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Mongu Mayor and Councilor Summoned Over Assault of Ward Councilor.

Lusaka Times Editor
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Mongu Mayor and Councilor Summoned Over Assault of Ward Councilor.

The Mongu Police have summoned the Mayor of Mongu Town, Nyambe Mayumbana, and Kambule Ward Councilor, Jimmy Kaumba, in connection with the alleged assault of Jack Mwangala, the Ward Councilor for Imwiko. The incident occurred on February 17, 2023, at BECCA Night Club in Mongu District of Western Province.

According to eyewitnesses, Councilor Mwangala was involved in an argument with Mayumbana and Kaumba at the drinking spree. It is alleged that the duo became angry with Mwangala for “gulping beer like a fish fighting for his dear life” and proceeded to assault him. The victim is claiming that he was later hit by a motor vehicle registration number M1, which was driven by the Mongu Town Mayor.

Councilor Mwangala sustained a swollen nose and a fractured right leg and was rushed to Lewanika General Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. The incident has caused public outrage, with many calling for the Mayor and Councilor to be held accountable for their actions.

The Mongu Police have confirmed that they have summoned the Mayor and Councilor for questioning in connection with the assault. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, has stated that the police are taking the matter seriously and will ensure that justice is served.

The assault of Councilor Mwangala has raised concerns about the conduct of elected officials and the need for them to act responsibly in public. It is hoped that this incident will serve as a wake-up call to all elected officials and remind them of their responsibility to uphold the law and act with integrity.

The police investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.

ZAMMSA clarifies reports of missing medical equipment in Lusaka

Lusaka Times Editor
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ZAMMSA clarifies reports of missing medical equipment in Lusaka

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has issued a statement clarifying the recent reports of stolen medical equipment from their warehouse in Lusaka. According to ZAMMSA Director General Billy Mweetwa, the equipment in question was not stored at a ZAMMSA warehouse, but rather at an offsite location due to expansion works being carried out at the central warehouse.

However, Mr. Mweetwa did confirm that another incident involving missing medical equipment was reported at the same facility, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. He emphasized that ZAMMSA is taking the matter very seriously and will update the public once investigations have been concluded.

Despite the clarification from ZAMMSA, some concerned citizens have questioned whether the agency is hiding something, and are calling on investigative agencies to look into the matter more thoroughly. They also pointed out that the stolen equipment was quite valuable, with a reported worth of K1.6 million, and hope that the investigative agencies will take the matter seriously and work to recover the missing equipment.

In the meantime, ZAMMSA has assured the public that arrangements have been made to distribute the remaining equipment, valued at over K20 million, to health facilities immediately. The agency continues to cooperate with investigative agencies to determine the facts of the matter and ensure the safety of the medical equipment.

Nkana’s Quiet Continues After Silencing Ambitious FC MUZA

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The Nkana revival continues on Saturday when the boys were separated from the boys following a 1-0 home win over ambitious and promoted FC MUZA.

Saturdays result sees Nkana collect back-to-back wins only for the second time this season and are also unbeaten in their last four matches after also posting two draws.

MUZA who are making their second top-flight appearance have punched above their weight this term screaming the big boys and sitting at number three heading into this weekend’s Week 24 games.

The visitors from Mazabuka played all the sweet football but Nkana remained pragmatic throughout.

Nkana striker David Kabala proved a handful for MUZA who escaped his three attempts on goal in a first half that ended scoreless.

But Kabala found the target in the 63rd minute when he headed in the ball from a Lyson Thole set-piece to see Nkana take a deserved lead.

The only second half threat from MUZA came from two free-kicks delivered by 66th minute substitute Bobo Angwenga who initially his 84th minute set-piece saved by Mangani Banda and three minutes later fired another one that was intercepted by Nkana’s wall.

Nkana crawled from 12th to 11th on 31 points, ten points behind second placed Forest Rangers and 15 points adrift of leaders Power Dynamos with ten games left to play,
MUZA slipped from 3rd to 4th on 37 points.

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 24
18/02/2023
Kansanshi Dynamos 1-Power Dynamos 3
Nchanga Rangers 2-Forest Rangers 0
Nkana 1-FC MUZA 0
Chambishi 2-Prison Leopards 1
Kabwe Warriors 2-Green Eagles 0
Green Buffaloes 1-Red Arrows 1
Zanaco 0-Nkwazi 1
19/02/2023
Buildcon-Lumwana Radiants
Zesco United-Napsa Stars

Zambia and DR Congo to Improve Operations at Kasumbalesa Border Post- President Hichilema

Chief Editor
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Zambia and DR Congo to Improve Operations at Kasumbalesa Border Post- President Hichilema

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to address issues related to operations at the Kasumbalesa border post to enhance trade between the two countries, said Republican President Hakainde Hichilema. President Hichilema made the announcement during a bilateral meeting with President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the DRC on the sidelines of the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“We have agreed with my brother and counterpart that we quickly improve operations at the border in order to accelerate the conveyance of goods between our two countries without losing much time,” said President Hichilema. He expressed his delight with Tshisekedi’s assurance that now is the time for action and not just mere talk and that he will engage his team to address the issue once and for all.

President Hichilema is in Addis Ababa participating in the 36th Ordinary Session of The Assembly of the African Union. The session is considering several matters, including the draft agenda, draft decisions and declarations of the Assembly for adoption, examining the strategic status reports on the Institutional Reforms of the AU, and studying the activities of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the Report on Global Political, Financial and Energy Policy Governance, and that on Global Food Crisis and the AU’s response on Covid-19 pandemic in Africa.

President Hichilema is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with other Heads of State and conduct sideline meetings with various business leaders, cooperating partners, and stakeholders in Zambia and the African Continent’s Transformational Agenda. Hichilema has previously stated that he is Zambia’s chief marketing officer, and as a result of the trips he has undertaken in the past, there have been investment pledges made. Zambia’s mining industry has already received a boost with First Quantum Minerals board of directors’ approval of the S3 Expansion at Kansanshi mine and the Enterprise nickel project in North-Western Province.

Power Dynamos Stun Kansanshi to Maintain Reasonable Lead

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Leaders Power Dynamos will stay top of the FAZ Super Division for at least another week after rallying to thump Kansanshi Dynamos 3-1 in the lunch-time match at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola on Saturday.

Power went into this game leading the table with a two-point gap – knowing that second placed Forest had a chance to join them at the top had they dropped points against Kansanshi.

New signee Andy Boyeli was the hero of this Week 24 encounter when grabbing a brace for Power.

Kansanshi scared Power after taking a 32nd minute lead through Baba Basile before striker Boyeli registered the equalizer seconds away from the half time break.

Boyeli put Power in front 17 minutes into the second half as substitute Thomas Chideu stretched the lead to 3-1 three minutes from full time.

This was Power’s second win in the first seven matches of the second round marred by their five draws.

Power increases their tally to 46 points as Kansanshi remain stuck on 29 points as at Week 24.

President Hichilema fulfills electoral promise on meal allowance, NAQEZ commends

Lusaka Times Editor
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President Hichilema fulfills electoral promise on meal allowance, NAQEZ commends

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has commended the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, for fulfilling his electoral promise of reinstating the meal allowance for eligible students in selected public universities. The organization expressed its delight at the news that eligible students have now received their meal allowance, noting that this gesture will make economic, academic, and social lives easier for vulnerable students who have been struggling at universities.

NAQEZ further noted that the government is providing a lot of financial support to public universities, and this commitment will help to stabilize higher education institutions. If this trend continues, NAQEZ predicts harmonious working relationships between workers and management teams in these institutions, leading to fewer disruptions in academic calendars and increased productivity in universities. Stability in the lives of universities is good for national development, and NAQEZ is optimistic that the positive trend will continue.

In addition to the reinstatement of meal allowances, NAQEZ has called on the government to extend its commitment to other critical projects in the education sector, such as the construction of the King Lewanika University in Mongu, the FTJ University in Mansa, and hostels at the University of Zambia. These projects have been stalled, and it is critical for the government to attend to them as quickly as possible.

NAQEZ’s commendation comes at a time when President Hichilema’s administration has been making concerted efforts to revitalize the education sector in Zambia. In his inaugural speech in August 2021, the President pledged to prioritize education and improve access to quality education for all Zambians. The reinstatement of the meal allowance is a significant step in fulfilling this promise, and NAQEZ is hopeful that the positive trend will continue.

The reinstatement of the meal allowance is a significant achievement for the Hichilema administration, and NAQEZ’s commendation is a testament to the positive impact of this policy. The government’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector is a welcome development, and NAQEZ is optimistic that more progress will be made in the future.

Alliance For Zambian Informal Economy Associations Urges Government to Provide Safe Trading Spaces for Street Vendors

Chief Editor
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Alliance For Zambian Informal Economy Associations Urges Government to Provide Safe Trading Spaces for Street Vendors

Alliance For Zambian Informal Economy Associations (AZIEA) has cautioned the Zambian government against stopping the collection of levies from street vendors. The General Secretary of AZIEA, Lameck Kashiwa, has urged the government to provide safer and organized establishments for street vending instead of threatening vendors. Mr. Kashiwa highlighted that discontinuing levies would not be a solution to the issue at hand. He also argued that the government is contradicting itself by calling street vending illegal, as the markets and bus stations act allow trading on the streets.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Maambo Hamaundu, has directed local authorities to stop collecting levies from street vendors trading in undesignated places. Mr. Hamaundu has stated that collecting levies from vendors operating in illegal areas would legitimize an illegal trade. The Permanent Secretary has also reiterated that vending on Lusaka’s Lumumba Road and elsewhere is illegal. He has suggested that designated trading areas be found, and Lusaka’s Central Business District should be left free of vending.

The President of the Street Vendors Association of Zambia, David Mukuma, has commended the directive, saying that it would help protect street vendors who are often harassed by authorities and subject to arbitrary and excessive fees. However, the AZIEA has expressed concerns about the directive, stating that stopping levies without providing alternative solutions would not be beneficial.

The increasing population in Lusaka has made it difficult for the council to provide proper services. Mr. Hamaundu has acknowledged that Lusaka was designed for 100,000 people but now has over 3.1 million people. He has stated that the government is working with the Japan International Co-operation Agency to re-plan the capital city to accommodate the growing population.

The AZIEA has cautioned the government against discontinuing levies without providing alternative solutions. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has directed local authorities not to collect levies from street vendors trading from undesignated places. However, he has emphasized that the Central Business District of Lusaka should be left free of vending, and designated trading areas should be found.

Former NISIR Board Chairperson Arrested for Abuse of Authority

Lusaka Times Editor
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Former NISIR Board Chairperson Arrested for Abuse of Authority

Former Board Chairperson of the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), Judith Ngalande Lungu, has been arrested for the offense of Abuse of Authority of office. The 71-year-old resident of Luangwa residential area in Kabwe was arrested on February 15, 2023, in Lusaka by the Police Investigations Team.

According to brief facts of the case, Dr. Lungu, who served as the Board Chairperson of NISIR between 2017 and 2021, purchased a house from the Institute at a reduced price of 40 percent, which was a condition of NISIR employees. However, Dr. Lungu did not belong to the category of NISIR employees. She paid K178,000 towards the total cost of K381,000 and occupied the house, which is actually worth K800,000.

Danny Mwale, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed Dr. Lungu’s arrest and the charge against her. “I can confirm that Dr. Judith Ngalande Lungu has been charged with Abuse of Authority of office. She was arrested on February 15, 2023, and released on Police Bond. She will appear in court soon,” he said.

The news of Dr. Lungu’s arrest has come as a shock to many, as she was considered a respected member of society. Speaking to the media, a former colleague of Dr. Lungu expressed his surprise at the news. “I knew Dr. Lungu to be a very honorable person who always advocated for ethical practices in public office. I never would have expected her to be involved in something like this,” he said.

The arrest of Dr. Lungu has also sparked a conversation about the importance of upholding ethical practices in public office. In a statement, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) emphasized the need for public officials to always act in the best interest of the public. “As public servants, it is our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and always act in the best interest of the public. Any act of corruption or abuse of authority is a betrayal of the public trust and will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

The Police Investigations Team has assured the public that they will continue to work diligently to investigate any wrongdoing and ensure that justice is served. “We take these matters very seriously and will not hesitate to take action against any public official who is found to be abusing their authority,” a spokesperson for the team said.

Dr. Lungu’s case has also brought attention to the issue of corruption in Zambia. According to Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, Zambia ranks 117th out of 180 countries, with a score of 32 out of 100. The index measures the perceived level of public sector corruption in a country.

Speaking on the issue of corruption in Zambia, a representative from Transparency International Zambia said, “Corruption is a major issue in Zambia, and it is important that the government takes a strong stance against it. We need to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions and that they are not above the law.”

The case against Dr. Lungu is a reminder that no one is above the law and that the abuse of authority cannot be tolerated. As the investigation continues, the public waits for justice to be served.

Zesco United Hosts Napsa Stars in Kitwe

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Zesco United will on Sunday take a 45-minute drive from their Ndola base to Kitwe to play their home game against Napsa Stars at Nkana Stadium.

This switch of venues is because the nine-time champions’ home ground of Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola is booked for a 2022/23 CAF Confederation cup Group A fixture.

Lupopo of DR Congo is hosting Marumo Gallants of South Africa on the same date.

Levy is set to be Lupopo’s Group A home base because their stadium in Lubumbashi is not CAF certified to host competitive international matches.

The scenario is going to see Zesco and their Ndola neighbours Buildcon’s home games at Levy affected well into the final continental group stage fixtures that conclude during the weekend of April 2.

Furthermore, the disruption to Zesco and Buildcon’s home games could continue well into late April should Lupopo progress to the quarterfinals and beyond.

Meanwhile, Lupopo is currently bottom of Group A and seeking their first points heading to Sunday’s match-day-two of the competition against the pool leaders Marumo.

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 24
18/02/2023
Kansanshi Dynamos-Power Dynamos
Nchanga Rangers-Forest Rangers
Nkana- FC MUZA
Chambishi-Prison Leopards
Kabwe warriors-Green Eagles
Green Buffaloes-Red Arrows
Zanaco-Nkwazi
19/02/2023
Buildcon-Lumwana Radiants
Zesco United-Napsa Stars

Financial experts and advocacy groups criticize Bank of Zambia’s decision to increase Monetary Policy Rate, warning of detrimental impact on country’s economic growth

Chief Editor
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Financial experts and advocacy groups criticize Bank of Zambia’s decision to increase Monetary Policy Rate, warning of detrimental impact on country’s economic growth

Bank of Zambia’s decision to increase the monetary policy rate from 9% to 9.25% has been criticized by financial experts and advocacy groups for its potential detrimental impact on the country’s economic growth. Financial Advisor Kingford Kalobi expressed his concern about the increase and said that it is detrimental to private sector participation and economic growth. He stated, “With the already constrained liquidity available on the market, any slight increase in the monetary policy rate adversely affects any prospect for growth, especially for the private sector. The cost of doing business is further likely to be negatively affected; a situation that must be revisited to enable startups to remain afloat.”

Kalobi further explained that increasing the Monetary Policy Rate will increase the cost of borrowing money from financing institutions to unacceptably high rates, making it difficult for businesses to operate. He added, “The private sector is the engine of growth for any economy, and therefore it is important to create an enabling environment for the sector to thrive. The increase in the Monetary Policy Rate will not achieve this objective.”

The Advocates for National Democracy and Development (ANDD) has also expressed concern over the increase in the Monetary Policy Rate. ANDD Executive Director, Samuel Banda, noted that the increase in the monetary policy rate is a disadvantage to the business sector. Banda stated, “Liquidity in the economy is already constrained due to the reduction of forex and the high cost of doing business. Increasing the Monetary Policy Rate, which entails high costs of accessing money from banks, will downplay all efforts made to promote business growth among the small-scale businesses, who are already challenged with financial capital.”

Banda called on the central bank to put in place measures that will grow the private sector rather than shrink its potential to contribute to national development. He added, “Factors such as load shedding and floods may present future economic challenges that should be cushioned in one way or the other. It is, therefore, essential for the government to work with the central bank to address these challenges and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”

Financial experts and advocacy groups have called on the Bank of Zambia to reconsider its decision and implement measures that will support business growth and development. The increase in the Monetary Policy Rate, coupled with the already constrained liquidity in the market, could have a significant impact on economic growth and private sector participation. It is essential for the government and the central bank to work together to address these challenges and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Zambian President Hichilema criticized for chartering executive jet instead of using presidential jets

Chief Editor
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Zambian President Hichilema criticized for chartering executive jet instead of using presidential jets

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has decided to charter an Executive Jet for his trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 36th Ordinary Session of Heads of State Assembly of the African Union. The President has hired a 1990 ZS-SGC Bombardier Challenger 601 owned by Luxaviation, which recently acquired ExecuJet Lanseria, a private jet charter operating from South Africa.

Zambia has two executive presidential jets, including the old Challenger and a brand new G650 Gulf Stream, which the President has refused to use and has stated he will put up for sale. The G650 Gulfstream recently underwent annual maintenance and mechanical service in Dubai, costing the country over $10 million.

The decision to charter an Executive Jet has raised concerns among the public, given the current economic crisis and high cost of living faced by the Zambian people. President Hichilema has taken 32 international trips in the past 16 months, and his foreign travels have been a subject of public discussion.

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba has called on the President to exercise prudence and save resources by using one of the two presidential jets parked in the hangar, instead of chartering a private jet. He pointed out that there is a daily commercial flight to Addis Ababa, which the President could have taken instead.

Despite the controversy surrounding his mode of travel, President Hichilema arrived in Addis Ababa on February 17, 2023, to participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, which will convene on 18th to 19th February, 2023. The Summit, with the theme “Accelerated Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” brings together all African Heads of State and Heads of various institutions in one place, presenting an opportunity to network with all relevant players in the developmental discourse.

The President has committed to restoring the country’s confidence in the global community in order to attract more investment and grow the country’s Gross Domestic Product. He has continued to underscore the need for increased trade and investment on the continent, as countries work to fulfill the agenda of common development aspirations in order to make Africa a prosperous and peaceful continent that meets the needs of its citizens.

On the margins of the Summit, President Hichilema is also expected to hold bilateral meetings, which present an opportunity for Zambia to advance and protect its national interests at the continental level, as well as be part of the decision-making process in key areas such as regional integration, peace and security, good governance, food security, and nutrition.

Dogs and Vomit: The Case of Mine Unions

Chief Editor
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Dogs and Vomit: The Case of Mine Unions


By Hon. Bowman Chilosha Lusambo

At a time I served as Copperbelt Minister, all Unions representing mine workers always frequented my office seeking interventions. One of their key complaints was around Vedanta Resources and KCM. As their resentment towards Vedanta grew, it became apparent that the company had lost its social licence to continue operating. I was transferred to Lusaka Province and the inevitable happened, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu used the law to cause ZCCM-IH to liquidate KCM in public interest. A common feature in the entire process was the mine workers unions. They vehemently advocated for Vedanta to leave Zambia and as a listening leader that President Lungu is, he heeded their calls and KCM was liquidated.

Now watching these Union leaders turn around and take a 360 turn on a position with grave consequences is not only disappointing but frightening. To watch the way President Hichilema is pussyfooting around the KCM issues speaks to his failure to understand the Copperbelt economy.

The Unions are hypocrites. They called Vedanta a bad investor but today, they are telling President Hichilema that they want Vedanta back. What has changed?

The Union leaders have started behaving like dogs around its vomits. They are ready to sacrifice their members at the altar of political expediency. The other thing that has changed is that both Vedanta and the Union have seen in President Hichilema, a willing partner in the process of bringing back Vedanta. All the promises of reinvestment, improved CSR, KDMP development and production ramp up have been made before and never actualised. Vedanta reduced a thriving business like KCM to a mere trader as no mining was done. Vedanta only survived on processing copper concentrate from the DRC.

Vedanta killed people and polluted our rivers. Bringing them back will therefore be shortchanging ourselves and our future generations.

Listening to President Hichilema discuss the issue of KCM shows that his administration has already settle for Vedanta. Watching President Hichilema with those union leaders completes the puzzle, President Hichilema is bringing Vedanta and it’s just a matter of when and not a matter of if.

It is shocking that Mines Minister Hon. Kabuswe who was a PF District official in Chililabombwe only a few months before elections and heavily supported the removal of Vedanta could sit here now and call for its return. The same for Copperbelt Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo who was UPND Copperbelt Chairman and called for the removal of Vedanta. The way the two officials are behaving today is not different from the way dogs behave around vomits.

Our call is to the members of these spineless Unions, your subscription fees are only making these leaders fat. When they sit on the negotiation table with Vedanta, UPND Ministers have ifitumbuwa (fritters) in their mouth and therefore cannot defend any bad deals presented to them. You have the right to withhold your subscription.

Pix: Pictures taken in 2021 when Mine Workers Unions protested against Vedanta and demanded that they be removed from KCM.

PF Presidential Candidate Mundubile Urges President Hichilema to Visit China Amid Debt Restructuring Crisis

Chief Editor
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PF Presidential Candidate Mundubile Urges President Hichilema to Visit China Amid Debt Restructuring Crisis

Zambian lawmaker Hon Brian Mundubile has advised President Hakainde Hichilema to swallow the humble pie and go to China amid the economic crisis faced by the country. The PF presidential candidate has warned that if the President fails to visit China and advise his counterpart, Zambians should brace themselves for even harder economic challenges ahead. Mundubile has highlighted the need for the Zambian government to engage more meaningfully with China in the debt restructuring process, noting that China’s debt accounts for about 30% of the country’s total debt stock.

Zambia’s economic challenges require urgent attention from the government. As Hon Brian Mundubile, a PF presidential candidate and a lawmaker in Zambia, noted, “if the President fails to go to China, we should all prepare for a harsh economy, we should prepare for harsh times ahead.” Speaking to the media at Parliament, Mundubile advised President Hakainde Hichilema to “swallow the humble pie, go to China, advise the President to go to China and confer with his counterpart so that we can get some debt restructuring and put our economy back on track.”

Mundubile emphasized the need for the Zambian government to engage more meaningfully with China in the debt restructuring process. “In this particular process of restructuring debt… they should have been very polite to China. Because China’s debt is about 30% of the total debt stock,” he said. The lawmaker highlighted that China has been an all-weather friend to Zambia, providing support and assistance in various development projects, including the construction of the TAZARA Rail Line and the country’s beautiful airport.

Mundubile noted that the President’s visit to China could help in finding a lasting solution to the country’s economic challenges. “The President has done over 30 trips; he has not yet gone to China. We wonder why our President of Zambia does not want to respect the fact that China is a very good friend of Zambia and we need China for our development,” he said. The lawmaker also advised the new government to be polite to China during the debt restructuring process, given the significant role the country has played in Zambia’s development.

Zambia’s economic crisis has been a major concern for the government and citizens alike. According to Mundubile, there is panic in the Ministry of Finance as they were hoping to have restructured the debt by now. However, the lawmaker stressed that Zambia needs China for its development, and the government must strike a balance between debt sustainability and growth. “So going forward, we want to advise the New Dawn Government that they swallow the humble pie, go to China, advise the President to go to China and confer with his counterpart so that we can get some debt restructuring and put our economy back on track,” he reiterated.

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Rugby Elder Mutale Questions Legitimacy of Zambia Rugby Union 2023 Elective AGM

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Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) life president Bonny Mutale has questioned the legitimacy of this Saturday’s elections at the 2023 elective annual general meeting scheduled for Kabwe.

Incumbent ZRU President Clement Sinkamba is unopposed for the top position after his only challenger Owen Mhango was disqualified from the race for being nominated and seconded by clubs allegedly not in good standing with the union.

Mhango was nominated by Kitwe giants Diggers and seconded by KPF but ZRU has accused the two clubs of not being in good standing because they allegedly owe the union fees.

Speaking to Radio Icengelo Sports on the Copperbelt, Mutale said the ZRU elections will not be free and fair because some aspirants have been disadvantaged

Tom Chani is unopposed for the position of Vice President alongside incumbent general secretary Musunka Silungwe, Treasurer Paul Sichula and all the nominations for committee members were declared invalid by the ZRU judicial and ethics committee chaired by Musa Zimba.

“All these issues of some clubs not being in good standing with the union should have been brought way back before the meeting. Now if they start barring people from the meeting and elections what is their agenda? Is it because they want to disadvantage other people or they do not want competition? This thing is not a monarchy. I am not siding with anyone; my agenda is the transparency of these elections,” Mutale said.

“I am saying let the playing ground be level. I know all members have not received minutes of the previous meeting, audited accounts, agenda and I have not even received the invitation. The Zambia Rugby Union has not communicated to me about the elective annual general meeting. So what is going on? Why are we being union presidents when we cannot even be treated in a respectable manner?” he wondered.

Charter Cities Institute Zambia Office opens to support thriving new cities across Africa

Chief Editor
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Charter Cities Institute Zambia Office opens to support thriving new cities across Africa

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga raised a toast at the official launch of the Charter Cities Institute Zambia, saying “we welcome Charter Cities Institute’s innovative work on improving the framework of special economic zones and supporting the creation of a competitive enabling business environment in special economic zones that live up to their value proposition.”

Charter Cities Institute (CCI) Executive Director, Kurtis Lockhart discussed the importance of empowered cities for prosperity given that Zambia and Africa’s future is urban.

He went on to add, “there’s a beautiful phrase that’s lodged itself into the consciousness of a nation: a ‘New Dawn’. All citizens and residents across the country believe in and want nothing more than this new dawn; and given Zambia’s future is urban, a new dawn for the country, almost by definition means a new dawn for its cities.”

The gala event, held at the InterContinental Hotel, was officiated by Mr. Chipoka and featured overwhelming support from a distinguished high-level audience of local and international stakeholders from the State House, Central Government, Sub- National Government, and the private sector and civil society organizations.

Keynote speakers at the event included Jito Kayumba (Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Finance), who further reaffirmed the Government’s support for the Charter City Institute and the potential of charter cities to foster economic development drawing on the successful transformation of cities such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Hong Kong that saw tremendous growth in GDP.

The Charter Cities Institute is a public policy research organization dedicated to advancing human flourishing by building the ecosystem for charter cities worldwide.

Vitalik Buterin (Founder of Ethereum Blockchain), who shared his personal journey to explore Africa and its potential, saying he had seen firsthand, the challenges and opportunities of the young African continent and the role that technology and innovative solutions in governance and finance could play in helping move the continent forward, particularly, in advancing economic development in Africa.

Other attendees included Daniel Yu (Founder and CEO of Wasoko, a B2B commerce platform), who announced his plans to expand Wasoko to Zambia and invest $1 million; Mwiya Musokotwane (Co- Founder and CEO of Thebe Investments Limited); and Maambo Haamaundu (Permanent Secretary for Administration of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development said the Ministry), who noted the importance of urban development in shaping the future of cities and unleashing their potential to foster economic transformation, saying, “it is through innovative models such as the charter cities model – that combine decentralization, special jurisdiction and city development – that we can truly transform the face of our urban centers and make them more livable, sustainable, and economically productive.”

The launch party though was but a small part of a landmark week for Zambia and CCI, as on February 15th, CCI signed a MOU with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) aimed at increasing competitiveness and enhancing the performance of special economic zones (SEZ) to better attract investments, create jobs and accelerate inclusive and sustained economic growth.

CCI will immediately support ZDA and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry in developing SEZ regulations needed to align with and support the broader SEZ legislative framework previously enacted in Zambia.

The official launch of CCI Zambia marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s existence.

CCI Zambia was set up to offer on-the-ground support tailored to the local context and to promote ownership by and engagement with key stakeholders.

The major objective of the office is to advance the building of thriving new cities that foster investments, create jobs, cluster innovation, and promote human flourishing across Africa.

Mwanda Phiri-Mwewa, CCI’s Africa Lead noted, “the office was strategically launched a year following the operationalization of the office in Zambia to allow for the groundwork to be laid and strategic partnerships to be forged and thus, lend more legitimacy to the launch.

CCI Zambia has already formed strategic partnerships with the Zambia Development Agency, public and private special economic zone and city developers, local authorities, associations, think tanks and academia that are all committed to supporting the building of thriving new special economic cities that are well planned, financed, built, and governed.

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