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Government expresses shock over increased number of patients preferring prayers to treatment

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Government expresses shock over increased number of patients preferring prayers to treatment

Prayers
Prayers

Government has expressed shock that there is an increased number of people preferring healing prayers and sessions at Churches to routine health services being offered in clinics and hospitals..

And Mwense District Medical Officer Doctor Peter Bwalya has described the move by the church as illegal because there was no law which permits people to admit patients in the church
when rural health centres where readily available.

Mwense District Commissioner (DC) Geoffrey Chipampata said it was it is unfortunate that some people were reluctant to seek health services in Hospitals and clinics spotted around the country in preference for prayers in church.

Mr. Chipampata said he was that one Ackim Nkwale, a Head teacher of Loto Primary school in the area, was admitted in a church building where he was being prayed for instead of being taken to the health center in the area for treatment.

This came to light after a tip off by a member of staff at the same school reported the matter to the District Education Board Secretary’s office.

The DC accompanied by Dr. Bwalya and the council secretary George Musumali then rushed to the scene and found the patient , Nkwale , at ST Moses God’s Holy Spirit church commonly known as ‘Mutumbwe’ waiting to be prayed for.

The church leaders who included the patient’s wife stopped the team from entering the church with shoes as they demanded that they remove the shoes before entering.

After pleading with them, they decided to bring the patient outside the church to the nearby house where the team was able to see him.

And Dr. Bwalya described the move by the church as illegal because there was no law which permits people to admit patients in the church
when rural health centres where readily available.

He said it was sad that people are opting for traditional health services when government has provided a number of health centres even
in rural areas.

After further pleading with them, the patient together with his children accepted to go to the hospital for medical attention.

And some traditional leaders in the same area disclosed that the tendency has been going on for some time and that some people have
even died while being admitted at the church.

The village headmen who came from five villages within the same area requested the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the
church is deregistered and stop operating in the area.

Senegalese City Honours Kalusha Bwalya

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Senegalese City Honours Kalusha Bwalya

Danny Munyau of Zambia receives a goal keeper of the tournament from Kalusha Bwalya, President of FAZ during the Cosafa Cup Final Match mach between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the 20 July 2013 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Zambia ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
FILE: Danny Munyau of Zambia receives a goal keeper of the tournament from Kalusha Bwalya, President of FAZ during the Cosafa Cup Final Match mach between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the 20 July 2013 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Zambia
©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Football Association of Zambia President Kalusha Bwalya has been accorded the Pilgrim award by the Island City of Goree in Senegal. The honour was conferred to Kalusha yesterday in recognition of his contribution to the game of football in Zambia, Africa and the entire world.

Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Civic authorities building, Mayor, Augustione Senghor said the Island City has followed with keen interest the illustrious career of Kalusha Bwalya who in 1988 was voted African Footballer of the year.

“We are honoured to have such a distinguished Footballer on our Island. Every soccer loving Senegalese knows about Kalusha and remembers all that you have achieved. On behalf of this city and indeed on my own behalf I honour you with the Highest accolade that this historical Island can offer.You are now our Ambassador and a citizen of Goree” Senhgor concluded.

Other people that have been given this award include current United States of America President Barrack Obama former United States President George Bush and late Pope John Paul the second.

Goree Island also known as the Point of No return was a Slave Trading port from which over twenty millions Slaves were shipped into the Americas. To this date the Island has ancient buildings from which the illegal trade was conducted during one of the darkest periods in human history. UNICEF has since declared the island a world heritage site.

Earlier in the day Kalusha was taken on a conducted tour of the Island, situated five kilometers away from mainland Dakar. During this tour, the FAZ boss saw the holding holding cells and some of the paraphernalia used in capturing and detaining slaves.

Meanwhile the Island was yesterday gripped with excitement when news spread that the Zambian football icon was around. Several people greeted Kalusha and we happier when they realised they could talk to him in French.
One lady by the name of Bigue Ndoye was at a point of tears as she shook hands with her hero saying it is her hope that her male children can grow up and be like Kalusha.

“I am very happy that today I have met a great man. May God bless you forever and ever” Ndoye said.

Kalusha is in Senegal as Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee of CAF U23 championships currently going on in the Senegalese towns of Dakar and M’Bour.

Women in Southern Province support women across political party affiliation in 2016

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Women in Southern Province support women across political party affiliation in 2016

ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia (ECZ) official Mukiti Lukonga (standing) checking voting proceedings at St Clement’s Polling station during the Mansa Central by-election
FILE: ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia (ECZ) official Mukiti Lukonga
(standing) checking voting proceedings at St Clement’s Polling station
during the Mansa Central by-election

Women in Southern Province have resolved to unite across political affiliation to mobilize and rally support for their fellow female candidates ahead of the 2016 elections, reports pan African radio journalist Hermit Hachilonde.

In a communiqué signed by various political parties and NGOs during the women dialogue meeting held at Fairmount hotel from 2nd to 3rd December, 2015 in in Livingstone, Monze Central patriotic front (PF) parliamentary aspiring candidate for 2016, Cecilia Lungu expressed sadness over the low number of women in decision making positions.

Ms. Lungu observed that women participation in decision making positions particularly in politics and at presidential candidate level leaves much to be desired.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lungu also expressed concerned over the lack of affirmative action and gender specific discrimination in most political parties.
She says political parties should take deliberate steps to champion affirmative action and combat discrimination if participation of women in decision making position is to be realized.

“RESOLVE; to unite across political affiliation to mobilize our fellow women to rally support for our fellow female candidates as Councilors and Members of Parliament ahead of the 2016 elections;

CONDEMN; the recent political violence that has characterized the political arena and some of the entrenched cultural and traditional practices that have been inhibiting the participation of women in politics;

AND FURTHER:
Demand that political parties put in place affirmative action strategies to adopt more women as candidates in 2016 to enable the country attain gender parity at both Parliamentary and Local Government levels. “

And Non-Governmental Organizations’ Co-coordinating Council-NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale said the women movement in Zambia expects Government to rise to the occasion and support the cause for women’s participation in politics by enforcing laws towards a Gender Based Violence (GBV) free political environment.

She also urged participants to take the resolutions of the dialogue further by encouraging women with the potential to consider participation in politics.
Ms. Mwale noted that women are capable of making a difference in the political arena and national leadership if they unite and support one another.

“It is our expectation that will rise to the occasion and support the cause for women’s participation in politics by enforcing laws towards a GBV free political environment”

Government revising CDF, MPs disappointed by last minute consultation

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Government revising CDF, MPs disappointed by last minute consultation

Newly appointed Minister of Local Government Stephen Kapyongo (l) having a moment witrh Minister of Transport Kapembwa Simbao whilst Deputy Minister in the office of the Vice President Lawrence Sichalwe looking on shortly before swearing in Ceremony at State House yesterday 08-10-2015. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Newly appointed Minister of Local Government Stephen Kapyongo (l)
having a moment witrh Minister of Transport Kapembwa Simbao whilst
Deputy Minister in the office of the Vice President Lawrence Sichalwe
looking on shortly before swearing in Ceremony at State House
yesterday 08-10-2015. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

Government is revising the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Local Government and Housing Minister Stephen Kampyongo has said.

The current CDF guidelines were revised in 2006.

Mr. Kampyongo said government was consulting widely on the guidelines from the stakeholders.

He said this when he issued a ministerial statement in parliament today.

He said the ministry was now receiving comments from parliamentarians.

Mr. Kampyongo, who is also PF Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament (MP), disclosed that the draft CDF guidelines will be finalized after December 9, 2015, which is the deadline for receiving comments.

He has since appealed to the MPs to take advantage of this period and make submissions to the draft document.

But a number of parliamentarians in the house expressed disappointment that they were being consulted at the last minute instead of being involved from the initial stage.

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was established by parliament in 1995 as a fund granted to constituencies to support micro-community projects and it was seen as a tool for reducing poverty in the country.

The ultimate goal is to use CDF to speed up development at community level by providing the much needed infrastructure such as roads, markets, schools and health posts among other pieces of infrastructure.

The Ministry of Local Government and Housing receives the funds from the Ministry of Finance and allocates them to the respective councils.

Meanwhile, government has got no plans to ban the importation of milk in the country.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Given Lubinda said in a ministerial statement in parliament today that the production and consumption of milk was very low in Zambia.

Zambia has not requested for an Aid Package-IMF

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Zambia has not requested for an Aid Package-IMF
IMF Director of Communications Gerry Rice
IMF Director of Communications Gerry Rice

The International Monetary Fund has clarified that the Zambian Government did not request for an aid programme with the IMF during a recent mission visit to Zambia.

IMF Director of Communications Gerry Rice explained that the Zambian Government did not and have not made any request for a programme from the Fund.

Mr Rice was speaking on Thursday at the IMF Headquarters in Washington during a news briefing.

‘On Zambia, the question is it’s reported that the IMF proposed a billion facility which the President had turned down. A sticking point for the President was the insistence by the IMF that the government commit to drastic reductions in expenditure, particularly on road construction. What is the IMF’s response? Well, just to be clear, the Zambian authorities did not and have not requested a program with the IMF,’ Mr Rice said.

‘But just a bit of context. There was an IMF staff team in Zambia during November to review recent economic developments and have discussions with the authorities. What was agreed was that the authorities and the IMF staff would remain closely engaged in the period ahead, and the Zambian authorities undertook to conduct internal consultations based on the outcome of the mission, which I mentioned.’

‘That’s where we are. So, again, just to be clear, no request as yet for a program from Zambia,’ Mr Rice said.

But Highly placed sources at the Zambian Ministry of Finance had revealed that the IMF had offered Zambia a US$1 billion aid package to resuscitate the ailing economy at the invitation of the Zambian government.

The sources indicated that the deal fell through after President Edgar Lungu refused to accept the austerity measures that the IMF staff mission had attached to the aid package.

The IMF team demanded that Government slows down on its infrastructure spending, increases electricity tariffs, cuts fuel subsidies and bans non essential foreign travel.

The sources stated that President Lungu refused to sign up to the deal as he feared the austerity measures would make the PF very unpopular heading into an election year.

The sources further revealed that President Lungu’s response left Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda highly frustrated as he is the one who invited the IMF team into Zambia seeking their intervention.

It is believed that Mr Chikwanda was left frustrated and contemplated resigning which forced President Lungu to u-turn and announce a raft of austerity measures at his first news conference and that his administration is still keeping the door open for the IMF to return in March next year.

‘What they are not telling you is that the Zambian situation is now desperate and there is no way out apart from the IMF. How do you bring in the IMF to just come and monitor when you don’t have a programme or even considering one with the IMF? It does not work like that,’ the source said.

‘Watch what will happen in March, if they show seriousness in the way they are manner they will implement these austerity measures, then they will surely sign up to at least a US$1 billion bailout package by the end of the first quarter,’ the source added.

‘You have seen the urgency in increasing the power tariffs, no new procurement of infrastructure works unless those already budgeted for and whose financing is agreed. The President has cancelled the France trip for the Cop 21 and Zambia sent a smaller delegation there. Next will be fuel prices review and a lot of other measures, all these are aimed at pleasing the IMF so that when they return in March, a deal would be imminent,’ the source said.

Parliamentary Committee on Sports puts ACC on the spot over Mutafu allegations

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Parliamentary Committee on Sports puts ACC on the spot over Mutafu allegations

FAZ HEAD Office : Football House
FAZ HEAD Office : Football House
The Parliamentary Committee on Sports has implored the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to urgently investigate allegations of financial impropriety that have resurfaced at Football House.

Recently, Kelvin Mutafu resigned as FAZ treasurer days after alleging that the association was corrupt adding that Zambia lost the Nike kit deal because of alleged fraud.

Mutafu also charged that there was a syndicate of ticket sales after the association allegedly blocked Vane Technologies and Shoprite from doing computerised tickets for the association.

In an interview, Parliamentary Committee on Sports chairperson Elijah Muchima charged that FAZ was rotten.

“Anti Corruption Commission and the Drug Enforcement Commission must probe FAZ and tell us the truth. There must not be sacred cows in the fight against corruption,” Muchima said.

“FAZ is not transparent, it is completely rotten. We want to know how tax payer’s money which goes into FAZ is spent,” the Ikelenge Member of Parliament alleged.

“FAZ are using public resources hence they must be open as public funds must be accounted for. They must be transparent and we want to see how transparent they are.”

Earlier this week, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has called on the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to urgently investigate the allegations that have been raised about financial impropriety at Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

TIZ Executive Director Goodwell Lungu says his organization has noted with concern the allegations made by Mutafu bordering on financial impropriety at Football House.

In The Kitchen With Kanta : Vitumbuwa with a Caramel Amarula sauce

Entertainment Editor
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In The Kitchen With Kanta : Vitumbuwa with a Caramel Amarula sauce

 

In-The-Kitchen-With-Kanta-Logo (1)

vitumbuwa.jpg 3

Vitumbuwa, also known as Fritters, are one of the 7 wonders of world…okay not really, but they really are one of the best sweet treats ever known to man.  I for one have been eating them since I was a baby, and barely able to walk. They come in all shapes and sizes, and I’m sure every household has a slightly different way of making them.  I have quite a sweet tooth and I love mine extra sweet.  They are the perfect no fuss food, the perfect “pick me up” if you are down, or “keep me up” if you are happy.   They aren’t the healthiest snack in the world; but I don’t think they are meant to be. Small little balls of sugary, doughy goodness, so good in fact that there was even a song written about them; need I say more…?

Preparation and Cooking time: 30 minutes

Makes 6-8 fritters

Ingredients

For the fritters

  • 30g caster sugar, for dusting
  • 1 egg
  • 180g plain flour
  • 100ml whole milk
  • 50g caster sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Sunflower/ vegetable oil, for frying

For the Caramel Amarula sauce

vitumbuwa

Method

For the fritters; whisk together the egg, flour, milk, 50g of caster sugar and baking powder in a bowl, and set aside.

Fill a deep wok or a frying pan with the oil and place over a medium – high heat.  The oil is hot enough when a little of the mixture sizzles and turns golden brown immediately. (If it is too hot, the fritters will be too crunchy)

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil – they will rise and sizzle, making puffy, odd-shaped/ roundish fritters. Cook 2 or 3 at a time.  Don’t crowd the pan or the fritters will become soggy. Using a clean spoon, constantly turn the fritters, for about 5 minutes, over in the hot oil until they are fully brown and cooked through. Remove and drain them on kitchen paper (paper towel).

Whilst still hot, you can dust caster sugar over the fritters and serve piping hot, or you can prepare your caramel Amarula sauce as follows;

Pour sugar and water in a saucepan, making sure the sugar is completely wet. Add the butter and cook on medium – high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns yellowy/brown colour. Now remove from heat immediately and carefully.  Pour your double cream into the saucepan – return the mixture to the heat and cook, stirring constantly. Add more cream if the caramel is too dark. Remove the sauce from the heat to cool down.  Add your lemon juice and Amarula or other liqueur just before serving, and mix well.

vitumbuwa.jpg 5

Serving

You have a few options of how to serve this delectable treat; you can eat them on their own without any condiments.  But that’s boring; why not roll your Vitumbuwa in caster sugar, dusting off any excess sugar, this will add extra crunch and sweetness.  Or you can eat them with Icecream, fruits and a drizzle of syrup or honey; and of course as this recipe indicates you can enjoy them with a sweet and slightly alcoholic- Caramel Amarula sauce (For adults only).

vitumbuwa.jpg 2

 

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.

Baking with Kanta - IMG

 

 

Germany Foreign Minister Steinmeier’s trip to Zambia

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Germany Foreign Minister Steinmeier’s trip to Zambia

The Case for Morality in Politics

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The Case for Morality in Politics

Mr Hichilema included Hon. GBM Kasama MP, Hon. Felix Mutati Lunte MP, Hon. Patrick Mucheleka Lubansenshi MP and Former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa. at Kasama rally
By David N Kapoma

Almost every Zambian voter knows by now that our politics are not what we can call clean. In fact most people say politics is a dirty game. If anything most citizens that think they are principled and clean always avoid being involved in politics. Zambia has been on a downward spiral politically in the last seven years or so, and ever since the Patriotic Front (PF) took over the reins of government from the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), things have become far worse. Maybe it’s because the ruling party is looking attractive.

We now have a situation where it has become normal for politicians to belong to two parties and act like it is the new acceptable thing in politics. The last one year or so has been particularly grievous as we have seen ‘unbelievable’ things on the Zambian political landscape. The term “political prostitute” has taken on a new dimension. Let me give a few examples to make the point clear and I do this with no strings attached.

RUPIAH BANDA

The former president it seems became greedy for his own good. Instead of supporting his own party and the candidature of his successor Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba, he opted to try to impose himself as the MMD presidential candidate in the last election in January. Dr Mumba took the case to court and the Supreme Court ruled that Mr Banda was out of order.

Then what happened shocked us all though we should not have been shocked. The former president went to bed with a party he had traded blows with just 3 years earlier. He allegedly raised money for the PF, donated his campaign truck to him and went round the country campaigning with Lungu while holding up a different party symbol in either hand. This was the probably one of the worst points in Zambian immoral politics. One wonders what back-door deals were made for this to happen.

GEOFFREY B MWAMBA

GBM as he is affectionately known, also one of the richest individuals in Zambia defected from MMD to PF in 2008 and stood as Kasama Central MP during a by-election. He won the seat and later in 2011 became Defence Minister under the Michael Sata government. Then he suddenly resigned from PF claiming it was due to the Chief Chitimukulu controversy, although subsequent events suggested otherwise.

Today he is United Party for National Development (UPND) Vice-President but wants to remain a PF MP and is fighting his expulsion from PF in court. On one hand, he claims to be very popular in Kasama but he clearly doesn’t want to go for a by-election. He wants to have his cake and eat it.

As Bembas say,”Cimbwi afwile intanganano”. GBM cannot make up his mind which party he wants to belong to and stick with it. His seemingly “marriage of convenience” with UPND makes one wonder whether he hopes to take over from UPND president Hakainde Hichilema if UPND loses the 2016 election. The reality is that his chances of taking over UPND are as good as a Southerner taking over PF. Next to zero.

FELIX MUTATI

The honourable threw his weight behind a presidential candidate from a rival party, the UPND. He went all over the country campaigning for Mr Hichilema and to this day, he apparently sees nothing wrong with that. He is now trying to get the MMD presidency from Dr Mumba and if he succeeds, he will end up campaigning against the same UPND he supported in January 2015.

After watching the MMD disintegrate from the sidelines and contributing to its demise, he now says he will stand as Lunte MP on the MMD ticket with 26 others and he is ready to stand as MMD President at the next convention. I don’t even understand what I have said here but that’s just how complicated it is in reality.
Could it be that honourable Mutati is secretly negotiating with both PF and UPND to be a running mate in the event that MMD comes out third and become king-makers under a 50%+1 electoral system? Because Zambian politics have long been known for these “double tobela” maneuvres.

SYLVIA MASEBO

Seasoned as she is I think she takes the prize for biggest political “muselela kwakaba” of all time. She was first elected as Chongwe MP on the Zambian Republican Party (ZRP) ticket in 2001. 5 years later, she stood on MMD ticket and then stood on PF ticket another 5 years later in 2011. From all indications, she is going to stand on UPND in 2016. FDD or Rainbow Party in 2021? 2026?

DORA SILIYA

Probably the sharpest political tongue in Zambian politics, while in MMD she regularly traded political blows with PF leaders including former President Michael Sata himself, even inventing new names for her political opponents. I must say she is very good at this. Before we knew it, she went quiet as MMD Spokesperson and now she is a PF Central Committee member and Minister in charge of Load-shedding in the PF government. All this despite Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili saying that he would rather sale his soul to the devil than embracing Siliya in PF. Today the two honourables seat together in cabinet meetings. Indeed in Zambian politics you don’t need to have permanent enemies or friends.

RICHARD KACHINGWE

As National Secretary of the MMD at the time, he got a bright idea to remove Nevers Mumba as MMD President. Where he got such powers I do not know. A few slaps and kicks later from my best friend, he was out of MMD. Rumour has it that he was the one who gave the list of MMD financial donors to opponents in exchange for a nice brown envelope.

BOWMAN LUSAMBO

Do I even have to say anything about my good friend? I think we all know what is going on here. Like my friend Antonia Mwanza, he is a potential powerful political animal we are yet to see.

MUHABI LUNGU

Very well spoken and articulate politician. someone as good as a father and big brother to me. Enough said.

KABINGA PANDE

One day he was in a meeting to suspend Dr Mumba as MMD President and choose RB as MMD candidate for the January 2015 election. The next day he was busy condemning the very meeting he himself had chaired the day before and then he threw his support on the UPND. Today he is still in MMD, waiting for which side of the fence to jump to.

FORDSON MALISHINYI

The most popular Solwezi West MMD candidate withdrew from the September by-election race at the nomination desk with the MMD Spokesperson Raphael Nakacinda standing next to him with his mouth wide open in shock. What a joker! He was later accused by the MMD leadership of having been called to Plot One the day before to receive a large brown envelope and the man gave up on his dream of becoming a member of parliament.

MIKE MULONGOTI

One week he is holding up “The Hour” symbol, the next week he is holding up a fist. This self-proclaimed “king maker” who is nothing more than a political clown seems to be only interested in getting a political job. He complained about not being given a job by late president Sata, formed his own party and then said he regretted supporting PF. Looks like Lungu is not in a hurry to appoint him either.

RICHARD KAPITA

The former UPND Vice-President decided to jump ship after accusations of financial impropriety surfaced in UPND. Now he is a PF Central Committee member and in line for a job from President Lungu.

The list is endless and I can write several volumes on this. The point I want to make is that we can do better than this as Zambians. We cannot continue electing into office morally bankrupt individuals and hope to have a better Zambia for us and our children and their children. These muselela kwakaba politicians are only interested to go where they can eat the most and have no principles. We cannot progress as a nation like this.

I am worried and concerned as this kind of politics is not inspiring to the young people and the next generation. Brown envelopes, as popularized by late Michael Sata, have taken over Zambian politics. It seem there is no escape from them. Maybe I should also get a large brown envelope from someone!

I agree with Dr Mumba and many others who say that Zambian politics must change for the nation to go forward. The political immorality and filth is too much. The good news is that we have a chance to make things right in the coming election by carefully scrutinizing everyone on the ballot. We must insist on a proven track record of a good moral standing, rather than electing corrupt and morally bankrupt candidates.
Bane vote wisely in 2016.

Recruitment exercise for Defence Jobs still ongoing-Defence Minister

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Recruitment exercise for Defence Jobs still ongoing-Defence Minister

Gen Nathan Mulenga with Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene
Gen Nathan Mulenga with Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene

MINISTER of Defence Richwell Siamunene says there has been an overwhelming response of 168,119 people who have applied to join the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.

At a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Siamunene advised the public that in view of the overwhelming response, Government has not yet concluded the recruitment process.

In a statement read for his by Deputy Minister of Defence Christopher Mulenga, Mr Siamunene said the short listing has not been completed.

Mr Siamunene said the public should, therefore, ignore information circulating to the effect that the recruitment exercise has been completed.

In August 2015, the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and the Zambia National Service advertised for recruitment of military personnel, who include professionals in different disciplines.

“Following the advert, the public may wish to know that the response was overwhelming as a total of 168,119 applications were received. As a result of this huge response, the services required more time to scrutinise and analyse the applications in order to ensure that the best qualified applicants are selected,” Mr Siamunene said.

Names of applicants who will be shortlisted will be published in the daily papers for subsequent aptitude tests, medicals and physical fitness examinations.

“With the foregoing, the public should therefore ignore any information which has not been issued by the Ministry of Defence,” he said.

Three Miners die in an underground mine explosion in Chambishi

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Three Miners die in an underground mine explosion in Chambishi

Chambishi Copper Mine
Chambishi Copper Mine

THREE miners, including a Chinese national, have died in an underground mine explosion in Chambishi.

The explosion happened at the South East Ore Body (SEOB) project at 680 metre level where the miners were sinking a ventilation shaft.

They were employees of Tongguan Mine Construction, a company engaged by Chambishi Non-Ferrous Africa Mining (NFCA) to work at the SEOB project.

Copperbelt commissioner of police Joyce Kasosa and Kalulushi district commissioner Kenny Siamasumo confirmed the incident which happened yesterday between 06:00 hours and 07:00 hours.

The deceased have been identified as Juma Chibuye, 38, of Zambia Compound in Chambishi, Joseph Mumba, 53, also of the same township, and Chen Weibin, who lived at Chinese house in Mukulumpe.

Ms Kasosa said Mr Chibuye and Mr Mumba were setting the explosives for blasting, while Mr Weibin was drilling the ground when the explosion happened.

“Yes, I can confirm that we had an accident in Chambishi where three miners died in an underground mine accident. One is a Chinese national and two are Zambians who resided in Chambishi,” he said.

Mr Siamasumo said the accident happened at South East Ore Body, a new mine that Chambishi Non-Ferrous Africa Mining is developing.

Sinozam Hospital human resource manager Justin Njovu confirmed having received the bodies of the three miners.

And Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) general secretary Joseph Chewe said the union has sent a representative from its safety department to ascertain the cause of the accident.

“The challenge that we have is that the miners are not our members, but we have sent a representative from the union to establish the cause of the accident,” Mr Chewe said.

NFCA is developing the US$832 million South East Ore Body which will create 5,000 jobs for the local people.

The project will be commissioned in 2017.

And chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili is saddened by the demise of the three and has sent condolences to the bereaved families.
Mr Kambwili also said Government will thoroughly investigate the cause of the mine accident.

He also urged mining houses to step up their safety measures to avert similar accidents.

“What has happened in Chambishi is really unfortunate. We would like to urge our mining houses to put safety first in their operations,” Mr Kambwili said.

He also advised miners to avoid working in areas that are not safe and secure to safeguard their lives

President Lungu expected in South Africa for China-Africa Summit

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President Lungu expected in South Africa for China-Africa Summit

President Edgar Lungu being welcomed by Shenzhen Deputy Mayor Chen Biao upon arrival at Wuzhou State Guest House in Shenzhen, China on continued State Visit on March 31,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
FILE: President Edgar Lungu being welcomed by Shenzhen Deputy Mayor Chen Biao upon arrival at Wuzhou State Guest House in Shenzhen, China on continued State Visit on March 31,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

PRESIDENT Lungu is expected here today for the Johannesburg summit of the 6th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The summit, which marks its 15th anniversary since it was established in 2000, is being held under the theme “China-Africa move forward hand in hand for win-win cooperation and common development.”

Chinese president Xi Jinping, South African president Jacob Zuma and General Secretary of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon and other African leaders and international organisations will be present at the historic summit, the first to be held in Africa.

Zambia’s high commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba said President Lungu will be accompanied by ministers of Finance, Alexander Chikwanda; Commerce, Trade and Industry, Margaret Mwanakatwe, and Foreign Affairs, Harry Kalaba.

“The President is expected to sign various bilateral agreements during the summit. Details of the agreements will be availed after the documents have been signed,” Mr Mwamba said.

President Lungu is also expected to officiate at the Zambia-South Africa business gala dinner tonight.

The summit opened on Wednesday with a meeting by the technical committee which was followed by a ministerial meeting on Thursday called to prepare the agenda and action plan for the heads of state that are attending the conference today.

“China is the second largest economy in the world and is said to overtake the United States of America in a few years. It has been a key economic partner, and issues that affect China affect Zambia.

“We cannot ignore China and we would rather we are at the table with China and ensure that the process is mutual. That is what President Lungu has been pushing for,” Mr Mwamba said.

He said no country can ignore the benefits of partnering with China.

“Many nations have recognised the importance of partnering with China as evidenced by the attendance at the conference,” Mr Mwamba said.

The summit, which officially opens today, is aimed at further enhancing China-Africa friendly cooperation by jointly tackling the challenges brought by globalisation as well as pursuing common development.

President Lungu says he will not shield corrupt Government officials

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President Lungu says he will not shield corrupt Government officials

President Edgar Lungu addreess Law association of Zambia 2015 annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner at Zambezi Sun Hotel In Livingstone on Saturday PIcture By EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu address Law association of Zambia 2015 annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner at Zambezi Sun Hotel In Livingstone on Saturday PIcture By EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE.

PRESIDENT Lungu has said that ratings by international and local organisations that corruption is declining in Zambia, attests to Government’s zero tolerance to the vice.

In a televised address to the nation last night to launch the United Nations anti-corruption week, President Lungu said that he will not shield corrupt government officials.

Data by various organisations shows that Zambia has made significant progress towards curbing corruption.

Transparency International’s corruption perception index (CPI) rating between 2010 and 2014 indicates that corruption levels in Zambia are decreasing.
From a score of 2.6 out of 10 in 2001, Zambia has improved to a score of 3.8 out of 10 in 2014,” he said.

Further indications are that in the past five years, Zambia has improved its score from three in 2010 to 3.7 in 2012 and 3.8 in 2014.

President Lungu said that another research by Ibrahim Index on African Governance, an international study conducted every year by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, shows that Zambia is making progress in the fight against corruption.

President Lungu said the Ibrahim Index further shows that Zambia has improved and is placed at 15th position in Africa with regard to accountability and management of corruption in 2015.

“The highlighted achievements signal Government’s resolve to the fight against corruption and desire to meet the convention’s concerns for state parties to establish effective corruption prevention mechanisms, as a first step towards tackling the scourge,” President Lungu said.

He said his Government has been firm in ensuring that public officials found wanting, including senior officials, are investigated and prosecuted.
The President said the fight against corruption continues to be high on Government’s development agenda.

“Let me assure of our continued support to the institutions that are mandated to combat this vice,” he said.

The President further urged Zambians not to allow graft to be embedded in social systems because it is an impediment to development with negative effects on economies and households.

“Corruption weakens democratic institutions, perverts the rule of law, discourages investment and aid, undercuts public confidence, feeds inequality and disenfranchises large segments of the populace,” Mr Lungu said.

He said it is gratifying that the Anti-Corruption Commission has continued to devise new strategies against the vice, adding that the implementation of the national anti-corruption policy has been progressing well.

President Lungu urged Zambians to participate in the week-long anti-corruption awareness activities across the country.

During this period, he said people should reflect on the devastating effects of corruption on the economy and individual lives, and choose to reject the vice.

Kambwili joins in Condemning HH for his remarks about Zambia at a Global Summit

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Kambwili joins in Condemning HH for his remarks about Zambia at a Global Summit

Chief Government Spokesman Chishimba Kambwili
Chief Government Spokesman Chishimba Kambwili

GOVERNMENT has described as demeaning sentiments attributed to United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema that Zambia has failed to attract foreign investment.

Mr Hichilema made the remarks at the Global Investment in Africa Summit in London on Tuesday.

He was quoted as saying that, “A heavy focus on the mining sector and the continual fiddling with the regulation has not only resulted in damaging government’s relations with companies, but has also seen other sectors neglected where investors are actively looking for opportunities, such as tourism, agriculture, retail, finance and telecommunications.”

He also said “Zambia’s tourism potential has been haphazardly marketed and as a result the country has not properly benefited from it”.

Chief government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said Mr Hichilema’s statement is demeaning for the country in as far as attracting investment is concerned.

Mr Kambwili said it is unfortunate that Mr Hichilema used the opportunity to discourage investors to come to Zambia at a forum he should have used to market the country.

“Government finds Mr Hichilema’s remarks callous and totally bereft of facts. And it is very sad that he used the opportunity to discourage investors to come to Zambia,” he said.

Mr Kambwili said Government knows that if investors do not come to Zambia, it is the poor masses that would suffer.

He said the UPND leader’s comments indicate that he has no heart for the country as someone hoping to lead the nation.

Mr Kambwili said Mr Hichilema’s sentiments show that if he were to become President of Zambia, he would just be there to satisfy his ego rather than serving the country.

He said Government has created an enabling environment for business to thrive in the country and that Mr Hichilema has failed to pinpoint laws that are inimical to investment.

Mr Kambwili said Government is not ashamed to have reduced the mine royalty tax from 20 to nine percent to ensure mines survive.

And the minister said over 200 British investors have expressed interest to come to Zambia to explore investment opportunities following Vice-President Inonge Wina’s address at the recently held investment conference in London.

“Contrary to Mr Hichilema’s claim, the Bank of Zambia, the same day he was speaking in London, disclosed that foreign direct investment in Zambia grew from US$1.7 billion in 2013 to US$3.2 billion in 2014 owing to improved investment policy,” he said.

He counselled Mr Hichilema to show patriotism in his sentiments at international forums because that is what true statesmen do.

Mr Kambwili also condemned UPND Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo for his statement in Parliament that the people of Southern Province have resolved to change Government in next year’s general elections.

And PF vice-chairperson for media and publicity Sunday Chanda said: “If HH was in an examination, he would have terribly failed to cut the grade the same way he has failed to cut the grade lamentably amongst Zambian voters.

“This is because he went beyond the terms of reference of selling Zambia’s investment potential to giving a disjointed bitter account of everything he perceives as wrong with Zambia. Purely out of bitterness.”

Mr Chanda said the next time Mr Hichilma speaks at an international forum on Zambia, he should avoid “careless speech” that would hurt the future of the country.

Anti-GBV Task Force urges women to be aware of their rights

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Anti-GBV Task Force urges women to be aware of their rights

THE Anti-Gender Based Violence Task Force has urged women to be aware of their human rights.

Anti-GBV Task force Vice Chairman Michael Bwembya called on women to desist from the mentality that it was normal to be abused in a relationship.

Speaking at an Anti-GBV sensitisation awareness outreach in Ngwenya yesterday, Mr Bwembya noted that it was important that gender based violence would be curbed in society as victims, mostly women were slaves in their own marriages and this robbed them of their human dignity.

“Do not hold back, being afflicted is not part of marriage you should report such cases to Victim support Unit and other relevant authorities in your area.

“because of fear many women do not report such cases they fear that they have nowhere else to go if their husband kicks them out or peradventure their abuser is thrown into prison they shy away since he may be the breadwinner and she and her family will have no means of survival” He said.

Mr Bwembya further urged wife barterers’ to take responsibility for their actions and look at the future life of their family with a sense of clarity and sanity taking into consideration that the consequences they face in future would be severe.

One marketer who wished to maintain anonymity present during the sensitisation exercise expressed her gratitude and said that it was beneficial as she was also in an abusive relationship and was ready to report the matter to the police.

The sensitisation exercise was held at Ngwenya market, it attracted scores, women and men being represented equally.

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