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Ministry of Home Affairs is interfering in the internal affairs of the opposition political party-Saboi Imboela

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Ministry of Home Affairs is interfering in the internal affairs of the opposition political party-Saboi Imboela

National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Saboi Imboela has accused the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security of interfering in the internal affairs of the opposition political party.

Ms. Imboela’s NDC group and the George Sichula-led faction are battling for the NDC leadership. Mr. Sichula and Ms. Imboela both claim to be party president of NDC.

In a media statement issued on Thursday morning, Ms. Imboela said the NDC was saddened by the levels of insecurity being brought about by political cadres at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

She alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema appointed former NDC official Josephs Akafumba as the Permanent Secretary at Home Affairs in order to destabilize political parties.

“We gave President HH the benefit of doubt when he appointed Mr. Rikki Josephs Akafumba as the Permanent Secretary at Home Affairs, but it has become more apparent that the reason why he took Mr. Akafumba to Home Affairs was to destabilise political parties using any means possible, including illegal ones. As NDC, we were very happy to see the Ministry issue a statement yesterday, but while they tried to be professional and objective at the beginning of the statement, they let politics get the better of them and as they concluded they made mention of the so called two NDC factions,” Ms. Imboela said.

“Factions exist in the political arena and not in government ministries, let alone at the Registrar of Societies which has all the records of the NDC and other parties. When politics produce factions, administration should be relied upon for records to prove who has a legal claim to an organisation. But both the statement from the Ministry yesterday and a letter from the Chief Registrar that we have already taken to the Anti Corruption Commission refer to factions that the ministry should not be dealing with. Does this, therefore, mean that anyone in this current government can just produce minutes and deliver to the ROS, and they will effect changes? Never before have we seen the ROS deal with factions, as they always look at their own records for clarity. Innocent until proven guilty exists even for organisations,” she said.

Ms. Imboela said the recent documents circulated claiming to contain NDC office bearers from the Registrar of Societies was vague.

“We have resolved to submit yesterday’s statement as one of the documents that the Anti Corruption Commission should examine, because as stated earlier, factions exist in the political arena and not democratic institutions like the Registrar of Societies, Electoral Commission of Zambia and others. Only a court order can or should make these institutions act against the registered legally documented leaders of an organisation, unlike what we are seeing now. Clearly unprecedented, clearly undemocratic and very political. It may interest Mr. Nephas Chifuta to know that the so-called Extra Ordinary meeting that took place on the 18th of September 2021 had people and names that we do not know of. We have submitted letters by ourselves and our lawyers several times to effect changes on the list of NDC, but Mrs. Thandiwe Mhende wrote to us that nothing can be done to the list of NDC until the court cases are over,” she argued.

Ms. Imboela added:”It is for that reason that we have left the list of subscribers as it is. So to see a letter purported to be coming from NDC and yet we have no knowledge of it is very shocking. And to see the ROS effect changes using that same fraudulent letter is even more worrisome and they are just trying to cover up the fact that they made changes to the list without our consent. Mr. Chifuta also talked of the ministry not wanting to be ‘forced’ to do illegalities based on falsehoods and yet this is clearly the complaint that we have against his ministry. His statement has caused a lot of concern and fear in us, as the apparent bias that we have been talking about was clearly manifested.”

“We are, however, very happy to see him pledge that the ministry will execute its mandate as provided for by law without fear or favour and I hope he knows that what that means is that the ministry should respect the status quo unless the court says otherwise. The matter in court is that Mr. Akafumba sued Dr. Chishimba Kambwili for allegedly claiming to be NDC President and NDC as a party was never sued. So to legitimize their so-called ‘other faction’ which is clearly a conflict of interest issue with his boss, is not only saddening but illegal and malicious,” she concluded.

Reduced inflation cannot lead to reduced cost of living in Zambia minus increased production and exports-EFF

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Reduced inflation cannot lead to reduced cost of living in Zambia minus increased production and exports-EFF

Opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary-General Changala Siame has said reduced inflation and gaining kwacha cannot lead to reduced cost of living in Zambia minus increased production and exports.

Mr Siame said despite reduced inflation the cost of living will remain high because the prices of commodities will be increasing unless Zambia starts producing and increasing exports.

He argued that the Kwacha was only gaining because the dollar was losing value.

“It’s very important to understand fundamentals that cause economic trends. This gives a correct response on how to react to either a positive or negative economic trend. Fundamental and technical analyses are two common words used for those that trade on active stock markets. The two theories affect trader’s decisions to buy or sell stocks.

In Zambia, the strength of the Kwacha against the US dollar is something that brings a lot of excitement to international traders and indeed is used as an economic performance indicator by a common man on the street. However, without understanding why we have a gain or a loss, could lead to serious poor decisions by those who are actually involved in international trade, our local traders,” Mr, Siame said.

“What is interesting in our economy right now, we have a reducing inflation and a stable and gained exchange rate that is actually having less impact on the price of consumer’s goods. The cost of living is still going up and unbearable. In actuality, what is expected is the opposite to happen. A reducing inflation and a stabilizing and gaining currency should translate into cheaper goods but it is not our case. The reason is very simple; our gain in the Kwacha against the US dollar is because of the weakening of the US dollar. If you check the US dollar against the Chinese Yen and Rubles from Russia, you would appreciate our explanation. The UK pound; Euro and Dollar are certainly under pressure as the result of the Ukraine-Russia war. Russia is demanding that oil be bought from their currency, Rubles and not the US dollar. China, India and other countries are buying fuel cheaply from Russia and their currencies are doing fine,” he said.

Mr. Siame has since advocated an enhanced manufacturing sector in Zambia.

“What is happening now, the global economy is deeply divided into two spheres. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) against the West. Therefore, going forward, it would be very important to make comparisons of exchange against the emerging currency to determine the performance of the US dollar, especially against the Rubles. For Yen, it’s usually manipulated against the dollar. They always peg it down against the US dollar for cheaper export purposes. Therefore, the Chinese Yen is not a good yield stick for purposes of comparison against the US dollar. Our Kwacha has been relatively stable the past month and slightly the previous. Hence, any turbulence in major currency, translates in significant changes in Kwacha as witnessed. Because of our Kwacha gaining on those grounds, the cost of living will still remain high because the prices will still be going up unless we start producing and increasing our exports,” he said.

Mr. Siame added:”What the government should actually be concerned with are the reserves we hold in US dollars which is about $ 2.8 billion. This actually means losing value stored in US dollars. They really need to pay attention to what is happening in the global market and possess an understanding thereof to find correct response to this new development. Gold reserves will prove better and have always been better from time in memorial. Hence, with this positive gain that we have, not knowing how long it would last because the fundamentals are not as a result of our own efforts, the government should take advantage by encouraging our people to import manufacturing machines. This can be done through reducing tax duty on those items. Thus, this will create possibilities of creating manufacturing jobs in the near future. We hope the trend continues in our favor as a country. Wherever we want to go, our feet shall take us there.”

Government launches guidelines on child victims in justice process

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Government launches guidelines on child victims in justice process

The government in partnership with the United Nations has launched guidelines on minimum standards for child victims and witnesses in the justice process.

Gender and Development Judiciary Committee Chairperson, Annes Bobo says the guidelines cover serious aspects of the judicial process that will ensure children’s issues in the justice system in Zambia are protected at all levels.

Justice Bobo said the guidelines will contribute in strengthening institutional capacities for handling children in the justice processes at all levels as well as improving the multi-sectoral response to violation of children’s rights.

She was speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Justice Mwape Bowa during the launch of the guidelines in Lusaka today.

Justice Bobo urged the judiciary and other stakeholders to work together to reduce violence, abuse and other forms of harmful practices against children.

She has further urged the general public to ensure that children’s rights are protected.

Justice Bobo added that it is important that children are handled well and responsibly in every aspect of their lives.

Meanwhile, Gender Division Permanent Secretary, Mainga Kabika in a speech read for her by Gender Lives Protection Acting Director under Gender Division Office, Nchimunya Nkombo said there is need to teach, inform and support children to know their rights.

And United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali said the UN recognizes the ongoing efforts by the Zambian government to provide protection and support to children in need including child victims and witnesses.

The UN together with the Zambian Government is implementing a Joint Programme on Gender-Based Violence Phase two with support from the governments of Sweden and Ireland.

Ploy to ban international trophy hunting at odds with Africa’s interest, a Zambian perspective

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Ploy to ban international trophy hunting at odds with Africa’s interest, a Zambian perspective

By Emmanuel Koro

Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu has confirmed that international hunting is benefiting hunting communities and supporting wildlife and habitat conservation in his country.

Minister Nzovu’s confirmation of international hunting’s socio-economic benefits to Zambian communities as well as its support towards wildlife and habitat conservation comes at a time when the British Government is being pressurised by the anti-hunting animal rights groups there, to demonise international hunting and ban hunting trophy imports worldwide including hunting trophies of Africa’s big five.

Accordingly, Minister Nzovu has warned that any future trophy hunting import bans would take away international hunting benefits from the African hunting communities and also remove incentives for community wildlife and habitat conservation, in Zambia and Africa.

He said that Zambian hunting communities have continued to benefit from international hunting under a “50-50” hunting revenue benefit-sharing arrangement with the Zambian Government. Minister Nzovu said that the other socio-economic benefits include the “construction of schools in hunting .

“We have 50-50 share between communities (hunting communities) and the Government,” said Minister Nzovu adding that the “50-50” international hunting revenue benefit-sharing arrangement is supported by a Zambian Government “statutory instrument.”

Meanwhile, local and international observers continue to warn that “without international hunting benefits the rural communities all over Africa will see no value in wildlife and would rather collaborate with poachers to kill the continent’s big game such as rhinos, elephants, leopards, lions and buffaloes.”

“We can only encourage them (countries that want to ban international hunting) to learn from the people who are doing and have done it (international hunting),” said Minister Nzovu.

“If they (anti-international hunting countries) feel that they don’t get any key learning from it, they should learn from the people that are co-existing with wildlife (African hunting communities).”

One of Zambia’s most stunning mindset-changing hunting benefits during the 21st Century were recently experienced in the South Luangwa community that opted to accept a previously taboo culture of family planning, so that they could prevent human overpopulation that would result in them taking up wilderness land set aside for wildlife hunting and conservation.

Elsewhere in Zambia, the international hunting benefits have also enhanced the anti-poaching culture in Zambian rural communities of Kazungula District, right in the heart of the world’s richest wildlife area, the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA).

In a recent interview, Mr Roy Seemani, Acting Ranger of Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife, in charge of Mulombedzi and Sichifulo Game Management Area (GMA), said that the local communities “have continued to show a progressive shift towards wildlife and habitat conservation, incentivised by hunting benefits.”

“Local communities’ perceptions towards wildlife are much better compared to the previous years when they used to poach wildlife because it didn’t bring benefits to them,” said Mr Seemani.

He said that the hunting companies “help create employment” in the hunting communities.

They sign contracts that make it mandatory for them to ensure they employ 30% of people from local communities, pay for wild resources monitoring, in order to evaluate the use and conservation of resources, including fire management.

The companies also pay for anti-poaching operations.

“Some of the hunting revenue is also used to support community livelihoods, including the construction of community clinics and schools,” said Mr Seemani.

Meanwhile, the Zambian hunting communities, including other southern African hunting communities have started warning that the United Nations should never hope to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 as long as its member countries such as the British Government continue to oppose international hunting that clearly contributes towards the achievement of SDGs through wildlife and habitat conservation and poverty alleviation also through supporting socio-economic development opportunities in African countries’ hunting communities, including employment creation for game rangers.

The southern African hunting communities also say, “It’s a violation of African people’s rights to talk about animal rights without also talking about human rights and needs.

It’s double standards and hypocritical for Western governments to speak in favour of poverty alleviation in Africa but ironically blocking such opportunity by banning the means towards achieving it — wild trade, including international hunting.”

However, there is still hope to achieve SDGs in Africa if there is no external interference on how the continent should benefit from its wild resources.

“SDGs are doable if there is political will at domestic level,” said Minister Nzovu seemingly hinting that Zambia has no control over the external factors that can fail the achievement of SDGs in Africa such as the British Government’s trophy hunting imports ban Bill.

“So, I have actually observed that in Africa we are slowly getting that political will from us the politicians and letting other people drive the economy to achieve SDGs.”

Zambia’s quiet diplomacy in its efforts to convince the Western countries and animal rights groups to stop their trophy hunting imports ban dictatorship in Africa ended when it broke its silence in May 2021.

In May 2021, the then Director of the Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Dr Chuma Simukonda questioned why Western countries lawmakers continue to pursue trophy hunting imports bans, without consulting African countries.

His question put a spotlight on the unwelcome Western dictatorship of wildlife management in Africa, including the attempts to ban international hunting.

“It is unfortunate that such efforts promoted in the name of African species lack any input from Africans and are grounded on a protectionist mentality contrary to the sustainable-use model that has proven so successful in Zambia and much of southern Africa,” said Dr Simukonda.

“Zambia’s wildlife is already stable without such ill-informed legislation (to ban international hunting). Our wildlife management system is based on science, adaptation, and community empowerment.”

About 12 months later in 2022, Minister Nzovu has repeated the call not to ban trophy hunting imports from his country and the African continent as this would not only harm wildlife and habitat conservation but also negatively impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of hunting communities.

“We are all sovereign states,” said Minister Nzovu.

“So, it all depends on what you want to do with your particular resource.

So, for those particular countries (anti-international hunting countries) we would encourage them to understand that the beneficiation that we are getting are also going to the communities, wildlife and habitat conservation.”

He said the world should learn about international hunting benefits from the communities that make wildlife and habitat conservation sacrifices.

“These communities are the ones who let go of their pieces of land so that we create space for protected areas, be it national parks, forestry and game management areas,” said Minister Nzovu.

– Emmanuel is a Johannesburg-based international award-winning environmental journalist who writes independently on environment and development issues in Africa.

ZRA beats mid year target by K2.1 billion

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ZRA beats mid year target by K2.1 billion

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has recorded an above-target revenue performance in the first half of the year 2022.

This was after the Authority collected a net tax outturn of K48, 307.9 million against the period target of K46, 203.9 million, thereby registering a surplus of K2, 104.0 million or 4.6 percent.

ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda says cumulatively, the Authority collected K56, 407.9 million in gross taxes during the first half of 2022, while the refunds stood at K8, 100.0 million.

Mr. Banda says the recorded surplus was largely attributed to the strong performance of direct taxes which was driven by sustained high copper prices on the global market during the period under review.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Authority also surpassed the revenue target by collecting K29, 956.9 million in gross taxes and refunded K4, 050.0 million.

The net collections thus stood at K25, 906.9 million against the quarter target of K25, 146.3 million, thereby recording a surplus of K760.6 million or 3.0 percent.

“Gross collections during the second quarter of 2022 increased by 10.6 percent in nominal terms when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2021, while net collections in the first half of 2022 increased by 24.2 percent relative to the same period in 2021. The total refunds in first half of 2022 at K8,100.0 million increased by 57.4 percent compared to K5,146.7 million refunded during the corresponding period in 2021”, Mr. Banda said.

In terms of industry performance, the top three contributors (accounting for 63.3%) to gross revenue collections during the first half of 2022 were Mining and Quarrying, Wholesale and retail trade and Manufacturing sectors, which accounted for 43.0 percent, 11.8 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively, of the total gross collections.

The Authority has also issued the Executive Tax Bulletin for the second quarter of 2022 and can be accessed on the ZRA website.

The excellent revenue performance has also been enhanced by sustained implementation of key strategies as enshrined in ZRA’s Corporate Plan.

Some of the strategies include extensive use of data and intelligence to unearth unpaid taxes, use of technology to simplify tax processes, taxpayer engagements and education, customer support programmes; which have led to improved voluntary compliance and tax base expansion which is aimed at on-boarding taxpayers previously not paying taxes.

Other strategies include enhanced active surveillance and enforcement operations which have been reinforced by collaboration with other government agencies in the fight against economic crimes such as smuggling and other forms of tax evasion.

The improved staff productivity and high-performance culture has also enhanced revenue collection.

This follows the continuous implementation of a robust internal performance management culture by the Authority.

The Commissioner General has urged ZRA staff to continue improving performance in all aspects while meeting the expectations of all our stakeholders as stipulated in the 2022-2024 Corporate Strategic Plan.

“Once again, I salute you all for your consistent dedication to duty which is underscored by this favourable revenue outturn amidst external challenges such as rising oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the continued subliminal effects of the Covid-19 pandemic”, Mr. Banda said.

“Management, through the Governing Board, is committed to providing a conducive working environment and progressively addressing all matters affecting staff welfare. Finally, let us remember to always live the ZRA core values of Taxpayer focus, Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation and Networking”, Mr. Banda added.

KK 11 Icon Katowando Questions Players Passion For Football

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Former KK 11 and Nkana goalkeeper Johnstone Katowando has told the current crop of players to take football seriously.

Katowando, who played for Zambia between 1976 and 1980, said players should be more dedicated to the game.

He observed that some players nowadays lack the zeal to play the game.

“In the past the boys were dedicated to just playing the game but these days players have combined football and money. They have put money first,” Katowando said from his base in Kitwe.

Katowando 69 was part of the Zambia squad for the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games in Canada.

“Many Zambian players are going to play outside the country but are coming back early without achieving anything. Players are lacking that zeal to play with dedication. If they work hard, current players can perform wonders,” he said.

Katowando made his name at Rhokana United now called Nkana Football Club around 1972 before joining Lusaka’s Red Arrows in 1975.

Mujembe Quits Kitwe United

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Coach Lewingtone Mujembe has ditched Kitwe United to join FAZ Super Division side Chambishi as first assistant coach.

Mujembe joined Kitwe United, a National Division One side, as head coach last January.

Chambishi have since unveiled Mujembe as first assistant coach ahead of the 2022/2023 FAZ Super Division season.

The Konkola Blades legend has joined the Chambishi bench headed by Simonda Kaunda.

Ernest Ngosa is the second assistant coach at Chambishi.

Club spokesperson Chali Katongo said Chambishi is confident the combination of Simonda and Mujembe will bring glory to the club.

“The Executive Committee of Chambishi Football Club wishes to inform the football family on the appointment of Mr Mujembe as 1st Assistant Coach. Mr Kaunda Simonda will continue as Head Coach,” Katongo said in a media statement.

“Management is confident that the combination of the two will bring glory to Chambishi Football,” he added.

Chambishi survived relegation after finishing 14th in the Super Division on 38 points in 34 matches.

Italy assures support to Zambia to secure an IMF deal

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Italy assures support to Zambia to secure an IMF deal

Italian President Sergio Mattarella has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to support Zambia reach an understanding with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on its debt restructuring programme.

Mr Mattarella said his country is ready to help Zambia in its economic recovery trajectory.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on President Hichilema at State house today, Mr Mattarella said this is one way of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

“Italy stands ready to help Zambia in many sectors of the economy such as Mining, Agriculture, health and education among others. Zambia is a beacon of peace and a promoter of democratic tenets,” he said.

He explained that Italy is committed to further strengthen ties with Zambia by setting up businesses and infrastructure development among others across the country.

Mr Mattarella also praised Zambia for its resolve to fight corruption saying the vice retards economic development.

And President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Italy for the huge contributions it renders to Zambia in all sectors of the economy such as energy, Agriculture among others.

Mr Hichilema noted that the cooperation between the two countries spans many years ago when successful leaders of Italy and Zambia initiated warm relationship.

The President further called on Italy to support Zambia in its journey to access the IMF bailout which is expected to cushion the country’s challenges in many sectors of the economy.

“Indeed Zambia is grateful for Italy’s contributions and support in all the sectors of the economy especially in energy, education, agriculture among others,” he said.

Mr Hichilema added that Zambia is endowed with mineral resources which needs value addition, stating that Italy can help in that area in a bid to transform the country.

He further assured Italy of Zambia’s continuous upholding of democratic tenets, peace and stability to foster social and economic development as democracy is the hallmark of development.

The President commended his Italian counterpart for visiting Zambia as the move will spur deeper mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Italian President who is accompanied by First Lady Laura Mattarella arrived in the country yesterday.

Ex Post Master General Chanda, two others jailed for two years for unlawful diversion of over K300 million

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Ex Post Master General Chanda, two others jailed for two years for unlawful diversion of over K300 million

Former Post Master General MacPherson Chanda and two others have been sentenced to two years imprisonment for 13 counts of theft by public servant by the Ndola Magistrate Court.

Chanda, Former Finance Director Best Mwaiche and Isaac Kamwimba were sentenced today by a Ndola Magistrate Court. The court has given the three an option of a fine amounting to K350 million.

Chanda and the two others have been found guilty in the 13 counts of theft by public servants involving over K300 million. The three unlawfully diverted social cash transfer (SCT) funds amounting to K335, 108,834 without authority.

The case was before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court Magistrate Kaunda Sakwanda.

In April Mr.Chanda and two others were found with a case to answer in all the 13 counts of theft by public servant involving over K300 million. When the case came before the Fast Track Economic and Financial Crimes Court in Ndola, magistrate Kaunda Sakwanda said after hearing the prosecution’s witnesses, she was satisfied that a prima face case had been established against the accused persons.

“I, therefore, find the accused persons with a case to answer. Having said this, I put the accused persons herein on their defence for the offence of theft by public servant in all 13 counts,” she ruled.

Last year, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested Chanda and two directors for corrupt practices involving over K300,000,000.

The trio, in their capacities as Postmaster General, Director of Finance and Director of Operations, respectively, were said to have unlawfully diverted social cash transfer funds amounting to K335,108,834.00 without lawful authority.

In count one, it is alleged that between December 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021, Mcpherson Chanda, Best Mwaichi and Isaac Kamwimba jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown and being employed in the public service, namely as PostMaster General, Director Finance and Director operations, respectively, for the Zambia Postal Services, stole K 50,000,000, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.

In count two, it is alleged that Chanda and Kamwimba between August 1 and December 1, 2018 stole K21,945,256, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.

In count three, it is alleged that Chanda and Mwaichi between September 1 and October 1, 2017, stole K 27,363,578, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.

In counts four and five, Chanda and Mwaichi are alleged to have between March 1 and December 1, 2018, stolen K 5,500,000 and K20,000,000, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.

In count six, the two are also alleged to have stolen K16,000,000 between September 1 and December 1, 2017 and K50,000,000 between January 1, 2017 and December 1, 2018.

Other amounts Chanda and Mwaichi are alleged to have stolen include; K50,000,000 between January 1 and December 1, 2018, K25,000,000 between October 1 and December 1, 2017, K6,000,000 between January 1 and December 1, 2018, K24,300,000 between October 1 and December 1, 2017, K25,000,000 between October 9 and December 1, 2017 and K14,000,000 between October 25 and December 1, 2017.

Apathy hit continuous voter registration in Kabwe

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Apathy hit continuous voter registration in Kabwe

Apathy has characterized the continuous voter registration in Central Province.

Kabwe Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager, Nancy Chenga, says the public response has been poor and has urged eligible members of the public to take advantage of the registration centre domiciled at the Civic Centre and get registered.

Ms. Chenga, said in Kabwe that the continuous voter registration is an opportunity for all categories of eligible voters to get the voters’ card.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has launched the continuous voter registration in all the ten provincial centers to ensure an accurate register that captures all eligible Zambians that have attained 18 years and above,” Ms. Chenga said.

She has advised the members of the public to use the continuous voter registration to replace defaced and lost voters’ cards as well as to surrender voters’ cards of the deceased persons.

“During the continuous voters registration we are replacing defaced and lost voters’ cards, and collecting voters’ cards for deceased persons in order to remove them from the register and ensure accurate numbers,” she said.

She has urged people who could have also relocated to new places to take this opportunity to go to the registration centre and change the polling station.

“We have given an opportunity to people who could have shifted from different residential places or polling stations to change their polling stations to where they have relocated to so that they don’t have challenges when it comes to voting,” she stated.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on 1st June 2022 launched the continuous voters’ registration in ten provincial centers and will progressively move to other centers, a paradigm shift from the previous occasional voter registration programme.

Meanwhile, Kabwe District Voter Education Officer (DVEO), Lityness Mkandawire, has appealed to the people of Kabwe who are eligible to visit the registration centre and register as voters.

Ms. Mkandawire says members of the general public are free to access the centre every day from Monday to Friday, adding that people should not wait for 2026 to have the voters’ card.

She has advised those that have lost their voters’ card to get a police report and together with the National Registration Card (NRC) go to the centre and get a replacement.

“Those that have lost their voters’ cards, they should go to the nearest police station and get a police report. The requirement for a lost card is a police report and an NRC in order to have a replacement,” Ms. Mkandawire clarified.

The church urged to form cooperatives to access CDF funds

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The church urged to form cooperatives to access CDF funds

Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS), Mathews Chilekwa has urged the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA ) Men’s Organisation to form cooperatives in order for them to access funds from the Community Development Funds (CDF).

Mr Chilekwa said this during the Adventist Men’s Organization three -day entrepreneurship training held in Nakonde District.

The training drew participants from all the districts of Muchinga and Northern Provinces apart from Chilubi.

Rev. Chilekwa said that the government has put in place several programmes to empower the people of Zambia.

He challenged the Adventist men to come up with good business proposals so that they can also access the CDF.

Rev. Chilekwa said that the church should also be involved in the development of the nation saying Government alone cannot do everything.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary also thanked the organisers of the training and encouraged them to continue with the same spirit.

He said that the nation can only be developed when people become self-reliant by having or creating their own jobs.

“We all need to be involved in the development of our mother Zambia by engaging ourselves in economic activities, ” said Reverend Chilekwa.

Speaking at the same event, North Zambia Field president, Samuel Sinyangwe said that the purpose of the training was to equip the church members with knowledge of entrepreneurship.

Pastor Sinyangwe said that the church should not just wait for hand outs but should start creating wealth by getting involved in activities which will generate income.

He said instead of waiting for the government alone to employ people, the church should learn how to create jobs so that it’s members are empowered.

“Let’s be active and engage ourselves in business activities that will contribute to the economic development of the country, ” said pastor Sinyangwe.

And one of the facilitators of the training Joseph Mushalika said that it is high time Zambians ultilised potential which they have so that tangible results are seen in the community

He said that Zambia has alot of natural resources capable of improving the livelihoods of people if properly enhanced and used.

“Let’s use our natural resources to improve our lives,” said Mr. Mushalika.

Mweemba Michelo one of the participants disclosed that he has acquired alot of knowledge which shall make him a useful person in the community.

“I have learnt a lot of things from training, ” said Michelo.

People want to see less punitive taxes in the next National Budget-JCTR

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People want to see less punitive taxes in the next National Budget-JCTR

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called for a pro-poor 2023 National Budget.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning recently called for proposals as it formulates the 2023 National Budget which is expected to be unveiled in the last quarter of this year.

JCTR Executive Director Fr. Alex Muyebe, S.J. said People want to see less punitive taxes in the next National Budget.

Fr. Muyebe said no country can achieve sustained economic growth for national development without effectively addressing wide-spread poverty in its population.

The Catholic Priest said Zambia today has become so accustomed to coexisting peacefully with poverty.

“After an estimated 1.5 percentage point increase in the international poverty rate between 2019 and 2020, the poverty headcount in Zambia is projected to have remained high, at about 60% in 2021 (the World Bank Macro Poverty Outlook, April 2022). The rise in poverty has been largely driven by falling incomes in urban areas, especially among those relying on employment income from the informal sector. A World Bank Household Monitoring phone survey found that 4 in 5 households reported a drop in income from nonfarm business, and that 1 in 3 reported a reduction or disappearance of wages due to the pandemic (ibid). A recent Socio-economic Impact Assessment conducted by the National Statistical Office found that 9 in 10 households have experienced spikes in the price of food, and that 64% of these had to reduce food consumption as a result (ibid),” Fr. Muyebe said.

“The hard fact is that the number of people living in poverty in Zambia remains very high. Poverty has always been one of the major barriers to human development in Zambia since independence in 1964. No country can achieve sustained economic growth for national development without effectively addressing wide-spread poverty in its population. Unfortunately, in Zambia today we have become so accustomed to coexisting peacefully with poverty that we no longer get alarmed when we hear of stressful stories of our brothers and sisters in poor households around the country who are struggling to barely survive due to the rising cost of living. Something is not adding up. Even if the speed at which prices are increasing is on the slowdown, the fact is that commodity prices are very high and are likely to remain that way for some time given the ever increasing fuel pump prices,” he noted.

Fr. Muyebe continued:”There are several cases out there of guards, maids and farm workers earning far less than K1, 000 per month. This is not meant to be a finger pointing exercise but rather an attempt to rally support from all stakeholders (all of us) across the country to wake up to this very sad reality and together to begin to seriously address poverty in Zambia. Poverty is not about statistics but it is about the lives of our brothers and sisters in our society who are being deprived of decent livelihood and the minimum level of human dignity. We note that Bernard’s household like several others across the country can hardly afford fruits in their food basket. Seasonal food items like fruits accounted for a negligible reduction in the JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition basket in April and May 2022.”

Fr. Muyebe said the government should demonstrate that it is a listening regime by formulating a pro-poor 2023 national budget.

“In fact, the social and economic reality in the country is getting worse. As we continue to interact with people living in challenging circumstances, it is very clear that the least the government can do as it puts together the 2023 national budget is to demonstrate that it is a listening government, notwithstanding the challenges of prolonged debt negotiations, by putting in place some measures to address the majority’s demand for affordable food and shelter. People want not only jobs but also decent incomes and a living wage coupled with less punitive taxes. These demands are not new. The party that is now in government reverberated the people’s aspirations in some of its election promises in the run up to the elections last year. The people of Zambia are keenly watching to see if the new administration is going to fulfill a great deal of its election promises by the time of its first anniversary in government next month,” Fr. Muyebe concluded.

Liquidity challenge in the economy is driving reduction in inflation-Hambayi

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Liquidity challenge in the economy is driving reduction in inflation-Hambayi

Economist Trevor Hambayi says reduction in inflation rate is due to liquidity challenge in the economy.

Mr. Hambayi said the absence of spending is driving the current decreasing inflation.

He said there is nothing uneconomical with having a decreasing inflation with increasing prices.

“Economic definition of inflation is the rate at which prices increase. All it’s saying is that the rate at which the prices are increasing has reduced from 23% to 9.7% but still an increase in prices,” Mr. Hambayi said.

“The one key question should be what is driving the decrease in inflation. They are a number of factors that drive inflation but the single largest factor driving our current decrease in inflation is the liquidity challenge in the economy,” he said.

He said Government payments have always been key ingredients in driving our economy and the suspension of payment of arrears and the continued govt domestic borrowing of over K5 billion monthly from the domestic capital market has constrained availability of cash in the economy.

“This absence of spending is driving our current decreasing inflation. A sound and solid economy needs an underlying asset to sustain macro stability and thus important that we build a solid private sector led growth that will reduce inflation on the strength of productivity,” he said.

KCM starts payments of outstanding debt to small suppliers and contractors

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KCM starts payments of outstanding debt to small suppliers and contractors

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Celine Nair has announced that the Company has set aside two million United States dollars ($2 million) to dismantle outstanding historical debt to small and medium suppliers and contractors in a bid to reduce liabilities and aid the growth of businesses.
 
In a statement released to the media by Ms Nair, who is the acting Administrator General and Official Receiver of Zambia, said she had taken a decision to pay outstanding debt, following consultations with KCM Management, in order to support small vendors and suppliers, some of whom had been waiting for their payments for some time.
 
“The Company is fully aware that it has been difficult for our business partners to operate smoothly and grow their enterprises because part of their money has been tied up and was only expected to be paid off at the end of the liquidation process,” Ms Nair said. “But a call was made to pay now in order to create some relief to the KCM business partners.”
 
KCM has allocated about $488,675 to pay off 103 vendors with balances below $10,000, while slightly over $1.5 million was set aside for 190 vendors who have been owed amounts in excess of $10,000, under a new system seeking to ensure equitable treatment of all vendors regardless of their type of business with the Company.
 
The payments to the business partners started on Thursday, 30th June 2022 and will continue through this week until all those listed on the schedule are paid off.
 
Previously KCM has focused much on payments to major contractors who assist in keeping operations afloat during the liquidation period, resulting in other suppliers and contractors going for long periods without receiving payment, but that has changed following measures introduced since Ms Nair took over the office of KCM Provisional Liquidator about two months ago.
 
“It is our sincere hope that the newly devised system will ensure all vendors regardless of their size are treated fairly as we support growth of KCM, the mining sector and other related industry and the national economy,” She said.
 

Speaker Nelly Mutti is a UPND cadre, insists Bowman Lusambo

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Speaker Nelly Mutti is a UPND cadre, insists Bowman Lusambo

Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo has insisted that Speaker Nellie Mutti is a UPND cadre.

This is contained in a letter dated July 6th 2022 to Mrs Mutti in response to a Point of Order raised by Mitete Member of Parliament Misheck Mutelo over an alleged statement Mr. Lusambo made during an interview with Camnet TV last December in which Mr. Lusambo described Mrs Mutti as a cadre.

The Camnet TV interview was after Mrs Mutti erroneously made a ruling expelling Mr. Lusambo and other PF Members of Parliament from the House.

In the letter obtained from National Assembly, Mr. Lusambo said he doesn’t refute making a statement referring to Mrs Mutti as a cadre.

The Kabushi MP insisted that he made the statement in exercise of his constitutional right to free expression.

He said the Speaker is a known member of the UPND/cadre and attached a picture of the speaker flashing the UPND party symbol.

Mr. Lusambo said the Speaker has never made any statement to the effect that she is no longer a member of the UPND.

“The Cambridge University defines the word “Cadre” as ascribes the following meaning to it, (a) a small group of trained people who form a basic unit of a military, political of business organisation. (b) a member of such a group,” the letter read.

Mr. Lusambo stressed that the UPND is a political organisation and that the decision by Mrs Mutti to send him and other PF MPs out of the House before the final determination of their court petitions was wrong as confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

“Mr. Mutelo may not have liked what I said but that does not in any way make it an insult,” he said.

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