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Mealie meal shortages could lead to civil strife – Binwell Mpundu

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Mealie meal shortages could lead to civil strife – Binwell Mpundu

Kitwe’s independent Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has warned that mealie meal shortages coupled with rampant smuggling of the staple food has the potential to bring civil strife in the country.

A critical shortage of mealie meal has hit some parts of the country in particular Copperbelt Province where people are lining up to buy the commodity in retail shops.

Mealie meal shortages in Chililabombwe, Mufulira, Kitwe, Chingola and Ndola have resulted in retailers selling the staple food at exorbitant prices as smuggling to DR Congo compounds the situation.

In his latest comment on mealie meal shortage, Mr. Mpundu said Zambians need to unite to find a solution to the food crisis.

He said the situation has reached a point where every citizen must get involved in fighting the rampant smuggling of mealie meal.

Mr. Mpundu emphasised that food security must be a top priority for any government arguing that unfortunately Zambians got carried away by playing cheap politics as the mealie meal situation was worsening.

“We need to unite to find a solution to the food crisis. It is no longer a secret that the mealie meal problem is a crisis if not an emergence already. Food security must be a top priority for any government. Unfortunately we got carried away playing cheap politics but look, the damage is already done and now is the time to remedy the situation. We have reached a point where every citizen must get involved in fighting the Rampant smuggling of mealie meal. Everyone who is involved in the smuggling of mealie meal must stop right now because this now will no longer be fight by law enforcement officers alone but a fight by all citizens,” Mr. Mpundu said.

The Nkana Constituency lawmaker announced that he is forming a private crack squad of young men who will start looking out for smugglers.

“I personally will constitute a private crack squad of young men who will start watching out for smugglers and all those officials who are reportedly involved will be fished out and we will deal with you ourselves because we know you will walk away from the police easily. Yes you have heard me, we will start dealing with smugglers ourselves because if not handled properly this situation can bring civil strife but before that happens let us all get to work to protect the peace of our country. Note that we are all getting involved now to help clean up a mess created because of pride and incompetence but next time we will mobilize people to force an incompetent official to resign on their own,” Mr. Mpundu said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mpundu said he will move a motion when Parliament resumes against the Minister of Agriculture Reuben Phiri and his Health counterpart Sylvia Masebo for allegedly misleading the house on the food and drug situation respectively.

“When parliament resumes it will move a motion of centre on the minister of agriculture and health for misleading the house and the country on the food and drug situation .If not checked the minister of agriculture can plunge this country into chaos for deliberately misleading parliament and the country over the food situation. Now that the Zambia biodiversity agency has expressed reservations over the importation of mealie meal for fear of importing GMO’s, what will Hon Mutolo do to arrest the food shortages.”

“Similarly I will move a motion of censure on Hon Masebo for misleading the house on the drug situation in the country. Every one recalls how she and the members on the right rubbished a parliamentary committee on health’ report that informed the house of the serious drug shortage situation in all health facilities. But reality on the ground is that there is a serious drug shortage in health facilities. This country needs seriousness and I will not sit and watch people mandated to serve people play games. Time has come for citizens to demand accountability on all of us they have mandated to provide leadership to rise to the occasion and do our jobs. We all know the consequences of the lapses in addressing the food and drug shortages because our lives depend highly on these two,” Mr. Mpundu said.

Government appoints Council members for public Universities

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Government appoints Council members for public Universities

The government has appointed members of the Councils for eight (8) Public Universities, Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board and the Higher Education Authority Board.
Minister of Education, Douglas Siakalima announced the names of the appointed members at a press briefing in Ndola today.

Dr. Siakalima said although the law mandates him as Minister to announce the names of the Council members, it does not mean that it is him who personally picks the members.

He further said despite the current process as prescribed by law taking long, it was necessary as it does not give exclusive powers to a single individual who is bound to abuse it.

Dr Siakalima added that to compensate for the long time it takes in appointing members, the ministry will consider initiating the process four months before the expiry of the term for the serving Council.

The appointed Council members are nine (9) for the University of Zambia, seven (7) each for the Copperbelt, Mulungushi, Mukuba and Kwame Nkhumah Universities and Six (6) each for Kapasa Makasa, Palabana and Chalimbana universities.

Twelve other members have been appointed to the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board while nine (9) have been appointed to the Higher education Authority Board.

Former President Lungu hails Sishuwa: ‘You are a principled critic’

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Former President Lungu hails Sishuwa: ‘You are a principled critic’

Former President Edgar Lungu has praised political analyst and Stellenbosch University Senior Lecturer Sishuwa Sishuwa as a principled critic.

Prior to the 2021 election, Dr Sishuwa was one of the leading critics of president Lungu and the then ruling PF. The government and PF supporters, led by media director Mr Sunday Chanda, accused him of supporting then opposition UPND and its leader Hakainde Hichilema.

At one time, former Zambia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the African Union, Emmanuel Mwamba, asked the Inspector General of Police to arrest and charge the UNZA lecturer with sedition over his critical writings.

Since the election, Dr Sishuwa has shifted his criticism to President Hichilema’s government, much to the annoyance of UPND supporters. But after leaving office, former president Lungu now sees the same critic differently.

In a handwritten letter to Dr Sishuwa dated 6 April 2023, Mr Lungu regretted that he mistook his critic for a hired gun when he was in office.

“In retrospect, we should have met much earlier, maybe I could not have taken you as a hired gun. Otherwise, I read all your writings, although I had difficulties appreciating the motive for the reason I referred to. My interactions with you however, revealed you as a principled critic. There are many lessons, and we will continue to learn and perfect,” stated Mr Lungu. “Best wishes my brother with your research. You are welcome any time. Let’s continue talking.”

Meanwhile, Dr Sishuwa explained that he had met the former president as part of his academic work on the 2021 election. In a tweet posted on Saturday, the historian wrote that “The search for historical truth sometimes takes us to the most unlikely of sources. I had an insightful discussion with former president of Zambia Edgar Lungu as part of my research into the 2021 election and transfer of power. (The note and pics are shared with his permission).

Below is the President Lungu’s full letter.


National School Games Gets Cash Boost

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Zambezi Omnisport has donated K8,000 towards the hosting of the 2023 National Schools Athletics and Chess Games set for April 10-12 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Copperbelt Education Standards Officer Nyambe Sefulo received the donation in the presence of officials from Zambia Schools Sports Association and Head Teachers Association.

In a speech read by Zambezi Omnisport Technical Services Officer Chala Tumelo, Board Chairman Chasaya Sichilima pledged support towards sports and traditional games.

“I wish to assure you that the step we have taken today is but only the first step in realizing the common dream between your Association and our Company, that is to develop Zambian traditional games as viable sporting entertainment,” Chasaya said.

“We are therefore happy to continue and actually upscale our collaboration with you in this effort by providing you with technical support and, wherever possible, logistical support to realize this vision in the schools,” he said.

Zambia Schools Sports Association President Macwani Mwendelema assured Zambezi Omnisport that the donation will be put to good use.

Government sets up a Task Force Team to Curb Smuggling of Mealie Meal in all border Areas.

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Government sets up a Task Force Team to Curb Smuggling of Mealie Meal in all border Areas.

Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, says a task force has been set to curb the smuggling of maize in all border areas. Mr. Matambo said the task force will patrol all border areas 24/7 and that all persons involved will face arrest while commodities and vehicles impounded risk being forfeited to the state.

” The smuggling is a syndicate and well organised to deliberately dent the image of the government. Am proud that we have a focused President who is finding solutions to deal with the mealie meal situation,” said Mr Matambo

He said the smuggling of mealie meal to neighbouring countries has contributed to the shortages and high prices of the commodity in the province and other parts of the country.

Speaking when he appeared on a special interview on ZNBC News, Mr. Matambo said that all those involved in the criminal act will be arrested and their mealie meal and vessels forfeited.

“In Ndola, we have impounded 15000 bags of mealie meal, 5,000 bags in Kitwe, and 52 vehicles impounded in Chililabombwe,” he said.
Mr. Matambo commended President Hakainde Hichilema for facilitating for the release of mealie meal from ZNS to the Copperbelt which now stands at over 3,500 in the last 48 hours.

He assured the millers on the Copperbelt that FRA has released maize in good quantities to enable the millers to satisfy demand.
He disclosed that the government has put in place a Task-Force to help deal with the situation comprising of the Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia Police Service, the Zambia National Service and other law enforcement agencies.

In a separate interview, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri said that the government is seriously monitoring the quantities of maize given to the millers and their output.

He warned that any miller who will be found wanting will be set aside and they will be expected to operate within their own confines and stock.
Mr. Mtolo said that the cheap maize being given to the millers should have benefits passed on the consumers in terms of cheap mealie meal which is readily available.

Of late, some parts of the country have reported shortages and price hikes of the commodity which is artificial as the country has enough maize stocks as evidenced from the consecutive bumper harvest recorded in the past few years.

ECZ condemns Serenje by-election violence

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ECZ condemns Serenje by-election violence

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has noted with serious concern the electoral violence ahead of the April 20, 2023 by-election in Muchinda Ward in Serenje District.

ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager, Patricia Luhanga has strongly condemned the acts of violence in Serenje.

She has called on all participating political parties to adhere to the campaign timetable which was developed and agreed upon after nominations by all participating political parties.

In a statement issued to the media , Ms Luhanga says the Commission will not hesitate to suspend campaigns in areas where violence occurs.

She warned political parties of disqualification if found wanting.

“The Commission warns all participating political parties that the Commission will be compelled to invoke the provisions of the Electoral Process Act which includes disqualification against erring political parties in the remaining days should these acts of violence continue,” she said.

Ms Luhanga further said it is unfortunate that incidences of violence are being recorded in the last few days when the process started out on a peaceful note.

“It is therefore, regrettable and worrying to start recording violence with just a few days before the poll day. The Commission would like to remind all participating political parties in the by-elections that the Electoral Code of Conduct applies to this period of campaigns and must be adhered to without exception,” she said.

Ms Luhanga said the Commission is aware that all the cases of violence have been reported to the Zambia Police and urged the service to beef up security in Muchinda Ward to restore law and order.

She has also reminded all political parties’ leadership to prevail over their supporters to be peaceful as they conduct campaigns.

Yesterday,

Elvis Nkandu has launched the National Youth Empowerment Scheme in Northern Province

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Elvis Nkandu has launched the National Youth Empowerment Scheme in Northern Province

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu has launched the National Youth Empowerment Scheme in Northern Province.

Speaking during the launch in Luwingu District, Mr Nkandu said government has allocated K23 million in this year’s budget towards youth empowerment.

Mr Nkandu said the youth scheme is an initiative aimed at providing grants to vulnerable but viable youths to venture into income generating projects.

“The New Dawn Administration has increased support to youth empowerment with K23 million set aside in this year’s budget.” he said

The minister added that Northern Province becomes the first province to implement the initiative with 800 youths targeted to benefit from the fund.

He said 200 youths in each of the four benefitting districts namely Luwingu, Lupososhi, Lunte and Mporokoso will receive grants.

Mr Nkandu has since cautioned those in charge of administering the funds to ensure equity in the distribution process regardless of one’s political affiliation.

“These grants should not be politicized in anyway because they are meant for every youth, provided they are Zambians,” he said.

And Luwingu District Commissioner, Chomba Chileshe urged young people to use the funds for the intended purpose to enhance personal growth and contribute positively to development in their communities.

Mr Chileshe added that his office will keenly monitor the usage of the funds and beneficiaries in the district.

“From my office, we will ensure that we follow up on the activities you have proposed for the grants.” He said.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Francis Bwalya an artist and trained secondary school teacher, who is also visually impaired, thanked government for the financial support.

Mr Bwalya said he will use the funds to advance his music career.

Another beneficiary, Ruth Mwenya who operates a restaurant said she will use the grant to boost her business.

Nzovu happy with compliance at manganese mines

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Nzovu happy with compliance at manganese mines

By BENEDICT TEMBO

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu is happy with improvements in compliance levels at some manganese processing plants in Serenje district.

During an on the spot monitoring of manganese processing plants in Serenje district, Mr Nzovu commended those complying and urged others to adhere to the environmental regulations in order to promote sustainable economic development and create employment for the local people.

He however noted with concern that there are still a lot of illegal mining activities in Serenje despite the continued sensitisation programmes the Ministry has embarked on to the manganese mining facilities in the province.

This came to light after officers from ZEMA and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment impounded six trucks loaded with manganese ore weighing approximately 200 tons.

Notably, all the trucks intercepted were coming from a named mine which was closed by ZEMA in September 2022 for non-compliance to the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011.

A team of officers from ZEMA and the forestry and metereological departments is in Central Province to inspect manganese mines and processing facilities, forest reserves and metereological infrastructure.

Serenje has become a hive of illegal mining activities leading to pollution that has affected land, water, air and human health.

This is evident by the current situation at Southern Africa Ferro Alloys Limited where 28 employees were found with a strange disease (manganese poisoning).

Mr Nzovu warned that if the illegal mining was left unchecked, it could reverse the country’s economic gains.

Mr Nzovu is however glad to note that the source of the manganese poisoning that affected the workers was traced and Government, in collaboration with the manganese mining companies, is striving to prevent recurrence.

He said in a quest to reduce pollution and damage to the environment, the manganese processing plants have implemented a number of measures which include stopping the use of charcoal in manganese processing.

Mines have also installed the requisite pollution abatement equipment on their processing plants as well as installed continuous online and real time air monitoring equipment.

Mines have provided appropriate personal protectiveeEquipment (PPE) to employees; and put in place of measures to suppress dust emissions around their processing pants.

“I, therefore urge the manganese mining facilities to emulate what the manganese processing plants are doing. It is now a mandatory requirement that all manganese mining and processing facilities must comply by ensuring that all the employees must be tested for manganese levels in their blood every six months,” Mr Nzovu said

He stressed that the well-being of employees and the environment is of utmost importance and that Government will continue to enforce the law.
“In addition, the Ministry revised the Environmental Management Act and the Bill is before Parliament undergoing legislative processes. Among the issues the Bill intends to resolve is the cost of doing business by reducing the licence fees and processing time. In addition to that, the bill also introduces stiffer punishment to deter would be environmental offenders,” he said

And speaking earlier when he met commercial farmers at Silverland Farm in Nansanga Farming Block in Serenje District, Mr Nzovu encouraged ommercial Farmers to work with Government to increase food production for the local and regional markets.

He urged the farmers to consider implementing carbon emissions offset projects on degraded areas and plant trees to promote afforestation and environmental sustainability as these will reduce climate change impacts as well as generate revenue through carbon markets.

In the same meeting, a representative of the commercial famers Jason Sawyer of Nyamanza Farming Limited complained of the bad state of the road, the rampant cutting down of trees by people harvesting caterpillars in the area and constant load-shedding by Zesco which was affecting their farming businesses.

Mr Sawyer called upon Government to intervene to sustain their operations.

Let’s Talk Garbage!

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Let’s Talk Garbage!

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

One of the biggest challenges that our country grapples with year in and out is the indiscriminate disposal of waste. We seem to be devoid of the determination, creativity nor innovation to curb the vice.

For clarity’s sake, we are not talking about New Kasama, Ibex or Kabulonga where Ministers, Ambassadors and apamwamba’s reside. Things seem to be in order here. We are talking about townships, shanty compounds and our markets. Heaps of garbage are ubiquitous on every side of the road or street corner. And if you venture in places such as Soweto or Chisokone markets, you are likely to find individuals happily conducting their business oblivious of the overpowering whiff of stench from mountains of garbage right under their nostrils!

Do we honestly require the services of international consultants or rocket scientists to help find workable solutions?

Lest we are accused of being armchair critics, we shall endeavor to offer a few practical solutions:

1. Inculcating Sense of patriotism in our Kids

The Ministry of Education should consider introducing patriotism…..yes, love of the country in school curricular. Part of the syllabus should be inculcating a sense of patriotism and responsibility in our children with particular emphasis on keeping our environment clean right from Kindergarten through to University. We often notice a good number of students discarding litter anyhow after consuming their jiggies or imbibing their drinks! If greater emphasis is placed on love of the country, we don’t think children who are the future of this nation would’ve no qualms about polluting our environment.

2. Classification of litter at source

In civilised societies, litter is classified right at the source where it’s being generated – plastics, bottles and good wastes are kept separately. This way, respective recycling companies can easily access whatever material they may be looking for, be it bottles, plastics or paper while our farmers can equally easily scavenge for food wastes to feed their livestock or make compost manure. Councilors, is this a narrative you may pursue?

3. Designated refuse collection points

CDF is in great abundance in the New Dawn Administration; we see no point why we can’t use part of these funds to procure portable gigantic bins that may be placed in strategic places in our communities. Alternatively, councils should should procure rubbish bins and make it mandatory for every household to have a bin. Dump tracks can collect refuse once a week. Just after independence, the local authority maintained the tradition of supplying bins to every household and ensured refuse was collected every now and then. What has happened to this initiative?

4. Flying litter from our vehicles

It’s disappointing to see litter flying from buses let alone impressive vehicles as one would assume people driving such vehicles are well informed. In countries such as Botswana, you’d be crossing a red line throwing litter through the window. What’s so complicated about replicating such measures in our motherland.?

Ministers, Members of Parliament, Councillors and council officials that’s your food for thought…..but do some of even take time to research save for except a few?

MUZA Down Trident To Set Up ABSA Cup Final Date Against Forest

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Forest Rangers and FC Muza will faceoff in the final of the 2023 ABSA Cup following their respective semifinal triumphs this weekend.

Muza on Sunday joined Forest in the cup final to be played on May 20 after edging Division One side Trident 1-0 in the second semifinal at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

Substitute Whiteson Songwe’s own goal gave Muza victory with nine minutes left to play.

Forest earlier on Saturday beat Power Dynamos 2-1 in the first semifinal match at Arthur Davies Stadium.

Meanwhile, both teams are yet to win this cup.

This year’s cup winners will pocket K700,000 with runners up getting K350,000.

Zambian Delegation Led by Finance Minister Arrives for IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC

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Zambian Delegation Led by Finance Minister Arrives for IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC

A high-level Zambian delegation led by Finance and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has arrived in Washington DC, United States of America, for the 2023 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, which commence on Monday, 10th April and end on Sunday, 16th April, 2023.

The Zambian delegation comprises Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya, Acting Permanent Secretary (Budget & Economic Affairs) Mwaka Mukubesa, and Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor (Operations) Dr Francis Chipimo.

On arrival in Washington DC, the Minister and his delegation were met by Zambia’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States of America, Margaret Kaphiya. Mrs Kaphiya welcomed the Minister and his delegation and described Zambia’s participation in the meetings as a crucial step in strengthening development cooperation with the Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF and World Bank Group) and sustaining global interest in the country’s various development aspects.

During the week-long Annual Meetings, the delegation will participate in a series of IMF and World Bank organised events, hold bilateral talks with other development partners, and engage investors.

The Zambian delegation will attend the 2023 African Consultative Group Meeting of the African Caucus with the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva. As representatives of an IMF member country, they will also ensure that Zambia is represented during the session of the International Monetary and Finance Committee Plenary, which is the highest organ of the IMF. The delegation will also hold discussions with the IMF African Department, Fiscal Affairs Department, the IMF Africa Group 1 Constituency and hold a liaison session with the IMF Mission Chief for Zambia, Ms Allison Holland and her staff team on various aspects of cooperation between the IMF and Zambia.

A few days ago, in Lusaka, Zambia and the IMF staff reached an agreement on various economic and financial policies that are expected to anchor the implementation of the Enhanced Credit Facility (ECF)/IMF Programme for the next 12 months. Zambia’s agreement with the IMF staff is subject to approval by IMF Management and the Executive Board, whose approval will trigger a second disbursement (the first one having been delivered by the Fund in September 2022).

Concerning the World Bank Group, the Zambian delegation will participate in the African Consultative Group Meeting (Debt, Climate Change, MSME, Digital, Energy) with World Bank Group President David Malpas, hold separate consultative meetings with the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Victoria Kwaku, the African Group I Constituency, and the Multilateral Institute Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank.

The delegation will also meet the leadership and representatives of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) for Zambia’s debt restructuring process. Other bilateral meetings will be with Honourable Andrew Mitchell, UK Minister of State (Development and Africa), the US Treasury, China, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, and India, among others. Through these engagements, the Zambian delegation looks forward to breaking the debt deadlock, to help the country to widen the fiscal space and open more avenues for elevated productivity, growth, and job and wealth creation. The delegation will also take the opportunity of being in Washington DC, to meet representatives of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and numerous investors.

The delegation will participate in several major engagements, including the High-Level Roundtable on Challenges and Opportunities for the Rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Serenje Radio Journalists Attacked by Suspected UPND Cadres

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Serenje Radio Journalists Attacked by Suspected UPND Cadres

Management of Serenje Radio station has expressed deep concern over the attack on three of their journalists on duty at Serenje Police Station. According to a statement released by the radio station, the incident occurred on April 8, 2023, when the journalists were covering a story on the stand-off between the Socialist Party and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in the run-up to the April 20, 2023 Muchinda Ward by-election in Serenje District, Central Province.

The journalists, Serenje Radio Manager Mr. Male Kapema, Finance Personnel Mr. Enoch Champo, and Reporter Sheila Kalunga, had rushed to the police station following a phone call with Serenje DC Mr. Paul Masuwa. They were attacked by suspected UPND cadres who had reportedly been imported from outside Serenje.

During the attack, Reporter Sheila Kalunga was hit three times on the back for filming the protesters’ actions. The attack only ended after quick intervention from the Zambia Police Service. Serenje Radio Management regrets the incident, especially since President Hakainde Hichilema had assured the public of freedom of the press.

The station is pursuing legal means to ensure justice for the journalists, who are human beings with the responsibility to inform, educate, and entertain the masses. Serenje Radio reiterated its commitment to discharge its mandate accurately and fairly, and condemned any form of violence against journalists.

The incident has sparked outrage from various quarters, with many condemning the attack on the journalists. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter has called on the police to swiftly investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book. MISA Zambia has also urged political parties to refrain from acts of violence and intimidation against the media.

The attack on Serenje Radio journalists is a worrying development that threatens media freedom and democracy in Zambia. It is imperative that the government takes decisive action to protect journalists and ensure that they can carry out their duties without fear of reprisal.

Poor planning of the 2022-23 farming season by the Government is the cause of mealie-meal shortage, says JCTR Executive Director, Fr. Alex Muyebe.

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Poor planning of the 2022-23 farming season by the Government is the cause of mealie-meal shortage, says JCTR Executive Director, Fr. Alex Muyebe.

The current mealie-meal shortage on the Zambian market is a result of the poor planning of the 2022-23 farming season by the government, according to the Executive Director of Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), Fr. Alex Muyebe. In a statement, Fr. Muyebe said that “the onset of the 2022-23 farming season witnessed chaos in organizing the beneficiaries list of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), late distribution of farming input, distribution of incomplete farming input sets, high cost of farming inputs and shortage of farming inputs on the markets.”

He also pointed out that subsistent and small-scale farmers seriously depend on the availability, affordability, and accessibility of farming inputs to produce beyond household consumption. “Food availability, affordability and accessibility at the household level in Zambia is heavily dependent on agriculture. Families depend on agriculture as a source of food, nutrition, and income,” Fr. Muyebe said.

The shortage of mealie meal, a staple food in Zambia, is likely to have an economic bearing on already struggling families to access basic food, according to Fr. Muyebe. “The shortage of mealie meal is likely going to drive up the price of the commodity and in turn this will increase the cost of living, which is the amount of money required to cover necessary expenses in a particular place and time,” he said.

Fr. Muyebe emphasized the need for the government to assess the current maize stock in the country’s reserves and communicate measures to sustain food security in the country before implementing the short-term measure of importing mealie meal from South Africa. He added that there is a need for an effective strategy to better manage the farmer input support to subsistence and small-scale farmers in the 2023-24 farming season in order to boost maize production.

“The mealie meal smuggling problem must be addressed constructively by strategically dealing with all the identified contributing factors. Investment in irrigation farming must be prioritized alongside scaling up of agro-ecological practices among small-scale farmers,” Fr. Muyebe said. “This includes building of household seed banks and promoting planting of open-pollinated seeds (local) seeds by small-scale farmers to reduce dependence on commercialized and chemicalized farming inputs to enhance food security and improve nutrition outcomes.”

In conclusion, the JCTR Executive Director stressed the importance of the government’s strategic planning of farming input needs to avoid the current mealie-meal crisis and its implications on the cost of living. “For factors that Government can control, like the availability, affordability, accessibility and diversity of farming input, it must strategically plan for such,” Fr. Muyebe said.

ZEMA impounds six trucks loaded with manganese ore from a mine closed for non-compliance

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ZEMA impounds six trucks loaded with manganese ore from a mine closed for non-compliance

Officials from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) have impounded six trucks carrying about 200 tons of manganese ore in Serenje. The trucks were coming from a mine that was closed by ZEMA in September 2022 for not complying with the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment also accompanied the ZEMA officers in inspecting manganese mining and mineral processing facilities, forest reserves, and meteorological infrastructure in Central Province. During the inspection, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP, praised the compliance levels of some manganese processing plants but expressed concern over the rise of illegal mining activities in Serenje District.

Serenje District has become a hotbed of illegal mining activities, leading to pollution that has impacted land, water, air, and human health. Recently, 28 employees of Southern Africa Ferro Alloys Limited were found with manganese poisoning. The Minister noted that the source of the poisoning had been traced, and the government was working with the mining companies to prevent any reoccurrence.

In a bid to reduce pollution and damage to the environment, manganese processing plants have implemented several measures. These measures include stopping the use of charcoal in manganese processing, installing pollution abatement equipment, providing personal protective equipment to employees, installing online air monitoring equipment, and suppressing dust emissions.

The Minister urged all manganese mining facilities to emulate what the manganese processing plants were doing. Compliance with the Environmental Management Act is now mandatory, and all employees must be tested for manganese levels in their blood every six months.

The Ministry revised the Environmental Management Act, and the bill is before Parliament undergoing legislative processes. The bill intends to reduce the cost of doing business by reducing the license fees and processing time. It also introduces stiffer punishments to deter environmental offenders.

During his visit to Silverland Farm in Nansanga Farming Block in Serenje District, the Minister also urged commercial farmers to work with the government to increase food production for local and regional markets. He encouraged farmers to implement carbon emissions offset projects on degraded areas, plant trees, and promote afforestation and environmental sustainability to reduce climate change impacts.

A representative of the commercial farmers, Mr. Jason Sawyer of Nyamanza Farming Limited, complained about the poor state of the road, rampant tree cutting for caterpillar harvesting, and constant load-shedding by Zesco, which affects their farming businesses. He called on the government to intervene to sustain their operations.

Zambia Police Confirm the Arrest of Fred M’membe in Serenje and Launch manhunt for UPND cadres

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Zambia Police Confirm the Arrest of Fred M’membe in Serenje and Launch manhunt for UPND cadres

Socialist Party president Fred M’membe has been arrested by police in Serenje District on charges of Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH). Two other suspected Socialist Party members have also been charged with the same offences. The charges relate to an incident in which nine suspected members of the United Party for National Development were allegedly assaulted by the suspects during a clash between the two parties while campaigning in Serenje District on April 8, 2023.

The police have also reported that two suspected Socialist Party members sustained injuries during the violence. All suspects are currently in police custody, waiting to be formally charged, while a manhunt has been launched for the suspected UPND members who fled the scene after assaulting the other two victims.

In response to the incident, the police have called on all political parties participating in the by-election in Serenje to exercise maximum restraint in order for the election to be peaceful. The police have also beefed up security in Serenje District to restore and maintain law and order.

Below is the full statement

April 9, 2023 – Police in Serenje District have arrested Socialist Party president Fred Mmembe for the offence of Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm.
Dr. Mmembe aged 64 of Rhodes Park in Lusaka has also been charged with the offence of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodly Harm (OABH) together with two other suspected Socialist Party members. They are all alleged to have assaulted nine suspected members of the United Party for National Development members.

Two suspected Socialist Party members also sustained injuries during the violence which occurred when the two political parties clashed while conducting their campaigns at four ways in Mwalilima and Kamalamba area of Serenje District in Central Province on April 8, 2023 between 14:00 hours and 16:30 hours.

All the suspects are detained in Police custody waiting to be formally charged while a manhunt has been launched for the suspected UPND members who fled the scene after assaulting the other two victims.
We call upon all political parties participating in the by-election in Serenje to exercise maximum restraint in order for the election to be peaceful.

We have since beefed up security in Serenje District in order to restore and maintain law and order.

Danny Mwale
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer

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