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There is nothing difficult in employing Health workers and Teachers-Fred M’membe

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There is nothing difficult in employing Health workers and Teachers-Fred M’membe

THE Socialist Party (SP) says there is nothing difficult in employing Health workers and Teachers because it is a task that can be done by any Government.

Speaking when he featured on Radio Ichengelo Radio Special Programme earlier today, SP Leader Dr Fred M’membe said what is difficult is creating new jobs in areas such as agriculture.

He said the UPND will be clocking an unfruitful year in power next month hence the “desperation” to point at things that can be done by anybody such as the recruitment of Health workers as their positives.

He said the employment of teachers and health workers is a continuous process which should never end.

“UPND is simply jumping on something that can be done by everybody, there is nothing difficult in employing Government workers. Today they are hanging on to the recruitment of 11,000 health workers with over 137,000 applying for those jobs, they are hanging on to the employment of 30,000 teachers, these are things they never promised , these are things that are not difficult to do,” he said.

“What is difficult is creating new jobs in agriculture, creating industries new service lines.”

Dr M’membe has since challenged the UPND Administration to state the number of jobs they have created in areas they promised such as the private sector.

“How many jobs have they created in the areas they had promised to create in the private sector , many people in the private sector are crying that things are difficult,“ he said.

And Dr M’membe said the UPND have pushed for a supplementary budget of K22 Billion in a desperate attempt to try and show as if something Positive is happening amidst economic hardships in the country.

“They are claiming that they have surplus, how do you have a surplus when there is a fiscal deficit in the same budget of 10%, how do you claim there is a surplus when you are failing to service your debt, debt repaying is a problem,” he said.

Government committed to reduce cost of living

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Government committed to reduce cost of living

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has assured Zambians that government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost of living is stabilised.

MRs Nalumango said noted that the cost of living will be stabilized through the various foreign and local investment initiatives that the government is putting in place.

She stated that people should not only focus on how the prices of some commodities have gone up but look at how the economy is stabilising.

The Vice President said this today in Parliament during the Vice President’s question and answer session.

“Government will continue attracting investments and also creating employment for the people so that there can be money in circulation and the impact of the inflation rate will not be felt by the people,” she said.

She said government remains committed to ensuring that people’s incomes are improved through the various empowerment initiatives government is putting in place such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

During the session, Bwacha Member of Parliament, Sydney Muchanga wanted to know what government is doing to ensure that the economy is stabilised owing to the single digit inflation rate.

Mr Muchanga wondered why the inflation rate continues to go down but people’s lives have not been improved.

DEC embarks on a nationwide sensitisation campaign against drug abuse

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DEC embarks on a nationwide sensitisation campaign against drug abuse

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has embarked on a nationwide mobile sensitization programme targeting rural areas on the dangers and effects of drug abuse.

DEC’s Head of education and campaign, Daiman Zulu says his Commission is concerned at the high rate of substance abuse across the country.

Speaking when he led his team in paying a courtesy calls on Chief Bunda Bunda and Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena respectively, Mr. Zulu said his commission is concerned at the high rate of substance abuse in communities.

He explained that it was for this reason the commission has embarked on mobile sensitization programmes in learning institutions and holding road shows.

Adding that the Commission does not want to leave anyone behind in information on the dangers and effects of drug abuse, Mr Zulu pointed out that rural communities have also been affected by drug abuse apart from cannabis .

Mr. Zulu also commended Government for introducing the free education policy as this has helped their Counselling Department to integrate most of the addicts into schools after counselling them.

“ The Drug Enforcement Commission needs concerted efforts from all stakeholders including Traditional leaders to help curb drug abuse in communities, “he said.

Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena and chief Bunda Bunda have welcomed the programme and have pledged full support to fighting drug abuse in communities.

Chief Bunda Bunda said drug abuse has indeed become a source of concern in chiefdoms especially alcohol abuse.

The traditional ruler commended DEC for embarking on the initiative of going round schools and communities to sensitize and impart information on the dangers and effects of drugs.

Mr. Mabena on his part expressed concern at the substance abuse especially amongst the youth in communities and there is need for urgent interventions to curb the vice which has destroyed a lot of youths.

He said there is a need for every concerned citizen to stand up and help Government fight this vice which has a negative impact on development.

Health applicants crowd daily mail offices

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Health applicants crowd daily mail offices

An overwhelming number of applicants have surrounded the Zambia Daily Mail Limited offices in Lusaka as printing of the newspapers is being finalized in readiness for distribution.

A check by ZANIS found a crowd of people waiting for the release of the newspapers.

Today’s Newspaper has names of the over 11,000 recruited health workers as announced by the Acting Minister of Health and Chief Government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda yesterday.

Natasha Chewe told ZANIS in an interview that she came to wait for the papers at the Zambia Daily Mail officers because she was anxiously waiting to see if her name was in the papers.

She narrated that she is optimistic that her name will be among the successful applicants but was, however, ready to accept the outcome of the result.

“It is a very tough situation having to wait here not knowing if your name is there or not but I just remain positive,” she said.

Another applicant, Gladwell Matakala said he was eagerly waiting for people to check for him.

Mr. Matakala said being unemployed is tough, but expressed gratitude to the government for undertaking the just ended health recruitment exercise.

He said the government should continue on this trajectory, adding that there are many youthful graduates who remain unemployed, with some having lost hope to get into formal employment.

Earlier this year the government embarked on a countrywide recruitment exercise of over 11, 000 health workers to improve delivery of health services in the country, and yesterday, 11, 276 health workers were recruited by the government.

11, 276 newly recruited health workers to be in the papers today

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11, 276 newly recruited health workers to be in the papers today

The Civil Service Commission and the Ministry of Health will today 29th July, 2022 publish the names of 11, 276 newly recruited health workers in the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper and the list of general workers will be published on Sunday 31st July, 2022.

Civil Service Secretary Jean Chilengi announced that the health workers will collect their appointment letters from the Provincial Health Offices in respective Provinces starting 15th August, 2022 and start reporting for duty on 1st September, 2022.

“National Registration Card (NRC), medical certificate of fitness, and Police CID clearance report are the documents to be carried upon reporting for duty,” she said

“General workers include cleaners, drivers, darkroom attendants, kitchen handyman, laboratory attendants, mental attendants, office orderly and security guards just to mention a few,” she said

And Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission Peter Mumba noted that the overwhelming number of applicants undoubtedly had a huge bearing on the speed of processing which resulted in the national consolidation process to be faced with some challenges which contributed to the shifting of the timelines, leading to delays in announcing the successful candidates.

Mr Mumba added that the recruitment of health workers is very unique as it comes with so many variations of teams in each and every professional category and to unpack and disaggregate this was very involving.

“Some provinces were unable to fulfill quarters in certain categories such as dental assistant, radiography technologist, pharmacy technologist, clinical officer psychiatry, medical laboratory technologist, registered mental health nurse and nutrition technologist but this was however technically mitigated by considering the surplus applications from other provinces,” he noted

Despite all this, the recruitment exercise of the 11, 276 health workers were carried out in a transparent and professional manner and the process of meticulously and methodically selecting 11,276 health workers from the unprecedented 137, 129 applications countrywide was impartial, involving and provided a lot of lessons.

Mr Mumba highlighted that this initiative and process is premised on government’s aspirations to promote the delivery of quality health services to the people of Zambia.

“The recruitment exercise will be considered as a symbol of hope for the nation as it was a word by President Hichilema which has now been actualized and this process demonstrates the focus and sincerity of the New Dawn Government,” he said

He stated that the exercise was decentralised down to the Districts and was highly participatory as it was carried out according to the Service Commissions Act of 2016.

Mr Mumba explained that a multi-stakeholder technical working committee comprising officers from the Civil Service Commission, Ministry of Health, Public Service Management Division, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and Management Development Division, was established to manage the strategic planning and communication of the recruitment exercise.

He added that the data collection and analysis undertaken by the Ministry of Health revealed the staffing needs at each health facility and was used as the basis for vacancy creation.

Mr Mumba highlighted that the swearing in and orientation of District and Provincial Human Resource Management Committees with the involvement of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the President-Special Division and District Commissioners prepared the Committee for the selection and validation of health workers and ensured an efficient and professional health worker recruitment process.

“Officers from the security wings were part of the selection committees at District and Provincial levels which enhanced transparency and credibility of the process and obligated committee members to uphold confidentiality,” he said

He cited that the recruitment commenced with receipt of applications at District Health Offices and copies were also submitted to District Commissioners, a process that allowed for transparency and impartiality.

Mr Mumba alluded that in the spirit of promoting inclusiveness in the recruitment process, a total number of sixteen (16) persons with disabilities were selected.

“It must be noted by all that this recruitment process is not the last one but just a beginning, it follows therefore that those that have not made it this time, should not despair but remain hopeful and try again next time,” he stated

And Acting Minister of Health Chushi Kasanda said that in line with the Presidential pronouncement and the Parliamentary appropriation of k930, 154, 500.00 towards the recruitment of the health workers in the 2022 National Budget, the Ministry of Health working closely with the Management Development Division at Cabinet Office, the Public Service Management Division, and Ministry of Finance and National Planning developed a distribution structure for the 11,276 positions based on the Ministry of Health approved structure.

Ms Kasanda thanked all stakeholders that ensured the successful implementation of this mammoth exercise.

“Special thanks go to Cabinet Office, The Civil Service Commission, Public Service Management Division, The Anti-Corruption Commission, The Office of the President – Special Division and the Examinations Council of Zambia,” she said

She added that with regard to the persons living with disabilities who applied and met the minimum qualifications have all been selected.

Ms Kasanda stated that the Human Resource Management Sub-Committees carried out their mandate successfully and professionally by selecting suitable candidates in accordance with the set guidelines by validating and consolidating the Human Resource Management Sub-Committees’ submissions in accordance with the set terms of reference.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the health sector have expressed anxiety on the recruitment of successful candidates to fill health workers positions after the announcement by the Civil Service Commission that names will be published today.

Biomedical Union of Zambia President Daniel Mwimbe stated that the list of the successful candidates should be published today without any further delay.

And the Unemployed Doctor Association Chairperson Wallace Ndumba says the publication of recruited health workers names will improve quality health care in Zambia especially that the country is short of health personnel which currently stands at 1 Doctor per 12,000 patients.

Multichoice hands over soccer boots and decoders to Copper Queens

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Multichoice hands over soccer boots and decoders to Copper Queens

MultiChoice Zambia has donated soccer boots and DStv Decoders to all Copper Queens players and members of the Technical Bench following the team’s bronze medal finish at the just-ended Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Multichoice Zambia Managing Director, Leah Kooma said the gift was one special way in which the company wanted to appreciate the team for what they have done for the Country.

“As MultiChoice, we are very excited to hand over Zapper Full Combo, DStv decoders which come with a dish kit, a months’ Subscription and women’s football boots to the Copper Queens and coaching staff because we are so proud of what they have achieved,” Kooma said.

“I would like to congratulate the Copper Queens for putting up an incredible performance at the WAFCON 2022. The team has put Zambia on the world map in the football circles and this indeed is Chintu Chabwino Maningi.”

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga said his executive was happy that MultiChoice has continued its partnership with the Copper Queens, having previously come on board with $20,000 to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games preparations.

“Today, they are back to also gift the girls with yet another package to appreciate them for their achievement. We salute MultiChoice for their longstanding support of our game,” Kamanga said.

“We would like to appeal to other corporate bodies to come on board and support women’s football. We have FIFA World Cup preparations coming up ahead and we will be looking to more possible partnership and sponsorship opportunities.”

Copper Queens striker Barbara Banda thanked Multichoice for the gesture.

“This will go a long way in motivating us and we urge other companies to come on board and support us. We are determined to continue making you Multichoice and the country proud,” Banda said.

Two Journalists harassed and intimidated outside the High Court grounds

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Two Journalists harassed and intimidated outside the High Court grounds

Two Journalists were harassed and intimidated yesterday outside the High Court grounds while on duty covering a case in which a police officer is accused of shooting at a fellow cop in Lusaka’s Northmead area.

Chomba Musika of Zambia Daily Mail and Luyando Hamwala of ZNBC were threatened by both relatives of the accused and victim when covering a case in which Police Officer Pumulo Mulife, 27, is charged with acts intended to cause grievous harm.

After the adjournment of the case, the two journalists were taking pictures and video footage of the accused and some of those that turned up for the case when both relatives of the accused and victim ordered them to stop while showering them with insults and threatened to break their equipment comprising of cameras, and phones while one threatened to break Ms Musika’s spectacles.

The two families were infuriated that reporters were filming and taking pictures of them without “asking for permission” and while pouring insults, two people from the group ordered the journalists to delete the footage and pictures.

“Useless journalists, I will break that phone and those glasses ‘spectacles’,” a male aggressor who was almost grabbing a reporter’s phone said.

And Defense Lawyer James Mataliro apologised to the two journalists for the behaviour of his client’s relatives.

Two months ago, the Police arrested Mulife of Waterfalls area for allegedly shooting and wounding Wamunyima Mubiana, a 24-year-old Police Constable under Paramilitary Battalion.

The incident occurred on February 27, 2022 around 01:00 hours in the Northmead Market area.

Police preliminary investigations indicated that Constable Mulife, while on his point of duty around the Northmead Market area, shot at Mr Mubiana who later sustained a gunshot wound on his right ear.

Meanwhile, Free Press Initiative founder Joan Chirwa noted with concern the barbaric behaviour behaviour exhibited by the families of both the accused and victim stating that it was totally uncalled for as it infringes not only on the two journalists Right to collect information that is of public interest but also their Human Rights in general.

“The court grounds are a public place where journalists carry out their duties unrestrained,” she noted

Ms Chirwa added that it is high time people began to respect the important role that journalists play in informing and educating the masses through the gathering and dissemination of information to the general public.

“We hope this incident will be the last of its kind and that due respect is henceforth given to all journalists as they carry out their duties,” she said

HH off to Luapula Province for a two working visit

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HH off to Luapula Province for a two working visit

Republican President Hakainde Hichilema is today expected in Luapula Province for a two-day working visit.

Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Mighty Mumba says the Head of State will arrive in Mansa District on Friday, July 30 2022 for an official visit.

Mr. Mumba notes that while in the Province President Hichilema will grace the Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony for the Lunda people in Luapula Province on Saturday in Mwansabombwe District.

He says the Head of State will also attend the ‘Meet and Greet the Republican President Gala Dinner’ at Sali Riverside Resort in Mansa on Friday evening.

The gala dinner is a fundraising venture being organized by the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Luapula Province.

The Permanent Secretary is also happy with the preparations of this year’s Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony.

He says as the Provincial Administration they have done their best in assisting the Mwata Kazembe to host a successful traditional ceremony.

Mr. Mumba adds that the Mutomboko traditional ceremony is expected to draw a lot of people from across the country.

He says this will be of great economic benefit to the Province in respect to the hospitality industry and businesses trading in various commodities.

MAGISTRATE-COURT

Meanwhile, the matter in which George Nsonga, 54, who is facing one count of defilement and was scheduled to commence his defence yesterday failed to take-off due to his illness.

The Defence counsel consequently applied for the adjournment of the matter to enable their client George Nsonga seek medical attention as he was unwell.

Defence Lawyer Agness Banda told the court that Nsonga was un-well to commence his defence which was scheduled to start yesterday.

Mansa Magistrate Moses Mulenga granted the application saying the accused has the right to seek medical attention when unwell.

The magistrate has since adjourned the matter to August 23, 2022 as the day on which Nsonga will start his defence.

This is in the case of the People vs George Nsonga, UPND Provincial Coordinator for Luapula who is facing one count of defilement.

Particulars of the offence are that on March 9, 2022, in Mansa District, George Nsonga willfully and unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a minor below the age of 16 contrary to Section 138 clause 1 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, as amended by Act No. 15 of 2005 and Act No. 2 of 2011.

Zambia alone cannot achieve meaningful economic transformation – Mulenga

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Zambia alone cannot achieve meaningful economic transformation – Mulenga

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga says relying entirely on agriculture and mining cannot provide meaningful economic transformation.

Mr Mulenga says it is for this reason the new dawn government is focusing on investing in other sectors such as energy and tourism.

Speaking during the commemoration of Egypt’s 70th National day in Lusaka yesterday, the minister said government wants to enhance cooperation with Egypt in many different sectors.

Zambia and Egypt are therefore exploring many ways of cooperation in different fields, the minister said.

Mr Mulenga said investing in a multiple amount of sectors is key in the nation’s economic recovery agenda adding that Zambia alone cannot achieve meaningful economic transformation.

“We want to enhance our cooperation in many sectors. As we have predominantly depended on the agriculture sector, we want to go into the mining sector but the two alone cannot give us meaningful economic transformation. We want to invest heavily into the tourism sector, into the energy sector as well and many others,” Mr Mulenga said.

And Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Moataz Anwar urged Egyptian businesses to take advantage of Zambia’s peaceful environment and invest in the Southern African country.

In an interview with ZANIS on the sidelines of the event to commemorate Egypt National day, Mr Anwar said Zambia’s peaceful record makes it a favourable investment destination.

Stressing that he is looking forward to Egyptian companies investing in Zambia in different sectors aside from health, the Envoy his country and Zambia are exploring different opportunities of cooperation in areas like industrialisation.

“I’m sure we will be able to attract more Egyptian investors to invest in the Zambian market to invest in agriculture, fish farming and industrialisation,” he said.

The national day of Egypt is celebrated on July 23 which coincides with the annual celebration of the Egyptian revolution of 1952 when the modern republic of Egypt was declared, ending the period of the Kingdom of Egypt.

Africa Scientists advised to commit themselves to advancing medical research

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Africa Scientists advised to commit themselves to advancing medical research

Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has urged the Scientists in Africa to commit themselves in advancing medical research in the African Region.

ZNPHI Director General Roma Chilengi explained that the formation of the Biobank network is a stepping stone for African Countries to develop their own vaccines and advanced cures for some diseases.

Professor Chilengi said this when he officiated at the closing of a three days meeting of Scientists from eight African Countries who conveyed at Taj Pamodzi Hotel yesterday in Lusaka.

“ Zambia and the rest of the African Region should take responsibility of carrying out scientific research on various diseases using their skills and techniques which they have acquired from their studies, “ he said.

The Biobank was initiated by the Scientists from eight Hospices of Africa CDC who came up with an agreement of network to come up with a platform to set up Biobank for storing bio human samples for medical research using advanced technology.

Meanwhile, African Center for Disease Control Representative Lul Riek assured that CDC will commit itself in ensuring that the Lusaka Biobank declaration becomes successful and African countries benefit from the Biobank network.

Dr.Riek said CDC also called on all the Scientists who attended the meeting to themselves in the next five years and ensure that the Biobank network is implemented in African countries.

The meeting was attended by scientists from Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Morocco, and South Africa other than the host Zambia.

It was the meeting’s hope that the Biobank will successfully implemented on the African Continent.

Streets remain a risky domain of children at night.

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Streets remain a risky domain of children at night.

The Government says it is concerned that from the time it embarked on the programme of clearing the streets of vulnerable children and integrate them with their respective families, a number of them have failed to integrate and have hence returned to the streets.

Ndola District Commissioner (DC) Joseph Phiri says there is need therefore for government and stakeholder’ involvement in ensuring more children are to be taken off the streets through skills training and other rehabilitation programmes.

Mr Phiri says it is saddening that street children are returning to the streets where they enjoy alms from the general public , a habit he said must be discouraged forthwith.

He has since advised the general public desiring to assist the street children to instead take their contributions to drop in centers with interest to look after vulnerable children.

Mr. Phiri said this when he flagged off the repatriation of street children back to their homes for this year in Ndola District.

“The plight of the street children cannot be ignored as the streets remain a risky thriving domain of the children at night.

“ It is our hope that the exercise to integrate them will help them to transform their lives and also to help them earn skills to enable them to lead normal lives.

“ But this can only be achieved through concerted efforts from all the stakeholders and we need the support of the public,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Child Development Officer, under the Ministry of Child Development and Social Services (MCDSS) , Vwambanji Nambeya says her office is coordinating with the social welfare department in districts to monitor activities of the repatriated children.

Ms. Nambeya explained that government has commenced documenting details of the street children and families also assisting them with foodstuff and household materials to create an enabling environment to live in.

Government recently embarked on a programme of clearing street kids off the streets and integrate them with their respective families mostly in Lusaka and the Copperbelt provinces.

A total of 130 children are so far being repatriated to Ndola and Kitwe districts respectively.

Government launches three strategies and action plans to Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy

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Government launches three strategies and action plans to Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy

The government yesterday launched three strategies and action plans under the Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP ) project aimed at improving the management of the energy sector.

The European Union and COMESA funded project has seen the formulation of the Energy Management Information System, Zambia Power Development Framework and the Energy Sector Strategies.

Minister of Energy, Peter Kapala said the three strategies will transform the energy sector calling on all stakeholders to support the ministry successfully implement the strategies.

ZANIS reports that said Mr. Kapala this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Energy Permanent, Francesca Zyambo in Lusaka today.

Mr. Kapala said the Energy Management Information System has been developed to automate business processes in the ministry and effective monitoring of the performance of the energy sector.

“The successful implementation of the three strategies requires the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Let me therefore implore the private and public sector institutions, the cooperating partners, research institutions, civil society and other key stakeholders to support the Ministry of Energy in the implementation of the strategies, “he said.

He explained that government is alive to the challenges faced by investors in the sector saying the development of the Zambia Power Development Framework, will help improve processes and procedures in the sector, while the Renewable Energy Strategy is set to ensure systematic investment into renewable energy market.

“The new dawn government realizes the importance that the private sector plays in the energy sector. In this regard, my ministry has been working on lessening the burden the investors have previously endured of moving from one office to another enquiring the procedures and the processes for obtaining licences for the power projects,” he said.

And speaking at the same event, Head of Cooperation for the European Union delegation to Zambia and COMESA, Arnaud Borchard said the EU and Zambia have since 2014 worked together in developing the energy sector through various interventions towards a green economy. He disclosed that over K4.2 billion has been invested in the sector citing the rehabilitation of the Kariba dam as one of the many interventions.

Mr. Borchard said the interventions are not only on the country level but regional level stating that EU plans to extend the interventions to other sectors such as water.

“We supporting electricity programme, particularly to increase access in rural areas. And these initiatives are fundamental for enabling a broader, inclusive economic and social development as well as facilitating the emergence of the green economy. Since 2014, we have allocated more than K4.2 billion to the energy sector under our partnership between the EU and Zambia and we are active in all compartments in the energy sector” he said.

Be Firm Mr. President; You’re Dealing With Crafty and Ruthless Individuals!

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Be Firm Mr. President; You’re Dealing With Crafty and Ruthless Individuals!

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

Immediately PF was dislodged from power, all those that used to be vociferous in their criticism of Hakainde Hichilema, at times bordering on insults, vanished in thin air! We have in mind Mumbi Phiri, Edith Nawakwi, Antonio Mwanza, Tutwa Ngulube, Chilufya Tayali, Emmanuel Mwamba, Given Lubinda, Tutwa Ngulubwe, Nkandu Luo, Jean Kapata, Davis Mwila, Steven Kampyongo, Canisius Banda, Cosmo Mumba…….of course, the list goes on and on. Edgar Lungu himself is on record warning he would lock up this Tonga Bull and throw away the keys after winning the elections!

Some of them even quickly announced their retirement from politics due to their imagined fear of reprisals. In their minds, HH was this evil and heartless character who was going to pursue them ruthlessly as they would have done to him and many of us had he lost the elections. Most of us are yet to recover from the gassing which characterized the nation before the elections, the burning of our markets, police brutality, impunity on the part of party cadres, and of course the record-breaking corruption and plunder of national resources, etc.

What transpired yesterday at DEC offices where one Esther Nyawa was summoned to answer a few questions was unacceptable! Tutwa Ngulube was on fire patronizing and demeaning men and women in uniform! “Who is in charge of this nonsense?” he screamed as he exuberantly pointed at them.

Imagine this was happening under the PF regime……..there would have been gnashing of teeth, breaking of limbs, and possibly loss of lives as copious amounts of precious blood seeped into the ground. How was it impossible for Tutwa to conduct himself in a civilized manner befitting his vocation as a lawyer as his fellow learned colleague Frank Tayali had done given the similar circumstances. Of course, we are talking about when HH was summoned to report at Police Headquarters for questioning before he became president.

“I am counsel Tayali, I am escorting my colleague for questioning….” he pronounced in a measured voice with his hands raised.

But lo and behold……PF members always want to do things the savage way as if we are still in the medieval era! Those in government must realise that what happened yesterday wasn’t by sheer accident but absolute design. Despite its litany of crimes against humanity, PF is daily scheming on how to make themselves politically relevant and try to claim back power whenever possible.

Reflecting on this, Nigerian prophet Seer 1 writes, “If UPND continues to give PF the space to practice this type of lawlessness that they exercised today, I see UPND being removed from the office with mass protests and riots. Criminals that were hiding in caves after they lost elections all came out today to hurl insults at the police and the government with impunity and the police were as powerless as a deflated tire.”

Seer 1 further observes that by this time, the criminals have cut deals with law enforcement officers and the judiciary as we have taken long to bring them to book. Whenever they are brought before the law, they will not be afraid knowing that they will not be taken anywhere as they would have been assured of protection after paying them something.

If this isn’t true, where is all this impunity coming from? We would like to end by reminding the president that he’s dealing with crafty and ruthless individuals……doing things the methodical way as he always wants to put it might not just work in his favour.

Ride-hailing drivers seek fair business pacts

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Ride-hailing drivers seek fair business pacts

By Felix Nkinke

“I cannot partner with any of these taxi companies using Apps. They are not offering a fair deal to drivers,” said David Mwangala.

He added bluntly, “I am better off working as a pirate taxi man than joining these operators.”
Mr Mwangala, 55, has been a pirate taxi driver for most of his adult life.

Born and raised in the sprawling township of Bauleni, east of Lusaka, the father of five has crisscrossed the streets of Lusaka picking, and dropping off clients every day.

“That has been my life. I have worked for different car owners, but this far the money I make is enough to support my family and send my children to school,” a smiling Mr Mwangala said.

He continued that though it has been challenging working under his terms on meeting the weekly cashing target, it is better than the incentives being offered by ride-hailing operators.

However, some taxi drivers have a different view regarding the ride-hailing business. While they agree that ride-hailing operators are offering drivers a raw deal, they note that the new taxi business is better.
Many taxi drivers have embraced the rapidly growing App taxi business that has arrived in the country through technological innovation.

“This business is not new in Zambia,” said Drivern Taxis executive director Joseph Chikota, who is seemingly the pioneer of the ride-hailing business in Zambia

Driven Taxis introduced its App on the Zambian taxi market in early 2010 but fizzled out less than two years in operation.
“We used to run our taxis called London Taxis. There was a prominent feature around hotels and the international airport,” disclosed Mr Chikota.

Now, that the ride-hailing business has grown some players have entered the market.

A couple of months ago, Yango Taxi rolled out its App joining local operator Ulendo which has been in operation for over five years now.

The growing number of Taxi App operators is a testament that Zambia has potential for the ride-hailing business.
“Yes, there is potential for ride-hailing in Zambia because it is a new industry in the transport sector. One that has brought a lot of benefits to passengers and drivers,” agrees Mr Chikota.

During the launch in Lusaka, General Manager for Yango in Africa Adeniyi Adebayo also acknowledged that Zambia’s ride-hailing industry is destined to rapidly grow.

“Zambia has a growing, actively developing economy and there is a high demand for a modern ride-hailing service. We are convinced that people in Zambia will appreciate the ride-hailing service,” Mr Adebayo said.

The new industry already boasts of players like local startup Ulendo, Kenyan taxi-hailing App Little Cab, Tukuya taxi, which launched a couple of months ago, and Taxmania Taxi, soon to launch an App.

Ride-hailing taxi is a new transport subsector in Zambia quickly catching the attention of taxi hire enthusiasts in most cities and rural areas across the country.

“I am impressed with the coming of these taxi App operators. They are doing a great service. One doesn’t need to walk a distance to hire a taxi. You just download the App and you are good to go,” said Racheal Chiyokuma, a Lusaka resident.
Indeed, ride-hailing has quickly become very popular in Zambia.

The service refers to an act when a customer orders a customised ride online usually using a smartphone application, in essence, it is similar to a taxi service.

The customer orders the ride from a ride-hailing platform, a third party that mediates the service between the driver and the passenger.

“The way this service works is simple,” explains Olson Hatembo a ride-hailing taxi driver with Yango.
Mr Hatembo also explained that the drivers, or partners as they are referred to by some App operators, are the main actors and should be the key beneficially.

“We are at the centre of the entire business process. Without us, the App operators wouldn’t make money,” he said.
He further explained that the drivers provide the cars used.

“All we do is to register with the App service provider and download the App onto the smartphone. Then we are good to go. The payment is charged automatically and the income is shared between the mediator and us the drivers.

“We get a commission based on the amount of money one has made,” he said.

While some drivers have welcomed the App system in terms of doing business others have cited unfair trade practices by App service providers, especially with commission rates and payouts.

All the drivers have one unified position concerning the rider-hailing business. What they are paid from the signed agreements with the App service providers is not enough.

Most agree that the drivers, who are the owners of the cars used for hire, get a small percentage of the income generated.
“There is a raw deal here. Despite us being the owners of the cars, service providers get something between 10 to 15 per cent. This is also beside us using our fuel,” said Fred Mwela, Taxi App driver.

These sentiments are shared by many ride-hailing taxi drivers in the country.

They argue that App service providers are riding on their backs while getting the lion’s share of the cash.

They further say drivers have to contend with car maintenance and fuel costs yet they get a share of the cake not proportional to their input.

Recently, a meeting of Ulendo drivers was convened in Lusaka to hear their concerns following mounting competitive pressure being exerted by the arrival of other players on the market.

Insiders disclosed that at that meeting, drivers sought deliberations on several burning issues to even the playing field.
Most drivers across all ride-hailing service operators speak one voice regarding certain issues seen to be fuelling the unfair pacts between operators and drivers.

“Drivern Taxis is now back in Zambia,” said Mr Chikota, adding “We have looked at what is happening in the industry. We believe that drivers deserve more and that is our main objective.”

He added that under Drivern Taxis, the commission is pegged at five per cent, unlike other players whose rate oscillates between 10 to 15 per cent.

“We have also formed a cooperative for our drivers. Those that join us have the option to also become a member of the cooperative which has so many benefits,” the Drivern Director said.

He added that the ride-hailing business will impact positively on the taxi transport subsector and hoped the government will hastily address the bottlenecks around its smooth operation.

Mr Chikota pointed out that a lot of jobs, especially among the youth, have been created and the business has brought new taxi customers that would otherwise have never considered taking a cab.

A couple of weeks ago, Transport Minster Frank Tayali assured taxi App operators that the government will soon provide legislation on how the new industry would operate so that it contributes positively to development.

Concerns are being expressed that the current laws, which do not encourage ride-hailing in Zambia, might cause uncertainties regarding the future of the promising industry.

Relocation of Chirundu district from Lusaka to Southern province progressing well

Chief Editor
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Relocation of Chirundu district from Lusaka to Southern province progressing well

Lusaka and Southern Province administrations have advanced processes of handing over and receiving of Chirundu district from Lusaka back to Southern Province.

Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Robert Kamalata has told ZANIS in an interview in Choma shortly after a meeting with his Southern counterpart that the preparations for the official handover have been quickened in order to have Chirundu Distrtict budgeted under Southern Province in the 2023 National budget.

Mr. Kamalata says although the Ministries of Health and education have partially moved their files to southern province, many departments are still being controlled from Lusaka Province.

He says the official handover has been set for 31st August 2022 adding that if it is not done then Chirundu will be left out in budgeting process for 2023.

And Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze is confident Chirundu and Itezhi tezhi Districts will complete shift within the transition period.

He says Central Province administration is also preparing for the official handover of Itezhi tezhi back to Southern Province.

Dr. Monze says government will not want to experience situations where departments are left without knowing which administration they should report to.

He says since 2023 budget planning is underway, it would prudent to quickly finish up all the handover formalities to allow the two districts to be included.

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