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Quickly resolve obstacles in disbursement of empowerment funds to communities – ZANAMAC

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Quickly resolve obstacles in disbursement of empowerment funds to communities – ZANAMAC

The Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMAC) has appealed to the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and other Ministries to quicken facilitating the process of resolving issues of disbursement of funds meant for empowerment programmes.

ZANAMACA President, Mupila Kameya said resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should be unblocked so that the association can also access the funds to implement the transformational and game changing initiatives for youth unemployment .

Mr Kameya said the association with its strategic partners have designed a youth job creation initiative using mobile technology to formalize some specially selected members of the informal sector in order to track youth job creation .

He said the Digital Graduation of Informal Sector entrepreneurs (DIGISE) is aimed at creating more jobs for youths in a short period of time within five years.

Mr Kameya said that the objective of the Programme entails digital entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer ,formalization of enterprises and acceleration of the informal sector of their growth with already identified interventions.

He urged the government and donor community to support the association by providing resources to launch a programme that is creative , practical , innovative and critical to create massive job creation.

Mr Kameya noted that as an association believes that most practical and effective channel for fast tracking the creation of formal jobs ,and working together with government and cooperating partners.

“We understand the informal sector in general and we know the needs of its various sub sectors and which informal sectors can be formalized because we have presence throughout the Country so the formalization of informal entrepreneurship cannot be a challenge to us once the resources are available,” he said.

Mr Kameya said that the association has numbers, the Knowledge and the technology to create youth jobs and all that is needed is the resources to make the initiatives a reality.

Govt creating resilient health systems to counteract disease outbreaks – Masebo

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Govt creating resilient health systems to counteract disease outbreaks – Masebo

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo says government is creating resilient systems that will withstand emergencies and disease outbreaks.

Ms. Masebo noted that there is a need to develop a healthcare system which will protect the Zambian citizens regardless of the disease.

Speaking during the Czech Solutions for Zambian Healthcare Workshop, the Health Minister noted that the country is exploring ways Government and the Czech Republic can build a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Ms. Masebo said the health facilities required that government enhance their function with modern equipment and technologies.

She added that well-functioning equipment is key to creating a strong and resilient healthcare delivery system.

The Minister noted that infrastructure and equipment need rehabilitation and construction across the country.

She said the replacing of critical medical equipment will enable health personnel to perform their duties in a safe and conducive environment.

Ms. Masebo added that lack of addressing the health challenge will pose a negative impact on the quality of healthcare for the citizens.

She stated that there is a need to invest in health delivery systems such as health infrastructure, and modern medical equipment among others.

And Czech Republic Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Martin Tlapa said that his country will partner with Zambia to facilitate projects that will enhance relations and businesses.

ZDA commends WSO for setting up offices in Zambia

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ZDA commends WSO for setting up offices in Zambia

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has commended the World Sustainability Organisation (WSO) for coming on board to help promote Zambian companies and products in the global market.

ZDA acting Managing Director, Albert Halwampa said Zambian companies and traditional products have been straggling to penetrate the global market for a long time.

Mr. Halwampa noted that the failure has been attributed to certification and tariff barrier procedures that exits in international markets.

ZANIS reports that the director said the coming of the WSO in the country will help increase access to international markets.

He added that the agency will make sure that they sensitize and train Zambian companies on certification of products so that they get promoted outside.

And the World Sustainability Organisation founder and director Paolo Bray said the organisation is set to open up an office in Zambia before the end of September this year.

Mr. Bray noted that the aim is to help promote Zambian companies to meet the desired standards that are required in the global market

He added that about 10 Zambian professional workers will be employed at the WSO to help in the certification of Zambian companies.

Investigate cases thoroughly before effecting arrests – President Hichilema

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Investigate cases thoroughly before effecting arrests – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties thoroughly and professionally in an effort to regain public confidence.

President Hichilema observed that some cases being handled by the law enforcers do not go beyond conviction, which has become of public concern.

The Head of State therefore challenged the law enforcement agencies to ensure that they carry out thorough investigations before making arrests, which will convince the public in governments’ effort to fight corruption in the country.

President Hichilema said this during a swearing-in ceremony of 19 senior government officials who included the Anti-Corruption Commission Board, Human Rights Commissioners, the Police Public Complaints Commissioner, Judicial Complaints Commissioners and Diplomats, at State House.

The Head of State implored the appointed officials to serve the public with diligence and efficiently in their individual capacity and collectively as a team to meet the expectations of the Zambian people.

He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that there is an improved governance record in the country.

President Hichilema urged the different agencies to work together and bring reforms that will enhance the governance of Zambia.

“These appointments therefore come at the right time when we have embarked on a new trajectory of our country in all sectors,” President Hichilema stated.

Addressing the newly sworn-in Police Public Complaints Commission Chairperson Zunga Siakalima, the Head of State wants his government to open the economy 24/7 where factories are able to operate at any time without citizens fearing for their safety during night time.

President Hichilema further expects the Human Rights Commission to be proactive and ensure that the rights of people are safeguarded.

He also told the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate cases and ensure that when a matter is taken to court, it will be convicted so that citizens are convinced with the Commission’s mandate.

For the Judicial Complaints Commission, President Hichilema stressed the need for the country to be run on the constitution rather than placing others above the law.

He says it is unfortunate that sometimes the Zambian people have had their rights infringed on due to the slow processes by the judicial system.


And he also urged the Diplomats to create opportunities for citizens within the country and also look after the welfare of citizens in the diaspora.

Meanwhile, newly conferred State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe assured that he will provide guidance to the legal profession and help in developing the law and the sector to benefit the general public.

HRC Vice Chairperson Pamela Samboa said the Commission will engage various law enforcement agencies to ensure that the rights of people are not taken away.

Others who were sworn in include Musa Mwenya as ACC Board Chairperson, Henry Mbushi as State Counsel, Gilbert Phiri as ACC Director General and Isabelle Lemba as Ambassador.

Others include Elias Mushya as Zambia’s High Commissioner Designate in the Commonwealth of Australia, Patricia Kondolo as Zambia’s Ambassador in Italy, while Syvester Mundanda serves as Zambia’s Ambassador Designate to the Kingdom of Belgium.

RUGBY :Arrows Bury DIGGERS to Cement Top Spot

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Defending champions Red Arrows consolidated their stay at the top of the National after thrashing Diggers 33-08 in Lusaka to move to 31 points.

Arrows scored tries by Enock Mutembo, Birthrock Sikaona Thomas Mwakenja, Elisha Bwalya and Peka Phiri.

Alex Mwewa converted three tries while Gabriel Mungalaba converted one as Diggers scored a try through Maybin Mukosa and a penalty by Mulenga Mwila.

Diggers dropped one position to number four on 24 points.

KPF with a game in hand, are second on goal difference after thumping Lusaka 54-3 to amass 31 points from seven games played.

In other games, Konkola posted their first win of the season after beating struggling Ndola Wanderers 23-6 at home in Chililabombwe.

The win over Ndola moved Konkola out of the bottom position.Konkola are now second from the bottom with six points, one above bottom placed Ndola.

Results Week 8
=National League
Konkola 23 – 06 Ndola Wanderers
Mufulira Leopards 29-03 Green Eagles
KPF 54 – 03 Lusaka
Red Arrows 33 -08 Diggers

=Presidents League
Chibuluma 06-24 Nkwazi
Roan 05 -12 Nchanga

=Ladies League
Leopardess 26 -19 Eagles

=Youth League
Linda Lions 07-08 Chibolya

Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant

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Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant

Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant which is expected to double production capacity over the next 18 months.

Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin said that the capital investment is supported by the enabling investment and trade climate under the New Dawn Administration.

Ms. Kilpin said the investment, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year is expected to create more direct and indirect jobs and expand the company’s agriculture out-grower schemes.

Ms Kilpin said that this will offer further procurement opportunities for local suppliers and service providers and contribute additional tax revenue to government.

Ms. Kilpin added that the investment will enhance the company’s beer production capacity and significantly contribute to the wider national economy.

She said this in a statement to the media.

And Zambian Breweries Board Chairperson Monica Musonda said the new investment is another demonstration of the company’s long-term commitment and contribution to Zambia.

Zambia is food secure and we expect Mealie prices to gradually fall-Information Minister

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Zambia is food secure and we expect Mealie prices to gradually fall-Information Minister

The government has assured the nation that Zambia is food secure beyond the next harvest and that it expects mealie meal prices to gradually fall.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chusi Kasanda attributed the expectation to new maize stock from small-scale farmers which will start being offloaded on the market.

In a statement released to the media, Ms Kasanda however noted that the relatively high mealie meal prices being experienced are a result of the high cost of carry-over maize grain which is being used to process the mealie meal.

Currently, the latest retail price of breakfast mealie meal is averaging K150 per 25-kilogram bag while the price of the same quantity of roller meal is averaging K110.

Ms Kasanda said Prices are slightly higher in some areas of Muchinga, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces mainly as a result of external influences such as smuggling.

Ms Kasanda, who is the Information and Media Minister also said that the country is food secure beyond the next harvest, adding that there is adequate mealie meal supply throughout the country.

Ms Kasanda revealed that the country produced over 2.7 million metric tonnes of maize during the 2021/2022 agriculture season and that the country had a total maize carry-over stock of over 1.5 million metric tonnes, leaving the country with excess maize stock of over 1.2 million metric tonnes.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. CHUSHI KASANDA, MP, ON THE NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY

Some sections of our society have in the recent past raised concern about what they feel is a weak food security situation in the country, coupled with high mealie meal prices.

I wish to assure the nation that the country is food secure beyond the next harvest. As at 12th May, 2022 when the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, announced the crop Forecast Survey results for the 2021/2022 Agriculture Season, the country had the following stocks:

1. Maize

During the 2021/2022 agriculture season, the country produced a total of 2,706,243.00 metric tonnes of maize. In addition, the country had a total of maize carry-over stock of 1,506,432 metric tonnes, giving a total stock of 4,209,675.00 metric tonnes. The total annual national maize grain requirement for human, livestock, industrial and other uses, stands at 3,004,763 metric tonnes.
When this is netted out of the total available stock of 4,209,675 metric tonnes, it leaves the country with an excess maize stock of 1,204,912 metric tonnes.

2. Maize price

Prices of the new maize crop average K3.50 per kg (about K175 per 50kg bag) while the previous season’s maize average K4.00 per kg (about K200 per 50kg bag). These prices are expected to gradually reduce to around K3.20 per kg (about K160 per 50kg bag) as the new crop which is currently being harvested, is on the market in July, 2022.

3. Mealie meal prices and supply

The latest retail price of breakfast mealie meal is averaging K150 per 25kg bag while the price of the same quantity of roller meal is averaging K110. Prices are slightly higher in some areas of Muchinga, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces mainly as a result of external influences such as smuggling.

Otherwise, mealie meal is in adequate supply throughout the country. Different brands are found in different areas of the country, thereby giving the consumer a wide choice. These brands are also being sold at different prices.

I further wish to state that mealie meal prices for millers that are participating in the Maize Export Programme are lower as they are compensated with exports. The government projects mealie meal prices to gradually fall as the new maize from our small-scale farmers starts being offloaded on the market.

The relatively high mealie meal prices currently being experienced are a result of the high price of carry-over maize grain which is being used to process the mealie meal.

4. Wheat

I further wish to inform the nation that the country currently has a total wheat stock of 319,356.00 metric tonnes. The country also expects to produce 874,400.00 metric tonnes of cassava flour and 63,911 metric tonnes of paddy rice.

On behalf of the Government, once again, I wish to assure the nation that we are food secure despite the reduced harvest during the 2021/2022 farming season.

Through stakeholder consultation and collaboration, Government will ensure that mealie meal, our staple food, is available and affordable and that no citizen of this country will go hungry.

KCM and Indo Zambia Bank hold exploratory discussions for bridge financing to the company

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KCM and Indo Zambia Bank hold exploratory discussions for bridge financing to the company

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) and Indo Zambia Bank have held exploratory discussions to establish a strong business partnership, which would unlock bridge financing to the mining company by the bank to pave the way for growth.

KCM Provisional Liquidator Celine Nair, who is also the acting Administrator General and Official Receiver of Zambia, held business talks with Indo Zambia Bank Managing Director Kowdichar Shashidhar and other senior bank officials during a visit to KCM in Chingola. The Provisional Liquidator’s team comprised her agent Jason Kazilimani, the acting Chief Executive Officer Enock Mponda and other senior management officials.

The discussions centred on creating synergies to ensure potential structured financing of mining operations, possible lending by the bank to employees of KCM and other facilities that would assist in unlocking some of the untapped mining activities of Konkola Copper Mines.

Indo Zambia Bank expressed their desire to explore and partner with KCM in the short to medium term. The bank is also willing to explore possibilities of extending credit lines and other facilities. “KCM is looking at ways of doing business with Indo Zambia Bank through a win-win situation. We would like to create a strong mutually beneficial business partnership with Indo Zambia Bank,” Ms Nair said. Ms Nair said her office would continue to strengthen relationships with lending institutions to in order to create a strong platform for take-off by a new investor in KCM for continuity in mining operations. The government of Zambia is looking for an investor to take over the running of KCM.

“The global market is presenting opportunities for entities like KCM and we as Indo Zambia Bank would like to be part of the support to unlock such opportunities,” the Indo Zambia Managing Director, Mr Shashidar said.

The two parties agreed to explore pooled support to Community initiatives such as tree planting to aid a green economy, which is the thrust of the New Dawn Government for environmental promotion activities, and also in the areas of promoting various sports disciplines.

PRO’S HIT LISTS: Frankie and Kings Make Club Debuts

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PRO’S HIT LISTS: Frankie and Kings Make Club Debuts

Some of our foreign-based Chipolopolo stars were in competitive and pre-season action over the weekend.

=USA
Defender Aime Mabika was an unused substitute in Sundays 2-1 home win over Minnesota United.
Miami are now 8th on the Eastern Conference log on 21 points, eight behind leaders Philadelphia Union after 16 games played.

=SCOTLAND
Defender Frankie Musonda was in pre-season action on Saturday for his new club Ayr United in a 2-1 friendly win over visiting League Two club Stranraer FC.
Musonda played in the first 45 minutes to get a feel of some action since leaving fellow Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers a fortnight ago.


=SERBIA
Midfielder Kings Kangwa made his Red Star Belgrade debut on Saturday as a second half substitute in the Serbian champions 2-1 pre-season friendly win in Slovenia over hosts NK Bravo in Ljubljana.

Zamtel up for sale, foreign equity partner found

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Zamtel up for sale, foreign equity partner found

A senior official at state run telecoms firm Zamtel has revealed that government has put the company up for sale.

Acting Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Joshua Malupenga told a special virtual staff meeting last week that government has already found an equity partner to run the company.

Mr. Malupenga did not disclose the name or origin of the equity partner but stated that it was a foreign firm.

The meeting was held two days after Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati revealed during a tour of Zamtel House that the entity was loss making and that government had no intentions of recapitalising the company.

A source who attended the meeting explained that the meeting was convened to brief workers and explain the implications of Mr. Mutati’s statement.

“The meeting was cordial but tense. The Acting CEO went straight into subject and told us that a decision had already been taken and we have to be ready for the changes that will come with the new equity partner. Job losses are inevitable,” the source said.

The source revealed that according to Mr. Malupenga, government wants the new equity partner to come in before the August first anniversary of its reign.

“The target is August, they want the process quickened because Zamtel is making losses and is now a burden,” the source added.

Mutati recently disclosed that Zamtel is a loss-making venture 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.

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

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.

Government has secured a market for agricultural equipment to be manufactured in Choma-Mutati

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Government has secured a market for agricultural equipment to be manufactured in Choma-Mutati

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati has said that the government has secured a market for agricultural equipment to be manufactured by Saint Mawaggali Trades Training Institute in Choma.

Mr. Mutati says his ministry is in the process of engaging the private sector which will lead the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will see the institute supply agricultural equipment on a commercial scale.

Speaking in Choma when he and Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze, toured the institute, Mr. Mutati expressed satisfaction with the quality of skills imparted in the students and the modern machinery at St. Mawaggali.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati has commended the institute for enrolling 170 students using the Constituency Development Fund -CDF- bursaries component.

He said there have been complaints on procedures and uptake of CDF but noted that St. Mawaggali is a practical example of how institutions can make use of funds.
AND Saint Mawaggali Principal, Tom Kampamba, said the institute has the capacity to produce agricultural equipment and desks using its recently procured modern equipment.

He added that the increased enrollment will result in expanded revenue generation to the institution.

Constituency Development Fund is Practically Workable-Mutati

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Constituency Development Fund is Practically Workable-Mutati

Technology and Science Minister says constituency development fund (CDF) is practically workable and yielding results as demonstrated by St Mawaggali trades training institute that has taken advantage to utilising the proceeds (CDF resources) and enrolled 170 local youths pursuing various skills development programs.

Speaking during his familiarisation of the college in Choma, Mr Mutati commended St. Mawaggali management for the demonstrated innovations and capability to deliver practical skills training evidently tracked on it’s rich and success record of quality desk production – supply entrepreneurial activities and flying the Zambian flag with outstanding extra curricular participation in the World Skills Training competitions on international fronts.

Mr Mutati was grateful that the college carpentry production was responding to the desk initiative pronounced by President Hakainde Hichilema that every child in class must occupy a desk.

Minister called on all TEVET colleges to emulate St Mawaggali’s initiative in skills development, desk production, and entrepreneurship activities.

Mr Mutati said under Education ministry (official information) 3,800 new class rooms will be constructed in the province hence he challenged St Mawaggali to prepare and increase desk production.

He put an emphasis on providing quality skills development and equip students with appropriate skills in order to transform and uplift their livelihoods driven with entrepreneurial activities.

Mr Mutati disclosed that St Mawaggali trades will be supported with minimal seed funds by the ministry to commence a large scale desk production.
He told management and students that in the agricultural skills activities the trained students will be supported with entrepreneurial outlet market survey to assist them start conducting their various businesses.

Mr Mutati also directed the college to collaborate with the national technology and business council (NTBC) to seek guidance and translate it’s innovations into practical outputs through outlined procedures and finance support in view of the 22 million innovation budget.

He called on the college mangement to put to good use proceeds of the CDF for provided skills training development programs.

And St Mawaggali trades principal Thom Chewe Kampamba said the college was proud that now its delivering and enhanced on training through use of state of the art training equipment provided by the government.

He said despite challenges the college has recorded success in the delivery of quality training and entrepreneurial activities.

The FIC Report to be presented to Law enforcement agencies without any alterations-HH

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The FIC Report to be presented to Law enforcement agencies without any alterations-HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that the 2021 Financial Intelligence Centre trends report will be presented to law enforcement agencies without any alterations.

Commenting on the FIC report on arrival from the Commonwealth Heads of State meeting in Rwanda, President Hichilema said that this time around there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption.

President Hichilema said that he has not yet gone through the report but is not surprised that the report highlights people who put their hands in public funds.

President Hichilema said that the fight against corruption should not be reduced to ethnicity when law enforcement agencies act on the report, adding that people cannot take away what belongs to the public and hide behind an ethnic group.

The Head of State has encouraged the media to go through the (FIC) report and play an oversight role.

And President Hichilema said the new government needs to introduce itself to all nations in order to have a good relationship with the global community.

He said no country can operate as an island and that is why the trips that he is undertaking are necessary.

President Hichilema said one of the things that took him to the European Union headquarters in Belgium is the setting up of a 150 billion Euros fund for construction which is only accessed on first come first serve basis and the quality of projects presented.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema said the government signed an agreement in Rwanda to grow that Country’s food in Zambia which will in the long run improve the price offered to the farmers.

HH’s fight against corruption: Cutting through the noise

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HH’s fight against corruption: Cutting through the noise

By Charles Mundia

Now that Messrs Musa Mwenye and Gilbert Phiri have now received their parliamentary ratifications as Chairperson and Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) respectively, two things should immediately occupy their attention. Firstly, they are taking over a broken down institution whose standing in the eyes of the public is at the lowest ebb. Their close proximity to President Hichilema before the August 2021 election is actually an inconvenience as their execution of duty will be viewed from the same lenses as those used on the Head of State.

Besides a branch and root clean-up of the ACC, the Chairperson and Director General should quickly define their own paths. They should as a matter of urgency seek to take steps that will position the Commission as an autonomous institution with the ability to set its own terms. Chairperson Mwenye should quickly disengage the Commission from the ambit of State House. The ACC Act of 2012 has set out clear and adequate operational framework that to a very good extent guarantees its autonomy. Having the ACC sit at State House does not, structurally, administratively or in any other way help to cut its inefficiencies.

In his inauguration speech, President Hichilema spoke passionately about fighting corruption. He said, “The scourge of corruption has not only eroded our much-needed resources, but it has also robbed us of the opportunity for growth. We shall have zero tolerance to corruption. This will be our hallmark. The fight against corruption will be professional and not vindictive. The institutions mandated to investigate and prosecute will be given unfettered autonomy to effectively and efficiently carry out their mandate without fear or favour of political bias.”

As it stands, President Hichilema’s fight against corruption does not look like the one he promised when he held that Bible in his hand to take his Oath at Heroes Stadium. At best, when he speaks about fighting corruption, he is now beginning to sound like a broken record.

A Crisis of Perception

Established in 1980 under the Corrupt Practices Act, the Commission has largely received a good amount of local and international goodwill. Throughout the past administrations, from the Kaunda right down to the Lungu administration, the Commission has enjoyed a somewhat stable flow of support both technical and financial from its partners including from the Government of the Republic of Zambia. Undoubtedly, the best period for the Commission was during the Mwanawasa administration when late President Mwanawasa launched a zero tolerance policy to corruption and established the Task Force on Corruption which worked closely with Commission to implement the National Anti-Corruption Policy with the Commission as the lead Agency in the fight against graft. During this period, the Commission received unprecedented levels of donor support as many stakeholders actually believed that the Commission was a force for good. Today, some 16 years later, the Zambia Anti-Corruption Commission which commanded huge respect at home, in the region and internationally is unrecognisable. The Commission that sits at Kulima Tower Building in the filthy part of Lusaka CBD is but just a shell. The once respected state institution has been reduced to a wild dog used to scare away political rivals. It backs all the time with little or nothing to show for. President Hichilema has not helped matters. By micro managing the ACC, he is not be absorbed from the blame.

Get some real work done

With a poor average conviction rate of around 11% from over 500 cases, the Commission in its current state is not fit for purpose. Moments following President Hichilema’s inauguration, like excited kids in a candy store, the ACC swung into action and started announcing searches and seizures of property suspected to be proceeds of crimes belonging to former government and party officials who served in the previous administration. As at the end of May, around 20 people closely linked to the PF had been searched, warned and cautioned, arrested and their properties seized or restricted but none have been convicted or even found with a case to answer to date. To their credit, the biggest catch for the ACC so far has been Faith Musonda. She used the Forfeiture of Proceeds Act to reach a settlement with the ACC and returned K65 million, US$57,900 and a House to the State in October 2021. From the heavyweights such as Given Lubinda, Bowman Lusambo, Samuel Mukupa, Ronald Chitotela to junior party officials such as Maxwell Chongo, the ACC and their cohorts at DEC and OP have been very busy issuing very alarming and misleading headlines using a particular Tabloid on some high profile cases when they have very little chance at prosecution. They have also had the offices for former First Lady Esther Lungu searched and they found nothing.

Remember the headlines, “Bowman owns 49 Houses,” which was in the News Diggers Newspaper of January 12th 2021? The ACC leaked the story to gain public support in their so called fight against corruption. When Mr. Lusambo was finally charged, there was no mention of 49 Houses. What he was charged with are 4 counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces. The ACC said Mr. Lusambo was in possession of property number f/609/e/44/13/9, property number Ndo/ln_77505/1, property number Masai/ln_1005309/1, and property number Palab/ln_73112/17.

The also charged him with two counts of concealment of property in the Lusaka and Copperbelt and that he concealed property number Masai/ln_100328/218 disguised in the name of Mbachi Nkwazi and property number Ndo/ln_1004844/191 disguised in the name of Gatbro International Limited. When the matter finally went to court, the ACC in a very unconventional manner was allowed to change the indictment. They struck off the Gatbro International Limited. What was also interesting that the property they screamed about was some virgin land in his home village in Masaiti and the property they suspect him of concealing actually is a half done transaction in the name of Nancy Manase who happens to be his lawfully wedded wife. According to ACC officers, a man can be so dumb that he can actually conceal property in the wife’s name. They made further screaming headlines when they raided Amos Chanda’s property. According to the ACC, having served former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as his Press Secretary, Amos ought to have been corrupt. They raided his property with the glare of cameras and as usual they drew a blank. They took him and his wife in for allegedly insulting ACC officers and that is a case they have spent close to a year trying to win in court.

Musa and Gilbert should know that the ACC is made up of corrupt, half trained and incompetent men and women who are so bad at their jobs and the Commission is to stand any chance at winning any cases of corruption, a major overhaul is necessary.

Posterity is waiting

Both Musa and Gilbert have done exceptionally well for themselves. As a criminal lawyer, Gilbert commands some good level of respect among his peers. In some circles, he is considered to be one of the finest criminal lawyers around. For Musa, he is respected for his high standards of integrity. He has publicly announced how much he abhors corruption. His experience having served as Attorney and Solicitor General and his many years at the Bar should help provide the much needed leadership at the Commission. The entire Board of Commissioners should also bring some valuable experience in the ACC Boardroom. Both on the good side of 40 years, Gilbert and Musa should be fully aware that posterity is waiting and watching and will judge them accordingly.

*Charles Mundia is a political analyst based in Lusaka

SEPA intensifies awareness programmes to curb environmental degradation

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SEPA intensifies awareness programmes to curb environmental degradation

A non governmental organization called Save Environment People Agency (SEPA) with support from Action Aid has intensified awareness programmes to curb environmental degradation in the country.

SEPA Chief Executive Officer Mailes Muke has observed that lack of enhanced capacity building on forest dependency, has contributed to high rate of environmental degradation.

Ms. Muke said enhanced capacity building in communities will result in them holding decision makers accountable on their rights to environmental protection.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting on environmental protection in Zambezi yesterday, Ms Muke said SEPA is working with traditional leaders, women, youths, farmers and extension officers to try and deepen the understanding on how the community can best protect the environment.

She said there is need to build capacity in communities and deepen their understanding of sustainable environmental protection and sustainable natural resources management as well as close gaps between good and bad environmental practices.

The SEPA CEO further stated that bridging the gaps will help communities to appreciate government policies which point to forest management in Zambia as well as feel more confident in holding government institutions and Extractive Industries accountable over community benefits from Extractive.

She noted that due to the high effect of environmental degradation most people have depended on the hospital resulting in increased government expenditure on medicine, adding that all of this can be reduced if people become responsible toward the environment.

“We can reduce the cost of medicine and save a lot of money on government spending on medicines if only all of us become responsible for the environment”,
“No one cares about the water and the environment. All they do is pollute the environment and move on without knowing the impact it has on humans as a result many lives are lost”, Ms. Muke said.

Zambezi Council environmental officer, Carol Mooto said that lack of interest and ownership of the land by the communities has been one of the major contributing factors to environmental degradation hence the need for the community to take part in protecting it.

Ms. Mooto was saddened that people come from other places to harvest timber and make more money leaving the owners of the land in poverty all because they are not concerned about the land they own.

She has since urged communities to stop blaming the government for their negligence, saying that they own the land and they should take ownership by holding accountable those who extract the timber and other minerals in their respective areas.

“We can’t continue blaming the government all the time. As a community we have the responsibility to look after the environment because we own it and if we don’t take part in it we will always remain poor and continue facing the effects of climate change”, she said.

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