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Government committed to overcoming barriers to education-Kamoko

Chief Editor
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Government committed to overcoming barriers to education-Kamoko

The government says it is aware that barriers to education still exist for girls and young people despite the introduction of free education in the country.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Joe Kamoko, says long distance to schools, lack of boarding facilities and negative effects of climate change are some of the barriers faced by school-going girls.

Mr. Kamoko says education is a basic human right which should be accessed and enjoyed by everyone.

“I can assure you that we as a government are alive to these issues and will ensure that more schools are built to lessen distances and increase the number of hostels in rural areas,” he said.

Mr. Kamoko said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Education Director for Standards, James Chomba, during the official opening of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) annual general meeting in Lusaka today.

He has applauded the CAMFED Zambia for its work towards increasing access to education for girls and young people in rural areas.

“I also wish to thank and commend the CAMFED association members for the role they played to keep rural children, especially girls connected to education ideals at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. CAMFED association members continued to provide social support through mentorship to girls and other vulnerable children in communities,” he said.

He pointed out that the CAMFED-Zambia programme resonates with the government’s strategic development areas outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan 2022 -2026.

Mr. Kamoko announced that about 117 CAMFED association members were recruited by the government in the last teacher and health workers recruitment.

Meanwhile, CAMFED Zambia Board Chairperson, Enita Hamatumbika, said CAMFED Zambia remains committed to complementing the government’s efforts in addressing the exclusions that girls face in school and beyond.

Mrs. Hamatumbika has applauded the government for introducing the free education policy, which she says has greatly improved access to education for girls and young people, especially in rural areas.

She however noted that long distances to schools has continued to be a challenge for school going children in rural areas,

She has since appealed to the ministry to consider the plight of weekly boarders to help overcome this barrier.

The CAMFED Zambia AGM this year is being held under the theme, ‘celebrating 10 years of implementation of the International Day of the Girl, free education and increased reach of marginalised girls through empowerment of young women and improved community engagement’.

Government Signs MoU with SDGC/A to enhance the development

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Government Signs MoU with SDGC/A to enhance the development

The government and the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa (SDGC/A) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing sustainable development in Zambia through the provision of business development services.

Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary, Yvonne Mpundu said the MoU will strengthen the development, adoption and delivery of best practices for improving the attainment of SDGs in Zambia.

Ms. Mpundu said this during the signing ceremony between the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development and the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa in Lusaka yesterday.

She said the MoU and its actual implementation will give an opportunity that will provide a comprehensive approach to mitigate challenges faced by the Micro Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Zambia.

Ms. Mpundu underscored the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the success of the private sector through the signing of the MoU which she said is the beginning of a successful trajectory for MSMEs.

She said this will be achieved by fostering marketing linkages, business partnerships, capacity building, improved access to finance and information for MSMEs.

The Permanent Secretary stated that her ministry is working with the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa on four main pillars which include research analysis, policy development, partnership and financing of MSMEs, capacity building and establishing a robust management system.

“Research analysis and policy development are critical to the development of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) sector because they inform decision making and provide policy direction for the growth of the sector,” she said.

She further stated that capacity building is the core stepping stone towards building businesses and acceleration of entrepreneurship.

Ms. Mpundu further noted that the establishment of a robust management information system provides a platform aimed at accelerating access to information on real time pertaining to the MSME sector.

And Acting Director General for SDGC/A, Caroline Makasa, said small and medium enterprises are engines of economic development and play a key role in the attainment of economic transformation and increasing employment opportunities.

Ms. Makasa stated that SMEs face a number of challenges that limit their growth, some of which hinge on policy and regulatory environment.

She observed that the MoU provides a clear framework for the centre and the ministry to effectively collaborate when addressing some of these challenges that SMEs face in Zambia.

She further stated that the centre believes that the collaboration with the ministry will not only propel our ability to develop policies and regulations for small and medium enterprises development, but it will also ensure that SMEs are not left behind in the implementation of SDGs.

Christian Churches Monitoring Group Accuse UPND of Vote Buying in the Just ended By Elections

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Christian Churches Monitoring Group Accuse UPND of Vote Buying in the Just ended By Elections

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), an alliance of four faith-based organisations formed to help promote credible elections, says it noted multiple acts of voter inducement involving UPND officials in the recent Parliamentary by-election in Kabushi and Kwacha Constituencies.

The ruling UPND scooped both the Kwacha and Kabushi seats.

CCMG recruited, trained and deployed nineteen (19) Long-Term Observers to observe the pre-election environment across all the fifteen (15) wards in Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies ahead of the 21 October 2022 National Assembly by-elections.

In a statement on Observation of the 21 October by-elections on the Copperbelt Province, CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson Bishop Andrew Mwenda said voter inducement involving UPND officials as well as Minister of Youth Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu in support of the party’s parliamentary candidates was a violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Bishop Mwenda said CCMG monitors reported having heard of UPND party officials distributing money and food items to residents in Ipusukilo ward in Kwacha constituency on 20 October as an inducement to vote for the UPND candidate in Kwacha.

He said CCMG’s monitors also reported having heard of UPND officials that were part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s entourage on 20 October distributing K50s and Chitenge materials to residents of Kwacha constituency in Musonda ward in support of the UPND candidate in Kwacha.

Bishop Mwenda added that CCMG monitors also reported UPND party members distributing K100s to residents after holding their meeting in Nkana East’s Lubwa ward on 20 October.

“CCMG noted several violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct by candidates and their supporters, particularly the UPND. CCMG monitors reported having heard of UPND party officials distributing money and food items to residents in Ipusukilo ward in Kwacha constituency on 20 October as an inducement to vote for the UPND candidate in the Kwacha National Assembly by-election. CCMG’s monitors also reported having heard of UPND officials that were part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s entourage on 20 October distributing K50s and chitenge materials to residents of Kwacha constituency in Musonda ward in support of the UPND candidate in the Kwacha National Assembly by-election. CCMG observers also witnessed the use of state vehicles and vehicles with no number plates as part of this entourage being used for party activities,” Bishop Mwenda said.

“CCMG monitors also reported UPND party members distributing K100s to residents after holding their meeting in Nkana East’s Lubwa ward on 20 October. The money was distributed to residents who attended the meeting in support of the UPND candidate. Further, On Wednesday 19 October at Kwacha centre in Kwacha ward of Kwacha constituency, CCMG monitors heard of the current Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts distributing money (K50 per person) to residents of Kwacha in order to get them to vote for the UPND in the 21 October parliamentary by-elections in Kwacha constituency. In light of this, CCMG reiterates its call for strict enforcement of the Code of Conduct by ECZ and for the ECZ to take a proactive role in stopping and sanctioning these practices,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bishop Mwenda said CCMG’s analysis shows that its results reported by monitors are consistent with the ECZ results at the polling stations and that there is no evidence that results were manipulated.

“In all the polling stations that had party/candidate agents present, party/candidate’s agents all agreed with the results, signed the results forms and each was given a copy. At all polling stations, ballot papers were counted at the polling station where they were cast; all ballot papers were shown to all party agents and monitors present so they could see how each ballot paper was marked; all ballot papers were sorted into individual piles by candidate. At 1 polling station, official results were not posted outside for the public to see. CCMG has compared polling station results data for 72 of 77 polling stations in Kabushi and 90 of 91 polling stations in Kwacha. This analysis shows results reported by CCMG’s monitors are consistent with the ECZ results at these polling stations and that there is no evidence that results were manipulated,” Bishop Mwenda said.

He made several recommendations aimed at improving the electoral process such as enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“Recommendations and Conclusion CCMG will continue to engage with key stakeholders, including the ECZ, the Zambia Police, political parties, media and CSOs, to share its findings and key recommendations below: Electoral Commission of Zambia. Code of Conduct Violations: Violence and Insulting Language: A group of unidentified people attacked Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Nkandu and his entourage on 18 October who at the time visited Zambia compound ground at Field of Life polling station. This group of unidentified persons stoned his vehicle and insulted him. Some members of the community gathered to intervene while the attacking group fled the scene once the police were called. No arrests were made, and no one was hurt in the incident. CCMG calls on ECZ, the Police and other law enforcement agencies to proactively investigate matters relating to violations of the code of conduct. CCMG also documented instances of use of insulting language by unidentified people against UPND members on 18 October,” Bishop Mwenda stated.

He added:”Candidate Nomination and Participation of Women, Youth and PWDs: CCMG noted adherence to nomination procedures by both ECZ and aspiring candidates in Ndola and Kitwe Districts. CCMG further noted the youth participation as independent candidates, however, CCMG remains concerned with the lack of participation of women and PWDs in the Kabushi and Kwacha National Assembly by-election. We call on political parties to take practical steps towards creating an enabling environment to facilitate the participation of women, youth and PWDs in future elections.”

Bishop Mwenda in conclusion said CCMG noted with concern the inconsistencies surrounding the eligibility of PF candidates in both Kabushi and Kwacha and the subsequent court rulings which did little to provide clarity for stakeholders and voters.

“Conclusion CCMG noted with concern the inconsistencies surrounding the eligibility of PF candidates in both Kabushi and Kwacha and the subsequent court rulings which did little to provide clarity for stakeholders and voters. CCMG is of the view that the Zambian Constitution in the current form lacks clarity, thereby undermining citizen confidence in critical democratic processes. CCMG reiterates its call on the government to expedite the process of constitutional reform to avoid the inconsistencies witnessed in the Kabushi and Kwacha National Assembly by[1]elections. CCMG calls on the ECZ to proactively take up the recommendations provided by CCMG and other stakeholders to improve the transparency, inclusivity and accountability of Zambia’s elections. CCMG commends the voters who exercised their democratic rights in the 21 October by-elections and thanks its monitors for their dedicated service in enhancing the transparency, inclusivity and accountability of Zambia’s electoral processes,” Bishop Mwenda concluded.

As Tories implode, Rishi Sunak is rising – any lessons for Zambia?

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As Tories implode, Rishi Sunak is rising – any lessons for Zambia?

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

What is happening to the party of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher? It’s a fact, the Tories are in freefall, two different leaders in just under 10 months. That each of these leaders left their positions under a cloud, exemplifies the party’s predicament.

The party is in a gradual but inexorable state of deterioration. Boris Johnson (BoJo) quit his position in a huff following a string of scandals including revelations that he had been hosting shindigs at his official residency while he shut the rest of the country due to Covid -19.

In an act reminiscent of Brutus’s stab on Caesar, BoJo’s most trusted ally Rishi Sunak, who served as his Chancellor of the Exchequer led a mass of resignations from cabinet prompting BoJo to step down. Enter Liz Truss, her bluster and Thatcherite posture during a bitter tussle for keys to no 10 Downing street is what earned her the right to lead the Tories. Let’s face it, Truss was undeserving of leadership and therefore had no business leading the UK – a country boasting one of the world’s most sophisticated economies.

She was too inexperienced and naïve. Her reign proved a disaster – a big damp squib that promised big but delivered nothing in return. Her maiden economic pronouncement which was the budget presented by her Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng spooked the markets. The pound tanked as investors scampered for safe havens. Never mind the reasoning, how does one slash taxes to fund the rich, granted the UK’s economy is battling to boost its revenue streams?

Any lessons to Zambia’s current leadership, perhaps? Hint hint, is Honourable Musokotwane reading this? Indeed, there is something deep to pick from this episode. You can’t give tax breaks to wealthy mining companies that don’t need this money. As former US President Barack Obama would often say, the Math just doesn’t add up. Truss’s disastrous reign reminds of that other guy who promised the Zambian electorate ‘more money in their pockets’ only to plunge the country further into debt (MHSRIP).
You see, the Tories are a duplicitous lot and heaven knows, they are reaping what they sowed many centuries ago – a factor that led to nationalism becoming their staple. In their universe, competency is of little consequence as long as their leader is a thoroughbred. It’s little wonder that Truss’s reign lasted a mere 44 days but not before she had sacrificed Kwarteng to the altar of political expediency.

The audacity of it all, they even attempted to lure BoJo back to his former job just to prevent Sunak, a son of East African immigrants from taking up residency at no 10 Downing street. Never mind that Kwarteng became the first person of colour to manage the UK’s purse strings – albeit for 38 days, his dismissal effectively consigned his political career to history. And watching the Tories implode in this manner must be painful to Churchill and Thatcher.

They are probably turning in their grave in protest of Sunak’s ascent. But there is a poignant lesson here. Try as we might to resist change, we just have to accept that some history defining moments are durable enough to defy political gravity. Sunak’s ascent is one such. In case we missed it, Prince Harry’s decision to marry a woman of colour was ominous a sign of things to come. For Britons of colour, this surely is their Obama moment.

Sunak and HH measured on same scale

Both are fabulously wealthy that they don’t need the hard slog of politics to earn their living. While Sunak traces his fortune to his career as a hedge fund manager, HH’s stint as an auditor for niche accounting firms such as Grant Thornton and PWC among others is what parachuted him into the business stratosphere. As demonstrated in the UPND’s maiden budget, both HH and Sunak are cut from the same cloth.

They are strong believers in trickle down economics whose doctrine is rooted in preserving the wealth of a privileged few for the benefit of the majority. This is hardly surprising. Plutocrats turned politicians tend to become rent seekers once they assume office. Fact is that the duo owe their allegiance to the private sector. A consolation to Britons is that they can count on Sunak’s acumen and experience. He will succeed in stabilising the UK economy and return it on a firm growth trajectory.

Can the same be said of HH? It’s true that there is a suddenly a burst of interest in Zambia’s economy. HH has certainly laid the fundamentals for economic growth. While inflation has dropped to single digit figures – a key matrix for measuring the stability of the economy, there is a strong liquidity crunch in the economy. This is a red flag to SMEs and other businesses looking for capital. On a positive note, thousands of teachers and health professionals were recently recruited and more civil servants are expected to join the swelling ranks government employees.

Only challenge is that there is a dangerous façade to these successes. The new recruits joining the civil service are hardly the result of surplus revenue or a growing economy. Government is relying on borrowed money to sustain a ballooning wage bill. One can only pray that this balloon doesn’t pop. But who cares even if it pops? It’s unthinkable that either HH or Musokotwane or at least both would escort Struss and Kwarteng to their political sunset.

Actually, what has the Hichilema Presidency translated into thus far for the ordinary Zambian weary of unemployment and poverty? Simple question, no need to run for the hills.

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

Zambia needs US$14 billion to meet electricity demand

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Zambia needs US$14 billion to meet electricity demand

Zambia requires over 14 billion United States dollar worth of investment in its energy sector to meet the growing demand of electricity services.

The 14 billion US dollars is being spent on investment into the energy sector between 2020 and 2040.

The demand has been projected to increase by 95 percent and will be mainly driven by domestic and bulk supply.

Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Director for Economic Regulation, Alfred Mwila, said this during the dissemination of the findings of the electricity Cost Service Study (CoSS) and government green paper in Lusaka today.

Mr. Mwila noted that peak electricity demand for the country will increase from 2,143 megawatts in 2020 to 4,169 megawatts in 2040.

He explained that the study was aimed at determining the country’s power system, cost of electricity from generation, transmission and distribution in order to come up with an appropriate tariff that will in turn improve the utilities service delivery to customers.

He stated that the study will also help the utility companies to be more financially sustainable and ensure security or supply through various investments.

Mr. Mwila explained that for customers, the study will lead to improved service delivery and less unplanned power cuts.

He added that the last CoSS was done in 2006 and it only focused more on ZESCO as it was the major player in the electricity industry at that time.

He noted that the current study has taken into consideration the different changes that have taken place in the market and has allowed other players operating in the Zambian power sector.

He said the current CoSS, which started in 2019 and was completed last year, was carried by energy market and regulation consultants with support from the African Development Bank.

And the Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Administration, Francesca Zyambo, has called for active participation from stakeholders on how they want the study to be improved upon.

In a speech ready for her by the Ministry of Energy Director for Planning and Information, Mwape Chibala, Ms Zyambo explained that the green paper is not the government’s final position hence the need to engage other stakeholders.

She has since encouraged stakeholders to make submissions and comments on the CoSS so that the government can come up with an inclusive study that will help in coming up with a final decision on how the country’s electricity sub-sector will be managed for the benefit of everyone.

She further said the Ministry of Energy and ERB will conduct the consultative meetings in all the provincial centres of the country to allow for divergent views before coming up with a white paper.

The white paper will contain the government’s final position and policy direction on the findings and recommendation of the electricity cost of service study.

Government pondering building concrete roads around the country

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Government pondering building concrete roads around the country

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, says Zambia should develop a good road network for it to register significant economic development.

Mr. Milupi says a durable and sustainable road network is an engine to social economic development.

He said this in a speech read for him by his Permanent Secretary, Danny Mfune at a symposium on construction of concrete roads in Zambia in Lusaka today.

“As government, we remain resolved to ensure that the road network supports our economic agenda as the new administration, especially in the area of job creation,” he said.

The minister noted that the objective of the symposium on concrete road construction is to share views among various stakeholders such as engineers and academicians among others.

He said it is time for the country to shift to concrete road construction which he said is sustainable and does not require constant maintenance.

Mr. Milupi explained that concrete roads generally perform better and last much longer as compared to bituminous ones.

And Road Development Agency (RDA) Board Chairman, Mulchand Kuntawala, said the symposium has brought together a cross section of experts to brainstorm on how best to handle concrete roads in the country.

Mr. Kuntawala said RDA is following the presidential directive for the country to venture into concrete roads which can allow for more haulage on the road.

He said a durable and sustainable road network is a catalyst for job creation and economic development.

Mr. Kuntawala added that RDA recently floated a tender for the construction of a bypass concrete road in Chibuluma as a pilot project.

Earlier, Chilanga Cement Commercial Director, Chooye Hamusankwa, said the cement company has already partnered with RDA to champion the construction of concrete roads in the country.

Mr. Hamusankwa said Chilanga Cement is committed to providing materials for sustainable concrete roads to spur economic activities.

2021 election petitions unprecedented-Chief Justice

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2021 election petitions unprecedented-Chief Justice

Chief Justice Mumba Malila, says the electoral dispute resolution process has resulted in an unprecedented increase in election petitions from the 2021 election as compared to the 2016 elections.

Justice Malila said a total of 348 election petitions were filed before the High Court and the local government tribunals in 2021.

The Chief Justice said he was however proud that despite the overwhelming workload, the High Court and local government election tribunals discharged their adjudicative duties within the statutory set timelines.

“There are only a handful of appeals pending before the constitutional court and I am confident they will be rendered in no time,” he disclosed.

Justice Malila noted that electoral justice is a centre of integrity and transparency of an electoral system, adding that any aggrieved person is free to approach the courts for timely enforcement of their political rights.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Roydah Kaoma, during the official opening of a two day stakeholders engagement workshop on lessons learnt from the 2021 electoral dispute resolution process held in Lusaka today.

And United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Lionel Laurens, has commended the judiciary for the planned review of the constitutional court rules regarding presidential and parliamentary election petitions.

Mr. Laurens has meanwhile pledged UNDP’s commitment to the electoral dispute resolution partnership.

He said the judiciary should ensure that it is in position to reflect and take stock of existing electoral dispute resolution processes and mechanisms to the betterment of the electoral process.

“I commend the judiciary for the soon to be completed second edition of the election petitions digest as an important knowledge resource on the country’s jurisprudence on election dispute resolution,” he added.

Meanwhile, Judiciary Chief Registrar, Exnobert Zulu, disclosed that in accordance with Article 159 section 2 of the constitution, a total of 272 local government tribunal sittings were administered by 37 tribunals constituted in 2021, as compared to about 9 tribunals in 2016.

Mr. Zulu added that a total of 39 judges sat to hear parliamentary election petitions.

President Hichilema and his predecessor Lungu must be in talking terms-Zumani Zimba

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President Hichilema and his predecessor Lungu must be in talking terms-Zumani Zimba

Former Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs in the Patriotic Front (PF) administration Chris Zumani Zimba has said President Hakainde Hichilema and his predecessor Edgar Lungu must be in talking terms.

Dr. Zimba, who served under Mr. Lungu, said President Hichilema and his predecessor should enjoy a good relationship as brothers because they are the only two surviving statesmen in Zambia.

He said President Hichilema and Mr. Lungu’s reconciliation should be beyond posing for nice church service pictures.

Dr. Zimba said President Hichilema is lucky because Mr. Lungu did not just willingly concede defeat and handover power in August 2021 but openly respects the seventh President.

“It doesn’t matter the intensity of social divide or extent of political differences at any given time, ECL and HH must be in talking terms as brothers because they are the only two surviving Presidents Zambia has. Moreover, President HH is blessed and lucky because, ECL did not just willingly concede defeat and handover power in August 2021, Lungu openly respects HH and always addresses him correctly as “His Excellency, The President of Zambia. During the seven years reign of President Lungu in State House, HH was stubbornly consistent to denounce the Presidency of ECL and always addressed him only as “Mr Lungu”, not or never His Excellency, The President of Zambia. In like manner, the UPND MPs at their peak in opposition maintained the same position by calling ECL as “Mr. Lungu” and never “His Excellency or The Republican President”. To a greater extent, this created a difficult situation for cabinet every time President Lungu attended a public event where HH was in attendance in fear of possible embarrassment or public ridicule of calling the Republican President a Mr. Lungu,” Dr. Zimba stated.

Dr. Zimba added that the political peace and reconciliation between HH and ECL is easier to execute now.

“Under the New Dawn Administration, the basis for engagement or mediation between HH and ECL is very fertile as all MPs and Lungu himself have maintained a respectful and humble posture by recognizing HH as the only and legitimate Republican President of Zambia. Based on the aforesaid, it is true to pose and stress that the political peace and reconciliation between HH and ECL is easier now to be executed than it was when HH was in the opposition; HH is lucky and blessed for this good political framework,” he said.

Dr. Zimba said it would be joyful to see true friendship of brotherhood and honest peaceful interaction between HH and ECL in order to foster love, peace and national unity.

“In fact, most stakeholders would be happy to see true friendship of brotherhood and honest peaceful interaction between HH and ECL in order to foster love, peace and national unity. As such, our well meaning mediators from the church, chiefs, NGOs, etc must not get tired trying to ensure that the two leaders start talking and develop a true spirit of brotherhood beyond those nice pictures Zambians see when they meet in funeral church services. Lastly, while HH needs the constitutional support and allegiance of all well meaning Zambians in order to peacefully govern and develop this republic, it is also gruesomely true to note that ECL needs the social respect, political dignity and treatment worth a former president and political statesman from everyone,” Dr Zimba said.

Dr. Zimba was appointed as President Edgar Lungu’s Special Advisor for Politics to replace controversial Kaizer Zulu in December, 2019.

At the time of his appointment, Dr Zimba was a strategic thinker and planner for the Constitution Reform and Education Coalition (CRECO), for which he was partly responsible for conceptualizing.

World Bank Approves $275 million Development Policy Operation for Zambia

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World Bank Approves $275 million Development Policy Operation for Zambia

The World Bank has approved a 275 million United States Dollars development policy operation for Zambia to support the country’s reforms to restore fiscal and debt sustainability and promote private sector-led growth.

The operation is an integral part of the International Development Association’s (IDA) substantial contribution to help Zambia recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and spillovers from the war in Ukraine, emerge from its debt crisis, and shift to more sustainable and inclusive growth.

In a press statement issued by the World Bank on behalf of the Group President David Malpass, it was noted that Zambia is in debt distress and needs a deep and comprehensive debt treatment to place public debt on a sustainable path.

Mr Malpass cited that in January 2021, the government requested support under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments and launched fiscal and structural reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and reinvigorate growth.

He added that the government has prioritized commitment to fiscal discipline, improved public financial management, and greater transparency, including in debt management and reporting, other structural reforms have focused on removing market distortions, improving transparency, and fighting corruption.

“Restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability is necessary for attracting private sector capital inflows, investment, and growth,” Malpass said

“As Zambia seeks debt relief under the G20 Common Framework, I urge official bilateral and private sector creditors to agree promptly on a deep debt reduction that is consistent with the joint WBG-IMF debt sustainability analysis and brings public debt to sustainable levels, foster growth and private sector investment depend on prompt completion of the debt reduction,” Malpass added

Mr Malpass explained that the operation supports the government’s policy and institutional reforms aimed at: 1) restoring fiscal and long-term debt sustainability, 2) increasing farmer productivity and access to agriculture markets, 3) ensuring sustainable access to energy, and 4) enhancing access to finance and private sector development. Financing for this operation is provided by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

Mr Malpass further explained that the operation is part of the coordinated support with Zambia’s development partners to promote critical structural reforms. Continued support by the development partners is needed as Zambia is pursuing appropriate economic policies and making good faith efforts to reach a collaborative agreement on debt treatment with its official bilateral and private sector creditors.

The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 74 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.3 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has provided 458 billion United States Dollars to 114 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about 29 billion United States Dollars over the last three years (FY19-FY21), with about 70 percent going to Africa.

Munir Zulu Declared Duly Elected Mp For Lumezi Constituency

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Munir Zulu Declared Duly Elected Mp For Lumezi Constituency

THE Constitutional Court of Zambia has this morning declared Lumezi Parliamentary Candidate as duly elected Member for Lumezi Constituency.

The Court said Mr Zulu it cannot find any evidence to warrant overturning the election after determining that Ms Chisulo Zelipa who had challenged the election failed to prove that the Lumezi lawmaker has no Grade 12 Certificate and participated in the bribery of voters during the 2021 General elections.

In a sharp turn from its previous ruling in the Malanji case, the Court firmly stated that the burden to prove that a candidate has no Grade 12 squarely lies on the alleger and not the Respondent.

The Court says it was satisfied that, even if the evidential burden was to shift to Mr Zulu, the Lumezi lawmaker clearly proved he had a Grade 12 Certificate which made the Electoral Commission of Zambia accept his nomination.

According to the Court, Munir Zulu had shown that he was born in 1987 and completed his education at LICEF contrary to some purported and unverified evidence obtained by Ms Chisulo from social media that the Grade 12 certificate issued in 1988 belonged to Mr Zulu.

The Court also said there was no merit in the allegations that Mr Zulu participated in malpractices and bribery in Lumezi Constituency by merely promising that he was going to make donations to the people of Lumezi.

The Constitutional Court also said that challenging nomination of candidates must be done within the time provided by the Constitution.

The Court dismissed all the allegations that were levelled against the Lumezi lawmaker as lacking merit and ordered that each party must bear own costs.

MID-WEEK PRO’S HIT LIST: Rally Bwalya Starts For Amazulu

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Here are selected briefs of our foreign-based players who were in mid-week action at their respective club’s.

=SCOTLAND
-Rangers: Striker Fashion Sakala came on at halftime in Wednesday’s 3-0 away loss to Napoli in their UEFA Champions League to suffer their fifth straight Group A defeat in which they are bottom of the log.

-Ayr United: Defender Frankie Musonda played the full 90 minutes but was not on target for Ayr in their 4-2 home win over Partick Thistle that saw them reclaim top spot of the Scottish Championship.

=SOUTH AFRICA
-Amazulu: On Wednesday, Midfielder Rally Bwalya played the full 90 minutes of Amazulu’s 0-0 away draw at Marumo Gallants.

-Maritzburg United: Friday Samu came off in the 61st minute of his sides’ 5-0 home loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.
Veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene did not make the Sundowns team.

Former Kwacha Joe Malanji Petitions Kwacha Seat in High Court

Chief Editor
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Former Kwacha Joe Malanji Petitions Kwacha Seat in High Court

Former Kwacha Member of Parliament has asked the High Court to declare the election for Kwacha Constituency held on 21st October, 2022 as void for non-compliance.

In a petition filed Wednesday, Hon. Joe Malanji also seeks a declaration that Hon Charles Mulenga was not duly elected as Member of Parliament from an election that did not meet the standards required by the Electoral law.

Hon Malanji has also challenged the participation of Lawrence Kasonde who had resigned but was allowed to participate in an election.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia had set election dates and allowed campaigns in Kwacha constituency during time when the High Court had restrained all activities to take place in Kabushi.

During the Constitutional Court hearing in October, 2022, the Electoral Commission of Zambia had told the Court that they could not cancel an election and call for fresh nominations in Kwacha Constituency as the election had been stayed by the Court order, the position which the Constitutional Court endorsed on 17th October, 2022.

ECZ later U-turned and start conducting election activities in defiance of the same court order the Commission and the Court said was valid, an act the Attorney General told News Diggers was cleared by the Constitutional Court.

Meanwhile, Mr Malanji has said that he cannot withdraw what he has done for the community, adding that Kwacha Constituency is his family. Hon Malanji said if he was to collect the things he has donated to the community, “the first place would be the Riverside Police Camp itself.”

“In 2007, the whole police camp had no adequate power. ZESCO only provided cables to do the wiring of the whole police camp. I spent $35,000 to buy three transformers and other accessories to have the police camp connected.”

This follows reports that some sections of society have been going round telling the people of Kwacha that the former Member of Parliament had been getting back what he donated to the community following the outcome of the Kwacha by-elections.

The political heavyweight had been “blocked” from participating in the elections, an act that made well-meaning Zambians to question the independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Judiciary at large.

Speaking when he addressed the media yesterday, Hon Malanji, who the people of Kwacha refer to as Bonanza due to his generosity said being an MP was not something for him to be opportunistic about.

The former lawmaker whose popularity has over the years grown due to his community services from own money has vowed that he will go back to the Constituency and continue with the works that he has always been doing.

On allegations that he has started grabbing the things he donated, he asked “if I’m to do that how many things will I have to grab?”

And commenting on the elections in Kwacha and Kabushi Constituencies which were characterized with an extreme poor turnout due to the absence of Bonanza and the Bulldozer (Hon Bowman Lusambo) from the ballot, Hon Malamji said what electorates did should not be taken lightly.

He explained that the electorates sent a strong message which warns against taking Zambians for granted.

The former lawmaker mocked the UPND for having failed to bring message of hope to the people of Kwacha as they just concentrated on talking about his helicopters.
He stressed that as opposed to being in Parliament for the salary, he was there for service.

“I will go back to them and continue working. The people of Kwacha and Kabushi have sent a strong message. Don’t take Zambians for granted…. they sent Campaigners and the only message they had was Malanji’s helicopters. I have told them to dig deeper,” he said.

“The police are now going in churches to search for what I have donated, where is the morality in this society? They now want to go into the community creating fake stories.

That will never happen. I am telling the people of Kwacha, that is my family. There’s no way I can withdraw what I have done for the community. The same Constituency, tomorrow my son will be there to render services, my nephew will be there…. I’m morally upright, there is no way I can do that.”

Government advised to reconsider its decision of verifying G12 for job applicants

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Government advised to reconsider its decision of verifying G12 for job applicants

A Mwinilunga District based clergyman Evans Mansaka has advised government to reconsider its decision of having applicants for employment in the defence force to have their grade 12 results verified in provincial centres.

Pastor Evans Mansaka says if his suggestion is not reconsidered it will deny an opportunity for youths in rural areas to apply and be considered for the jobs in the defense forces.

Pastor. Mansaka says it is costly for people in rural areas to have their grade 12 certificates verified in provincial centres where there are additional living costs while they await verifications of their papers.

The clergyman said this in a statement in Mwinilunga , on Wednesday.

“Children ( applicants ) will spend a lot of money, on food, lodging and transport just to go and have their results verified, ” he said.

He felt that the provincial Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) offices may equally be overwhelmed with a huge number of people wanting their papers verified which in turn may lead to lapse of time required for people to apply.

The clergyman said the objective by government to provide jobs to the youth through the defense and security wings is commendable but requirements such as this one may be unfair to those who may have no Money to travel to provincial centres to have their results verified.

“It is good that the government is creating jobs for our youths but some requirements maybe unfair” he said.

Pastor .Mansaka has since appealed to the defense forces to find ways of decentralising the grade 12 results verification to districts so that everyone can be given a chance to apply.

Wide-spread poverty and hunger in Zambia is diminishing the human dignity of citizens-Kitwe Catholic Priest

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Wide-spread poverty and hunger in Zambia is diminishing the human dignity of citizens-Kitwe Catholic Priest

Kitwe Catholic Priest Fr. Patrick Mupula has said wide-spread poverty and hunger in Zambia is diminishing the human dignity of its citizens.

Fr. Mupula of St. Michael and Noah Parish in Chambobli said Zambians should be pragmatic to overcome challenges of poverty and hunger.

He said there is a need to utilise national resources for the benefit of many suffering Zambians.

Preaching when celebrating Mass in St. George Chapel in Kitwe, Fr. Mupula said the 58 years of Zambia’s independence are just on paper.

“Today Jesus is telling us to open our hearts and reflect on our lives. God will judge us based on how we treat the poor in our homes. We will not be judged based on the Church uniform or Church position. In your homes, how do you treat the poor? How do you treat people with nothing? These days it is a big sin to be poor in Zambia. If you are poor even in your family no one will value you. Even in Church, when you are poor no one will value you. Even if you are severely sick the Church will not even announce your sickness. But a rich person will only sneeze and it will be announced that someone is sick. So during judgment God will only assess us based on our hearts. You and I, what are we doing to inherit the kingdom of God,” Fr. Mupula preached.

“People we consider to be sinners will lead us in the kingdom of God. People will least expect to inherit the kingdom of God because we are not utilising our possession for the good of society. In the end it will gnash our teeth. In Zambia, the gnashing of teeth has already started right here on earth. Above, we will only continue the gnashing of teeth we have started on earth. In Zambia wherever you go people are gnashing their teeth. Just travelling on this road from Mufulira to Mokambo you gnash your teeth. When you are sick and go to the hospital here in Kitwe the bad smell in the hospital will kill you before they even start treating you. People in Zambia, especially the poor, are already gnashing their teeth as they live. Travelling on the road from Ndola to Kapiri Mposhi, you drive while gnashing your teeth. These days when you visit the sick in their homes you will see how people are suffering. The high prices of mealie meal are making people gnash their teeth here on earth,” Fr. Mupula said.

He added:”Suffering has already started on earth; we will just go and continue when we go above. Every day we listen to leaders reading long speeches but nothing is happening on the ground. The other day we were celebrating independence. 58 years of independence is just a name on paper, go to various houses and see how people are suffering. People are gnashing their teeth. There is poverty and hunger in many families. Hunger negatively affects the dignity of a human person. Hunger diminishes the dignity of a human person. Let us ask God in today’s Mass to help us become good people. We pray that God opens our hearts to enable us to use good things he has given us for the benefit of humanity. Not a situation where some are eating and celebrating while others are just watching on television how people in front are enjoying life. We are all suffering and gnashing our teeth when God has given us many good things that should help us in life. What have we done wrong to God such that every day we are gnashing our teeth?”

Meanwhile, UPND Kankoyo Member of Parliament Heartson Mabeta has questioned if fallen freedom fighters would be happy with the current state of Zambia 58 years after independence.

“I am trying hard to celebrate independence but my heart is very weak. My Heart is weak because my mind keeps on thinking about: That Former Mpelembe Drilling Employee who lost their Job on redundancy without getting any benefits despite ZCCM-IH having paid management at Mpelembe Drilling in full.hat teacher who was recruited in 2020 and 2021 but has never received her first salary. The bus driver who still has to go through Kitwe to get to Ndola because the Mufulira Mukambo and Mufulira Ndola Road remains in a poor state despite the government having paid 267 million kwacha to Inyatsi in 2017,” Mr. Mabeta posted on facebook.

“That poor young man who can’t get a job at Mopani despite having concluded their skills training program because the mine has been paralyzed by Glencoe who are still buying all the copper from Mopani at a very low price despite Copper selling at a record high price.58 despite being independent, we are still asking IMF for the second time after our debt being written off in 2005, to convince the people we owe money to cancel some of the money we borrowed from them because we have no capacity to pay back. Is this really the independence our forefathers would be proud to have died for if they were to come back to life just for a minute today?”

Nkombo explains delay to re-open Lusaka City market as K22 million is released for the Project

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Nkombo explains delay to re-open Lusaka City market as K22 million is released for the Project

The government says the delayed completion of the Lusaka City Market refurbishment and the construction of Simon Mwewa Lane Market is a matter of concern especially that the rain season is approaching.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gary Nkombo, who conducted a tour of the two trading sites in Lusaka today, disclosed that the delay in completing the projects was partly due to contractual issues.

Nkombo Government has announced that the government has released K22 million for the completion of Simon Mwelwa Lane and City Market. “It has been revealed that the treasury released K22,000,000 (22 million Kwacha) to DMMU for the completion of the two markets,” Mr Nkombo said.

Mr. Nkombo however said the contractual issues have since been resolved and that a new contractor has been contracted to complete the projects.

He added that the bureaucracy and red tape at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) contributed to the delay regarding the logistical aspects of the projects.

“In terms of the other works, civil works to operationalise the market, to be fair, it is only fair that although the pressure is on the ministry, the truth of the matter is that the feet were being dragged on the side of the DMMU due to the bureaucracy that is associated with the procurement,” he explained

The minister has however assured that the issues have been resolved and has expressed hope that the project will be completed in a few weeks’ time.

“We are glad that we have straightened out certain issues including the permission that ZNS needed to employ the casual workers who are doing manual work here and to procure all the materials for the two projects so that they can move at a pace that is desirable,” he added.

He has since appealed to all concerned traders to move to the new trading sites once the works are completed, stating that the spaces are sufficient to accommodate many traders.

And Lusaka City Mayor, Chilando Chitangala, has reiterated the need to operationalize the two markets stating that the delay in completing them presents a health risk especially in the rain season.

Ms. Chitangala further said the council has been constantly engaging with the vendors and other stakeholders over the relocation to the new markets.

She revealed that the council will have to conduct a recount of the vendors before relocating them.

“Like we have always reported, it has been very difficult to manage the CBD especially because we don’t have these two markets ready. But we have heard from what ZNS has said and what DMMU has said and we are just hoping that within the next four to five weeks, we can have these two markets ready,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Service Commander Builders Brigade, Perry Sichombe, said the ZNS is confident that the projects will be completed within four weeks.

Brigadier General Sichombe said this will however depend on whether all necessary logistics will be provided.

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