Here are Fridays Labour Day holiday Faz Premier Division fixtures.
Week 8
01/05/2009
Power Dynamos- Young Arrows
Zanaco – Roan united
Kabwe Warriors- Lusaka Dynamos
Nakambala Leopards-Forest Rangers
City of Lusaka- Choma Eagles
Chambishi-Green Buffaloes
Postponed:
Red Arrows- Zamtel
Zesco United-Konkola Blades
A civic leader in Shangombo district has appealed to the police service to intensify patrols in the area in order to hunt down more than 18 suspected armed robbers, who have allegedly stolen more than 55 herds of cattle this month alone.
The same gang is suspected to have recently stolen goods worth millions of Kwacha from a Mr. Lisheko Sitongani of Likulushitu.
Mulamba ward councilor Mandevu Chipali said the suspected robbers have been stealing cattle from farmers at gun point.
Mr. Chipali said more than 20 herds of cattle were stolen from Induna Sambiana and Induna Nasimona of Kaanja area while over 30 other herds of cattle were stolen from Uyiwaye Lubasi, a head teacher at Sinjembela Basic School.
He said in all these theft cases, AK47 rifles were used to scare off or shoot property owners that would resist.
He explained that people in Shangombo were now living in fear because of the same armed robbers.
Shangombo District Planner, Munalula Imonga also confirmed the theft incidents to ZANIS in a telephone interview.
Mr. Imonga expressed worry saying unless something was immediately done, people’s lives and property would remain in danger.
He also appealed to the police to protect and save lives of people.
However, Western Province Commanding Officer, Vael Muzwenga yesterday said police have already intensified patrols in the district to track down the armed bandits.
Mr. Muzwenga said the bandits are believed to be hiding in Sioma-Ngwezi National Park in Shangombo district. Sioma Ngwezi national park borders Zambia and Namibia.
ZANIS/JA/KSH/ENDS
Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation (ZNBC) Director General Joseph Salasini has been sent on leave to pave way for investigations into alleged mismanagement of funds at the institution.
Government has since instructed the Auditor General’s office to probe the handling of revenue at the institution and present the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services with a comprehensive report.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha announced this when he addressed ZNBC unionized workers in Lusaka today.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha told the workers to assist the Auditor General’s office with adequate information that will help with investigations and advised the workers to be patient as the matter is being investigated.
The minister said government needs to have a clear picture of issues that are being faced by the corporation.
ENDS/AH/AM/ZANIS
Police in Siavonga yesterday retrieved bodies of three children that drowned in Lake Kariba last week after a banana boat they were travelling in capsized.
The three children aged between five and eleven years, died on Lake Kariba in Siavonga last week after a banana boat they were traveling in with eighty other passengers capsized due to strong waves.
A four year old boy also died and was buried while the other passengers managed to survive the accident that occurred around Munene island on Lake Kariba.
Siavonga District Commissioner Emily Striedl told ZANIS today that the bodies of the three girls that were found floating were retrieved by police yesterday.
The bodies that include two sisters have since been buried.
ENDS/LL/PK/ZANIS
The Chinese Collum Coal Mine management in Sinazongwe district has said the shrinking market for coal has resulted in shutting down of Shaft Three and 250 workers have been laid off.
The Director for Shaft Two and three Xu Zian Rui told ZANIS in Sinazongwe that 4,600,000 metric tones of coal were lying in their storage shades.
Mr. Rui said most of their customers such as Chilanga Cement, Konkola Copper Mine, and Zambia breweries are still buying their coal from Zimbabwe.
He said production has been reduced as they were now producing 3, 000,000 metric tones of coal per month.The Director said the price of their coal ranges from K280, 000 for washed peas, K230, 000 washed nuts and K180, 000 for washed fines.
He further said production would be back to normal once the market for coal improved.
Last month the Chinese director appealed to government to assist them in ensuring that companies stops buying coal from outside the country because they had enough stocks to satisfy the market.
Mr. Rui said only small companies were buying coal from them in smaller quantities.
He said the scenario has affected workers that have been laid off because they have no means to look after their families.
Mr. Rui said the closed shaft would only be re-opened once the market for coal improved.
ENDS/TN/PK/ZANIS
President Rupiah Banda has called for deeper relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe in developing the economies of the two countries.
And President Banda, who arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for a four-day state visit, is this afternoon scheduled to officially open Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.
Speaking at a State Banquet hosted in his honour by President Mugabe at state house in Harare last night, President Banda said Zambia and Zimbabwe face the same challenges of underdevelopment characterized by high levels of poverty.
It is for this reason that the two countries need to work together in order to enhance economic growth, food security, peace and good governance.
The President said the two countries should continue at regional, continental and international fora in ensuring regional development in the sectors of infrastructure, trade and agriculture.
President Banda noted with satisfaction that under the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JPC) established over 20 years ago, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been able to implement various projects aimed enhancing economic interaction between the two sister republics.
He noted that through the JPC, Zambia and Zimbabwe are implementing the infrastructure development projects such as the One-Stop border post at Chirundu that will go a long way at reducing the cost of doing business.
The two countries are also working together in developing energy generating capacities, which is a critical input in increasing trade and investment.[quote]
“We need to officially launch the Chirundu One Stop border post as soon as possible. The two countries should continue to cooperate and fully exploit their economic potentials. In this regard it is a good thing that we increase trade and investment and participate in each others trade fairs,” Mr Banda said.
On the challenge of overlapping membership of COMESA and SADC to which both countries belong, President Banda noted with happiness that Zambia and Zimbabwe are supporting the efforts being made through the tripartite framework to coordinate the programmes of COMESA, East Africa Economic Community, EAC, and SADC regional groupings which will contribute to the realisation of the African Economic Community.
President Rupiah Banda has called for deeper relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe in developing the economies of the two countries.
And President Banda, who arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for a four-day state visit, is this afternoon scheduled to officially open Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.
Speaking at a State Banquet hosted in his honour by President Mugabe at state housein Harare last night, President Banda said Zambia and Zimbabwe face the same challenges of underdevelopment characterised by high levels of poverty.
It is for this reason that the two countries need to work together in order to enhance economic growth, food security, peace and good governance.
The President said the two countries should continue at regional, continental and international fora in ensuring regional development in the sectors of infrastructure, trade and agriculture.
President Banda noted with satisfaction that under the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JPC) established over 20 years ago, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been able to implement various projects aimed enhacing economic interaction between the two sister republics.
He noted that through the JPC Zambia and Zimbabwe are implementing the infrastructure development projects such as the One-Stop border post at Chirundu that will go a long way at reducing the cost of doing business.
The two countries are also working together in developing energy generating capacities, which is a critical input in increasing trade and investment.
“We need to officially launch the Chirundu One Stop border post as soon as possible. The two countries should continue to cooperate and fully exploit their economic potentials. In this regard it is a good thing that we increase trade and investment and participate in each other’s trade fairs,” Mr Banda said.
On the challenge of overlapping membership of COMESA and SADC to which both countries belong, President Banda noted with happiness that Zambia and Zimbabwe are supporting the efforts being made through the tripartite framework to coordinate the programmes of COMESA, East Africa Economic Community, EAC, and SADC regional groupings which will contribute to the realisation of the African Economic Community.
Zambia recently hosted a high level tripartite resource mobilisation conference on the North-South corridor aimed at reducing the cost of doing business by improving infrastructure and border facilities.
President Banda noted that Zambia and Zimbabwe as critical links to the Southern and Eastern Ports, should therefore closely collaborate in making the North-South Corridor a success.
He added that Zambia and Zimbabwe have similar interests in the Zambezi Water Course Commission (ZAMCOM) agreement and should lobby SADC member states to sort out contentious issues in the agreement before it comes into force.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe hailed the strong bonds that have tied Zambia and Zimbabwe together over a long time which he said can best be described in the context of Siamese twins.
He said Zimbabwe will remain grateful to the sacrifice and support Zambia rendered during the liberation struggle of her southern neighbour in spite of her limited resources.
“Today when we in Zimbabwe celebrate the lives of those heroes who paid the ultimate price for the liberation of the country, we cannot do so without remembering those on the Zambian side who lost their lives for our cause in Zimbabwe. For these sacrifices for your country support under very difficult circumstances, Zimbabweans will remain always grateful,” Mr Mugabe said.
Government has prioritized job creation by endeavoring to attract investors into the country.
Labour and Social Security Minister Austin Liato says government has since created a conducive environment for investment inflow.
Mr. Liato said the vision of government is to continue encouraging new investments whilst creating a conducive environment for existing business entities.
He was speaking during the National Milling Cooperation Limited staff recognition awards day in Lusaka last evening.
Mr. Liato further said government would endeavor to look at labour reforms for the benefit of both employees and employers.
He said a motivated workforce and industrial harmony is cardinal for entrepreneurship to flourish which translates into job creation and security.
The minister said a motivated workforce is essential for the success of any business venture and has potential to drive the country’s economy forward.
Mr. Liato commended National Milling for coming up with such an initiative to award its workers for their input into the company.
Meanwhile, Mr. Liato urged National Milling to help stabilize the price of mealie meal as it a leading player in the country’s milling industry.
Mr. Liato said the current price of mealie meal is unacceptable as retailers are taking advantage of the present situation to exploit consumers.
National Milling Managing Director, Peter Cottan said his firm has placed much emphasis on the plight of its workers to increase the workplace productivity.
Mr. Cottan further assured government that the company has no plans of retrenching its workforce despite the global economic downturn.
Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President Leonard Hikaumba said employers should regard their human resource highly if they are to have an increased productivity.
Mr. Hikaumba said most of the companies that have failed to deliver in the country are those that had little regard for their workers.
He however appealed to employers in the country to give incentives to their workers and also establish a good working relationship.
ZANIS/GP/AM/ENDS
President Rupiah Banda is scheduled to visit Gwanda district 150 kilometres south of Bulawayo on Friday. Gwanda District hosts the town in which the president was born in 1937. President Banda who arrived in Harare, today at the start of his four-day state visit is expected to return home to Zambia on Saturday.
The Zambia air force plane carrying President Banda touched down at 15.30 hours to a rousing welcome by scores of Zimbabwean nationals led by President Robert Mugabe.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe Dr Sipula Kabanje and Zambians resident in Zimbabwe were also at the airport to give President Banda a warm welcome.
Soon after disembarking from the Zambia air force plane AF 608 flown by Colonels Llyod Kalima and George Muliokela, President Banda flanked by his host President Mugabe proceeded to the ceremonial daisy for the presidential salute against the backdrop of a 21-gun salute.
Accompanied by the commander of the Zimbabwean defence forces and commissioner general of police, President Banda inspected the guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwean defence forces.
President Banda led by his host went on to shake hands with a long line of dignitaries who were at the airport to receive.
President Banda also took time to watch traditional dances performed by Zimbabwean and Zambian nationals.
The two leaders are later this afternoon scheduled to hold official talks at state house to be followed by a State banquet in honour of President Banda.
Tomorrow morning President Banda leaves for Zimbabwe’s second city of Bulawayo to officially open the 50th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
ENDS/IMD/AM/ZANIS
Forty Zambian companies are exhibiting at this year’s Zimbabwe’s International Trade Fair being held in Bulawayo.
The Zambian companies are exhibiting products that range from cellphones, cooking oils, clothing and Zambian foods and metals.
First Secretary for economy at the Zambian Embassy in Zimbabwe, Dyriss Kabwita-Simasiku, in an interview with the Herald newspaper in Bulawayo said this year’s show, which marks the 50th anniversary of the event, provides an opportunity for the Zambian companies to network and venture into new market provided by the fair.
Ms Kabwita-Simasiku said the 40 Zambian companies are already overwhelmed by inquiries for their products, and expressed hope that the enquiries will turn into concrete business deals.
President Rupiah Banda, who arrived in Zimbabwe today, will officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo tomorrow.
The Herald reports that the 50th Trade Fair roared into life in Bulawayo yesterday with the local exhibitors focusing on economic revival, confidence and image building and how to get reintegrated into the international business arena.
Hundreds of exhibitors from at least ten countries, Zambia included, are participating at a time Zimbabwe has gone overdrive in reviving its economy through long and short term business deals.
The Herald adds that this year’s prime business exhibition has centred on deals that should shape the future roadmap for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean International Trade Fair 2009 running from April 28 to May 2, 2009 is the 50th consecutive Trade Fair to be held in the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre located in Bulawayo.
The Fair was launched in May 1960 and was then known as the first “Central Africa Trade Fair” and has been held at the same venue since.
Other countries participating in the show are Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa China and Indonesia.
ZimTrade chief executive, Herbert Chakanyuka, is quoted by the Herald as saying that the return of more international exhibitors was a sign of the acceptance of Zimbabwe’s endeavour to revive its economy.
ENDS/IMD/AM/ZANIS
The Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) says there is need for the review of the Tourism and Hospitality Act of 2007 to bring it in line with global expectations.
TCZ Chairman, Mark O’Donnell also said that a review is needed to bring on board the needs of the industry.
Mr O’Donnell said the act, as it stands, does not reflect the needs of the tourism industry in a global environment.
He said stakeholders in the industry are of the view that most of their inputs were not reflected in the Act.
“The current understanding and common position for both government and the private sector is that the Acts were formulated through a consultative process . However, the two Acts took long to be enacted and when they were enacted it would seem that much of the consultative process was not included in the final version,” he said.
Mr O’Donnell was speaking when he appeared before the parliamentary committee on Energy, Environment and Tourism which is receiving submissions on the regulation of the hospitality industry, rural electrification programme and the management of the Game Management Areas (GMAs).
And Mr O’Donnell has implored the committee to call key players in the energy sector to ascertain the causes of the high cost of jet fuel in the country.
He reiterated that the council does not understand why the cost of jet fuel has continued to be high in the country when government has reduced taxes on the commodity.
He revealed that jet fuel in the country is double in comparison to Johannesburg and Nairobi where the commodity was costing about 45 cents a litre.
He said the committee needs to call players such as Indeni and National Airports Corporation (NAC) to give an explanation on the matter.
The TCZ Chairman stressed that the growth of the hospitality industry will continue to be hampered unless the issue of air service is properly addressed.
He said air service should be accessible and affordable because it offered the best mode of transport.
Meanwhile, TCZ has implored government to cancel the introduction of the tourism levy which is in the Act.
Mr O’Donnel stated that te industry did not need any further levy as it was already over taxed.
He added that the industry was not given concessions this year as other sectors and industries.
And TCZ Executive Director, Joseph Mehl, submitted that the country can still review its diminishing culture if there is political will.
She said that the promotion of culture will gain momentum if leaders and parliamentarians set the pace for other stakeholders to follow.
ZANIS/ENDS/MKM/EB
A South African Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dealing with the promotion of tourism has pledged to work closely with the local people to promote tourism in the country.
Open Africa is an NGO that promotes the development of tourism corridor routs in six southern Africa countries namely South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia and Mozambique,
Zambian route developer Cobus du Plessis said tourism can play a cardinal role towards alleviating poverty levels in the country if only local citizens participate in the implementation process.
Mr. Plessie told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka that despite Zambia been a country that has attract many tourists through its vast natural resources, her citizen have continued to live in abject poverty.
He said it is for his reason that his organisation has targeted full participation of local communities as a way of encouraging them to invest in the tourism sector and mitigate the effects of the global economic crisis.
He said despite the global economic crisis, tourism has proved to be a sector that can still continue to contribute to the economic growth of the country if all citizens are allowed to take part.
Meanwhile, Mr. Plessie has challenged tour operators in the country to lower their charges and also market their products locally to attract more tourists and increase their revenue base.
In Zambia the NGO will open five new routes in Kasanka national park, North Luangwa, Mpika, Southern Kafue and the Barotse land.
And the Private Sector Development Association (PSDA) has encouraged the business community especially in the tourism industry to collaborate if they are to remain in business during the global economic meltdown.
PSDA chairperson Yusuf Dodia explained that by working together operators will come up with constructive solutions that will go a long way towards revamping the national economy.
Mr. Dodia further hinted that Zambian tourism industry still stands a great potential of overcoming the current economic challenges if it is properly managed.
ZANIS/MM/AM/ENDS
Government and the Germany Technical Cooperation to Zambia (GTZ) have embarked on the rehabilitation of key feeder roads in all the eleven districts of Southern province.
Provincial Minister, Daniel Munkombwe said a total of 1,600 kilometres would be worked on this year at the cost of about K54.6 billion.
Mr. Munkombwe said the tender processes for the huge project are expected to be completed by June this year.
He said successful contractors will also be sent to all the districts to immediately commence work.
The minister, who was speaking when he installed Mazabuka mayor elect, Shaderick Mwiinga and his deputy Richard Malambo, further informed councillors that government will, through the rural development fund, repair a total of 600 kilometres in all the three constituencies of Mazabuka district.
He said a grader, front end loader and other equipment have since been sent to Mazabuka for the project.
Mr. Munkombwe also urged councillors and members of parliament to support government efforts and avoid opposing well intended projects such as the ongoing road rehabilitation programme.
ZANIS/HC/KSH/ENDS
Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) has announced that the mining firm would continue with its mining operations in the country.
Company Secretary, Kyansenga Chitoshi, said that MCM and its Board of Directors had reached an agreement with its shareholders to continue mining operations at both mining assets at Nkana Under Ground and Open Pit Mine as well as Mufulira Mine whose shafts would not be placed on care and maintenance as earlier suggested.
Mr Chitoshi said the mining company had carried out a detailed review of its mining processing and administrative operations and was expected to achieve a significant cost reduction through the implementation of a range of cost containment programmes.
He added that a slight increase in copper prices has also enabled the company to make decisions to continue with its mining operations at both Nkana and Mufulira rather than place the shafts on care and maintenance.
Mr Chitoshi further said the aging ore bodies currently being mined were now nearing the end of their productive lives, hence the decision by the Board of Directors to re-evaluate the potential of the synclinorium ore body, an as yet untapped resource of 100 million tonnes of copper bearing ore,located below the existing Nkana South Ore Body and Central Shaft Ore Body.
He observed that the Board of Directors was hopeful that the measures which have been put in place would significantly contribute to the profitability and sustainability of the operations, prolong the life span of the mines and secure a brighter future for the work force.
MCM has in the recent past retrenched more than 1000 employees in their quest to remain afloat following the fall in copper prices as the effects of the global economic crisis continue biting.
And government has commended Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) over its decision to continue with mining operations in the country at a time when copper prices were low and the global economic crisis biting.
Labour and Social Security Deputy Minister, Simon Kachimba, said MCM must be commended for deciding to continue with operations at Nkana and Mufulira Under ground and open pit mines when most of the investors in the sector were closing down.
Mr Kachimba, who was speaking when he met Mopani management at the MCM Nkana board room today, said the mining company will not place its facilities on care and maintenance as earlier suggested but would continue to downsize on labour and devise new production mechanisms to ensure that the mining company remained afloat and continued operating on profitable levels.
He said the company has also reduced its expatriate labour force from 125 to 50 by the end of this month to ensure that the company continued to operate on profitable levels.
He disclosed that the company has also decided to implement all developmental programmes that were shelved following a reduction on copper prices to ensure that the company became economically viable again.
Mr Kachimba, who was on a three day tour of mining companies on the Copperbelt, further disclosed that MCM which had a workforce of about 20,000 people has reduced to 7,264 Zambians while 50 were expatriates.
He said Government was interested and ready to partner with investors that were willing to create and save jobs for the Zambian people.
He added that Mopani’s decision to continue with operations was a clear indication of the company’s appreciating of Government’s policies which had seen a reduction in taxes to enable the mining companies revise their production costs and, in turn, remain afloat
Mr Kachimba observed that MCM was the largest employer of miners on the Copperbelt, hence they must be commended for taking such a bold decision.
ZANIS/ENDS/LK/EB
Djoliba of Mali arrived on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s Caf Champions League game against Zesco United at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.
The Malian clubs coach Badra Alou Diallo has said the advantage is with Djoliba and they had come to crush Zesco dreams of a historic African Champions League group stage appearance.
No Zambia club has ever qualified to the lucrative stage of the African Champions League since the group phase of the club competition was introduced by Caf in 1997.
“We lost a lot of opportunities in the first leg but we have prepared well and are sure of going through,” Diallo said.
“We are not feeling any pressure and are optimistic of going through.”
The two sides are tied at 0-0 from the first leg played in Bamako on April 5.
Zesco need to beat the Malians to qualify to the group stage of the African Champions League that kicks off in July.
© Lusaka Times
