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ECZ Commissioner Ali Simwinga defends the decision to announce Election dates for Kabushi and Kwacha

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ECZ Commissioner Ali Simwinga defends the decision to announce Election dates for Kabushi and Kwacha

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Commissioner Ambassador Ali Simwinga has defended the electoral body’s decision to announce 21st October 2022 as the date for the long awaited Kabushi and Kwacha by-elections on the Copperbelt Province.

The Electoral of Zambia on Tuesday announced that the delayed controversial Kabushi and Kwacha parliamentary by-elections will take place on Friday, 21st October 2022.

This is despite the ongoing court case in which former Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo and former Kwacha Member of Parliament Joseph Malanji are seeking to re-contest their old parliamentary seats.

The ECZ stopped Mr. Lusambo and Mr. Malanji from re-contesting in the by-elections by refusing to get their nominations saying they caused the two by elections.

Responding to a press query from Radio Icengelo News in Kitwe, Ambassador Simwinga wondered what error of principle or procedure the Commission has committed in announcing 21st October 2022 as the date for the long awaited poll for the Kabushi and Kwacha Constituencies in Ndola and Kitwe respectively.

In a written response, the respected lawyer and former Kitwe Town Clerk said Article 57(1) of the Constitution of Zambia requires bye elections to be held within 90 days of the occurrence of the vacancy.

Amb. Simwinga said holding a by-election within 90 days was mandatory and there are no exceptions.

He said in the case of Kabushi and Kwacha – the Commission is fast running out of time and failure to beat the deadline will create a serious Constitutional Crisis which has never happened in Zambia.

He said the court processes being referred to in the High Court such as the stay have been overtaken by events and lapsed owing to the letters of Articles 52(4) and 57(1) of the Constitution.

Amb. Simwinga added that the two independent candidates that had initially resigned their candidature which would have compelled ECZ to cancel the nominations and call for fresh ones have since rescinded their decisions.

“Good evening and thank you for your gracious message whose contents have been noted and appreciated.I’m particularly touched that you still consider me worthy of your esteem.I am humbled. Coming to the issues you have raised,I wish to politely state without prejudice that I’m not really sure what error of principle or procedure the Commission has committed in announcing 21st October 2022 as the date for the long awaited Poll for the Kabushi and Kwacha By Election.I say so my Dearest Friend because our view as a Commission is that Article 57(1) of the Constitution of Zambia requires bye elections to be held within 90 days of the occurrence of the Vacancy. This is Mandatory and there are no exceptions.In this particular case the Commission is fast running out of time and failure to beat the deadline will create a serious Constitutional Crisis which has never happened in Zambia.The Commission has to mobilise Ballot Papers and put in other logistic arrangements before the Poll itself,” he stated.

“It is also worth noting my Dear Friend that the Court processes being referred to in the High Court such as the Stay have in our humble view been overtaken by events and lapsed owing to the letters of Articles 52(4) and 57(1) of the Constitution. Further, the two Independent Candidates that had initially resigned their Candidature which would have compelled us to cancel the Nominations and call for fresh ones have since rescinded or withdrawn their resignations and demanded to be retained on the Ballot,” he said.

Amb. Simwinga said currently there was nothing legally that can stop the Commission from announcing and proceeding with the by elections for Kwacha and Kabushi Constituencies so that people can have representation in Parliament.

“Under the circumstances and in the absence of the two encumbrances,there fore nothing legally that can stop the Commission from announcing and proceeding with the by elections for Kwacha and Kabushi Constituencies so that our people can have representation in Parliament.The Commission finds solace on this stand in the case of Embassy Supermarket vs Union Bank Zambia Limited (SCZ 25 of 2007) in which the Supreme Court categorically stated that;

“Where a Statute imposes
a duty on a Person, the
the new date of the
Person charged with
the performance of the
duty, cannot be estopped
from exercising his
statutory Powers.”

My Dearest Friend, the Constitution of Zambia is the Supreme Law of the Land which binds all organs of the State , the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.Under Articles 57(1)and 229, the Constitution has placed this huge responsibility of conducting bye elections and the entire Electoral Process on the Electoral Commission of Zambia and nobody else,not even our esteemed Courts as of now and failure to do so would create a Constitutional Crisis.” Amb. Simwinga wrote.

He concluded:”For the same reasons, the Commission feels duty bound to obey the Constitution by announcing the date of the Poll in Kabushi and Kwacha bye elections.

I have taken abit of time to respond and share this because we have come along way.It is my Prayer and hope that my principles and professional ethics will remain fundamental.Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

Some stakeholders in the electoral process have condemned ECZ for deciding to go ahead with the two by elections next week despite ongoing court cases relating to the poll.

Zambia Must Prosper Party (ZMP) said it is shocked by the ECZ’s decision to set 21 October as the day of voting in the Kwacha and Kabushi constituencies by-election when there is an active high court order for stay and other legal challenges awaiting final determination.

ZMP Party Spokesperson Trymore Mwenda said the decision is disregard for the courts of law by the ECZ under the UPND government.

“We have stated in the past and what ECZ is doing confirms the shrinking political freedoms of opposition political parties in this country since UPND assumed office.The UPND government and ECZ must know that this country belongs to all of us and that such arrogance can only be tolerated up to a certain point thus we urge them to do things for the greater good of the country.Zambians have not forgotten of an audio recording which went viral of two top UPND officials plotting to disadvantage a named opposition political party during the Kabwata parliamentary by-election,” Mr. Mwenda said.

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has since commenced legal action against Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for deciding to proceed with the by-elections in Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies on the Copperbelt Province without awaiting the outcome of the court processes.

PF acting Secretary General Nickson Chilangwa said the decision of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to proceed with the by-elections in Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies on the Copperbelt Province without awaiting the outcome of the court processes is an abrogation of the Constitution and contempt of court.

In a statement, Mr Chilangwa said in the legal action ECZ and its commissioners will be cited for contempt of court in their individual capacities.

He warned that the behaviour of ECZ is not only illegal but extremely reckless, irresponsible and is a recipe for serious public discordant.

“The behaviour of ECZ is not only illegal but extremely reckless and irresponsible and is a recipe for serious public discordant.It is now clear to the Zambian people that the ECZ has no desire whatsoever to allow the people of Kwacha and Kabushi to have a free and fair election and vote for candidates of their choice.ECZ and the public are fully aware that the issues of the by-elections in Kabushi and Kwacha are subject of active court processes to which the ECZ itself is part to. There are currently three court processes concerning the Kwacha and Kabushi by-elections;The High Court gave a specific order, ordering ECZ to stay the elections in Kwacha and Kabushi. The Court of Appeal ordered a stay of the delivery of the judgment of the High Court pending determination of the appeal filed by the Attorney General and the ECZ itself and there are proceedings in the Constitution Court on the interpretation of the 90 day period set by the Constitution concerning the period of holding of by-elections,” Mr. Chilangwa said.

The two by-elections were initially scheduled to be held on 15th September 2022 but could not proceed due to a court ruling.

The Lusaka High Court on 13th September 2022 granted Mr. Lusambo and Mr. Malanji a stay for the by elections in Kabushi and Kwacha constituency not to proceed as planned on 15th September, 2022.

Four candidates filed their nomination in the Kabushi election while five candidates managed to file their nomination in Kwacha Constituency in August, 2022.

Meanwhile, the High Court had last month granted the prayer by former Kwacha PF Member of Parliament Joseph Malanji and his Kabushi counterpart Bowman Lusambo to suspend the by-elections in the two constituencies pending determination of the matter in which they have contested the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to declare their nomination invalid.

Judges Mwape Bowa, Sharon Newa and Catherine Phiri ruled that though the High Court does not have the authority to make a determination on constitutional matters, Article 52(4) of the constitution gives it the power to handle challenges relating to nominations in an election.

The trio said proceeding with the by-elections would be of grave injustice to Mr. Malanji and Mr. Lusambo as there was a likelihood of disenfranchising the duo by the time their petition would be determined.

Earlier in September, the Constitution Court declared Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji eligible to re-contest the Kabushi and Kwacha parliamentary by elections respectively.

Mr. Lusambo and Mr. Malanji had challenged in court the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to reject their nomination to re-contest the Kabushi and Kwacha seat respectively.

Deconstructing Munir Zulu and his politics?

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Deconstructing Munir Zulu and his politics?


By Chimwemwe Mwanza

As an aftermath of a rigorous effort to comprehend reasons for ill-behaviour, Socrates – a foremost known philosopher reportedly gave Plato his student, a damning premonition on the rising dangers of juvenile delinquency and its causes.

‘Children now love luxury, they have bad manners, contempt for authority, they show disrespect to elders and love chatter in place of exercise,’ bemoaned Socrates. In a familiar attempt to understand America’s reaction to a rising scourge in juvenile delinquencies in the 1950s, Author, James Gilbert, in his book titled ‘A cycle of outrage’ offers a similar conclusion to Socrates – except he validates his reasoning with interesting observations. Gilbert cites the breakdown in generational communication and lack of parental behavioral control as some of the factors responsible for rising insolence among youth.

Consequently, parents could no longer impress their value systems on children who were influenced as much by a new peer culture spread by comics, radio movies and television as by their elders, he lamented. While true that our era is a far cry to Socrates medieval times, it is impossible to escape a common denominator in Socrates and Gilbert’s conclusions. Absence in parenting and accumulation of material were as much a factor in influencing juvenile delinquency. Could there be a correlation to these conclusions and the wayward behaviour of a modern Zambian youth?

We do not know Munir Zulu from a bar of soap and neither do we wish to meet him – we prefer to remain a lowly paid newsman – suffice to add that those in his inner circle speak of a well-heeled individual with bucket loads of cash. He is reputed to have a propensity to flaunting his wealth. Name your price or place, be it at the famed Radisson hotel or Polo Grill, Munir will rock up as the proverbial ‘big buyer’ with a bevy of hangers on in tow. And so goes a legend, profanities from his tongue are rich enough to match his wallet.

Why is he often a victim of injustice?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with one flaunting their wealth, so why should society crucify or alienate him for this? It is arguable though that someone holding a position of public representation requires to moderate their conduct. Fact remains, Munir is not your ordinary John Solyobwali but is an elected parliamentarian representing interests of Lumezi constituency and its people. Granted he lives in a country in which more than 60% of the population wallow in abject poverty, his behaviour typifies a crassness that is widely despised by majority of Zambians.

Petulancies aside, what does he really stand for? Hate him or love him, truth is that he did not nominate or parachute himself to parliament but was elected. That he defied all odds as an independent candidate to defeat well-funded opponents is proof of his astuteness. And few would dispute that a sober Munir can indeed be a marvel to watch. He often raises genuine issues affecting the ordinary Zambian. Take the case of his widely reported tiff with Anthony Mumba? He accused the Kantanshi MP of supplying fake ventilators to UTH – a factor that resulted in deaths of several patients afflicted by Covid-19.

While difficult to ignore the vulgarity of Munir’s language in the duo’s quarrel, Mumba’s silence to Munir’s charges is deafening. But the fact that the Kantanshi parliamentarian has since opted to ingratiate himself with the ruling party in an attempt to evade possible arrest for corruption and theft of public funds has in effect lent credence to claims of selective prosecution by state agencies. Without a doubt, Munir has become a symbol of resistance to our deep-seated patriarchal structure that seeks to trample on the rights of the young and marginalised section of our society.
And the fact that the commentariat seem to hold him to a different moral standard is upsetting to his ego. Take the example of Cornhill Mwale, the UPND youth leader that unleashed the ‘Imbwa zapa Unza,’ epithet? Despite the vulgarity of his remark, Mwale escaped the public’s ire with a mere slap on his wrist. Let us turn the roles and for a second assume that it was Munir that uttered these remarks, one cannot even begin to imagine the rancor this would have caused.

The great pubic hair debate

Agreed that the sanctity of parliament needs to be preserved at all times but can the speaker or any presiding officer explain as to what constitutes acceptable parliamentary language? That said, what was offending about use of an idiom intended to illustrate the point that all parliamentarians were adult enough to make sensible decisions? Aren’t all our parliamentarians old enough to shave their pubics? It is only hygienic to shave unless one opts out of the practice due to traditional, religious or other personal circumstances.

Is it therefore justifiable that his use of this idiom in parliament warranted a 30-day suspension from the August house? Only the speaker knows yet one can argue that but there is a perception that Munir is being persecuted for his independent mindedness. And do not forget, it is not him but the people of Lumezi that are being deprived of representation while their MP sits out on proceedings.

That he has a genuine desire to serve his country is evident in his passion yet one can argue – and reasonably so that his public conduct and documented weaknesses seem to outweigh his strengths. But who doesn’t have weaknesses?

About the Author: Mwanza enjoys reading Political History and Philosophy. For feedback, email [email protected]

Namibia is a key partner in business — HH

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Namibia is a key partner in business — HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has described his trip to Namibia as key in enhancing the business and trade ties beyond Zambia and Namibia.

And President Hichilema says the trip will also help Zambia exploration and growing its trade and economic opportunities through the use of the port of the Walvis Bay corridor.

He explained that Zambia will take advantage of the interaction with Namibian President Hage Geingob on the use of the corridor by Zambia for its markets and other suppliers like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Hichilema was speaking in an interview with Journalist upon arrival from Namibia where he had gone for a visit at the invitation of that country’s President Hage Geingob as a special guest at the Swakopmund International Trade Expo.

“The trip was useful, very valuable, I am sure you were following everything, very important interaction with President Geingob, meetings went well, a lot of content which is useful to us, Walvis Bay dry port bay which we toured today plus many others, “he said.

The plane carrying President Hichilema touched down at the Zambia Airforce Base at 18:02 and on hand to receive the President was Acting Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, Civil Chiefs and other senior government officials.

Others were the Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu and the Deputy Mayor of the city of Lusaka Ketty Nanyangwe among others.

President Hichilema said the country wants to utilize the opportunity of using the Walvis Bay corridor to enhance its trade growth agenda across different borders.

While in Namibia the President also engaged with both potential investors and partners to advance efforts to re-establish Zambia as an investment destination of choice.

He also addressed the Zambia-Namibia Business Seminar where he delivered a keynote statement.

Zambia and Angola Battle for U20 AFCON Qualification Spot

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Zambia and Angola Battle for U20 AFCON Qualification Spot

Zambia is one match away from qualifying for next year’s Under-20 Africa Cup in Egypt as they face Angola in the semifinals of the COSAFA Qualifier on Friday at Somhlolo Stadium in Eswatini.

The COSAFA Qualifiers finalists will qualify for the U20 AFCON Egypt 2023.

The Junior Chipolopolo and Angola face-off in the 15h30 kick off match.

Coach Chisi Mbewe has told his Zambian side to remain focused ahead of the Angola clash.

“Tomorrow’s game is a very important game for us. We know this is the game that is holding our key for us to qualify to the AFCON in Egypt. So it is a very important game for us,” Mbewe said.

“We just have to continue working hard, we just have to continue doing the right things we have been doing that have made us to win all the three games in our group if we are to qualify to the AFCON,” Mbewe said.

Zambia advanced to the semi-finals after winning Group A with nine points while Angola finishing as the group best runners-up with six points.

“Each game Zambia plays is a final. For us to advance to the next stage we need to score goals, we need to win. If we are to buy a ticket to Egypt we need to concentrate. We just need the be focused,” he said.

The first semifinal at lunchtime will see South Africa and Mozambique clash.

Catholic church urges members to support day of national prayers

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Catholic church urges members to support day of national prayers

As the day of national prayers, repentance and reconciliation draws near, the Catholic Church in North-western Province has encouraged its members to support the event.

Solwezi Catholic Diocese Bishop, Charles Kasonde, told stakeholders during the Caritas annual general meeting in Solwezi today that the church is not against the day of national prayers, repentance and reconciliation.

Bishop Kasonde said the Catholic church was not consulted when the declaration was made about the day.

He was responding to the question on whether the Catholic Church recognises the day of national prayers, repentance and reconciliation.

He said the Catholic Church would have loved to see the three church mother bodies consulted when the declaration was done.

“As the Catholic Church, we were not consulted on the formulation of this day even though it is a day of prayer. We are fathers and mothers of prayer, we took it with a pinch of salt and we have not been participating officially but we have been collaborating with our brothers and sisters…and that is the mood because it is prayer,” he said.

Bishop Kasonde however said even though the Catholic Church was not consulted, it remains open to the day of national prayers, repentance and reconciliation.

He said the Catholic Church in Solwezi has accepted the request from North-western Province administration to host this year’s day of national prayers in its Cathedral because it values prayers.

“Two days ago, I was called upon by the provincial office to find out whether we can allow them to use the Cathedral as they did last time and the permission has been granted,” he said.

Bishop Kasonde has therefore encouraged all Catholic Christians to participate and welcome the people who will gather for prayers.

High numbers of online car dealers’ scams worry Zambian Embassy in Berlin Germany

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High numbers of online car dealers’ scams worry Zambian Embassy in Berlin Germany

The Zambian Embassy in Berlin, Germany has expressed concern over the high number of Zambians being swindled by online scammers purporting to be Polish based motor vehicle and tractor dealers.

Charge d’ Affaires at the Zambian Embassy in Germany, Dorcas Chileshe has cautioned Zambians wishing to purchase motor vehicles and tractors online from Poland to verify the authenticity of the companies they are dealing with before making payments.

Ms Chileshe noted that most of the people who are swindled do not engage the Zambian Mission in Berlin or the Consulate of the Republic of Zambia in Poland and only report when they are swindled.

“Scammers usually purport to be selling tractors and motor vehicles in excellent condition at very low prices to attract unsuspecting buyers,” she said

Ms Chileshe has since encouraged Zambians to conduct due diligence on the companies they deal with and seek guidance from the Zambian Embassy in Germany or the Consulate in Poland, as the Zambian Embassy in Berlin covers Poland as a country of Extra accreditation.

In August this year, the government through the Ministry of Information and Media advised members of the public to be cautious when purchasing used motor vehicles from online dealers purporting to be operating in Japan and other countries.

The Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda who is also Chief Government Spokesperson stated that the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has received information regarding mounting complaints from Zambian citizens who have been swindled or shortchanged by unscrupulous individuals running websites purporting to sell used motor vehicles when in fact not.

Ms Kasanda added that the government has been notified of cases involving Zambians who have not had their vehicles delivered, despite having made the payment, while some have only received their motor vehicles after intervention by our mission in Tokyo, Japan.

She noted that in view of the foregoing, the Government wishes to advise all individuals wishing to purchase used motor vehicles from Japan to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Tokyo, Japan.

“For guidance on the legitimate sources to avoid loss of funds and personal inconvenience, members of the public are advised to contact the Zambian embassy in Tokyo, Japan on [email protected],” Ms Kasanda said

Ms Kasanda cited that alternatively, Zambians are advised to use the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZAMPOST), which has a signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with various car dealers in Japan, or to purchase their vehicles from companies with a physical presence in Zambia.

She has encouraged individuals to read online reviews of companies before engaging in business, as this will enable them to appreciate the experiences of other customers.

Ms Kasanda has since directed individuals who may prefer online purchases to deal with companies belonging to the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA), an association approved by the Government of Japan.

20 Women With Hearing Impairments Get Empowered

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20 Women With Hearing Impairments Get Empowered

The Ministry of Community Development working in close collaboration with the Zambian Women With Skills – ZWWS Organisation have launched the Sustainable Women’s Economic Empowerment Project targeted at 20 women with hearing impairments.

The Minister of Community Development Doreen Mwamba stated in a speech read on her behalf by the Ministry`s Permanent Secretary Angela Chomba Kawandami at the launch of the Sustainable Women’s Economic Empowerment Project (SWEEP) to be implemented by Zambian Women With Skills (ZWWS) Organisation that the government is committed in addressing issues that affect vulnerable girls and women, particularly women with disabilities.

Ms Mwamba noted that poverty is one of the biggest challenges faced by women with disabilities, and it is for this reason that the New Dawn Government in collaboration with other stakeholders is promoting empowerment initiatives such as this skills development among women with disabilities.

“I am confident that this project will contribute to the government’s efforts in the provision of basic social protection services through vocational skills empowerment for women,” Ms Mwamba mentioned

Meanwhile, ZWWS Founder Board Chairperson Bwalya Maketo noted that the participants of the project would not only be empowered with skills, but also business start-up packages.

Ms Maketo commended the government for creating an enabling environment for Public Private Partnership in provision of quality such as the skills development for women.

The Sustainable Women’s Economic Empowerment Project was funded by the US State Department, targeted training 20 women with hearing impairments drawn from different vulnerable communities across Lusaka with empowerment skills like tailoring and catering among others.

Through the generous support and funding of the US Government, the women were privileged to launch the Sustainable Women’s Economic Empowerment Project (SWEEP) “Inclusion Edition,” which is a community initiative that seeks to help contribute to the rebalancing of the existing social and economic hierarchies in different communities in Zambia, through vocational skills empowerment for women.

The project which was piloted in 2018 with trainees drawn from Lusaka’s Ngombe Compound, follows an implementation model that can be replicated in other underserved communities similar to the project pilot community.

The skills empowerment training offered through this project are therefore an attempt to catalyse business action for women’s empowerment, and deliver value for vocational business skills by developing high-impact women’s empowerment strategies, driving social and economic progress for women at both community and national levels.

And in this particular cohort, the intention is to empower 20 women (with speech and hearing impairments) with income generating skills (tailoring & catering) plus business start-up packages in the form of the necessary materials needed to set up a business in line with the skills acquired.

Additionally, all the 20 women that will undergo this training, have been selected from different communities within Lusaka through our partner organisation, the Zambia National Association of the Deaf (ZNAD) which is already on the ground within the community, actively working with the demographic in question.

The combination of the skills acquired, plus the start-up material, will help the women set up small businesses and in turn, effectively contribute to the overall economic cycle of their communities.

The organisation expressed gratitude to the New Dawn Government under the leadership of His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for creating an enabling environment for Public Private Partnership in the provision of quality life skills for all Zambians especially the women, as demonstrated by the presence of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services during the launch of the project, who graced the event as the Guest of Honor.

The ZWWS Organisation has since congratulated the 20 women that have been selected to participate in this particular cohort, and wish them all the best beyond the Project cycle, as the organisation remains committed to changing the lives of Zambian women, “one woman at a time.”

Kapasa Makasa university students extol Government over meal allowances

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Kapasa Makasa university students extol Government over meal allowances

Students at Kapasa Makasa University (KMU) in Chinsali district have joined their colleagues from other universities in appreciating government for re-introducing meal allowances under the students bursaries scheme.

KMU Union President, Godwin Mposhi, said the move by government to re-introduce meal allowances has been received with delight among the student populace.

Mr. Mposhi said meal allowances will help ease the financial pressure which many vulnerable students have been experiencing.

He told ZANIS in an interview today that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration is fulfilling its promises of looking into the students’ plight.

He said it has been a challenge for Kapasa Makasa University students to survive without meal allowances.

Mr. Mposhi also explained that the rural location of the institution has made it difficult for students to access some important amenities.

“We are very disadvantaged here, especially that our institution is located over 20 kilometres away from the central business district of Chinsali,” he said.

And Deophister Mumba, a second year Animal Science student, stated that the re-introduction of the meal allowances will serve as a motivating factor for many vulnerable students to thrive in their studies.

Mrs. Mumba observed that it has been very difficult for students coming from distant places to live without any allowances after KMU was de-linked from the Copperbelt University (CBU).

She said President Hichilema’s government has shown commitment towards the tertiary education sector through the re-introduction of the meal allowances.

“We are very grateful to the President for this consideration,” she added.

Meanwhile, KMU Animal Science Society President, Lishuku Ng’onga, appealed to government to consider providing livestock at the institution for practical purposes.

Mr. Ng’onga said Animal Science students have been disadvantaged as they do not have practical tools and animals that can supplement their theoretical classes.

He stated that the university will be very grateful if the students’ appeal is urgently addressed.

Kapasa Makasa University recently commemorated its university open day since its establishment in 2016.

Zambia Association of Manufacturers Happy With Government Economic Interventions

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Zambia Association of Manufacturers Happy With Government Economic Interventions

The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has commended the government for the efforts they are making to stimulate economic growth in an endeavor to improve livelihoods in the economy.

ZAM President Ashu Sagar stated that the 2023 National Budget placed increased focus on Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Manufacturing, while continuing to strengthen the enablers of energy and Information and Technology (ICT), among others.

Mr Sagar noted that the Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane outlined that the manufacturing sector was critical in stimulating growth and driving value addition, and presently, the sector contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at less than 10% remains low to attain real socio-economic transformation.

“We hope to engage the government to look for other avenues to reach the 2030 Manufacturing to GDP target,” he said

“We are, therefore, elated to observe that the government will continue to promote multi-facility economic zones as one way of growing the country’s industrial and manufacturing base, going into 2023 and beyond, we would like to urge the Government to consider widening the investment incentives beyond the multi-facility economic zones (MFEZ) as Zambia is open for business and we need, as a country, to seize the opportunity and extend growth beyond the MFEZ,” he stated

And Mr Sagar further said that they are delighted to learn of the review of the Zambia Development Agency Act, as this exercise, once completed, will promote trade and investment in the country.

He further mentioned that the move to reform the FISP is welcome, as it will include support to value addition, storage and logistics and expanding it into a Comprehensive Agriculture Support Program – CASP.

“We are elated with the reform program as the initiative will now include a component of value addition and which in turn will have a greater multiplier effect,” Mr Sagar noted

Meanwhile, Mr Sagar explained that on the livestock sector, ZAM remains concerned with the outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and African Swine Fever and in this regard, the government’s decision to enhance surveillance, prevention and control of animal diseases through establishment of an animal vaccine plant, promotion of veterinary public health and food safety, and enhancement of animal health research and diagnosis is a welcomed approach.

He mentioned that other interventions that the government will enhance include construction of bio-security infrastructure on trunk roads, and construction of bio-security infrastructure on trunk roads and completion of laboratories. In addition to this, ZAM has urged the government through Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to expedite development of Standards for Beef, Poultry and Chicken.

“The government should also spearhead the development of national strategic plans for the livestock sector,” he said

Mr Sagar said that the initiative to develop a robust animal identification and traceability system is welcome, for this will reduce incidences of theft and whilst enhancing the country’s potential to export on the strength of meeting international standards that require the identification and traceability of livestock products from ‘’farm to fork’’.

He disclosed that ZAM has observed positive interventions in certain sub sectors of the manufacturing sector, as they are also aware of the challenges and opportunities existing in sub-sectors such as the textiles and garments sector, wood processing, beverages, metal fabrication, pharmaceuticals, leather, soap and edible oils which are critical to the growth of the manufacturing sector.

“We urge Government to, further look at the dynamics in these industries as these were among those worst-hit during the era of COVID-19 pandemic,” he disclosed

Mr Sagar noted that the government’s proposed extend to the local content allowance at the rate of 2%, for income tax purposes to encourage value addition to tomato, in addition to mango, pineapple and cassava, ZAM looks forward to this measure being extended to other sectors such as leather, leather products, textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, and the soya beans value chains.

He added that key to this is the reduction of the import bill and the capacitation of local firms to generate more revenue domestically, this is critical to creating employment in the midst of uncertainty and securing the livelihoods of the Zambian citizenry.

Court presiding over Mumbi Phiri’s case visits alleged crime scene

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Court presiding over Mumbi Phiri’s case visits alleged crime scene

A state witness in the case in which former Patriotic Front (PF) deputy Secretary General, Mumbi Phiri, is charged with murder, Donald Malimba today led a team of defense lawyers and High Court Judge, Charles Zulu, to the crime scene where the alleged murder of Lawrence Banda took place in Kaoma’s Site and Service area in

Mrs. Phiri and former President Edgar Lungu’s barber, Shebby Chilekwa, are accused of having murdered Lawrence Banda, a United Party for National Development (UPND) cadre in October 2019 during the Kaoma Council Chairperson by-election.

The prosecution team visited two crime scenes within the Site and Service area which are approximately 500 meters away from each other.

One crime scene was said to be the point where Banda was allegedly shot and killed while the other one was alleged to be where an attempted murder of the then UPND Kaoma District Chairman, identified as Chola Simwawa, was committed.

Mr. Malimba, who is also a Kaoma District Investigations officer, told the court that investigations he conducted revealed that the person who shot at Banda came out of the vehicle that was stationed at the scene he however did not name but was able to narrate how the suspect moved from where the suspected PF vehicle was parked to where the deceased and others were.

He told the court how difficult it was to get witnesses from the neighbourhood because no one was willing to testify for fear of being arrested by the police.

Mr. Malimba further testified that all the information he had was from his own investigations through people who were at the scene.

But when asked by the defense lawyer, Makebi Zulu, as to whether the state witness brought an expert crime investigations officer at the scene at that time, Mr. Malimba told the court that no expert was brought.

At the second scene for attempted murder of Chola Simwawa, Mr. Malimba told the court that one empty cartridge was picked approximately 100 meters away from the UPND camp.

The court has since returned to Mongu for continued trial tomorrow at 09:00 hours.

Mrs. Phiri and Mr. Chilekwa are represented by Makebi Zulu, Charles Changano and Jonas Zimba from Makebi Zulu and Associates.

HH calls for the reduction of bureaucracy on matters of trade and investment between Zambia and Namibia

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HH calls for the reduction of bureaucracy on matters of trade and investment between Zambia and Namibia

President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored Government’s desire to streamline and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy on matters of trade and investment between Zambia and Namibia.

Officiating at the 2022 Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX), in Swakopmund, Namibia on Wednesday, President Hichilema said unnecessary bureaucracy on matters of trade and investment should be reduced among countries in the Southern African region as well.

The Swakopmund International Trade Expo is an annual international event organized under the auspices of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and attracts several investors.

President Hichilema is in Namibia for a four day state visit at the invitation of that country’s President Hage Geingob.

Delivering a keynote address at the Expo, President Hichilema said the presence of both government and private business leaders at the Expo underscores the two countries willingness to improve trade.

The Head of State implored the Namibian and Zambian business leaders to view their governments as partners in development agenda as they share the same vision of serving their local populations by uplifting their standards of living.

President Hichilema said he was in Namibia to market Zambia.

“We were delighted to have officiated at the 2022 Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX), in Swakopmund, Erongo Region of the Republic of Namibia.We conveyed our profound gratitude to His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia for inviting and hosting us in the iconic Tourist City of Swakopmund.The presence of both government and private business leaders at the Expo underscores the two nations’ desire to streamline and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy on matters of Trade and Investment between our Governments and the Private Sector of our two Countries and the Region,” President Hichilema stated.

This year’s Expo is being held under the theme: “Towards a Shared Economic Vision – Our Shared Destiny.”

‘We thanked the Namibian Government and the people for availing Zambia the Walvis Bay Dry Port, that has made it easier for our country to diversify our trade routes.We implored the Namibian and Zambian business leaders to view their governments as partners in development agenda as they share the same vision of serving their local populations by uplifting their standards of living. We encouraged them to ensure that their businesses were interwoven by forming joint ventures with the local population, in order for them to receive the necessary support and solidarity.We are here to market Zambia as well,” he said.

During his visit, the President is expected to engage with both potential investors and partners to advance efforts to re-establish Zambia as an investment destination of choice.

Mr. Hichilema will also on the sidelines of the expo, attend the Zambia-Namibia Business Seminar where he is also expected to deliver a keynote statement.

Before officiating at the Expo, President Hichilema highlighted the need to reinforce the existing strong bilateral relations between Zambia and Namibia.

“In line with our declaration that Zambia is open for business once again, we shall actively engage with potential investors and partners to advance efforts to re-establish Zambia as an investment destination of choice and set out our Government’s vision for a resilient and sustainable economy that delivers benefits for all Zambians.We fully realise that our civil service cannot absorb everyone in terms of job opportunities hence our quest to seek for potential investors to partner with our citizens in mining, finance, tourism, energy, transport, medical, education, fisheries, logistics, commercial and retail services, construction, among others and create quality jobs for our citizens in the private sector. Our participation in this trade and investment Expo also underscores our desire to deepen intra-African trade and collaboration for countries in the southern African region and the continent at large.We thank you for your prayers and support.God bless Zambia,” President Hichilema added.

Prior to the Namibia trip, President Hichilema had officially opened the first ever Western Province Trade, Tourism and Investment Expo where a number of local and international exhibitors in various sectors showcased their products and businesses.

“Our mission is to continue accelerating our economic transformation agenda by displaying some of the key areas available for investment opportunities in our country. We reiterated our call to our citizens to be patriotic by investing locally as our country is endowed with huge economic potential, with Western Province in particular capable of feeding the nation from the vast resources of the Barotse plains, where basically any crops and livestock can be harnessed. We do not accept the long held notion that Western Province, or indeed any part of our country, is poor. We have to change this mindset of poverty by taking advantage of the many business opportunities that are being opened up,” President Hichilema commented on the Western Province Trade, Tourism and Investment Expo.

He said the New Dawn Government is looking forward to increased economic activities that will translate into creation of quality jobs for our citizens, especially the youth and women.

“For example, in the value addition sector, we should not accept a situation where timber logs in their raw form from Western Province is being cut and loaded into trucks to the international markets, yet your government has provided huge business opportunities in the manufacturing of desks in the country, same applies to copper and other natural resources that require value addition.We thanked the business community and other cooperating partners who have so far shown great interest by providing added incentives such as reduced bank interest rates for our people to seize available opportunities.From these business opportunities, we look forward to increased economic activities that will translate into creation of quality jobs for our citizens, especially the youth and women,” the Head of State said.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia’s Decision is a Violation of the Rule of Law

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The Electoral Commission of Zambia’s Decision is a Violation of the Rule of Law

By Linda Kasonde Chapter One Executive Director

Chapter One Foundation promotes and protects human rights, social justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law in Zambia, primarily through public interest litigation, advocacy, and capacity building. Our aim is to promote and protect the Constitution and the rights included in it and by so doing, free the space for Zambians to fully participate in the democratic governance of their country.

We note with concern the decision of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to proceed with the by-elections in the Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies despite the fact that there is still an on-going court case in which the occupancy of the seat is in question. The ECZ has it that the reason for this decision is the fact that the Constitution requires a by-election to be held within 90 days of the occurrence of a vacancy in the office of Member of Parliament.

In arriving at its decision to stay the elections, the High Court was aware of the requirement that a by-election be held within 90 days of a vacancy. The Court addressed its mind to this requirement and decided that the elections be suspended/stayed until the determination of the matter before it. To our knowledge, the stay ordered by the High Court, as correctly cited by the Commission, has not been discharged. Subsequently, the decision by the ECZ to proceed with the by-election is not only presumptuous as to the outcome of the court case but is all in direct contravention of a court order. This is subsequently a violation of the rule of law.

In our democracy, the courts wield the sole power to interpret and enforce the provisions of our Republican Constitution. While institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia have Constitutionally defined powers, these must always be exercised within the limits of the law. In this case, the power of the Commission to appoint a date for the Kabushi and Kwacha by-elections has been suspended by the High Court through a legal and legitimate process.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia is established to implement the electoral process and conduct elections. In carrying out its constitutional mandate, it is imperative that the Commission inspires confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. The integrity of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and confidence the public has in its operations are dependent on the sagacity it exhibits in such situations. In addition, the Commission is obligated to ensure that the electoral process is free and fair.

Fairness includes abiding by the orders of constitutionally established Courts and in so doing, promoting the rule of law. The fate of our democracy is dependent on the way election administrators manage the various interests at play. When democracy and the rule of law win, the people of Zambia emerge victorious.

CEJ Lauded for facilitating effective dialogue among traditional leaders on environmental governance

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CEJ Lauded for facilitating effective dialogue among traditional leaders on environmental governance

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo has lauded Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) for facilitating effective dialogue among traditional leaders on environmental governance.

Mr Nkombo who is also Mazabuka Central MP said the economy of Zambia largely depended on land-based investments which called for environmental sustainability.

He said the New Dawn Government under the Leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema would work hard to strengthen land use investments governance including addressing breach of property rights and labour rights abuses.

Mr Nkombo called for social and environmental safeguards to regulate land-based investments in the medium to long term.

The Cabinet Minister was speaking when he officially opened the Traditional Leaders Caucus organised by Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka, Wednesday, under the theme; ‘Strengthening Land-based Investments and Environmental Governance in Zambia’.

Meanwhile, CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape stated that land-based investments in Zambia were marred with land tenure disputes, unfair compensations and displacements, environmental degradation, and poor public awareness of the land rights and legal frameworks and institutions governing land-based investments.

Ms Mwape added that issues from the Caucus would inform the immediate steps to be taken in advancing land-based governance in Zambia.

She added that a Summary Action Paper capturing key issues raised by Traditional Leaders on the governance of land-based investments as well as social and environmental sustainability, would be developed and presented to the main plenary of the Environmental Protection Dialogue.

“The Caucus is convened by CEJ with support from the Advancing Land-based Investment Governance (Align) Project which is being implemented by a consortium of three (3) institutions namely the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) and Namati,” the CEJ Executive Director said.

Ms Mwape advanced that CEJ was delighted to deliberately convene the Traditional Leaders Caucus as a side event from the main annual event dubbed the Environmental Protection Dialogue.

“CEJ and its allied partners have realized that land-based investments are key to Zambia’s long-term development planning strategy – vision 2030, which identifies agriculture, energy, mining and forestry as key components to harnessing sustainable development,” she said.

Ms Mwape however, said several concerns were raised in the way governance on land-based investments had been undertaken in the last few years.

“There has been concerns as to whether the investments are effectively upholding socioeconomic rights, including land and livelihood protection, and protecting the environment, particularly with growing pressures on Zambia due to the negative effects of Climate Change,” she said.

Ms Mwape guided that sustainability was a key element within Zambia’s governance structure, defined to include Zambia’s supreme law, the Constitution and Zambia’s long-term development strategy, Vision 2030.

“The Constitution explicitly outlines the importance of balancing the need to attract investments to develop Zambia with the need to ensure their environmental and social sustainability (constitution of Zambia 1996, art 112). Nonetheless, observation of the situation on the ground seems to prove otherwise. There seem to exist uncoordinated legal frameworks that govern land-based investments and weak enforcement of environmental and social safeguards,” she said.

And Chairperson of the House of Chiefs Chief Nkula said traditional leaders were looking forward to policy pronouncements that would help them develop their areas.

Tourism Minister calls for increased investment in tourism

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Tourism Minister calls for increased investment in tourism

Government has called for increased investment in the tourism sector in Western Province and utilize the untapped potential to spur economic transformation.

Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba called on local and foreign investors to take advantage in areas such as hospitality, food, and tourist sites.

The call to encourage investors in the hospitality industry comes from the backdrop that most lodge owners in Mongu recently hiked accommodation rates to patrons of the expo.

Speaking at the ongoing Western Province Tourism, Trade and Investment Expo currently taking place in Mongu Town, Mr. Sikumba said the hiked room rates is a result of an accommodation deficit especially in Mongu causing lodge owners to hike room rates whenever there is a big event taking place.

The Minister has extended an olive branch to local and foreign would be investors in the tourism sector.

“Am extending an olive branch to would be investors in the tourism sector as there are a number of places which need investment in the sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta says government intends to make tourist sites easily accessible in order to boost tourism.

Mr. Mbangweta said government to this effect is set to build a bridge across the Luanginga river to link Kalabo and Liuwa.

He also highlighted the need to promote the South-west tourism corridor which is aimed at encouraging tourists who visit the Victoria Falls to stay longer as well as visit tourist sites in the western side of the country.

Among these sites are the Simahala Game Sanctuary in Mwandi, the Sioma Falls, the Sioma- Ngwezi and the Liuwa National parks plus the Nayuma Museum in Limulunga.

He added that government is also planning to construct a cultural village in provincial capital.

Prolonged court cases are a hindrance to the corruption fight –GEARS Initiative

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Prolonged court cases are a hindrance to the corruption fight –GEARS Initiative

The Governance, Elections, Advocacy and Research Services – GEARS – Initiative Zambia cites the prolonged Court cases proceedings as the major weakness in the fight against the corruption process.

GEARS Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi stated that the weakness of the corruption process is at the Courts of Law because it takes too long to for cases to be discharge, for example, people who were arrested last year, their cases are still in Court and there seems to be no end to it and we have also seen cases that have been in Court for more than 10 years.

Mr Chipenzi noted that the corruption message and stance is expressive, but perhaps the execution is what needs to be improved as a mechanism needs to be put in place which will actualize the policies, actions, statements so that people can now see the fruits of this information that is being sent out there.

“Warning shots need to be sent out there, to say indeed someone has been convicted, arrested and so much money has been collected from the corrupt people, once that is done then the message must have sunk in, in too many people’s minds including the young ones, that corruption is a cancer that needs to be avoided,” he stated

He explained that at some point corruption is a political issue, so at the end of the day when everything is quite because the cases are in Court, people will now politicize by questioning where the convictions are and those convictions may come after the next term, so now they will say look now its because of politics that’s why they are bringing these issues.

He added that corruption itself is politics because the people that are being arrested are politicians and so what happens is that when a politician is arrested, they start politicizing the whole process by stating that they are being prosecuted for belonging to a certain political party, or region.

Mr Chipenzi has expressed disappointment in the Anti-Corruption Commission Fast Track Court for its failure to give a time frame on cases such as 90 days where these cases should have come to an end, because for the Commission to arrest someone, it means they have all the evidence so they should not take one year or two years in Court, within 90 days or 100 days the case should be discharged and someone should go free or go to jail.

“These cases need to be done away with quickly so that politics don’t seamer into people’s minds, we want to see 90 days finish and then people go to jail or go free,” he said

“An arrest can be done at any time, as it is not a process and it is just a one-off thing but conviction is through a process,” he added

Mr Chipenzi mentioned that investigative wings have the mandate to act within the confers of the law and the beauty about the Anti-Corruption Commission is that they always cite the law which anchors on the arrest made, so that if somebody does not agree with the section of the law that has anchored on their arrest, they can go and challenge it in the Courts of law.

“I have never read, a statement from the Anti-Corruption Commission that is plain without any section of the law being cited into there, so, already you can see that whatever they do is within the confers where the laws are,” he said

He stated that the major concern is that people are only arrested once they leave office and this is a concern because the fight against corruption is being done in arrears but the challenge has been that power has been put into the politicians, corruption is politics and if people give a politician so much power, they will abuse that power and because they can abuse that power these institutions become powerless.

“Because the moment one is about to be arrested, they will say no you will be fired we have seen people even Police Officers who will stop maybe a procession of the ruling party, will told that they will be transferred to a rural area,” he said

Mr Chipenzi said that this is why when people leave power, they become so powerless that they can catch them at any time and anywhere.

“We want to appeal to the new government that mechanism must be put in place to fight corruption yesterday, today and tomorrow, we should not wait for them to go out of power, a message must be sent that if one is corrupt and holding public office then they can be investigated, arrested and sentenced so that others can learn that that they should not involve themselves in any corrupt activities,” Mr Chipenzi stated

Mr Chipenzi highlighted this when he made an appearance on ZNBC TV2 Morning Live Show.

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