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The Global Entrepreneurship Network Zambia ( GENZ ) has commended President Hakainde Hichilema and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame for timely signing the seven Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries which took place in Livingstone yesterday.
GEN Zambia acting managing director Edwin Zulu says the MOU is key as it builds on his organisation’s vision of turning Zambia into the African Regional Global agriculture and food production, investment and trade hub.
In a statement to the media, Mr. Zulu noted that the MOUs lays a critical foundation as it will help Zambia use Rwanda as a key trade node into the East African Market adding that at the same time it will make Rwanda the East African Regional Hub.
“ Rwanda annually make about 180 million United States Dollars in tea and coffee hence providing a huge opportunity for Zambia to tap knowledge, ‘ he said.
Rwanda is now a leader of cotton and textiles value chains adding that Zambia has a huge opportunity to explore strategic partnerships.
He said that fisheries and livestock development and the manufacturing of annual feeds is also timely as GEN Zambia and the ministry of Small Scale and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) had a fruitful meeting on the same.
He has since advised the Zambian government to partner with Rwanda on issues to do with Smart Africa Initiative which is now Smart Zambia and relearn more on e-Governance as Rwanda is the champion of the Smart Africa Initiative.
Mr. Zulu further stated that the other critical area is to promote youth with professional exchange programs between Rwanda and Zambia especially on how Rwanda is using the development of the New Cities as key regional economic development strategy.
He added that there is also an urgent need for the Zambian government to have a special agreement on the aspects of e-Governance as a key strategy to avoid budget misuses and misappropriation.
Rwanda and Zambia today signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to further enhance ties and integration between the two countries.
The MoUs were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakuko on behalf of Zambia and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Bituta signed on behalf of Rwanda.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema .
The Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) says it is pleased that the construction of eight industrial yards have been completed in all the selected districts.
CEEC Public Relations Officer Micheelo Mukata says the Commission is proud to announce the completion of the construction process of eight industrial yards in Kafue, Chipata, Mongu, Ndola, Kitwe, Solwezi, Mansa, and Kasama districts.
Mr Mukata in an interview noted that the industrial yards are meant to meet the goal of enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) competitiveness in the large manufacturing sub-sectors of metal fabrication.
“The commission is proud to announce that all the eight yards as projected have been fully completed in terms of construction with Mansa recurrently handed over the Industrial yards to the commission by the construction company.
“The commission would like to make mention that the industrial yard in Mansa is just like the one in Lusaka with 12 rooms, two auto boots, one bulk storage and one restaurant,’’ he said.
Mr.Mukata also said that three industrial yards out of the eight are operational in Chipata Kasama and Mongu districts.
He however called on various SMEs and Entrepreneurs to apply for vacancies in these industrial yards once they are commissioned.
Police in Lusaka have recorded a warn and caution statement from Chilufya Tayali aged 47 of house number 38 Ngwezi road in Roma township in Lusaka for the offences of Inciting to mutiny.
It is alleged that Mr. Tayali between March, 2022 and 2nd April, 2022 in Lusaka using social media did seduce persons serving in the Defence Force and Zambia Police Service from their duty of Allegiance to the Republican President.
It is further alleged that Mr. Tayali on 2nd April, 2022 at 19:59 hours without lawful excuse did receive an official classified Zambia Army message in contravention of the State Security Act and later circulated the document on social media using his Facebook page account.
Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the accused is detained in police custody.
And Good governance activist and musician Chama Fumba commonly known as Pilato has led various stakeholders in opposing the prolonged dentition of controversial politician Chilufya Tayali without a charge.
Tayali, the Economic and Equity Party President, has been detained at Ibex Police Station in Lusaka for over 22 hours.
Pilato has questioned why Police arrested Mr. Tayali if they were not ready to charge him at the time of arrest.
“We are still waiting to know why Mr Chilufya Tayali was arrested last night. If they were not ready to charge him at the time of arrest, why did they even arrest him?” he posted on his official facebook page.
“I mean they could have waited until the charge was clearly defined and then arrested the man,” Pilato added.
Leader of the opposition in Parliament Hon Brian Muntayalwa Mundubile
Meanwhile, leader of the opposition in Parliament and PF National Chairman for Legal Affairs Dr. Brian Mundubile said the detention of Mr. Tayali is an assault on freedom of expression which President Hakainde Hichilema promised Zambians.
“That vibrant team is unable to speak now because they have realized that most of the things they said were not true. They realized that most of the promises made cannot be actualized,” Dr. Mundubile told reporters at Ibex Police Station.
“So we want to call upon the leadership of the UPND, including the President himself, that he should live by his undertaking, his promise to govern this country using the rule of law.”
Dr. Mundubile disclosed that he was denied a chance to see Mr. Tayali who remains in police custody without a charge since his arrest.
“We had a chance to see the officer in charge who mentioned to us that he is under very strict instructions that no one should see Chilufya Tayali. Therefore, we were unable to see him because we were not given access. If Tayali made a political statement, a political statement should only be traversed by a political statement. We know that in opposition the UPND had a very vibrant media team when they were making promises, what has happened to that vibrant team?” Dr. Mundubile added.
Socialist Party leader Dr. Fred M’membe said the detention of Chilufya Tayali on an unknown charge is unacceptable and it is clearly an abuse of the criminal justice system.
“As we have repeatedly stated, it is a well-known fact that throughout history, those who administer or control the criminal justice system hold the power with the potential for abuse and tyranny. The statutory powers to arrest and prosecute those who commit crimes should be reasonably exercised and in good faith. By allowing people to be unjustifiably arrested, detained and prosecuted, those in power are sending a dangerous signal that the criminal justice system can be used to persecute and fix opponents of the regime. There’s a need to administer justice fairly and impartially,” Dr. M’membe stated.
Dr. M’membe added: “We should at all times uphold the rule of law, integrity of the criminal justice system and the right to a fair trial. By allowing people to be unjustifiably arrested, detained and prosecuted, those in power are sending a dangerous signal that the criminal justice system can be used to persecute and fix opponents of the regime. There is a need to administer justice fairly and impartially.”
Kabushi MP Bowman Lusambo poses a photo with UK High Commissioner NIcholas Woolley at the British High Commission
Meanwhile, Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo branded the detention of Mr. Tayali as dictatorial.
“I have just visited my brother Chilufya Tayali who has been in police detention without charge since yesterday. My solidarity visit was meant to assure Comrade Tayali that he is not alone as we fight to rescue the country from an emerging dictator. We also took time to comfort his immediate family members who were at the police station waiting for information from Police over his arrest,” Mr. Lubambo said.
“We wish to assure those in leadership today that our collective resolve to protect our common interests as a nation is unwavering. If the emerging dictator wishes to throw all of us in police cells, then let him quickly construct additional police cells to accommodate all of us because we are not stopping now.”
Mr. Tayali recently held a media briefing at which he heavily criticized President Hakainde Hichilema and his New Dawn Government.
Among other allegations Mr. Tayali charged that the new Government has failed to manage the economy and has neglected the private sector.
He described the UPND Government as the ‘New Dark’ instead of their slogan new dawn.
The New Congress Party has reported the criminal conduct of Barbara Chama Mumba, a Zambian Citizen based in the United Kingdom who claims to have communicated information about a planned coup by the Zambian military and leaders from the PF regime.
NCP President Peter Chanda who was accompanied by a smaller crowd of women and youths, said the remarks by Ms Musamba Chama have the potential to cause a breach of peace and endanger the country’s security especially that has cast a serious distrust on the standing of our country’s Defence Forces.
Around March 1 to April, 4, 2022, Ms. Barbara Chama Mumba, recorded and circulated a video in which she alleges that some members of Zambia’s Defence Force are allegedly working with former President Edgar Lungu and Lusaka businessman Valden Findlay to overthrow a legitimately elected government, remarks which are fictitious.
In q filed complaint, Mr Chanda said the utterances by a Ms Musamba Mumba constitute criminal libel against former President Lungu, Mr. Findlay and the institutions of our government.
“By claiming that she has reported such information directly to Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, Ms Musamba Mumba is working with others in an orchestrated plot to commence arbitrary arrest and detention of persons based on information she claims to be passing to the President Hichilema,” he said.
The NCP has stated that the remarks by Ms Musamba Mumba are likely to raise discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia and further incite violence against the named persons and the Defence Forces.
He further noted that the behavior by Ms Musamba Chama is equivalent to cyber bullying contrary to Section 71 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 and are likely to promote feelings of ill-will or hostility between people of different political factions in Zambia.
Meanwhile, the NCP has also requested the British Home Office on the status of Ms. Musamba Mumba who is widely viewed as an illegal immigrant who entered the UK on a paper visa which expired after she overstayed in the UK.
In a letter submitted to the British High Commission, Mr Chanda said the UK must prevent delinquents like Ms. Musamba Mumba from continuing to use the British jurisdiction as a safe haven to commit crimes and cyber bullying of our citizens.
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Elias Mubanga has said the government will not allow foreign companies to take up jobs that can be done by Zambians.
Mr. Mubanga has also said government will ensure that fees for certificates needed for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to carry out business are reduced.
Speaking in Kitwe today during the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Mopani Copper Mines and Inde Credit Facility, Mr. Mubanga said the new dawn government attaches great importance to the growth of SMEs driven by Zambians.
The MoU aims at facilitating the financing of suppliers and contractors at affordable rates and flexible conditions.
“We will not allow foreign companies to do jobs that can be done by Zambian SMEs. Anywhere where we will find that an order contract has been given to a foreigner when there are capable Zambians that can do that, we will stop it,” Mr. Mubanga said.
Mr. Mubanga, who acknowledged that Zambian SMEs have for a long time faced the challenge of financing in their quest to get jobs from the mining companies, commended Inde Credit Facility for the initiate to uplift the Zambian SMEs by providing them with flexible and affordable loans.
He said the SMEs are now expected to grow because of the readily available financing facility that will be offered to them through the signed MoU between Mopani and Inde Credit Facility.
The minister has since urged Inde Credit Facility Management to lower their interest rates to below 20 per cent which is offered by commercial banks so that SMEs can afford.
And Inde Credit Facility Managing Director, Nicolas Megelas, said the company intends to provide readily available financing to SMEs at affordable rates that will enable them make profits.
Mr. Megelas said the company will also provide loans with flexible conditions so that the SMEs can grow.
“We listen to their needs, we do not say here is a list of things we need to give you money, we do not give them loans that are so over prices so that at the end of the day they make no margin because that will not help them grow, it will not help their businesses work and that understanding is what sets us apart,” he said.
And Mopani Copper Mines Corporate Affairs Manager, Lorraine Tembo, said the credit initiative will remove the obstacles of collateral and unfavourable conditions that suppliers and contractors face when they borrow from informal money lenders.
Ms. Tembo said the MoU will help scale-up the growth of SMEs and in turn help grow the Zambian economy.
And Association of Contractors and Suppliers president, Coster Mwansa, said the Inde Credit Facility gives the suppliers impetus to seek challenging contracts and deliver them adequately.
Mr. Mwansa has since appealed to Inde Credit Facility to offer affordable rates to suppliers because that was the only way local SMEs will be able compete favourably with foreign companies.
And Maggie Shilamba of Nkume General Dealers appealed to Mopani Copper Mines to start offering local suppliers and contractors more jobs now that they can access funds to execute big contracts.
Ms. Shilamba has meanwhile asked the minister to compel mining companies in North-Western province to give jobs to suppliers from the Copperbelt province.
The signed MoU between Mopani and Inde Credit Facility, which has been witnessed by the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, is aimed at providing loans to SMEs to enable them carry out supply jobs from Mopani and other companies.
UPND North Western Province Youth Chairperson Mr Bruce Kanema has welcomed the detention and possible prosecution of the EEP leader Mr chilufya Tayali for his treasonous remarks against the state.
Mr Kanema has warned all the opposition leaders to be conscious of the words which they use in public and avoid dragging state institutions into their petty politics.
It’s high time that stain action must take place against all those who committed various crimes under the PF regime and have continued to undermine UPND Government.
He added that it is important that we all focus our energies to support the leadership of His excellence president Hakainde Hichilema as he is on truck to stabilise the economic which was destroyed by the same corrupt opposition leaders who are crying the loudest.
He added that President Hakainde Hichilema has so far performed very well in the few months of his leadership and the opposition Should focus on rebranding their political parties with the current atmosphere Given by the UPND Government which was not possible under PF regime.
He stated that the Teacher recruitment, health workers recruitment, bursaries, Free education, end of cadrism and above all uniting the country is something which the opposition must acknowledge and appreciate.
Mr Kanema said that the criminals who wants to make Zambia a failed state and ungovernable will not be given such a platform because Zambians are peace loving People.
He has warned and questioned those civil servants who are dining with opposition leaders to behave themselves or better still let them resign on moral grounds because the UPND will not tolerate civil servants who are failing to promote, protect and defend the civil service etiquettes and decorums.
The World Bank working together with the Zambian government is this year expected to mobilize resources to renovate the Manyinga-Mwinilunga and the Mundanya-Litoya Roads.
Improved Rural Connectivity Project Coordinator, under the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development, Mwata Sekeseke disclosed this in an interview with ZANIS in Manyinga today.
Mr Sekeseke said the objective of these projects includes, to improve productivity among local farmers, improve trade and delivery of goods and services in rural communities.
He said government and its cooperating partner the World Bank are focused on improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
Mr Sekeseke lamented that it is sad that specialized health services cannot be easily accessed by people from as far as Kashinakazhi and Lusongwa and education services cannot be easily be delivered on time especially during examinations due to the poor state of the roads.
“These Roads Projects once completed will improve the livelihood of the local people,” he said.
Mr Sekeseke further disclosed that the two selected roads in the district will be done to gravel standard in the first phase and later on upgraded to bituminous standards.
“The initial plan is to see to it that rural areas are made economically viable through these roads then other developments will follow,” Mr Sekeseke said.
He also disclosed that successful selected contractors are expected to mobilize on sites by September this year.
“We expect the bidding advert process to be concluded by July or August so that the following months the successful contractors can start mobilizing themselves to start the projects,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Sekeseke stated that the actual project implementations may start towards the end of the first quarter of 2023 after the rainy season adding that it is a five year period, with the first two years for rehabilitation and the last three years for maintenance.
And District Commissioner, Brenda Mukwakwa welcomed the development saying the two roads will connect the district to other districts like Mwinilunga and Western Province via countries like Angola and Congo DR.
Ms Mukwakwa expressed optimism that the agriculture sector will flourish as potential customers from other countries and districts will easily have access to agriculture produce.
“With this development people from Mwinilunga, Angola and Congo DR will have access to our farming inputs and our investment potential,” Ms Mukwakwa said.
Ms Mukwakwa also implored government and partners to consider working on other feeder roads in the district as well so that Manyinga’s full development potential can be achieved.
“We shall appreciate if other feeder roads are also considered apart from the two selected, we want our district to develop and our people to be happy,” she said.
And a local farmer and former civic leader Patrick Manjashi has welcomed the development saying local farmers will have a wider market and produce more as access to markets will be made easy with the good road network.
“We are grateful to government for considering our plight,” he said.
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development has called on the new Dawn government to employ effective communication personnel to help explain the economic challenges the country is facing.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo said government should engage qualified and competent people to speak to specific issues that emerge as Zambia embarks on the Economic Recovery path.
“You can’t take a Job on training approach in the middle of a crisis. The people that have been fronted to speak to the country this far lack the capacity to communicate appropriately and convincingly,” Mr. Mwaipopo said.
He added, “In this day and age, you don’t need to experiment on who speaks on behalf of an entity, the damage can be colossal, world over, countries are investing heavily to ensure information gets across to citizens in a timely and appropriate manner.”
Mr. Mwaipopo stated that rebuilding the Zambian economy will not be easy.
“It is not even a secret that in the coming days and years, Zambia will face a lot of difficulties in its efforts to rebuild the economy and get back to a path for growth,” he said.
“Anyone that is honest and understands where we are coming from and how deep the damage is on our economy will tell you that the road ahead will be long, there won’t be a quick fix if we are aiming for lasting solutions.”
Mr. Mwaipopo said government must avoid assuming that they have all the answers adding that the challenges are big and that they need every one’s involvement.
“Open up more on the planned Economic Reforms, if there is a consolidated plan, make it available to the public for scrutiny and input, try by all means to get many involved, you still need the support of the Zambian people, the same way you started with them, don’t leave them behind now.”
He added that government must be consultative.
“You will lose nothing, the country has so many experts who can even offer their knowledge on a voluntary basis, make good use of them. Realise that most Zambians are interested in seeing you succeed as your success will lead to benefits for all, keep their concerns at heart.”
“Avoid assuming that every one knows what you are working towards, make deliberate efforts to explain, it will help getting the buy in for any planned Economic reforms, including the IMF Programme.”
Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder, and determined to save others suffering the same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. What at first appears to be a radical success soon reveals itself to be a remedy potentially worse than the disease.
PROS
Excellent performance by Jared Leto ( Dr. Micheal Morbius).
Great chemistry between Jared Leto (Dr. Micheal Morbius) and Matt Smith (Milo).
Visual effects and actions scenes were reverting.
CONS
Some of the casting choices were questionable, such as Tyrese who played Agent Simon Stroud. He was basically the same character he portrays in the Fast and Furious movies, except without the comedy. Tyrese Gibson was forgettable, the narrative didn’t offer his character much else to do but stay on the lookout for Morbius. He should have alerted his appearance or mannerisms more.
The movie does not provide much character development for any of the supporting characters.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Martine Bancroft: “Michael, what’s happening?”
Dr. Michael Morbius: “I went from dying… to feeling more alive than ever. Increased strength and speed… the ability to use echolocation… and an overpowering urge to consume blood.”
Dr. Michael Morbius: “How far are we allowed to fix something that’s broken?”
Mentor: Until the remedy is worse than the disease.
CONCLUSION
Jared Leto is one of my favorite actors so I was very excited to see Morbius. Not knowing anything about the character I went into the movie with an open mind. Jared Leto brilliantly portrayed Dr. Michael Morbius, who is desperately trying to find a solution for his blood-borne sickness and will go to any lengths to find a cure. The film is built around the relationship between Dr. Morbius and his close friend Milo (Matt Smith) whom he met when they were 10 years old in hospital both suffering from the same deliberating disease. Matt Smith’s character is a little bland, and he’s also portraying a one-dimensional villain. The movie deserved a stronger, more menacing villain.
The plot is shallow and may not be as compelling as it appears in the trailers.
Morbius had the potential to be a great Marvel origin story. It had an original concept, a lead character that the audience can get emotionally attached to. What it lacked was depth.
Here is a wrap of how our foreign-based stars performed at their respective clubs over the last four days.
=DR CONGO
Defenders Kabaso Chongo and Tandi Mwape played the full 90 minutes of TP Mazembe’s top two Group C clash against Egyptian club El Masry on Sunday.
Mazembe won 2-0 to cement top spot as both sides headed to the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals.
=SOUTH AFRICA
-Mamelodi Sundowns: Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was rested for Saturdays 3-0 CAF Champions League home win over El Merreikh of Sudan. -Sekhukhune United: Midfielder Roderick Kabwe played the full 90 minutes while striker Justin Shonga was substituted in the 86th minute of Saturdays 1-1 away draw against Stellenbosch.
Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata missed the match due to a family bereavement. -SuperSport United: Striker Gamphani Lungu came on in the 82nd minute of 9-man SuperSport’s 3-2 away loss at Golden Arrows on Saturday but was not on target.
=DENMARK
-Midtjylland: Midfielder Edward Chilufya on Sunday came on at the start of the second half of number two placed Midtjylland’s 1-0 away win over sixth positioned Silkeborg. -Horsens: Midfielder Lubambo Musonda played the opening 65 minutes of third placed Horsens 1-0 away win over Helsingor on Sunday.
=RUSSIA
Midfielder Klings Kangwa was substituted in the 90th minute of Arsenal-Tula’s 0-0 home draw against Akhmat Grozny on Saturday while Evans Kangwa did not make the team.
=TANZANIA
Midfielder Rally Bwalya on Sunday played the opening 79 minutes of Simba’s 4-0 home win over USGN of Niger to see them finish second in Group D and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals
=SCOTLAND
Glasgow Rangers striker Fashion Sakala came on as a 65th minute substitute for goal scorer Aaron Ramsey in Sundays 2-1 home loss to Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Celtic opened a six-point lead over defending champions and second placed Rangers following that victory.
=ENGLAND
-Brighton: Enock Mwepu came on in the 79th minute of Saturdays 0-0 home draw against Norwich. -Leicester City: Patson Daka came on in the 90th minute of Saturdays 1-1 away draw at Manchester United.
UK’s Minister for Africa Vicky Ford will visit Zambia from 5 to 7 April 2022 to continue building the modern partnership between the UK and Zambia.
Whilst in Zambia she will meet with key government and business stakeholders to showcase the two countries’ collaboration on areas of mutual interest such as girls’ education, illegal wildlife trade (IWT), and the cooperation between the UK and Zambia on international issues, including the global response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Her visit will also include the launch of British Investment International (BII) in Zambia.
BII is the new British development finance institution that will invest billions in infrastructure and technology in low and middle income countries across Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Minister Ford will be accompanied by BII CEO Nick O’Donoghue for parts of her visit.
This will be Minister Ford’s first visit to Zambia since her appointment as Minister for Africa.
During her visit, she will pay a condolence visit to Mrs Banda, 4th President Rupiah Banda’s widow.
She will also visit projects which support Zambia’s efforts to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, remove the barriers preventing access to education for girls, and improve access to nutrition and health support in rural areas.
Minister Ford will also meet representatives from Zambia’s business community, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Stanley Kakubo, and the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Ford, MP said, “I’m delighted to be coming to Zambia to see how the UK is working with President Hichilema’s government to support its development and economic objectives, and to foster cooperation between our countries on international issues where we have shared values and principles.”
“Millions of Zambians resolutely defended their right to determine their own future in their elections last year. At a time when fundamental human rights and freedoms across the globe are under a more severe threat than we have seen for years, the example set by Zambia gives us all strength that democracy will prevail. We also know that rebuilding the economy and providing education and opportunities for all, will require time and patience, but I can promise that the UK stands ready to support in these vital endeavours.”
“This is my first visit to Zambia, but it builds on the visits to Zambia by my predecessor as Minister for Africa, and the successful meetings I had with President Hichilema and Foreign Minister Kakubo in London last year. I’m looking forward to meeting them again and to continue building on the strong bonds between our countries.”
The visit to Zambia is part of a regional visit by Minister Ford and includes visits to Tanzania and Malawi.”
The Industrial Development Corporation has congratulated Kagem Mining Limited for declaring its first dividend since 2016.
Speaking during the handover ceremony where Kagem handed over a USD1.5 million cheque to the IDC, IDC Acting Group CEO Mr. Henry Sakala said the declaration of the dividend demonstrated the hard work and dedication that was put into the company’s operations.
Mr. Sakala said IDC expected to see more growth in revenues and profitability going forward, as Kagem continues to grow its footprint in the global gemstone market.
He further said IDC, an investment vehicle of the Government, would ensure the dividends received from its investments were utilized to drive Zambia’s industrialization agenda.
Speaking at the same event, Kagem Board Chairperson Dr Sixtus Mulenga said the dividend declared showed that Kagem had weathered the storm of Covid-19 to deliver a record performance for the 2021 Financial Year.
Dr. Mulenga further said Kagem had given back to the people of Zambia approximately US$ 141 million since the takeover of Gemfields Group Limited in form of corporate taxes, mineral royalties, export duty and dividends.
The Road Transport and Safety Agency has approved the request by bus operators to increase bus fares pursuant to the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.
This follows a consultative meeting with bus operators held on Friday 1st April, 2022.
Intercity Bus fares have been increased by 15 percent, K5 for inter mine and peri urban routes while local routes have been increased by K2 both in Lusaka and Copperbelt.
The new bus fares are effective 5th April 2022 and bus operators are guided to revise the bus fare charts accordingly and display in all the buses.
This is according to a statement issued by RTSA Head – Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga.
The experienced politician and ex-diplomat Dr George Mpombo has said that the New Dawn Government must subsidise fuel in a bid to lower the pump prices of the commodity.
Dr. Mpombo, the former Energy Minister in the Levy Mwanawasa led MMD Government, has charged that it is nonsensical to blame the recent fuel price increase on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Government through the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) last week hiked fuel pump prices by an average of K4.
In an interview on the Copperbelt, Dr Mpombo described the increase in fuel prices by at least K4 per litre as disastrous.
He said the rise in fuel prices has put the lives of many suffering Zambians into more misery because fuel affects all economic spheres.
“Increasing fuel prices with a gigantic margin of around K4 is a disastrous failure. It’s a very very sad development because it puts people in a total miserable situation, a total quagmire because fuel is the driver of the economy so by increasing the price of fuel has a ripple effect on all sectors of the economy. In manufacturing, all industries, in distribution, everything including transport. So upward fuel adjustment affects all facets of life,” Dr Mpombo said.
“So the Zambian people are in a complete quagmire. It is a terrible situation considering that the cost of living is already very very high, the cost of living has gone through the roof. A lot of people are finding challenges in meeting daily issues of life. So this development has complicated and driven more Zambians into more miserable situations. So it is a complete quagmire, it is a complete betrayal of trust and confidence in the Zambian people because the UPND had indicated that when they get into power they are going to reverse (fuel prices),” he said.
Dr. Mpombo said there is no justification for increasing fuel prices.
“And it is absolute nonsense in justifying the Russian/ Ukrainian war because we do not get our oil from Russia nor do we get anything from Ukraine. So the Government must not pass them a buck, they must own up and tell us how they intend to rectify this problem because if they don’t rectify this then Zambians’ miserable situation will be out of reach. It is a very dangerous situation we are in,” he said.
Dr. Mpombo said the Government should not run away from its moral responsibility of cushioning prices of commodities by subsidising things like fuel.
He said worldwide Governments subsidise various sectors such as energy and agriculture.
“You know all countries subsidise their citizens. The European Union subsidises their farmers. In the USA, the agriculture sector is heavily subsidised so there is no point really in Zambia to say subsidies should not be re-introduced. It does not make sense; it is very myopic thinking to say subsidies should not be re-introduced. Subsidies must be re-introduced to cushion the negative impact on an ordinary Zambian. This is being done even in the UK; the government takes care of the elderly needs. This is a moral responsibility of the Government. Government must not run away from it (providing subsidies),” Dr. Mpombo remarked.
Democratic Party president Harry Kalaba over the weekend also advocated the reintroduction of fuel subsidies saying the fuel price hike of an average of K4 is gigantic and will throw the economy into disarray.
“I think the jump is gigantic and it simply means that in a K100 you only buy three litres of petrol. That is going to affect the whole economic mechanism of our country because as you know fuel or energy sits right at the epicentre of our economy. So what has happened, means the economy is thrown in disarray. It is going to affect people very badly. Transport will just go up. The cost of production will be affected,” Mr Kalaba told Diamond Live Show.
The Zambia National Pensioners Association (ZANAPA) Kasempa district branch has commended the government for the pension reforms that it has proposed.
The pension reforms are aimed at enhancing social insurance in the country.
ZANAPA District Branch Chairperson, Duncan Kangwa, said the proposed pension reforms by the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration are welcome.
“The proposed pre-retirement partial withdrawal of benefits is a welcome idea as we are heading towards development,” Mr. Kangwa added.
He disclosed that once the proposed pension reforms are implemented, employees will be able to create other streams of income.
Mr. Kangwa however cautioned the would-be beneficiaries to avoid withdrawing their benefits to spend on luxuries.
“Invest in a good project so that when you finally retire you might invest in projects that will be giving you additional income,” he advised.
Mr. Kangwa observed that the economic statuses of workers would have been better but now if such reforms were implemented earlier.
“Most of us retirees are only depending on the one third we left. We pay water and electricity bills from the same one third, life is very difficult for the retired person,” he said.
Mr. Kangwa further disclosed that the partial withdrawal of one’s own earnings is a very good proposal.
Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has proposed to introduce pre-retirement partial withdrawal of benefits under the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).
