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Unbeaten Green Buffaloes have retained the FAZ National Women’s League title after edging YASA Queens in the play-off final at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.
Buffaloes were crowned champions of the 2021/22 season after overcoming YASA 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.
The match went straight to penalties after 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Buffaloes were unbeaten in 16 matches played in Zone A of the league to reach the play off final.
Zone B side YASA finished top on 36 points to outsmart second placed Red Arrows when reaching the final.
The Constitution of Zambia has created an “independent” Judiciary which is never free as inferior laws enacted by Parliament have compromised the independence and effectiveness of the Judiciary. I hold these truths to be self-evident that independence and freedom are never the same nor are they part of our country’s separation of powers.
From my reading of the Constitution, the framers of the Constitution did not expressly cloth the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) with power to transfer magistrates or judges. There is no such power in Article 220 of the Constitution of Zambia. In fact, the administration of the Judiciary has been placed under the Chief Justice by virtue of Article 136(2)(a).
Both the Judicial Service Commission and Judicial Complaints Commission fall under the Executive arm and not the Judicial arm of government. In some cases, these Commissions are presided by persons who have never been judges themselves nor magistrates. In other cases, they are presided by lawyers who are active in the practice of law or are retired but had represented clients who lost cases before these same judges and magistrates.
So where does the Judicial Service Commission draw power to transfer magistrates when the Constitution has not allocated it such power? In addition to the functions of the Commission provided under Article 220(2) of the Constitution, Section 6 of the Service Commission Act No. 10 of 2016 provide further functions.
The power to transfer Judicial officers lies in this inferior legislation and such a function is premised on Article 220(2)(d) of the Constitution which states:
“The Judicial Service Commission shall carry out a function provided for in this Constitution, or as prescribed (by an Act of Parliament, in this case Act. No. 10 of 2016).”
I must be quick to point out that Article 1.(1) of the Constitution itself states:
“This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of Zambia and any other written law, customary law and customary practice that is inconsistent with its provisions is void to the extent of the inconsistency.”
Reading Article 136(2)(a) of the Constitution which has expressly clothed the Chief Justice with the responsibility to administer the Judiciary, it means that, although Parliament can enact any law under Article 220(2)(d), such a law must never be ultravires the Constitution, in particular Article 136(2)(a), which confers the Chief Justice with a constitutional responsibility to administer the Judiciary.
How come then that we can have subsidiary legislation that grants the power to a Commission to transfer Judicial officers when the Constitution as a supreme vests the administration of the Judiciary in the Chief Justice? Such an inferior law can only be said to be void as it is inconsistent with the Constitution.
The provision of the inferior law and the action by the Commission to use such a law to effect changes in the administration of justice does not only breach Article 136(2)(a) but also breaches Article 122(1)(4) of the Constitution of Zambia which, in part, as reads:
“122.(1) In the exercise of the judicial authority, the Judiciary shall…not be subject to the control or direction of a person or an authority.”
“(4) A person and a person holding a public office shall protect the independence,… and effectiveness of the Judiciary.”
It is my submission that judicial officers and judges have illegally been placed under the control of the Judicial Service Commission and the effectiveness of the Judiciary continues to be breached by transfers of Judicial officers dealing seized with various cases. These Judicial officers are forced or left with no option but to abruptly hand over cases, which cases usually start afresh in some instances.
The Chief Justice has also failed to protect the effectiveness of the Judiciary by continuing to allow the unnecessary transfers of Judicial officers and judges handling cases. The administration of the Judiciary constitutionally lies on him.
Defender Tandi Mwape has boosted the Chipolopolo war chest following his arrival at the teams’ Ghana camp on Saturday.
The defender from DR Congo giants TP Mazembe brings to eight the number of foreign-based players in camp out of the 16 oversea call-ups summoned for the 2013 AFCON Group H qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and Comoros.
Tandi joins Fashion Sakala of Glasgow Rangers in Scotland,goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata and midfielder Roderick Kabwe both of SekhukhuneUnited in South Africa.
Also in camp are midfielder Lameck Banda of Israeli clubMaccabi Petah Tikva, goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe who is currently clubless,defender Frankie Musonda of Raith Rovers in Scotland and Kings Kangwa of Arsenal Tula in Russia.
The seven were part of the sixteen players who arrived inAccra on Friday for the week-long camp there.
Zambia coach Aljosa Asanovic is now awaiting six more players whoinclude Patson Daka of Leicester City and Enock Mwepu of Brighton.
Gamphani Lungu of SuperSport United in South Africa and Simba midfielder Rally Bwalya plus the Danish based midfield duo of EdwardChilufya of Midtjylland and Lubambo Musonda of Horsens are due to arrive in Accra over the coming days.
Chipolopolo are camped in Accra ahead of their Group H openeragainst Cote d’Ivoire on June 3 in Yamoussoukro.Zambia host Comoros on match-day-two on June 7 in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Russian-based striker Evans Kangwa of Arsenal Tulahas been ruled out due to injury.
Kangwa joins Clatous Chama of Simba SC in Tanzania andAmazulu midfielder Augustine Mulenga who have also been sidelined due to injury.
Chililabombwe youths have staged a match past demanding the return of Vedanta Resources to take over Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the Copperbelt.
Handing over the petition to Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe , Chishala Mwamba , who represented the youths, said since the liquidation of KCM, the levels of unemployment in both Chingola and Chililabombwe have increased.
Mr. Mwamba said Vedanta Resources should return so that youths can leave the streets and be employed by the mine.
He said Vedanta is willing to produce the three million tonnes of copper production in the next ten years which Government has targeted.
Mr. Mwamba further said the 20 percent salary increment by Vedanta which the firm intends to offer workers is also commendable.
He said this is why Government should give Vedanta resources a second chance to resume operations on the Copperbelt.
Mr. Mwamba said 90 percent of his members have agreed in the petition on return of Vedanta resources.
He said the matter should be handled with urgency.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe said he will escalate the matter and forward the opetition to relevant authorities.
The Mines Minister said he does not hold the final decision on the Vedanta matter but that Government will decide on the issue of Vedanta resources is what will be followed.
Mr Kabuswe, who is also Chililabombwe Member of Parliament, said Government is committed to make sure that KCM and Mopani mines come back to life, and create more jobs.
He said the youths had all the trust and hope in the government to create more jobs for them.
The Minister also warned mines with a tendency of not improving the welfare of their employees.
President Hakainde Hichilema has with immediate effect designated professor Lady Justice Margaret Munalula as Deputy President of the Constitutional Court of Zambia.
The said designation follows consultations with the judicial Service Commission pursuant to Article 139(2) of the Constitution of Zambia.
The Head of state has congratulated Professor Lady Justice Munalula on her designation.
President Hichilema has since implored her to continue serving the national interest diligently.
This is according to a statement issued to the media by Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya.
President Hakainde Hichilema has encouraged Zambians to take health walks as a way to build mental and physical health.
President Hichilema, who flagged off and participated in the 5 .8 kilometre health walk, described as a wonderful and good activity for one’s wellbeing.
He says for the nation to be productive, a healthy human resource is cardinal.
President Hichilema said this upon finalizing the 5.8 kilometer health walk which he flagged off at the 22nd Inter-Company Relay, which is been held under the theme, building a stronger and healthier Zambia.
Several companies are currently participating in this year’s 22nd Inter-Company Relay in Lusaka which returned after a 2 year absence as a result of the COVID 19.
Former Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba has charged that the decision by the Judicial Service Commission to transfer 10 magistrates out of Lusaka is politically motivated.
Mr. Kabimba says the move is an act of intimidation to the judiciary and meant to pave way for compliant adjudicators to handle controversial cases in favour of the government.
He says the move is because the government has not gotten the expected judgments so far from the subordinate court.
Mr Kabimba who is also Economic Front president has reminded the UPND government that court deals with rules of evidence and procedure.
He says the government is repeating exactly what it was condemning while in opposition with regards the transfer of civil servants by the Patriotic Front.
Recently, the Judicial Service Commission transferred at least 10 Magistrates, among them Lusaka magistrate Jenipher Bwalya who recently discharged former Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela of two counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Police have arrested Iris Kaingu and charged her for indecent dressing with intent to corrupt morals of the members of the public contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Ms Kaingu is detained at Kabwata Police station and will appear in court soon.
Particulars of the offence are that Kaingu, a Lusaka resident, on May 26, 2022 in Lusaka while attending the launch of Fenty Beauty in Lusaka did, with intent to corrupt morals, dress indecently with clothes that were unreasonably revealing.
She has since been charged and detained in police custody.
In 2012, Kaingu was arrested and convicted for an offence of featuring in a pornographic video that went viral on the internet.
Residents of Nakatindi ward in Chongwe district have continued to have difficulties in accessing clean drinking water as they have been depending on one borehole for water supply for the past two years.
Speaking in an interview in Chongwe, Ward councillor Akashi Sitali disclosed that only one out of six boreholes in the ward has been functional for the past two years.
Mr. Akashi stated that the crisis has led a lot of residents in the area to draw water from Mikango army barracks while some have dug wells at their homes to access the resource.
He said some residents have been covering long distances to source water and are eager to see the crisis being addressed.
Mr. Sitali revealed that officers from Chongwe municipal council have since inspected the boreholes which are non-functional and are expected to repair them.
He also stated that Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvia Masebo has offered to sink one borehole in the ward to improve water supply in the area.
Mr. Sitali said drilling of boreholes is among the proposed projects prioritised by the communities in the ward to be implemented through the constituency development fund (CDF).
He called on various stakeholders to come to the aid of people in the ward by drilling more boreholes to enable people in the area to easily access water.
Meanwhile, one of the residents talked to Wallace Chabota said people of Nakatindi are looking foward to start enjoying their basic right to water under the new dawn government.
“Very little was done in the past to address the water challenges in Nakatindi and we hope the new dawn government will improve water supply. Access to water is our right and it is sad that this problem has not been attended to for a long time,” Mr. Chabota said.
Mr. Chabota said the ward development committee in the area should ensure that CDF allocations for the ward are used to address various challenges affecting people in the ward such as the water crisis.
Farmers in Lusaka province have reiterated their call for early distribution of inputs for the 2022/2023 farming season.
Stressing that this is to lessen the difficulties in accessing commodities and accelerate farming activities in the region , the farmers say the delay in the input distribution contributes to low yields and losses.
Speaking during the West Block Agriculture and Commercial Show Chairperson for the west block farmers, the farmers spokesperson Kebby Mulimbika explained that each year crops get destroyed by army worms as a result of late distribution of chemicals thereby compromising on the yield.
Mr Mulimbika however government for its continued support towards productivity through the formation of cooperatives and enhanced skills that enable farmers to compete favorably on the market.
“ As farmers we are positive that with the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, more farmers will benefit from the program,” he said.
He further called for modalities to be clear on how funds can be accessed, as the majority of cooperatives and women groups lack knowledge and information on how to access CDF funds.
And Lusaka District Commissioner (DC) Rosa Zulu implored farmers to utilize the services of extension officers in the district.
Speaking when she graced the event Mrs Zulu said the scenario will help farmers to enhance their productivity, farm revenue, reduce poverty, and minimize food insecurity.
Reducing hunger and promoting food security are rooted in increasing agricultural productivity especially for small scale farmers who are the majority of farmers feeding communities in the country, she emphasised.
President Hakainde Hichilema values the agriculture sector because it is the engine of growth for Zambia’s economy and that support towards farmers through various initiatives such as Fertilizer Input Support Programme (FISP) and others will continue.
It’s certainly easy for opposition leaders to criticise decisions and policies of a sitting government because their vantage enables them to serve as the bulwark to reigning in on excesses of the government of the day.
As the leader of the largest opposition party then, President Hakainde Hichilema executed this role with much perfection and humility. For more than a decade and a half, he consistently positioned himself as a voice of reason – often providing critical checks and balances to past governments. The tables have since turned and opposition sharks are consistently circling his cage baying for his blood. Surprisingly, it’s worth noting the ease with which his foes have exposed his vulnerability to criticism.
For somebody that promised to de-link partisan politics from government, a few of his decisions are baffling to independent moderates – except if you are a UPND faithful. This political summersault is an apt reminder to his faithful that the President is but a fallible mere mortal that is susceptible to error. Lest we forget, HH as the incumbent President is no longer a UPND but a national asset whose decisions should transcend beyond party zealotry. And not everyone critical of his decisions is after his job, for some, it’s more about patriotism than self-interests.
That said, why should he be complicit in activities that seek to appropriate significant national events to his party?
Case in point, Africa Freedom Day is meant to celebrate and honour pre and post-independence leaders that have helped to positively shape Zambia as well as the continent’s social and economic trajectory. Accepted, the President may also use this opportunity to reward and acknowledge ordinary citizens that have served the country well in their respective areas of speciality.
Of significance though, this day is meant to celebrate luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda, Amilcar Cabral, Augustinho Neto, and Ben Bella, among others for their role in helping to free the continent from political bondage.
On the local political scene, it’s unthinkable to celebrate this day without remembering the role that the likes of Harry Nkumbula, Simon Kapwepwe, Munukayumbwa Sipalo, Mainza Chona, Grey Zulu, Alina Nyikosa, Nalumino Mundia, Mary Fulano and Chibesa Kankasa – just to mention a few struggle stalwarts that played a role towards liberating the country from colonial rule.
Presiding over the recent investiture ceremony at State House to mark Africa Freedom Day, the President honoured Mercy Changwe, commending her gallantry in defence of democracy and multipartyism. So, who is this Mercy Changwe that supposedly ranks high among a pantheon of African greats? What has she achieved thus far to deserve this prestigious award? A quick browse through Wikipedia or notable Zambian history books draws a blank to her name.
Then what criteria did State House use to accord her this honour? Ms Changwe – a vegetable hawker is supposedly a victim of PF brutality. She was allegedly assaulted several times by cadres from the former ruling party. Despite her ordeal she never renounced her membership of the UPND – this is according to State House.
Could this really have been a basis for conferring her with such a massive honour? Mind-boggling stuff, right? At another ceremony to mark Zambia’s independence day in October last year, the President bestowed the Order of the eagle of Zambia second division posthumously to the UPND’s Founder and President Anderson Mazoka for his immense contribution to Zambia’s plural politics and good governance.
Take nothing from Mazoka, he was a visionary that helped to elevate as well as transform Zambia’s railway transport sector but to deserve this award, ayikona man. The President further used the same ceremony to honour the UPND’s long time accountant, Backstone Mambo. As one of the founders of the UPND, Mambo was brutally assaulted by police when they raided the UPND offices – permanently damaging his spine.
Mercy Changwe’s Destroyed stand by PF cadres on the run up to 2021 elections
Never mind the duo’s contribution to the UPND’s rise to power, the governing party seems to have thrown its ideals of meritocracy in determining such decisions to the wind. In the case of Changwe, there is no evidence whatsoever to prove or suggest that her non-renunciation of her UPND membership helped transform Zambia’s political landscape. Her decision to stick to her party despite living in perpetual torture had little to do with a national cause.
In addition, the President owes it to the entire Zambian citizenry across the political divide to make rational decisions. And the trouble with entrenching such questionable decisions is that future national investitures risk becoming a partisan affair. An alternative perhaps is for the UPND to start organising its own party sanctioned investitures. Just a thought.
About the author: He is an avid reader of political history and philosophy. The only thing he supports is Kabwe Warriors and Liverpool. Congratulations to Man City – deserving champs, it still hurts a little bit. For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Elijah Muchima says his ministry has introduced a smart centred Zambia Integrated Land Administration System (ZILAS) from the land administration system from the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS).
Mr. Muchima explains that this has been necessitated by challenges to administering and manage land affairs in a transparent and sustainable manner.
The Ministry has been working around the clock to find best ways of executing the strategic focus in its mandate to administer land efficiently.
Speaking during an internal sensitization and awareness meeting in Lusaka, Mr. Muchima disclosed that the shift to ZILAS will be officially launched on June 16, 2022.
The new system shall be integrated into the Government Service Bus (GSB) and payment gateway, aimed at modernizing the delivery of public services through digital technology.
It will thereby promote simplicity in the process of doing business as it allows for online payment transactions, unlike queuing up at the ministry to access services.
“The system allows members of the public to make online payment and receive documents in electronic form such as offer letters and certificate of title,” Mr. Muchima stated.
Ministry has scheduled training for officers who will contribute to efficiency in the operation.
And Smart Zambia National coordinator Percy Chinyama says that the coming on board of ZILAS on the GSB brings several benefits and opportunities for citizens, thereby realizing the vision of government of good governance.
Mr. Chinyama commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for stepping out of the paper-based way of doing business by adopting, adapting and embracing ZILAS.
He cited improved transparency and strengthened security and accountability controls, as well as provision of enhanced monitoring and oversight intervention mechanisms.
“Following successful implementation of the ZILAS, the management of land affairs is expected to be more structured and prudent, which will definitely create opportunities for citizens of different levels,” Mr. Chinyama indicated.
The development is part of government’s digital resolution to deepen the digital and knowledge economy which will allow the country to accelerate progress towards the 2030 vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income countr
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga says government will not interfere in the operations of the private media institutions because it supports freedom of expression and the public deserve access to information from various media institutions.
Mr Kalunga adds that the government supports the fourth state and cannot interfere in their formulation of policies and how they choose to operate.
The Permanent Secretary said this today toured ‘Muvi Television and Radio Christian Voice to familiarize with the operations of the two media institutions.
And Muvi TV chief Executive Officer Ronald Kombe had appealed to government to create a conducive environment for all media institutions to run smoothly.
Mr.Kombe added that the media need to enjoy their freedom of expression and run independently.
ZNBC Director General Malolela Lusambo has resigned his position at the national broadcaster with immediate effect.
In a statement, ZNBC Board Chairperson Jack Kalala said that Mr Lusambo had stepped down.
“On behalf of the board, I wish to thank Mr Lusambo for his service to ZNBC over the years where he has been at the helm since December 1, 2019, having previously served as Director of Engineering among other roles,” Mr. Kalala said.
He further also announced that the position of Director General will be advertised to allow for the transparent selection of a new director general in the shortest possible time.
Mr Kalala said that in the interim, Director Engineering and Technology Bright Nkhata will be acting director general.
He further indicated that the board has recommended for other senior management positions vacant to be advertised and substantive appointments made as quickly as possible.
“These include the directors of finance, human resource and programmes. The board is determined to transform ZNBC and ensure that the institution is financially viable,” he said.
And in a letter seen by Lusaka Times, Mr. Lusambo said he wholeheartedly served the Corporation for 33 years since he first walked through the ZNBC doors in 1989.
“I take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support rendered to me while I served the Corporation in different positions. It is a journey that I will cherish to remember. Obviously, being human, i am sure I stepped on a few toes of the beloved members of staff. Please accept my sincere apologies whenever such happened because it was never deliberate.”
Moses Sichone has returned to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), this time as Chipolopolo assistant coach.
The ex-Chipolopolo defensive midfielder returns to FAZ after previously serving as Technical Director from 2017 to 2018.
“The idea is to also have a Zambian trainer to learn from the expatriate coaches so that we can also empower local trainers with experience,” FAZ President Adrian Kashala said.
Sichone has since joined Chipolopolo head coach Aljosa Asanovic’s bench in Ghana.
Zambia are in Accra were Chipolopolo have set up a week-long training camp in transit to Abidjan ahead of their June 3 date against Cote d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro in a 2023 AFCON Group H fixture.
