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Linos Makwaza first day in charge began on a promising note that saw Zamtel to collect their first points from three games after a 0-0 away draw against Forest Rangers in their Ndola derby at Dola Hill today.
Prior to today, Zamtel had lost both their last two opening league games of the season under former coach Dan Njovu.
And Forest are now joint second with Power Dynamos on 7 points, two less than new leaders Zanaco who beat Choma Eagles 1-0 in Lusaka on Saturday.
Roan United 0- Green Buffaloes 2
George Lwandamina was back at the helm of Buffaloes after returning from Zambia national team duty in Egypt which meant only one thing: They won.
Buffaloes beat Roan United 2-0 courtesy of goals from Brian Lubaba in the 25th and Tyson Chikwanda deep into injury time at the end of the 90 minutes of play.
Chambishi 0-Young Arrows 1
Young Arrows won their second straight league match today when they handed Chambishi their first defeat of the season.
Veteran midfielder Moffat Mtonga scored in the 43rd minute to hand Young Arrows the three points.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has appealed to citizens in the country to faithfully pay taxes if they were to enjoy government’s improved service delivery.
ZRA Director of operations in Northern Province, Charles Shapi, said this when he addressed over 60 Mpulungu businessmen during a tax payers’ seminar held at the civic center on Friday.
Mr. Shapi said it was unfair for people, who neglected to pay tax, to cry for better services from public institutions because it is the same money from the taxes that government utilizes to provide goods and services.
He said ZRA has this year launched the tax payers’ week whose theme is ‘Develop Zambia, Pay Your Taxes’, adding that this initiative will be held at the beginning of every business year, which starts on 1st April, for the authority.
Mr. Shapi explained that the main essence of this initiative is to appreciate the support taxpayers render to the Authority in its duty to collect money on behalf of government.
“Every citizen has a national duty therefore, to give what is due to government if we are to see an emergence of a prosperous Zambia, free of the poverty that has afflicted many our dear brothers and sisters for decades,’’ he said.
He revealed that this year, ZRA has a challenge of raising 70 per cent of the national budget from domestic sources, saying it was incumbent upon every citizen to pay tax to support the budget.
Mr. Shapi warned the business people that it was a criminal offence to evade tax and urged them to pay freely to avoid falling into conflict with ZRA officers.
“As long as you are in business, you can’t avoid taxes, there is a saying that ‘death and taxes are the only two things in life that humans cannot avoid’. Besides, we have several ways of recovering monies from those defaulting or evading tax, so just pay.’’ Mr. Shapi told the gathering.
He explained that amount collected from a citizen will go a long way in enhancing service provision by government, adding that ZRA’s interest is not to be a liability to people but to help facilitate the smooth running of businesses in the country.
And speaking earlier, Mpulungu District Commissioner, Willie Simfukwe, said the initiative which ZRA has introduced will create a mutual understanding between tax payers and officers.
Mr. Simfukwe saying this will in the long run contribute to increased government revenue.
He added that it is this money collected by ZRA which will go towards the recruitment of civil servants like teachers, nurses and Doctors, policemen and others, who will eventually provide adequate and efficient services which the Zambian people are hungry for.
Simfukwe said after the seminar, Mpulungu businessmen must no longer fear ZRA officers but consider each other as partners in national development.
“Even in Biblical times, tax collectors were feared and hated. Jesus for one was criticized for dinning with them but he came out clearly that people must ‘Give to Caesar, what belongs to Caesar’. So ZRA officers are there to do a job for us and must not be feared and hated,” he stated.
The Mpulungu magistrate court has convicted and fined two men K500 000 each on two counts of aiding a suspected drug trafficker to escape from lawful custody and destroying evidence, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
This was in a matter in which the two men, Alex Sikazwe and George Chonya, both of Mupata village, appeared before Mpulungu magistrate Miyato Muyambango for judgment.
On March 22nd this year, the duo, who are community leaders, whilst acting together allegedly aided Justus Sinyangwe to escape from lawful custody.The Community Crime Prevention Unit (CCPU) in Mpulungu allegedly found Sinyangwe in possession of marijuana,in Mupata village by members.
The two, who were taking the suspect to police for detention, allegedly allowed him to escape.They have been slapped with two counts namely aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody, contrary to section 120 of the penal code cap 87 of the laws of Zambia and destroying evidence contrary to section 30, sub section (h) cap 96 of the laws of Zambia.
In their mitigation before a packed courtroom, Sikazwe said he was married and was looking after four orphans who would suffer if he was sent to prison.Chonya said he had eight children and currently took care of his aged parents and pleaded that if incarcerated, all these people were going to experience untold misery.
But magistrate Muyambango said in passing sentence, that the offences committed by the duo were very serious.
He said the second count of destroying evidence carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
Magistrate Muyambango however noted that he had taken into account the mitigation given by the duo and the fact that they were first offenders entitled them to leniency.He noted that from the evidence adduced by the prosecutions’ team in court, it was clear that the duo had conspired to commit the offence although they were both claiming innocence.
Magistrate Muyambango said it was not disputable that the two men were assigned to take the suspect to police before he, together with the marijuana he had, suddenly disappeared.
He acquitted Chonya on the second count and fined him K500 000 or six months in prison with hard labour for aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody.
Magistrate Muyambango said the fine was to be paid by 10th April, 2009.
However his colleague, Sikazwe was found guilty on both counts and ordered to pay K500,000 or six months in prison in default, adding that the fines were non cumulative whilst the sentences were to run concurrently.
Magistrate Muyambango also observed that the duo had abused their authority as community leaders in Mupata village.
He ordered that Sikazwe and Chonya be removed from their positions as CCPU member and village secretary respectively, with immediate effect.
ZANIS/EM/KSH/ENDS
St. Ignatius priests Joe Kearney (l) and Fr Chilinda confer with each otherShout for the Lord... A christian during palm sunday celebrations in LusakaPalm SundayChristians walking during palm SundayChristians from different congregations listening to religious proceedings during palm Sunday in LusakaChristians from different churches exit the Lusaka High Court where they started proceedings for palm sundayA christian during Palm sundayDr Kenneth kaunda arrive at the RCZ Kabwata church for palm sundayDr Kaunda greeting children when he arrived for palm sunday at Kamwala RCZ churchA child participating during palm SundayThe Saint Ignatius eleven thirty choir leading hymns
Siavonga Member of Parliament, Douglas Syakalima, has bemoaned the poor state of most feeder roads in his constituency and said there is need to urgently improve them.
Mr. Syakalima noted that the poor state of the roads was affecting the social and economic development of the district.
He observed that it would be difficult for farmers in distant areas to have access to markets for their produce if the roads remained in a bad state.
“Currently farmers from chiefdoms such as Sinadambwe are finding it difficult to go to the market for their produce because the roads are impassable and cannot be accessed by any means of transport,” he said.
Mr. Syakalima added that it would be difficult to develop the area in terms of infrastructure because of poor roads.
He has since called on government to consider improving the roads in the constituency.
Mr. Syakalima observed that most roads in the country easily get damaged because of lack of maintenance.
He charged that it was wrong for government to neglect the roads for a long time, noting that the roads would only last if they undergo maintenance frequently.
Mr. Syakalima said government should allocate enough resources towards the maintenance of roads.
He observed that under normal circumstances, a road is supposed to last for a period of twenty years without getting damaged.
Police in Siavonga have arrested three men in connection with the murder of a 52 year old man, who was shot dead a month ago.
Both police and Siavonga District Commissioner Emily Striedl confirmed the arrest of the three men to ZANIS in Siavonga today.
Mrs. Striedl disclosed that the three men are suspected to have been behind the shooting and killing of Manlek Mwiinga of chief Sinadambwe last month.
The suspects, who were arrested last week, are currently in custody at Siavonga police station to help with investigations.
Mwiinga, who was a prominent farmer in Chaanga area of chief Sinadambwe, was shot and killed at close range by unknown people on 2nd February 2009 around 19 hours as he was walking home from his maize field.
Mrs. Striedl named the three suspects as Benny Mayapula 33, Richard Mayapula 37 and Robert Gumbelo 46, all of Hachiyuka village in chief Sinadambwe’s area.
The District Commissioner explained that the suspects had run away from the village after the incident.
However, police managed to nab them following information they received from some villagers that the three men were back in the village.
Police have since opened a docket against the trio, who are expected to appear in court soon.
“I will answer them before they even call to Me…”
(Isaiah 65:24, NLT).
Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever thought about something you wanted or needed, and suddenly, that need was supplied—before you ever even stopped to pray about it? God knows your needs before you even speak them. He wants to provide for you and answer the very desires of your heart. When you put Him first in everything you do, when you faithfully follow His commands, He’ll pour out an extra portion of His goodness and favor upon you.
Don’t ever think God is too busy to answer your prayers. Don’t ever think your needs are too small or that you don’t matter. He cares about everything that concerns you, and He loves to hear you call upon His name. You are very special to God, and He promises to answer in His timing, and sometimes, before you even call. Stand in faith knowing that God wants to shower you with His abundant blessings today.
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Reveal Your good plan for me and teach me to trust in You as I surrender to You every area of life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government in efforts aimed at improving national development and governance.
Speaking during a public discussion in Mumbwa, CCJP coordinator Jeremiah Banda said whilst every country needs a government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in helping governments to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people.
Mr. Banda said the rationale for public meetings is to help people understand government’s programmes and activities and allow feedback from the people to filter through to policy makers.
He said the discussion encompassed residents’ expectations of the 2009 national budget, as well as some aspects relating to the national decentralization policy.
He said the decentralization policy is a progressive mode of governance through devolution of the decision making powers to the local governance level, and that government needs the full support and participation from all citizens to help implement the policy.
Representing Local government at the forum, Council Treasurer Dominic Simasiku commended CCJP for encouraging good rapport between the local residents and the District Council with regard to matters concerning decentralization.
Mr. Simasiku further said the decentralization policy is unfolding at a gradual pace, and that it is important for residents to familiarize themselves with national policies such as decentralization.
He said that councils were pivotal in the decentralization policy, and that Mumbwa District Council placed much value on the reactions on service provision from residents.
He stated that councils would remain committed to providing high standards of service in areas of water, roads as well as town planning, adding that opinion contributions from residents helped in motivating the council to remain focused.
The Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI) has donated assorted items worth K15 million to the women’s fellowship of the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ).
And the MMCI has pledged K1 million in cash to the same fellowship.
Former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa, who is also MMCI chairperson, said the donated items will benefit the vulnerable people, whom she said were facing a lot of challenges in the country.
Mrs. Mwanawasa made the donation today when she officiated at a fundraising tea party organized by the women’s fellowship of the Reformed Church in Zambia.
She said in order for the vision 2030 to succeed, the underprivileged people should be incorporated in the national development plans of Zambia.
She noted that the church’s commitment to serving the underprivileged people in society was in line with the MMCI’s objectives in its five year strategic plan.
Mrs. Mwanawasa noted that the economic meltdown has not only hit the developed world but it has also impacted negatively on the people living in poor countries.
Speaking at the same occasion, Women’s Fellowship of the Reformed Church in Zambia chairperson Cynthia Banda the fellowship aimed at raising funds for the establishments of multi-skills resource centre that would create various business activities.
Mrs. Banda said the resource centre will have skills such as carpentry, baking and tailoring among others.
She urged women to assist the less privileged people by providing skills.
Red Arrows have qualified to the second round of the Caf Confederations Cup after a 3-2 post-match penalty win over hosts Ocean Boys of Nigeria in Ughelli today.
The game was decided on penalties after Ocean Boys won their home game this afternoon 2-0 to see the match finish 2-2 on aggregate over the two leg of their first round matches.
Arrows will face either ENPPI of Egypt or Zimbabwean club CAPS United in round two during the weekend of April 18-19 who played out to a scoreless draw in Harare in the first leg a fortnight ago.
Zanaco are the new leaders for at least Saturday after beating promoted Choma Eagles 1-0 at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka today.
However, it took until the 87th minute for Zanaco to get their winner that was scored by their DR Congo-born striker Patrick Kabamba who is currently on loan for this season from demoted Nkana.
Kabamba’s goal was his second in the league following his hat trick against Lusaka Dynamos in a 5-0 victory away at Woodlands Stadium last weekend.
Zanaco are on 9 points from four games played this season, two ahead of Power who take a breather this weekend.
Forest Rangers could join them at the top on Sunday should they beat troubled Zamtel in their Ndola derby at home at Dola Hill.
-Nakambala Leopards 0-Lusaka Dynamos 0
Dynamos recovered slightly from last weekends bashing against Zanaco to record a scoreless draw away in Mazabuka this afternoon.
-City of Lusaka 1-Kabwe Warriors 0
Kabwe Warriors remained winless this season after a 1-0 away defeat in their Midlands derby at Woodlands Stadium against old foe City of Lusaka.
Felix Ludaka scored the lone goal of the game for City.
Warriors have just one point from three league matches played this season.
Zesco United made history today when they became the first Zambian club to eliminate Africa Sports of Cote d’Ivoire from Caf club competition following a 2-0 win at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola in an African Champions League first round, return leg match
A 59th minute penalty converted by midfielder Maybin Mwaba gave Zesco the lead after a scoreless first half.
Striker Enoch Sakala, playing his first Champions League game against Africa Sports after missing out on the first leg due to suspension, made it 2-0 in the 69th minute.
Zesco win sees them advance to the second round 2-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 result from the first leg played in Abidjan on March 15.
Africa Sports had until today’s defeat ejected every Zambian opponent , in particular Nkana, in their last two outings in Caf club competition since 1986.
Zesco will now face either Djoliba of Mali or Club Africain of Tunisia away in the first leg, second round match during the weekend of April 18-19.
Djoliba who host Club Africain in Bamako this weekend and lead the latter 2-1 from the first leg played in Tunis a fortnight ago.
Government says it appreciates whenever the private sector initiates projects and business ventures that create employment opportunities and contribute to the development of the country’s economy.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Reverend Ronnie Shikapwasha, said this at Lusaka’s intercontinental hotel when he officiated at the Kingdom Empowerment fundraising dinner for the construction of an ultra-modern facility.
Rev Shikapwasha said the church should help create an empowering and conducive environment for peace and public private partnerships that help to address the needs of all the Zambian people.
He added that the participation of the church in the National Indaba on the effects of the global economy is very critical in understanding the problems at hand and in providing divine guidance.
And Capital Christian Ministries International president, Bishop George Mbulo said the ultra-modern facility which will include a worship center, a medical hospital, a university and a convention center will help create jobs for many Zambians.
He said the project is in line with government’s initiative to create multi-economic zones.
President Rupiah Banda today officially opened the national Indaba aimed at mitigating the effects of the global economic crisis on the Zambian economy.
The national Indaba which is dubbed ”Global Economic Crisis, a Wake up Call for Zambia’s Economic Transformation” has attracted hundreds of delegates from different sectors in the country.
In his key note address to the delegates, President Banda called for change of mind set and attitude among citizens to achieve positive results.
President Banda said every citizen must be thinking of possible solutions to overcome the challenges that the country is facing.
He called for the inculcation of positive values and the inspiration of hard work youths for them to contribute to national development.
He said Zambia should learn from other countries that have devised measures to survive the current economic crisis.
President Banda said the crisis has adversely affected growth prospects in the country as it has impacted negatively on key sectors such as mining and tourism, resulting in job losses.
He further said the global economic recession has also negatively affected government’s ability to mobilize adequate resources, thereby constraining the available resources to support government programmes.
The President urged all the people living in Zambia to unite in order to overcome the challenges the country is going through as a result of the recession.
He urged the nation to recognize and support small scale businesses as they have the potential of growing into million dollar businesses.
He said the nation should move away from the tendency of thinking of multi million US dollar businesses as the only meaningful investments.
The President explained that the aim of the indaba is to share experiences and ideas on how to enhance broad based growth by exploiting available resources in the country to empower all citizens.
He said the indaba is expected to identify immediate policy interventions and explore opportunities created the global economic crisis.
And speaking during the same occasion, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Felix Mutati urged the delegates at the indaba to focus on finding solutions to the challenges the country is currently facing despite their differences.
Mr. Mutati urged the delegates to learn and consider interventions from other country’s experiences.
He said the challenges created by the prevailing global economic recession should be addressed by all stakeholders.
Meanwhile Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has said Zambia has become vulnerable to the current economic crisis because of her high dependence on a single export commodity.
He however said government has taken measures to overcome the challenges by allocating funds in the 2009 budget for diversifying the economy by stepping up development in tourism, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Among the high level delegates that attended the official opening were the first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, Second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba and Vice President George Kunda.
Others in attendance were cabinet ministers, Africa Development Bank President Ronald Kaberuka, and World bank Africa Region Vice President Obiageli Ezekwesili.
World Bank Africa Region Vice President Obiageli Ezekwesili.
The World Bank (WB) has observed that the cost of doing business and various structural inefficiencies have affected Zambia’s economy, making it difficulty to grow above the 6 percent threshold.
World Bank Vice President for Africa, Ezwekwesili Obiageli said there are significant administrative and structural weaknesses affecting the way to do business in Zambia.
In her keynote speech at the official opening of the National indaba in Lusaka today, Ms Ezekwesili said the communications sector has remained among the most expensive in the world.
She further said the energy sector, on the other hand remains highly inefficient with the bulk of the money generated by ZESCO tilted towards supporting wages.
The World Bank Vice President for Africa also said human capital has remained underdeveloped and under-utilized.
Ms. Ezwekwesili said the agriculture sector has continued to lag behind despite its great potential to contribute significantly to the growth of the wealth of the country.
She said government has been emphasizing more on fertiliser provision and subsidies without attending to other critical aspects to support peasant farmers such as investment in infrastructure development and establishment of an open market system for the disposal of the farmers’ produce.
Ms. Ezwekwesili further said investors in this sector have had to contend with the poor inputs distribution system, high cost of production, high interest rates, unpredictable markets and pricing as well as inadequate extension service officers to support the rural farmers whose production standards are not cost efficient and competitive.
She said the sector was not sufficiently diversified to help the rural farmers can take advantage of the global demand for various products.
Ms. Ezwekwesili added that the rural electrification programme has still not met minimum benchmarks to attract large scale investments in rural areas, thereby making it difficult for business people in rural areas to adopt new technologies as part of their investments.
She said citizens with sufficient capital resources in urban areas have resisted investing in agriculture because the sector does not offer meaningful value for money.
She pointed out that even commercial farmers with the potential to maximize the economies of scale have struggled to break through, due to problems they face, ranging from sourcing inputs to accessing markets, which have remained highly inefficient and expensive.
She added that most farmers are failing to service their loans with commercial banks and advised government support the sector which she described as important to the sustained growth of the country’s economy.
She said it is now time to institute bold structural changes at micro-economic level because government has lately shown tremendous goodwill towards private sector initiatives.
