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President Edgar Lungu Needs Bana Chimbusa to Train Him How to Run The Country-Nawakwi

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FDD President Edith Nawakwi
FDD President Edith Nawakwi

FDD President Edith Nawakwi has charged that Republican President Edgar Lungu needs Bana Chimbusa to train him how to run the country.

Addressing a public meeting at Kapaka village in Bangweulu Constituency were she is on a campaign trail for the party candidate Robby Mwansa, the opposition leader said President Lungu was a novice in terms of governance hence the need for some people with experience in governance to train him on how he should run the country.

“The PF in Lusaka are saying they should find Bana Chimbusa for me because I have been talking a lot, you should tell them to find Bana Chimbusa to train ba Lungu on how to run the country.

Ba Lungu should be trained how to run the country because he has no idea, he is blank and does not understand anything about governing people. The way your President is governing our country is not the way you run the country.

Ever since he was elected President he is always flying from one country to another, in six months he has visited more countries then Dr. Kaunda who was President for 27 years. It’s like he does not believe that he is the one flying in the Presidential Challenger, its too good to be true but he should remember that he was elected to run our country’s affairs not to be a tourist.

Recently he went to South Africa for the AU meeting with other heads of states from across Africa after the meeting finished all his friends went back to their countries but he remained in South Africa for 8 more days as if that was not enough he comes back to Zambia and the following day he was out again Mozambique was the destination before he could be briefed on what is happening in the country out he went this time Malawi and as we are speaking he has just came back from Uganda that is not how you run the country.

What the Minister of Defence (President Lungu) is suppose to do is visit people like you who voted for him to know what your challenges are. You put him in that office to look after you not for him to be flying around like a Pungwa (a bird which spends time flying in search of food),” Ms. Nawakwi said.

She further noted that because President Lungu is clueless the country has continued to incur debt at an alarming rate something she said will have an adverse effect of future generations.

“This President and his Government have no clue on how to manage our economic all they know is Kaloba emobwawachela. This Government is jeopardizing the future of our children with their reckless Kaloba, just last week he got another kaloba. These people have incurred more debt in 3 years then UNIP did in 27 years and they have nothing to show for it. You cannot have a President presiding over such economic blunders and he does not show concern,” she said.

“The country’s economy is collapsing and the President is busy flying around an indication that the person you put in that office does not understand the magnitude of the task at hand.

She added ” what is happening in the country should be lesson to voters, you start scrutinizing people you elect to these important offices.”

HH must condemn Monze violence – PF

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Sunday Chanda
Sunday Chanda

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has challenged opposition UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema to condemn the attack on PF members in Monze Friday by suspected UPND cadres.

In a statement made available to media yesterday, Mr. Chanda says Mr. Hichilema knows too well that PF officials were arrested on the Copperbelt Province after his meetings were allegedly disrupted and the Head of State made clear and firm directives in that instance.

WE ARE CALLING ON UPND LEADER HAKAINDE HICHILEMA TO CONDEMN HIS CADRES ATTACKS AGAINST PF MOBILIZATION MEETING IN MONZE – SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, PF MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

Lusaka, Zambia, 1STAugust 2015 – The Patriotic Front (PF) is concerned at United Party for National Development (UPND) and its leader Hakainde Hichilema’s play-victim attitude, that even after His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has shown dedicated political will to bring to book members of his own party to account for being accused of perpetrating violence against those with dissenting views. Mr. Hichilema knows too well that PF officials were arrested on the Copperbelt Province after his meetings were allegedly disrupted and the Head of State made clear and firm directives in that instance.

Mr. Hichilema knows that while he has been in Kasama, Northern Province, his UPND Cadres in Monze violently attacked a PF mobilization meeting which was scheduled to take place at Monze Golf Club. About 500 people among them former UPND provincial youth Secretary Twaambo Ndhlovu were defecting to the PF. Mr. Hichilema knows that before the defectors were formally received, about 150 suspected UPND cadres wielding an array of weapons including knives and pistols stormed the meeting and started attacking the people that had gathered for the PF meeting. Some of the attackers threatened to harm PF national mobilisation chairman Paul Moonga. The aggressors threw stones at the crowd seriously injuring two people who were rushed to Monze District Hospital.

While Mr. Hichilema is being welcomed peacefully in other parts of the country, including Kasama, we demand that he extends that goodwill in areas where his cadres enforce UPND’s Mapatizya formula. While in Kasama, Mr. Hichilema is reported to have said he felt at home as though he was in Monze. Once again we ask which Monze he referred to because the latest attack from his cadres in Monze does not fit into the hospitality he was given in Kasama. We are therefore demanding a clear condemnation of the violent attacks by Mr. Hichilema if indeed he is opposed to violence. Zambia has no space for political tendencies to play victim all the time.

We are also concerned that Police officers stood by and watched helplessly as some PF members begged them to stop the attackers. While it is not our intention to bring the Police into such matters, it is only prudent that the Zambia Police authorities investigate to establish the reported attitude from identified police officers.

Lastly, it is important for political parties to demand that citizens co-exist, irrespective of political or any other affiliation. The assorted political space Zambia has can only bring about the benefits of democracy if all leaders, without exception, condemn violence and celebrate the diversity.

Issued By: Sunday Chanda, Vice Chairperson, PF Media and Publicity Committee

Government fails to publish Constitution Amendment Bill, Justice Minister Lied-Chipenzi

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FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi
FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi

The Grand Coalition on the demand for a people driven constitution has said that the failure by the Patriotic Front to publish the Constitution Amendment Bill 2015 and the Constitution of Zambia Bill 2015 makes it very difficult for the people to believe the PF.

Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula told parliament on Thursday that the Constitution Amendment Bill 2015 and the Constitution of Zambia Bill 2015 would be published Yesterday, Saturday, 1st August, 2015.

But Coalition Spokesperson Macdonald Chipenzi has said that they expected the situation citing that they knew that there was no bill at the government printers waiting to be printed and later published.

Mr. Chipenzi said that the failure to publish the constitutional bill has made Zambians to lose confidence not only in the Minister of Justice himself but government as a whole noting that they cannot continue to lie to the people.

Mr. Chipenzi added that parliament has been a playground for liars explaining that the PF lied on the floor of the house adding that if they were serious accountability mechanisms, government would not have taken parliament for granted by telling the house what it was not sure of.

Mr. Chipenzi said what has happened is not a strange thing to the people of Zambia as there has been so many inconsistencies by the government.

He further stated that the people of Zambia were ready to see the constitution bill published but are disappointed.

Sweden to continue supporting Zambia’s agriculture sector

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Outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Lena Nordstrom has reiterated her country’s continued support towards the agriculture sector.

Ms Nordstrom said the agriculture sector is one important area that the embassy will continue supporting as it is a catalyst to job creation in the country.

She said this during her farewell cocktail organised by the Zambia National farmers Union (ZNFU), Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) and MUSIKA Limited.

Ms Nordstrom also thanked the Zambian government and other stakeholders for the good support rendered to her during her tenure in the country.

And speaking earlier, ZNFU President Evelyn Nguleka said her organisation has worked closely with the outgoing Ambassador and her efforts in boosting the agricultural sector greatly benefited the farmers especially women.

And IAPRI was represented by Finance and Administration Director Bruno Mweemba while MUSIKA was represented by the Managing Director Reuben Banda.

Embrace technology for business success-Mutharika

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MALAWIAN President Peter Mutharika inspects a guard of honour mounted for him on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka
MALAWIAN President Peter Mutharika inspects a guard of honour mounted
for him on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in
Lusaka

Malawian President Peter Mutharika says there is need for local companies to embrace and invest in new technologies to improve products and services if they are to compete favourably on the international market.

Professor Mutharika said local firms need to improve their products and services to international standards if they are to penetrate the global market.

The Malawian Head of State said local firms and other African companies must take advantage of the huge available market under the Free Trade Area of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA and the Southern African Development Community SADC.

He said the COMESA and SADC region has a vast market with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US 1 million dollars.

Professor Mutharika , who is in the country for a two day state visit, was speaking in Lusaka today when he officially opened the 2o15 Agricultural and Commercial Show of Zambia at the Showgrounds.

The Malawian leader , who was accompanied by his wife Gertrude Mutharika and host President Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu , graced the 89th ACSZ being held under the theme” Innovation beyond the golden jubilee through opportunity, partnership and sustainability”.

Professor Mutharika called for strengthening of bilateral cooperation and increased trade between the two neighbourly and landlocked countries in order to improve the welfare of the people of the two countries.

He said this has been manifested by the 5o years of cooperation and trade between the two countries.

Professor Mutharika pointed out that there is need to involve and engage women and youths in productive ventures in order to better the lives of the ordinary people.

The Malawian leader paid glowing tribute to President Lungu for appointing Zambia’s first female Vice President and other women to top decision making positions.

President Mutharika also presented awards to some winners of selected categories with Eastern Province emerging as 2o15 winners in both Agriculture and National efficiency award.

Zim trade won the best international exhibit while Zambia Sugar Limited scooped the best export category and NAPSA won the overall award.

There was a murmur of disapproval from the crowds when ZESCO, which is currently carrying out massive countrywide load shedding, was declared winners for best interpretation of the 2015 theme of innovation beyond the golden jubilee through opportunity, partnership and sustainability.

And Agricultural and Commercial Society President Murray Anderson said the Showground is earmarked for massive facelift and modernisation.

Mr Anderson said that the show ground will be redeveloped to international standards in order to provide a spacious environment to exhibitors and an all year round recreation and entertainment centre to residents of Lusaka.

Zesco battle to keep 3 point lead

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Zesco United hope to return to winning ways on Sunday when they host Nakambala Leopards in Ndola.

The match will pit leaders Zesco against bottom placed Nakambala who are separated by 26 points with 13 games to go heading into this weekends round 18 games.

Zesco are hoping to rebound to winning ways at home this weekend a week after Napsa Stars halted their seven match winning run with a 0-0 draw in Lusaka.

A win is vital for Zesco now that their lead at the top of the table was cut to just three points following that draw with Power Dynamos in second place on 39 and 36 points respectively.

Meanwhile, Nakambala visit the defending champions with spirits raised after beating National Assembly 2-0 last Saturday in a match that saw them pick up their second league win of the season.

That victory was also the first for new Nakambala coach Patrick Phiri from his first two matches in charge after losing 2-0 away on his debut on July 18 at Nkwazi.

The two sides first leg meeting saw Zesco win 2-1 away in Mazabuka.

FAZ Super Division
Week 18
02/08/2015
Zanaco-Nchanga Rangers
Forest Rangers-Lusaka Dynamos
Nkwazi-Nkana
Power Dynamos-Green Buffaloes
National Assembly-Mufulira Wanderers
Green Eagles-Napsa Stars
Zesco United-Nakambala Leopards
03/08/2015
Konkola Blades-Red Arrows

[standings league_id=1 template=extend logo=false]

Zambia qualify to CAF Under-23 Cup

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Zambia beat Cote d’Ivoire on post-match penalties to make their debut qualification to the CAF Under-23 Cup.

Fighton Simukonda’s side beat Cote d’Ivoire 4-3 on post-match penalties after a 0-0 aggregate scoreline over 1800 minutes of action.

Jack Chirwa and Benedict Chepeshi while Solomon Sakala and Patson Daka converted in sudden death.

Ronald Kampamba, Charles Zulu and Benson Sakala all missed their spt-kicks for Zambia.

Roger Assale scored for Cote d’Ivoire while Jean Ahoulou and Habib Maiga kept the visitors hopes alive before Yao’s decider was saved by Toaster Nsabata.

Zambia now head to Senegal at the end of the year for the tournament that will be held from November 28 to December 12 that will see the top three sides there qualifying to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

KCM is not closing Nchanga Underground mine

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KCM
 
Konkola Copper Mines has dispelled reports that it is closing its Nchanga underground mine in Chingola.

KCM Manger for Public Relations & Communications Shapi Shachinda said in a statement that reports that Nchanga underground mine has been placed on care and maintenance were untrue.

“Contrary to media reports on 31st July 2015, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) wishes to clarify that it has not made a decision to close the Nchanga underground mine nor scale down operations at the Nkana Refinery. The company’s operations remain open and production is continuing. No workers have been laid off and no contracts have been terminated, Mr Shachinda said.
 
He added, “The basis of media stories circulating was an unofficial memo circulating in the company early on Friday morning. This memo has no official sanction from within the company.”
 
Mr Shachinda also said that the implications of electricity cuts are still unclear.

He said KCM is in close consultation with Copperbelt Electricity Company (CEC) and the Government in relation to the implications of load shedding. 

Mr Shachinda said the welfare and livelihoods of employees and contractors at KCM are foremost in decision making about the impact of the current power situation.

African entrepreneurs must run twice as hard-Justin Chinyanta

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Justin Chinyanta speaking at the Nyamuka National Business Conference held at the Mulungushi Conference Centre
Justin Chinyanta speaking at the Nyamuka National Business Conference held at the Mulungushi Conference Centre

Zambian born prominent African investment banker Justin Chinyanta says Africa still offers plenty of opportunities despite the many challenges present on the continent.

Mr Chinyanta who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Loita Holdings Corporation Africa said natural resources are plentiful on the continent but need to be developed to full potential.

He said which African entrepreneurs face challenges of poor infrastructure such as electricity-load shedding, unreliable telephone networks, poor road systems, cumbersome border delays, abundant labour but limited skilled resources and burdensome and frequently changing regulatory requirements including the difficulty of accessing capital.

Mr Chinyanta whose Loita Capital has arranged over $3Billion of deals throughout the continent was speaking in Lusaka during the Nyamuka Zambia National Business Conference.

“If African entrepreneurs do things differently, in my view, it is because of the exigency of the developmental issues they face, This means that they must run twice as hard as the entrepreneur in the West and East to just stay in the same place, but still they thrive,” Mr Chinyanta said.

He added, “That is not to say that Africa does not present opportunities for the entrepreneur, young populations are willing to try new ideas, really handy for a market.”
Mr Chinyanta has since called for the setting up of venture capital fund to fund viable SMEs in Zambia.

“In this regard I am passionate about enabling the accessing of capital by SMEs in particular. Let us see a venture capital fund specifically to focus on the funding of viable ideas and Greenfield enterprises. Such a fund (unlike the CEEC) should not be an initiative of government but a PPP (Public Private Partnership), the private sector (through a body such as the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry-ZACCI) in joint venture with government but managed by the private sector,” he said.

He added, “Personally I would like to cede some capital to such an initiative, it makes great business sense. In addition to addressing the SME capital requirements, technical advisory capacity and business culture enhancement (including the fostering of a culture that respects debt) would also need to be included as part of the total package.”

Mr Chinyanta is a Zambian trained lawyer with a Bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Zambia and is a specialist and an expert in the financial markets of eastern and southern Africa, with over twenty years of professional experience in commercial and investment banking in the region.

Prior to forming Loita Holdings Corporation, he held senior positions with Citibank and HSBC Equator Bank in Africa.

Mr. Chinyanta sits on various Boards of private African corporations and NGOs as well as serves on Zambian Investment and Business Advisory Committee.

He is also the Executive Vice President for the Southern Africa Chapter of the Africa Business Roundtable and has been appointed on the Expert Roster of the United Nations Institute for the Training and Research for the Debt, Financial Management & Negotiation Programmes.

Mr Chinyanta was invited by Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs (WCFIA) to become a Fellow.

Delay in NFNC Act review process worries CSO-SUN

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The Zambia Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition Alliance says the delay in the review process of the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) Act of 1967 is worrying.

CSO-SUN Alliance Head of Communications and Advocacy Eneyah Phiri Government seem to have stalled the process after showing political will and enthusiasm during the inception phase.

Mr Phiri said the ground work has been done and stakeholders were consulted and a bill was submitted to the Ministry of Health for consideration and further submission to Cabinet office before being sent to Parliament for deliberations.

“It is therefore surprising that the Government seems to have grown cold feet, stalling the entire process. We are aware that the bill is sitting in the Minister’s office. This is in stark contrast to the spirit with which the process was commenced,” Mr Phiri said.

“We urge the Government to emulate its earlier conviction to deliver a revised NFNC Act in a timely manner. We are already beyond the timeframe that was agreed upon as the bill should be in parliament now for deliberations.”

He said the NFNC Act of 1967 in its current form does not support the attainment of optimal nutrition status for all in Zambia adding that it has never been repealed since its adoption in 1967 and therefore does not reflect the current socio-economic status of the Country.

“Furthermore, the Act does not grant the NFNC adequate authority to convene and coordinate among the different actors who need to work together to ensure adequate progress in tackling malnutrition.”

He said due to its multi-faceted nature, combating malnutrition requires coordinated action from multiple sectors of Government.

“Currently, the responsibility for coordinating efforts to tackle malnutrition in Zambia is assigned to NFNC which is an organ of the Ministry of Health. However, despite its efforts, NFNC has limited powers and capacities to perform its mandate as it has no solid legal framework to support it. It is for this reason that the delay in completing the review process does more harm than good.”

He observed that the 1000 days programme is gaining traction now as the country heads towards the implementation phase.

Mr Phiri warned that Government risks undoing its own work if there is no strong coordination among Nutrition actors.

“Sadly, we note that it is becoming typical of the Government not to follow through on its commitments especially in the Nutrition sector. In June 2013 at the Nutrition for Growth summit, Government made a commitment to strengthen the governance and coordination mechanisms of the nutrition sector. One way in which it committed to do this was by reinforcing the functioning and accountability of the NFNC to adequately coordinate across the key sectors.

Delaying the review of the Act is a direct failure to fulfil this commitment.”

He continued, “Hence, CSO-SUN urges the Government to shed the poor finishing tag that has characterised many of its programmes by finishing what it started and timely enacting the bill into law.”

Opposition parties should not shun visiting State House-Veep

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Vice 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
Vice 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

Vice President Inonge Wina has advised opposition parties not to shun visiting state house.

Ms. Wina who was speaking during a Patriotic Front (PF) rally at Katanshya Primary School in Samfya District in Luapula Province said some Members of Parliament (MP) in the opposition party shun visiting state house adding that development is for every Zambian.

She said government is there to work with all the MPs regardless of their tribe and political affiliation to ensure that development is taken to all parts of the country.

The Vice President was said this when she visited Katanshya Ward in Samfya District to give support to the adopted Patriotic Front (PF)
candidate Antony Kasandwe for the August 6 by-elections to be held in Bangweulu Constituency.

And Patriotic Front Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri reiterated that United Party for National Development (UPND’s) President has not visited the area after learning that the candidate contesting the UPND ticket Blanco Muma was not Tonga by tribe.

She explained it was evident enough that UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has neglected his candidate due to ethnic reasons.

Present at the rally were Home Affairs Minister Davis Mwila, Community Development Mother and Child Health Minister Emerine Kabanshi, Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya, Deputy Minister of Defence Christopher Mulenga and Kawambwa Member of Parliament Nixon Chilangwa.

Chinese national in court for illegal crocodile hunting

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crocodile
A Chinese national and two Zambians have appeared in the Chinsali Magistrates court charged for illegally hunting a crocodile.

But the trio have told the Court that they had to hunt the crocodile from the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) in Kasama.

The trio said this today when the case came up for written facts before Senior Resident Magistrate Francis Nsokolo.

The two Zambians are Patrick Mutale, 28, and James Bwalya, 35, both Samfwa pontoon operators who are jointly charged in count one of illegal hunting of a crocodile in open area contrary to section 67 Act Number 12 of 1998.

They told the court that the authority came after numerous efforts by the ZAWA officials to kill the reptile which has so far killed 21 people in the area.

The Chinese national Yulong Sun, 26, has maintained a plea of guilty in the second and third count of illegal possession of government trophy and crocodile skin contrary to section 100 of Act Number 12 of 1998, and Section 136(2) SI 61 of 1993 respectively.

The court has adjourned the matter for continuation of trial to August 18, 2015 on which the ZAWA officials are expected to appear and testify in the matter.

Meanwhile, Chief Kabanda has written to the court pleading that the two charged in the first count for illegal hunting be discharged.

President Lungu values relationship between Zambia and Australia-George Zulu

9

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu values the good relations that exist between Zambia and Australia, Zambia High Commissioner-Designate to Australia, George Zulu has said. Mr Zulu says President Lungu sent a Resident High Commissioner to Australia because of the outstanding warm and cordial relations between the two countries and increased investment between the two.

He said this when the outgoing High Commissioner to Australia, who is based in Tokyo Japan, Ambassador Mwelwa Chibesakunda paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Canberra, Australia on Thursday.

This is according to a statement issued by First Secretary of Zambia High Commission to Canberra Australia Alick Banda.

Mr Zulu said President Lungu was convinced that Zambia and Australia could further enhance the good relations existing by venturing into other areas of investment such as agriculture and tourism.

‘Australian companies have invested heavily in the mining sector and offering many scholarships for Zambians to study in Australia, hence the need to further strengthen the relations,”Mr Zulu said.

He said the conducive environment President Lungu and the PF Government have put in place has made many investors from Australia and other countries to do business in Zambia.

He indicated that there were over three thousand Zambians living in Australia and this was possible due to the good relations between the two countries.

He said the Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba launched the Foreign Policy last year in October to focus on Economic Diplomacy and that the Minister will in the near future consider the Diaspora Policy to include the interest of the Zambians living abroad, including those in Australia.

He said the Diaspora policy will ensure that Zambians living abroad play a significant role in the development of their country.

He added that President Lungu has an all -inclusive and open door policy to allow as many talented Zambians as possible to be part of the development of the country.

Ambassador Zulu thanked Amb Chibesakunda for promoting good relations between Zambia and Australia since 2012, when he was extra-accredited to Canberra.

He said it will now be easy for Zambians to get assistance in Canberra other than sending requests to Tokyo Japan, which took long to come through. This included visa issues and passport matters.

And Amb. Chibesakunda said the decision to re-open the Mission in Australia was timely and important as most Zambians in their thousands in Australia will have a better service at their disposal.

He expressed hope that more information about investing in Zambia as well as tourism, would easily be obtained by Australians and Zambians included, now that the High Commission was established in Canberra.

He said Zambia stands to benefit a lot from science and technology where Australia is advanced and this will ultimately boost the education sector in Zambia, especially in Universities.

And during a courtesy call on the same day at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) in Canberra, Amb Zulu who met senior officials for the African Desk at the Department, was informed that Australia would continue to support Zambia and offering scholarships in various fields.

First Assistant Secretary at DFAT Marc Innes-Brown, Director of the unit, Matthew Nuehaus and Director for Southern Africa Andrew Barnes, reiterated Australia’s resolve to continue supporting Africa and Zambia in the education sector for some time to come. They indicated that about 15 more scholarships will be offered to Zambia in the next academic year.

Mr Zulu was also informed that Zambia was chosen as the venue for the Australia-Africa Leadership Dialogue Conference which will take place in Livingstone In September this year, where among issues to be discussed will be security cooperation.

Zambia closed its Mission in Canberra, Australia in 1991 due to economic reasons. The country was being covered by Zambia’s Mission in Tokyo,Japan, until now when the country decided to re-open the Mission due to increased investment, many Zambians in Australia and good relations between Zambia and Australia.

Collaborate with Government and business entities, Chitotela urges youths

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Zambia’s Youth and Sport Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela (third left) and participants at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Global Partnership Summit on 30 July, 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.  Photo Courtesy | Mulemwa Moongwa
Zambia’s Youth and Sport Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela (third left) and participants at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Global Partnership Summit on 30 July, 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Photo Courtesy | Mulemwa Moongwa

Youth and Sport Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela has urged youths to constantly collaborate with Governments, business entities and civil society to create employment and address many challenges facing young people.

This is according to the statement released to the media by Zambia’s First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the United Nations Mr Chibaula D. Silwamba.

Addressing the 2015 Junior Chamber International (JCI) Global Partnership summit under the theme: “collaborating for a sustainable future”, at United Nations Headquarters on Thursday, Mr. Chitotela said about 45.5 percent of Zambians were youths and that Government had placed them at the core of sustainable development.

“Zambia has endeavoured to improve the status of our youths through: increasing investments in education particularly at secondary and tertiary level to improve on enrolments as well as quality training to impart development skills so that education becomes relevant to our young people of today; investing in infrastructural development including construction of sporting facilities that will keep the youths actively engaged in development process and deter them from engaging in vices that are detrimental to their lives,” Mr. Chitotela said.

“Youth empowerment funds that seek to assist youths in all our 10 provinces in Zambia with seed capital to engage in income generating activities which contribute positively to national development; reviewing the national youth policy which has taken into account the new and emerging issues that affect our youths and provides measures that empower our youth through various initiatives and innovation; and harnessing demographic dividends that will ensure the ratio of working adults (including the youths) significantly increases.”
He said the Government’s initiatives could not be achieved in isolation.

“These efforts demand for participation and collaboration with all stakeholders including the private sector, cooperating partners and civil society. This is why we support the JCI initiative as it opens the doors to further champion the cause of the youth particularly in the areas of education and skills development, health and job creation,” Mr. Chitotela said.
The Deputy Minister said the challenges facing youths were similar worldwide and required concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address them.

Mr Chitotela said youth seek quality education, quality health services and decent jobs.
He called on youths to take advantage of various youth empowerment programmes at their disposal that promote growth, prosperity, and an eco-friendly environment.

“Young people can work with their respective Governments, business leaders, and civil societies to promote youth employment and enterprise development such as replication of sustainable youth entrepreneurship initiatives, skills development, and other development practices that are environmentally friendly; they can collaborate with their civic leaders and promote patriotism in order to prevent internal conflicts; and can engage and promote good health habits for, and amongst themselves, to prevent premature deaths from both communicable and non communicable diseases,” the Deputy Minister said.

“Sustainable future depends on young people working with Governments, civil society, and the global community in promoting peace and security which is an ingredient of development.

Therefore, a summit of this magnitude must be able to support the engagement and empowerment of young people to be actively involved in conflict prevention, resolution, and peace building processes and initiatives.”

Mr. Chitotela encouraged youths to network and share best practices, knowledge, skills and experiences that promote peace and prosperity.

The 2015 JCI Global Partnership Summit, organized by JCI in partnership with Office of the Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Youth (OSGEY), took place from 28 from 31 July 2015 and discussions focused on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

JCI is a nonprofit organization of young active citizens aged between 18 and 40 years who are committed to creating positive impact in their communities.

President Mutharika arrives in the country

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MALAWIAN President Peter Mutharika inspects a guard of honour mounted for him on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka
MALAWIAN President Peter Mutharika inspects a guard of honour mounted
for him on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in
Lusaka

Malawian President Peter Mutharika has arrived in the country for a two day state visit and to grace the 89th Agriculture and Commercial Show.

The Malawian Head of State arrived this afternoon at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at about 16:35 hours Zambian time and was received at the airport by his host counterpart President Edgar Lungu.

Professor Mutharika was also met at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba, Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda, Lusaka Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta, and other senior government and party officials.

The Malawian Head of State inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Zambia Army.

The two Presidents were treated to an array of entertainment by the traditional dance troops and the PF women choir before leaving the airport.

While in the country, Professor Mutharika is also expected to hold bilateral talks with President Edgar Lungu at State House before attending a state banquet at the Intercontinental Hotel later.

According to a Programme released by Cabinet Office, Professor Mutharika will be accompanied by his wife Getrude.

Apart from officiating at the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show on Saturday, Professor Mutharika is also expected to lay wreaths at Embassy Park the Presidential burial site before paying a courtesy call on Zambia’s first President Kenneth Kaunda at his office in Kabulonga.

Malawi President Prof Peter Mutharika with Malawi First Lady Gertrude Mutharika with President Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungubeing entertained by traditional dancers   on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
Malawi President Prof Peter Mutharika with Malawi First Lady Gertrude Mutharika with President Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungubeing entertained by traditional dancers on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
MALAWIAN President Peter Mutharika inspects a guard of honour mounted for him on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka
MALAWIAN President Peter Mutharika inspects a guard of honour mounted
for him on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in
Lusaka