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MOPANI Copper Mines says it has paid US$850 million in taxes from 2007 to date

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Mopani Smelter in Mufulira
Mopani Smelter in Mufulira

MOPANI Copper Mines (MCM) has paid over US$850 million in taxes to Government from 2007 to date.

MCM corporate affairs manager Cephas Sinyangwe said in an interview yesterday that the mining company spends US$ 19 million annually on provision of healthcare services to communities in which it operates and an additional US$3 million to run its schools.

“Over US$850 million in taxes has been paid to the Zambian government between 2007 and March 2015.

“Mopani has invested about US$15 million in the Mopani Central Training Centre. US$5 million is also being invested in the new mining training school at the same premises,” Mr Sinyangwe said.

He also said MCM has is committed to promoting joint venture partnerships between local and foreign enterprises to enhance capacity building and facilitate skills transfer.

“A total of US$230,000 is budgeted annually towards Small Medium Enterprises (SME) development,” Mr Sinyangwe said.

Meanwhile, Mr Sinyangwe said MCM recorded zero cases of HIV/AIDS in children born from HIV positive mothers at all its medical facilities in 2013 and 2014.

President Lungu expected in today South Africa for AU summit

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President Edgar Lungu arrive at Ghanian high Commission in Lusaka to signs a book of condolences to mourns more than 200 people who died in last week’s gas station fire disaster in the capital city Accra. PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE 10-06-2015.
President Edgar Lungu arrive at Ghanian high Commission in Lusaka to signs a book of condolences to mourns more than 200 people who died in last week’s gas station fire disaster in the capital city Accra. PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE 10-06-2015.

President Edgar Lungu is, today, expected to join other African leaders in Johannesburg for the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union scheduled to take place from 14th to 15th June 2015 in Johannesburg.

This is according to a statement issued yesterday by Nicky Shabolyo, press secretary at the Zambian mission to South Africa.

The President will be accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Esther Lungu, who will attend the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) meetings which have been arranged on the margins of the Heads of State Summit.

Foreign Minister, Hon Harry Kalaba, Deputy Finance Minister, Hon Chris Mvunga, Gender Minister, Hon Nkandu Luo and Justice Deputy Minister, Hon Keith Mukata travelled ahead of the President for pre-Summit meetings.

The Summit which has been preceded by the 30th Ordinary Session of Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) on 7th June, 2015 and followed by the 27th Executive Council from 10 – 12 June, 2015, is being held under the theme: “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”.

Outgoing Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Muyeba Chikonde and Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Susan Sikaneta, confirmed President Lungu’s attendance of the Summit where the Zambian Head of State was selected to represent the Southern African region in a facilitated panel discussion on the Theme. The Summit will also address, in closed session, other topical and strategic issues as well as adopt the Implementation of the First Ten Year Plan towards the Agenda 2063 programme.

The African leaders will also discuss the streamlining of the AU Summit and working methods, as well as procedures of the African Union, with the view to having the organisation run more efficiently and effectively.

President Lungu is also expected to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from various African and Observer countries, as well as Senior Representatives of some international organizations, including the UN Women, who have identified President Lungu as one of the leaders to feature in a television documentary which will focus on women issues.

Solwezi urgenty needs affordable houses

Lusaka Times Contributer
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North-western province Minister, Dawson Kafwaya, says there is need to accelerate construction of decent and affordable housing units that will suit the prevailing economic activities taking place in Solwezi district.

Mr Kafwaya says despite the massive investment the district has received in the last few years, there has not been corresponding
investment in housing units.He says this is why institutions such as the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) are key in the provision of mortgage financing that will enable local people build befitting housing units.

Mr Kafwaya has urged the Zambia National Building Society to step up its awareness campaign and provide the much-needed information on how
locals can access the mortgages that will enable them participate in  the development process of the town.

He said this yesterday during the launch of the refurbished Zambia National Building Society Solwezi branch and the salary advance
product.
Mr Kafwaya als called on women in Solwezi to take advantage of the introduction of the women’s mortgage promotion and access funds to
construct houses.
Speaking earlier, Bank of Zambia Northern region Director, Fabian Hara,said the refurbished branch should not only enable ZNBS clients
receive financial services in a comfortable environment but also enhanced efficiency in service delivery.
And Zambia National Building Society Managing Director, Joseph Chikolwa, said the ZNBS Solwezi branch has been refurbished at a cost of over K
1 million.

Mr Chikolwa said before the refurbishment, it was difficult to efficiently serve the over 5,000 customers who hold different types of
accounts at the Solwezi branch due to inadequate space.He said his institution will continue giving jobs to local contractors provided they continue delivering to the institution’s expectations.

Mr Chikolwa disclosed that since the salary advance was rolled over six months ago, Solwezi branch has disbursed over 1,400 salary
advances to its customers and was hopeful that the figure will triple by the end of the financial year in March 2016.

He encouraged customers to access the facility and avoid exorbitant loans commonly known as “Kaloba.”

Katele Kalumba switches to PF, accuses UPND of Elitism and Regionalism

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Katele Kalumba switches to PF, accuses UPND of Elitism and Regionalism
FILE: HH and Katele Kalumba on the shores of Lake Mweru
FILE: HH and Katele Kalumba on the shores of Lake Mweru

RENOWNED politician Katele Kalumba has advised Zambians who share the passion of a united Zambia to support President Lungu and to reject political parties with elements of elitism and regionalism.

Dr Kalumba, a former MMD national secretary, who supported United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema’s candidature in the January 20 presidential election, said after deep reflection, consultation and reason, he has decided to render his support to President Lungu.

“I have decided to formally and publicly declare my unflinching support for the Patriotic Front party under President Edgar Lungu’s leadership.

“President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has demonstrated a sense of humility and accommodation. A lawyer by profession, he has avoided elitism. These qualities are the ingredients that are required to unify all the regions of our country. I support him,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday that President Lungu beat great odds and ascended to the presidency of Zambia.

Dr Kalumba appealed to PF and MMD members to construct a lasting unity and avoid mistrust if the country is to survive elitism and division.

He said the pact that MMD leaders have worked on with the PF is on the principle of necessity and not convenience.

“We know too well that the hopes of Mr Hichilema were, unfortunately, dashed away in spite of all the efforts put in by many, including myself as a sympathiser. What went wrong? Elitism and fears of regionalism defeated the UPND. These elements offend the political sense of many Zambians,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said few people outside Luapula Province perhaps know the role he played in the popularisation of PF.

“I call upon my dear friends who share in the passion for our united Zambia to support President Lungu and the PF. What President Lungu and the PF are fighting against may not appear visible or clearly articulated, yet it is real. President Lungu’s anti-elitism and PF grassroots leadership sense may be the only armour we have right now against the forces of negative imitation of everything anti-One Zambia, One Nation,” Dr Kalumba said.

The veteran politician said he wants to prevent dangerous forces of division lurking in the backyard of a known political party.

“I do not support forces of division. I instead advocate rational approaches to public policy issues,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said he is one of the few remaining founder members of the MMD, a party whose weight he once carried.

Rainbow Party national congress set for this weekend

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Rainbow Party Banner
Rainbow Party Banner

The opposition Rainbow Party is this Saturday expected to hold its first ever national congress.

Party leader Wynter Kabimba confirmed that the national congress will be held at Tick Boarding School campus in Lusaka’s Lilayi area.

Mr Kabimba said the congress will draw participation from Rainbow members from across the country.

The Rainbow Party leader said all party members drawn from constituency, district and provincial structures all over Zambia will attend the gathering.

He said the event is significant in the growth of the opposition party as it expected to adopt the party manifesto and draw up a program of action.

Mr Kabimba boosted that all critics of the Rainbow Party should come and see how fast the party is growing by the large number of invited delegates and party officials.

He said this national congress is historical in Zambia’s democracy as the Rainbow will become the first political party to go for a national congress within the first six months of its existence.

Harassment of Rajan Mahtani amounts to xenophobia-UPND

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Harassment of Rajan Mahtani amounts to xenophobia-UPND

UPND Deputy Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo
UPND Deputy Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo

The opposition UPND has charged that the prosecution of prominent business man Rajan Mahtani amounts to xenophobia.

UPND Deputy Spokesman Edwin Lifwekelo said in a statement that Zambians must stand up and condemn all manifestations of Xenophobia and Xenophobic harassment of innocent citizens like Dr Mahtani.

Mr Lifwekelo said there are a lot of criminals going about doing their business with their heads high just because they are in good books with those in power.

He said a domestic economy must be developed under policies that favour local companies and businessmen and women like Dr Mahtani.

Mr Lifwekelo said the creation of the Mahtani group of companies has helped to alleviate unemployment in Zambia adding that Dr Mahtani deserves everyone’s support.

‘Late President Sata’s vision was to empower indigenous Zambians like Rajan Mahtani and others. This is why immediately he assumed office he repossessed Zamtel and gave back Finance Bank to the rightful owners,’ Mr Lifwekelo stated.

He added, ‘the MMD who are now slowly swallowing PF have started de-constructing Sata’s vision. In any case we are surprised why government is so interested in the battles between the Italians and Rajan Mahtani. Why is there so much interest in this matter?’ he questioned.

Mr Lifwekelo said the harassment of Dr. Mahtani by the state is disingenuous, disrespectful and misleading to the struggle for economic emancipation and respect of local investors.

‘The nation appears to lack institutional capacity to strengthen good democratic governance. The selective application of the law among citizens is of great concern to UPND.’

He said, ‘as the first contact of the criminal justice system, the police are expected to be impartial in the manner they discharge their duties and in the discharge their duties and in the treatment of citizens, unfortunately Dr Mahtani appears to be a victim of a vicious conspiracy by a group of people.’

‘We agree that corruption is a major challenge that must be fought for this country to see development, however there seems to be an orchestrated ploy by some individuals that want to settle political battles by using the state to discredit and harass Dr. Mahtani.’

Mr Lifwekelo added, ‘this is totally unacceptable and against the spirit of one Zambia one nation. The state must not be used to settle political scores by persons that have issues with Dr. Mahtani or the post News paper.’

He said, ‘Our position on this matter is not to defend Dr. Rajan Mahtani for any wrongs he may have committed but to seek justice and truth on matters that were closed under the Michael Sata administration but have now been opened under the Edgar Lungu administration, we smell a rat.’

‘We believe very strongly that someone is orchestrating this vilification and malicious prosecution of Dr. Rajan Mahtani by investing so much in his prosecution though not knowing the interior motives.

Settling political issues using the state is sending wrong signals to the outside world. We must stop this politics of patronage and embrace the spirit of love and hard work among Zambians.’

Sunzu and Kangwa ruled out of Guinea Bissau clash

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Zambia has been hit by a double-blow with the news that defender Stopilla Sunzu and striker Evans Kangwa will miss Saturday’s opening 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier against Guinea Bissau in Ndola.

Team physician Doctor Joseph Kabungo said Kangwa will be out of action for at least two weeks.

“Stopilla is a lot better this morning and the primary diagnosis is he that has got a strained knee ligament on the left. He will be out for a minimum of two weeks,” Dr Kabungo said in Kitwe on Thursday.

Sunzu sustained his injury during his first training session with the team on Wednesday morning at Arthur Davies Stadium while Kangwa suffered his 24 hours earlier at the same venue.

“Evans has a left groin injury, I saw him this morning and he was in pain and for such injuries we wanted to give him a chance to see how he would do today but when we saw him, it wasn’t possible to be part of the game for the next 48 to 72 hours,” Dr Kabungo said.

Both players are still in camp where they are continue to receive treatment from the medical bench.

Voters Increasing Confidence in UPND than PF

Lusaka Times Contributer
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This article is not by LT but by Emmanuel Chilekwa,

Next year, the people of Zambia will, for the 7th time in 50years, state their trust and confidence in one of the political parties that would take part in the tripartite and Constitutional referendum.

The UPND made an emphatic 155% poll improvement over its previous performance compared to the ruling party, PF’s 24% improvement in the last three years.

Comparing the 2015 results against the 2011 presidential polls, it is unimaginable that Northern Province could hand out the worst rejection of the PF in terms of lost votes for the PF, which made a positive poll gain only in one province – Eastern Province, courtesy of the MMD’s Rupiah Banda support, whilst opposition UPND recorded an emphatic positive gain in all the nine Provinces in this analysis.

However, it is worth noting to decipher what the Zambian voter is saying.

Amazingly, many people – learned and ordinary in Zambia today, are unable to read the writing on the wall. Some are opting to still continue wallowing in self-delusion not based on critical analysis of synthesizing the clear message the Zambians are saying to the ruling party PF and to the main opposition party, UPND.

All the rest of the other political parties, which took part in the last polls, including the former ruling party MMD, just managed to slice off a pathetic 4%, with FDD leader, Edith Nawakwi, coming 3rd with 0.9%. The MMD came 4th in the 20 January 2015 Presidential by-election.

Therefore, PF Secretary General, Davies Chama’s blind blurting this week that PF has swallowed the MMD and the UPND, is highly uninformed. Of course, it’s easy to swallow the MMD who account for less than 1%, but the PF is incapable of swallowing an equal poll giant, the UPND which polled 47.2% against the PF’s 48.8%. The PF got 807,925 against the fierce poll rival, UPND’s 780,168 votes coming second place.

Without doubt, Zambians have drastically been losing confidence in the current PF, whilst posting their thrust and confidence in the UPND. This, they spoke in the last Presidential polls, which saw the sitting party, the PF just emerge victorious with a paltry 1.7% difference.

With such result, there was no incumbency advantage on the part of the PF. It can’t be ruled out that there may have been an empathy vote in favour of the PF on account of the demise of its founder, late Michael Chilufya Sata. Many supporters, including myself, all came out to band together to install the man Sata left in the saddle, to complete Sata’s term.

As for 2016, the ball game will be different. The PF will be assessed for who they are and what they have done. The voters will review the PF either as truthful and trusted lot or dismiss it as a team of liars with no plan for the people of Zambia on governance, economy and social issues.

Clearly, the PF has abrogated the trust and confidence on the Constitution, Taxes and Liberties. The Church has even come out praying that the sooner the PF leaves government, the better it can be for the country.

Based on the 2015/2011 comparisons, in the beginning, the PF under Michael Sata was trusted much more than the PF under Edgar Lungu. Figures say so. Whilst the UPND has improved 155% over their last poll performance, the PF has only managed a paltry 24% improvement, making the current government of the PF beat UPND by a marginal 1.7%.

Going forward, and based on unfulfilled promises, it is a founded fact that the voters are placing more and more confidence in the UPND whilst fast losing faith trust in the ruling PF.

No wonder, the PF lost so many votes, compared to their 2011 entry performance against the then ruling party, MMD, under party leader Rupiah Bwezani Banda.

Apart from Eastern Province, in the rest of the nine Provinces by Province (Muchinga excluded), the PF has performed badly.

In Eastern Province, with the full effort put in by Rupiah Banda, the PF only grew by 29,017, the UPND grew by 23,178 whilst the MMD shrunk by 232,283 votes. This is the only Province where the PF grew, whilst they lost votes in all the other eight Provinces.

In Lusaka the PF lost 45,948 whilst the UPND sore high with 58,781 whilst the MMD dwindled by 121,716 votes.

In Central Province, the PF lost 10,428 votes, the UPND gained 21,014 votes whilst the MMD miserably dwindled by 106,680 votes.

In Northern Province, the PF was highly rejected amongst all the other Provinces. The PF suffered the worst loss of votes amounting to 90,995 votes whilst the UPND gained by 25,792 votes with the MMD recording a continuous dwindling loss of 119,228 votes.

Then in Luapula the PF lost 70,533 votes whilst the UPND gained 8,735 votes when the MMD suffered another loss of 45,306 votes.

Copperbelt gave an emphatic wholesome pungent rejection of the PF whereby the PF lost 139,653 votes when the UPND gained 48,718 votes and the MMD continued its downward loss of votes accounting for 129,333.

Northwestern voters, PF lost 5,515 votes when the UPND gained 41,238 and the MMD still continued its losing streak with 86,415 votes lost.

Western Province, despite giving the Province the most expensive road and bridge development, the voters still rejected the PF, awarding the PF with a loss of 25,314 when the UPND gained with 40,498 votes and the MMD still lost 61,987 votes.

So, to imagine that the PF is assured of retaining the Presidency next year is burying one’s head in the sand. The people of Zambia are having reduced confidence and trust in the PF. The positive improvements that the opposition UPND has demonstrated, is a sure bet for even better performance against the PF in the time ahead.

The final verdict, however, remains in the custody of the voters.

Ministers Chikwanda,Mukanga and Mwanakatwe must protect Zambians

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Ministers Chikwanda,Mukanga and Mwanakatwe must protect Zambians
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda delivering the 2015 budget
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda

As the Zambia National Students’ Union (ZANASU) we are deeply elated at the public outcry being seen in our daily tabloids over the ongoing debate about the listing of MTN Zambia through Ikulileni Investment on the Lusaka Stock Exchange LuSE last week, which is in accordance with the ICT Act that provides that all foreign owned wireless communications companies must List at least 10 percent of their Stake on LuSE.

This must be a situation for all Zambians to air out their concerns especially that information in the public is that Ikulileni Investment is owned by Abdul Ismael and Valentine Chitalu where the latter happens to be the CEO at MTN Zambia.This in itself raises a lot of eyebrows especially seeing it from the Corporate Morality perspective.

If this was done in the interest of why the ICT Act was formulated it would have been through a very independent company that would represent the majority of subscribers wishing to own stake in MTN Zambia. People must know that this ICT Act was done in line with the CEEC initiative that aims at getting our Zambian entrepreneurs to participate in all Zambian businesses as it is our entitlement in our country. We are deeply worried about the information and we implore the line ministries involved to quickly protect Zambians as that’s their responsibility. Minister of Finance, Minister of Communications and Minister of Commerce need to be on top of things as it may represent a great corporate irregularity.

[pullquote]That’s why as ZANASU we feel Zambians must concentrate on dealing with real issues other than waste their resources, time and energy on Pilato this Pilato that[/pullquote]
That’s why as ZANASU we feel Zambians must concentrate on dealing with real issues other than waste their resources, time and energy on Pilato this Pilato that, let us open our eyes to serious things not this unnecessary media frenzy which yields nothing.

The platform the media gives us must be used to address real challenges and as Zambians also we should not allow the Media to dictate what makes our headlines, take for instance there are issues surrounding our high learning institutions of finances, all of the three public universities are struggling financially and that’s where public attention must be channeled to.

If you may be aware MTN Zambia is one of the biggest and best performing subsidiary of MTN and that’s why Zambians and loyal subscribers must own Stake. It is the only way to reward the faithful subscribers and employees, as this is their entitlement. Of course what ZICTA is saying is correct in terms of what the law provides, but it is issues surrounding the company Ikulileni that must be addressed. We also would like to commend the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and LuSE for standing firm.

Even if the offer closed last Friday, If MTN is a good corporate citizen it must do the right thing in the ambit of morality and following the tenets of our good corporate governance. This is tantamount to organized corporate irregularity, Let us protect LuSE as this will cause a severe dent on the image of LuSE. As a good corporate citizen MTN should reward the faithful subscribers and employees to own a stake without ulterior interests because it is their entitlement.

Thank You

By PRINCE J. NDOYI
ZANASU V. PRESIDENT

PF sounds early call to Zambians

Lusaka Times Contributer
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The mobilisation committee of the Patriotic Front (PF) has sounded an early call on Zambians to re-elect President Edgar Lungu in next year’s tripartite elections.

PF Mobilization Committee Vice Chairman Nigel Mpakateni said this is because the party in government and its leadership have proved that they were determined to socially and economically develop the country.

Mr. Mpakateni said Zambia has experienced massive development since the year 2011 when the PF took over power.He has since urged all well-meaning Zambians to support the PF and freely join the ruling party especially that everyone was eager to see development in the country.

He said this yesterday in Chongwe district when he welcomed 147 defectors from the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Rainbow Party and the National Restoration Party (NAREP).

Mr. Mpakateni said the ruling party has already started the mobilisation strategy ahead of the 2016 tripartite elections because it was aiming at recruiting more members into the working government.

He stated that Zambians have seen that the ruling party was delivering according to the promises which it made prior to the 2011 elections.

And Lusaka Province PF Chairman Olance Longwe said President Edgar Lungu deserves another term of office so that he can accomplish all the developmental programmes going on around the country.

Mr. Longwe said President Lungu was strictly following the 2011 PF manifesto in implementing all the developmental programmes.

He has also urged all genuine PF members to embark on a serious recruitment drive in order to attract a lot of members to the ruling party.

Esther Phiri and Sandra Almeda rematch 12th Sept.

Lusaka Times Contributer
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The rematch fight between Zambia’s sensational boxing heroin Esther Phiri and Sandra Almeda of South Africa will be held on 12th September 2015 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Esther Phiri
Esther Phiri

Exodus Boxing Stables Promotions Manager Antony Mwamba revealed this at a press briefing in Lusaka today. Best Western Plus are the sponsors of the fight and will accommodate boxing icon, Esther.

Mwamba expressed sadness on how the previous WIBA/ WBF Unification ABU welterweight match was handled.He said the stable respected the referee’s decision and hoped that the rematch between Esther and Sandra would be satisfactory.

Meanwhile, the Stable has unveiled a K700, 000 budget for the encounter. And Lusaka Grand Hotel Management has pledged a sum of K150, 000 towards the bout and urged other companies to come on board to support the fight.

On 22nd May, this year, the two boxers locked horns although the fight was stopped in the third round when Sandra was punched in the face causing excess bleeding resulting in a technical draw.

The outcome however, did not please Esther’s side, the Exodus Boxing Stables Promotions.The dissatisfaction made Exodus Boxing Stables Promotions to appeal to the World Boxing Council which has since set a rematch date.

Nevers Mumba breaks his silence

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MMD president Dr.Nevers Mumba
MMD president Dr.Nevers Mumba

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Nevers Mumba says his prolonged silence does not mean he is happy with the happenings in the former ruling party.
Dr. Mumba said he has been closely monitoring all the events in the former ruling party and will in due course break his silence and speak out.

Dr. Mumba said Zambians should understand that he respects the values upon which the MMD was founded and will never divert from those values.He said that in this regard, he will openly give his thoughts to the nation sometime next week.

Dr. Mumba has since appealed to MMD members to remain calm and peaceful and never to forget to pray for God to take charge of every situation they are facing.

[QFM]

Zambia commends Russia over training scholarships

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Government has said it will continue to strengthen its interactions and cooperation with the Russian Federation both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Local Government and Housing Deputy Minister Nicholas Banda said Zambia appreciates the support the Russian Federation has continued to render to the country in various sectors that include education, defense and security, culture and finance.

Mr. Banda commended the Russian Federation for contributing to Zambia’s economic capacity building through offering of training scholarships.

The Deputy Minister said this in Lusaka last night at the reception to commemorate the Victory day and Day of Russia.

And Mr. Banda said the Zambian government was looking forward to working closely with Russia Federation on matters relating to climate change.

And Russian Federation Ambassador to Zambia Konstantin Kozhanov said his country views Zambia as a good friend and a reliable partner in many aspects of political activities and diplomatic efforts.

Mr. Kozhanov said the two countries have over the years achieved a breakthrough in combined efforts to cope with another menacing global threat of illicit drug abuse.

Lwandamina skill comes under test

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File picture:George Lwandamina trying his new Toyota Raider Pick-up given to him as Zambia national soccer team assistant coach.
File picture:George Lwandamina trying his new Toyota Raider Pick-up given to him as Zambia national soccer team assistant coach.

Newly appointed Zambia national football team coach George Lwandamina’s prowess comes under test this Saturday when the Chipolopolo boys take on Guinea Bissau in the opening match of the Gabon 2017 Africa cup qualifier.

Lwandamina took over the Chipolopolo coaching job on Monday following the Football Association of Zambia’s (FAZ) decision to relocate former coach Honour Janza to the technical directorate at Football House.

Zambia, who are in group E alongside Kenya and Congo, take on Guinea Bissau this Saturday at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola stating at 15 hours.

And FAZ communications officer Nkweto Tembwe has announced that tickets for the VIP stand have been pegged at K300.

Tembwe said the Lower West deck has been pegged at 250, the Upper West deck at K100, the Lower East deck at K30 while the rest of the stadium has been put at K25.

He however said VIP tickets will only be sold at Football House in Lusaka while the rest of the tickets will be sold in Post Offices in Kabwe and the Copperbelt Provinces.

Witholding Tax -why it never worked and won’t work now

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what looks like an Abandoned Pave Zambia project.The Pave Zambia 2000 Road was launched by the President Sata and is to be implemented at a total cost of K1.6 billion to pave approximately 2000km of township roads in 10 Provincial Centres
Poor planning? what looks like an Abandoned Pave Zambia project.The Pave Zambia 2000 Road was launched by the President Sata and is to be implemented at a total cost of K1.6 billion to pave approximately 2000km of township roads in 10 Provincial Centres

Withholding Tax was first introduced in Zambia on Interest, Management and Consultancy Fees, Royalties and Public Entertainment Fees in 1971. The Withholding Tax has over the years been extended to Dividends, Rent, Commissions and Payments to Non – Resident Contractors.

What is Withholding Tax?

Withholding Tax is not a tax but a means of collecting that tax. Withholding Tax is deductible from a payment by the person who is liable to make payment (the payer) at the point in time the person to whom it is due to be made (the payee) becomes legally entitled to it (date of accrual). The payer is required to pay the tax deductible to the Zambia Revenue Authority by reference to the date of accrual no matter how, when or where payment is made.

Rent means “a payment in any form including a fine, premium or any like amount, made as a consideration for the use or occupation of or the right to use or occupy any real property including personal property directly connected with the use or occupation or the right to use or occupy such real property”. The rate of Withholding Tax is 10%. Tenants are supposed to withhold 10% from the landlord and pay this to ZRA. If the rent is 1500, you have to pay 1350 to the landlord, keep 150 and pay this to ZRA.

[pullquote]

Witholding Tax has been necessitated by reckless government expenditure

[/pullquote]

 

The payer (tenant) is responsible for deducting Withholding Tax from gross rentals on the date of accrual of any amount due to the payee (landlord). The tenant should remit the amount so deducted to the Zambia Revenue Authority. However, this is not the final tax. At the end of year, the taxpayer will be required to submit an Income Tax Return containing all sources of income, including rental income. The final tax will be determined through an assessment. The Withholding Tax deducted is taken into account before arriving at the final tax. In other words, WHT is the money that a tenant holds on behalf of the government from the rentals s/he is supposed to pay to the landlord. The tenant in return sends the money to ZRA, obtains a receipt and gives that receipt to the landlord as proof that the money has been remitted. Alternatively, the landlord can get the whole rental payment, and then walk to ZRA, where he/she pays for himself at a reduced rate. If the landlord wants to put the onus of paying tax on the tenant, THEN THE LANDLORD SHOULD PUT IN THE TENANCY AGREEMENT A CLAUSE SAYING THE TENANT SHALL PAY A NET OF ……………….. AS RENTALS. This means that as tenant you have to add up the % for tax to know your actual rental payments. Otherwise a tenant is supposed to withhold the tax on behalf of the government.

It all depends on whether you signed a net agreement or gross agreement. If net, then what the landlord receives or charges is net of taxes e.g. net agreement at 1,500 per month will attract a 166.67 WHT (payable to ZRA) to be added to 1,500 to make the gross (including taxes) rent of 1,666.67. If it is however a gross agreement then the landlord should only be paid 1,350 and the 150 remitted to ZRA by the tenant. So make sure you sign gross agreements that way the amount indicated will be your absolute cost.

[pullquote]In general, tax withholding is good for the government and bad for taxpayers. This Tax helps to broaden the tax net by bringing otherwise unknown tax payers or tax evaders into the tax net.[/pullquote]

This Tax prevents tax evasion(s) which are usually disguised in obscure transactions. This Tax makes tax payment less cumbersome for the tax payer who may not have the culture of filing tax returns and making tax payments. This Tax guarantees regular flow of revenue to the government, and this Tax is a form of voluntary compliance with tax Laws.

Why it will fail

It is no doubt that this tax has been necessitated by reckless government expenditure. Yes this law has been in existence for a longtime, but the same reasons it failed then, are the very reasons it will fail now.

  1. The Authority clearly has no means to collect, they have no database of tenants and landlords, and there I foresee a problem.
  2. Have you any idea how unplanned and uncoordinated or towns are?
  3. The other problem is willingness of landlords to accept the system; this means that landlords would rather pass on the costs to their tenants thereby increasing the cost of living to the majority of Zambians who are mostly tenants.
  4. And is the tenant even willing to sacrifice his/her time to stand in line to remit? Oh! The online system you argue? But is the average Zambian deep in the rural area or just here in Lusaka in the compounds able to utilize that?

The irresponsible fiscal policies of this administration have caused the national debt to grow at an astonishing rate. The government embarked on a lot of projects without proper planning especially on the source of funding for the projects and the problem has been compounded by theft, corruption, and the many by-elections. And now, Zambians will be forced to repay debts being contracted by the government even when they have not seen the fruits of the same debts through such taxes as the Withholding Tax.

Which begs the question; why not consider increasing the tax base by providing some of us the unemployed youth’s jobs so that we can contribute through PAYE? Sounds like a win-win to me.

By Leonard Zulu

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