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Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma
Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says the PF Government is determined to unpack the operations of all mining companies in Zambia.
Mr Yaluma said the recently launched industry wide forensic audit of the mining industry is a step towards cleaning up the situation in the mines.
He said for a very long time, the mining industry has operated in secrecy with little or no understanding of its operations by Government and other stakeholders.
“With what is happening at KCM, this is the beginning of opening up of the mining sector.
We want to unmask this important sector and allow Zambians to understand how it operates.
For a long time, mines were operating in secrecy but we are saying more transparency is required,” Mr Yaluma told Journalists in Lusaka.
Mr Yaluma said the recent KCM audit results managed to shed light on some of the operational challenges faced by the mining giant.
“We are hoping to build on that KCM audit. The revelations in the KCM audit were shocking and to an extent showed the mismanagement going on at some of these mines but we are determined as a Government to clean up the mining sector,” he said.
The Legal and Justice Sector Reforms Commission has yesterday starting holding public setting in Lusaka with a mandate of undertaking a comprehensive public inquiry into the state of the Legal and Justice Sector in Zambia.
The Commission, which was constituted pursuant to the Inquiries Act, Chapter 41 of the Laws of Zambia, is made up of representatives from civil society organisations that include the Human Rights Commission, Women for Change, Transparency International Zambia, Law Association of Zambia, Zambia Law Development Agency, House of Chiefs, higher institutes of learning, trade unions and Government agencies.
Commission Chairperson, Frederick Chomba, officially opened the public sittings in the council chamber by spelling out eleven terms of references and calling on the public to feel free to make submissions in order to make the judiciary better for the country.
Justice Chomba explained that the mandate of the Commission was to undertake a comprehensive public inquiry into the state of the Legal and Justice Sector in Zambia and recommend appropriate reforms that will ensure a more efficient, affordable, accessible, accountable, fair and responsive legal and justice sector.
The Chairperson called on the public to take the opportunity which has presented itself to present their case as the Commission is ready to hear out everyone in their respective languages including sign language.
According to the terms of reference of the Commission that are contained in Statutory Instrument No. 22 of 2014, the Commission will specifically inquire into the accessibility and affordability of justice by the citizens and also inquire into the practice of delivery by unanimous judgments by the Supreme Court of Zambia among many other things.
In executing its mandate, the Commission will collect views from the general public.
Stakeholders are expected to submit practical and achievable recommendations that can lead to the transformation and modernisation of the legal and justice sector in Zambia.
By mid-day, about ten petitioners appeared before the Commission and presented their petitions on various issues that ranged from the conduct of the police service, the judges, training of lawyers and on controversial matters such as the homosexuality and lesbianism.
From the July 22 to August 1, 2014, the Commission will hold public sittings in townships of Lusaka District that include the civic Centre Chawama, Mtendere, Garden, Chilenje, Kabwata, and Matero in
community halls.
From August 6 to 14, 2014, the Commission will be holding public sittings in Luangwa, Chongwe, Chirundu and Kafue districts in their respective Council Chambers.
The Commission is expected to hold similar sittings in four districts per province after completing its works in Lusaka province.
The Jesuits Centre for Theological Reflections JCTR has seen a 11.49% increase in the cost of living in the second quarter of the year (April-June) in Kitwe, while Ndola had the least increment of only 0.56%.
JCTR has attributed this to two main factors, that is the 16% increment in electricity tariffs and the ripple effects of the last increments in fuel prices.
JCTR has appealed to the government to find ways and intensify programs already in place to help cushion the increasing cost.
The centre notes that if government is not considering the situation as worrying then will have future implications on the poor to manage the basic food basket.
JCTR notes that already the poor people have challenges in meeting the basic essentials like access to food, health, education, transport and clean safe water.
JCTR says Government should take keen interest in watching the slight increase in the basic needs as it measures the cost of living because it will have a negative implication in the country.
JCTR has also urged the general public to do their part by watching the major factor like electricity usage and fuel consumption.
This is according to a statement issued by JCTR media and information officer for Copperbelt, North-Western and Luapula provinces Tendai Posiana.
Opposition Forum for Democracy and development President Edith Nawakwi has called on the traditional leadership in the country to promote peace as political parties.
Speaking when she addressed Village Head men in Sinda District Eastern Province Ms. Nawakwi said traditional leaders play an important role in maintaining peace in the country hence the need for them to ensure that they do not condone political violence in their areas.
The opposition leader further called on traditional leaders to avoid being partisan and ensure that all political parties are given a chance to explain to the electorate in their areas what they would do for them once voted into office.
She encouraged the traditional leaders to intervene whenever the police are used to frustrate the opposition by the ruling party so as to give every party an equal footing.
Ms. Nawakwi said traditional leaders where an important component in maintaining peace and among political parties as their subjects will always do what their leaders tell them.
And the opposition leader has charged that men have failed the country and that it is high time the nation rallied behind a woman to rule.
Ms. Nawakwi said for 50years the country has had men for president and has nothing to show for it but escalating poverty.
Ms. Nawakwi pleaded with the nation to vote for a her (woman) in 2016 and give her just 5 years and see what she is capable of.
She lamented that 50 years of men’s rule after independence mothers are still giving birth on the floor at the country’s highest Referral hospital.
She charged that the country’s agriculture sector has been ruined such that areas which used to be food baskets for the nation such as Eastern and Southern Province are no longer able to produce even for just their provinces.
The opposition leader is in Eastern Province to launch campaigns for the 2016 general elections.
Defender Oswald Kalamba has returned at FAZ Super League side Green Buffaloes after leaving DR Congo club Don Bosco.
Kalamba left Don Bosco half way into a three year deal he signed in January 2013 after leaving another DRC side St Eloi Lupopo.
He has been training with Buffaloes since coming back from Lubumbashi last month.
Kalamba said personal reasons sparked his departure from Don Bosco.
“I am back at my club Green Buffaloes because I left Don Bosco. I left Don Bosco because of personal reasons as things could not work as we agreed,” Kalamba said.
The right back is now looking forward to start featuring for Buffaloes in the Super League.
“I am targeting to start playing regulary for Green Buffaloes,” he said.
Vice-President Dr Guy Scott with Hon. Humza Yousaf Scotland Minister for External Affairs and International Development (right), press secretary Amos Chanda, Zambia High Commission (left), Robert Kamalata, senior private secretary to the Vice-President (second left)
Republican Vice President Guy Scott has urged the Scottish government to enhance its interests to invest in Zambia especially that the two countries share an economic relationship dating back to over 100 years .
Dr. Scott, whose father was Scottish and was educated at Glasgow University in Scotland over 100 years ago, said the trade partnership between Zambia and Scotland should be enhanced.
He said Zambia had a conducive investment climate which Scotland could exploit to the maximum in many areas of the country’s economy.
Dr. Scott was speaking in an interview with ZANIS today in Glasgow where he attended a Commonwealth Games Business Conference on the eve of the official kick-off of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
“I am an example of someone whose father invested in Africa 100 years ago. He was from this town (Glasgow) actually and this is his university where he got his medical degree more one hundred years ago,” he said.
He said there were about 2,000 Zambians living in Glasgow alone, a situation indicating that the two countries were enjoying warm bilateral relations.
Earlier in the conference, Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, said Scotland was assisting many developing countries in various sectors of the economy adding that Zambia was among these nations.
In 2011, Scotland established the Climate Justice Fund from which Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Malawi will benefit between 400,000 and 500,000 Pounds each over a period of two years in activities aimed at mitigating effects of climate change.
A total of about Six million Pounds has been set aside for four African countries currently partnered under the Scottish International Development Fund.
Mr. Salmond, who officially opened the conference today, said the Climate Justice Fund will help communities affected by climate change through among other benefits, access to clean and safe drinking water, education and poverty alleviation.
He noted that the fund was a powerful commitment from a nation that was determined to help the Commonwealth family in issues of democracy, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development.
Dr. Scott was accompanied to the conference by his Senior Private Secretary, Robert Kamalata, First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Mission in the United Kingdom, Amos Chanda and other senior government officials.
The Vice President is in Scotland to witness the official opening of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow tomorrow.
Yesterday, Dr. Scott encouraged Zambian athletes to ‘die a little’ for their country during the competitions which run from tomorrow, July 23rd to August 3rd, 2014.
Zambia has 43 athletes competing in eight different sports disciplines includng badminton, bowling, boxing, judo, running, table tennis, squash and swimming.
The runners are Titus Kafunda, Emmanuel Mwewa, Cephas Nyimbili, Prince Mumba, Saviour Kombe, Kabange Mupopo, Rhoda Njobvu and Ivonne Nashuwa while badminton players are Ngosa Chongo, Chongo Mulenga.
In bowling, Zambian representatives are Bryson Mweetwa, Harry Musonda, Bright Mwanza, George Chibwe, Matimba Like, Sophie Matipa, Evelyn Namutowe, Eda Mpenzeni, Foster Banda and Christie Kapata while boxers are Bwalya Lumbwe, Christopher Katanga, Charles Lumbwe, Mbachi Kaonga and, Ben Muziyo.
Abigail Chindele, William Kalunga, Mathews Punza and Boas Munyonga are judokas, Kelvin Ndhlovu, Manda Chilambwe, Namweene Muchaile, Mwinga Lengwe and Sharon Chinfwembe are the squash players.
The rest are swimmers Alexandros Axiotis, Mathew Shone, Milimo Mweetwa, Tilka Paljk, Ralph Wesley Assafro, Jade Howard and table tennis players Friday Ng’andu, Noel Kasanda and Simasiku Kalaluka.
File:MINISTER of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili
Government says it will re-employ the 159 youths who were recently dismissed in Western Province because it was out of error.
Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili says the removal of the youths from the pay roll was only meant to correct anomalies created by some civil servants who failed to follow procedure when employing the youths.
The Minister said this during the Handover of money contributed towards the buying of a house for the world Boxing Council Silver Bantamweight Champion Catherine Phiri.
Over K 30 000 out of the K496 000 a has been raised from various stakeholders towards buying a house for Catherine Phiri.
FILE:Germany Ambassador to Zambia Bernd Finke to part of youths who had displayed placards denouncing homosexuality outside Kapiri Mposhi court
A Lusaka based Non Governmental Organisation, Zango Youth Consortium has petitioned the Legal and Justice Sector Reforms Commission to come up with a law that will put an end to discrimination against gays and lesbians in Zambia.
Consortium Chairperson Kaimbo Katengo told the Commission this morning that Zambian citizens who are practicing homosexuality in the country have suffered discrimination for merely belonging to the minority group which he said should be enshrined in the penal code to protect them.
Mr. Katengo explained that all Zambian citizens should be treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation and wondered why the Judiciary has not come out to help the minority group who include the homosexuals.
He disclosed that a research that he undertook has discovered that homosexuality is being practiced in Zambian Secondary Schools and Universities by both students and lecturers.
He narrated that he had witnessed the homosexually practice when he was at Kafue Boys Secondary School and when he was at the University of Zambia where he disclosed that even some lectures had affairs with fellow male students.
He praised the schools authorities at Kafue Boys Schools for protecting boys who practiced homosexuality saying the same could be done at the national level.
Mr. Katengo who spoke so passionate about same sex relations said most Zambians have learned to accept homosexuality except for a few people who hold instruments of power who he said are violating the rights of the minority in Zambia.
He added that even the punishment for people convicted on charges of homosexuality which stands at minimum of 14 years should be reduced as it is too long saying gay rights in Africa is not alien as it has existed for many years including during Christ’s time.
He however stated that his organisation was not advocating for a normless society but merely want all citizens to be treated as equal beings before the law with full human rights.
But Director of Public Prosecution Mutembo Nchito noted that despite homosexuality not being a crime according to the laws of Zambia, it is against societal norms and also against the declaration of the nation as a Christian nation.
He said because of its conflict with the societal norms and values of the country, homosexuality is deemed unnatural in Zambia just like incest and bestiality saying a line should be clearly be drawn.
The Homosexual petition sent the house into mixed facial reactions with commissioners and the public who attended the sittings shaking their heads while others holding their chins in what looked like a shocking matter.
Recently a Kapiri Mposhi magistrate court acquitted two people on allegations of homosexuality which was widely published in the local media.
Another Lusaka man caused laughter in the council chamber when he submitted that there should not be regulation to the trading hours of liquor in Zambia as doing so is against human rights and also against the declaration of Zambia as a liberal economy.
Mr. Mutonga noted that drunkards should be consulted when making laws noting that non alcohol consumers have made laws to disadvantage those that drink alcohol.
And Mr. Mtonga has appealed to the commission to consider reviewing the laws to remove the Public Order Act and allow people to enjoy both the freedom of movement and expression.
But Commission Chairperson Frederick Chomba explained that limiting liquor trading hours is meant to allow people to engage into meaningful economic activities and not be drinking the whole day and night.
He said Zambia should not be turned into a country of drunkards in the name of upholding human rights or trying to please everyone.
The Commission started its public sittings today in Lusaka and about 11 petitioners appeared.
Police in Kitwe have detained a Bishop from Holy Fire Ministries for allegedly having sex with nine young girls from his church aged between fourteen and twenty years old.
Bishop Dominic Kanyika Nyondo is alleged to have been sleeping with the girls on the pretext of exorcising ghosts from them between 2010 and 2013.
Copperbelt police commissioner Joyce Kasosa who confirmed the development to ZANIS in Kitwe today said the Bishop was allegedly sleeping with the girls at the former Kitwe City Council (KCC) farm in Kapoto township across the Kafue River at a mountain.
Ms Kasosa added that Bishop Nyomdo allegedly used to ask the girls to accompany him to the bush for prayers where he would strip them naked, apply milk on their bodies and later have sex with them.
She said the suspect will be slapped with various charges once the investigations are completed.
The Police Commissioner however indicated that the suspect is likely to be charged with defilement, indecent assault and rape.
Ms Kasosa described the incident as sad and that it was just ignorance on the part of the girls as the Bible was clear on issues of exorcising demons.
Bishop Nyondo is detained at Riverside police station.
Lusaka Dynamos opened a two-poiint lead at the top of Division One South on the final stretch of the race for promotion.
Dynamos are hoping to end a four yeat absence from the FAZ Super Division.
Perry Mutapa’s side picked up a shock away win in Matero over Lusaka Tigers whom they beat 1-0 thanks to a 43rd minute goal by Marvin Jere.
Dynamos move to 39 points from 18 games after the win while Luena Buffaloes stayed second after a 1-1 draw with Mazabuka United in Kaoma.
Scorecard:
MTN/FAZ Super Division Week 16
19/07/2014
NAPSA Stars 2(Chisenga Lukwembe 53″, Seith Sakala 66″)-Konkola Blades 0
New Nkana striker Tony Odur says he is determined to help the Wusakile side defend the FAZ Super League title.
Nkana unveiled the 29-year-old Uganda striker during a ceremony at Nkana Stadium on Tuesday morning.
Odur has joined Nkana from Uganda’s Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) on a one year deal.
“Firstly, I want to thank Nkana for bringing me here. I think it is a good team,” he said.
“I will work hard to see that Nkana become the champions of Zambia,” Odur said.
The ex-Brabrand IF (Denmark), Express FC and Bunamwaya SC striker scored 15 league goals for KCCA last season.
“I want to develop my talent here,” Odur added.
Meanwhile, Odur is ineligible to feature for Nkana in the 2014 CAF Confederation Cup after playing for KCCA in the CAF Champions League earlier this year.
The Examinations Council of Zambia has defended the decision to erect two statues at the entrance to the institution after a social media campaign was launched to have them pulled down.
Lusaka based motivational speaker Mubita Nawa over the weekend launched a Facebook campaign dubbed #NotZambia@50 where he denounced the ugly state of the art pieces and called on Zambians to push the ECZ to have them removed.
Mr. Nawa had contended that the statues were ugly and did not represent the modern day Zambia.
But ECZ Spokesperson Ronald Tembo said the institution has taken time to study the postings on social media by Mr Nawa and has concluded that the debate on the art pieces was over blown.
“We wish to state that the ECZ is a public institution which has an open door policy. From the outset, we therefore acknowledge receipt of the opinions from Mr Nawa and the general public on the issue,” Mr Tembo said in a statement.
He added, “We therefore wish to inform the public that the purpose for putting the statues at the entrance of the ECZ was to enable the general public to easily locate the ECZ as they came through to access various Council services.”
“The statues therefore arose from various complaints we received from those who could not easily locate us in the past. We did not necessarily intend to have beautiful and expensive pieces of art work as we could and still cannot afford the cost of such art works.”
Mr Tembo said the ECZ shall consult administratively in accordance with its operational procedures and structures and take appropriate action to ensure that this issue reaches its logical conclusion.
He also stated that there was no corruption involved in erecting the statues as all procurement procedures were followed.
The Council of Churches in Zambia has welcomed the decision of the Church of England at their General Synod meeting recently held in York, England, to appoint women bishops.
This decision comes 20 years after the church commenced ordaining women as priests.
CCZ General Secretary Reverend Suzanne Matale said the Church in Zambia is looking forward to the appointment of the first woman bishop of the Church by the end of this year as has been promised.
Reverend Matale said the momentous action can be described as progressive and is a recognition that women have great potential and resilience.
“When women and men work as partners the impact on the growth of the body of Christ in the world is enhanced. We encourage more and more women to answer their calling without reservations so as to fulfill God’s message of justice, love, joy and peace in the world by all of God’s people,” Reverend Matale said in a statement.
She added, “There is need for the church worldwide to embrace the emergency of women church leaders because time has come for women to take up greater roles and responsibilities in the work of God.”
Copperbelt Province Patriotic Front Chairman Stardy Mwale (left) shares a light moment with his Lusaka Province counterpart Geoffrey Chumbwe
The Supreme Court has sent back for re-trial to the High Court the case in which Lusaka Province Patriotic Front (PF) Chairman, Geoffrey Chumbwe, who lost the Chilanga Parliamentary seat, had appealed against the High Court’s decision of upholding the election of Keith Mukata as dully elected Chilanga Member of Parliament (MP) after he petitioned the seat.
Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Marvin Mwanamwambwa, who sat with Supreme Court Judges Florence Mumba, Gregory Phiri, Munyinda Wanki and Elizabeth Muyovwe said the case was being sent back for re-trial at the High Court before another judge because the High Court did not resolve the disputes between the two parties and did not give reasons for its decisions in the judgment.
He said the High Court should have made explicit findings about the truth over the 55 bags of cement which are in dispute between the two parties whether Keith Mukata donated the cement to the electorate as alleged by Chumbwe or were bought by the two cooperatives.
Justice Mwanamwambwa said the trial judge should have made explicit findings about the source of the disputed bags of cement that were used to construct a slab at a storage shed hence ordered for a
re-trial before another Judge at the High Court.
The PF candidate for Chilanga Parliamentary Seat in 2011, Geoffery Chumbwe, had asked the High Court to nullify the election of Keith Mukata as not dully elected Member of Parliament for Chilanga Constituency after he lost the seat.
After weeks of speculation and denial, Nkana have finally got their man following Tuesday’s unveiling of Beston Chambeshi as coach.
Caretaker coach Zeddy Saileti’s 3-2 home defeat on Saturday at the hands of promoted Green Eagles forced Nkana’s hand to make a change.
Chambeshi was introduced to the players on Tuesday morning at Nkana Stadium.
He was until Tuesday coach at Konkola Blades whom he leaves after twelve months in charge.
Chambeshi has been apointed to take up the vacant head coach post following the death of Masauso Mwale in a car accident on May 24.
“It is a three a year contract and we concluded yesterday,” Nkana vice chairamn Patrick Njobvu said after Chambeshi’s unveiling ceremony.
“We believe he is going to do better. A lot of names were floated and we had to make sure that we came up with somebody the executive and supporter’s, supported.”
With Chambeshi’s arrival means that Saileti reverts to his old role as assistant coach so too will Gift Kampamba who drops back to third assistant.
“Beston Chambeshi is a good coach and expectations are high and if they work as a team they will not be any problems,” Njobvu said.
“If he is going to be supported by the executuve and the bench he is going to perform wonders.”
This will be Chambeshi’s second stint as Nkana coach after a brief spell in 2003 after replacing his former boss Patrick Phiri under whom he worked as assistant at the club.
Chambeshi heads straight into a masive test this Saturday in his first match in charge when Nkana host Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia in a 2014 CAF Confederation Cup Group B match in Kitwe.
The ex-Nkana star also has a huge job ahead to lift the defending champions from their current fifth placing on the table where they sit seven points behind leaders Zanaco with fourteen games left to play.
