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Mposha launches service charter, integrity documents to help fight corruption

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Mposha launches service charter, integrity documents to help fight corruption

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mike Mposha, has launched the Ministerial Service Charter and Integrity Documents which are aimed at improving service delivery and fighting corruption r in his ministry.

Mr Mposha says the launch of the documents comes at a time when the ministry is picking up momentum in re-positioning its strategic direction in line with the aspirations of the current administration.

He says the aim of the service delivery charter and two integrity documents namely, the gifts and benefits guidelines and the code of ethics, is to help the ministry to set standards of governing.

He explained during the launch of the documents that the service charter outlines the standards of services which clients should expect in their interaction with the ministry.

In further explaining the integrity documents, Mr Mposha said the other purpose of the guidelines is to protect the employees against conflicts of interests and allegations of impropriety.

“We all have a duty to conduct ourselves in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and accountability. The way we respond to offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality is critical to earning and sustaining the trust of those we serve,” Mr Mposha explained.

And speaking at the same event, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Malti Gandhi, said the documents will enhance public confidence.

Ms Gandhi said corruption and misuse of resources in the public sector will be addressed through the launched strategic documents.

“It is words and actions such as these that drive our collective commitments in supporting the work of the ministry, a shared commitment to maximise investment, to maximise our efforts in accelerating access to water, sanitation and hygiene for women and children of Zambia,” she said.

Last year, the Cabinet Office issued a directive for ministries, provinces and spending agencies to develop service delivery charters in order to enhance the provision of quality services and harness accountability.

Government and FPI condemn attack on PASME Radio

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Government and FPI condemn attack on PASME Radio

The Government has condemned in the strongest terms the attack on PASME FM Radio by some people in Petauke district of Eastern Province last week.

Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda stated that the New Dawn Government takes strong exception to violence against the media in the discharge of their duties, adding that the media is the voice of the people through which they participate in the governance and development of the country.

“An attack on the media is therefore, an attack on the people and on the country’s democracy, it is, therefore, lawless and unacceptable for anyone to attack the media for any reason,” she said

She noted that there are well established channels to complain against a radio or television station that is seen to be unprofessional in its programming and conduct, provided by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).

Ms Kasanda who is also the Chief Government Spokesperson disclosed that there is no room, whatsoever, for anyone to take the law into their own hands by attacking a radio or television station for any alleged wrong doing.

She said that the Government, therefore, expects the law to take its course against the perpetrators of this attack on the radio station, as the Government reiterates its stance for safety and freedom of the media in growing the country’s democracy.

Meanwhile, the Free Press Initiative – FPI has described the attack on PASME Radio’s presenter and the station as retrogressive, and pathetic.

The Free Press Initiative – FPI Executive Director Joan Chirwa expressed sadness and strongly condemned attacks on PASME Radio and its presenter Lovemore Phiri while he was presenting a programme.

“We are extremely saddened and angered by the continued attacks on journalists, such behavior is a pathetic, retrogressive and shallow way of handling dissent in a democracy, and nobody expects this kind of barbaric behavior to continue when the highest level of leadership of this country has assured journalists of their safety,” she said

Ms Chirwa disclosed that the behavior of the cadres identified as members of the ruling UPND is a direct slap in the face of President Hakainde Hichilema who has on different fora assured journalists of their safety, adding that President Hichilema has also promised respect for press freedom and freedom of expression. But alas, cadres aligned to his party seem unbothered by his pronouncements to an extent that they saw it fit to attack an unarmed and defenseless journalist.

“Mr Phiri is still undergoing medical examination for the severe beatings inflicted on him for merely carrying out his job, we expect swift action from police and the leadership of the UPND in Petauke district and at national level to ensure perpetrators of the vice are brought to book and prosecuted in line with our country’s laws,” she stated

Ms Chirwa has since called on Mr Phiri to stand firm and ignore any attempts there may be to talk him into withdrawing this matter from the Police.

Brief facts of the matter are that, early morning on Friday, Mr Phiri, who is also a reporter, was presenting a programme that discussed the 2022/2023 farming season and the farmers’ preparedness.

Before the Programme could end, alleged UPND cadres stormed PASME’s on-air studio where Mr Phiri was and, in the process, damaged studio equipment, causing the radio station to go off-air.

And Around 08:00 hours, another group of cadres returned with a view to attack Mr Phiri, and upon seeing their vehicle, Mr Phiri sneaked out of the radio station for his own safety but the cadres gave chase and caught him in the nearby neighborhood where they assaulted him and threatened to kill him. He was rescued by members of the community.

Painstaking Prime TV Interview with Bo Gilbert Liswaniso:

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Painstaking Prime TV Interview with Bo Gilbert Liswaniso:

Lamentations of a disappointed Youth Chairperson.

By Prince Ndoyi,

While on my sabbatical, I yesterday saw in one of the WhatsApp groups a TV promo of a political interview on Prime Television’s Oxygen of Democracy with Gilbert Liswaniso the national youth chairman.

Since August 2021, I have not bothered to watch local TV apart from Muvi TV and Diamond TV, worse of ZNBC news. I zoned off. So this particular interview, I thought I try it out, out of curiosity especially that the Host was Musokotwane a friend, and the Guest was equally a friend on any given day despite our different political views.

The last time we met, he persuaded me to join him, a request I gracefully declined for obvious reasons.

Wow, fastforward was not a bad interview after all lastnight, but minute after minute into it I thought my Liswaniso shouldn’t have taken the interview after all. Why? Coz in a subtle manner it was very exposing, one with a political eye can see through Liswaniso and the travesty of his wilderness. Liswaniso has on countless times, attempted to defend the party from the simmering frustrations of the expectant youth within UPND. They want answers now, not tomorrow. That you can give him credit for.

My brother struggled to defend his party from the growing frustrations of his followers the youths. One does not need rocket science to measure thier frustrations, its physically easy to see on thier faces.

Unfortunately for him, the situation on the ground is getting worse and worse. Copperbelt, Lusaka and the traditional UPND strongholds. Atleast right after they won, his message about patience could easily resonate and was easier for them to understand. Its no longer the case because they are now into Mr Hakainde’s second year.

Look at him, the President and his vice are literally foot soldiers during by-elections, why? Because you have demoralised and demotivated youth wing. Never seen before we have a sitting President campaigning in ward by-elections.

Liswaniso struggled to save face, his posture and message were not in tandem. One could see the pressure. The pressure on the ground has reached his neck, they will nolonger listen to him, it will soon overrun him.

I hate to break the sad reality to the genuine UPND youths not the old grumpy folks who masquerade to be youths that UPND unfortunately has no capacity to reward its members.

There is no established REWARD SYSTEM in UPND. The sooner they realise it the better. Starting from the PRESIDENT and his inner circle in the UPND doesn’t believe in the politics of rewarding thier loyal lieutenants. Sadly as it were in politics, only a few benefit, mostly its the late comers that eat the whole cake they never participated in baking.

Truth be told, there lies similarities between the late Mwanawasa and HH in terms of party management. If you may ask around from those who were there in MMD, they will tell you that MMD as a party died the moment Mwanawasa took over as party president. He had no place, time and energy for the party which took him into office.

Today when one talks about cadres or cadrerism, you hear people pretending they don’t know the role of a cadre in the political life of every political party. Liswaniso’s struggle was to openly say the cadres have been sidelined in broad daylight. But like fools cadres it’s the cadres themselves who go round parading themselves hypocritically defending thier being sidelined. They were used, now they have no value until 2026. Apparently they are told to form coperatives of 30 to 40 people with hope of recieving and sharing 34,000 as capital, what a joke.

Apparently, Liswaniso knows all to well the role the cadres played, no wonder he has taken the lone fight in appealing for patience. Deep down he knows that it’s not the so called school leavers or millennials who were bused to escort HH on his mask distribution exercise in the provinces. Most times with no food and proper accommodation. And they say, no cadres! some of your ministers are even very arrogant they forget easily.

Back to the interview, the Host Musokotwane struggled with the choice of some words and answers used by Liswaniso. But Liswaniso knowing the real problem kept blowing hot air. I will not be surprised to hear Liswaniso has been posted on a govt job, because he will soon become a thorn in thier flesh with his reality politics. His honesty will eat him up.

I want to repeat, what keeps any political party longer in power in African politics, is how well established thier REWARD SYSTEM is designed. That is the ethos of politics. Sadly for UPND they don’t have a Secretary General. And the one who gets this job done on behalf of the party is supposed to be the SG. When you see the SG, you have seen the President. Thats how it works with ruling parties anywhere in this part of the world, just look at ANC in South Africa. But Mr Batuke Imenda is the most ineffective SG in the history of ruling parties worse of than Major Kachingwe, not probably because he knows not his work, but because their President HH is the party unto himself. He himself is the party and the party is himself.

So to you Bo Liswaniso, prepare for more BP. Your party will not change because its not in their belief system, and if it does it may be a little late of which the youths/cadres will know that it’s a gimmick to use them again, that unity you were calling upon is fast gone its each one for himself, I have never seen even PF at its lowest never treated its people in the manner your party is doing. Soon your youths will start beating govt officials, like they did to the Mayor in Mazabuka. And by the time you realise, your party will be very unpopular and ready to leave the stage as the shortest lived govt. KUMAWA BAKUTI CHISILU CHINAONA NKONDO, NAPITA!!!

Local herbalist appeals for funding towards his HIV cure medicine

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Local herbalist appeals for funding towards his HIV cure medicine

A Ndola-based herbalist has appealed to the government to fund his herbal medicine trials on people living with HIV so that his project is utilised in the country.

Mr Howard Maila is a herbalist whose medicines include immune boosters, cancer medicines, HIV/AIDS medicines and other various forms of medication.

Mr Maila has also appealed to be given more time to undertake clinical trials for HIV/AIDS medicines saying the trials that were done only took three months.

He explained that the initial clinical trials were done in 2005 for only three months and that what is remaining is to do clinical trials on larger samples.

Mr Maila who is also a teacher by profession said three months is not enough time to undertake clinical trials as the patients need to be on clinical trials for about six months.

He however explained that the clinical trials that were done for three months were done with the objective of proving his Mailacine formula efficacy and its toxicity.

The herbalist said the findings indicated that the CD4 court for HIV patients went up and the viral load was reduced.

He said the period in which the study was undertaken was too short and that there is a need for more time to undertake the clinical trials again so that the Mailacine formula does not become white elephant medicine.

Mr Maila said he wants to collaborate with the government in order for his project to be researched and worked on through the Tropical Diseases Research Centre (TDRC).

Under-age drinking on rise in Chinsali

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Under-age drinking on rise in Chinsali

The rampant increase of under-age alcohol drinking has raised concerns among residents in Chinsali district in Muchinga Province.

Kelvin Mwenya, a concerned resident of Kabuta area, says the levels of under-age drinking in the area have reached alarming levels.

Mr Mwenya told ZANIS in an interview in Chinsali today that many children in Kabuta Township have resorted to substance abuse instead of utilising the free education policy that the Government recently introduced.

He lamented that many bars in the area open as early 05:00 hours in the morning, adding that the under-aged are the majority of customers that patronise the drinking places.

“These children are the ones that get involved in crime activities here after drinking alcohol and they have proved to be a menace to our community,” he said.

And Priscilla Mulenga another concerned resident, stated that bar owners in Chandamali and Kabuta townships fail to control children from accessing alcohol saying its business for them.

Ms Mulenga also observed that the lack of stiff restrictions by bar owners in allowing the under-aged from accessing alcohol is one major reason for the increasing levels of alcohol abuse.

She has since called on the local authority to intervene in curbing under-age drinking in Kabuta and Chandamali townships.

”There are too many bars in this area and this has contributed to increasing levels of under-age drinking,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Chinsali Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager, Lolavwe Simukoko says the local authority has embarked on a sensitization campaign with the community and other various stakeholders to curb under-age drinking.

Mr Simukoko charged that the council has also engaged the Zambia Police Service to ensure that bar owners follow the stipulated guidelines of operation hours.

He stated that measures of intensifying inspections in bars around the district are underway, stressing that the curbing of under-age drinking is on the priority list of the local authority.

“I am urging guardians and parents to also take care of their children so that they do not engage themselves in illicit activities,” he added.

Kabuta, Choshi and Chandamali townships have been dotted as areas mainly characterised by substance abuse and high crime rate by the local authority.

Increase in gruesome forms of GBV worrying – PS

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Increase in gruesome forms of GBV worrying – PS

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe has noted an increase in more gruesome forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) especially among women and girls.

Mr Mwanakampwe says the GBV forms that include rape, murder, defilement and maiming have become a prominent feature in the Zambia media.

Speaking through the Provincial’s Assistant Secretary, Mwape Kasanda during the opening of a five-day training workshop in Kabwe, the PS said these acts range from physical, sexual and psychological forms.

He observed that the country has also witnessed the trends of abduction of girls that shows dynamism to GBV.

The PS added that the government is committed to addressing GBV and has put up measures to combat the vice.

He cited the introduction of the Victim Support Unit (VSU), the development of the National gender Policy, the development of the National Plan of Action on GBV (NPA-GBV) 2010-20214, the enactment of the Anti GBV Act No. 1 of 2011 and the development of the National Guidelines for the Multidisciplinary Management of victims of GBV among others.

Mr Mwanakampwe said government in collaboration with various partners has mechanisms in place such as the establishment of the fast-track courts, hospital based one stop centres, village led one stop centres and safe houses to ensure GBV victims and survivors have access to justice.

Meanwhile, National Legal Aid Clinic for Women and Children Executive Director, Mandy Manda, said women and children, especially the girl child are the major victims of GBV.

Ms Manda said the training for the customary adjudicators especially the local courts magistrates and the traditional leaders is informed by the fact that the key drivers of GBV are usually issues of negative cultural practices as well as negative social norms.

And Kabwe District Local Courts Officer, James Zimba, who spoke on behalf of the Judge-In-Charge, hoped that the training will cure the acrimony between the local court magistrates and the traditional leaders.

Illegal miners re-mobilise in Chibombo’s Chinyongola’s area

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Illegal miners have started mobilsing equipment in Chinyongola area of Chibombo with intentions of conducting large scale mining.

This is despite government having earlier this year banned all mining activities at the site and evicted illegal miners.

Keembe Ward Councilor, Gift Mweenda has expressed concern that some illegal miners have started mobilizing heavy equipment on site with intentions to conduct mining on a large scale in Chinyongola area in Chibombo District despite government’s efforts to stop the act.

Mr Mweenda told ZANIS in a telephone interview that some community members recently alerted him about a group of people who had moved an excavator and mineral detecting equipment on site and had started mining without a license.

The Civic leader said he engaged other community leaders and rushed to the site and stopped the miners upon being informed about the development.

Mr Mweenda has since appealed to the government to deploy more police officers in the area to stop the increasing illegality.

He said people have continued to invade Chinyongola area as they continue to discover more gold mining sites.

He has since advised people to follow the right procedures and obtain the mining licenses so that they can legally mine gold once the suspension is lifted.

Mr Mweenda said the suspension is not meant to punish the people but to allow government to put in place measures that will ensure the safety of miners and the environment.

The Civic leader further said government wants to ensure that gold mining is done in a legal manner that will also benefit the surrounding communities and the nation at large.

Hichilema asks developed countries to release US$100bn support for climate change mitigation measures

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Hichilema asks developed countries to release US$100bn support for climate change mitigation measures

President Hakainde Hichilema has asked the developed world to provide US$100 billion to support climate change mitigation measures especially in Africa, which he said is hard hit.

Mr Hichilema said there is need for developed countries to fulfil their pledge of providing US$100 billion annually to finance climate change adaptation measures.

President Hichilema said this last night when he addressed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) world leaders summit in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm, El-Sheikh.

The high-level segment for Heads of State and Government event is the 27th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP27).

President Hichilema said Africa needs strong international partnerships and support in order to address the climate change threats facing the continent and the global community.

“For us to be able to maximise our contribution to addressing this global threat while at the same time safeguarding our people’s lives and livelihoods, we need strong international partnerships and support,” said President Hichilema.

He said Zambia, as the lead negotiator for African countries on climate change, will provide the necessary support in ensuring that collaborative efforts with the global community produce positive effects on addressing climate change.

Mr Hichilema observed that despite Africa contributing only four percent of global emissions, the continent is the most adversely affected by climate change.

President Hichilema observed that floods which recently affected countries such as Chad and Nigeria, and the prolonged severe drought sweeping across parts of Africa demonstrate the reality and threat of climate change on the continent.

He has since urged the climate change conference to recognize ‘Africa’s Special Needs and Special Circumstances” regarding climate change.

He expressed optimism that the COP27 taking place in Africa will deliver significant progress towards the implementation of feasible climate actions that seek to address priority issues for Africa and other developing countries.

President Hichilema told the COP27 conference that African governments have made tremendous commitments to combating climate change as demonstrated through the submission of their updated nationally determined contribution in line with the Paris agreement.

He said African governments are spending substantial resources on addressing climate change emergencies such as droughts, floods and food shortages.

President Hichilema said Zambia has also submitted an ambitious, revised and updated nationally determined contribution in line with the Paris agreement to hold global average temperature to below two degrees while pursuing efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

Mr Hichilema has meanwhile challenged the conference to act now as the planet needs urgent climate change action.

“We have an obligation and a noble task to deliver for the future generations, for our planet, especially that we are meeting on our continent that is most in need,” he said.

He said climate change adaptation remains a top priority for Zambia as the country has placed significant actions that are addressing the effects of climate change.

“Zambia is already experiencing impacts of climate change and we expect this to continue in the foreseeable future. Our geographical location, coupled with low levels of adaptive capacity as well as multiple socio-economic challenges make the country highly vulnerable to climate change effects,” the President said.

President Hichilema added that, “it is therefore our hope that COP27 will deliver a milestone outcome in advancing the work programme on the global goal on adaptation that we adopted in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021”.

He revealed that Zambia has identified mitigation actions which will see the country transition into a climate smart green economy.

The Head of State further said Zambia is promoting diversification and expansion of renewable energy sources from the traditional hydro power to solar energy.

President Hichilema also appealed to investors to partner with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the electric mobility project to manufacture electric batteries and battery precursors as the global community transitions from fossil fuel propelled motor vehicles to electric vehicles.

Mr. Hichilema has meanwhile thanked Egyptian President Fattah El-Sisi for successfully convening the climate change conference and urged him to use his leadership of the COP27 to strive towards preserving the planet and protecting humanity.

The President is expected to attend high level discussions on climate change and other discussions on the sidelines of the COP27 Summit.

President Hichilema is expected to return home after concluding his engagements with other high-level delegates at the summit.

UK lobbying firm helped UPND with elections in exchange for favours for FQM

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UK lobbying firm helped UPND with elections in exchange for favours for FQM

A lobbying firm with deep ties to the UK Conservative party helped the UPND to win elections in exchange for millions of pounds from a mining company.

According to the Guardian Newspaper, CT Group, co-owned by Lynton Crosby, a veteran Conservative strategist planned secretive African campaign on behalf of First Quantum Minerals in Zambia and the DRC.

The files suggest CT Group also worked, under the radar, on a political influence campaign in Zambia on behalf of mining interests while working on a campaign to oust the country’s president.

CTF assured First Quantum that its work would be carried out on a confidential basis, pledging that it would “not comment on the client or elections unless explicitly authorised to do so”.

First Quantum did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

The files suggest that in 2014 CTF conducted polling and focus group research in Zambia and also fed political intelligence to its client about which political party “would likely have a more favourable and consistent approach towards the mining sector”.

A source familiar with its work in Zambia said CTF went on to support the election of business-friendly opposition politician, Hakainde Hichilema, in a special election in 2015.

Mr. Hichilema outperformed expectations but failed to gain the presidency; he was elected Zambia’s president last year.

Some of CTF’s work in Zambia prior to the election remains active today.

According to the leaked documents, the firm established an online news website that it boasted had become “a recognised independent voice of authority”

The “Open Zambia” website continues to publish articles and describes itself as “Zambia’s only independent news source” and heralds its role in “promoting transparency”.

The site, which frequently carries articles favourable to First Quantum, does not disclose it was established by a London-based lobbying firm.

There is no suggestion CT Group engaged in unlawful activities on behalf of clients in the mining sector.

In its statement, CT Group said: “It is no secret that we have worked on election campaigns internationally, and strictly adhere to all relevant laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.

“We have supported campaigns in a range of countries, including the DRC and Zambia. Supporting a candidate, be they an incumbent or in opposition, in an election campaign is taking part in the democratic process.”

Employees express mixed feelings over NAPSA reforms

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Employees express mixed feelings over NAPSA reforms

Employees from various sectors have expressed mixed feelings over the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) reforms that are in the process of being revised.

Speaking during spot interviews carried out by ZANIS in Ndola, workers are of the view that the 20 percent lamp sum that has been suggested to be paid off to employees is little and that NAPSA should reconsider its decision.

Mercy Mambwe, an employee with the mines in the Copperbelt province said the 20 percent is not enough and suggested that NAPSA should instead consider giving the money to employees in terms of mortgage.

“The moment you start working, it is mandatory that you contribute to NAPSA as an employ. And Zambia being a democratic country, some of these issues we need to be consulted because this is our money we are talking about.

As far as I’m concerned, mortgages for employees would not be a bad idea because we struggle even just to get a plot, now thinking of building with the salary is really a nonstarter. So, I propose mortgage as it will really be of great help for us.” she said.

Ms Mambwe added that if the worker’s money is given in form of a mortgage the money will be utilised well as the workers will have something to show for the contributions that they do with NAPSA.

She said NAPSA should give options to employees to choose either to get the money or be given a mortgage which can be remitted through the contributions that workers give.

And Victor Kunda, a teacher is of the view that NAPSA should start giving loans to the workers at a lower interest rate because the 20 percent is too little even if one has worked for more than ten years.

Mr Kunda said that with the high cost of living being experienced in the country, it will be difficult to do anything tangible with the 20 percent on offer.

“Most of us are just surviving by the grace of God. If you check workers’ payslips, there are deductions of loans with huge interest rates. So if NAPSA introduced loans for employees at a lower interest rate from the same contributions that we make, it would be better,” he said

He added the other way would be to give workers 50 percent of their total contributions as that would help the workers to invest properly.

In September, Cabinet approved the introduction of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Amendment Bill in Parliament.

Zambians Generally Support Death Penalty: The Case of 6 Suspected Criminals Gunned Down By Police in Lusaka

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Zambians Generally Support Death Penalty: The Case of 6 Suspected Criminals Gunned Down By Police in Lusaka

The UPND Government has embarked on an excersize to abolish death penalty. I understand that bills will be presented in parliament soon to actualize the UPND dream of abolishing death penalty in Zambia.

Death penalty or capital punishment, is a Constitutional issue entrenched in the Bill of Rights. To effectively abolish it, Government needs to amend the Bill of Rights. And to do so, Government needs to conduct a referendum so that more than 50% of citizens in Zambia, who are holders of NRCs, not voters cards, approve of the abolishing of capital punishment. In the failed referendum of 2016, abolishing of death penalty failed. So, if Government merely scraps of death penalty from the Penal Code or other laws without amending the Constitution, such changes to the laws will be unconstitutional and therefore illegal. A constitutional challenge of such laws in the courts of law can surely lead to reversals of the purported abolishment of death penalty.

One good example of Zambians’ support for death penalty is the gunning down of six suspected criminals Lusaka two days ago. You will recall that police in Lusaka West shot dead the suspects after a heavy exchange of fire?

In a statement on Saturday, Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the incident happened after police received intelligence information that some suspected criminals were about to stage a robbery at a Chinese company along Kasupe Road.

“Police yesterday around 14:00 hours engaged in a heavy exchange of fire with six dangerous criminals who were armed with an AK47 rifle and regrettably six lives of the criminals were lost. This occurred on 4th November, 2022 around 14:00 hours along Kasupe Road in Lusaka West.”

I was keen to see whether there was going to be anyone who was to protest the extra judicial killing of the suspects. It was all dead silence. Not even UPND which claims to support abolishment of capital punishment protested the extra judicial killing of the suspects.

The the general public point of view, the dead silence was proof that Zambians generally support capital punishment. Otherwise, condemnation of the police on all media platforms would have been deafening.
But from the side of the UPND, the dead silence on the extra judicial killings was something else. It was deafening proof that the Party lacks grounded principled on capital punishment. For, if UPND approves extra judicial killings, one would justifiably question the Party’s grounded theory to detest and abhor a form of capital punishment that is sanctioned by courts of law after exhaustive appeal processes but applaud or approve extra judicial killings.

To be clear to my followers, extra judicial killing is the killing of a person by governmental authorities without the sanction of any judicial proceeding or any legal process. Extrajudicial punishments are unlawful by nature, because they break the process of legal jurisdiction in which they occur. Extra judicial killings are carried out by the state government or other state authorities like the police and armed forces.

So, if the constitutionality of amendments to capital punishment laws will not be challenged in courts of law and take effect, it will be interesting to see how the laws will work out: rejection of court sanctioned capital punishment but approval of extra judicial killing system.

Or will both types of capital punishment be abolished?

Only time will tell!

Miles Sampa advocates for quick revival of Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines

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Miles Sampa advocates for quick revival of Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines

Lusaka’s Patriotic Front (PF) Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has advocated quick revival of dormant operations at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines in the Copperbelt Province.

Mr. Sampa said Government and concerned stakeholders like Vedanta Mineral Resources must take action on KCM now.

He charged that KCM went into a coma for a long time hence the need for the government and Vedanta to reach consensus on the future of the mining firm urgently.

“I have gathered that Vedanta Resources is actually in continuous dialogue with the Government of the Republic of Zambia after the suspension of litigation for an amicable settlement over the dispute of Konkola Copper Mine (KCM). Apparently both Government and Vedanta’s approach is to protect the asset, its employees, and the communities of Chililabombwe, Chingola, Kitwe, and Nampundwe as the continuation of further legal proceedings will cost a lot to Zambia. This so given that KCM assets continue to deteriorate as the firm has not been operating optimally due to financial challenges and this has had a turning impact on the communities and the whole Copperbelt region.It turns out that Vedanta with its global footprint and diversified portfolio is the most suitable operator that is experienced, technically capable, financially strong, and has the business acumen to effectively and efficiently run KCM. It intends to immediately turn around the asset-making a significant contribution to the developmental agenda of the country,” Mr. Sampa said.

President Hakainde Hichilema and Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe have been promising to ‘unlock’ KCM and Mopani.

“Being the legal owner of KCM, Vedanta has constantly been knocking on the New Dawn government door so they work together towards running KCM.Vedanta is legally strong in the courts in Zambia and the UK. This is well supported by the fact that significant efforts to sell KCM to other companies were made previously but these efforts failed. This is because no investor can buy KCM without the consent of Vedanta given its official status as legal owners of the mine. A spade has to be called a spade. Circumstances of taking over the mine from Vedanta were highly irregular. This was exemplified by the court of Appeal’s decision that ruled in favour of Vedanta in its November 2020 ruling and stayed the winding-up petition. The matter was then referred to arbitration.The forceful attempts by the government to repossess KCM from Vedanta did and continue to erode Zambia’s confidence and credibility in the eyes of credible international investors,” Mr. Sampa said.

He added:”Vedanta has however remained resolute in resuscitating its operations in Chililabombwe, Chingola, Kitwe and Nampundwe. This is evident from their firm agreeing with the New Dawn Government to settle matters out of court.Vedanta is focused on boosting growth and creating a mutually respectful relationship with the New Dawn Government in providing support for the growth and development of the mine so it becomes a reality. KCM evidently has gone into some comatose for a long while and there has to be some give and take compromise between the government and Vedanta. Government will need to give KCM and Vedanta a drip dose of ‘red bull’ to jump start operations. It is in government and national interest that the KCM asset is quickly safeguarded to a period of stability from its current bad state status.”

Mr. Sampa said Zambia should be wary that copper mining is still the only significant economic and social backbone of the nation.

“As a nation we should not hurry our heads in the sand but admit that copper mining is still the only significant economic and social backbone of Zambia. It is pivotal and critical therefore that the Zambia government holds with both hands Vedanta and KCM to give them a breath of life for a specified period. This will enable them to cruise to full production within months and quickly tap in the current global copper demands and good prices in wake of a surge in electrical cars production and demand. Copper and Cobalt are critical in the electrical cars and their batteries manufacturing. May I repeat that KCM is the biggest strategic national asset of Zambia and there is no investor at the moment that can consider investing in KCM under the current on-going dispute between the parties more so in its current bad state both technically and financially? Vedanta has given the government a written firm commitment to developing the asset in a responsible manner. It’s in writing that they intend to increase the production capacity by investing an additional USD 1.3 billion to increase KCM’s integrated production, improve working conditions for employees and pay all suppliers on time. They also intend to implement measurable and impactful corporate social responsibility projects in the communities operated by KCM. We are looking financial support to likes of Nchanga Rangers FC in Chingola, Konkola Blades FC and Nampundwe FC,” Mr. Sampa said.

The Matero MP warned that the destiny of KCM and Mopani Mines is no longer a topic for politics.

“KCM has been on the discussion table for over a year now since the new dawn government won the 2021 general elections. It’s about time both the Government and Vedanta acted decisively with a mutual ‘give and take’ approach towards their individual proposals and expectations lay on the table. A win win for the two is a win win for the people of Chingola, Chililabombwe, Nampundwe, the Copperbelt and the Nation at large.The fate of KCM and Mopani Mines is no longer a topic for political gymnastics. We should reason across the divide in order to save the lives of our people and entire nation. The two mines are the blood and oxygen lines for Zambia’s economy that are on a ventilator. Any delays on KCM and Mopani , risks the Country’s ventilator shutting down causing secondary fatal challenges. Dead and buried economically at least. Action on Mopani and KCM is needed today and not tomorrow,” Mr. Sampa concluded.

WEEKEND SCORECARD: Shepolopolo Enter Camp For Colombia Friendly

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Shepolopolo Zambia completed day one of training camp in Lusaka on Monday as the countdown to next week’s away friendly against Colombia begins.

Colombia will host Zambia in two friendly matches on November 12 and November 15 in Cali in the two side’s pre-2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup build-up game.

The Lusaka camp comprises home-based players while the six overseas call-ups will link up with Zambia in Cali from their respective European bases.

But Zambia will be without captain and star striker Barbara Banda who will miss the friendlies due to COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

“There is nothing that we can do because her club says she cannot be released so we just have to depend on the players we have at the moment,” Mwape said.

Meanwhile, the five call-ups from Green Buffaloes are expected to join camp by Wednesday after they return from Morocco.

Buffaloes were in Morocco where they made a group stage exit during their debut campaign at the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League.

=CAF WOMENS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
GROUP A

02/11/2022
Rabat
ASFAR 2(Fatima Tagnaout 30’pen 62′ pen)- Green Buffaloes 1(Ireen Lungu 19′)

05/11/2022
Marrakech
Simba 2(Asha Djafari 64′, Opah Clement 79′)-Green Buffaloes 0

=FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 11
05/11/2022
FC MUZA 1(Kondwani Mhango 59′)-Prison Leopards 2(David Obashi 39′, Landu Miete 87′)

Zesco United 3(Chanda Mukuka 7′, Collins Sikombe 30′, Clement Mwape 50′)-Buildcon 2(Christopher Chola 47′, Jonathan Manongo 61′)

Lumwana Radiants 1(Josphat Kasusu 10′)-Nchanga Rangers 1(Kunda Nkandu 28′)

Power Dynamos 0-Green Buffaloes 1(Golden Mashata 12′)

Green Eagles 0-Chambishi 2(Andy Boyele 38″ 63″)

Napsa Stars 1(Keegan Zulu 33′)-Zanaco 2(Moussa Souleymanou 14′, Tshite Mweshi 79″)

Red Arrows 1(James Chamanga 90′)-Forest Rangers 1(Moyela Libamba 66″)

06/11/2022
Nkwazi 0-Nkana 0
Kansanshi Dynamos 1(Bruce Musakanya 34′)-Kabwe Warriors 0

=FAZ NATIONAL DIVISION 1
WEEK 11
05/11/2022
Aguila Stars 3-1 BART
(Kalolamanda Sichivula 15′, Keke Sipuka 65′, 85/Alfred Mafuleka 90’)

Konkola Blades 2-0 Young Buffaloes
(Raphael Silwimba 7’, Edward Mwenya 49’)

Kafue Eagles 3-0 Livingstone Pirates
(Mangani Phiri 45′, 83’, Daniel Musonda 93’)

Indeni 1-1 Kafue Celtic
(Nicholas Chipoya 49’/ James Chilimina 65′)

Kitwe United 1-0 City of Lusaka
(Holy Songwe 49′)

ZESCO Malaiti 1-0 Trident
(Emerson Kabwe 75′)

Atletico 1-2 Mutondo Stars
(Timothy Sichalwe 62’/ Chisha Kampamba 72’, Lucky Sikanyika 90+3’)

06/11/2022
Jumulo 0-0 Lusaka Dynamos
Mpulungu Harbour 2-0 Mufulira wanderers
(MWitwa Musunga 56′, Ackim Tembo 84′)

FAZ DIV 1 WRAP: Mighty Drop to Third Place in Promotion Race

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Mighty Mufulira Wanderers have dropped one place down the FAZ National Division 1 table following a 2-0 thumping at struggling Mpulungu Harbour on Sunday.

This was Mighty’s fourth loss of the 2022/23 National Division 1 campaign.

Mwitwa Musunga and Ackim Tembo were the scorers for Mpulungu at home in Northern Province.

After a goalless first half, Musunga scored the opener after 56 minutes and Tembo wrapped up the scoring in the 84th minute.

Wanderers dropped from second to third position as they remained with 19 points as at Week 11.

Mpulungu are fourth from the bottom of the table with 11 points in 11 matches.

Meanwhile, Trident’s lead at the top has been cut to just one point by Kafue Eagles.

Trident, who have 21 points, over the weekend lost 1-0 to Zesco Malaiti Rangers away in Lusaka.

Kafue Eagles jumped from third to second place following a 3-0 win over Livingstone Pirates at home.

Eagles have 20 points from 11 matches played.

FAZ NATIONAL LEAGUE
WEEK 11 RESULTS

Mpulungu Harbour FC 2-0 Mufulira Wanderers
Konkola Blades FC 2-0 Young Green Buffaloes
Jumulo FC 0-0 Lusaka Dynamos
Zesco Malaiti Rangers 1-0 Trident FC
Kitwe United 1-0 City of Lusaka
Kafue Eagles FC 3-0 Livingston Pirates
Indeni FC 1-1 Kafue Celtics
Aguila FC 3-1 Barts FC
Atletico FC 1-2 Mutondo Stars

22 inmates graduate with various skills

Chief Editor
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22 inmates graduate with various skills

22 inmates from Katete Correctional Facility have graduated with various skills from Katete Community Development Skills Training under the Ministry of Community Development And Social Services.

Two hundred and six (206) individuals from Katete Community Development Skills Training Centre, in Eastern Province, have graduated with various skills under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, and out of which, 22 are from Katete correctional facility.

The 206 which include the 22 inmates managed to get skills in various programmes such as general agriculture, metal fabrication, bricklaying and plastering as well carpentry and joinery.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Community Development Director, Ms Patricia Muyamwa who officiated at the 3rd Graduation Ceremony under the theme “A Prosperous Zambia Through Job Creation for Self-Reliance”, expressed happiness that skills development under the Ministry are translating into real life changing opportunities, not only for ordinary community members, but to others such as the 22 inmates.

Ms Muyamwa stated that the government has continued to create a conducive environment for skills development in order to promote self-sustainability, job creation and personal development across the country.

Ms Muyamwa was impressed that skills centers under the Ministry have continued to incorporate different categories of community members with the aim of promoting inclusive community and socio-economic development.

She has since called for communities and society to embrace inmates and not discriminate against them even as they try to re-integrate into society, adding that inmates are not any different from anyone because they have the potential to reform, get a skill and add value to the country’s socio-economic development, hence the need for them to be fully embraced.

“Government is in a hurry to rebuild the economy in order to create jobs” this was said when she encouraged the graduates to put the acquired skills to good use so as to enhance personal and national growth,” she said

And one of the inmates Mr Alfred Zulu stated when giving his vote of thanks that the skills which they have managed to obtain are very important for their reintegration purposes.

Mr Zulu thanked everyone who had been instrumental in ensuring that they successfully complete the training programme, which he described as not only fulfilling, but also rich in content.

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