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Bank of Zambia deputy governor Austin Mwape says the recent B sovereign rating and the lower middle income status attained by Zambia are an indication that the country’s economy is performing well.
Dr. Mwape says the B rating and reclassification as a lower middle income country therefore requires the central bank and government to continue enhancing the financial system to ensure that it is robust and reaches the unbanked resources.
The deputy governor also notes that the central bank is committed to reducing cash circulating in the economy in order to maintain low inflation rates.
Dr.Mwape was speaking when he officiated at the Airtel money product launch in Lusaka this morning.
Under this service Airtel customers will be able to carry out cash related transactions on their mobile phones which among them include money transfer services as well as purchase of electricity units from ZESCO limited.
At the same occasion, Airtel managing director Fayaz King said the product is meant to satisfy customer needs adding that the Airtel money will be simple to use and secure.
Mr. King said the service will be accessible everywhere provided there is network coverage.
At the same occasion Citibank managing director Joyce Wainaina commended Airtel for coming up with a product that will also cater for the lowest income earners who have limited access to formal financial services.
Mrs. Wainaina adds that Citibank is happy to have partnered with Airtel because mobile payments will contribute to the growth of the financial sector in the country.
THE Lusaka High Court has dismissed with costs a case in which Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Wynter Kabimba wanted the court to compel the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to assess and charge duty payable on all MMD campaign materials.
Mr Kabimba also asked the court to order the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to investigate and disclose the MMD’s source of money used to buy campaign materials.
Lusaka High Court Judge Florence Lengalenga dismissed the case on September 13 for irregularity as it was not properly before court. This was when she ruled on an application by the ZRA, MMD and the Attorney General to raise preliminary issues.
ZRA lawyer Arthur Sike submitted that Mr Kabimba’s action was irregularly before court because he did not follow procedure laid down in section 164 of the Customs and Excise Act, Cap 322 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr Sike told the court that Mr Kabimba’s failure to give ZRA a one-month notice required by law before commencing the action is an irregularity which cannot be cured by the court through exercise of its discretion or by amendment.
He said such failure warrants the dismissal of the writ of summons and subsequent proceedings.
And the MMD argued through its lawyers Eric Silwamba and Professor Patrick Mvunga that Mr Kabimba lacks the requisite locus standi (legal interest) in its tax affairs and any publication or disclosure of any information concerning the ruling party’s taxes is not allowed by provisions of section 21 of the ZRA Act Cap 321 of the Laws of Zambia.
“The originating process filed by the plaintiff (Mr Kabimba) is irregular, misconceived and an abuse of the court process as it is a veiled attempt at instituting criminal proceedings against the third defendant (MMD) contrary to provisions of section 90 of the Criminal Procedure Code…
“The originating process is an abuse of the court process as it is designed to deprive the third defendant of its right to distribute its election literature and campaign freely and in a fair manner, as provided for by Regulation 5 of the Electoral (Code of Conduct) Regulation 2011, Statutory Instrument number 52 of 2011,” the submissions read in part.
Ruling on the defendants’ application on September 13, Ms Justice Lengalenga said she is satisfied that section 164(1) of the Customs and Excise Act is a mandatory provision which Mr Kabimba cannot avoid by alleging that the piece of legislation is discriminatory and offends Article 23 of the Constitution.
“In the absence of proof of requisite notice having been given or served on the first defendant (ZRA) as provided by section 164 (1) of the Act, I am inclined to agree and I do agree with the defendants’ submission that the irregularity cannot be cured by the court exercising its discretion or by way of amendment,” she said.
Ms Justice Lengalenga said she is satisfied that constitutional issues raised by Mr Kabimba’s lawyer Abraham Mwansa have to be brought to court through a petition, as prescribed by law, and this is supported by precedents of decided cases.
She agreed with Prof Mvunga that the court order Mr Kabimba sought for DEC to investigate and disclose the MMD’s source of campaign funds is not tenable, is unusual and the court has no jurisdiction to order such an investigation.
Ms Justice Lengalenga said such an order can amount to interference in the functions of the DEC.
“Further, since there is no law in existence which requires a political party to disclose its income and source, I accordingly find that there is no cause of action in relation to this relief. As for the relief relating to the injunction sought against the third defendant, I find it unsustainable on account of section 164 (1) of the Customs and Excise Act whose noncompliance by the plaintiff is fatal to the action and warrants its dismissal for irregularity.
“In the circumstances, therefore, and for the reasons stated, I allow the first preliminary issue raised by the first and third defendants in relation to section 164 (1) of the Customs and Excise Act, Cap 322 of the Laws of Zambia and accordingly dismiss the plaintiff’s action for irregularity as it is not properly before this court,” she said.
On Mr Kabimba’s prayer to the court to interpret section 164(1) of the Customs and Excise Act, Ms Justice Lengalenga said there is no need for such interpretation as the Act is clear in its meaning and intention for anyone wishing to sue the ZRA to give a one-month notice.
On his request for the court to strike down section 164 (1) of the Customs and Excise Act for allegedly being unconstitutional, she said there are certain prerequisites that have to be put in place before the court can entertain constitutional arguments.
A folk lifter moves a parlet of ballot papers from the UNIPRINT warehouse on to the truck for transportation to King Shaka Airport
Patriotic Front advisor Bob Sichinga has challenged the ECZ to clear the information that some ballot papers have been technologically pre-marked by the Universal Print Group.
Speaking an interview with QFM from Chama district today, Mr. Sichinga said that the confidence among Zambians to vote is being killed by the ECZ’s conduct.
Mr Sichinga said that the Patriotic Front has always been suspicious with the preparations for next week’s elections because of the manner the ECZ has handled the contract for the printing the ballot papers.
Mr. Sichinga said that the elections should be held in a transparent manner because it is clear that the MMD is living office.
Mr Sichinga also charged that transportation of the ballot papers in two batches compromises the security of the voting materials.
Mr. Sichinga wonderered what the Electoral Commission of Zambia was up to, when they had initially promised to transport the ballot papers at one goal.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says Universal print group has chartered another plane to carry the remaining 8 pallets of the ballot papers.
The 8 pallets containing the ballot papers for central and northwestern province remained in South Africa in order to avoid overloading.
ECZ chairperson justice Ireen Mambilima told journalist at the Lusaka International airport last evening that the remaining consignment is expected in the country today.
The verification and the distributions is also expected to commence today.
Justice Mambilima has noted that the commission is committed to ensuring the entire electoral process in held in a transparent manner.
Meanwhile, observers from the patriotic Front (PF) questioned justice Mambilima why the commission has only allowed only the police to guard the ballot papers in the warehouse were they are currently being kept awaiting distribution countrywide.
The observers noted that the ECZ should have allowed the stakeholders willing to spend a night at the warehouse to do so to avoid any possible suspicions.
However, justice Mambilima noted that the ECZ has the capacity to handle the storage of the ballot papers saying the police would be outside while the CCTV equipment would be left on inside the warehouse.
President Banda waves the MMD symbol at Mulambwa ground during a rally
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has advised Zambians not to risk the future of their children by voting for politicians who have no vision for the country and are only thriving on threats of violence if they lost next week’s elections.
And Mr Banda said the economic progress the MMD Government had made in the last three years should be the reason for the ruling party to remain in office after the September 20 elections. Speaking when he addressed a rally at Mwaba Basic School in Chinsali yesterday, President Banda said the future generations needed to inherit a peaceful country for it to prosper further.
“It is for this reason that the MMD encourages positive campaigns which are based on issues and not insults and personalities,” Mr Banda said. He said the MMD did not want to leave a legacy of violence because the vice had a long and negative impact on the economic and social development of the country. The president said Zambians should not make the mistake of voting for political leaders who would not guarantee a safe future for their children.
He said the hard work which the MMD had exhibited should be the criteria for the electorate to consider when voting for new leaders next week. President Banda said the MMD Government’s work was there for every citizen to see and appreciate.
He said it was better to vote for the MMD, which had proved itself with the electorate and was ready to build on achievements for the betterment of the country’s future. President Banda said voting for the MMD would determine a positive future of the country.
He said his countrywide assessment was that the people were ready to give the MMD another mandate to rule in order to continue with developing the country, with the contribution of every Zambian. Mr Banda said he was happy to be in Chinsali because it reminded him of the old days with late Simon Kapwepwe, who even sent him for studies abroad.
President Banda however said campaigns should continue until the stipulated date, despite his statement on the party’s popularity. He urged the MMD to be vigilant until the counting of votes was done and the ruling party was declared winner before celebrating. Mr Banda said the MMD was the only party capable of building a stable and prosperous country.
And United Liberal Party president Sakwiba Sikota said his party had endorsed and was ready to work with the MMD because it could be trusted to lead Zambia.
Mr Sikota said Patriotic Front leaders were losers who had failed to detract the MMD from its developmental programme. “The PF is a loser, today it lost a case in the high court against the MMD to stop them using campaign materials,” he said.
Speaking earlier at Kasama Airport when he arrived before proceeding to Chinsali, President Banda said the ruling party was likely to win all the seats in Northern Province because the people appreciated the achievements recorded in all the economic sectors.
He said the MMD would continue repeating the messages of what the ruling party had accomplished in the last three years until the campaign period ended. Mr Banda said all MMD members should get back to their respective camps and continue with the campaigns until the last day.
He told the people who had gathered at the airport as early as 08:00 hours that there was no need for violent emotions as the date of elections drew closer. The President said the MMD stood the best chance of winning the elections because of what it had achieved and the benefits that the people were enjoying from the economic strides that had been recorded.
The President arrived at Kasama Airport at 11:30 hours and was welcomed by scores of Kasama MMD members and residents. He said the MMD had encouraging response from the people in all the provinces during his campaign trail. At the Chinsali rally, President Banda introduced the MMD parliamentary candidates to the electorate.
He also held a private meeting with chiefs Kabanda, Nkweto, Mubanga, and Mukwikile at Chinsali Girls High School. He also encouraged the school girls who received him at the learning institution to work hard and contribute positively to the growth of the country because they represented the future.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda has urged the people of Lundazi District in Eastern Province not to be swayed by some leaders of opposition political parties but continue voting for the ruling MMD in order for it to continue with the numerous development projects it has started across the country.
He assured Zambians that he would defend the Constitution by ensuring that there was peace during and after Tuesday’s tripartite elections. Addressing a mammoth rally at Kaunda Square in Lundazi yesterday, Mr Banda urged the people to continue supporting the MMD because it was the only party that had a traceable record among all the political parties that were taking part in this month’s polls.
The president said only the MMD could continue building stability, security and prosperity in the country because it had a positive track record. He said the MMD Government had managed to build schools, bridges, hospitals and clinics across the country and that the people were able to see all that.
He said the maize bumper harvest the country had continued to record was as a result of the good agricultural policies the Government had put in place. He said Zambians would be making a grave mistake if they started experimenting with leadership, especially with people who had failed them before. Mr Banda urged the MMD members to use the remaining few days to conduct peaceful door-to- door campaigns to inform the people what the MMD Government had done for them.
Speaking earlier, MMD provincial chairperson Kennedy Zulu assured the president that the province would still remain a stronghold of the ruling MMD. Mr Zulu, who also presented 560 former PF members who defected to join the ruling party, said the party was ready for victory in the polls.
The ULP leader, Mr Sikota said the MMD party had performed tremendously well in the past three years and should be entrusted with a five-year mandate to lead Zambia. The rally was spiced up with performances by some Zambian musicians who included Angela Nyirenda, Organised Family, Dalisoul and Runnel with his dancing queens.
The President is today expected to officially open Indo-Zambia Branch in Nyimba District before addressing a rally in Petuake District. He was accompanied by MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe and other senior MMD and Government officials.
Zambia Union of Financial and Allied Workers is satisfied with assurances that Finance Bank employees will retain their jobs after the sale of the company.
The Bank of Zambia has announced a 27 billion Kwacha sale of Finance bank to FirstRand Group of the South Africa.
ZUFIAW President Cephas Mukuka said that a tripartite meeting for the central bank, FNB and ZUFIAW officials agreed on a non-laying off plan for all employees.
Mr Mukuka has further expressed optimism of good results with the sale of Finance Bank as was the case with ZANACO.
And Commenting on jobs, FNB chief executive officer Sarel Van Zyl said as part of the condition, the bank will not cut any jobs, but will instead make job offers for those employees that intend to work for the bank.
He said employees taking job offers will have to work on new contracts. Mr Van Zyl, however, said the bank will pay off terminal benefits to employees
On Monday Bank of Zambia (BoZ) announced the takeover of the troubled Finance Bank Zambia Limited by First National Bank Limited of South Africa nine months after the central bank took over running of the bank.
[pullquote]Bank of Zambia Governor Caleb Fundanga said that FNB Zambia fended off competition from five local and international banks to assume the running of Zambia’s fifth largest bank at a cost of K27 billion.[/pullquote]
Bank of Zambia Governor Caleb Fundanga said that FNB Zambia fended off competition from five local and international banks to assume the running of Zambia’s fifth largest bank at a cost of K27 billion.
Dr Fundanga said the decision by BoZ to award FNB the running of Finance Bank was within the central bank’s statutory powers under the Banking and Financial Services Act (BFSA).
He said BoZ followed the transfer procedure to the book, and that the renowned international financial institution Deloitte LLP of London was engaged to oversee the transfer process.
“The Bank of Zambia is pleased to announce that in terms of restructuring programme implemented pursuant to section 84B (a) of the BFSA, the Bank of Zambian has agreed to the acquisition by First National Bank Zambia of selected assets and liabilities of Finance Bank Zambia Limited,” he said. Dr Fundanga said the acquisition would bring sound business practices, financial stability and protect the local financial system as well as protect the depositor base of Finance Bank Zambia, which was grossly abused.
He said BoZ was also interested in maintaining employment of bank staff and maintaining the well-distributed bank network coverage. He said Deloitte advised BoZ of the competing interests which saw FNB Zambia, a subsidiary of First Rand Limited of South Africa, beat First Alliance Bank Zambia, Exim Bank of Tanzania, I&M Bank from Kenya and two other South African banks – JM Capital and Quantile Capital.
[pullquote]He said BoZ followed the transfer procedure to the book, and that the renowned international financial institution Deloitte LLP of London was engaged to oversee the transfer process.[/pullquote]
On December 10 last year, BoZ took over the running of Finance Bank Zambia after it was discovered that the commercial bank was breaching several banking rules, including risking of deposits and breaching loan granting limits.
Dr Fundanga said FNB was taking over 96 per cent of what Finance Bank Zambia owned, leaving four per cent of the toxic assets and liabilities which were either in court or in form of bad loans on the Finance Bank books to the central bank. With this acquisition, FNB would take over all 34 Finance Bank Zambia branches, 16 agencies and 61 automated teller machines (ATMs) in all the nine provinces of Zambia.
[pullquote]Dr Fundanga said FNB was taking over 96 per cent of what Finance Bank Zambia owned, leaving four per cent of the toxic assets and liabilities which were either in court or in form of bad loans on the Finance Bank books to the central bank.[/pullquote]
“The restructuring of Finance Bank, implemented as a purchase and assumption transaction, involves FNB Zambia purchasing certain assets and assuming certain liabilities”. Accordingly, FNB Zambia will operate all the 34 branches, 16 agencies and 61 ATMs currently serviced by Finance Bank,” he said.
And First National Bank Zambia Limited (FNBZ) is to inject over 100 million rands (about K70 billion) in the operation of Finance Bank Zambia Limited (FBZL) after the acquisition of the bank.
FNB CEO Sarel Van Zyl said there is need for the bank to capitalise the newly acquired bank according to BoZ conditions and regulations.
Mr Van Zyl said investing in infrastructure is substantial since the bank needs to conduct a detailed assessment.
“We could be investing a 100 million rands or more on physical infrastructure, electronic data system and changing the entire image,” he said.
MUSIC Artist Mampi performs during the launch of MMD eastern province women conference at Chipata Teachers Training College
2.
First Lady Thandiwe Banda waving with the MMD famous hand symbol
3.
DELEGATES listens to the first lady Thandiwe Banda (not in picture) during the launch of MMD Eastern province women conference at Chipata Teachers Training College
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FIRST Lady Thandiwe Banda (far r) reads her speech to the delegates during the official launch of MMD eastern province Women conference at Chipata Teachers Training College
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FIRST Lady Thandiwe Banda (l) receives a gift from MMD eastern province women representative during the launch of the conference at Chipata Teachers Training College. Behind the First lady is Eastern Province Women Chairperson Dorothy Phiri
A Patriotic Front cadre hovering around ballot papers at Lusaka international airport
Ballot papers for next week’s general election have arrived in the country from Durban, South Africa were they were being printed by Universal Print Group.
The chartered cargo plane carrying the consignment of ballot papers touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 14 hours.
Stakeholders from the church, the civil society and representatives of various political parties witnessed the arrival of the ballot papers.
Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Justice Irene Mambilima said verification and distribution of the ballot papers will start tomorrow.
Justice Mambilima says the distribution will start with the furthest provinces such as Northern, Luapula, and North western.
Justice Mambilima told Journalists at Lusaka International Airport that all the ballot papers that were printed have arrived in the country.
Justice Mambilima said the printing process was good but noted that the only challenges were the errors recorded on one parliamentary constituency and nine local government ballot papers but that this has since been rectified.
She said the ballots which were corrected are in the consignments of the papers that have arrived in the country.
The ECZ Chairperson has since urged Zambians to ensure that they maintain peace before, during and after the September 20 General elections.
Justice Mambilima also appealed to all Zambians to turn up in large numbers and vote for their preferred candidates next week.
The ECZ chairperson revealed that the commission is more than ready to handle the September 20 elections without difficulties or challenges.
Zambia goes to the polls on Tuesday next week September 20,2011.
[QFM]
Zambia’s bad showing at the 2011 All Africa Games continued with 400 meters women’s prospect exiting from the quadrennial event.
Nachula failed to qualify to the finals of the 400 meters after finishing 7th in the semifinals.
She was joined out of the All Africa Games track and field events by men’s 800 meters entrant Xavier Kombe who finished 5th in his semifinal race.
Prince Mumba is the only track representative still in the medals hunt as he runs in the 3000 meters men’s final on Tuesday.
There is hope, however, in the netball where the team is currently in third place in the round-robin tournament.
Rebounding Zambia beat Zimbabwe 51-39 to go third on table on 8 points behind Tanzania and Uganda on 8 and 12 points respectively.
Already out of the medal race are Zambia’s representatives in swimming, badminton, boxing, karate and today men’s singles hopeful Edgar Kazembe tumbled out of the event in the second round in straight sets losing 6-3, 6-2 to Sabry Sherif of Egypt.
And the chess team continues its quest for medals.
Meanwhile, Judo hope to keep Zambia’s hopes alive when they start their competitions on Thursday in what is a forgettable All Africa Games outing for Zambia.
File:A youth in business -cashing in on Tujilijili (brandy or gin packed in small sachets)
The Zambia Police and several representatives from political parties have requested the government to consider regulating the sale of liquor such as Tujilijili (beer satchets) especially during this campaign period.
The stakeholders are concerned that the unregulated sale of Tujilijili is one of the recipes for violence.
During an interactive meeting for the police, political party representatives, the church and other stakeholders on Monday, the participants urged the government through the Ministry of local
Government to work closely with Zambia Police in curbing illegal
liquor trading and careless consumption of alcohol especially among the youths.
They observe that alcohol consumption among the youths is rife and are worried that if left unchecked, the overwhelming presence of Tujilijili could be a recipe for violence, before, during and after the elections.
And Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Solomon Jere says there is therefore need to control the sale and consumption of all sorts of alcohol as one of the preventive measures against violence.
“I wish to call upon the Ministry of local Government and housing to strictly enforce laws on sale and consumption of alcohol as this has been identified as one of recipes for violence,” Dr Jere said.
Dr Jere says the Zambia Police is ready to work with all local authorities in the country to implement bye-laws on liquor trading and ensure that all bar owners comply with the law.
He appealed to members of the public to report all cases of
Political violence to Police on the toll free numbers, 9010 and 9011 to enable them resolve election conflicts expeditiously.
Dr Jere further says police have identified areas of possible outbreak of violence such Lusaka, and Copperbelt.
He says police are ready to quell any violence that may erupt in all parts of the country.
“We have identified areas of possible outbreak of violence in Lusaka, and Copperbelt but I want to say here that as Police we are ready to face any penetrators of such violence with full force,” Dr Jere warns.
And a clergyman, Pastor Baster Banda says the church will continue to pray for peace as the country heads for the tripartite elections next Tuesday.
The Meeting was called to brainstorm and find ways of preventing any violence before, during and after the elections.
Former Vice President Enock Kavindele says there is a vicious propaganda campaign by some sections of the private media to discredit the electoral process.
Mr Kavindele says the campaign carried out by the Post Newspaper and the patriotic Front is aimed at preparing the minds of Zambians to reject the outcome of the polls next week.
He told ZNBC News in a statement that Post Newspaper and PF are achieving this by making wild allegations accusing the MMD of rigging election without providing evidence.
Mr Kavindele has also questioned the authenticity of the opinion poll resulted published in Tuesday’s edition of the Post newspaper because it is inconsistent with other opinion polls which tip President Banda to win this years elections.
He says while the Post Newspaper is free to publish results of their chosen and biased opinion surveys, the newspaper and Patriotic Front should desist from inciting Zambians to violence.
File:American Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella about to give an interview to reporters in Lusaka
United Stated ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella has urged all young voters in the country to take the tripartite elections seriously.
Ambassador Storella says it is an achievement for the country to have recorded over a million new voters comprising young people.
Ambassador Storella has advised young voters not only to pay close attention to the presidential elections but also the parliamentary and local government elections.
He says it is important to make informed judgment on all their leaders regardless of their level of participation in elections as they would participate in presidential races in future elections.
Ambassador Storella observes that once young electorates make informed decisions on all their candidates, it will also be easy to make them accountable; in case they do not fulfill their campaign promises.
[QFM]
Pupils learn how to use the computers at elementary level at Macha Christian School in Choma
By G.Mtonga
Horrace Mann, the American education reformer who also served as a representative in the country’s legislative house once said, “Education…beyond All other devices of human origin, is a great equalizer of conditions of men –the balance wheel of the social machinery…It Does better than to disarm the poor of their hostility toward the rich; it prevents being poor.” Public education for most of the world was for the earlier part of the 20th century a right that the nation’s poor fought for. Much of the western word has already implemented a free public school system and suprisingly much of the developing world has yet to do that. In Zambia Iam aggressively championing for free public education from grade 1 to grade 12 and this discourse is premised on fundamentals of economic development, human rights, and progress for our country.
In Zambia, the ” Youth” is a term that is thrown around by politicians with as much ferocity as the words ” investors” and ” donors.” In fact if you put the words ” The Youth Of Zambia” in the search engine Google you will get : ” About The Youth In Zambia;” ” Alcohol Abuse On the Rise Among Youth in Zambia:” ” Youth Alive Zambia: Choose Life” ” Youth Vision Zambia.” And recently on 9/9/2011 MINISTRY of Sport, Youth and Child Development Permanent Secretary Teddy Mulonga is in the Times of Zambia saying that ” the youth entrepreneurship is a useful way to promote self-employment for the young people.” Of course our discourse about this peculiar group called the ” Youth ” is continuous and politicians and political pundits use this group as the object of their comments ( as Iam doing) and their policy initiatives as Minister Teddy Mulonga is quoted advocating. But what exactly can we do about the youth and what intelligent policies can we implement to address the problems that come from high unemployment, lack of education, and often crime among our young generation; who obviously are growing up at a time when Zambia is undergoing a multitude of transformations.
Im certain we all know about Liberia and their history of ” child soldiers.” Alot of research was done on the children there and the researchers made attempts to find reasons as to why children as young as 12 years old participated in the war. Above all the war created an environment where children had no option other than to join the chaos.The lack of options among young men and women often results in them entering into criminal activities and for women the general trend is prostitution. Kenya has become a ” sex tourist” destination for many Europeans not because of the county’s beautiful women but because of poverty; and in Zambia Chinese men of course have no problem taking an occasional Zambian prostitute. The greater concern though is what ” options ” this group called the “youth ” has and that to me is the most important question!! What options do young people in Zambia have, what has the government given them, what programs do we have that these young people can benefit from? What is our government’s role in investing in the future of Zambia?
A group of boys captured in the slums of george in Lusaka
Government’s main investment in the future of the youth should come in the form of making a free public education accessible to every Zambian child from grade 1 to grade 12! NGOs of course will always play a role in alleviating the social problems of the ” Youth ” in Zambia just like other NGOs do in the western world; but we can not let the education of our children become a concern for the Non-governmental organization world. My argument is that if we are going to invest in the ” Youth” we should cease to perform political gymnastics with words and stop making promises and simply implement the public school system in the Ministry of Education. Zambia has enough reserves and funding that can make this goal easy to realize as long as our politicians and our citizens see the intelligence in it and fight for it.
Consider this argument, If the government made public education free from grade 1 to grade 12 it will be socially, financially, and politically to the benefit of our country. A student will learn all the studies that will allow them to be productive citizens of our country and all this before they reach 18 years of age; which is the general age for finishing high school. Any university or technical training is usually done from 18 to 21 years of Age. Young people will be exposed to civics, math, geography, and history among many subjects and these create foundations for them to be productive members of our society. If it takes the government $30, 000 to educate a child from grade 1 to grade 12; there is a far much higher chance that that child will pay more in taxes and their less numerical contributions will on average exceed the initial government investment of $30, 000 from the time they start working to the time they retire. In other words, would it not be a logical investment to spend $30, 000 educating a child who will come and work and pay taxes and productively contribute to society? Any investor would see that this would be a good investment! If indeed the Zambian government really cared about the ” Youth;” they would create an intelligent public school system to help the poor who can’t afford school fees or send their children to prestigious institutions such as Simba, Rhodes Park or any of the many schools in Zambia that tailor their education to the higher society of Zambia. The fact is the poor are a larger part of the Zambia social composition than the rich and at the moment our education system serves the interests and needs of richer families than poorer ones.
Iam an advocate of education because I started my schooling at Lyuni Primary School in Masala, Ndola and the hardships of school fees on my family was obvious. However, with time I moved to more prestigious schools as my family’s wealth increased and went to Olympia Basic School and then Muzi Boarding School and then Frederick Douglass Academy in the United States. The point is that educational advancement in our country is astoundingly tailored to the richer families and consequently poorer ones loose the very mechanism that in the entire world is an equalizer of class and a proven method to reduce poverty: EDUCATION. If we are to invest in Zambia’s youth lets build government schools and create better pension plans for our teachers, allow our administrators to have benefits that will allow them not to resort to corruption and make our Ministry of Education accountable for the state of our education system. Investing in our youth at its highest level will only be true if we build a public school system that does not continue social divisions based on class, background, or sex! We have to educate the Zambian youth with the same level of investment that other countries put in the education of their younger generation.
G. K. Chesterson, the English writer, says that; ” Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” If Zambia is to pass the soul of its current society; then my children, or maybe even their children can see the dream of Zambia having “free’ public education a reality. I really do hope that my generation, a generation that is more exposed and has had the benefits of a democratic society can see the benefits of my argument and maybe, just maybe, in 10 years or 20 years or it might even be 5 years from now Zambia will be a country where young people regardless of economic background, tribe, or religion will be able to get an education and our government will be able to facilitate that progress.
Campaign posters of various presidential and parliamentary candidates in the September 20 tripartite elections litter the Kafue roundabout fountain in Lusaka
The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia has called for voters to carefully scrutinize the manifestos of presidential aspirants as poll-day nears.
Union President Dave Chiyobe says Zambia deserves credible leaders who will empower the labor movement and develop the country.
Mr Chiyobe says there is no room to make mistakes as the election’s results will be critical to the lives of the majority in the country.
He was speaking to ZNBC News in an interview in Lusaka.
Mr Chiyobe says the manifestos and constitutions of various political parties give the voters a guide of what each political party will stand for once allowed to rule the country.
Some political parties have promised to increase the minimum wage for workers in the country if voted into office.
The United Party for National Development –UPND- says its government will raise the minimum wage from the current K419 000 to 1, 400, 00.00 Kwacha.
The Zambians for Empowerment and Development -ZED- has promised to up the minimum wage to over a one million Kwacha.
Speaking on a ZNBC Television programme titled ‘The Manifesto’, UPND representative James Muyangana said the change is important to provide a decent minimum wage for its people.
And ZED representative Reverend Jericho Sikwila says there is need for workers in the country to be satisfied.
And National Restoration Party representative, Mbita Sumbwe says his party will improve conditions for both expatriates and Zambian workers.
The panel was discussing the topic ‘Labor and Social Securities’.
