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Anglican Church Bishop urge President Sata to fulfill the campaign promises

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Kabwe Diocese Anglican Church Bishop, Derrick Kamukwamba has urged President Michael Sata and his government to fulfill the campaign promises made to the people of Zambia prior to the September 20 general elections last year.

Bishop Kamukwamba said government should commence the implementation of programs and desist from character assassination which has lately taken root in Zambia.

He was speaking during the Mother’s Union Mary’s Day commemoration held at St George congregation, Anglican Church in Kabwe.

He said Zambians were waiting fervently on the campaign promises such as increased salaries for civil servants, reintroduction of windfall tax, and creation of more job opportunities, especially for the youths among others.

The Bishop Kamukwamba has also called on President Sata to explain to the Zambian people if things have changed, so that people can understand what is happening rather than keeping quiet when people are eagerly waiting for the fulfillment of the campaign promises.

He also expressed concern at the stance the PF government has taken in defining a cadre and appointing them in higher decision-making positions.

Bishop Kamukwamba said there is need to have professionals in the civil service to ensure they deliver to the expectation of the people.

He added that there must be a clear distinction between politicians, civil servants, political parties and government in order for the country to function well.

He said government ministries should deliver to the community and not wait upon the president to give a directive for them to carry out their duties.

Bishop Kamukwamba cited a case of Robiana Muteka, a Livingstone man suffering from suspected Spina Bafita, which he said did not require the President to make a directive for the Ministry of Health to work on him when professionals should have decided earlier.

He also called upon the PF government to ensure that the judicial system is effective in the dispensation of its duties.

Bishop Kamukwamba said there is need for stiffer laws especially for the perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and that all forms of injustice against women and children be met with stiffer punishment.

He noted that the 10 Commandments, upon which President Sata pledged to rule the nation during his inaugural speech, has strict rules which the President must stick to for the people to continue have confidence in him.

However, Bishop Kamukwamba has commended government for the bold step they have taken on the fight against corruption and for taking back the Abuse of Authority Clause to Par liament.

Bishop Kamukwamba said government should now ensure that the political will trickles down to all sectors so that people charged with public responsibilities are accountable for their actions while serving in public offices.

Meanwhile, Central Province Minister, Phillip Kosamu, has urged the church to set up training courses with Christian basis in rural areas in order to effectively fight cases against children and women.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Luke Mankapi, Mr Kosamu called on the Church to partner with government in fighting Gender Based Violence thereby re-examining its approach to needs and issues that affect children and women within the community

He said the church should remain a strong partner to government in the provision of social services to the community and devise a system through which fora aimed at mitigating different forms of abuse against women and children can be discussed.

Mr Kosamu however, expressed gratitude towards the Anglican Church in Zambia for the continued commitment exhibited over the years in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said government took prime interest in working with the Church and other organizations that are interested to partnering with it to foster development in the country.

He called on other Church-based organizations and NGOs to emulate the Anglican Church in fighting issues such as Gender-Based Violence, HIV/AIDS and corruption even as they preach the Gospel.

ZANIS

Quickly release the names of bribed former state officials, World Bank urged

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ransparency International Zambia Executive Director Goodwell Lungu (R) (file Picture)

Transparency International Zambia chapter (TIZ) has called on the World Bank to quickly release the names of former government officials in the MMD who received a bribe from Alstom Corporation of France so that the law may take its course.

The World Bank has stated that it will soon hand over to the Zambian government details and names of senior government officials in the previous MMD government who received 110 thousand Euros in bribes from Alstom Company when it submitted a bid to ZESCO to perform bank-funded rehabilitation work on hydropower systems at Victoria Falls in Livingstone.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Qfm, TIZ Executive Director Goodwell Lungu says it is unfortunate that government officials can succumb to engaging in corrupt activities.

He said it is therefore important for government to take corrective measures against those found wanting stating that such acts should not be entertained at any level of leadership.

QFM

RESOLUTIONS of the 2012 Barotse National Council held at Limulunga on March 26-27th

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Traditional leaders from Western and Southern Provinces following the proceedings of the Barotse National Council meeting in Limulunga Royal Village in Mongu today.

PREAMBLE

We the people of Barotseland having constituted and deliberated as a National Council on 26th to 27th March, 2012 in Limulunga in the Barotseland Nation on the status and future of the Barotseland Nation in the Republic of Zambia, hereby declare this day of Tuesday March 27, 2012 at the close of our deliberations as follows:

Recognizing that the Barotseland Agreement 1964 provided the basis on which Barotseland became an integral part of Zambia and took the place of the treaties and other agreements hitherto subsisting between Her Majesty the Queen and the Litunga of Barotseland.

Acknowledging that the Barotseland Agreement 1964’s aim was to provide a safe guard against encroachment on the powers of the people of Barotseland to self government by Central Government of Zambia.

Realizing that the new state of Zambia, which came into being on October 24, 1964, never ratified the Barotseland Agreement entered into between Barotseland and Northern Rhodesia Governments on May 18,1964, and despite its non- ratification, unliterary abrogated by Zambia in 1969.

Aware that the unilateral termination of the Barotseland Agreement 1964 by the government of Zambia is a violation of the right of Barotseland to self determination and repudiation of the purported integration of the territory of Barotseland into Zambia.

Recognizing that successive Zambian governments never took steps necessary to ensure that the laws for the time being in force in the Republic of Zambia are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Agreement.

Aware that successive Zambian governments continued to undermine the modernization of Barotseland institutions and governance required to run an independent modern state as well as meddle in the national affairs of Barotseland, resulting in conflict in some sections of the Barotseland Nation.

Recalling that successive Zambian governments illegally administered and controlled Barotseland by intimidation and force since October 24, 1964 despite continued protests from the people of Barotseland against such transgressions, including futile calls to restore the Agreement.

Knowing that Barotseland’s right to autonomy on governance and political affairs is inborn and has been protected by treaties since the first encounter with foreign powers.

Rejecting the expectation or notion by the Zambian government that we surrender our autonomy as expressed in the Barotseland Agreement 1964 in return for economic development.

We now inform Zambia and the international community that we finally accept the unilateral nullification and the abrogation of the Barotseland Agreement 1964 by the Zambian government, which action has freed Barotseland from being part of Zambia.

In line with the Post liminium doctrine we can no longer be obliged to honor an international Agreement that the other party has nullified and abrogated, which has reverted us to our original status.

POSITION STATEMENT:

We the people of Barotseland declare that Barotseland is now free to pursue its own self-determination and destiny

We are committed to a peaceful disengagement with the Zambian government in the same manner that we attempted integration as a state within Zambia.

We call on the international community to support our legitimate right to self determination as a people and nation by resolving as follows:

1. That all the people in Barotseland shall continue to enjoy the centuries old harmonious peaceful co-existence by all the ethnic groups as had always been the case.

2. That the people of Barotseland shall not, in any way, take kindly to any individual, authority or groups of individuals bringing the institution of the Litungaship into public ridicule and disrepute by making derogatory remarks with intent to undermine the authority of the Litunga and Barotse Government.

3. The Zambian government to immediately refrain from committing actions of violence and intimidation against the people of Barotseland.

4. That no part of Barotseland shall be ceded to any other country.

5. The Barotse Government should immediately formalize the DECLARATION OF DISPUTE with the Zambian Government on the basis that the Zambian Government has violated and unilaterally abrogated the Unity Treaty whose purpose was to bind the two territories of Barotseland and the rest of Zambia, and also notify the SADC, AU, Commonwealth and United Nations of that fact.

6. The people of Barotseland shall exercise their right to revert Barotseland to its original status as a sovereign nation, so that the people of Barotseland shall determine their political, cultural, social and economic development.

7. The Barotse Government is mandated to, within 30 days, request the United Nations to oversee the transition process.

8. The Barotse Government should, within 30 days, put in place a transition process leading to taking over all government functions in Barotseland and the election of the KATENGO Legislative Council.

9. We mandate the Barotse Government to immediately engage the Zambian government with the sole purpose of working out transitional arrangements towards self-determination for Barotseland within the shortest possible time under the auspices of the United Nations.

10. The Barotse Government should embark on reforms to modernize its functions and enhance accountability and transparency.

11. The Barotse Government should immediately establish a Secretariat comprising of such number of Officers as required to run such an office

12. The Barotse Government should convene the next BNC at the end of June 2012 to receive reports on the progress on the above resolutions.

Submitted by:

 

 

BNC RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

 
 

Full Names

Position in Committee

Title / Institutions

Signature

Mr.Mutungulu Wanga Chairman Chairman / MOREBA
Mr. Mwangelwa Akapelwa Secretary Induna Mayunyi / Namuso
Mr. Mungandi Mungandi Member Secretary / MOREBA
Mr. Namiluko Imwaka Member Namuso
Mr. Lubinda Nyaywa Member Induna Amuikuteile/Mwandi
Mr. Chazele Mulasikwanda Member Secretary / BFM
Mr. Afumba Mombotwa Member Chairperson / Linyungandambo
Mr. Mwangelwa M-Lewanika Vice Secretary Member / MOREBA

 

Approved by the Barotse National Council, on this 27th day of March, 2012, as signed by:

 

 

Clement W. Sinyinda                                      Batuke Imenda

NGAMBELA                                                MUKULWAKASHIKO

Excessive drinking and involvement with Russian girls is what makes Zambian students a target of violence- Government

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Education Minister John Phiri

Government has attributed the excessive drinking and involvement with Russian girls by Zambian students in Russia as a cause for the battering of Zambian students in that country.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology, John Phiri said the Zambian students have taken the bad drinking culture to that country which is causing them to fight even among themselves.

Dr Phiri has however ruled out any hate related crime by the Russians on the Zambians saying that no Russian was involved in the beating of the three Zambian students.

He said the three Zambian students were battered in St. Petersburg Russia by some foreign students who were working as part time guards at a certain bar in the city after picking a quarrel.

He said four perpetrators have since been arrested adding that the Zambian mission in Russia is waiting for Zambian students who are still in hospital to be discharged or be out of danger before it can take legal action against them.

The Minister described the incident as uncalled especially that the Mission in Russia undertakes orientation programmes on the students including on security.

Dr Phiri said this in a ministerial statement in Parliament on the status of the Zambian students who were battered in St. Petersburg, Russian and updates of riots at Chizongwe Technical High School in Chipata and Chiwala High School in Ndola.

He stated that Zambia has greatly benefited from the cultural exchange with Russian through the awarding of scholarship which now stands at 100 students yearly from about 30 in 60s.

He added that there are currently over 475 Zambian students in Russia 87 alone in St. Petersburg while several others are also studying on self sponsorship.

The three Zambian students who were battered in Russian are Christone and Christopher Bwanga who sustained broken jaws, and Leonard Kawanda who sustained deep cuts on the head and are in hospital.

Meanwhile the Minister has disclosed that the cost of damages pupils from Chizongwe Technical High School in Eastern Province inflicted on the neighbouring Anoya Boys High is K121 million.

Dr Phiri said government will surcharge all the students at the school for the damage to school infrastructure and 19 vehicles which they damaged when they rioted last week.

He said government condemns such acts and blamed it on lack of supervision on the part of teachers who failed to detect the students during planning and walking about 8 Kilometers to go and demolish another school.

He said the ministry will do its own investigations and to see whether there was negligence on the part of administration adding that if proven government will also take action on certain teachers at the school.

Dr Phiri said the decision to close the school was also taken in the interest to safeguard the lives of the students who were at threats from fellow students at Anoya Zulu and residents of surrounding compounds after they took the action.

And the Minister said government will also surcharge pupils from Chiwala High School in Ndola who run amok after the school experienced water problems for five days last week.

He said the pupils went ahead to riot even after school management had assured them of rectifying the problem.

He said government is currently accessing the cost of the damages to surcharge the students.

Dr. Phiri has however advised pupils to use established channels of communications in airing their grievance than resorting to riots.

He said government will soon establish a student’s council where it will be encouraging pupils to dialogue with relevant authority in resolving contentious issues.

ZANIS

Former ZCAS student pleads guilty to producing pornographic movie

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ZCAS

A 20 – year – old former student of Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS), Teddy Malekani has pleaded guilty before Magistrate Bornface Mwinga for producing obscene cinematographic material.

This is in a case where Teddy Malekani a former student at Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) is charged for producing obscene cinematographic material that is said to corrupt morals contrary to the laws of Zambia.

The case has however been adjourned to March 28, 2012 at the Lusaka Magistrate Courts for mention of facts and sentencing.

Meanwhile Malekani’s advocates Wilson Mweemba earlier bitterly confronted a Post Newspaper photographer who he said was interfering with his privacy by taking photos of him and his client while journalists reminded him that his involvement in a public case makes him a public figure.

ZANIS

MMD refutes media reports that it will not go to the convention to choose a new leader

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MMD Deputy National secretary Chembe Nyangu

The opposition Movement for Multi-Party Democracry (MMD) has refuted media claims that it intends to do away with the party convention, but instead elect the its leader using the National Executive Committee (NEC). Reacting to the report, MMD Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu dismissed the assertions as pure lies.

Mr Nyangu stated that the party’s NEC has not considered such a route to elect the party’s next president other than the convention.

Earlier reports by QFM suggested that the MMD was said to have abandoned plans for a convention to elect the party’s new leader opting instead to use the National Executive Committee to elect the party President to replace former president Rupiah Banda.

Quoting sources within the party’s top brass, QFM reported that former Zambian High Commissioner to Canada Dr Nevers Mumba was the preferred candidate to takeover the leadership of the country’s largest opposition party.

The sources disclosed that when the NEC members meet to elect the party’s new leader it mostly likely that Dr Mumba once Republican vice president will be endorsed by the majority members.

The move by former ruling party to use the NEC to elect its new leader followed the failure to raise the K3 billion required to hold the convention by the committee tasked to mobilize the funds.

QFM

ACC has names of former Government officials who received bribes, but wont name them now-Wandi

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ANTI-Corruption Commission (ACC) director-general Rosewin Wandi
ANTI-Corruption Commission (ACC) director-general Rosewin Wandi

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that it is in possession of names of senior officials from the previous government alleged to have taken bribes from the Alstom Company of France over a ZESCO contract.

ACC Director General Rosewin Wandi has however declined to name the officials stating that investigations on the matter are ongoing.

Ms Wandi told Journalists in Lusaka today.

The World Bank has slapped a hefty 9.5 million dollars fine on Alstom Corporation, a major French engineering company and blacklisted two of its subsidiaries, Alstom Hydro France and Alstom Network Schweiz AG (Switzerland), after it admitted to bribing a Senior Zambian government official.

Meanwhile, the ACC Director General has urged stakeholders to corporate with the commission by building relationships and reporting systems that will facilitate effective information flows with government.

Speaking in Lusaka this morning at the workshop for the dissemination of the report on the Anti Corruption National policy baseline study, Ms Wandi said doing so will ensure that the activities under the national policy are managed in a coordinated and more professional manner.

She said the main objective of the baseline study was to provide a comprehensive set of baseline data that is complete in order to remove any existing institutional obstacles in the implementation of the National Anti Corruption Policy.

QFM

Jay Rox of Zone fam releases the remix “Boza”

Jay Rox recently relesed the remix to his single “Boza” . The remix features the rest of the Zone fam crew as well as singer Salma Dodia

BOZA remix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NR80QuquYY&feature=player_embedded
By Kapa187

Western Province endorses a breakaway from Zambia

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Traditional leaders from Western and Southern Provinces following the proceedings of the Barotse National Council meeting in Limulunga Royal Village in Mongu today.

All the seven districts in Western province have endorsed a breakaway of the region from Zambia.

The districts have submitted their resolutions to the Barotse National Council demanding that Western Province breaks away citing alleged abrogation of the Barotse Agreement of 1964.

The districts that have submitted their resolutions are Mongu, Senanga Sesheke, Kaoma, Kalabo, Lukulu and shangombo.

The resolutions were presented at the on going Barotse National Council at st Lawrence parish limulunga royal village in Mongu.

Delegates from Sesheke have called for the UN’s intervention in their quest for Barotseland independence.

They have also called for the committee running the affairs of the region before first post independence polls are held.

And resolutions from Kalabo include calls for the resignation of members of parliament from Western province so that they help push for Barotse independence.

[ZNBC]

Interview with Jwiseman

matiya mboroma  AKA  jwiseman ,aged 32 , is an upcoming artist based in lusaka .He is currenlty working for zesco ltd under call centre department.

“I started my music career in 2004, when i first did my single  at sound check , i now own a studio called scorpion records based in lilanda west, i basically sing and produce  anything  from kalindula to ragga, raggaetone  , am currently working on  my first album tilted ‘wise people’ it will be a ten track album. my current promo song is called kuwama kwako featuring b1.its on air right now and the video is also out .”

Kapa187:What does the name Jwiseman mean and how did you come up with it.

Jwiseman: thanks , at first i was called scorpion then, people advised  me that it wasn’t a good name, so the  name jwiseman simply means people who are wise and joyful at the same time , i believe  people should be joyful but wise at the  same time

Kapa187: Have you always wanted a career in music ,what made you want to pursue it .

Jwiseman:not really the interest  started  when i reached 17 years  and i want to pursue  a career in music because i have the skill and talent  hence i  can contribute positively to  the music industry

Kapa187:What makes you different from other artists

Jwiseman: not much but i believe am unique because am the only jwiseman in this world

Kapa187:How has having your own studio helped your music career

Jwiseman: it has because i have more time to rehearse  and practice , that’s why am urging young upcoming artists to join me

Kapa187: You do music ranging from kalindula to ragga . What interests you about that style of music and who are some of the artists that you look up to ,both locally and internationally.

Jwiseman: i really look up to  b1, exile ,mark2, Danny and many Zambia artists , i believe the best talent is in Zambia its just that  our music has not be much  exposed

Kapa187: What can your fans expect from your album

Jwiseman: i believe its going to be a great album because am really working hard so that i  give them the best , its going to be a mature  album with something for everyone

Kapa187:Which artists have you worked with and which ones would you like to work with in the future.

Jwiseman: so far i have worked with b1,willy ginx and everfresh and am looking forward to work with pj, exile and the organized family  and many more

Kapa187: What has the best moment of your life and why .

Jwiseman: i think the day i knew who GOD was in my life , because when you know GOD  you are able to understand and direct your life  positively

Kapa187: What would you say to other younger upcoming artists.

Jwiseman :i would urge them to continue working hard, they should never loss hope, let them stay positive the future  belongs to them.

Kapa187: In 10 years i will be ….. 

Jwiseman: i want to be  the best musical/artist  producer in AFRICA  and own my on radio station

Kapa187: Any last words to your fans

Jwiseman: thanks for your support and continue supporting me because without your  support  jwiseman is nothing , i also promise them  more good staff coming from scorpion records ,our motto is together we can do more. I am currently looking for young upcoming artist  that i can work with and probably sign them at my studio,at scorpion records i believe  together we can do more.

THE MUSIC

By Kapa187

President Sata continues his economic investment promotion crusade in India

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President Michael Sata
President Michael Sata

President Michael Sata has stressed the need to expedite the completion process of the Line of Credit from the Indian Government to facilitate construction of health post across the country.

This is according to a press release made available to the media by Special Assistant to the President George Chellah.

The President said it was the intention of his administration to ensure that Zambia benefited from the US$50 Million Line of Credit for the construction of about 650 rural health posts throughout the country.

President Sata was speaking when he met Lucky Exports Director Mr. Diwakar Mishra and his Deputy General Manager (Business Development) Mr. T.P Singh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat West India, during his continued economic investment promotion crusade.

The President assured the firm’s executives that Zambia had favourable investment terms and urged them to take advantage of this business climate. In response, Mr. Mishra said his team would travel to Zambia not later than April 2012 to take up the challenge.

The Head of State was flanked by Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Ms. Susan Sikaneta and First Secretary for Press & Tourism at the Zambian Mission, Mr. Bwalya Nondo.

Lucky Exports has built health posts in Togo, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Benin and Tanzania. The President who is on a private visit to India is scheduled to meet more Indian Business Executives whose companies have expressed interest in investing in Zambia.

Over thirty (30) Indian investors who attended a business promotion seminar organised by the Zambian High Commission in New Delhi last week indicated interest in investing in mining, agriculture, health and other sectors of the economy.

Last Week and Barotse Council National council meeting in Pictures

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1.

Western Province Minister John Kufuna, Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary Mwangala Liomba, Mongu Deputy Mayor Antonio do Santos and ZANIS Deputy Director Wamunyima Muwana standing during the singing of the Silozi Barotse and South African Anthems

2.

Mongu residents turned out in large numbers to listen to the proceeding at the Barotse National Council in Limulunga Royal Village

3.

Mongu residents turn out in large numbers,some taking shelter under trees to listen at the proceeding to the Barotse National Council in Limulunga Royal Village

4.

Mongu residents turn out in large numbers to listen to the proceeding at the Barotse National Council in Limulunga Royal Village

5.

Senior Chief Mukuni of the Toka Leya speaking people of Livingstone arrives at the ongoing Barotse National Council meeting in Limulunga Royal Village in Mongu today

6.

Western Province Zambia Army Commander and next to him Western Province Police Commissioner Fanwell Siandenge following the proceeding tat the Barotse National Council in Limulunga Royal Village in Mongu today.

7.

Traditional leaders from Western and Southern Provinces following the proceedings of the Barotse National Council meeting in Limulunga Royal Village in Mongu today.

8.

Traditional leaders from Western and Southern Provinces following the proceedings of the Barotse National Council meeting in Limulunga Royal Village in Mongu today.

9.

President Sata greeting Zambians in Botswana.Courtesy State House

10.

Presidnt Sata greets Zambians living in Botswana.Courtesy State House

11.

President Sata confers with Foreign Affairs minister Given Lubinda during the meeting with Zambians in Botswana.Courtesy State House

12.

President Sata and Given Lubinda in Botswana.Courtesy State House

13.

Foreign Affairs minister Given Lubinda and Press secretary Presidential affairs George Chellah

14.

A Makishi dancer entertains guests during the commemoration of World Water Day in Mongu

15.

KASAMA District Commissioner Kalanga Bwalya (in blue cap) commissions a water borehole at Lukashi Basic School in Kasama

16.

Some of the charmans and a snake that were found with a man from Mazabuka who had died in a road traffic accident

Zambia copper investment tops US$5b

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Investment in copper mining in Zambia has generated US$5 billion in the past decade, according to the general manager of the country’s Chamber of Mines, Frederick Bantubonse.

This has resulted in gross domestic product (GDP) growth of more than six percent.

“Zambia’s mining industry has recorded significant investments since 2000 due to a steady flow of new investments in the sector and some of the new FDI [foreign direct investment] was in the setting up of new copper processing plants and expansion projects,” Bantubonse said at a recent World bank training programme on “Governance of the Extractive Industries in Zambia”.

He said mining companies had contributed to the development of social and economic infrastructure in Zambia. Zambia is the largest copper producer in Africa and the fourth biggest globally. Its annual copper production is projected to reach 1.5 million tonnes by 2016. “Copper production went up from 257 000 tonnes in 2000 to over 700 000 tonnes in 2011 and is still rising given the steady increase in mining projects in the country, which have come because of the good investment climate,” Bantubonse said.

With many projects either under construction or still being planned, annual copper production is estimated to reach 1.5 million tonnes within the next four years. Projects in the formative stage include Konkola Deep Mine, Mindola Synchlinorium, the Chambishi South ore body, and the US$1-billion Kalumbila Mine run by First Quantum Minerals. Others are Lumwana and Chambishi mines and the Kansanshi Copper Smelter.

“All we need is stable mining legislation to propel Zambia to higher copper production and competitive levels because mining projects are long-term. “The re-alignment of the Mining and Minerals Act of 2008 by the government would put Zambia in line with the best international practices and make the mining industry more competitive,” the Chamber of Mines GM said.

However, the mining industry faces a number of challenges including the high cost of labour and productivity.

Zambia’s low productivity stood at around 15 tonnes per employee per annum compared to Chile’s 100 tonnes per employee.

This makes mining in Zambia more expensive than in other major copper-producing countries.

[ The Southern times]

Conflicting statements surrounding President Sata’s trip do not instill confidence-Father Bwalya

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Fathers Frank Bwalya selling his red cards at the PF rally.
File: Fathers Frank Bwalya selling his red cards at the PF rally.

Get Involved Zambia Executive Director Father Frank Bwalya has urged the government to be as transparent as possible in whatever it says and does in order to instill confidence in the Zambian people.

Father Bwalya tells Qfm news that the conflicting statements coming from government surrounding the president’s trip to India do not instill confidence in the Zambian people.

He says the Patriotic Front promised the Zambian people transparency in its governance system which it should uphold.

He has since joined in calling on the government to issue a clear statement with regards the President’s trip to India in order to stop the growing speculation.

Fr Bwalya says Zambians should be kept abreast on the president’s activities as they are the people that put him in office to run the affairs of the country.

AND Forum for Leadership Search Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo says government should strive to bring to an end the speculation on the president’s health once and for all.

Mr. Lifwekelo says the government should ensure that it comes up with one voice on the president’s trip to India.

He has wondered why the government cannot come up with one position regarding the president’s trip.

He says government is responsible for the speculation brewing in the country on the president’s trip as it has not come up with a clear position that tallies with media reports coming from India.

Mr. Lifwekelo says there is nothing wrong if the President has gone to India to seek medical attention.

He says the people have the right to know because it is tax payers’ money that is being used to service the trip of the republican president.

QFM

Bank of Zambia to introduce interest rate Benchmark in April

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Bank of Zambia
Bank of Zambia

The Bank of Zambia has announced that it would introduce a benchmark interest rate called the Bank of Zambia Policy Rate from the beginning of April.

According to the statement released to the media today by BOZ, it is expected that the standard policy of quoting loans and similar credit products by all Commercial banks will take the form of BOZ Policy rate plus the margin charged by commercial Banks.

The statement further said the first Policy Rate would be announced on March 29, and would come into effect on April 2, and would provide financial markets with a “credible and stable anchor for setting interest rates”.

“The increased reliance on interest rate policy-based instruments is expected to provide a relatively more transparent and efficient process through which the Bank of Zambia can better anchor inflation expectations,” it added.

Below is the full press statement.