Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned individuals planning to cause anarchy in the country by demonstrating against its decision to realign some districts.
Home Affairs Minister Kennedy Sakeni said the Government will not tolerate acts that intend to provoke civil strife.
He cautioned perpetrators to desist from engaging in such acts as they would face the wrath of the law.
Mr. Sakeni told journalists that the realignment of districts in the country does not change any individual from being Zambian, because the move is purely for administrative purposes.
Some quarters of society especially from Southern Province have vowed to go to war over government’s decision to realign certain districts in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Sakeni has commended the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on the efforts it is making in the fight against drug trafficking, drug abuse and money laundering.
The Minister was speaking when he officially opened the 13th Drug Enforcement Commission senior Officers Conference in Lusaka today.
And DEC Commissioner Alita Mbahwe said there is urgent need to increase funding to the Commission to effectively fight drug trafficking, drug abuse and money laundering.
Two traditional rulers in Chinsali district in Muchinga Province have released thousands of hectares of land to government for the construction of the new administration offices.
President MICHAEL SATA last year created the tenth province in the country, and selected Chinsali as the headquarters for Muchinga Province.
The two traditional leaders are Chief Chewe and Senior Chief NKULA who have released 16 thousand 7 hundred hectares of land to the government for development.
Muchinga Provincial Minister MALOZO SICHONE told ZANIS in Chinsali today that 9 thousand hectares of land has been released by Chief Chewe while Senior Chief Nkula has released 7 thousand 600 hectares of land.
The minister yesterday visited the proposed site for the provincial administration at Mweye, with Provincial Permanent Secretary Charles Sipanje.
He said he was grateful to the traditional for the gesture.
The visit to the proposed site marks the begining of the mammoth task to construct the provincial headquarters in the Muchinga province.
Vice President GUY SCOTT has said that government lost three trillion kwacha through scams under the maize marketing and fertiliser subsidies last farming season.
Dr. SCOTT, who is also PF party Vice President, said that the money, which government lost could have been enough to provide free education for many Zambians from grade one to twelve.
The Vice President was speaking in an interview with ZNBC news in Msanzala constituency in Petauke District in the Eastern Province shortly before he left for Lusaka.
Dr. SCOTT explained that the money that has been lost is much more than the budget for health, military and the Zambia Police Service.
He further explained that the Food Reserve Agency-FRA staff have been taking out Tarpaulins so that the maize can go to waste.
Dr. SCOTT said the FRA staff have been puling out tarpaulins so that the money they steal can not be audited.
And Dr SCOTT said that government will prioritise infrastructure development in rural areas.
Dr. SCOTT said that because most roads in rural areas are impassible and people travel long distances to access health facilities and schools.
The vice president also urged Zambians of Asian origin to be more involved in the country’s economy. Dr. SCOTT who is also PF party vice president says Zambians of Asian origin have been very useful, but that they need to increase their participation.
The vice president was speaking last night when he met the business community in Petauke, the Eastern province.
Dr Scott said government is happy that the Asian community is providing employment to Zambians and assured them that their investment is safe.
He explained that people who thought PF was radical towards investments from the Asian community have been proved wrong.
Agriculture EMMANUEL CHENDA said the PF government has an open door policy and is inclusive.
AND proprieter of GOOD LUCK bakery RIZWAAN PATEL said the business community in Petauke is happy with the positive step that the govenment has taken.
And proprieter of Petauke Bargain centre RASHID LULAT urged the PF government to seriously look at the way the constituency development fund is being used.
Dr. SCOTT has described his three-day campaign trail in Petauke District as sucessful.
The Vice President wound up his campaign Wednesday after he held two public rallies at Sandwe and Chiwale Basic Schools.
He was in Petauke District to drum up support for PF Msanzala candidate Colonel Joseph Lungu.
The MMD is fielding Peter Daka, Shadrick Banda is standing on the the UNIP ticket and Usuman Maumba is contesting the seat as an independent candidate.
The seat fell vacant after Colonel JOSEPH LUNGU resigned and joined the Patriotic Front party.
The Msanzala parliamentary by-election takes place on 16th February, next week.
Chris Katongo said he never doubted Zambia would overcome Ghana to reach the 2012 Africa Cup final.
Zambia shocked Ghana 1-0 with a 78th minute goal scored by striker Emmaunel Mayuka who came on as substitute in the 46th minute for striker James Chamanga.
The 2012 finalists were outplayed by Ghana and had Kennedy Mweene to thank for saving a 6th minute penalty from Asamoah Gyan.
“We don’t doubt ourselves,” Katongo said at the post-match briefing.
“Every time we go on the pitch we know what our target is. At the end of the day we got the goal and we are the winners and we are in the finals.”
Meanwhile, Zambia leave for Gabon on Thursday morning ahead of Sundays final in Libreville.
Zambia takes on Ghana in in the first semi-final of the African Cup of nations at Estadio de Bata in Bata Equatorial Guinea at 18:00 hrs Zambian Time.
Zambia coach Herve Renard has decided to go for experience in attack. He has decided to start Emmanuel Mayuka on the bench. Emmanuel Mayuka has started all the matches at the tournament thus far.
Pompi,Mag44,Tio and Abel Chungu – released a video for their song “Chipolopolo Africa Unlimited” in time for the count down to the tonights bit match against Ghana.
Pompi,Mag44,Tio,Abel Chungu – Chipolopolo Africa Unlimited
JAPAN has pledged financial assistance to Zambia in the exploration of oil and gas.
Mines and Natural Resources Minister Wylbur Simuusa disclosed this today in Cape Town, South Africa where he is attending a Mining Indaba conference.
Mr Simuusa said Japan has assured Zambia that the funds were already available to do the exploration.
The Mines Minister was confident that the project once successful would help improve the country’s economy.
Mr Simuusa who has also taken the opportunity to meet several mining companies that are attending the same conference said new technology was required to tap into the minerals that have remained idle for many years.
He said North-western province had a lot of iron deposits but remained under utilised mainly due to lack of power in that part of the country.
Mr Simuusa observed that government had a huge challenge of translating the rich mineral resource that the country has into tangible benefits for the people.
He said it was only the proper management of the mineral resource base that would turn around the economic status of the country.
Mr Simuusa however said with the new technology, government would follow the iron wherever it was.
The minister was speaking when he met a Ghanaian investor of Jonah Capital in Cape Town today.
And Sam Jonah of Jonah Capital said his company had the equipment that was capable of getting the finished product from the iron ore.
Mr Jonah who is also chairman of Jonah Capital said he was the only one who had equipment that was capable of extracting the finished product from the iron deposits.
Mr Simuusa is accompanied by his Permanent Secretary Dr Victor Mutambo and the Chief Mining Engineer Fred Banda.
President Michael Sata has said that he is deeply saddened over the death of Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) president Oswell Munyenyembe. Mr. Munyenyembe, 59, died in a car crash on the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway on Tuesday afternoon.
President Sata described the late Munyenyembe as a rare breed and highly valuable and respectable trade unionist.
“Oswell was someone with exemplary trade union skills and it was always a joy to see him doing what he knew best – presiding over negotiations and always accomplishing what his members expected of him,” President Sata said.
“Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that the effect of this sudden loss is already being felt by both the employees and the management in our robust mining sector. His bravely, courage and maturity even on crucial moments is simply peerless or first-class.”
The President said Munyenyembe has been a beckon of hope, courage and bravery for the labour movement since the commencement of his trade union career in 1983.
“During his many years in the trade union movement, his dedication and selfless nature was always something that many passionately admired and esteemed. Even outside his work, Oswell carried himself as a kind, honest and a man of great honor and strength,” the Head of State said.
President Sata said genuine patriots of mother Zambia will never forget Munyenyembe’s great strides, efforts and contributions to the labour movement.
“Indeed, he will be greatly missed and we are all saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with the Munyenyembe family,” the President said.
“We pray that the Almighty God gives them comfort and fortitude as they face these immense difficulties.”
A member of the Emirates cabin crew watches plane ground handling personnel attend to the airline's first direct flight from Dubai to Lusaka
2.
The innaugural flight for Emirates Airlines touches down at Kenneth Kaunda international airport
3.
Former Mines and Minerals Development Deputy Minister Boniface Nkhata leaves Woodlands police station after he was arrested and later released on police bond in Lusaka
4.
Fans following the Africa Cup Quarter final match between Zambia and Sudan closely at the Zone Plaza in Lusaka.
Soccer fans go crazy on Lumumba road after Zambia scored the first goal in the match against Sudan
5.
Donchi Kubeba Zambians go wild after the third goal
6.Fans celebrate on the streets after Zambia's 3-0 victory.
7.Donchi KUBEBA
8.A youth celebrates Zambia’s victory pants down on Commonwealth road in Lusaka.
9.Mama Zambia; a woman takes to the dance floor at Eastpoint to celebrate Zambia’s victory
10.Mozegator and the Mimbulu boys performing Chipolopolo songs at Eastpoint in Lusaka.
11.A Japanese national joins Zambian soccer fans into celebrating the the Chipolopolo win at Smugglers Inn in Lusaka
12.Some Lusaka residents take to the dance floor at Hollywood night Club after Zambia's victory
13.An intoxicated woman joins Shimba Boyd on the dance floor during the Go Zambia Go show at Hollywood city nightclub in Lusaka
14.Some Lusaka residents celebrating Zambia's victory along Lumumba road
Zambia will get K400 million from Zambian Breweries PLC if they win the Africa Cup.
In a statement, ZB corporate affairs specialist Japhet Banda said the incentive came after the company paid a K250 million bonus to the team for qualifying to their Africa Cup.
“We enhanced our support to FAZ and the National Team in the past three years and we are looking forward to continuing our support especially that we are beginning to realize the positive results from the National Team,” Banda said.
“It is our hope that the Chipolopolo will deliver on the expectations of the nation.
“We are close to bringing the trophy home and we at Zambian Breweries are pleased to be associated with the team’s achievement at the AFCON. Zambian Breweries PLC is the official sponsor of the Chipolopolo through our leading brand Mosi Larger.”
MINEWORKERS Union of Zambia (MUZ) president, Oswell Munyenyembe, yesterday died in a car crash on the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway.
He was 59. His driver, Dave Chibuta sustained injuries and is admitted to Wusakile Mine Hospital.
Copperbelt Police Chief, Mary Tembo confirmed the accident in an interview in Kitwe yesterday.
The Toyota Prado registration number ACP 873 overturned at Maposa area as Mr Munyenyembe and his driver were on their way to Kitwe.
“Mr Munyenyembe and his driver Chibuta aged 35, were travelling from Ndola to Kitwe when the vehicle overturned due to over-speeding,” Ms Tembo said.
The accident happened around 13:10 hours and Mr Munyenyembe died on arrival at Wusakile Mine Hospital. Funeral gathering is at 22 Funda Avenue in Mufulira.
Mr Munyenyembe ascended to the MUZ presidency on November 4, last year when he went through unopposed. The elections were conducted after his predecessor, Rayford Mbulu, left the union.
He served as MUZ general secretary prior to his election as president.
MUZ general treasurer Terry Simbeye said it was a tragedy that the union had lost a vibrant leader. He said Mr Munyenyembe served the union for 25 years and had risen through the ranks to become a pillar that he was.
The Government has described Mr Munyenyembe as a good negotiator and a man of great humility. Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda said he had worked with Mr Munyenyembe and was shocked when he heard of his death.
“It is very sad that the labour fraternity has lost a good trade unionist. He was level headed and a man of humility,” he said.
ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said the mother-body had received the death of Mr Munyenyembe with great shock. He said the increasing number of strikes in the mines would have required his services.
“It is a great loss to MUZ, ZCTU and the entire labour movement,” said Mr Hikaumba.
[Times of Zambia]
Everything is set for today’s crucial encounter with the Black Stars of Ghana. The stakes are high ,if Zambia wins we will go to the finals . This will definitely be our biggest test yet in the AFCON .
If this match were being played on paper Ghana, would already be victorious ,having the big name players who play all over Europe . But football is played on the pitch and in 90 minutes anything can happen . Zambia has a strong , determined and dedicated team , that wants to show the world what they are made of .
It is a David vs Goliath match , and we all know who won that battle….
Some pictures from the training session
Training with Kalu
Renard and Kalusha Bwalya
Felix, Isaa and Chansa enjoy a light moment at the end of training ahead of semi final against Ghana
File:Former Minister of Finance & National Planning N'gandu Magande
National Movement for Progress president Ngandu Magande has urged the opposition in the country to constantly remind the PF Government of the promises it made to the Zambian people during the campaigns.
Mr. Magande says the Patriotic Front made a number of promises to the Zambian people while in opposition which they should be reminded to fulfill.
Mr. Magande said to QFM radio that he is of the view that the PF should deliver on the promises it made to the people of Zambia.
He says any government in power should remain answerable to the people of Zambia because they are the ones who put it in power.
And Mr. Magande says he has no problem with any person who appointed to serve in the Patriotic Front Government.
He says any person who is duly qualified to hold a particular position in government has a right to work for the people of Zambia.
Mr Magande says the only issue that the government should address to is to appoint credible people to serve in government.
File:Pupils from Lusaka schools follow proceedings during the junior achievers programme at Kabulonga Boys secondary school
Vice President Guy Scott said the PF Government is committed to providing free education up to grade 12 level.He was speaking at Mawanda Basic School in Msanzala, where he was trumping up support for the Patriotic Front candidate Colonel Joseph Lungu in the race for the Msanzala parliamentary by-election.
Colonel Joseph Lungu who faces opposition from MMD’s Peter Daka and independent Usman Maumba.
The Vice-President, said he cannot thank his country Zambia enough for educating him for free up to university.He said President Sata’s government would modestly start extending a free education package to Zambian children from the first grade all the way to grade 12, in a bid to reduce poverty and enhance the economy.
“The government will ensure that every child is given an opportunity to be educated free of charge up to grade 12,” Dr Scott said, children with a better education are more likely to get better quality jobs.”
Dr Scott did not say when his government would implement the free education policy, nor did he state how much it would cost to roll out the crucial plan as public education teeters on the brink of collapse, according to various studies.
A recent UNICEF study for instance shows that Zambian teachers work under extreme pressure with a teacher pupil ratio of one teacher per 70 pupils or even more. This statistic is close to a 2007 Ministry of Education data which states that in rural areas such as Msanzala, the situation is worse.
The World Bank study shows that the low teacher to student ratio has remained the same for more than 10 years.
The study shows that accommodation and other services such as access to clean water and reliable basic health care need to be addressed in rural areas to attract teachers.
The study further reveals that in rural areas such as Msanzala, there’s only one house available to three teachers, a situation that further affects the public education sector and must be addressed side by side with extending free education up to grade 12.
Teachers, despite being over stretched, appear to be “grossly” underpaid compared to those in private schools.
Zambian teachers in the public sector earn about K1 million, with the highest university graduate earning about K2.5million—much less than their colleagues in the private sector who can gross up to K12 million per month.
A Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) study states that “free” education at a public school in Lusaka costs about K300, 000 per year at between grades eight and nine and about K1.2 million at high school or secondary school level.
