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Africa remains a priority for the EU-Pereyra

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Africa remains a priority for the EU-Pereyra

The new Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Botswana and SADC Ambassador, Petra Pereyra, says Africa remains a priority for the EU.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to Botswana, Brighton Litula, Ambassador Pereyra said Africa had a huge potential of economic growth.

“Thank you for recognizing the EU as an important strategic partner to Zambia and of course this is something that we hope to be to the countries here in the Southern region. It is a priority for the EU that we work in close relation with our African partners across this continent,” she said.

Ms. Pereyra noted that Africa remains a priority for the European Union adding that Africa also has a huge potential both on the international fora and economic growth as well as potential to fight the global challenges being faced.

“Africa is a really important partner, we really hope to work with all of our African countries in partnership in a way that we are there to support and empower our partners on their ambitions towards achieving prosperity and economic growth,” Ambassador Pereyra said.

And Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to Botswana, Brighton Litula, said the EU was one of the long and important strategic development partners for Zambia.

He said the EU has been supporting Zambia in various sectors such as energy, agriculture, public finance, good governance and private sector development, environment and climate change, among others.

“You are very much aware that our development partnership was revolving around the European Development Fund (EDF) framework of which during the 11th EDF, which ran from 2014 to 2022, Zambia was able to benefit EUR 460 million in the form of grants in various sectors of the economy,” he said.

He indicated that the funding for the year 2021 to 2024 is EUR 299 million to Zambia which will go towards green partnership for sustainable recovery, growth and decent jobs.

Mr. Litula appealed to the EU Head of Delegation to consider the possibility of engaging the SADC Secretariat to initiate a project which would resolve the traffic congestion at the Kasumbalesa Border as it is a bottleneck to trade among SADC countries along the North, South transport Corridor.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press at Zambia High Commission in Gaborone, Botswana, Julia Malunga.

HH Abusing Intelligence and Security Wings to Spy on Opposition

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HH Abusing Intelligence and Security Wings to Spy on Opposition

By Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party

There’s an illegal, unethical and unacceptable practice by our intelligence and security agencies that is becoming accepted as a normal and legal practice. This is the surveillance of opposition leaders and the gathering of information about their election campaign strategies and activities and passing that to the leadership of the ruling UPND and Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

The intelligence and security agencies are today being abused by Mr Hichilema as part of his political and electoral machinery. Such acts and abuses of the intelligence and security agencies to manipulate the political and electoral processes should not be tolerated. This UPND government of Mr Hichilema is using intelligence and security agencies to serve its political purpose and spy on opposition leaders and keep track of even its own allies and party leaders.

Such acts subvert the democratic system and breed an atmosphere of illegality in the higher echelons of the government. They cannot and should not be tolerated. Protecting the covert activities of intelligence and security agencies cannot and should not be made the pretext for such abuses and illegality.

In order to prevent the continuation of such practices, there’s a need to put in place a clear set of guidelines prohibiting the use of intelligence and security agencies for any form of surveillance of opposition political leaders and their election campaigns. Instructions on surveillance on grounds of national security or investigation of criminal activity must be codified. The intelligence and security agencies must be subject to parliamentary oversight.

This UPND government of Mr Hichilema is misusing and abusing the intelligence and security agencies to gather information about the campaign strategies and activities of opposition political leaders in order to prolong their survival, instead of using them to gather information about the activities of anti-national, transnational corporations and foreign armies they have brought into our country.

This is an unethical, unconstitutional and shameful act on the part of Mr Hichilema and his government. He is resorting to such despotic actions as he has failed to perform on all fronts other than boasting, posturing and globetrotting – making him seemingly insecure and prompting such despotic actions.

This is an outright violation of laws and a bizarre infringement of our fundamental rights. I hope I will not be challenged to provide evidence of this. I have deliberately decided to be general and avoid naming officers who I have personally confronted following me. This is because I very well understand the value and importance of these institutions if put to good and proper use. No nation has made good progress without these institutions operating efficiently, effectively and in an orderly manner. I am not out to undermine or destroy these necessary institutions. I simply want them to function in the right way, to do things the right way even if it calls for the greatest effort.

48 Cooperatives in Kabwata Constituency receive 1,920,000 in grants

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48 Cooperatives in Kabwata Constituency receive 1,920,000 in grants

48 Cooperatives in Kabwata Constituency have received grants totalling 1,920,000 Kwacha under the women and youth community empowerment.

Kabwata Member of Parliament Andrew Teyengwa has advised the beneficiaries of the grant to use it for its intended purpose, adding that anyone with intentions of diverting the grant will be followed by the relevant officers and will not be a considered beneficiary in the next phase of receiving grants.

“We want you to start improving your lives because the investment that you are going to make will enable you to change the destiny of your lives, for this is a seed that you are planting today and when you plant a seed today, don’t expect a harvest the following day as the harvest will only come even after three years but what’s important is to plant the seed, have the farmers mentality if you want to succeed in whatever you are doing,” Mr Teyengwa explained

Mr Teyengwa has since urged the beneficiaries to utilize the skills and knowledge acquired when they were being taught on how to manage the funds, from the training that they had, stating that he hopes all the beneficiaries of the grant have undergone the required training on how to manage the funds as it is not wise to give out empowerment funds without prior training on how people should manage the funds.

“These are funds that should move you from one level to the other, only if you apply the principle of planting the seed and waiting for the right time to harvest,” he stated

Mr Teyengwa has advised the beneficiaries to consider working in unity because where there’s unity, there’s progress, because working in division will lead to the failure of the Cooperative.

“Unite and ensure that the plans that were put in place when forming the cooperatives should be accomplished,” Mr Teyengwa mentioned

And Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu who graced the handover ceremony as the guest of honor stated that the beneficiaries of the CDF empowerment grants should utilize the funds prudently as they are pioneers of this noble cause.

“Your prudent utilization of these funds shall be a yardstick to determine the viability and sustainability of this empowerment programme, the same way you cooperated when applying for these funds, is the same way you are expected to coordinate as you utilize the funds,” she said

Ms Zulu has since advised people especially the youths to take advantage of this rare opportunity that the New Dawn Government has created, stating that the youths should turn from spectators to participants as it is time to form cooperatives, register businesses and apply for skills development bursaries.

Ms Zulu mentioned that the handover of the grants is a fulfilment of a historical milestone which seemed only like a dream especially to the naysayers who thought it was impossible to empower the Zambian people and improve their lives.

“Most people thought we would not deliver, but on secondary schools, we have bursaries and skills development bursaries, children are enjoying the free education and those interested in skills development are in schools,” she noted

“I want to assure the people of Kabwata Constituency that you are in safe hands with Mr Teyengwa as he is a full-time community worker who deliver according to his promises,” she said

Ms Zulu has since commended the New Dawn Administration for broadening the scope of the Constituency Development Fund – CDF from partly 1.6 million kwacha to an represented 25.7 million kwacha to include individual beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Kabwata Constituency Development Fund – CDF Committee Chairman Chilekwa Mukonge noted that the CDF guidelines that were put in place were followed accordingly during the selection process of the beneficiary Cooperatives.

“The CDF committee has no favourites because it represents the interests of all the people of Kabwata Constituency, as the MP would want to see his people benefit from all the CDF packages,” he noted

He said that a total of 145 Cooperatives applied for the CDF empowerment grants and 48 were successful.

Mr Mukonge mentioned that the Cooperatives that were not successful under CDF empowerment grants still have an opportunity to apply for CDF empowerment loans whose guideline was given on 25th October,2022.

He noted that after compiling the reasons as to why some Cooperatives were not successful, his committee called for a meeting with all Ward Development Committee – WDC Chairpersons with their Committees to explain to them the reasons, from this Mr Mukonge expressed confidence that they will do better with the selection of the loans as the WDCs will be more cautious.

And Mudenda Mudenda one of the beneficiaries from Kuhiba Multipurpose Cooperative expressed gratitude for the success of the handover of the grants, stating that this has been made possible because of the consented effort of President Hakainde Hichilema and Kabwata MP Andrew Teyengwa for initiating this idea and ensuring that everything was done according to plan and agreed target.

“These grants are not for consumption but rather an investment that the cooperatives have been empowered with and should therefore be used for its intended purpose,” Ms Mudenda said

Growing Number of Mosquito worry Lusaka Mayor

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Growing Number of Mosquito worry Lusaka Mayor

Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala has expressed worry over the growing number of mosquitoes in the city, stating the need for a quick intervention as a way of preventing a malaria outbreak.

The Mayor noted this during a meeting with officials from the National Malaria Elimination Centre.

Ms Chitangala said that there are requirements for urgent intervention to the increasing population of mosquitoes in communities as a way of curbing malaria.

“The rain season is the time when mosquitoes breed a lot and there is need for concerted efforts to deal with this matter before the rains start,” Ms Chitangala said

She explained that the garden ponds, water bodies and drainages that are contaminated with litter are regarded as the main breeding sites for mosquitoes and the Local Authority in partnership with other stakeholders will ensure that all those areas are sprayed to eliminate mosquitoes before the rains begin, adding that a clean and a disease-free City can help in improving the wellbeing of everyone.

Meanwhile, National Malaria Elimination Centre Acting Director Dr. Busiku Hamainza said that a multi-sectoral approach to reduce the population of mosquitoes in the City is required because the issue calls for quick intervention.

“There is need for both indoor and outdoor spraying to deal with all breeding sources of mosquitoes and that includes dredging in some parts of the city so that mosquitoes that usually hide in overgrown vegetation can find no place for living and reproducing,” Dr Hamainza said

Dr Hamainza stated that the National Malaria Elimination Centre is ready to partner with the Local Authority together with other stakeholders to reduce the growing number of mosquitoes in the City which pose a risk of causing malaria to the residents.

And National Malaria Elimination Centre Principal Malaria Control Officer Mr Willy Ngulube cited that there is need to also sensitize the public before the commencement of spraying exercise to eliminate mosquitoes so that residents may appreciate the importance of the exercise.

President Hichilema attends Lesotho PM inauguration ceremony

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President Hichilema attends Lesotho PM inauguration ceremony

The newly elected Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Ntsokoane Matekane, has been sworn at a colourful ceremony held in Maseru today.

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia was among other Presidents that included Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Hage Geingob of Namibian among others that attended the swearing ceremony characterized with pomp and splendour.

Mr. Matekane took oath of office before that country’s Chief Justice, Sakoane Sakoane at a 20,000 capacity Setsoto stadium which was filled up.

The swearing in ceremony was also witnessed by the King of the Kingdom of Lesotho Letsie III.

Outgoing Prime Minister, Moeketsi Majoro, said he was handing over power peacefully as a way of promoting democracy and peace in Lesotho.

Dr. Majoro thanked King Letsie III for having bestowed power on him to lead the people of Lesotho.

He congratulated Mr. Matekane as a leader of the Revolution For Prosperity (PFP) along with the coalition partners, the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) led by Selibe Mochoboroane and Alliance of Democrats (AD) led by Dr. Monyane Moleleki.

He said leading people is very challenging and requires determination and commitment.

He has since advised the new Prime Minister to seek guidance from God especially around this time when the Kingdom of Lesotho is facing financial difficulties.

“With God, things are possible and I am asking you, the new Prime Minister, to always seek the guidance of God especially this time around when our country is facing some financial difficulties,” said Dr. Majoro.

He also thanked the international community for the support given to him during the time he was Prime Minister of Lesotho.

SADC Facilitator to Lesotho, Cyril Ramaphosa, who is President of South Africa, congratulated the Basutho people for their commitment to peace and unity and for taking part in peaceful elections that were won by Mr. Matekane.

Mr. Ramaphosa, who was mediator and facilitator during Lesotho’s political turmoil, commended the new Prime Minister and the Basutho people for exercising their right during the October 7, 2022 elections.

He has since urged the Basutho people to continue maintaining peace and stability especially at this crucial time when the country is undergoing reforms under the theme “The Lesotho We Want “.

President Ramaphosa further appealed to the new Prime Minister to continue with the implementation of reforms so as to achieve internal peace in Lesotho.

“With what we are witnessing today, I am sure that Lesotho will never be on the agenda of SADC due to instabilities and other security concerns,” said Mr. Ramaphosa.

And President of Namibia Hage Geingob said he is equally happy that general elections were held under a peaceful environment.

Mr. Geingob congratulated the Busotho people for what he described as a milestone achievement towards the restoration of peace in Lesotho.

He also commended the Electoral Commission of Lesotho for delivering credible elections as highlighted by the SADC report on elections.

“Am very happy that the general elections in Lesotho were conducted peacefully,” said Mr. Geingob.

Meanwhile, the newly sworn in Prime Minister promised to make the Kingdom of Lesotho great again.

Mr. Matekane, who now becomes the tenth Prime Minister since independence, said he wants to change things in that country.

He said he believes that he has the ability and capacity to change the image of Lesotho.

He has since called on the Busotho people living in other countries to consider returning home, promising that things will be fine, much to the jubilation of the Busotho people.

Mr. Matekane, whose speech was punctuated by songs of joy from the jubilant crowds, vowed to implement reforms.

He has meanwhile thanked SADC through President Ramaphosa for rendering support.

“We are grateful to the President of South Africa, Mr. Ramaphosa for his commitment to ensure there is peace and stability in Lesotho,” said Mr. Matekane.

President Hichilema was in Lesotho to attend the inauguration ceremony of Mr. Matekane.

As incoming, Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Hichilema joined other regional Heads of State in showing solidarity and collective commitment to the consolidation of democracy through the holding of peaceful elections.

Mr. Matekane’s political party, the Revolution For Prosperity (RFP) party, which was formed barely six months ago, won the October 7, 2022 elections.

Mr. Matekane was born on March 15, 1958 and is an accomplished businessman and politician.

He is the founder of Matekane Group of Companies which has a number of subsidiary companies dealing in construction and real estates among others.

He was awarded Forbes Africa Businessman of the year in 2021.

Lesotho, formerly known as Basutoland, has a population of 2.3 million people.

Young Zambians told to participate in AU youth day

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Young Zambians told to participate in AU youth day

Young people in Zambia have been urged to participate in this year’s Africa Union (AU) youth day which will be held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on November 1, 2022.

One United Africa Congressman, Bimbo Daramola, says this year’s AU youth day is aimed at helping young people to unleash their potential in the agriculture sector.

Mr. Daramola said in an interview that the AU youth day will help young people revive their African identity and learn skills that can help them to address the challenges of food security through agriculture development.

He said the AU recognises young people’s energy, creativity and intellectual skills which if utilised, can enhance their capacity to shape the future through agriculture.

“This year’s AU youth day will focus on food security, value addition and market creation in the agriculture sector for the young people. We are going to address issues that affect young people such as hunger, and unemployment,” said Mr. Daramola.

And Farmers Association of Zambia President, Judy Ngumbi, said young people have the potential to invest in agriculture through partnerships with various investors in the African continent.

Ms. Ngumbi said the association is targeting to engage 500 youths per province who will be given empowerment packages and market linkages to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through the government.

“We have so much which is in store for our young people. However, we expect them to be very responsible and focused, because they will be engaged in high farm profiles from the Netherlands and Angola,” she said.

Meanwhile, National Youth Department Council Director of Programme, Omiya Hankanga, pledged to support young people’s partnership with youth organisations that help them to build their capacity in various areas.

Mr. Hankanga stated that the council is ready to support young people’s programmes which are meant to unlock their potential especially in the agriculture sector which will be the centre of this year’s AU youth day.

President Hichilema is responsible for the political and electoral violence by UPND cadres-M’membe

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President Hichilema is responsible for the political and electoral violence by UPND cadres-M’membe

President of the Socialist Party Dr Fred M’membe has said President Hakainde Hichilema is responsible for the political and electoral violence by UPND cadres.

And Dr. M’membe has charged that the UPND Government has become arrogant.

In his facebook post, the Socialist Party leader said the buck for the political and electoral violence by UPND cadres witnessed in some parts of the country stops at Mr Hichilema.

He charged that Mr Hichilema has made no visible effort to stop the violence of UPND cadres.

Dr. M’membe said it was unfortunate that Mr Hichilema has not even acknowledged the violence of his party cadres.

“The buck for the political and electoral violence by UPND cadres stops at Mr Hakainde Hichilema. And since becoming President of the Republic of Zambia over a year ago, Mr Hichilema has made no discernible effort to stop the violence of UPND cadres. Mr Hichilema has not even acknowledged the violence of his party cadres. And he has not openly repudiated it. The danger resulting from Mr Hichilema’s failure to minimise the potential threat of violent UPND cadres is no less potent than the harm caused by violent UPND cadres; the toleration of intolerance. Since last year’s elections, UPND cadres have been attacking Socialist Party and PF candidates, supporters and campaigners in almost every by-election,” Dr. M’membe said.

Dr. M’membe lamented the impact of political and electoral violence by UPND cadres.

“Innocent citizens are being injured and their property destroyed by UPND cadres without arrests and prosecutions and without a word from Mr Hichilema. There’s total impunity and silence. It seems for Mr Hichilema what only matters is for him and his party to win elections. The lives and dignity of political opponents doesn’t matter much to him. Look at the impunity and silence over Makungo’s death! Arrests and prosecutions are only happening where UPND cadres were at the receiving end. What type of a President is this? And he wants to be respected by all citizens when he cares only about the lives and dignity of those belonging to UPND! In the ongoing campaigns for the by-elections of November 4, 2022 there has been violence by UPND cadres in Lusangazi, Mkushi, Serenje, Mwense and other wards but there are no arrests. People have been badly injured and Mr Hichilema has been silent because the attackers are UPND cadres and the injured are seen to be political opponents,” he said.

Dr. M’membe urged Mr. Hichilema to act on UPND cadres’ violence now.

“Like a growing number of civic minded Zambians, we are increasingly anxious that this country is headed toward the worst forms of political and electoral violence since independence in 1964.Our biggest concern is that if this violence is not stopped now, a disputed presidential election—especially if there are close contests, or if a well supported candidate denounces the legitimacy of the process—could generate uncontrollable violence and bloodshed. Unfortunately, we’re not being alarmist about the potential for violence; trends in public opinion that we’ve been hearing provide strong grounds for concern,” he said.

“From what we have been hearing, there’s an upswing in the number of Zambians who feel counter violence would be justified if UPND cadres continue to attack their political opponents with impunity. This growing acceptance of the possibility of violence is growing. The willingness to justify violence as a way to achieve political goals has essentially been rising in lockstep. We urge Mr Hichilema to act on UPND cadres’ violence now,” Dr. M’membe stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. M’membe has alleged that the UPND Government has become arrogant.

“This UPND government is too self-satisfied and too little criticized for its own good or for ours. They have tried to silence all the critical voices by appointing critics or potential critics to some boards, commissions and so on and so forth. They are also openly interfering with the work of important institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the Judiciary and Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). This is not a recipe for governing well. The wheel of fortune turns and that which once appeared fresh, with the passing of time goes to seed. We do not underestimate the UPND or the aggressive path to leadership that they have taken, to win at all cost. In the years before the election, they tenaciously laid bare the areas of life and policy where the public felt dissatisfied and angry with the PF and its government. They did not win merely by default, but because they managed to capture the public mood. Today, they have become arrogant and all we hear is Fimba Upoke,” Dr. M’membe said.

He concluded:”Today the UPND government may want to appear that they are strong and confident, but problems lie ahead. They don’t seem to know where they are headed, and that is dangerous. UPND’s great achievement is directionless leadership: they appear to be in control, but no one knows where they are leading. Up to today, they have failed to define the purpose of their government. We perceive no ideological roots. We can detect no sense of direction. They are high on boasting, show offs, bragging, rhetoric, posturing and promises. But they will in the end be judged not on what they say but on what they do.”

Help develop Zambia, UNILUS graduates told

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Help develop Zambia, UNILUS graduates told

Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor in charge of Administration, Rheka Mhango has called on the University of Lusaka (UNILUS) graduates to help contribute to the development and economic growth of the country.

Ms. Mhango says professionals have a huge responsibility to turn the economy of the country around by having an entrepreneurial mind-set.

Speaking during the 12th graduation ceremony, which was held at Silverest Campus in Chongwe district today, Ms. Mhango said the new graduates should put the acquired knowledge to good use.

“The achievements you have made this far must not remain academic but you should go out there and positively transform the nation and the world at large,” she said.

She further urged the graduates to be determined to succeed and learn from opportunities that come their way, adding that it was important to keep sharpening skills and adopting positive life habits.

Ms. Mhango also called on the university to engage more with industry and find opportunities to enhance practical learning as the industry is becoming more dynamic and technologically oriented.

And University of Lusaka Chancellor, Caleb Fundanga, said the drop in the inflation rate to a single digit, the announcement of the IMF bailout package and the strengthening of the Kwacha will stimulate the higher education sector.

“All these factors provide for a good environment for the growth of the higher education subs-sector, including other sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing among others which are key for job creation for graduates,” he said.

Dr. Fundanga added that the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) is one of the key pillars that will support the creation of skills that are necessary to impact all sectors of the economy to grow to about three to four percent of the gross domestic product.

He explained that the University of Lusaka has continually laid emphasis on training its students in a manner that is practical towards solving problems the country is facing.

Earlier, UNILUS Vice Chancellor, Pinalo Chifwanakeni, told the graduates to go out in the society and promote value addition to local products in order to boost social economic development in the country.

Professor Chifwanakeni said creating an employable graduate who can add value requires significant investment in the education sector.

He announced that the university’s 12th graduation ceremony has churned out a total of 1,091 who include undergraduates and post graduates.

Meanwhile, the graduates have pledged to apply their acquired knowledge by helping the less privileged in society, especially girls and boys who are victims of gender based violence.

Ntombizana Chuungu, who graduated from School of Law, said her passion is to offer legal services to the victims of gender based violence.

And Odette Siamutondo, who has graduated as a best student in the School of Economics and Finance, promised to venture into entrepreneurship to create jobs for other people.

Zambia U23 Upbeat Ahead of Sierra Leone Clash

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Coach Osward Mutapa is positive his Zambia U23 side will prevail in Saturday’s Morocco 2023 U23 AFCON second round final leg qualifier against Sierra Leone at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Zambia and Sierra Leone head into the penultimate qualifying round fixture locked at 1-1 from their first leg played on October 22 in Monrovia.

Both sides converted penalties with Alie Conteh slotting Sierra Leone ahead in the 58th minute.

Joshua Mutale converted an 88th minute penalty after Golden Mashata was fouled in the area.

“Football is about pressure and we are going into that game with the positive mind that we will definitely win,” Mutapa said.

“Getting a draw away from home was important so that we can come and finish the job here.

“It won’t be an easy game in that we need to fight to ensure we qualify for the next stage.

“But the boys are eager for the game but I like I have alluded to, it is not an easy game because equally, Sierra Leones are not a walkover they are here to fight but at the end of the day we have to come out with a victory.”

Zambia only has one injury absentee in right-back Brian Musema who limped off in the 59th minute of the first leg.

The winner on Saturday will face Egypt or Eswatini in the final round to be played next March.

Egypt and Eswatini are in action on Sunday in Alexandria battling with a 0-0 first leg deadlock.

GBFC Ladies Ready To Rock Morocco

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Green Buffaloes coach Charles Haalubono has declared his side ready for the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League being hosted by Morocco from 30 October to 13 November.

Debutants Buffaloes are already in Morocco for the continental competition.

Buffaloes are in Group A alongside hosts ASFAR, Simba Queens SC (Tanzania) and Determine Girls (Liberia).

“We have prepared well. I think we are ready for the task. We expect a lot from our girls because we know what is at stake,” Haalubono told FAZ Media in Morocco.

Buffaloes’ opening fixture is against Determine Girls set for 30 October at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

“Our plan is to go through the group stage. The most important game in a tournament is the first game. We should be focused and highly determined,” Haalubono said.

Buffaloes qualified for the CAF Women’s Champions League after winning the COSAFA Zone CAF Champions League qualifying tournament in South Africa.

PF Commemorates the Eighth memorial anniversary of its Founder President Michael Sata

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PF Commemorates the Eighth memorial anniversary of its Founder President Michael Sata

The Patriotic Front (PF) has commemorated the eighth memorial anniversary of its founder and fifth Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata with acting party President Given Lubinda declaring that the party is not dead.

Former President Edgar Lungu on Friday morning led several PF officials, members and Mr. Sata’s family in celebrating King Cobra’s life at his burial place located at the Embassy Park in Lusaka.

Catholic Priest Fr. Godwin Mulenga of St. Ignatius Parish presided over the memorial service at Embassy Park.

Mr. Lungu did not deliver the key-note speech but delegated Mr. Lubinda.

“Good afternoon, Comrades. The Priest (Fr. Godwin Mulenga) spoke, I think Brother Chanda Kasolo spoke and I think Comrade Given Lubinda has spoken and he spoke for me. So, I don’t need to ice this cake with anything because I may mess it up,” Mr. Lungu said when requested to greet the crowd.

In his remarks, Mr. Lubinda vowed that the PF which he branded as the ‘Green Ghost’ will never die.

The immediate past Justice Minister also eulogized Mr. Sata’s vision for the PF and Zambia.

“The party of visionary Michael Chilufya Sata is still alive. It is still alive because the seed was planted by a visionary man. The success of a person is measured by what happened after his own life and indeed to see that the Patriotic Front is growing from strength to strength is an indication of the success of the founding father of the Patriotic Front. We pray to God in heaven and we thank him for giving us Michael Chilufya Sata. For God and indeed Michael Chilufya Sata let us keep the vision for his some Michael Sata alive. No matter what calamity or difficulties that may befall us we shall hold on to his vision and the spirit of Bashi Chilufya,” Mr. Lubinda remarked.

“We showed that after the 2021 General Elections when everybody around us thought we were dead. We have proven that the green ghost (PF) shall never die. Indeed, some have said Fimba Upoke and indeed the ghost shall meet them Bafimbe Bapoke. Today my brothers and sisters we find comfort in our broken hearts knowing that we as the Patriotic Front while in Government worked tirelessly to fulfill some of the key and social economic milestones that His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata had embarked on and we must be proud of that,” he said.

Mr. Lubinda further told Mr. Lungu that he fitted well in the gap left behind by Mr. Sata in 2014.

“As a matter of fact Your Excellency Edgar Lungu at this moment I should say. I spoke on behalf of all Zambians, all Zambians except those who choose to be hypocrites, for all the Zambians I say the following words to you. You fitted very well in the boots left for you by your predecessor Michael Sata. You truly followed his vision and you passed on the button to the next leader of the Patriotic Front. I beseech God to give them the ability to follow Michael Chilufya’s vision. You continued Sir on where he left. Like him you built roads, like him you built bridges, like him you built airports, schools, hospitals, colleges, universities and not only in one region but across the breadth and width of our country. Like Michael Chilufya Sata you also said, “No one behind. The PF led a firm foundation for social and economic prosperity for all in pushing a momentous developmental agenda,” said the former Kabwata Member of Parliament.

And Fr. Mulenga has asked President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Edgar Lungu to reconcile.

He said there is a need for President Hichilema and Mr. Lungu to sit and talk.

Fr. Mulenga said the Church may be encouraged to bring the two together for the sake of peace and unity in the country.

“President Hichilema and former President Lungu are the only ones that belong to the “presidential club. We shouldn’t see the apparent differences being witnessed,” Fr. Mulenga said.

Tayali invites private sector to join Greenfield Rail project

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Tayali invites private sector to join Greenfield Rail project

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has called on the private sector to partner with the government in the Greenfield railway project.

Mr. Tayali said the partnership between government and the private sector in developing the rail line will facilitate linkages in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

He noted that collaboration with the private sector is key towards the implementation of regional rail projects and could open up critical railway corridors which will enable trains to operate seamlessly across the SADC region and beyond.

According to a statement made available to the media in Lusaka today by Zambia High Commission to South Africa First Secretary and Public Relations Tamara Nyirenda, the minister was speaking in Johannesburg, South Africa, after delivering a speech at the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Rail Conference and Exhibition.

“Zambia is accelerating efforts to ensure that the railway sector improves its efficiency and contributes to the movement of heavy and bulk cargo in the region, thereby preserving the road infrastructure,’’ he said.

Mr.Tayali said some of the routes are the Livingstone via Kazungula to Sesheke railway spanning 200 kilometres, Livingstone via Kazungula Bridge to Mosetse in Botswana covering 430 kilometres on North-South corridor, Nseliuka-Mpulungu railway covering 192 kilometres, the Chipata via Petauke to Serenje railway stretching 388 kilometres on the Nacala corridor to the port of Nacala and lastly the Kafue to Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe covering 210 kilometres on the Beira corridor which connects to the port of Beira in Mozambique.

Mr. Tayali added that the Zambian government has developed a national transport infrastructure master plan which contains the comprehensive expansion of domestic rail networks that are designed to link into the regional networks.

‘’This is in line with the government’s aspiration in the transport sector, to create an efficient and integrated inter-modal transport system which will provide for inter-linkages among the four modes of transport which are, rail, road, air and water,’’ stated Mr. Tayali.

The Southern African Railway Associations (SARA) event is Africa’s only railway event hosted by railway operators.

The event attracts Transport Ministers from the region, companies, customers, suppliers and captains of industry.

President Hichilema in Lesotho for the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister-elect of the Kingdom of Lesotho

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President Hichilema in Lesotho for the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister-elect of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Maseru, October 28, 2022, ZANIS—President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in Maseru, Lesotho for the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister-elect of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The presidential jet carrying President Hichilema touched down at Moshoeshoe International Airport in Maseru at exactly 09:14 hours local time.

President Hichilema was welcomed by the Principal Secretary for Police for the Kingdom of Lesotho, Tanki Mothoe.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo, was also on hand to welcome President Hichilema at the airport.

President Hichilema has joined Presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Namibian President Hage Geingob and other heads of state and government who arrived earlier for the ceremony.

From the airport, the President was taken straight to the venue of the inauguration ceremony, Setsoto stadium.

President Hichilema is in Lesotho following the invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of Mr. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, the Prime Minister-elect of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

As in-coming Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Hichilema will join other regional heads of state in showing solidarity and collective commitment to the consolidation of democracy through the holding of peaceful elections.

The inauguration ceremony follows the National Assembly elections that were held on October 7, 2022 in that country.

Mr. Matekane’s political party, the Revolution For Prosperity (RFP), which was formed barely six months ago, won the elections and he was appointed Prime Minister by King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Mr. Matekane was born on March 15, 1958 and is an accomplished businessman and politician.

He is the founder of Matekane Group of Companies which has a number of subsidiary companies dealing in construction and real estates, among others.

In 2021, he received a Forbes Africa Businessman of the year award.

The Kingdom of Lesotho, which has a population of 2.3 million, was formerly known as Basutoland.

It was renamed to the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966.

President Hichilema is scheduled to return to Zambia immediately after the ceremony today.

Tobacco Board of Zambia Piped Water Supply Scheme Project Launched in Nkeyema District

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Tobacco Board of Zambia Piped Water Supply Scheme Project Launched in Nkeyema District

The Republican Vice President Mrs W. K. Mutale- Nalumango has commissioned the Tobacco Board of Zambia – TBZ Piped Water Supply Scheme Project in Nkeyema District of Western Province, completed at a total cost of 250,000 United States Dollars.

The TBZ Water Supply Scheme Project was birthed in partnership with the World Vision Zambia, Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company and the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation

Mrs Nalumango who graced the commissioning as the guest of honour stated that the Tobacco Board of Zambia – TBZ Piped Water Scheme has been made successful by the World Vision Zambia as supporters and sponsors, and the government appreciate the completion of this project as this works to supplement the government’s efforts aimed at achieving universal access to safe water supply by the year 2030.

She said that the supply of water seats very well in the 8th National Development Plan – 8NDP under the pillar number two which is human and social development.

“Allow me to say that water is an enabler of all forms of development because with water it will go even into the first pillar where we are talking of economic transformation and job creation, as water will help even farmers which is also job and wealth creation,” she said

Mrs Nalumango mentioned that water will help small businesses that is in the economic sector, water will help education and the girl child not to spend time looking for water but will also be able to go to school and learn just like the boys, and water will help in the environmental sustainability.

“I am aware that before the implementation of this project, the people of Nkeyema faced water and sanitation challenges, unfortunately the scenarios we are talking about where they are challenges of water obtains in most parts of Zambia especially in rural areas, this is so because of low investment in the water and sanitation sector that we have experienced over along time, in order to address these challenges the New Dawn Administration has launched the 2022 t0 2030 Zambia water investment programme on the 16th of August, 2022 which will assist in developing water and sanitation facilities countrywide,” Mrs Nalumango explained

Mrs Nalumango has since called on the people of Nkeyema to work with the government to harness developmental opportunities so as to uplift the living standards of the people in Nkeyema district, as the New Dawn Administration has developed a framework to work with the private sector and bring development to all parts of the country.

And World Vision Zambia Country Director John Hasse World Vision said that the handing over of the big water mechanisation system – TBZ Piped Water Supply Scheme Project to the government of Zambia, will supply safely managed water to over ten thousand people in Nkeyema District.

Mr Hasse noted that the water not only brings the basic needs of humanity but it’s a basic necessity that sustains all forms of lives and helps run business, helps children go to school and also helps people have better health and nutrition.

He added that the sustainable wellbeing is impossible without sustainable ecological access to clean water, dignified sanitation and appropriate hygiene behaviours, it is for this reason that World Vision invest so much in projects like this one here that transforms children’s lives in the communities where they live.

Mr Hasse cited that over the last three years World Vision Zambia has provided 675, 000 Zambians with clean water for the first time, which means that World Vision has 1,160 boreholes with handpumps, 177 matriculated water systems in the last three years alone.

“Last year, 120 matriculated water systems were installed here in Zambia alone and this year we have put in over 400 water handpumps throughout the country, and we look forward to in the next two years to do even more, and 230 schools have received clean water and ablution blocks,” he said

Meanwhile, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Mike Mposha said that the Tobacco Board of Zambia – TBZ Piped Water Scheme is a game changer with regards to improving access to clean and safe water for the people of Nkeyema District being one of the new districts that has a lot of social and economic activities which are taking place.

“You will agree with me that since declaration as a new district in 2012, the population has grown and this has increased the demand for water and sanitation services,” he said

Mr Mposha noted that improving access to clean and safe water supply and sanitation remains top on government’s development agenda because water is a key input to all sectors of the economy and supports livelihood among communities.

“I say this because you need water for agriculture, energy production, tourism to flourish, basically water supports all the sectors, water is therefore safe for poverty reduction, social economic and sustainable development hence governments commitment to the water sector is imperative, in this regard the government has prioritized investment in water supply infrastructure in order to accelerate universal access to clean and safe water by the year 2030,” Mr Mposha noted

Perform to your full potential, President Hichilema challenges the agriculture sector

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Perform to your full potential, President Hichilema challenges the agriculture sector

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for concerted efforts in addressing the challenges in the agriculture sector for it to perform to its full potential.

President Hichilema said government and the private sector should place a premium on the issue of low productivity in the agriculture sector for economic transformation.

He bemoaned the staggering numbers in the production of crops as the country continues to record the same tonnes, which he said is of great concern.

The Head of State was speaking at the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) 116th annual congress under the theme ‘stimulating a resilient agriculture sector.’

President Hichilema explained that the world cannot do without food hence the need to be climate resilient by coming up with opportunities that will set Zambia’s agriculture sector on the map.

The Head of State noted that the country has great potential to satisfy the readily available local and international market hence the need for collective responsibility in order to build a sustainable solution.

“We have been marketing the potential of the country on the global space, it is time for us to do something so that the country can walk the talk. We have the capacity and ability to do it, let us play our part as government and also stakeholders,” President Hichilema stated.

The President said his administration will not tolerate anything that affects the running of the agriculture sector for improved productivity.

He further called for the use of technology to be more efficient and become more competitive on the market.

He added that government will continue working around stabilizing the exchange rate because it affects the cost of doing business on an international level, all part of efforts to bring macro stability so businesses can have predictability to plan properly.

Meanwhile, the President also committed to addressing issues that affect the citizens such as corruption and extravagant living by those in higher offices.

“We will not be weighed down by the misappropriation of funds, by the time it’s two years a few things will be broken to allow things to open up doors, officers have had one year to align to the vision of the country,” he noted.

And Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) president, Javis Zimba complained that the cost of doing business for farmers is tough as they operate on a thin line.

Mr. Zimba explained that every process in the farming cycle is beyond the control of farmers, thus called on the Government’s support in order to lower the cost of doing business.

He said ZNFU wants to see an agriculture sector where government policies are sensitive to commodity prices so that whatever farmers grow is not a loss.

Mr. Zimba further appealed for a cease fire on the collection of levy from farmers until a sustainable solution is found.

Mr. Zimba further noted the importance of value addition so that farmers are able to have a sustainable crop value chain and do not make losses when prices are low for particular crops.

On the issue of animal diseases, Mr. Zimba urged government to work hand in hand with farmers so they are part of developing a sustainable solution.

He disclosed that ZNFU is in the process of developing an animal health care system so that livestock farmers from the onset can be knowledgeable on animal disease control and welfare.

He was however happy that government will turn around the sector to sustainable growth as ZNFU will continue to provide recommendations needed to improve agriculture in the country.

Mr. Zimba commended the actions that government has committed to resolve in the agriculture sector especially those pronounced in the 2023 national budget.

And speaking at the same event, Corteva Agriscience Managing Director, Samson Nyendwa appreciated the presence of the Head of State which underscores the commitment he attaches to the agriculture sector as a priority and key driver of the country’s economic development.

Mr. Nyendwa said the company looks at enriching the lives of farmers and consumers, by providing innovative sustainable solutions to the farmers.

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