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Zambia squandered a first half lead to lose in their 2016 CHAN qualifier away in Namibia.
Namibia fought back from 1-0 halftime lead to beat Zambia 2-1 in a CHAN first round,m first leg qualifier in Windhoek.
Zesco striker Winston Kalengo put Zambia ahead in the 15th minute.
However, Namibia hit back after the brake through Willie Stafanus in the 54th minute and Benjamin Nenkavu in the 63rd minute.
The win was Namibia’s second successive victory over Zambia after beating them on post-match penalties in the 2015 Cosafa Cup quarterfinals in South Africa on May 24.
Zambia must now beat Namibia 1-0 at home on July 4 to advance on away goals rule to the final qualifying round.
The winner over both legs will face victor of the Mozambique versus Seychelles first round tie.
Mozambique are favorites to advance to October’s final qualifying round after thumping Seychelles 5-1 on Saturday in Maputo.
Zambia have failed to qualify for the last two CHAN finals since finishing third at the 2009 tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
President Edgar Lungu at Cabinet meeting at Statehouse.Pictures By EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATEHOUSE.
Human Rights Disability Activist, Elijah Ngwale, has suggested to President Edgar Lungu to elevate Provincial Ministers to Cabinet Ministers so that they, too, sit in Cabinet meetings rather than deputy Ministers.
Cabinet usually holds meetings every week on Monday at State House and such meetings are chaired by the Head of State or the Vice President or in absence of the two, an appointed Cabinet Minister.
Mr Ngwale observed that Provincial Ministers should be sitting in Cabinet meetings to represent the people in provinces instead of all those at government line ministers.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr Ngwale said allowing deputy Ministers to attend Cabinet meetings would signify the end of Cabinet in any government.
Mr Ngwale said it is a world-over norm that only Cabinet Ministers attend Cabinet meetings and deputy Ministers do not act as Cabinet Ministers in the absence of their bosses.
“I propose to President Lungu to elevate the 10 Provincial Ministers to Cabinet Ministers if the people in provinces are to benefit a lot from the policy direction of the government instead of just hearing from what the journalists write,” he said.
Mr Ngwale said it was better that Provincial Ministers sit in Cabinet meetings so that they explain to the people what government intends to do and not hearing the policy direction of government through the media.
He said people in provinces miss out when Cabinet sits and are only informed of government’s policy direction on matters of governance through the fourth estate, the media.
He opposed the decision by President Lungu who indicated early this year that he was working on modalities to integrate deputy Ministers into Cabinet meetings for them to effectively discharge Cabinet Ministers’ functions in the absence of substantive office-holders.
When he swore in Minister of Gender and Child Development Nkandu Luo and 29 deputy ministers in February this year, President Lungu also directed Vice-President Inonge Wina to ensure there is a ministerial statement each week in parliament explaining Government’s programmes.
President Lungu observed that there is no co-ordination between the Minister and the deputy Minister because a minister is usually working alone, saying but this should come to an end.
Mr Lungu said deputy Ministers struggle to give answers in Parliament because Cabinet Ministers usually work in isolation.
He said it was important that deputy Ministers are part of Cabinet meeting proceedings for them to work hand in hand with Ministers because they both serve the interests of citizens.
The Head of State disclosed that he would engage Ms Wina and Cabinet Office on how to successfully execute the inclusion of deputy ministers in Cabinet meetings.
He said it should be a policy, custom and practice that Cabinet Ministers work with their deputies and promote more interaction.
Former First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba
GOVERNMENT should give absolute attention to health as it is an integral part of every human being, says former first lady Dr Christine Kaseba.
Kaseba said perfect health propels individuals to highly motivated performance levels and yields good results both personally and at national level.
She said this yesterday at the 17th edition of the MultiChoice Inter-Company Relay (ICR) held at Lusaka Show grounds under theme ‘Run and Walk for your Health towards Peace and Unity’.
“Health needs to be given absolute attention and I am glad that Government is here because they need to ensure that people are healthy,
“Every day we hear young people collapsing from hypertension, stroke, we need to start paying attention to these conditions because they are really hitting and eating at the production of the nation. Good health is a foundation of healthy communities and everyone needs to strive to keep health through regular exercises,” she said.
She said as Zambia continued to develop in all sectors, good health, peace and unity remained major pillars of success.
“All Zambians should feel obliged that peace and unity are embraced at all levels. We cannot boast of achieving anything if the vital role peace and unity is erased. Zambia is a good example for peace hence has a legacy to protect without compromise, “she said.
Kaseba appealed to the ministry of sports to give more funding to athletics as it is to other major sports disciplines.
And Chinese ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said his country will remain committed and contribute to both the economic and social development of the nation.
“We have 17 Chinese companies that have taken part in the ICR which is one way of contributing to the social development of the nation. This is a way of giving back to the community through sports. We will continue to commit ourselves to the economic and social development of Zambia, “he said.
And ICR manager Elias Mpondela said the money raised will go a long way in developing athletics in Zambia and results were already manifesting.
“Today we have athletes finishing in the medal bracket in the World Challenge and the Diamond League. It takes funding to nurture talent to that level; hence the funds raised will help in providing the necessary training for these athletes, “he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia Sugar Plc defended the title for the overall winners while Zambia National Service came second.
In the commercial bank category, Standard Chartered scooped the first position while Indo Zambia and Zanaco followed behind.
National Assembly scooped the Arm of Government category while Office of the President were runners up.
In the energy group, Copperbelt Energy Corporation won the title while Zesco and Kafue Gorge scooped the second and third place respectively.
Zambia Sugar emerged victorious in the manufacturing industry while Parmalat was second as Bata settled on third place.
Lusaka City Council Head Office
Lusaka Town Clerk, Alex Mwansa, says a procedure was followed in the sale of the Libala Tennis Court which has raised public debate.
In a statement availed to the media in Lusaka, Mr Mwansa said the move was taken in order to raise revenue for the council to enable it resolve some of its immediate needs.
He said the local authority from time to time assesses the performance of its assets with regard to the contribution to the overall income and how the various assets could enhance revenue for the council.
The Town Clerk explained that this is done to ensure the best returns are obtained from its assets.
He said the Libala Tennis Court has been inactive for a long time adding to the facility being encroached.
Mr Mwansa said it was for this reason that the council decided to sell the sports facility to a suitable developer identified through open in bidding to revitalize the amenity.
He further explained that this process commenced a long time and the council attempted to obtain a loan in October 2011 to redevelop the land but were unsuccessful.
He said per procedure the item was further required to be reported to the full council and the meeting was held on April 13, 2015.
Mr Mwansa said the council duly approved the recommendation of the joint committee in the meeting and the council resolved that the Libala Tennis Court be advertised for sale.
However, Libala Ward 7 Councillor Emmanuel Chanda has revealed that there has never been an approval for the sale of the council property.
Mr Chanda has since petitioned Lusaka Mayor to halt any transactions to establish what really happened.
He said there were a lot of inconsistencies in the process which could have led to the sale of the piece of land were sold off, especially that the decision was confirmed outside the normal channel of council business.
Mr Chanda said the processes used did not allow for public participation which the residents have refused to accept, as they were not consulted.
“I have petitioned the Mayor of Lusaka to halt all activities surrounding the development plans for the said five hectares of land which included the Looters Basketball Court until all questions are answered.
“There were a lot of inconsistencies in the manner the property was sold off and the residents have asked me to get to the bottom of all this and find out the truth about the whole matter,” he said.
Mr Chanda said the council minutes were still not yet approved and wondered how the committees concerned undertook to approve the sale and conditions thereof of a suitable developer.
“How was the decision arrived at when the council minutes have not been approved? And how did the committee sit to look at the items in a document not yet approved, to table the terms of reference for the developer?” he questioned.
The Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr John Phiri has demanded a report on the alleged sale of council properties around the capital city, and a report was submitted to his office last week.
The council said report included all other assets claimed to be non-performing as they did not provide value addition to the local authority.
Some councillors have dubiously sold off some council property and pocketed the money, which has riled residents.
Some individuals have title to some LCC property despite the local authority having no record of sale at the Civic Centre.
Sylvia Masebo
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Chongwe Member of parliament Sylvia Masebo told Parliament that violence has continued to be a stumbling block for women wishing to contest elections in Zambia.
She was contributing to the debate on the ratification of Justice Esau Chulu and Emily Sikazwe as Chairperson and member of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) board respectively, and Nixon Banda to serve as member of the Judicial Complaints Authority.
Ms Masebo said that women were scared of contesting elections because of too much violence.
She said the ECZ should also intensify ECZ voter registration and ensure that as many people as possible register to vote.
There should also be order on the voting day because some scrupulous people sit around polling booths posing as staff from office of the president when they are in fact not.
Choma Central UPND MP Cornelius Mweetwa urged the new ECZ members to address issues surrounding the holding of elections in Zambia.
Mr Mweetwa queried why it had to take people to engage in violence for the ECZ to release election results.
Meanwhile, parliament ratified the appointment of Justice Essau Chulu as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).The House has also ratified the appointment of gender activities Emily Sikazwe to serve as Member of the Commission.
Parliament also ratified Nixion Banda as member of the Judicial Complaints Authority.
The ratification follows the appointment of the three by President Edgar Lungu.
Presenting the report of the parliament select committee, Chairperson of the Committee Mwansa Kapeya said the committee had scrutinized the presidential appointees and proved that they are fit for office.
Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula said the three appointees were eminently qualified to run the offices.
“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
(Matthew 3:2, AMP)
Change Your Mind
Do you have behaviors in your life that you want to stop or change? Maybe it’s a habit, a bad attitude, or even negative thoughts. No matter what you may want to change in your life, you have to start by changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. When you repent and make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work. When you take control of your thought life, you are cooperating with that power that is at work in you.
Remember, your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. You have to choose right thoughts. The easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “orange,” you probably won’t start thinking about an apple. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, it will drive those negative, defeated thoughts away! Change your mind today by changing your words so you can move forward into the abundant life He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I choose to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. I repent for anything in my life that is displeasing to You. Empower me today by Your spirit so that I can bring honor to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Nkwazi will reclaim second position on the FAZ Super Division table if they beat Green Buffaloes in Sunday’s delayed Week 14 match at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Elijah Chikwanda’s Police outfit on Saturday dropped from second into fourth place after Forest Rangers displaced them following a 2-1 win over Green Eagles in Ndola.
Nkwazi could move back into second place with victory over Buffaloes as they are just one point behind Forest, who have 22 points from 14 games played.
On the other hand, Buffaloes are eighth on the table with 19 points from 13 games.
Meanwhile, Napsa Stars and Konkola Blades clash in the 13h00 kickoff match at Woodlands Stadium.
Both Napsa and Konkola are searching for only their fourth win of the season.
Konkola sits in 11th place with 14 points from 14 games played while second from the bottom Napsa have 10 pints from 13 matches.
University of Zambia Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen Simukanga
The University of Zambia (UNZA) Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Simukanga has stepped down from his position.
Yesterday, University of Zambia Lecturers’ and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) members demanded the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Simukanga together with three other principal officers at the university.
Others who have also stepped down at the highest learning institution are UNZA Registrar Dr. Kavwanga Yambayamba, UNZA Librarian Dr. Viatalicy Chifwepa and the UNZA Bursar Barbra Sampa.
Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Patrick Nkanza has confirmed the development to QFM News in a statement that the Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Enala Mwase has assumed the position of the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNZA.
Dr. Nkanza says the positions of Registrar, Librarian and Bursar will be filled with officers to be appointed to act in these positions.
He says the academic and administrative functions of the UNZA have been restored, and in particular, the Examinations process, which starts on Monday 22nd June 2015, will proceed normally.
Dr. Nkanza states that the ministry in charge will work with all stakeholders to address the problems facing the University of Zambia, and specifically, the problems associated with accrued contractual obligations.
The Permanent Secretary says the ministry is also committed to process of continuous dialogue with management and all staff unions of the university in order to seek and deliver solutions to the problems that could hinder the academic and administrative life of the university.
Mighty Mufulira Wanderers have thumped their long-time rivals Nkana 2-0 in a FAZ Super Division match played at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira on Saturday.
This was the first Super Division meeting between Kalampa and Mighty since 2002 when Wanderers were demoted for the first time.
Second half goals from Warren Kunda and late substitute Brian “Adebayor” Ambungeni propelled Mighty to victory in this Week 14
match.
After a goalless first half, Kunda stunned his old club Nkana with goal in the first minute of the second half before Ambungeni sealed the win on the nick of full time.
The win has pushed Mighty into fifth place on the table with 21 points from 14 games while Nkana remain stuck on 17 points garnered from 14 games.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Nchanga Rangers escaped from Arthur Davies Stadium with a 1-1 draw against Power Dynamos.
Nchanga led with a 44th minute goal by Spencer Ngalande that was cancelled by Kelvin Mubanga just seconds after the break.
At Dola Hill Grounds in Ndola, Forest Rangers ghosted into second place after recording their fifth straight victory following a 2-1 home win over Green Eagles.
FAZ Super Division
20/06/2015
Power Dynamos 1- Nchanga Rangers 1
Mufulira Wanderers 2- Nkana 1
Forest Rangers 2-Green Eagles 1
Lusaka Dynamos 2- National Assembly 0
NORTHERN Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe
Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe, has with immediate effect ordered CADG-Zambia, the company engaged by Government to work on the Kasama-Chambeshi Road, to temporarily suspend works on the project.
Mr Sikazwe says government is very concerned with the performance of the construction company since it was awarded the contract last year.
He told ZANIS in Kasama today that CADG-Zambia has late down the people of Kasama and Northern Province in general by allegedly failing to commence full works on the Kasama-Chambeshi Road.
Mr Sikazwe also bemoaned the contractor’s failure to start rehabilitation works on some selected township roads despite receiving an advance payment from government.
The Provincial Minister has since questioned how CADG-Zambia was awarded the contract to resurface the Kasama-Chambeshi Road when the contractor has allegedly no capacity to do the works.
Mr. Sikazwe revealed that construction works for CADG-Zambia in Kasama district will remain suspended until relevant authorities review the performance of the company carrying out its works.
He, however, appealed for calm among Kasama residents who have threatened to demonstrate over the alleged shoddy works by CADG-Zambia in working on the Kasama-Chambeshi Road.
Yesterday, Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Hlobotha Nkunika, directed CADG-Zambia to complete the protracted works of replacing culverts on a small portion of the road situated near Kasama’s St John’s Cathedral within 48 hours.
Mr Nkunika observed that motorists and the travelling public have been inconvenienced due to delay in finishing works by the construction firm.
But a representative from the CADG-Zambia, Ngenda Amukena, assured that the construction firm was committed to meeting its contractual obligation on the Kasama-Chambeshi road project.
Dr JOHN PHIRI
Minister of Local Government and Housing, John Phiri, says government will not tolerate stagnation of projects in the country.
Speaking yesterday in Katete when he visited a piece of land located for the construction of a first ever bus station and shopping mall, Dr Phiri said councils are a reflection of what government is doing and should, therefore, work hard.
Dr Phiri said people are expectant to see development taking root in Katete district.
He said President Edgar Lungu has shown good will in delivering development and should be supported by all Zambians.
The Local Government Minister, who applauded chiefs in the district for giving land to the district council for development, challenged the local authority to make good use of the land.
He said the best way to thank and motivate the chiefs to release more land to government is by making use of it purposefully.
He added that it will be discouraging for chiefs to give land to government if land remains undeveloped.
Meanwhile Dr Phiri has assured people of Katete that the mobile national registration program will soon be extended to the eastern part of the country.
He urged the youths in the district to take keen interest in obtaining national registration cards and subsequently register as voters.
He further challenged all councillors in the district to deliver development as they promised to the electorates.
And Katete District Council Chairman, Abraham Zulu, has appealed to government to help the district council with more funds to actualise development.
Mr Zulu said the council has a number of projects in the district, among them the building of the first ever bus station, filling station and shopping mall.
Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General has said that the party’s Secretary General Mr. Davies Chama never insulted the Tonga Speaking people as reported in the media.
In a Statement released to the media by Sunday Chanda, Vice Chairperson, Media and Publicity Committee, the party said that Mr Chama’s s remarks have been blown out of proportion in order to suit the Cartel’s narrative, including the tribally touchy members of our society.
The Post Newspaper quoted Mr Chama saying that: “If at all they (UPND) will ever be in power, maybe a 100 years from now, not in my generation, maybe a 100 years from now. They are polygamous by nature, so maybe as they have more children, they can be in power. But not under the leadership of Hichilema. I don’t think it will happen.”
The Post Newspaper further reported that Mr Chama said that: “…And the way they show hate towards other tribes, it’s unbelievable. They can commit genocide and I don’t think we can give chance to Hichilema to ever rule this country. That’s why I said if I had the powers myself, I would ban that political party, ban it completely not to participate in the political life of this country, but I don’t have those powers… ”
The alleged refusal of Mr Chama to apologise for the above remarks have triggered angry reactions from Politicians like Vernon Mwaanga, Ngande Makanda and Garry Nkombo. Dr Mwaanga said that Chama must be a mad man who President Edgar Lungu should quickly cage. Mr Magande said Chama was disparaging Tongas, forgetting that they were the same people that had been keeping peace in Zambia. Mr Nkombo said that PF secretary general Davies Chama needed psycho attention for tieing everything to tribe.
Bellow is the full statement from PF
PATRIOTIC FRONT (PF) WILL REMAIN A SHINNING EXAMPLE OF A POLITICAL PARTY WITH A NATIONAL CHARACTER – STATEMENT BY SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Lusaka, Zambia, 20th June 2015 – The continued attacks against Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Mr. Davies Chama are being orchestrated by reactionary forces who are hypocritically too touchy and defensive when reminded of their own-manufactured tribalism. It is a fact that Mr. Chama never insulted the Tonga-speaking people. His purported remarks have been blown out of proportion in order to suit the Cartel’s narrative, including the tribally touchy members of our society. It can therefore be contested that it is not what Mr. Chama is alleged to have said that is tribal in nature, but the reaction and sensitivity from sensational media and their mouth-pieces which is outrageously tribal.
It is sad that a veteran Politician and accomplished diplomat Dr. Vernon Mwaanga is being dragged into this unfruitful and unproductive onslaught against a younger politician he can easily call and counsel if at all such need existed. We find it very difficult to believe that the sentiments and harsh expressions attributed to Dr. Mwaanga are really his. We say so because one of the great lessons from his accomplished life as a politician has been that we can have differences without becoming personally disagreeable. We therefore advise that senior citizens such as Dr. Mwaanga should not be in the forefront in name-calling younger and emerging politician, lest they find themselves in the crossfire and that will be against our norms as a cultured people.
We also wish to advise MMD President Dr. Nevers Mumba that there is no incremental value for his Party in vilifying the PF Secretary General. If indeed he desires for constructive engagement regarding the issues he was raising, the Party leadership remains available to hear him and his people.
We also have UPND’s Garry Nkombo leading the onslaught on behalf of the UPND on the assumptions that Zambians have suffered collective amnesia to forget that just a fortnight ago, he insulted a fellow elected representative of the people when he uttered unprintables while on the floor in Parliament. Today, he seeks to be the champion of what should be acceptable conduct. This is a man who has the audacity to glorify the Mapatizya formula when he knows too well that innocent blood has been shed by its application. Today, it is worthy of him to vilify PF Secretary General Davies Chama just to suit his party’s narrative.
It is beneath the dignity and stature of Mr. Chama to preach tribal politics as others have sought to portray. Those who seek to vilify him have attempted to coerce him into apologizing and admitting a sin he never committed. The continuous attacks against Mr. Chama and PF are a failed attempt by the Cartel and its mouthpieces to cut and slice PF. They have attempted to define PF and Mr. Chama as being tribal when in actual sense it is those reacting tribally who shamelessly are. It is PF’s strong conviction that Zambians of all tribes and tribes must find a home in PF without segregation.
Lastly, we remain proud that PF remains a shining example of a political party with a national character. This was demonstrated in the selection of late President Michael Chilufya Sata’s successor. PF is confident that when history is written, the succession of late President Sata will not be said to have been influenced by tribalism. It’s a fact that President Lungu’s choice as successor was not marred by tribalism. Zambians judged him on the basis of his capacity to deliver, unite the nation and lead. Zambians know of Political leaders in the Opposition who are a product of shameless tribalism, a fact they cannot change and reality they fail to face. In their effort to erase their past, they jump on every opportunity to transfer blame. These have never admitted that it is wrong to campaign along tribal lines, and when they are reminded of this reality, they react with all the zeal and energy at their disposal.
By: Sunday Chanda, Vice Chairperson, PF Media and Publicity Committee
Zambia face Namibia tomorrow with a spectre of a goal drought haunting coach George Lwandamina heading into his second game in charge.
In last weekends 2017 Africa Cup qualifier against guinea Bissau, Lwandamina was blessed with a modest bunch of Zambia’s top strikers but he opted to experiment in that dull draw to dent his tactical credentials on day one in charge
One now hopes seven days down the road that Lwandamina is a little more pragmatic as he heads into Sunday’s 2016 CHAN qualifier albeit armed with a discounted group of home-based strikers and clearly looking to find a short-term remedy to Zambia’s perennial striker malise.
“That is what we are working on we have dedicated this whole week to polish up the strike force. I hope and trust they will be able to assimilate and make use of the ideas that we are putting across,” Lwandamina said.
Meanwhile, Patson Daka returns but remains under sustained pressure to justify his place after his honeymoon with the media after a promising start at junior level that has taken a nosedive in the big league.
His fellow junior international Patrick Ngoma is hoping not to suffer the same fate after earlier earning a place in the 2015 Africa Cup team in January despite a serious injury just after his 7 goals inspired the Zambia Under-20 to Cosafa Youth Cup victory last December.
But of Lwandamina’s six attackers only the experienced Allan Mukuka, a winger, looks bankable heading into the match.
Jimmy Ndhlovu, Jackson Mwanza and veteran striker Winston Kalengo who have been dependable at the domestic level have been plagued by reliability issues at the national team.
In addition, both Mwanza and Ndhlovu were part of the team that lost 5-4 on post-match penalties to Namibia in the 2015 Cosafa Cup quarterfinals on May 24 and this grudge match presents a great opportunity for them to redeem themselves.
I went to America fifteen years ago to understand why America (USA) was the richest country in the world. Eight years ago I returned to Zambia and I now understand why many people in Africa remain poor.
Poor leadership
Africa is blessed by many ‘academically’ intelligent people. Yet these people are often very poor leaders. A certain local council had a $1 million dollar grader parked for four years because the council allegedly could not afford to purchase a spare part for $100.00. Leaders (some) in Africa travel abroad to get allowances not to get wisdom. They go for their second and third degree not to pursue excellence but to get the promotion. Unfortunately education is not a classroom revelation only. Real education is solving the problems of society.
Dependency Syndrome
The one billion people in Africa are trained to depend on ‘colonial masters’. This mental slavery attitude continues. Some one will litter the streets because another will pick up after them. This dependency causes people not to engage their creative juices which liberate humanity.
Jealousy
There are jealous people everywhere in the world. But the headquarters is somewhere in Africa. Over here (especially in the compound) even buying a chicken is an issue. What about the day you buy an island?
Laziness
Passing time is a hobby. Idleness and the delirious pursuit of nothing is an occupation for many. It must be the sun or the sand or the livestock or God knows what. But many people do not mind stealing their own productivity.
Lack of self belief
A four year old in America is more likely to describe their expectations, goals, vision and passion than a forty year old in other places. We hate us. We doubt us. We malign one another. We pay others more for the color of their skin than we pay us for the content of our brains.
Conclusion
God never makes mistakes. Africa is not a mistake. All humanity is designed to be productive, exceptional, and deliberate. Africa, the effervescent continent, the radiant conglomeration of hope and potency, is a blessed continent. Its people must arise, shine and concur all hindrances. The future is bright. Only our past is dark.
There are some Africans who may have brought the African name into disrepute. But there are millions more who are ready to reveal the new Africa.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Given Lubinda
GOVERNMENT will this year export 800,000 metric tonnes of maize, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Given Lubinda has said.
Mr Lubinda, however, assured that Government will not deplete the strategic reserves as a result of the exportation of the maize.
The minister said this when he paid a courtesy at Eastern Province permanent secretary Chanda Kasolo in Chipata on Thursday shortly before he officially opened a three-day agri-business finance fair.
“This year, we shall export about 800,000 tonnes of maize but we will not allow anyone to export the grain without getting an export permit,” Mr Lubinda said.
He said Government will closely monitor maize exports.
Mr Lubinda reiterated that no citizen will starve despite some parts of the country recording crop failure due to partial drought.
And speaking during the official opening of the agri-business finance fair, Mr Lubinda urged farmers to explore new methods of farming.
He said over eight million people in the world, including Zambia, are threatened with starvation and it is important for farmers to start thinking of taking up agribusiness.
Mr Lubinda also said Government is introducing milling plants in all provinces with surplus maize to help reduce the price of mealie meal.
He said Government will continue providing farm inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and urged small-scale farmers to work hard for them to graduate from vulnerable to viable farmers within four years to enable others to benefit from subsidised inputs.
AgriProFocus country co-ordinator Claire van der Kleij said this is the second business finance fair to be hosted after the one in Southern Province aimed at supporting development of agribusiness by improving access to financial services and credit facilities.
