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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) says it is confident that Zambia would soon become a torture free society because of the vigorous advocacy and campaign skills embarked by the Commission.
Human Rights Commission Director Florence Chibwesha reiterated the Commission’s commitment to combating torture by highlighting reported cases of torture and advocating for the criminalisation of torture in Zambia
Ms Chibwesha says achieving that requires concerted efforts in curbing the vice.
Ms Chibwesha says disclosed that the Commission has partnered with Amnesty International to conduct a capacity building workshop for its staff on torture and advocacy campaign to criminalise torture in Zambia.
She was speaking when she opened a five-day workshop in Lusaka yesterday.
She said the Commission personnel would acquire skills from Amnesty International and strengthen the recommendations arising from its inspections and investigations findings.
“The Commission is advocating for a torture free society and is confident that the advocacy and campaign skills which the staff will acquire from Amnesty International will further strengthen the recommendations arising from its inspections and investigations findings,” Ms Chibwesha said.
She said Zambia is a member to the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and she has also committed herself to criminalising torture and bring the practice to an end.
HRC and Amnesty International are holding a one-week training workshop from 13 to 17 July 2015 for 30 Commission staff to map out advocacy campaign strategy for the criminalisation of torture in the country.
And speaking at the same function, Amnesty International Regional Director, Deprose Muchena expressed happiness to collaborate with the Commission on advocacy work against torture in Zambia.
Mr. Muchena said members of the general public are important in bringing about transformation as society fights forms of torture.
He added that political will, the role of the HRC and the involvement of all stakeholders and the general public are critical elements in the process to reduce cases of torture and moving to criminalisation of torture.
The workshop has attracted experts from the Amnesty International from Southern Africa and United Kingdom is providing the technical support and sharing the best practices in combating and campaigning for the criminalisation of torture with support from United Nations Development Programme.
The workshop also seeks at generating more ways of creating synergies with Civil Society Organisations and other players in the fight against torture in implementing joint activities that would help increase human rights education and raise public awareness to realise a Zambia torture free society.
The Lusaka High Court has upheld the decision by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to fine Puma Energy Zambia Limited K50 million for consistently abrogating the Commission’s merger conditions as stipulated under Section 34 of the CCP Act of 2010.
The High Court has also squashed the 6th August, 2014 judgement of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal which ruled that the CCPC had no jurisdiction to fine Puma Energy without getting a mandatory order from itself.
In passing judgment on the case in which the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal ruled that the Commission had not jurisdiction to fine Puma Energy, High Court Judge, Honorable Justice Chishimba, said CCPC had the jurisdiction to fine Puma Energy under section 37 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010.
For the foregoing reasons, I uphold the Appellant’s appeal with costs’, read part of the judgement.
Hon. Justice Chishimba said the tribunal erred in law and fact by finding the CCPC acted ultra vires the Act without jurisdiction.
The High Court Judge ruled that the CCPC had the discretion to impose a fine under section 37 without recourse to the Tribunal, and that the K50 million was recoverable as a debt with reference to section 86(1) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
“From my reading of the provisions in issue, I find that the Appellant (CCPC) had the jurisdiction to fine the Respondent (Puma Energy) and further that it is not mandatory for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to obtain a mandatory order of compliance from the Tribunal.
The CCPC Board of Commissioners on Friday 17th August, 2012 imposed a fine of 2% of Annual turnover on Puma Energy Zambia for consistently abrogating the Commission’s merger conditions as stipulated under Section 34 of the CCP Act of 2010.
“The 2% of Annual turnover fine slapped against Puma Energy Zambia can easily be estimated at K50 million (rebased) give or take”, Mrs Mwanza, Director Legal and Corporate Affairs said.
The Commission has since warned that it will not hesitate to punish all enterprises that abrogate any provision in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act or any condition it puts in place in order to safeguard competition in any sector of the economy.
“I wish to further assure the nation that the Commission will continue to be vigilant and also ensure that it enforces the law in a very consistent manner for the benefit of the Zambian people,” she said.
Mufulira Wanderers play their first international club fixture in 18 years when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in a friendly a Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Mighty have not faced international opposition since the 1997 CAF Champions League when they were eliminated at the pre-group stage by Zamalek who beat them 1-0 at Shinde to advance 6-2 on aggregate.
Tuesday’s friendly is part of the South African clubs’ three-match series in Zambia during their five-day training camp in the country.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said he is looking forward to playing against one of Zambia’s most decorated side who are second on the league honours list with nine titles.
“I haven’t played against and don’t know much about them but we know the name but haven’t had a chance of watching them although I had an opportunity to watch them once on DSTV,” Mosimane said in Ndola on the eve of the match.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will play Nkana on Wednesday at Nkana Stadium and wrap-up their tour on Thursday against Zesco United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says Mukuka Mulenga is part of his plans this season has not been intentionally left out of his five-day training camp to Zambia.
Mosimane said on Monday afternoon upon arrival with Sundowns at Simon Mwansa Kapwepewe International Airport that Mukuka has been released for international duty.
“Mukuka has been with us the whole week but we have just released him for the Under-23 national team,” Mosimane said.
“I think it is better for him to help his country qualify for the Olympics than to play a friendly game.”
Mukuka is part of the Zambia Under-23’s 2015 CAF Under-23 Cup first leg, final round qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire on July 19 in Lusaka.
The midfielder has returned to Sundowns after a season long loan at Bloemfontein Celtic.
Zambia first-choice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene is part of the 31-member team that flew into Ndola on a chartered flight from Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will play three friendlies during their five-day camp.
They face Mufulira Wanderers at Arthur Davies on Tuesday in Kitwe and Nkana on Wednesday at Nkana Stadium before wrapping up their camp on Thursday against their hosts Zesco United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Mr Chishima Kabwili with Amos Chanda at Statehouse Press Briefing at Statehouse
The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) will lose over US$160 million as a result of the current power deficit the country is experiencing.
Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili says US$97 million revenue loss will be as a result of reduced sales to customers and an additional US$70 million revenue loss will be due to reduced sales to distribution customers.
Mr. Kambwili says the power utility firm will incur US$167 million revenue loss while US$60 million will be the cost of power imports between now and December this year.
He said the overall funding gap on reduced generation is pegged at US$116 million.
Mr. Kambwili, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, disclosed this to the media in Lusaka today shortly after a Cabinet meeting held at State House.
The Minister said ZESCO Limited has been directed to revise the load-shedding programme from two to four hours on a daily basis adding that the programme will be implemented in an equitable manner to ensure that the burden is spread across all areas apart from essential services and operations.
He said short and long-term measures will be taken by ZESCO to alleviate the current power shortage as Cabinet has authorised the importation of 100 megawatts (mw) of power.
He said the power deficit may be cushioned when the 120mw Itezhi-Tezhi power station is commissioned as planned in August 2015 and when the 150mw Maamba Coal powered station is commissioned in November this year.
Mr. Kambwili said Cabinet has in the long-term also directed ZESCO to actively promote the use of renewable energy technologies and implement the Lusiwashi lower hydropower project in Serenje.
At the weekend, President Edgar Lungu toured the Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Bank power stations on a fact finding mission where he directed ZESCO to distribute electricity equitably in view of electricity blues due to the reduced water levels at two power plants.
The President learnt that the maximum power deficit Zambia faces is estimated at 560 megawatts.
ZESCO Limited has embarked on a countrywide power rationing mechanism in order to preserve the limited water available for power generation until the onset of the 2015 rain season.
In another development, Cabinet has also approved the opening of a Consulate-General in Guangzhou City in Guangdong Province in China as Zambia and China maintain diplomatic relations.
Mr. Kambwili said this has been done as the two countries explore the vast opportunities for trade, investment and tourism that the province of Guangdong offers.
And Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised National Tourism Policy, revised Sixth National Development Plan (R-SNDP), the revised Decentralisation Policy and the Job Creation and Industrialisation strategy.
Mr. Kambwili said Cabinet has also approved the appointment of a nine member board for the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS).
President Lungu tour Kariba dam wall at zesco kariba north bank
The ruling Patriotic Front-PF in Southern province has commended President Edgar Lungu for visiting and inspecting the Kafue gorge and Kariba North Power Stations.
This was on a fact finding mission of the water levels which has resulted in load shedding currently faced by the country.
PF Siavonga District Chairman Elijah Chitalu says President Lungu has shown leadership by taking off his busy schedule to visit the two power stations.
And Mr. Chitalu has assured the Head of State of massive votes from Siavonga in 2016.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Chitalu said this in an interview.
“I want to thank President Lungu for coming here to inspect the ZESCO operations resulting in electricity deficit the country is experiencing. That’s how leadership should be,” he said.
At the weekend, President Edgar Lungu inspected and toured the Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Bank power stations on a fact finding mission where he directed ZESCO to distribute electricity equitably in view of electricity blues due to the reduced water levels at the two power plants.
President Lungu, who was accompanied by Energy Minister Chris Yaluma, senior ZESCO and government officials, learnt that the maximum power deficit Zambia faces is estimated at 560MW.
ZESCO Limited has embarked on a countrywide power rationing mechanism in order to preserve the limited water available for power generation until the next rainy season.
And PF Chirundu District Chairman Brian Champo disclosed that the ruling party has regenerated itself after the party organs were restructured.
Mr. Champo claimed that the entire Chirundu district has rallied behind the good leadership style of President Lungu.
He disclosed that the ruling party was receiving defectors on a daily basis to guarantee the PF victory in next year’s poll.
The opposition Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) has registered displeasure in the reportage of the privately owned Post Newspaper.
ZDDM Vice President Charles Kafumbo observes that the Post Newspapers in its reporting published and circulated articles that have allegedly injured some people in society with impunity.
Mr. Kafumbo says the opinions of the Post Newspaper could promote divisions.
This is according to a petitioned signed by Mr. Kafumbo released to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
The ZDDM Vice President urged the Newspaper to endeavour to report, preach, distribute and circulate articles on love, unity, reconciliation and national building since Zambia was founded on One Zambia, One nation motto.
“The Post Newspaper should endeavour to report, preach, distribute and circulate love, unity, reconciliation and above all national building,” he said.
He said as a people, we need to unite, to love one another and never preach hatred and disunite in accordance with the biblical teachings.
“I petition Post Newspaper Managing Director, Mr Fred Mmembe, Editors and staff to strive and preach love to unite the nation and not to strive to divide the nation,” Mr. Kafumbo stated.
By press time, efforts to get a comment over the matter from Mr. M’membe proved futile.
The motion to remove Mr Mulonga from his office was unanimously voted for by all Councillors during a full council meeting held today.
The Councillors passed a vote of no confidence on the conduct of the Mayor which they said was bringing the name of the council into disrepute.
Mumena ward Councillor Daison Kosamu of Mumena ward moved the motion after a decision was made by an Adhoc committee of the council.
And Deputy Mayor Brian Kajoba has consequently been appointed to discharge the functions of the office of Mayor before the next office bearer is elected.
Solwezi town clerk Venture Kafula told the house that elections to fill the vacancy that has been created by the impeachment of the current holder will be held at the next council meeting.
This is the first time that a sitting Mayor has been removed from office through impeachment.
Some people entering the burial place for late President Levy Mwanawasa at Embassy Park in Lusaka
Cabinet held a meeting at Statehouse today where it was decided among other things to establish Presidential Mausoleums and Supporting Facilities.This is according to a press statement released to the media by Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili.Cabinet said it is necessary to bury our departed Republican Presidents in a dignified manner and have properly designated places by establishing Mausoleums and creating supporting facilities matching such burial sites for visitors to learn about
the individual and collective contributions to the nation.
Under this Item, Cabinet approved:
the construction of the Mausoleum for the Late President, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata at Embassy Park
the construction of supporting structures and facilities at all the three (3) Mausoleums at Embassy Park
the construction of future Presidential Mausoleums and supporting facilities at other designated areas.
Other issues discussed by Cabinet include:
Countrywide Electricity Load Shedding
A Special Cabinet meeting will be held next week to discuss ways to alleviate the shortage of electricity due to the reduced water levels at Kariba North Bank Power Station, Kafue Gorge Power Station and Victoria Falls Power Station due to reduced water levels. The maximum power deficit the country faces is estimated at 560MW. In the interim,this deficit will be sourced from both power imports and load shedding.
ZESCO Limited has embarked on a countrywide power rationing mechanism in order to preserve the limited water available for power generation until the 2015/16 rainy season.As a result of the current situation ZESCO’s revenue losses will be as follows:
US$97 million: revenue loss due to reduced sales to customers
US$70 million: revenue loss due to reduced sales to distribution customers
US$60 million: cost of power imports between now and December
US$60 million: the overall funding gap due to reduced generation
ZESCO Limited has revised the load-shedding programme from 2-4 hours a day. The load-shedding programme will be implemented in an equitable manner to ensure that the burden is spread across all areas apart from essential services and operations.
Today Cabinet discussed the following short and long-term measures to alleviate the current power shortage.
In the short-term, Cabinet has:
authorised the importation of 100 mega watts (MW) of power;
directed ZESCO to ensure that the 120MW Itezhi-tezi power station is commissioned as planned in August 2015
directed that ZESCO and its private sector partners commissions the 150MW Maamba Coal Powered Station in November 2015
directed that the on-going load shedding continues in order to protect the power generation equipment from possible damage due to reduced
water levels;
explored the option of power-renting from ships docked at sea
directed ZESCO to actively promote the use of renewable energy technologies
In the long-term, Cabinet has:
directed the quick implementation of the Lusiwashi Lower hydropower project in Serenje
directed ZESCO to engage the promoters of Kalungwishi Hydropower Station (150MW) to expedite the implementation of the project
directed the expansion of Ndola Heavy Fuel Oil plan to 100MW
approved the construction of the 340MW EMCO thermal powered plant
Opening of a Consulate-General in Guangzhou City in Guangdong Province of The People’s Republic of China:
Under this Item
Cabinet approved the opening of a Consulate in Guangzhou City of Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China.Zambia and China maintain diplomatic relations on a residential basis in
each other’s capital, at Ambassadorial level. However, Cabinet says it has become necessary to open a Consulate in Guangzhou City to further strengthen relations between the Republic of Zambia and the People’s Republic of China, and in particular, to take advantage of the vast opportunities for trade, investment and tourism that the province of Guangdong offers. The Consulate will also provide consular services to both Zambians and Chinese nationals.
Revised National Tourism Policy:
Under this Item, Cabinet approved for implementation, the Revised National Tourism Policy. The 1997 Tourism Policy was revised in order to be aligned to the Patriotic Front (PF) Manifesto, the Revised Sixth National Development Plan (R-SNDP), the Revised Decentralisation Policy, the Job Creation and Industrialisation Strategy and other recent trends and best practices in the Tourism
sector. The tourism sector, remains one of the sectors that Government feels can contribute positively to development.
Appointment of Members for the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) Board:
Under this Item
Cabinet approved the appointment of 9 members to serve on the Board of the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies. The Minister of Justice will present the names of the nominees to Parliament for ratification.
Statutory Instrument to Establish the Insurance Fidelity Fund:
Under this Item, Cabinet approved issuance of a Statutory Instrument to establish and provide regulations for the Insurance Fidelity Fund so as to protect the interests of beneficiaries of insurance policies. The Insurance Act, (No. 27 of 1997) as amended by Act No. 26 of 2005, provides for the establishment of the Fidelity Fund by way of a Statutory Instrument.However, since the enactment of the Insurance Act, the Insurance Fidelity Fund has not been established and hence there has not been a process under which the claims from the holders and other beneficiaries of policies who have suffered the inability by the insurer’s or broker’s to fulfil its obligations could be considered for purposes of compensation.
In every developing nation, and indeed already developed ones, energy in whatever form is the engine of an economy. A sustainable source of energy can drive a nation to prosperity as it supports the very core of business and industrialization. It is for this reason that developed nations around the world have gone out of their way exploiting all available forms of energy sources in order to sustain their economies and make the lives of their citizens bearable. A recent study has shown that the amount of power an average American consumes in a month is equivalent to what an average African and in this case a Zambian consumes in a year. But the PF Government has miserably failed to find a solution to this endemic failure by ZESCO. This is shameful for a nation that celebrated its Jubilee a few months ago.
In the last few weeks, Zambia has witnessed serious power outages never witnessed since independence in 1964. Many excuses have been advanced to explain the cause of this situation. The major one been the low water levels being experienced in Lake Kariba which is largely responsible for the generation of hydro electric power.
We have been told that this is a natural cause and there is little that can be done to correct it. This attitude is a betrayal of trust of the people of Zambia by the PF Government as it is a reasonable expectation that the Government must find solutions and not explanations for any situation that accelerates poverty in a country. This PF Government must accept their share of blame for their failure to adequately plan for the energy sector. It is irresponsible to expect a single power station built in the 1950s by colonialists to meet the demands of power for our people without expanding its capacity or indeed opening up larger stations, like in the Kafue plains which was initially cited as a potential area for hydro power generation in the early 1940s, or considering other available potential sources of energy which can mitigate some of the challenges posed by nature. If indeed Zambia’s development and welfare is to be depended on nature and natural causes then we could as well abandon modern forms of government and resort to the old ways of our ancestors as hunters, nomads and gatherers. Sure, the reason why we vote for governments and pay taxes is because we expect those who we entrust with the resources to adequately plan for the nation’s welfare. Zambia needs visionary leaders as the Joseph of the Bible who led Pharaoh to exclaim ‘Can we find such a man in whom the Spirit of God is’ when he not only explained a dream but also provided a solution to the anticipated famine seven years before it occurred.
[pullquote]It is not the first time Zambia has experienced a erratic rainfall.[/pullquote]
We in the UPND have always stated that Zambians deserves better leadership and not mediocre leadership whose interest is in themselves and not the people of Zambia; a leadership that has perpetuated poverty among the people. These are leaders who continue borrowing money for consumption and never think of where the nation will be in the next 10 years. They chose to ‘invest’ in buying of political cadres and inducing unnecessary by-elections at the expense of pressing national issues such as energy. We have stated time and time again that our current Constitution could be amended in order to save these much needed resources, which can then be channeled towards improving our economy. Unfortunately all this has been painted as mere politicking. We are aware that even this statement on a very important national issue will be described as mere politicking. This attitude from our colleagues in the ruling party is very irresponsible and immature and only goes to confirm their lack of seriousness on pertinent issues.
We know that the PF leaders only take action when the damage has been done. However, this time it will be very difficult for them, and for the businesses that are crumbling and for those whose jobs are at risk it may be too late. The cost of living is also now rising further due to the high cost of production that manufacturers are made to bear under the current situation.
Those given the power to govern seem to be incapable, as they cannot plan using simple projections made by Central Statistical Office. The problem we are experiencing today was foreseen by our competent men and women in these offices years back but nothing was done to mitigate the effects that such challenges would have on our nation. Today Zambia’s economy risks going into the doldrums due to incompetence of the Government.
It is not the first time Zambia has experienced a erratic rainfall. In fact Zambia has seen severe droughts that we had in the 2014/15 season. The problem is therefore not about nature, but rather about a lack of planning and implementation by those given the mandate to govern. There is need to seriously invest in the energy sector both in the short and long term if we have to keep our economy up and running. In fact, the UPND views energy as a catalyst to economic emancipation.
When we speak of investing in the energy sector, we are not limited to hydropower generation but we mean all potential sources of energy available in Zambia including wind. The UPND is a party committed to economic emancipation and this can only be a reality if and only if there is massive investment in the energy sector given its indisputable role in an economy. For this reason, the UPND promises the following once ushered into power in 2016:
In the short-term:
Waiving/reducing import duties on energy products
Investing in massive solar power generation by opening up solar power plants in all the 10 provinces which will be added on to the national grid;
Investing in wind energy in the vast plains of Luapula and Western provinces of Zambia;
Expanding capacity of small hydropower stations dotted around the nation;
In the long-term:
Realizing the role that universities play in resolving complex problems such as the one we are experiencing now, the UPND Government will invest in research on energy innovations at the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt University;
Encourage and support companies that are interested in the generation of cleaner energy.
Assess the possibility of opening up new power stations on the big rivers like Kafue, Luangwa, Chambeshi, Luapula,Kabompo, etc.
The UPND realizes the critical role that the Central Statistical Office plays in providing data to inform planning and policy formulation. For this reason, the UPND will endeavour to use data provided by CSO in planning for the future in all sectors of the economy including energy. The current scenario where important data generated by CSO is never put to good use will be history. We will use such data to plan for our nation and ensure that the plan is implemented to avoid embarrassing moments such as the one we are experiencing as a nation right now.
In closing, we urge President Lungu to address the nation on the energy crisis. It is only fair for the President to tell the nation what is happening to the economy due to this serious challenge, that trip to Kariba tells us nothing.
FILE: UPND president Hakainde Hichilema arrives at Kabwata Police Station for questioning
OPPOSITION United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has dispelled media reports alleging UPND Secretary General Winston Chibwe has passed on.
Mr. Hichilema said this on a posting on his facebook page
“I am currently in Ikelengi, North Western province. But I have been receiving a lot of queries regarding the condition of our party Secretary General Winston Chibwe. The correct information is that he’s currently at his home,” Mr. Hichilema said.
Mr. Hichilema requested for prayers for Mr. Chibwe.
“I ask you to join us in prayers so that he can get through the medical challenges he is currently facing.As usual we thank you for your concern and support,” he said.
FILE: Pilato being whisked away after court adjourned
The Lusaka Magistrate Court has discharged popular musician Fumba Chama popularly known as PILATO after the state entered a nolle prosequi.
Magistrate Aridah Chulu however warned Pilato that he had not been acquitted and he may be re-arrested for the same offence if fresh evidence is availed.
Pilato had been charged with one charge of conduct likely to cause the breach of peace following the release of his song titled A Lungu Anabwera which supporters of the PF deemed defamatory to President Edgar Lungu.
?And Pilato told Journalists outside court that he was happy with the decision by the state to discharge him just as he happy was when he composed the song ‘A Lungu anabwera’.
Pilato said the truth was the most arrogant reality on earth.
He has since vowed that he will go ahead and compose more similar songs.
Pilato was accompanied by scores of his fans including some musicians such as Maiko Zulu.
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority has expressed concern over the rising cases of people conducting abortions at illegal clinics in Lusaka.
ZAMRA Senior Pharmaceutical Inspector Kelvin Mujelemani said in an interview that the Authority has discovered that illegal circumcision operations are being conducted at unregistered clinics in most compounds in Lusaka.
Mr Mujelemani explained that some young boys have had their private parts amputated after these illegal circumcisions have gone wrong.
“What we have discovered is that male circumcisions have become very popular due to the massive advertisements about its benefits and some unscrupulous people are now cashing in by performing these operations in their illegal drug stores,” Mr Mujelemani.
He added, “The illegal drug store owners are conniving with Pharmacists from Government hospitals and are stealing a controlled drug called Lignocaine or Lidocaine used as local anaesthetics stop pain and they are selling to these backyard drug stores to use after operations.”
Mr Mujelemani said men and boys rushing to these illegal drug stores to seek these operations are risking their lives.
He said the Authority has since intensified its inspections to close down these illegal drug stores and sensitise the public on the dangers of conducting illegal circumcisions.
