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Nkana on Saturday visit Lusaka Dynamos at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka in one of the six out of eight FAZ Super Division games being played this weekend.
Key games involving all the top four teams;Zanaco, Zesco United, Power Dynamos and Nkwazi have been postponed as the named clubs
have contributed a number of players to the senior and Under-23 teams that are in action this weekend.
Nkana face Dynamos hoping to start catching up with the leading pack before mid-season.
Eighth placed Nkana have 13 points, eight behind leaders Zanaco, going into the Week 10 games.
On the other hand, Perry Mutapa’s Elite Dynamos are 11th on the table with eight points from nine games.
A win will push Nkana into fourth position while Dynamos have the potential to climb two places up the table.
The last time Beston Chambeshi’s Wusakile side visited Lusaka they beat National Assembly 1-0, to record their first win of the season on 11th April.
“Hope to put up a good game in Lusaka,” Chambeshi said in pre-match interview.
“I think our target is to play well and to make sure we keep the momentum,” he said.
At Dola Hill in Ndola, Forest Rangers will host Konkola Blades in the only Super Division to be played on the Copperbelt this weekend.
On Sunday, Lusaka’s Woodlands Stadium is set to host a double-header involving Mufulira Wanderers, Green Buffaloes, Napsa Stars and Nakambala Leopards.
Green Buffaloes and Wanderers renew their rivalry in a 13h00 kickoff match before Napsa and Nakambala face-off two hours later.
Week 10 fixture
Saturday
Green Eagles Vs National Assembly
Forest Rangers Vs Konkola Blades
Lusaka Dynamos Vs Nkana
Sunday
Green Buffaloes Vs Mufulira Wanderers
Napsa Stars Vs Nakambala Leopards
Postponed
Zesco United Vs Nchanga Rangers
Power Dynamos Vs Nkwazi
Zanaco Vs Red Arrows
Zambian President Mr Edgar Lungu opens The Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State on the Reform of the Security Council on Saturday 10th May2015 . Pictures By EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATEHOUSE.
President Edgar Lungu has sworn in the newly appointed Ministry of Lands Permanent Secretary, Barnaby Bwalya Mulenga and directed him to focus more on preserving the country’s forestry and the environment from destruction.
The President noted that the forests have suffered destruction by some civil servants and traditional leader with impunity hence the need for the new Permanent Secretary to ensure that trees are protected and preserved.
“The Ministry that you are running is not the Ministry of Lands. It is the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources an Environmental Protection. Firstly you are directed in particular, to preserve natural resources and the environment,” He said.
He added that, “I see a lot of destruction of the forestry of this country with impunity. Some people are abusing their positions either as traditional leaders or civil servants. In that respect I urge you to focus more on preserving our environment”.
President Lungu also directed the new Lands PS to ensure that there is equitable distribution of land amongst all citizens saying he has been receiving reports of illegal allocation of land which he said should be addressed.
The Head of State said he is aware that some people are operating as land brokers by acquiring huge pieces of land and resell to people who have no access to land at exorbitant prices a situation he directed the new PS to quickly address.
The President has also sworn in Stephen Chibesa as Public Policy Specialist for the Cabinet Office.
And Speaking to Journalists shortly after being sworn in, Lands PS Barnaby Mulenga said he will carry out the presidential directives and ensure that land is accessible to all Zambians and that forests are protected.
He said the Ministry will push for the Lands Policy to be finalized to ensure that there is equitable access to land, saying the trend of issuing huge piece of land to individuals who later subdivide will soon end once the policy is put in place.
Mr. Mulenga also said the Ministry will consider bringing back Forest Guards commonly known as ‘bakapenda mabuula’ to protect the forest and also partner with communities in the rural areas to ensure that forests are protected.
He said he will ensure that the issue of Mukula trees being exploited is brought to an end by engaging security wings to bring to book people caught exploiting the trees.
Government says the perception that the Patriotic Front Party hates the people of North-Western Province should be erased as government has shown commitment and support to the people in the province by bring more development since the party was elected into office.
Information and Broadcasting Services minister Chishimba Kambwili says delays and failure to explain to the people of the developmental projects government is implementing makes people of north-western to believe the notion that the PF governments is tribal.
“ That Notion which was said by the late Ben Tentamshimba, may his soul rest in peace, should be erased from the minds of people with all strongest terms because the PF has shown that it is a party for all Zambians”, he said.
He was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Acting District Commissioner Mercy Kambita during his tour of media houses in Kasempa district.
And the minister heard that the contractor Asphalt Zambia Limited engaged to work on the township road has not yet started works even after receiving payments.
Mr Kambwili warned the company of having its contract revoked if works do not commerce soon adding that such delay make government appear as not performing.
And Ms Kambita during her briefing expressed concern at exorbitant prices charged by the local Authority for residential and commercial plots.
Ms Kambita called the Minister to intervene on the matter as her office has for the past months been receiving complaints over the high priced service charges by the Kasempa District Council.
And in his reaction, Kambwili directed the council to convene a meeting and consider reducing the charges because the government wants to empower the poor people with land.
He cited that a peasant farmer cannot afford K4500 being charged for high cost as it was too expensive and will only benefit people with incomes.
Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) President Edith Nawakwi says the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) is a farce and has called on the Minister of Home Affairs to put his house in order.
Speaking from Kembe Constituency Ms. Nawakwi explained that the officers who have been sent to conduct the registration exercise are not serious and that some officers have turned the exercises into a money making venture.
The opposition leader said the officers in Kembe constituency were charging citizens who have lost their NRCs and would like to replace K50 for a police report when everyone knows that a report is suppose to be free during mobile registration.
“The mobile issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) is farce. The officers who have been sent to do the exercise are not serious. We want to refer to the places where we have been to inspect and we have been to Kembe and some parts of Kapiri and what we find is common in the places we have been to.
Police officers specifically in Kembe Constituency stationed at Chiyuni Police Post have been extorting money from citizens who have lost their NRCs and want to replace them. The police are arguing that to give a police report one has to pay them K50 and as such have been extorting money from the villagers to the tune of K50 for each report that is given out to issue a National Registration Card,” Ms. Nawakwi said.
Ms. Nawakwi called on the Minister of Home Affairs to put house in order by announcing that there is no requirement for any payments during the mobile registration period.
“The Minister of Home Affairs should be serious enough and make the following announcements that during the period within which NRCs are being issued there is no requirement to pay any fee to get a report because we know that in normal times the fee is only K10 now the police have hiked it to K50 as a way of extorting money from unsuspecting villagers.
If the Minister wants he should call my office I will take him to Chiyuni and present to him the people who have lost money at the unscrupulous hands of evil policemen stationed at Chiyuni Police Post with the help of some officers from Prospect Hill in Kabwe,” she said.
She further accused the police officers at Chiyuni Police Post of introducing “shishita” to further extort money from the villagers as they are made to pay K150 for them to be released in the morning after being arrested in the night.
“This is for the Minister of Home Affairs and his group, in Chiyuni itself the police men have introduced what they call shishita just last week they rounded up 33 innocent citizens and accused them of loitering in the villages and each one is being charged K150 for loitering.
These evil acts perpetrated by the public service who are suppose to be servants of the people is symptomatic of the looting that is going on in the Patriotic Front Government under President Edgar Lungu. It is very clear that to stop this scourge we need a Tsunami in the country, how else does one explain extorting money from an 87 year old man in the village who simply wants to vote next year? This is the same behavior were the country is being robbed huge sums of money by Ministers who travelling business class and travelling with their spouses at government expense,” Ms. Nawakwi said.
And opposition leader accused the National Registration office of treating the exercises like a picnic as the officers are not publicizing their whereabouts once they arrive in an area adding that any exercise of this magnitude requires full publicity.
“The National Registration office is treating exercise as if it was a picnic; first, there is no announcement from anywhere or anyone in the villages where this exercise is being under taken. These officers arrive in the morning and by afternoon they pack up their bags and live to go to their next station.
In fact in the same Kembe Constituency at Nachiyaba polling station in Chikobo ward they just arrived there for 4 hrs and then they took off and say there is no one here but they had not even informed the headmen nor informed the chiefs or even made any attempts to do publicity through Zambia Information Service ZANIS,” she said.
She observed that it was imperative for the traditional leadership in the country to fully participate in the exercise saying “what know ourselves is that an exercise of this magnitude there is suppose to be full publicity and in order to publicize this exercise the chiefs and their headmen must be involved. If the government doesn’t have money to engage ZANIS it is imperative that every chief is requested instruct village headmen and women under their jurisdiction to treat this exercise as matter of life and death.”
Zambia on Friday evening begins the campaign for a place at the 2015 CAF Under-23 Cup tournament with a second round match against Botwana away in Gabon.
The CAF Under-23 Cup tournament to be held in Senegal will serve as the qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Fooball competition.
Zambia and Botswana on Friday evening clash in the first leg tie of the second round at Lobatse Sports Complex prior to the 29th May return match in Lusaka.
Fighton Simukonda’s Under-23 squad trots into Lobatse wounded after their recent elimination from the All Africa Games qualifiers at the hands of Nigeria.
Zambia were on bye from the first round where Botswana saw off Kenya to advance.
Left winger Kelvin Mubanga says Zambia’s prime target is to qualify for Olympic Games.
“We have no option but to qualify for the Olympic Games,” Mubanga said.
Winner between Zambia and Botswana will advance to the final round in July to face Cote d’Ivoire.
First Lady at Kalilamoyo Village where she donated food stuffs to widows and physically challenged on May 21,2015 -PICTURES BY THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Esther Lungu yesterday, donated foodstuffs to widows and physically challenged at Kalilamoyo Village in Katete.
The First Lady was flanked by Gender Deputy minister Col Joseph Lungu, Community development, Mother and Child Health deputy minister Josphine Limata, Eastern Province minister Malozo Sichone and Eastern Province deputy permanent Secretary Patrick Mwanawasa, ministers spouses and PF Party officials.The First Lady is in Eastern province for the outreach programme for people with Special needs.
First Lady at Kalilamoyo Village where she donated food stuffs to widows and physically challenged on May 21,2015 -PICTURES BY THOMAS NSAMAFirst Lady Esther Lungu with Kalilamoyo Women Club Chairperson Ireen Banda (in White top) during tour of the Kalilamoyo women goat project in Katete on May 21,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema talks to business owner in Bauleni compound
The failure by this PF Government to pay civil servants and other public sector workers on time cannot go without comment. We warned about reaching this stage as far back as 2012 when PF was boasting about the Eurobond. But we were called bitter and other derogatory names.
Today is 22nd May and the civil servants have not been paid. This is illegal. A government that leads in abusing workers has no moral standing to call on private companies and individuals to honour their obligations. These civil servants have now resorted to borrowing money from unsafe sources just to meet their day to day needs. They are now deep in debt from kaloba. Soon these civil servants will start devising methods of survival. Some may either start involving themselves in illegal activities or simply abandon work in pursuit of money. This is the desperation that is likely to emanate from this single careless act by the PF.
[pullquote]Where has the money gone?[/pullquote]
Where has the money gone? The money is being diverted to paying a bloated cabinet who’s conditions of service include 900 liters of fuel per Minister and 800 liters per Deputy Minister for their personal to holder vehicles. This is in addition to the fuel they get for their official vehicles. When we said we need to cut such wastage to save on costs, again nobody wanted to listen. This wastage is what is causing all these delays in the paying our hardworking civil servants. It is actually laughable that President Edgar Lungu lifted the wage freeze to pave way for collective bargaining to begin when the Government is broke and cannot pay current salaries. This is the lack of planning we have always been talking about. This Government is paying debts as opposed to paying salaries to workers that are putting in so much.
As UPND, we are totally dismayed and sympathetic to our colleagues in the civil service who are getting a raw deal. In case Lungu and his cohorts do not realise, the civil service is the single largest employer in the country at over 400,000 people. And 70% of Government revenue is spent on emoluments. What this means is that every month that the Government does not pay its workers approximately 2.5 billion Kwacha (2.5 trillion old currency) is syphoned out the economy. The man selling airtime, our men and women selling vegetables at Soweto and our chain stores are also heavily affected by this single careless move.
Our message is simple. Pay the civil servants NOW.
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
___________________________
Issued by: UPND National Campaign Centre, Lusaka
File:President Edgar Chagwa Lungu receives congratulates newly appointed Special Assistant to the President for Political affairs Kaiza Zulu during the Swearing-in-Ceremony at State House on January 26,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cleared Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs Kaizer Zulu of bribery allegation amounting to US$ 200,000 from a Chinese contractor.
ACC spokesperson Timothy Moono disclosed the clearance of Mr Zulu in Lusaka.Mr Moono said the ACC conducted preliminary investigations into the allegations that Mr Zulu received a bribe of US$
200,000 from Mr Zang,a Chinese contractor as an inducement for him to facilitate a meeting between the said contractor and Republican President.
Mr Moono said the ACC has concluded the investigations into the matter as the allegations have not been substantiated and the matter has since been closed.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Executive Director Goodwell Lungu said his organisation interacted with Mr Zang who complained bitterly that the allegation was false and that at
no time did he offer such a huge amount to Mr Zulu.
In a letter to the ACC Director General, Mr Lungu said Mr Zang’s interaction with TIZ was to find out how he could remedy the negative publicity around his name on the matter.
Mr Lungu said Mr Zang confirmed with TIZ having never offered Mr Zulu the said bribe.He said TIZ fully supported the ACC in investigating any public official even sitting senior government officials.
Tasila Mwale is a Zambian singer/songwriter, live performer extraordinaire and winner of the Zambian Music award 2015 for Best Traditional music album.
Born in Kitwe on the Copperbelt province of Zambia to Moses and Margaret Mwale.
Tasila Mwale started singing at a very young age… She can’t even remember when! All she knows is that music has always been in her life. She is influenced by good music; be it reggae, rnb, soul, rock or jazz.
KAPA187: You got started in the music industry after winning the inaugural Idols Zambia competition in 2002. Tell us about that experience.
TASILA MWALE: The MNet Idol Zambia competition was my first performance in front of a relatively large crowd. It was both exciting and nerve racking to be performing in front of so many people for the first time but it worked out well I guess, because I won.
KAPA187: Having success with your début album, why did you decide to take a break from music .
TASILA MWALE: I took a break to pursue studies in Banking and Finance as an alternative career path.
KAPA187: What changes have you seen in the Zambian music industry from the time you started till now?
TASILA MWALE: There are definitely a lot more recording studios putting out good quality sound all around the country now… More artists are recording and so there are plenty more songs by Zambian artists playing on the radio.
KAPA187: what in your opinion do Zambian artists need to do in order to make their music more appealing outside the country?
TASILA MWALE: I think Zambian artists need to work more on defining strong, individual brands. Brands are what are selling these days. There are a lot of artists so it is easier to stand out if you have a unique calling card that sets you apart and makes you easily recognizable to supporters of your career and business houses that have the kind of money required to financially support an entertainment industry. Financial support/investment is key to growing the industry to a level that commands attention outside our borders.
KAPA187: What is your opinion on artists not singing live during there shows and performances .
TASILA MWALE: I understand the dynamics of performing, so I don’t place all the blame on the performer. I, personally, prefer not to lip sync but there is an audience for all types of music and performers. If there wasn’t, then artists wouldn’t do it. Also, venue owners or whoever hires an artist to perform make it difficult for us to perform at our fullest capacity because of the fees they give us. A full band consists of up to 12 people depending on an artist’s requirements, then a client tells you to cut your quoted fee to maybe 1/3 to suit their budget. Most artists, rather than miss an opportunity to make even a little bit of money, will cut down on the number of people they bring for the performance. Everyone involved in the chain needs to up their standards basically.
KAPA187: How did it feel to win the award for best traditional music album at the recent Zambian music awards?
TASILA MWALE: It was quite emotional. It was a happy and rewarding feeling to have worked hard and been recognized by industry professionals. I am grateful.
KAPA187: I got a chance to listen to your award winning album, Malizu, and I was blown away, I really enjoyed it. It has a great laid back, Afro-pop vibe to it mixed with traditional sounds. How was the process of coming up with the album?
TASILA MWALE: It was challenging but a lot of fun and also very educative about Zambian culture and tradition through the kind of stories that we chose to tell with the album. All the songs on the album are inspired by traditional Zambian folk songs.
KAPA187: My favorite songs on the album are “Ndamuyeya” and “Ndafunafuna” . What are the songs about?
TASILA MWALE: Ndamuyeya is written in Tonga and Nsenga. It is a love song speaking of how much a woman misses her darling and how she wishes he was around to comfort her. Ndafunafuna is also a love song talking about the struggle of “looking for’ a lover. She has searched and searched but there is no one to love her.
KAPA187: What do you have in store for your fans in 2015?
TASILA MWALE: I am looking to launch my band later in the year, so more live shows from me and also hopefully a collaboration or two for radio.
KAPA187: Is there anything your fans would be surprised to know about you?
TASILA MWALE: I have 12 nieces and nephews.
KAPA187: Any last words….
TASILA MWALE: Thank you. To all the media houses, business houses, supporters of my music and my family…You have all contributed greatly to my career and for that I say zikomokwambili. Please get the album via nyimbozazambia.com and follow me on Twitter(@odalitsidwa) and Facebook(TasilaMwale from Zambia).
Zambia’s Ambassadors to the UN and US, Mwaba Kasese-Bota (right) and Palan Mulonda, respectively, listening to Vice-President Inonge Wina lecture at Columbia University on 11 March, 2015. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | ZAMBIA UN MISSION
APPEALING TO EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR PALAN MULONDA, AMBASSADOR OF ZAMBIA IN WASHINGTON DC, USA.
Dear your excellency ambassador Mulonda,
I don’t have your direct email as I didn’t find it on the embassy website so I hope you get this from the other emails I sent to at the embassy. I am writing to you as a concerned member of the Zambian diaspora here in America and a child of mother Zambia.
Please forgive me, I cannot share my true name or identity for fear of being attacked on social media, especially on Facebook by the people that I mention in this letter.
I didnt want to say anything until I read a facebook message by Mwangala Jo that she is meeting Minister Kalaba to discuss the diaspora.
I have being living in America with my family for some years. Me and my spouse are employed full time and our children are in school. We have been doing business in Zambia. We buy used trucks and send them to Zambia to be contracted with the copper mines. We also send women beauty products, building supplies and clothes. Our next idea is to try and import Zambian products to America. It has been difficult sometimes but we are trying.
[pullquote]I am not a member of the Association because it has a limited focus. Its focus is only about parties while me I am focused on business and education.[/pullquote]
We live in a State with a lot of Zambians and there is a Zambian Association. I am not a member of the Association because it has a limited focus. Its focus is only about parties while me I am focused on business and education. Me and my spouse are both legally staying here and we plan to go back to Zambia one day. One of my biggest interests is Zambian politics so I try to keep up with what is happening back home. I want to gain from America and then go and benefit Zambia.
But Ambassador, I was very disturbed and worried when I saw the article in the Zambia Daily Mail and the Lusaka Times that a group here in the diaspora is saying that they represent every Zambian individual and Zambian business in the whole of America. The group I am talking about is the Society of Zambians in America or SOZA. When I saw the articles I wanted to do some research first to see what this is about. So I started asking people and also reading the comments on Facebook by these individuals who met with you at the Embassy. I also read on the Facebook fan page and I was very disturbed. My biggest worry was that you as the Ambassador who should represent all Zambians is endorsing this group. I don’t know under what authority some people can just make a group and claim to represent everyone and then a whole government embassy believes them. To me this is dangerous.
I was not going to write to you got today I see a Facebook message from the president of SOZA saying that all Zambians in the diaspora should complete a survey because she has a meeting with the minster of foreign affairs in DC and she wants us to speak with one voice. What is going on here?? Who are these people to speak for us to the minister. Please I beg you ambassador, put a stop to this nonsense. We don’t know these people and they are speaking for the whole diaspora. When is the minister coming to America? Is the minister going to visit us in the diaspora? Why didn’t the invitation come to all of us? Please these individuals do not speak for us.
I looked at Facebook comments and some things I found are disturbing. For example,
The president of this SOZA was publicly on Face book insulting our current president especially during election and also saying disrespectful things about our late President Sata and PF Party. These are her exact words:
(1)Be careful who you Vote for fellow Zambians!! You have seen all the signs. Does this look like a man capable of leading Zambia?! Edgar Lungu has not even articulated his vision and how then are we ever going to hold him accountable?”
(2) Dear Zambians, as January 20th draweth nigh, Don’t forget how the ruling Party nationalized Zamtel and filled up all key positions with PF cadres. Don’t forget how they reversed the sale of finance bank and handed it back to Rajan Mathani who had been found in breach of the banking regulations. Don’t forget how in PF government, out of 23 cabinet ministers, 15 are from the same province, and it should be a no brainer which province that is. Don’t forget how the diplomatic mission was filled with relatives, girlfriends, and former receptionists. Don’t forget how Sata called his ministers useless. Remember Edgar Lungu is running on Michael Sata’s vision. its time to say NO to a PF vision of corrupt practices and nepotism. Say NO to tribalism. Say NO to useless leaders! Vote for the economic development of Zambia.”
(3) Dear Zambians, today you get a chance to rectify the Michael Sata disaster. Get up and go and Vote wisely. Vote.out PF! Vote HH! Happy and peaceful ELECTION DAY Zambia!”
Also on the Facebook of the SOZA President Mwangala Jo (I don’t know if that is her real name), she is telling Zambians to get passport forms from her. Is this woman now authorized to get involved with issuing government documents? Isn’t there a person at the embassy who was sent here and paid by the Zambian government who is supposed to do that?
Another question, have these people been checked to see if it is safe for them to be handling them government documents? Are they Zambians or Americans or illegals? Isn’t this a security issue? Some may have criminal backgrounds, some may even be here illegally but issuing government documents. Some are involved in 419 deals here. Some months ago in an article in the newspaper the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kalaba warned Zambians in the diaspora about getting involved in illegal activities while abroad so I think the embassy should make sure it is not risking itself. Is the minister aware of the group he will be meeting? Yes even an illegal Zambian is still a Zambian but for the embassy to be giving them government documents it is not safe for the country.
[pullquote]How can someone insult the President of Zambia one day and then go and visit the embassy saying they represent every Zambian and Zambian organizations in the diaspora?[/pullquote]
How can someone insult the President of Zambia one day and then go and visit the embassy saying they represent every Zambian and Zambian organizations in the diaspora? I was also told that SOZA President Mwangala had association with a Zambian who was here illegally and involved in Nigerian 419 scam and was deported. They are also Zambians in our state here who did tax fraud and they are in jail. Do you know the status of these SOZA as you provide them with government documents?
What has this group planning for Zambians in diaspora? Apart from a Facebook page of discussions we don’t know anything nothing else that they are standing for. From the SOZA team meeting with you Ambassador, they say they are fighting for dual citizenship. Is it not true that dual citizenship is already in the new constitution? At least President of the Zambian association in Atlanta sidique has been known to do a good job raising money when a family needs to send a dead body back home because most of us don’t buy life insurance so we need donations. If its not for people like sidique, some Zambians I don’t know where they would be buried.
Another risk with this group is they can support one political party, insult other parties and the leaders and then say that they are speaking for the whole diaspora. I don’t want someone speaking for me about politics especially if they are disrespectful to Zambian leaders and the government. But on the Facebook pages of these SOZA individuals they are saying a lot of disrespectful things (please look at the Facebook for Mwangala Jo).
This lady, Mwangala Jo was encouraging Zambian diaspora to vote for HH. It is ok for anyone to select the party of choice but Ambassador you have endorsed someone who is telling us to vote for HH (please look at the Facebook for Mwangala Jo). I don’t want this woman to tell me who to vote for. I don’t want the people in Zambia to think that all of us in the diaspora are for one political party. Just to give you a good example of SOZA President Mwangala showing disrespectfulness to government, she said on January 19: “Dear Zambian, today you get a chance to rectify the Michael Sata disaster. Get up and go and vote wisely. VOTE out PF! Vote HH!. (please look at the Facebook for Mwangala Jo)” On January 16, Mwangala said: “Be careful who you vote for fellow Zambians!! You have seen all the signs. Does this look like a man capable of leading Zambia?” Ambassador Mulonda, are you not part of PF? How can you endorse someone who is insulting your boss and our President in public?
I also asked some counterparts about this SOZA group. One of them says he is also in SOZA. I learned from him that most of the associations even the association here has refused to join SOZA and this is the biggest in America. I also learned that this group was formed under your direction as ambassador sometime back and you have assigned 3 embassy people as representatives with SOZA. I was told that the person responsible for news and press affairs Patricia Litiya is the SOZA link to your office and she is the one who has been giving documents to SOZA.. She is a regular contributor on the SOZA Facebook. Its good at least she is connecting with the dispora. It appears that you and your staff accept the kind of behavior from this SOZA group. So I think its true that these are the links from the embassy to SOZA.
This morning, I just saw on Patricia’s Facebook that she was in Atlanta for a dinner party in official capacity. Is this not the same Patricia Littiya who got into a Facebook fight with a Zambian lady from Dallas called Cynthia Neal from dallas? We laughed here but we asked but how can government diplomat get involved into such drama. Its unprofessional. And now she was in Atlanta at a party as a Zambian government official.
I looked at the SOZA Facebook page and I admit it is a good social site. Many people discussing different topics and advertising functions and businesses. This is a good place for people to meet and discuss. It’s like the Facebook for Zambia Scorpion and Zambia Eye. But they shouldn’t be trying to represent every Zambian in America. It is fine as a social place. I see many people there are not in America. At least the Zambians in Dallas are putting the first Zambian Expo. Those are the things that the minister should be seeing not just taking to people who only work on facebook. The Expo was organized by the association in Dallas but SOZA is put its name on the Expo as if its them.
Your Excellency Ambassador Mulonda it’s good that you are opening your doors to the diaspora. It’s good that the diaspora is forming associations and businesses and other groups but one group cannot just say it covers everyone even those who don’t agree with them. I believe that you Ambassador and the embassy should continue supporting all Zambians but not just a few individuals in one association.
Since the Zambia embassy put this information on the embassy website which is a government website and also in the Zambian newspapers, can you also publicly tell us in the diaspora with an official statement that you as the government has selected this group to represent and speak for every Zambian and Zambian owned organization in America? I am also wondering if there is a person at the embassy who looks at the legal and political issues. Because I think this has some serious legal and political risks.
I don’t know these SOZA people but the comments I have seen them make and the things that I have been told, I do not want them speaking for me.
The message I am getting is that if I do not sign up in SOZA then the embassy will not represent me as a Zambia in diaspora because the embassy wants to speak to one organization. I expect the Zambia Embassy to put out stories about progress, how to get houses in Zambia and not just pictures of Patricia Littiya and SOZA members.
Your excellency Mr Ambassador how about those zambians who are PHDs, medical doctors, business professionals? How come we don’t see them? Some are doing big things but you seem to be only supporting ba lumpen. I respect you as our ambassador but I beg you, this is going to be a big problem.
LANDLORDS in Choma have threatened to increase rentals to comply with the 10 percent withholding tax which they need to pay to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Speaking in separate interviews yesterday, landlords expressed mixed feelings on the decision by ZRA to enforce the payment of withholding tax on rental income.
The ZRA has embarked on compliance visits to enforce the 10 percent withholding tax on rental income in accordance with the law.
Some landlords that were spoken to say the decision by ZRA to compel them to pay tax will leave them with no choice but to increase rentals.
Alfred Shawa, a landlord, who owns a house in Maamba, said he would consider hiking rentals after assessing the economic status of his tenant.
“For me to pay 10 percent from my rental income, I will definitely consider hiking the price of rentals. But I wouldn’t want to burden my tenants, so, I will first consider how consistent they have been in paying the rentals,” he said.
Mr Shawa said he is willing to pay the tax, but stressed that his tenants will have to help in meeting the cost.
But Chikatu Chiputa, another landlord said implementation of the tax law was long overdue, although it will result into increased rentals.
“It’s a good way of broadening the tax base for the Government,” Mr Chiputa said.
A landlord of Riverside township, who opted to be anonymous, said the remitting of withholding tax on rentals will compel him to hike rentals so that he could recover the 10 percent.
“As a landlord, I have a budget, and if I have to remit 10 percent from my rental income, then it is only fair for me to increase rentals so that I can recover my money,” he said Martin Biemba, a Choma resident who owns a house in Livingstone, said he is willing to pay the tax in line with the law.
Mr Biemba, however, urged ZRA to sensitise the public on the tax law on rental income which was enacted during the MMD regime between 1992 and 1994.
Vice president Inonge Wina being welcomed by Nkusechela Sinkamba upon arrival at Kasama airport today. Looking on is Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe.The Vice President is on a four day tour of developmental projects in the Province
VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has advised mining companies to be transparent and to engage Government in meaningful dialogue whenever they have concerns.
She said Government has been making efforts to explore ways of introducing effective tax measures that can benefit both the country and mining companies.
“It is only fair and good corporate practice for mining companies to look at the returns they are making before condemning Government’s decision to introduce new tax policies,” Mrs Wina said.
She said this yesterday when Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Elexandre Leveque paid a courtesy call on her.
Mrs Wina said although Government appreciates foreign investment inflow, it is unfair for multinational companies to be seen to be deriving joy from arm-twisting Government into changing tax policies only when it suits them and not the nation in which they are operating.
She said investment should benefit Zambians in terms of employment opportunities and revenue collection.
The Vice-President also commended Canada for its support towards the fight against child marriage.
And Mr Leveque pledged to continue to support Zambia in various sectors
Meanwhile, the Chinese Red Cross Society has donated assorted equipment worth K1.8 million to the Zambia Red Cross Society.
The items donated are office and medical equipment, which will be used to reach out to people in distress.
Mrs Wina said Government is in dire need of medical services, especially in rural areas.
She, however, said Government is committed to improving the quality of health facilities.
“The First Aid provided by Zambia Red Cross Society through committed volunteers will provide for immediate medical needs and bridge the gap in areas where health facilities may be distant,” she said.
Mrs Wina said Government is committed to supporting the Zambia Red Cross Society in its operations so that those that may require medical attention before reaching our health facilities are helped.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming expressed hope that the donated equipment will improve the well-being of the Zambian people.
“The leaders of our two countries with great foresight agreed to further strengthen our bilateral relationship and cooperation, which is in the best interest of the two nations,” he said.
And Zambia Red Cross Society national president Godfrey Simasiku said the donation will enable the organisation reach out to the vulnerable.
Chishimba Kambwili
CHIEF government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has directed Solwezi town clerk Venture Kafula to convene a council meeting to revise land fees.
Mr Kambwili said it is unfortunate that local authorities have turned land allocation into a source of income and are charging unreasonable fees in service charges and plot premium.
Mr Kambwili, who is Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said Cabinet may be forced to fix land fees if councils prove to be inconsiderate.
He said it is Government’s desire to see both the rich and poor own land, but that the exorbitant fees being charged by councils are a hindrance.
Mr Kambwili said this on Wednesday in response to callers who expressed concern at the high land fees during a live phone-in programme on North-West Television.
Some callers said Solwezi Municipal Council is charging K5,000 for medium plots and K9,000 for high-cost plots.
And on the same programme, Mr Kambwili said he will propose to the Ministry of Finance to waive, for a year, import duty on radio and television transmission equipment and cameras in next year’s budget.
He said this will help build capacity of television and radio stations in the country. Mr Kambwili is in North-Western Province in his continued tour of media houses across the country.
Mr Kambwili says President Lungu has performed extremely well in the three months he has been in office.
Mr Kambwili, who is Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said President Lungu means well for Zambians and must be given a chance to deliver.
The minister also said President Lungu will be the PF candidate in next year’s general elections and that no one should challenge him to allow him to serve his two full terms in office.
“His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has performed very well to the satisfaction of PF members and the Zambian people in the few months he has been in office and he must be given a chance to prove himself,” Mr Kambwili said.
He was speaking when he featured on a live programme on Radio Kabangabanga in Solwezi on Wednesday.
Mr Kambwili said the PF wants to build a strong and united party and urged members to bury their differences that arose prior to the January 20 presidential election.
He also urged members to embrace newcomers to grow the party.
“I want to appeal to all PF members that we must embrace new members that are coming because politics is about numbers, but I also want to urge those that are joining PF to respect those that they have found,” Mr Kambwili said.
Mr Kambwili, who is also chief government spokesperson, said President Lungu has a heart for the people of North-Western Province and he is determined to develop the region.
The International al Monetary Fund has charged that after a period of strong macroeconomic performance, the Zambian economy is now facing significant challenges.
The IMF said the challenges are arising from large fiscal deficits, lower copper prices, and policy uncertainties.
This is according to a statement from the IMF Executive Board after concluding their 2015 Article IV Consultation with Zambia.
‘In the last two years, the Zambian economy has been weighed down by large fiscal imbalances, lower copper prices and policy uncertainties. Real GDP growth has slowed, the current account has deteriorated, international reserves have fallen and the exchange rate has been under downward pressure,’ the Directors said.
They Directors estimate that real GDP growth slowed from 6.7 percent in 2013 to 5.6 percent in 2014, driven by a contraction in copper production.
‘Year-on-year inflation fell from a peak of 8.1 percent in November 2014 to 7.2 percent in March 2015, largely driven by lower fuel prices. The fiscal deficit on a cash basis rose sharply to 6.5 percent of GDP in 2013 and remained elevated at 6 percent in 2014.’
‘The Zambian kwacha has fluctuated widely since the beginning of 2014. After depreciating by about 20 percent in the first half of the year, it recovered in the second half of the year reflecting tightened monetary policy and the issuance of Zambia’s second Eurobond in the amount of US$1 billion,’ they said.
The Directors emphasized that steadfast and strong efforts are needed to ensure macroeconomic stability and foster inclusive growth.
They underscored the need for significant fiscal consolidation in 2015 and over the medium term, to reduce the deficit, stabilize debt, and create conditions for lower interest rates.
The Directors also called for sustained expenditure and revenue efforts, including efforts to contain the wage bill, target social spending through cash transfers, broaden the tax base, and put the pension system on a sustainable footing.
They also welcomed the authorities’ decision to rescind the royalty based mining fiscal regime, and called for swift action to resolve the issue of outstanding VAT refund claims to exporters.
‘Directors noted that Zambia’s moderate risk of external debt distress calls for prudence in borrowing on commercial terms. Recognizing the need to address infrastructure gaps, they advised the authorities to strengthen the project selection process and prioritize capital spending,’ the statement read.
They also called for the development of a comprehensive debt management strategy to help address public debt vulnerabilities.
‘Directors supported the commitment of the Bank of Zambia to maintain a tight monetary policy stance to contain inflationary pressures. They stressed the importance of continued exchange rate flexibility and rebuilding reserves to provide adequate buffers for the economy.’
The IMF Directors also noted that poverty remains high, particularly in rural areas.
‘To foster job creation, inclusive growth, and economic diversification, Directors encouraged the authorities to improve the business climate by restraining labour costs and ensuring a stable regulatory environment,’ the statement said.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) President Andrew Ntewewe has demanded that the Zambia Police Service should start providing state security to UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Ntewewe said as leader of the largest opposition political party, Mr Hichilema deserves police protection.
He condemned the move by the police to summon Mr Hichilema for allegedly breaching the Public Order Act.
‘As YALI, it baffles us that the police can abuse the Public Order Act by harassing Mr Hichilema instead of protecting him because he is an imminent citizen of this country,’ Mr Ntewewe said.
He was speaking Thursday morning when he featured on the Platform radio program on Joy FM Radio in Lusaka.
Mr Ntewewe urged the police to abandon the use of the Public Order Act which he said was an archaic and colonial piece of legislation.
On the same program, SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Chembe advised the police to respect Mr Hichilema’s rights of association and movement.
