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Musician Ed Sheeran in court for allegedly copying Marvin Gaye song

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Musician Ed Sheeran in court for allegedly copying Marvin Gaye song

British singer Ed Sheeran appeared in a New York City court to deny that his smash single “Thinking Out Loud” copied the classic Marvin Gaye song “Let’s Get It On.”

Sheeran is accused of copying “Let’s Get It On” by the heirs of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote the 1973 hit with Gaye. Townsend’s daughter Kathryn Townsend Griffin, sister Helen McDonald and the estate of his former wife, Cherrigale Townsend, are the listed plaintiffs on the “Thinking Out Loud” case. Gaye died in 1984 and Townsend died in 2003.The heirs of Gaye’s co-writer argue that Sheeran, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Publishing owe them money for allegedly stealing the song.

In his opening statement Tuesday, Townsend attorney Ben Crump noted Sheeran played his ballad and Gaye’s song back-to-back in a medley during a concert, and called the moment a “smoking gun.”

But he said he’d “be a quite an idiot” to do that if he had copied the song.

Asked by lawyer Keisha Rice about another song he wrote, Take it Back, which contains the lyrics “plagiarism is hidden”, Sheeran confirmed that he had written the words.

“Those are my lyrics, yep,” he said, adding: “Can I give some context to them?”

She said that if she wanted any context she would ask for it, and went on to ask him about concert footage recorded in Zurich showing him mixing lyrics from Gaye’s 1973 song with Thinking Out Loud.

Ed Sheeran played guitar and sang on the stand Thursday as part of his testimony.He played the opening line of “Thinking Out Loud” in an attempt to rebut the testimony of the plaintiff’s expert witness, Alexander Stewart.

Stewart is a music expert called by the plaintiffs. On Wednesday, Stewart claimed the chords Sheeran played in the first 24 seconds of the song were “virtually identical” to “Let’s Get It On.”

Sheeran denied he played the chords in the way Stewart described, and played the two versions to show the difference.

“It helps his argument, obviously,” Sheeran said. “It works very, very, well for him, but it’s not the truth.”

Sheeran was previously briefly called to testify Tuesday by attorney Keisha Rice, who represents the heirs of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote the song “Let’s Get it on,” with Marvin Gaye.

During his earlier testimony, the musician said the idea of creating the medley was “probably mine.” He said if he had indeed copied “Let’s Get It On,” then he “would’ve been an idiot to stand on stage in front of 20,000 people.”

Sheeran’s legal team has argued throughout the week that the sounds used in both songs are common in pop music.

Facebook Parents to Face Courts

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Facebook Parents to Face Courts

…K300,000 fine or jail for 10 years!

By Isaac M. Mwanza

In Zambia, some parents and guardians have continued to disrespect our laws by continuously posting pictures of their little children on social media or using these children to advertise.

Though children may become aware of their digital footprint and online identity at an early age, they are powerless to assert their rights especially when parents are the ones engaging in the dual acts of parenting and being publishers of a child’s pictures.

This situation has given rise to an inherent conflict between the right of a child to privacy and the right to freedom to publish the photos of their children, which certainly puts a child and his or development at risk. How should these two rights be resolved?

Last year, President Hichilema’s administration enacted the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 in which Section 12 states:

“A child has the right to privacy appropriate to the age and maturity of that child.”

The violation of this right is punishable under the Zambian law and soon, the wrath of the law will catch up with these parents.

Under Section 26 of the Act, any violation of this right to privacy and other children rights attracts a one million penalty unit, that is, K300,000 or imprisoned for a period of not more than 10 years or to both. If one is luck, they can be asked to do community service

These provisions in our law trace from the many international conventions such as United Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

For example, Article 16 of the UNCRC (1989) states that:

“No child shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his or her honour and reputation” and that “the child has the right to protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

Parents who violate a child right to privacy may want to use Article 20 of the Constitution which guarantees then the right to freedom of expression but this may not guarantee them enough protection because this freedom is not absolute but subject to limitations.

A parent should be the primary protection of a young child because children are inexperienced, do not have maturity and the capacity to make an informed judgment.

What is sad is that instead of protecting the child’s right to privacy, especially with the rise of social media, parents are taking turns to violate this right in the name of competition with others or using children as advertising tools.

When an adult posts a picture of a child on these online platforms such as Facebook, a child has no opportunity to “opt out” should they wish to remove themselves from the online platforms.

Parents must recognise that there is a vital boundary between public and private life which they don’t have to cross when raising children.

Every child has an interest in his or her own privacy but Zambia is witnessing the violation of this right by a parent or parents who want to dictate how they want their child to be brought up, hence making wrong decisions that expose children.

When a child exposes a child to online platforms such as Facebook, he or she is simply opening a door up to exploitation, abuse and potential harm, which may take any form such as physical or not real.

Abductors and kidnappers can use social media to target children. A child’s identity can be stolen online by an individual who may want to portray the child as his or her own.

When we as parents share information about our child without consent, we begin to narrate a child’s story and journey, leaving a child vulnerable and unprotected.

What we must know though is that a child privacy is also a child’s dignity and respect.

Parents who violate the child’s right to privacy also violate their dignity, yes they violate human dignity.

This is why Government has come up with the Children’s Code Act, a law to provide and protect the rights of a child.

Unfortunately, having a good law is one thing but enforcement it is another.

The Act came into force in Zambia on 9th August, 2022, meaning all violations after this date must be reported to police or taken to court.

We have law enforcement agencies and our courts must begin to take interest in the Children’s Code Act and begin to act on parents and guardians who post pictures of children on social media thereby violating the right of a child to privacy.

Society generally, and in particular, those of us with ability to take legal action must step in and utilise the courts to stop these delinquent parents from continuing to violate the right of a child to privacy through posting a child’s pictures on social media.

It does not mean that parents who do not post their pictures of their little children online don’t love their children but they seek to protect them from potential harm but also are obedient to the law.

When we hear a child has been abducted or later killed, it is the entire society and not the parent that get affected.

We all feel the pain when a child is abducted and we have a common duty to protect every child, whether our own or that of a neighbour or unknown child. He or she is still a child society values.

[Published by the Zambian Daily Nation, 2023]

KAUNDA’S LEGACY: EXAMINING THE ONE-PARTY STATE

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KAUNDA’S LEGACY: EXAMINING THE ONE-PARTY STATE

By Chainga Zulu

Kenneth David Kaunda would have been 99-year-old today, unfortunately he died on the 17th of June 2021, drawing curtain on Africa’s Liberation leaders. Starting his journey as a leader, becoming autocratic and ending as a stateman, KK’s life can fill libraries if all put in books.

Born in 1924, in the same year as his future fellow liberation-leader across the Zambezi, Robert Mugabe, he declared Zambia a one-party state under the United National Independence Party (UNIP) in 1972. Kaunda’s rationale for the introduction of the one-party state was to promote unity, stability, and national development. He believed that multiparty democracy would lead to fragmentation, tribalism, and division among Zambians, which could hamper progress and economic growth.

The one-party state system was characterized by the dominance of the UNIP and limited political freedoms. Opposition parties were banned, and political dissidents were often subject to detention and repression by the state. The government controlled the media and limited free speech and assembly.
Critics of the one-party state argued that it stifled political pluralism and democratic expression, which could have allowed for more diverse voices to be heard and better accountability of the government to the people. The system also led to allegations of corruption and abuse of power by the government.
I feel that the decision taken in 1972 was a necessary evil to the national hood of Zambia and her cohesion.

First, Zambia was surrounded by warring nations. Thus, it takes a certain level of control to keep peace in the country. And some of these may not be aligned with the conventional democratic tenets. History has demonstrated that opposition political parties can become careless to show that they are the better alternative to the ruling party. The one-party state provide political stability and continuity, by eliminating the need for political parties to compete for power and allowed UNIP to focus on governing the country.

Secondly, being a staunch opponent of colonialist governments and their policies of racial segregation and discrimination, Ian Smith and his Selous Scouts – a special forces unit of the Rhodesian Army known for their unconventional warfare tactics – were probably looking for any opportunity to silence KK. And not forgetting apartheid South Africa, the Portuguese in Angola and Mozambique. Even with all these measures in place, there were claims that the 1980 Coup attempt and the Mushala Upraising had the backing of South Africa.

Thirdly, we have seen so many countries experiencing significant challenges and instability after the fall of a strongman leader. For example, after the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the country experienced widespread violence, political turmoil, and a rise in sectarianism. In Libya, the fall of Muammar Gaddafi led to a power vacuum and armed conflict, with various factions vying for control of the country. Who knows what would have happened to Zambia if democracy and politics had been the nucleus of the country’s agenda?

Lastly, when we consider the inter-party violence and the strong tribal politics that had characterized early political parties in Zambia, Kaunda may have been right in introducing the one-party state. Many political parties had conspicuous tribal identities. For example, African National Congress (ANC) in Southern and Central provinces, United Party (UP) in N. Western and Western provinces, and the United Progressive Party (UPP) in the Northern province. We are well too familiar of how politicians have perfected tribalism as a tool for their political advancement. They usually have jejune messages, lacking any real depth or complexity, just appealing to people’s emotions. Tribal loyalties are an obstacle to development and advancement of a people. This in no way oversimplifies the complexities of cultural and historical realities nor promotes assimilation and erasure of cultural diversity. But in the words of Samora Moises Machel, for the nation to live, the tribe must die.

However, in 1990, Kaunda would repeal the one-party state and introduced multi-party democracy in Zambia. Today, we celebrate KK’s commitment to unity, social justice, and his dedication to the development of Zambia and Africa. He had his own weaknesses, yes, we must tip our hat to the man also known as musician, golfer, vegan and Betty’s lover. Happy
KK’s Day

Jerry Springer, Host of TV’s Most Controversial Show, Dies at 79

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Jerry Springer, Host of TV’s Most Controversial Show, Dies at 79

Jerry Springer, the former Cincinnati news anchor and mayor who presided over one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died. He was 79.

Jerry hosted the smash hit syndicated talk show “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years … and it was never a boring moment on the raucous and wild show — which was known for its outrageous guests who usually got into crazy fights as the audience cheered, “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!”

Springer died peacefully Thursday at his home in the Chicago suburbs after a brief illness. “Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” said Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family, in a statement obtained by Variety. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

“The Jerry Springer Show” began its multi-decade run in 1991 and, in 1998 at the height of its popularity, beat “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the ratings, drawing 12 million viewers.

Davies Chama denies knowledge of attempts to deregister MMD during PF tenure

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Davies Chama denies knowledge of attempts to deregister MMD during PF tenure

PF national chairman Davies Chama says he was unaware that the ruling PF then through Clement Andeleki tried to deregister the then biggest opposition MMD, saying if he knew he would have opposed such a move.

But the ruling UPND has told PF to simply comply with the demands of the Registrar of Societies Thandiwe Mhende who has threatened them with deregistration over pronounced demands.

The situation the PF has found itself in where a sitting Registrar of Societies is trying to deregister them as the biggest opposition party is similar to when the PF then as a ruling party tried to deregister the biggest opposition and former ruling MMD through now Katombola member of parliament Andeleki who served as Registrar of Societies at the time.

Asked if he regrets that the PF acted in such a manner against the MMD as those in the UPND administration are doing against PF, Chama expressed ignorance that such a thing ever happened.

“Me personally I’m not even aware of what you are talking about. Even when it was happening (attempts to deregister MMD), if at all it happened I was not aware and personally I wouldn’t have supported that kind of move. I was not aware that at any time, maybe I was disconnected, maybe that was a time when I was on suspension from the party,” Chama claimed.

Chama said in the same manner, he was also shocked when the PF removed the presidential immunity of former late president Rupiah Banda, saying he was very shocked and embarrassed that his own party could do such a thing.

“Those are some of the things I don’t support. And even at the time if I was active in terms of knowing what was going on (attempts to deregister MMD) I was not going to support that,” Chama said. “If at all it happened and I was around, I would have objected to that kind of move. I personally know Andeleki, now he’s Honourable, I would have approached him to say what you are doing is wrong. Stop it.”

Chama said it was possible that those in the UPND administration could follow through and deregister the PF, but was comforted that PF has always been compliant.

He said it was also possible that because of desperation someone could have removed some PF documents in the registrar’s office without the registrar’s knowledge.

He said it should puzzle people that a prominent political party was being targeted with deregistration when there were many silent organisations that have been existing without even submitting annual returns.

“So you can see that you are dealing with scared little young men,” Chama said.

But the UPND has argued that the PF must just respond to the demands rather than dragging the name of the President in the mud, to which Chama responded that that response alone shows the extent of UPND involvement in the matter.

But asked on the fact that some of the office bearers provided to the registrar have since resigned such as former president Edgar Lungu, Chama agreed that there were certain administrative issues that are done along the way, the more reason why the law provides for submissions of annual returns in the event one has died or even resigned.

He said PF would hold a general conference to elect a new leader after former president Edgar Lungu announced intentions to step down, and that people must distinguish membership and participation in an organisation.

“So if they are confusing themselves (asking) why is he holding the office? He will vacate when we update our records to the Registrar after one year when we do our returns,” said Chama, arguing that the country’s biggest opposition party could not be deregistered on the basis of administrative issues which keep occurring during the life of that organisation.

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Front-PF-Acting president Given Lubinda has declared that his party will not allow any attempts by the UPND government to deregister the party. This follows a statement released by the Registrar of Societies threatening to deregister the PF for not providing a complete list of the party’s office bearers.

Mr Lubinda has assured all PF members that the party has complied with the provisions of the Registrar of Societies Act and is working on every detail to avoid any questions from the Registrar of Societies. He called on all members to remain calm, united and continue to offer checks and balances to the current government.

However, political analyst Professor Bizeck Phiri has criticized the PF for not complying with the Registrar of Societies Act and failing to resolve the issue of holding a convention to replace former president Edgar Lungu who retired from active politics.

Mr Lubinda has maintained that the matter at hand is an administrative one and should not lead to the Registrar of Societies issuing threats to the party. The PF is determined to fight any attempts to deregister the party and will do everything possible to ensure that the party continues to exist.

This issue has attracted public attention as it comes at a time when the UPND government is determined to bring about political reforms aimed at promoting good governance and ensuring that all political parties comply with the law. It remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved, but the PF has made it clear that it will not back down on this issue.

President Hichilema directs the sale of luxury vehicles purchased for senior government officials during UPND regime

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President Hichilema directs the sale of luxury vehicles purchased for senior government officials during UPND regime

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has directed Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa to ensure that all luxury vehicles bought for senior government officials during the UPND regime are sold. The President made the directive to the Cabinet Secretary during the presidential delivery unit leadership workshop in Lusaka.

The President noted that his administration had vowed to curb extravagance among government officials, which was evident in the previous administration. Therefore, he emphasized the need to adhere to that vow, further stating that the luxury vehicles were unnecessary. He reiterated his government’s commitment to serving the people of Zambia and ensuring accountability from appointed officials.

President Hichilema expressed disappointment that some ministers and permanent secretaries had failed to deliver on their mandates and were instead busy globetrotting. He challenged senior government officials to be accountable to the electorate, who, despite facing difficult circumstances, still voted for them.

The President’s directive is part of his administration’s efforts to reduce government spending and curb corruption. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for appointed officials to deliver on their mandates to ensure the effective implementation of his government’s policies and programs.

The sale of luxury vehicles previously bought for senior government officials is expected to raise revenue for the government while also signaling the administration’s commitment to cutting unnecessary expenses. The public has praised the President’s decision, with many calling it a step in the right direction towards good governance.

In conclusion, the President’s directive to sell luxury vehicles bought for senior government officials during the UPND regime is a sign of his administration’s commitment to accountability and reducing government spending. The move is likely to be welcomed by the public and further demonstrates the President’s commitment to implementing his government’s policies and programs effectively.

Stardy Mwale Arrested for Ridiculing Bemba Tribe: Charged for Expressing Hatred and Contempt

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Stardy Mwale Arrested for Ridiculing Bemba Tribe: Charged for Expressing Hatred and Contempt

Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Stardy Mwale, aged 53, has been arrested and charged for the offense of expressing hatred, ridicule, or contempt for persons because of their race, tribe, place of origin or color. This charge comes in connection with an alleged voice recording that Mr Mwale recorded and published on various social media platforms in January 2023, where he expressed hatred, ridicule, or contempt against the Bemba-speaking people.

While tribal cousinship humour is a common and accepted cultural norm in Zambia that permeates through the social strata of Zambian society, according to Zambia Police Mr Mwale’s comments were deemed unacceptable and prompted his arrest.

Mr. Mwale allegedly recorded and published a voice recording on social media platforms in January 2023, where he expressed hatred, ridicule or contempt against the Bemba-speaking people. While tribal cousinship humour is a common and accepted cultural norm in Zambia, Mr. Mwale’s comments were deemed unacceptable and prompted his arrest.

Mr Mwale is currently detained in police custody, awaiting his court appearance. Zambia Police Spokesperson Danny Mwale
has emphasized that the Police will uphold the law and hold accountable anyone who makes derogatory and hateful comments against any tribe or race in Zambia.

Zambia is known for its peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic groups. With 73 ethnic groups cohabiting in the country, Zambia has a rich cultural heritage that celebrates its diversity. One of the practices that reflect this is the Traditional Cousinship, also known as “Chimbuya,” between different tribes such as the Ngoni and the Bemba.

The Ngoni/Bemba chimbuya dates back to the Bemba-Ngoni wars of the 19th century, which were fought at Ng’wena. Over time, the hostilities were replaced by a peculiar kind of humour that belies a mutual respect between the two tribal groups. Today, it is common to find either tribe “taking over” the other’s funeral by supervising the kitchen at the funeral house and/or the interment at the burial site in a comical fashion.

A similar relationship exists between the Tonga and Lozi tribes. Tribal cousinship humor is practiced on a day-to-day basis, and it has become an accepted cultural norm that permeates through the social strata of Zambian society.

It is in this context that the former President Edgar Lungu, a Ngoni, made a light-hearted joke about the Bembas, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. He said, “Out of ten thieves, six are Bembas,” in a moment of jest and as a Nsenga, he can get away with any joke or illustration to do with Bembas as it is deemed as traditional cousinship at work, just like a Bemba can get away with a murderous joke involving Nsengas, Ngonis Tumbukas, etc.

It is also the same manner Lozis make Tongas the subject of their jokes, and the Tongas equally return the hilarious favor.

Kantanshi MP warns against bringing back former President Lungu to lead PF

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Kantanshi MP warns against bringing back former President Lungu to lead PF

Kantanshi member of parliament (PF) Anthony Mumba says PF has been on life support and it will be disastrous to bring back former president Edgar Lungu into the leadership fold.

But PF founder member Charity Banda said the PF must for now hold on against holding a national conference in order to re-organise the party, contrary to her long held view that the party needed a conference to elect a new leader.

Speaking during an interview, Mumba, in reaction to fellow PF member Bowman Lusambo’s assertion that that the UPND were stealing votes and allocating some to the Socialist Party (SP) to create an impression that PF was finished, said the most important thing to remember is that PF has been on “life support” because of what he termed as inconsistencies of who is leading the party, what direction the party is taking and who would lead the party in that direction.

“He is right by saying that the impression that the party is dead is true because if you are going to have the poor results that we have been seeing in Lupososhi, which is the first constituency PF formed and won, is a clear indication that there is need for PF to improve on leadership,” Mumba said. “The second is at a time that UPND is struggling to deal with the cost of living, struggling to deal with the issues of the mines, but they comfortably win in Chililabombwe where KCM is still unsettled is another clear indication that the UPND has got its leadership act in the right direction. That’s why they are able to win an election in the midst of even a mealie meal crisis.”

Mumba said the PF needs to sort out the leadership mess, and not what he said the continued business as usual approach and arrogance among the leaders.

But he said bringing back Lungu was not the solution, as that would even be more disastrous.

“That will be disastrous, disastrous agenda for PF to have President Edgar Lungu come back. Times have changed. What PF needs is a new face of leadership, one that is devoid of the issues of corruption, thuggery and all those nasty things that made PF lose from its own agenda of looking after the poor, when we saw that leaders in PF amassed massive amounts of wealth to the extent that they were failing to explain where they got it from,” Mumba said. “So to me as MP for Kantanshi I am putting it on record that it will be a disastrous move by president Edgar Lungu … especially after that humiliating loss.”

Mumba said president Lungu is supposed to be assisting the former ruling party find a suitable leader devoid of the issues of “thuggery, corruption, theft and possible arrest of other possible activities that they were involved in. So that’s what Edgar Lungu needs to do.

He said he did not see the PF going anywhere and becoming relevant for checks and balances that would match the UPND in as far as governance was concerned.

Registrar of Societies on firm ground over PF deregistration, says UPND media director

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Registrar of Societies on firm ground over PF deregistration, says UPND media director

In response to the Patriotic Front’s pending deregistration by the Registrar of Societies, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has urged the PF to comply with the law and avoid dragging civil servants into their illegalities.

In a statement released by UPND Media Director Ruth Dante-Heaton, the party expressed concern over the amount of scorn being directed towards the party and Republican President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as Chief Registrar of Societies Madam Thandiwe Mhende, by the PF leadership and its surrogates. Dante-Heaton emphasized that the matter at hand is not political, but rather a matter of law.

“The Chief Registrar is on firm ground and has cited the sections of the law which have been abrogated by the Patriotic Front and has provided them with a remedy to cure the anomaly which the PF has found itself in,” said Dante-Heaton. “It is thus appalling that the party through former Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba and Matero lawmaker Miles Sampa have opted to dance to the gallery and in their true self rushed to seek public sympathy.”

Dante-Heaton went on to urge the PF to quickly put their house in order and show cause why the party should continue operating as the country’s biggest opposition party during the seven-day ultimatum given by the Registrar of Societies. She also criticized the PF for accusing the UPND and the New Dawn government of engineering the deregistration in order to turn Zambia into a one-party state.

“We find this as a laughing matter because Zambia is a multiparty democracy with over seventy (70) political parties,” said Dante-Heaton. “How can deregistration of one political party lead to a one-party state? What happens to the other 69 parties? Will they also go into extinct? Let the PF have respect for the other existing political parties as part of democratic coexistence.”

The UPND also called upon the Registrar of Societies to conduct thorough checks on all societies to ensure they are following the requirements for their existence and abiding by the requirements of the law.

“As proponents of the rule of law, we urge the Registrar of Societies to leave no sacred cows as it sanitizes not only the political environment but all organizations falling under it,” said Dante-Heaton. “Any failure to conduct a thorough check on the operations of all societies would render credence to suggestions that the PF misfortune is a witch hunt and not a matter of law.”

The UPND emphasized that the country and government have many pressing needs that require urgent attention, and there is no time to waste on a matter that could have been avoided if the Patriotic Front had respected the rules of the land.

“We shall follow the proceedings closely to its logical conclusion and urge the Registrar of Societies to conduct its business in a professional and legal way devoid of political or societal influence or pressure,” concluded Dante-Heaton.

The UPND’s statement serves as a reminder that compliance with the law is essential in maintaining a healthy and functional democratic system, and that all political parties must respect the rules of the land to ensure the coexistence of a vibrant and robust political environment in Zambia.

Markets, bus stations, and crossing points to be constructed in rural areas

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Markets, bus stations, and crossing points to be constructed in rural areas

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has disbursed over K23,000,000.00 to seven districts in Zambia to accelerate rural development projects which include the construction of markets, bus stations, and rehabilitation of critical crossing-points.

The funding is part of this year’s National Budget allocation for Rural Infrastructure Development under the Ministry. Permanent Secretary (Administration) Mr. Maambo Haamaundu announced that the funding would support the following seven Local Authorities: Mongu, Mufumbwe, Chongwe, Choma, Ndola, Serenje, and Chasefu for various infrastructure projects.

Mongu Municipal Council has received K4,000,000.00 for the construction of Kasima Bulk Market, while Chongwe Municipal Council has received K5,000,000.00 for the construction of a market shelter, an ablution block, and other assorted infrastructure works. Mufumbwe Town Council was given K5,000,000.00 for the construction of a Bus Transit Station and other assorted infrastructure works.

Choma Municipal Council had received K2,291,789.33 for the construction of crossing points in the district, while Ndola City Council had received K3,000,000.00 for the construction of a major bridge in Bwana Mkubwa Constituency, which had been in a deplorable state in recent years.

Serenje Town Council received K2,000,000.00 for the construction of Mpemba and Kababa Bridges, which are strategic crossing points. Chasefu Town Council received K873,807.82 for the construction of Khuli-Khuli Crossing point, and K998,572.08 was released for the installation of a new culvert in Khathale area within the District. This brings the total to K23,164,169.23.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the funds had already been disbursed to the respective Local Authorities and urged them to expedite the commencement of works to improve the livelihoods of local people in the Districts.

“As you have received this money, ensure that you commence on the works as soon as possible to improve the livelihoods of people,” Mr. Haamaundu stated. He directed the Local Authorities to ensure the funded markets and bus station projects were successfully completed, and all targeted critical crossing points were also urgently worked on to ensure easy movement of people, goods, and services during the 2023/2024 rainy season.

The Ministry has implored all Local Authorities to ensure contractors implementing various projects under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) give employment priority to all eligible youths in possession of skills training under CDF empowerment.

The Permanent Secretary warned that the Ministry would not tolerate shoddy works from any contractor carrying out infrastructure works. He implored all Local Authorities to ensure that any contractor carrying out public projects does not compromise quality because Zambians demand value for their money.

He said Local Authorities should be proactive to ensure contractors and those charged with the responsibility of supervising the construction of various projects ensure that they are constructed to the highest standards.

Mr. Haamaundu further guided that the Local Authorities should submit progress reports.

In August 2022, the Ministry disbursed amounts totaling K43 million to facilitate the construction of critical crossing-points and road improvement works in selected Districts. The Districts that benefited earlier include Chama, Kasenengwa, Mongu, Chadiza, Gwembe, Vubwi, Mulobezi, Katete, and Mambwe.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing rural areas by providing the necessary funding for infrastructure development projects. These projects will not only improve

President Lungu; Be Brave And Come Out of Hiding!

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President Lungu; Be Brave And Come Out of Hiding!

I first bumped into ArchbishopTelesphore Mpundu at Northmeads in Lusaka around March 2022…….in a liquor store to be precise. I had hoped there to get a few “brownies” after a long day at Mulungushi where we were attending a National Indaba on Street Kids. I’ve no clue what took the good Bishop there, but I know it wasn’t ma jiggies or toffee sweets for sure!

When I spotted him again in the corridors as we were preparing to leave, I asked my colleague to stop the car and accosted him. Since he always seemed to have an opinion on several issues, I thought I should pick his brains, particularly on politics.

He vented and gesticulated boisterously as he ran me through the litany of misdeeds of Lungu’s corrupt and kleptomaniac government. Furthermore, he disclosed how Lungu wanted to divide the Catholics in the nation by driving a wage amongst them and pitying the priests against each other. He didn’t have kind words for his predecessor at Lusaka Diocese, Bishop Alick Banda.

“One day, we were invited to State House as Catholic bishops. By that time Banda was still at Ndola Diocese,” the Bishop was literally fuming. “When the meeting ended, Banda and another bishop from the northern regions were nowhere to be seen.”

Tired of waiting, one of them suggested that they should just leave without them as the duo were adults who would easily find their way to Kapingila House in Kabulonga.

“We all knew what they were doing in there!” he exclaimed. “Even that so called fundraising walk they had in Ndola for the carpark was laced with corruption…..”

What I learnt about Bishop Banda that day was earth shattering…….it could actually perforate someone’s ears! Yes, as Christians we mustn’t hold grudges for a long time and should endeavour to forgive one another as much as possible. However, I was rather shocked yesterday see photos of the trio – Edgar Lungu, Bishops Mpundu and Banda all smiles as they posed for photos.

Bishop Mpundu knows in his heart of hearts that God is a witness to what he said about Lungu and Banda. What has changed now? Did he accuse his brothers falsely and therefore sinned in the eyes of our Lord?

What has necessitated this “reconciliation” as observed by the Newsdiggers Newspapers?

When some of us saw PF dilly-dalling to go for a party convention to ‘select’ new leaders and indeed Lungu launching his foundation, our sixth sense warned us that there was something definitely cooking in the air and we didn’t like the smell of it. I followed this up with an article, “Will Lungu Pull A Quick One?”

I postulated that there seemed to be well calculated machinations to dribble individuals deemed to be real owners of the party such as Miles Sampa, Chishimba Kambwili and Godfrey Bwalya Mwamba out of the presidential race and instead impose a weak candidate to warm up the seat for Lungu – someone with roots strongly hankered in MMD such as one Brian Mundibile so as to use it as a weapon to pull the rag off his feet at a later stage. Is the PF convention happening any time soon? No! Haven’t we seen Kambwili and GBM crawling back to Lungu? Of course, we have!

Chase pieces are now beginning to move fast and furious as Lungu’s plans fall into place. As we approach 2026, we should expect to see more individuals that had previously differed with Lungu making pilgrimages to his place to make amends, his outreach to churches around the nation will be heightened while the ‘noise’ from people clamouring about his return to power will reach a crescendo.

Ignore communique being made available to the public after such interactions that they are about academic work on the 2021 elections or exchange of notes about national and spiritual matters. It’s all a charade meant to hoodwink the public that Lungu isn’t scheming a comeback. It’s a well calculated move by a cunning and shrewd hardcore politician whose looks easily betray him.

While Lungu may be entitled to still harbour ambitions of bouncing back, he should be doing so within the confines of the law. The law is very clear, a former president shall be stripped of their retirement benefits should they continue involving themselves in active politics!

We are encouraging Lungu to be courageous and come out of hiding so that he should stop chewing our money.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Modern meteorological equipment to boost early warning systems

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Modern meteorological equipment to boost early warning systems

By BENEDICT TEMBO

MINISTER of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu has said the expanded and modernized meteorological observation infrastructure will support and contribute to early warnings.

Speaking when he launched the installation of 120 automatic weather stations at Nangoma Secondary School in Mumbwa District of Central Province, Mr Nzovu said multi-hazard early warnings simultaneously address flooding, storms and other major hazards.

“Long before such hazards arise, early warning information prepares those at risk as well as those who may be involved in providing assistance so that they will be prepared when warnings sound,” he said.

Mr Nzovu added that the expanded and modernised observation network will enhance the monitoring and measuring of the weather, climate and the environment to support among others, sustainable generation and management of the hydropower and other renewable energy facilities and improve agriculture productivity.

It will also strengthen water resource management, provide timely and usable early warning information; support climate change adaptation and enhance, environmental management and pollution monitoring.

“Furthermore, the expanded and modernized meteorological infrastructure will support resilience building in communities and climate sensitive sectors in our economy,” he said.

Mr Nzovu said the installation of the 120 automatic weather stations launched today has been done through the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) project with support from the World Bank at US$3.8 million.

“This is indeed a huge investment to support climate change adaptation and resilience building as outlined under the environmental sustainability pillar in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP),” he said.

He added that as the ministry responsible for meteorological services, one of its goals is to provide timely weather and climate information and products for sustainable development in the various sectors of the economy.

Mr Nzovu said the implementation of the programme to expand and modernise meteorological observation infrastructure across the country is a demonstration of the fulfilment of commitments of the government made to the Zambian citizens.

“This is one of the ways that this government wants to strengthen early warning systems to aid disaster responses and preparedness as well as support the country’s adaptation to climate change for sustainable development,” he said.

Mr Nzovu said the installation of automatic weather stations in all the districts brings the new dawn government one step closer to adapting to climate change, in line with sustainable Development Goal number 13, which urges “taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”.

“In addition, the expanded and modernised meteorological observation infrastructure will support and contribute to early warnings for all initiative, launched by UN secretary-general António Guterres and endorsed at COP(Conference of Parties) 27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh in 2022. The 120 automatic weather stations will be used to monitor the meteorological factors in agricultural planting, which is conducive to improving farmers’ defense against meteorological disasters, speeding up the promotion of new varieties, reducing blind investment and effectively improving economic benefits,” he said.

Mr Nzovu said Nangoma area in Mumbwa district has been chosen for the launch because it is one of the areas in the country which is vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather and climate events such as floods and droughts.

He said Mumbwa and surrounding areas as well as many other areas across the country experiences recurrent flash floods and flooding which affect many communities.
“You may further wish to note that the rainfall received in the Mumbwa, Nangoma catchment area contributes significantly to the Itezhi-Tezhi hydropower station and subsequently to the 900 MW Kafue Gorge Upper and the 750mw Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-power stations,” Mr Nzovu said.

Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson dismisses calls to disband National Pension Scheme Authority

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Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson dismisses calls to disband National Pension Scheme Authority

The Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson Thabo Kawana has dismissed calls by the president of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP), Sean Tembo, to disband the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). In an exclusive interview with the Falcon News in Lusaka, Kawana stated that the government had already done its groundwork before implementing the partial withdrawal of pension.

“Government has released 11 billion Kwacha which is able to take care of 600,000 would-be beneficiaries of the 20% of partial withdrawal of pension,” Kawana stated confidently. He also defended the government’s decision to allow partial pension withdrawals, saying that it was a necessary step to provide much-needed financial support to workers during tough times.

“We are not like Sean Tembo who can have the audacity to participate in an election expecting to win and later come out with zeros. Everything on him is zero,” Kawana added, clearly unhappy with Tembo’s recent comments on the NAPSA.

Kawana also reminded Tembo that the current government is a serious one that knows what it is doing. “The New Dawn is not a ‘chipantepante’ government that does things without planning and calculating,” he said.

Kawana’s comments come after Tembo’s recent appearance on Radio Phoenix’s Let the People Talk Program, where he called for the disbanding of the NAPSA, claiming that the institution has no capacity to provide income security through payment of benefits to contributing workers.

The National Pension Scheme Amendment Bill 2023, which allows for the partial withdrawal of pensions, was recently signed into law by President Hichilema. The new law, which fulfils one of the major campaign promises of the United Party for National Development (UPND), has been met with a lot of excitement by workers.

Kawana reiterated that President Hichilema is delivering on the promises he made prior to the August 12, 2021 General Election. “The president is committed to improving the lives of Zambians and he is taking bold steps to make sure that happens,” he said.

Kawana dismissed Tembo’s claims and assured Zambians that the government is committed to providing financial support to workers through the NAPSA. “The government is doing everything it can to ensure that workers are financially secure, and we will continue to work towards that goal,” he said.

Former Army Army Commander Gen. Mumbi revisits former office

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Former Army Army Commander Gen. Mumbi revisits former office

By BENEDICT TEMBO

Former Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Solomon Mumbi (rtd) has urged Zambians to learn about their country’s history.
Lt Gen Mumbi says history helps citizens understand their origins and where they are headed.

He made the remarks yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Zambia Army Commander’s Military Assistant Brigadier General Jethrow Chipili and Public Relations and Foreign Liaison Directorate Director Colonel Martin Kalaluka Liyungu.

Lt Gen Mumbi, a graduate of the Irish Army Officer Cadet School, held the position of Army Commander between 1997 and 1999.

He was one of the first six officer cadets the Zambia Army sent to that country for military training between 1967 and 1969.

Lt Gen Mumbi trained in Ireland, alongside Major Michael Chikoti (rtd), Maj Emmanuel Chisha, Brig Gen Weston Chanda (late), Captain Michael Zulu, and Major John Munthali.

Other officers that trained at the same school include Brigadier General Idi Hachanga, Brig Gen John Banda, Brig Gen Oliver Mubita (rtd), Col Erwin Mumbi, Col Killian Kaila, Col Chrispin Kanjungu, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Mutinta, Captain John Chiyaze Luyako (rtd), Lieutenant Kwalombota Mate, and Mr Chishimba Tate (late).

Notable in other intakes are Big Gen Justus Sichuunga, Col Dick Chibuye, Col Savian Chali, Col Langford Phiri, Lt Col Robert Simutende, Lt Col Gabriel Chabwe, Lt Col Harrison Hastings Chifwaya Matibini (late), Maj Jabulani Lungu, Capt Lovesone Mutakela and Capt Steven Maimisa.

In addition, Lt Gen Mumbi was the second artillery officer to be Army Commander, after Lt Gen Garry Kalenge, who was in office from 1987–1990, and before Lt Gen Sitali Alibuzwi, who is still serving in the similar capacity.

He later became Zambia’s High Commissioner to Namibia and Ambassador to the African Great Lakes region.

Zambia’s democratic gains at risk with threatened de-registration of PF, says NGOCC

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Zambia’s democratic gains at risk with threatened de-registration of PF, says NGOCC

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed its concern over the threatened cancellation of the registration of the Patriotic Front (PF) political party by the Registrar of Societies.

Chief Registrar of Societies Thandiwe Mhende has written to the Patriotic Front, notifying it of her intention to deregister it for failure to avail a complete list of office bearers.

Ms. Mhende has advised the opposition party to make representations, within seven days upon receipt of the notice, to show cause why the party should not be cancelled.

But NGOCC Board Chairperson Grace Sinkamba said the proposed cancelation of the registration of the Patriotic Front if effected would negate the democratic gains Zambia has made.

Ms. Sinkamba said said the important role of political parties in the country’s democratic governance system cannot be over-emphasised.

She said the Registrar of Societies’s role of promoting compliance must not be to the detriment of the country’s democracy as espoused in the Republican Constitution.

Ms. Sinkamba said as opposed to threatening de-registration, the Registrar should instead be supporting Societies, including the PF to ensure that they are compliant in the best interest of democracy and good governance.

“Th Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) is deeply concerned by the threatened cancellation of the registration of the Patriotic Front (PF) political party by the Registrar of Societies and is urging the former ruling party to urgently address the compliance issues raised so as to ensure the party remains a legal entity in the interest of the country’s democracy.Zambia’s Constitution which states that we are a democratic and multi-party State, recognizes the important role of political parties in the governance of the country. The important role of political parties in the country’s democratic governance system cannot be over-mphasised. It is against this background that we remain concemed with the threatened cancelation of the registration of
the Patriotic Front as it would negate the democratic gains made by the country,” Ms. Sinkamba said.

She said the de-registration of the PF has the potential to negatively affect the citizen’s right to freedom of Association which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

“While recognizing the legitimate role of the Registrar of Societies to promote compliance of Societies, it is our considered view that this must not be to the detriment of the country’s democracy as espoused in the Republican Constitution. State institutions such as the Registrar of societies should be more concerned about deepening the country’s democratic culture. As opposed to threatening de-registration, the Registrar should instead be supporting Societies, including the PF to ensure that they are compliant in the best interest of democracy and good governance. As already stated, Zambia is a multi-party state and the de-registration of the PF has the potential to negatively affect the citizen’s right to freedom of Association which is guaranteed by the
Constitution,” Ms Sinkamba said.

She also reminded political parties to ensure that they fulfil their legal requirements as provided by the societies Act Chapter I 19 of the laws of Zambia so that they are not found wanting and ultimately.

“We also urge political parties to ensure that they fulfil their legal requirements as provided by the Societies Act Chapter I 19 of the laws of Zambia so that they are not found wanting and ultimately disadvantage the Zambian people. The leadership of the PF should as a matter of urgency submit the requirements as demanded by the Registrar of Societies. It is our hope that all political parties, including the governing party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), are compliant with the provisions of the Societies Act. As the women’s movement we are keenly following the implementation of the rule of law and its unbiased enforcement in the present and future. With this. we would like to urge the Government to immediately review all laws that tend to stifle and close the civic space including the complete repeal of the NGO Act of 2009,” Ms. Sinkamba said.

Meanwhile, PF Information and Publicity Chairperson Raphael Nakacinda says it’s a shame that the Registrar of Societies has resorted to threatening to deregister the party instead of simply reminding the members to fulfill all requirements.

In a letter dated April 25, 2023, addressed to the PF Secretary General, Mhende informed the party that she intends on canceling it following its failure to comply with regulations.

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