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A Letter To Traditional Leaders On Controversies Regarding Land Issues 4

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A Letter To Traditional Leaders On Controversies Regarding Land Issues 4

 

Dr. Henry Kanyanta Sosala

PART IV

The Capitalist-Exploiter’s Spirit of Consistency

The capitalist-exploiter has an instinct or genius for colonizing. His unequalled energy, his indomitable perseverance makes him a pioneer. The capitalist-exploiter is a great strategist and he is as well blessed with the gift of wit and he leads with truth but never to truth. And one really admires his consistency of how the baton of warning by Lord Macaulay and Reverend Josiah Strong on Anglo-Saxon’s hegemony have been handed-over from one generation to another for over one hundred years.

 

Here is Lord Macaulay’s address to the British Parliament on 2nd February, 1830: ‘’I have travelled across the length and breadth of Africa and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such caliber, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage and therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, if the Africans think that all that is foreign is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want, a truly dominated nation.’’

And 82 years later (i.e., 1830-2012). And according to the foreign-engineered Mung’omba Report of the Technical Committee in the Draft of the Zambian Constitution, Part V on Bill of Rights, Article 63 reads: Language and Culture states in 63 (3): A person shall not be compelled to- (a) perform, observe, participate in, or be subjected to, any cultural practice or rite; or (b) form, join, contribute, maintain or pay allegiance to any cultural, traditional or linguistic association, organization, institution or entity.

Incidentally who goes overseas to go and ’’force’’ the tourists who flock to watch the famous Kuomboka ceremony? The question is what was the motive behind the inclusion of such in the Constitution and chiefs should carefully and particularly note: ‘’….NOT to maintain or pay allegiance to any cultural, traditional or linguistic institution..’’

 

And on the other hand, Reverend Josiah Strong seized on positions of Darwin’s writings to argue the case of Anglo-Saxon hegemony and in his book Our Country which appeared in 1885 was an immediate success: ‘’…the tendencies unfold the future; they are the mighty alphabet with which God writes His prophecies….It seems to me that God with infinite wisdom and skill is training the Anglo-Saxon race for an hour sure to come in the world’s future…..every civilization has its destructive and preservative elements. Bring savages into contact with our civilization and its destructive forces become operative at once…. Where there is one missionary, there are hundreds of miners or traders or adventurers ready to debauch the native. Whether the extinction of inferior races before the advancing Anglo-Saxon seems to the reader sad or otherwise, it certainly appears probable. I know of nothing except climatic conditions to prevent this race from populating Africa as it has peopled North America.’’ (Quoted from Our Country in Political and Social Thought in America in 1870-1970 edited by Edmund ions pp 72/73) (emphasis mine)

And 117 years later (i.e., 1885-2002). The Draft Land policy 2002 appeared which was drawn at the Ministry of Lands. It was a masterpiece schemed by cover-up experts and as far as Zambian history is concerned on deception, that Paper was rightly hailed as the most subtle, deceptive and treacherous attempt by politicians to alienate customary land from the poor masses. And in this regard, the deadly trigger was in Chapter 3 and the second paragraph of article 3.1: ‘’The demand for land has increased considerably and there are applicants seeking both state land and customary land. However, in its current state, the land delivery system is unable to meet the increase in the demand by the public for land title. The high demand for land calls for conversion of customary land into state land to meet future land requirements.’’ (emphasis mine).

The deadly implication is that before conversion, the land is the property of the community and subject to the community rights. After it has been converted the community which had equal rights on the land will have lost them. And this can quickly bring to mind what the former South African President, P.W. Botha said: ‘’ …. the white man will continue to use the African’s love of money to destroy himself. Here is a creature who lacks foresight.’’ And according to Finance Minister, Ng’andu Magande, the money given to NGOs was not properly accounted for and the donors don’t ask how and where it had been taken. (Zambia Daily Mail 21st June 2007).

And the cunning quickly took advantage of it. A named individual bought an island on Lake Tanganyika, which in turn sold to white South Africans who were just about to evict the inhabitants when President Mwanawasa intervened. On the other hand, the then His Royal Highness Chief Nabwalya narrated to the meeting of chiefs in Mpika that immediately after the Draft Land Act 2002 was published, a group of whites accompanied by surveyors came by helicopters in the middle of the night, pitched tents and began to demarcate the land without even the courtesy of calling on him. But fortunately it was a coincidence that the next day President Mwanawasa visited Mpika and was informed about it. And by the following day while Chief Nabwalya was still in Mpika, he was informed that the intruders had left the area under the cover of darkness.

And here is what the United Nations special rapporteur, Hilal Elver cautioned that many Zambian peasants were at risk of becoming squatters on their own land as Zambia was being turned into Southern African’s food basket. ‘’The push to turn commercial large scale agricultural into a driving engine of the Zambian economy is a situation where the protection of access to land is weak, can risk pushing small-holder farmers and peasants off their land and out of production with severe impacts on the people’s right to food….. This situation is particularly worrying considering that small-holder farmers account for almost 60 percent of the population and are dependent on land for their subsistence and livelihood. In a country like Zambia that highly values its peace and social cohesion, the impacts of increasing land tensions could be detrimental.’’ (Daily Nation 13th May 2017) (emphasis mine)

The Draft Land Policy of 2002 was advertised in the press in October 2002 and we had our Bemba Ilamfya Supreme Council meeting on 8th March 2003. At that meeting, we resolved that we would not first inform the people about the serious contents in the Land Policy, until we would hear if the Members of Parliament in rural constituencies would inform the electorate. And we heard not even a single whisper from even the opposition and surprisingly not even from the church.

It was in June 2003, I wrote a strong objection. I stated that customary land is protected by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute Compilation of Human Rights Instruments under the Convention Concerning Indigeneous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries as stated in article 7:1:’’The peoples concerned have the right to decide their own priorities for the process of development as it affects the lives, beliefs, institutions and spiritual well-being and the lands they occupy or otherwise use, and to exercise control, to the extent possible, over their own economic, social and cultural development.’’ And article 14:1 states: ‘’The rights of ownership and possession of the peoples concerned over their lands which they traditionally occupy shall be recognized.’’ Article 17:1 further states: ‘’Procedures established by the peoples concerned for the transmission of land rights among members of these peoples shall be respected.’’

In article 17:3 the Human Rights Instruments further protects tribal people from foreigners who might try to use unreasonable local stooges who think more of filling their stomachs than anything else to help alienate land: ‘’Persons not belonging to these peoples shall be prevented from taking advantage of their customs or lack of understanding of the laws on the part of their members to secure the ownership, possession or use of land belonging to them.’’

And on the World Bank’s land reforms in Zambia, here is what the chartered Environmental Biologist, Ian Manning wrote about the meeting he attended on land reforms that was organized by the World Bank: ‘’……the proposal to place all customary land under the Ministry of Lands with customary leaders becoming mere land administrators is ludicrous. I pointed out that there were no customary leaders, the Natural Resources Consultative Forum (NRCT) or civil society groups. The Bank said they realized that consultations were inadequate and that they would rectify the matter before the report was submitted. And this was never done. The main blame should fall on the Ministry of Lands for the failure to conduct wide reaching dialogue and yet engaged to another stitch-up between government and donors. Leaving the ordinary citizens in the cold.’’ Manning called for Zambians to be cautious about land management and administration. (The Post 17th January 2007).

Professor Hansungule asked Zambians to reject the World Bank’s recommendations over land management. He said revelations that the Washington-based institution had suddenly found the answers to Zambia’s land tenure problems was an assault on the intelligence on the Zambian people and their ancestors whose wisdom to keep the land was why Zambians still had it today (ibid)

And its only Messrs. Ian Manning, Simeo Siame, Clement Chipokolo, Henry Machina, Sishuwa Sishuwa and Professor Michelo Hansungule who have so far been strongly opposed to the alienation of customary land. It is so unfortunate that some chiefs have in the process being bribed or through ignorance have privately signed documents relating to the sensitive land reforms. And we are at the moment investigating one such recent case.

I strongly believe that it’s now time that the House of Chiefs should put in place measures to arrest the situation of ‘’the heartless and corrupt chiefs’’ from privately signing these documents. And the only effective way is the declaration that all issues pertaining to the land policy must first be tabled at the Provincial Chiefs’ Committees.

Let me draw your attention to what Professor Hansungule wrote in Keynote Paper: Constitutionalism and Constitutional Development: ‘’While on the 1995 Land Act, a word about abuse of power by the executive is opportune. When this Act was being debated in Parliament, people especially in rural areas rejected it. Chiefs cried foul with the authorities pointing out that the government intended to take away the powers of the local people over their land in favour of foreign investors under its western inspired market reform programmes. Consequently after much pressure across the country, a programme to consult the people especially traditional leaders would be mounted before bringing the Bill to Parliament. However, government decided to fast track the Bill in Parliament by waiving the 21 days rule on publication of Bills before being presented for reading. Even before people realized it, the Bill was law. Clearly, good governance was the bigger loser.’’

However, afterwards when I engaged President Chiluba on the same issue, he assured me that the government had obtained a ‘’go ahead’’ from some Senior Chiefs across the nation. And as stated earlier, the only way to kill the serpent of corruption among ourselves would be to ensure that land policy issues are tabled at the provincial level. And in this respect, the government’s lame excuse of lack of funds must never be entertained.

Immediately after we attained our independence in 1964, the Bemba political hero and Zambia’s ‘’Aristotle,’’ the late Mr. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe taught us three unforgettable and immortal lessons: ‘’You must love your land dearly, because if you lose it, you will not find another. God has stopped creating countries.’’ He reminded us that we should ponder about the past i.e., how we suffered through the struggle for independence. He went on to say, ‘’should you mismanage the affairs of this country, the colonialists will creep in under a new name.’’ (The Kapwepwe Diaries by Gideon Bwalya Mwangilwa p. 94). And indeed, the colonialist has been ‘’born-again,’’ ‘’baptized’’ and given himself a new name of ‘’investor.’’

Mr. Kapwepwe was blessed with a very powerful foresight and he was merely stating the fact which we at the tail-end of history are actually witnessing today that the colonialist leaves by the front-door, but re-enters by the back-door. Dr. Kaunda wrote: ‘’It appeared that the colonialist had freed Africans in order to make them servants.’’ (A Humanist in Africa p. 45).

The veteran politician and one of the founding fathers of this nation, Ba Sikota Wina said: ‘’…….and much against expectations of our founding fathers in the 1960s, today everywhere in Africa you look, there is poverty, inadequate education facilities and failing health institutions. Today no less than half of the countries in Africa can exist even for a month without donor aid. They would collapse. And currently, foreigners have dominated the Zambian economy and Zambians themselves are completely on the periphery. Apart from a few who might have looted in the course of history, there are very few African entrepreneurs in the country. Zambia is a nation of employees only.’’ (The Post 25th May 2005).

(TO BE CONTINUED)

 

 

Over 1.9 million people are at risk of food insecurity in Zambia

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Over 1.9 million people are at risk of food insecurity in Zambia

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has said over 1.9 million people are at risk of food insecurity in Zambia.

DMMU National Coordinator Dr. Gabriel Pollen say the 2022 In-depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment Survey conducted in June this year revealed that the risk of food insecurity is due to floods and dry spells experienced in some parts of the country..

Dr. Pollen said the 2022 In-depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment also sought to provide an understanding of the multi-faceted impacts of the shocks faced during the 2021/2022 rainfall season.

He said 50 districts needed humanitarian assistance while the main sectors identified as having been affected by the floods/dry spells were Agriculture and Food Security and nutrition, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) conducted the 2022 In-depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment Survey in June this year. The In-depth Assessment was conducted under the umbrella of the Zambia Vulnerability and Needs Assessment Committee which is a consortium of various stakeholders that include the Government, the United Nations system, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The Assessment was conducted in ninety-one (91) districts in all the ten (10) provinces of Zambia, in order to ascertain the impact of the 2021/2022 Rain Season on the livelihoods of citizens. The 2022 In-depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment also sought to provide an understanding of the multi-faceted impacts of the shocks faced during the 2021/2022 rainfall season namely; prolonged dry spells, floods, economic shocks, diseases (both human and livestock) and pest infestation (mainly the Fall Army Worms),” Dr. Pollen said.

He said during the projected period, between October 2022 and March 2023, the food insecurity in about fifty (50) hotspot districts is expected to worsen with about 1.95 million people at risk.

“During the 2021/2022 rainy season, some parts of the country recorded normal to above normal rainfall which resulted in flooding in some parts of the country while others experienced some dry spells.According to the report, 50 districts needed humanitarian assistance while the main sectors identified as having been affected by the floods/dry spells were Agriculture and Food Security and nutrition, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. The key drivers of the vulnerability between December 2021 and March 2022 were flooding experienced, dry spells, pest outbreaks such as the Fall Army Worms (FAW) and stock borers.During the projected period, between October 2022 and March 2023, the food insecurity in about fifty (50) hotspot districts is expected to worsen with about 1.95 million people (representing 14% of analysed population) requiring urgent humanitarian action to reduce food gaps, protect and restore livelihoods and prevent acute malnutrition during the lean period,” Dr. Pollen said.

He said DMMU has also requested the Food Reserve Agency to do community sales in 31 districts to make the commodity (grain) available for those who will receive the Emergency Cash Transfer.

“According to the report from the survey, a total of 1,952,123 people (308,687 households) from the fifty (50) districts will require support for the period of six (6) months (October, 2022 – March 2023). From the 50 districts earmarked to receive humanitarian support, a total of 12 districts will be on the Emergency Cash Transfer programme as recommended by the National Disaster Management Council leaving 38 districts on in-kind food distribution programme. DMMU has also requested the Food Reserve Agency to do community sales in 31 districts to make the commodity (grain) available for those who will receive the Emergency Cash Transfer. So far, the Treasury has released funds to DMMU to bolster preparedness and response to undertake anticipatory actions in view of the 2022/23 rainfall season which is projected to be characterised by floods and dry spells as indicated in the 2022 National Contingency Plan and the recovery action plan for 2022/23,” Dr. Pollen said.

He said it has been projected that in the 2022/2023 rainfall is expected to be normal.

“All the District Disaster Management Committees have been put on standby to adequately prepare and respond to the anticipated incidents (floods, hailstorms and cascading effects of the primary hazards such as water borne diseases).As projected by the Zambian Meteorological Department (ZMD) in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the 2022/2023 rainfall season which coincides with the projected period has been forecasted to be normal in most of Southern Africa, hence it is expected that poor households will rely more on wage employment opportunities for food and income. Flooding is also expected to occur especially in flood-prone areas in the north and north eastern parts of the country thereby affecting most of the households that live in those areas. COVID-19 will continue to pose risks to areas close to main urban areas and the possibility of the Monkey pox scare also on the horizon.DMMU wishes to thank all the institutions that rendered financial and logistical support towards the production of the 2022 In-depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment. The report is a product of various stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure that it is produced,” Dr. Pollen said.

Government intends to hit 80% digital inclusion next month

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Government intends to hit 80% digital inclusion next month

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, says government intends to achieve 80 percent digital inclusion by the end of this year.

Mr Mutati says government is confident that it will reach this target through the digital payment platform strategy which it is implementing.

He says government deliberately devised electronic payment systems such as electronic payments for social cash transfer and the Farmer Input Support Programme to increase the digital inclusion as well as maximise efficiency and minimise fraud.

Mr Mutati said this in Lusaka today during the official opening of a two-day banking and finance conference under the theme, ‘assessing the business drivers for the banking and finance industry in a digital economy’.

He added that the banking and financing sector have also contributed to achieving digital and financial inclusion through the financial switch that enables banks to inter-operate within themselves and with mobile money providers.

“You can move money from one bank account to another and to mobile money and those who are not in the banking space can inter-operate. This is crucial for financial and digital inclusion and that is why we are confident that by the end of the year, we should be able to reach 80 percent,” he explained.

Speaking at the same event, Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) Chairperson, Mizinga Melu, called on government to consider switching to the digital identity card because it will help it achieve financial inclusion and curb fraud.

Ms Melu said in a speech read on her behalf by the BAZ Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Mwanza, that the digital identity card will open up more opportunities in the digital transformation journey.

She said the opportunities include easy development of a centralised database that will lead to the development of a proper digital ecosystem.

She also stated that the banking sector will continue to collaborate with government to ensure that the country’s digital transformation agenda is achieved and accelerated.

Meanwhile, Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ZIBFS) President, Moses Shuko, said participants in the two-day conference will explore the digital financial solutions that can be used as a conduit for sustainable financial inclusion.

Nalumango reiterates Zambia’s commitment to fight poor nutrition

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Nalumango reiterates Zambia’s commitment to fight poor nutrition

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, says government is committed to addressing issues of nutrition in order to achieve universal access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.

This is in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal number two which aims at ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030.

Mrs Nalumango says government is working with various cooperating partners to ensure that issues of poor nutrition are addressed in the country.

She said this after a closed-door meeting with a group of cooperating partners, representatives for Ambassadors from Germany, United Kingdom (UK), United States of America and Sweden held at her office in Lusaka today.

Mrs Nalumango said the government is working with its partners in the field of nutrition to improve human and social development which lie under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pillar two.

She said the purpose of the meeting was to identify gaps in the coordination agenda on nutrition issues in the country.

She added that the meeting will further help to coordinate better with Zambia’s cooperating partners in issues of nutrition.

The Vice President revealed that government is happy with the willingness of cooperating partners to continue working with Zambia and her communities to ensure that the nutrition component is looked at seriously at a very high level.

“The President last year made a commitment to zero hunger, which is SDG number two, the Sustainable Development Goal number two under the UN, he made a commitment and this is how seriously cooperating partners take us that we are not taking this lightly,” she stated.

Mrs Nalumango added that government will continue to work on addressing issues of nutrition in order to be able to save people, particularly the young ones.

“We are as government are aware that the first one thousand days of a human life is critical to the full development of a human being, the development that also affects the brain,” she said.

She observed that poorly nurtured children might not develop to desired capacity.

“And therefore, it becomes important that this group that looks at nutrition has that programme which they call the first 1000 critical days programme that looks at that,” she added.

We’ll run government affairs transparently-Haimbe

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We’ll run government affairs transparently-Haimbe

Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe, says the government will work to enhance the rule of law and protection of human rights through the engagement of various stakeholders, among them the Swedish government.

Mr Haimbe said government will ensure that the affairs of the country are run in a manner that protects human rights and creates an environment where the citizens are able to enjoy their democratic privileges.

He said through the comprehensive strategy embedded in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), the government will strive to work transparently and uphold the democratic principles that the country has always enjoyed.

He said this when the Swedish Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law paid a courtesy call on him in Lusaka today.

‘’As the new administration, we look forward to working with the Swedish Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law in ensuring that human rights are protected and safeguarded for all Zambians,” he said.

Meanwhile, Swedish Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, Cecilia Ruthstrom-Ruin, praised the Zambian government for its commitment to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of the country.

Ms Ruthstrom-Ruin stated that democracy can only flourish in a country when human rights are protected.

She said the Swedish government will remain committed to supporting the government of Zambia in the area of protecting human rights for all.

She further said the protection of human rights is centered on gender equality, good governance, rule of law and accountability of the government.

‘’It is very encouraging to note that Zambia is making strides in upholding its democratic principles in running the affairs of the country when there is a backslide across that board,’’ said RMs uthstrom-Ruin.

Distribution Cartels are the Major Cause of Beer Shortage

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Distribution Cartels are the Major Cause of Beer Shortage

Bars and Night Clubs Association of Zambia President Peter Mwale has directed the shortage of beer in the country to the distributors who have formed cartels.

Mr Mwale disclosed that the challenge right now is that there is an artificial shortage of beer and because of this shortage, the Association strongly believes that there is a cartel that has taken advantage of the situation and these distributors are not sincere and genuine as they are selecting whom to give the products and who not to give thereby creating a black market.

He added that these cartels buy beer from Zambia Breweries and hold on to it, once the shortage is created, they sell to selected retailers and individuals at a very high price as they want to make more profit than the profit Zambia Breweries and Bars and Nights club owners are making.

“We have been having a challenge in the beer distribution, as most of the bars and clubs in Zambia depend on Zambia Breweries as 90% of the goods in these night clubs and bars come from Zambia Breweries, but the challenge that is there is that Zambia Breweries does not distribute directly to retailers, as they have distributors, and what is that when Zambia Breweries produces all their products, they have accredited some distributors who are the ones whom we buy from,” he mentioned

Speaking during the HOT FM Hot Seat Programme, Mr Mwale explained that what is happening now is that Zambia Breweries has recommended a price per crate for Mosi at 185 Kwacha but right now the same crate for 185 Kwacha is being bought at 250 Kwacha, adding that greedy distributors who have formed these cartels are causing retailers to do panic buying because whenever one hears that there’s beer being sold somewhere they rush and queue up there which is leading to buying the product at more than the recommended price set by Zambian Breweries.

“The distributors have the right to add a markup price on the recommended price in order for them to generate some sort of profit but what we have seen is that they are greedy and selfish because when they are selling beer on behalf of Zambia Breweries we are there customers and the 185 Kwacha is the price that we buy for ourselves, distributors have their own arrangements with the Breweries which we don’t even know about but in the past anyone could go to Zambian Breweries and buy directly from there, with a system that was working very well but now the system has changed as it now has distributors who are selfish, greedy by being selective with whom to sale to or not, they have formed a cartel as they want to make super profits,” he disclosed

He mentioned that Zambia Breweries has been their all-weather friends as they have had meetings with them several times to discuss these challenges, and during the meetings they have brought these concerns to the Breweries attention where they said some selected named distributors are the ones that they feel are not doing well and the Breweries is fully aware of these distributors.

“When Zambia Breweries was engaged on these challenges, the Breweries assured us that they were going to look into these issues and at one point they did mention to us that if we have some evidence or they find that some of these distributors are abusing the agreement that they have with the Breweries for the distribution of beer they would punish them by cancelling the contracts, or reprimand them but for us we don’t want to be involved in their arrangements that’s between them but the truth is that there is shortage of beer on the ground which has become very common,” he mentioned

“We have provided evidence to Zambia Breweries, but this issue has become very difficult for us to handle, because we made some suggestions during one of the meetings stating that they give us our own way of buying beer from them, where they begin to sale to us directly as an Association then we take to our members across the country, but their response was not very positive as they said they will look into the suggestions made but we haven’t received any feedback till now,” he added

Mr Mwale assured that their Association has the capacity to handle the distribution process to their members, as they have structures across the country, and the beer will be directly delivered to the members once it is collected from Zambia Breweries.

Hichilema calls for mindset change, hard work to fight poverty

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Hichilema calls for mindset change, hard work to fight poverty

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for mindset change among Zambians for them to embrace hard work in fighting poverty.

President Hichilema says it is his desire that economic growth takes centre stage in his administration in order to reduce poverty in the country.

Mr Hichilema said Zambia has no choice but to fully focus on the economic recovery agenda.

The President says his government has an ambitious target to meet three million tons of copper produced in the next decade.

He was speaking in Lusaka today at the first ever economic growth forum which government and the International Growth Centre have co-hosted.

The forum, which is under the theme, ‘delivering economic growth for Zambia,’ is focusing on the agriculture and mining sectors as well as governance, with a particular concern on how the two industries link with job creation and poverty reduction.

The Head of State also stated that agriculture should not just be looked at in terms of production but productivity, which he said connotes efficiency.

He has further noted that there is need to connect agriculture to climate change, emphasising the need to plant trees.

And President Hichilema has said the attitude and work ethic of the public sector is key in attaining economic growth.

“The public sector historically, if it does not function, it would drag us down. And I am sure in our conversations, the Secretary to the Cabinet knows the specifics that we need to work on in order to unlock the rigidity in the system,” Mr Hichilema said.

Speaking at the same event, Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, said the country, through the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), has outlined a number of economic and governance issues that are aimed at making the economy function effectively.

Dr Musokotwane said one of the biggest challenges being faced is creating sustainable livelihoods to tackle poverty, which the 8NDP is desiring to achieve.

The minister however said government stands ready to learn despite having the development plan and other programmes already in place.

“We look forward to hearing some of those experiences. But we also look forward to specific suggestions on what we need to do on top of what we agreed in our own programme,” Dr Musokotwane said

Meanwhile, International Growth Centre (IGC) Executive Director, Jonathan Leape, said the centre’s goal is to help governments learn faster, through close ongoing collaborations between policymakers and researchers.

Professor Leape disclosed that IGC has been working closely with government on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“Our most advanced engagement since we began almost a year ago, focuses on the CDF reforms and is built on a close collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government,” he said.

Appointing a UPND stooge to ECZ is an assault on democracy – GBM

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Appointing a UPND stooge to ECZ is an assault on democracy – GBM

Patriotic Front, PF, aspirant for the party‘s top position, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, GBM, has described as a blatant assault on democracy and an insult to the collective wisdom of the Zambian people the appointment of a well-known UPND stooge, McDonald Chipenzi, as Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, ECZ.

Mr. Mwamba says President Hichilema is daring the Zambian people by openly desecrating the country’s democratic credentials, an act that has been well noted and likely to sow seeds of despondency among voters.

The former Kasama lawmaker says he is at great pains to understand how the President can proceed with such an appointment when Chipenzi is an active member of the ruling party. He wonders again why the President thinks Zambians are going to sit idly by watching him walk all over the democracy they fought for so hard.

“This guy, Chipenzi, was all over the Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies ensuring that UPND bent every rule in the book to disadvantage PF with the assistance of ECZ. This is the guy you give the Zambian people to preside over an institution which is the nerve center and heartbeat of electoral democracy”. Mr. Mwamba wonders.

The former Defense Minister has called on Zambians, civil society, and Members of Parliament to reject Chipenzi’s appointment and use every legal means available to block the ratification of his name.

Mr. Mwamba says President Hichilema has gone too far in his open contempt for the will of the Zambian and the country’s democratic institutions. He says he must be made to understand that the people and not him hold real power and authority by sending Chpenzi’s name to his desk.

“If you feel so indebted to Chipenzi”, Mr. Mwamba tells Mr. Hichilema, “Why can’t you appoint him to many other positions that have no implication for democracy?”

The veteran politician says President Hichilema has targeted ECZ to for purposes of entrenching an advantage for him so that the 2026 elections are tilted to his favor. Unfortunately for him, Mr. Mwamba says President Hichilema’s strategy and tactics are being read like an open book by all and chances of him succeeding will be dimmed considerably.

“Shamelessly and desperately, Mr. Hichilema orchestrated the ouster of the former ECZ Director, an act that signified his underhand methods and failure to play by the rules of engagement”, Mr. Mwamba says.

Re-introduce the windfall tax and reposes the dormant mining licenses

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Re-introduce the windfall tax and reposes the dormant mining licenses

Emerald Watch Production of Zambia (EWPZ) President Musa Kafimbwa has called for the reintroduction of windfall tax and repossessing of dormant mine licenses.

Mr. Kafimbwa said in an effort to maximise revenue collection in the mining industry, the government must consider introducing a number of policies which includes reintroducing the Windfall tax.

Mr Kafimbwa said the reintroduction of the Windfall tax will contribute to the improvement of revenue collection in the mining industry and in turn the revenue collected may help to support some of the ailing sectors of the Zambian economy

The windfall tax is a tax levied by governments against certain industries when economic conditions allow those industries to experience significantly above-average profits

In an interview in Kitwe, Mr Kafimbwa said, apart from reintroducing the Windfall tax, the government should also put in place deliberate policies that will maximise revenue collection in the Emerald Industry

Mr Kafimbwa said, one of the deliberate policies should include repossessing the more than 400 dormant emerald mines in Lufwanyama emerald restricted area and given to those with the capacity to develop them and contribute to revenue collection in the emerald industry

He said he was sure that if the more than 400 dormant licences were repossessed and given to active developers, they will contribute to the development of the sector and also the national economy through revenue collection, job creation and other areas

“We have more than 400 dormant emerald mines which if developed, can contribute to revenue collection in the emerald sector. So, as government thinks of putting in place policies to maximise revenue collection, it should also think of repossessing dormant emerald mines in the area and give them to investors who will develop them.Apart from maximising revenue collection, these more than 400 dormant mines once developed, they can also contribute to job creation and other areas,” he said

Mr Kafimbwa said, a well managed Emerald Industry will maximise profits and support the Zambian economy in various sectors and also help the country to reduce on borrowing

“There is a lot of happening in the Emerald sector and I think if it is properly managed, it will contribute to economic recovery and national development through maximising revenue collection from the sector.We also need to maximise revenue collection from the Copper Blisters. These Copper Blister contain Manganese, Gold and others, but when exporting, we export in the name of Copper Blisters ,” he said.

Lack of capital has prevented several emerald and semi-precious mining firms in Lufwanyama from utilizing their mining licences.

Most of these dormant firms are owned by Zambians.

Commenting on the dormancy of several mining firms, Mr. Kafimbwa said repossession of all dormant licences will unlock the emerald and semi-precious mining sector.

He said there is need to consider new new mining licences applicants.

Mr. Kafimbwa observed that at the moment only Grizzly Mining Limited and Kagem Mining Limited were active in this sector.

He said many people in Lufwanyama District especially youths need jobs.

“Government to repossess all dormant licence’s to unlock mining areas to new applicants.The burden of job creation to skilled and non skilled youths in Zambia is very high.We have thousands of our people hunting for jobs in the mines and for Lufwanyama District it’s only Grizzly and Kagem out of hundreds of dormant licence’s issued to various firms.The only way to go is to unlock the sector by repossession of such dormant mining licences.Our youths are on the dumpsite dependence because this mines are closed for years now.Zambia is number one on the planet as a great emerald exporter and producer.Producing the best rough emeralds with high crearity and value.Though the COVID hit Gemfields has struggled to raise the Zambian map from 2008 when Gemfields planted his routes and promised to be the best in the history of Zambian emerald business,” Mr. Kafimbwa said.

Over 200 listers contracted by Zamstats cry for immediate payment

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Over 200 listers contracted by Zamstats cry for immediate payment

More than 200 listers who were contracted to carry out health formative surveys for the University of Zambia (UNZA) with technical assistance from Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) have complained of non-payment of their allowances.

ZamStats was contracted by UNZA to do the listing in 30 districts of all 10 provinces of Zambia.

The job of the listers in the survey was to identify and list houses with girls between the age of 10- 24 years affected by gander-based violence, HIV, AIDS and sexual reproductive health.

The exercise which took place in August during the 2022 Census of Population and Housing covered three towns per province.

Zamstats was paid by UNZA and the survey lasted for 10 days on average

The payment process of 50 percent down payment which amounted to K4, 970 per lister is said to have been marred by omissions resulting in some listers going in the field without cash.

Listers were told that upon return and hand over of the agency’s tablets and retirement of acquittal forms they would be paid but that did not happen three months today.

A WhatsApp group that was being used for communication was disbanded two weeks ago leaving listers with no clear road map.

Concerted efforts by some listers to get to different ZamStats provincial offices had failed to yield progress.

And when he was contacted for a comment, ZamStats acting statistician general Mulenga Musepa refered the issue to UNZA whom he said was the owner of the survey.

“Kindly get to the organisers UNZA who financed the survey. I believe ZamStats just provided the technical assistance,” Mr Musepa said.

This similar response was given to some Lusaka based listers who had earlier mobilised themselves and reached ZamStats head office to demand for payment.

“We were told that UNZA had not paid ZamStats for the balances. So we went to the Dean, in the School of Public Health Hikabasa Halwiindi to ask. He gave us full information on the issue.

“We wonder why ZamStats organisers were failing to account and retire correct acquittal forms,” said one of the listers of Lusaka who sought anonymity.

Dr Halwiindi explained the reasons why the payment had delayed.

“The solution is there except ZamStats is not playing their role. UNZA are the ones running the research project. We released a lot of money for them to do the listing.

” You might wish to know that the project is being funded by Global Fund. And in order for us to get the money that is supposed to be paid to the listers, it means we have to submit the correct receipts of the previous payment of which ZamStats has not done,” he said.

Dr Halwiindi said ZamStats has been sending receipts but most of them were wrong.

“The [names] appearing on the receipts are not the correct names which were listed as the people who did the work. So we have been asking ZamStats to send all the correct receipts and rectify their errors. Unfortunately, ZamStats is not communicating the full details to their listers,” he said.

“What I proposed to ZamStats is maybe we have [an emergency tripartite] meeting so that [afterwards] there is no finger pointing,” said Dr Halwiindi.

However, the listers talked to said they want their money as soon as possible. They said their patience had since run out and they have vowed to expose anyone involved in the wrongdoing to the relevant authorities.

Police resurrect a 2019 case to arrest Kaizer Zulu

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Police resurrect a 2019 case to arrest Kaizer Zulu

Former State House key official Kaizer Zulu has been formally charged and arrested by police for four counts of Threatening Violence.

Mr. Zulu aged 52 of Ibex Hill area and Rafick Kakonde aged 32 of Chilenje township in Lusaka have been charged for four counts of Threatening Violence contrary to section 90 chapter 87 of the Penal Code which occurred on September 7, 2019 in Kafue where the duo threatened to shoot and cause physical injuries on persons identified as Benard Nshindu, Sengewayo Jere, Saul Masikote and Manson Mweemba.

The duo have also been charged and arrested for the subject offence of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm contrary to section 248 chapter 87 of the Penal Code in which two people identified as Bernard Nshindu and Sengewayo Jere were assaulted by the suspects.

This occurred on September 7, 2019, in Kafue District.

The two suspects are detained in Police custody and awaiting a court appearance.

This was confirmed by Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Invest in Zambia

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Why Now Is the Right Time to Invest in Zambia

By Choolwe Chibomba, Spokesperson – Zambia Is Back

Zambia sits on a fountain of untapped potential. Home to over 376,000 square kilometres of arable land, as well as some of the highest-grade copper deposits in the world, the country is a treasure trove of natural resources. Added to this, 54% of Zambia’s population is of working age (15 – 64), while business have access to a market of some 406 million inhabitants via the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Tragically, and in a pattern seen all too often across Africa, successive governments have failed to tap into this potential. Instead they saddled Zambia with unsustainable levels of debt while allowing a culture of corruption and venality to proliferate throughout its society.

The election of President Hichilema and the UPND government is therefore rightly heralded as a ‘new dawn’ for Zambia; allowing people and businesses to finally realise Zambia’s abundant potential.

Since this New Dawn government was elected, Zambia’s credit rating has been upgraded to a CCC+ (up from CCC-) by the S&P ratings agency, with GDP growth expected to accelerate to 3.7% in 2023. Having negotiated a $1.3 billion extended credit facility from the IMF, as well as a $275 million loan from the World Bank, the government is now tantalisingly close to agreeing a debt renegotiation plan with its external creditors, freeing up vital funding from interest payments to be invested into infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Businesses are already waking up to the opportunities that this proactive, forward-thinking government is unlocking for them and for the Zambian people. In May, the CEO of Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold, Mark Bristow, described President Hakainde Hichilema as a “breath of fresh air” at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. The company has credited the New Dawn government’s pro-business attitude and progressive tax reforms – including an end to the double tax trap on mining royalties – with plans to potentially extend the life of the company’s Lumwana mine until 2060.

This kind of continued investment would not only sustain jobs at the Lumwana mine but also create opportunities throughout the value chain as the company contracts Zambian firms to provide machinery, equipment and services to the mine. Furthermore, it would result in significant upskilling for Zambian workers as the mine invests in training and educating its employees.

It is not just mining companies that are taking note. In July Zambian Breweries, which is owned by Belgian drinks company AB InBev, announced it would be investing $80 million into expanding its Lusaka factory, creating 5,000 new jobs in the process. The brewery again cited the “pro-business and pro-investment climate” which President Hichilema’s government has cultivated since coming into office.

These developments represent just the tip of the iceberg, as the government has promised to use its 2023 budget to make Zambia the most attractive investment destination on the continent. This will in turn provide Zambians with the access to capital and financing they need to set up and grow their own businesses.

In manufacturing, the government is promising a 50% suspension on excise duty for clear beer, as well as concessions geared towards stimulating investments in corn starch production. Meanwhile, telecoms companies will benefit from an abolishment of the two-tier tax system in favour of a single corporate income rate of 35%, and betting shops will see their presumptive tax reduced by 10%.

These plans to drive investment also include measures to waive visa requirements for visitors from the EU, United Kingdom, United States and China. This will not only help foster increased tourism but also allow potential investors from wealthy countries to visit Zambia more easily and witness its potential first hand.

To help promote the breadth of Zambia’s investment potential, government is supporting the efforts of the Zambia Is Back campaign through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). The Zambia Is Back campaign works to publicise the opportunities being unlocked by the New Dawn government and match up promising Zambian businesses with interested investors around the world.

We are excited to meet with growing businesses in Zambia, as well as investors looking to get involved in this exciting chapter in our nation’s history. In particular, we are looking forward to meeting with investors that want to make a positive impact in Zambia and support the country’s development by promoting education, entrepreneurship, and value-chain addition. You can find out more at www.zambiaisback.com

Konkola Copper Mines rebuts reports of work stoppage by contractors

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Konkola Copper Mines rebuts reports of work stoppage by contractors

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc has said despite experiencing some cash flow constraints it has prioritized payments to mining contractors and other suppliers.

And KCM has refuted media reports suggesting that workers of Contractor companies engaged by KCM on various mining and other projects have withdrawn labour.

KCM General Manager Corporate Affairs Shapi Shachinda said the mining giant has prioritized payments to contractors and suppliers since May 2022 when the Provisional Liquidator, Ms Celine Nair, took over the office.

Mr. Shachinda has described as false the news item aired on Radio Phoenix indicating that workers of Contractor companies engaged by KCM on various mining and other projects have withdrawn labour.

He said the news report attributed to the Association of Mining Suppliers and Contractors president Mr. Costa Mwaba by Radio Phoenix news is inaccurate and extremely misleading.

Mr. Shachinda said KCM Business partners and other key stakeholders, including workers of Contractors at KCM should remain calm and not panic over the misleading report.

He emphasized that contractual obligations compel the Contractors to inform KCM about any labour situation in their areas of operation and KCM has verified with all its business partners who have confirmed that there is no work stoppage in their operations.

“Konkola Copper Mines rebuts reports of work stoppage by contractors. Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) wishes to rebut a false news item aired on Radio Phoenix that workers of Contractor companies engaged by KCM on various mining and other projects have withdrawn labour.Contractual obligations compel the Contractors to inform KCM about any labour situation in their areas of operation and KCM has verified with all its business partners who have confirmed that there is no work stoppage in their operations,” Mr. Shachinda stated.

“The report attributed to the Association of Mining Suppliers and Contractors president Mr. Costa Mwaba by Radio Phoenix news is inaccurate and extremely misleading. We appeal to KCM Business partners and other key stakeholders, including workers of Contractors at KCM to remain calm and not panic over the misleading report.KCM has experienced some cash flow constraints but payments to mining contractors and other suppliers have been prioritized for payments by KCM since May 2022 when the Provisional Liquidator, Ms Celine Nair, took over the office,” Mr. Shachinda said.

Almost a year ago, 450 workers for contractor companies at KCM protested over delayed salaries as others demanded to be fully employed by the mine.

The workers had downed tools after failing to agree with KCM management and their respective companies on the way forward regarding their plight.

Police in Chingola had used teargas to disperse Konkola Copper Mines workers who blocked roads in the district in protest over alleged bad working conditions at the time.

Police arrested 20 protesting workers who were detained and charged with the offence of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.

Meanwhile, KCM which has operations in Chingola, Chililabombwe and Nampundwe has not been operating at full capacity owing to the disputed ownership after the previous PF government liquidated the mine.

Indian investor Vedanta Mineral Resources has been battling KCM ownership against the Government through ZCCM IH.

The Government has since directed ZCCM IH to settle the KCM ownership issue with Vedanta Resources outside court.

Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines, currently owned by the Government, are financially struggling due to lack of capital investment in the operations.

Uncertainty surrounding the controversial ownership of Mopani and KCM by the government has not helped the prospect of capital injection in the mining firms that have operations in Kitwe, Mufulira, Chingola and Chililabombwe.

The two firms have been struggling to pay suppliers and contractors who are equally failing to pay their respective workers.

ZNS shares HIV/AIDS Intervention Programmes with Botswana Defence Force Delegation

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ZNS shares HIV/AIDS Intervention Programmes with Botswana Defence Force Delegation

The Zambia National Service (ZNS) Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff Major General Reuben Mwewa says the Service has developed various HIV/AIDS intervention programmes aimed at preventing and reducing HIV/AIDS infections among its military personnel.

Maj Gen Mwewa explained that the programmes are being implemented with support from cooperating partners and are in a bid to compliment Government efforts of ending HIV/ AIDS in the country by the year 2030.

Speaking when a delegation from the Botswana Defence Force paid a courtesy call on him at ZNS Headquarters on Monday this week, Maj Gen Mwewa stated that the programmes have also been designed to strengthen and scale up HIV testing and counseling among personnel.

“In terms of HIV/AIDS, we have been running a well coordinated, strong and effective HIV/AIDS programmes of course with support from various cooperating partners, which seeks to make military personnel more aware given the complexity of the HIV scourge,” he said

Maj Gen Mwewa disclosed that the Ministry of Defence last year undertook the seroprevalence and associated risk factors survey which brought out a number of issues, thereby prompting the Service to come up with several interventions to manage the scourge.

He further disclosed that the ZNS Health Services Branch is also actively participating in the implementation of the Extension of Community and Health Outcomes through seven health facilities and that plans are underway to extend the initiative to all health facilities to improve health care services.

Maj Gen Mwewa cited that the Service has opened up health facilities in all units across the country which are also offering services to the general public.

He added that the Service is investing in skills development medical personnel and increasing staffing levels in order to effectively respond to the challenging disease burden globally.

Maj Gen Mwewa noted that infrastructure is being expanded to carter for the growing population in areas were the Service has presence.

And Botswana Defence Force Delegation Leader Brigadier General Modomi Ntelamo said that his entourage was in the country to benchmark and exchange knowledge and ideas on HIV/AIDS response, healthcare systems, occupational health and safety.

Brig Gen Ntelamo mentioned that the Botswana Defence Force alone may not be able to successfully control the impact of HIV/AIDS hence the benchmarking exercise.

“We are looking forward to learning more about how you are preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Country, as this will enable us to replicate what is being done here in our country in order to control the disease,”he mentioned

Drug resistance becoming public health threat-Masebo

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Drug resistance becoming public health threat-Masebo

The Ministry of Health says the alarming levels of drug resistance in the country are turning into a serious public health threat.

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, said there is a growing trend of Zambians abusing prescribed and unprescribed drugs, a situation that is reducing the efficacy of the medicines to fight the various germs they are intended to fight.

Ms Masebo said health authorities in the country have evidence suggesting that drug resistance is increasing at alarming rates in the country and needs to be addressed.

“The excessive and inappropriate use of medicines used to fight various germs together with poor infection control practices have progressively turned drug resistance into a massive threat for humankind,” said Ms Masebo.

She said the drug resistance will negatively impact health authorities’ ability to combat diseases and wipe out historic gains attained in the past in fighting infectious diseases.

Ms Masebo said the rising drug resistance also has the potential to harm people’s health and negatively impact the country’s economy.

The minister was speaking during the anti-microbial sensitisation week aimed at bringing awareness about the dangers of drug resistance.

Ms Masebo pointed out that drug resistance has become a global problem.

She said there is a report indicating that one million deaths across the world were as a result of treatment failure due to drug resistance of medicines while five million deaths worldwide were attributed to bacterial drug resistance.

She said recent studies showed that Sub Saharan Africa is heavily and adversely affected by diseases and bacterial infections and that 10 percent of the 1.2 million deaths in the region are due to bacterial resistance deaths.

Ms Masebo said 10 million people could die annually by 2050 if the rising problem of drug resistance is not addressed in Zambia and the Sub Saharan region.

She reiterated that government remains committed to ensuring that the drug resistance problem is addressed in order to safeguard public health.

The minister has meanwhile taken to task the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) to explain why there is perpetual sale of drugs especially antibiotics over the counter.

ZAMRA Acting Director General, Makomani Siyanga, explained that his organiaation does not support or permit the sale of drugs such as antibiotics without a prescription.

Mr Siyanga said selling of unprescribed drugs over the counter is an offence under the laws of the country and warned pharmacies against the practice.

He said the authority will not hesitate to withdraw licenses of pharmacies going against the law and prosecute the offenders.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director General, Roma Chilengi, said his institute is monitoring the situation to ensure that appropriate interventions and measures are undertaken to help address the drug resistance problem.

Professor Chilengi named some of the commonly abused drugs that are becoming resistant to germs and diseases as Ampicillin, Azithromycin and Penicillin.

He explained that the drugs are following in the path of drugs such as Chloroquine to which malaria became resistant.

And Director for Infectious Diseases, Loyd Mulenga, warned the public against taking expired or drugs that are about to expire.

Professor Mulenga said taking expired drugs is not correct as they can harm the body.

He said efforts are being made through laboratory surveillance to ensure that drugs being put on the market and dispensed to patients have the efficacy to treat the various germs and diseases.

And the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it has developed a global action plan to help reduce the growing global problem of drug resistance.

WHO Zambia National Population Officer, Fred Masaninga, said the organisation is working on strengthening the laboratory capacity to undertake drug resistance surveillance.

He said WHO is further mobilising resources to help the Zambia National Public Health Institute to scale up its awareness campaign on drug resistance.

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