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Over six hundred companies are at the verge of being de-registered for failing to submit annual returns to the Patents and Companies Registration Agency-Pacra.
Pacra- has confirmed that it is in the process of deregistering companies which have failed to submit annual returns for the year 2012.
PACRA Senior Inspector of Companies Joseph Moola says over 6 hundred companies will be de-registered in the next three months if they do not submit their annual returns.
Mr. Moola was speaking to ZNBC news in an interview at the on going Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola.
The Bank of Zambia has said that the planned re-basing of the Kwacha will not be effected this month as earlier projected. This is because the process of re-basing is complex and demands sufficient time to address issues involved.
Central Bank Head of Public Relations Kanguya Mayondi said that the bank will be meeting the printer and minter engaged to make the new currency.
Meanwhile, Mr Mayondi has advised the business community in the country to comply with the new law restricting the usage of U.S dollars in the transactions. He said the Central Bank is working with Law Enforcement agencies to implement the measure.
ZNBC’s Tamara Mhango reports from the on going Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola that the regulator of banks and financial institutions in ready to prosecute erring firms. Mr Mayondi has also clarified that the hospitality industry has a certain window that allows them to quote in dollars because of the nature of their business.
Meanwhile, the Kwacha strengthened to its highest level in nearly two months , driven up by the new law restricting the usage of U.S dollars in the transactions. Commercial banks quoted the Kwacha at 5,110/5,160 to the dollar, compared to Friday’s close of 5,140. It traded at a session high of 5,105, a level last seen on May 11, when it traded at 5,080 to the dollar.
The new law has increased demand for the the Kwacha forcing some people to Kwacha into to convert their dollars to kwacha to be able to transact.
The new law came into force on May 18 and prohibits the use of foreign currency to buy domestic goods and services. Penalties include up to 10 years in jail. The policy was intended to limit the common practice of quoting goods and services, such as health and education, in dollars instead of kwacha.
SALMA: A warm, people loving person with a personality I think accommodates people from all walks of life. That being other than the obvious. *laughs* Yes, I am a recording and performing Zambian artist.
KAPA187: Your first “big break” came when you were featured on JK’song “kapiripiri”.how did that come about ,and did you expect the song to do as well as it did?
SALMA: You know it’s funny we had a very easy time in the studio getting Kapiripiri done. It was a project that was effortless, from audio to video. J.K approached me to collaborate with him on the track and I agreed and that’s pretty much how it went. I think from the beginning it was evident that it would be a hit! I’m glad it was! *smiles*
KAPA187: What sets you apart from other artists out right now?
SALMA: I don’t really believe in being set apart so much because I think all artists add a certain dynamic in the industry and its more about how we are different at expressing ourselves from what inspires us in the art. I’m consciously trying to break boundaries, I think that would be something that you could say is different about me. I know for a fact that I’m not afraid to step outside the box and take the blows and praises like a true Zambian trooper.
KAPA187: Describe your sound in 3 words .
SALMA: From the soul.
KAPA187: You recently released the video for your song “wonderful world” tell us about the song and the concept of the amazing video.
SALMA: The song was written and prouced by Grant Mutema under So’Good Entertainment. Shout out to the team! Its a song about how love can make the world seem nothing less than wonderful. That said… the video? All things wonderful! That was the concept. Wonderful people. Wonderful scenery. Wonderful feeling. Tivo Shikapwashya is an amazing director. He mobilised a crew,who worked so hard and I’m so grateful to for doing so, because the outcome was well worth it.
KAPA187: Songs like “sweet darling ” and “wonderfull world” have become fan favorites , when can we expect an album.
SALMA: The album drops this October. It’ll be an awesome affair. More details soon.
KAPA187: Who are some of the artists you are working with and some that you would wish to work with in the future.
SALMA: Well some of our projects are still in the pipelines when it comes to collaborations so wont say whats not confirmed. But right now I’m working on a project with Kapital K whos a Zimbabwean rapper. Joining forces with fellow Africans is a plus for Zambia.I hope an initiative like this allows for Zambia to keep moving beyond our borders to spread the talent we are so blessed with. I’m hoping to work with pioneers in the industry like our very own Jane Osborne and beyond Zambia the likes of Sade.
KAPA187: If you could open for any artist on tour who would it be and why.
SALMA: I think making a choice like that would be based on great performers. Beyonce is definitely one of those people. She is an amazing performer! So that would definitely be something I’d want to be a part of.
KAPA187: What is the best advice you have ever got?
SALMA: Follow Jesus
KAPA187:Is there anything that your fans will be surprised to know about you.
SALMA: Yes. *insert embarrassed face here* I suck my thumb. *laughs*
KAPA187: What has been the best moment in your life.
SALMA: It’s got to be more than a moment, more like moments; becoming a mother, finding love and connecting with the world through song.
KAPA187: In ten years I will be…..
SALMA: doing what I love most, spending time with my family and making beautiful music.
Fomer Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda has called for peaceful co-existence among members of various political parties in Zambia if the country is to continue enjoying its unique tranquility.
President Banda was speaking at Lusaka’s New Leopards Hill cemetery today during the burial of Rabson Tembo who died in a road traffic accident last Thursday when the Nissan Hardbody he was driving overturned in Chipembi area of Nyimba district.
Mr Tembo was in President Banda’s advance party to Mfuwe when the accident occurred, killing him on the spot and injuring two passengers.
The former Head of State eulogised Mr Tembo as a forthright symbol of enduring loyalty and described his demise as a loss not only to his family but also to all who fraternised with him.
At the burial also attended by National Democratic Focus (NDF) President Ben Mwila and former Cabinet ministers Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane and Mr Maxwell Mwale, the former President said the presence of various political party representatives at the late Mr Tembo’s funeral was testimony of the unity that has continued to bind Zambia people together.
He said it was such unity that made him proud during the three years that he was Zambian President from 2008 to 2011.
President Banda paid tribute to former Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Lusaka Province chairman Mr William Banda for hosting the late Mr Tembo’s funeral which was held in Bauleni township.
Ministry of Information Broadcasting and Labour Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga
Government is working on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television signal in Ndola which is experiencing problems. Information, Broadcasting and Labour Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga says ZNBC has been experiencing challenges in its TV transmission to Ndola because of the town’s geographic location which is in a depression.
Mr Malupenga however stated that the problem is receiving attention and soon, the TV signal will improve in the area. The Permanent Secretary also hopes that the coming of Digital Migration which the country is working on will further improve the quality of ZNBC TV reception in the Copperbelt’s provincial capital.
He added that, the provision of pay channels such as Go TV and Multichoice which also shows ZNBC channel has helped people to access better reception. Mr Malupanga said this after touring ZNBC, National Pensions and Schemes Authority (NAPSA) and the Workers Compensation Funds and Control Board (WCFCB) stands at the ongoing International Trade Fair in Ndola Today.
The PS has meanwhile expressed satisfaction with the improved service delivery by NAPSA and WCFCB. He said that he is impressed with measures taken by the two institutions which fall under his ministry to ensure quality service delivery to workers in the country.
He pointed out that the WCFCB has demonstrated good service delivery to its clients by providing various services to people suffering from work related accidents. He has however urged the two institutions to intensify sensitization of their services for the public understanding of the services they offer.
He noted that most people are only familiar with the poor services and late issuance of benefits by NAPSA and are not aware of the improvement they have scored over time. Earlier ZNBC Public Relations Manager Masuzyo Ndlovu explained that Ndola residents are currently experiencing poor television signal.
He said ZNBC had erected a transmission tower in the area but this was shut down following complaints, but explained that the national broadcaster will soon erect a new tower to improve television reception.
Mr Ndlovu also explained to the Permanent Secretary that people will not have to get new television sets when the country moves to Digital Migration but will only be required to buy Set Stop Box TV which will work like a decoder to access television signal.
CHINESE firm that provides steel products, Good Time Steel Zambia Limited is establishing a K1 billion steel manufacturing plant in Lusaka in response to the high demand for its products in Zambia.
Sales and marketing manager Hunter Young said at the on-going Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) that his company was expanding in Zambia because of the high demand for steel products.
Mr Young said because of the potential Zambia have his company had since started putting up a steel plant in Lusaka.
“We started constructing a plant in Lusaka early this year and it is set for completion this September. It will cost about K1 billion and we have employed 100 workers,” he said.
Mr Young said the firm was engaged in buying scrap metal from local people to help empower individuals in Zambia.
In interpreting this year’s ZITF theme, “Creating synergies beyond borders,” Mr Young said the company believed in trading with different countries and supplying them with different steel products to promote efficiency and work as a team.
The firm exports to various countries such as South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Rwanda.
Good Time Steel Company also supplied steel for the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
In Lusaka it had invested more than K130 billion to expand the scope of company business by establishing a new section which would produce the much needed angle iron.
This amount includes the cost incurred during procurement of the machinery and for setting up the angle iron and window section which had since reached an advanced stage.
Angle irons which are used mainly in manufacturing of window flames and also needed in the construction industry would be the latest in the company’s product line.
Government has been urged to engage the private sector to strategize on how to effectively address youth unemployment in the country. Governance activists, Bonny Tembo said that job creation alone is not a lasting solution hence the need to involve the private sector in finding the lasting solutions.
Mr. Tembo told QFM that it is a fact that the military sector alone cannot absorb all unemployed youths in the country. He has since called on the ministry of youth and sport to be proactive as it searches for solution to the high youth unemployment levels in the country.
[pullquote]Mr. Tembo told QFM that it is a fact that the military sector alone cannot absorb all unemployed youths in the country.[/pullquote]
Mr. Tembo has also called upon politicians to desist from politicizing youth unemployment. He said that if the politicians have no tangible solution to offer, it is better they keep quiet instead of voicing out unnecessarily.
Mr. Tembo notes that the former ruling MMD should even take the blame for its failure to create jobs for young people in the 20 years it was in office. He said that the Patriotic Front government inherited a jobless country hence the need to offer tangible solutions.
The former Anti-Voter Apathy Project executive director has also urged youths in the country to be strong and focused as they search for economic empowerment.
Finance and National Planning Deputy Minister Miles Sampa and behind him is Zambia?s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Dr Mwaba Kasese-Bota during the official opening of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2012 Annual Ministerial Review meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday July 2, 2012. PHOTO| CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA| GRZ
Government says it is keen to set up financing for youths entrepreneurship projects in the 2013 National Budget in a bid to create more jobs. Finance and National Planning Deputy Minister Miles Sampa said this on Monday after attending the opening session of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2012 Annual Ministerial Review meeting focusing on “promoting productive capacity and decent work to eradicate poverty in the context of inclusive, sustainable and equitable economic growth at alllevels for achieving the Millennium Development Goals”.
This is contained in a press statement made available to the media by Chibaula Silwamba, First Secretary for Press,Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
Mr Sampa, who led the Zambian delegation to the High-Level meeting at the UN Headquarters,said youth unemployment was a global problem.He noted that all countries were grappling with unemployment especially among the youths.
“What we observed from the meeting today is that the solutions are not only in providing jobs to the youths from Government and companies. The youths should become innovative and come up with bankable ideas that can be financed either by the Government or the private sector,” the Deputy Minister said.
He urged the youths to start thinking of becoming employers and not depending on being employed. “I am happy to say that this Government is keen to set up, in the 2013 national budget, financing that will particularly target innovations coming from the youths,” said Mr Sampa, who is also Member of Parliament for Matero Constituency in the Zambian capital, Lusaka.
The Deputy Minister called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders including opposition leaders and chiefs to address unemployment.
“Everybody needs to come on board and assist in getting the youths to be innovative to resolve the issue of unemployment,” Mr Sampa said. “Waiting for job offers is a slow and unreliable approach while innovative entrepreneurship ideas will render the youth instant employers.” The Deputy Minister advised that “youths should also think more of providing jobs than being given jobs”.
Delegates from across the world – developed and developing nations – bemoaned the high levels of unemployment, especially among the youths, mainly in the aftermath of the global economic crisis. At the meeting, ECOSOC’s president and Slovakia Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Milos Koterec said ECOSOC was scaling up its efforts to tackle youth unemployment and the creation of jobs.
“For today’s 205 million unemployed, work is worryingly difficult to find – and finding decent,meaningful work, harder still,” said Ambassador Koterec.UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon told the gathering that “only by generating decent and decently paid employment can we help the poor and vulnerable to escape poverty”.
ECOSOC, a founding UN charter body, deliberates and makes policy recommendations on world economic, social and environmental issues.Zambia is the immediate past-president of ECOSOC.
Mr Sampa will speak at two sessions of the UN Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) on Thursday
MINISTRY of Agriculture and Livestock Development permanent secretary David Shamulenge has warned ginners against buying cotton from farmers at a price that has not been agreed upon by all stakeholders.
Dr Shamulenge said farmers in Petauke resorted to burning cotton in protest against some ginners who sold the commodity at a price which has not yet been agreed. He said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that ginners should not buy cotton from farmers until the whole process of price negotiation is concluded and a fair price is arrived at.
“The information I am getting from our officers in the field is that ginners are enticing farmers to sell cotton to them at a price which has not been agreed upon,” he said. Dr Shamulenge advised members of the Ginners Association of Zambia to respect the wish of the farmers, adding that enticing farmers to sell the crop at a lower price will jeopardise negotiations.
He said farmers and ginners should give Government time to come up with a beneficial price for cotton, which will motivate them to continue contributing to the growth of the sector. Dr Shamulenge said Government is committed to protecting and empowering cotton farmers in the country.
“Government is working on measures to come up with a better price for cotton. The contribution of farmers to the agricultural sector should be appreciated,” he said. Dr Shamulenge said the misunderstandings between ginners and farmers will be resolved before the end of this week.
He said President Sata is concerned about the price of cotton in the country, which is why he has decided to reopen Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe to create a ready market for cotton farmers. And Eastern Province minister Charles Banda said the burning of 11.3 tonnes of Cargill cotton in Petauke over the weekend was an act of desperation by some farmers.
Mr Banda said cotton farmers should not take the law into their hands but should be patient as Government is working out a mechanism to address the price of cotton. On Saturday, about 200 farmers torched Cargill cotton at Ukwimi Police Post where the bales of the commodity believed to have been bought at K1,600 per kilogramme were dumped.
This came a day after President Sata assured farmers that the impasse over the price of cotton would be resolved. Meanwhile, ZANIS reports that the Zambia Ginners Association (ZCGA) has condemned farmers who burnt cotton in Petauke over the weekend.
ZCGA executive secretary Bourne Chooka urged farmers not to resort to acts of arson, as doing so will not help to solve any problem. Mr Chooka urged all stakeholders to heed President Sata’s advice and has called for dialogue among concerned parties.
Mr Chooka said the ginners will incur huge losses, especially that they advanced more than K90 billion in loans to cotton growers. “Ginners have argued that the price of K1,600 per kilogramme is realistic on the prevailing market and competes favourably in the region, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania,” he said.
Cotton growers in Zambia have been demanding K3,000 per kilogramme for cotton supplied to ginners, the same price as last year
File:Boxing champion Esther Phiri talking to a MUVI TV crew
Exodus Stables manager Anthony Mwamba says the June 2 bout which female sensational boxer Esther Phiri was scheduled to defend her titles failed to take place due to luck of sponsorship.
Mwamba has told ZNBC that Esther is a world champion whose bouts requires a lot of money.
Meanwhile, Esther says she is still fit despite being away from the ring for quite some time .
She also refuted allegations that she is pregnant.
President Michael Sata has said that government will make the recruitment of defence and Security personnel a continues exercise. Mr Sata said that the recent protest by some youths after they were not picked in the recruitment of Zambia Army junior officers is evidence enough that youths are in dire need of employment.
The President who was speaking in Livingstone on Monday said this will require pumping more money into the operations of the defence and security wings so as to revamp their operations. The Presidents remarks come after hundreds of youths demonstrated over the Army recruitment exercise.
And President Sata has said political party leaders in Zambia should fight hunger as well as unemployment and potholes instead of attacking each other. Mr Sata said it was not part of African culture for anyone to attack people who had lost their own relatives.
The President was speaking at Villa Grounds in Livingstone when he campaigned for the PF aspiring Parliamentary candidate, Joseph Akafumba, as well as candidates for the Mosi-oa-tunya and Akapelwa wards, Chrispine Sepiso and Chileshe Sikazwe, respectively.
He said the recent attacking of mourners in Livingstone by alleged United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres was regrettable. “I was told from Lusaka that the MMD and UPND will bring people to disturb this meeting in Livingstone.
“We political party leaders should fight against hunger, unemployment and potholes instead of fighting each other,” he said. He urged Livingstone residents to liberate themselves by voting for PF candidates who were closer to the Government of the day.
Mr Sata said he had been accused that he did not like Tongas and Lozis yet Mr Akafumba was a Lozi speaking person while some Cabinet and deputy ministers namely Wilber Simuusa, Ngosa Simbyakula, Luxon Kazabu and Obvious Mwaliteta were Tonga speaking people.
Mr Sata made the three PF aspiring candidates in Livingstone and other supporters to kneel down to ask for votes from Livingstone residents. He joked that when he was MMD national secretary, he hated late UPND leader Anderson Mazoka and others because he thought they were weakening the former ruling party.
Mr Sata said he later received a resignation letter from Mr Mazoka while he was still MMD national secretary and the late opposition leader later formed the UPND. Speaking earlier at the same rally, Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo urged Livingstone residents to vote for PF candidates if they wanted development.
Ms Masebo said the PF MP and councillors would be closer to Mr Sata and other ministers in terms of lobbying for development. Senior Chief Mukuni of Kazungula district said he would work with the Government of the day.
“Livingstone tourism should grow and Government should do something to develop tourism in the tourist capital. President Sata assured me that Government will do something to develop tourism in Livingstone and he will also meet chiefs in Southern Province because chiefs work with the Government of the day,” he said.
Acting Senior Chief Mweemba of Southern Province urged Tongas to support the Government of the day. Health Minister Joseph Kasonde, Mufumbwe MP Steven Masumba, district commissioners, defence and security chiefs, senior Government officials and PF officials were among others that attended the public rally.
Zambia entered camp on Monday to begin their brief training camp ahead of Friday’s away friendly against Malawi.
The team was taken through its paces on Monday by the likable Zambia assistant coach Patrice Beaumelle in the absence of his boss and compatriot Herve Renard.
Renard is only expected to join the team on Tuesday evening from his brief break in France.
The team heading to Malawi comprises mostly of home-based players with defender Aaron Katebe from Hwange in Zimbabwe expected to be the high profile foreign-based player in the 26-man team.
Mostly of the call-ups are expected to be part of Zambia’s 2014 CAF African Nations championship qualifiers that kickoff in November.
“It’s a good opportunity for us and for them together,” Beaumelle said.
“It’s good for them to play the international match as it will give us the opportunity to see their personality, how they handle the big stage.”
The Frenchmen will trim the team from 26 to 18 on Wednesday ahead of departure for Blantyre on the same date ahead of Friday’s central African derby against hosts Malawi.
Residents of Lusaka’s Matero Township feel betrayed by the alleged failure by their Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa to deliver on his campaign promises.
Both residents and motorists say the state of commonwealth road needs serious consideration, which the MP has failed to take up. Motorists wonder why the Finance Deputy Minister has not intervened in the matter.
The residents have further criticised the Parliamentarian’s decision of opting to create a website as failure to embark on feasible projects like road and other infrastructure developments.
President Michael Sata has arrived in Livingstone where he is expected to hold a public rally. President Sata is in the area to drum up support for Patriotic Front candidate Joseph Akafumba in the Livingstone central constituency bye-election.
The President arrived at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula international airport aboard the presidential challenger at 11:10hrs today. He is accompanied by tourism and foreign affairs minister Given Lubinda and special assistant to the president for press and public relations George Chellah.
Mr Sata was received by Southern province minister Obvious Mwaliteta, provincial permanent secretary Edwin Zumbunu, heads of government and parastal departments.
President Sata visited road traffic accident victims in ward one and two at Livingstone General hospital. Thirty three people were involved in the accident and one person died on the spot on Friday. The accident occurred when the van they were travelling in overturned on the Nakitindi road opposite Livingstone old cemetery.
And all electoral materials for Thursdays parliamentary by-elections in three constituencies have been delivered.
The materials were delivered to Chama North, Muchinga and Livingstone constituencies over the weekend.
Electoral Commission of Zambia Spokesperson Cris Akufuna confirmed the development to ZNBC News in Lusaka on Monday.
Mr. Akufuna says the commission is satisfied that all is set for poll day on July 5.
And Mr. Akufuna has called on participating political parties in the three parliamentary by-election to observe the 48-hours provision on which to STOP political campaigns.
He said voters should be given enough time to reflect on different campaign messages that politicians have been delivering.
