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Police in Mansa are investigating the grisly murder of teenaged girl who was raped and had her throat slit by unknown people during the weekend.
The naked body of the teenager was found by a roadside in Maiteneke Township with a 2.5 litre container of chibuku beer by the side.Luapula deputy police chief Webby Shula who confirmed the murder identified the deceased girl as Susan Mwape, 18, who lived with her mother in Sumbwe Village near the Maiteneke area.
Her mother Beauty Nkandu, 40, said her daughter was mentally challenged and in the habit of patronising bars that sold bulk chibuku beer till late in the night.When Susan failed to turn up, her mother went looking only to find her lying naked on the roadside.
Mr Shula said police rushed to the scene and did a physical inspection of the corpse.
“According to the report filed by the officers, Susan’s body was covered in feacal matter and her throat had been slit by what appeared to be a sharp instrument,” Mr Shula said.
She also had bruises on the rest of her body which was spread eagled facing upwards.Mr Shula said police were investigating the murder and would follow up any leads.
Edgar Lungu opening Parliament on 18th September 2015
As Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), our reaction to the speech by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on the occasion of the opening of the Fifth session of the Eleventh National Assembly last Friday the 18th of September 2015 can be summed up in two words; empty lies.
President Lungu has no moral right to be making another set of big promises when the Patriotic Front (PF) government has miserably failed to fulfill their previous promises for which they have never apologised to Zambians who elected them. While some may accuse us of being unfairly harsh on the Republican President, we however believe this is a 100% accurate representation because the PF has zero credibility when it comes to fulfilling their promises.
The PF were elected in 2011 on a platform of lies and deceit with their “More money in your pockets” slogan which really meant “No money in your pockets” for the rest of us but more money in THEIR pockets. The last 4 years of their disastrous misrule has demonstrated their lies, corruption and incompetence beyond reasonable doubt and the speech by the president was unfortunately more of the same lies and empty promises.
It is clear that the whole speech was written for the president with little input from him and we are fairly certain he shall achieve very little of what he read because his heart and mind is not in it. We could clearly see things in it that were lifted from some of our statements in the recent past.
The actions of the President and the PF completely contradict their big public pronouncements. For example, the President said and I quote “We must transform ourselves by promoting cost effective operations in government to eliminate waste and abuse of public resources”. If the President believes in eliminating wastage of public resources, why has he created five new ministries at huge cost to taxpayers? Five new ministries are clearly not a priority under the current difficult economic circumstances where the government is running a huge widening budget deficit with ever reducing funding to line ministries.
Five new ministries means 5 new ministers with a settling in allowance of about K100,000 each and two brand new VX Landcruisers with a landed cost of over K1 million Kwacha each. We estimate that it will cost around K2.5 million per minister and K1.5 million per Deputy Minister just to set these people up before they have worked a single day, not to mention costs associated with Permanent Secretaries and Directors.
The 5 new ministries are obviously meant to be used to appoint opposition Members of Parliament in a feeble attempt to strengthen the PF and if the President appoints 2 Deputy Ministers per ministry, he will have 15 positions available. The total annual cost of maintaining a minister in salaries and allowances is K320,000 per year as per Statutory Instrument 92 of 2013 covering the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Emoluments) Act. The figure is K303,000 for Deputy Ministers.
The total cost of just setting up these 15 new officials will be around K30 million before we add all the other costs of setting up a new ministry which include offices, furniture, vehicles, computers, new employees, security, etc. Adding in salaries for everyone and other running expenses for the next one year means hundreds of millions of Kwacha wasted just to create jobs and award corrupt contracts to PF supporters. The projected budget deficit of 7.7% of GDP by the IMF in 2015 is certain to be closer to 10%.
We estimate that each of the 5 new ministries shall cost K100 million to set up and run for a year, including settling in allowances for top officials and other incidental costs. K500 million can build:
a) 17 new boarding schools at K30 million each
b) 833 rural health centers at K600,000 each which is double the price it was when MMD was in power
c) 625 rural basic schools at K800,000 each
This is why we say the speech was empty lies. It is lies because how can President Lungu hope to achieve all the other things listed in his speech that include ambitious infrastructure programs when over 60% of the budget shall be spent on personal emoluments for his cadres and part of the rest lost in corrupt contracts also for his cadres?
He has demonstrated no ability to implement fiscal discipline but has recklessly continued the PF spending spree with more irrelevant expenditures such as numerous costly trips abroad and the reintroduction of Zambia Airways at a time when the vast majority of national airlines globally are making losses. The government has also wasted K10 million to re-create INDECO which adds no value to Zambia.
But Zambians are not stupid and they can see through President Lungu’s smoke and mirrors game.
In the entire speech, not once did the president address the highly volatile Kwacha to Dollar exchange rate to give practical solutions. The exchange rate has gone haywire because mining houses that account for 70% of foreign exchange earnings have lost confidence in the PF and are scaling back their operations and shelving new investments.
Blaming low copper prices or a global economic downturn is not tenable because prices of copper were much lower at different points during the MMD rule but we did not have the extreme problems we are currently experiencing. Moreover, the economy grew at an average of 6% during the 2007-2009 global financial crisis so the PF has no reasonable excuse for their poor results.
President Lungu failed to properly handle the load shedding issue. He talked about how he was affected because of a 5 minute blackout at Heroes Stadium. This is a mockery and an insult to Zambians who left their homes without power to go watch the match and returned home to find no power afterwards. He should apologise to Zambians for being insensitive to their plight.
President Lungu has made some very unrealistic projections on Zambia’s electricity capacity. He claimed that Zambia shall have surplus electricity in about a year which is simply unbelievable because we are in a power deficit that shall take years to be removed and new demand for electricity is coming online every year. The current PF plans to add new electricity capacity at Maamba and Itezhi-Tezhi and do minor upgrades at other plants are simply not enough to remove the current power deficit within a year from now. They do not factor in delays and budget overruns which always happen with PF.
We are very concerned at how casual the president was in his speech towards the debt. He claims we are within the acceptable international threshold of 40% of GDP but he ignores the fact that the weakening Kwacha which has depreciated by 100% in the last 4 years and is still depreciating means the real cost of repayments shall be higher because more Kwacha shall be required to buy Dollars to make the repayments.
The Zambian economy is slowing down which shall mean that the debt as a percentage of GDP may begin to rise to uncontrollable levels, especially as mining companies continue laying off people as has already happened at Baluba and Mopani mines and may happen at Lumwana mine. Therefore, any debt sustainability projections made by PF are worthless when the mines close down.
Zambians do not want to go back to the UNIP days of a $7 billion external debt which we are fast approaching. The PF are already scouting for the next $1 billion from where they shall siphon out money for elections next year and leave us all in huge national debts. Our total debt including local debt and debt owed to suppliers is around $10 billion, which is already 37% of the $27 billion estimated GDP for 2015. We are certainly crossing the 40% threshold when another $1 billion is added by PF this year and election pressures set in next year. They will do what they do best; get another kaloba.
President Lungu also failed to address the impending double digit inflation that is almost inevitable by next year. Prices of most commodities are already rising, partly due to the weakening of the Kwacha and reduced manufacturing capacity arising from electricity load shedding. President Lungu made no mention of any steps to deal with the inflation threat.
There are many false promises the president made in his speech which we cannot delve into for the sake of brevity, but Zambians can see through the lies and deception and are getting ready to boot out the PF in 2016. The corrupt incompetent PF government was a huge mistake to be elected and Zambians are ready to put things right by electing a new government that shall give them new hope and enable them improve their material living conditions.
Presenting Ultrasound Machine to HE Mr Muyeba Chikonde
Virtual doctors a UK charity that provides a telemedicine service to rural health centres last week presented a brand new, state of the art, Ultrasound Machine (with all diagnostic probes) to the Zambian High Commissioner in London, His Excellency Mr Muyeba Chikonde.The presentation was made at the Zambian High Commission in London .The Ultrasound machine is for Chongwe Hospital, who are very much in need of an ultrasound for their patients.This means they do not have to refer patients to UTH each time. It will especially help maternal health cases and help to save lives.
The ultrasound was received by Dr Charles Msiska, the District Medical Officer for Chongwe District. The project helps clinical officers in rural areas request diagnosis and treatment advice from volunteer expert doctors in the UK using the telemedicine units.
Virtual Doctors provides sophisticated, easy to use telemedicine software and state of the art technology which allows rural based Clinical Officers to create concise electronic patient files, with patient condition photos. The software allows for speedy input of data and once complete the Clinical Officer chooses what type of expertise they need, for example paediatrics or infectious diseases. The patient data is sent through the system to several doctor ‘experts’ in the UK. The doctors receive a notification prompt. They analyse and assess the patient file, form an expert opinion, based on the patient data and images provided and respond with diagnosis and treatment advice.
Once the Clinical Officer is happy with the second opinion expert advice and thus better informed, they are able to treat their patient and the case is closed.
The telemedicine system connects to the Internet using the mobile phone broadband network in Zambia. Virtual Doctors provide the latest Samsung Galaxy Tablets, Internet and access to numerous doctors in the UK (who are all experts in different medical fields and all volunteer their time to help). The Virtual Doctors Service keeps up to date with technology innovations to phase into the service to suit the needs of rural health workers, providing the most effective service possible.
The aim of the Virtual Doctors to is to help Clinical Officers to treat more patients at their health centres. Reduce unnecessary referrals to distant hospitals and to help improve the knowledge and skills of rural health workers.
The project is set up in 5 rural health centres and one district hospital in Chongwe and Chilanga Districts.
Zambia High Commission in London Diplomatic Team and Ros Bird listen to speech by HE Mr Muyeba ChikondePresenting Ultrasound to Zambian High Commissioner. From left, Huw Jones, Ros Bird, HE Mr Muyeba Chikonde and Dr Charles MsiskaPresenting Main Ultrasound Unit to HE Mr Muyeba Chikonde
Chishimba Kambwili with Amos Chanda at Statehouse
Chief Government Spokesman Chishimba Kambwili has implored Post Newspapers Editor In Chief Fred Mm’embe to attend the National Day of Prayer and Reconciliation on October 18th 2015 called by President Edgar Lungu.
In an interview, Mr Kambwili said Mr Mm’embe must attend the prayers because he needs deliverance.
“I am happy that President Lungu has declared October 18th as the date for prayers and reconciliation so that all the people including Mm’embe, he must come for those prayers because he needs to be delivered,” Mr Kambwili stated.
Mr Kambwili said the State of the Nation address delivered by President Lungu last Friday has shammed all critics.
‘From now on I can sleep like a baby because the President has covered all aspects of human endeavour and I think by and large people will have a different perspective of the President,’ Mr Kambwili said.
Mr Kambwili who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister said President Lungu now deserves respect from all Zambia because of the manner in which he presented his speech.
“From now people must respect him because people have been saying he has no plan for this country, from the way that speech has been delivered, can that speech come from a person without a plan or passion for this country?” Mr Kambwili questioned.
Mr Kambwili said President Lungu has outlined his vision for Zambia up to 2064.
He has since called on opposition members to be sympathetic towards the PF government in order to build Zambia together.
VICE President Inonge Wina has urged traditional leaders in Zambia to stay out of politics so that citizens choose leaders of their choice freely.
Ms Wina said it was unfortunate that some village headmen were stopping their people from voting for certain candidates.
She was addressing Sichili residents in Mulobezi District of Western Province on Saturday where she drummed up support for Patriotic Front (PF) candidate for Sichili Ward by-election, Dennis Lyambai.
PF Livingstone Member of Parliament (MP) Lawrence Evans, PF Mulobezi MP Patricia Mulasikwanda, Western Province Permanent Secretary Mwangala Liomba, Sichili District Commissioner Vivian Mubukwanu, PF Western Province chairperson Charles Mututwa, senior Government officials and scores of PF members in Western Province attended the meeting.
Ms Wina noted that there was a tendency where some traditional leaders were interfering with their people from choosing their preferred candidates.
“I request our traditional leaders to stay out of politics. Sometimes some village headmen will stop their people from voting for certain candidates. Please let your people exercise their democratic right to choose the people they want to represent them.
“This country has chosen a mode of governance called democracy and in a democracy, we have a leeway to have our own freedom of choice and freedom of expression. We also have our own freedom of association and unfortunately for this country, we have discovered that some of these freedoms are being abused by the people who think they have more freedom than others,” Ms Wina said.
She also called for a stop a tendency during elections when some parties used money to buy votes.
Ms Wina also chided some political leaders and some sections of the media who were in a habit of insulting the Republican President Edgar Lungu.
“Zambia is known for its good values and peaceful existence and respect that we give to elders.
“What has changed? Human right does not mean you lose respect and it does not entail that we disrespect our elders or traditions. Lack of respect breeds animosity and animosity breeds conflicts,” Ms Wina said.
Ms Wina also wondered on why the contractor who was assigned to contract to construct rural health centres in Western Province had failed to execute the job.
“The Government promised you in 2013 that it will construct 645 health posts across Zambia and money was allocated for the project.
“Some districts have already benefited and I need to find out why the contractor who was assigned to contract these rural health centres has failed here because the money has been allocated,” she said.
Ms Wina said if the contractor had failed, Government would look for another one to complete the works.
“Our people have suffered enough to walk long distances to the nearest rural health centres and this cannot be tolerated if the contractor has been awarded a contract and they don’t complete it. It should be taken away from them,” Ms Wina said.
She also said the Simungoma road, which is supposed to be upgraded to connect Mulobezi and Luampa Districts of Western Province, was already being considered by the Government.
“No matter how long it will take, Government has made a commitment to work on Simungoma road and it will be done.
“Secondly in his speech to parliament yesterday, the President pointed out that if the budget of Zambia cannot carry all these developmental needs of the country, we will be engaging the private sector to work with us on infrastructure development such as the construction of roads. These are promises that we made and PF Government is determined to fulfill these promises as they were not empty promises but programmes we were going to embark on and that we will do,” Ms Wina said.
THE Food Reserve Agency(FRA) has purchased 540,069 metric tonnes of maize translating to 10.8 million bags from farmers in the country.
FRA Executive Director Chola Kafwabulula said yesterday when he announced the latest purchase of maize from farmers valued at K810 million.
Mr Kafwabulula said the highest purchase was in Northern Province were the FRA purchased 110,000 metric tonnes followed by Luapula with 66,000 metric tonnes.
He said the payment of farmers who supplied their white maize to the agency was going on well adding that the Government was expected to released K200million towards the payment.
“We have so far bought 540,096 metric tonnes of the white maize from farmers translating to 10.8 million bags in the whole country,”he said.
He said FRA part three of its mandate of supply relief food to the floods,droughts and natural disaster was so far working with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit(DMMU).
Mr Kafwabulula said FRA inconjuction with DMMU has supplied maize to Lundazi District in Eastern Province,Chama valley in Muchinga province,Sikongo,Nangweshi and Shangombo in Western Province.
He said relief food had also been supplied to Bangweulu Swamp in Luapula province and Gwembe valley in Southern Province.
He said FRA had alot of maize stock to supply the relief food to the needy areas.
CHOMA residents register to obtain National Registration Cards (NRCs) during launch of phase-two NRC mobile registration for Southern Province
GOVERNMENT has dismissed a statement by United Party for National Development (UPND) Pemba Constituency Member of Parliament Mutinta Mazoka alleging that the Patriotic Front (PF) is being segregative in the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs).
Ms Mazoka was quoted in some sections of the media a few days ago alleging that PF was denying potential voters in areas such as her constituency to be issued with the NRCs because it was an opposition stronghold.
But Pemba District Commissioner Reginald Mugoba lashed out Ms Mazoka’s claims saying the parliamentarian’s statement was misleading and had potential to divide the nation.
Mr Mugoba said that, contrary to Ms Mazoka assertion, the mobile issuance of NRCs in Pemba was going on smoothly in all the designated areas of issuance of the national identity cards.
“Ms Mazoka’s statement is incorrect, it shouldn’t be taken seriously because the issuance of NRCs in Pemba is being done smoothly in all the designated areas,” he said in an interview.
Mr Mugoba said that the mobile issuance of NRCs was not targeting at any political party’s strong hold in the district as it was an exercise designed for all eligible Zambians.
He said, his office had not received any complaint pertaining to Ms Mazoka’s allegation and that she should carried out a thorough investigation before issuing her statement.
The NRCs are issued under National Registration Act Chapter 126 of the Laws of Zambia. Only persons who meet the registration criteria stipulated under the Act are eligible for registration.
Mr Mugoba urged youths who had attained 16 years and other citizens who have lost or in possession of damaged NRCs to acquire new national identity cards.
Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations to the President Amos Chanda chats with PF Media and Publicity Committee Vice Chairman Sunday Chanda at State House
POST NEWSPAPER DREW BATTLE LINES FOR THEMSELVES WHEN THEY CONTINUOUSLY RIDICULED, DEMEANED AND INSULTED PRESIDENT LUNGU
STATEMENT BY SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Lusaka, Zambia, 20th September 2015 – Zambians must be laughing to hear that His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is after Mr. Fred M’membe’s life, an issue that has reportedly alarmed the Post Newspaper boss and Editor’s biological mother.
While this is not a laughing matter, it is laughable because Zambians have been greeted to all sorts of ridicule, character assassination and insults from the day it became apparent that he would take over the reins of power from late President Michael Chilufya Sata to this day. The Post Newspaper declared Armageddon on President Lungu and his administration and the battle lines they are crying about are the ones they drew for themselves, and no one else.
Zambians are fully aware that the Post Newspaper has preached hatred against President Lungu. They have called him names and vilified his Presidency. He has been at the receiving end of their well-orchestrated agenda to make his Government fail so that their preferred political project in the name of Mr. Wynter Kabimba becomes President.
It is not for the PF administration to count how many lives have been tormented by the media outlet by sowing seeds of hatred and anger against individuals they have perceived to be their enemies. Today, even late President Frederick Chiluba is hunted in his grave when they fully know that the man cannot speak for himself in defence.
We want to assure that President Lungu remains a unifier of the nation and this is demonstrated through his exemplary humble leadership style. Yet Zambians do not expect President Lungu to wine and dine with the Post Newspaper and Mr. M’membe when they have declared him their enemy and number one target for ridicule. It is not in order for them to cry about battle lines they drew for themselves, just because the reminder has come from the President.
All he did was to demonstrate to them that he knows about their drawn battle lines and ready for their fight. it is not a threat on human life when the Bembas say “Alefwaya Ukwakufwila” or “Kafwile uko” (I do not want to be responsible for your demise). A person who this is said to is one on a suicide mission and wants others to be blamed for his death. The two expressions mean that someone is not interested in causing the other’s demise, whether literally or actually. It carried the same context as “Twala ubushilu ukutali, Kapene uko”, (take your madness elsewhere, not here).
In their desperation to bring down the PF Government, they have continued to vilify President Lungu through their appendages who line up for headlines on a daily basis. They can be assured that President Lungu and his Government will not go to bed with the cartel. To those who even entertain the ideal of such a marriage, they must be reminded that light has no fellowship with darkness. Zambians know about the axis of evil in this country which thrives on manipulation and blackmail but they have failed to penetrate President Lungu’s wall because he promised Zambians that PF and the nation are not be sell out to the highest bidder.
It is desperate Opposition parties like UPND and the still-born Rainbow Party who can sell their souls to the cartel. While Rainbow Party was created by the Cartel and in the nature and likeness of the Cartel, the UPND leadership of Hakainde Hichilema has defiled itself by sleeping with the Cartel.
UPND is now a poisoned chalice and will soon suffer serious haemorrhage because today, not even their youths who clashed with the Police after demonstrating over the suspended DPP Mutembo Nchito understand why their leader is such a flip flop. UPND MPs of good standing do not understand why they must be coerced into celebrating the man they rejected to ratify under three (3) years ago.
Mr. Hichilema can nolonger talk about the DBZ loan because he has traded principle for expedience. This is happening because their leader has traded principle for expediency, wrongly believing that the cartel will catapult him into State House. Mr. Hichilema does not realize that by being a flip flop, he has injured society, the same society where the mandate to govern is derived from.
Lastly, we want to thank the Zambian people for the support they have continued to give President Lungu and his PF administration. The PF in Government does not take this support lightly. Not even the insults targeted at President Lungu will slow him down on his endeavour to deliver for Zambia. President Lungu was elected by the Zambian people and those who pride in insulting him day-in and day-out only insult the intelligence of the people who put him into office.
Issued by: Sunday Chilufya Chanda, Vice Chairperson, PF Media and Publicity Committee
Defending champions Zesco United are through to the Barclays Cup semifinals.
The record four-time champions beat promotion chasing Kabwe Warriors 2-0 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Midfielder Mwape Mwelwa put Zesco ahead in the 13th minute before striker Jackson Mwanza completed the win four minutes later.
Zesco join Green Buffaloes, Nkwazi and Zanaco in the semifinals.
Buffaloes and Nkwazi beat Power Dynamos and Mufulira Wanderers on post-match penalties after 0-0 results on Saturday at Nkoloma.
Zanaco defeated Lumwana Radiants 3-0 on Sunday in a lunchtime kickoff at Nkoloma.
Zanaco made easy work of ten-men Lumwana Radiants on Sunday to advance 3-0 to the 2015 Barcalys Cup semifinals at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The Bankers bucked the trend on Sunday after Saturday’s doubleheader at the same venue saw Nkwazi and Green Buffaloes beat Mufulira Wanderers and Power Dynamos respectively on post-match penalties following scoreless draws.
Fackson Kapumbu put Zanaco 1-0 into the break with a 15th minute free kick before Ziyo Tembo headed in the second in the 47th minute.
Lumwana were reduced to ten men in the 49th minute when Rogers Mulenga was red carded by referee Jan Sikazwe after he fouled Lee Ngoma in an off-the-ball incident.
George Chilufya put Allan Kamwanga’s side out of their misery when he headed in Zanaco’s final goal in the 59th minute.
Zanaco, who have played in each Barclays Cup since it began in 2007, advance to the semifinal for the first time since 2012.
The Bankers have never won the Barclays Cup with their 2010 runners-up finish their best result in the competition to date.
Prominent Kitwe clergyman Prophet Emmanuel Nyirongo, who recently made headlines for turning water into paraffin, has died in a road traffic accident at Baluba area in Luanshya.
Prophet Nyirongo, who was returning from Lusaka with four of his followers, is among two people who lost their lives as three others are still battling for their lives at Kitwe Central Hospital.
Prophet Faith Missions Vice Chairman Elison Sakala has confirmed the death of the clergyman saying the accident happened around 03 and 04hrs on Sunday Morning.
Elder Sakala says preliminary investigations indicate that the minibus they were travelling in overturned killing Prophet Nyirongo’s assistant Pastor instantly.
He added that Prophet Nyirongo later died at Wusakile Mine Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased are lying at Kitwe Central Hospital where the other two survivors are battling for their lives while one has since been discharged.
Meanwhile, dozens of church members were this morning found seated outside the church as some men removed furniture from the building en route to the funeral house following the suspension of church services.
Prophet Nyirongo used to run a weekly Christian programme on ZNBC TV1 called 30 Minutes of Power with Prophet Emmanuel Nyirongo.
Diplomatic Staff of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations welcome the First Lady Her Excellency Mrs Esther Lungu on arrival at New York Palace Hotel en route to Dallas Texas for High-Level meetings. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | ZAMBIA UN MISSION
The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs Esther Lungu, arrived in the US on Saturday for a series of high-level meetings in Dallas Taxes and New York.
This is according to a statement released to the media by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations, Mr Chibaula D. Silwamba.
Mrs Lungu arrived in New York around 9:12 PM Saturday night and was received by Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Her Excellency Ambassador Dr Mwaba Kasese-Bota at JFK International Airport. The First Lady will on Sunday proceed to Dallas, where she has been invited by the George W. Bush Institute, to participate in high-profile engagements with other First Ladies focusing on women empowerment, health, technology and other sectors.
Mrs Lungu will participate in the meetings alongside US First Lady Her Excellency Mrs Michelle Obama and former First Lady Her Excellency Mrs Laura Bush. Mrs Obama and Mrs Bush will jointly moderate an interactive discussion on Tuesday.
Mrs Lungu is registered to speak at the Invest in Women, a discussion to be moderated by Mrs. Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and founder of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, at the Bush Center Auditorium. Other speakers at the event will include Intel Corporation corporate affairs vice president Shelly Esque, founder and CEO of ARZU Project Hope Connie Duckworth and Opportunity International Global CEO Vicki Escarra.
She will also attend the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon and public private partnership panel meeting where former US President His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush will make remarks. Other meetings Mrs Lungu participate in will include the First Ladies Roundtable on improving maternal and child health in Africa, and the technology and innovative training focusing on Facebook and Google best practices.
Mr and Mrs Bush will host a dinner for the first ladies.
On return to New York, Mrs Lungu will participate in a series of meetings including those on the Women and the New Sustainable Development Agenda (25th September), Forum of African First Ladies Against Cervical Cancer (27th September), Organisation of African First ladies against HIV/AIDS (28th September), reception hosted by UN Secretary General’s wife Her Excellency Mrs Ban Son-taek (29 September) and the First Ladies Technical Advisors Fellowship (1st October) on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Since assuming office on January 25 this year, Mrs Lungu has received accolades for leading various initiatives to promote the empowerment of women, girls, the disabled and other needy people, as well as lobbying for public and private sector-led provision of health and social support to communities across Zambia.
The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia Her Excellency Mrs Esther Lungu on arrival at New York Palace Hotel in New York en route to Dallas Texas for High-Level meetings in USA. Here, the Executive Director of Policy and Monitoring Research Centre (PMRC) Bernadette Deka welcoming Mrs Lungu. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | ZAMBIA UN MISSION
CHILUFYA TAYALI Executive Director The Zambian Voice
The Zambian Voice Executive Director Chilufya Tayali has said that United Party for National Development (UPND) does not have a clear ideology and manifesto like the MMD, NAREP, Rainbow Party which is proving relevant on the political scene.
In a statement released to the media today when he commented on President Edgar Lungu’s Speech to Parliament on Friday, Mr Tayali said that UPND is so personal because their ideology and manifesto is obscure and whimsy because it is drawn according to the emotions of the leader almost on the daily basis.
Mr Tayali further said that UPND is a party that is so intolerant of divergent views, adding that differing with the Party in opinion attracts attracts insults and violence and told the Party that they must realise that they cannot threaten or beat people to vote for them.
“The UPND must realize that they cannot threaten or beat people to vote for them, rather they irritate people and which brings hatred of the Party making them lose elections other than the rigging they talk about, ” he said.
Mr Tayali also told UPND to respect the right of the electorates to choose whoever they want rather than labelling them as foolish for having exercised their democratic right.
“Electorates have a right to their votes to choose whoever they want and they should not be called foolish for having exercising their rights as suggested in the way President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) does. ”
Below is the fill statement:
The Zambian Voice Press Statement on:
2016 REACTION TO PRESIDENT’S SPEECH
20th September,2015
As The Zambian Voice, we are finally delighted that the President comprehensively addressed the Nation through his speech in Parliament.
In the speech of the President, he first and foremost put Zambia on the Continental agenda by highlighting the African Union Agenda 2063 (“TO BUILD AN INTEGRATED, PROSPEROUS AND PEACEFUL AFRICA, AN AFRICA DRIVEN AND MANAGED BY ITS OWN CITIZENS AND REPRESENTING A DYNAMIC FORCE IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA,” ). This was important because we do not exist in isolation but are part of other African Countries which face similar challenges like us. Surely this justifies the International policy of the President to interact with other African leaders as well as beyond.
We are in support of this initiative to work with other African Countries and beyond. However, we would like to caution the President and his government to be prudent in their travels to make sure they engage in cost effective international ventures and limiting number of delegates
Drawing from the African Union agenda, the President formulated an inspiring theme, “EMBRACING A TRANSFORMATIONAL CULTURE FOR A SMART ZAMBIA NOW”. This is highly appreciated because it motivates Zambians to change their mindset and be more patriotic and hardworking. Zambians certainly need a change of mindset and we hope the President will not hesitate to discipline those that would be dragging the Country backwards especially his ministers.
The President did not speak in obscurity but gave 15 guideline as a check list. We embrace the 15 guidelines and implore all citizens to engrave them in their hearts and mind for us to change Zambia. (Please check for these guideline in the Presidential speech)
LOAD-SHEDDING
It is consoling to realize that the President is compassionately aware of the frustrations of Zambians emanating from load-shedding.
It gives hope to citizens to hear about government’s initiatives to sort out the load-shedding problems through importation of electricity from neighbouring countries, adjusting the price of electricity for commercial entities to attract increased investments in electricity generation and developing alternative sources of energy such as solar and promoting the use of energy efficient electric bulbs.
We also appreciate the president recognition of the poor by keeping low electricity tariffs for low income households.
COST OF LIVING
The President recognised the high cost of living due to exorbitant mealie-meal prices which will be mitigated by setting up of 13 milling plants across the Country. The milling plants will also create easy and accessible market for farmers. In addition employment will be created.
UNEMPLOYMENT
To address this problem the president revealed that government is actively pursuing the implementation of the industrialization and job creation strategy. Government is also implementing various empowerment schemes under the ministries different ministries.
However, as an organization we feel this is rather vague and we would like to recommend some serious study, consultation and clear employment policy which will deal with unemployment specifically. Most of the highly spoken about initiatives on job creation do not really create sustainable and respectful jobs for our people.
It must also be cautioned that the attitude of our ministry of labor to act as a union against employers is not healthy for investment because it does not encourage quality performance but emphasizes job security and high pay. Therefore, the ministry of labor needs to realize that without production there can be no more money for salaries and further investment which would create more employment.
ON BORROWING
The president gave assurance that the country is not sliding into a debt trap because our economy has grown from a USD$ 3 billion GDP in 2005 to a USD$ 28 billion today and we are well within the acceptable international threshold of 40% of the gross domestic product.
He also pointed out that government has borrowed mainly to finance roads, energy and infrastructure as a long term investment that will spur accelerated economic development across sectors. Enhanced economic development will create the needed capacity to meet our debt obligations.
He also reassured Zambians that Government will be able to pay back the loans without difficulties with the help of the establishment of a sinking fund.
However, we would like to caution to government. As at end of September, 2014, the total debt as a percentage of GDP stood at 30.1%. Of this, external debt stood at US$ 4.7 Billion or 17.85 % of GDP, whilst domestic debt stood at K20.45 Billion or 12.32% of GDP.
This year 2015 Government contracted another Eurobond of USD$ 1.25 Billion which increases External debt to USD$ 5.95 Billion or 21% of GDP. It can also be assumed that with the current maize purchase by FRA and other expenses, local debt has also increased.
However, working on the reported external debt and last year’s local debt, we can approximately put Zambia’s debt at 38% of the GDP. Certainly this should cause concern to the President and his Government.
We are also worried about the sinking fund initiative because the semantics of this meanings that we will be keeping away the surplus money for repayment of the debt. Unfortunately our deficit is on the increase, therefore it is paradoxical to talk about a sinking fund.
It must therefore, be put to government that, there should be no more borrowing, rather we would like to see the deficit being reduced especially in the next 2016 budget. More initiatives must be created on how to generate money to finance the on-going infrastructure development otherwise let them be halted.
However, we recognize that a lot has to be put into considerations because certain projects can prove to be a big loss if they are halted or not completed in time.
MILLENNIUM GOALS
The president addressed himself to the millennium goals of becoming prosperous and a middle income nation by 2030. To achieve this, the president setup seven thematic areas – diversification and sustainable development; infrastructure development; human capital development; democracy and good governance; gender and social protection; economic diplomacy, global partnerships and national defence; and culture re-modelling.
On diversification and sustainability the president reviewed that Zambia has recorded a growth of 6% of GDP in the last decade but could do better to about 10% GDP growth.
He also called for a smart economy which is characterized by access to capital, markets, talent, infrastructure and, reliable and predictable regulations.
In addition, much to our delight called for a functional culture and social networks and reiterated the words of late President Sata on the need to promote ethical behavior in public and private sectors anchored on zero tolerance to corruption.
AN EAGLES EYE VISION
While many people cried for a vision from President Lungu, he came in and gave an eagle’s eye vision which is far reaching, beyond his Presidency to plan for 50 years which coincides with African Union Agenda of 2063.
The President reviewed that the Zambia’s projected is 52.1 million people in 50 years. He therefore set his focus on growing the economy to sustain such a population. He said that Zambia needs to work on a double digit economic growth.
Surely this is highly applauded.
CREATION OF 5 MORE MINISTRIES
In order to realize his overreaching vision, the President pointed in the direction of promoting dynamic and strategically focused diversification and rapid growth by realigning our institutions to promote synergies in the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and coordination of national programmes. This saw the creation of 5 more ministries by splitting some ministries and realignment which gives us this outlook:
1. Ministry of finance
2. Ministry of development planning;
3. Ministry of general education
4. Ministry of higher education;
5. Ministry of gender
6. Ministry of mines and mineral development
7. Ministry of energy and water development;
8. Ministry of works and supply
9. Ministry of transport and communication
10. Ministry of agriculture
11. Ministry of fisheries and livestock
While others might be concerned with the budget implication of this increase in ministries, we think efficiency is very necessary and we would rather pay to have it than otherwise. From our interaction with the civil servants, it was established that the realignment of President Sata in his quest to reduce ministries, a lot of confusion was caused at the ministries which brought in inefficiency.
Our only caution to Government would be that the two deputy ministers in one ministry should be a thing of the past to save on cost.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
The President recognizes the importance of the Private sector in his 2064 vision and we applaud the gesture. We only look forward to more Zambian participation in the private sector. Zambians must own the largest shareholding in companies for us to control the economy and forex exchange.
All over we appreciated the President’s commitment to empower Zambians through various initiatives and policies. We can only insist on engagement with all stakeholders on this point. Government should not assume the know-it-all attitude which has been the trend in the past.
GENERAL OPINION THE SPEECH
The speech was very inspiring and has a prospective future if it is supported by all citizens. The President set a National plan, a roadmap to guide all of us to the promised land of 2064.
Certainly with change of attitude, investment in power generation, industrialization, public-private partnership, good governance, international policy and prudent expenditure which the President alluded to should deliver the Zambian people from their current poverty squalor.
However, this can only be done if the 15 guidelines as prescribed by the President are adhered to. The speech was not for President Lungu, but for all of Zambia and it should be taken as a National agenda.
REACTION TO UPND ATTITUDES TO THE NATION AND ZV
The main objective of The Zambian Voice is to promote good governance, social justice and respect for human rights. Our motto is “One Voice in many languages”. We espouse to advocate in truth without bias or fear whatsoever
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Our work has not been easy because many times we face challenges, threats, insults, violence and intimidations from various stakeholders especially politicians. However, today we take great exception to the United Party for National Development (UPND).
It must be understood that Good Governance does not just entail the respect of the rule of law and human rights by these in government, but also those in opposition including ordinary citizens. Therefore, the work of ZV is to offer check and balances and guidance to all, especially the ruling party and political parties in waiting to form government.
Unfortunately the UPND wants to exclude itself from the respect of rule of law and respect for human rights in a guise of fighting for political power.
This is totally wrong and as a civil society organization it is within our mandate to condemn it.
We have observed that on a number of occasions the UPND especially the leadership tend to cause public disorder thereby endangering the life of their members and other ordinary members. This behavior has found most of the senior UPND before the police.
We do not support the Public Order Act (POA) if used to trample of on the citizen’s right to express themselves but not being voted in power is not tantamount to human rights abuse for people to start matching and running battles with the Police.
Electorates have a right to their votes to choose whoever they want and they should not be called foolish for having exercising their rights as suggested in the way President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) does.
We don’t want to be biased by ignoring or sympathizing with the UPND on their unjustified breaking of the law just to prove a point of bad governance to the outside world and their sponsors who they have been engaging locally and internationally. Indeed we are struggling economically but we are a peaceful nation and the only party that wants to cause civil strife in the UPND by their behavior and messages including some songs being sang by some sympathetic artists.
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
We have also observed and fallen victim of the UPND’s verbal and physical abuse. For the UPND, difference in opinion attracts insults and violence. They party is so intolerant of divergent views. This is not respect of human rights which includes freedom of expression. And the evidence is there especially from our point of view.
The UPND must realize that they cannot threaten or beat people to vote for them, rather they irritate people and which brings hatred of the Party making them lose elections other than the rigging they talk about.
For the UPND everyone is a sellout unless he/she sympathizes with them. But it must be borne in their minds that not everyone is desperate as they maybe. On the other hand politics is about benefits which is why HH has been fighting passionately to get into power.
It is folly to tell people that I fight to get into power out of philanthropism when you have made so much money and yet, you have very few charity works to point at. It is also a fact that real philanthropist do not fight for political power and we have many examples to that effect.
It is therefore important for UPND, as well as other political parties, to find means of looking after its members other than just mobilizing them for civil strife, abuse of citizens and violence.
UPND must show good example of good governance, social justice (looking after people) and respect for human rights. This is what will attract electorates to vote for them otherwise new political parties such as the Rainbow Party will by-pass them and test power before they do if they don’t go into extinction.
UPND must have a clear ideology and manifesto like the MMD, NAREP, Rainbow Party which is proving relevant on the political scene. The UPND is so personal because their ideology and manifesto is obscure and whimsy because it is drawn according to the emotions of the leader almost on the daily basis.
We express our views with sadness because as CSO we believe that for good governance to flourish, there have to be a strong opposition unfortunately the biggest opposition seem to be losing grounds making the PF have an easy ride on a number of issues. The PF even stands to win 2016 general elections due to poor opposition performance.
ZAMBIA Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has bemoaned continued poor service delivery by the country’s three mobile service providers despite constant warnings.
ZICTA consumer protection officer Edgar Mulauzi said his institution wrote to Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited (Zamtel), Airtel Zambia and MTN Zambia last month on how to improve the quality of their services.
“We will soon release a report to inform the nation after we finalise our discussions with them and analyse the reports we have compiled,” he said.
