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PF expresses concern over Miles Sampa’s contemptuous behavior towards the court process

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PF expresses concern over Miles Sampa’s contemptuous behavior towards the court process

The Patriotic Front (PF) in Zambia has expressed its concern about Miles Sampa’s recent activities. Sampa, a suspended official, has been engaging in activities that may harm the party. The Matero Member of Parliament had earlier sued the party, challenging his suspension and contesting the appointments of Acting President Hon. Given Lubinda and Acting Secretary General Hon Nixon Chilangwa. He also called for an Extra-Ordinary General Conference to be held by the party’s leadership.

However, the PF’s Member of the Central Committee and Deputy Chairperson of Information and Publicity, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba, has criticized Sampa’s recent activities. Mwamba expressed surprise that Mr. Sampa had chosen to take matters he is arguing in the courts of law to the media and the Registrar of Society.

In an interview, Mwamba said, “Hon. Miles Sampa must not disregard the court process, he must not undermine the process, he must respect the rules of the court.” He further stated that it was total disrespect of the court for Mr. Sampa to argue the details of his case in the media and attempt to invite the PF to answer him in the media as this was contemptuous and utter disregard of the court process. Mr. Mwamba stated that Mr. Sampa risked being cited for contempt.

He urged Mr. Sampa to come and argue the merits of his case in the courts of law where he had dragged the party to. Mwamba stated that the actions of Mr. Sampa will be interpreted to mean that his actions are aimed at bringing the name of the party into disrepute, and he has designed his actions to destabilize the party.

Mwamba emphasized that the party had a solid program aimed at rebranding the party, and the Extra-Ordinary General Conference would not be derailed by court cases or individuals choosing to undermine it. He called on the general membership of the party to remain calm as the party was intact and had no vacuum.

He said the party had, in light of the loss of elections in 2021, decided to voluntarily seek to hold an Extra-Ordinary General Conference to elect a replacement to President Lungu who had indicated his willingness to retire from active politics. He added that the process was underway and will not be derailed by court cases or persons choosing to undermine it.

Mwamba stated that if the aim of Mr. Sampa’s actions were for the good of the party, he would desist from engaging in activities that may destroy the party and leave lasting damage. He expressed optimism that the matter before court would be resolved, as the party had a very substantial case.

Regarding the appointments of Acting President Hon. Given Lubinda and Acting Secretary General Hon Nixon Chilangwa, Mwamba said, “The party recently went to a General Conference in 2021 at which they elected a leadership for five years. He said the party had, in light of the loss of elections in 2021, decided to voluntarily seek to hold an Extra-Ordinary General Conference to elect a replacement to President Lungu who had indicated his willingness to retire from active politics.”

Mwamba emphasized that the two officials affected by the court order had senior substantive positions that allow them to help with the day-to-day function of the party. He added that the party had a solid program aimed at rebranding the party and that Sampa’s actions were intended to destabilize the party and bring its name into disrepute.

Mwamba stated that if Sampa’s actions were for the good of the party, he would desist from engaging in activities that may destroy the party and leave lasting damage.

Zambia rout Uzbekistan in Turkish Womens Cup Closer

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Zambia women’s national team coach Bruce Mwape is pleased to see his side end their Turkish Women’s Cup outing with an efficient 4-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

The win was Zambia’s biggest at the three-nation round-robin tournament Turkiye is hosting from February 13-22.

All four goals came from the Zambia teams’ senior figures and Grace Chanda got the show on the road with an 8th minute goal to see Shepolopolo take a one-nil halftime lead.

Rachael Nachula and her namesake Kundananji added to the score sheet in the 58th and 61st minutes respectively.

Barbara Banda then capped the rout with a captains treat with a sublime free-kick in the 67th minute.

Coach Bruce Mwape said that the result and performance are exactly what his bench has been crying for in Turkiye.

“The result of today’s game was good, this is what we wanted as a technical bench,” Mwape said.

“We wanted to see our players score more goals.”

Zambia started the tournament with a 1-0 win over North Macedonia on February 15 and lost by the same score line to Slovenia on February 18.

“In the last game that we played, we created a few chances but we failed to score goals but this time around we have managed to score at least four goals which is a good thing,” Mwape said.

The Turkiye trip was Zambia’s first engagement in 2023 ahead of their debut appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20- August 20.

Zambia has another confirmed pre-World Cup friendly against the Republic of Ireland away in Dublin.

The friendly will come as the early phase of the pre-FIFA Women’s World Cup camp window on June 22.

The second 2023 FIFA Women’s match window will run from April 3-11.

Police seize about 2,400 bags of mealie meal believed to be destined for smuggling to DRC

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Police seize about 2,400 bags of mealie meal believed to be destined for smuggling to DRC

Police on the Copperbelt have seized about 2,400 bags of mealie meal at a house in Mufulira believed to be destined for smuggling to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

A shortage of mealie meal has hit the Copperbelt Province in recent weeks – thereby pushing the price of the staple commodity to over K200 per 25 kg.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba has confirmed that three women have been detained by Police in connection with the alleged curtailed smuggling of mealie meal.

Mr. Mweemba identified the suspects as Hellen Chongo aged 41 of House Number 41 Zambia Compound Mokambo, Vinet Mulenga 39 of House Number 30 Chitimukulu and Maureen Miyandwe 39 of House Number 229 Zambia Compound Mokambo.

Police have opened investigations into the matter as they keep the seized mealie meal at a police station.

“Assembling for the purpose of smuggling occurred on 18.2.23 at around 12:00hrs in Mufulira town in which police received information from members of the public that unknown number of people had assembled at house number 61 Kombe Street, with unknown number of bags of mealie meal, and are about to smuggle the same into the DR Congo. A follow-up was made by the officers to the said house where they found about 1200 bags of mealie meal X 25 kgs in Mataba and Olympic milling brands holed in the garage. Another consignment of about 1200 was ground loaded onto a Fuso fighter truck registration number ALE 2049, which was found parked inside the yard,” Mr. Mweemba said.

“The following suspects were apprehended and are now in police custody: 1. Female Hellen Chongo aged 41 of House Number 41 Zambia Compound Mokambo, 2. Female Vinet Mulenga 39 of house number 30 Chitimukulu and 3. Female Maureen Miyandwe 39 of House Number 229 Zambia Compound Mokambo. A Docket opened, mealie meal kept at the police, and investigations instituted. More to follow,” Mr. Mweemba said.

Meanwhile, the Copperbelt Police boss has confirmed the shooting of two women on the Chingola/ Kitwe Road by a truck driver, who was reportedly attacked by thieves.

Mr. Mweemba said a truck driver identified as Trust Sakala aged 56 of Kanyama West in Lusaka allegedly shot two women with a gun as he was scaring away criminals who jumped on his truck in Chambishi.

He said one of the victims, Treazer Kamwendo Malichi aged 37 of Zambia Compound in Chambishi was wounded on the leg while Getrude Chilumba aged 27 sustained a gunshot wound below her left shoulder.

The two victims run a restaurant located in Chambishi not very far from the Chingola/Kitwe Road.

“Shooting Incident/Unlawful Wounding occurred on 21/02/23 around 11:30hrs along CCS Road near Puma Filling Station Chambishi, in which an anonymous call was received that two female persons were shot and injured after a truck driver fired gunshots and that victim’s had been rushed to Chambishi Govt Clinic,” Mr. Mweemba said.

“Brief facts of the matter are that there are Booths and Makeshift Restaurants alongside CCS Road near Puma Filling Station. Along this road criminals usually jump onto trucks to steal whatever cargo or goods whenever trucks stop or slow down. Today at around 12:30 hrs, a truck driver namely:- Male Trust Sakala aged 56 of House No 108/75 Kanyama West Lusaka, driving a FreightLiner Truck and Trailer registration No ALE 4791 and ABZ 9111T for AM Transport Company, towards CCS from Kitwe-Chingola road stopped along the road to pick his fellow driver who was going to CCS. Immediately a group of unknown criminals jumped onto the trailer and started pulling the tents. He tried to stop them but criminals started throwing stones at him. It was at this point that the driver got his pistol and fired several shots towards the group to scare them. The group then ran away,” Mr. Mweemba said.

“However, it was discovered that two females who were in one of the makeshift restaurants in the same direction as the criminals selling food were shot and injured. These are:-1) Female Treazer Kamwendo Malichi aged 37 of House No B- 282 Kabanda Area Zambia Compound in Chambishi, a business lady, who sustained a gunshot wound on the knee of her left leg and 2) F/Gertrude Chilumba aged 27 of the above address (B 282) who sustained a gunshot wound below her left shoulder. Police rushed to the clinic and found victims being attended to and later referred to Kitwe Teaching Hospital. ZP Form 32 issued. Condition for both stable. The truck driver has been detained in police custody and the pistol namely; Cal. Luger, serial No C6878 with 13 rounds recovered,” he stated.

President Hakainde Hichilema expected in Mbala to Witness Special Forces Event

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President Hakainde Hichilema expected in Mbala to Witness Special Forces Event

The Zambia Army has announced that Republican President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema, is expected in Mbala District, Northern Province, to witness the special forces officers’ operatives’ induction parade next month.

Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi, said this when he called on Mbala District Commissioner Annie Paul.

30 officers finalising training are out of the 313 who were commissioned by President Hichilema in 2022 and volunteered to join the Special Forces.

“The President will be in our midst on the 17th of the coming month, if all goes according to plan, to grace the forthcoming induction of army officers undergoing Special Forces training. We are just finalising the preparations, after which he will be called.”

This whole training finally qualifies trainee officers and soldiers as special forces operatives,” Lt General Alibuzwi said.

In welcoming the Army Commander, Ms Paul thanked the Zambia Army for its continued support towards various developmental initiatives in the district and heaped praise on the Mbala-based commandos for their good conduct.

During another courtesy call on Mpulungu District Commissioner, Gehard Sikazwe, the Army Commander received commendations, owing to the hard work and commitment to duty by the Zambia Army officers and soldiers from the Commando Unit deployed in the area.

The Army Commander and his entourage are in the district to witness the final days of training for 29 officers and one soldier of the Zambia Army who volunteered to become Special Forces operatives.

Initially, 32 officers and one soldier volunteered to undergo special forces training, of whom one withdrew due to the pressure associated with the operatives, while two other officers sustained injuries, with one succumbing to them after undergoing several weeks of treatment, bringing the total down to 29 officers and one soldier.

The entourage was greeted by several demonstrations, including night attacks, raids, demolitions, and live and night firing as part of the final exercise.

The entourage also took time to appreciate local tourism by visiting Kalambo Falls and the Moto Moto Museum, situated in Mbala district, and took time to appreciate an outward bound area earmarked for Commando direct entry recruit training.

Zambia Army Spokesperson Col Martin Kalaluka Liyungu said the 30 officers finalising training are out of the 313 who were commissioned by President Hichilema in 2022 and volunteered to join the Special Forces.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Army has described Joseph Mwape, an officer and commando trainee who lost his life on Saturday, as disciplined and brave.

Speaking during his burial over the weekend, Special Forces Group Commander Brigadier General Swana, representing the Army Commander, said 2 Lt Mwape exhibited high performance on duty and always led by example.

And Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi has expressed solace to the officer’s family.

During a condolence visit to the funeral home in Kanyama, Lt Gen Alibuzwi comforted the family and expressed his empathy for their loss.

“On behalf of the Zambia Army, I convey my deepest sympathies. There are no appropriate words to express to someone who has suffered a loss, particularly a child’s. Words can never take away the deep pain, but our presence here is a reminder that we are together in these sorrowful times. “Our thoughts are with you, and we wish you courage and peace as you sail through these difficult times,” the Army Commander said.

The late 2 Lt Mwape, 23, who has also been described as a hero and determined young man by his family, joined the Zambia Army as a cadet officer in January 2021 and was commissioned in February 2022.

He was posted to 10 medium regiments in Ndola then 48 Marines, and later went for his basic special forces training in Mbala.

2 Lt Mwape sustained an injury during a training exercise, and he was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he received treatment until the time of his death.

Human Rights Commission of Zambia Urges the Enactment of Torture Criminalization Law

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Human Rights Commission of Zambia Urges the Enactment of Torture Criminalization Law

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) of Zambia has reiterated its call to the government to consider enacting a law criminalizing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In a press release issued on 21st February 2023, the Commission emphasized that such a law would effectively combat the human rights violations that occur as a result of torture.

The Commission has been highlighting gruesome cases of torture of suspects at the hands of the police, which have in some cases resulted in serious injuries, permanent disabilities, and even loss of life. The number of cases of torture received by the Commission has reduced from 39 in 2021 to 19 in 2022, but the Commission stresses that “a case of torture is one too many because torture is a grave violation of human rights that is completely prohibited under international human rights law.”

“Torture is a heinous crime that should have no place in modern society,” said Mweelwa Muleya, spokesperson/head of the Information, Education, and Training Department at the HRC. “It is unacceptable that some suspects are subjected to such inhumane treatment by the very people who are supposed to protect them. We urge the government to take urgent action to enact a law criminalizing torture to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and justice is served for the victims.”

The Commission notes that some of the impairments suffered by suspects as a result of torture include loss of sight, hearing, teeth, broken limbs, and mental disability due to physical beating and other forms of torture. As a result, some victims of torture remain indisposed or incapacitated to provide for themselves and/or their families for the rest of their lives.

The HRC acknowledges the positive efforts by the state towards preventing torture through the prohibition of such acts under Article 15 of the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia and the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). However, without an enabling legislation that defines and prescribes penalties against torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Article 15 of Constitution and the UNCAT cannot be enforced in Zambia.

During every Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Zambia’s human rights record that takes place in Geneva every four years, Zambia has continued to accept the recommendation to enact a law criminalizing torture, but so far, the recommendation has not been implemented. “Zambia is falling short of meeting its international human rights obligation on outlawing torture by failing or neglecting to enact a national law that domesticates the UNCAT and gives effect to the Constitution,” said Muleya.

“Torture is a crime against humanity and it is for this and many other reasons that it is absolutely prohibited in international, regional and national laws. Therefore, it is imperative that Zambia should enact a national law that comprehensively guides on prevention and punishment of acts of torture,” concluded Muleya.

The HRC’s call to end torture in Zambia has been echoed by human rights organizations and activists both within and outside the country. Amnesty International has urged the Zambian government to take immediate action to stop torture and hold perpetrators accountable, while Human Rights Watch has called for the enactment of a law criminalizing torture to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.

Kabushi will remain a zone of handouts if they continue mixing politics and development, warns area MP

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Kabushi will remain a zone of handouts if they continue mixing politics and development, warns area MP

UPND Kabushi Member of Parliament Bernard Kanengo has warned people in the constituency that the area will remain a zone of handouts if they continue mixing politics and development.

Immediate past Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo was well known for making donations ‘handouts’ in the constituency during his tenure.

Mr. Kanengo succeeded Mr. Lusambo as Kabushi lawmaker in a controversial parliamentary by-election last October in which the former Lusaka Province Minister was barred from contesting by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Speaking during the official commissioning of the Kabushi Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects at Kabushi Primary School on Monday, Mr. Kanengo said people in the constituency should avoid mixing politics and development.

The MP said he was aware that some leaders of Kabushi CDF and Ward Development committees were trying to play politics in the constituency.

“To the ward development committee chairmen in Kabushi Constituency, this message also goes to the CDF chairman. The WDC chairmen are there to serve the community. If you are interested in politics it is better you resign and join the politicians. I know some of my councilors are complaining that the WDC chairmen are challenging them that they will contest in 2026. When we bring politics into development, Kabushi will not change (improve). Kabushi Constituency will remain the way it was; it will remain the zone of handouts but not development. To the CDF chairman my word is that you should not bring politics into the CDF. This money belongs to the people of Kabushi, no political affiliation. This money does not only belong to the people of Kabushi, it also belongs to any person whose political affiliation is different from ours,” Mr. Kanengo said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kanengo said the New Dawn Government is determined to ensure that Constituency Development Fund (CDF) benefits the people as intended by President Hakainde Hichilema when increasing the allocation.

He said CDF should address people’s challenges relating to development such as expanded school infrastructure, good roads and enhanced access to water.

Mr. Kanengo said he was hoping that the 2022 CDF grants will respond to cries of the people of Kabushi Constituency.

“These funds (CDF) have been allocated to respond to the cries of the people of Kabushi. This is in line with the aspiration of His Excellency the President of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who has made it a point to all of us leaders to ensure that CDF addresses the challenges that people are facing in the constituency. We are all witnesses to the CDF at work and I want to assure you that the UPND government is determined that the CDF succeeds,” Mr. Kanengo said.

He named the CDF projects earmarked for Kabushi as graveling of roads in all the wards, procurement of light trucks for waste collection and expansion of school infrastructure.

The lawmaker revealed that K2, 000, 000 has been reserved to procure trucks for cabbage collection in the 2022 CDF in Kabushi Constituency.

He cautioned Ndola City Council against abusing the vehicle procured using CDF to be used in monitoring projects, which was handed over during the commissioning ceremony.

“The CDF projects being implemented in Kabushi Constituency include the completion of the 1 by 3 classroom block at Masala Primary School in Mine Masala. Re-graveling of our roads in the constituency in all the wards. These include Kabushi Ward, Mukuba Ward, Kabushi Ward, Toka Ward, Skyways Ward and not all the roads will be re-graveled some of them will be upgraded to bituminous standard and other roads will be paved. The other projects are completing the Kabushi Extension and Mukuba Police Posts, construction of classroom blocks everywhere in Kabushi Constituency. Not only that, after building schools, these projects will be running parallel with procurement of desks,” Mr. Kanengo said.

Sawmillers reject ZAFFICO’s price increase for pine and eucalyptus by 25% and 85% respectively

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Sawmillers reject ZAFFICO’s price increase for pine and eucalyptus by 25% and 85% respectively

The Zambia National Association of Sawmillers (ZNAS) has rejected the decision by Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) to increase the price for pine and eucalyptus (timber) by 25% and 85% respectively.

At a media briefing in Kitwe, ZNAS General Secretary Derrick Chilatu said the association objected to the proposal of hiking prices of timber arguing that ZAFFICO needed to consult widely on the matter.

Mr. Chilatu said the association is surprised that ZAFFICO has started issuing offer letters indicating the new prices which were still under discussion.

He said this development has brought about mistrust between ZNAS and its members and then between ZAFFICO and ZNAS.

Mr Chilatu has since called on the government to intervene in the matter saying the survival of sawmillers business is under threat owing to the manner ZAFFICO was handling timber business.

“Price increment for 2023, on 17 January, 2023; ZAFFICO invited us for a meeting at which they proposed to increase the price for pine by 25% due to the increase of mainly the price of fuel. We objected to this proposal because in 2022, we agreed in writing that they will not increase the price in the year 2023. The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to consult further with our members and agreed to meet later to conclude the discussion. Surprisingly, ZAFFICO started issuing offer letters indicating the new prices which were still under discussion. This has brought about mistrust between ZNAS and its members and then between ZAFFICO and ZNAS. Mode of selling in 2023, ZAFFICO has indicated that in the year 2023, they will be selling using the first come first serve basis, a system that our members have rejected. Opening of sales for 2023, ZAFFICO has informed us that they will open the sales for 2023 today, 20th February, 2023 with new terms and prices which are under discussion with ourselves using the mode of selling stated above while most of our members have not received their offer letters. We find this as unacceptable and unfair as there is no level playing field,” Mr. Chilatu told journalists.

He complained over the manner in which ZAFFICO was treating sawmillers.

“ZAFFICO advertised through the press for people to apply for business with them for 2023 and all our members applied and the process was closed in November, 2022. As part of the process of evaluating the applicants, ZAFFICO was to carry out physical inspections to ascertain the existence of these Sawmillers. It was agreed with ZAFFICO that ZNAS officials will be part of the inspections. Surprisingly, at the commencement of the inspections, ZAFFICO decided to handle the process on their own without even availing a program to us which was contrary to our agreement with them. This shocked us and the inspections were poorly handled. Our expectation was that, ZAFFICO will issue acceptance or offer letters to our members through our Association and that the successful applicants will also be notified through the press as was the case with the advert, but ZAFFICO opted to send the offers through the members WhatsApp phone numbers, a system that has been suspicious and poorly handled,” he said.

Mr. Chilatu continued:”As we speak now, most of our members have not yet received the offer letters other than being told that they have been successful. This has brought panic and worries among our members. The offer letters from ZAFFICO indicate that you are required to accept the offer in writing within seven (7) days from the date of receipt. In the same offer, ZAFFOCO has indicated new prices which have increased by 25% for pine and 85% for eucalyptus, a matter which is still under discussion and not yet concluded. Accepting the offer also entails accepting the terms and conditions under which the business will be conducted; which were not attached, but are also under discussion with ourselves. Despite the incompleteness of the offer package, our members have been forced to accept the offers under duress.”

Mr. Chilatu said the association is demanding that ZAFFICO suspend the sales of pine and eucalyptus until all matters under discussion have been concluded with all associations.

“From the foregoing, as ZNAS, we wish to make the following demands: That ZAFFICO suspends the sales of pine and eucalyptus until all matters under discussion have been concluded with all Associations. ZAFFICO to stick to agreements made with ZNAS. That the first come first serve mode of selling by ZAFFICO be done away with. In the first place, as ZNAS, we would like to make it clear that we are not aligned to any political party as we are a business Association and we work with the Government of the day. Our constitution states clearly that any member holding political office/position shall not be allowed to hold a position in our Association. We wish to state that as an Association, we are very happy with the creation of the ministry responsible for SME’s by the New Dawn Government, a category under which we fall. With the approach that ZAFFICO has taken, the survival of our business is under threat. We would like therefore to appeal to the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema who is the father of the nation to intervene in this matter. As an Association, we remain committed to our values of promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues. We shall remain available for engagement at any time and we appeal to our members to remain calm and peaceful as we pursue all the issues using dialogue,” he stated.

No, I am not joining the Government – Sishuwa

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No, I am not joining the Government – Sishuwa

Historian and University of Zambia lecturer Sishuwa Sishuwa has dismissed speculation that he is joining the Government. 

Yesterday, the leading private newspaper News Diggers reported that Dr Sishuwa left UNZA last month.
The newspaper quoted a source in the university’s management who sought anonymity saying “Yes, he has resigned, but did not provide a reason. The rumours are that he will be taking up [a] government appointment or has been poached by another university outside the country. This is a loss to UNZA. Our interest is to retain the best academic staff in different fields. Zambians know Dr Sishuwa for ruffing politicians’ feathers, but he also publishes in leading scholarly journals and writes for local and international media. These are the things that help to raise the standing and ranking of universities. So, the exit of such skilled academics like the young man is not good for the university,” the source said.
Speculation consequently intensified on social media that he was earmarked for appointment into the New Dawn government.

Since the 12 August 2021 election, several civil society activists who checked the power of the PF have abandoned their careers for a lucrative government jobs.

But in a brief tweet yesterday, Dr Sishuwa dismissed the claims as untrue. 

“Yes, I have resigned from the University of Zambia. No, I am not joining the Government”, Dr Sishuwa tweeted.

Sports Council Orders Fresh Nomination Process For Zambia Rugby Elections

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Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) has instructed the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) to conduct fresh nominations after moving the elective annual general meeting to May 20.

The ZRU elective annual general meeting was scheduled for last Saturday in Kabwe where SCZ chairperson Patrick Mutimushi guided that the new nominations should be conducted after some lapses were identified in the earlier nomination process.

“I am happy that the annual general meeting has been conducted according to the constitution and in a sober and mature manner. This is how it should be but for the lapses noticed let the election be postponed to allow fresh nominations process for transparency purposes,” Mutimushi said.

He said the current ZRU executive committee members led by President Clement Sinkamba would remain in office until the new office bearers were ushered in.

Meanwhile, the councillors selected a three member committee to receive the nomination papers.

The three member committee consists of Justice Justin Chashi, former ZRU general secretary Francis Chitambo and union life president Bonnie Mutale.

Presidential aspirant Owen Mhango and vice-president contestant Jeremiah Manda were among the candidates blocked from the ZRU race after being nominated and seconded by clubs allegedly not in good standing with the union.

This after their candidature was supported by Kitwe giants Diggers and KPF.

Cecilia Tresha, who was vying for the position of general secretary, and three committee members Thomson Ngulube, Charles Banda and Longa Chikwamo all had their nominations rejected.

Mutale had questioned the legitimacy of elections at the 2023 elective annual general meeting before the postponement.

Speaking to Radio Icengelo Sports on the Copperbelt, Mutale had said the ZRU elections wouldn’t have been free and fair because some aspirants were disadvantaged.

DPP issues consent to prosecute Nakacinda for defaming President Hakainde Hichilema

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DPP issues consent to prosecute Nakacinda for defaming President Hakainde Hichilema

The Director of Public Prosecutions has issued instructions to have Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee Raphael Nakacinda prosecuted in a case he is accused of defaming President Hakainde Hichilema and expressing hate and ridicule against another tribe.

Last year in April, police in Solwezi arrested Nakacinda, 43, and charged him with two offences of defamation and expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt. This was after a member of the public, Bruce Kanema, filed a complaint against him alleging that he defamed President Hichilema in a video widely circulated on social media.

When the case came up today, the court heard that instructions to have the accused tried are ready. But the accused could not take plea because his lawyer was not available. The accused is scheduled to take plea on March 6, 2023 before Lusaka Magistrate Idah Phiri.

Meanwhile, Economic and Equity party president Chilufya Tayali has pleaded not guilty to inciting to mutiny Contrary to Section 48 subsection (a) of the Penal Code and communication of certain information Contrary to Section 4 (3) of the State Security Act Chapter 111 of the Laws of Zambia. It is alleged that between March, 2022 and April 2, 2022, using social media, did seduce persons serving in the Defence Force and Zambia Police Service from their duty of Allegiance to the Republican President.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front MCC chairperson in charge of information and publicity Hon. Raphael Nakacinda has charged that the UPND government has been choked through the micromanagement of issues by President Hakainde Hichilema.

“If you can have six ministers parading to try to defend and sanitize the policy inconsistency in this government. It only signals that we are headed for a disaster, because most of the things being said and undertaken are being micromanaged from Community house hence a lot of disastrous statements contradicting what the President, Ministers, PS and some of the surrogates say,” he said.

Mr. Nakacinda said the UPND government was relishing a lot of fear and paranoia against the patriotic front by dragging the former head of state President Lungu into their political rhetoric.

“You have heard what Imenda is saying, he has continued to circulate political rhetorics against the former head of state, that’s their project and we won’t tolerate that,” he added.

He was speaking to journalists at the Lusaka Magistrate Court building where he and other PF senior party officials went to show solidarity to former PF Kwacha MP Hon. Joseph Malanji who was appearing before court.

The case against Nakacinda is expected to proceed on March 6, 2023, and the outcome will be closely watched as it has implications for free speech and the ability of politicians to express their views without fear of prosecution.

1,925 candidates sit for HPCZ Licensure examination

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1,925 candidates sit for HPCZ Licensure examination

Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) Public Relations Manager, Terry Musonda says a total of 1,925 out of 2,000 candidates have been examined in the first stanza of Licensure examinations in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Musonda said the examinations in Lusaka were held at National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU).

He pointed out that the second stanza unlike the first stanza, is practical which will be conducted in various Hospitals and Clinics which is the core business of Licensure examinations because it determines the health professionals’ quality of skills and abilities.

“Licensure examinations look at the overall picture, looking at health Professionals who are qualitative in nature, qualitative in skills, competent so that as they are attending to patients out there we should be very comfortable as a regulatory board that the person has been certified by us”, he said.

Mr Musonda stated that the Licensure examinations policy is a product of consented efforts from the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders which is anchored on skills and competences at a professional level.

He added that HCPZ will also conduct examinations in September this year so as to accommodate those who did not manage to write the current examinations.

Meanwhile, Milimo Hampela from Chikankata school of Biomedical Science has thanked HPCZ for the Licensure examinations saying this will ensure that unprofessional Health practitioners are wiped away.

Government is currently undertaking curriculum to ascertain what needs to be changed

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Government is currently undertaking curriculum to ascertain what needs to be changed

The government has disclosed that it is currently undertaking curriculum reforms so as to ascertain what needs to be modified and changed in the next curriculum.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Joel Kamoko says the Ministry has started the curriculum evaluation with the view to examine whether or not the ‘AIMS and OUTCOMES’ of the curriculum have been met.

Mr Kamoko said this during the official opening of the Inception International Experts Meeting on Designing and Developing the UNESCO Curriculum Resource.

He highlighted that the evaluation of the curriculum will also include assessment of learners to ascertain their pass rate and levels of success.

“I am delighted to be part of this meeting especially that Zambia is undertaking its Curriculum Reform. We have started with the Curriculum evaluation and review to ascertain what worked, what did not work, what needs to be modified and changed for the next time the curriculum is run,” he said.

Mr Kamoko stressed that the curriculum resource pack to be developed will be used as an instrument for guiding the transformation of the teaching and learning in the country.

He has since thanked UNESCO for the support being rendered to government in developing the curriculum as it will go a long way in strengthening the capacity of learning institutions.

And speaking earlier, UNESCO Chair on Mathematics, Science and Technology Teacher Education for Sustainable Development, Overson Shumba said there is a need to build capacity for teachers.

Prof. Shumba noted that this will enable teachers to effectively implement what will be contained in the consolidated curriculum.

He further reviewed that the Copperbelt University is leading and conducting the development of the new curriculum.

Prof. Shumba said the curriculum will among other things seek to address challenges such as climate change and COVID-19 which has greatly affecting learners.

Media crucial to fighting corruption – ACC

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Media crucial to fighting corruption – ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says the media in Zambia are a crucial apparatus in exposing corruption cases and play a role of being a watchdog of society.

Commission Assistant Director of Public Education Rabecca Mulengwa says media personnel are better placed as they are trained and have got quality skills to effectively highlight stories on corruption.

Ms Mulengwa challenged Journalists in Zambia to take action and transform the mindset of people in the country.

Ms Mulengwa said this in Livingstone today when she opened a three-day media workshop for Southern Province based journalists.

“The media is the link between the citizenry and the public institutions because media is the platform through which the citizenry can demand accountability and transparency through good governance,” she said.

Ms Mulengwa said that investigative bodies such as the ACC would have difficulty to, without collaboration with the media, successfully unravel corrupt people in the nation.

She said the Commission will continue to share information with the media in raising awareness to the people by writing stories on corrupt people and practices.

The ACC official emphasized that fighting corruption requires a multifaceted approach, education and awareness raising on conduct that constitutes corruption, as well as on the measures that can be implemented to prevent graft.

“Corruption is a menace that requires stakeholder participation. It’s a shared responsibility and we must all join hands if we’re to succeed in our quest to curb and root out this menace,” she said.

On collaboration, the Assistant Director Public Education said it is in this regard that the Commission has partnered with the media by training them in investigative journalism.

“Investigative journalism remains a critical apparatus in flagging incidences of corruption in both public and private institutions, and its negative consequences on the economy, resources and the people,” she said.

Ms Mulengwa stated that co-operation between ACC and the media can go a long way to expedite successful conclusion of matters of corruption in the country.

And Provincial Information Officer for Southern Province Priscilla Simukoko challenged the Commission to consider sponsoring Journalists on corruption issues.

Ms Simukoko noted that very few cases are followed to the latter.

“I appeal to the Commission to start sponsoring Journalists in Zambia on corruption reporting. You may agree with me that very few corruption cases are followed to a logical conclusion,” Ms Simukoko said.

She said Journalists need skills to effectively write stories surrounding graft in the country.

Enroll students with right qualifications pursuing health courses – MOH

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Enroll students with right qualifications pursuing health courses – MOH

Northern Province Health Director, Ernest Mutale has urged the ICOF Colleges Seminaries and Universities to ensure the selected students to pursue health related courses have proper qualifications.

Dr Mutale says that it is important his Ministry is in the know-how of how the vulnerable students will be identified for the programme.

Dr Mutale was speaking today at Samfya Kwacha Waterfront Lodge in Samfya District at the meeting where ICOF is scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chilubi School of Nursing College for the GRZ-ICOF sponsored programme in Health Science courses for vulnerable but viable youths.

“There are a number of gaps that we are not so clear about, especially the area of how these vulnerable youths will be identified as to do the course in nursing because there are certain standards they have to meet, especially Grade 12, we have to make sure that they meet the minimum required standard,” he said.

Dr. Mutale requested that when a list is generated for students to undertake the health science related courses the department needs to be aware of the selection criteria.

“Traditionally it has been a competition where those who are selected would be given some sort of test so that we choose the best candidate and the best candidate might not always be the vulnerable, so we need to know how the selection criteria will be,” he said.

And in response, ICOF Vice Chancellor Professor Charles Mwape disclosed that in terms of requirements for the targeted students in the health related programme, there is a joint faculty team that is responsible for admission.

“We have engaged the Nursing Council, HPCZ and followed guidelines and all the students that we have we made sure that we follow the basic minimum requirement and we know that without meeting the minimum requirements our students cannot be indexed by regulators,” he said.

Prof. Mwape noted that their approach is to provide empowerment through education.

“The programmes that we are implementing in Zambia, we are doing them in 16 other countries and last year alone we recruited more than 5000 students for our programmes in Zambia,” he said.

Prof. Mwape stated that so far they are picking one college in Northern Province hence the picking of Luapula Hub of Knowledge in Mansa District, Luapula Province and Chilubi School of Nursing Chilubi District in Northern Province to pursue the health related courses under the government sponsorship.

Meanwhile, Chilubi District Commissioner, Risto Mushembe thanked government for the free education policy where bursaries are also being offered.

Mr Mushembe noted that the goal of government is to ensure education is provided to every Zambian citizen.

“All those that cannot afford to sponsor themselves to school, government has provided free education and bursaries. Just as the President has said that education is the best equalizer,” he said.

Mr Mushembe said his district will be ready to partner with any partners that may come on board as their interest is to see the district develop and the living standards of people are lifted.

And Chifunabuli District Commissioner, Adam Banda noted that the institution, through the government bursaries, aims at giving more opportunities to the vulnerable and viable youths to pursue health related courses at Chilubi school of nursing and Luapula Hub of knowledge.

Copper Queens date Irish

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By Benedict Tembo

Copper Queens will play fellow World Cup bound side, the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, June 22 at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin in an international friendly match, The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed. Ireland are ranked 23rd in the world while Zambia are perched 81st on the global standings.

The Copper Queens and their Irish counterparts will be preparing for their Australia/New Zealand FIFA World Cup engagements.
According to a statement by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the first ever meeting of the two teams will serve as the second opportunity for Ireland coach Vera Pauw’s squad to take on African opposition – following last November’s 4-0 win over Morocco – as they plan ahead for their Group B game against Nigeria in Brisbane.

“Zambia coach Bruce Mwape will be looking to acquainting his squad with the European flair in the Irish side as the Copper Queens will play Spain in their Group C fixture in New Zealand,” FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said in a statement released by communications manager, Sydney Mungala.

Kashala said FAZ has mapped out an intensive preparatory program for the Copper Queens that has seen them play Colombia as well as participating in the ongoing Turkish Cup in Alanya.

According to the Irish FA, the game, which will be part of the first ever WNT Season Ticket package, will come 14 days before Ireland take on France in Tallaght Stadium on July 6 in what will be their final game ahead of departing for the World Cup.

“Ireland have set up a training camp in Spain, which involves a behind-closed-doors game against Germany and an official game with China PR, while details of a camp in April will be revealed soon,” Kashala said.
He said no effort will be spared in preparing the Copper Queens for the World Cup with high level friendly matches organised for the team.

“FAZ has yet again lined up a top-level preparatory fixture for the Copper Queens against top opposition in Republic of Ireland. We are grateful to the Republic of Ireland for accepting to play us as part of preparations for both teams for the World Cup,” Kashala says.

Zambia finished third in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – beating Nigeria 1-0 in their Third-Place game – to secure a spot at this summer’s main tournament, where they will make their World Cup debut.

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