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Director of Public Prosecutions has not been sent on Leave-Information Minister

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Director of Public Prosecutions has not been sent on Leave-Information Minister

The government has dismissed, as untrue and unfounded, a story circulating on social media platforms that President Hakainde Hichilema has sent the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lillian Siyuni on forced leave.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda said that the New Dawn is a Government of laws that conducts governance issues in an orderly and procedural manner.

Mrs. Kasanda said that the constitution provides the procedure for removal from office of the DPP.

She says Members of the public are, therefore, urged to ignore the story as it is false.

Mrs Kasanda has urged those posting such falsehoods to read the provisions of the Constitution before concocting such falsehoods.

She has reminded people in the habit of posting falsehoods on social media that it is a crime that is punishable by law.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. CHUSHI KASANDA, MP ON SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTS THAT THE DPP HAS BEEN SENT ON FORCED LEAVE

Government wishes to dismiss, as untrue and unfounded, a story circulating on social media platforms that Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has sent the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ms. Lillian Siyuni on forced leave.

This is a Government of laws which conducts governance issues in an orderly and procedural manner.
The Republican Constitution provides procedure for removal from office of the DPP. Members of the public are, therefore, urged to ignore the story as it is false.

Government urges those posting such falsehoods to read the provisions of the Constitution before concocting such falsehoods.

Further, Government wishes to remind people in the habit of posting falsehoods on social media that it is a crime to do so and punishable by law.

Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
28th March, 2022

Police recover stolen motor vehicles and household items

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Police recover stolen motor vehicles and household items

Police in Kapiri Mposhi District have recovered motor vehicles and assorted household goods worth over K 2.8 million stolen in the recent spate of house break-ins being in the district.

The recovered items include two motor vehicles namely Toyota Mark X registration number BCB 3729 believed to be used in criminal activities and an unregistered Toyota Hipsum stolen along the Kapiri-Ndola highway from a motorist who was later tied up to the tree and abandoned in the bush recently.

Household goods include Television sets, HiFis, kitchen utensils and beddings.

Other items recovered are industrial solar panels stolen from government solar milling plants in Fichisa area and 96 x 50 Kilograms of fertilizer among others.

Kapiri Mposhi Police officer Commanding, Brighson Mwape confirmed the development to ZANIS that the items were recovered during the ongoing police operation following a spate of break-ins in the district.

Mr Mwape says five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the thefts among them three former convicts recently pardoned from serving jail terms.

“This is a very strong warning to criminals who think they are clever forever, we are equal to task as police and they should not blame anyone but themselves, this is the time to refrain from criminal activities and engage in meaningful and legal means of earning a living than terrorizing residents,” Mr Mwape said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwape advised members of the public to be on alert and report anyone to Police selling items suspected to be stolen.

He also warned members of the public against buying goods suspected to be stolen as most of the items were recovered from unsuspecting buyers.

” To be found with a property that has been stolen is a crime and members of the Public must refrain from such kinds of engagements even if you find an item being sold at a cheap price don’t buy but report to police,” Mr Mwape said.

And members of the public have commended Kapiri Mposhi District Police command for recovering the stolen items.

Speaking on behalf of the victims Henry Sinyangwe, said he did not expect his stolen goods to be recovered as he had lost confidence in the police.

” I’ve always thought reporting thefts to police is a waste of time but I’m able to testify today that my things have been recovered but we as members of the public should help the police in fighting these criminals,” Mr Sinyangwe said.

Increased cases of Road Traffic Accident in North West Worrying

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Increased cases of Road Traffic Accident in North West Worrying

Solwezi General Hospital Medical Superintendent Namwaka Mukunyandela has described the condition of the 21 victims of a road traffic accident that happened in Kalumbila on saturday March,26 2022 as stable.

Speaking when North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Naomi Tetamashimba visited the 21 victims this morning Dr Mukunyadela said Solwezi General Hospital received 23 accident victims out of the 92 people that were involved in a road traffic accident.

Dr. Mukunyandela said out of the 23 people that were admitted, a 34 year old woman died while one has been discharged.

However Dr. Mukunyandela said the hospital has had challenges in attending to the victims in a quickest way possible due to lack of equipment such as x-ray machines and Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan which are not available.

“In terms of the Computerized Tomography (CT) scan unfortunately we do not have and the ideal state of course is that all trauma victims should have that as a standard but then since it’s not available we have to ensure that we take the right people there to the partners for help,” she said.

Dr Mukunyandela further said the hospital has a mobile x-ray track which they could have used, but is placed too high for patients with serious injuries to climb.

And one of the relatives of the accident patients admitted at Solwezi General Hospital Chama Chilekwa called on government to quickly assist the hospital with an x-ray machine.

Ms. Chilekwa said her relative who is in need of x-ray services has not been attended to because of lack of x-ray machines at the facility.

“we came here on Saturday and my relative is recommended for an X-ray, but surprisingly we are told there is no x-ray, how can they know if a person has internal injuries or not,” She questioned.

In the same vein, Provincial Health Director Charles Msiska said government is in the process of procuring Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan and digital x-ray for Solwezi General hospital.

“it is not that Solwezi General Hospital is not in the plan of government, it is already in the plan of government, it is in the process of procurement and very soon the provincial hospital is going to have CT(Computerized Tomography) Scan and digital x-ray, in the meantime cooperate with Merrybeg and other partners, we work with them as well to provide quality services,” he said.

And North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Naomi Tetamashimba who also visited the accident victims said government is investigating whether the Fuso truck that was involved in the accident is insured for possible compensation of the victims.

Mrs. Tetamashimba noted with sadness that accidents in Kalumbila and Solwezi districts have increased, further calling on stakeholders to address the matter.

“We cannot continue like this, how can a small Fuso truck carry more than 90 people? The other day it was right here at Solwezi General Hospital mortuary where my driver witnessed a canter carrying mourners overturned and people died,” she said.

Last week on Saturday a Fuso truck registration number BAA 6675 belonging to the Catholic Church in Kalumbila district carrying over 90 people enroute for burial overturned leaving two people dead and several others seriously injured.

Government Institutions too Persecutorial and Punitive to Local Businesses

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Government Institutions too Persecutorial and Punitive to Local Businesses

By Silavwe Jackson President Golden Party of Zambia.

Most Zambian Government statutory institutions that are connected to the cost and ease of doing business have a persecutory and punitive tone rather than an engaging one.

ZRA and PACRA have by far done their best to transform themselves and respond to local businesses’ needs. Nonetheless, more needs to be done at the two institutions.

ZRA’s strategy of engaging local Zambian businesses around the country in the past few years resulted in the institution increasing its revenue and meeting its targets easily.

NAPSA, WORKERS COMPENSATION, CITY COUNCILS, CCPC remain extremely punitive and persecutory towards local Zambian businesses. Their attitude and tone towards local businesses are still colonial for the most part.

Government institutions must become more receptive to the needs of local Zambian businesses if the Country is to develop economically. One wonders if the officers in these institutions know what it takes to truly build a Zambian local business from scratch.

President Hichilema being a businessman himself and his New Dawn Administration must swiftly initiate a review of laws governing ZRA, PACRA, NAPSA, WORKERS COMPENSATION, CITY COUNCILS, CCPC in relating to local Zambian businesses.

Ease of doing business will directly result in job creation, reduction in poverty levels and an increase in the GNP and GDP of Zambia and not forgetting a high standard of living among locals.

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Musa Mwenya, Laura Miti and Fr Chikoya get presidential appointments

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Musa Mwenya, Laura Miti and Fr Chikoya get presidential appointments

President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed former Attorney General Musa Mwenye as Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board, subject to Parliamentary ratification.

President Hichilema has also appointed Dr Henry Mbushi and Dr O’brien Kaaba as Commissioners on the same Board.

And President Hichilema has appointed Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) general secretary Fr Emmanuel Chikoya, Alliance for Community Action (ACA) executive director Laura Miti and two others as Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission, while Dr Pamela Sambo will serve as the Vice-Chairperson.

According to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya, others who have also been appointed as commissioners of the Human Rights Commission are Mr. Tom Shamakamba, and Christine Chama.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has with immediate effect renewed the tenure of Mr Mudford Mwandenga as Human Rights Commission Chairperson who will be deputized by newly appointed Dr Pamela Sambo.

And Bwalya said President Hichilema has not renewed the tenure for all the commissioners whose term of office ended in December 2021.

The Head of State said all the appointments are subject to ratification by the National Assembly.

Two ZAF officers die in plane crash

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Two ZAF officers die in plane crash

Two Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers have died in a plane crash which happened in Livingstone today.

ZAF Director Public relations and foreign liaison Lieutenant Colonel Helen Chota has confirmed in a statement.

Lt. Col. Chota said the crash was recorded at 11:00 hours involving the SF-260 TW light trainer aircraft.

She said the two seater aircraft registration number AF-545 crashed approximately 38 kilometres North of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.

Lt. Col. Chota said the accident claimed the lives of ZAF Livingstone station commander, Colonel Lyson Siame aged 42 years and Second Lieutenant Kalasa Bwalya aged 27 years.

She said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Batoka Mortuary, Livingstone Central Hospital.

Lt. Col. Chota said ZAF has since convened a board of inquiry to establish the cause of the air crash.

“The Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Colin Barry extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased personnel and to the Zambia Air Force family as a whole.May the souls of the Colonel Lyson Siame and Second Lieutenant Kalasa Bwalya rest in peace,” she said.

Home Affairs launch digitalised NRC system

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The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security through the department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship in Muchinga province has launched the Integrated national Registration Information system (INRIS).

Muchinga Province Minister, Henry Sikazwe who graced the launch said implementation of the integrated national registration system is timely.

Mr Sikazwe said the current manual-based system lack mechanisms to prevent foreigners from registering as Zambians.

He said this is so because of the during outreach programmes that the Government implements such as mobile issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) across the country and especially in border areas, registration officers solely depend on the use of affidavits to register a person.

The Provincial Minister added that the digitalized system will help curb the problem of ghost workers in the public service as Government has prioritized enrollment of all public service workers.

Mr Sikazwe also said the new systems will overcome some of the challenges that the department face.

He said INRIS will make it difficult for ineligible persons to register as a Zambian citizen as it will assign a national identity number at birth as opposed to when a citizen is 16 years old.

Mr Sikazwe said the new system will provide wider services beyond the issuance of biometric enabled digital NRCs and civil registration.

The Minister highlighted some of the benefits of the new system as enhanced security system through proper identification of citizens.

He said individuals will not easily change their identity as the case maybe for some re-offenders

Mr Sikazwe pointed out another benefit saying the biometric identification system will contribute towards promotion of good governance and reduce cost of voter registration.

’‘The system will enhance the electoral process by facilitating effective voter registration and identification,’’ said Mr Sikazwe.

And Acting Principal Registration Officer for Muchinga, Sekai Mwanza said the system is aims at providing biometric enabled national registration cars and issuance of birth and death certificates.

Ms Mwaza said the requirements of the process are duly completed form II by the applicant and the National Registration Card.

“The process starts with verification of information on the NRC adding that once the applicant is authorized by officers in charge , demographic and biometric information is enrolled in the system,’’ Ms Mwanza added.

DIV 1 Wrap:Lumwana Open 3 Point Lead

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Promotion contenders Lumwana Radiants have opened a three point lead at the top FAZ National Division table with five matches officially remaining before the season ends.

Lumwana on Sunday edged Napsa Stars 1-0 at home in Lumwana to move to 57 points after playing 29 matches.

Kapambwe Musonda scored the goal in the 39th minute as Lumwana consolidated their stay at the top.

Lumwana returned to the top of the table last Thursday after beating Police College 1-0 at home just four days after receiving three points from their disputed fixture against Kabwe Youth.

Meanwhile, Napsa stayed third on the table with 50 points in 29 matches played.

Toppled FC MUZA are second on the table with 54 points after forcing a 1-1 draw at home to Young Green Buffaloes at the weekend.

Nchanga Rangers maintained fourth place following a goalless draw against Kitwe United at home in Chingola.

Brave have 47 points, just one ahead of fifth placed Mighty Mufulira Wanderers, as at Week 29.

FAZ National Division 1 – Week 29 Results

Mufulira Wanderers FC 1-0 Young Green Eagles

Kabwe Youth FC 0-0 Luapula Green Eagles

MUZA FC 1-1 Young Green Buffaloes

Livingston Pirates 0-0 Zesco Malaiti Rangers

Nchanga Rangers 0-0 Kitwe United

Lumwana Radiants 1-0 Napsa Stars

Trident FC 0-0 Police College

Jumulo FC 0-1 Gomes FC

Quattro Kalumbila 0-2 City of Lusaka

Table (Top 6)

1. Lumwana 57 points

2. MUZA 54

3. Napsa 50

4. Nchanga 47

5. Mighty 46

6. Young Eagles 44

Government extends the suspension of issuance of mining licenses by 14 more days

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Government extends the suspension of issuance of mining licenses by 14 more days

The government has extended by 14 more days, the suspension of the issuance of mining licenses.

Last month, the ministry of mines imposed a one-month suspension on the issuance of mining licenses to conduct an audit of the cadaster department following concerns by the general public on the manner in which the licenses were being issued.

Addressing the media in Lusaka today, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe however said there will be no further extension once the issuance commences on April 11.

Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe has said that the government has discovered a number of anomalies that had characterized the Zambian mining cadastre system following an audit.

Mr Kabuswe says the development comes after the Process Audit that was commissioned to deal with the concerns that were raised by the public about the cadastre department, particularly the issuance of mining licences.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Mr Kabuswe disclosed that according to the initial audit findings, there are some people who are owning as many as 50 mining licenses which are hindering effective investment in the mining sector.

Mr Kabuswe said that to cure this problem, a Statutory Instrument will be issued in due course to restrict the number of active mining rights that the same beneficial owners can hold at a given time.

Mr Kabuswe further said that the findings also revealed that some mining firms on the cadastre system are holding mining rights but have never been registered with PACRA which may be a result of corruption and fraud, hence government will seek to address the problem through an initiative called Know Your Customer (KYC).

Mr Kabuswe added that through the support of Smart Zambia, the government will link the mining cadastre system to other authentic government databases in order to avoid fraud.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabuswe disclosed that in order to address the key weaknesses in the cadastre system that have led to a damaged reputation for the department, a Business Process Re-engineering Exercise is already underway spearheaded by Smart Zambia Institute.

Msoni complains of being sidelined in the UPND Alliance

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Msoni complains of being sidelined in the UPND Alliance

All People’s Congress president Nason Msoni has cried foul that some UPND Alliance partners are being sidelined by the ruling UPND.

Mr Msoni, whose party is a member of the UPND Alliance, has said that it is obvious that they have been living a lie in the Alliance for far too long as Seven months in government is long enough to demonstrate honesty and fair play.

Mr Msoni said that he did not risk his life and that of his party members for nothing, adding that he did not join the UPND Alliance to be a political spectator, but a partake and as such he is entitled to lay claim to positions in government.

Mr Msoni stated that those who stayed home and played safe when it had mattered most cannot be the first to benefit from the sweat of others.

Meanwhile, Mr Msoni said that he feels that Political Alliances and political mergers are the future of Zambian politics.

Mr Msoni said that going forward; no single political entity will unilaterally form a government without reaching out or soliciting partnerships with other political parties. Mr Msoni has, however, noted that political Alliances must be real both in terms of character and shared responsibilities and should be mutually beneficial to all political parties if they are to genuinely serve their intended purpose.

WEEKEND SCORECARD: Asanovic Takes Positive From Friendly Tour

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Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic says there is a lot of optimism after his teams’ two friendlies in Turkey.

Zambia won one and lost one friendly match over the weekend against Congo-Brazzaville and Benin respectively at the Antalya Cup in Turkey in what where Asanovic’s second and third games in charge since his appointment in January.

Chipolopolo put up a convincing performance in the first game on March 25 beating Congo 3-1.

Two days later, Chipolopolo went toe-to-toe with Benin who rallied from one-down, plus had a goal disallowed, to beat Zambia 2-1.

“We conceded two goals and maybe the reaction from team was not good but we will continue working but I am so optimistic after what I have seen and how we were training here,” Asanovic said prior to departure from Turkey.

“We have not had too much time to prepare but don’t forget we played two games in 36 hours so for the players it was not easy.

“But I am not really happy about the result but happy with what I have seen. The atmosphere between the players and all the staff is all great and we will continue from there.”

The Turkey dates come a week after Asanovic’s debut game on March 18 in another away friendly this time against Iraq that his home-based players Chipolopolo team lost 3-1 in Baghdad.

Chipolopolo are due to regroup in May ahead of the 2023 AFCON group stage qualifiers that kickoff in June.

WEEKEND SCORECARD

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 27
23/03/2022
Prison Leopards 1(Francis Zulu 62′)-Indeni 1 (Clement Mulenga 15′)

Buildcon 1(Christone Jere 19′)-Kabwe Warriors 1(Tresor Ndaya 46′)

24/03/2022
WEEK 27
Green Eagles 0-Zesco United 0

Power Dynamos 0-Red Arrows 0

Forest Rangers 2(Quadri Kola 20’pen, Clifford Mulenga 84′)-Chambishi 0

WEEK 28
Green Buffaloes 1(Harry Milanzi Jnr 40′)-Kafue Celtic 1(Maxwell Mulutula 62′)

WEEK 28

26/03/2022

Nkana 1(Diamond Chikwekwe 32′)-Konkola Blades 0
27/03/2022
Zanaco 2(Moses Phiri 45′ 70′)-Nkwazi 0

30/03/2022
WEEK 27
Konkola Blades-Kansanshi Dynamos
WEEK 28
Zesco United-Prison Leopards

FAZ NATIONAL DIVISION 1
WEEK 27
23/03/2022
Quattro FC 0-2 Napsa Stars 2
(Bornwell Silengo 29′, Daniel Adoko 83′)

24/03/2022

Lumwana Radiants 1-0 Police college
(Muleta Mubiana 66′)

WEEK 29
26/03/2022

FC MUZA 1-1 Young Buffaloes
Mandra Muleya 28′ | Jairos Tembo 50′

Mufulira Wanderers 1-0 Young Green Eagles
(Joseph Mumbi 79′)

Livingstone Pirates 0-0 ZESCO Malaiti Rangers

Nchanga Rangers 0-0 Kitwe United

KYSA 0-0 Luapula Green Eagles

27/03/2022

Trident 0-0 Police College

Lumwana Radiants 1-0 NAPSA Stars
(Kapambwa Musonda 40’pen)

Jumulo 0-1 Gomes
(John Manda 70′)

Quattro Kalumbila 0-2 City of Lusaka
(Anos Tembo 3′, Clement Simonde 90+2′)

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS
27/03/2022
Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes):14

Ricky Banda(Red Arrows):12

Moses Phiri (Zanaco):11
Albert Kangwanda(Kafue Celtic):11

Jimmy Ndhlovu (Kabwe Warriors):9
Alex Ngonga (Nkana):9

John Chingandu (Zesco):8
Hosea Silwimba (Green Eagles):8

Clifford Mulenga (Forest Rangers):7
Jesse Were(Zesco2/Kansanshi 5):7
Martin Njobvu (Green Buffaloes):7
Lubinda Mundia(Buildcon):7
Conlyde Luchanga (Prison Leopards):7
Godfrey Ngwenya (Power Dynamos):7

Clement Mulenga(Indeni):6
Quadri Kola(Forest Rangers):6
Tapson Kaseba (Buildcon/Konkola Blades 3):6
Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles):6
Christopher Zulu(Nkwazi):6

Timothy Sakala (Buildcon/Kansanshi 1):5
Cephas Handavu(Indeni):5
James Chamanga (Red Arrows):5
Thomas Chideu (Forest Rangers):5

Jacob Ngulube(Nkana):4
Ronald Kampamba (Nkana):4
George Ngoma (Green Buffaloes):4
Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows):4
Kilo Mwepu (Power Dynamos):4
Stephen Mutama (Nkwazi):4
Junior Zulu (Prison Leopards):4
Kelvin Mubanga(Zesco):4
Jacob Kaunda(Chambishi):4
Brian Mwila(Buildcon/Power Dynamos):4

Maxwell Mulutala (Kafue Celtic):3
Ackim Mumba (Zanaco):3
Thabani Kamusoko(Zesco):3
Twiza Chaibela(Kabwe Warriors/Arrows 1):3
Bruce Musakanya(Kansanshi):3
Luka Chamanga (Power Dynamos):3
Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco 1/Green Eagles: 2):3
Warren Kunda(Green Eagles):3
Alidor Kayembe (Arrows):3
Owen Tembo (Konkola Blades):3
Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos):3
Patrick Ngoma(Buildcon):3
Emmanuel Chabula (Lusaka Dynamos):3
Edward Mwenya(Konkola Blades):3
Fred Mulambia (Power Dynamos):3
Marvin Jere (Lusaka Dynamos):3
Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba (Kabwe Warriors):3
Eric Chomba (Forest Rangers):3
Langson Mbewe (Nkwazi):3
Matthews Maleka (Kansanshi Dynamos):3

Kamanga Backs Shepolopolo For 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup Qualification

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FAZ President Andrew Kamanga says Football House has set 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification as the ultimate target for Shepolopolo.

The Zambia Women have already qualified to 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) coming up in Morocco in July.

The AWCON will be used as a FIFA World Cup qualifier with the top four nations earning automatic qualification to the 9th edition of the World Cup to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Writing in his Weekly Column, Kamanga repeated that Shepolopolo will embark on an international camp preceding the Africa Cup that will be staged from July 3-23 in Morocco.

The team has commenced preliminary preparations in Lusaka under coach Bruce Mwape.

“As for our Copper Queens, we staged a Zone A versus Zone B clash for players from our local league as part of talent identification. The best talents from this exercise will play an All Stars (national team) versus The Rest clash that will culminate in final selection for the Morocco 2022 Africa Cup of Nations for Women. The final selection will embark on an international camp preceding the tournament that will be hosted from July 3-23 in Morocco,” Kamanga stated.

Mwape named his 30-member squad for next month’s fixture against a combined FAZ Women’s Super League select team.

“The AWCON will be used as a FIFA World Cup qualifier which is the ultimate target; we have set for our senior women national team. Top four teams at the AWCON will automatically qualify to the Australia/New Zealand FIFA World Cup while the fifth and sixth placed nations will engage in an intercontinental play-off. Having been to the AWCON in the previous two editions and capped it with Olympic qualification we are not losing sight of World Cup qualification,” Kamanga wrote.

According to FAZ Media, the game against a joint Zone A and B select team will act as part of preparations for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON).

Thirty nine players comprising 19 from Zone A and 20 players from Zone B will face-off on Saturday and the top performing players will be named in the squad against the Copper Queens to be played on the weekend of 16-17 April.

Government appeals to Japanese government to help Zambia restore debt sustainability

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Government appeals to Japanese government to help Zambia restore debt sustainability

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo has appealed to the Japanese government to support Zambia restore her debt sustainability.

ZANIS reports that Mr Kakubo made the appeal when he virtually addressed the ministerial meeting of the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8).

The virtual TICAD meeting was held from March 26 to 27, 2022, under the theme “Achieving sustainable and inclusive growth with reduced economic inequalities.”

Mr Kakubo assured the Japanese government that Zambia has devised measures and remains committed to restoring debt sustainability and achieving economic transformation and diversification.

“Our Government is firmly committed to the implementation of the measures it has put in place for the restoration of our debt sustainability. I am confident that Zambia can count on the support of the Japanese government to this issue of debt” said Mr Kakubo.

The Minister urged TICAD to urgently find ways of helping countries restore economic growth and improve general living conditions following the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.

“Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great need to build more resilient economies and reduce inequalities” pointed out Mr Kakubo.

He observed that private sector and public-private partnerships are critical in a post COVID era to help unlock and mobilise resources that can accelerate economic recovery and foster socio-economic development.

Mr Kakubo said the mobilized resources under the private sector and public-private partnerships can be used to support industrialization and generate employment, income and reduce socio-economic inequalities.

The minister acknowledged that Official Development Assistance has been instrumental in providing additional resources from cooperating partners like Japan to support the private sector to increase their productive capacities and open up market access opportunities.

Mr Kakubo further urged African countries to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to deepen regional integration by promoting trade and investment.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is an appropriate window for deepening regional integration through trade. The promotion of trade and investment is key in enhancing participation in regional and global value chains” said Mr Kakubo.

The minister expressed optimism that African leaders when they meet at the eighth TICAD summit will collaborate to reduce global inequalities and strengthen promotion of international cooperation and solidarity in mitigating climate change.

The Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) will be hosted in Africa by Tunisia later in 2022.

TICAD8 will be the first TICAD to take place since the world experienced the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development is held every three years, and TICAD7, was held in Yokohama in 2019.

Iconic medical practitioner Professor Lupando Munkonge Eulogized

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Iconic medical practitioner Professor Lupando Munkonge Eulogized

President Hakainde Hichilema has led several people in eulogizing iconic medical practitioner Professor Lupando Munkonge.

Prof. Munkonge died on Saturday in Lusaka aged 85. He had been practising as a Medical Doctor since 1970. Prof. Munkonge was the co-founder of Lusaka’s Apex Medical University.

Professor Mary Ngoma, the council chairperson of Apex Medical University Council, officially announced Prof. Munkonge’s death in a statement.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has received the passing away of Prof. Munkonge with sadness and sorrow.

President Hichilema acknowledged that Prof. Munkonge is credited for having significantly contributed to the growth of Zambia’s Healthcare industry as a scholar, surgical specialist and administrator.

The Head of State has conveyed his condolences to his family and the entire medical fraternity on the death of Prof. Munkonge.

“Fellow citizens, we received the news of the passing of Professor Lupando Munkonge with great sadness and sorrow. Professor Munkonge is greatly credited for having significantly contributed to the growth of Zambia’s Healthcare industry as a scholar, surgical specialist and administrator. We convey our deepest condolences to his family and the entire medical fraternity on this untimely death. May His Soul Rest in Peace,” President Hichilema posted on his official facebook page.

The Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) says Prof. Munkonge will be remembered for his contribution to the health sector as a renowned Specialist Surgeon who made use of every opportunity to improve his knowledge of Medicine in order to mentor other health practitioners at both national and global levels.

HPCZ Senior Public Relations Officer Terry Musonda stated that Prof. Munkonge also diligently served as the Chairman of the then Medical Council of Zambia (MCZ) and the Examination Council of Health Sciences (ECOHS).

“The Management and Staff of the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) wishes to express its condolences to the family, medical fraternity and the entire nation on the death of Professor Lupando Munkonge. The Late Prof. Munkonge qualified as Medical Doctor from the University of Greifswald in Germany on 18th December, 1970 before proceeding to the University Teaching Hospital in 1971 as a Junior House Officer in the Departments of Surgery and Medicine. The late Prof. Munkonge was first licensed to practice as a Medical Doctor in Germany on 9th September, 1970,” Mr. Musonda wrote in a media statement.

“HPCZ will remember the Late Prof. Munkonge for his contribution to the health sector as a renowned Specialist Surgeon who made use of every opportunity to improve his knowledge of Medicine in order to mentor other health practitioners at both national and global levels. He also diligently served as the Chairman of the then Medical Council of Zambia (MCZ) and the Examination Council of Health Sciences (ECOHS).May God comfort the Munkonge family during this difficult time,” Mr. Musonda added.

Immediate past Health Minister Dr. Jonas Chanda has also paid tribute to Prof. Munkonge.

Dr. Chanda, a Medical Doctor himself, has described Prof. Munkonge as a man with a great sense of humour who simplified surgery.

“I’m greatly saddened to learn of the death of Professor Lupando Munkonge, my former General Surgery lecturer and Consultant at UNZA Medical School, Ridgeway Campus (1996-98) and University Teaching Hospital (UTH). Prof Munkonge also previously served as Dean of School of Medicine, UNZA, he is also the founder and proprietor of Hilltop Hospital in Lusaka and Ndola, and a co-founder and Vice Chancellor of the private Apex Medical University,” Dr. Chanda said.

“This was a man with a great sense of humour who simplified Surgery. It’s just about 1 year and 8 months ago when we lost his son and my friend Hon. Mwenya Munkonge, former Lukashya MP,” Dr. Chanda added.

Lawyer and Lukashya Member of Parliament George Chisanga has recounted Prof. Munkonge’s contribution to the Bemba Royal Establishment and to the entire nation.

“To the Republic of Zambia he was the renowned Professor of Medical Sciences, the Dean of the University of Zambia, the Medical Entrepreneur for Hilltop Hospitals and the pioneer of the first private Medical University Apex University. To us in Lukashya he was a Royal, a parent, an elder, a respected advisor, a mentor and a man given to the pursuit of Excellency. We mourn the passing of the patriarch Professor Lupando Munkonge. Thank you for being of service to your family, to the Bemba Royal Establishment, to the Republic of Zambia and the world beyond,” Mr. Chisanga stated.

Prof. Munkonge is well known for having headed the only medical school as Dean of the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus and successfully led teams during complex surgeries such as the separation of Siamese twins on Zambian soils.

Most of the senior doctors currently practicing have gone through his lecturing and medical leadership days at UNZA.

He was also famous for being among the first Zambians to open a private hospital (Hilltop) and was among the first to open a private medical school (Apex medical university).

As Dean of the UNZA Medical school, he led the school of Medicine and its academic staff to produce high quality doctors, some of whom have gone ahead to become renown global and regional citizens.

The funeral gathering is at House Number 16 Chita Road in Kabulonga, Lusaka.

A book of condolences is open at the funeral house for mourners to sign.

Consider re-introducing subsidies on fuel, Government told

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Consider re-introducing subsidies on fuel, Government told

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance has called on government to consider reintroducing subsidies on fuel in order to avert the possible increase in fuel prices.

Matthew Mhuru, the CSO-SUN Country Coordinator says this is because any further increase in fuel prices will have a negative impact on the cost of living especially for low income earners.

He said the impact of the Russia – Ukraine war might result in the cost of fuel being beyond the reach of most Zambians hence the need to bring back the subsidies.

And Energy Expert Boniface Zulu has said that the decision by the new dawn government to only import finished petroleum products through the TAZAMA pipeline will not be sustainable in the long run because of the anticipated high demand of the commodity.

Recently government through energy minister peter Kapala disclosed its resolve to import only finished petroleum products through TAZAMA pipeline and that Indeni Refinery in Ndola on the Copperbelt will no longer refine crude petroleum products.

Commenting on this development, Mr Zulu is suggesting that going forward, the Angola-Zambia pipeline must be worked on to ensure sustained availability of the commodity.

Further, Mr Zulu says it is anticipated that the price of crude oil will remain high above 100 dollars per barrel beyond March 2022 hence the need for government to implement a long lasting plan on energy

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