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Government signs hosting AU summit

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Government signs hosting AU summit

The government has signed a host agreement of the Fourth African Union ( A.U ) Coordination Summit with the African Union (AU) Commission which is slated for 14thto 17th July 2022.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Mulungushi International Conference center today In Lusaka, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo indicated that the summit will bring together 13 heads of state and government.

Mr. Kakubo explains out of the 13 heads of states and government, five heads of state and government form the bureau of assembly of the AU and eight heads of state and government chair eight regional economic communities on the continent.

The summit will be preceded by the 41st ordinary session of the executive council from 14th to 15th July, 2022 and it will be attended by the Foreign Ministers of all 55 member states of the African Union.

The event will allow Zambia to build a solid foundation of cooperation with countries on the continent based on shared history and values, respect for the rule of law and rule-based multilateralism.

‘’The last time Zambia hosted a meeting of the African Union was in 2001,in this regard this event is an important undertaking as the country has not hosted a meeting of this magnitude in a long time.

“ It is absolutely crucial that Zambia takes advantage of this opportunity to promote our beautiful country, our hospitality and numerous opportunities in Tourism, Trade and investment among other areas,’’ noted Mr.Kakubo.

the New Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Center
the New Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Center

Government has been seized with preparations for the summit and the process is being facilitated by the ministerial organizing committee which is chaired by the minister of Foreign Affairs.

And the AU Commission Ambassador Ratebaye Tordeta congratulated the government of Zambia accepting to host the AU summit and for the satisfactory work so far following assessment by the AU team.

Dr. Tordeta added that the AU is also ready in terms of preparedness and all pending issues will be finalized very soon.

‘’For us all the pending issues will be finalized as soon as possible. On behalf of the team, may you convey our deep gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema,’’ said Dr. Tordeta.

Late FTJ’s legacy to continue – HH

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Late FTJ’s legacy to continue – HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has assured late second republican President Frederick Chiluba’s family that his government will always honour his legacy.

Mr Hichilema says late Dr Chiluba’s distinguished service to the nation of Zambia cannot go without honour.

Speaking at Embassy Park during the 11th memorial for the late former head of state, President Hichilema said government will endeavor to honour Dr Chiluba for the immense contributions he made towards the country.

“To the family of Dr Chiluba, our Government will continue to honour our fallen heroes, including the man lying here,” he pledged.

President Hichilema disclosed that he chose to appoint different people from diverse parts of the country to serve in his administration after drawing lessons from late Dr Chiluba’s cabinet selection.

Mr Hichilema said this was a way of uniting the country, adding that politicians with presidential ambitions can emulate such a move.

“It’s a lesson to all of us who aspire to lead the country,” President Hichilema said.

The President hailed Dr Chiluba for ushering the way for multiparty politics in the country.

“Dr Chiluba and his colleagues played a significant role which many take for granted,” he observed.

Mr Hichilema added that he also learnt from the late President , who was demonized by some people not , to not pay attention to unnecessary criticism but instead stay focused on government the country.

“I learnt to not worry about what people say but do what is right to be done for the people, Mr Hichilema said.

And former Vice President Enoch Kavindele said Dr Chiluba succeeded in contributing to peace efforts in the region as well as manage to have Zambia’s debt written off.

Mr Kavindele also recalled a time when Dr Chiluba confided in him that President Hichilema will one day rule the country.

“At one point there was a function at Pamodzi Hotel, it was an investment conference and you ( Mr Hichilema ) were there as the master of ceremony.

“ You spoke there and addressed everyone, you did so well, that at the end of that meeting President Chiluba said to me, watch that man, one day he will be President of Zambia,” Mr Kavindele said.

And the Frederick Chiluba memorial organizing committee chairperson Chapa Chikamba thanked government for the support during the memorial.

What I went through in the hands of my wife

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What I went through in the hands of my wife

Dear Editor,

I met a gorgeous Zambian lady, born and raised in Malawi, on Facebook. We started dating. I was in an 8yrs relationship with an excellent Nigerian lady whom I left for the Zambian lady. I dated the Zambian lady for a while, brought her to the U.K, and married her. I changed her life, mentored her to become an IT Scrum Master, and used my links to get her a job; she started earning £60,000 annually here in the U.K. She also was given branded new cars every three months.

I used to do stock trading when I met her; I mentored her on how to trade. Behind my back, she convinced my parents to loan her £75,000. She also convinced my sister to loan her £45,000. She blew the money on the stock market. My family forgave her. I had to sell my detached five bedrooms house to repay my family. We had to move into a rented one-bedroom house. I saw a message she sent to her friend that she never knew she would marry a broke-ass man, yet I forgave her.

4yrs into the marriage, I found out she was having a lesbian relationship with a Malawian lady, whom she claimed was her friend. She confessed that she was bisexual.

6yrs into the marriage, just this last December, my sister’s husband died from Covid-related complications, aged 46yrs old. While my family was planning for his funeral, my so-called wife said she wanted to go and visit her family in Zambia. She traveled and was in Zambia for 6weeks. Half of the time she was there, I hardly got her on the phone. She came back to the U.K on 8 Feb 2022. On Valentine’s Day, she went out to the gym. I opened her tablet, and what I saw there made a grown man like me cry like a baby. She did several sex scenes with a Zambian man. While they were having sex, her sisters were her cameraman; they clapped and cheered. In one of the videos, the man had a threesome with her and her step-sister.

I confronted my wife; she said they were meant to be just fun and not serious. Also, she saved the guy’s number and carried on contacting him on her return to the U.K. Funny enough is that the Zambian man in question is ugly and has a small penis, I just don’t know what she wanted to achieve by doing what she did. When I questioned her, she confessed that her step-sister was the person who Pimped her out to the guys. The most disrespectful part is that she traveled with drinks I bought here in the U.K and used them to entertain the guy. She also had me change her flight with my money so she could stay an extra two weeks in Zambia, unbeknown to me that she was having sex with a Zambian man.

My wife, now ex-wife, as I have launched a divorce petition based on adultery, was due for indefinite leave to remain in the U.K. in May. I have told the Home Office to remove my sponsorship for her spouse’s visa. I have also petitioned for a divorce. Her employer has now moved her to a skilled worker visa.

She also mistakenly forwarded a voice note meant for someone else to me. In the voice note, her family was discussing the incident. Her brother said she confided in him that she never loved me and only used me for a visa to enter the United Kingdom, that I am a boring person, I don’t go clubbing, all I do is go to the gym, read, work, and go to the church. Her father said in the voice note that what she could have done was to wait until she got her British Citizenship and then divorce me.

I have one of the pictures of both her and her lover were naked and a divorce petition I launched.

Government not ready to recapitalize Zamtel-Mutati

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Government not ready to recapitalize Zamtel-Mutati

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that Zamtel is in a loss-making venture as a business, with about 90 percent of its revenue being utilized for administrative expenses.

Mr Mutati said government will however, not recapitalize Zamtel because it has other priorities it intends to spend its resources such as funding the teacher and health-workers recruitment, Constituency Development Fund and youth empowerment.

Mr Mutati said estimates show that Zamtel currently needs a sum of US$265 million in order to survive as a company by way of investing in its co-networks, infrastructure and other business support services.

Mr Mutati said this is in exception of a staggering debt of around K3 billion and the over $500 million owed to Lapgreen, without taking into account other liabilities.

He said Zamtel as a company has a deficit on working capital of around K1 billion with its balance sheet unable to support programs such as maintenance of current infrastructure, expansion and modernization, a key issue requiring to be addressed urgently.

Speaking when he visited the Zamtel Head Office on Thursday, Mr Mutati said no matter how well-written a letter requesting funding may be, government is unable to finance Zamtel because there is no resource envelope at Ministry of Finance.

He said said Zamtel now needs to find an answer to its insolvency beginning with where it will find the $265 million required for survival.

Mr. Mutati said President Hakainde Hichilema was clear when he launched the public-private dialogue forum recently that there is need for government entities to be consultative with the private sector in order to find solutions to their problems, hence the need for Zamtel to take advantage of such clear government policy in order to construct sustainable solutions.

“Go there and think, dialogue and find innovative solutions particularly the $265 million needed, then give us a roadmap to implement a solution. That solution will then be referred to the steering committee chaired by the President. We need to find solutions and that should be our target” Mr Mutati said.

He said the Minister of Finance has his hands tied for him to begin financing Zamtel’s operations as he has to deliver value to the people.

“If it means we need to cut some limbs in order to save the life of Zamtel, so be it because that is where the solution for Zamtel lies. Let’s not take it as an easy conversation” the minister told Zamtel Acting Managing Director Joshua Malupenga.

Mr. Malupenga said the visit by the Minister will help the company’s aspirations to accelerate the universal access to communications and digital agenda.

Among other plans, Zamtel wants to expand its 800 Mega Hertz frequency spectrum to upgrade its 2G network to 4G for it to support e-government services.

40,000 new ZESCO customers connected since January

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40,000 new ZESCO customers connected since January

ZESCO Limited Managing Director Victor Mapani has confirmed that the plan to dismantle the backlog of electricity connections applications is on course.

Mr. Mapani said as of 31st December 2021, there were 67,000 pending applications which had built up over the last few years because ZESCO did not have resources to finance the connections.

He said with the funds raised so far, ZESCO has managed to make 40,000 connections and is remaining with 27,000 connections, which it expects to make between now and 31st December 2022.

“This means at 60% of the work has been done in less than half the timeframe. This is partly due to most connections done being standard connections that need less or no construction works,” Mr. Mapani said.

Mr. Mapani also revealed that ZESCO requires over US$108 million to complete the exercise.

Meanwhile, ZESCO has revealed that it has made significant gains to reduce the debt owed to Independent Power Producers following successful negotiations with Maamba Collieries Ltd and Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation.

Mr. Mapani said following the successful negotiations with Maamba Collieries, ZESCO’s power supply invoice has been reduced to US$16.5 million from US$25 million per month.

River View Project Housing Project impresses new NAPSA D.G

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River View Project Housing Project impresses new NAPSA D.G

NAPSA Director General Muyangwa Muyangwa has expressed delight with the progress made so far on the River View Project in Chongwe.

Mr. Muyangwa has further called on the main contractor, the Zambia National Service to speed up works so that members of the scheme can start reaping returns from the project.

He pledged management’s support to ensure that the project moves smoothly and is completed in good time.

Mr. Muyangwa was speaking during the familiarization tour of the project accompanied by other NAPSA Management officials, the project Consultants and the main contractor this afternoon.

“This is extremely impressive and a very good investment for NAPSA. All that we need is to support the contractor for them to progress with the works. This is a beautiful city before you see the city. It is very well organised with a lot of benefits to the community,” he said.

He assured contributing members of their returns from the project.

“The project will definitely bring benefits to the members and the country at large once completed as this will grow the members’ funds.”.

The River View project valued at 597 million kwacha is a mixed–use development modelled on the green cities concept of urban planning and will include a town centre with retail and office amenities, high, medium and low density and developer residential units, recreational parks, civil amenities such as schools and churches and a dedicated solar park.

Since the launch of plot sales in November 2021 by Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, NAPSA has made significant progress with most of the plots either sold or reserved in phase one, with growing demand from the market to open up more spaces that were scheduled to be offloaded later

NAPSA officials touring the River View Housing Project which is under construction
NAPSA officials touring the River View Housing Project which is under construction

China urges the IMF to expedite the $ 1.4 billion Economic Recovery Package to Zambia

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China urges the IMF to expedite the $ 1.4 billion Economic Recovery Package to Zambia

China has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to expedite its consideration to assist Zambia with the $ 1.4 billion Economic Recovery Package.

China’s Department of African Affairs Director-General Wu Peng has said that the financial assistance will help Zambia to invest in productive sectors.

Mr. Peng says he is in the country to coordinate China’s response to help Zambia deal with the debt situation.

He says this follows the telephone conversation that President Hakainde Hichilema had with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mr. Peng says from the foregoing, his country and France Co-Chaired a Creditor’s Committee meeting on Zambia’s debt yesterday.

He said this at State House when he paid a courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema.

HH mwwting with the Director General African Affairs, for the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wu Peng
HH mwwting with the Director General African Affairs, for the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wu Peng

And President Hichilema has thanked his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for his intervention which has placed Zambia’s debt restructuring efforts in high gear.

He said the country’s debt needs to be unlocked because it is strangling the economy.

The President said that his government wholeheartedly thanked the People’s Republic of China for agreeing to co-chair the IMF Common Framework meeting with France.

“Zambia’s debt situation needs to be unlocked so that Zambia’s economy can be opened up. Mr Peng indicated that his country is ready to partner with Zambia for economic growth and improved living standards for our people, “ Mr Hichilema said.

The president said that his government agreed to work closely to further strengthen an all-weather relationship which saw the TAZARA Railway built by our Chinese brothers and sisters, and helped to open up Zambia to the sea port of Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania.

The President said that he is delighted that the phone call he had with President Xi, just over two weeks ago, has already begun to bear fruit.

HH mwwting with the Director General African Affairs, for the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wu Peng
HH mwwting with the Director General African Affairs, for the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wu Peng
HH with the Chinese Delegation led by China’s Department of African Affairs Director-General Wu Peng
HH with the Chinese Delegation led by China’s Department of African Affairs Director-General Wu Peng

Mines Minister advises Lubambe Copper Mine to reverse its decision to declare 178 workers redundant

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Mines Minister advises Lubambe Copper Mine to reverse its decision to declare 178 workers redundant

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe have advised Lubambe Copper Mine to reverse its decision to declare 178 workers redundant.

Mr Kabuswe said that the mine must withdraw all letters written to the affected workers because Government was not consulted over the matter.

He told ZNBC News in an interview in Lusaka that the Chililabombwe-based mine needs to discuss with the government and explain why it wants to fire the workers.

Mr Kabuswe said the government does not take pride in seeing companies dismissing workers.

Last week Lubambe Copper Mines initiated the process for some of its over 500 employees to apply for voluntary separation without engaging the unions who represent the workers.

In a communication brief dated June 6, 2022 addressed to all Lubambe Copper Mines employees and signed by Mr. Daniel Chihili, the mine said that after an internal business re-organization, interested employees must apply for voluntary separation with the last shift for those who will opt for the scheme to be 30 June 2022 and that the application period is open for 14 days between 7th and 21 June 2022 after which no applications will be accepted.

The mine had advised interested employees to see their heads of department or consult with departmental senior human resource officers on the process of eligibility and for details of entitlement and application forms respectively.

But Mine-Workers Union of Zambia President Joseph Chewe who confirmed the existence of the voluntary separation scheme at Lubambe, said the unions had decided to write to the mine after it went ahead to initiate such a move without engaging them.

Mr. Chewe said that the unions are social partners whose mandate extends to labour matters hence their displeasure that some of the over 500 unionized workers will be made to sign separation packages without the input of their representatives and without the mine explaining the rationale behind its decision.

Mining firms urged to use their corporate social responsibility programmes to uplift the welfare of the vulnerable people

Chief Editor
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Mining firms urged to use their corporate social responsibility programmes to uplift the welfare of the vulnerable people

Copperbelt-based Church elder Emmanuel Kasinsa has reminded mining firms to use their corporate social responsibility programmes to uplift the welfare of the vulnerable people in mining communities.

Elder Kasinsa of Pentecostal Believers Church in Luanshya said mining firms should be seen contributing to the well being of mining communities in relation to education and health service provision.

Elder Kasinsa was speaking on Friday when the Pentecostal Believers Church Men’s Fellowship donated bags of mealie meal and assorted groceries to Luanshya’s Believers Community School.

Believers Community School is currently educating and feeding over 200 vulnerable children from Roan Township and surrounding areas.

In his remarks, Elder Kasinsa saluted the Men’s Fellowship and urged the corporate world, especially mining firms to support the education and feeding of the vulnerable children.

“The corporate world has their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). We are making an earnest appeal to the corporate entities. I am talking about the mining companies because we live on the Copperbelt. Mopani Copper Mines, Konkola Copper Mines, Kalumbila Copper Mines, First Quantum, all the mining firms should support noble causes. In fact we are appealing to Luanshya Copper Mines; you are located just here within Luanshya. Set your feet on the ground and share your CRS resources with community schools like this one. It’s a noble cause your monies will be accounted for. We are also asking individuals to support this cause,” Elder Kasinsa said.

“Running the community school for 20 years has not been easy. We have our own membership supporting the works of the school. You are raising a nation. There are many gifts for these children and how else can we bring the gifts out? Until we train them, educate them so that they become confident in releasing what God has put in their life. So to you on behalf of the Church may God bless you,” he said.

Elder Kasinsa pledged Pentecostal Believers Church’s commitment to uplifting the welfare of vulnerable children in Luanshya.

Pentecostal Believers Church Men’s Fellowship donated bags of mealie meal and assorted groceries to Luanshya's Believers Community School
Pentecostal Believers Church Men’s Fellowship donated bags of mealie meal and assorted groceries to Luanshya’s Believers Community School

He said besides the community school, the church has constructed a skills training centre within the Church premises for vulnerable school levers and is further planning to construct a clinic.

“We are building a dining hall. We want to build a clinic and build more classrooms. We are asking you, the people of Zambia, to partner with us. Help this noble cause. It is not only for us but also for you. He who blesses the poor God loves,” Elder Kasinsa said.

Believers Community School Teacher Incharge Phelina Ndhlovu hailed the church for its efforts in supporting vulnerable children.

“As of now we have over 200 pupils. We really need learning and teaching materials. We also need desks. The Church has been very supportive. The children here never go home without having their lunch. May you continue with the good works that you are doing and may God richly bless you,” she said.

Member of the Men’s Fellowship Peter Mulenga highlighted the plight of the children at the community school.

“We want to bring the plight of these kids to the public. As a church we are trying by God’s grace but we need help from other well wishers. The children need shows, clothes and books. We are taking care of over 200 less privileged children,” Mr. Mulenga said.

Pentecostal Believers Church Men’s Fellowship donated bags of mealie meal and assorted groceries to Luanshya's Believers Community School
Pentecostal Believers Church Men’s Fellowship donated bags of mealie meal and assorted groceries to Luanshya’s Believers Community School

Kaseba Bay; KK’s favourite working destination

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Kaseba Bay; KK’s favourite working destination

Kasaba Bay is one of the places in Zambia that is synonymous with the country’s late founding father Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda.

Situated in the Nsumbu National Park area in Nsama District of Northern Province along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kasaba Bay was one of Dr. Kaunda’s favourite working holiday and private retreat destinations.

National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) Northern Region Director, Kagosi Mwamulowe explained that Kasaba Bay is of great significance to Zambia’s history and heritage due to its link to the late first President.

Mr. Mwamulowe said during his presidency, Dr. Kaunda often travelled to Kasaba Bay, which was a Presidential Lodge, for retreat where some historical decisions and policy directives where announced.

He revealed that cabinet re-shuffles were also among the major announcements made from the tourist destination during the founding president’s tenure of office.

“Kasaba Bay is very significant to Zambia’s history because the late first President could go there for his retreat and each time he was there, the whole nation was early attentive because key announcements were made from that side including cabinet reshuffles,” Mr. Mwamulowe said.

Mr. Mwamulowe disclosed that the Kasaba Bay had chalets arranged according to hierarchy of the presidential entourage and had a number of facilities for hosting of high-ranking meetings.

He said the then Presidential Lodge is also important to historical events between Zambia and her neighbouring countries including the liberation of Southern Africa.

The Regional Coordinator cited the hosting of the meeting by Dr. Kaunda with former President of the then Zaire Mobutu Seseko and Mozambique’s Samora Machel on 19th October, 1986 to discuss matters of peace.

He disclosed that it was after the said meeting late former Mozambique President Machel took off with his plane from the Zambia Air Force Base in Mbala before his death in a tragic air crash.

“On 19th October in 1986, Dr. Kaunda hosted former President of the then Zaire Mobutu Seseko and Mozambique’s Samora Machel at Kasaba Bay to discuss matters of peace concerning the guerrilla fighters in Mozambique and it was after that meeting that President Machel died in a plane crash,” he said.

Mr. Mwamulowe has since revealed that plans are underway by the Ministry of Tourism through NHCC to declare Kasaba Bay as a National Monument and preserve its rich historical importance.

And with the New Dawn Administration having identified tourism as a key sector in the economic transformation agenda plans are underway to develop Kasaba Bay as a major tourist resort in the Northern Tourism Circuit.

Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao said government is aware of the rich history of Kasaba bay as well as its tourism potential and wants to ensure that the area is given a befitting status.

Mr. Mbao said promoting the Northern Tourism Circuit cannot be done without the mention of Kasaba Bay based on its historical background and connection to First Republican President late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

“He held cabinet meetings from there and other African countries were critical decisions were made and the best way for us as a province to honour our founding father is to rekindle Kasaba Bay,” said Mr. Mbao.

The Provincial Minister said the allocation of K150 million in this year’s budget towards the development of Kasaba Bay Airport is an indication of government’s commitment to the actualization Northern Tourism Circuit.

He added that government has also sourced for funds from the World Bank towards the development of Kasaba Bay.

Mr. Mbao, who is also Mpulungu area Member of Parliament, said the money is expected to facilitate the planning and development of the tourist resort.

Part 2 : Fred M’membe is wrong; President Hichilema is a Statesman!

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Part 2 : Fred M’membe is wrong; President Hichilema is a Statesman!

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

As the wind of change swept across the continent in the early 1990s, we would see a buoyant MMD finally dislodge the once-dominant UNIP from power after a scintillating election that would leave Kenneth Kaunda stunned!

President Fredrick Chiluba would proceed to construct a team with representation from every corner of the land: Vice president – Levy Mwanawasa (Copperbelt); Minister without portfolio – Godfrey Miyanda (Eastern); Finance – Emmanuel Kasonde (Northern); Defence – Benny Mwila (Northern); Home Affairs – Chitalu Sampa (Northern); Labour – Newstead Zimba (Eastern); Foreign – Vernon Mwaanga (Southern); Legal affairs – Rodger Chongwe (Eastern); Local government & Housing – Michael Sata (Northern); Health – Boniface Kawimbe (Northern); Information – Stan Kristafor (Minority group); Commerce & Industry – Ronald Penza (Northern); Mines – Humphrey Mulemba (N/western).

Readers may recall that although the Eastern province had literally rejected MMD and overwhelmingly voted for UNIP, Chiluba would still appoint a good number of people from the region as full cabinet ministers notably among them, Lt. Gen. Tembo, Br. Gen. Miyanda and of course, his colleague from the labour movement, Newstead Zimba etc.

Following the botched 3rd term campaign, Levy Mwanawasa would emerge victorious amidst protests and complaints of widespread rigging from the main opposition at the time, the United Party for National Development. Although certain sections of society would waste no time lampooning the new cabinet as a “Family Tree”; in reality, Mwanawasa had gone out of his way to allocate positions fairly, including those from the regions where he was out-rightly rejected such as his vice – Lupando Mwape, a Northerner. The rest of the notable cabinet ministers were as follows: Finance – Ngandu Magande (Southern); Defence – George Mpombo (Copperbelt); Home Affairs – Ronnie Shikapwasha (Central); Foreign Affairs – Kabinga Pande (N/western); Legal Affairs – George Kunda (Central); Local Government & Housing – Benny Tetamashimba (N/western); Information – Vernon Mwaanga (Southern); Commerce & Industry – Felix Mutati (Northern); Secretary to the cabinet – Leslie Mbula (Copperbelt).

And when his deputy, Rupiah Banda, stepped into his shoes following his sudden demise outside the country he obviously had to effect changes to the cabinet to prove he was his own man by roping in his loyalists: Vice President – George Kunda (Central); Finance – Situmbeko Musokotwane (Western); Defence – Kalombo Mwansa (Luapula); Home Affairs – Lameck Mangani (Eastern); Foreign affairs – Kabinga Pande (N/western); Legal – George Kunda (Central); Local government & housing – Benny Tetamashimba (N/western); Mines – Kalombo Mwansa (Northern) Information – Ronnie Shikapwasha (Central); Commerce & industry – Felix Mutati (Northern); Health – Kapembwa Simbao (Northern); Secretary to the cabinet – Joshua Kanganja (N/western).

It’s clear from the above that almost all the provinces were represented in this cabinet.

Shepolopolo Face Morocco in Saturday Friendly

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Shepolopolo Face Morocco in Saturday Friendly

Shepolopolo coach Bruce Mwape is looking forward to Saturday’s women’s international friendly against Morocco.

Zambia arrived in Morocco on Thursday ahead of the 2022 Women’s AFCON to be held there from July 2-23.

The early birds in Morocco hit the ground running with a friendly this Saturday evening in Rabat.

“We said that, before the tournament, we needed to play two high-profile friendlies. Actually we will be looking at specific positions like upfront that is were our main concern is,” Mwape said.

Inspirational striker Barbara Banda is leading Shepolopolo but will be without the complementary presence of fellow potent partner Rachel Kundananji.

Mwape hopes veteran Noria Solala and newcomer Xiomara Mapepa can fill the gap left by Kundananji from Spanish club SD Eibar who has failed to make the team due to administrative reasons.

“If we can get goals tomorrow, then we will know were we are going and what we expect our players to do,” Mwape said.

“We also want to see if the team is well balanced from the goalkeeper, defence, and midfield and up front.”

This will also be Shepolopolo’s first taste of North African opposition at senior level.

Shepolopolo has one North African opponent in Group B in the form of Tunisia.

“We want to know the type of game they play in North Africa because in our group we have Tunisia the other two are from West Africa,” Mwape said.

“We have played Cameroon many times and we know what kind of football that they play.”

Togo is the other side in Group B and will be facing Shepolopolo for the first time when they clash in their last Group B fixture on July 9.

Shepolopolo open their WAFCON campaign on July 3 against Cameroon and play Tunisia on July 6.

Denial of conjugal rights increases GBV cases in Chavuma

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Denial of conjugal rights increases GBV cases in Chavuma

Mother and Child Health Coordinator, John Lufupa says he is concerned with the number of gender based violence (GBV) cases that go unreported.

Mr Lufupa says it has become a trend of GBV victims to seek treatment at health facilities whilst giving false information about what happened to them.

Mr. Lufupa laments that most of these GBV cases arise from marital disputes especially connected to conjugal rights.

ZANIS reports that the Mother and Child Health Coordinator said this during a stakeholders engagement meeting on child health week and safe motherhood, in Chavuma Town.

“We have had cases where people go to the hospital and lie that they are sick instead of saying the truth. Not too long ago a man kept coming at the hospital that my hand is paining because I fail on it and I need pain killers, until I probed him and told him this is GBV that is when he opened up and said yes my wife hit me with a cooking stick.

“Upon examining his hand it was discovered that the hand was fractured and that is how we admitted him. Asking him why he did not report the case he said that is my wife I cannot let her get arrested these things happen in our homes,” he said.

Another case involved a girl child defiled by her cousin whose case was reported by health workers but when the police investigated the matter they discovered that the victim’s relatives hid the defiler in fear of being arrested.

And Chavuma District Commissioner, Geoffrey Kasonda disclosed that it is a common trend for women in the area where denying their husbands conjugal rights for more than a month in some instances.

“These cases are really happening in villages , where you find a women even when she is not menstruating denying her husband sex for a period of over six months, hence you hear someone was beaten or these couples are fond of fighting and the problem is they do not report to the police”, he said.

Mr Kasonda has since called for the church’s engagement to ensure that guidance and counselling couples gets done to avoid cases of GBV.

Seven industrial yards are to be commissioned by Government after standard verification

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Seven industrial yards are to be commissioned by Government after standard verification

Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Yvonne Mpundu says the newly constructed industrial yard in Ndola City still lacks critical components to expected standards for its full operation.

Ms. Mpundu points out that the structures have no ventilators critical for air ventilation looking at the works that will be carried out by the occupiers, the small and medium scaler entrepreneurs.

Ministry will henceforth summon the contractor and all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the project to understand why the project was not built in line with the plans.

The Permanent Secretary said this when she led a team comprising her ministry’s official, and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission ( CEEC ) among others for a spot check on the facility.

The newly constructed industrial yard in the provincial capital is among seven others that the Ms Mpundu led team is touring across the country.

“I am with a team from the Ministry and Director General from CEEC and board member from the commission. We are inspecting the industrial yards constructed in seven centres at a total cost of US$30 million dollars.

“ We want to appreciate the quality of the structures if they are fit to be called industrial yards and will make recommendations if they are ready to be used by the public,” she said.

Ms. Mpundu said the report filled at the Ministry indicates that the projects are ready for commission and the team wanted to compare if what is contained in the report replicates what is on the ground.

And CEEC Director General Charles Mungule said his commission is concerned that the Ndola’s industrial yard still has issues which needed to be addressed before commissioning.

“ The industrial yard project is critical in the industrialization agenda of the country as they are the basis for manufacturing and production of goods and services which when exported can earn the country foreign exchange, “ said Dr Mungule.

Meanwhile CEEC Board Member Paul Kaluba said the board will make recommendations on resolving some of the challenges identified at the industrial yards inspected to ensure that they become operationional.

Only seven industrial yards constructed across the country will be commissioned once certified as ready for occupancy.

Revisit maize price, Kalumbila farmers appeal

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Revisit maize price, Kalumbila farmers appeal

Kalumbila District Farmers Association Chairperson, Nsubula Hachipabeenda says the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) crop price for white maize does not reflect business reality following the announcement of crop prices yesterday.

Mr Hachipabeenda told ZANIS that a crop price of K250 for white maize instead of K160 would have been helpful considering the price of fertilizers on the market.

“Where a 50 kilogramme bag of D-compound and Urea is fetching between K800 and K1, 100, a K250 would reflect business sense,” he said.

Mr Hachipabeenda however said he has not received any complaints from farmers in the district as regards the soyabeans and rice crop prices.

Meanwhile, yesterday 16 June 2022, FRA board chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya announced at a press briefing in Lusaka the FRA 2022 crop marketing arrangements.

“Please note that prices being announced are not floor prices but rather FRA prices under the principle of willing seller and willing buyer… 2022 FRA crop prices; white maize 50 kg at K160, soya beans 50 kg at K550 and paddy rice 40 kg at K200,” Mr Hambwezya said.

He said FRA undertook a process of crop price scenario analysis and consulted with some key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

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