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Politics must never be a business of cheating the people-Rev. Derrick Kalanga

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Politics must never be a business of cheating the people-Rev. Derrick Kalanga

Ndola-based United Church of Zambia (UCZ) clergy Rev. Derrick Kalanga has warned politicians that politics must never be a business of cheating the people.

UCZ St. Paul’s – Chipulukusu Congregation Minister in Charge Rev. Kalanga said political leadership must be anchored on serving the people diligently.

He said the people of Zambia want politicians who speak with actions.

Rev. Kalanga branded political leaders who make promises without fulfilling them as being rhetoric.

He was speaking when immediate past Ndola Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Mulenga handed over the ablution block he has built at UCZ Chipulukusu Congregation in Ndola on Sunday.

Rev. Kalanga saluted Mr. Mulenga, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, for the gesture.

“We really thank you for identifying us and to be part of this Church family. Now you have done this (building ablution) generously. You have given the ablution as a gift to the Church and this project will stand the test of time. Whoever is going to pass through this congregation will know that there was a special member by the name of Emmanuel Mulenga because I believe you being a public figure. Yes you may be affiliated to one denomination but by the end of the day we are one in Christ,” he said.

“So you have given us and we thank you so much. This is what we want; we want politicians who speak with actions. Politicians should not just brag about theories of democracy. We need people who can be active, we need actions and of course identifying yourself with the poor of Chipulukusu Compound. We are so thankful because sometimes people look at the poor as beggars but we just come to say OK I can help here we really appreciate and we just pray for God’s favour and blessings upon your life. And I want to say to all the politicians regardless of political parties, be it in UPND, PF or MMD I want to say that we need people to take actions. We need to work together; we need to uphold our country Zambia. Our one Zambia one nation and we need to work for the people,” Rev. Kalanga.

He said political leadership should be about uplifting the living standards of the people.

“And I want to say that politics must never be a business of cheating but a business of uplifting the living standards of the people. We may differ in ideologies but we need to come together for the development of our country. Therefore if you want to be prudent as a politician then your actions will speak for you and not your words. Somebody said that if you tell people that I did this, I did that then you are a liar. Let what you have done speak for you. What are you doing? When you talk about politics, no one can do this for you, I can do this for you and then you are there for many years and years or maybe for time we don’t see anything then you are just a rhetoric. You are just speaking something that we can sing. We need people like abaume pa baume aba bomba. So Mulenga you have been different, we thank you for that and you have been different mwatulanga ati mulabomba. Not with words but with actions. Efyo tufwaya,” Rev. Kalanga.

New grain price tarries with that in the sub-region, says Dr Muyaule as he defends the K160 floor price for Maize

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New grain price tarries with that in the sub-region, says Dr Muyaule as he defends the K160 floor price for Maize

Kitwe District Agriculture Coordinator Raphael Muyaule says the new maize price set by government tarries with the prices in the region.

Speaking during a Heads of Government Departments meeting chaired by Kitwe District Commissioner Lawrence Mwanza, Dr. Muyaule said the price was fair if government intends to export later and to maintain the mealie-meal prices locally.

“If your look around, this is actually the same prices obtaining within the region and an increase further would mean that we will be subsidizing the region if we intend to export, we will be exporting at a lesser price than what we bought it at, this happened two years ago where government bought at a higher price and in trying to mitigate the market prices for mealie-meal government had to sell at a lower price so meaning government was subsidizing or incurring a loss,” He said.

He said if government buys maize at a high price the mealie-meal prices will in turn be high.

He however, noted that farmers still had the option to sell to other players other than the Food Reserve Agency.

He also noted that government might struggle to buy the targeted maize quantity for strategic reserves due to the low crop yield this year.

Last week government announced this year’s maize floor price which is at K160.

The development has drawn mixed feelings with majority of stakeholders saying it is too low when compared to the cost of growing maize.

Sikota Wina was an accomplished politician whom Zambians must emulate

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Sikota Wina was an accomplished politician whom Zambians must emulate

President Hakainde Hichilema has described the late freedom fighter and former cabinet minister, Sikota Wina as an accomplished politician whom Zambians must emulate.

ZANIS reports that Mr Hichilema says the late freedom fighter was a true patriot, Statesman and an icon of peace in the country.

He said Mr Wina was a true gallant son of the soil who together with other freedom fighters played a critical role in the liberation struggle for the country.

Speaking during the church service for the late Wina at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, Mr Hichilema said the country has lost an eminent person who Zambians will forever remain indebted to for the great contributions and sacrifices he made.

“Let us continue to learn and emulate late Mr Wina for the huge contributions and sacrifice he made during the struggle for independence which has led to us enjoying peace and freedom today,” he said.

President Hichilema, who was accompanied by the First Lady Mutinta Hichilema and several cabinet ministers, urged every Zambian to learn and gain from the true patriotism the late Wina preached during his illustrious political career.

The Head of State further said he is saddened that Zambians are mourning the last man from the first cabinet of late Dr Kenneth Kaunda who together fought for the country’s emancipation.

He also urged Zambians to embrace one another regardless of one’s tribe.

HH with Former President Edgar Lungu at the Funeral Service of the Late Sikotra Wina
HH with Former President Edgar Lungu at the Funeral Service of the Late Sikotra Wina

And Former Vice President, Inonge Wina, who is also a family representative said the family has lost a hero who was a pillar and a fountain of wisdom.

Mrs Wina described late Mr Wina as a humble and dedicated leader who not only fought for Zambia’s independence but also for his family.

She has called on the current generation to emulate the spirit of late Wina who had put the interest of others first as opposed to serving his personal interest.

Mrs Wina also thanked government for the support rendered to the family during his illness and untimely death.

And in his sermon, Ministry of Defence Chaplain General, Henry Matifeyo, called on the Zambians to emulate the good values the fore fathers preached.

Meanwhile, in his tribute to his father, Wina Wina said his father was a selfless man who believed in putting the family together.

The late Wina who died on June 15, 2022 after an illness, will be put to rest tomorrow in Mwandi district, Western Province.


Kambwili arrested and detained over issuance of tribal remarks

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Kambwili arrested and detained over issuance of tribal remarks

Patriotic Front (PF) member of the Central Committee and Party Presidential aspirant Chishimba Kambwili has been arrested by police in Lusaka for the subject offence of showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race, tribe or place of origin.

According to Zambia Police, this is contrary to section 70, sub-section 1 and 2 chapters 87 as read with act no. 2 of 2021 of the cyber security and cybercrimes of the laws of Zambia.

Confirming the arrest of Mr Kambwili to journalists’ in Lusaka this afternoon, police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale said the incident occurred between May 2021 and August 2021 at Radio Mano in Kasama Northern Province.

Mr Mwale said Mr Kambwili is currently detained in police custody and yet to be charged and has further explained that because the incident happened in Kasama, police are yet to be guided by investigators if Mr Kambwili will be transferred to Kasama or not.

Last year in November, Inspector General of Police Remmy Kajoba said that police had compiled a docket against Chishimba Kambwili over tribal remarks issued during campaigns.

Mr Kajoba disclosed that the police were only awaiting instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions before the matter involving Kambwili could be prosecuted.

“Police opened an inquiry file regarding the alleged tribal remarks which occurred on 30th September, 2021 around 16:00hrs at Kaumbwe school grounds in Petauke district purported to have been issued by Dr Chishimba Kambwili during the Kaumbwe parliamentary by-election campaigns. Police conducted investigations and compiled a docket of case which has since been forwarded to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) as the alleged offence requires consent to prosecute from the DPP’s office. Instructions are still being awaited from the office of the DPP,” he stated.

And in June last year, The UPND Alliance called on the law enforcement agencies to arrest Mr Kambwili over what they described as his continued issuance of tribal remarks.

Alliance Media Director Thabo Kawana said at the time that if left unabated, Mr Kambwili’s tribal remarks have the potential to brew political turmoil.

Mr Kawana cited the provisions of section 107 (4) of the electoral code of conduct, which states that a member or supporter of a political party or candidate shall not use language that incites hatred or violence in any form against any person.

And at the time the Luapula Royal Foundation warned that Luapula will be a no-go area for Mr Kambwili if he continued with his tribal remarks.
Prince Kasongo Shapi Chimese said that Mr Kambwili’s message is a threat to national unity.

In an interview, Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo has advised that such matters can only be followed once reported to the police.

A video has gone viral in which Mr Kambwili alleged that all Tongas are UPND.

Kambwili detained for alleged tribal remarks

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Kambwili detained for alleged tribal remarks

Police in Lusaka have detained opposition Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee Chishimba Kambwili  for expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt against persons because of race, tribe or place of origin.

This is contrary to Section 70 Subsection one and two of Chapter 87 as read with Act Number two of 2021 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.

Zambia Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale says this happened between May 2021 and August 2021 on Radio Mano in Kasama District, Northern Province.

Mr Mwale  said Kambwili is detained at Kabwata Police Station awaiting advice from investigators on whether to take him to Kasama where the alleged offence was committed or not.

He said in the meantime, the opposition leader will remain detained at Kabwata Police Station.

Kanchibiya residents demand for Constituency office

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Kanchibiya residents demand for Constituency office

Residents of Kanchibiya Constituency have called for establishment of the Constituency office in the area.

The concerned residents say they are wondering why the Constituency Office for the area still operates in neighbouring Mpika town for the past five years , despite Kanchibiya being declared a Town since 2017.

The scenario makes it difficult for the community to access essential services, especially for the people in Mbati and other areas who travel over 150 kilometers to reach where Kanchibiya Constituency offices in Mpika for services.

To address their concerns, the residents have appealed to their area Lawmaker Sunday Chanda to ensure the relocation of the constituency office to Kanchibiya where it rightfully should operate from.

This was learnt during a walk in interview involving Mubumbu Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairperson Happy Chileshe, today.

“The current status quo defeats the purpose why the National Assembly had to decentralise it’s services to a constituency level over 18 years ago, “ Mr Chileshe.

He further said Constituency offices were established with a view to improve the relationship by increasing the frequency and quality of interaction between Members of Parliament and the people.

And WDC Vice Chairperson Justine Kapata told ZANIS that Kanchibiya residents have been spending a lot of money to visit the Constituency offices in Mpika, asituation he described as retrogressive and that it must be immediately come to an end.

Mr. Kapata has since appealed to Kanchibiya Area Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda and other relevant authorities to quickly shift the offices from Mpika to Kanchibiya District.

“Kanchibiya and Mfuwe Constituencies where all part of Mpika District and where created at the same time, I do not understand why Kanchibiya has failed to shift its offices when their friends in Mfuwe shifted a long time ago.

“Once the offices are shifted kanchibiya residents will greatly benefit,” Mr. Kapata said.

Efforts to get a comment from Kanchibiya Area Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda proved futile by press time as his phone went unanswered.

Civic leader calls for full of the relaunched keep Zambia clean campaign

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Civic leader calls for full of the relaunched keep Zambia clean campaign

UPND Zimba Ward Councillor Annie Mutunda has urged residents in her ward to abide by President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent advice to ensure cleanliness at their homes and their surroundings.

Ms Mutunda says it is important for residents in her ward to ensure that they remained committed to promoting and maintaining a clean, healthy, safe living and working environment to foster prosperity not only in the ward, Zimba Town but the country as a whole.

Speaking when she made a donation of two bins at Zimba main market, the civic leader said the donation is in line with the Republican President’s call for Zambian citizens to take responsibility to clean their environment.

She said cleaning of the market should not be left to the council alone but all stakeholders such as marketeers and their customers.

Stressing that the make Zambia clean, green and health campaign initiative should be embraced by everyone, said Ms. Mutunda said President Hichilema’s call for all Zambians to participate in the campaign should be seriously heeded to by purchasing the litre bins.

“I’ve heeded to the President’s call who is reminding us citizens to always take responsibility in keeping our surroundings clean.

“ A in small way, l have donated these two drums (bins) at Zimba main market where the marketeers will be putting in garbage,” Ms. Mutunda said.

The Civic leader however bemoaned that cleaning of premises, public places and community surroundings still remains a challenge in the district.

The councillor has since called for mind-set change among the residents if the fight of eradicating garbage in public places can be won.

“ I call for a mind-set change among people even you marketeers if this market, district and Zambia at large is to become a clean, green and health country, “ she said.

During the launch in April this year of the keep Zambia clean and healthy, President Hakainde Hichilema stated that the keep Zambia clean campaign is for all Zambians to make cities, towns, villages, public institutions and places clean and ensure health standards for all.

It is from this score that government deliberately has adopted a cleaning exercise at the end of every month where workers including marketeers clean their surroundings as a way of promoting good hygiene standards of ridding off garbage.

Zamtel to create 1, 500 direct and indirect jobs

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Zamtel to create 1, 500 direct and indirect jobs

Mwansabombwe District Commissioner Morton Sikazwe says Zamtel’s expansion programme in the country reaffirms the government’s commitment to taking service delivery closer to the people as possible.

Speaking during the official launch of a customer service centre in Mwansabombwe, Mr Sikazwe said the opening of the customer service centre is welcome as it is in line with the new dawn government’s vision of ensuring that the country moves forward.

“This is part of the over 100 centres that ZAMTEL intends to open,” he said adding that,” it will create over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs for the people across the country.”

And ZAMTEL Luapula province regional manager Jaison Ng’oma said the company is implementing a number of innovations and digital solutions and is positioning itself to be a digital dominant player in the digital space

Mr. Ng’oma said his company is targeting to open 250 new service centres which will result in an increase in the number of vendors who are making a living through selling Zamtel products and services.

“The service centre will address a number of challenges which local people have been experiencing in accessing such services like mobile money, sim card sales and replacements among others, “ he said.

With government’s support, the parastatal has heavily invested in network expansion and improvement making it the largest network provider in Zambia.

Meanwhile, area councilor Christine Ng’andwe also thanked Zamtel for the opening up of the service centre and appealed to the local people to make effective use of the services being provided.

Only death will end my relationship with the people of Ndola Central Constituency-Mulenga

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Only death will end my relationship with the people of Ndola Central Constituency-Mulenga

Immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Emmanuel Mulenga has said only death will end his relationship with the people of Ndola Central Constituency.

Mr. Mulenga served as Ndola Central Member of Parliament from 2016 to 2021 under the Patriotic Front.

Prior to the 2021 General Elections, the Patriotic Front didn’t adopt Mr. Mulenga as it picked Brenda Chilufya, who lost to UPND’s Frank Tayali.

Speaking when handing over the ablution block he has built at United Church of Zambia (UCZ) St. Paul’s Congregation in Chipulukusu Compound, Ndola on Sunday, Mr. Mulenga said he will continue working with the people of Ndola Central Constituency even though he was no longer their MP.

Mr. Mulenga said he created a strong bond with the people of the constituency after they entrusted him with the role of Member of Parliament from 2016 to 2021.

He pledged to continue sharing what he has with the people.

“I am happy to be with you today. I came here to firstly pray with you knowing too well that we all come from God. I have come to share what I have with you saying the people of Mapalo and Chipulukusu will be able to use this ablution block. When we give it doesn’t mean we have a lot to waste. When you have money and you do not share it with your friend then you are worse than a witch. I repeat, when God blesses you with money and you are not sharing with your friend then you are worse than a witch. God has blessed you so that you become a blessing to others,” Mr. Mulenga said.

“People of Mapalo, Chipulukusu and Ndola Central you entrusted with the position of Member of Parliament in 2016 up to 2021. 2021 I didn’t contest the elections. Since you entrusted me with the seat of a king and people started calling me honourable, the confidence you showed in me made former President Edgar Lungu give me a ministerial position because you trusted me. Because of your trust I will never stop working with you. Whether I am in government or not, whether I am Member of Parliament or not I will always work with you. We have created a family. Family relationships do not end. This family we have created will only end when we die,” he said.

Mr. Mulenga thanked the church for allowing him to help fund the construction of the ablution block.

“My parents, I am thanking you on behalf of my wife for allowing us to be part of history here at the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Chipulukusu. You allowed us to share with you and today we have shared what we have. I won’t say much. May God in heaven bless you! When God is with you, remember me, my wife and my family in prayers. Pray for us,” Mr. Mulenga said.

St. Paul’s Minister Incharge Derrick Kalanga thanked Mr. Mulenga and his family for the gesture.

The Mopani $1.5 billion deal must be investigated, says ZCCH-IH minority shareholders

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The Mopani $1.5 billion deal must be investigated, says ZCCH-IH minority shareholders

The minority shareholders of ZCCM-IH are calling for investigations into the purchase of the 90% shares of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) by ZCCM – Investments Holding from Carlisa Investment valued at $1.5 billion last year.

The minority shareholders of ZCCM-IH have already written to Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board Musa Mwenye and Director General Gilbert Phiri over their proposed investigations into the transaction.

The group has further written to Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha asking his office to review the detailed sale agreement.

Spokesperson of minority shareholders of ZCCM-IH Thierry Charles said buying Mopani at $1.5 billion in 2021 was too exorbitant.

“The Mopani $1.5 billion deal must be investigated in the light of the above-mentioned elements which we question, we ask Chairperson of the Anti Corruption Commission Board Musa Mwenye, Director General Gilbert Phiri and Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha to launch investigations regarding the conditions under which the contract for the purchase of shares in MCM was negotiated and drafted: to look for any undisclosed adverse clauses that explain the inconsistencies in the figures and to question all those who negotiated the exorbitant $1.5 billion deal,” Charles wrote.

“Contrary to the false claims of former Vice-President Inonge Wina, the acquisition of the 90% stake in MCM was not the best deal of the year but rather appears to be the worst ZCCM-IH deal of all time. We are well aware that other ongoing ACC investigations to track down the looters of the clique are very busy. However, the sums involved in Mopani are colossal, not only for the purchase but also for the financial consequences of the deficits, and therefore deserve a strong mobilisation of ACC and AG services to investigate this deal which seems to us to be leonine,” Mr. Charles stated.

He continued:”The Mopani $1.5 billion deal must be investigated In a letter dated 6 June 2022 to Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board Musa Mwenye and Director General Gilbert Phiri, our shareholder group wished to express our questions and concerns regarding the purchase of the 90% shares of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) by ZCCM – Investments Holding from Carlisa Investment Corporation. In a letter dated 8 June 2022 we also asked Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha to review the detailed sale agreement. 1. Background On 31 March 2021, ZCCM-IH acquired 90% of the shares in Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) from Carlisa Investment Corporation, owned by Glencore and First Quantum Minerals, following approval by ZCCM-IH shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting. The amount negotiated was $1.5 billion to be repaid annually over a period of 10 to 17 years.”

Mr. Charles expressed the misgivings of minority shareholders of ZCCM-IH in the deal.

“An appalling sale price Carlisa intended to put MCM into care and maintenance, so the $1.5 billion price for a company that had been making losses for many, many years was totally unjustified. The minority shareholders were in favour of ZCCM-IH finally becoming a full-fledged mining operator, and the takeover of Mopani seemed a good opportunity given the figures and information presented in the Circular to Shareholders issued on 9 March 2021. Opaque sales contract The detailed sale agreement was not disclosed to the minority Shareholders of ZCCM-IH, but we were given information in the Circular to shareholders. MCM’s copper production would be sold to Glencore at LME prices. Catastrophic and inconsistent figures .Visibly biased data and arguments put forward in the Circular to shareholders it was stated: Assuming current copper prices are maintained, it is forecast that the company will generate sufficient cash inflows to finance capital expenditure internally,” he said.

“The average expected Copper price average was US$ 7,000 yet, when copper prices are around US$ 9.500, the Management of ZCCM-IH indicated that the company is currently not generating free cash flows owing to the fact that the company requires capital investments in order to increase productivity during the Virtual Shareholder Open day on 27 April 2022. There have even been Press reports about MCM’s inability to pay suppliers on time, while the largest repayments to Carlisa have not even begun. Inconsistency of figures while copper production is in line with or above expectations and copper prices are very high, EBITDA is completely at odds with the figures presented in the Circular. The problem is not technical, copper production is indeed satisfactory.”

“The problem is elsewhere and the detailed contract seems to be the cause. Questionable verification of the sale contract by former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka Like any contract involving a parastatal company, the contract for the sale of the 90% stake in MCM had to be supervised by the Attorney General for compliance and to ensure that the interests of the Zambian people were safeguarded. However, former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka validated an illegal deal between Milingo Lungu and ZCCM-IH for the suspicious bonding of a loan to KCM just before the 2021 presidential elections. Likando Kalaluka’s competence and seriousness therefore raise questions about the quality of the audit and the legality of the contract signed with Carlisa in early 2021.”

Chanda Reflects on Shepolopolo’s Draw Against Morocco

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Chanda Reflects on Shepolopolo’s Draw Against Morocco

Shepolopolo Zambia midfielder and vice-captain Grace Chanda has described Saturday’s friendly draw against Morocco as a great test for the team.

An impressive Shepolopolo overcame the setback of a second half own-goal to snatch a 1-1 away draw against the 2022 Women’s AFCON hosts in Rabat in their first pre-tournament warm-up match.

The match also came just 48 hours after the 2022 WAFCON early birds landed in Rabat from Lusaka ahead of the tournament Morocco is hosting form July 2-23.

“It was a good game, a tough game but we managed in the only way we know best,” Chanda said.

After their 7-0 stroll in another friendly over Congo-Brazzaville on June 15 at the same venue, Morocco discovered just why Shepolopolo went to the Tokyo Olympics as Zambia put up a tenacious and tactical display.

The only blemish came in the 62nd minute when midfielder Misozi Zulu turned the ball into her net after struggling to clear Nesryne Le Chad’s touch of the ball from a Fatima Tagnaout free-kick.

Misozi turned from villain to hero with a 77th minute assist for Chanda to score the equaliser.

“The own-goal was one of those things. A minor mistake. Miscommunication happens in football but we will not dwell too much on that because the positive from the games outweigh that minor setback,” Chanda said.

“But the only thing we really need to work on before the tournament starts is our finishing,” Chanda said.

“We just need to be more efficient in front of goal.”
Shepolopolo have left Rabat for Marrakech where they have set up their pre-tournament camp ahead of their July 3 grudge showdown against Cameroon in the two sides opening Group B match in Casablanca.

It will be Shepolopolo and The Indomitable Lionesses first encounter since Zambia beat Cameroon to Olympic qualification in 2020.

Togo and Tunisia are Zambia’s other Group A opponents.

Minister of Finance’s Detailed Explanation on the Debt Restructuring Process

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Minister of Finance’s Detailed Explanation on the Debt Restructuring Process

THE DEBT RESTRUCTURING PROCESS AND THE IMF SUPPORTED PROGRAMME

Lusaka, Sunday, 19th June 2022 – In light of public statements by certain sections of society on the status of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Supported Programme and the debt restructuring process, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning considers it necessary to clarify on some matters of concern and on others that have been misrepresented.

The New Dawn Government reached a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund barely three (3) months after assuming office in August, 2021. This was on the backdrop of futile efforts previously pursued for more than five (5) years. The Government’s anticipation was for the IMF Supported Programme to be agreed upon by June 2022, however, there are some finalisation steps, mainly related to the debt restructuring process, that still need to be undertaken before the IMF Management and Board considers and approves the programme.

The consideration of Zambia’s application for an Extended Credit Facility by the IMF Board and the country’s debt restructuring process, are interrelated. Therefore, getting the IMF Board approval is centred on getting financing assurances from the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment. Their pace of progress, however, is not entirely dependent on the Zambian Government’s efforts. Notwithstanding, it is our expectation that with the due processes followed, we will get an IMF Supported Programme this year and place our debt on a sustainable trajectory, once again.

For the information of stakeholders, negotiations with our Creditors under the Common Framework are supported by an independent Debt Sustainability Analysis conducted by the IMF and the World Bank, accompanied by reforms, to ensure the future sustainability of public debt through an IMF Supported Programme (in Zambia’s case a 3-Year Extended Credit Facility). The whole process is systematic and entails substantial traction as we move towards the attainment of credible assurances on how the country’s debt will be treated by the Official Creditor Committee before the IMF staff submit Zambia’s case to the IMF Management and the Board for consideration.

Some key milestones are as follows:

  1. Finalisation of the Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) with the IMF and the World Bank. This has been done;
  2. Pledges by multilateral lenders to provide concessional financing to Zambia as part of the effort to resolve the country’s financing limitations based on the DSA results;
  3.  Convening the OCC (mainly bilateral related lenders) to discuss Zambia’s request for debt relief under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment. This action has commenced; and,
  4. Convening, immediately after the OCC, a committee of Commercial Lenders (Eurobonds, Commercial Banks, and Private Lenders etc). This is pending completion of discussions by the OCC.

Pursuant to some of the milestones listed above, the Government has regularly engaged both Official Creditors and Private Creditors. They have been provided with economic policy and debt data, with a view to facilitating decision-making and successive meetings of the two creditor groups.
High-level bilateral discussions have been held, too. One such engagement was the virtual summit meeting between Mr. XI JIPING, the President of the Peoples Republic of China (Zambia’s biggest bilateral creditor and the world’s second-biggest economy) and Mr. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, the President of the Republic of Zambia (Currently one of Africa’s best investments destinations). The engagements resulted in the first successful meeting of the OCC on Thursday 16th June 2022, under the auspices of the Paris Club and the G20. The meeting with private creditors will follow through after a consensus is reached by Official Creditors.

The Government has been engaging multilateral partners for concessional financing as part of the effort to resolve Zambia’s fiscal limitations. As announced before, the engagements have culminated in several benefits such as the pledge by the World Bank to support the national budget through a Development Policy Operation. As soon as the IMF Supported Programme is approved by the IMF Board, it is envisaged that the World Bank will supply funding amounting to US$275 million over the next three (3) years.

Furthermore, the Bank is providing sizeable positive net flows to Zambia. Under IDA19, the Bank is committing approximately $959 million to support Zambia’s recovery from the multiple debt and economic crises and help to institute reforms for inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Of this, U$$294 million has already been committed for scaling up social cash transfers and projects to strengthen the COVID-19 response, including vaccination and emergency health financing to improve service delivery.

The remaining U$$665 million will be presented in three operations to the World Bank Board for approval within June 2022. The program includes two results-based operations, the first to reinvigorate growth in agriculture and support reform of the agricultural subsidy regime and the second to strengthen decentralized public service delivery while enhancing public financial management, accountability, and citizen engagement and will support the increased resource allocation towards Constituency Development Fund. The third operation will finance additional social protection spending in response to various shocks.

Furthermore, upon agreement of the Country Assistance Strategy during the second half of 2022, financing is also expected from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) over the next 3 years. This implies that over the medium-term, an estimated US$500 million or more will be available to Zambia (through the Africa Development Fund), for economic and social development. This is another demonstration of a functional and cordial relationship between Zambia and her multilateral partners.

Going forward, the Government will continue to work tirelessly toward returning the country to a state of fiscal stability that will facilitate sustainable growth. Through the soon-to-be-launched Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), the Public-Private Dialogue Forum and other development delivery frameworks, the New Dawn Administration will continue to make sincere efforts targeted at trending the living conditions of our fellow citizens towards equal opportunities, sustained prosperity and poverty reduction, on the platform of a stabilized and transformed economy that inspires improved investor confidence, facilitates more local and foreign investments, creates more opportunities and jobs, and nurtures the economic freedom of the people of Zambia.

Issued by:
(Original Signed)
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING

UPND Has Failed To Early, But Academics Have Let Zambian Down By Not Speaking Against The Ills of The Leadership

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UPND Has Failed To Early, But Academics Have Let Zambian Down By Not Speaking Against The Ills of The Leadership

Where are the academics and other praise singers who sang for the new dawn?

By Joseph Chirwa

1. Introduction

The United Party for National Development (UPND) is one of the only two political parties that enjoyed support from academics and other thinkers.
The other party is the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD). With the Patriotic Front (PF), the support was not as overwhelming as that enjoyed by the UPND and MMD in their ascension to power. For starters, most academics and thinkers were not sure of the PF and only few supported it between 2001 and 2011. For the MMD we can simply say that it is the biggest beneficiary of support from academics and thinkers. There was a mass revolt against Kenneth Kaunda and his United National Independence Party (UNIP). Frederick Chiluba rode on the support of academics and thinkers. This is the same of President Hakainde Hichilema and UPND. Academics and thinkers sacrificed it all to see him win especially in 2021. The question is where are they now?

2. We are not career critics

A debate raged on social media when prominent estranged supporters of HH and UPND (previously anti-ECL and PF) asked very pertinent questions. The questions were very genuine from persons who are true patriots and who still have their souls intact. They asked as to where the elites in the name of thinkers, academics and others are in times of trouble. They questioned the deafening silence at the time of politics of tribe characterised by appointments based on tribe, nepotism and cronyism. They asked as to why renowned critics of the PF regime were silent when what they criticised against the PF was happening and happening at a high frequency under the UPND. They asked as to why it is now better for a region or regions to appoint themselves at the expense of others. They asked as to why police brutality is now acceptable in the eyes of those critics of the PF when the previous government did the same. They asked as to why corruption is now acceptable but under the PF it was condemned. They asked as to why the President now cannot be held accountable by academics and thinkers who have effectively been gagged or gagged themselves. In response, they were called names such as dogs and fools to mention a few. But one striking answer from one of the charlatans and praise singers caught my attention: we are not career critics. One of them added on his live Facebook feed that we shall continue to praise sing even if HH fails.

3. An educated cadre is a dangerous one

An educated cadre is a dangerous cadre. As Michael Sata once said educated people are cowards. They are opportunists. They exist in two kinds: those already appointed to positions and those awaiting appointments. Those already appointed to positions have effectively sold their souls. Very few can contradict their master. They never condemn government even when things are bad. They are gagged forever or until they are fired. Then there are those awaiting appointments. They are burning with anxiety from expectation. Each day it builds up and no appointment. Nine months since they helped the ‘new dawn’ ascend to power nothing. They are boiling and it is just a matter of time. They cannot talk now because they fear that they may lose out or be removed. Both of these types of academics and thinkers are sellouts. They are not patriotic Zambians. They either criticised ECL and the PF using tribal lenses or personal hatred as a result of them not being appointed. They have no loyalty to the flag. They are hired guns.

4. The silence continues

Some of these praise singers and goofballs masquerading as academics and thinkers are now silent because they have sold their conscious. It happened to me during the PF era. I stopped to think and I lost my conscious. I promised to be independent and never again to sell my soul to politics. I am ever inspired by the words of Ray Bradbury who once said that “I hate all politics. I don’t like either political party. One should not belong to them, one should be an individual, standing in the middle. Anyone that belongs to a party stops thinking.” I am now a liberated mind and I pray for my colleagues at local universities and in the diaspora to put Zambia first. Let us be like Sishuwa Sishuwa and speak the truth no matter how unpopular it is. Let us all be like Laura Miti who tells it as it is regardless as to whether one is in government. The truth shall set you free. Remember, all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

5. It starts small and gets bigger

The wisdom that small injustices become big must be borne by our esteemed praise team. This is how it starts. Reporting and transporting suspects to godforsaken areas. Using state machinery to kill other political parties. Threatening judicial officers in the discharge of duties. Bragging about purging those seemingly loyal to the previous regime. Presidential gatekeepers going unpunished for leaked conversations undermining the rule of law. Killing the opposition to build a one party state. Political parties are the foundation of our democracy and we need them. Henry Clay advised that “political parties serve to keep each other in check, one keenly watching the other.” It starts small then it manifests into calamity and disaster. Let us not tolerate small injustices because these will soon manifest. Let the UPND put to stop all shenanigans that made the PF being voted out of power. The arrogance that we will serve straight terms must not be repeated. It was the PF that said never UPND, remember? Where is the PF now? Where is the MMD? Where is UNIP?

6. Blind loyalty must be to God, country and family

George McGovern’s counsel may be timely to these academics and thinkers who have grown cold feet at the altar of expediency. The great American stated that “the highest patriotism is not blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one’s country deep enough to call her to a higher plain.” The Idealist warned that “cataract is the third biggest cause of blindness. Religion and politics remain the first two.” I am not advocating for academics and thinkers to avoid politics. They must be active. They are the soul of the nation. They are the voice of reason because without them, Plato warned that one of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by inferiors. That is why we need patriotic academics and thinkers to help sound the alarm and offer solutions when our servants in government bully us or betray our beliefs, faith and trust. When it comes to issues of government and the governed, we must always take sides. Eric Wiesel guided that “neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Frederick Douglass also warned that “the limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”

7. Conclusion

Wake up son of Africa. Wake up son of Zambia. Use your education to the benefit of all and not self-aggrandisement. Use that voice to speak for the voiceless because that is what education is all about. Never betray your conscious because it will haunt. The deafening silence of those critics of the previous regime is a betrayal to those people they inspired to vote for UPND and against PF. Same wrongs must be condemned equally. Remove the cataract that is making you see injustices differently. The UPND must be wary of these academics and thinkers because they are the most dangerous. Let us support this President especially that he had a popular vote and mandate. Over two million Zambians voted for him. We can only do that by being salt to the menu. By being light in times of darkness. By being a voice of reason when charlatans, goofballs and praise singers want to derail him. We can do that by offering criticism and critical thinking as academics and thinkers.

The author is an academic, author and scholar based in Kasenengwa district and Lusaka city. He attended Chipata Day Secondary School and Chizongwe Technical High School in Chipata.

Youths remain the number one priority in the UPND government-UPND leaders

Chief Editor
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Youths remain the number one priority in the UPND government-UPND leaders

Ministry of youths and sports Honorable Elvis Nkandu has said that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government believes in youth affairs and that there are a lot of opportunities for the youths in the ministry.

Speaking when he addressed the youths, Mr Nkandu said that the new dawn Government will not deny opportunities for the youths because they are the owners of the current regime.

Speaking at the same event, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Hon Elias Mubanga stated that youths remain the number one priority in the UPND government, hence the creation of the Small and Medium Enterprises, adding that the creation of cooperatives is an initiative that will soon start Bearing fruits to the public.

Mr Mubanga charged that cooperatives are not only meant for CDF but other sister ministries which are stakeholders of the youths.

He has since challenged youths to align themselves into cooperatives and register companies in order to benefit from the current opportunities.
The duo were speaking today in Lusaka where they addressed some youths from different wards in Lusaka District.

Kateka says Rise Cases of Defamation Against the Presidency show Zambians are Unhappy, but Nevers Mumba differs

Chief Editor
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Kateka says Rise Cases of Defamation Against the Presidency show Zambians are Unhappy, but Nevers Mumba differs

The New Heritage Party has said that the rising number of cases of members of the public either insulting or defaming the President could be that Zambians are unhappy with his leadership and have no other option but to insult the presidency.

Party Leader Chishala Kateka said that the best way of dealing with any problem is to identify the root cause of that problem.

Ms. Kateka has condemned the beating of two youths who allegedly insulted the President by military personnel in a video that has gone viral, saying the due process of the law must be followed and the youths must be handed over to undergo the due judicial process.

MMD President Nevers Mumba Addressing the Media
MMD President Nevers Mumba Addressing the Media

However, New Hope MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba has said that he is deeply disturbed by a video clip in which young children took turns to insult President Hichilema, using vulgarity that has never been heard of in the Country.

Dr Mumba said that what is more shocking to him is not the nature of insults that were uttered but the age of these children involved.

In a statement, Dr Mumba is however surprised that some political leaders rushed to the defense of these children for political expediency without caring much about their uprightness.

He said a healthy and progressive society is not anchored on having a strong economy and exquisite infrastructure but it is seen through the moral fibre of its children.

He said the nation is now waiting for the church to not only denounce the behaviour of these children but seek to find them and try to establish where such behaviour is coming from.

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