doing all to normalise the situation. Honourables Mwila and Kampyongo are still in meeting with the fuel truck drivers’

She said her Deputy Charles Zulu met with the truck drivers last night to plead for them to continue delivering fuel even after their colleague was shot dead.

‘However the request was unattainable as most were drank and uncontrollable and some were found with dangerous weapons. This forced the police to intervene and arrest some drivers.  Hon Mwila is still in a meeting with the drivers. .I will keep you updated.’

Meanwhile, the Energy Regulation Board has assured the nation that Zambia still has enough fuel stocks.

ERB Manager for Public Relations Kwali Mfuni said in a statement that the ERB and Government are engaging the transporters to ensure that the situation is normalised as soon as possible.

‘The ERB would like to urge all players in the petroleum sector to comply with all laid sown procedures and standards as well as promote dialogue in the event of any dialogue,’ Ms. Mfuni said.

But most of the fuel stations visited in Lusaka still did not have fuel as at lunch time on Friday.

THE Kitwe High Court has slapped a 25-year jail sentence with hard labour on three members of the same family in Solwezi for murdering a man of the same area on suspicion that he was a wizard.
Mr Justice Isaac Kamwendo sent to jail Emmanuel Mafinde, 26, James Nswana,73, and Joe Katembo,53,  after finding them guilty of murder.
Mafinde, Nswana and Katembo murdered Abelson Mwanza on March 3, 2014.
Through their legal aid counsel, Edwin Mazyopa, the three pleaded with the court to exercise maximum leniency when carrying out the sentence.
“My lord, my clients are first offenders who are sorry for their actions. Their stay in prison has made them realise that committing crime does not pay,” Mr Mazyopa said.
Delivering his verdict, Mr Justice Kamwendo said he considered the mitigation and submission from the defence counsel that the three believed that Mr Mwanza used to be a wizard.
He, however, said he was saddened that offences of this nature are on the increase in Solwezi and that giving Mafinde, Nswana and Katembo a 25-year jail sentence would deter others from committing a similar crime.
During trial, Glades Mwanza, 37, testified that on the material day around 04:00 hours, he learnt that a man from his neighbourhood had died at Kalumbila Mine Hospital.
He said the body was then taken to his village and that the convicts accused his uncle, Mr Mwanza, of being responsible for the death of their relative.
The court heard that Mafinde, Nswana and Katembo also took the coffin which was carrying the remains of the deceased to Mr Mwanza’s home, where they beat him using stones, sticks and the same coffin until he died.
The matter was later reported to the police and the three were all charged and arrested for murder.
And a 30-year-old man of Solwezi walked to freedom after the Kitwe High Court acquitted him of murder, CHRISTINE CHIHAME reports from Kitwe.
Mr Justice Kamwendo acquitted Paul Kupanda after finding him not guilty of murder.
It was alleged that on October 21, 2014, in Solwezi, Mr Kupanda murdered James Kayela.
Mr Justice Kamwendo said although it was clear from the evidence that was availed to the court that the deceased was injured and that the injuries caused him death, no one saw Kupanda with Kayela.

(DailyMail)

THE 50 percent plus 1 clause is a democratic and progressive piece of law and President Edgar Lungu should not be forced to take back the Constitution Amendment Bill so that it can be tabled back into Parliament, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has said.

The UPND has lashed at other opposition political parties for crying foul over the passing of the new Constitution Amendment Bill of 2015 which dictates that presidential candidates should be able to organize 100 supporters from each of the ten Provinces.

UPND presidential spokesperson for special duties Edward Mumbi said People’s Party President Mike Mulongoti and other opposition leaders should not mislead President Lungu to take back the Bill to Parliament so that it could be re-tabled.

Mr Mumbi said the UPND was ready to go to the general elections next year with the 50 percent plus 1 and the presidential running mate and was in support of the requirement that presidential candidates should be able to have 1000 supporters drawn from the ten Provinces.

Mr Mumbi said he had always taken Mr Mulongoti as an astute politician who could read the political mood of the country but was disappointed to realize that the People’s Party leader had exhibited political naivety by branding the Constitution Amendment Bill that has just been passed by Parliament as dictatorial and non-representative.

He said Mr Mulongoti even rubbished the Grand Coalition concerns over the constitution-making process and should therefore not condemn the members of Parliament for amending the Constitution of Zambia.

He explained that the UPND was not in support of the call by some opposition political parties to ask President Lungu to consider taking back the document to Parliament because that would not only be a waste of time but resources as well.

“The 50 percent plus 1 clause is a progressive and democratic piece of law and it is wrong for some opposition political parties to ask President Lungu to consider taking back the document to Parliament to be re-tabled. Our concern as the UPND is the manner the amendment was done but we have no problem with the 50 percent plus 1 clause. Mr Mulongoti and other leaders of the opposition political parties should not cry foul because they had a chance to read the document before it went to Parliament. The Constitution has been amended for Zambians and an impression should not be created that it is the PF that is writing the Constitution for a particular group of people or political parties,” Mr Mumbi said.

Mr Mumbi said the referendum would have been the best process of enacting the Constitution but there was no need for political leaders to continue opposing the phased enactment of the new Constitution because the Bill had already been passed.

He advised that all political parties that supported the phased process of enacting the Constitution when other major stakeholders strongly objected should first apologise to Zambians before asking President Lungu to take the document back to Parliament.

United Party for National Development UPND President Hakainde HIchilema has called for a reduction in the price of fuel. In a statement released to the media, the UPND leader said that when PF took over in 2011, crude oil was over US$120 per barrel and now that the price is $36 per barrel, it therefore made sense to reduce the price of fuel to about K4 per litre

Below is the full statement

We have repeatedly been urging our colleagues in the PF Government to take advantage of the sharp fall in world oil prices by reducing the fuel pump prices.

When PF took over in 2011, crude oil was over US$120 per barrel yet at that time, they even reduced fuel to the current prices. It therefore makes sense that at the current world prices of around US $36 per barrel representing a quarter of what they used to be, it therefore goes without saying that fuel must now be around 4 kwacha a liter in Zambia.

But knowing their corrupt ways and that they are broke and have messed up the country, we will not be surprised to hear an increase instead of reduction in fuel prices.

In a troubled economic situation like ours a reduction in fuel prices will act as a stimulus for economic activities in several sectors and could help save jobs and businesses, especially with the ongoing and extensive electricity loadshedding in the country.

A reduction in fuel prices will also help in reducing the cost of doing business and will assist in reducing the current high cost of living in the country.

This being a farming season, any reduction will also help our farmers in using their mechanised farming equipment and boost agriculture production which we want to be the key driver under our economic diversification programme.

Already the PF Government has hiked electricity tariffs by 300% in some cases. This has made the tariffs very high unmanageable levels despite the massive electricity loadshedding.

Many businesses are now surviving on fuel propelled generators and the fuel reduction would offer them much needed relief. Our colleagues in the PF are always quick at blaming economic issues on global trends and we now urge them to take advantage of the falling fuel prices on the global market.

Many countries in the world, and even in the region, have been reducing fuel prices for their citizens as a measure to trigger economic growth and reduce the cost of living.

Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President

Maria Nyemba , know simply as Nyemba ,is one of Zambia’s most unique and refreshing artists. With her enthusiasm, Lyrical, Vocal and song writing edge , the 29- Year old (born 27th October, 1986) female is the headline artist on Independent record label Ikonik Music, has gone from strength to strength in forging a formidable performance with her ability to express herself by using her talent in music. This has led to a lot of expectations from everyone that hears her unique sound both in the industry and listeners. She has collaborated with a number of local artists such as; Cactus Agony, Dandy Krazy , Tyce, B-flow , Maureen Lilanda ,Cleo ice Queen only to mention the few. Nyemba released her debut E.P ‘Mutima Wanga’ earlier this year . The E.P is available in local music stores and on Itunes .

Her charisma and energy in the studio and in person has led to regular support from fans. Having opened for the likes of Zahara at Mulungushi International conference Centre and Fally Ipupa at the Lusaka Show Grounds, she has not looked back since and has become an ever growing name in the country. Nyemba is looking to build a reputation not only for the quality and creativity of her musical production but also for the quality of her videos that have stormed the internet and television. With unforgettable flow, infectious lyricism and an unwavering ambition to be the best, Nyemba is quickly developing into one of the country’s most promising musical talents.

KAPA187: Tell us about yourself.

Nyemba: I’m a singer song writer signed to Ikonik music; I do afro pop and R&B!!

KAPA187: Who are some of the artist that you look up to, both local and international?

Nyemba: The artists that I look up to here in Zambia are the ones that have been around and year after year still entertaining the crowds; Maureen lilanda, afunika, king dandy, slap d the list goes on! Internationally Brandy, beyonce, Whitney Houston, babyface, I could go forever but 90s music played a big role in my decision to become an artist

KAPA187: This year you released your debut E.P “Mutima Wanga”. What was the concept behind it and how was the process of creating it.

Nyemba: Initially my focus was on women issues because being a young woman I’ve seen women going through stuff and really not talking to anyone about their problems, me and my producer, DJ Lo, wanted to talk about women issues but in a fun way so instead of the songs being boring and somber we made them into danceable songs! The process was interesting I got to know more about my capabilities to push my voice and self

KAPA187: On one of the songs from the E.P, “Amama”, you worked with the legendary Maureen Lilanda. How was that experience, what did you learn from her.

Nyemba: It was very humbling to have her work with me on a song that was dear to my heart, which me and Michael wrote for my late mum she taught me it’s ok to be nervous and never to be too confident

KAPA187: A song that I really enjoy on the E.P is “Hello”. What is the song all about?

Nyemba: Hello I co-wrote with Dj Lo, it is the only love song on the project it was just a way to appreciate the love a woman feels for a man.

KAPA187: Having done some high quality videos for your singles, how important is it for artists to have a good video to go along with great music.

Nyemba: Videos are very important as people have become advanced with technology, everyone is on social media so it’s easier to get yourself out into the world visually more and with good videos you get to have your videos on international channels like MTv base where my videos have been recognized and played.

KAPA187: Your current single Yelele Remix featuring Cleo Ice Queen and Bombshell is on heavy rotation on most radio stations. What is the song about and how do the aforementioned artists add to the song.

Nyemba: The song is about celebrating a woman who’s hardworking and strong and goes through tough times but always gets back up again to achieve better things in life. Cleo and bombshell jumped on without hesitation as they understood my eagerness to show that women can actually work together and celebrate one another! They are both strong hardworking young women who have really inspired me to work harder and never stop pushing

KAPA187: There are a number of female artists in the country, but the music industry is still male dominated. What do you think Female artists, such as yourself, need to do in order to create more of an impact?

Nyemba: I think the first thing is getting together and supporting one another in any way possible even just posting something that someone’s working on or doing shows together and just having a better mindset not thinking that the person will steal your shine! We don’t have to be competition at all.

KAPA187: Zambian music is slowly but surely getting recognition internationally, what in your opinion needs to be done to accelerate the process?

Nyemba: Supporting one another as artists and working together to get Zambia out into the world.

KAPA187: If you were tasked to complete an album within a week, which four producers and four artists would you choose to complete it with in the short space of time and why?

Nyemba:

Producers

1. Dj Lo he’s taught me a lot about myself and always pushes me to my limit!

2. tony breezy not only is he cute Lol but he’s produced some of the best songs ever

3. Tsean he’s very creative and he doesn’t stick to one sound

4. Raydo he’s also made some of the biggest hits in Zambia.

 And the Artists

1. Afunika talent beyond amazing great song writer

2. chef he’s one of my favorite artists and as well amazingly talented with he’s writing

3. Kaladoshas he’s passionate and a perfectionist when it comes to he’s craft

4. Bombshell her voice is just crazy she’s a mix of lil Kim and foxy brown.

KAPA187: As 2015 comes to a close, what have been some of your highlight of this year?

Nyemba: My highlights first going to Zimbabwe performing live and the great legendary Oliver Mtukuzi watching and clapping for me. 2nd being recognized by fellow artists in the industry where now I don’t have to introduce myself every other time Lol , and being nominated as upcoming artist Born and Bred awards I cried !

KAPA187: What can your fans expect from you in 2016 and beyond?

Nyemba: My fans should expect nothing but the best, I’ve grown as an artist and this time around my music will be happy and danceable .This time people should expect a whole new side of me crazy good and I’ll definitely be dancing a lot.

KAPA187: Any last words for your fans…

Nyemba: My last words would be thank you to every person that supported and listened to my music Nyemba surely will only be better and bring only the best! Zikomo kwambili

THE MUSIC

Yelele
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_t69ZwxyU
Mutima Wanga

Ijah Nkhani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HW_jp7sLqw
Hello

Yelele (Remix)

BY KAPA187

I know from the title that coca-cola chicken sounds totally crazy.  Some of you might be thinking what the hell is that – why would you mix coca-cola with chicken?  But whilst it does sound strange it is actually one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted.  This recipe was inspired by the one and only Nigella Lawson and I equally thought it was strange when I first heard of it.  However, because I love and trust Nigella I decided to try it out myself; and boy was I happy that I did. Nigella is one of my idols; I love how she tries out so many different recipes and makes really amazing no fuss food – this being one of them.  Like me, Nigella is not one to count calories, she effortlessly blends food and flavours that might seem a little bizarre, but there is a “method to her madness”; besides that’s what cooking is all about…

…Anyway back to the food, if you hadn’t already guessed it coca-cola chicken is literally, chicken cooked in coca-cola; it is of the sweet and sour variety and goes perfectly with noodles or rice, or a bed of delicious veggies.   The flavours will literally burst in your mouth, but the best part of it all is how easy it is to make this delicacy.

Preparation & Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4  

Ingredients

• 500 ml Coca-Cola
• 125 ml soy sauce (optional)
• 4 chicken pieces (with or without the skin)
• salt (to taste)
• Chilli flakes (optional)

Method

Marinate your chicken with salt and other spices (if you are using them).  Place the chicken pieces in a frying pan. Add the coca-cola and soy sauce. Cook on medium heat, turning pieces often. Eventually, the liquid will evaporate, and will form a glaze on the chicken.  Cook until most of the liquid is gone. Be very careful to keep a close eye on the chicken, because towards the end the liquid evaporates quickly and it can burn very easily. It takes about 30 minutes to cook.

Serving

And there you have it….Yes it really is that simple.  The spring onions and chilli flakes just add that extra bit of flavour, but the coca-cola and soy sauce offer up enough exciting flavour. Try this with delicious noodles, or egg fried rice; you will be sure to enjoy it.

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 on www.kantakakes.com.  Follow her on twitter @KantaKakes and Instagram @KantaTemba.