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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPPOSITION 4th Revolution (4R) president Eric Chanda has reacted sharply to assertions by the Grand Coalition on the campaign for a people-driven constitution that Government has duped the people over the bill, and has since branded them unrealistic, unfair and un-Zambian.”

And Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has commended members of Parliament for giving Zambians a people-driven constitution, saying that many progressive articles which people wanted have been included.

In a telephone interview yesterday, the emotionally charged Mr Chanda said it is now time the Grand Coalition gave Zambians a break on the constitution talk.

“Comrade, go and tell the so-called Grand Coalition or whatever you call them that Zambians are no longer interested in the constitution talk because this Government has lived up to its word. Let them talk about issues that will bring food on people’s tables,” Mr Chanda said.

He said the Grand Coalition is taking the country 360 degree backwards by talking about a matter that has been resolved.

Yesterday, the Grand Coalition claimed that the PF have failed to give Zambians a constitution of their choice
“President Lungu has given what they demanded. What more do they want? As 4R, we will not sit idly by and watch them bring petty issues. They are being unrealistic and unfair to Zambians whom they claim to speak for,” Mr Chanda said.

Mr Chanda said now that a new document with progressive clauses is in place, only awaiting presidential assent, it is time to start mending the economy.

“I heard them say they will continue to de-campaign the PF. Well, let them take me on instead. Huge sums of money were spent to come up with that document and now they want to trivialise it. As 4R, we will not allow it,” he said.

Parliament has passed the constitution bill which includes key clauses the 50 percent-plus-one vote threshold for one to be elected president; the vice-president being a running mate; enshrining the date of elections in the constitution; dual citizenship and barring an MP who crosses the floor from re-contesting the seat.

And National Restoration Party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo Jr says the new constitution contains elements that are good and its enactment is generally a step in the right direction.

Mr Chipimo noted that the constitution will reduce the power of the republican President, increase government accountability, stabilise Parliament by preventing frequent and costly by-elections, and offers improved protection and enforcement of civil and communal rights.

“The passing of the constitution amendment bill will be the first time in the history of Zambia that there will be a running mate, where in the event the president dies, the vice-president will automatically become president without the country holding elections,” he said.

Mr Chipimo said that it will also be the first time that a date for general elections is enshrined in the constitution rather than the incumbent president setting the date.

The NAREP leader said although the new constitution is not perfect, the changes should nevertheless be cautiously welcomed, if there is an assurance that the referendum on the bill of rights will be held at the same time as the tripartite elections in 2016.

Meanwhile, in commending parliamentarians, TIZ acting president Sampa Kalungu noted progressive articles in the amended constitution such as dual citizenship and on the electoral system, the 50 percent-plus-one threshold for election as a president.

“As TIZ, we believe that these clauses will do away with the much despised regional politics that has slowly taken centre stage of this country and to a large extent, this clause will help to promote oneness in this country by producing a popular president elected by majority Zambians,” Mr Kalungu said.

He said the access to media clause will promote an equal playing field for both the ruling and opposition because there will be equal coverage of all political engagements by media organisations, especially the national broadcaster and print media.

Mr Kalungu said once the bill is assented to, the 2016 general elections will be held on August 11, 2016. This, he said, will accord both the ruling and opposition political parties time to plan their campaigns.

“In moving forward, we call on stakeholders to now focus on ensuring that we have a campaign that will ensure the 2016 national referendum adopts the remaining clauses and articles that were left out,” he said.

Mr Kalungu said stakeholders should not waste time crying over spilt milk but soldier on because progress has now been made in the constitution-making process that the country has been failing to do for many years.

Kenyan High Commissioner to Zambia, Malawi and COMESA Sophy Kombe said the 50 percent-plus-one vote electoral system has worked well in her country.

In an interview, Ms Kombe expressed optimism that the system will also work for Zambia and give the nation a majoritarian president.

“This clause simply means that a president is voted for by more than 50 percent of the eligible voters. I am sure it will work for this country,” Ms Kombe said.

Ms Kombe said since politics is a game of numbers, the running mate clause works to the advantage of the incumbent.

In a separate interview, PF Lusaka Province youth chairperson Kennedy Kamba wondered what the Grand Coalition was up to by claiming that Government has duped Zambians on the constitution.

Mr Kamba challenged the Grand Coalition to state if they are not happy that clauses like the 50 percent plus one vote, running mate, and dual citizenship have been adopted.

“I would really want to know if the UPND and the Grand Coalition are not happy with what Zambians wanted,” he said.

MINISTER of Gender and Child Development Nkandu Luo says women must boycott conjugal duties and also refuse to have children if gender-based violations and inequalities in Zambia continue.

Launching the HeForShe campaign in Lusaka yesterday, Professor Luo lamented that women are always being battered, while girl are dropping out of school as a result of repeatedly being defiled and abused.

“We cannot allow our women and girl children abused and defiled everyday; battered and humiliated in public by men who should be protecting them from such evils.

“If men continue with abuses, women should give them space and refuse to accept any advances towards them. This is the only way the message will be sent to men to know that women are not happy with their behaviour,” she said.

Prof Luo said campaigns for gender equality have been going on for decades but that very little has been done to address gender equalities.

She said now is the time for more action to strengthen and scale up the response to gender equality and develop appropriate nationwide interventions to reverse the trend.

“Women are not meant to be stepped on by men, but must be treated as partners because they have potential to do all a man can do,” Prof Luo said.

She also called on the church to join the gender equality campaign by preaching on it on Sundays.

Prof Luo said religious leaders enjoy the trust of multitudes of people and therefore they could give the campaign a boost if they come on board.

She said the HeForShe campaign aims to get men involved in ending gender-based inequalities and violations.

And UNDP representative Martin Maya said a day hardly passes in Zambia without one hearing stories of girls being married off at a tender age; a child being deprived of her childhood; or a woman brutally beaten or murdered.