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Commissioning of the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station in Pictures
Danny Pule urges the UPND government to address poverty and homosexuality
Opposition Christian Democratic Party leader, Danny Pule has urged government to urgently address the high cost of living in the country.
Dr Pule has noted that the cost of living has reached extreme levels making it hard for ordinary Zambians to survive.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kitwe today, Dr. Pule alleged that poverty levels have reached alarming levels and called for the need to urgently put in place measures to remedy the situation.
And Dr. Pule has advised government to strengthen the application of the law against homosexuality.
He noted that the continued re-occurrence of pro homosexuality campaigns in the country is a result of the weakness in the application of the law against the vice which he describes as being against the Christian values.
The opposition leader also announced that his party has started mobilizing members countrywide in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
He said he was on the Copperbelt to organize the party structures in the province before going to Luapula and Northern province.
“As a party we aim to fight the vices of economic injustice, poverty, unemployment, nepotism and tribalism, our party truly aims at being guided by equitable public access to basic needs and essential goods,” he said.
Dr Pule further called on all Zambians to join the Christian Democratic Party to prepare for the formation of a government that will reverse the depravity of the country’s Christian and cultural values.
Global markets turbulent on bank fears, investors eye buying opportunities
Heightening volatility in major stock markets around the world, triggered by concerns of the global banking system, will be used by investors as a buying opportunity, affirms the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.
The observation from deVere Group’s Nigel Green come as US stock futures fell on Friday, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 1.5% by mid-morning, following a mixed session in Asia-Pacific markets.
He says: “Deutsche Bank shares have dropped for a third consecutive day – they’re now down 13% – and have now lost more than a fifth of their value so far this month.
“The emergency rescue of Credit Suisse by UBS, in the wake of the collapse of the US based Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Banks, has triggered a wave of contagion fears among investors, which was further exacerbated by more monetary policy tightening from the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday and the Bank of England on Thursday.”
The deVere CEO continues: “The growing sense of unease about the global banking system is heightening volatility in stock markets around the world.
“Savvy investors will be using this turbulence as a buying opportunity because the current creeping fearful sentiment doesn’t just hit the banking sector, it becomes more generalised.
“This brings down the prices of other high-quality stocks and investors seize on this to top-up their portfolios at lower entry points.
“Clearly, they won’t want to miss out on some key opportunities, but they must also avoid the ‘buy everything’ mindset.”
Whilst inflation remains a major headwind, Nigel Green explains, investors should “remain alive to other metrics” in investment decision-making.
When costs are going up, investors should increasingly be looking at a company’s ability to maintain margin.
“Investors should be paying close attention to margin because it can indicate how well a company is managing costs and competing in its industry.
“It can also impact a corporation’s ability to invest in growth opportunities or pay dividends” to shareholders.
“A good fund manager will help investors seek out the opportunities and mitigate potential risks as and when they are presented to generate and build their wealth.”
The deVere CEO concludes: “As concerns about the stability of banks persist, we expect further and intensifying market volatility. This will be used, as it always is, by investors to bolster their investment portfolios.
“This can prove to be an extremely effective strategy, but advice should be sought from a quality fund manager.”
Should married couples still communicate with old college friends of the opposite sex?
Dear Editor,
I have been married for 16 years now. My husband is an UNZA graduate and I understand he obviously has old friends from Campus.But I am not comfortable with his female friends.
We had an argument last night and I moved out the room just to get some breathing space,I then found a message on his phone that he sent to a lady friend from school saying “Sweet Dreams” . Am I over reacting or is it okay for him to do that? Is it necessary to still communicate with old female friends?
Thank you.
Todays message: Running Out
Today’s Scripture
“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
John 2:10, NIV
Running Out
Friend, Jesus was at a wedding celebration in Galilee that lasted several days. Everything was going great until they ran out of wine. Up to this point, Jesus had not performed any miracles in public, but He told the staff to fill six large waterpots with water. I can imagine them thinking, “What good is that going to do?” But when the host tasted the water that Jesus turned to wine, he said the bridegroom had saved the best till then.
Notice how God works: If they had not run out of the good wine, they would never have tasted the best wine. God saves the best for next. You may feel like you’re running out of opportunities or running out of the resources to make ends meet. This may sound odd, but you’re in a good place. When you come to the end, God steps in and says, “I’ve saved the best for now.” The best position, the best relationships, the best in your finances, the best in your health is yet to come.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can stay at peace when it feels like I’m running out of something that’s been important to me. Thank You that the best wine is coming, that You bring the extraordinary out of the ordinary. I will be faithful and look forward to Your very best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Zambian citizen urges President to protect whistle blowers in fight against corruption
A Zambian citizen, Abraham Alinaswe Simpamba, has written a heartfelt letter to President Hakainde Hichilema, urging him to protect whistle-blowers in the fight against corruption. Mr. Simpamba’s letter has resonated with many Zambians, who are increasingly frustrated with corruption in the country.
In the letter, Mr. Simpamba expressed disappointment that the President has not taken a keen interest in serious allegations against Dr. Musokotwane and Hon. Milupe, despite his commitment to fighting corruption. He wrote, “On principle, whistleblowers must be protected, instead of protecting Munir Zulu and taking keen interest to know what really transpired and questioning your ministers, instead you are fighting and intimidating Munir Zulu. Should we assume that you have an interest in the matter because it doesn’t make sense to protect such serious allegations?”
Mr. Simpamba also raised concerns about missing evidence, such as trucks laden with sugilite, which vanished from a police station under the watch of police officers. He wrote, “What happened to the alleged 3 million from Black Mountain which was supposed to benefit 24 wards in Chililabombwe? Which has vanished under the watch of Paul Kabuswe, your mines minister.”
The letter highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for the President to take strong action against corruption. Protecting whistle blowers is an essential step towards achieving this goal, and it is hoped that the President will take Mr. Simpamba’s concerns seriously and act on them accordingly.
Mr. Simpamba’s letter has been praised by many Zambians for its courage and honesty. One citizen, Nkumbu Mwaba, said, “Mr. Simpamba has spoken for the voiceless in our country. We need more people like him to hold our leaders accountable and fight against corruption.”
Another citizen, Gift Sakala, said, “The letter is a wake-up call to the President to take action against corruption. We cannot continue like this. We need our leaders to be accountable and transparent.”
The letter has also drawn attention to the upcoming by-elections on April 20th. Mr. Simpamba urged Zambians to vote wisely, saying, “Ours is citizens first leadership of the people by the people for the people.” Many Zambians are hoping that the upcoming elections will lead to positive change and a renewed commitment to fighting corruption in the country.
The letter is a timely reminder of the challenges facing Zambia and the need for strong leadership to address them. As Mr. Simpamba wrote, “If our forefathers died fighting for the independence of our country from the hands of the ruthless colonial masters, the ones you are trying to embrace now like angels, who are we to escape that? Though it’s a pity because the battle is amongst ourselves. Mr. President, don’t expect great men to come from heaven to sort out the challenges affecting us but ourselves.”
Kayula Lombanya bounces back as North West Chamber President, promises to focus on SME growth
Banker Kayula Lombanya has been re-elected President of the influential North Western Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ms. Lombanya polled 70 votes against her rival Edgar Makaliki who only managed 33 votes in elections held in Solwezi on Saturday at Floriana Lodge.
The fresh vote was called weeks after the national secretariat nullified Ms. Lombanya’s earlier election citing alleged irregularities.
Amos Kapi was elected Vice President-Industry and Manufacturing ,Magrate Phiri was elected Vice President-Trade and Commerce while Stanley Musemangeji came in as Treasurer and Sichalwe kachinga was elected Vice President-Services.
Others elected were Chisola Sangambo, Collins Mweemba,Twambo Imbula and Jemin Lusek lo Mulusa as members at large.
And delivering her victory speech, Ms. Lombanya said that her administration will prioritize the promotion of the SME sector describing it as the engine of the economy.
She also revealed that the chamber will create a foundation for a sustainable economy in the Province in order to respond to the growing population of people in North Western Province which is currently at 2.6% per year.
Ms. Lombanya said the Chamber will work in line with the Eighth National Development Plan by embracing President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of transforming the economy and promoting diversification.
US – Africa Summit for Democracy: Answers are needed
By Grace Hamwemba
In the next few days, US Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to preach peace to Africa and probably give a lecture to African political leaders and civil society elites.
The leaders attending this Summit have strategically been selected to give a monotonous endorsement of American ideals and not ask hard questions.
But American leaders have never known people. Peace is when people are able to resolve their conflicts without violence.
Maybe this Summit should be dedicated to remembering Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and many who have died from senseless wars.
America has spent trillions of dollars funding wars in the world. US Vice President Kamala Harris, even as she gets to sign some investment deals in Africa, she won’t tell these leaders that what America is spending on the entire Africa is a fraction of what they spend in wars on other regions.
In 2011, the Washington Post reported that U.S. involvement in the war in Libya cost American taxpayers an estimated $896 million through July 31, according to the Pentagon.
The 20-year Afghanistan war was done at a cost the US, an estimated US$8 trillion dollars with over 1,000,000 people dying, including U.S. military members, allied fighters, opposition fighters, civilians, journalists and humanitarian aid workers who were killed as a direct result of war, whether by bombs, bullets or fire.
In Syria, World Vision reports that the economic cost of conflict in Syria after 10 years is estimated to be over $US 1.2 trillion and reduced Syrian children’s overall life expectancy by 13 years. About half a million of people died in Syria.
In Iraq, the total cost to the United States of the Iraq war at $3 trillion and we know that between 315,190 have died from direct war related violence caused by the U.S., its allies, from the time of the invasion
The US is the largest contributor to Ukraine in terms of money spent. Congress appropriated more than $112 billion dollars in 2022 alone.
So as the elites will be enjoying a lecture from Vice President Kamala Harris, there must be room for Africa to ask one hard question: Why does America spend so much money in wars than it does to alleviate suffering around the world?
America is a war monger and uses war as a business. It certainly has blood on its hands, including the blood of son of the soil, Muammar Gaddafi.
Former Zambian Ambassador speaks out against mistreatment of diplomats, highlights case of stranded Deputy Ambassador in Russia
Former Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Emmanuel Mwamba, has spoken out about the ill-treatment of diplomats by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations in Zambia. In particular, he highlighted the case of Prince Imasiku Mutangelwa, who served as Zambia’s Deputy Ambassador to Russia. Imasiku was left stranded in Russia after his legitimate request for a short extension to attend to a medical crisis was unfairly rejected without good reason. In a bid to force him to return home immediately, his foreign service allowances, including those for accommodation and medicals, were immediately withdrawn. Mwamba has argued that the case of Imasiku is not unique, and that many other diplomats have faced similar treatment.
Imasiku was first appointed as Zambia’s Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to Angola in 2011, but he was unable to take up his post, and his case remained unresolved until 2015. In 2015, President Edgar Lungu appointed him as Deputy Ambassador to Zambia’s Embassy in Moscow, where he served until 2020 when he was suddenly recalled from Foreign Service. There was speculation that this was due to his fiery and political views on national matters he frequently expressed on WhatsApp Groups back home. A letter of recall was written, and he returned home in 2021. However, when the new Government of President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, Imasiku was one of those deemed to have been unfairly treated by the previous government and was reinstated. He reported back to his station in Moscow in December 2021.
The recent recall letter of 2020 was strangely actioned upon, and repatriation funds were sent for his immediate return home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorities claim that the letter of recall from 2020 has never been rescinded. Imasiku’s repeated request that a fresh letter of recall be written to him was declined. Furthermore, his request for a short extension was declined, and his foreign service allowances were withdrawn, despite his medical condition and the fact that he had already undergone eye surgeries.
Mwamba argues that the case of Imasiku is similar to the circumstances faced by most diplomats recalled recently. Diplomats were refused and denied a chance to wind up their affairs as provided for by law and return home in a decent and civil manner. For Ambassadors, it was even worse, as most of them failed to bid farewell to the host Heads of States, as is required by diplomatic etiquette and practice. Others were placed in financial ruin as salary advances were recovered at once, despite the provisions that this can be recovered back home. Some lost property or cars in a bid to settle the commitments before their departure due to the sudden recalls and the unrealistic demands made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for them to return home immediately.
Mwamba is aware of many Ambassadors and diplomats that wrote request letters to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a short extension or demanded that they stay the three months to wind up affairs as provided for in foreign service regulations, but were treated like criminals and ordered to return home immediately, as the letters of recall “was with immediate effect”! Furthermore, when diplomats arrived in Zambia, most were civil servants who were employed on permanent and pensionable terms but were removed from the payroll. For both civil servants and those on fixed-term contracts, they were expected to remain on the payroll until their full benefits were paid as provided for under Article 187 & 189 (2) of the Republican Constitution. Article 189(2) reads: “Where a pension benefit is not paid on a person’s last working day, that person shall stop work, but the person’s name shall be retained on the payroll until payment of the pension benefit based on the last salary received
Vice President encourages women empowerment
Vice President Mutale Nalumango says government recognizes the importance of human capital in the growth and development of the country.
Mrs. Nalumango said the government can only achieve its development aspirations, like the 8th National Development Plan through an active and effective human capital base
She has since tasked the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management to look into issues affecting productivity in the country and seek ways of addressing them to improve productivity, especially among women
The Vice President was speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Wisdom Bwalya at the official opening of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management Women’s conference in Lusaka today.
She added that women’s empowerment enables them to have access to information for decision-making in various aspects of their lives and improve their livelihoods as well as for the communities they live in.
And speaking at the same event, Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management President Moffat Nyirenda said women continue to face challenges in accessing critical services needed, including digital innovations and services and effects of world crises as a result of gender inequality.
Mr. Nyirenda added that the Institute through the women’s conference wishes to tackle issues of gender equality in accessing the digital space and other issues pertaining to women’s involvement.
The conference is the second to be held and has been tagged as an annual event for the institute.
Civic leaders challenged to link women to empowerment programmes
The government has challenged civic leaders to identify vulnerable groups in society especially women and girls, and link them to the various empowerment initiatives under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu says councillors should also use their influence to advocate for the inclusion of Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors in the social cash transfer programme.
He said civic leaders have a great influence in society and should therefore use it correctly to help the marginalized.
“You can start advocating for that. The government of today has a policy of first listening to the grassroots going up. What other people might call bottom up,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary said this in Luwingu District when he officially opened an orientation workshop for councillors drawn from six districts in the province.
The workshop which was organized by the Natwampane Project was aimed at equipping civic leaders with information to help fight Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in communities.
Mr Mpundu called on civic leaders to use their influence and decision making position to advocate for the prevention of gender based violence in communities.
He further challenged them to help address the needs of the community especially the women and the girls, and the underprivileged.
Meanwhile, Natwampane Prevent SGBV Team Leader for Northern Province, Annie Sampa noted with sadness that a woman of Luwingu was last week allegedly killed by her husband in a suspected case of GBV.
She noted that the women would not have died if the community, including councilors, had paid attention to such issues.
“Most of the times when we have challenges at community level, we have this understanding that it is not our business to intervene. When we lose a life that is when we start lamenting that we could have done something about it,” she said.
Ms Sampa has since challenged civic leaders to take a leading role in fighting GBV cases in communities.
She said government secured 40 million euros from the European Union to help fight the scourge in communities.
And Chilubi Town Chairperson Rosemary Chimbini who spoke on behalf of other participants pledged the civic leader’s commitment to helping their communities to fight GBV.
UPND Labels Munir Zulu as a Paid Political Mercenary
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has accused Hon. Munir Zulu, the Independent Member of Parliament for Lumezi, of being a paid political mercenary sent to undermine the good works of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND-led government.
Speaking to journalists, UPND Deputy National Youth Chairman Trevor Mwiinde expressed disappointment in Hon. Zulu’s failure to provide evidence to back up his allegations after the ultimatum he had given.
“Members of Parliament are called Honourables because they are supposed to conduct themselves in such a manner. When Hon. Munir Zulu gave that press briefing and gave the challenge of 24 hours, we thought he would do the honourable thing and act within that timeframe.
However, we are shocked that after both Ministers and the ACC responded, Hon. Zulu has remained quiet. What he has done is demeaning the Honourable position that society has given to him,” said Mwiinde.
Mwiinde went on to accuse Hon. Zulu of being a paid political mercenary, stating that his failure to provide evidence was a clear indication that he was not acting in the interest of the country.
“Our brother Munir Zulu has failed to live up to the standards of being called Honourable by failing to give evidence after his own given 24-hour ultimatum. Due to that, we are convinced that he is a paid political mercenary sent to frustrate the good works of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND-led government,” said Mwiinde.
Mwiinde has also called upon Zambians to ignore all prophets of doom, including paid mercenaries like Zulu, who he says do not mean well for the country. He has urged Zambians to support the developmental agenda being spearheaded by President Hichilema and the UPND-led government.
“We would like to warn them that they won’t manage. What they are trying to do is just a storm in a tea cup,” Mwiinde said.
In response to these accusations, Hon. Munir Zulu has not yet made any public statements. It remains to be seen whether he will provide evidence to back up his allegations or respond to the accusations of being a paid political mercenary.
Poor construction works of Kanchibiya Police Station irks Command
Muchinga Province Police Commanding Officer, Kaunda Mubanga has expressed sadness on the ongoing construction of Kanchibiya Police Station being constructed without following recommended standards.
Mr. Mubanga expressed his worry yesterday when he visited the construction site of Kanchibiya Police Station during his Familiarization tour of the district.
He expressed sadness that despite being advised to follow the recommended standards of a Police Station, the responsible officers at District level went ahead and gave a go ahead to the contractor to begin the construction of the Police Station using design drawings that do not have other components to make it a police station.
Mr. Mubanga said it is against the set standards that a Police Station is being constructed without both a female and male juvenile cell, an armoury, accommodation for the Police officers and an office for the deputy Police officer in charge among other things.
He pointed out that not following the recommended standards of constructing a Police station risks the structure being rejected by the service which he said will eventually become a white elephant.
The Police Chief has advised the Ministry of Local Government to redesign the structure and incorporate the required recommended structures.
“There is need to stop the construction of this Police Station until recommended standards are included,” said Mr. Kaunda.
And the Local authority through the District Director of Works, Innocent Kansembe assured the Police commanding officer that the responsible committee for construction will meet soon and relook at the gaps that have been highlighted.
“The design for the construction of Kanchibiya Police Station was given by the Ministry of Local Government in Lusaka,” said Mr Kansembe.
Mr Kansembe said redesigning the structure will not be difficult because the structures that are on site have only reached slab level.
Meanwhile, Kachibiya District Administrative Officer, Mulenga Yamishi has appealed to the Ministry of Local Government to always consult responsible institutions before undertaking such projects.
Mr Yamishi expressed sadness that redesigning structures will delay the completion of the much needed Police Station and also increase the total cost of the structure.
“I hope the Ministry of Local Government will quickly redesign the structure so that the construction works can resume as soon as possible,” said Mr. Yamishi.
Copper Queens scale FIFA rankings
BENEDICT TEMBO
The Copper Queens have made gigantic strides on the FIFA Coca Cola Rankings, rising to 77th in the world.
The World Cup bound Copper Queens have jumped from 88th to 77th in their their upward trajectory.
Their Group C opponents at the Australia/New Zealand FIFA World Cup Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica seventh, 11th and 36th respectively on the global charts.
The Copper Queens have become a prominent feature in the women’s game having participated at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where they were the only African team.
Nigeria are still the highest ranked African team in 42nd position in the world while South Africa are in 54th position with Cameroon in 56th.
Ghana are ranked 59th while Ivory Coast are in the 64th position with Equatorial Guinea ranked 71st while Morocco is 73rd.
Tunisia is just one slot above Zambia in 76th position.
Zambia is one of only four African countries that will be at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The full African contingent comprises South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia.
Grant Hopes Zambia Can Keep Momentum on Sunday
Avram Grant believes it will not be easy to play Lesotho twice in a space of three days heading into Sunday’s final leg Group H doubleheader at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
Chipolopolo beat Lesotho 3-1 on Thursday at home in Ndola to inch closer to the magic 9-pointer they need to make a strong case for their first AFCON qualification since 2015.
“It is even very difficult to play even at club level to play against the same team in a space of three days, especially the national team,” Grant said during Saturday’s pre-match briefing in Johannesburg.
“It is not easy for us and not easy for them also I would have preferred to play another team but that’s the programme we will try our best to win.”
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo has one injury absentee with captain and midfielder Lubambo Musonda of Horsens in Denmark ruled out.
Lubambo sustained a hamstring injury in the 14th minute of the first leg match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zambia is second on 6 points, one point behind Cote d’Ivoire.
Comoros are third on 3 points while Lesotho is bottom with 1 point heading to match-day-four of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.