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Government Suspends Public Viewing of Sata’s body

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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, Acting President Dr Guy Scott with his wife Charlotte and PF secretary General Edgar Lungu during the Body viewing ceremony of President Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, Acting President Dr Guy Scott with his wife Charlotte and PF secretary General Edgar Lungu during the Body viewing ceremony of President Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has announced that the paying of last respects to the late President Michael Sata tomorrow morning has been suspended.

Dr Msiska said the general public viewing of the late President’s body will be temporarily suspended from 08:00 hours to 14:00 hours on Saturday November 8.

Dr Msiska said this in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

“Members of the general public are however advised that body viewing will resume on the same day (Saturday) in the afternoon at 14:00 hours and will go on until 19:00 hours,” Dr. Msiska explained.

Dr Msiska however said the body viewing will continue normally on Sunday, November 9th, 2014 from 08:00 hours to 18:00 hours, which is the final day of paying last respects to the late President.

On Monday, November 10, a day before burial takes place, an interdenominational thanksgiving requiem church service in honour of the departed President will be held at parliament buildings before the body is taken to State House where it will lay in State .

Thereafter, on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, a requiem mass in honour of the late Mr. Sata will be held at the National Heroes Stadium before burial at Embassy Park presidential burial site on the same day.

And Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba announced that eight Heads of State have confirmed that they will attend the late President Sata’s burial on Tuesday next week which has also been declared a public holiday to enable Zambians follow the burial proceedings.

The Presidents are Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia and Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique.

Others are Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Peter Mutharika of Malawi.
Mr Kalaba said Tanzania will be represented by its Vice President Ali Muhammad while other countries within and outside Africa will send representatives.

President Sata died at King Edward the Seventh Hospital in London last week on October 28th, 2014.

Bobby East, Ruth Mukanga fined K8,500 for producing obscene materials

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Court hammer

Musician Bobby East and his co-accused Ruth Mukanga have been fined K8,500 or nine months in default for producing obscene materials.

The two were facing one count of producing pornographic video likely to corrupt people’s morals.

In sentencing the two this morning, Lusaka Magistrate Mwaka Mikalile said the fine will serve as punishment for the two young people and deter would be offenders.

Defence lawyers said they will happy with the outcome of the case and observed that the court has been lenient on the two.

The two youths had produced a home made 12 minute pornographic video which went viral on social media.

Kalale enjoying coaching Zanama

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Ex-Zambia and Nkana goalkeeper Kennedy Kalale says he is settling well in his new role as coach at FAZ Division Two North side Zanama Brave Rovers.

Kalale arrivied at Zanama two months ago and has managed to lift them out of the bottom five.

Kalale said he was happy to see Zanama survive relegation with one match to spare.

“When I arrived here the team was performing badly but thank God the team is now doing well,” he said.

“You can see in the last four games we have won two, drawing one and lossing one,” Kalale said.

The former Zambia Under-23 star said he was happy to be head coach just a year after lauching his coaching career as an assistant at FAZ Division Three North side Zacks United.

“This means I am progressing in my coaching career. I thank Zanama officials for showing confidence in me.”

During his peak days as a player, Kalale featured for Power Dynamos and Nchanga Rangers as well.

Chinama hails massive local Zambia call-ups

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Green Eagles coach Justin Chinama has hailed Chipolopolo trainer Honour Janza for including more young local players in his 26-man squad to face Mozambique and Cape Verde in this month’s crucial 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers.

Janza has included 13 local players in the squad to play Mozambique away in Maputo on November 15 before Zambia hosts Cape Verde in Ndola four days later.

“Credit goes to coach Janza for taking such a bold decision to start fusing in young players. It is not easy but this is good for our football,” Chinama said.

Janza has dropped big guns such as Jacob Mulenga, Christopher Katongo, Collins Mbesuma and Fwayo Tembo.

“Including young players is a very welcome move. It is better to start blending new players in the team now because young players have got a lot of years to play,” he said.

Chinama wished Chipolopolo luck in the coming qualifiers.

“I am wishing the national team well in the remaining qualifiers. We should not miss the Africa Cup qualification.”

Zambia mourns President Sata in Pictures – Part 4

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1.

FDD president Edith Nawakwi when she visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
FDD president Edith Nawakwi when she visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

2.

FDD president Edith Nawakwi consoles Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
FDD president Edith Nawakwi consoles Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

3.

FAZ President arrives at MICC around 1200 leading the FAZ secretariat members of the staff and he was preceded by ZANACO players!
FAZ President arrives at MICC around 1200 leading the FAZ secretariat members of the staff and he was preceded by ZANACO players!

4.

FDD president Edith Nawakwi when she visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
FDD president Edith Nawakwi when she visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

5.

Dr Scott mourns 5505 copy
Dr Guy Scott Acting President of Zambia with Madam Dr Charlotte Scott at the funeral Ceremony of late President Sata Mulungushi Hall in Lusaka- Pictures by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 02-11-2014.

6.

Dr Maureen Mwanawasa during the Kariba Tragedy  memorial service spotted with Dr Freddie Kwessiga, the Africa Development Bank representative to Zambia
Dr Maureen Mwanawasa during the Kariba Tragedy memorial service spotted with Dr Freddie Kwessiga, the Africa Development Bank representative to Zambia

7.

First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba’s mother Loyce Kaseba during the Body viewing ceremony of President Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

8.

A mourner carried of on a stretcher after fainting
A mourner carried of on a stretcher after fainting

9.

LUSAKA youths join the rest of the country to mourn President Michael Chilufya Sata.Above youths camp outside Belvedere Lodge to mourn
LUSAKA youths join the rest of the country to mourn President Michael Chilufya Sata.Above youths camp outside Belvedere Lodge to mourn

10.

Airtel MD Charity Lumpa Chanda  signing the book of condolences
Airtel MD Charity Lumpa Chanda signing the book of condolences

11.

Airtel MD Charity Lumpa Chanda's message
Airtel MD Charity Lumpa Chanda’s message

12.

Charlotte Scott with Airtel MD Charity Lumpa Chanda at Government House
Charlotte Scott with Airtel MD Charity Lumpa Chanda at Government House

13.

St Monica's former pupils, new school pupils and Catholic nuns visited  Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 4,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
St Monica’s former pupils, new school pupils and Catholic nuns visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 4,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

14.

Dr Guy Scott during body viewing
Dr Guy Scott during body viewing

15.

Catholic nuns  Sir Xavier Selvi and Sister Susan Nayame  (l) with  First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba  (r) when they visited  her at State House on Nov 4,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Catholic nuns Sir Xavier Selvi and Sister Susan Nayame (l) with First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba (r) when they visited her at State House on Nov 4,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

16.

Roman Catholic Church Bishop of Mansa Diocese Patrick Chisanga hosted the Interdenominational Prayers in honour of the late Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata at the Cathedral Church in Mansa on Tuesday. Here the Bishop (in Black Bishopric attire) seated with other Church leaders in the province from the Anglican Church, Apostolic Church in Zambia, Deeper Life Church, United Church in Zambia, and Grace Ministries during the Interdenominational prayers yesterday in the Cathedral of Mansa
Roman Catholic Church Bishop of Mansa Diocese Patrick Chisanga hosted the Interdenominational Prayers in honour of the late Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata at the Cathedral Church in Mansa on Tuesday. Here the Bishop (in Black Bishopric attire) seated with other Church leaders in the province from the Anglican Church, Apostolic Church in Zambia, Deeper Life Church, United Church in Zambia, and Grace Ministries during the Interdenominational prayers yesterday in the Cathedral of Mansa

17.

Mansa mourners at Don Bosco following the funeral proceedings live on ZNBC beamed on the big Screen by ZANIS
Mansa mourners at Don Bosco following the funeral proceedings
live on ZNBC beamed on the big Screen by ZANIS

18.

First Lady Dr Kaseba with former president Chiluba's widow Regina at the house of mourning of President Sata at State House on Nov 3,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Dr Kaseba with former president Chiluba’s widow Regina at the house of mourning of President Sata at State House on Nov 3,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

19.

First Lady Dr Kaseba with former president Chiluba's widow Regina at the house of mourning of President Sata at State House on Nov 3,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Dr Kaseba with former president Chiluba’s widow Regina at the house of mourning of President Sata at State House on Nov 3,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

20.

Kalusha Bwalya welcomed by Dr Charlotte Scott before signing in the book of condolences opened at the Government House
Kalusha Bwalya welcomed by Dr Charlotte Scott before signing in the book of condolences opened at the Government House

21.

FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya signs the book of condolences at government house in Lusaka
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya signs the book of condolences at government house in Lusaka

22.

Kalusha Bwalya's message of condolences
Kalusha Bwalya’s message of condolences

23.

Mouners waiting to sign in the book of condolences in honor of the late President Micheal Sata in Kabwe
Mouners waiting to sign in the book of condolences in honor of the late President Micheal Sata in Kabwe

24.

Kabwe Mourners are able to be part of the body viewing taking place in Lusakaand pay their last respects to the late president Michael Sata
Kabwe Mourners are able to be part of the body viewing taking place in Lusakaand pay their last respects to the late president Michael Sata

25.

520 People have so far signed in the book of condolences in honour of the late President Micheal Chilfya Sata in Kabwe from monday this week when it was opened. Above , Agness Ngoma a 4th year student from Nkhrumah University signing  on the last page of the book
520 People have so far signed in the book of condolences in honour
of the late President Micheal Chilfya Sata in Kabwe from monday this
week when it was opened. Above , Agness Ngoma a 4th year student from
Nkhrumah University signing on the last page of the book

26.

Women form the United Church of Zambia going to pay their last respect to the late president Michael Sata
Women form the United Church of Zambia going to pay their last respect to the late president Michael Sata

27.

Supreme and High Court Judges when they visited Dr Kaseba aty State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Supreme and High Court Judges when they visited Dr Kaseba aty State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

28.

Women from Rwandese Refugee Community in Zambia queuing at Mulungushi   Conference centre on their way to pay their last respect to the late president michael Sata
Women from Rwandese Refugee Community in Zambia queuing at Mulungushi
Conference centre on their way to pay their last respect to the late president michael Sata

29.

Some Ngoni' women pouring powder on the ZNBC cameramen Collins Chama
Some Ngoni’ women pouring powder on the ZNBC cameramen Collins Chama

30.

Ngoni Warriors going to pay their last respects to the late president Michal Sata
Ngoni Warriors going to pay their last respects to the late president Michal Sata

31.

MMD President Nevers  Mumba  consoles First Lady Christine Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
MMD President Nevers Mumba consoles First Lady Christine Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

32.

MMD President Nevers  Mumba  when he, his wife Florence and MMD senior officials  visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
MMD President Nevers Mumba when he, his wife Florence and MMD senior officials visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

33.

Men form the Muslim community going to pay their last respect to the late president Michael Sata
Men form the Muslim community going to pay their last respect to the late president Michael Sata

34.

Women from Rwandese Refugee Community in Zambia queuing at Mulungushi   Conference centre on their way to pay their last respect to the late president michael Sata
Women from Rwandese Refugee Community in Zambia queuing at Mulungushi
Conference centre on their way to pay their last respect to the late president michael Sata

35.

MMD senior officials  when they visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
MMD senior officials when they visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

36.

Acting Chief Justice Lombe  Chibesakunda with Dr Kaseba when  she led a group of  Supreme and High Court Judges to  State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda with Dr Kaseba when she led a group of Supreme and High Court Judges to State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

37.

Acting Chief Justice Lombe  Chibesakunda with Dr Kaseba when  she led a group of  Supreme and High Court Judges to  State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda with Dr Kaseba when she led a group of Supreme and High Court Judges to State House on Nov 6,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

38.

Men form the Hindu community going to pay their last respect to the late president Michael Sata
Men form the Hindu community going to pay their last respect to the late president Michael Sata

39.

 ZANACO football players pay their last respects
ZANACO football players pay their last respects

Janza summons Evans Kangwa

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Evans Kangwa
Evans Kangwa

Coach Honour Janza has added Israel based striker Evans Kangwa to the Chipolopolo squad to face Mozambique and Cape Verde in this month’s 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers.

Janza confirmed on thursday that Kangwa is part of the 27 players he has summoned for the crucial Africa Cup qualifiers.
Kangwa who last featured for Zambia in March this year has scored three goals in the last two games for his Israeli club Hapoel Ran’ana .

“The technical bench has decided to include Kangwa on the list of those who should do battle for Zambia in the next two assignments,” he said.

Chipolopolo will regroup in Lusaka on Saturday.

“We expect all the local players to be in camp by 18h00 this Saturday,” he said.

Zambia will face Mozambique in Maputo next week on Saturday before hosting Cape Verde on 19 November.

Second placed Zambia and Mozambique are tied on five points each while Group F leaders Cape Verde have already qualified to the 2015 Africa Cup.

Chief Mwata Kazembe calls for calm

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Chief Mwata Kazembe
Chief Mwata Kazembe

PARAMOUNT Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda has urged leaders in Government and the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to remain calm and rally behind the aspirations of late President Sata.

“To the people in Government and the PF, His Royal Highness wishes that they remain resolved and rally behind the desires and wishes of our late President and not preoccupy themselves with positions,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesman Criticles Mwansa yesterday.

The chief wished Acting President Dr Guy Scott God’s wisdom and guidance.

“Mwata further desires that the leadership that comes will continue the programmes that the late president started as a way of appreciating his dedication to the nation while he lived,” he said.

Acting Chief Justice eligible to receive presidential nominations and swear in the President-elect-LAZ

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Acting Chief Justice Chibesakunda
Acting Chief Justice Chibesakunda

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda is eligible to carry out the constitutional function of receiving nominations from presidential candidates and swearing in the President-elect.

LAZ president George Chisanga said in an interview on Wednesday that the law does not bar Mrs Justice Chibesakunda from performing the duties of Chief Justice.

Mr Chisanga’s comment comes in the wake of concerns by some sections of society that Ms Justice Chibesakunda is not eligible to receive Presidential nominations and to swear in the President-elect.

“The law allows the acting Chief Justice to perform functions of a substantive holder. Yes, she will carry out her role,” Mr Chisanga said.

A Presidential by-election has to be held within 90 days of the position falling vacant.

Meanwhile former Chief Justice Ernest Sakala has called for a peaceful transition of power following the death of President Sata.

And several institutions and individuals have continued signing the book of condolences at Government House.

In an interview after signing the book of condolences yesterday, Justice Sakala, who swore in President Sata in 2011, praised him as a man of action who did not want bureaucracies and time-wasting when he had to make a decision which he believed was right.

He said President Sata’s death had come as a great shock.

President Sata died on October 28 at London’s King Edward VII hospital. He will be buried next Tuesday.

Zambia Police commended for banning protests

4
FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi
FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi

The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) and the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) have commended the Zambia Police Service for banning protects during the mourning period for late President Michael Sata.

SACCORD executive director Boniface Cheembe said the move to ban unnecessary protests and demonstrations was in the best interest of the nation which he said was bigger than any one individual.

Mr. Cheembe said the untimely death of President Sata deserves to be observed with due diligence of respect, calm, unity and peace.

He said with respect to the Zambian and African culture of respecting the dead, there was need for the country to put in place measures that will ensure that the late President is mourned with a heightened sense of respect, unity, peace, honour and integrity.

Mr. Cheembe said it is equally important that the political leadership within the ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF) that is charged with the responsibility of ensuring smooth and peaceful transition acts and behaves in an exemplary manner.

He urged leaders in the PF to desist from engaging into any kind of politicking during the mourning period, saying this may be destructive not only to the ruling party but the nation at large.

He said the top leadership of the PF has the responsibility to engage in extensive consultations and exercise tolerance for them to be able to work with everyone, even people they may not like or agree with in terms of political orientations or views just like the late President did.

Mr. Cheembe said the move to ban protests can only be effective if the top leadership within the PF equally help the nation by burying their political differences and work together in the interest of the nation.

He further stated that members of the public should demand for accountability and transparency from political leaders by way of calling for politics of ideas which was the basis upon which solutions are found to problems facing the people.

Mr. Cheembe also urged the Zambia Police Service to ensure they remain objective, professional and impartial in the discharge of their mandate especially during the mourning period.

And FODEP executive director McDonald Chipenzi urged the police to be categorical on the types of protests that it has banned.

Mr. Chipenzi said people have a democratic right to carry out protests or demonstrations on matters of national interest hence the need for the police to be clear on this matter to avoid getting people entangled in things they do not understand.

He also called on the police to ensure that peace prevails in the country by avoiding the use of forceful language which may be intimidating but should strive to use service language that is educative and correctional.

Meanwhile, the FODEP executive director has congratulated and commended opposition political parties and members of the public for the discipline, maturity and morality shown during the mourning period for late President Sata.

He said for the first time in the history of Zambia, the opposition parties have behaved exceptionally well during such a period by not trying to gain political capital out of such an event.

Mr. Chipenzi said the ruling party needs to follow suit and give President Sata a befitting send off.

Janza local players policy launded

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Green Eagles coach Justin Chinama has hailed Chipolopolo trainer Honour Janza for including more young local players in his 26-man squad to face Mozambique and Cape Verde in this month’s crucial 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers.

Janza has included 13 local players in the squad to play Mozambique away in Maputo on November 15 before Zambia hosts Cape Verde in Ndola four days later.

“Credit goes to coach Janza for taking such a bold decision to start fusing in young players. It is not easy but this is good for our football,” Chinama said.

Janza has dropped big guns such as Jacob Mulenga, Christopher Katongo, Collins Mbesuma and Fwayo Tembo.

“Including young players is a very welcome move. It is better to start blending new players in the team now because young players have got a lot of years to play,” he said.

Chinama wished Chipolopolo lucky in the coming qualifiers.

“I am wishing the National Team well in the remaining qualifiers. We should not miss the Africa Cup qualification.”

Kennedy Kalale settles at Zanama Rovers

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Head coach Kennedy Kalale says he is settling well at FAZ Division Two North side Zanama Brave Rovers after arriving there two months ago.

The ex-Zambia and Nkana goalkeeper has managed to lift Zanama out of the bottom five.

Kalale said he was happy to see Zanama survive relegation with one match to spare.

“When I arrived here the team was performing badly but thank God the team is now doing well,” he said.

“You can see in the last four games we have won two, drawing one and lossing one,” Kalale said.

The former Zambia Under-23 star said he was happy to be head coach just a year after lauching his coaching career as an assistant at FAZ Division Three North side Zacks United.

“This means I am progressing in my coaching career. I thank Zanama officials for showing confidence in me.”

During his peak days as a player, Kalale featured for Power Dynamos and Nchanga Rangers as well.

Electoral Commission of Zambia submits proposed budget for the Presidential By-Election

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Chris_Akufuna

The Electoral Commission of Zambia – ECZ has since submitted a proposed budget for the Presidential election to the Ministry of Finance.

ECZ Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna says the proposed budget is undergoing scrutiny.

Mr. Akufuna, who was speaking to ZNBC news in Lusaka, says full details will be availed to the public after the burial of President Michael Sata.

The constitution provides that a presidential election should be held within 90 days of the office being vacant.

Saasa attributes growth of FDI to stable political environment

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Oliver Saasa
Oliver Saasa

Economist Oliver Saasa has observed that one reason Zambia has enjoyed phenomenon growth in Foreign Direct Investment is the stable political environment and the peace the country has enjoyed over the last 50 years.

Prof Saasa stressed that political stability and peace are the catalyst for FDI not only in the productive sectors but in other sectors like tourism.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that no tourist would want to visit a country that has an unstable political environment and lack of peace as their safety may not be guaranteed.

The renowned economist stated that it is imperative, therefore, that political players and the general public ensure that peace and political stability are maintained even when the country is experiencing power transition following the death of late President Michael Sata.

He said the last thing anyone in the country should think of is to disturb the peace the country is currently enjoying as doing so could have dire consequences on the growth and development of the nation.

Prof Saasa said stability on the political scene is not only important in maintaining the economy on its good growth path but to also ensure that there is a smooth transition of power.

He said Zambia has been a haven of peace and an example to many African states, saying this image needs to be preserved for the good of the nation.

Prof Saasa expressed happiness that the internal political strife that had gripped the ruling Patriotic Front had been stabilised, noting that all indications suggest that it may not happen again.

He said if the country mishandles its political situation it risks losing FDIs as investors may get apprehensive and withdraw their investment in the country.

Prof Saasa has since appealed to all political leaders in the PF to ensure that they preserve the good image of the country by desisting from engaging in unnecessary confrontations that may jeopardise the growth of the country’s economy.

He urged PF leadership to emulate opposition political parties that have shown exemplary behaviour during the mourning period of late President Sata by remaining positive and desisting from trying to gain political mileage out of the death of the former Head of State.

He also called on whoever will succeed President Sata not to disturb the current policy direction the country has taken which may confuse investors.

Ministry of Finance on high alert and meticulously monitoring all economic fundamentals-Yamba

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Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba

Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has said the Ministry of Finance is on high alert and meticulously monitoring all economic fundamentals to ensure that the gains made by the country during the reign of late President Michael Sata, are preserved.

Mr Yamba was speaking at Mulungushi International Conference Centre after leading management and staff from the Ministry of Finance in paying last-respects to the late President Sata.

He said this will ensure that this is improved upon by targeting them on enhanced employment creation and poverty reduction programmes.

“Our principle reference guide is the Revised Sixth-National Development Plan and speech which our beloved departed President delivered during the official opening of Parliament in September, 2014,” said Mr Yamba.

Meanwhile Mr Yamba has said government is steadfast in meeting its external debt obligations to ensure that the country’s credit worthiness remains sound.

He said in addition, both external and domestic debt levels remain below the national thresholds of 40 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively.

Mr Yamba said as at end of September, 2014, the total debt as a percentage of GDP stood at 30.1 per cent.

He said of this, external debt stood at US$ 4.7 billion [approximately K29.4 billion] or 17.85 per cent of GDP, whilst domestic debt stood at K20.45 billion [approximately US $ 3.267 billion] or 12.32 per cent of GDP.

He explained that for the period January to September, 2014, the Treasury paid a total of US$126.89 million external debt service of which US$ 47 million was the principal and US$ 79.2 million comprised interest payments.

Mr Yamba said during the same period, the Treasury paid a total of K8.4 billion for domestic debt service of which K6.8 was the principal while interest payments totalled K1.6 billion.

Government calls for prudent management of public resources

2

Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba

Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba, has reiterated government’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and maintenance of the national debt within sustainable levels.

Mr Yamba pledged the Treasury’s reassurance to handling financial obligations with utmost care, transparency and accountability.

This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer, Chileshe Kandeta.

He said as custodians of public resources and assets, the ministry has a duty to maintain the confidence of the public through prudential management of funds and adherence to laid-down procedure.

Mr Yamba said in going forward, its desire is for controlling officers in Ministries, Provinces and other Spending Agencies (MPSA’s) to strictly adhere to budget management guidelines so as to avoid irregularly accumulation of debt and to curtail misappropriation of funds.

Mr Yamba said the Treasury had adopted an intolerant stance against misappropriation, misapplication and misuse of public funds.

He said the ministry wishes to see Controlling Officers and Heads of Public Institutions strictly following and observing financial and asset management guidelines in order to minimise appearances at the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.

The Secretary to the Treasury has also instructed Heads of Public Sector Organisations and MPSA’s to ensure that all tender processes and contracts are operationalised in accordance with laid down procedure.

He appealed to responsible officers to diligently scrutinise applications for single sourcing, selective bidding, waivers and variations to contracts and to ensure that they are justifiable, authentic and regular in nature.