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KCM Provisional Liquidator announces selection of financial advisor to search for equity partner

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KCM Provisional Liquidator announces selection of financial advisor to search for equity partner

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Ms. Celine Nair, has announced the appointment of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as financial advisor to the Company in the Government’s ongoing efforts to bring it back into full operation.

The appointment of RMB follows on from the announcement in June 2022 that a comprehensive search had begun for a financial advisor to assist in securing financing for its medium to long term projects. A total of 11 local and international firms were invited to participate in the tender process that culminated in the selection of RMB.

“The appointment of RMB is a major milestone in the journey towards the full turnaround of Konkola Copper Mines Plc and its subsidiaries, Konkola Mineral Resources Limited (KMRL) and KCM SmelterCo Limited,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair added that, “The Company forms part of a strategic national resource base and stepping up the search for a strategic equity partner is vital to unlocking the rich ore reserves at Konkola Deep Mine. It is also pivotal in reaching the targeted increase in national copper production of 3 million tonnes within the next 10 years – the cornerstone of the New Dawn Government’s mining policy.”

Instrumental to the growth of KCM Plc is the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), which requires a minimum investment of circa US$1.2 billion, to construct additional pump chamber facilities necessary for pumping out water and unlocking new production areas within the rich ore reserves. Other upgrades and expansions are required in the Tailings Leach Plant at Nchanga in Chingola, the Nchanga Smelter and other key assets.

“It is KCM’s focus to complete the process of securing capital as soon as possible in order to accelerate the unlocking of long-held back investments and mine development. These requirements are important to ensure growth and the sharing of benefits to strategic stakeholders, which include the Government and employees of KCM, its subsidiaries, as well as business partners and communities in KCM’s areas of operation,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair added that the appointment of RMB serves as an assurance to the ongoing management process, which is aimed at strengthening governance in KCM and its subsidiaries.

“A lot of improvements have taken place at KCM since May 2022 and the mine’s future is looking bright as we gear up to increase production as soon as bridge funding is secured, Ms. Nair said.

Zambia ranks 105th in the world by Digital Quality of Life

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Zambia ranks 105th in the world by Digital Quality of Life

The fourth annual edition of the Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) reports that Zambia ranks 105th in the world regarding digital wellbeing. That is out of 117 countries, or 92% of the global population. Out of the five fundamental digital life pillars, Zambia’s worst score is for internet quality, ranking 116th globally. While the best is for e-security (64th). Zambia’s internet affordability comes 104th, as well as e-infrastructure, and e-government 114th. In the face of waging inflation, fixed broadband internet has become less affordable worldwide for the second year in a row, prying the global digital divide even further.

The DQL study is conducted by the cybersecurity company Surfshark. It evaluates countries based on five fundamental digital wellbeing pillars: internet quality, e-government, e-infrastructure, internet affordability, and e-security. This year, Zambia comes at the lower end of the index, ranking 105th not even making it into top 100 in the final index. Country ranks 15th in Africa. The country has dropped by 11 positions since last year’s edition, falling from 94th to 105th. Out of all index pillars, Zambia’s weakest spot is internet quality, which needs to improve by 400% to match the best-ranking country’s result (Chile’s).

Internet quality in Zambia is very weak, and on a global scale mobile internet is better than fixed

Zambia’s internet quality, considering internet speed, stability, and growth, ranks 116th in the world and is 68% worse than the global average. Regarding internet speed alone, Zambia’s mobile internet ranks higher than fixed broadband in the global ranking, operating at 18.6 Mbps/s (109th globally). Meanwhile, the fixed broadband internet comes 111st (14.6 Mbps/s).

Compared to Zimbabwe, Zambia’s mobile internet is 15% faster, while broadband is 15% slower. Since last year, mobile internet speed in Zambia has improved by 23.8% (3.6 Mbps), and fixed broadband speed has dropped by 13.3% (2.2 Mbps). In comparison, Singapore’s residents enjoyed mobile speeds up to 104 Mbps/s and fixed to as much as 261 Mbps/s – the fastest internet in the world this year.

Internet in Zambia is not affordable compared to global standards, there’s a lot of room for improvement

Zambia’s internet affordability ranks 104th in the world. Residents can buy 1GB of mobile internet in Zambia for 10 minutes 34 seconds of work per month, 6 times less than in Zimbabwe. However, compared to Israel, which has the most affordable mobile internet on the planet (5s per 1GB), Zambians work 129 times more. Its affordability decreased since the previous year, making people work 10 minutes 13 seconds more to afford the same mobile internet service.

Fixed broadband costs Zambian citizens around 11 hours 14 minutes of their working time each month. To afford it, Zambians have to work 35 times more than Israeli citizens, for whom the most affordable package costs only 19 min of work monthly. Since last year, broadband internet has become more affordable in Zambia, making people work 10 hours 7 minutes less to afford fixed broadband internet service.

The global digital divide is now deeper than ever

Globally, broadband is getting less affordable each year. Looking at countries included in last year’s index, people have to work six minutes more to afford broadband internet in 2022. In some countries, such as Ivory Coast and Uganda, people work an average of 2 weeks to earn the cheapest fixed broadband internet package. The same trend was observed last year. With the current inflation, the pressure on low-income households that need the internet has become even heavier. Surfshark’s study also found that countries with the poorest internet connection have to work for it the longest.

“While countries with a strong digital quality of life tend to be those of advanced economies, our global study found that money doesn’t always buy digital happiness,” – explains Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske, Head of PR at Surfshark. “That is why, for the fourth year in a row, we continue analyzing the Digital Quality of Life to see how different nations keep up with providing the basic digital necessities for their citizens. Most importantly, our research seeks to show the full picture of the global digital divide that millions of people are suffering from.”

The best and the worst countries to live in by the digital quality of life

Overall, 7 out of 10 highest-scoring countries are in Europe, which has been the case for the past three years. Israel ranks 1st in DQL 2022 pushing Denmark to the second place after its two-year lead. Germany ranks 3rd, and France and Sweden round up the top five of the 117 evaluated nations. Congo DR, Yemen, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Cameroon are the bottom five countries.

Regionally, the US stands out in the Americas as a country with the highest digital quality of life, while Israel takes the leading position in Asia. Among African countries, people in South Africa enjoy the highest digital life quality. In Oceania, New Zealand takes the lead outperforming Australia in various digital areas this year.

METHODOLOGY

The 2022 DQL research examined more than 7.2 billion people regarding five core pillars and 14 underpinning indicators that provide a comprehensive measure. The study is based on the United Nations open-source information, the World Bank, Freedom House, the International Communications Union, and other sources. This year’s study includes seven (6%) more countries than DQL 2021, most of which are African countries.

The final 2022 Digital Quality of Life report and an interactive country comparison tool can be found here: https://surfshark.com/dql2022

2022 AFCON Group H Friendly Watch

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Here is a wrap of what Zambia’s 2022 AFCON Group H opponents were up to during the September international match window.


=COTE D’IVOIRE

Cote d’Ivoire collected back-to-back wins in France where they kicked off with a 2-1 win over Togo on September 24 at Le Petit-Quevilly.

Seko Fofana put The Elephants ahead in the 60th minute and Franck Kessie converted a penalty eight minutes later.

Karim Dermane scored for Togo in the 85th minute.

On Tuesday, Cote d’Ivoire moved to Amiens where they beat Guinea 3-1.
Ibrahima Sangare, Souleyman Doumbia and Fofana were on target with first half goals for Cote d’Ivoire.

Mouctar Diakhaby scored Guinea’s consolation in the 52nd minute.

=COMOROS

Comoros kicked off their friendly engagements in France on September 22 with a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in Orleans.

They then travelled down to Morocco where they lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in Casablanca.

=LESOTHO

Lesotho did not play any international games during the September window.

Coach Veselin Jelusic instead let his players get competitive match fitness in the league that kicked off on September 17 following a four-month break.

Headphone Music artists Umusepela Chile and Jay Rox collaborate on ‘Black Jesus Part 2’

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Headphone Music artists Umusepela Chile and Jay Rox collaborate on ‘Black Jesus Part 2’

Jay rox

Headphone Music artists Umusepela Chile and Jay Rox collavorated to deliver the sequel to their hit single ‘Black Jesus’. 

The current republican constitution does not meet most of the people’s wishes and aspiration-CCMG

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The current republican constitution does not meet most of the people’s wishes and aspiration-CCMG

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has said the current republican constitution does not meet most of the people’s wishes and aspirations on fundamental issues.

CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson Bishop Andrew Mwenda said successive Constitutions have merely been imposed on the citizenry.

Bishop Mwenda was speaking during the Public Forum on Zambia’s Road To Legal Reforms Held on 27th September, 2022 at Government Complex in Lusaka.

The forum was attended by representatives from Cooperating partners, the Three Church Mother Bodies,Government, Caritas Zambia, Political Parties, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Civil Society Organisations,University Students and the Media.

Bishop Mwenda said CCMG is advocating for legislative and electoral reforms conducive to social, economic and political development in Zambia.

“Since Zambia gained its independence 58 years ago, the country has engaged in several efforts to craft a legitimate, democratic and durable constitution that meets the aspiration of every citizen. However, for years, successive governments have promised to deliver a people driven constitution through different constitutional reviews, the result of these efforts has been that most of the people’s wishes and aspirations on fundamental issues have not been met and successive Constitutions have merely been imposed on the citizenry.On our part, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group envisions to be a vibrant agency for responsive legislative and electoral reform. We draw our mandate from our mission statement to strengthen genuine democratic electoral processes and encourage citizen participation in democratic governance in Zambia through civic and voter education, non–partisan election monitoring, research and documentation, electoral reforms advocacy and, capacity building of civil society organizations in democracy, elections and governance,” Bishop Mwenda said.

“We have purposed in our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, to advocate for legislative and electoral reforms conducive to social, economic and political development in Zambia. It is for this reason we have gathered here to collaborate and work together with both state and non-state actors to champion the crafting of a document that is both coherent and future serving.Ladies and Gentlemen, earlier this year during the launch of the CCMG 2021 General Elections Report, we reiterated the fact that democratic elections bring to the fore strengths and weaknesses of the country’s democracy, for instance the principle of separation of power is tested on whether the Legislature is able to enact laws that support democratic elections or whether the Judiciary is able to litigate electoral related matters in a manner that inspires public confidence without interference of the Executive. Ladies and Gentlemen, our election report highlighted a number of shortcomings throughout the electoral process, and we made key recommendations to strengthen our democracy, electoral processes and operation of oversight institutions, these recommendations are aimed at improving our electoral environment for future elections and the electoral process,” Bishop Mwenda said.

He added that the confusion surrounding the pending Parliamentary by-elections in Kabushi and Kwacha is evidence that that current republican constitution lacks clarity.

“Since then not much has changed, recently like many of you, CCMG followed with keen interest the matter of public interest surrounding the eligibility of candidates whose elections were nullified by the constitution court to re-contest as Members Parliament for Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies and subsequently whose nomination papers were rejected by the electoral commission of Zambia citing Article 72 (4) of the constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No.2 of 2006.CCMG noted with concerns the confusion surrounding the state of the election in the two constituencies and the legal battles due to the lack of clarity in the current legal framework which is susceptible to different interpretation of the law from different stakeholders regarding the eligibility of candidates whose seats were nullified by the constitutional court. Furthermore, we have taken note of the recent resignation and withdrawal from the Kabushi and Kwacha elections by independent candidates in both instances, which actions have been another subject of public debate necessitated by the lack of clarity in the constitution,” Bishop Mwenda said.

The senior clergy said CCMG wants the government to draw a comprehensive legal reform road map and to expedite the legislative reform process.

“CCMG therefore calls on government to draw a comprehensive legal reform road map and to expedite the legislative reform process guided by consensus and broad-based consultations with stakeholders in order to enhance efficiency, transparency, credibility and accountability in the management of elections.”

Nearly 6,000 Congolese refugees return home from Zambia with UNHCR support

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Nearly 6,000 Congolese refugees return home from Zambia with UNHCR support

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with the governments of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has helped nearly 6,000 Congolese refugees to return home since December 2021. The refugees fled political and inter-ethnic clashes in the DRC’s south-east region in 2017 and found safety in Zambia.

They have expressed excitement and joy at returning home and look forward to reuniting with family and friends and starting their lives anew.

Refugees have been issued voluntary repatriation documents and have received expedited immigration clearance, health screening, security, food and water prior to returning. Children account for nearly 60 per cent of the refugees. Children born in Zambia were issued birth certificates as proof of their identity. The Ministry of Education issued transfer documents to schoolchildren, enabling them to continue their education in the DRC.

Those with special needs are being supported by caregivers from Zambia’s Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, to ensure they travel in safety and dignity. Voluntary repatriation of refugees from Mantapala settlement in Luapula province to Pweto in Haut-Katanga province in DRC began in December 2021. The refugees have been transported on buses in weekly convoys of approximately 600 people to the Lunkinda border post. While parts of the country remain highly insecure, other regions like Haut-Katanga have been stable, allowing for the returns.

More than 11,000 Congolese refugees are registered to go back to DRC by the end of 2022 following the declaration of improved security in some areas of Haut-Katanga province. At a UNHCR transit centre in Pweto (DRC), where the returnees are accommodated for two days, Congolese authorities issue documentation including birth certificates for newborn babies and school certificates to allow them to quickly integrate and access services. UNHCR’s health partner also conducts medical screening and cases with special needs receive basic treatment.

Returnees also receive cash assistance to help cover basic expenses upon arrival home. This covers transportation to their destination, hygiene and household items, and initial rent assistance. Based on family size, a month’s supply of pulses, maize meal, oil and salt is also given to returnees.

Additional reintegration assistance, such as helping children in enrolling in school, is also provided.UNHCR will continue to advocate with the Government of the DRC and traditional authorities, who are critical partners in their reintegration, for the enrollment of children in schools, security, access to employment and provision of key civil documentation.

The voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees is conducted on the basis of the tripartite agreement signed in 2006 by UNHCR and the Governments of Zambia and the DRC. Over 18,000 Congolese have lived in Mantapala settlement where they acquired livelihood skills including farming, carpentry and artisan crafts.

According to a country-wide verification exercise, Zambia hosts 95,677 refugees, asylum-seekers and former refugees. These include 60,236 from DRC. Nearly a million Congolese refuges are still hosted in neighbouring countries.

Millions of refugees dream of going home in safety and dignity. Voluntary repatriation requires a full commitment by the country of origin to help reintegrate its own people and the continuing support of the international community.

UNHCR’s financial requirement for Zambia this year is US$24.4 million and US$225.4 million for the DRC. As of 20 September, however, the operations have been only 23 per cent and 35 per cent funded respectively

Newly recruited teachers urged to bring sanity in the education sector

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Newly recruited teachers urged to bring sanity in the education sector

The government has implored the newly recruited teachers to bring sanity to the education sector. Kasama District Commissioner Elizabeth Goma says teaching is a noble career which demands professionalism at every level.

Mrs. Goma was speaking on Tuesday during the induction workshop of the newly recruited and deployed teachers held at Kasama Girls Secondary School.

“ The induction process is important as it will ensure that the newly recruited teachers integrate well into the education system, “ she said.

“ This ( the induction ) will benefit the ministry of education as an employer by reducing absenteeism, increasing teacher commitment and job satisfaction, “ she said.

The District Commissioner reminded the newly recruited teachers to observe high professional etiquette and ethics expected of them in their daily conduct.

And Kasama District Education Board Secretary Andrew Chipili has also demanded utmost professionalism from the new teachers.

Mr. Chipili said the newly recruited teachers have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity which they should put to good use.

He reminded the newly recruited teachers that some of them struggled for over ten years in their communities before they were employed.

He has since advised the teachers to utilize the opportunity given to them by offering their services in the education sector.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) provincial organizing Secretary Musonda Chitupi has advised the new teachers to join a teacher union of their choice.

Mr. Chitupi explained that belonging to a union is very important as the labor movement is proactive in protecting the rights and needs of the workers.

Government urged to include Mporokoso-Kaputa road in the 2023 national budget.

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Government urged to include Mporokoso-Kaputa road in the 2023 national budget.

Some motorists in Nsama district have asked the government to consider including the Mporokoso-Kaputa road in the 2023 national budget.

One of the motorists, James Mulenga, said government should consider budgeting for the road to lessen the challenges transporters face accessing Nsama and Kaputa Towns.

Mr. Mulenga said the people of Nsama and Kaputa districts are expecting that government would budget for the tarring of the road.

In an interview with ZANIS in Kasama on Tuesday, day. Mr. Mulenga said he expects the new dawn government’s second budget to cater for most of the campaign promises which among them includes the upgrading of the road from gravel to bituminous standard.

“We in the transport sector are excited as and looking forward to the inclusion of the tarring of the Mporokoso/Kaputa via Nsama road in next year’s budget, he said.

The transport sector has for many years faced different challenges among them tear and wear, long travelling hours and accidents due to the bad state of the road especially during the rainy season.

His counterpart, Davison Lukwesa said his expectation is to see the opening of the area through the construction of a better road.

“The move will not only open the area to new investments especially in tourism and agriculture sectors but also boost the economic status of the two districts. “Mr. Lukwesa noted”.

He said the tarring of the long awaited road would also help to attract would be investors to set up industries such as rice mills and refrigeration in the two areas resulting in job creation.

Government is this Friday expected to announce its second national budget since assuming office in 2021.

Meanwhile, The stalled works on selected township roads in Chinsali Town, in Muchinga Province have resumed.

The development has elated residents who have expressed happiness over the matter.

Some of the residents in separate interviews on Tuesday, said that the two roads under construction were in a deplorable state for years now.

One of the residents Agness Banda thanked the new dawn government for working on the roads.

Ms. Banda said like other residents that have welcomed the development , she too is grateful to government for the “ miracle “ never imagined will happen in the area.

” We used to find it difficult to gain access to our yards as vehicles including taxis had stopped using this road,” she said.

She lamented that taxi fees to their area were hiked because of the road being in a dilapidated condition.

Another resident Exildah Chungu explained that her house used to be flooding during the rainy season, due to bad roads.

Ms. Chungu added that as a result some portion of her house like the veranda developed some cracks.

“Even my garden was always affected when I plant some crops they would be washed away due rainy water from the impassable road flooding my yard, “ she said.

The three selected roads in rural and FTC areas being worked on are part of the 29.5 kilometer Chinsali township roads.

Reports suggesting that Priests are not happy with Archbishop Alick Banda’s stance on homosexuality are false

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Reports suggesting that Priests are not happy with Archbishop Alick Banda’s stance on homosexuality are false

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka has refuted social media reports suggesting that Priests are not happy with Archbishop Alick Banda’s stance on homosexuality and alleged gay rights promotion in Zambia.

Archbishop Banda last week released a pastoral statement in which he noted increased promotion of gay rights and rising cases of sodomy in Zambia in the last one year.

Archbishop Banda said President Hakainde Hichilema and the law enforcement agencies seem to be paying a blind eye to the rising incidents related to homosexuality in Zambia.

The Archbishop said homosexuality and promotion of gay rights is slowly taking root in the Zambian society, albeit complacency from the State and the law enforcement agencies.

Archbishop Banda’s pastoral statement which has been read in all parishes under Lusaka Archdiocese as per Catholic tradition, has angered UPND supporters.

Some pro-UPND social media platforms have gone on to publish negative remarks against Archbishop Banda, whom they have accused of being a PF supporter.

On Monday, a lengthy social media article went viral in which people said to be Priests in Lusaka said they were not happy with Archbishop Banda.

“We the CATHOLIC PRIESTS of the LUSAKA ARCHDIOCESE are alarmed at BISHOP ALICK BANDA’s departure from his role as a shepherd of the flock of the Lord. We cannot keep silent any more. We have watched with great pain BISHOP ALICK BANDA anointing himself as a spokesperson for an OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTY, PF, and speaking about anything he thinks will discredit the RULING GOVERNMENT. His ACCUSATIONS that the GOVERNMENT was behind the STEALING of TV SETS from EDGAR LUNGU’S Ibex hill residence and now his recent rants that the GOVERNMENT was ENCOURAGING homosexuality were all messages lifted up from OPPOSITION PF blogs.A BISHOP should be above partisan politics and look at greater social justice and faith.As CATHOLIC CLERGY, we believe our bishops have a prophetic role to play by denouncing injustice, as was the case with old testament prophets and as did our Lord JESUS CHRIST. This was beautifully stated in paragraph 1 of the Vatican II’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern Word (Gaudium et Spes) promulgated by Pope Paul VI as follows: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts.” This entails that the CATHOLIC CHURCH and its LEADERSHIP cannot abandon the matters of SOCIAL JUSTICE, especially matters affecting the POOR. But to have a BISHOP ANOINT HIMSELF as SPOKESPERSON for the ELITE and FORMER RULING PARTY, PF, is to ABDICATE this CATHOLIC MANDATE,” read part of the article.

But Lusaka Archdiocese Vicar General Fr. Solomon Tembo, who is the second in command in the Archdiocese, had released a media statement backing Archbishop Banda.

Fr. Tembo said no Priest in the Archdiocese was against Archbishop Banda.

Fr. Tembo said he was astonished by the social media reports suggesting that Priests are against their Archbishop.

The senior Catholic Priest said he doubted the authenticity of the article that quoted anonymous priests.

Fr. Tembo said Priests in Lusaka Archdiocese have disassociated themselves from all sentiments and views expressed in the said article circulating on social media.

“I have read an article on social media entitled, “Catholic Priests speak against Bishop Alick Banda,” with astonishment and disbelief. I would like to inform the general public that this is not a collective effort or work of the Catholic Priests of the Archdiocese of Lusaka at all as alleged by the author of the said article. I doubt whether it is even the work of a priest. Catholic Priests of Lusaka are equally concerned and distraught by the said article. As Vicar General, I express displeasure and discontentment, and on behalf of all Catholic Priests in the Archdiocese of Lusaka wish to disassociate ourselves from all sentiments and views expressed in the article circulating. May Mary Mother of the Church continue interceding for the Archdiocese of Lusaka,” Fr. Tembo stated.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Banda had warned that if nothing is done to raise awareness among people, LGBTQ+ will become an acceptable norm in Zambia, despite the existence of laws that criminalises these activities.

He called for action from all Zambians against offensive tendencies like homosexuality that is being manifested through sodomy.

“Corroding the fabric of our society. A call to action – against offensive tendencies
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!My dear brothers and sisters in Christ and people of good will. I hereby wish to
address a thorny issue inter alia other issues that seem to be slowly taking root in our society, albeit complacency from the State and the law enforcement agencies. In the last 12 months, we have witnessed an increase in the number of incidents and events that promote LGBTG+ tendencies contrary to the Laws of Zambia and our Zambian culture. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of incidents of sodomy where boys and men are raped by fellow boys and men with impunity.On Tuesday the 17th May 2022, the Swedish and Finnish Embassies in Lusaka flew gay pride flags, contrary to the provisions of article 20 of the Vienna Convention which allows foreign missions to only fly the flag and emblem of their country of origin on their premises.On Saturday, the 3rd September 2022, a company called PR Girl Media Limited hosted an event dubbed “Lusaka July 2022” at Lusaka Polo Club. Pictures and videos that emerged from this event showed attendants double dressing in attires of the opposite sex and appearing to promote LGBTQ+ behaviour,” Archbishop Banda said.

“Subsequent to the above events, we have witnessed several cases of sodomy and homosexuality on the increase in our society much to the displeasure and disapproval of the general public. Unfortunately, the law enforcement agents and the President who took oath to protect the Constitution seem to be paying a blind eye. The question that begs an answer is: Is it by design or by default?However, on Friday, the 16th September 2022, when a group of concerned citizens decided to undertake a peaceful protest in order to raise awareness to the ever escalating cases of homosexuality and sodomy in the country, the Police were quick to apprehend them together with journalists who were covering the event. These were detained, arrested and charged with unlawful assembly.The above events are alarming. If nothing is done to raise awareness among our people, LGBTQ+ will become an acceptable norm in Zambia, despite the existence of laws that criminalises these activities and worse still being offensive to our Cultural and Christian values,” Archbishop Banda said.

Archbishop Banda said it is necessary that Zambians act against the proliferation of LGBTQ+ and other vices which are averse and seem to be on the increase corroding the fabric of society such as abuse of authority, abuse of state institutions and arbitrary disrespect of the rule of law.

He announced that the Archdiocese of Lusaka, through its Directorate of Integral Human Development, is embarking on raising awareness against offensive trends which seem to be on the increase in society.

“From the foregoing, it is necessary to act against the proliferation of LGBTQ+ and other vices which are averse and seem to be on the increase corroding the fabric of our society such as abuse of authority, abuse of state institutions, arbitrary disrespect of the rule of law, the hounding of the opposition members and constitutional office bearers perceived not to toll the line, the rise of nepotism, hybrid hypocrisy, deception, and lies, etc.During His memorable sermon on the Mount, our Lord, Jesus Christ declared to His disciples that: “You are the salt of the earth…” (cf. Mt. 5: 13). The primary use of salt in ancient times among other things was to avert decaying of foodstuff. So, when Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth”, He is calling us to avert moral degeneration. We are therefore, invited to manifest in person and give witness to our Christian calling – to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.The Archdiocese of Lusaka, through its Directorate of Integral Human Development, is embarking on raising awareness against these offensive trends which seem to be on the increase in our society. To this effect, ADL – IHD will communicate an action plan in the next couple of days, spelling out the way forward. In the meantime, we are inviting all our faithful to pray and fast against all these vices that seem to be accepted by the authorities that be.May Mary the mother of the Child Jesus, intercede for us that our lives may become salt to avert moral degeneration and light to illuminate the world from the darkness of evil,” Archbishop Banda concluded.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema, who was cited by Archbishop Banda has denied allegations that his government supports gay rights or homosexual rights.

The President said Zambia should discuss more important matters than issues of gay rights or homosexuality.

“Zambia is a Christian nation. It is clear you will all agree but some times we want to extract sections of our communities and say these are not Christians. Yah, religion in diversity, Churches in diversity but one body of Christ. And I want to say it is not right, I am following what is going on in our country today. To say the New Dawn government is promoting lesbian rights, gay rights, that is not right. We have said it before in opposition and now in government that we do not gay, lesbian rights as a government. The records are there, the media houses carry those records from years back but today, in recent days people are propagating in church preaching about lesbian rights and UPND Government. New Dawn government doing this and that. That is divisit, you know it is not right. Let’s focus on unity, let’s focus on materiality. Things that matter for this country. Keeping our children in school matters more than the petty matters,” President said in the video.

“Good morning fellow citizens Our position on this issue has been very clear and consistent from our days in opposition. We must focus our energy in addressing pressing issues affecting our people and not be detracted,” he stated in the text accompanying the short video.

Nalumango calls for strong policy framework to prevent RTAs

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Nalumango calls for strong policy framework to prevent RTAs

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has directed relevant ministries to strengthen the policy framework on the prevention of road traffic accidents for public transport operators in the country.

Ms. Nalumango said the Ministries of Home Affairs, Transport and Logistics and Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development should work together in guaranteeing road safety to avoid the escalating number of traffic accidents in the country which have claimed many lives.

She said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, during the send-off church service of the 12 Great East-University of Zambia (UNZA) junction road traffic accident victims at Christ the King Parish in Kaunda Square Stage Two in Lusaka today.

Mrs. Nalumango noted with concern that the road traffic accidents are as a result of human error and neglect especially by public transport operators.

She noted that the accidents can be avoided if road safety is realised by the government and all road users.

“I direct all the line ministries to work together in ensuring that road signage is properly marked in highways, road traffic rules and regulations are adhered to by the public transport operators with no exception,’’ she said.

 Munali Member of Parliament Mike Mposha called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to establish the cause of the accident and convey the report to the bereaved families as soon as possible because they have the right to know what led to the accident.

Mr. Mposha, however, thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for responding quickly to help the bereaved families with all the funeral necessities in order to lighten their burden of the loss of their loved ones.

‘’We thank the Disaster Management and Mitigating Unit (DMMU), the defence force and everyone who came on board in assisting the beavered families with food supplies and transport and logistics for burial during the funeral of their family members,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, emotions from family members kept pouring as they took turns to read tributes for their deceased relatives and described their sudden death as traumatising, shocking and a huge loss.

Human Rights Commission speaks on LGBTQI

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Human Rights Commission speaks on LGBTQI

The Human Rights Commission says it has noted with regret the tendency by some stakeholders to deliberately confuse criminal acts with Human Rights issues when dealing with matters relating to the situation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) community in Zambia.

Human Rights Commission Mudford Mwandenga said there is need for stakeholders and the public to make a distinction between supporting the human rights of the LGBTQI community and gender identity, which is a criminal offence in Zambia.

He said this in a press statement made available , today Mr. Mwandenga says the Commission has received correspondence from various stakeholders expressing fear about the safety of the LGBTQI community in Zambia

 “Regrettably, the Commission has noted the tendency by some stakeholders to deliberately confuse purely criminal acts with human rights issues when dealing with matters relating to the situation of LGBTQI in Zambia,” he said.

“A distinction must be made between supporting the human rights of the LGBTQI community, which rights accrue to them by virtue of them being human and supporting them to freely and publicly exercise their sexual orientation and gender identity, which is a criminal offence in Zambia,” he said.

He said the reported cases of sodomy in the country are a criminal offence which should be thoroughly investigated and dealt with by the Zambia Police Service in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Mr. Mwandenga said law enforcement against sodomy should not be confused with clamping down on the LGBTQI community in Zambia.

He added that individuals that are suspected of having committed acts of sodomy should be treated like any other suspect and accorded equal protection of the law and not be subjected to unlawful actions and/or violation of their Human Rights.

Mr. Mwandenga further highlighted that the Commission has noted with concern the continued hate speech and threats of physical attacks against persons based on their perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity is a criminal offence.

He said the Commission is alive to the fact that practicing homosexuality or lesbianism is illegal in Zambia and emphasized that those found on the wrong side of the law or in conflict with the law should be treated in a humane manner.

 Mr. Mwandenga said by virtue of being party to various human rights instruments, Zambia is bound to protect the indivisible and inalienable rights of all citizens including those found on the wrong side of the law or who come in conflict with the law.

He said the Commission is calling on the State to put in place measures to stop the emerging hate campaign against the LGBTQI community in Zambia, stating that it is the obligation of the State to adopt effective measures of protection against actions of individuals.

Free education brings along teething problems – Mbangweta

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Free education brings along teething problems – Mbangweta

Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta says Government’s free education policy , just like any new programme, comes with teething problems that will easily be handled with time.

Mr. Mbangweta says the new dawn government attachés great importance to educating of the children and nation at large.

The minister said this during a conducted tour of Kalale Secondary School, Kampombo and Kangolongolo Primary Schools , where he found no staff houses, adequate classroom space and desks against a swelling pupil population.

However, Kampombo Primary School Head teacher Lubinga Lubinga expressed delight that a one by two classroom is under construction , thanks to the increased constituency Fund ( CDF ).

Mr. Lubinga said the project will help create extra classroom school space for the current number of pupils that has increased.

Nkeyema CDF chairperson Cristas Mweene said the construction of the classroom block is in line with the vision of Government’s plan in the provision of free education to all children.

Mr. Mweene advised he community to help the contractors on site when need arises as the structures being erected will benefit the community.

And the project which is at 80 percent, will be ready for hand over in October this year, said Nkeyema Acting Council Secretary Chimbala.

In reaction, Provincial Minister Mbangweta called on stakeholders to emulate Japan Tobacco International by ploughing back to the community.

Mr Mbangweta said this after receiving a one by three renovated classroom block at Kampombo Primary School which had its roof blown off during the last rainy season.

Japan Tobacco International Head of Communication and Co-operate Affairs Litia Matakala while handing over the classroom block to the school administration requested the community to guard jealous the structure against vandalism.

Mr. Matakala said Education is a game changer and must be taken seriously by the community.

The free education policy introduced by Government has seen unprecedented swelling numbers of pupils in public schools across the country, seeking to get educated.

Impartial implementation of rule of law critical in governance

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Impartial implementation of rule of law critical in governance

United States Ambassador to Zambia Mike Gonzales says the impartial implementation of the rule of law is critical in ensuring accountable and responsive governance.

Mr Gonzales said the implementation of the rule of law also attracts foreign investment that will consequently create jobs and contribute to the national treasury.

The US Ambassador noted that both government share the mutual goal of strengthening democratic institutions and protecting fundamental freedoms.

He added that the two countries have witnessed challenges in the democratic systems which require solutions.

Mr. Gonzalez said this when he paid a courtesy call on Acting Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe in Lusaka today.

The US Ambassador has also pledged to promote prosperity in both the United States and Zambia.

“I look forward to working with you, to strengthen democracy, to promote economic growth to improve health outcomes and to deepen the US and Zambia security relationship,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Mr. Haimbe who also acting Minister of Justice said he is optimistic that the US and Zambia will have good working relations.

He said government will do its best to encourage Zambians to follow the tenets of democracy.

The Minister noted that governance is crucial in the quest to improve the administration of the country adding that the Ministry of Justice will play their role in ensuring governance is practiced.

“We are committed towards ensuring that we are a beacon for democracy in our sub region, on the continent and the world at large.

The added that government intends to grow the cordial relations between Zambia and the United States of America.

Rains leaves destruction in Mwinilunga

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Rains leaves destruction in Mwinilunga

Following heavy rains have blow  a roof at Kabanda primary school in Mwinilunga district in North Western Province .

District Commissioner (DC) Harrison Kamuna who rushed to the school upon learning of the development confirmed to ZANIS that the incidenthappened around 15:00 on Monday, while 53 grade two learners were having lessons.

“Fortunately our children were all safe, they escaped unhurt,” he said.

One classroom and home economics department office had one side of their roofs completely blown off while the computer lab had a few iron sheets removed.

Mr. Kamuna explained that apart from a few desks which got damaged as they  got soaked, nothing else was destroyed.

The  district administration working together with the local authority will utilize the five percent disaster fund component under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to repair the damaged roof before rains intensify.

“This should not take us time to repair, we shall use CDF to quickly work on it,” he said.

The remote Town has recently experienced significant amount of rainfall activities.

Movie review : Me Time

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Movie review : Me Time

Me Time ; Kevin Hart

Sonny (Kevin Hart) is a stay-at-home parent who makes healthy smoothies, runs PTA meetings and curates school talent shows, but never makes time for himself; until old friend Huck (Mark Wahlberg) gives him an opportunity for independence.

PROS

  • Good performances by Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg.
  • Simple but effective storyline.

CONS

  • Poor acting by Che Tafari (Dash) who played Kevin Harts son. His performance felt forced and unnatural.

FAVORITE QUOTE

 “He Is A Housewife. Sorry, English Is Not My First Language.” – Armando 

CONCLUSION

‘Me Time is a light-hearted comedy about a tightly wound stay-at-home-dad who gets an opportunity to let off some steam on a wild weekend with an old buddy of his. It is precisely what you would expect from a Kevin Hart movie, filled with hilarious moments and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Most of the time, the movie stays away from examining the dishonest, ambitious, and unstable dynamics of Sonny’s(Kevin Hart) marriage. That dynamic may have offered a little more intrigue to the plot of the movie, instead, spiraling chaos fills the void of any emotional journey. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as ‘Me Time is meant to be a fun easy-to-watch weekend movie.

‘Me Time’ may not be the best film by Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg but it sure is a lot of fun!

RATING 

3 out of 5

 

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

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