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The Speaker was careless in her decision, especially that she is a lawyer of many years

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The Speaker was careless in her decision, especially that she is a lawyer of many years

Patriotic Front Presidential hopeful Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba says the Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti was careless in her decision to bar the nine PF members of parliament from attending Parliamentary sessions.

The Speaker of the national assembly recently suspended nine PF lawmakers from attending sessions and drawing salaries on account of election nullification by the High Court despite appealing.

Yesterday the Concourt Judge Palan Musonda ruled that members of parliament whose seats have been nullified by the High Court but have appealed should remain in parliament.

And featuring on Millennium TV last evening, Ambassador Mwamba said it is shameful that the speaker made such a decision.

He said the law stipulates that one is innocent until proven guilty.

“The Speaker was careless in her decision, especially that she is a lawyer of many years and very qualified to be a judge. Her decision was political,” he said.

Ambassador Mwamba said Concourt’s decision to allow the nine PF MPs to attend sessions promotes democracy.

“The PF members of parliament appealed because they felt their petitions were improperly handled and their seats unfairly nullified. The Concourt will make the final determination in these matters and we will accept the ruling,” Ambassador Mwamba said.

“The MPs have a right to exhaust the due processes of the law because it is provided for in the constitution and it is part of the judicial system. The decision is good for the young democracy and strengthens the institutions in the country,” he said.

And asked if the same decision was going to be made if the PF was in power, Ambassador Mwamba said President Hichilema was acquitted several times by the same judicial system.

“If the institutions were compromised the country would not have produced an opposition President. The same decision was going to happen even during the PF. The institutions were not compromised because President Hichilema has acquitted several times and assertions that the judicially was compromised under PF was just propaganda,,” Ambassador Mwamba said.

Speaker of the National Assembly hails her visit to the United Kingdom

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Speaker of the National Assembly hails her visit to the United Kingdom

Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti has described her benchmarking orientation visit to the United Kingdom House of Commons as gratifying.

Ms Muti said this at the Zambia High Commission in London, and was accompanied by the Deputy Clerk (Administration) Roy Ngulube and other officials from the National Assembly of Zambia.

She said her visit to the House of Commons had achieved its main goal in connecting senior parliamentary officeholders from the UK Parliament with their counterparts in Zambia and strengthening links between both Legislatures.

She stated that the delegation was awarded an opportunity to compare and contrast different approaches to parliamentary procedure and administration and share experiences with UK counterparts.

Ms Muti explained that the programme included introductory meetings with the Speakers of the House of Commons and House of Lords, Members of Parliament, clerks, and Commonwealth Parliament Association (CPA) UK officials.

She said as a former British colony, her invitation by the Commonwealth Parliament Association UK had revealed that Zambia had many similarities in parliamentary deliberations with its colonial power though there were a few differences in some parliamentary processes.

“Though the Zambian parliamentary proceedings are modelled along that of the

United Kingdom, there was need for the former to learn some practices and procedures regarding parliamentary conduct,” she said.

Ms Mutti added that her reception from the host country was very good and Britain expressed interest in learning more about the Zambian parliamentary procedure.

She further added that Zambia needed to take a leaf from the British parliament which deliberately reserves some positions for womenfolk in order to empower them in policy making positions.

She also revealed that she had another engagement with the Zambia/Angolan trade envoy to discuss issues in the agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining sector that could benefit the two African countries.

The Speaker later signed the book of condolences at the Mission, describing the

Late Fourth President Rupiah Banda as a great statesman.

This is according to a statement made available to the media by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Relations Officer, Chansa Kabwela.

UPND Using loopholes in Law to try and exterminate their political opponents

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UPND Using loopholes in Law to try and exterminate their political opponents

By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. When Hakainde Hichilema won the presidential election last August, there was total euphoria among his supporters. However, for me, I decided to utilize the opportunity of the celebrations to warn him of the potential pitfalls of his impending presidency, much to the chagrin of his supporters. At that particular time, most Zambians did not want to hear about what could go wrong with an HH presidency, they wanted to only hear about what will go right.

And so they labelled me a prophet of doom, a bitter man, a jealous man. But I was undeterred in my counsel to then-President-elect Hichilema, because I saw it as my duty, responsibility and obligation. However, other people have a talent of couching their counsel in layers of diplomacy, but unfortunately, God did not bless me with any such talent, and so I just often say it as it is. The naked truth.

2. The first piece of advice that I extended to then-President-elect Hichilema was on how to turn around our ailing economy, reduce the cost of living and potentially create jobs. I told the President that it is better to be inward-looking rather than outward-looking. That his focus should be on three things; firstly creating a conducive environment for Zambian businesses to thrive by reducing barriers to trade such as high costs of borrowing, unreasonable regulatory burdens, etcetera.

Secondly, he needs to seal revenue leakages in tax as well as non-tax revenue so as to boost domestic revenue mobilization which he would then use to meet our debt service obligations. Thirdly that he needs to avoid an expansionary budget until such a time that the economy stabilizes. That you cannot go on a spending spree if you don’t have the money.

3. The second piece of unsolicited advice which I extended to then-President-elect Hakainde Hichilema was on the impending fight against corruption which he would obviously subsequently launch against the outgoing regime. I advised the President that since the outgoing PF regime also happens to be the main opposition political party now, there will be a thin line in the eyes of the observing public between a genuine corruption fight and retribution and vengeance aimed at weakening the main opposition political party so as to elevate himself from President to King. I further advised the then President-elect that in order for his impending corruption fight to have credibility, he needs to do two things; firstly ensure that he does not rush to arrest people without evidence and secondly that people who are arrested are prosecuted on a timely basis so that they can be acquitted or convicted.

4. With regard to my first piece of advice on the economy, of course, it is common knowledge now that the President did not only disregard it but proceeded to do the exact opposite. Instead of being inward-looking and focusing on creating a conducive local business environment as well as sealing revenue leakages, the President decided to be outward-looking and proceeded to solicit for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout loan.

When I told the President that IMF conditionalities would make the lives of our people unbearable, he and his supporters including quasi economists like Chibamba Kanyama vehemently argued that the IMF of the 1990s is not the IMF of now. That the Fund had ceased to impose harsh conditionalities such as removal of subsidies and austerity measures. That I have nothing to worry about. Of course, what followed is the largest fuel increment and impending increment in electricity tariffs. Energy being a key production input, the subsequent trickle-down increase in the cost of living has been unbearable for most Zambians.

5. Additionally, instead of creating a conducive local business environment by reducing the cost of borrowing and increasing liquidity, Bally has done the exact opposite. He has increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) thereby increasing the cost of borrowing and has also increased the amount of Government domestic borrowing (treasury bills and government bonds) by more than 40 per cent over the past 7 months, thereby crowding out the private sector as banks, pension funds and insurance companies prefer to lend to the government than to an SME.

He has also halted payments to local suppliers and contractors, under the guise that he is doing an audit, thereby wiping out liquidity in the economy and causing huge job losses. Instead of sealing revenue leakages in tax and non-tax revenue, he has decided to legitimize tax revenue leakages in the mining sector by extending a de facto tax holiday, such that despite copper prices being at an all-time high at the moment, we as a country have nothing much to show for it.

6. With regard to the second piece of advice which I extended to then-President-elect Hakainde Hichilema, on treading carefully with regard to the fight against corruption as well as any other alleged crimes committed by the previous regime, it is evident that the President and his Government have no regard for finer issues such as credibility. They have gone on a spree to arrest all-vocal members and supporters of the previous regime even when the charges that these individuals are slapped with do not make sense.

For instance, how can Mumbi Phiri and Shebby Chilekwa both be charged with murder when the murder in question involved a firearm and the victim is said to have only been shot once? Did they both put their fingers on the trigger and pull at once? The most that one of them can be charged with is perhaps accessory or conspiracy. But these lesser charges are bailable and it is clear that the ploy is to keep these individuals behind bars as much as possible even if the State will eventually amend the charge sheet. That is not justice. That is vengeance and retribution.

7. And then we have this new infestation of the charge of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime. When you look at section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, you can clearly see that this law contravenes the Constitution. Specifically, when you look at sub-section (2) which says that it is not necessary to prove that a crime took place for you to be convicted of the charge of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime. There just has to be suspicion, that’s all. Additionally, the law does not define what constitutes legitimate suspicion. It just says suspicion. So all the State has to do is suspect, and then the burden is on you the accused to prove your innocence! Clearly, this section of the Act also contravenes the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

8. But instead of the new dawn administration amending this section of the Act so as to make our laws fair and equitable, they are instead utilizing it to try and exterminate their political opponents. Suffice to mention that this law was actually enacted by the MMD regime in 2010. This law was in place when the PF were in power, and we all know that the PF was quite a vengeful regime as well, but they did not abuse this law to the extent that President Hichilema and his administration are abusing it today.

Take for instance the recent charge laid against PF Acting President Given Lubinda under the same section 71(1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No.19 of 2010. Given Lubinda is being charged for having reasonably small amounts of $100,000, $50,000 and a house in Kingsland. Suffice to mention that Lubinda has been in gainful employment as an MP for Kabwata for the past 20 years, during which time he obtained 4 gratuity payments from the National Assembly.

Lubinda has also been a Cabinet Minister for the past 10 years during which time he earned various amounts of per diems during his many travels out of the country. Additionally, Lubinda was an accomplished businessman even before he became an MP in 2001. Are we saying that it is unusual for such a person to have $100,000 in their bank account? Not under their bed, but in a bank account? How many new dawn ministers have houses in Kingsland City? If Lubinda had $20 million in his bank account, then even my eyebrows would be raised. But $100,000? Come on.

9. If the previous regime wanted to abuse section 71(1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act, President Hakainde Hichilema would have been the first target when he was in opposition because nobody understands how he accumulated his wealth. Between the two main economic activities which President Hichilema undertook; which is privatization and cattle rearing, it is unlikely that cattle rearing can explain the source of his wealth. I mean, how many other people keep cattle and how many have so far become filthy rich out of it? My point here is that the previous regime had a stronger basis to apply section 71(1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act on Mr Hichilema but they chose not to. Hopefully, because they knew that it was a bad law. Of course, the PF should also take the blame for not making any attempts to amend this law.

10. My submission is that if President Hakainde Hichilema’s corruption fight is going to earn credibility in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public, it needs to be premised on more than a loophole in the law. If the previous regime stole money, we want them to be brought to book. Isn’t it a wonder that almost everyone in the previous regime who has so far been charged, has been charged under the loophole of section 71(1)? Malanji, Bowman, Max and now Lubinda? They fail to prove any crime committed, but they want to take away people’s property on the basis that they are proceeds of crime?

Tell us what that crime is first then prove that crime in court and then it will be morally right to take away people’s property. If a cattle farmer was able to build a multi-million dollar mansion and no one took it away from him, then why do you want to take away a $260,000 house in Kingsland City which is owned by a 20-year Member of Parliament and a 10 year Cabinet Minister? President Hichilema must stop this vengeance and retribution immediately. I for one will support any genuine fight against corruption by the new dawn administration. But what I will not do is to allow HH and his Government to continuously exploit a weakness in the law to try and decimate and destroy the opposition so as to elevate himself from President to King.

Kangwa: Chipolopolo Eager to Impress Asanovic

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Chipolopolo striker Evans Kangwa says the team is looking forward to delivering for new coach Aljosa Asanovic in the friendlies over the coming week against Guinea and Congo-Brazzaville.

Part of the Zambia team that has been camped Lusaka over the last three days departs for Europe on Tuesday evening where they will make two stops to play friendlies in Turkey and France.

“These are very important games for us to assess how strong we are and to experiment and since we also have a new coach. It will be good to know his tactics and what he wants from us,” Kangwa said.

Kangwa and his brother and midfielder Klings Kangwa of Arsenal Tula in Russia were part of the first foreign-based call-ups to join camp over the weekend in Lusaka.

Asanovic summoned 14 foreign-based call-ups into his 20-member team but prominently missing will be Leicester City striker Patson Daka will is out due to a family commitment

Chipolopolo will kick-off their friendly tour in Turkey against Congo on March 24 in Antalya where they will be joined by the rest of the foreign-based call-ups.

Chipolopolo are later due to play Guinea in Paris on March 29.

The friendly’s will be Asanovic’s second and third matches after making his debut on March 18 with a 3-1 away friendly loss to Iraq in Baghdad.

Constitutional Court overrules Speaker, 9 PF MPs can stay in Parliament pending their appeal

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Constitutional Court overrules Speaker, 9 PF MPs can stay in Parliament pending their appeal

THE Constitutional Court has ruled that nine Patriotic Front (PF) members of parliament (MP) banned from attending Parliament business by the Speaker of the

National Assembly should remain in Parliament because they appealed against the nullification of their seats.

Speaker Nelly Mutti on December 7, 2021 banned nine MPs whose seats were nullified by the High Court from attending Parliament business.

The nine are Bowman Lusambo (Kabushi), Joe Malanji (Kwacha), Allen Banda (Chimwemwe), Kalalwe Mukosa (Chinsali), Mutotwe Kafwaya (Lunte), Lucas Simumba (Nakonde), Taulo Chewe (Lubansenshi), Christopher Chibuye (Mkushi North) and Sibongile Mwamba (Kasama Central).

The nine MPs petitioned the court, seeking an order that the Speaker’s decision be quashed for being illegal, unreasonable and unfair.

They also sought an order that the dues for the duration of their suspension from Parliament be paid to them and that the Speaker’s decision be stayed.

In a judgement in the matter, judge Mulonda ruled that Speaker Mutti should not have sent the nine MPs away because they appealed against the High Court’s decision to nullify their seats which by the operation means that they retained their seats in Parliament until the determination of the appeal by the Constitutional Court.

“We hold that a member of parliament whose election has been nullified by the High Court and appeals to this court, by operation of the law retains the seat in parliament pending the determination of the appeal,” he said.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) had asked the court to interpret provisions of the Constitution which the Speaker used to bar the nine PF MPs whose parliamentary elections were nullified.


Meanwhile, Nakonde MP Luka Simumba has said that by now the speaker should have resigned on her own following the decision by the Constitutional Court to allow opposition MPs to return to parliament after their election results were nullified and later appealed.

“When you look at what she did, it was uncalled for! She put the peace of the Zambian people at risk. For me, I was just praying for justice to prevail and it has prevailed,” he said.

Mr Simumba was among the nine Patriotic Front(PF) MPs that were initially suspended from attending sessions and drawing salaries on account of election nullification by the High Court despite appealing.

He will, however, continue to stay out of parliament following the suspension of 30 PF MPs that protested in the house late last year.

“Let’s just be united the same way we’ve been and let’s just wait for another 30 days that I’ll go to Parliament to present all the problems we have, ” he said

Suspension of the importation of potatoes has caused panic- SAFADA

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Suspension of the importation of potatoes has caused panic- SAFADA

The Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) says the suspension of the importation of potatoes has caused panic on the local market because supply of the commodity is not adequate to meet the demand.

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Boyd Moobwe said the potatoes quickly run-out on the local market adding that this is leading to an increase in the price of the commodity.

Mr. Moobwe told ZANIS in an interview that there’s need for government to revisit the decision and make the sale of potatoes competitive.

He said that the sale of potatoes should be left open to importers as well as to the local farmers.

“Local farmers get busy and improve their production and the quality of their produce when they see the quality and quantities of the imported product. This allows competition and farmers tend to perform better when they see how their fellow farmers are producing,” Mr. Moobwe said.

He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture should look into the matter as the suspension has affected the farmers locally.

“I’m not trying to condemn the suspension, but it is important that local farmers participate in the market,” he said.

Mr. Moobwe said that there has not been any active transaction since the suspension adding that the market is slow due to inadequate local supply of potatoes.

He said small scale farmers should also participate in the supply of products adding that it’s only the commercial farmers supplying the market.

Meanwhile, Mr. Moobwe has advised government to announce the crop forecast in good time to prepare farmers for the marketing season.

He expressed worry on the late announcement of the crop forecast by government adding that the delays lead to an ineffective market.

“Government should advise farmers on the next market season as well as the crop forecast in time to enable them to prepare because farmers are always advised randomly,” Mr. Moobwe said.

He said that there has been poor communication between the government and the farmers which has led to market failure.

Tuberculosis still a health concern-Kasonka

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Tuberculosis still a health concern-Kasonka

The Ministry of Health says that Tuberculosis (TB) has remained to be one of the top ten diseases that causes deaths globally.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Lackson Kasonka said despite the multiple interventions over a number of decades, the burden of TB across the globe and in particular the South African region has remained high.

Dr Kasonka disclosed that the current TB incidence rate in Zambia stands at 319 per hundred thousand population which translates into 59 percent of new TB infections every year.

He explained that, despite the high TB disease burden, Zambia has made tremendous progress in reducing the TB incidence rates in the country.

Dr Kasonka noted that the country has managed to reduce the TB incidence from 716 in the year 2000 to 319 per one hundred thousand patients in the year 2022 representing a 58 percent reduction.

“The mortality rate has also reduced in the same duration by 64 percent, this big progress arising from TB remains undesirably high and of huge concerns, every year Zambia loses not less than four thousand lives due to TB, this calls for urgent action,” he noted.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary was speaking during the National Tuberculosis symposium held in Lusaka today.

Dr. Kasonka stated that the symposium was in line with the theme of the World TB day which falls on Friday 25, 2022 dubbed ‘invest to end TB, save lives’.

And Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security State forensic Pathology, Adam Luchanga said that about 60 percent of the deaths in Zambia result from natural causes as evidenced by most sudden deaths which are brought in dead (BID)

Dr. Luchanga noted most of the sudden deaths happen at home without knowing the cause which is a huge problem and that about 71 percent of such deaths undergo autopsy to establish the cause of death.

He noted that a lot of people have TB but they do not know that they have active TB and is only detected during post-mortem.

Canada interested in investing in Mopani, Konkola mines

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Canada interested in investing in Mopani, Konkola mines

President Hakainde Hichilema has assured that his government will create an enabling environment that will attract both local and international investments in all sectors of the economy in the country.

President Hichilema explained that this is because the UPND government was ushered into office by the people of Zambia based on a premise to bring change to the country’s economic and social sectors.

And President Hichilema has called for strengthened mutual relations between Canada and Zambia through the establishment of a Canadian High Commission in Zambia.

Mr. Hichilema said government is already making strides in restoring the country’s investment potential, citing the policy changes in the mining sector as some of the achievements scored by government in the first three months of implementing its first budget.

However, the Head of State was quick to mention that this can only be achieved if there is peace, stability, security and respect for the rule of law.

The President was speaking at State House in Lusaka today when the Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell paid a courtesy call on him.

Mr. Hichilema stated that the new administration would want to distinguish itself from others as a government that has respect for the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedoms, even as it strives at reconstructing the country’s economy to attract more investments and opportunities for the people.

He explained that this can be attested to how the government has been accommodative even to people with divergent views, as evidenced during the funeral of the late former republican president Rupiah Banda.

“We also believe in peace, stability and security because without peace and stability we will not advance our core agenda of reconstructing the economy, basically raising opportunities for our people. We were elected on a ticket of change, to create jobs, change to business opportunities and stabilize the country,” he said.

And on the expression of interest to invest in Mopani and KCM by Barrick Gold Corporation, President Hichilema said government had taken note and would like to engage the interested companies before a decision can be made.

“Barrick gold is important to us, these investments are significant and we are working on improving the investments and operating environment for investments for all investors be it, regional investors or foreign direct investment among other,” he stated

Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House

Meanwhile President Hichilema further commended the bilateral relations existing between Zambia and Canada and appealed to further strengthen the ties for the benefit of the two countries.

He said Canada has been and continues to be a reliable partner in Zambia’s economic development quest, further urging the Canadian government to reconsider its bilateral programme with Zambia by establishing a High Commission in Zambia for easy engagements.

“We need to broaden and grow bilateral development as it used to be in when we were young, we would like to have a High Commissioner here just like Zambia has High Commission in Canada, this will make it easy for us to frequently engaging with each other,” he said

Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell
Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell

And Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell has congratulated President Hichilema and the government for coming up with good policies aimed at attracting more investments in the country.

Ms. O’Donnell has since expressed Canada’s interest through Barrick Gold Corporation and First Quantum Minerals to invest in Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines.

She explained that Canada is interested to create mutual and beneficial partnership with Zambia in the mining sector like the case is with Tanzania.

“We are happy with your policies that you have made since you came into power, this has brought about confidence and Canada is interested in investing more in the mining sector through Barrick and FQM, to take over KCM and Mopani,” she said.

She added that Canada is also interested in strengthening its bilateral relations with Zambia especially in women empowerment, peace keeping and other programmes aimed at fighting the negative effects of climate change.

She explained that currently Zambia is part of the three partners Worldwide that are receiving the 29 year development assistance million United States Dollar support from the Canadian government.

The High Commissioner further praised President Hichilema for the stance taken to end child and forced marriages and for being appointed as champion for ending child marriages by the African Union.

Ms. O’Donnell stated that Canada will support Zambia in all its initiatives targeted at protecting the rights of women and children in society.

Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House
Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Pamela O’Donnell with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House

Nkana Still Studying Fan Ban Ruling

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Nkana Football Club is studying the FAZ Disciplinary Committee judgment that has banned Kalampa from allowing fans for their home matches for the remainder of the season.

The Disciplinary Committee ruled that violent incidents during the Week 20 Super Division match between Red Arrows and Nkana played on January 24, 2022, were instigated by Kalampa fans.

Nkana were found to be in breach of article 92 of the disciplinary code and additionally fined K150, 000.

Nkana Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Mutafu said the club will issue a statement on the matter later today or tomorrow.

“For now we will reserve our comment. We are just studying this verdict, we will have a meeting then later on I think we will make our position clear,” Mutafu said.

“We don’t want to comment for now before we make our position clear.I think we will be able to issue a statement later during the day or tomorrow morning,” he said.

Nkana are currently fighting to qualify for CAF club competition.

The 13-time Super Division champions are currently placed fourth on the table with points 41 points from 27 matches played

Minister of Education Commends Swiss Foundation for Constructing 4 Classroom Blocks

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Minister of Education Commends Swiss Foundation for Constructing 4 Classroom Blocks

Government has commended Solon Foundation of Switzerland for constructing 16 one by four classroom blocks at selected schools in Northern Province.

Minister of Education Douglas Sykalima says the development will go a long way in providing access to classroom space for learners in the province.

Mr. Syakalima said this when he officiated at the handover of a 1 by 4 classroom block at Lukashya Trades Secondary School in Kasama.

The Minister explained that this is as a result of the new dawn administration’s introduction of free education policy resulting in increased classroom space.

“The fact that schools are now full with pupils just shows to you that the free education policy which government introduced is working, it means that all those pupils who were staying home have now gone back to school and this has created demand for classroom spaces” he said.

Mr Siyakalima also made a symbolic handover of the other 15, one by four classroom blocks for selected schools in Northern Province which were all built by Solon Foundation of Switzerland.

The Foundation has been supporting the training of teachers in the Teaching of Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills (THRASS) methodology.

“As a Ministry, we are grateful to the Solon Foundation for this kind of timely and unwavering support being rendered in Northern Province,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Syakalima disclosed that government has started the process of developing the 8th National development plan ( 8NDP) for improved education and skills development.

Stressing that one of the strategies to achieve this is to enhance access to quality, equitable and inclusive education for all, the minister added that the UPND government remains committed to addressing barriers to accessing education among them being the introduction of free education.

Meanwhile, Solon Foundation Executive Director Douglas Funk revealed that the organization has been supporting the Zambian government to build classroom blocks for over 20 years.

Mr. Funk said the foundation has further supported the education system with a teaching methodology called Teaching of Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills (THRASS).

He appealed to teachers and parents to properly manage and utilize the infrastructure that has been built.

And Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu commended the Solon Foundation for supporting government to improve school infrastructure in the province.

Mr. Mpundu has since appealed to Solon foundation and other stakeholders to continue supporting the improvement of school infrastructure in the province.

Earlier ,the Minister started by paying a courtesy call on Northern Province Minister Bernard Mpundu before proceeding to Laura girls where he witnessed THRASS demonstration by grade three pupils of Mubanga Chipoya School.

UPND Provincial Official’s Case of defiling a Minor Adjourned

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UPND Provincial Official’s Case of defiling a Minor Adjourned

The case in which UPND Provincial Coordinator for Luapula George Nsonga is facing one count of defilement has been adjourned to Thursday this week – March 24, 2022 – for commencement of trial and ruling on the bail application.

This follows an application by the defense lawyer to have the matter adjourned.

Magistrate Moses Mulenga said the court was in receipt of the Notice of Adjournment from the lawyer who is representing the accused person.

Magistrate Mulenga stated that he will allow the adjournment of the matter hoping that the defendant will not accuse the State of delaying the case.

He said it was unfortunate that the defense lawyer did not inform the accused about his notice of adjournment.

“In normal circumstances, your lawyer is supposed to discuss with you about the application for adjournment since you are the one who has engaged him to represent you. It is unfortunate that he never discussed it with you,” said Magistrate Mulenga.

Magistrate Mulenga added that he will therefore also make the ruling of the bail application on the same date.

Earlier, Senior Public Prosecutor Susan Chilumba told the court that they were ready to commence with trial today with six witnesses that were available.

“Unfortunately we are in receipt of the notice of adjournment of this matter from the lawyer representing the accused. At this point we take it as a way to delay the matter,” said Mrs Chilumba.

She noted that this was the second time the six witnesses were coming to court to testify over the matter including the victim.

The State has no objection to the matter being adjourned to Thursday as long as the accused person ensures that his lawyer appears on the material date in the interest of justice, she said.

Particulars of the offense are that on March 9, 2022 in Mansa District, George Nsonga willfully and unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a minor below the age of 16 contrary to Section 138 clause 1 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, as amended by Act No. 15 of 2005 and Act No. 2 of 2011.

Wood extraction attributed to the country’s deforestation

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Wood extraction attributed to the country’s deforestation

The government says deforestation and environmental degradation in Zambia are largely attributed to wood extraction, agricultural expansion and fires.

Chinsali District Commissioner Samuel Muchemwa Charcoal production is also considered to be one of the primary causes of forest degradation and the main cause of carbon stock loss from forests in the country.

Stressing that deforestation is particularly high in Muchinga Province, Mr Muchemwa demanded the need to embrace the culture of replanting trees as it is one way to sustain forests.

Speaking during celebrations marking the World Forest day under the theme: ‘Forests and sustainable production and consumption’ , the District Commissioner said there is a need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders for sustainable production and consumption to be achieved in forests.

‘‘ Am therefore, calling upon all stakeholder, among them, the traditional leaders, the church ,civil society organisations ,Government departments and the private sector to work closely with the department of forestry in the district to curb bad practices that affect the sustainability of forests,’’ the DC said.

And acting senior chief Nkula, echoed the importance of preserving trees and the environment adding that despite planting the trees almost at the end of the rainy season, the trees should be cared for properly.

’’Let us ensure that we water the trees planted at this school,’’ he said adding that “ trees play an important role in preserving the environment and as such indiscriminate cutting down of trees should not be tolerated at all.”

The traditional leader said the effects of climate change being experienced in the country and the world at large is as a result of deforestation.

Meanwhile, Chinsali District Education Board secretary (DEBS ) Pardon Tesho is elated with the gesture of planting trees at Kafula Musungu school.

Mr Tesho said the trees that have been planted at the school will go a long way in sustaining the environment of the learning institution.

He said the planted trees will not only preserve the environment but will also add value and beauty of the school.

Forest day was declared in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

Forest day, which aims at raising awareness regarding the importance of all types of forests is observed annually on March 21 since its declaration in 2012.

US RnB stars Rotimi and Bobby V to perform in Lusaka alongside Cleo Ice Queen

Entertainment Editor
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US RnB stars Rotimi and Bobby V to perform in Lusaka alongside Cleo Ice Queen

After the successful Dru Hill concert in January, Kudu Crescent Entertainment has lined up United States RnB stars Rotimi and Bobby V for a concert on 9 April at Ciela Resort in Lusaka.

In a promotional video that has gone viral, the two stars confirm they’re headlining the event next month, supported by local acts Cleo Ice Queen, DJs VJeezy and Geshgroove.

“We’re excited to deliver another superior experience to music fans in Zambia. Rotimi and Bobby V are chart topping entertainers that are current and have a special connection with their fans,” says Ngungu Muyovwe, Chief Executive of Kudu Crescent.

“We aim to produce one-of-a-kind live entertainment shows in Zambia and delivering a premium experience. We’re looking forward to an exciting show next month, bringing together top international artists with their local fans and having one of our own, Cleo Ice Queen share the stage with these top acts.”

Music fans will not only know Rotimi for his hit song “Meeting in My Bed” but also as a star in the hit TV series Power. Bobby V, whose hits include “Anonymous” and “Slow Down” has been a dominant artist on Zambian radio playlists for years.

Nkana Handed Fan Ban

sports
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The FAZ Disciplinary Committee has banned Nkana Football Club from allowing fans for their home matches for the remainder of the current season.

According to FAZ Media, the Disciplinary Committee ruled that violent incidences during the Week 20 Super Division match between Red Arrows and Nkana played on January 24, 2022, were instigated by Kalampa fans.

Nkana were found to be in breach of article 92 and additionally fined K150, 000.

Red Arrows were advised to provide quotations for the damage to property that will be paid for by Nkana.

“The committee having reviewed the aforementioned documents and evidence in accordance with article 31 of the code of the committee has come to the conclusion that the respondent is guilty as charged,” states the judgement.

“Regrettably the respondent has on numerous occasions been involved in numerous cases of violence of this nature and has not shown contrition despite sanctions having been imposed on them in the past.”

Meanwhile, FAZ has handed Green Buffaloes Football Club a K20, 000 fine for violent incidences at Nkana Stadium on November 7, 2021, during a Week 10 fixture.

According to a ruling the Disciplinary Committee chaired by Joseph Jalasi, Green Buffaloes was in breach of Article 92 (1) of the Disciplinary Code which prohibits violence or instigation of violence at stadia.

“Article 92 (1) provides that: violence at stadia by players, officials, or spectators must be eradicated from Zambian football and, to this end, the judicial bodies shall apply the maximum penalties to guilty parties. In addition to the stipulated fines at appendix C, the judicial bodies may impose sanctions under (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (2),” reads the article cited.

The committee found that Green Buffaloes instigated violence by deploying soldiers to provide unsolicited for security at the stadium.

“In view of the above, our conclusion is that the Respondent (GBFC) caused violence at the stadia in terms of Article 92 (1) (2) of the code,” reads the verdict.

“In the circumstances, the committee imposes a fine of K20, 000 on the respondent to be paid within seven days.”

Workers protest against poor salaries at China’s Chenguang Biotech firm in Sinazongwe

Chief Editor
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Workers protest against poor salaries at China’s Chenguang Biotech firm in Sinazongwe

Over 1,000 workers at a Chinese owned company called Chenguang Biotech Zambia Agri Development Limited in Sinazongwe District this morning staged a protest against management over poor working conditions.

Furious workers boycotted work and resorted to matching to the Office of the District Commissioner where they sought audience in order to find a solution.

A check by ZANIS at the company also known as CCGB, found many workers on the road leading to the District Commissioner’s Office demanding their salary increment.

Kennedy Mudenda, a Union representative told ZANIS in an interview that negotiations on behalf of the unionized workers at the company had not yet been concluded but the workers and some unionized workers reacted demanding for the salary increment.

Mr. Mudenda said there was a problem with the Company management because they were not accommodating the union to speak on behalf of the workers.

And workers who were intercepted by Zambia Police Service flanked by other Government officials were informed that the District Commissioner was out of office for other national duties and would only address them when he returns back into office.

The workers further demanded that some of the senior staff in the management be removed from the offices because they were behind the challenges workers were facing at the company.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow protestors and workers, Jackson Munsaka told the Police that they did not want to see any of the management staff of either Zambian Origin or Chinese in the offices until the matter is addressed by the District Commissioner.

And addressing the protestors who gathered outside the company offices, Zambia Police Service Officer in Charge Sinazongwe, Samson Mwenya calmed the situation by informing them that the District Commissioner was out of the district but will address the matter immediately he returns.

Operations at the company have since been halted and all the workers have left the premises leaving only security at the gate and inside.

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