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CiSCA Condemns William Banda’s Sexist Remarks against Chishala Kateka and urges UPND to discipline him

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CiSCA Condemns William Banda’s Sexist Remarks against Chishala Kateka and urges UPND to discipline him

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) has said that it is utterly appalled and disgusted by the patriarchal sexist remarks that Mr William Banda, a senior member of the ruling party, made against the New Heritage Party President, Ms Chishala Kateka.

In a statement released to the media by Judith Mulenga, the chairperson, CiSCA urge the United Party for National Development (UPND) Party leadership to discipline Mr Banda and all men present at that video-taking incident including the video taker.

CiSCA said that the extreme assertion that Ms Kateka is sexually starved hence her lone demonstration holding a placard lamenting hunger in homes is gender-based violence and harassment on his part and the party he thought he was defending.

Below is the full statement

Lusaka, 23 June 2022: The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) is utterly appalled and disgusted by the patriarchal sexist remarks that Mr. William Banda, a senior member of the ruling party, made against the New Heritage Party President, Ms. Chishala Kateka. The extreme assertion that Ms. Kateka is sexually starved hence her lone demonstration holding a placard lamenting hunger in homes is gender-based violence and harassment on his part and the party he thought he was defending. Mr. Banda is clearly unapologetic misogynist! We note that Mr. Banda has never raised these sentiments against male opposition politicians who have equally been raising their voices against the ruling party. We understand why. The male opposition politicians are potential members of the ruling party and their gender is a valued bargaining chip!

By those misogynistic utterances Mr. Banda has violated several parts of our Constitution that recognizes the equal worth of all human beings. In particular, he has broken every part of Article 8 of our national values especially part (d) that speaks to human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and nondiscrimination. Article 60 on political parties does not state that men are better placed to lead political parties because they do not have a proclivity to sexual starvation and hence shall not demonstrate against the ruling party holding placards with messages of hunger! Throughout the Constitution the neutral word ‘person’ is used to refer to human beings.

President Hakainde Hichilema, during his 11th March 2022 speech to the National Assembly, in fulfilment of Article 9 part 2 of the Constitution which compels the Republican President to, ‘Once a year, report to the National Assembly the progress made in the application if the values and principles,’ the President emphasized his government’s concern on how information and communication technologies are being used to among other things, ‘perpetrate hate speech, cyberbullying, fake news, cybercrime and circulation of obscene materials, among other vices,’ He added, ‘It is important that we use these platforms responsibly for the betterment of our nation.’ CiSCA is therefore perplexed that his senior political advisor can shamelessly utter and release such obscenity on social media.

We urge the UPND Party leadership to discipline Mr. William Banda and all men present at that video taking incidence including the video taker. We further call upon the Vice President, Mrs. W. K. Mutale Nalumango to also ensure that the Gender Equity and Equality Commission as provided for in Article 231 of our Constitution is established soon to bring about tangible transformative change in our nation. Let this be one of her legacies. We understand the challenge she and the other 4 women face against 21 men in Cabinet, but we believe that with proper implementation of the constitutional principles our ‘Big Five’ Women can turn this challenge into an opportunity to bring about progress in the needed gender equity and equality in our beloved nation.

Frankie Musonda Joins Ayr United

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Frankie Musonda Joins Ayr United

Chipolopolo defender Frankie Musonda has moved quickly to find a new club six days after leaving Scottish second tier club Raith Rovers.

The 24-year-old defender is staying on in the Scottish Championship after signing with Ayr United.

“The Club are delighted to announce the signing of Frankie Musonda on a two-year deal,” Ayr United said in a statement.

“The 24-year-old defender becomes the fourth signing of the summer and joins the Honest Men after leaving Raith Rovers.”

Musonda announced his departure from Raith on June 16 after two seasons with the Scottish championship club.

Ayr finished 8th last season, three places below Raith.

Musonda’s move also comes a fortnight after earning his third and fourth Zambian caps in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and Comoros.

This follows his Chipolopolo debut in March’s friendlies against Congo-Brazzaville and Benin that were played in Turkey.

Zambia is losing its trade with the European Union

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Zambia is losing its trade with the European Union

By Edward Chisanga

President Hichilema preaches trade and investment to the EU

When President Hichilema tells the European Union (EU) that he wants more trade and investment between his country and the largest and perhaps richest regional grouping in the world, it is not because we like parroting his words that we support his call. Heads of State make statements in public, out of which intellectuals pick pieces and put them together to share a point with citizens, not out of malice for those found with stains in the story but to simply inform the public. The President simply asked the EU to invest and trade more with Zambia. He doesn’t tell me what to write out of that but I see an opportunity.

But Zambia has been divesting trade from the EU

Many Zambians may be forgiven if they assume that Zambia’s main trading partner is the EU. Yes, it used to be many years ago. But no more as Figure 1 below shows. Between 2001 and 2013, Zambia experienced rising trend in exports which was not continued thereafter. Instead, the last ten years are characterized by high rise in imports from the EU which, at one point in 2013, shot up to over US$1.2 billion.

Although government tried to bring imports down quite immensely, it continued to import significantly at the expense of exporting more to the EU, leading to massive trade deficit, which in 2013 reached a staggering minus US$800 million. Although the last ten years saw steadfast improvement in bringing down the deficit, manifested in the rising line shown between 2013 and 2020, this good effort falls short in overcoming the long downtrend shown between 2001 and 2013. Let me remind the reader that a country that continuously records trade deficits fails to leverage external income from trade unless it is spending money on importing capital and intermediate goods for industrialization.

Zambia’ major imports from the EU

Yes, Zambia imported more capital goods from the EU than consumer goods as Figure 2 below shows. But imports of consumer goods is equally high. I’m not sure if it is possible for the country to reduce significantly imports of consumer goods without knowing what they really are. Often, assumptions are made that the country should produce what it imports in order to lower imports and earn trade surpluses. But we have to be frank sometimes and state that many products produced by Zambians have very low quality and do not meet consumer needs. Most honey, made in Zambia for example has funny smell that makes it difficult to continue eating it. Consumers, including Zambians have the right to quality products including imported ones. Striking the balance between these two conflicting sides is not easy.

Zambians cannot simply be subjected to bad products for the sake of nationalism. Zambians must become globally competitive. But using dilapidated machinery, backward processes, unskilled manpower, juxtaposed by under-developed infrastructure, how can they?

Whether we like it or not, export value addition, improved products and the development of the local private sector may not come from Zambians alone in the long-term. It needs to be complimented by foreign direct investment (FDI) that President Hichilema is calling for from developed and more advanced developing countries. Zambia’s significant loss of FDI in the last two decades has largely contributed to its retarded economic growth. While Zambia has literally nothing to export to the EU (because, instead, it is exporting copper to China and Switzerland), our leaders must focus on negotiating FDI, technology, infrastructure and human capital development.

Much as I may be referred to as West-centric, by those who think that development will only come from Zambians, I assent that the President is doing the right thing. Viet Nam, which has overtaken Africa in exports of manufactured goods flourished partly due to FDI from the West and within Asia. But in Africa, we don’ have the likes of Singapore, Korea, China, etc where we can get FDI. South Africa is alone and only investing in retail outlets.

Gary Nkombo approves over 216 Community projects under CDF

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Gary Nkombo approves over 216 Community projects under CDF

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo has said that over 216 Community projects have so far been approved for implementation in 38 Constituencies at an estimated cost of K128 million.

And Mr Nkombo says 10, 200 pupils in 88 Constituencies have accessed secondary school bursaries at an estimated cost of K21 million while over 6,173 youths in 95 Constituencies have accessed skills development bursaries at an estimated cost of K33 million.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Mr Nkombo said delays in the formation of Ward Development Committees, Constituency Development Committees, and inadequate knowledge by the general public on the opportunities and procedures of applying for CDF are some of the major causes of delayed disbursement of CDF.

And on the proposal by some stakeholders for government to amend the CDF guidelines, Mr Nkombo said these guidelines were drafted in line with the CDF Act and any amendments would require changes to the law.

Speaking at the same event, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu dispelled rumours that the government is delaying the disbursement of CDF because it has no money.

Zambia should take full reign of the mines or increase its ownership-SIchinga

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Zambia should take full reign of the mines or increase its ownership-SIchinga

Former Commerce and Trade Minister Bob Sichinga has urged Zambia to take full reign of the mines or increase its ownership in the industry to reduce poverty and create jobs.

Speaking at the Leadership Conference Foundation at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Wednesday following a keynote address by Paul Kabuswe, the Minister of Mines. Mr Sichinga said it’s common sense that you only plough back in profits as a country or a company, what you put in through ownership.

“If you have 10 % shareholding in the mines in Zambia that are currently earning about US$84 billion, you only earn back 10pc,” said Mr Sichinga who also worked as group financial controller for ZCCM said.

“I heard you say there will be no nationalisation. I would be careful with my words because ownership is everything and Zambia should own at least 50% or more of the mines,” said Mr Sichinga.

Whatever the government does on behalf of Zambians regarding the mines, Mr Sichinga said bringing back companies such as Glencore AG and or Vedanta would be a fatal economic decision because of their insecurity.

“You are talking about companies (Vedanta and Glencore) that have been posting losses since they started operations years ago and yet they keep expanding globally beyond Zambia. They must not be allowed back,” said Mr Sichinga.

Up to now, Zambia still owes money it borrowed from the World Bank to pay terminal benefits to mine workers laid off by Anglo said Mr Sichinga, adding that some of the workers are yet to be paid their terminal benefits.

Mr Sichinga, bemoaned the fact that the UPND government had brought back Rothschild & Co to advice it on making mining profitable in Zambia saying it is wrong.

In his defence, however, Mr Kabuswe said, “we inherited a confused mining sector, we were shocked which are trying to fix right now through major reforms.”

The Minister, without specifying a number said Zambia would soon “increase” its shareholding in the mining sector but ensure that the economy remains liberal.

He also declared that the UPND government is “Not a Puppet government” amdist major criticism from several sections of the opposition and pundits.

However, Mr Kabuswe said that Zambia is failing to derive full benefits from the mining sector because of lack of capacity to add value to minerals locally.

Mr Kabuswe said that the government, therefore, wants to see more Zambians participating in the mining sector and has encouraged local businesses to put their resources together and form Greenfield Mines that will create opportunities for other Zambians.

Mr. Kabuswe challenged Zambians to rise to the occasion and start participating fully in the mining sector by owning mines instead of only aspiring to be managers.

He emphasized that the new dawn government’s vision is not to nationalize mines but will ensure that the participation of citizens in the mining value chain is promoted through the creation of a conducive environment.

And Leadership Conference Foundation Director Oscar Chavula said the Foundation is a nonprofit independent group of Leaders that is able to stand on what they believe and have a debate that is completely robust and independent of third party interest.

Mr. Chavula also said that Copper Mining has been a part of Zambia for a long time and is the sole commodity that has remained the economic carpet of the country.

Central Province Minister orders a halt to Mine Operations over pollution

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Central Province Minister orders a halt to Mine Operations over pollution

Central Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa has halted operations at Kaluba and parts of Kawasaki mine as the pollution worsens in residential areas near the mines in ways ward of Kabwe District.

Mr. Nanjuwa has since summoned all team leaders of the said mines to the office of the District Commissioner by 10 hours today.
The minister has tasked the local authority to ensure that those miners put culverts as they have blocked the main canal hence blocking the waters.

The Minister has also tasked Kabwe Municipal Council to ensure total safety of all farmers who have gardens in the said mining areas by Sensitizing them about the danger of planting their vegetables in lead contaminated areas.

Mr. Nanjuwa has stressed the need for the local authority to work closely with the office of the district commissioner to ensure safety of the residents that have complained of heavy polluted dust by the miners.

Meanwhile,the Minister also warned and cautioned miners from wearing UPND party regalia while conducting their mining activities.
He said that cooperatives were given licenses to conduct mining activities and not caders.

The Minister was accompanied by members of the Provincial joints operations Committee , the District Commissioner Lennox Shimwambwa, Director Engineering and Director Public Health and the District Health officer Dr. Tiza Mfune.

Anglo American is getting heavily involved in the governance of our country now-Fred M’membe

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Anglo American is getting heavily involved in the governance of our country now-Fred M’membe

Leader of the Socialist Party (SP) Dr Fred M’membe has charged that Anglo America has a Foundation that is attempting to sponsor governments in Africa because of its interest in minerals.

Dr M’membe named the Foundation as the Brenthurst Foundation and charged that it has sponsored a puppet regime in Zambia.
He said the same organisation is now supporting Odinga Raila in the forthcoming elections in Kenya.

The opposition leader said this during the Leadership Conference Foundation on Mining in Lusaka yesterday.

“Anglo today has a Foundation that tries to sponsor governments across the continent, for what? For minerals. They are trying to support puppets in South Africa itself, they are trying to sponsor puppets in Zimbabwe, they have sponsored puppets here in Zambia and I say it without reservation. And I can prove it,” he said.

“If anyone wants to challenge me for calling them puppets, I am ready. We can sit on a table and discuss. They are trying to sponsor puppets in Kenya, in the for coming elections, the Brenthurst Foundation has gone to Kenya with some Zambians from State House.”

He charged that Anglo American is getting heavily involved in the governance of our country now.

“We have to resist like our own ancestors, we have to resist. This territory is all that we have. They have shown us that they are brutal, they are not kind to us. They have been mining for 100 years, what do they have for us? What have they left for us? What did we have to show for a 100 years of mining?

“Anglo American is getting heavily involved in the governance of our country now. They governed Zambia some time back and even after stopping governing directly they still governed. Even when we took over ZCCM they still ran ZCCM-IH. Don’t be deceived, it was still their mining. Yes, we got some little concessions, a little favours because we had a stronger voice but Anglo was still judge,” he said.

Dr M’membe expressed worry that with the strategic minerals located in the region, “we are going to see much more trouble.”

He also charged that it’s not just the investors but that armies are also coming to the country.

“They are supporting Odinga Raila, they are supporting Bobby Wine in Uganda. Why should a cooperation be interested in who governs the country? It’s because they have been doing that for centuries, they have been governing for centuries, directly and indirectly,” he said.

“And now with the strategic minerals located here in this region, we are going to see much more trouble. It’s not as peaceful as it seems, it’s not just a matter of talking to the investors here and there, there are armies behind that. They are coming.”

Defeating the debt demon

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Defeating the debt demon


By Nkonkomalimba Kafunda

The country is embroiled in a crisis of expectation which is not far removed from the global cost of living crisis, as the world emerges from the covid pandemic only to face the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Based on election promises for a better quality more affordable life, Zambians are becoming increasingly disenchanted with their mundane existence as prices of essentials though stable remain high and, consequently, unaffordable.

The genesis of our local problems extend beyond Covid and Russian aggression and it is important that the general citizenry understand where we are, why we are where we are and what is being done to get us where we are supposed to be .

For ten years up to August 2021, the country was run by a government that was fiscally profligate. They borrowed because they were able to, without consideration of ability to repay, leaving the country with unsustainable debt in excess of US$32 billion owed to both state and non state creditors.

The consequences of this are dire. The new government has, in the short term, tried to mitigate the situation by acquiring an Extended Credit Facility from the International Monetary Fund but before this is secured creditors must be in agreement on a debt structuring mechanism for the country. Finance and national development Miniter Situmbeko Musokotane explained in a recent statement headed UNPLANNED BORROWING LANDED US IN THIS SITUATION BUT WE WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM..

“This is important because without affordability in making debt payments, the budget will not afford allocations for payment of salaries, spending on social sectors such as education and health, and meeting infrastructure development obligations.

“In fact, as much as 75% of all the money the Government collects on a monthly basis would go towards debt payments without debt restructuring. To mitigate the impact of such a scenario, the creditors who Zambia owe’s money have been asked to reduce what the country owes them before we ask the IMF to help”.

However, after the initial creditor meeting on June 16 in Paris Co-Chaired by China and France, “the approval of the anticipated IMF supported programme has been stretched from June to later in the year to allow Official Creditors (Government and Government related lenders) under the G20 Common Framework to make credible assurances and facilitate IMF staff submission of Zambia’s request for a 3-Year Extended Credit Facility to IMF management and the board for approval,” read Dr. Musokotwane’s statement in part.

The approval, however, is not the panacea for all the ills that ail us according to Hannah Ryder, the CEO of China-based African consultancy Development Reimagined.

“Zambia may well be able to get assurances from this meeting to unlock the IMF programme, and possibly also World Bank finance as well. The IMF seem to be willing, and some creditors have said that Zambia’s recent actions and promises to increase transparency and debt management may also be helpful for them to back an IMF program.

“However, in terms of sustainability, the problem is Zambia and all creditors have to assume no relief or restructuring from the (non-Chinese) private lenders, which still puts a lot of pressure on Zambia’s fiscal space.

“Not only this, interest rates of these debts may continue to grow – as they are flexible – as took place for many countries in the 1990s onwards, which may mean Zambia has to keep on rescheduling and reviewing its plan.

“Unless Zambia has a clear plan for reviving its economy, taking account the risks of interest rates rising and a risk-ridden and uncertain global economy, it’s very unclear if any bailout today will really help in the medium-term”.

It is with this myriad of problems that the government is working to get the country out of this inherited malaise. Unfortunately, there has been an information drought as government is not effectively communicating the various hurdles it faces in it’s quest to deliver the promised better quality more affordable life.

Zesco United Promote Legends Jacob Banda and Kalengo to the Bench

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Zesco United have promoted two club legends to Mumba Mumamba’s bench that also sees a reshuffle to the first assistant position.

Goalkeeper Jacob Banda, who spent over 15 years at the club where he won eight league titles before retiring in 2019, is the new goalkeeper coach.

He replaces the long-serving goalkeeper trainer Emmanuel M’schili.

Ex-Zesco striker and Banda’s team mate Winston Kalengo shifts straight from the pitch to the dug-out as physical trainer.

Kalengo retired at the end of the 2021/2022 season after a career dating back to 2002 that started at Zanaco before joining Zesco in 2010.

He replaces ex- Chipolopolo defender Clive Hachilensa.

And Zesco CEO Charles Kalala who made the announcements on Wednesday also revealed that Emmanuel Siwale who has been assistant coach for the last five years has also left the position.

Siwale has been replaced by the man he took over from Alfred Lupiya who returns to Zesco two years after he was redeployed to Zesco feeder club Malaiti Rangers.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the three officials for serving the club with great diligence and for contributing to the teams’ success,” Kalala told Zesco Media.

194 pupils given bursaries in Serenje

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194 pupils given bursaries in Serenje

 Government has given bursaries amounting to K207,250  to 194 pupils for secondary boarding for term two under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Serenje District in Central Province.

While applications for 226 students in the district are waiting approval for skills training.

ZANIS reports that Serenje town council secretary  Milly Muluti  confirmed that  the bursaries amounting to K71,750.00 have been given to 60 pupils for secondary boarding  out of which 47 are males and the remainder females.

68 pupils from Muchinga constituency have received bursaries for secondary boarding amounting to K135,500.00.

Meanwhile, approval of K2,023,953.00  for bursaries by the minister of local government will be given to  60 female students and 166 male students to acquire skill training from TEVETA accredited institutions.

“The numbers for both secondary boarding and skills training is reasonable considering that we are just starting. I am sure next time more will apply,” She observed.

She added that the council will continue to sensitise people on the increased CDF in the district.

Building housing for Govt departments on verge of collapsing in Zimba

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Building housing for Govt departments on verge of collapsing in Zimba

A building block which houses the district administration and seven other government line ministries in Zimba district, Southern Province is on the verge of collapsing.

The civil servants operate amid fears that the building may   collapse any time soon.

As a result, smooth services to the  people in the area and nation at large are being hampered.

The building, formerly a Guest house for Zimba Town Council was turned into an office block catering the district administration, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Green Economy, Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development and the  Ministry of Information and Media.

Others operating in the same building owing to lack of accommodation space are Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security among other ministries.

The office block has no toilet and civil servants operating in the building walk about 500 metres away to relieve themselves or go to the nearby ‘bush’ to answer to the call of nature.

On an on-the-spot check conducted today by the Zimba Town Council Deputy Council Secretary, Jeremiah Sachikola and Council Chief Administrative Officer Vincent Mwaanga found several cracks on the wall of the building.

The inspection and tour at the building further revealed that they are big cracks in the walls of the building and the roof is also falling apart because of the planks that are rotten and eaten by termites (ants).

Besides, the toilets have collapsed, neglected and abandoned and become un-usable for a long time now.

The two Council officials were  shown around the dilapidated building by Zimba District Administrative Officer (DAO) Gift Hajongola.

Mr. Hajongola said if the building is not renovated quickly, civil servants working from the  building risked their lives.

 “This building will just one day fall  and we’ll be in trouble. There are no toilets and people go elsewhere to relieve themselves. Therefore, the better it is worked on soon,” the DAO said.

He , however said, a letter has been sent to the higher authorities for consideration over the building in question.

But Deputy Council Secretary, Jeremiah Sachikola is hopeful that the renovation work of the building will start next year.

He that at the moment, there are no funds but expressed optimistic that the Central government is aware of the situation to release the resources preferably using Constituency Development Fund, CDF to repair the building block.

And some of the government workers talked by ZANIS demanded to move out of the risky deplorable building.

Speaking with ZANIS on a condition of anonymity, the civil servants said the building is not fit for human adaptation.

“We work here in this building block with risks. The building isn’t fit for human adaptation,” stated one affected senior government employee.

Kabika calls for revising of constitutions to accommodate more women

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Kabika calls for revising of constitutions to accommodate more women

Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika has called on political parties to revise their party constitutions to accommodate more women into leadership positions.

Mrs Mainga explains that this will help address critical issues affecting women and girls in the country.

Equal participation of women will enhance development , she reasons, by addressing some of the issues that hinder women from realizing their potential as they contribute to social and economic development.

Speaking at the side-lines of the Commonwealth Women’s forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Mrs Kabika said the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ ) should also compel political parties to field 50 percent women among candidates seeking political office.

ZANIS reports from Kigali, Rwanda that the Permanent Secretary maintained that it is important for Zambia to participate in the women’s conference as it will provide the country an opportunity to share ideas and learn from successes of other countries with regard to equal participation in decision making positions.

“We can take lessons from countries such as Rwanda where 61 percent of parliamentary positions are held by women while Zambia is lagging behind at 14 percent,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary said the country can enhance women participation in key leadership positions and be able to leverage funding.

Mrs Kabika demanded that that funding institutions should assist women to access loan facilities.

She noted that access to finance has been inhibiting women engaging in entrepreneurship and politics stating that few women have the financial muscle to participate in politics.

Meanwhile, Karen Nakawala, a member of the taskforce on the ‘Elimination of Cancer’ stressed the need for the commonwealth countries to look at ways of reducing cervical cancer especially among countries with the highest cases of the disease.

Ms Nakawala observed that Zambia is ranked third from Malawi and Eswatini and called for more collaboration on issues such as access to treatment.

“Though treatment of cancer in Zambia is free, we have a challenge because there is only one facility which is specialized in cancer treatment and it also provides services to other countries in the region so we need more facilities that are accessible,” she said.

Ms Nakawala , who is a Cancer Survivor , further stressed the need for enhanced access to HPV vaccine among eligible girls stating that this is the only way to eliminate cervical cancer.

She also noted that information sharing on best practices will help the country adopt similar lessons regarding sensitization and treatment of cancer.

Police recruitment exercise to commence soon

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Police recruitment exercise to commence soon

Inspector General of Police, Lemmy Kajoba has assured Zambia officers on the Copperbelt will next week receive new fleet of vehicles to easy operation challenges.

And Mr. Kajoba has disclosed that the much anticipated recruitment exercise will commence soon to beef up security in the country.

Mr. Kajoba says the vehicles will mitigate the operational challenges his officers have been facing in the execution of their duty.

The Inspector General said this today when he called on Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Kasongo that his officers have serious mobility challenges in the execution of duties due to lack of motor vehicles.

A lot of officers have been acting in various positions without confirmation and that others have saved as constables for over 20 years without promotion.

Mr. Kajoba has, however, expressed happiness the newly approved expanded establishment for the Zambia police will address such challenges.

The establishment will allow officers especially those that have been acting to be positioned in their right portfolios.

Mr. Kajoba said this will boost morale in the officers as the service works hard to rebuild what he termed as, “seemingly low image of the Zambia police” by instilling confidence in the members of the public.

“I wish to inform you that even as we speak, the government is mobilising a number of vehicles and starting next week we will be receiving a fleet of new vehicles and Copperbelt will benefit,” he said.

And Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Kasongo said the vehicles will go a long way in enhancing the operations of the police in the province.

Mr. Kasongo said lack of transport has negatively affected operations of the police who he added are working hard to provide law and order.

“The issue of transport in the police is of great concern. We have stations like Masala where a vehicle from traffic section can’t go beyond 60 kilometers per hour,” Mr. Kasongo said.

He expressed happiness that the new dawn government is working tirelessly to address the challenges men and women in uniform have been facing.

CAF Envoys Arrows and Zesco Announce 2022/2022 Pre-Season Arrivals

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Zambia’s 2022/2023 continental representatives Red Arrows and Zesco United have been very busy over the last week in the pre-season transfer market bolstering their squads.

Defending FAZ Super League champions Red Arrows, who will represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League, have made some wholesale signings with five alone coming from demoted Kafue Celtic.

The arrivals include striker Albert Kangwanda who was last season’s fourth highest scorer in the FAZ Super League on 12 goals, four goals behind Golden Boot winner and his new club mate Ricky Banda.

Kangwanda heads to Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka together with Brian Chilimina, Richard Daka, Peter Chikola and Thomas Zulu , all on two-year loan deals.

Arrows have also signed Chipolopolo left-back Prosper Chiluya from Kabwe Warriors on a permanent deal.

And in Ndola, runners-up Zesco, who will play in the CAF Confederation Cup, have officially confirmed three signings so far.

Two alone are from next door neighbours Buildcon with whom Zesco shares Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The Buildcon duo is defender Roderick Khembo and midfielder Kizito Kezironi.

Defender Chipyoka Songa joins Zesco from Shamuel Academy after a season at demoted Lusaka Dynamos.

The duo from Buildcon join on two year deals while Songa’s stay is for four years.

We are not a puppet government-Kabuswe

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We are not a puppet government-Kabuswe

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe has charged that it is unfair to label the UPND administration as a puppet government. Mr. Kabuswe said it is the policy of the UPND government to listen to all experts including both local and foreign ones.

He said embracing policy advice from foreign experts does not make the UPND administration a puppet of the West. Mr Kabuswe was speaking when he delivered a Key Note speech at the opening of the Mining Indaba under the theme, “Mining for Change,” organized by the Leadership Conferences Foundation.

Mr. Kabuswe’s comments follows a statement by Socialist Party President Fred M’membe who has labelled the UPND government as a puppet of the West.

Mr M’membe who was in attendance at the Conference did not respond to Mr Kabuswe’s defence of government.

“We will listen to all experts, we will listen to local ones and foreign ones too. As the New Dawn government, we will not discriminate where knowledge will come from, that doesn’t make us a puppet government.”

And Mr. Kabuswe says has urged Zambians to put their heads together and start greenfield mining projects instead of leaving the sector to foreigners.

“We have been managers and supervisors for a long time its time we became mine owners. Apply for licenses now and we shall give you,” Mr. Kabuswe said.

Mr. Kabuswe lamented the fact that only 50 percent of Zambia has been explored for mining while the rest remains unexplored.

“We need to do a comprehensive audit of our mineral resources, this has never been done before and now is the time we got to know exactly how much wealth we have in the ground,” he said.

The Mines Minister also cautioned would be foreign investors against flouting Zambian laws.

“Don’t come to Zambia and misbehave. We also want investment pledges to translate into the well being of Zambians in the mining localities.”

Earlier, Fred Mmembe, the President of the Socialist Party reiterated the call for Zambians to wake up and call the UPND government to check for being western “puppets”.

Dr Mmembe said this during the mining indaba organised by the Leadership Conference Foundation in Lusaka today, also restating that the US combatant arm aka AFRICOM will bring nothing but instability to Zambia.

“I challenge them (government) to face me and deny that they are not puppets because I am saying it again that they are puppet government sponsored by the west,” said Dr Mmembe.

Dr Mmembe cautioned that the same way the west, Belgium to be specific killed DRC (Zaire) Prime Minister 60 years and melted his body in sulphuric acid is the same way they will harm the ones that will oppose them in Zambia.

He said the return of Anglo and entry of AFRICOM is “not in the interest of Zambia its in the interest of themselves as seek our mineral resources such as copper and cobalt.”

Dr Mmembe said, “we were duped over privatisation, duped over liberalisation and today we are being duped about the return of the so-called investors through the puppet governments such as in Zambia and Kenya which they are sponsoring.”

Dr Mmembe said it is a shame that Zambia continues to allow foreign mine companies to continue tax evasion while Zambians go hungry without food or money to educate their children.

“They (so called investors) take you to Cape Town, fund your election and you feel indebted to them. They (government) can ignore my statement its ok, we will also have our time and they won’t manage to ignore us.”

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