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Docteurs Sans MÉDICINE

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Docteurs Sans MÉDICINE

By Sakwiba Sikota

Doctors Without Borders deserve all our support. The Spanish version of Doctors Without Borders is Médicos Sin Fronteras whilst he French version is Médicin Sans Frontier. They are selfless and work in very difficult situations and environments.

Doctors Without Borders was founded in 1971 in Paris France in the wake of war and famine in Biafra, Nigeria. This organisation was formed to provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare.

Last year the New Dawn government, in an attempt to service Zambians excluded from healthcare, recruited more than 30,000 health workers and sent them all over the country much like how Docteurs Sans Frontier send health personnel all over the world.

These Doctors Without Borders are sent to very difficult and at times dangerous places. It may be to the heart of a pandemic like cholera or even Ebola. Some are sent to war torn regions. That is why they are called Docteur Sans Frontiere.

The Zambian 30,000 health workers have also been sent by the New Dawn to very difficult situations.

The French have made the nomenclature it difficult by interchanging the name of Doctors Without Borders by sometimes referring to them as Docteur Sans Frontiere and at other times Médicin Sans Frontier. Docteur interchanging with Médicin.

The play with words creates interesting nomenclature.

‘Without’ is ‘sans’ in French.

‘Doctor’ is ‘Docteur’ or ‘Médecin’ in French.

‘Medicine’ is ‘Médecine’ en français.

You have no doubt noticed that the difference between doctor and medicine when translated into French is the ‘e’ at the end of médecine.

In Zambia we have the urgent need to give assistance to save lives and ease the suffering of people in crisis situations. The New Dawn have gone some way to address the shortage of medical personnel. The crisis however, seems to be in the chronic shortage of drugs.

What we have in Zambia is not Doctuers Sans Frontier but, due to the chronic shortage of medicine in the New Dawn health facilities, we have gone further than the French interchange of Docteur with Médicin. We have opted for médecine.

In recognizing the chronic difficulties Zambians are facing in getting drugs for medical treatment, the New Dawn has played around with the French version of ‘Doctors Without Borders’ and coined the nomenclature Zambian version to be “Docteurs Sans Médecine.”

Ndola Nurse Cleared of Involvement in Priest’s Murder: Real Killer Arrested through Stolen Mobile Phone

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Ndola Nurse Cleared of Involvement in Priest’s Murder: Real Killer Arrested through Stolen Mobile Phone

A nurse based in Ndola has been cleared of any involvement in the murder of her lover, a Catholic priest, last September. The real killer, Danny Makina of Kitwe’s Kapoto area, was arrested after a stolen mobile phone led police to his whereabouts.

On September 18, 2022, Father Mbebe was found dead with his car stolen, lying a few kilometers away from his lover’s house in a pool of his blood with a brick, suspected to be the weapon used in the crime besides his body. A quick police investigation traced the priest’s last hours on earth to Justina Luchele, who is said to have been his lover. Justina, a nurse at Arthur Davies Children’s Hospital in Ndola, was then arrested and detained to help with investigations.

However, five months down the line, the nurse has been vindicated and can resume her duties of checking patients’ vitals and administering injections and cannulas while donning her immaculate white uniform after police released her from detention.

According to Copperbelt Police commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba, investigations instituted into the matter through Michael Chilufya Sata toll plaza, revealed that Father Mbebe’s stolen car passed through the toll gate around 21:42 hours on September 17, last year, the day the deceased was murdered and robbed. The vehicle was driven by a lone driver whose identity could not be clearly captured by CCTV of the toll plaza.

But further investigations led to the recovery of the stolen phone on December 12, last year which was sold to Sofia Mulumbi of Kalulushi. Mulumbi revealed that she just bought the phone from a man identified as Ronald Kashipe who eventually led to the apprehension of the prime suspect Makina. After a thorough police interrogation, Makina admitted murdering Father Mbebe. Makina also revealed stealing the motor vehicle, a Toyota Corolla VVTI reg No. ACV 8334 silver in colour which he later sold to a Congolese National who is also a businessman based in Kasumbalesa, Mweemba disclosed.

Makina is currently in police custody after he pleaded guilty to the murder. A docket of murder and Aggravated robbery has been opened. The police are urging anyone with any information that may assist investigations to come forward and contact the nearest police station.

Sampa criticizes the way the street vending issue is being handled by UPND, calls for comprehensive solution

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Sampa criticizes the way the street vending issue is being handled by UPND, calls for comprehensive solution

Matero Member of Parliament Miles B. Sampa, has criticized the handling of the street vendors issue by President Hakainde Hichimema and Local Government Minister Garry Nkombo.

Earlier Mr Nkombo had ordered the clearance of street vendors from the central business district (CBD) of Lusaka, a move made in an effort to prevent a potential outbreak of cholera in the city, but was later reversed by President Hakainde Hichilema.

According to Hon. Sampa, the decision to reverse the clearing of street vendors was made during a meeting at Statehouse, where Nkombo and the Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, invited all Lusaka district MPs to attend. However, Hon. Sampa was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

In his statement, Hon. Sampa acknowledges that the intentions of Nkombo and the President are good, but argues that they are both right and wrong in their approach. He explains that Nkombo is correct in wanting a clean city for health reasons, but wrong in how it will negatively impact the livelihoods of street vendors who depend on that revenue to feed and educate their children. Similarly, the President is right in prioritizing the economic needs of street vendors, but wrong in that if cholera does break out, lives may be lost and the blame will fall on his shoulders.

Hon. Sampa also notes that the issue of street vendors is a complicated one, as it is a main source of income for party cadres. He suggests that it would take a shrewd government to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.

Hon. Sampa also talked about his past experience as the Mayor of Lusaka, where he had to deal with the issue of street vendors. He stated that during his tenure, he had implemented several measures to ensure that the city remains clean and hygienic. He also said that he had zero tolerance for street vendors and had taken strict action against them whenever necessary. He further added that during his tenure, Lusaka did not record any outbreak of cholera. He believes that constant reminder to residents to wash their hands regularly, drink boiled water and avoid shallow wells water were the reasons for no cholera outbreak.

However, Hon. Sampa also acknowledged that street vendors were an important part of the city’s economy. He stated that street vendors were the only means of livelihood for many people and that it was not fair to deprive them of their livelihoods. He further added that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure that the city remains clean and hygienic while also providing support to street vendors.

Hon. Sampa also talked about the political aspect of the issue of street vendors. He stated that the issue was a hot potato as it was one of the main income sources for party cadres. He further added that the practice of collecting daily levies on behalf of ‘the council and party’ in theory but in reality it was on behalf of their pockets was prevalent. He said that street vendors believed in the ‘We put you in power’ entitlement.

In conclusion, Hon. Sampa wished the President and Minister Nkombo the best of luck in addressing the street vendor situation in Lusaka, but reminded them of their previous promises of zero tolerance for street vendors before the last general election. He stated that it was important for the government to find a solution that benefits all parties involved, including street vendors and the city’s residents. He also reminded that Cholera is a real threat to lives and that it was important for the government to take necessary steps to prevent an outbreak.

Hon. Sampa also urged the government to come up with alternative means of livelihood for street vendors, so that they can earn a livelihood without having to resort to vending on the streets. He also called on the government to provide support to street vendors, such as training programs and financial assistance, to help them transition to more sustainable livelihoods. It is important for the government to find a balance between ensuring a clean and healthy city and protecting the rights and livelihoods of street vendors. Hon. Sampa hopes that the government will take a comprehensive and holistic approach in addressing the street vendor situation in Lusaka, and that the rights and needs of all parties involved will be taken into consideration.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrives in Zambia next week

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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrives in Zambia next week

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will travel to Zambia, Senegal and South Africa during the next two weeks, as the United States aims to strengthen ties with a continent that has been the focus of Chinese trade and investment for years.

While in Africa, Secretary Yellen will highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to deepen U.S.-Africa economic ties, including by expanding trade and investment flows and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

This follows the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held last month in Washington, DC, where President Biden announced over $15 billion in two-way trade and investment commitments, deals, and partnerships.

Secretary Yellen will discuss the ways that the United States is working with African leaders to build a stronger and more resilient economy on the continent that benefits their citizens, the U.S., and the entire world.

That includes by funding high quality infrastructure investments through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, preventing and preparing for future pandemics through the new Pandemic Fund, partnering to strengthen democracies and institutions against corruption, and helping African countries address debt vulnerabilities.

While in Africa, the Secretary will also underscore the importance of accelerating clean energy access, helping countries adapt to a changing climate, promoting a just energy transition and providing greater economic opportunity for communities and businesses.

During her engagements, Yellen will urge further action to evolve the multilateral development banks to better address global challenges like climate change, health and pandemics, and conflict and fragility, complementing these institutions’ work on poverty reduction and inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

During her travel, the Secretary will also underscore the spillover effects of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, which have disproportionately hurt developing countries in Africa and globally.

The Secretary will note the steps the U.S. has taken to boost food security, including through over $13.5 billion in assistance, a call for international financial institutions to develop and implement an Action Plan to Address Food Insecurity and new support to the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.

Given the continued urgency to strengthen both short-term and long-term food security, the Secretary will also discuss implementation of the U.S. – Africa Strategic Partnership on Food Security launched at the African Leaders Summit.

Secretary Yellen will also highlight work to address high energy costs by promoting market stability, including through the price cap on Russian oil.

On January 22, Secretary Yellen will travel to Lusaka and she will visit a community health site where she will participate in a tour to highlight joint efforts to advance global health.

Later, Secretary Yellen will visit Mylan Lab’s Lusaka distribution center.

Mylan Labs is a U.S. firm that employs 75 workers at this facility helping to distribute anti-malarial and anti-retroviral treatments.

Secretary Yellen will tour the facility and highlight U.S. – Africa joint efforts to promote a healthy population, improve global health security, and collaborate to prevent and prepare for future pandemics.

Secretary Yellen will then participate in a lunch with business leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Zambia, including a spray at the top of lunch.

After lunch, Secretary Yellen will participate in bilateral meeting with the President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema; Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane; and the Governor of the Bank of Zambia, Denny H. Kalyalya.

Bilateral meetings with the President and Finance Minister will have photo sprays and brief remarks at the top for pre-approved media.

On January 24, Secretary Yellen will tour two agricultural-related sites in Zambia.

During her visit, the Secretary will deliver remarks highlighting the work the Treasury Department and the U.S. government are engaged in to promote climate-resilient agriculture and food production, as well as to mitigate the global spillover effects of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

In the evening, Secretary Yellen will travel to Pretoria, South Africa.

Government completes payment of salary arrears for over 30,000 newly recruited teachers

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Government completes payment of salary arrears for over 30,000 newly recruited teachers

The government has announced that it has successfully completed the payment of salary arrears for over 30,000 teachers who were recruited last year and were not yet on the payroll. Education Minister Douglas Siakalima stated that by December 2022, the Ministry of Finance had released the necessary funds to clear the salary arrears for some teachers who had gone without pay for three months after reporting for work in their respective stations.

In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Siakalima acknowledged that the delay in paying some teachers was not intentional, but rather the result of some newly recruited teachers not having submitted all the required documents, including their bank details, for the government to initiate the payments.

In November of last year, some newly recruited teachers threatened to go on strike due to the government’s failure to pay them their three months’ salary arrears, despite having already started work and submitted all the necessary details through the various district education boards offices where they were deployed.

The government has expressed its appreciation for the role that teachers play in shaping its citizens and is glad to have resolved this issue. Education Minister Douglas Siakalima urges all teachers to ensure that they submit all the required documents promptly to avoid any delays in their payments in the future.

Street Vendors Welcome Halt of Removal Plans, Call for Collective Planning and Alternative Trading Places

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Street Vendors Welcome Halt of Removal Plans, Call for Collective Planning and Alternative Trading Places

The Informal Sector Workers have welcomed the halting of plans to remove street vendors from the Lusaka Central Business District. The Alliance for Zambia Informal Economy Associations (AZIE) General Secretary, Lameck Kashiwa, has called on the government to engage all stakeholders and plan collectively before making any decision regarding street vending. Kashiwa noted with concern that the government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, was quick to make a decision on the removal of street vendors from the Lusaka Central Business District before finding alternative trading places for them.

Street vending is an important source of livelihood for many Zambians, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed. These vendors rely on the income they earn from their small businesses to support themselves and their families. However, street vending can also have negative impacts on public health and safety, as well as on the overall aesthetic of the city.

To address these concerns, the government had planned to remove street vendors from the Lusaka Central Business District in order to combat cholera and other diarrheal diseases. Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo had directed local authorities to ensure all street vendors are moved to designated trading places by Monday, January 16th, 2023. However, this decision was met with resistance from the Informal Sector Workers, who argued that removing street vendors without providing alternative trading places would negatively impact their businesses and livelihoods.

In response to these concerns, President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that no street vendors should be removed from the streets until further consultations are done. Kashiwa has since commended President Hichilema for this decision, noting that for the informal sector to succeed, the government needs to put in place measures that will support their businesses.

However, some street vendors have vowed not to vacate the streets citing lack of trading space in markets. They have argued that they largely depend on their small businesses for income and removing them out of the street without an alternative trading place will negatively affect their businesses.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) Executive Director Leah Mitaba has condemned the move by the government to restrict street vending without providing adequate trading places in the central business district. She has advised the government to broaden areas of economic activities which people can be involved in to ensure proper restriction of street vending going forward.

Some commentators said that , while the government’s move to combat cholera and other diarrheal diseases is commendable, it is important to engage all stakeholders and find alternative trading places for the street vendors before making any decision. The informal sector plays a significant role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product and measures to support their businesses should be put in place to ensure their success. It is crucial for the government to involve the community, private sector, and other stakeholders in this process to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.

Part Two: First Time I Met President Kaunda

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Part Two: First Time I Met President Kaunda

By Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D. Emeritus Professor of Sociology

(Names of people have been changed to respect their privacy)

“Your—- excellency, Sir, ehh!!!” I said still stuttering but regaining my composure. “My boss, President Hansen of Oakhill University College has sent me to ask if you could come and address our students at the college. The fifteen hundred students at the Christian school are mostly white. They would be honored and would learn a lot about Africa and Zambia if you visited us.”

“Mr. Mufwaya!” President Kaunda calmly called as I was talking. “Have you found it?”

“Not yet, Mukwayi,” Mr. Mufwaya replied from the kitchen. “I am starting to do laundry.”

Conversations went back and forth with his staff as the President and I talked. He said he and Mr. Mufwaya would look at his schedule. We can discuss the date and details later. As I was realizing my five minutes would be up soon, a spontaneous urge came over me about the numerous questions I had been curious to ask him for many years.

“Sir, I have been curious for many years. What was it like to meet South African Prime Minister Vorster in the train car in the middle of the Zambezi railway Victoria Falls bridge in the fight against white racist apartheid policy in South Africa?”

President Kaunda’s face animated and eyes suddenly sparkled with passion. He began to describe to me that he had been doing everything or anything to fight and negotiate to dismantle apartheid. He knew that without the peaceful resolution of apartheid, there would be terrible bloodshed in the whole of Southern Africa. His sudden passion was as if my question had turned on a switch.

“Vorster was very treacherous… deceitful…insincere….” Suddenly President Kaunda paused in thought. It was as if he had realized something. “If you were……well young man….” His voice faded away.

“Mr. Mufwaya! Are you ready?” President Kaunda suddenly yelled.

“No!” Mr. Mufwaya replied from the kitchen. “Mukwayi, I am busy doing laundry and doing some house work today. Can he take my place?”

I was not paying attention to the conversations because I knew my five minutes were nearly up and I was very happy and ready to leave.

“Young man, can you play golf?” President Kuanda suddenly asked.

I glanced around me because I thought the question was directed at someone else behind me. There was no one else behind me.

“You mean me?” I jabbed at my chest with my forefinger.

“Yes!”

“Yes, of course!” my sudden emphatic reply shocked me. What was I doing?

“Mr. Mufwaya, can you get and lend your golf shirt to the Professor?”

Since I was a young boy from the village through secondary school, I was the worst person at sports. In the chifwayo soccer or football I played with other boys using a ball tied with rags and tree fiber, the choice of who would be on the two teams was always humiliating for me. I was last to be chosen. If the total number of players was an odd number like 7 or 9, I was last and the one player who both teams willingly said: “You can have Mwizenge on your team! He doesn’t matter.” The teams would then play with my team having 4 players against 3 or 5 against 4. One time when I was at the Prestigious Chizongwe Secondary School, I tried to learn how to play tennis singles with my classmates Charlie, Mike, Ben and Ruskin in 1970. I failed miserably.

For some reason, when I was doing my Ph. D. at Michigan State University in 1985, I decided to learn how to play golf. I took ten lessons. I thanked my stars because today twenty-one years later in 2006, I was going to be able to play golf with my hero President Kaunda. What a lucky son of a gun? God sometimes blesses fools like myself. I thought to myself.

When we arrived at the golf course for tee off, a 65-year-old African-American man was paired with his 30-year-old son. President Kaunda and I were paired. The President was going to drive our golf cart. At that moment, a million thoughts rushed through my head. There were no cell phones yet for me to take selfies. I wished at that moment that my parents, my brothers and sisters, family members in Zambia and America, my wife, and my childhood friends were there to see me play golf with President Kaunda. Who was going to believe this? Even I could not believe it. It felt like a dream.

After a few minutes of these fantasies, I made one important decision: to enjoy every second and minute of my 18 rare holes of golf with President Kaunda. I decided to talk little but see, hear, smile, smell, and laugh. You can never really enjoy special moments if you are trying to talk at the same time during the whole time.

I was not going to try to be a golf hero hitting the ball 300 yards or 275 meters. If you hit the ball too wildly as a terrible golfer myself, the ball would end up in the bushes under trees. You waste time looking for the ball in thick bushes. I decided I was going to play it very safe. I would drive the ball for about 100 yards or 91 meters in the middle of the fare way. And that’s what I did for 18 holes. I avoided embarrassing myself. President Kaunda had one of the smoothest beautiful swings in golf I had ever seen.

As we were motoring toward the 18th hole, it was getting dark, cold, and raining. I held our large umbrella as President Kaunda drove our cart. When we arrived back at the apartment, I was thoroughly content to leave. I told my hosts I was going to leave to find a motel room, sleep, and fly out of Boston in the morning at 8:00hrs. President Kaunda would not hear it. He said I was welcome to sleep in the one spare bedroom they had.

We did not call a taxi or get a limousine to go out to a restaurant for dinner. President Kaunda took a warm bath. All five of us walked, with President Kaunda in the middle, in a single file along the sidewalk of the busy city street at night in the City of Boston, the way we walk on a bush path between rural villages in Zambia.

After four blocks, we arrived at an Indian Restaurant where we ate a delicious dinner amidst jokes and hearty laughter. When we arrived back at the apartment late that evening, I bid President Kaunda goodbye thanking him for the great wonderful time I had. When I hugged him good night, I noticed he was so tall that my forehead barely touched the bottom of his chest. Early the following morning, Mr. Phiri escorted me to the railway station on my way back to Boston Logan International airport for my flight back Washington, D. C. to Oakhill University College.

IMF chief to visit Zambia

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IMF chief to visit Zambia

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva will visit Zambia later this month.

Georgieva on Thursday said she would visit Zambia the week after next.

She also announced that a new global sovereign debt “roundtable” that will include China, other creditors and some borrowing countries will meet for the first time next month on the sidelines of a Group of 20 finance officials meeting in India.

Georgieva will travel to Africa after speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week.

Georgieva, the first person from an emerging market economy to head the International Monetary Fund, told reporters debt relief was critical for heavily indebted nations to avoid cuts in social services and other repercussions.

The Bulgarian economist, who has pushed hard for quicker movement on debt relief, said she would travel to Zambia in two weeks, and hoped the African country would become the second nation after Chad to complete a debt treatment process under the Common Framework.

The framework was set up by the Group of 20 major economies and the Paris Club of official creditors in October 2020 to help countries weather the COVID crisis, but it has been plagued by long delays.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other Group of Seven have grown increasingly frustrated about what they see as foot-dragging by China in moving forward on debt treatments for countries seeking help.

China, for its part, argues that multilateral institutions should also required to accept reductions in the debt they are owed.

Georgieva said reforms were needed, noting that Ghana was debating whether to seek relief under the G20 Common Framework, but remained concerned about how that process would work and how soon a debt treatment could be agreed.

She said the new roundtable would not substitute for the Common Framework, but would seek to work on transparency, timing of debt treatments, how to set cutoff dates for loans to be considered, and other issues that were not fully resolved.

“The main objective of the roundtable … (is to) bring everybody around the table at the most senior levels,” she said.

“So we had the Common Framework and as it happens, it was this week that it delivered to the fullest, Chad. I’m going to Zambia next week, no, next week, the week after. I really hope Zambia would be the second case. And we know that Ghana is debating whether they should go to the Common Framework. What is the one issue they are concerned about, than anyone is concerned about? Speed and predictability. If we ask for it, do we know how it would work? Do we know what would be the timeline for debt resolution? We have no intention to substitute for the Common Framework,” she said.

She added, “We actually think this roundtable can help the Common Framework by thinking through some of the issues that are still not fully resolved. For example, how do we define a cutoff date for loans to not be considered in restructuring? What is the timeline? From the moment a request is made until a resolution is reached? What is the transparency requirement for the process? This roundtable can help, but the main objective of the roundtable. it is very commonsensical. Bring everybody around the table to discuss these issues at the most senior level. At the ministerial level, at the head of agency level, at the level of private finance CEOs.”

“And in terms of who would participate of the debtor countries, we don’t yet have a full definition of participation. We are going to certainly invite that the countries that are G20 members because our intention is to aim for first meeting of the roundtable at the margins of the G20 finance ministers, central bank governors meeting. But this is this first meeting is also a preliminary meeting. It is for us to come together and reach some common understanding of what we aim to achieve. And then the intention is to have meetings of the roundtable at the margins of Spring meetings and Annual meetings.”

It was not yet clear which borrowing countries would participate, Georgieva added, but the intention was to invite G20 members who were also borrowers, since the inaugural meeting would take place in India at next month’s meeting of G20 finance officials.

Georgieva first discussed the new roundtable last month after a visit to China, noting it would also include private sector creditors and multilateral institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.

The IMF estimates that 60% of low-income countries are in or near debt distress, along with some middle-income countries, but Georgieva said she did not believe the world was facing a systemic debt crisis with contagion risks.

She said she was seeing greater willingness in Beijing – now the world’s largest sovereign creditor – to accept rescheduling of debt or interest rate changes, although officials there remained skeptical about actual debt reductions.

“Of course it is much better if debt reduction is done upfront, not through a reprofiling but with a … haircut,” she said, adding the IMF was continuing discussions with China as lender about the value of having countries actually being able to service their debts.

Zambia eyes fuel imports from neighbouring Angola

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Zambia eyes fuel imports from neighbouring Angola

Zambia plans to import fuel from its oil-producing neighbour Angola in the government’s push to lower pump prices and stem supply shocks.

Zambia has agreed to buy a stake in Angola’s Lobito refinery in Benguela Province along the Atlantic Coast.

President Hakainde Hichilema, during his three-day visit to Angola, assured his host that his country would invest in the Lobito refinery that is under construction.

“It makes no sense to import fuel from other parts of the world when we have a neighbouring producer,” President Hichilema told journalists at a press conference in the capital Luanda after a meeting with President João Lourenço.

“I don’t know how we have managed to maintain this situation of buying fuel from Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world and not from our neighbour,” he added.

President Hichilema arrived in Luanda Tuesday and visited the refinery in Benguela on Thursday and the Lobito corridor, consisting of railroad and port, offering the shortest route linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s key mining regions to the Atlantic Coast.

In July, the Angola government signed a 30-year concession with a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil Engineering and Construction Africa, and Vecturis, Belgium, to operate rail services and offer logistical support for the Lobito corridor.

The rail line runs approximately 1290km from Luau on the eastern border with DRC to the Lobito Port on the Atlantic.

Angola and Zambia are also conducting a feasibility study for a proposed oil pipeline from the Lobito refinery to Lusaka.

President Lourenço said the refinery construction is expected to be concluded in 2026.

“It is very natural that Zambia, as our neighbour, has a great interest in acquiring these fuels in Angola, in the neighbouring country, especially when Angola has a greater capacity to refine the crude oil it extracts,” President Lourenço said.

The refinery is projected to process up to 200,000 barrels per day when completed.

According to a proposed governance structure, private investors, including Zambia, will own 70 percent of the refinery, with Angola state oil firm Sonangol controlling a 30 percent stake.

PF denies IMF report on inflated cost of projects

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PF denies IMF report on inflated cost of projects

Former ruling party, the Patriotic Front party has rejected a report by the International Monetary Fund saying corruption flourished under its government.

The IMF said this week the political elite under former president Edgar Lungu bent rules to access lucrative government contracts.

Current President Hakainde Hichilema pledged to tackle corruption and secured $1.3 billion in IMF debt support after Zambia defaulted to creditors.

An IMF mission conducted a study last year focusing on governance weaknesses and corruption vulnerabilities in Zambia at the request of local authorities.

The assessment revealed serious weaknesses across all state functions, especially public financial management and the granting and managing of contracts of large infrastructure projects.

It said the cost of high-profile projects were inflated by as much as 200 percent under Lungu, with the extra money going into the pockets of well-connected Lungu supporters.

Several former government officials were arrested on corruption charges.

However, the arrests ended in bail, with defendants denying the accusations.

No convictions have been secured.

Patriotic Front spokesperson Raphael Nakachinda denied the IMF allegations of large-scale corruption under Lungu.

Nakachinda told VOA that while in government, the Patriotic Front had put in place measures to ensure transparency and accountability in public procurement.

He challenged the current government to take legal action against any of its former leaders found wanting.

“We ensured at the time that we were in office that all government contracts go through a rigorous public bidding process to ensure transparency and accountability and there are sufficient laws in Zambia to allow citizens to object, appeal or challenge any government contract process they deem is shrouded in corruption. The tender process is a public process and therefore those allegations are malicious,” Nakachinda said.

Presidential spokesperson Anthony Bwalya told VOA that the IMF report is a confirmation of what the government of Hichilema has always known — that corruption in Zambia had worsened under the Lungu administration.

“This is why the president has made it a fundamental priority to win the fight against corruption as part of the process towards rebuilding the economy,” Bwalya said.

“We have set up the financial crimes fast track courts to expedite the process of holding accountable perpetrators of grand scale corruption, we have also reformed the public financial management systems for better transparency as well as reforming the public procurement process.”

For Boyd Muleya, an economist at the research organization the Centre for Policy, Trade and Development, the IMF report is an important step toward enhancing the fight against corruption in Zambia.

“We are happy that there’s a drum up towards ensuring that the rule of law is brought back, that transparency is enhanced, we are still yet to hear the progress on access to information in this country,” Muleya said.

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, a faith-based non-governmental organization that champions social justice told VOA the alleged corruption affected the poor the most in the past 8 years, because they were left without access to basic social services like water, food, sanitation and health.

According to the World Bank, about two-thirds of Zambia’s population lives on less than two dollars a day.

Small Businesses in Zambia Brace for Economic Doom-Sean Tembo

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Small Businesses in Zambia Brace for Economic Doom-Sean Tembo

Small businesses in Zambia are facing an uncertain future, as economic conditions continue to deteriorate. In a statement released today, Mr. Sean Tembo, President of the Patriotic Front (PeP), highlighted the dire situation facing small traders in the country.

“From 2020 to 2021, most businesses suffered largely because of the COVID-19 restrictions and the added cost of doing business due to compliance requirements such as masks, sanitizer etcetera. By the beginning of 2022, most small businesses were depressed and it was hoped that with the end of COVID-19, the year 2022 would provide some room for recovery,” said Mr. Tembo.

However, the economic situation has not improved as hoped. Mr. Tembo explained, “Throughout 2022, business was very bad especially for small traders. This was largely because of lack of liquidity as the New Dawn Government decided not to pay it’s many domestic creditors because they suspected that they were affiliated to the former PF regime, and paying them might amount to funding the opponent. Because there was no money in circulation, most businesses suffered regardless of their political affiliations.”

The rainy season, which typically sees a decline in business for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is set to further exacerbate the situation.

Mr. Tembo stated, “By December 2022, most traders were bracing themselves for the onset of the rain season. Business is often very bad during rain season for almost all traders and SMEs. Therefore, the period from December to around March is often a period of doom for most small businesses which are already depressed due to the after-effects of COVID-19 and lack of money in circulation.”

To add insult to injury, the government has introduced load shedding at the end of December 2022, which is seen as the final blow for small businesses already struggling to survive. Mr. Tembo said, “To add insult to injury, Government decided to introduced loadsheding towards the end of December 2022. This was seen to be the final nail in the coffin for small business, which were already extremely depressed.”

Adding to the economic troubles, the New Dawn administration has also embarked on a project to clear street vendors across the country. The definition of a street vendor has reportedly been expanded, which could have a significant impact on traders not only in the city center but also in townships.

Mr. Tembo said “It is evident that with the passing of each day, President Hakainde Hichilema is formulating and implementing policies which have only one effect; to kill the common man from hunger. But the question is; for how long will the common man allow himself to be squeezed before he reacts? My considered view is not so long. If the New Dawn administration continues on its current path of squeezing the common Zambian citizen, I foresee street protests before the end of 2023.”

HH to Attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Discuss Clean Energy Solutions and Strengthen Bilateral Ties with UAE

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HH to Attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Discuss Clean Energy Solutions and Strengthen Bilateral Ties with UAE

President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia is set to travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The trip, which takes place from January 15th to 17th, 2023, is in order to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

As the chair of the Africa negotiation team in the lead up to COP28, the ADSW provides an opportunity for Zambia to share ideas with other like-minded nations and institutions on sustainable renewable energy that resonates with the existing global climate change issues. In addition, President Hichilema has been invited to participate in a high level panel discussion on the topic “Enabling Africa to Become a Clean Energy Powerhouse”.

The invitation is not only a demonstration of the growing relations between the two countries, but also provides an opportunity to initiate new as well as operationalize existing cooperation agreements. The undertaking, which has come at a time when Zambia is faced with an energy deficit, will also set a platform for the head of state to unlock opportunities for increased investment in renewable and alternative sources of energy in Zambia and by extension, address the perennial electricity deficits.

President Hichilema has also lined up engagements with key UAE-government owned institutions that have expressed interest to cooperate with Zambia in strategic economic sectors, including energy, mining, finance, hospitality, agriculture and logistics. In addition, President Hichilema is scheduled to pursue opportunities and support for MSME’s that will augment the government’s existing effort to stimulate private sector growth.

President Hichilema is focused on identifying opportunities and leveraging such opportunities to the betterment of Zambia. In this regard, he will continue to engage with key strategic partners such as the UAE in a bid to grow the country’s economy, thus creating the much needed employment opportunities for the youth and improve living standards for all Zambians.

The President is expected to depart the UAE immediately after his engagements. The press statement was released by Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Nkana Victorious, Zesco Rout Red Arrows

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Nkana and Zesco United posted important league wins on Saturday as they battle to make their way out of unfamiliar territory on the 2022/2023 FAZ Super League table.

At Nkana Stadium in Kitwe, Nkana beat bottom of the table Buildcon 2-1 to bounce back from last weekends 1-0 away loss at  Kabwe Warriors.

Nkana winger Fallo Manango who replaced Patrick Gondwe in the 40th minute had a say in win heading into a scoreless first half. 
Manango’s 47th minute corner was headed in by Lameck Kafwaya. 

He then won a 62nd minute penalty that was converted by Nkana captain Harrison Chisala. 

But Buildcon left Kitwe with a dignified loss when Alex Mwitwa scored the consolidation goal in the 74th minute. 

Nkana rise from 15th and out of the relegation zone to number 13 on 23 points. 

Buildcon stays rooted at the bottom a week after beating their first win of the season last Saturday when they beat Nchanga Rangers 2-0 at home in Ndola. 

At Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka, Zesco recorded a knockout result over defending league champions  Red Arrows. 

Zesco left the Capital with a 3-0 win to avenge the 1-0 home loss from last August in Ndola against the team that ousted them as Zambian champions last season and saw them settle for second best. 

Collins Sikombe scored a second half hattrick in the 65th and 90th minutes that he sandwiched with a 66th minute penalty.

Zesco jumps from 12th to 9th on 25 points, two points behind Arrows who are 7th and twelve points behind leaders Power Dynamos.

2022/2023 FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 19
14/01/2023
Red Arrows 0-Zesco United 3
FC MUZA 1-Green Eagles 0
Chambishi 0-Green Buffaloes 3
Lumwana Radiants 0-Power Dynamos 0
Nchanga Rangers 2-Zanaco 1
Nkana 2-Buildcon 1
Prison Leopards 1-Kansanshi Dynamos 1
Forest Rangers 1- Kabwe Warriors 1
15/01/2023
Nkwazi-Napsa Stars

Chipata Mayor George Mwanza evacuated to UTH for specialist treatment

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Chipata Mayor George Mwanza evacuated to UTH for specialist treatment

The Zambia Flying Doctor Service has evacuated Chipata Mayor George Mwanza to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for specialist treatment following a tragic accident involving his official vehicle last Thursday. The incident, which took place in Petauke’s Mtilizi area, claimed the life of one passenger and left the mayor with stable injuries. The driver of the vehicle, Isaac Mbewe, and another passenger, Paul Malichi, both employees of Chipata City Council, also sustained injuries in the accident.

Mayor Mwanza was first admitted to Kalindawalo General Hospital in Petauke after the accident, which happened around 21:00 hours on Thursday. The driver of the vehicle, Isaac Mbewe, lost control of the car and overturned due to excessive speed, according to Eastern Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer Lucky Munkondya who confirmed the accident in a statement to ZNBC News.

After receiving initial treatment, Mayor Mwanza was then transferred to Chipata Central Hospital for further medical attention. And today, the Zambia Flying Doctor Service evacuated the youngest mayor in the country to the UTH for specialist treatment. According to some doctors who attended to Mr. Mwanza at Chipata Central hospital, the mayor’s condition is stable.

Mr. Mbewe, the driver, has been discharged from the hospital while Mr. Malichi, a Chipata Council Police Officer was discharged yesterday.

The accident claimed the life of one passenger, Lyson Mwale aged 37, who died of serious injuries around 23:00 hours at Kalindawalo hospital where he was rushed for treatment. “The Mayor sustained chest pains and a cut on the head, while the deceased sustained suspected internal injuries, bleeding from the mouth and nose. Another passenger, Male, Paul Malichi aged 38 of Chipata Council sustained a painful head and left shoulder,” said Ms. Munkondya.

Mayor Mwanza was seen off at Chipata Airport by UPND Deputy National Chairperson Andrew Banda, Chipata District Commissioner Elida Banda, and Sinda District Commissioner David Tembo.

This tragic incident was not the only road traffic accident to occur along the Great East Road this week. Two other accidents were recorded, with one resulting in the death of a Mozambican male and the other leaving a driver with a painful shoulder and suspected fractured leg. The first accident involved a Mozambican male, Euflone Andre Bene, aged 32, who died on the spot after sustaining head injuries. The accident occurred at around 14:00 hours in Malilangwe area of Nyimba district when the driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the motor vehicle before it overturned.

The second accident involved a driver identified as Nelson Ahvano Antonio Cassimo, aged 40, equally of Beira Mozambique. The driver sustained a painful left shoulder and a suspected fractured left leg. The accident happened when the driver failed to negotiate a curve due to excessive speed. The driver was admitted to Nyimba District Hospital

Bowman Lusambo Claims that China and Russia Provide More for Zambia than the West

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Bowman Lusambo Claims that China and Russia Provide More for Zambia than the West

Former Kabushi Lawmaker Hon. Bowman Chilosha Lusambo has sparked controversy by claiming that while the West is giving Zambia “condoms and other small things,” China and Russia have provided the country with “infrastructure and fertilizer among other things.”

In a statement made on Saturday, January 14th during what he called new address, Hon. Lusambo called on President Hakainde Hichilema to visit China and Russia, stressing the need for the visit to be treated as a matter of emergency. “We know the West has been giving us condoms and small things but China has been giving us infrastructure while Russia has been giving us fertilizer,” he said.

The former lawmaker also stated that the answers to Zambia’s economic challenges can be found in China and Russia, and that the two countries are the country’s best friends, not the West. He added that when Zambia asks China to construct a health post in Chongwe, the Chinese government understands and acts accordingly.

Hon. Lusambo’s comments have sparked a debate in the country, with some agreeing with his views and others criticizing them. Many have pointed out that while China and Russia may have provided Zambia with some infrastructure and resources, the country still relies heavily on aid and support from the West.

However, Hon. Lusambo has stood by his statements and has urged President Hichilema to make a decision “today” and visit China in order to secure the country’s development.

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