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New ministries key to youth development- PMRC

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New ministries key to youth development- PMRC

Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) says it is elated by the establishment of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises as well as the Ministry of Science and Technology.

PRMC Acting Executive Director Mr Sydney Mwamba says the development is a positive step towards encouraging the Zambian young population to venture into entrepreneurship and innovative skills.

Mr Mwamba says Entrepreneurship and innovation is the engine for investment, job creation, poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth for any economy.

ZANIS reports Mr Mwamba in a statement ahead of the National youth day celebrations falling today stressed that promotion of Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools will push the country’s industrialisation agenda in accordance with this year’s youth day theme dubbed: “ Enhancing Youth Participation at all levels of National Development.”

Mr Mwamba explained that this year’s youth day theme entails government’s transformation agenda to be youth-centre through the use of fiscal policies and job creation drivers in the Agricultural, Finance, Information and Communication Technology, Tourism and Manufacturing sectors , respectively.

He said that this year’s youth day celebrations come at a time when there is renewed hope for greater youthful participation in the national development agenda and a heightened expectations that the new dawn government will foster job creation, youth economic empowerment, and inclusion in the governance of the country.

‘The decision by Government to allocate over 2.5 million Kwacha towards Youth Empowerment Programmes under the 25.7 million Kwacha Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the 2022 National Budget is an opportunity for the youth to shape the development of their communities through the establishment of businesses that foster job creation and income generation, which is key for poverty reduction,” Mr Mwamba stated.

The theme also calls for enhanced youth participation in the political sphere through the deliberate inclusion of a clause in the electoral policy framework that mandates political parties to adopt the youth in all their organizational structures.

The large youth turnout during the 2021 general elections demonstrated that the young population have a key role to play in driving Zambia’s democracy

Youths urged to venture into entrepreneurship

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Youths urged to venture into entrepreneurship

Money Grow savings and credit cooperative has advised youths to venture into entrepreneurship if they are to fight poverty and household and national levels.

Corporative chairperson Mauden Shula says youths should not look to the government and investors to be employed but should instead create employment through entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the handover of 10 vehicles that have been given to members through a loan facility, Mr Shula said that government is not designed to create jobs to offer every youth employment but to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and contribute to the nation’s economy.

Mr Shula observes that investors’ top priority is not to create employment but to make profits saying its high time that youths face the reality that the jobs from both government and the private sector are not adequate to employ everyone on the job market.

The Money Grow chairperson states that the only alternative to economic liberation is self-employment no jobs coming.

Stressing that the new dawn government has provided an enabling environment, Mr Shula stated that the vehicles that were handed over are intended to help members especially those in the transport sector enhance their operations.

And one of the beneficiaries Paxina Kataya says the vehicle will ease her movements as she delivers porridge which she supplies to a number of supermarkets in Lusaka.

Miss … says it was difficult to supply her customers and to market her business as she was not mobile.

Politicians Pay Tribute to the Late Fourth Republican President Rupiah Bwezani Banda

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Politicians Pay Tribute to the Late Fourth Republican President Rupiah Bwezani Banda

Retired veteran politician and former diplomat Vernon Johnson Mwaanga has led tributes to Fourth Republican President Rupiah Bwezani Banda who died on Friday in Lusaka.

Dr. Mwaanga and Mr. Banda worked together as diplomats and later re-united in Government when his colleague became President in 2008 after the death of then President Levy Mwanawasa.

In his eulogy, Dr Mwaanga branded Mr. Banda as an accomplished diplomat and statesman.

“The passing of my brother and long time friend Rupiah Bwezani Banda has devastated me beyond belief. We have been more than close, for more than six decades. He was a gentle giant, who always opted for friendship as opposed to confrontation. We stood tall together in times of sorrow and happiness. He was an accomplished diplomat and statesman. He looked for positives in people, rather than their weaknesses,” Dr. Mwaanga stated.

“Zambia has lost one of its greatest sons, at a time when his vast experience and knowledge were most needed. We traversed the world promoting and defending Zambia and Africa at large. His passing will leave a vacuum in my heart, which I will live with for the rest of my life. He bravely put up with severe pain during the last days of his life like a brave soldier. May the Lord receive him in his Kingdom, forgive him his trespasses and grant him everlasting peace. His work on earth and legacy will live on forever,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema described the death of Mr. Banda as a great loss to the Nation and all citizens.

“That his passing comes during the Youth Day celebrations is symbolic to our youth in many respects, for RB undertook his illustrious public service career at a tender age of 26 years. This calls for deep reflection by our youth on the life of the late President who held various positions of responsibility as a young person and also was instrumental in the fight for Zambia’s political independence at a young age.”

President Hichilema added: “Late President Rupiah Bwezani Banda hails from a generation of highly motivated and selfless youths whose interest was service to country and its people, representing Zambia as a Diplomat in various foreign countries. This is the inspiration we need to draw from the departed President; a deep sense of patriotism and dedication to duty. He fought for political independence, we urge the youth to also engage in the fight against poverty and its offshoots hunger and disease; simply put, economic independence.”

MMD President and former Republican Vice President Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba says Zambia has lost a leader in Mr. Banda.

“We have lost our leader, the fourth Republican President Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda.On behalf of the MMD family, we send our deepest condolences to former First Lady Madam Thandiwe Banda, the entire family, the President of Zambia Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the people of Zambia on this great loss. May the Lord, the giver of life, strengthen the family during this difficult time. We have lost a profound and dedicated family man. A knowledgeable and intelligent President. A jovial and generous leader. Under his leadership as President, Zambia’s economy blossomed and became an economic hub for investment,” Dr. Mumba said.

“President Banda became God’s answer for our party MMD and the Nation when our late President Mr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa died suddenly in 2008. He picked up running the nation without skipping a beat. He built on the economic gains of late President Mwanawasa and made Zambia to become one of the world’s ten fastest growing economies. We acknowledge his great contribution to making Zambia a better place. We fondly called him RB, a President for all Zambians. We shall miss him.So long, Your Excellency,” Dr. Mumba said.

President of the Socialist Party Zambia Dr. Fred M’membe said:”On behalf of the Socialist Party and indeed on my own behalf, I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of former Zambian president Rupiah Bwezani Banda. We join the Banda family, friends and the entire Zambian nation in mourning his loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

Democratic Party (DP) President Harry Kalaba urged youths to emulate Mr. Banda who served the nation from an early age.

“As we commemorate this year’s International Youth Day, I want us to take time to reflect on the life of the 4th Republican President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, who transitioned to eternity on the eve of International Youth Day. Like many youths of his time, President Banda made himself available to fight for a just cause of liberating Zambia from years of segregation and minority rule. He along with other youths was part of the movement that would eventually liberate this nation and give birth to Zambia on 24th October, 1964,” Mr. Kalaba said.

“I want to call upon all the youths to take time and reflect upon a life well lived. President Banda, has had an illustrious career from being a Diplomat, a Member of Parliament, a CEO, a peace mediator and negotiator, a Presidential emissary, a vice President, a Republican President and more importantly a father to many children. While all these roles carried with them an aura of prominence that would have demanded of one to move with pomp, President Banda chose to walk with humility and meekness. Such is a life worth emulating,” he said.

And Former President Edgar Lungu has described late former President Rupiah Banda as an elderly statesman who was like an elder brother to him.

In his message of condolence, Mr. Lungu said he learnt quite a lot from Mr. Banda’s wise counsel as an elderly statesman and former Head of State.

“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing on of our former President, His Excellency Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the fourth Republican President.”

“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to our former First Lady, Mrs Thandiwe Banda and the entire family of President Banda,” he said.

Mr. Lungu said he shared a deep personal bond with President Banda and that he is deeply aggrieved by his demise.

“He was Iike an elder brother to me. I learnt quite a lot from his wise counsel as an elderly statesman and former Head of State. I join others in paying tribute to President Banda for his enduring service to our nation during his long and illustrious career as a public servant.”

“May the soul of our former Head of State rest in eternal peace.”

Mr Lungu on Saturday afternoon visited the house of mourning for the late Fourth President Rupiah Banda in Lilayi area.

The former President was received by Mr. James Banda, brother to the late former President, family members and by former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba.

Mr. Lungu proceeded to express his condolences to the former First Lady and Widow, Madam Thandiwe Banda.

UPND Government desires to work with investors who can help accelerate Zambia’s industrialisation agenda

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UPND Government desires to work with investors who can help accelerate Zambia’s industrialisation agenda

The government says it desires to work with investors who can help accelerate the country’s industrialization agenda.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi says the use of scientific innovation and technology will reduce time and cost of undertaking projects.

In a speech read for him by Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Danny Mfune at the launch of the Camco-Weichai spare parts centre in Lusaka yesterday, the Minister explained that in the process, this will enhance value for money while achieving quality assurance.

He further urged the firm to provide tailor-made solutions to meet the demands of the construction, agriculture, and mining sectors.

Mr Milupi, who enlisted the mining, construction, agriculture, and energy sectors as some of the areas targeted for industrialization, implored Camco to open up more branches in order to distribute more spare parts so as to reach out to all parts of Zambia.

“What we need in Zambia is one stop centres for all original spare parts and well training technicians to ensure that the wheels of the economy are running with minimal disruption,” he said.

And Camco Group Chairman Li Tie said his firm has partnered with Weichai as it is among the top Chinese firms that supply diesel engines.

Mr Tie disclosed that Camco has become a new addition to the Weichai spare part sales service network.

He further said his firm has keenly followed Government’s resolve on the need to aggressively pursue other sources of sustainable energy other than hydro.

“We fully agree with you as this will be a key driver to economic development in Zambia. “It is high time we focused on alternative sources such as diesel engine generated power,” Mr Tie said.

Meanwhile Weichai Managing Director Jin Zhao assured the public that his firm will provide quality and durable equipment spares on the Zambian market.

Zambia Association of Musicians to introduce measures against piracy

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Zambia Association of Musicians to introduce measures against piracy

Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) says it is working on measures aimed at curbing digital piracy in the country.

ZAM vice-president, Arnold Kapatula says his Association is looking into possible ways of ‘ locking down’ free download of music.

“We are trying to bring on board the relevant authority so that we can work hand in hand with them to address this issue,” Mr Kapatula said in an interview.

He was glad that music streaming platforms had put in place measures that make it hard for digital piracy.

“We have boom play as an example, the beauty part of having digital platforms is that when you upload a song, it is that only those streaming the song will be able to listen to it,” Mr Kapatula said.

Mr Kapatula has implored all relevant authorities to work together so that digital piracy can be eradicated.

And on the marketing models , the ZAM vice president disclosed that his Association considering phasing out the old model of selling music to the modern way.

Mr Kapatula further disclosed that the Association was going to sensitize its members on the dangers of sharing their music.

“We have lined up workshops where we are going to call all the artists together with relevant authorities where they will be sensitized on the dangers of sharing free music,” He added.

Zambia’s election to Postal Union bodies testimony of progress the country has made

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Zambia’s election to Postal Union bodies testimony of progress the country has made

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) have revealed that Zambia has been elected to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Council of Administration and the Administrative Council of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU).

The UPU is a specialised Agency of the United Nations responsible for postal matters while the PAPU is a specialised Agency of the African Union responsible for similar matters.

Zambia will now lead the strategy and postal economics committee of the UPU following its election through ZICTA.

ZICTA Manager Corporate Communication Hanford Chaaba said in a media statement on Friday that Zambia was elected to the two positions during the quadrennial meetings.

Mr. Chaaba said the election of Zambia to the two positions is a sign of the confidence from the international community in the country’s ability to shape the development discourse of the global and continental postal landscape.

He said through membership to the UPU, Zambia has the advantage of delivering international postal articles at a lower cost among other benefits.

Mr. Chaaba said with the new leadership positions in the two organisations, Zambia can leverage on global and regional good practices to domesticate some of the initiatives that can grow the postal sector in the country.

He named some of the initiatives that have already been implemented in the country’s postal sector as the National Addressing project which was aimed at naming a number of streets and numbering of residences.

“The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) is pleased to announce that Zambia was recently elected to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Council of Administration and the Administrative Council of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU). The country will lead the strategy and postal economics committee of the UPU. The UPU is a specialised Agency of the United Nations responsible for postal matters while the PAPU is a specialised Agency of the African Union responsible for similar matters. The country was elected to the two positions during the quadrennial meetings that took place in 2021,” Mr. Chaaba said.

“The election of Zambia to these distinguished positions is a sign of the confidence from the international community in the country’s ability to shape the development discourse of the global and continental postal landscape. Through membership to the UPU, Zambia has the advantage of delivering international postal articles at a lower cost among other benefits. With the new leadership positions in the two organisations, Zambia can leverage on global and regional good practices to domesticate some of the initiatives that can grow the postal sector in the country,” he said.

Mr. Chaaba added: “Some of the initiatives that have already been implemented in the country’s postal sector include the National Addressing project which was aimed at naming a number of streets and numbering of residences. The country has also adopted a progressive licensing regime that guides the operations of the providers.”

The next investor in KCM must sign a social contract with the local people

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The next investor in KCM must sign a social contract with the local people

CARITAS Zambia and a think tank called Sustainable Natural Resource Empowerment Initiative Limited (SuNREI) has said that the next investor in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) must sign a social contract with the local people to ensure that communities in Chingola and Chililabombwe fully benefit from the mine operations.

In a joint statement issued by CARITAS Zambia Chingola/Chililabombwe Coordinator Eugene Mulenga, the two organisations charged that the local people on the Copperbelt have not fully benefited from KCM operations owing to satellite decisions made by Government officials who do not understand the impact of mining on local communities.

Mr. Mulenga said the proposed social contract between the local people and the investor in KCM is aimed at ensuring that local communities are substantially part of the decisions made regarding the new investor in the mine.

He revealed that Caritas Chingola/Chililabombwe and other NGOs on the Copperbelt will soon start collecting community views on matters concerning mining investments in KCM and lessons from recent past experiences.

Mr. Mulenga said the civil society want views and submissions from the local business communities and people about how they would like the future investors in KCM to operate in relation to supporting local businesses, the environment and social corporate investments.

He added the two organisations further want to see the dispute surrounding the KCM ownership resolved as soon as possible.

Mr. Mulenga said KCM in its current state is losing millions of dollars because of lack of capital injection in operations and recent alleged mismanagement of the mine.

KCM was liquidated by the previous PF regime but Indian investors Vedanta Mineral Resources contested the decision in court.

“It is without doubt that challenges faced in most mining towns are as a result of Lusaka ‘interfering’ on matters facing the mining communities without credible local involvement in decisions made. A case in point is KCM, where a Lusaka lawyer was appointed Provisional Liquidator for the mining asset with primary operations in Chingola and Chililabombwe. After the Liquidators appointment most business with the mine went to Lusaka business men and women disadvantaging local business but a few politically connected and exposed locals,” Mr. Mulenga stated.

“There are strong allegations from the local community that most high ranking officials from Lusaka solicited for handouts and business at the expense of the mine and local businesses. Caritas Zambia – Chingola and SuNREI jointly mention that, as a local community we are very much aware that even under the New Dawn government there are some emerging camps seeking to take the same trajectory as their predecessors and our message to them is Hands Off. We need the mines to benefit both the local communities and the nation and not selfish individuals.”

“It is for this reason that Sustainable Natural Resource Empowerment Initiative (SuNREI) working together with the Catholic Commission For Justice and Peace (CCJDP Caritas Chingola and Chililabombwe) and other well meaning NGOs on the Copperbelt will undertake community interface activities so as to collect community views on matters concerning mining investments drawing lessons from our recent past experiences.

We are going to get views and submissions from the local business communities and people about how they would like the future investors to operate in relation to supporting local businesses, the environment and social corporate investments. The aim is to work on the principle of subsidiarity whereby the local communities are substantially part of the decisions made regarding the new investor,” he said.

Mr. Mulenga added:”The essence is to come up with content for the Social Economic Contract that the future investor should subscribe to once they commit to invest in our historical asset which is in dire need of investment. As it is, the nation and KCM are losing millions of dollars because of lack of capital injection in operations and recent mismanagement of the mine. Enough is enough, they say “umulembwe wachipuba wapwilile muli tumfwe” it’s time that local people and businesses felt the impact of having important assets in their communities. But for some reasons, local people have been left out when they should be part of the decisions being made about what would affect them in future, after all we are decentralizing.”

Zambia declares seven days national mourning in honour of the late Fourth President

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Zambia declares seven days national mourning in honour of the late Fourth President

The government says it has declared a seven-day national mourning period for late fourth republican president Rupiah Banda.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda however says other details for the funeral will be availed to the public in due course.

Speaking to journalists after cabinet ministers visited Mr Banda’s Lilayi residence, Ms Kasanda who is also Information and Media Minister said the public will be informed where the funeral for the late the head of state will be held.

“It is very clear that the will of our President is that we should not hold the funeral from here,” she said

Meanwhile, a number of cabinet ministers, senior government officials and political parties’ representatives visited the late Head of State’s residence in Lilayi this morning.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi who led the delegation described Mr Banda as a global icon who united the country.

Mr Milupi said late President Banda sacrificed a lot for Zambia from the time he was a youth adding that he has left an indelible legacy for both Zambia and the rest of the world.

The minister said Mr. Banda will also be remembered for uniting the country when third republican president Levy Mwanawasa died.

“Most recently as Vice President of this nation, when tragedy struck the nation when we lost the third republican president ( late President Levy Mwanawasa) , when matters like that happened the nation didn’t disintegrate but he rose to the occasion and held this nation together,” he said.

Mr Milupi urged the wife to the deceased Thandiwe Banda and the rest of the family to use the positive memories of the late former president as a source of strength during this time of mourning.

Among the notable figures included Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo, Minister of Lands Elijah Muchima, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Phiri, Minister of Lusaka Province Sheal Mulyata, Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda, and Acting Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa.

And, late former Republican President’s younger brother James Banda said Mr Banda embraced different people irrespective of tribe.

Mr. Banda said his older brother inculcated humility within him by constantly reminding him to be humble.

He also announced that former Lusaka Mayor Fisho Mwale will be the official family representative during the period of mourning.

And Mr. Mwale thanked the Ministers for finding time to console the family during the period of grief.

Late President Rupiah Bwezani Banda Eulogy by Sakwiba Sikota SC

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Late President Rupiah Bwezani Banda Eulogy by Sakwiba Sikota SC

His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani BANDA born on the 19th February 1937, in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia), will prove to be sui generis

I have never written a eulogy but, the passing of the Fourth Republican President, Rupiah Bwezani BANDA is sui generis. I first met President Banda when he was a visitor to my parents’ home as he and my late dad were friends.

In 1975 when my father was chargé d’affaires setting up the opening of the Zambian foreign mission in, Paris, France. Late Rupiah Banda, “the then Zambian foreign minister on one of his many visits to our home decided after dinner to teach us the latest American dance craze; the bump”. He took his time to teach two teenagers (my brother NGOMBALA and I) the dance move. He was no doubt a socialite.

I submit that there are compelling reasons why Late President BANDA should be considered sui generis. There will never be another as his case is singularly distinctive.

Not only was Late President Rupiah Banda the Fourth Republican President of Zambia, but he was also the head of the Namibian Government when he was Chairman of the United Nations Council for Namibia. He therefore at one time or other led two different nations.

I have interacted with all the Zambian Republican Presidents in the Zambian Courts where I have either represented them or acted against them. This has given me a universal view of all the persons who have led our nation.

The manner in which President BANDA conducted himself whilst president and in his retirement, should serve as an example to other African leaders as to how they are to behave and conduct themselves.

One of the challenges we have in Africa is the tendency for those in power to resist peaceful change of power. President BANDA stepped down as president of Zambia in 2011 following a very close election defeat and is internationally hailed as an icon of African democracy for peacefully handing over the presidency to the opposition. This is something that should be highlighted to all present and future African leaders.

Since leaving office, he was invited by several international organizations and groups to offer advice and support on democracy and good governance.

To a packed house at Boston University on 2nd April 2012, President Rupiah Banda made a strong defense for democracy as the African Presidential Center’s new President-in-Residence. In his opening salvo, he said, “For democracy to flourish there must be a continuing stream of individuals of integrity and ideas with promise. There must be room for a new generation of leaders to rise to solve the next generation of problems. If democracy is going to be secure in countries like Zambia, if development is going to take root; old leaders can’t cling to power or attempt to consolidate it at all costs.”

His life is testimony to these words.

He was true to his words.

Late Rupiah Banda, “the then Zambian foreign minister on one of his many visits to our home decided after dinner to teach us the latest American dance craze; the bump”. He took his time to teach two teenagers (my brother NGOMBALA and I) the dance move.

The manner in which His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda conducted himself after the close 2011 Zambia Presidential Election is a good example of a leader gracefully handing overpower. This handover was all the more remarkable when you take into account the highly charged election and the threats which were being made against His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda and his immediate family.

In spite of the threats made to him, His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda brought down the political temperature by not only quickly conceding defeat but also going further to agree to publicly physically hand over the instruments of power before a highly charged and hostile crowd at the swearing-in ceremony of his successor. This selfless act significantly brought down the political temperature.

Some elements were however still desirous of unfairly humiliating His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda by bringing malicious false criminal charges against him. During the trial, His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda would travel in and out of the country and never sought to seek asylum anywhere as he felt that democracy required that his innocence be established by the Zambian Courts.

The Zambian Courts found that the charges against His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda had no basis at all and consequently dismissed the case at the very early stage by finding him with no case to answer. The court went as far as saying there was no need to even put President Banda on his defense.

During this wrongful trial, His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda showed no bitterness and instead maintained the dignity of the office of former President by attending all national state celebrations and functions clearly showing that he held no animosity towards his false accusers. As one of the lawyers who represented him at his trial I can confirm that throughout the process he kept on emphasizing that his trial would help Zambians have faith in the Judicial system and need to maintain respect of the court processes.

After his acquittal President Banda said in a post-ruling interview with journalists stated that his case should serve as a lesson to all Zambians not to retaliate to hatred with hatred and advised, “Having been a leader of this country, I just want to ask everybody to please take this matter as a lesson to us Zambians that hatred can make you do bad things and, therefore, you do not respond to hatred with hatred…….Zambia should repair the hatred character if the country is to attain any meaningful development.”

He went on to call for love and peace, adding “It is only through love, peace, and forgiveness that the country will prosper.” This is consistent with the speech he gave when he left office.

The Zambian High Court subsequently found that the removal of his immunity was wrongly done and re-instated his immunity.

The Fourth Zambian Republican President was sui generis as he not only led Zambia but also because he is the only African leader who superintended two different territories as he was elected President of Council for Namibia in 1974.

His Excellency Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda oversaw the smooth transition of Namibia into a democratic state when he was Chairman of the United Nations Council for Namibia and also Zambian foreign minister. Prior to the delicate and sophisticated diplomatic skills that His Excellency Rupiah Banda exhibited, Namibia was in the midst of a deadly and intense liberation struggle.

The South West Africa People’s Organisation, officially known as SWAPO Party of Namibia, was an independence movement in Namibia that fought against the racist regime supported by the then Apartheid South African government. In 23 years of fighting beginning in 1966 between the SWAPO and the SADF, thousands of fatal casualties were reported.

SWAPO found that President Banda, inspite of the high racial tensions the liberation struggle had created (such as the horror of the Kassinga massacre at a Namibian refugee camp in Angola on May 4, 1978) managed to bring down the tensions to such an extent that we did not witness the flight of the whites as was seen when Southern Rhodesia gained independence and became Zimbabwe.

The manner in which President Banda handled the transition was to serve as an example that Nelson Mandela would emulate when the African National Congress in South Africa took over from the Apartheid white regime.

President Rupiah Banda served as Chairman of the United Nations Institute for Namibia and played a critical role in training, not only the future Namibian civil service but also, future Namibian political leaders such as President Geingob and former Speaker of the National Assembly Chitendero amongst many others. As a result there has been stability and a decent culture of democracy from the governing party in Namibia ever since the country achieved independence in 1990. This culture was planted and nurtured by Late President Banda.

His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda was also, since peacefully handing over power in 2011, active on the International scene in that he was election observer to numerous African elections such as:-

In November 2011 he led the JIMMY CARTER FOUNDATION ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION to The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In May 2012 he led a ELECTORAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (EISA) election observer mission to Lesotho

In 2012/2013 he led the JIMMY CARTER FOUNDATION ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION to Kenya.

In 2013 he led the JIMMY CARTER FOUNDATION ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION to Sierra Leone.

President Rupiah Banda was in such high demand that he had to excuse himself from a request by the Commonwealth for him to lead the observer mission to the presidential elections in Ghana as the polls were coming around the same time as the Sierra Leone assignment.

Earlier, the African Union requested President Banda to observe the parliamentary elections in Libya but, due to prior engagements, he could not go.

His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda was in 2011 invited by Boston University in the United States of America to lecture in democracy as the Eighth President-in-Residence at Boston University’s African Presidential Center.

As the Eighth President-in-Residence at Boston University’s African Presidential Center, former President Rupiah Banda followed such notables as former Zambian President Kenneth David Kaunda, former president of Botswana Quett Ketumile Joni Masire, former president of Cape Verde Antonio Monteiro, and Mo Ibrahim prize-winner former president of Botswana Festus Gontebanye Mogae.

This is testimony of the people mentioned in the same breath as President Rupiah Bwezani Banda.

In November 2012 Boston University recognized the important experience he could impart to the upcoming leaders by asking him to give lectures in Ghana as part of the BOSTON UNIVERSITY program.

After the Ghana lectures he went in the same manner to Tanzania to lecture on good governmence and democracy at Mwalimu Nyerere’s Mlimani campus.

In February 2013 he delivered a keynote lecture under the ELECTORAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (EISA) program

In recognition of his academic and intellectual abilities and prowess as shown in the paragraphs above, His Excellency Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda was invited and appointed as Chancellor of Cavendish University.

 

In 2017 he was appointed as co-chair of the panel of the PANEL OF EMINENT PERSONS PANEL OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK (FORMERLY PTA BANK UNDER COMESA)

In 2018 he led the mediation mission to Kenya in the aftermath of the post elections violence where his participation was key in leading to the formation of a government of national unity and gave rise to the now famous household name “The March 9th Handshake”. The handshake brought together Uhuru Kenyatta, and Raila Odinga, two national leaders who put their differences aside to serve Kenyans.

I was an election observer in the Kenyan Elections of 2007 that were followed by such widespread violence that our observer mission was escorted to the airport under heavy military escort upon departure. I therefore understand how deep the divisions and ill-will run in Kenyan society prior to “The March 9th Handshake”. This makes the delicate work done by His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda of bringing the then mortal political enemies in Kenya together for the greater interest and good of Kenya really stand out.

Club de Madrid World Leadership Alliance (WLA – Club de Madrid) which aims to bring change for institutional and leadership strengthening, development and the wellbeing of citizens, recognized His Excellency Rupiah Bwezani Banda and in their citation of him said, “As President, Rupiah Banda has dedicated himself to improving Zambia’s economy, ensuring security, stability and prosperity for all Zambians. He has worked especially to improve healthcare and education, to increase agricultural production and to secure and increase the number of jobs in Zambia, particularly for people living in rural areas.”

In addition the Club de Madrid said of His Excellency Rupiah Bwezani Banda, “Zambia’s abiding interest in the liberation of the region meant that its Foreign Minister was among the key figures in the diplomacy and events that eventually led to the emancipation of the region. As such, Banda is known by, and has interacted extensively with, many of the leaders of the region today.

He also served as President of the UN Council on Namibia which was effectively the government of Namibia while the matter of South Africa’s disputed mandate over the territory was resolved.”

The full citation from the Club de Madrid is to be published in my next post.

His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda also managed the unfortunate transition from the loss of a sitting president (Late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa) through death when he ably oversaw the healing of the country and coming to terms with the loss of a leader. As a result of how he managed the transition there was economic and political stability in spite of the loss. The example he set helped the country to deal with the unfortunate repeat of circumstances when a few years later his successor, His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata also died whilst in office.

When President Mwanawasa died I was due to travel the following day to Denver Colorado for ten days on the invitation of the National Democratic Institute to attend the Democratic Party’s convention and adoption of Senator Obama as Democratic Party nominee. I went to see President Banda at Government House and asked him if I should still go ahead. He urged me to go ahead and assured me that the burial would not have taken place and hence I would be back in time. Upon this encouragement I went to Colorado and indeed was back on time.

His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda showed his humility and tolerance when the police had arrested and successfully prosecuted a Ndola man, Darius Mukuka, who had insulted him. All this happened without His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda’s knowledge. I was present when the President read in the newspaper that a man was jailed for having insulted him in a bar. He was furious! Furious, not that he had been insulted in a bar but, because as he asked, “Why should someone be sent to jail for insulting me? If he can’t insult me, who else will he insult?”.

He then exercised his Constitutional power to grant clemency and ordered the Darius Mukuka’s immediate release from jail. He went further and issued a directive to the police that people should never be arrested for such an offense.

I also remember during his presidency that a number of Barotse activists were arrested on a non bailable charge and upon hearing that there were some very elderly and a few juveniles amongst the arrested, His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda exercised his Constitutional power of clemency again and ordered the release of all the elderly and juveniles that had been arrested on those charges.

The role and positive influence of His Excellency President (Chairman UN Council on Namibia) Rupiah Banda has been recognized by organizations such as:-

  1. ELECTORAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (EISA)
  2. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
  3. JIMMY CARTER FOUNDATION
  4. COMESA
  5. CLUB DE MADRID WORLD LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
  6. THE AFRICAN UNION
  7. THE UNITED NATIONS

These are but a sampling of a few reasons why His Excellency President (Chairman UN Council on Namibia) Rupiah Bwezani Banda was able to dissipate the tension that was building up between the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development supporters after the 11th August 2021 elections. It was looking as if Zambia was headed towards a catastrophe like the American January 6th 2021 Capital Hill mayhem in Washington that rocked the USA.

Behind the scenes President Banda called upon his years of diplomatic skills to spring a beautiful surprise for Zambia, Africa and the world.

On 16th August 2021 then Republican President Edgar Lungu met with President elect Hakainde Hichilema at former president Rupiah Banda’s residence. Fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda managed to replicate “The March 9th Handshake” of Kenya by engineering the “16th August elbow bump” between outgoing and incoming Presidents Lungu and Hakainde.

I am certainly not mistaken that our Fourth Republican President is akin to no other Zambian President and  His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda will prove to be sui generis.

Youth day celebrations cancelled

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Youth day celebrations cancelled

Following the untimely death of Zambia’s fourth president Rupiah Banda, government has cancelled Youth Day celebrations , which falls today.

Chief Government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda says this is in view of the period of national mourning declared by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Speaking when addressed the media at the Freedom Statue this morning, Ms Kasanda , who is also Minister of Information and Media, explained that although the Youth Day is celebratory in nature it cannot be held in Zambia because of the dark cloud hovering over the nation following the untimely death of President Banda.

“Youth Day is celebratory in nature , it cannot be held because of the dark cloud hovering over the nation, the country cannot proceed with the event, “ she said.

Stating that all flags will fly at half-mast during this period of mourning, Ms Kasanda urged the citizenry to abide by the guidelines given by Government.

“I’d like to announce to you that we have lost a gallant soldier, a gallant son of the nation, a former President, the fourth republican President of Zambia, His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda who passed on yesterday.

“ In view of that we are officially cancelling this year’s Youth Day celebrations,” she said.

Zambia’s fourth republican President Rupiah Banda died yesterday at his home in Lusaka.

President Hichilema has since declared a period of national mourning.

The Powerlessness of Powerfulness: Why No Fly Zone On Ukraine

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The Powerlessness of Powerfulness: Why No Fly Zone On Ukraine

By Kapya Kaoma

“As Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, most of us are wondering why NATO is ignoring President Zelenskyy’s plea for a no-fly zone over his country. The pictures of pregnant women being bombed in children hospital, dead bodies being buried in mass graves, lifeless children on the street and bombed buildings across Ukraine invite human rage. Russia is committing war crimes. Worse still, it might cause the biggest nuclear disaster in human history if it continues with its attacks on nuclear plants. Is declaring a no fly zone not justified? The simple answer is yes! But the truth is NATO’s power is powerless when it comes to Russia; reason Weapons of Mass Destructions (WMDs).

Since human history, the concept of power has been adjudicated in various ways. Humanity has applied various valuables to construct what constitutes power—from social roles, custom, traditions, race, wealth, etc. Control of the citizenry has been one aspect of power—some people have to be rulers and others have to be ruled. The landmass one controls accredit power. Traditionally, the bigger the number of people under one’s command, the higher respect one was accorded; here Empires formed. This tradition continued into modern times, something that led to colonization of native lands across the globe. Post-colonial times shifted this to wealth and weapons; if you have the money and nuclear weapons, you have the power too. Thus since the second World War, possessing nuclear weapons has become one important symbol of power. The more WMDs one nation possesses, the more that nation is feared. But is it real power or simply an illustration of the powerlessness of powerfulness?

The concept of powerfulness is a social construct that we are made to believe exists. Yet the question of nuclear weapons illustrates one important thing; power of nuclear weapons depends on the one who threatens to use them first. This is the biggest illusion that holds the world captive. Since the end of the Second World War, nations with WMDs have waged wars on nations without and dared those who hold similar weapons to get involved or face the same fate; nuclear catastrophe. What Putin knows is that he can do whatever he wants with Ukraine and NATO won’t respond since he has threatened to respond with nuclear weapons.

Rather than debating Ukraine, the world should be asking what would happen if Putin uses WMDs, would the US then use Nukes on Russia? The answer is the same. No. This is because of the obvious reasons—such an act would bring an end to humanity. In short, the powerfulness of America and by extension NATO is simply a fallacy. To start with, it is a social construct meant for the world that never exists anymore. The Post-World War II context put reason, morality and human decency at the center of political discourse in both local and global politics. The recent rise of populist nationalist, anarchists, and white supremacist movements across the globe caught political scientists off-guard; something that seem to throw us to the pre-World War II era. Reason, shame and morality are no longer virtues in local and international politics. We are living in strange times; people are not ashamed to identify themselves with Nazis, White Supremacists, etc. It is what it is.
Second, holders of WMDs fear the cost of fighting each other; hence only non-holders of WMDs are threatened by nations with Nukes. Just as America is at the forefront of ensuring that certain nations do not have access to WMDs, Russia does not want Ukraine to join NATO to maintain its bullying power over this sovereign nation. This is at the heart of the Ukraine invasion.

My fear is, Putin is a man robbed of empathy, morality, shame, and reason. The people of Ukraine are not going anywhere, and providing them with more and more weapons will aid their resolve to fight for their lands. Putin knows that this is the war he has to win at all costs to remain in power. My question is, should Russia choose to use Nukes to win this war, will America, and NATO use the Nukes in return as a show of power knowing too well that humans near and afar will suffer the same fate—or powerlessly watch as the world burns from the effects of those nukes with over 1500 nukes at its hands?

May God help us.

Pray for Ukraine.

Lord Jesus, hold us dear in your heart, as we hold the people of Ukraine in our hearts. Give us the rage to feel their pain, and the strength of your mother, to watch their sufferings and deaths from a distance, knowing we can do nothing to stop the injustice brought about by the forces of evil, yet trusting in your power to conquer all evil. Amen.

Farm caretaker commits suicide after murdering his wife and his employer’s wife

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Farm caretaker commits suicide after murdering his wife and his employer’s wife

A 30 year caretaker of Kashaita Village of Chief Mukungule’s Chiefdom in Mpika District of Muchinga Province has committed suicide three days after allegedly murdering his wife and his employer’s wife.

Muchinga Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer Lucky Munkondya who confirmed the incident in an interview named the caretaker as Morris Mwansa, who she said took his life by hanging himself in his in-laws’ house at Kashaita Village between mid-morning and this afternoon.

“ The deceased has been on the run after allegedly murdering his wife Memory Bwalya ,31, of the same village and Catherine Ngoma, 45 , of Farmers Training College (FTC) Compound, “ she said.

ZANIS reports that Ms Mukondya in an interview that on 8th March, the deceased allegedly killed his wife Memory Bwalya with an axe thereby causing sever bodily injuries.

He later on proceeded to allegedly murder his employer’s wife Catherine Ngoma with an axe leaving deep bodily cuts, too.

Facts of the case are that the employer and owner of the farm, Kenny Shakalima, 51, of FTC expressed his concerns with his now deceased employee’s work culture.

The Deputy Commander narrated that at one time Mr. Shakalima visited the farm and found his caretaker, now the deceased, in a drunken stupor which made him upset and impulsively told him (Morris Mwansa ) that his services where no longer needed at the farm.

“ This news did not sit well with the care taker who later narrated everything to his wife which resulted in a heated argument and he later left the house to go and drink alcohol, “ she said.

Upon returning from a drinking spree, the deceased met his wife and axed her to death at his matrimonial homer after which he proceeded to axe his employer’s wife Catherine Ngoma who was busy at the crop field at the time.

The Deputy Commanding Officer said it is unfortunate that just when police were closing up on the suspect of the two murder cases, he has taken his life.

Police said bodies of the two murdered women were after postmortem buried this morning while the suspect’s body has been deposited into Mpika Urban clinic mortuary awaiting postmortem extermination and burial.

New mining policy coming-Kabuswe

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New mining policy coming-Kabuswe

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, says his ministry will soon announce the new mining policy.

Mr. Kabuswe says the new mining policy will allow many young people to participate in the mining sector.

He says previously, only few youths were benefiting from the mining industry, a thing he said will not be embraced because of the high numbers of unemployed youths in the country.

The minister said this shortly after President Hakainde Hichilema’s national address to the nation on the progress made on the application of national values and principles yesterday.

And Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, said his ministry will work round the clock to ensure that people begin to consider buying local products as directed by President Hichilema.

Mr. Chipoka stated that successive governments have been talking about promoting local products but there has never been actualization of these promotions.

He said it is unfortunate that certain goods are imported into Zambia at the expense of those produced by Zambians.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Commissioner Agnes Chongo has commended President Hichilema for what she termed as excellent address to the nation.

Ms. Phiri said the President touched on many pertinent issues such as increased cases of suicide, alcohol abuse, early marriages and child abuse among others.

She said she is hopeful that stakeholders and the government will continue working together and ensure that these issues are addressed.

Create Employment Opportunities for Youths, YMCA tells Government

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Create Employment Opportunities for Youths, YMCA tells Government

Government must make all possible efforts in ensuring more youths access employment creation opportunities as this is key to better youth participation at all levels, says Young men Christian Association of Zambia (YMCA).

YMCA President Antony Ranjan has further advised government to appreciate the fact that as youths are the future of this nation, considerations are needed for them to become key drivers of the country’s social-economic and political growth.

ZANIS reports that Mr Ranjan said in a statement that youths under his organisation his organisation stands ready to partner with the new dawn government in addressing various challenges affecting young people.

He said among the key issues his organisation stands ready to partner with government is the upscaling of technologies such as climate smart agriculture among other innovations that he said his organisation has initiated in various communities.

“ As YMCA we are excited to join communities across Zambia in celebrating this year’s Youth Day which falls on March 12, 2022 as the day provides youths the opportunity to recognize and promote youths as true agents of change in the realization of both national and global development goals, ”Mr Ranjan noted .

And referring to this year’s Youth Day theme dubbed : “enhancing youth participation at all levels of national development ,” , the YMCA President said the theme is a call for all stakeholders to ensure that youths are accorded the opportunity to fully participate in all spheres of national development.

Meanwhile , Mr Ranjan has advised government and other stakeholders to establish what he termed as “ new safe spaces “ so as to reach out to more young people facing mental health challenges.

He notes that establishing these facilities with qualified personal such as Psycho-socio counselors will help reduce the numbers of suicide related deaths.

The country has in recent times recorded a number of suicide cases which has unsettled sections of society and government

Kasanda urges youths to turn up in numbers today

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Kasanda urges youths to turn up in numbers today

Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda says march pasts to commemorate this year’s youth day which falls today March,12, 2022 will take place in provinces and districts across the country.

Ms Kasanda says this is contrary to social media platforms alleging that there will be no march pasts to commemorate tomorrow’s youth day.

Encouraging youths to ignore the contrary social media reports but turn up in number to commemorate their day tomorrow, the minister indicated that this year’s youth day celebration is special as it is the first one under the UPND government since coming into office over six months ago.

“This day marks an important beginning for the Youths under the UPND government, which has demonstrated great passion and commitment to the welfare of the Youths in the country,” she said.

This year’s youth day commemoration is being held against the backdrop of significant strides that government has made to improve the welfare of the Youths in the country.

The strides include various youth empowerment schemes and programmes which government is rolling-out country wide.

“There is therefore every reason for youths to commemorate their day as they forge on renewed future and government as they participate in national development,” she said.

She also indicated that government reaffirms its commitment to the development of youths into skilled and responsible citizens that can contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

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