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Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma (right) and his Deputy George Zulu (centre) inspect the Lusaka fuel storage depot with Lusaka Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta before commissioning of the plant
Government says it will not allow any reduction in power supply to the mines without dialogue with concerned parties.
Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says this is because the mine sector is very important to the county’s economy.
Mr. Yaluma says there have been proposal’s to reduce power to the mines in view of the current power deficit.
The Minister says the proposals have however been received with mixed feelings by mining firms.
However Mr. Yaluma says it is gratifying that all concerned stakeholders have agreed to meet this weekend and dialogue over the mater.
Mr. Yaluma pointed out that disruption of power to the Mine smelters has a huge impact on productivity levels in the sector.
File:SACCORD Executive director Boniface Chembe captured in the audience during the presidential debate
The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has urged government to urgently address issues that have the potential to derail Zambia’s development.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe appealed to President Edgar Lungu to develop clear and attainable plans on poverty reduction, curtail political violence and bring stability to university academic calendars.
Mr. Cheembe further stated that the continued threats on learning institutions staff, including the unnecessary closures of universities, has a negative effect on the country’s educational system.
He said the level of poverty in the country is alarming hence government should ensure that economic development meets corresponding economic aspirations of the people.
In a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Cheembe also expressed concern with the continued growth in the country’s financial debt noting that this risks stifling the economic stability of future generations.
Mr. Cheembe said there was need to ensure that challenges that the Zambian citizens are facing are quickly addressed through deliberate government interventions.
As UPND, are excited with the installation of His Royal Highness Henry Kanyanta Sosola as the Chitimukulu to the throne for the Bemba speaking people.
We join the entire country in celebrating this leadership milestone and wish the Mwine Lubemba God‘s blessing as he discharges his royal duties at such a critical moment in the history of our country. He takes over the throne at a time when the country needs guidance from traditional authorities of the the caliber of His Royal Highness who’s role as unifier cannot be questioned.
The UPND is proud of the all Zambians who joined us pressuring Government to ensure that the Mwine Lubemba was installed. Our now party Vice President Hon Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba had to sacrifice his ministerial position to ensure that this was brought to bear.
We note that it was only Hon. Mwamba from the entire senior leadership of both the government and the ruling Patriotic Front who took the lonely and dangerous path at great personal cost to vouch for the recognition of the Mwine Lubemba while some Ministers in the current Government sided with the persecution driven by the PF Government at the time led by then Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu. Lungu, deployed 500 police officers at the Mwine Lubemba‘s Palace to prevent him from executing his royal functions.
AS UPND, we shall continue to respect the important role our traditional leadership plays in uniting this country for the development of our people. Congratulations to the Bemba speaking people and His Royal Highness Chitimukulu.
Henry Kanyanta Sosala has been installed as Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people.
And President Edgar Lungu who graced the coronation of the Chitimukulu has called on all Zambians to unite and work together in developing the nation.
ZNBC’s Kennedy Bwalya reports from Mungwi District that the President said differences in opinion and affiliation should not be allowed to divide the people and disintegrate the nation.
The President was speaking at the Church Service held to bless the new Chitimukulu presided over by Arch Bishop Ignatius Chama.
And the President has called on Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and other Traditional leaders in the country to help unite the nation.
The President says Government remains resolute in its quest to develop the country.
And Paramount Chief Chitimukulu who spoke through his representative Kasonde Kasutu thanked President Lungu for normalizing the relations between government and the Bemba Royal Establishment.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said the Bemba Royal establishment desires to closely work with the government in developing the nation.
The church service was witnessed by opposition leaders who includes Edith Nawakwi of the FDD and Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND together with several diplomats and senior Government officials.
The Supreme Court has nullified the election of Patrick Mucheleka as Lubansenshi Independent Member of Parliament.
Supreme Court Judge Albert Wood delivered the judgment Lusaka on Friday.
This follows the appeal made by Lazarus Chota who contested the Lubansenshi parliamentary seat in 2011 on the PF ticket.
The High Court had upheld Mr. Mucheleka’s victory in the Parliamentary election.
Meanwhile PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court to nullify the Lubansenshi Parliamentary seat which was held by Patrick Mucheleka.
Ms. Phiri says the PF respects the independence of the judiciary adding that the case has taken four years to conclude.
She says her party is ready to go into Lubansenshi for a Parliamentary by election.
And Movement for Multi-Party Democracy- MMD National Youth Secretary Bowman Lusambo says the former ruling party is happy with the decision by the Courts of law because those aspiring to public offices must have a clean record.
But United Party for National Development -UPND Deputy Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says by- elections are a drain on national resources.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Given Lubinda
Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda is happy that there are many foreign exhibitors participating at the 89th Agriculture and Commercial Show Society of Zambia (ACSZ) in Lusaka.
Mr. Lubinda says there are 80 foreign exhibitors from 20 different countries at this year’s Show.
He disclosed this when he and his visiting Czechoslovakian counterpart Marian Jurecka paid a courtesy call on Show Society President Murray Anderson.
The Minister and his entourage that comprised his two deputies ministers Greyford Moonde, Maxas Ng’onga and ministry officials later toured and inspected stands at the on-going Show among them CAMCO, junior farmers hall and ministry stands.
Speaking later, visiting Czec Republic Minister of Agriculture Marian Jurecka expressed gratitude that Zambia’s economy was steadily growing including the agriculture sector.
Show Society President Murray Anderson disclosed that the Show is expected to raise over K6
million this year because of the huge number of both foreign and local exhibitors.
The 89th ACSZ is expected to be graced by visiting Malawian President Professor Peter Mutharika tomorrow afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Zambia National Farmers’ Union and the EU have signed a 14.87 million Euros memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to construct four new agricultural service centres.
The new centers are Chibombo, Mbala, Mpongwe and Lundazi which is intended to ignite and facilitate linkages and partnerships with the private sector I the agriculture sector.
European Union Head of Delegation to Zambia Gilles Hervio said most of the private sector is unable to develop appropriate marketing infrastructure in farming areas due to lack of long term capital financing and high business risks.
Mr. Hervio further disclosed that the Union has additional 110 million Euros to support the sector.
ZNFU Executive Director Ndambo Ndambo commended EU for the continued support to the Union.
Vice President Inonge Wina and PF Secretary general Davies Chama confer
PF Secretary General Davies Chama has dispelled reports that he has been fired along with Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili.
And Vice President Inonge Wina has today issued the long awaited apology to Tonga speaking people for the disparaging remarks issued by some high ranking PF officials.
Rumours surfaced on social media Friday morning that President Edgar Lungu had fired Mr Chama and Mr Kambwili for apparently bringing his administration into disrepute.
Mr Chama laughed off the reports that he has been fired when asked to comment the reports.
“You are the one telling me now, right now, I am with the President in Kasama for the coronation of Paramount Chitimukulu and I still have my job,” Mr Chama said.
He added, “there is nothing of such. Get it from me, I have seen those things on social media. It is not true.”
And Vice President Inonge Wina told Parliament that it is unfortunate that remarks against one traditional political leader have penetrated the entire Tonga land and were met with some disquiet.
Mrs Wina observed that this matter appears not to have been resolved despite efforts by President Lungu to meet the traditional leaders in Southern Province over the matter.
She hoped that the people of Southern Province will accept her unreserved apology from the bottom of her heart and on behalf of the PF.
She also revealed that the Mr Chama has been disciplined administratively.
One of the boys at the Northmead Assembly of God Church-run Lazarus Community School tries out a new computer while Bishop Joshua Banda and UNHCR rep Ms Joyce Mends-Cole look on
The Secondary School Teachers Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) has asked government not rush in implementing Information Communication Technology ICT compulsory examinations in the country.
SESTUZ Secretary General Emmanuel Zulu told ZANIS in an interview today that the decision of compulsory ICT examinations will be disastrous as the country is not yet ready.
Mr. Zulu argued that most schools in Zambia do not have infrastructure and enough advanced equipment for the subject of ICT.
He further said teachers have to be trained for the programme so that pupils can to receive thorough education on the same subject.
He added that pupils in rural areas will not benefit because computers require electricity hence places without electricity cannot implement the ICT programme.
Mr. Zulu has however said the idea of introducing ICT in schools was a good one despite the fact that the decision to make it a compulsory was done in hasty.
He has since called on government to put in place all the equipment that will ensure that the programme was a success and of benefit to all the pupils.
The government decided to introduce ICT as a compulsory subject in all Zambian schools but this decision has brought controversial opinions.
President Edgar Lungu being received by Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe when he made a stop over at Mbala’s Samora Machel Airbase on his way to Mwansabombwe from Uganda
President Edgar Lungu has urged the people of Northern Province to reject some individuals propagating tribalism in the country.
Speaking upon arrival at Kasama Airport this morning, President Lungu said Zambians must at all times promote peace and unity in the nation and shame those advocating for regionalism.
President Lungu said he was happy to be in the Northern Province to grace the installation of Henry Kanyanta Sosala as Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people.
He praised traditional leaders who have travelled from different parts of the country to witness the coronation of the Chitimukulu and also attend the Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena Bemba traditional ceremony.
The Head of State observed that traditional ceremonies are good platforms that should be used to promote unity-of-purpose among different ethnic tribes in the country.
President Lungu is in the Northern Province to attend the coronation of Henry Kanyanta Sosala as Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II of the Bemba people in Mungwi District.
The President was met on arrival at Kasama Airport by Chief and Traditional affairs Minister Joseph Katema, Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe, Labour Deputy Minister Alfridah Kansembe, PF Secretary General Davies Chama and other governmental officials including PF members.
President Lungu is accompanied by Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma, Commerce Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Miles Sampa and State House officials.
Earlier this year, President Lungu officially recognized Henry Sosala as new Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people following the death of the predecessor.
Vice President Inonge Wina Showing PF candidate Anthony Kasandwe to the people of Katanshya Ward in Bangweulu Constituency in Samfya during the campaign rally
Vice President Inonge Wina has challenged the opposition political parties in the country alleging that there is corruption under the leadership of President Lungu and his government to bring forward evidence for possible prosecution.
The Vice President challenged the opposition political party leaders at a public rally held at Kasomabangweulu Primary School in Bangweulu Constituency in Samfya District.
Ms. Wina said there has been a lot of negative media reports on corruption in government which had no basis due to lack of evidence.
She said if anyone has evidence, they should report the matter to the police and the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) for possible prosecution.
Ms Wina said such negative reports only scare away investors who should partner with government to develop the country.
She called for a stop to the practice because it is detrimental to the developmental agenda of Zambia.
The Vice President warned that the singers of alleged high levels of corruption in government should first check themselves because it might be themselves who were corrupt and thought everybody was like them.
Ms. Wina said there is no corruption in the way the PF is running government and President Lungu is a clean person who will not tolerate corruption in his government.
She appealed to opposition political leaders to tell the people the truth in their campaign messages because misinformation is a recipe for underdevelopment for a country like Zambia.
The Vice President reminded the people that government will take development to every part of the country because resources for development were public funds and should be used to develop the country.
And speaking earlier, Patriotic Front Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri said President Lungu was not tribal because there is only one Cabinet Minister from Eastern Province in his Cabinet, John Phiri.
She said other ministers are from other provinces among which four are from Luapula namely; Emerine Kabanshi at Community Development, Davies Mwila at Home Affairs, Harry Kalaba at Foreign Affairs and Yamfwa Mukanga at Works and Supply.
Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo
I AM ready to go to prison because prisons are meant for human beings, Chongwe member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo has said.
Speaking when she addressed journalists after her case in which she is charged with abuse of authority of office failed to take off Ms Masebo said she served the Government diligently and for the good of the people when she was Minister of Tourism and Arts.
“I want to say that prisons are for human beings, so I am ready for anything; my conscince is very clear. I have served this country diligently for the good of the Government, for the good of the people of Zambia.
“I have never been corrupt, I have never stolen from anybody and as a child of God, I leave everything in the hands of God,” Ms Masebo, who was flanked by Sinda member of Parliament Levy Ngoma, said.
Ms Masebo, who was besieged by scores of UPND sympathisers, said she expected her prosecution because she was tipped in February that officers from the Anti-Corruption Commission were investigating her. She said her prosecution was politically-motivated after she campaigned for UPND president Hakainde Hichilema in the January 2015 presidential election.
“I am the same today as I was yesterday. I am not intimidated, I will remain strong, but I want to say one thing. This is a country where people who stand for the truth… people who are straight-forward are brought to court. Criminals who are plundering the resources are walking freely in the streets of Zambia.
“I am not surprised; I expected it, in fact, as early as February. I was told that the Anti-Corruption commission was after me after campaigning for HH. All I can say is that everything has time. Every dog has its day for sure. So, this is their day, but our day will come,” she said.
Ms Masebo appealed to people to vote the Patriotic Front out of Government in next year’s general elections. She said the people should stand up and fight injustice in the country through the ballot, adding that they have another chance next year.
“Come next year, you know what to do; I hope that come 2016, Zambia will be a better country for the people of Zambia. Our institutions will not be raped by those that have the power.
Our men and women, our professionals, can work with pride not where they are told what to do and how to do it.”
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people has congratulated Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba on his appointment as UPND Vice President.
The Mwine-Lubemba made the remarks at his palace when UPND President Hakainde Hichilema who was flanked by Mr. Mwamba and other party officials paid a courtesy call on him.
His Royal Highness stated that the appointment of GBM is an honour to the Bembaland.
And Mwine Lubemba has insisted that GBM sacrificed a lot towards his chieftainship during the stand-off between the Bemba Royal Establishment and the PF government.
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba popularly known as GBM expressed happiness that finally Henry Kanyanta Sosala will be installed as Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.
Mr. Mwamba charged that he stood for the recognition of Henry Kanyanta Sosala hence his resignation from government as Defence Minister in order to safeguard the Bemba tradition.
And UPND President Hakainde Hichilema said that it is unfortunate that the PF government unnecessarily delayed the installation of Henry Kanyanta Sosala.
“We are all happy that what we fought for in calling the PF government to recognise His Royal Highness Henry Kanyanta Sosala as the Chitimukulu has finally been achieved despite the humiliation he was subjected to. My friend GBM had to leave the comforts of his office as Defence Minister and joined the fight. We are finally on the path to once more realise the spirit of one Zambia one People,” Mr Hichilema said.
French Ligue 1 side Lille have confirmed signing Chipolopolo defender Stoppila Sunzu on a one-year loan deal from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.
The 26-year-old will join up with manager Herve Renard for the third time having played under the Frenchman for Zambia and French side Sochaux.
“LOSC continues to refine the contours of his 2015-2016 staff by recording the arrival of Stoppila Sunzu (26 years). The Zambian international defender has committed to a season on loanfor the Great Danes,” Lille posted on the club website on Thursday.
Sunzu said he is excited to join the French side.
“This is very good news for me to join a club like Lille,” Sunzu said.
“I’ve known Herve Renard for a long time, his presence was an important element in my decision to commit myself to Lille. He is like a father to me.”
Meanwhile, Renard also hailed the signing of Sunzu.
“Stoppila Sunzu is a very athletic defender, he also has the ability to go fast. This is a player who has many qualities, but can sometimes still lack a bit of maturity. He needs to be steered and that will
happen playing with Renato Civelli or Marko Basa,” Renard said.
CHIPANGALI Member of Parliament, Vincent Mwale has said that his seat cannot be declared vacant despite having campaigned for Patriotic Front(PF)in the Malambo parliamentary by-election.
The Sports Minister told Breeze News monitored in Chipata on Wednesday that unlike former Kasama Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba who joined UPND he remains an MMD member.
Mr Mwale explained that the constitution was clear that in such situations, a parliamentary seat could only be declared vacant by the speaker if an MP crosses the floor.
He said that by campaigning for the PF in the Malambo parliamentary by-election, he was merely supporting PF adding that the decision was sanctioned by MMD president Nevers Mumba.
Mr Mwale also pointed that people need to understand that Mr Mwamba had violated three constitutions over his decision to accept to become UPND Vice president for Administration.
These are the country’s constitution, the PF constitution and the UPND Party constitution.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini on Tuesday declared the Kasama Central seat Vacant stating that by virtue of accepting the position of Vice President, Mr Mwamba had become an office bearer of the UPND and consequently had become a member of the party.
PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri addressing the public of Mano Ward in Bangweulu Constituency in Samfya District at Kasoma Banweulu Primary School during campaign the rally
VICE President Inonge Wina has courted voters in next week’s Bangweulu Constituency by-election in Samfya District on a platform of accelerated development projects that will be implemented without bias.
Ms Wina who held two well attended rallies yesterday to drum up support for Patriotic Front candidate Anthony Kasandwe said it was Government policy to develop the entire country and there would be no discrimination in the way State resources are utilised.
“Resources for development belong to all Zambian who are entitled to receiving support. So as a party we will monitor all Members of Parliament (MP) to ensure the deliver on promises,” she said.
She said changes and projects meant to better the lives of Zambians were being implemented even in areas that did not vote for President Edgar Lungu in overwhelming numbers.
“Government has heard the cries of the people and that is why we are asking you to vote for our candidate Anthony Kasandwe so that he can actively follow up development projects.
“I am always surprised that opposition MPs are hesitant to approach us to pursue issues of national development in their areas. So please give us an MP who will not hesitate to come to my office,” she said.
The vice president was also delighted that the campaigns in Bagweulu were peaceful which showed that the PF was a peaceful party and called on the people not to allow outsiders to cause confusion.
And Mr Kasandwe said he grateful to be floated as the PF’s candidate from among nine other contenders.
He said his political career had fledged in the area of Kantasha ward and he was now looking forward to possibility of doing more at a larger scale if elected as area MP.
Those that were unsuccessful in their bids to be selected as the PF candidate have also joined Mr kasandwe on the campaign trail.
Fronting Mr Kasandwe’s campaign are PF secretary general Davis Chama, his deputy Mumbi Phiri, former Alliance for Better Zambia president Frank Bwalya and Minister of Community Development Emerine Kabanshi.
PF Candidate Anthony Kasandwe Kneeling down at Katanshya Primary School asking for votes from the People of Bangweulu constituency on the 6th August Parliamentary by-election in Katanshya WardVice President Inonge Wina Showing PF candidate Anthony Kasandwe to the people of Katanshya Ward in Bangweulu Constituency in Samfya during the campaign rallyVice President Inonge Wina (Left) and Minister of Home Affaires Honorable Davies Mwila (Right) walking to the podium for a campaign rally at Chishikishi Primary School in Lumamya ward in Bangweulu Constituency Samfya district
