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A renowned artist has called on stakeholders to support and employ drama to promote national unity amidst the prevailing political atmosphere in the country.
Samuel Kasankha has also asked the National Theater Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) to encourage drama that denounces societal ills such as tribalism and regionalism in the country.
Kasankha said national unity dramas can be key in challenging and addressing ills like tribalism, ethnicism, racism and regionalism inclinations in the country’s political arena and everyday lives.
He told ZANIS that the media and other stakeholders need to come on board and consolidate efforts to halt the hate speech and escalating tribalism and regionalism.
Kasankha further called on drama groups to move away from plays of less critical social issues and concentrate on plays that will contribute to the current political discourse in the country.
He noted that the current tribal politics in Zambia should not be condoned but that every effort be made to tone it down through well worked national unity campaigns.
Kasankha observed that failure to act promptly may result in the country being consumed by unmanageable conflicts that may tear across the national divide.
ECZ Chairperson Ireen Mambilima
CHIEF Justice Ireen Mambilima says the judiciary should be given full independence because it is the third arm of Government.
Justice Mambilima said the judiciary needs both operational and financial independence to discharge its functions, not as a department, but an arm of Government
The Chief Justice was speaking at the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) annual fourth conference at Sun hotel in Livingstone under the theme “Zambia at 50 – Independence of the judiciary and challenges to the regulation of the legal profession.”
She said that operational and financial independence has continued to elude the judiciary.
“Up to now, the judiciary cannot even decide its own budget. The realistic budget that the judiciary presents to the executive is drastically reduced,” she said.
Justice Mambilima said the institution is given a ceiling within which to fit all its needs, and to compound their financial woes, not all of the approved funds are released.
“The scenario as to how the budget for the judiciary is settled, is exactly the same as for any Government department. What we have failed to realise in the last 50 year of independence is that, the judiciary is not [like] any Government department, it is an arm of Government,” she said.
Justice Mambilima said the judiciary needs power to draw its own budget and this should not be reduced.
“Ideally, it should in fact be a percentage of the total Government budget,” she said.
Justice Mambilima said the judiciary can only be as independent as the men and women who comprise the institution.
“It is expected that these men and women will not succumb to pressure from any quarter, political or otherwise, and that they will not inflict self-censorship on themselves in fear of the unknown,” she said.
She said there is need for those in authority to create a conducive atmosphere in which judges can freely discharge their functions.
LAZ president, George Chisanga said it has been long since the gathering of lawyers has been graced by a sitting substantive Chief Justice.
He said the conference would address issues that need urgent attention by LAZ to enable them raise standards of professionalism.
Only two out of 22 Zambian golfers have made the final cut for the 2015 Zambia Open that enters its penultimate stage on Saturday at Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe.
Madalitso Muthiya and amateur golfer Aaron Simfukwe Junior made the five-over cut.
Simfukwe finished at four-under, one shot ahead of Muthiya.
However, the day did not go well for two high profile names.
Dayne Moore who was Zambia’s lone survivor at last years Zambia Open held at the same venue, missed the cut by one shot after finishing at six-over.
Patrick Mwendapole too did not qualify after making a spectacular fall to finish at 15-over.
Also out was 2015 Zambia Open local qualifiers winner Kelvin Phiri also bowed out with a score of 11-over while Gibson Sabola trailed exited 19-over.
Minister Chishimba Kambwili
Government has assured the people of Zambia that there will be no disruption of development projects following the recently approved changes to the 2015 mining tax regime by Cabinet that will result in revenue loss of about K2.3 Billion.
Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said though some projects may delay, government is on course to ensure that all the on-going development projects are completed in time for the benefit of the people of Zambia.
Mr. Kambwili who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services said government has since asked the Ministry of Finance to come up with proposals on how to cover up the K2.3 billion financial gap.
The Minister said government will also seek donor support and that the nation will be informed of the new developments in due time.
Speaking when he featured on Let the People Talk programme on Radio Phoenix in Lusaka today, Mr. Kambwili said government is committed to addressing the various challenges affecting the people of Zambia.
And Mr. Kambwili said Zambia is on course to beating the June 17, 2015 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) deadline of migrating from analog to digital broadcasting.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kambwili has lashed out at some named media houses in the country for their negative reporting and continuous attacks on President Edgar Lungu.
The Minister said the continuous defamation with impunity on the Head of State by some media houses is tarnishing the image of the country.
Mr Kambwili advised the named media houses to stick to the tenets of journalism which is to inform, educate and entertain and warned them against abusing media freedom for character assassination.
TWO Chinese businessmen and one Zambian have been arrested and charged for money laundering activities involving K 13,000 by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit.
DEC assistant public relations officer said Wang Jing Jing, 28, a Businessman of Makeni area has been arrested and jointly charged with Dong Xiao Kun, 28, a Businessman of the same abode and Jones Chuma, 35, a Merchant of a named bank of plot No. 3049, Makishi road, Rhodespark in Lusaka for theft, unauthorized access to data and Money laundering contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that Wang Jing Jing and Dong Xiao Kun on dates unknown but between 1st January,2015 and 20th April,2015 jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, with intent to defraud did without authority access data for various account holders by cloning visa cards of unknown clients of the bank of America and stole money amounting to K13,988, using a Point of Sale Machine (POS) which came into their unlawful possession by conniving with Jones Chuma a Merchant of a named bank.
The three suspects further engaged directly or indirectly in money laundering by acquiring an iPhone 6 worth K7, 900 deemed to be a proceed of crime.
Wang Jing Jing was arrested by the Commission in September 2014, together with other known persons for a similar offence of unauthorized access to data.
He pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to 9 months imprisonment with hard labour. He appealed against his conviction and was given bail pending appeal at the time of his arrest.
All the three suspects are on Police bond and will appear in court soon.
Power Dynamos and Mufulira Wanderers on Saturday renew their old rivalry when they clash in Saturday’s Week Six match of the FAZ Super League at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
This will be the two team’s first league meeting in ten years owing to Mighty’s lengthy stay in Division One prior to bouncing back to the Super League last year.
Mighty always brags that they rarely lose to Power.
Power host Mighty wounded after losing 1-0 to league leaders Zanaco in a midweek rescheduled match away in Lusaka.
Tennant Chilumba’s side are now second on the table with nine points from four games while eighth placed Wanderers have seven points from five games.
“We are going to Power prepared to collect maximum three points. We are ready for the game,” Wanderers deputy coach Chewe Mulenga said.
Elsewhere, Power’s Kitwe rivals Nkana are visiting Choma to face third placed and unbeaten Green Eagles.
Eagles beat Nkana last season in Wusakile after the first installment of the league had ended goalless in Choma.
Eagles coach Justin Chinama has declared his side ready to face Nkana who left Kitwe on Thursday.
“We are ready for any team at any time,” Chinama said.
On the other hand, Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi is hoping that his blunt front-line would start scoring.
Nkana have scored one goal in five games this season.
“We have to improve when it comes to scoring. We have been missing many chances,” Chambeshi said ahead of the game in Choma.
In Lusaka, leaders Zanaco hosts Napsa Stars in a Lusaka derby with defending champions Zesco United tackling Red Arrows in Ndola.
Today, 24th April 2015, a group of ten (10) ambitious young Zambian ladies put into practice a movement they initiated called Feed Zambia Project which is being sponsored by Mr George N Mtonga II of Zukazz Group Corp, Atlanta, Georgia USA.
What is Feed Zambia Project
Feed Zambia Project is a simple concept we sell mothers pride at an affordable price and for every 100% bags of mealie meal ordered 10% bags of mealie meal will be donated to orphanages and other underprivileged Zambian citizens. In the long run, we intend on selling mealie meal bags to vulnerable single mothers at a much lower price.
Our goal is to help eradicate extreme poverty and hunger in Zambia.
Furthermore, from our on-going campaign called #SendBetty2School (which aims to raise awareness of girl child education and send 150 girls to school) we noticed that many of our children and young sisters tend perform poorly in their academics due to hunger. Most children go to school without any meal, they always strike a balance between paying attention in class and their empty stomach causing loss of focus. On this note as Feed Zambia Project, we believe that in as much as primary education is free in Zambia, government must devise a sustainable programme that will ensure that lunch is provided at school.
Government has dissolved the boards of directors of Times Printpak Zambia limited and Zambia Daily Mail limited.
Chief Government spokesperson and Information and Broadcasting Services minister Chishimba Kambwili said the two boards have served for nearly three years, which was the mandate they were given.
“As minister mandated to constitute and dissolve the boards of these institutions, I must inform the nation that the tenure of these boards was to end on 24 May, 2015 having been constituted on 24 May 2012,” he said.
Mr Kambwili added that because it takes some time before new members of the boards are screened by security, Government has thought it wise to dissolve the current boards so that security wings are given ample time to scrutinise would-be new members of the boards.
“I, therefore, wish to pay tribute to the outgoing board members for their commendable efforts to oversee operations of the two companies during their tenure,” he said.
The board for Times Printpak Zambia limited comprised the following: Mr Michael Musonda (board chairperson); Engwase Banda-Mwale, Judge Kabazo Chanda (retired); Simon Bota, Eustace Nkandu; Lawrence Moola, Penelope Mapoma, Francis Lwanga (Managing Director) and permanent secretary.
The board for Zambia Daily Mail limited comprised the following: Ms Tamala Kambikambi, Caroline Phiri-Chibbonta, Philimon Songolo, Oliver Kanene, Friday Ng’ona, Bryson Mumba (Managing Director), Famous Kabwe, Exhildah Lumbwe and permanent secretary.
Mr Kambwili said the boards have been committed, innovative and worked tirelessly with their respective managements to ensure the companies are run efficiently and effectively.
“I would also like to announce that Government has terminated the contracts of both managing directors at the two companies. Government, therefore, commends Mr Francis Lwanga and Mr Bryson Mumba, managing directors of the Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail, respectively, for their contributions,” he said.
The minister has since appointed Mr Nebat Mbewe, current deputy managing director at the Zambia Daily Mail to act as managing director and Mr Beston Ng’onga will act as managing director for Times Printpak.
Mr Kambwili said he will ensure that the men and women given the opportunity to run these companies perform to the best of their abilities.
“Their key role is to ensure the citizenry are informed of government’s policies and development agenda. Lest I am misunderstood, the public media should not shy away from their other roles of being the watchdog of society, for that is why the media is referred to as “the fourth estate”.”
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) youths have called on President Edgar Lungu to relieve the Anti Corruption Commision (ACC) director Rosewin Wandi.
MMD national youth coordinator Bowman Lusambo said, following the decision by the Anti Corruption Commission to clear President Edgar Lungu’s Special Assistant for Politics Kaizer Zulu of all corruption allegations levelled against him, the youths wish to appeal to President Lungu to immediately relieve ACC Director General Rosewin Wandi of her duties.
“We make this appeal in the interest of the nation with the intentions to save the fight against corruption from being hijacked by members of the cartel. Mrs Wandi should leave the ACC because of her close links to the cartel,” he said.
He said her continued stay in office will undermine the fight against corruption and erode the gains that the country has made in bringing down the scourge.
“From the manner the ACC handled Mr Zulu’s much publicised investigation, we feel her position at the ACC is no longer tenable,” Mr Lusambo said.
In a statement released in Lusaka Mr Lusambo said, “The number of leakages of confidential correspondence between the Commission and State House is alarming and brings into question the levels of integrity in the people entrusted to run such a sensitive institution.
We have come to draw a few conclusions about the manner in which Mrs Wandi’s Commission managed Mr Zulu’s investigations. Firstly, we feel she was under undue pressure from some members of the cartel to proceed in the manner she did. Secondly, the people that instigated the ill conceived investigation were mainly interested in embarrassing President Lungu by linking him to the allegations.
The same cartel members went on rampage and hired discredited agents such as Chilufya Tayali to propagate their hatred against President Lungu and his trusted aide Mr Zulu. The press conference held by Tayali and the numerous comments issued by FDD mouthpiece Antonio Mwanza were cheap shots directed at President Lungu and Mr Zulu.
Instead of expending his energies attacking President Lungu’s commitment to the fight against corruption, Antonio should help her boss Madam Edith Nawakwi explain to Zambians how she benefitted from the Carlington maize deal which led to many starving Zambians to their death.
It is distasteful for young people like Antonio and Tayali to blindly agree to follow the evil schemes of the cartel. Young people should rally behind the progressive administration of President Lungu who has shown the ability to listen to Zambians.
Just yesterday, President Lungu was on the Copperbelt opening the Mukuba Mall, a development which has seen the creation of 1,000 jobs. These are some of the developments we expect young people like Antonio and Tayali to be commenting on and not parroting the cartel’s ill messages.
As it stands, President Lungu is busy working to develop the nation and people like Wandi should not be allowed to distract his attention from the real issues. Mwandi sela ba Bombeko!”
THE Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says it is disheartened by the manner in which the Government has been coaxed to abandon a progressive tax system in favor of one that has inherent weaknesses such as transfer pricing, hedging and trading through “shell” companies.
In statement released in Lusaka, the JCTR said, “The threat of job losses on account occasioning from placing the mines under care and maintenance or completely pulling out of Zambia has caused policy formulators into rescinding a duly approved tax law.”
“It is apparent that the profit based system was vulnerable to tax planning schemes at reducing taxable profits. There is need for the government to come up with a comprehensive mining sector tax regime as opposed to piece-meal amendments.”
The JCTR said the return to a corporate income tax pegged at 30 percent and corporate income tax on income earned from mining operations processing at 35 percent and a flat mineral Royalty Tax of 9 Percent for both underground, open-pit operations has serious implications on the 2015 fiscus.
“The immediate effect of course is an increase in the primary budget deficit with possible rationing of expenditure and possible soaring public debt. Effectively the reversal of the mineral royalty tax borders on shifting the tax burden to the poor,” said the statement.
The statement further stated that, “While it is clear that government has set the effective date of the new mining fiscal regime to 1 July 2015, government has not clarified how to tackle retroactive mining tax arrears from January to June 30th 2015. Further, government should categorically inform the public on measures that will be undertaken to address the anticipated revenue loss from the tax adjustments
Be that as it may, in order to address the obvious downside risks that maybe caused by the revision of the 2015 mining fiscal regime, we recommend that government must undertake the revision complete and in tandem with other probable revenue measures to thwart the severity of distortions in the allocative and distribution functions of the national budget. We have in mind revenue mop-up from property taxes. Further, we appeal for tightening of resource slippage in procurement and cutting-back of any unplanned politically expedient expenditure.
With the revision of the 2015 mining fiscal regime by Cabinet on account of the fact that it did not meet the stabilization function and effectively that it was not rooted in foward realism, it is apparent that the distribution and allocative functions of the 2015 budget will also require subsequent revision. Accordingly, we advise that the piece meal -adjustments to the 2015 fiscal budget will have short to medium term consequences on key expenditure lines. Therefore, we appeal to policy formulators and implementers and Budget Officials alike that social sector allocations to health, education, water and sanitation must be ring fenced against any downward adjustments. That primary expenditure lines to the social sectors must in no way be tinkered with. As government considers how to fill the gigantic void that has been created by the revision to the mining tax regime, the message being communicated is that sustainable fiscal policy has been eroded by this one government decision alone. This has undermined the sustaining of the positive growth trajectory that we have recorded over the past few years.
In conclusion, we wish to advise government that the revision of the 2015 mining fiscal regime, on account of the gravity and sensitivity of the revenue line, must be implemented simultaneously with other requisite policy recommendations and adjustments to ensure that the 2015 fiscal budget merits international best practice and retains public finance integrity.
We recommend that the revision be considered as part and parcel of the mid-year budget review process for purposes of the budget being comprehensive and all-encompassing of government revenue and expenditure. Therefore, it is important to assess trade-offs between different policy options in the overall budget as well as economic assumptions underlying the second half of the year and an updated forecast of the 2015 budget outcome.”
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested an Australian national and two Zambians for unlawful cultivating fresh cannabis plants weighing over 20kg in the Copperbelt province.
DEC Assistant Public Relations Office Chibu Tembo said in a statement to ZANIS that those arrested are Sun Yi, 30, a Director of Pine Tree Farm in Luanshya district.
Mrs. Tembo said Yi has been arrested and jointly charged with Gift Zuze, 30, a peasant farmer of Fisenge area in Luanshya district and Pethias Chiba Kaite, 25, a supervisor at Pine Tree Farm for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 24.5kg.
Mrs. Tembo said the commission has also arrested Kigan Bulaya, 20, of House No. 7621 Kamitondo Township in Kitwe for trafficking in compressed cannabis weighing 6.2kg.
In a related incidence, the Commission in Southern Province has arrested Peter Mudenda, 47, a peasant farmer of Siakabizi village in Kalomo district for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 594 kg and trafficking in 45.6kg of loose cannabis.
Mrs. Tembo said others arrested include Chris Banda, 30 of Ngwenya compound in Livingstone for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 3.5kg and Joseph Mulopu, 34, of Chandamali compound in Choma district for trafficking in 591 g of loose cannabis.
She said in North-Western Province, the Commission has arrested and jointly charged a 17 year old grade eight pupil of Lunga Day Secondary School and Kapapilo Mushota, 31, of Ndumba village in Mwinilunga district for trafficking in 1.3kg of loose cannabis.
President Edgar Lungu with Mr Harry Kalaba Foreign Affairs Minister and MS Sikote Ntombazana Mji High Comissioner of South Africa at Statehouse during the Presantation of Credentials to the President in Lusaka on Thursday 23rd April 2015.PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA/ STATEHOUSE.
The Jerusalem House of Prayer has observed that the opening of a Zambian embassy in Israel by President Edgar Lungu will boost the country’s economy and technology.
Jerusalem House of Prayer Zambia executive member, Wesley Mulungushi observed that the country will benefit from Israel through the use of technology which exists in different sectors in that country.
Mr. Mulungushi pointed out that the opening up of a diplomatic mission in Israel will make Zambia become advanced in terms of technology and exchange of ideas.
He has since thanked President Lungu for establishing a Zambia mission in Israel after 40 years of disconnection.
Mr. Mulungushi was speaking shortly after an inter-domination march past held in Lusaka by Jerusalem House of Prayer to celebrate Israel’s 67th independence anniversary today.
Meanwhile, Jerusalem House of Prayer senior pastor, Sibusisisiwe Zulu said the essence of the celebration was to realize the cordial relation which exists between Zambia and Israel.
Rev. Zulu said being a Christian, Zambia needed to work with Israel so as to uplift the word of God.
Former Petauke MP Dora Siliya interacts with other politicians before Rupiah Banda announced his support for Edgar Lungu
FORMER Transport and Communications minister Dora Siliya has announced that she will stand as Member of Parliament (MP) for Petauke Central.
On Thursday the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the High Court that allowed the former Petauke lawmaker to recontest the seat after it was nullified for electoral malpractice.
The judgement comes almost after two years since the Petauke Central seat was nullified by the Supreme Court in June 2013.
At a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday Ms Siliya said, “After much reflection, I have decided to stand again in Petauke.
My conviction is that governance does well when ever more women and the youth participate too. We have to create an atmosphere where women and the youth do not fear politics because of insults, persecution and simple mindedness by those who want power only for themselves.”
She added that although the period remaining before the term ends is short she will stand again and honour the people of Petauke for giving her support during her political career.
“There is no greater honour than serving people who have thrust confidence upon you by electing you to serve them. No greater honour indeed,” she said.
Ms Siliya has however not indicated which political party she will stand on as no political party has approached her to stand on their ticket.
“As far as am aware, no national secretary of any political party, not even allegedly my own, the MMD, has called to request me to stand on their ticket. I am consulting widely but ultimately it is the people of Petauke who will decide which platform I use whether as an independent candidate or not. I will advise at the right time,” she said.
She said she is looking to work with politicians of like minds, who value that political office is purely through the people’s power.
“I want to join men and women who are not afraid to make tough decisions and move our country forward. I want to be with a party that has room to improve intra-party democracy and will emphasise discipline. I look forward to working with a group of politicians especially youthful men and women who want to start a new movement, an agenda to champion one Zambia one nation and prosperity for all,” she said.
Youth from ActionAid leaving Lusaka Central Police shortly after release.they were arrested for wearing T-Shirts demanding for a new constitution
Former Transport and Communications minister Dora Siliya has announced that she will stand as Member of Parliament (MP) for Petauke Central.Ms. Siliya harshly criticised the Patriotic Front’s governance record in the 3 yrs of late President Sata’s tenure.The former MMD Spokesperson said never before in her adult life has she witnessed an infringement on civil liberties as what transpired between 2011 through to 2014.
“Never before, at least in my adult life, have I seen citizens liberties infringed upon as in the last 3 years. the Panga carrying xenophobic attackers in South Africa shock us, but I believe they also remind us of the path our country almost took, with Panga carrying cadres on the streets of Lusaka and in various by- elections.” Siliya said before a packed press briefing in Lusaka this morning.
On Thursday the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the High Court that allowed the former Petauke lawmaker to recontest the seat after it was nullified for electoral malpractice.
The judgement comes almost after two years since the Petauke Central seat was nullified by the Supreme Court in June 2013.
Ms Siliya said, “After much reflection, I have decided to stand again in Petauke. My conviction is that governance does well when ever more women and the youth participate too. We have to create an atmosphere where women and the youth do not fear politics because of insults, persecution and simple mindedness by those who want power only for themselves.”
[pullquote]Never before, at least in my adult life, have I seen citizens liberties infringed upon as in the last 3 years[/pullquote]
She added that although the period remaining before the term ends is short she will stand again and honour the people of Petauke for giving her support during her political career.
“There is no greater honour than serving people who have thrust confidence upon you by electing you to serve them. No greater honour indeed,” she said.
Ms Siliya has however not indicated which political party she will stand on as no political party has approached her to stand on their ticket.
“As far as am aware, no national secretary of any political party, not even allegedly my own, the MMD, has called to request me to stand on their ticket. I am consulting widely but ultimately it is the people of Petauke who will decide which platform I use whether as an independent candidate or not. I will advise at the right time,” she said.
She said she is looking to work with politicians of like minds, who value that political office is purely through the people’s power.
“I want to join men and women who are not afraid to make tough decisions and move our country forward. I want to be with a party that has room to improve intra-party democracy and will emphasize discipline. I look forward to working with a group of politicians especially youthful men and women who want to start a new movement, an agenda to champion one Zambia one nation and prosperity for all,” she said.
File:A furious Patriotic Front (PF) cadre demanding that the vehicle of National Redemption Party (NAREP) President Elias Chipimo (not in the picture) not to be allowed to enter Radio Mano Community station in Kasama
