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SECRETARY to the Cabinet Roland Msiska is shocked with high levels of greed and corruption in the public service, citing a case in which a health institution in Northern Province purportedly employed 44 ghost workers. These included a nutritionist to run a mortuary.
Dr Msiska said one health institution in Northern Province included 44 “ghost workers” on the payroll and a nutritionist to run a mortuary when such services were not necessary.
Dr Msiska said this when he addressed public service workers at Chipata College of Education on Monday evening.
“There are a lot of horrors in the public service. In Northern Province we found 44 ghost workers including a nutritionist manning a mortuary with four beds,” Dr Msiska said.
He said 5,000 “ghost workers” in the public service were included on the payroll by selfish people who do not care about the country.
Dr Msiska said petty corruption, selfishness and greed are destroying Zambia’s public service which is the best in Africa after Nigeria and Ghana.
He challenged civil servants to be professional in the execution of their duties because Government wants a corruption-free public service as the country celebrates the Golden Jubilee independence anniversary this year.
[pullquote]“There are a lot of horrors in the public service. In Northern Province we found 44 ghost workers including a nutritionist manning a mortuary with four beds,” Dr Msiska said.[/pullquote]
Dr Msiska also urged civil servants to help Government to deliver quality services and help address the problems in the public service instead of contributing to the challenges being faced.
He also said Government is working on a 10-year payroll structure plan to correct distortions and harmonise salaries.
Dr Msiska said all workers are good planners considering the manner in which they run their homes and that the same attitude should be extended to their government responsibilities.
He also said he does not expect workers to “sit” on files and create an impression that Government is not working.
Eastern Province medical officer Kennedy Malama said in a vote of thanks that he will ensure that the public service is corruption-free and that workers will do their part to achieve this.
Dr Malama commended Cabinet Office for embarking on the harmonisation of salaries, which has boosted the morale of civil servants.
Zambia Golf Union president Charles Mwanza expects local golfers to excel at next month’s Zambia Open to be staged at Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe.
The Mopani Copper Mines sponsored 2014 Zambia Open takes place from 13-18 May.
Mwanza said time is ripe for a Zambian to win the prestigious international competition.
“I think the wait for a Zambian to win the competition should be over this year. I am very sure that we will have a Zambian high on the leader-board,” he said.
Zambians have in the past failed to shine at the annual event.
“We are expecting the best from our Zambian golfers , we hope that for the first time we can have a Zambian golfer perform well,” Mwanza added.
Meanwhile, 114 golfers are set to battle for the top prize at the 2014 Zambia Open in Kitwe.
This is the first time Nkana is hosting Zambia’s premier golf championship.
MINISTER of Sport, Youth and Child Development Chishimba Kambwili
Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili has described the announcement by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) that they have launched an investigation against him as political witch hunting.
Mr Kambwili said that he is a straight person and it would be folly to ask the ministry to congratulate him.
He said in a telephone interview that the investigation is being orchestrated by people that have wanted him out of the party all along.
Mr Kambwili said that people know those who have an agenda and have been against him.
He said that people pushing for his investigation should know that he has worked so hard for the party.
He however said that the ACC have the mandate and right to investigate anybody as no one was above the law including the ministers.
Mr Kambwili said that only the truth, as will be established after an investigation, will set everyone free.
Earlier today ACC announced that it has started investigating Mr. Kambwili, regarding advertisements that appeared in two daily newspapers congratulating him for obtaining a degree.
Mr Kambwili is alleged to have instructed the Ministry to congratulate him over his degree he obtained from Copperstone University resulting in them placing advertisements in the Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail.
Government says it will use proceeds from the second sovereign bond to develop the energy and transport sectors.
Acting Finance Minister Edgar Lungu said in a statement that the funds will be targeted at growth-prompting projects in the various critical sectors of the economy, namely the transport and energy sectors.
Mr Lungu who is also Defence Minister confirmed that Zambia has successfully issued a second sovereign bond in the international capital market amounting to US$ 1 billion.
He said this amount is factored into the 2014 budget and the mid-term expenditure framework.
“Like the first sovereign bond issued in September, 2012, this bond has been a resounding success. The second bond, just like the first, was significantly oversubscribed, an expression and affirmation of the confidence the international investor community has in Zambia,” he stated.
“A team from the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Zambia and Ministry of Justice has over the past two weeks worked exceedingly hard to rally international investors behind our second sovereign bond,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the team has been complemented by local and international lawyers and equally significant book runners Barclays Bank and Deutsche Bank.
“I want to express our unqualified thanks to this team of men and women for their stupendous efforts, undivided attention to duty and providing the international investor community with all the necessary information on the Zambian economy which induced the confidence in Zambia resulting and culminating in the massive participation in the bond subscription,” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu stated that the resources from the international capital market will help to accelerate the Government’s development agenda which already has had an impact and is acquiring great momentum.
He added, “The huge investments in billions of dollars in mining ventures in new frontier areas, and in corporate agriculture, are clear testimonies of the efficacy of our development agenda. They underpin our hopes.”
“I thank the Zambian people for their unfettered support of our Government. As a Government, we have a duty and obligation to deliver and we will, with your continued support, deliver.”
There is some promising news from South African club Mamelodi Sundowns with reports that Mukuka Mulenga has made a full recovery.
The Zambia midfielder have been out of action since August, 2013 due to an ankle injury that was followed by a lengthy recovery from an operation since then.
“Mukuka Mulenga has started full training which is remarkable progress for the Zambian star, who underwent an ankle operation early in the season,” Sundowns reported on the clubs official website.
Mukuka has not played for Sundowns since joining the Pretoria club last August from Power Dynamos.
Some farmers in Sinda District of Eastern Province are reported to have had their crops damaged due to late plating of seed and application of fertilizer respectively.
Masauso Zulu a councilor of Mnyazi ward told Muvi Tv in Sinda that the situation is worse especially that most crops have not produced the desired yield.
He has further disclosed that hunger has already engulfed the area due to high mealie-meal prices and lack of enough food hence villagers surviving on wild fruits known as Nthuza.
There was confusion in the fertiliser supply in 2013/2014 farming season as farmers had not received fertiliser during planting season.This angered farmers who demanded answers,with some saying governments delay in providing fertiliser would lead to reduced maize production and higher mealie meal prices.They said as a country after experiencing 4 consecutive bumper harvests they felt Zambia could not afford to become a maize importer when we were a net exporter of maize in the region.The farmers said
Last year the government had asked farmers to wait for the fertiliser sourced from Saudi Arabia.The importation of fertiliser from Saudi Arabia, the first time ever, raised a lot of concerns because the private companies which should have brought in 50,000 metric tonnes of Urea had their plans shattered after the government decided to directly engage itself in the deal.
File:Labour Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela (centre) addresses a Zambia School of Management Studies meeting on the minimum wage in Lusaka
Investigations into the alleged abuse of authority of office and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) by two former Deputy Ministers have reached advanced stages.
Speaking at the quarterly media briefing Anti-Corruption Commission public relations manager Timothy Moono said investigations of Pambashe and Mwansabombwe Members of Parliament Ronald Chitotela, and Rogers Mwewa who are being investigated of misappropriation of CDF in their respective constituencies will be concluded soon.
“I cannot divulge more information regarding these matter as doing so may jeopardize the investigations. Suffice to say, the investigations have reached a very advanced stage.”
The duo who were Labour and Social Securities Deputy Minister and Agriculture Deputy Minister are being investigated for acquiring second hand motor vehicles which the intended to use as ambulances in their respective constituencies.
Mr Moono also said commission will be concluding investigations in the alleged abuse of office by former Permanent Secretary for Administration at Cabinet Office Mrs Anna Mwewa.
Meanwhile the Anti-Corruption Commission says it has recorded and instituted investigation on 22 cases misappropriation of funds from the 2012 Auditor General’s report.
The commission is also investigating 49 cases from the 2011 and 3 cases from the 2010 report.
Mr Moono said the commission has noted the reduction in the loss and misappropriation of public funds in the Auditor General’s report which reduced to K463,000 as compared to 1,060,000 in 2011 and 1,096,000 in 2010.
He said the reduction is an indication that the measures put in by government place are bearing fruits in instilling discipline among officers when handling public resources.
He further observed the need for public officers to strictly adhere to using the money to planned for activities and avoid unplanned ventures that lead to misapplication of resources.
File:MINISTER of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili displays a copy of the 2014-2018 Luanshya District Strategic Plan, as District Commissioner Harold Mbaulu(left) and Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda Bwalya (right) and Town Clerk Alex Mwansa looks on during the launch of Strategic Plan at Luanshya Civic Centre grounds
The Anti Corruption Commission has disclosed that it is investigating Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili for alleged abuse of office.
ACC Public Relations Manager Timothy Moono confirmed during a quarterly briefing this morning that Mr. Kambwili is alleged to have directed the Ministry of Sports to advertise congratulatory messages in the Times of Zambia and the Zambia Daily Mail for the Bachelor of Arts degree in public administration he obtained from Copperstone University on the Copperbelt.
[pullquote]The Commission does not need permission from anyone to investigate any public officer [/pullquote]
“I wish to confirm that the Commission has opened investigations against the Minister of Youth and Sports, of course we do not disclose details of the investigations in order not to jeopardize them but I can state here that the investigations have to do with the adverts that were caused to run in the Daily Mail and the Times of Zambia congratulating Hon. Kambwili for obtaining a degree from Copperstone University,” he said.
Mr. Moono has also disclosed that ACC has commenced investigations on former Tourism Minister Sylvia Masebo for alleged abuse of office.Ms. Masebo is alleged to have directed Zambia Wildlife Authority to pay for accommodation for witnesses who testified in the Roydah Kaoma tribunal that was probing her for professional misconduct.
Mr. Moono has revealed that the commission has recorded warn and caution statements from PF Pambashe MP Ronald Chitotela and his Mwansabombwe counterpart Rodgers Mwewa.
He added that investigations regarding abuse of office against former Permanent Secretary for administration at cabinet office Anne Mwewa have reached an advanced stage.
And Mr. Moono has clarified that ACC does not seek permission from the appointing authority when investigating Ministers.
He explained that the commission only appropriately informs the head of state before they commence any investigations.
“What we are required to do is appropriately notify the appointing authority in this case, State House, that we are investigating some of his officers. I think this is what some members of the public are construing to mean we need to seek authority from the President. This is not true. The Commission does not need permission from anyone to investigate any public officer,” Mr Moono clarified.
A Zambian Gospel Choir belting it out at Zambia’s Independence Day Celebrations in Baltimore on Saturday, 24th October, 2009
“I’ve always felt that I’m affected by the world, by the way we treat each other, by the way different countries treat each other. P. J. Harvey”
A unique trend has emerged and continues to emerge as more Zambians find the financial freedom to relocate outside Zambia and raise their children abroad. Part of this unique experience has been the existentialism dilemma that members of the diaspora have come to suffer from; this is tantamount to clinical depression as their identity has been questioned.
One thing remains as fact, Zambians living abroad occupy an intermediary existence between Zambia and their adopted countries. In Zambia, they are acutely “UNZAMBIAN” having adopted mannerisms, to a limited extent, of their adopted countries. While in their adopted countries their “Zambianess’ is fully accentuated as they are surrounded by a culture that is not their own. The psychology of most Zambians then becomes uncorrelated as they feel compelled to pronounce their adopted countries when they are in Zambia and profoundly engage in activities to reassure themselves of their “Zambiness” when they are abroad, occasionally sampling some Kapenta or Ifisashil that relatives send to them.
While many sociologists and economist have provided insurmountable research on the benefits of immigration by Africans with reports from the African Development Bank stating that “ African Migration generates win-win benefits” it is no wonder that immigration for Africans has been limited to the prism of “economic benefits” forgoing the psychological damage that immigration has done to members of the diaspora.
Western Union and Money Gram aside, we need to really discuss the psychological impact of immigration on Zambians and the systematic evolution of an existence that is neither Zambian or that of their adopted country. What most “theorists’ fail to contend or discuss, is the clinical psychological problems that Zambians abroad suffer from. This has not been much of a discussion because Zambians themselves come from a culture which does not condone psychological issues and rarely prioritizes them as a matter of genuine academic or social inquiry.
My genuine assessment from my interactions with Zambians abroad and Zambians in Zambia, reassures me that there is an informational gap between the two “individuals.” On the one hand the tradition has been to praise those abroad as having far much more sophistication than those in Zambia, while the reality is that most Zambians abroad are suffering from an identity crisis that has seen them stripped of their Zambian identity and has failed them to fully integrate in their adopted countries. Identity is the main framework of analysis, as Zambians born in Zambia can hardly ever be anything other than Zambian despite the fruitless attempts at integrating into other cultures! We need as a society to fully go beyond the economic implications of immigration and articulate the psychological detriment that it has on Zambians who have immigrated. More scrutiny has to be placed on the duality of existence that is often the reality of the men and women in the diaspora.
Only through genuine social analysis can we fully balance the economic benefits of immigration abroad with the constant nostalgia that our fellow citizens suffer from. In addition, we should all evolve beyond the sense of extolling individuals abroad and make every effort to integrate them in the culture that in their blood and mind will always be part of them, the culture of their ancestors. This will afford many Zambians abroad an opportunity to retain their roots, and become comfortable with being Zambian yet living abroad. Only when we have this approach can we truly conclude the economic benefits of immigration abroad.
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has advised Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba to concentrate on delivering the constitution rather than diverting attention from the real issue at hand.
Responding to Mr Kabimba remarks that it will take him 50 years to reach President Micheal Sata’s popularity, Mr. Hichilema says it is unfortunate that Mr. Kabimba wants to ridicule everyone he thinks of.
Mr. Hichilema has told QFM News that Mr. Kabimba is showing lack of concern to the demands of the people of Zambia for a people driven constitution.
He states that the PF Secretary General has chosen to attack the UPND because he knows the party is gaining popularity on the ground.
Mr. Hichilema says he will not waste his time responding to Mr.Kabimba who he says is busy campaigning for himself rather than for President Sata ahead of the 2016 general election.
And Mr Hichilema says his popularity can never be compared to that of President Micheal Sata.
Mr. Hichilema says he will not fall prey to telling the people of Zambia lies or things that he will not deliver once voted as President.
And UPND deputy Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo says those doubting the popularity of the UPND leader will wake up to a rude shock come 2016.
Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) says Zambians are not bothered about how much is required to hold a referendum because they are ready to spend for the sake of having a people driven constitution.
ZCSD Executive Director Lewis Mwape has told Qfm in an interview that what is important at the moment is to have a legal framework and a clear roadmap on the constitution making process and other things such as where to get the money for the referendum will come later follow.
Mr. Mwape notes that when government shows commitment in the constitution making process, many stakeholders will come in to fund the referendum as they will be inspired.
He adds that the statement coming from government with regards the referendum clearly shows that government is not concerned and committed to giving the people of Zambia a constitution.
Mr. Mwape says the current constitution may favour the ruling Patriotic Front but warns that it will work to their disadvantage come 2016.
He adds that the Pf government should take the issue of the constitution seriously and stop mocking Zambians with statements such as it is not possible to hold a referendum before 2016.
Mr. Mwape says with commitment, it is possible for the country to hold a referendum before 2016.
Veteran CAF and FIFA Match Commissioner Mukuka Chileshe has died.
The 72-year-old ex-Referee died at the UTH in Lusaka in the early hours of Monday morning just two days after he was involved in a car accident on Saturday evening in Kafue.
Mukuka had just hours before his accident acted as Match Commissioner in the FAZ Super Division match involving National Assembly and Kabwe Warriors that the latter lost 3-0 at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
GOVERNMENT is consulting various stakeholders on calls by commercial farmers and grain maize traders for the lifting of the ban on the export of maize.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Wilbur Simuusa says Zambia has vast opportunities for export markets but Government wants to ensure the country has enough maize stock before considering lifting the ban.
“I wish to take advantage at this point to confirm that I have received the request from commercial farmers and grain maize traders to allow the export of 180,000 metric tonnes of maize,” he said.
“I am engaging in wide consultation regarding this request. As you are aware, Government has put national food security as top priority and we need to be sure that there is enough stock to sustain the country before the new harvests start.”
Mr Simuusa said this during the just-ended agribusiness conference in Chisamba on Friday.
He said Zambia needs to ensure that opening maize exports does not result in increased mealie-meal prices and other grain products.
Mr Simuusa said Government is aware that the lifting of the maize ban exports will bring in much needed foreign exchange in the country.
[pullquote]“Some people are saying the Kwacha is depreciating but what is causing this fall? We should understand that the strength of our currency is dependent on copper but instead let’s export maize to earn the dollar,” Dr Scott said.[/pullquote]
He said the request is being considered and a decision will be communicated soon.
At the same event, Zambia National Farmers Union president Evelyn Nguleka said the country should take advantage of the natural resources it has to increase food production for export onto the regional market.
Dr Nguleka said the farming community in Zambia is geared to take up the challenge to start producing for both the domestic and regional markets.
“Indeed, the current regional and global food challenge puts Zambia in a position where it can rise up and position the country to be a supplier of grain in the region. Endowed with natural resources both in terms of land and water, the country is renowned for the potential it has to be the breadbasket for the region,” she said.
Last week Vice President Guy Scott had urged farmers in Zambia to export more maize for the country to increase foreign exchange earnings to help the country stabilise the volatile Kwacha.
“Some people are saying the Kwacha is depreciating but what is causing this fall? We should understand that the strength of our currency is dependent on copper but instead let’s export maize to earn the dollar,” Dr Scott said.
42 pupils arrested for taking part in a sex party have all be released. Copperbelt police commissioner Joyce Kasosa who confirmed the matter said the pupils were charged for disorderly conduct and that they had since been release after paying K22.50 admission of guilty.
The party was allegedly organised by a Grade 10 pupil from Chingola’s Kabundi Secondary School.
Ms Kasosa said the alleged sex party took place at a house in Riverside area involving 26 boys and 16 girls.
Ms Kasosa described the incident as sad and urged parents to take more responsibility for their children’s lives.
A check at the house where the sex party allegedly took place found the residence deserted and locked.
Ownership of the house could not be established by press time.
Meanwhile, Naboonga Private School management has suspended 21 pupils for allegedly taking part in a sex party in Chingola’s Riverside residential area.
Naboonga director Francesca Mulenga said of the 42 pupils who were detained by police, 21 are from her school.
“We have since suspended the pupils for three weeks for their alleged bad behaviour,” Mrs Mulenga said in a statement yesterday.
She said, however, that the school has no control over pupils when they leave the school premises.
“The pupils in question have closed school and had opted to go partying, maybe with the permission of their parents,” Mrs Mulenga said.
She said the behaviour and conduct of pupils after school is totally the responsibility of parents, hence the name of the school should not be brought into ridicule.
“In as much as we do not condone the wrongs the pupils at our school do, we will equally not be comfortable if the school is associated to the bad behaviour of pupils during school holidays,” Mrs Mulenga said.
She said the party was not organised by the school and was not held at the school premises.
“No wonder we have failed to comprehend why our school should be mentioned in such a negative context,” Mrs Mulenga said.
And the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) says it is saddened that some young people are abusing their rights by organising functions that are a danger to their lives such as the infamous sex parties in Chingola.
The sex party took place at a house in Chingola’s Riverside residential area and it involved 26 boys and 16 girls who were arrested and later released.
YWCA Copperbelt co-ordinator Sharon Chisanga said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that it is sad that children are abusing their own rights.
Ms Chisanga called on the police to arrest the owner of the house where the sex party was held.
“The owner of the house where the sex party was held must be brought to book, they must explain to the police why such a party was held at the house.
“We are worried that children have started organising such functions where they drink beer, watch pornographic movies and then have sex. This is worrying,” she said.
Ms Chisanga said young people should desist from engaging in vices that have the potential to destroy their lives, adding that the law must be firm on those behind “dirty parties”.
“This is not the first time a sex party is being organised. Remember in Ndola, a similar function was held,” Ms Chisanga said.
She urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities.
“We have a lot of sexually transmitted diseases these days including HIV/AIDS. It is, therefore, shocking that people can hold sex parties which are contributing to the increase of the HIV/AIDS infection rate,” Ms Chisanga said.
And Government has called on parents to promote good moral in their children so that they grew into decent adult that will contribute to national development.
Copperbelt Minister Mwenya said there need for parents not only to take responsibility of their children’s need but also promote good morals.
He expressed sadness over the number of pupils in the province that were suspended from school for engaging in sexual activities.
Last week, 42 pupils at Naboonga Trust School in Chingola were charged for allegedly taking part in a sex party.
And barely a month, six pupils were suspended and six excluded at Santhya Sai School in Pamodzi Township in Ndola for engaging in sexual activities.
Mr Musenge, however, called on the local authorities in the country to strengthen under age bar patronage.
He also called on supermarkets and other shops to stop the sale of alcohol to under age children as this was promoting immoral behavior among the growing generation.
“It is important for parents not only to provide needs for their children but also promote good morals in their children.
Parents should also take keen interest of their children’s behaviour and activities. It is sad to read about pupils being suspended from schools because of engaging in sexual activities,” he said.
The Minister also urged parents to work in hand with the school administration in ensuring that their children do not get involved in illicit activities that might ruin their future.
Mr Musenge appealed to all pupils in the country to become responsible of their lives as theywere the generation that the country depended on.
FORMER minister of Transport and Communications William Harrington wants the High Court to determine whether former minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo gained pecuniary advantage when she fired five Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) managers.
According to an affidavit in support of an ex parte summons for leave to apply for judicial review, Mr Harrington said he is dissatisfied with the findings of the tribunal that was set up to investigate the alleged professional misconduct of Ms Masebo.
The tribunal found that although Ms Masebo had no authority to dismiss the officers, there is no evidence to show that her conduct resulted in her acquiring pecuniary advantage or assisted another person to acquire pecuniary advantage.
The tribunal said that while it accepted that the new officers were entitled to remuneration, the tribunal found that their remuneration is not the kind of pecuniary advantage envisaged under section 4 (c) of the Act.
There was no evidence before the tribunal that the dismissals were specifically for the purpose of creating vacancies for the new officers to be employed. Consequently, it found that the minister did not breach section 4 (c) of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act.
Mr Harrington says the tribunal should have found Ms Masebo in breach of the Parliamentary Code of Conduct Act for assisting another person to acquire pecuniary advantage.
He said this is because the new officers who replaced the dismissed management at ZAWA were entitled to remuneration, which in itself was pecuniary advantageous to them arising from Ms Masebo’s action.
Mr Harrington also wants the court to determine whether or not there are various classes of pecuniary advantage acquisition, which would be said to be misconduct on the one hand and not on the other.
In November last year, acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda appointed a tribunal to investigate the alleged professional misconduct of Ms Masebo.
The members of the tribunal were High Court judges Royda Kaoma, Enerst Mukulwamutiyo and Chalwe Mchenga and held sittings from February 24 to March 11, this year.
Tribunal chairperson Justice Kaoma last month handed over the report and findings of the tribunal to President Sata in which the tribunal cleared Ms Masebo of being in breach of the Parliamentary Code of Conduct Act.
