XYZ rapper ,Stevo, released the video for his single “Pa Mic” that features Bobby East.
BY KAPA187
Government urged to investigate lending institutions as retrenched miners walk away with blank cheques
I want to urge Government to investigate the manner in which lending institutions on the Copperbelt have been deducting money from retrenched miner’s packages that obtained loans from them during their employment.
It is sad and disturbing that some retrenched miners who borrowed money from the Micro Finance Service providers went home bare handed with blank cheques after lending institutions deducted everything from their retrenchment packages.
Most miners have complained that they feel cheated by lending institution. I therefore instituted my own investigation in the matter and my findings have revealed that over 50 percent of retrenched miners have walked home with literally nothing despite most of them getting as much as over K50, 000 as retrenchment packages from their former employers, a situation which is very unfortunate.
For example, Bayport Financial Services Zambia deducted over K45, 000 one off from a client who obtained a K45, 000 loan and has been paying K2, 279 per month for over 12 months. Basic calculations show that this particular client has paid over half of the principal amount borrowed (K45, 000) and yet Bayport deducted the entire retrenchment package after Income Tax deductions resulting in the client walking away with literally nothing. I spoke with three (3) Bayport employees from both Lusaka head office and Kitwe offices and all of them could not properly explain the rationale behind this particular case.
Looking at the circumstances in which the retrenched miners lost their jobs, and were forced to clear their loans at once, lending institutions should have revised their interest rates downwards especially that the money was paid in a shorter period compared to the agreed time frame.
Considering the commitment shown by government to empower retrenched miners through infrastructure development projects as announced by Republican President Edgar Lungu, it is imperative that government intervenes and investigates whether the deductions are being done in accordance with the laid down laws and that no one is illegally benefiting from the retrenched miners.
As a way of showing care and concern, Government should consider dialoguing with all the lending institutions involved to come up with a loan repayment model that would prevent a situation were retrenched miners walk home with nothing other than a pay slip.
For example, government can negotiate for the retrenched miners for them to be allowed to pay six months upfront as opposed to deducting everything since it has assured the nation that the retrenched miners will be re-employed in the next few months. This will allow miners to have enough money to plan their lives and invest in some businesses that would allow them to continue repaying the loans after the initial six months elapses with or without government providing them employment.
It is sad that retrenched miners will fail to provide basic needs for their families and pay children’s education fees next month despite having received good packages from their former employers.
By David Kapoma
On Being -The Exemplary Case of Being Oneself
Look at the woman above, Pilgrim. Isn’t she a marvel to behold? Aren’t you spellbound? Tell me, Pilgrim, isn’t she something?
See the hair? Breathtaking!Forget the sad, pensive look.Focus on her appearance.
You will see the following:
- originality.
- confidence.
- seriousness.
- maturity.
- pride.
self-respect. - focused.
- imposing.
- being at peace with oneself.
- striking beauty.
- leadership.
- blackness.
- the image of God.
This is the natural face Africa lost.Africa doesn’t look like this anymore.
Today Africa […save for South Africa] will not accept a president, MP, medical doctor or banker with dreadlocks. But one with a tie is suitable/acceptable. So plain stupid. Totally lost. Annoying.How so very sad!
Africa today looks Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian, American, soon Chinese, ad infinitum.
Now Pilgrim, if you no longer have your own face, you have a copy of another’s, how then can you excel, succeed or be exemplary?Shouldn’t you then be accused of deception?And kindly note, Pilgrim, that the worst form of deception is that of the self.If Africa is to rise again, yes again, this is the face Africa must reclaim.Its own.
The current face of Africa is fake. It is a festering and malignant cancerous wound on the conscience of the continent. It is offensive, repulsive.This explains why many troubles, trials and tribulations today riddle the continent.
We have forgotten ourselves. We no longer remember the people we were. Worse still we now hate ourselves.We even de-melaninise ourselves. We bleach our skins.
Sadly, we remain the same inside – lorded over and confused.
Today Africa […save for South Africa] will not accept a president, MP, medical doctor or banker with dreadlocks. But one with a tie is suitable/acceptable. So plain stupid. Totally lost. Annoying.How so very sad!
Africa’s current face is an abomination.
Take off your mask Africa! Africa do you see not your debilitating cultural colonialism? Shed off your pretense! Reclaim your majestic self, Africa!
Forthwith, Africa must stop being a whore, perennially prostituting her identity for a pittance.
Originality is attractive.
And all original things reflect God. They reflect the required order of existence. And their value is priceless.
It is only when a thing is original that its function or performance is as intended.
Take heed, Pilgrim.
It is an appearance of a woman […an African] such as this one that makes me want to melodiously sing ‘Hallelujah’ all the days of my life.Take my hand, Pilgrim…We have got naturalness to preserve and promote; our selves to display…
We are a people at peace with ourselves. And so it shall remain
Thank you, Viola! The awakening is indeed inspirational.
By Dr.Canisius Banda
President Lungu is being lied to-UPND
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
PRESIDENT LUNGU IS BEING LIED TO
President Edgar Lungu’s reported statement that our peaceful UPND party is planning to cause violence and chaos next year again shows how petty and trivial he is when addressing national issues.
In fact it is really a waste of time to react to President Lungu whenever he says something because nobody takes him seriously anymore like Zambians did to any of his predecessors.
It is very clear that his statements which are merely hallucinations are always uttered under the influence of whatever strong stuff he takes.
Even if he is basically a caretaker president, Zambians are expecting a little bit more from him than merely going out at night partying and dancing at cocktails where the Lusaka Mayor would have officiated.
As UPND, we are more focused on economic issues currently affecting our people, especially those losing jobs in many sectors and youths without jobs.
We are more worried about poverty, extravagant PF expenditures, corruption at all levels, high cost of living, PF reckless borrowing and other issues affecting our people.
His wild and baseless statement on violence shows clearly why he had ordered his security wings to limit freedoms for other political parties, especially ours, from going out to mobilise our people around the country while him and his wife are busy gallivanting all over busy campaigning.
We really pity the intelligence wings of our country who can be accused of feeding President Lungu what amounts to alarming information.
Every Zambian now knows which political party is the most violent in the country as Lungu himself is a product of pangas and machetes from Kabwe and no one now expects him to champion peace.
Everyone knows the PF has been brutalising citizens including journalists around the country and Lungu has not come out to condemn any of the behaviours of his cadres.
Lungu really thinks our supporters can be that stupid to attack their own party President Hakainde Hichilema in Kitwe and destroy their own secretariat for which PF leaders came out to apologise.
So Lungu has already forgotten that not long ago he even banned PF regalia in buses and markets on being embarrassed that his thugs were causing mayhem to poor marketeers, bus drivers, and innocent citizens in the streets.
And Lungu was not even aware that even as he was issuing alarming statement in Kasama, poor women were being dehumanised and stripped naked for wearing UPND party regalia when the residents were expecting to hear and be shown the cheaper mealie meal and farming inputs in the area?
Lungu and PF Leaders know they are on their way out as no Zambian can give them any votes anytime to continue mutilating the economy and brutalising citizens.
We wish we can say more but perhaps we should also find and take the strong stuff he takes before he utters such alarming statements which we are happy nobody takes him seriously.
Hon. Stephen Katuka
UPND Party Secretary General
President Lungu to invite all stakeholders across Zambia to witness bill signing
President Edgar Lungu has said that he will invite all stakeholders across the country to witness his assent to the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill.
Speaking in Kasama shortly before he left for Kawambwa yesterday, President Lungu said that the PF government has fulfilled its promise to give the people of Zambia a constitution that they wanted.
“The PF means business and you can see what happened recently when they thought we were playing, but we gave them the constitution. Now they are backtracking and asking for some of the clauses approved by Parliament to be removed,” he said.
He said he will sign the document as soon as he returns to Lusaka and if the Government Printing Department and the National Assembly have completed their part.
He also reiterated his appeal to Zambians to preserve and maintain peace.
President Lungu said the police also deserve the support of all citizens to discharge their duties of maintaining peace and order.
He thanked the people of Northern Province for being peaceful and urged the youth to ensure that they remain calm.
“I want to thank you the people of Northern Province for maintaining law and order and this is the way it should be and you should not despair but stand on the truth and always seek peace. We are the ones that can maintain peace. Some of the opposition leaders are cowards and they are not wise, you can’t blame them for that. So, when they want to come back, just welcome them,” said President Lungu.
Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has said that Rainbow party leader Wynter Kabimba is not a factor in Zambian politics.
President Lungu wondered how Mr Kabimba rates himself in politics for him to tell Zambians to vote out the PF government in the 2016 general elections.
The Head of state was responding to questions from journalists shortly after his arrival at city airport on Wednesday evening.
President Lungu said that he is happy that people are appreciating his leadership style which he said is inspired by God.
Kalusha Bwalya and two others Summoned by ACC
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) yesterday summoned Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Kalusha Bwalya and two other officials.
Others summoned were FAZ general secretary George Kasengele and executive committee member Pivoty Simwanza.
According to FAZ sources, the trio was summoned in connection with former association treasurer Kelvin Mutafu’s allegation that a few individuals at Football House were involved in illegal sale of replica jerseys and match tickets.
When contacted, Mr Bwalya’s phone went unanswered, while Mr Kasengele referred queries to FAZ communications manager Nkweto Tembwe.
“We did not call ourselves to ACC. Get in touch with ACC because they are the ones that summoned us,” Mr Tembwe said.
ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono could not be reached for a comment.
And when contacted, the commission’s director for community education Lawrence Hansingo requested for a written query.
Push Africa’s agenda at WTO talks, CTPD urges African Trade Ministers
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development(CTPD) has urged African Ministers responsible for trade attending the 10th Ministerial Conference under the World Trade Organization to ensure that Africa’s position on the set agenda is not downplayed by other powerful economic blocks.
In a statement, CTPD Executive Director Isabel Mukelabai further urged African Ministers to remain resolute in pushing an agenda that will promote fair trade for Africa.
Mrs Mukelabai added that African Ministers should ensure that issues such as continued loss of revenue from the continent due to illicit financial flows are addressed.
She said the Ministers should also take advantage of the talks to ensure that the socio-economic challenges that the continent continues to face as a result of irresponsible trading activities by some players are addressed.
‘It is our opinion that such a gathering presents a great opportunity to advance formulation of fair trade policies among member states. It is also motivating to note that for the first time an African country plays host to the World Trade Organizations 10th Ministerial Conference,’ she said.
The WTO Ministerial Conference is a biennial event that sets the agenda on trade policy and being the topmost decision making body of the World Trade organization and has the powers to take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.
‘Given this fact, it is our sincere hope that the MC10 will deliver strong development outcomes. As the Ministers gather, some of the key issues that will be on the agenda include issues around the Doha Development Round (DDA) outcomes of 2001,’ Mrs Mukelabai said.
She added, ‘We urge our African representatives to ensure that negotiations around the DDA should not be concluded in Nairobi without a meaningful development package and no other round should be launched without addressing the core development issues that the DDA was mandated to address.’
‘It is our position as CTPD that in particular, the Singapore issues which include government procurement, competition policy, investment and any ‘new issues’ that would severely restrict space for implementing development-oriented policies must be ably addressed and concluded as there is a higher possibility that the developed countries will try to end the Doha Round in Nairobi without a credible development outcome and launch a new round that casts aside developing country concerns and this must not be allowed to happen.’
Mrs Mukelebai further urged the African leaders in general and the Zambian Government in particular to remember the commitments they made in the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development where countries pledged not to leave any one behind in the quest for development.
‘It is our position that this commitment must be demonstrated by our African leaders and our national Government at the 10th Ministerial conference by ensuring that development outcomes are a key output of the process. In a continent where poverty levels are rife, the use of trade for development must be top on the strategy list.’
She added, ‘It is our considered view as CTPD that, it will be impossible to follow the principles of the agenda 2030 and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without fair trade rules and other means of implementation. Our position is that fair trade rules will help to deliver benefits for the African economy and in addition to this, the agenda for value addition and industrialization.’
Mrs Mukelabai observed that agriculture is of critical importance to the economies of the majority of the African and Caribbean Pacific’s Group of States adding that some of the controversial issues around these negotiations might revolve around Overall Trade Distorting Domestic Support (OTDS), Export subsidies and food aid as well as addressing the issue of Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs).
‘There is a strong need for African ministers to be vigilant and take every opportunity to remind the proponents of a basic objective of Agriculture policy in Least Developed Countries (LDCs),’ she said.
Mrs Mukelabai added, ‘This will help to ensure food security, in particular because most LDCs have structural food deficit and are net food-importing countries. It is in this interest that African Ministers and national governments should press forth some flexibility regarding Agreements on Agriculture towards LDCs.’
‘The reduction commitment on agriculture policy in the MC10 negotiations should thus recognise fully the multifunctionality of agriculture in LDCs, including the challenge to sustain economic growth, poverty reduction as well as the need to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.’
Pizza Hut unveils Zambia’s largest Pizza
Fast food chain Pizza Hut last evening unveiled what is believed to be the largest pizza ever made in Zambia.
The pizza measuring 1.48 meters in length and 0.74 meters in width was unveiled last evening during a ceremony to celebrate Pizza Hut Zambia’s first anniversary.
The measurements were validated and by the Zambia Weights and Measures Agency.
And Agency Chief Executive Officer Himba Cheelo announced that the agency in consultation with stakeholders in the pizza industry will be working to standardise the different sizes of pizza offered for sale.
Ms. Cheelo said this is in order to ensure that the diameter of a small, medium or large size of pizza bought at Pizza hut should be the same diameter as that of another pizza bought somewhere else.
She said the agency has the mandate to regulate all weighing and measuring instruments in Zambia and has the duty to assure the accuracy of measurements that are used in trade and focuses on customer protection and promotion of sustainable trade.
Ms. Cheelo said the move will not only protect the consumer but will also give a spin off benefit to the food store owner who can be assured of credible, consistent and precise measurements during production and packaging of different sizes of pizza.
She said the use of accurate measuring instruments and authorised standard measures is the only certain way of assuring precise quantities of commodities produced, packed and offered for sale to the general public.
‘This will result in consistent customer satisfaction which in the long term shall lead to the sustainability of their businesses. I am sure Pizza Hut does not want to be seen as that food store that ‘short-changes’ its customers in terms of the size of pizza sold,’ she said.
‘The move to standardise the different sizes of pizza after the necessary consultations have been undertaken, shall promote fair trade between food traders and consumers.’
Government commended for allowing the clinical trials on the Sondashi Formula
TREATMENT Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC) national co-ordinator Felix Mwanza has commended government for allowing the clinical trials on the Sondashi Formula (SF) 2000.
Mr Mwanza said the clinical trials will subject the SF2000 to critical examination, not only for the efficacy and safety but also to put the ‘long story’ to an end in terms of whether it is a cure for HIV.
“We feel that this is an opportunity for Dr Sondashi, Zambians and those that have been eagerly following the events on the SF2000,” Mr Mwanza said.
He is, however, concerned that TALC has not been part of the dialogue on the SF2000.
Mr Mwanza said this is in the interest of guarding the people’s interest and also to participate in what is known as good participatory practice in conducting a research.
“In every research that hinges on human beings, there should be a component of good participatory practice that should be embarked on. We feel that we have lost an opportunity as a country to involve people living with HIV and AIDS,” Mr Mwanza said.
He said the SF2000 was tested around 2006 under the auspices of the National AIDS Council (NAC) and the report was given to Parliament.
He said there is a story behind the SF2000 and the organisation is looking forward to making sure that the claims by Dr Sondashi are conclusively tested.
“If the SF2000 is not a cure, it is important for government to ensure that the product is not sold to people until it is proven to be safe and a cure,” he said.
He said the Government should not allow the administration of any medicine in the country before it is subjected to conclusive clinical trials.
“We call upon Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that no one sells medicine or claims to have a cure before any clinical trials are concluded,” Mr Mwanza said.
Government has taken measures to improve the delivery of justice-Inonge Wina
PRESIDENT Lungu says Government has taken measures to improve the delivery of justice and make its cost cheaper by ensuring that the poorest individuals in society have access to it.
Mr Lungu said this is in recognition of upholding the independence of the judiciary and improving on access to justice.
He said Government has taken progressive steps to take to Parliament the Constitution of Zambia Bill which proposes, among others things, to establish a constitutional court and a court of appeal.
“It also proposes to introduce specialised division of the high court to improve the delivery of justice and make the cost of justice cheaper.
“Our goal is to ensure that even the poorest of individuals in our society can have access to justice,” he said in a speech read by the Vice-President Inonge Wina.
President Lungu said this in Livingstone yesterday during the 2015 judicial conference under the theme: “Enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in the judiciary”.
Mr Lungu said the proposed provisions will help in the speedy disposal of cases and enhance efficiency of the judiciary.
He said the protection of citizens through judicial review against any abuse of public power is a cardinal feature of a society governed by the rule of law.
He said the independence of the judiciary is the surest safeguard of the rule of law and called on judicial officers to observe and uphold the highest level of integrity to instil public confidence in the judiciary.
“When we assumed power in 2011, we introduced policy measures aimed at making justice affordable and accessible to the poor.
Government is anxious to improve service delivery to meet the aspirations of Zambians and drive the nation to greater prosperity as promised in 2011,” he said.
Mr Lungu said this can only be achieved if the three arms of Government are transparent, efficient and accountable.
He assured Zambians of Government commitment to governing the country based on the rule of law, which is the bedrock of any democratic society.
And the United Nations resident co-ordinator Janet Rogan said as the nation enters an election year, judicial independence must be preserved.
Ms Rogan called for speedy action on the revision of the Public Order Act to better serve the right to freedom of expression and assembly.
“The police have a responsibility in this, as do the media and all political parties. This can be seen as an element of independence of the judiciary as well as its ability to provide a service to rights-holders, who include media, political parties and even the electorate themselves,” she said.
Chief Justice Irene Mambilima said the judiciary anticipates increased demand on the court systems considering that next year is an election period.
Judge Mambilima said the judiciary remains resolute in improving delivery of justice and has since increased criminal sessions.
President Lungu anounces Government takeover of Kawambwa Tea Estate
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has announced plans by the Government to revive the moribund Kawambwa tea estate in Luapula province and transform it into a fully fledged producer of the commodity.
Mr Lungu said that the Government would revisit the financial requirements of the estate which was placed under receivership and repossessed by the State after a Zimbabwean owner abandoned it. “By next year, we want to start pumping money into this factory so that we can earn foreign exchange through tea exports.
“I have heard your cry and will work flat out to ensure that the Ministry of Finance finds money to make this company viable again,” Mr Lungu said.
The Head of State said this when he addressed the 350 workers of the estate which Government will run through the Zambia Forestry and Forests Industry Corporation (ZAFFICO), which is an agent of the economic diversification programme.
Mr Lungu said Government would soon conclude matters surrounding the compulsory agreement so that the Zimbabwean investor, Khumul Holdings, settled their contractual share.
He said Government would also bear all salary arrears and statutory debts so that the company’s financial books were clean.
“ZAFFICO is a very competent institution and let me state that you are in very safe hands,” the President said much to the joy of the cheering employees.
Mr Lungu directed the Treasury to avail money so that the workers, whom he described as patriotic, were paid this months’ salaries.
“I appreciate your patriotism and hard work in preserving the tea plantation. “We are duty bound to revive this company and permanent secretary for Luapula (Boniface Chimbwali) and Kawambwa Member of Parliament (Nixon Chilangwa), I want all to be well here (Kawambwa tea) by next year,” said Mr Lungu who was in the company of senior Government and Patriotic Front officials.
The President added that as Government was promoting the buy Zambian agenda, State House would be the prime customer of Kawambwa tea leaves.
Earlier, company general manager John Bunda said the more than 200 hectare estate had the capacity to employ 1,000 people when operating at full capacity.
“Your Excellency, we expect to produce 965,000 kilogrammes of tea next year if only we are assisted with capital.
” The future of Kawambwa tea company is still bright for us to compete on both local and international markets, reduce tea imports and save the country’s meagre foreign exchange reserves, ” Mr Bunda said.
Kitwe Council dissolves Kitwe United executive
Kitwe City Council has dissolved the executive committee of FAZ Division One North side Kitwe United following the team’s disastrous performance in 2015.
Kitwe finished eleventh in Division One North with 45 points from 34 matches played.
Presenting a supplementary report to the ordinary full council meeting held in the council chamber on Wednesday, Kitwe Town Clerk Bornwell Luanga said the local authority was disappointed with United’s performance.
“The team has been provided with a new bus, players are paid their training, upkeep and winning allowances on time. However, this effort by the sponsors is not matched by the performance of the team,” he said.
Luanga said council spent K1, 078, 151 on United last season in comparison with the K400 000 that Mufulira Council spent on Blackpool but the latter managed to win promotion to the Super Division.
“Our investigations have revealed that the major problem is not the team but the members of the executive committee who have caused divided loyalties from players and hence lack of cohesion in the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, council management has ushered in an interim executive committee to oversee the affairs of the club.
Gabriel Akayombokwa has retained his position as chairperson while the other members of the interim committee include; Emmanuel Numwa, Samuel Mumba, Sombo Kaela and Reuben Simfukwe.
Power can win the league again – Simwala
Defender Govenda Simwala believes Power Dynamos can attain their target of winning the 2016 FAZ Super Division title.
Power have been tasked to win the league title by club owners Copperbelt Energy Corporation.
The Kitwe giants finished third in the 2015 season.
“This challenge has come to us as players. Absolutely, we need to win the league or a cup,” Simwala said.
Six-time champions, Power, last won the league in 2011.
“It is very possible that we can win the league again. You know Power is a big team,” Simwala said.
Police in Mwense try to detain Nawakwi
Police in Mwense today tried to stop and detain FDD President Edith Nawakwi who was on her way to Kawambwa to witness the training of over 100 small scale farmers by MRI Syngenta seed company who are working with her party in Start-Up Grants project because Edgar Lungu was scheduled to be in the same District.
The officers in question told Ms. Nawakwi and her entourage which included Journalists from Muvi, The Post Newspapers and Sky FM radio to pack and wait for the officer-in-charge but the opposition leader refused to do as instructed saying she was entitled to be Kawambwa.
One of the officers who was clad in civilian clothes said they had explicit instructions to stop her from proceeding with her journey because Zambia 1 was going to be in the area.
However the officer couldn’t explain what the charge was which prompted Ms Nawakwi to tell her entourage to proceed. She questioned the officer if their Zambia 1 was going to be in all places and whether she was a danger to the President when she was not even armed.
She told the officers to stop giving the President of the PF, Edgar Lungu, unnecessary pressure by harrasing harmless people and the opposition. She said the police have become so petrified and too scared of their bosses in the PF hence they are doing things to please them which are not building the image of the President.
She further told the police that their implementation of the Public Order Act was wrong as it does not stop people or prohibit anyone from traveling further wondering if they would provide accommodation for her and the entourage. She said she had travelled 700 kilometers hence it was ridiculous for the police to tell her that she can’t were to sleep while their Zambia 1 (president Lungu) finishes his programs Kawambwa.
She challenged the police to check if she was wearing any suicide vest for them to say that she would kill the President adding that she was not foolish enough to be anywhere near the PF and their President because of their violent behavior.
She also said it was unreasonable for anyone to stop her from traveling to Kawambwa from as far as Mwense because there are other places along the Kawambwa road.
Boarding and Day School Fees for Government Schools too high-Minister
General Education Minister John Phiri has directed Provincial Education Officers -PEOs- to work out acceptable boarding and day school fees for government schools.
Dr Phiri says the PEOs should submit their reports to his Permanent Secretary before the commencement of the 2016 school calendar.
He is concerned that the high fees charged in government schools are beyond the reach of the poor and rural based learners.
Dr Phiri said this when he met Provincial Education Officers in Kabwe today.
He said it is regrettable that out of the 102 districts that presented Grade 7 candidates, only 31 districts scored above the National Mean score.
Dr Phiri urged PEOs in provinces that recorded poor results to forge strategies to improve the quality of learning.
This is according to a statement released to ZNBC news in LUSAKA by Ministry of General Education Spokesperson Hillary Chipango.