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The Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati has implored Zambians in the diaspora to positively market the country for Zambia to benefit from global opportunities.
Mr. Mutati notes that no one can market Zambia in international space better than Zambians themselves adding that for this reason Zambians in the diaspora should not to shy away from opportunities to market the country.
Speaking at the official closing of the Diaspora conference in Livingstone of Southern Province, Mr. Mutati disclosed that Zambia is in the process of launching a satellite project in the next two years.
He noted that his Ministry has since identified Zambians in the diaspora who possess the necessary skills to help formulate a strategy to launch a satellite project in the country.
The Minister stressed the need to recognize the achievements attained by Zambians in the diaspora which can be utilised locally, adding that through such, the country will join the champions league.
“Zambians are being recognised out there, hence the need to lift them up locally so that they carry our flag,” Mr. Mutati stated.
The Minister tasked the organisers of the Diaspora Conference to come up with tangible results from the conference that he will present to President Hakainde Hichilema.
He noted that it was time to move from conversations to transactions so that such initiatives can bear intended results.
Mr. Mutati told the conference organisers to table out issues that the team will be focused on and time frames so that Zambians locally remember the conference with something.
Also in attendance was Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, Livingstone City Mayor Constance Muleabai, and Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya among other dignitaries.
President Hakainde Hichilema said during the official opening of the conference in the tourist capital that time has come to maximize the power of partnerships to deliver a memorable experience in Zambia.
Mr Hichilema added An experience that will cause a transformational ripple effect that contributes to sustainable development.
Visiting Italian President Sergio Mattarella says his government appreciates the steps taken by the Zambian government to offer free education to all.
President Mattarella has to this effect called for the removal of social-economic and cultural obstacles that hinder children, especially young women from completing their education.
Speaking when he delivered his keynote address to the National Assembly of Zambia yesterday, the visiting Italian President stressed that the free education policy guarantees freedom for all the citizenry despite one’s gender.
“We must work to remove all the social, economic and cultural obstacles that don’t allow young people, especially girls to complete their education.
“In this sense I have deep appreciation for the Zambian authority that is aimed at guaranteeing free access to education for all, ” he told the House.
He underscored on the need to invest in the education sector so as to better the future of the young generation.
Meanwhile President Mattarella says the African continent is the future of the global world.
He said there is need to invest in Africa for a better future for all humanity.
“Africa is the continent of the future, the time for Africa is now, Africa is the present. Presently, we must invest in Africa for a better future,” He stated.
Stressing that that Europe and Africa have a shared responsibility of tapping in the potential of the young people in Africa which can be of great benefit to humanity, the visiting Italian President said the potential of young people should not be allowed to go to waste.
President Mattarella revealed in his address that by 2050 young people in Africa will present over 25 percent of the global workforce.
“60 percent of the one point four billion African population is aged 25 and below and by 2050 according to estimates young Africans will present over 25 percent of the global workforce.
“We have a shared responsibility, the numerous potential which can be of benefit to all humanity, should not be wasted.”
In the same address, President Mattarella praised Zambia for being a model of democracy in the region and the continent as a whole adding that the Southern African country has gone through an important path of consolidating its democracy and the rule of law.
He said Italy wants to build partnerships with countries like Zambia that uphold democratic tenets and the dignity of humanity.
“In Intensifying relations with the African continent, Italy and the European Union know that they can count on countries like Zambia who have gone through an important path towards the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law.
“Our ambition is to build a partnership focused on common interests and shared values, respect for the dignity of all the people,” He said.
President Mattarella says Zambia’s democratic model is important as it focuses on human rights.
“Zambia’s experience is important, because it expresses a democratic model which is authentic to Africa, with focus on human rights and it’s a benchmark and example of the region, ” he said, indicating that Zambia has for a long time adhered to the long tradition of upholding peace.
President Mattarella assured parliament that Zambia can continue to count on the long standing relations that the two countries have enjoyed over the years.
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President Mattarella said Zambia and Italy both enjoy bonds of cordial friendship that can be traced since the country’s independence.
Italy has contributed to the socio economic of Zambia and its people through the implementation of various programmes.
President Mattarella says Italy desires is to further strengthen the existing relations started by Zambia’s founding Father the Late Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
President Mattarella’s address to the National Assembly lasted about 18 minute and largely dwelled on climate change, immigration, Russian invasion and the need for increased cooperation between Europe and Africa.
The Italian President who is in the country on the three days official visit was accompanied to parliament by his wife Laura and Italian Ambassador to Zambia, Antonino Maggiore.
Prior to his address to the National Assembly, President Mattarella’s motorcade arrived at Parliament building 17:05 local time and was received by the Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti.
President Matteralla was later taken to the Speakers offices where he signed the visitors book and exchanged gifts before proceedings to the chamber.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, all members of parliament were yesterday gathered in the chamber to listen to President Mattarella’s address.
Former Uganda Airlines chief executive officer, Mr Cornwell Muleya who was arrested last month for allegedly disobeying the Inspectorate of Government (IG) orders has been produced in court and charged formally.
Mr Muleya was on Wednesday arraigned before Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court after spending a night in custody and charged with disobedience of IGG’s orders contrary to section 35 (a) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002.
According to prosecution, Mr Muleya between May and June 2022 willfully and without reasonable justification or excuse, refused to comply with an order of the Inspectorate of Government dated May 23, 2022 requiring his attendance to give evidence and produce documents to the Inspectorate of Government, regarding mismanagement of public funds, procurements and recruitment of staff at the Uganda Airlines.
Mr Muleya, however, denied the charges and asked to be released on bail arguing that he is a law abiding citizen and ready to report to court whenever required.
He also told the presiding court magistrate, Asuman Muhumuza, that he had been summoned by the IGG as a witness in the ongoing investigations into the mismanagement of the national carrier and not as a suspect.
Mr Muhumuza asked Muleya to deposit his old and new passports in court and also pay Shs1.5 million cash for his bail. Each of his four sureties was bonded Shs50 million, not cash.
Former Uganda Airlines chief executive officers Mr Cornwell Muleya in the dock at Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court where he appeared on June 22, 2022 to answer charges of disobeying the IGG’s orders
Mr Muleya was sent on forced leave on April 29, 2021 amid accusations of—among others—financial mismanagement, unethical conduct in the recruitment of personnel, failure to supervise staff, and curb corruption at the national carrier.
He was also accused of delaying the operation of the Airbus planes, delaying the implementation of the ground handling and self-handling programmes as well as presiding over abuse of the procurement system.
He was later suspended on May 21, 2021 along with other five top managers. Among these were the human resource manager, Mr Joseph Sebbowa, and the director of safety, Mr Bruno Oringi.
Mr Muleya’s contract was consequently terminated on February 15.
The deputy IGG, Patricia Achan Okiria said Mr Muleya’s actions had forced the ombudsman to invoke its powers under the IGG Act. The provision empowers the inspectorate to issue a warrant of arrest to apprehend any person to whom summons have been served but is a no-show.
He is also set to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court to answer another charge related to the IGG’s investigation into alleged mismanagement and abuse of office at the airline.
“He did not carry out his functions and duties well. Next week, we are likely to be in the Anti-Corruption Court, so I don’t want to delve into those matters now,” she added.
It will be a perfect case of hunter turned hunted if Mr Muleya is arraigned before the anti-corruption court.
The Zambian was the first to pen a dossier in which he made a case for an investigation into the operations at the airline.
In a January 27, 2021 report sent to President Museveni, Mr Muleya accused some members of the board of directors at the time of pushing “for the promotion of self-interest” and in other cases colluding with some managers to make a quick buck.
Many would say that the arrest is a form of witch-hunt to the sacked Uganda Airline CEO but the deputy IGG says this is not true.
“This is not witch-hunt. That matter(of termination of contract) is in in industrial court, for us we are looking at mismanagement of Uganda airlines during his tenure. The other matter is to be determined by court and we can’t go into it. For us looking at the mismanagement aspect because government invested a lot of money in the airline and was put to waste,” Dr. Achan said.
Storm
Former Uganda Airlines chief executive officers Mr Cornwell Muleya in the dock at Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court where he appeared on June 22, 2022 to answer charges of disobeying the IGG’s orders
Storm brewed at the national carrier as the battle for control threatened the success of the airline, a few years after its revival.
A January 27, 2021 dossier to President Museveni by Mr. Muleya indicated that intrigue, corruption and interference were the order of the day.
According to the report, some board members have on several occasions met with some members of the management team to inflate invoices in a bid to make money out of the airline and that this has led to division among the management team as well as inefficiency in the management of the airline.
The report indicated that managers working with backing from some of the board members to inflate invoices have on several occasions to slow down some of the airline projects as they push their own selfish agendas with protection from the “godfathers” on the board.
The report indicated that some board members view the CEO as being too rigid and not flexible on the issue of corruption as people find it hard to work with him.
“They advised that I must try to understand how business is done in Uganda because these practices are normal in this country, otherwise I will find myself alone. They have gone so far as to suggest that our ethical approach to management may be one of the reasons why we are experiencing delays in the release of company project funds from the ministries within government.”
According to the Uganda Airlines CEO, it has been told him directly in the face that many projects have failed to take off because he has refused to give kickbacks to some government officials to give a green light to the projects.
It was reported that in 2019, the airline contracted services of Abbavater as its publicity and promotions agency to design and perform sales and marketing activities but little did they know that the Commercial Director then had connections in the company yet it was under her department to supervise it.
“When the company was contracted to do this work, management was not aware that some of the managers within the airline, including the Commercial Director whose duty it was to manage this service, had intimate connections with this company. This only came to light after the agency’s services to the airline were found to be below par to a point where management had to recommend to the board to terminate their contract.”
The report said that investigations found out that the agency had either bribed its way into the airline or attempted to bribe some managers in order to get the contract.
President Museveni would later order investigations into the mismanagement of the national carrier among other issues which later led to Muleya’s suspension.
His contract was later terminated.
And Mr. Muleya is now pursuing litigation in order to clear his name and receive compensation after his contract was terminated in February 2022, 9 months into a suspension.
Muleya along with up to 12 others at the national carrier were Suspended in April 2021, a month after the CEO had been offered an 18 months contract extension.
The board including its chairman were also suspended initially for 3 months with an interim board put in place to oversee the airline.
After 9 months, the interim board decided to terminate Muleya’s contract but did not disclose the reasons for this only stating officially that allegations against him were substantial.
Muleya’s lawyers argue that “Despite glaring irregularities, our client was directed to keep away from the company premises without any lawful or just cause. Moreover, no promised investigation into alleged mismanagement by our client ever took place. In fact, no investigation report has ever been produced to this end,”
The noticed goes on to add: “In spite of the blatant illegalities, you purported to extend our client’s illegal suspension by another three months vide your letter dated 20th August 2021.We need to emphasise that the law does not provide for extension of suspension beyond the period provided under Section 63 of the Employment Act.”
“You issued the said termination notice with the full knowledge that our client was never heard in any disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, you were aware that our client’s contract of employment did not have a termination clause,”
What is Muleya’s demanding through the courts?
Immediate reinstatement as the Chief Executive Officer of the company.
An unconditional apology for the material inconvenience, reputational damage and loss he suffered.
Shs 3.5 billion ( USD 978,000) in damages and other costs including salary arrears.
The CEO’s background
Former Uganda Airlines chief executive officers Mr Cornwell Muleya in happier times
Muleya has also previously worked with Air Mauritius Limited as the Chief Finance Officer, and at Zambezi Airlines Limited, as the Chief Executive Officer.
He has also worked as the CEO at ALS – Aircraft Leasing Services, based at Nairobi, and at Air Uganda as the CEO, from 2013 until 2014.
In October 2019, Muleya was appointed Acting CEO at Uganda Airlines, while the company searched for a substantive CEO.
He replaced Ephraim Bagenda, who was named director of engineering and maintenance at the national airline.
He is also the Founder & Director of Cornwell Aviation Consultants Limited, an aviation consultancy based in Lusaka Zambia.
Witch-hunt?
Muleya’s arrest comes at a time when he filed a case in which he wants government to compensate him to a tune of shs3.5 billion over termination of his contract with the national airline.
A 13 year Bulk Supply Agreement between ZESCO and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation has been signed effective 1st April 2022.
This Agreement was signed for two years after the expiry of the Bulk Supply Agreement between the two institutions that had been existence from 21st November 1997 to 31st March 2020.
Zesco Managing Director Victor Mapani told a Media briefing that the tenure of the agreement has been set at 13 years making it a delicate balance between having an adequate period of time to cover long term investments and giving the two parties the flexibility to get back to the table and iron out any matters that may arise.
He also said that the agreement contains newly agreed and more cost reflective energy and demand charges payable by CEC for its power purchases from Zesco.
Eng. Mapani said this agreement also contains clear terms of supply for each party to supply power to customers within the country across each other’s network.
He said the agreement also allows either party to develop power generation, transmission,distribution and supply infrastructure and does away with teritorial exclusivity clauses that existed in the previous agreement and opens up the Zambian electricity sector industry to competition.
Mr Mapani said the allowable power and outage hours for both parties were adjusted to 120 hours over five years from 144 and 180 for Zesco and CEC respectively.
The expiry of the old Bulk Supply Agreement was preceded by unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a successor agreement which was followed by a two-year period of trade on disputed terms between the two parties. Zesco Managing Director Victor Mapani
In recognition of the unsustainable nature of the relationship, the two parties resumed negotiations in January 2022 with a view of having an agreement in place effective 1st April 2022.
Some of the major items that have been addressed in the new Bulk Supply Agreement are as follows;
The Tenure of the agreement has been set at 13 years.
This term is a delicate balance between having an adequate period of time to cover long term investments and giving the two parties the flexibility to get back to the table and iron out any matters that may arise; within a reasonable period.
The just signed Bulk Supply Agreement contains newly agreed and cost reflective Energy and Demand charges payable by CEC for power purchases from ZESCO, and reciprocal tariffs for Transmission Use of the System, Domestic Wheeling and International Wheeling.
In addition, the Bulk Supply Agreement allows and contains clear terms of supply for either party to party power to customers within the country across each other’s network.
The agreement also allows either party to develop power generation, transmission, distribution and supply infrastructure, in any part of the country.
Therefore, this does away with the territorial exclusivily clauses that existed in the previous agreement, and opens up the Zambian Electricity sector industry to competition, as envisioned by the ongoing reforms in the energy sector such as the development of the open access framework.
The allowable power and outage hours for both parties were adjusted to 120hrs over five years from 144hrs and 180hrs for ZESCO and CEC respectively.
This reflects increasing operating efficiency by both parties.
This supply limit in the bulk supply agreement was also adjusted, to reflect CEC’s expected level of consumption.
Unlike the old Bulk Supply Agreement, the new agreement contains tariff adjustment provisions that can be used by the two parties to adjust the tariff if necessary, during the term of the agreement.
These provisions are in addition to the annual indexation of tariffs that adjusts them for the inflationary effects.
Further, thus Bulk Supply Agreement also demands the setting up of payment security by the two parties in order to reduce the risks of non-payment for the services rendered.
The visiting Italian First lady Laura Mattarella has commended her counterpart, Mutinta Hichilema for coming up with the “Stay in School Initiative project” which is aimed at keeping girls in school.
Ms Mattarella said the initiative is excellent as it also empowers women and youths with skills on how to make reusable sanitary towels thereby making them self-reliant.
Ms Mattarella said this today when she visited the “Stay in School Initiative project in woodlands with her counterpart Mutinta Hichilema.
And Mrs Hichilema said about 185 women from across the country have so far been trained in making reusable sanitary towels.
She said the project will be rolled out countrywide as it has received overwhelming response from the general public and cooperating partners.
Mrs Hichilema stated that the project is being implemented with other stakeholders such as traditional leaders and head teachers among others.
She noted that with the free education policy that government introduced there was a big gap with regards to girls not attending classes especially in rural areas hence the reason for the establishment of the project of making reusable sanitary towels.
Mrs Hichilema disclosed that some cooperating partners have come on board and donated sewing machines and other materials to the project.
Earlier, Italian President Sergio Mattarella has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to support Zambia reach an understanding with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on its debt restructuring programme.
Mr Mattarella said his country is ready to help Zambia in its economic recovery trajectory.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on President Hichilema at State house today, Mr Mattarella said this is one way of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
“Italy stands ready to help Zambia in many sectors of the economy such as Mining, Agriculture, health and education among others. Zambia is a beacon of peace and a promoter of democratic tenets,” he said.
He explained that Italy is committed to further strengthen ties with Zambia by setting up businesses and infrastructure development among others across the country.
Mr Mattarella also praised Zambia for its resolve to fight corruption saying the vice retards economic development.
And President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Italy for the huge contributions it renders to Zambia in all sectors of the economy such as energy, Agriculture among others.
Mr Hichilema noted that the coorporation between the two countries spans many years ago when successful leaders of Italy and Zambia initiated a warm relationship.
The President further called on Italy to support Zambia in its journey to access the IMF bailout which is expected to cushion the country’s challenges in many sectors of the economy.
“Indeed Zambia is grateful for Italy’s contributions and support in all the sectors of the economy especially in energy, education, agriculture among others,” he said.
Mr Hichilema added that Zambia is endowed with mineral resources which needs value addition, stating that Italy can help in that area in a bid to transform the country.
He further assured Italy of Zambia’s continuous upholding of democratic tenets, peace and stability in order to foster social and economic development as democracy is the hallmark of development.
The President commended his Italian counterpart for visiting Zambia as the move will spur deeper mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Italian President who is accompanied by First Lady Laura Mattarella arrived in the country yesterday.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Saboi Imboela has accused the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security of interfering in the internal affairs of the opposition political party.
Ms. Imboela’s NDC group and the George Sichula-led faction are battling for the NDC leadership. Mr. Sichula and Ms. Imboela both claim to be party president of NDC.
In a media statement issued on Thursday morning, Ms. Imboela said the NDC was saddened by the levels of insecurity being brought about by political cadres at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
She alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema appointed former NDC official Josephs Akafumba as the Permanent Secretary at Home Affairs in order to destabilize political parties.
“We gave President HH the benefit of doubt when he appointed Mr. Rikki Josephs Akafumba as the Permanent Secretary at Home Affairs, but it has become more apparent that the reason why he took Mr. Akafumba to Home Affairs was to destabilise political parties using any means possible, including illegal ones. As NDC, we were very happy to see the Ministry issue a statement yesterday, but while they tried to be professional and objective at the beginning of the statement, they let politics get the better of them and as they concluded they made mention of the so called two NDC factions,” Ms. Imboela said.
“Factions exist in the political arena and not in government ministries, let alone at the Registrar of Societies which has all the records of the NDC and other parties. When politics produce factions, administration should be relied upon for records to prove who has a legal claim to an organisation. But both the statement from the Ministry yesterday and a letter from the Chief Registrar that we have already taken to the Anti Corruption Commission refer to factions that the ministry should not be dealing with. Does this, therefore, mean that anyone in this current government can just produce minutes and deliver to the ROS, and they will effect changes? Never before have we seen the ROS deal with factions, as they always look at their own records for clarity. Innocent until proven guilty exists even for organisations,” she said.
Ms. Imboela said the recent documents circulated claiming to contain NDC office bearers from the Registrar of Societies was vague.
“We have resolved to submit yesterday’s statement as one of the documents that the Anti Corruption Commission should examine, because as stated earlier, factions exist in the political arena and not democratic institutions like the Registrar of Societies, Electoral Commission of Zambia and others. Only a court order can or should make these institutions act against the registered legally documented leaders of an organisation, unlike what we are seeing now. Clearly unprecedented, clearly undemocratic and very political. It may interest Mr. Nephas Chifuta to know that the so-called Extra Ordinary meeting that took place on the 18th of September 2021 had people and names that we do not know of. We have submitted letters by ourselves and our lawyers several times to effect changes on the list of NDC, but Mrs. Thandiwe Mhende wrote to us that nothing can be done to the list of NDC until the court cases are over,” she argued.
Ms. Imboela added:”It is for that reason that we have left the list of subscribers as it is. So to see a letter purported to be coming from NDC and yet we have no knowledge of it is very shocking. And to see the ROS effect changes using that same fraudulent letter is even more worrisome and they are just trying to cover up the fact that they made changes to the list without our consent. Mr. Chifuta also talked of the ministry not wanting to be ‘forced’ to do illegalities based on falsehoods and yet this is clearly the complaint that we have against his ministry. His statement has caused a lot of concern and fear in us, as the apparent bias that we have been talking about was clearly manifested.”
“We are, however, very happy to see him pledge that the ministry will execute its mandate as provided for by law without fear or favour and I hope he knows that what that means is that the ministry should respect the status quo unless the court says otherwise. The matter in court is that Mr. Akafumba sued Dr. Chishimba Kambwili for allegedly claiming to be NDC President and NDC as a party was never sued. So to legitimize their so-called ‘other faction’ which is clearly a conflict of interest issue with his boss, is not only saddening but illegal and malicious,” she concluded.
Opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary-General Changala Siame has said reduced inflation and gaining kwacha cannot lead to reduced cost of living in Zambia minus increased production and exports.
Mr Siame said despite reduced inflation the cost of living will remain high because the prices of commodities will be increasing unless Zambia starts producing and increasing exports.
He argued that the Kwacha was only gaining because the dollar was losing value.
“It’s very important to understand fundamentals that cause economic trends. This gives a correct response on how to react to either a positive or negative economic trend. Fundamental and technical analyses are two common words used for those that trade on active stock markets. The two theories affect trader’s decisions to buy or sell stocks.
In Zambia, the strength of the Kwacha against the US dollar is something that brings a lot of excitement to international traders and indeed is used as an economic performance indicator by a common man on the street. However, without understanding why we have a gain or a loss, could lead to serious poor decisions by those who are actually involved in international trade, our local traders,” Mr, Siame said.
“What is interesting in our economy right now, we have a reducing inflation and a stable and gained exchange rate that is actually having less impact on the price of consumer’s goods. The cost of living is still going up and unbearable. In actuality, what is expected is the opposite to happen. A reducing inflation and a stabilizing and gaining currency should translate into cheaper goods but it is not our case. The reason is very simple; our gain in the Kwacha against the US dollar is because of the weakening of the US dollar. If you check the US dollar against the Chinese Yen and Rubles from Russia, you would appreciate our explanation. The UK pound; Euro and Dollar are certainly under pressure as the result of the Ukraine-Russia war. Russia is demanding that oil be bought from their currency, Rubles and not the US dollar. China, India and other countries are buying fuel cheaply from Russia and their currencies are doing fine,” he said.
Mr. Siame has since advocated an enhanced manufacturing sector in Zambia.
“What is happening now, the global economy is deeply divided into two spheres. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) against the West. Therefore, going forward, it would be very important to make comparisons of exchange against the emerging currency to determine the performance of the US dollar, especially against the Rubles. For Yen, it’s usually manipulated against the dollar. They always peg it down against the US dollar for cheaper export purposes. Therefore, the Chinese Yen is not a good yield stick for purposes of comparison against the US dollar. Our Kwacha has been relatively stable the past month and slightly the previous. Hence, any turbulence in major currency, translates in significant changes in Kwacha as witnessed. Because of our Kwacha gaining on those grounds, the cost of living will still remain high because the prices will still be going up unless we start producing and increasing our exports,” he said.
Mr. Siame added:”What the government should actually be concerned with are the reserves we hold in US dollars which is about $ 2.8 billion. This actually means losing value stored in US dollars. They really need to pay attention to what is happening in the global market and possess an understanding thereof to find correct response to this new development. Gold reserves will prove better and have always been better from time in memorial. Hence, with this positive gain that we have, not knowing how long it would last because the fundamentals are not as a result of our own efforts, the government should take advantage by encouraging our people to import manufacturing machines. This can be done through reducing tax duty on those items. Thus, this will create possibilities of creating manufacturing jobs in the near future. We hope the trend continues in our favor as a country. Wherever we want to go, our feet shall take us there.”
The government in partnership with the United Nations has launched guidelines on minimum standards for child victims and witnesses in the justice process.
Gender and Development Judiciary Committee Chairperson, Annes Bobo says the guidelines cover serious aspects of the judicial process that will ensure children’s issues in the justice system in Zambia are protected at all levels.
Justice Bobo said the guidelines will contribute in strengthening institutional capacities for handling children in the justice processes at all levels as well as improving the multi-sectoral response to violation of children’s rights.
She was speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Justice Mwape Bowa during the launch of the guidelines in Lusaka today.
Justice Bobo urged the judiciary and other stakeholders to work together to reduce violence, abuse and other forms of harmful practices against children.
She has further urged the general public to ensure that children’s rights are protected.
Justice Bobo added that it is important that children are handled well and responsibly in every aspect of their lives.
Meanwhile, Gender Division Permanent Secretary, Mainga Kabika in a speech read for her by Gender Lives Protection Acting Director under Gender Division Office, Nchimunya Nkombo said there is need to teach, inform and support children to know their rights.
And United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali said the UN recognizes the ongoing efforts by the Zambian government to provide protection and support to children in need including child victims and witnesses.
The UN together with the Zambian Government is implementing a Joint Programme on Gender-Based Violence Phase two with support from the governments of Sweden and Ireland.
Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu has confirmed that international hunting is benefiting hunting communities and supporting wildlife and habitat conservation in his country.
Minister Nzovu’s confirmation of international hunting’s socio-economic benefits to Zambian communities as well as its support towards wildlife and habitat conservation comes at a time when the British Government is being pressurised by the anti-hunting animal rights groups there, to demonise international hunting and ban hunting trophy imports worldwide including hunting trophies of Africa’s big five.
Accordingly, Minister Nzovu has warned that any future trophy hunting import bans would take away international hunting benefits from the African hunting communities and also remove incentives for community wildlife and habitat conservation, in Zambia and Africa.
He said that Zambian hunting communities have continued to benefit from international hunting under a “50-50” hunting revenue benefit-sharing arrangement with the Zambian Government. Minister Nzovu said that the other socio-economic benefits include the “construction of schools in hunting .
“We have 50-50 share between communities (hunting communities) and the Government,” said Minister Nzovu adding that the “50-50” international hunting revenue benefit-sharing arrangement is supported by a Zambian Government “statutory instrument.”
Meanwhile, local and international observers continue to warn that “without international hunting benefits the rural communities all over Africa will see no value in wildlife and would rather collaborate with poachers to kill the continent’s big game such as rhinos, elephants, leopards, lions and buffaloes.”
“We can only encourage them (countries that want to ban international hunting) to learn from the people who are doing and have done it (international hunting),” said Minister Nzovu.
“If they (anti-international hunting countries) feel that they don’t get any key learning from it, they should learn from the people that are co-existing with wildlife (African hunting communities).”
One of Zambia’s most stunning mindset-changing hunting benefits during the 21st Century were recently experienced in the South Luangwa community that opted to accept a previously taboo culture of family planning, so that they could prevent human overpopulation that would result in them taking up wilderness land set aside for wildlife hunting and conservation.
Elsewhere in Zambia, the international hunting benefits have also enhanced the anti-poaching culture in Zambian rural communities of Kazungula District, right in the heart of the world’s richest wildlife area, the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA).
In a recent interview, Mr Roy Seemani, Acting Ranger of Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife, in charge of Mulombedzi and Sichifulo Game Management Area (GMA), said that the local communities “have continued to show a progressive shift towards wildlife and habitat conservation, incentivised by hunting benefits.”
“Local communities’ perceptions towards wildlife are much better compared to the previous years when they used to poach wildlife because it didn’t bring benefits to them,” said Mr Seemani.
He said that the hunting companies “help create employment” in the hunting communities.
They sign contracts that make it mandatory for them to ensure they employ 30% of people from local communities, pay for wild resources monitoring, in order to evaluate the use and conservation of resources, including fire management.
The companies also pay for anti-poaching operations.
“Some of the hunting revenue is also used to support community livelihoods, including the construction of community clinics and schools,” said Mr Seemani.
Meanwhile, the Zambian hunting communities, including other southern African hunting communities have started warning that the United Nations should never hope to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 as long as its member countries such as the British Government continue to oppose international hunting that clearly contributes towards the achievement of SDGs through wildlife and habitat conservation and poverty alleviation also through supporting socio-economic development opportunities in African countries’ hunting communities, including employment creation for game rangers.
The southern African hunting communities also say, “It’s a violation of African people’s rights to talk about animal rights without also talking about human rights and needs.
It’s double standards and hypocritical for Western governments to speak in favour of poverty alleviation in Africa but ironically blocking such opportunity by banning the means towards achieving it — wild trade, including international hunting.”
However, there is still hope to achieve SDGs in Africa if there is no external interference on how the continent should benefit from its wild resources.
“SDGs are doable if there is political will at domestic level,” said Minister Nzovu seemingly hinting that Zambia has no control over the external factors that can fail the achievement of SDGs in Africa such as the British Government’s trophy hunting imports ban Bill.
“So, I have actually observed that in Africa we are slowly getting that political will from us the politicians and letting other people drive the economy to achieve SDGs.”
Zambia’s quiet diplomacy in its efforts to convince the Western countries and animal rights groups to stop their trophy hunting imports ban dictatorship in Africa ended when it broke its silence in May 2021.
In May 2021, the then Director of the Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Dr Chuma Simukonda questioned why Western countries lawmakers continue to pursue trophy hunting imports bans, without consulting African countries.
His question put a spotlight on the unwelcome Western dictatorship of wildlife management in Africa, including the attempts to ban international hunting.
“It is unfortunate that such efforts promoted in the name of African species lack any input from Africans and are grounded on a protectionist mentality contrary to the sustainable-use model that has proven so successful in Zambia and much of southern Africa,” said Dr Simukonda.
“Zambia’s wildlife is already stable without such ill-informed legislation (to ban international hunting). Our wildlife management system is based on science, adaptation, and community empowerment.”
About 12 months later in 2022, Minister Nzovu has repeated the call not to ban trophy hunting imports from his country and the African continent as this would not only harm wildlife and habitat conservation but also negatively impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of hunting communities.
“We are all sovereign states,” said Minister Nzovu.
“So, it all depends on what you want to do with your particular resource.
So, for those particular countries (anti-international hunting countries) we would encourage them to understand that the beneficiation that we are getting are also going to the communities, wildlife and habitat conservation.”
He said the world should learn about international hunting benefits from the communities that make wildlife and habitat conservation sacrifices.
“These communities are the ones who let go of their pieces of land so that we create space for protected areas, be it national parks, forestry and game management areas,” said Minister Nzovu.
– Emmanuel is a Johannesburg-based international award-winning environmental journalist who writes independently on environment and development issues in Africa.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has recorded an above-target revenue performance in the first half of the year 2022.
This was after the Authority collected a net tax outturn of K48, 307.9 million against the period target of K46, 203.9 million, thereby registering a surplus of K2, 104.0 million or 4.6 percent.
ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda says cumulatively, the Authority collected K56, 407.9 million in gross taxes during the first half of 2022, while the refunds stood at K8, 100.0 million.
Mr. Banda says the recorded surplus was largely attributed to the strong performance of direct taxes which was driven by sustained high copper prices on the global market during the period under review.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Authority also surpassed the revenue target by collecting K29, 956.9 million in gross taxes and refunded K4, 050.0 million.
The net collections thus stood at K25, 906.9 million against the quarter target of K25, 146.3 million, thereby recording a surplus of K760.6 million or 3.0 percent.
“Gross collections during the second quarter of 2022 increased by 10.6 percent in nominal terms when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2021, while net collections in the first half of 2022 increased by 24.2 percent relative to the same period in 2021. The total refunds in first half of 2022 at K8,100.0 million increased by 57.4 percent compared to K5,146.7 million refunded during the corresponding period in 2021”, Mr. Banda said.
In terms of industry performance, the top three contributors (accounting for 63.3%) to gross revenue collections during the first half of 2022 were Mining and Quarrying, Wholesale and retail trade and Manufacturing sectors, which accounted for 43.0 percent, 11.8 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively, of the total gross collections.
The Authority has also issued the Executive Tax Bulletin for the second quarter of 2022 and can be accessed on the ZRA website.
The excellent revenue performance has also been enhanced by sustained implementation of key strategies as enshrined in ZRA’s Corporate Plan.
Some of the strategies include extensive use of data and intelligence to unearth unpaid taxes, use of technology to simplify tax processes, taxpayer engagements and education, customer support programmes; which have led to improved voluntary compliance and tax base expansion which is aimed at on-boarding taxpayers previously not paying taxes.
Other strategies include enhanced active surveillance and enforcement operations which have been reinforced by collaboration with other government agencies in the fight against economic crimes such as smuggling and other forms of tax evasion.
The improved staff productivity and high-performance culture has also enhanced revenue collection.
This follows the continuous implementation of a robust internal performance management culture by the Authority.
The Commissioner General has urged ZRA staff to continue improving performance in all aspects while meeting the expectations of all our stakeholders as stipulated in the 2022-2024 Corporate Strategic Plan.
“Once again, I salute you all for your consistent dedication to duty which is underscored by this favourable revenue outturn amidst external challenges such as rising oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the continued subliminal effects of the Covid-19 pandemic”, Mr. Banda said.
“Management, through the Governing Board, is committed to providing a conducive working environment and progressively addressing all matters affecting staff welfare. Finally, let us remember to always live the ZRA core values of Taxpayer focus, Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation and Networking”, Mr. Banda added.
Former KK 11 and Nkana goalkeeper Johnstone Katowando has told the current crop of players to take football seriously.
Katowando, who played for Zambia between 1976 and 1980, said players should be more dedicated to the game.
He observed that some players nowadays lack the zeal to play the game.
“In the past the boys were dedicated to just playing the game but these days players have combined football and money. They have put money first,” Katowando said from his base in Kitwe.
Katowando 69 was part of the Zambia squad for the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games in Canada.
“Many Zambian players are going to play outside the country but are coming back early without achieving anything. Players are lacking that zeal to play with dedication. If they work hard, current players can perform wonders,” he said.
Katowando made his name at Rhokana United now called Nkana Football Club around 1972 before joining Lusaka’s Red Arrows in 1975.
Coach Lewingtone Mujembe has ditched Kitwe United to join FAZ Super Division side Chambishi as first assistant coach.
Mujembe joined Kitwe United, a National Division One side, as head coach last January.
Chambishi have since unveiled Mujembe as first assistant coach ahead of the 2022/2023 FAZ Super Division season.
The Konkola Blades legend has joined the Chambishi bench headed by Simonda Kaunda.
Ernest Ngosa is the second assistant coach at Chambishi.
Club spokesperson Chali Katongo said Chambishi is confident the combination of Simonda and Mujembe will bring glory to the club.
“The Executive Committee of Chambishi Football Club wishes to inform the football family on the appointment of Mr Mujembe as 1st Assistant Coach. Mr Kaunda Simonda will continue as Head Coach,” Katongo said in a media statement.
“Management is confident that the combination of the two will bring glory to Chambishi Football,” he added.
Chambishi survived relegation after finishing 14th in the Super Division on 38 points in 34 matches.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to support Zambia reach an understanding with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on its debt restructuring programme.
Mr Mattarella said his country is ready to help Zambia in its economic recovery trajectory.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on President Hichilema at State house today, Mr Mattarella said this is one way of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
“Italy stands ready to help Zambia in many sectors of the economy such as Mining, Agriculture, health and education among others. Zambia is a beacon of peace and a promoter of democratic tenets,” he said.
He explained that Italy is committed to further strengthen ties with Zambia by setting up businesses and infrastructure development among others across the country.
Mr Mattarella also praised Zambia for its resolve to fight corruption saying the vice retards economic development.
And President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Italy for the huge contributions it renders to Zambia in all sectors of the economy such as energy, Agriculture among others.
Mr Hichilema noted that the cooperation between the two countries spans many years ago when successful leaders of Italy and Zambia initiated warm relationship.
The President further called on Italy to support Zambia in its journey to access the IMF bailout which is expected to cushion the country’s challenges in many sectors of the economy.
“Indeed Zambia is grateful for Italy’s contributions and support in all the sectors of the economy especially in energy, education, agriculture among others,” he said.
Mr Hichilema added that Zambia is endowed with mineral resources which needs value addition, stating that Italy can help in that area in a bid to transform the country.
He further assured Italy of Zambia’s continuous upholding of democratic tenets, peace and stability to foster social and economic development as democracy is the hallmark of development.
The President commended his Italian counterpart for visiting Zambia as the move will spur deeper mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Italian President who is accompanied by First Lady Laura Mattarella arrived in the country yesterday.
Former Post Master General MacPherson Chanda and two others have been sentenced to two years imprisonment for 13 counts of theft by public servant by the Ndola Magistrate Court.
Chanda, Former Finance Director Best Mwaiche and Isaac Kamwimba were sentenced today by a Ndola Magistrate Court. The court has given the three an option of a fine amounting to K350 million.
Chanda and the two others have been found guilty in the 13 counts of theft by public servants involving over K300 million. The three unlawfully diverted social cash transfer (SCT) funds amounting to K335, 108,834 without authority.
The case was before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court Magistrate Kaunda Sakwanda.
In April Mr.Chanda and two others were found with a case to answer in all the 13 counts of theft by public servant involving over K300 million. When the case came before the Fast Track Economic and Financial Crimes Court in Ndola, magistrate Kaunda Sakwanda said after hearing the prosecution’s witnesses, she was satisfied that a prima face case had been established against the accused persons.
“I, therefore, find the accused persons with a case to answer. Having said this, I put the accused persons herein on their defence for the offence of theft by public servant in all 13 counts,” she ruled.
Last year, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested Chanda and two directors for corrupt practices involving over K300,000,000.
The trio, in their capacities as Postmaster General, Director of Finance and Director of Operations, respectively, were said to have unlawfully diverted social cash transfer funds amounting to K335,108,834.00 without lawful authority.
In count one, it is alleged that between December 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021, Mcpherson Chanda, Best Mwaichi and Isaac Kamwimba jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown and being employed in the public service, namely as PostMaster General, Director Finance and Director operations, respectively, for the Zambia Postal Services, stole K 50,000,000, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.
In count two, it is alleged that Chanda and Kamwimba between August 1 and December 1, 2018 stole K21,945,256, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.
In count three, it is alleged that Chanda and Mwaichi between September 1 and October 1, 2017, stole K 27,363,578, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.
In counts four and five, Chanda and Mwaichi are alleged to have between March 1 and December 1, 2018, stolen K 5,500,000 and K20,000,000, property belonging to the Government of Zambia.
In count six, the two are also alleged to have stolen K16,000,000 between September 1 and December 1, 2017 and K50,000,000 between January 1, 2017 and December 1, 2018.
Other amounts Chanda and Mwaichi are alleged to have stolen include; K50,000,000 between January 1 and December 1, 2018, K25,000,000 between October 1 and December 1, 2017, K6,000,000 between January 1 and December 1, 2018, K24,300,000 between October 1 and December 1, 2017, K25,000,000 between October 9 and December 1, 2017 and K14,000,000 between October 25 and December 1, 2017.
Apathy has characterized the continuous voter registration in Central Province.
Kabwe Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager, Nancy Chenga, says the public response has been poor and has urged eligible members of the public to take advantage of the registration centre domiciled at the Civic Centre and get registered.
Ms. Chenga, said in Kabwe that the continuous voter registration is an opportunity for all categories of eligible voters to get the voters’ card.
“The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has launched the continuous voter registration in all the ten provincial centers to ensure an accurate register that captures all eligible Zambians that have attained 18 years and above,” Ms. Chenga said.
She has advised the members of the public to use the continuous voter registration to replace defaced and lost voters’ cards as well as to surrender voters’ cards of the deceased persons.
“During the continuous voters registration we are replacing defaced and lost voters’ cards, and collecting voters’ cards for deceased persons in order to remove them from the register and ensure accurate numbers,” she said.
She has urged people who could have also relocated to new places to take this opportunity to go to the registration centre and change the polling station.
“We have given an opportunity to people who could have shifted from different residential places or polling stations to change their polling stations to where they have relocated to so that they don’t have challenges when it comes to voting,” she stated.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on 1st June 2022 launched the continuous voters’ registration in ten provincial centers and will progressively move to other centers, a paradigm shift from the previous occasional voter registration programme.
Meanwhile, Kabwe District Voter Education Officer (DVEO), Lityness Mkandawire, has appealed to the people of Kabwe who are eligible to visit the registration centre and register as voters.
Ms. Mkandawire says members of the general public are free to access the centre every day from Monday to Friday, adding that people should not wait for 2026 to have the voters’ card.
She has advised those that have lost their voters’ card to get a police report and together with the National Registration Card (NRC) go to the centre and get a replacement.
“Those that have lost their voters’ cards, they should go to the nearest police station and get a police report. The requirement for a lost card is a police report and an NRC in order to have a replacement,” Ms. Mkandawire clarified.
