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Emmanuel Mayuka’s barren three year English Premiership stay is set to move with a reported move to Russia.
Mirror.co.uk reports that the 2012 Africa cup winning striker is set to move to Spartak Moscow.
“Southampton striker Emmanuel Mayuka is set to join Russian club Spartak Moscow after being stripped of his squad number,” The Mirror reports.
“Mayuka, 24, has played just 16 Premier League games, without scoring a single goal, since moving to St Mary’s from Swiss club Young Boys in a £3million deal in the summer of 2012.
“The Zambia international was left at home for Saints’ pre-season tour of Holland last week after being told he is not part of manager Ronald Koeman’s plans for the new season.
“Mayuka scored his only competitive goal for Southampton in a 5-1 Capital One Cup win at Barnsley in 2013.”
Mayuka will join his teammate and friend Chisamba Lungu in Russia who plays for FC Ural.
Republican President Edgar Lungu alights from the presidential jet at Samora Machel Airbase in Mbala when he made a stop over from Uganda on his way to Mwansabombwe
President Edgar Lungu has returned from Luapula Province where he had launched the Zambia Army Marine Unit in Nchelenge District .
President Lungu’s Presidential Zambia Air force(ZAF) Jet touched down at City Airport at exactly 19: 09 hours.
Vice President Inonge Wina , defence and security chiefs and other senior government officials received the President.
Mr Lungu, who was clad in Zambia Army regalia and in a jovial mood, proceeded to his Presidential vehicle soon after exchanging greetings with defence Chiefs and other senior government officials.
The head of state however did not want to talk to journalists who were geared to ask him probing questions affecting the nation.
The President while in in Nchelenge district, addressed residents of Isokwe Island on Lake Mweru as this is part of securing the water bodies in the Province.
Mr. Lungu was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers , Deputy Ministers, Senior Government officials and staff from the Country’s defence and security wings.
Also in company of the Head of State was Bwana Mukubwa area Member of Parliament Emmanuel Chennda.
AFRICAPACITI Group Chairperson, Dr. Millicent Mombeshora (right) presents a sample of the building material to be used in the housing project to Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Muyeba Chikonde
Outgoing Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde has called on Zambians living in South Africa to create a “Diaspora Fund” which can be used to help address welfare challenges of foreign nationals.
Mr. Chikonde urged the Zambian community in South Africa to take advantage of the on-going consultative process on the diaspora policy initiated by government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when the exercise is extended to that country in the course of next month.
The Zambian Envoy observed that the mission is faced with repatriation of the deceased destitution including other needs of Zambia when there are in south Africa.
The High Commissioner said this last night at a farewell party organised for him by Zambian community living in South Africa. The event was also in honour of Zambia’s Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa, Joe Kaunda and Second Secretary in Charge of Finance, Mr. Mulenga Kachela.
“I call upon you that the spirit you have exhibited must be institutionalised so that we can create a diaspora fund from which we could tap in times of need.” He said.
This is contained in a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Press Secretary at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa, Nicky Shabolyo
Mr. Chikonde, who is relocating to the United Kingdom, said he focused on ensuring that the Mission was well positioned by initiating administrative transformation during his tenure of office the Zambia Embassy Mission is the first port of call and the last line of defence for its distressed citizens abroad, investors and trading companies.
He noted that he was glad that the Yellow Fever certificate requirement for travellers between Zambia and South Africa was resolved.
He bragged that the Mission initiated the Durban – Lusaka air route with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Investment office that would assist Zambians engage in vehicle and spares trading.
He also cited the successful establishment of the South Africa-Zambia Business Chamber of Commerce under which a number of business and investment seminars in infrastructure, mining, energy and tourism were conducted.
The Zambian Envoy thanked President Edgar Lungu for showing trust and bestowing confidence in him in marketing Zambia abroad.
And both Mr. Kaunda and Mr. Kachela thanked the Zambian community for the support in achieving the milestones over the years they served at the mission.
Chairman of the Organising Committee Johnstone Chikwanda said the farewell party was historical in that it was the first time that the Zambian community was hosting such an event for their out-going diplomats.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Association in South Africa (ZASA) has hailed Mr. Chikonde’s administration which it closely working with.
ZASA President Ferdinand Simaanya said that the collaboration with the Mission has seen the formation of branches across South Africa.
Mr. Simaanya disclosed that the Association has created branches in Johannesburg, Benoni, Kempton Park, Midrand, Pretoria, Westonaria, Randburg, Berea, Hill brow, Pietermarisburg and Durban thereby reaching out to all Zambians staying in that country.
The ZASA President said his Association in collaboration with the High Commission assisted in repatriating Zambian deceased persons, Zambian prisoners as well as donated household goods to Zambians in distress and settlement of medical bills for terminally ill Zambians.
Outspoken Zambian Voice Executive Director Chilufya Tayali has disclosed that Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe has defaulted on repayment of the K1.5 million loan she got from the from CEEC using a company called Aluworks Industries which she co-owns with her husband Dr. Mupanga Mwanakatwe who is Managing Director for Zamtel.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Lusaka hotel, today, Mr Tayali said that according to the rationale under which CEEC was formed, his organisation didn’t expect people like the Mrs. Mwanakatwe to be part of the beneficiaries because people like her are affluent with all advantages to access money from institutions where our poor cannot go.
Mr Tayali threatened to spill the beans on some prominent figures who dragging their feet in paying back the loans obtained from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
Below is his full Press Briefing
The Zambian Voice End of Month Press Statement: 26th July, 2015
HIGH COST OF LIVING
Ladies and Gentlemen we would like to express our concern over the ever raising cost of living in our Country at the moment. As you know the majority of our people are poor and they are the most affected by increase in the cost of living.
Though there is no recent survey which has been done to measure our poverty levels but it is common sense that poverty level must be on the increase judging from various economical trends.
While prices of goods and services are going up the income for our people is not increasing mostly because our Country is not benefiting from the global open trade. Inspite of having an advantage on our natural resources such as water, land, favorable climate, minerals, etc, Zambia is not producing much to offload on the local and international market which would give us liquidity as a nation and individuals.
TRADE DEFICIT AND THE KWACHA
Our trade deficit has shapely decreased to more than 200% in the first half of 2015 which is a clear sign that Zambia is not exporting much but importing heavily. This has affected the performance of our Kwacha on the foreign exchange. The Kwacha has depreciated over 30% within the last 2 years making cost of doing business expensive. Any cost on business is passed on to the consumers.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND BORROWING
Our government sings a chorus of infrastructure development which is perceived as the savior to our economic malaise. The Government is so passionate about this that they are borrowing insensately with an assurance that the debt is sustainable looking at growth rate and GDP.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we must caution our government that they are over ambitious and unreflective on these projects.
To start with, these projects are not benefiting Zambians through construction because almost 90% of the construction is being done by foreigners who are externalizing most of the income back to their home Countries. Our people are just employed as laborers and are being paid peanuts.
Ladies and Gentlemen the estimated returns on this infrastructure is exaggerated. For example we have so many high quality roads which were built during the First Republic but very little development have come out along the stretch of the roads or indeed their destination towns. Therefore we doubt some of these roads and buildings being built in haste will bring the expected returns to pay back for the loans.
INCOME COLLECTION AND RISKS
The other issue of serious concern is the unforeseeable circumstances on our projected economic growth. Our Minister of Finance makes pronouncements of expected income of our Country to justify the borrowing and repayment. Unfortunately he does not seem to appreciate the risk of the unforeseeable circumstances.
Currently we have been hit by long hours of load-shedding which has affected production in all sectors. Consequently our projected income will not be realized.
Unknown to the Minister of Finance policies on the Taxes had to be adjusted causing further cut on the expected income.
Such circumstance may come in and cripple our economy to upset the confidence of our government and fail to pay the debts.
Apart from policy inconsistency there is serious inefficiency in collecting Taxes. Collection of Taxes is infective and selective. There are so many companies in this Country which are not paying Taxes and they are not being followed by ZRA because they are either directly or indirectly, owned by politicians or their associates.
Tax collection has become a political venture to vanquish those perceived to be anti-government. Most of us witnessed how The Post Newspaper was harassed over Taxes but today as we speak companies, like Zambezi Portland owes ZRA about K300 million which they are not paying because they are friends to the ruling party through Former President Rupiah Banda.
This environment poses a serious rick on the loans we are contracting and we might find ourselves in more trouble than we are. Greece did not anticipate default on their loans but somehow it happened and the citizens are suffering for it.
SOCIAL PROTECTION
We appreciate government and other stakeholders for initiatives such as social cash transfer which is cushioning on the eminent suffering of the most poor. Our full support is with the Minister of community development for rolling out the project in about 72 districts with due diligence.
CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT
We also happy with different citizen empowerment projects initiated by Government. However we have a serious concern with some of these initiatives because access to funding is marred in corruption and political patronage, especially youth empowerment fund.
Among the funding initiatives, we are very disappointed with Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) which is an act of parliament with a rationale to promote the empowerment of citizens that have been marginalized or disadvantaged and whose access to economic resources and development capacity has been constrained due to various factors such as race, sex, educational background, status and disability.
It has come to our attention that CEEC disbursed a lot of money to citizens who are in influential positions such as senior government officials and diplomats in foreign missions.
Among such people is Mrs Margret Mwanakatwe who is the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry (MCTI). Mrs. Mwanakatwe, benefitted from CEEC using a company called Aluworks Industries which she co-owns with her husband Mr. Mupanga Mwanakatwe who is Managing Director for Zamtel.
According to the rationale under which CEEC was formed we don’t expect people like the Mrs. Mwanakatwe being part of the beneficiaries because these people are affluent with all advantages to access money from institutions where our poor cannot go.
To make the matters worse, Mrs. Mwanakatwe has defaulted on repayment of the K1.5 million loan she got.
We also have other people on the list whom we are yet to contact before discuss them in public. For Mrs. Mwanakatwe we wrote to CEEC and copied the letter to her to explain how she got the money meant for the poor and fail to pay back, but to-date we have no explanation.
We would like to exhort all those people who owe these financial institutions meant to help other Zambians to pay back so that such institutions can continue to exist and benefit others. Failure to payback amounts to unfairness to others who are on the waiting list.
Mrs. Margret Mwanakatwe should be leading by example owing to her past position in a reputable Bank and being the line minister of these institutions like CEEC, otherwise it creates conflict of interest.
MALICE AND VILIFICATIONS
Under so many economic challenges, the Country needs to unite and engage on developmental issues instead of peddling malice, vilifications and persecution of other citizens simply because we differ in opinions.
Currently there is so much vilification of certain individuals in the eyes of the general public.
Unfortunately this seed was planted by Former republic Rupiah Banda. Other than arresting people or making them disappear, Mr. Banda has an art of creating malice and propaganda for his opponents in the eyes of the general public.
Mr. Banda launched a vicious campaign to vilify Fred M’membe and Mutembo Nchito over Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) to portray them as criminals who got a loan from DBZ fraudulently. Today many people talk about the duo like criminals without any other reason but the DBZ loan.
But the hate of Fred M’membe and the fear of Mutembo Nchito’s effective prosecution of corrupt elements, by Mr. Banda sabotaged the survival of Zambian Airways and caused the loss of 250 jobs in the company. To-date the Zambian Airways workers are suffering after losing their jobs and they have not been paid. If Mr. Banda did not act maliciously, maybe these people would still have jobs today.
Unfortunately the hate for M’membe has extended to President Edgar Lungu, because the former did not support the latter. Fred M’membe is today in court for publishing the truth on the alleged corruption of President Lungu’s economic adviser Mr. Kaizer Zulu. It is also highly likely that Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General Ms. Rosewin Wandi might be targeted.
The same malice was unleashed on Dr. Rajan Mahtan whose bank was taken in very suspicious manner and selling it on a song. Criminal charges were brought in by conniving with foreigners to fix Mahtan by Mr. Banda. When President Sata came he investigated the cases and had the Ventriglias deported for externalization of huge sums of money to Italy.
Today Mr. Banda is back in power through President Edgar Lungu the Ventriglias are back and Mahtan is facing criminal charges again.
The problem with all this hate, malice and vilifications is that it distracts the nation from developmental issues.
It must also be noted that the people being maligned, vilified, victimized and persecuted are investors providing a livelihood through employment to a lot of people.
Fred M’membe has employs more than 1000 people under his investment. The Post pays in excess of K5 million per months in Taxes which pays the people in Government including President Lungu and Rupiah Banda.
Mahtan is also one of the largest employers in the Country paying a lot of Taxes to the government.
Our appeal to government and all stakeholders, especially Mr. Rupiah Banda is to focus on issues that will help many suffering Zambians instead of destroying what citizens have worked so hard for.
President Edgar Lungu with Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe on arrival at Samora Machel Airbase from Uganda when the president made a stop over in Mbala on his way to Mwansabombwe
Republican President Edgar Lungu has warned ‘erring’ contractors engaged by government of legal action.
President Lungu says government is in the processing of assessing the quality and pace of works by local contractors saying that his administration will not only cancel contracts but also seek legal redress and compensation through the courts of law on all wanting contractors.
Mr. Lungu explained that this is because the contracts were entered into contract with government on behalf of the people of Zambia.
ZANIS reports that the Republucan President said this in Mwansabombwe District in Luapula Province yesterday during this year’s Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony of the Lunda people of Mwata Kazembe.
And President Lungu has disclosed that government has in collaboration with the African Development Bank constructed ten boreholes in Mwansabombwe district to provide safe and clean drinking water in the area.
He added a further K500,000.00 has been provided by his administration for the construction of fifteen more boreholes in the area.
Mr. Lungu said government has also embarked on the Kazembe piped water scheme project to improve access to clean and safe water to benefit more households in the biggest village in Africa.
President Lungu stated that government’s quest to provide tertiary education and life skills for the youth of Luapula, has reinvigorated its commitment to ensure that the planned construction of the Luapula University in Mansa, Mwense Trades Training Institute and Nchelenge College of Mathematics and Science becomes a reality.
He said the measure will decongest the over populated public High Institutions of learning.
And Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony Organising Committee Chairman General Criticles Mwansa thanked Government for the various developmental projects taking place in the district and implored Government to work on the Mansa Kashikishi –Lunchinda road because it is a lifeblood for the people.
The road is in the Link-Zambia 2,000 road project and appears in phase three.
Zambian Voice Executive Director Chilufya Tayali
The Zambian Voice has welcomed the charging and arresting of former Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo for the offense of Abuse of Authority of Office.
Executive Director Chilufya Tayali has recalled that the charge upon which Ms. Masebo has been arrested that of cancelling Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) hunting concession licenses was well discussed by a tribunal that was established to investigate her alleged wrong doing.
Mr. Tayali, who had keenly followed the proceedings of the Tribunal chaired by Judge Roydah Kaoma, says it was clear from the evidence adduced before the Tribunal that Ms. Masebo did not follow the right procedure with respect to the operations of ZAWA.
He says his organization is of the view that the former Tourism and Arts Minister must therefore be answerable for her wrong doing.
Mr. Tayali says the Zambia Voice also thinks that the arrest of Ms. Masebo should send a message to leaders that they must not run government as if it is their personal business.
He says his organization is conversant with the fact that government has procedures that must be followed by all public workers.
Vice President Inonge Wina
Hundreds of Lozi speaking people of Lwambi chiefdom in Nalolo district in Western Province yesterday gathered at Namoo grounds to celebrate the launch of the first ever four year Lwambi Chiefdom Development Strategic Plan
The strategic plan, which run from 2015 to 2019 , has been technically and financially support by the United States government seek to eliminate poverty through sustainable development.
Vice President Inonge Wina launched the strategic plan and urged other traditional leaders countrywide to initiate development Strategic Plans in their respective chiefdoms.
Mrs. Wina stated that development starts with the smallest units of the structure which is the village level and moves up to the chiefdom and the national level.
The Vice President assured the Lozi people of government’s full support to the implementation of the strategic plan.
And SHARe II Chief of Party Kuma Chikuba-McLeod stated that Lwambi Chiefdom has great potential for development as it has fertile land, good rainfall and massive water bodies which are suitable for agriculture and aquaculture.
Dr.Chikuba-McLeod disclosed that the plan was developed by the leaders and the people of Lwambi chiefdom who supported the planning process.
She urged the villagers to proudly own the strategic plan so that it can be implemented successfully noting that the people participated wholeheartedly in defining their developmental journey and agenda during planning.
Meanwhile Litunga La Mboela commended government and the US government for supporting the development of the first ever written strategic plan for her chiefdom.
The traditional said through her representative Prince Mwanang’ombe that the development plan which has highlighted key focus areas for the area will steer the development of the entire chiefdom.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
(2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)
It’s Only Temporary
Troubles and trials are only temporary. In fact, today’s verse tells us they are momentary. Compared with eternity, our troubles don’t last long at all! When you stand strong in faith during times of adversity, Scripture says that you are achieving eternal glory. When you confess your trust and reliance on God, you are passing the test.
If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to Jesus. The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the one who writes faith on your heart and then develops it to completion on the inside of you. Your part is to open your heart and choose words of faith and victory.
Remember, your words set the course for your life. As you remind yourself that your troubles are only momentary and confess your trust and hope in Him, you will see His hand moving in your life. Focus on that eternal glory every day. As you do, you’ll move forward in victory and experience all He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for working Your eternal glory in me. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are only temporary. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Rainford Kalaba inspired TP Mazembe to their first group stage victory in the 2015 CAF Champions League.
Kalaba scored the opening goal on Friday in the DR Congo giants 2-0 away win over Smouha of Egypt in Alexandria.
The Zambia captain was on target in the 40th minute before he was replaced by Cote d’Ivoire striker Roger Assale in the 72nd minute.
Nathan Sinkala was on the bench for Mazembe following his return to the club after one season in Europe while Given Singuluma did not make the final 18.
Mazembe rise to the top of Group A on 5 points after three rounds of games played although Al Hilal of Sudan could reclaim that spot on Sunday night with a home win over Moghreb Tetouan of Morocco.
Mazembe return to action on August 8 at home against Smouha.
Zambia’s road to Moscow 2018 begins with a second round qualifying tie against regular World Cup foe Sudan at the end of this year.
This will be Zambia and Sudan’s fourth meeting in a World Cup qualifier.
In the first encounter, Sudan eliminated Zambia on away goals rule following a 6-6 on aggregate in what was Chipolopolo’s debut World Cup qualifying match for the Mexico 1970 tournament.
Zambia later beat Sudan 3-2 on aggregate in a preliminary round qualifying tie during the France 1998 race.
The third meeting came in the Brazil 2014 qualifiers that saw Zambia awarded a 3-0 win following a 2-0 away loss in Khartoum after Sudan had fielded an ineligible player in their opening Group 4 qualifier before drawing 1-1 in the final leg in Ndola.
Meanwhile, George Lwandamina’s side will travel to Khartoum for the first leg match on during the week-long FIFA match dates from November 9-17.
The winner over both legs that week will advance to the five-group league phase of games that will kick-off in October, 2016 with the first week of matches stretching from October 3-11 while the second bunch of games will be played during the week of November 7-15 next year.
Group winners at the end of 2017 will qualify for the Russia finals to be held from June 14 to July 15, 2018.
Republican President Edgar Lungu alights from the presidential jet at Samora Machel Airbase in Mbala when he made a stop over from Uganda on his way to Mwansabombwe
President Edgar Lungu has officially graced this year’s Mutomboko traditional ceremony of the Lunda people in Mwanasbombwe with a clarion call on traditional leaders to help foster national unity.
The President joined scores of people, traditional leaders from within the country and the Democratic Republic of Congo at a colorful traditional event.
The Mwata Kazembe mesmerized patrons has he performed the conquest dance in his flamboyant traditional attire.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Edgar Lungu announced the repossession of the Kawambwa tea land which will now be used for a ZAFFICO Tea Plantation.
President Lungu says this move is aimed at cushioning the operational challenges the company is facing.
The President said aggrieved parties are free to take the matter to court.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has announced that government acquired a 50 million United States dollar loan to promote aquaculture across the country.
President Lungu says there is need to diversify the economy in Luapula province.
And President Lungu has warned that non performing contractors risk having their contracts terminated.
Meanwhile, Mwata Kazembe’s representative, Chriticles Mwansa says the royal establishment is pleased with the establishment of new districts which have accelerated development in the province and the nation at large.
President Edgar Lungu with Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe on arrival at Samora Machel Airbase from Uganda when the president made a stop over in Mbala on his way to MwansabombwePresident Edgar Lungu greeting Patriotic Front cadres in Mbala when he made a stop over at Samora Machel Airbase from Uganda enroute to Mwansabombwe in Luapula ProvincePresident 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
Shepolopolo Under-20 Womens Team on Saturday advanced to the second round of the 2016 Papua New Guinea FIFA Womens U20 World Cup qualifiers after a goalless draw with Tanzania at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The Shepolopolo progress via a 4-0 aggregate score-line after winning the first leg match 4-0 away in Tanzania.
The home draw is a wake-up call to Oswald Mutapa’s team as they prepare for the second round of the qualifying campaign.
Ten-man Konkola Blades on Saturday came from a goal down to hold Nkana to a frustrating 1-1 draw in a FAZ Super Division match played at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Nkana will regret for failing to win this Week 17 match in which they wasted several scoring opportunities.
Midfielder Richard Kasonde missed Nkana’s earliest chance on 16 minutes after failing to tap in a cross from close range before his team mate Walter Bwalya hit the cross-bar with a free kick taken from the edge of the box.
Nkana finally took a lead after 24 minutes with Simon Bwalya beating veteran keeper Stephen Kabwe from close range.
Forward Happy Kaunda ensured that the two teams went into the break with a 1-1 score-line when he equalised a minute before half time.
Kaunda’s low shot taken near the post past a cluster of defenders plus keeper Scot Ngokene before rolling into the net much to the disappointment of the home supporters.
The main hightlight in the second half was the sending off of Blades defender Masautso Zimba by referee Milton Mweemba for accumulating a second yellow.
Konkola and Nkana drew 1-1 in the earlier fixture at Konkola Stadium in March.
Meanwhile, Mighty Mufulira Wanderers also came from one-down to draw 1-1 at home with Nkwazi at Shinde Stadium .
Stewart Chikandiwa put Nkwazi ahead in the 53rd minute before Taonga Bwembya equalised from a set-piece of his own in the 73rd minute.
FAZ Super Division
Week 17
25/07/2015
Lusaka Dynamos 1-Power Dynamos 2
Zanaco 1-Forest Rangers 0
Nchanga Rangers 2-Red Arrows 3
Nkana 1-Konkola Blades 1
Nakambala Leopards-National Assembly
Mufulira Wanderers 1-Nkwazi 1
26/07/2015
Green Buffaloes-Green Eagles
NAPSA Stars-Zesco United