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The rise and rise of James Ndambo – watch his lips

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The rise and rise of James Ndambo – watch his lips

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

You have got to hand it to James Ndambo for putting up such a shindig. My Home Town (MHT) finale which gripped Choma over the weekend was a showstopper.

Everything he did and said in the build-up to the MHT spectacle was couched in philanthropic speak leaving no margin for error. Calm and articulate, he chose his words carefully, not like a businessman but a politician schooled in the art of sophistry. Yet, the impact of his works still makes it difficult to disguise the subtle hints of his true intentions.

What is Ndambo really up to is the big question?

One can refurbish a dilapidated school or a chief’s palace without raising eyebrows but tarring roads or donating vehicles to police is a civic duty – this is a terrain reserved for politicians. This gesture of goodwill is what is driving angst among his detractors. Regardless, Ndambo has not only created a new template for socio-economic development but has certainly raised the bar for philanthropy.

This is a headache for the new government which is still struggling to provide tangible achievements almost 10 months since assuming office. That his critics are now throwing bricks at his shadow in the hope that they will prompt him to reveal his real motive is evidence of the disruptive impact of a new third way – currently in formative stages. Try as he is doing to suppress whispers, time will likely reveal his motives. For now, it is safe to assume that there are two wealth political heavyweights in the ring.

The strategist in Ndambo had anticipated a political blowback of sorts ahead of staging the MHT hence his emphatic reminders that his was not a political project. Do we believe him? Here is a clue. Repeatedly asked the same question but on seven separate occasions, the current No 10, Downing street occupant, Boris Johnson vehemently protested assertions that he ever harbored ambitions of becoming Britain’s Prime Minister. Can you remember? Facing a life-threatening predicament, it was Simon Peter who twice denied the obvious – that he ever knew or met Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Is there a witch-hunt underway to identify his associates? The Ndambomania is the reason we are now frivolously devoting inches of newspaper columns questioning the rationale of the state in providing him with security and police escort. For sure, the establishment’s lenses have temporarily shifted from the PF’s governance failures to a new target. Aside from the vitriol that is being thrown his way, it might even be possible that state sanctioned enquiries into his sources of wealth are underway.

But is this necessary? It is the nature of gutter politics and the Zambian terrain is not an exception to such skullduggery. Fact is one cannot help but marvel at what Ndambo is doing for Choma residents. He probably has done more at the stroke of a whip than their Parliamentary representative has done over the last 15 years.

Needless to add, the subtle message in this benevolence should not be lost in translation. ‘I hold no political office and neither do I have access to state resources yet you can see what I have done for my hometown Choma. Hena mulalanga basa? Imwe ba Kopala mwebalefwa ne nsala uko, bushe muletamba efyo ndebomba? Is the rest of Zambia watching? This is his manifesto.

Eyeing the Presidency or King-maker role?

Forget the pungwa semantics and the fight against corruption, it is the hunger stupid – to borrow renowned political strategist James Carville’s words. The real challenges facing of Zambian families is the rising cost of living, youth unemployment and poverty. It is these factors that catapulted the UPND to power and few would disagree that economic and social conditions have barely shifted despite the dawn of a new government. Just like UPND rode on an ‘agent of change platform’, these issues remain the soft underbelly for the third-way grouping.

For context, PF is unlikely to resurrect as an alternative or later on an effective opposition to the UPND. That it has failed to mobilise cash to host an electoral conference is indicative of the waning fortunes of the former ruling party. But Ndambo has cash and plenty of it for that matter. Could he therefore be a saviour or the unifying factor that the PF is looking for? Astute a businessman he is, it is highly unlikely he could jump into a sinking ship hence the best option would be creating a new formation.

That he is now a South African citizen is irrelevant in the bigger scheme of things which is why he is using trickery to elevate discourse of something inconsequential. His renunciation of Zambian citizenship was a fit for purpose decision that he can easily rescind without difficulty. In any case, doesn’t the Zambian constitution or its laws provide for duo-citizenship?

However this pans out, diversity and political plurality is what the country desperately needs. Let us be clear, enhancing Zambia’s democratic tenets is critical which is why those aspiring for Presidential office should be left to do so without intimidation, this includes Ndambo.

The author is an avid reader of political history and philosophy. The only thing he supports is Kabwe Warriors and Liverpool. For feedback, contact [email protected]

Man commits suicide by stabbing himself with a knife in the chest after a marital dispute

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Man commits suicide by stabbing himself with a knife in the chest after a marital dispute

A 40 year old man of Mikomfwa Township in Luanshya on the Copperbelt Province has allegedly committed suicide by stabbing himself with a knife in the chest after a marital dispute.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Sharon Zulu confirmed to reporters in Ndola that Ignitious Nkomeni of House No. 2435 Maiteneke Mikomfwa, Luanshya stabbed himself after assaulting his wife earlier on Monday.

Ms. Zulu narrated that Nkomeni had wounded his wife Ruth Kameko aged 25 using a knife causing her to sustain a cut on her left shoulder and the matter was reported at Luanshya Central police station.

She said Nkomeni stabbed himself at the time police attempted to arrest him for wounding his wife and died at Thompson Hospital where health workers tried to resuscitate him in vain.

“Sudden and unnatural death reported at Luanshya Central Police Station on 04/07/ 2022 at 02: 25 hours, Occurred On 04/07/2022 around 01: 50 hours at House No. 2435 Maiteneke Mikomfwa Luanshya in which No. 8140 C/Inspector Joseph Chirwa of House No .M 03 New Levi Chito Police Camp Luanshya also a Station Inspector at Luanshya Central Police Station Reported that male Ignitious Nkomeni aged 40 of House No. 2435 Maiteneke – Mikomfwa, Luanshya committed Suicide by stabbing himself with a Knife. This happened on 4/05/2022,” Ms. Zulu said.

“The deceased had committed an offence of unlawful wounding by stabbing his wife Ruth Kameko aged 25 of the same address with a knife causing her to sustain a cut on her left shoulder and the matter was reported for investigations at Luanshya Central police station. On 04/07 2022 around 01:50 whilst the police were doing night patrols being led by now reporter followed up the matter in order to apprehend him. When they reached at his house the deceased after seeing that police were after him told them off that he was going to end his life because of his wife’s behaviour there and then he stabbed himself and officer’s only heard him shout that he had stabbed himself,” she narrated.

Ms. Zulu concluded:”The Police later forced their way in the house through the main door with the help of the wife Ruth Kameko and found that suspect was lying in a pool of blood and shouting on top of his Voice and the knife stuck on his left side of his chest. He was rushed to Thompson District Hospital where they tried to resuscitate him but to no avail. Inquiry file opened and more details to follow.”

Current flour price of maize will discourage farmers from engaging in maize production

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Current flour price of maize will discourage farmers from engaging in maize production

Former Luanshya Member of Parliament Steve Chungu has charged that the current flour price of maize will discourage farmers from engaging in maize production.

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) last month pegged its maize purchasing price for the 2022 Grain Marketing season at K160 per 50kg bag of white maize which translates to K10 increment from last year’s price for the commodity.

Announcing the buying price for Maize, Soya beans and Paddy rice in Lusaka, FRA Board Chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya said that the agency has also fixed the price of soya beans at K550 per 50kg bag from K500 last year and K200 per 40kg bag of paddy rice from K195 last year.

But Mr. Chungu said the flour price is not matching the high cost of farmer inputs such as fertiliser.

He predicted that many farmers will not plant maize during the 2022/2023 farming season because the maize production business has become unprofitable.

“The current flour price of maize after consulting many famers I believe is actually working against our government policy on Agriculture. In the next planting season, many farmers won’t go into maize production with the price at which they are selling maize today. The increase of K10 which is just the cost of an empty grain bag and going by the cost of our fertiliser and various farming inputs is having a very bad toll on the farmers to go back into the field and plant maize,” Mr. Chungu said.

The former Government Chief Whip has since urged the government to re-look into maize pricing.

Mr. Chungu wondered why the price of maize has remained low when other commodities are becoming expensive.

“Practically the Government should look into this. It is not working out well and I am appealing to the leadership of this country, the President and Ministers to relook into the plight of farmers now. Maize is the staple food for the poor Zambian, the only food that we know. If the farmers are not going to go back to the field and plant, let’s forget about having a good harvest in the 2022/2023 farming season. It is not working out for anyone. I know the reason why they have tried to maintain the low cost of our maize is to maintain the cost of mealie meal but economically it is not matching with the flow price of our maize. The flow price is not matching with the cost of maize production. Farmers have already invested in maize production and need to get value for their investment. Farmers work hard to produce maize being sold at a mockery price,” Mr. Chungu said.

He added that the New Dawn Government’s economic policies are not inspiring citizens.

Mr. Chungu said citizens had high hopes that the UPND leadership would drive Zambia to great heights.

He said Zambia at the moment is not going anywhere economically.

“We had high hopes that you can drive this country to great heights but so far I do not see Zambia going anywhere economically. We are killing this economy by going to bed with the IMF. We are killing this economy by giving tax holidays to mining companies. Can we relook at the mining tax as we come up with the 2023 National Budget to ensure that we benefit from minerals? Why should we deny Zambians a birthright of getting right taxes from mineral resources? Why should foreigners get free minerals from Zambia?”

Botswana and Angola Make Initial Push Towards Chipolopolo COSAFA Date

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A preliminary picture as to who might face Chipolopolo Zambia in the quarterfinals from Group A manifested itself on day-one of the 2022 COSAFA Cup that kicked off on July 5 in Durban, South Africa.

Angola and Botswana both made good starts in the battle to finish top of Group A for that lone spot that will a secure a last eight dates against Zambia on July 12.

Chipolopolo and six other top ranked sides are on bye and enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage.

In the opening game at King Zwelithini Stadium, Botswana beat a plucky Seychelles 1-0.

Thato Kebue headed in the games’ only goal in the 52nd minute to silence a Seychelles who did not disappoint despite the score line.

In the second Group A match in an evening kickoff at the same venue, Angola dominated a defensive Comoros to win 3-1.

Comoros cracked after 37 minutes of soaking the Angolan pressure when Razao swept in a free kick to give the Palancas Negras a one-nil halftime lead.

Lepua converted a 50th minute penalty and Higino curled in a sumptuous shot from the edge of the box in the 75th minute.

Two minutes later, Ali Nassim pulled one back for Comoros after coming out to play after the hour mark but their comeback was a case of too little too late.

In their penultimate Group A fixtures on July 7 at the same venue, Botswana faces Comoros while Angola plays Seychelles.

Police called upon to extend investigation of cases of political violence to rural areas

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Police called upon to extend investigation of cases of political violence to rural areas

Former Foreign Affairs Minister in the MMD regime Keli Walubita has urged the Inspector General of Police to extend investigation of cases of political violence to rural parts of the country.

Dr Walubita who welcomed the decision of the Zambia Police Service to revisit numerous cases among them of political violence said the investigations should not only be restricted to the capital city alone but other far flung areas where people were victims of political violence.

“I am making a passionate appeal to the Inspector general of Police and to his command to thank the Zambia Police for having indicated that they are going to investigate all the cases of criminality that occurred around 2015, 2016,” said Dr Walubita.

The former Foreign Affairs minister said there is need for the Zambia Police Service to expedite the investigations to ensure that perpetrators of political violence are brought before justice.

Dr Walubita said he still seeks answers and justice over the attempted assassination of his life in 2015 when he had gone to campaign for the UPND in Shangombo District.

Dr Walubita who served as Member of Parliament for Shangombo for 10 years said his vehicle was extensively damaged along with the Chalet where he was lodging during the campaign trail.

“The Chalets in which I was sleeping in, which is within the Shangombo Roman Catholic Diocese was attacked, the windows were shattered with a view that I should be assassinated on the spot. My vehicle was shattered,” recounted Dr Walubita.

He said what was shocking was that he was attacked in a Chalet on the premises of the Catholic Church just 100 meters away from the police station.

Dr Walubita said despite a report being made to the Police in Shangombo and a docket being opened, he has not received any feedback from the police.

Dr Walubita said President Hakainde Hichilema is aware about the incident and had called him immediately after news of his attack in order to find out about his safety during the 2016 campaigns.

He said a lot of criminal activities arising from political violence took place in Shangombo and other areas affecting not only him but also the ordinary people which need redress.

Dr Walubita said culprits are well known and that the police must act decisively.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson, Daniel Mwale told ZANIS that the Police Service is still investigating most cases bordering on political violence that were never concluded in order to give them logical conclusion.

“We are revisiting most of the cases to give some logical end. We are revisiting gassing cases, we are revisiting most cases of political violence so that we can bring them to an end,” said Mr Mwale.

Italian President expected in Zambia for 3 day State visit

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Italian President expected in Zambia for 3 day State visit

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo says the President of Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella is expected to be in Zambia from tomorrow 6th to the 8th of July 2022 for an official State visit.

Mr. Kakubo noted that the Italian Head of State is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema where discussions will focus on pertinent matters of mutual interest at bilateral, regional and international levels.

Mr Kakubo noted that during this historic visit, President Mattarella is scheduled to address the National Assembly of Zambia on 7th July, 2022.

He added that Zambia and Italy share excellent bilateral relations and cooperation premised on shared values and mutual respect stating that the two countries also collaborate at international level through common membership to the United Nations, among other institutions.

Mr. Kakubo added that government remains resolute in its pursuit of robust economic diplomacy in order to safeguard the country’s interests on the international arena.

He said the high level engagements with strategic partners underscore the commitment of the government to achieve its goal of economic transformation underpinned by peace and security.

Mr. Kakubo further stated that In this regard, this landmark visit by President Mattarella will further consolidate the strong ties between Zambia and Italy for the mutual benefit of the people in the two countries.

He noted that President Mattarella is expected to depart Zambia on 8th July, 2022.

Preserve and turn AU Monument into tourist site

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Preserve and turn AU Monument into tourist site

Former Foreign Affairs Minister in the MMD Regime Kelly Walubita has urged Government to preserve the AU Monument in Lusaka and turn it into a tourist site.

Dr Walubita says there is need to maintain and preserve the historical site which is now in a deplorable state.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister said the construction of the AU monument by the MMD administration over 20 years ago was intended to signify African Unity following the transformation of the OAU into AU in 2001.

“The Zambian government put up a statute by Addis Ababa roundabout. It was put as a symbol of our participation in the transformation of the OAU into now a solid institutional organization of the African Union” explained Dr Walubita.

Dr Walubita said the 2022 AU summit will be historic and there is need to maintain and preserve the AU monument and ensure that the over 800 visiting AU dignitaries visit the monument to appreciate the significance of the last OAU summit held in Lusaka in 2001.

 “I would even encourage delegates that they should even find time to visit this statue because this is the symbol of the transformation of the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union” said Dr Walubita.

The former minister appealed to President Hichilema to ensure that there is high level cabinet support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to ensure that the 2022 summit is successfully hosted.

“I have all the faith in my government of President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister Stanley Kakubo that they will take this summit as a rare historic event. Every country in Africa wants to host the African Union summit, every country in Africa wants to host the meetings of ministers of various sectors, so it is one of the biggest honours our new government is being bestowed on to host the summit of the African Union and I have no reservations, it will be handled professionally” said Dr Walubita.

Zambia is scheduled to host the 41st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union and the 4th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the AU and the Regional Economic Communities (RECS) from July 14 to 17, in Lusaka.

About 13 Heads of State and over 800 delegates are expected to attend the AU mid-year summit in Lusaka, Zambia.

Zambia hosted the last OAU summit in July, 2001 which saw the continental body transition into the AU to meet the contemporary needs and aspirations of the continent.

Slowdown in inflation does not mean a reduction in commodity prices-Bank of Zambia Director

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Slowdown in inflation does not mean a reduction in commodity prices-Bank of Zambia Director

The Bank of Zambia-BOZ has said that the general public should not mistake the slowdown in inflation to mean a reduction in commodity prices clarifying that inflation depicts the rate at which prices increase and not decrease.

BOZ Director Economics, Jonathan Chipili clarified that the current rate of inflation simply means that commodity prices will continue to rise but at a slower rate of 9.7% as opposed to a higher rate of increase at 24% last year.

Several stakeholders, people, businesses and online blogs have been questioning how commodity prices remain high with some continuing to rise while the country has reported reduced inflation from over 24 % last year to a single-digit rate of 9.7 for the month of June.

Mr Chipili said that the single-digit inflation rate towards the bank of Zambia’s target of 6 to 8 %, does not mean prices will go down but that with slowed-down inflation, prices will be rising at a more desirable rate as opposed to when inflation is high.

Mr Chipili added that the current inflation rate is attributable to the stable exchange rate, the reduced price of maize due to the country enjoying a surplus in production and the gains made by the kwacha, as well as the high supply of vegetables on the market.

Zambia’s inflation rate dropped below 10% for the first time in almost three years in June, against a global trend of record consumer-price growth.

Prices rose 9.7% from a year earlier, compared with 10.2%% in May, interim Statistician-General Mulenga Musepa told reporters Thursday in Lusaka, the capital. The last time the southern African nation’s inflation rate was under 10% was in August 2019. Annual food-price growth slowed to 11.9% in June, compared with 12.3% in the previous month, and non-food inflation decelerated to 6.9% from 7.5%. Costs climbed 0.9% in the month.

According to Bloomberg, inflation surged toward the end of 2020 and peaked at 24.6% in the middle of last year. The acceleration was largely driven by a sell-off of the kwacha and its dollar-denominated debt after Zambia became Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter in November 2020.

Optimism over the nation’s economy since the election of Hakainde Hichilema as president in August, a potential debt restructuring and a $1.4 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund has seen a rally in the kwacha. That’s helped contain prices that are increasing due to supply-chain disruptions stemming from the war in Ukraine and intermittent Covid-19 lockdowns.

The kwacha has gained almost 33% against the dollar in the last 12 months, making it the second best-performing currency after the Russian ruble.

The sustained slowdown in inflation may give the monetary policy committee room to hold rates and aid the economy’s rebound when it meets in August. Last month, the central bank projected inflation will average 12.5% this year and will decline toward its target range of 6% to 8% by the end of 2023.

Muchinga Province 2023 Investment Forum and EXPO to be launched in Lusaka

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Muchinga Province 2023 Investment Forum and EXPO to be launched in Lusaka

Preparations for the 2023 Muchinga Province Investment Forum and EXPO will be launched this month in Lusaka on July 29, 2022.

Muchinga Province Minister, Henry Sikazwe disclosed this to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in an interview yesterday in Ndola when he visited the Northern Circuit stand at the ongoing International Trade Fair being held under the theme “Promoting Value addition for Sustainable Growth”

Mr. Sikazwe said Vice President Mutale Nalumango is expected to grace the event at a venue to be announced soon.

He said preparations for the launch of the Muchinga Province Investment Forum and EXPO have advanced.

Mr. Sikazwe said holding an Investment Forum and EXPO will be a game changer for the country’s tenth Province that has not seen much development since its creation 10 years ago.

The Provincial Minister said that the new dawn administration is committed to change the face of Muchinga Province and attract as much investment as possible into the Province.

“We are committed as new dawn administration to change the face of Muchinga Province by attracting as much investment as possible into the Province and we are inviting everyone to come on board to help in the noble cause,” said Mr. Sikazwe.

Mr. Sikazwe said Muchinga Province is endowed with abundant natural resources and favourable weather pattern coupled with good rainfall and soils that supports the growth of various crops.

And Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Henry Mukungule says he is grateful that many corporate entities and institutions have pledged to support the hosting of the Muchinga Province Investment Forum and EXPO next year.

Mr. Mukungule said the Investment Forum and EXPO will attract 1,000 guests saying this is why the Provincial administration is appealing to the corporate world to come on board to sponsor the event.

He said that he is happy that all the institutions that the Provincial administration targeted at the ongoing International Trade Fair, have shown willingness to support the Muchinga Province Investment Forum and EXPO.

Mr. Mukungule said he is optimistic that the planned Investment Forum and EXPO will transform the economic landscape of the Province.

He said that currently Muchinga Province was contributing very little to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saying with the projected increased economic activities, the contribution by Muchinga Province towards the country’s GDP will also increase.

The Provincial Permanent Secretary said Muchinga Province has mineral deposits in almost all the Districts that include manganese, Rare Earth, as well as phosphate.

“We have Rare Earth in Isoka district which is a component used in the manufacturing of Cell phones as well as Phosphate which is used in the manufacturing of fertilisers. These minerals and many others can transform the economic landscape of the Province,” said Mr. Mukungule.

Muchinga Province, other than exhibiting alongside Northern and Luapula provinces, together as Northern Circuit, it is also using the ongoing International Trade Fair to meet possible sponsors for the planned Investment Forum and EXPO next year.

This year’s International Trade Fair that closes today has seen over 800 local and international exhibitors.

The International Trade Fair has not been held for the past two years owing to COVID – 19 and this year it is being held under strict COVID -19 guidelines as prescribed by the ministry of health.

Activist Cleopas Phiri dies

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Activist Cleopas Phiri dies

Political and Good Governance Activist Cleopas Phiri has died.

He died Monday night after he collapsed at his home in Lusaka.

His death was confirmed by the Leadership Conferences Foundation(LCF) where he served as Director.

In a statement, Foundation National Coordinator Gautama Tayana Nyerere said he has learnt with deep sorrow of the untimely passing of Mr. Phiri.

“Mr. Phiri was instrumental in the activities of the Foundation established to promote national dialogue and leadership matters,” he said.

“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his spouse Mrs. Lumbiwe Njobvu Phiri and to his entire family over this sad and sudden loss.”

Students from other Towns given CDF Bursaries to study at private colleges in Mufulira raises concern

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Students from other Towns given CDF Bursaries to study at private colleges in Mufulira raises concern

The Constituency Development Committee (CDC) in Mufulira’s Kantanshi Constituency has urged the Government to quickly address loopholes surrounding the disbursing, utilisation and management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

There has been increased public interest in the disbursing, utilization and management of CDF after the New Dawn Government increased the allocation to K 25.7 million per constituency.

Some stakeholders are particularly interested in the release and utilization of CDF after concerns over revised guidelines and the usual government bureaucracy arose.

Kantanshi CDC Chairperson Fr. Francis Mwansa Mufwaya said his team has noted contradictions in the Constituency Development Fund utilisation.

Fr. Mufwaya said several students in Kantanshi Constituency, who applied for CDF bursaries to study at private, but Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) accredited colleges, have been denied sponsorship.

He said what is more shocking is that students from other towns such as Chavuma and Solwezi have been given CDF bursaries to study at the same institutions in Mufulira.

Fr. Mufwaya said no student should be disadvantaged from getting CDF bursaries when they meet the set criteria.

“We have a problem with contradictions in the Constituency Development Fund. We have a local skills training college here in Mufulira which offers skills in mining and earthmoving equipment. Our Kantanshi students have been refused but applicants from lkeleng’i, Solwezi, Chavuma and Chinsali have been admitted in this skills center using CDF from the above places. The director of a local training centre confirmed this development on phone in my presence and our area Member of Parliament Dr. Anthony Mumba this morning (Monday),” Fr. Mufwaya said.

“We have a contradiction from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as regards Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on bursaries because students from Kantanshi Constituency were disapproved because they applied to private institutions that we know are accredited by TEVETA. But our students in Kantanshi Constituency or bursary applicants have been refused. However, the contradiction is that we have applicants that have become students at the same private skills training institutions from outside Kantanshi Constituency and even outside Copperbelt Province,” said the Catholic Priest.

“We have students from Ikeleng’i, Chavuma, Solwezi, Chinsali who have been offered bursaries using CDF to study at private training institutions that are here in Mufulira but our own here in Mufulira and the Copperbelt have been refused to be sent by the Government to these TEVETA affiliated institutions or colleges. So, the same Government or ministry says these students can’t be allowed again the same government allows others from other constituencies. This is the contradiction that we find so as Constituency Development Committee Chairperson in Kantanshi I would like to appeal on behalf of constituencies and people to the government that they must look into this issue as soon as possible so that our students may not be disadvantaged. This is the problem that we have in our constituency,” Fr. Mufwaya said.

President Hichilema pardons 949 inmates

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President Hichilema pardons 949 inmates

President Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned 949 inmates and commuted sentences of 98 inmates to various terms of Imprisonment to commemorate this year’ s Heroes and Unity day.

The President has exercised his prerogative of mercy and in pursuant to article 97 of the constitution of Zambia which provides for Presidential pardon and substitution of severe punishments imposed on convicted persons.

Addressing the media in Monze this afternoon, Minister of Home affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu announced that the pardon included 826 ordinary inmates, 11 old age and 12 foreign Nationals.

He said the commuted sentences include 55 inmates serving sentences between 20 and 25 years have their sentences reduced to 15 years whiles 37 inmates serving sentences between 26 and 35 years have their sentences commuted to 20 years.

Mr. Mwiimbu said 40 inmates imprisoned for 36 and 45 years have their sentences lessened to 25 years while 2 inmates serving sentences between 46 and above have their sentences commuted to 30 years.

He said among the pardoned are 893 males while 54 are females.

The Minister said the Pardon will also help in decongesting correctional facilities across the country.

He said the total inmates’ population currently stands at 23,970.

Mr. Mwiimbu disclosed that the new dawn administration has once again demonstrated its resolve to observe human rights of those citizens who are incarcerated in various correction facilities.

“As you may be aware conditions in our correctional facilities have always been a concern of the UPND led administration,” he said.

The Minister has also disclosed that the government has released K40 million to equip the correctional facilities across the country.

Yesterday President Hakainde Hichilema pledged to pardon prisoners who have proved to have transformed as well as those who were unfairly convicted.

Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Association ushers in new board members

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Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Association ushers in new board members

The Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Association (ZCSMBA) has ushered in new board members.

In a press statement made available to the media in Lusaka yesterday, ZCSMBA board of trustee Chibamba Kanyama said the board of trustees have been ushered in for a period of June 2022 to May 2024 at the annual general meeting that was attended by delegates from nine provinces.

He said this was done during the association’s 16th Annual general meeting held on the 17th of June 2022.

Mr Kanyama said the association which was established in 1999 is aims to organize for the protection and promotion of trade, business and services.

He said it is also aimed at influencing policy decisions, collecting and disseminating relevant information and fostering relationships between government, businesses and society.

Mr Kanyama further stated that John Shamputa was elected as a board chairperson, Emmanuel Ipanga as board vice-chairperson, and Linny Nakassmu as the board of trustees.

He noted that Marvel Sunkamo was elected as Director of Lusaka province, Christopher Chinyanta as Director of central province and Louis Mwewa as Director Eastern province.

Mr Kanyama stated that others are Joshua Mukonko Director Copperbelt, George Daka Director Western Province, Edgar Keembe Director Southern Province, Morgan Luvweyi Director North Western Province and Gibson Musonda as Director Luapula Province Respectively.

Show goers praise ZITF entertainment in Ndola

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Show goers praise ZITF entertainment in Ndola

Show goers at the ongoing Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) have commended management for lining up a balanced entertainment package.

ZANIS Ndola reports that the showgoers are happy with the entertainment package that is in place at this year’s International trade fair.

One show goer, Mr Isaac Mbangweta, observed that the mixture of cultural dances, martial arts displays, motor bike displays, as well as performances by local musicians has balanced up the entertainment package for the different age groups of show goers.

“ZITF management have balanced up the entertainment so well. It’s catering for all age groups. We have seen cultural dances obviously for the older generation while current musicians such as the likes of Afunika and Chanda na Kay are also here to entertain younger show goers,” he said.

Lucy Nakawala, another show goer said she was particularly happy that the entertainment package also included gospel music.

She added that management did well to include gospels musicians because some show goers are Christians that are skeptical about listening to circular music.

“It’s good that they included gospel music because there are Christians like me that do not dance to other types of music apart from gospel,” she said.

This year’s International Trade Fair is being commemorated under the theme “Promoting value addition for sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, the Zambia Police Service has so far recorded 22 cases of theft at the ongoing 56th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Sharon Zulu has revealed that theft of computer laptops, mobile phones and money have been reported through the Trade Fair Police Post from the day the event started.

Ms. Zulu said the seven-day Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola has been generally peaceful.

She said the Police have not recorded serious incidents yet.

Ms. Zulu said socially and politically the Trade Fair has been relatively calm.

“I wish to report that the Zambia International Trade Fair which opened on 29th June through to 5th July 2022, the duties are going on smoothly though so far in term of crime, we have recorded twenty-two cases of thefts of laptops, phones and money through the Police Post from the day the event was opened,” Ms. Zulu.

“Each case has its own nature despite the items stolen, hence we consider case by case as it involves different complainants. For now, we have recorded 22 cases of theft,” she said.

“We have had no serious incident yet. Socially and politically, as well as border areas, we are generally relatively calm.”

President Hakainde Hichilema on Saturday officially opened the Trade Fair.

The Trade Fair spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce has been held this year after three years of absence due to COVID-19.

Zambia last held the Trade Fair in 2018 and failed to do so in the last two years due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trade Fair is running until July 5, 2022, under the theme:” Promoting Value Addition for Sustainable Growth.

A Timely betrayal: The latest Kalundanya Music Promotions hit lauding accolades on President Hakainde Hichilema

Chief Editor
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A Timely betrayal: The latest Kalundanya Music Promotions hit lauding accolades on President Hakainde Hichilema

By Nkonkomalimba Kafunda

The latest Kalundanya Music Promotions hit, superlatively lauding accolades on President Hakainde Hichilema has been revered and reviled in equal measure.

Revered by Patriotic Front acolytes and similarly, guidable simpletons used to catchy tunes previously belted out at PF functions to their great delight and uncontrollable jollification, prone to foolishly casting their ballots on the basis of a fine, easy gyrate to the melody. Naively, to them, the new song is validation that music transcends politics and can be used as a unified of a highly polarised nation.

Reviled by those who abhor treachery and view the artists with suspicion, misgivings and revulsion that with their meal ticket in tatters a new source of nourishment commensurate with PF offerings is desperately required. The UPND is seen as that much sought-after soup kitchen.

While Zambians may reluctantly forgive, they will not forget the uncomplimentary utterances of these artists against the current president and the ruling party, with one artist infamously proclaiming he was more popular than HH to the extent that he would defeat the then opposition leader in a by-election.

There is a lot at stake so it is only logical that the musicians and their producers/promoters switch allegiance at all costs. For one, their undeserved lives of excess, extravagance, exuberance and opulence have come to a screeching halt. Maybe the UPND can be partial to a couple of melodious admiration anthems and the new tune is proof of concept.

Secondly, many artists obtained empowerment funds from the sport and arts ministry with no intention of paying back, a practice perfectly acceptable in the previous government but frowned upon by the UPND. The funds, the new dawn administration keeps annoyingly reminding the belligerent artists, were loans, not grants.

It follows, therefore, that abandoning the sinking boat (pun intended) was the best of limited options.

It is not inconceivable that the musicians will be hired and paid to perform at UPND functions. Additionally, a localized form of debt restructuring can be arranged for the non-performing, defaulting loanees. In other words, this was a necessary, well-calculated, timely betrayal. There was, in their estimation, no point in waiting for a political obituary.

Entertainers, as a rule, are not known for their loyalty, honour and devotion. It should be no surprise, then, that they have been brave enough to be cowards. Shame and public ridicule are minor considerations when it comes to how some musicians butter their bread.

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