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Accident Scene
RUSANGU University of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Monze, has introduced a special course called ‘Driving Skills’ to equip its students with knowledge on the road safety.
The course would impart driving skills to students at the time of
graduation to enable them become more competent drivers to help reduce road traffic accidents.
Zambia has in the recent past recorded horrific road traffic accidents with some being attributed to lack of proper training on traffic and road safety among the drivers.
University public relations officer, Fitzgerald Muchindu said the course which was introduced in November 2013, hinged on Highway Code with the five-check point of motor vehicle safety.
“Rusangu University is therefore equipping its students with knowledge of road safety so that as they leave university study they are well versed with the importance of safe practices on the roads,” he said yesterday in response to a press query.
He said the course was aimed at imparting driving skills and basic knowledge of motor vehicle maintenance and was available to licensed drivers and those wanting to upgrade in motoring.
So far, about 70 students took the course in the second semester from February to June this year, while 30 out of the 70, who took practical driving lessons.
About 10 from the 30 students who were examined by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), passed the course.
Through this course, students would have better understanding of vehicle’s communication systems, driving skills, basic motor vehicle knowledge, care and maintenance were also covered.
Mr Muchindu said the university management took this deliberate action to offer the course to its students to increase skills on motoring at the time of their school graduation.
He said the possession of a drivers’ license would put the Rusangu University students at an advantage from other students in learning institutions.
Livingstone
THE Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has made a lot of progress on the construction of a state-of-the-art Convention Centre in Livingstone at a cost of about US$ 300 million.
ZICA president Wesley Beene said the project, whose ground breaking ceremony and laying of the foundation stone took place in Zambia’s Tourist Capital last year, was on course.
He was speaking in Livingstone on Friday night at Avani Victoria Falls Hotel during the 2015 gala dinner organised by ZICA, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
This was at the end of a three-day 2015 joint annual business conference which was held under the theme Zambia’s development Agenda: the future role of the accountancy.
“A lot of ground work has been done on the construction of our Shungu Namutitima conference centre in Livingstone.
“It is in this regard that ZICA might request members of the Institute to make financial contributions next year to go towards the construction of the Centre. The construction would be factored into the subscription fees,” Mr Beene said.
ZICA acquired 48 hectares of land on the boundary of Musi-oa-tunya National Park to set up a Convention Centre which would have capacity to accommodate more than 2, 000 delegates.
The Institute also has plans to construct a five start hotel, a mini conference, an observation wheel and a park within the same land acquired.
In 2013 during the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in Livingstone, the gathering was held in a marquee due to the absence of large conference facilities or a convention centre in the tourist capital.
And Mr Beene has challenged accountants in Zambia to consider taking up leadership in the public office.
“Many are times that we, accountants, complain that things are not going well when we are just in the wings watching.
“We will not change anything by complaining, but by being the catalysts to the change that we want to see. Let’s get our country working efficiently by participating in all processes, including governance,” Mr Beene said.
A CHINESE delegation, comprising energy experts, will next month visit Zambia to share their expertise in diversifying the energy sector.
China says, besides hydro-power, Zambia has great potential in other energy sources like renewable ones on solar and wind power to boost national electricity supply.
Chinese embassy political and media officer Wang Meng said that China was committed in fostering more socio-economic development in Zambia’s energy sector.
Mr Wang said the delegation would meet with their Zambians counterparts to exchange knowledge and expertise on energy sector development.
“To further explore the potential and diversify the energy development in Zambia, many Chinese companies are now conducting relevant feasibility studies and exploring the business opportunities in Zambia,” he said yesterday in response to a press query on energy development cooperation between the two countries.
He said the embassy would continue to encourage more reputable and competent Chinese enterprises to explore and invest in the various energy sectors in Zambia.
He said, in the energy development on renewable and clean energy, his government recently donated 480 solar power home systems.
The facilities were installed in public institutions confronting with power shortages like schools, health centres and Government departments in Luapula Province.
“Besides, under the cooperation with the UNDP, the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21 (ACCA21) under the Ministry of Technology of China is working with their Zambian colleagues for South-South Cooperation to facilitate transfer of technology and experience on energy and power development from China to Zambia,” he said.
China’s cooperation with Zambia was thriving citing the Lusiwasi and Lunzua hydro-power stations project, and the Kariba North to Kafue Gorge west transmission line project with preferential loans from China.
He said Chinese companies were undertaking many other energy projects in Zambia, such as the Maamba Thermal Power Station and the Itezhi-tezhi hydro power station.
Coach Aggrey Chiyangi has regretted Nkana’s 5-3 loss at Zesco United describing it as painful.
Nkana led twice before succumbing to a defeat in this Week 20 match of the FAZ Super Division.
In a post-match interview at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Chiyangi attributed the loss to poor defending.
“It is very painful. When you score two goals it is better that you defend well. We didn’t defend well as a team,” he said.
“Losing to Zesco won’t affect the players in the next game.”
Zesco United coach George Lwandamina refused to concede that beating Nkana after a goalless first round match in Wusakile last April was a relief.
Back in April, Lwandamina had told reporters that Zesco were lucky to escape from Wusakile with a draw.
“What do you mean by redemption?We have been beating Nkana so you can’t use such words ( redemption). Maybe you can look for other words to suit the environment,” Lwandamina told journalists.
“We were training to beat Nkana that is why even the boys (players) didn’t panic they knew goals would come,” he said.
Zesco top the table with 46 points, four ahead of second placed Power Dynamos after 20 matches.
President Edgar Lungu has arrived in Gaborone, Botswana to attend the 35th Ordinary SADC Heads of State and Government Summit which convenes tomorrow 17th August, 2015.
ZANIS reports from Botswana that the Presidential Challenger Jet carrying the Zambian Head of State touched down at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport at 15:48hours local time.
Newly appointed Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene and the Presidents Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda are accompanying the President.
Botswana’s Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Thapelo Alopeng, Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to Botswana Wesley Chikwamu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba received the Zambian Head of State.
Others included the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Siazongo Sikalenge and other senior government officials.
And as part of his engagement while in Botswana, President Lungu is later this evening expected to meet the Zambians resident in Botswana.
Tomorrow, 18 August, 2015, President Lungu will be among the SADC Heads of State who will be attending this year’s Summit.
Zambia’s participation in this year’s 35th Ordinary SADC Heads of State and Government Summit reaffirms the country’s commitments to the ideals and objectives that of SADC whose establishment was pioneered by among other countries, Zambia included.
During the Official Opening of the 35th Ordinary SADC Heads of State and Government, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, who is the SADC chairperson is expected to handle over the SADC Chairperson’s Badge to the Incoming Chairperson, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana.
This year’s SADC Heads of State and Government Summit is being held under the theme: “Accelerating Industrialisation of SADC Economies through Transformation of Natural Endowment and Improved Human Capital.”
The Summit is expected to review progress made since the last SADC Heads of State and Government held in Zimbabwe, 2014.
The deliberations, among others, will also focus on the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, and the Finalisation of the Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2015-2020.
Other issues to be deliberated on will include the region’s political, socio-economic development issues, regional integration, budgeting, human resources and administration and the implementation of decisions passed by previous Summit.
Member States that arrived today are Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Lesotho while Zimbabwe arrived yesterday.
The SADC Heads of State and Government Summit convenes every year, usually in August but can convene at any time depending on the urgency of issues that may arise.
The Heads of State and Government Summit which is SADC’s highest decision making body, adopts decisions, elects the rotating SADC chairperson ever year and appoints the executive secretary.
The 35th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit is expected to close business on Tuesday, 18th August, 2015.
Power Dynamos players celebrating a goalPower Dynamos on Sunday redeemed some Kitwe pride on Sunday after a 2-0 home win over relegation-threatened Nakambala Leopards at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
The result came 24 housr after their arch-rivals Nkana were humiliated 5-3 away in Ndola by defending champions and current league leaders Zesco United.
Meanwhile, Power’s win kept them closely behind Zesco in second place.
Power dominated Nakambala but failed to punish the visitors by a wider margin.
Striker Martin Phiri, who missed several chances in both halves of the match, redeemed himself in the 39th minute to put Power 1-0 ahead in the break.
Phiri pounced on a rebound after Nakambala goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga parried a Julius Situmbeko free kick into the teh strikers path.
Power captain Emmanuel Chimpinde sealed the win in the 68th minute when he headed in a Situmbeko cross.
Power move to 42 points, four behind Zesco United after 20 games played with another ten left to go before the 2015 FAZ Super League title is decided.
Nakambala stay second from bottom in 15th place on 14 points inside the last four demotion zone.
Zesco United midfielder Misheck Chaila (c) battles for the ball with a Nkana striker Fred Tshimenga.Zesco United midfielder Misheck Chaila (c) battles for the ball with a Nkana striker Fred Tshimenga.Nkana striker Walter Bwalya(l) battles for the ball with Zesco’s Justin Zulu foreground) and Winston Kalengo (r)Nkana striker Jimmy Ndhlovu (l) battles for the ball with Zesco United defender Ayo Oluwafemi (r).Zesco United goalkeeper Jacob Banda (middle) battles to clear the ball with his team mates Justin Zulu (l) and Misheck Chaila (r)Zesco United midfielder Mwape Mwelwa (22) prepares to shoot on target against Nkana at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Zesco won the match 5-3.Zesco United striker Winston Kalengo (l) battles for the ball with Nkana defender Donashano MalamaNkana striker Walter Bwalya shields Zesco United midfielder Justin Zulu and Misheck Chaila in a FAZ Super Division match. Zesco won the game 5-3.
Wynter Kabimba
The opposition Rainbow Party has accused the Patriotic Front (PF) government of being desperate to show it is making progress in its infrastructure development agenda.
Rainbow Party president Leader Wynter Kabimba suspects that such desperation follows the PF government alleged misuse of public funds that were meant for the infrastructure projects late President Michael Sata initiated.
Speaking this morning at a media briefing held in Lusaka Mr. Kabimba says he believes that this is why the PF government is busy looking for fresh money to cover up for its misuse and squander of the public resources that were previously mobilized.
Mr. Kabimba states that he has no doubt that the PF government views the issuance of Eurobonds a window for potential cash cow to fund its 2016 general election campaign.
He says what the PF government is however doing is pushing Zambia back into a dangerous habit of borrowing beyond the economy’s means.
The Rainbow Party leader says this is because the contraction of debt through issuance of the Eurobonds has raised country’s foreign debt to US$6.05billion.
He notes that this is evidence enough to show that the PF government’s aim is to bankrupt the Zambian economy.
Mr. Kabimba has advised that the only way therefore to stop this from happening is to vote out the ruling PF before it inflicts more damage and destroys the livelihood of future generations.
File: A ZESCO LTD worker working on high voltage power cables
ZESCO Limited says it is investigating the cause of prolonged power outages in seven provinces last Friday.
ZESCO Spokesperson Henry Kapata says the development affected Central, Copperbelt, Muchinga, Northern, Luapula, Northwestern and Eastern Provinces, respectively.
Mr. Kapata has told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the disturbance under investigation occurred between 15 and 19 hours on Friday, respectively in the named provinces.
Power was only restored to the Copperbelt at 16:59, North-Western Province at 18:34hours whilst Muchinga, Luapula, Central and Northern provinces power was restored at 18:40hours.
And Mr. Kapata said the power utility company is concerned with reports from some of its clients that their electrical appliances are being burnt as a result of the current load shedding.
Mr. Kapata said the development is saddening, irrespective of the utility company’s several sensitisation messages in the media urging consumers to protect equipment from damage.
He has advised all citizens to make regular inspection and maintenance of their premises and ensure power is switched off from all appliances after an outage.
FAZ HEAD Office : Football House
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed a four man committee to spearhead the process of the new football league structure for the country.
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya has appointed Executive Committee members Happie Munkondya, Jeff Chipilingu and Lee Kawanu while FAZ Club Licencing Manager Erick Mwanza as the Secretary.
Bwalya has told ZANIS Sports in an interview , today, that FAZ is currently in consultation with all its stake holders especially bona-fide counsellors on a new league structure for the country.
The quartet has since been to most of the provinces and is only remaining with Lusaka and Western provinces.
The committee is currently in North-western province where it is conducting consultative meetings.
And committee member Happie Munkondya says the proposed new league structure has continued to receive massive support from various stakeholders.
Incoming SADC Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Kenneth Matambo says the just ended SADC Council of Ministers’ meeting , which convened on 14th and ended on 15th August, 2015, discussed positive issues of importance with a focus to regional integration and development.
ZANIS reports from Botswana that Mr. Matambo, who is also Botswana’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, disclosed this during a press briefing yesterday held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) , here.
He said the Council of Ministers also made key decisions on how to further accelerate the regional integration agenda and to address emerging issues for the benefit of all SADC citizens.
Among the issues that the Council supports the 35th SADC Ordinary Heads of State and Government summit theme dubbed: “Accelerating Industrialisation of SADC Economies through Transformation of Natural Endowment and Improved Human Capital,” as proposed by Botswana.
The Strategy is expected to enable the region to add value to its natural resources and bring about socio-economic transformation thereby lifting millions from abject poverty, according to the incoming SADC Chairperson of the Council of Ministers .
Mr. Matambo also cited that the Council has noted a stable political and economic environment in the region and has therefore commended member states of Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Mauritius, Lesotho and Zambia for holding peaceful elections.
On the development of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, among others, which were adopted by Summit in April, 2015, the Council has directed the SADC Secretariat to expeditiously finalise the development of an Action Plan on the Strategy.
And on sustainable financing mechanisms, Mr. Matambo explained that the Council stressed the need for reduced financial dependency and the need to explore sustainable ways of financing SADC programmes.
To this effect, the Council has directed that the Committee of Ministers of Finance are to coordinate work on alternative sources of funds in order to efficiently finalise and operationalise the Regional Development Fund, observed the Incoming SADC Chairperson of the Council of Ministers.
“The Council directed the Secretariat to conduct research into various options of alternative sources of income, while benchmarking with other relevant organisations such as the African Union and other regional economic communities, “ said Mr. Matambo.
On the Tripartite Free Trade Area involving Southern African Development (SADC), East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Council has directed that the SADC Secretariat in its capacity as current Chair and Co-ordinator of the Tripartite Task Force to facilitate the finalisation of negotiations on outstanding areas under Phase 1 of the TFTA negotiations in order to make the agreement effective.
“The Council urged the member states that have not signed and ratified the TFTA Agreement to do so and to expeditiously finalise their offers in order to fully operationalise the Agreement,” said Mr. Matambo.
Meanwhile, the SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax has launched the SADC AT 35 Success Stories for 2015 booklet.
Dr. Tax explained that the booklet highlights achievements SADC has recorded in the last 35 years citing among others, the pioneers who were behind the formation of the institution in April, 1980 in Lusaka, Zambia when it was formerly called the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference (SADCC).
“ The leaders of the region sought to demonstrate their vision of unity through the tangible benefits of working together, “she explained.
And in congratulating the regional body for its successful story, the Germany Ambassador to Botswana Rolf Ulrich said Germany has been supporting SADC in its endeavours for the past 20 years because it believes in the regional body’s vision economic integration.
“We believe in regional cooperation in Europe and elsewhere. Germany’s foreign policy has become multilateral in nature. We try to encourage regional integration, including Africa,” said the Germany Ambassador.
President Edgar Lungu is expected to attend the 35th Ordinary SADC Heads of State and Government summit which convenes on 17th and will end on 18th, August, 2015.
Zimbabwean Minister Of Foreign affairs Dr Simbarashe Mumbengegwi hands over to Mr Kenneth Mutambo Botswana Minister of finance and Planning SADC Councilof Ministers at Gaborone internatioanl Confrence Centre in Botswana on Friday 14th August 2015. Picture By EDDIE MWANALEZA /STATEHOUSE.Zimbabwean Minister Of Foreign affairs Dr Simbarashe Mumbengegwi address SADC Councilof Ministers at Gaborone internatioanl Confrence Centre in Botswana on Friday 14th August 2015. Picture By EDDIE MWANALEZA /STATEHOUSE.Zimbabwean Minister Of Foreign affairs Dr Simbarashe Mumbengegwi address SADC Councilof Ministers at Gaborone internatioanl Confrence Centre in Botswana on Friday 14th August 2015. Picture By EDDIE MWANALEZA /STATEHOUSE.
Mr Kenneth Mutambo Botswana Minister of finance and Planning SADC Councilof Ministers at Gaborone internatioanl Confrence Centre in Botswana on Friday 14th August 2015. Picture By EDDIE MWANALEZA /STATEHOUSE.Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe with Permanent secretary Siazongo Sikalenge at SADC 35th Council Of Ministers meeting in Botswana on Friday Picture By EDDIE MWANALEZA.Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe with Permanent secretary Siazongo Sikalenge at SADC 35th Council Of Ministers meeting in Botswana on Friday Picture By EDDIE MWANALEZA.
Acting Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has named a 23-man provisional squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya scheduled for September 6 in Nairobi.
The squad comprises of local players mostly from the FAZ Super Division with the exception of leftback Solomon Sakala who plays for Division One South club Kabwe Warriors.
According to a statement FAZ released on Saturday afternoon, invited players are expected to report for residential camp at GoldenPeacock Hotel in Lusaka on August 16.
Meanwhile, Zambia must beat Kenya to revive their chances of qualifying
for the 2017 AFCON in Gabon.
Goalkeepers: Danny Munyao (Red Arrows), Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)
Two International experts in aircraft maintenance have shown willingness to partner with Zambia in training the country’s aviation students participating at the 2017 World skills International (WSI) Championship in Dubai.
The two are Canada’s Aerospace Industry Advisor Richard Johnstone and Finland’s Savo Vocational College Quality Manager and Instructor Aircraft Maintenance Training Seppo Huittinen.
Mr. Johnstone and Mr. Huittinen expressed willingness to work with the Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZASTI), through Worldskills Zambia in offering expert training to the tutors and students, once all the logistics were in place.
The two expressed willingness during a meeting with Zambian engineer Mr. Francis Mwape in Sao Paulo, Brazil yesterday.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia to Brazil Patson Chilemba.
Engineer Mwape is a technical delegate and holds one of the two official positions in WSI for a member country.
He also initiated the idea of Zambia joining the organization, upon which Worldskills Zambia , was birthed.
And Mr. Johnstone, who is also leading Canada’s World skills team, said there was still enough time to train some Zambian students to participate in the next world championship in aircraft maintenance.
He said this is in an effort to increase the categories for the country’s participation in the competitions.
Zambia, which is a new member to WSI, is only participating in the three categories of Bricklaying, concrete technology and carpentry out of the 50 disciplines being competed for.
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
Patriotic Front deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri says the party will not hesitate to discipline aspiring candidates who have started campaigns in constituencies for 2016 without the blessing of the secretariat.
Speaking to journalists in Zambezi yesterday, Mrs Phiri said it was surprising that some members of the party are campaigning for 2016 when the party has not endorsed their candidature.
She said it was indiscipline of the highest order to begin campaigns with total disregard for the party secretariat.
Mrs Phiri said the party secretariat is disturbed that a named party member went to campaign in Keembe without the blessing of the party.
She said the party will take stern action against any member of the party who will be found wanting.
The PF deputy secretary general also asked Ministers to respect members of the Central Committee in order to maintain order in the party.
She said there will be no sacred cows in meting out punishment to those who disregard the party structures.
Mrs Phiri disclosed that only the party president, vice president, party national chairperson, party secretary general, and deputy secretary general had the right to go into any constituency without clearance from the secretariat.
And the deputy PF secretary general says the UPND should desist from talking about violence targeted at the party because Republican President Lungu stood for peace.
Mrs Phiri said UPND should stop complaining that PF was a violent party when President Edgar Lungu is on record of having condemned violence.
She said the president even condemned attacks on UPND president Hakainde Hichilema in Kitwe.
She said police have further gone ahead to arrest the perpetrators of the violence who are appearing in court.
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
(Hebrews 11:1, NLT)
Give Your Faith a Target
So many people today are depressed and discouraged simply because they only focus on their present circumstances. They’re constantly dwelling on their problems, what they don’t have, and what’s wrong with them. They don’t realize it, but they’re allowing the enemy to steal their hope. This negative frame of mind is what keeps people from moving forward in life.
Understand today that faith is confidence and assurance about the things we hope for according to the promises of God. Like an arrow, your faith points to the target of hope. If you don’t have hope, that arrow of faith will just drop to the ground. It won’t accomplish anything. But when you keep your hopes up, when you keep expecting and believing, it’s as if that target gets larger and larger—easier to hit!
Choose today to live with an attitude of expectancy. Get your hopes up! Start by taking captive any negative thoughts you may have one at a time. As you focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, you’ll feel that hope inside you growing. You’ll give your faith a target, and you’ll move confidently into the blessings and peace the Lord has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I surrender every thought to You. I choose to release my cares and concerns so I can focus on Your goodness in my life. Thank You for the gift of faith to see the impossible become possible as I continue to place my hope and confidence in You in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
