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RB’s burial site takes shape as Government declares Friday a Public Holiday

Chief Editor
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RB’s burial site takes shape as Government declares Friday a Public Holiday

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi says he expects personnel in his Ministry who are preparing the burial site for the late President Rupiah Banda to do a good job.

Mr. Milupi has said President Hakainde Hichilema expects to see a good burial site befitting the late former Zambian President.

The Minister was speaking when he inspected works at the Presidential burial site at Embassy Park in Lusaka today.

Mr. Milupi has further instructed his Permanent Secretary, Eng. Danny Mfune to ensure that a thorough job is done because the state funeral for the late President Banda is expected to be attended by various dignitaries who include foreign Heads of State and Government.

“President Banda did a lot for this country and preparing a good final resting place for him is the least that we can do. I expect to see a good job done here.” Hon. Milupi said.

And Eng. Mfune assured the Minister that works to prepare the burial site is going on smoothly and that the workforce that includes the Defence personnel are working according to the programme set.

The Minister was also joined by Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Sitali Alibuzwi and the late President Rupiah Banda’s son Andrew.

Zambia’s former President Rupiah Banda, who died on Friday, March 11th, will be buried on Friday, March 18th at the Presidential burial site at the Embassy Park.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema, has declared Friday, 18th March, 2022 a Public Holiday.

According to a statement from Cabinet office, President Hichilema has made the declaration under the Public Holidays Act, Cap 272 of the Laws of Zambia.

The declaration is meant to facilitate a befitting State Funeral and burial ceremony to the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, the late Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda.

In view of the declaration, Government is urging Members of the public and the business community to observe the public holiday in a dignified manner as the nation puts to rest President Banda, a gallant Freedom Fighter, Great Son of the Nation and Statesman.

Members of the public are further guided that attendance to the State Funeral Church Service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross is strictly by invitation, while the Burial Ceremony at the Presidential Burial Site is a private function restricted to family members and a few invited guests.

The public is, however, encouraged to follow the live ZNBC Television broadcast of the State Funeral proceedings at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross and burial ceremony at the Presidential Burial Site, Embassy Park.
The live proceedings will also be made available on other social media platforms.

As the Nation observes the Public Holiday on Friday, institutions which provide essential services are requested to ensure that adequate arrangements are put in place to avoid a disruption in the provision of such services.

“Tazara” short music film by Mumba Yachi wins prestigious international awards

Entertainment Editor
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“Tazara” short music film by Mumba Yachi wins prestigious international awards

The film directed by Mutembo Ndeke and executively produced by Jakob Hoff is getting International wins and recognition. The short film “Tazara” was released on the 11th December 2021 on the official Mumba Yachi YouTube channel. And since then it has excited Film award organizations around the globe for film submission.

It is based on a true story between a Tanzanian man and Zambian woman set in the seventies when the Tazara railway between the two countries was being constructed. The fascinating African film touches on the universal “love affair” relations divided by borders and doomed by the reality of life, politics and a historical reminder of an ambitious Pan African infrastructure project. That still presently is in function and connecting people from the two African nations. The film is distinctly carried by a beautiful original music written and composed by Mumba Yachi dubbed “Tazara” off his upcoming music project to be released mid this year produced at the Bamboo music production studios.

The film is the only African production that been awarded in the Paris Film awards (France) in recognition of excellence in film making and scooped the award for “Best Indie short film”. In addition, it got an honorable mention in the Tokyo film awards in Japan. And has been officially selected in the Milan Gold awards (Italy), Best short film awards (United Kingdom) as well as the Think Shorts (United Kingdom).

HH’s address sets a base on which stakeholders evaluate his mandate to uphold the nation’s values and principles

Chief Editor
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HH’s address sets a base on which stakeholders evaluate his mandate to uphold the nation’s values and principles

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent address to the National Assembly on the application of national values and principles has set a base on which stakeholders will monitor and evaluate the government’s mandate to uphold the nation’s values and principles.

President Hichilema last Friday presented to the National Assembly and to Zambians in general an update on the progress made in the application of national values and principles.

The Head of State highlighted issues relating to tackling corruption, climate change, enhanced accountability, ending child marriages and teenage pregnancies, reduction of the abuse of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and doing away with perennial and costly by-elections among others.

Reacting to President Hichilema’s address, JCTR, in a statement, said there is a need to cultivate nation principles and values without reminder for the common good of all Zambians.

JCTR Programmes Manager Muchimba Sarah Siamachoka said the President in his address commented on some relevant issues pertaining to the impact of climate change.

“Considering the focus of the address, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) provides a social justice perspective in keen consideration of the plight of the vulnerable, the marginalised and the poor whose well-being squarely lies on those vested with authority upholding values such as integrity and social justice. The recent address by the President sets a baseline on which various stakeholders will further monitor and evaluate the government’s mandate to cultivate and uphold the nation’s values and principles,” Ms. Siamachoka stated.

“Prominent issues such as commitments to tackle corruption and climate change, enhance accountability, end child marriages and teenage pregnancies, reduce the abuse of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), doing away with perennial and costly by-elections, workforce dignity, youth unemployment etc., have been noted,” she said.

Ms. Siamachoka further said JCTR was pleased with the open declaration by the Government to prioritise constitutional reforms.

“On the legal framework front, JCTR is elated with the open declaration by the government to prioritise constitutional reform. This is against the backdrop of numerous challenges that have been raised overtime on ambiguity, among others. At the core of the review process, it is important to emphasize that the constitution has always been a document that belongs to the people. Therefore, the government must ensure that in the shortest time possible, a comprehensive roadmap is made available to allow for the meaningful participation of numerous stakeholders,” she said.

“Without any urgency to create and circulate a roadmap, the whole process of broad-based consensus risks being jeopardised by politicisation of public processes and consolidation of political power, especially that of the ruling party as has been seen in the past. Furthermore, of crucial importance to uphold human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non[1]discrimination, JCTR is delighted that government through the decentralisation agenda is committed to turning around our economy to accelerate socio-economic transformation and uplift the livelihoods of the citizenry,” Ms. Siamachoka said.

She, however, said President Hichilema’s speech did not clearly address matters relating to suicides, mental health instability and gender based violence.

“There is a need to pay attention to other pertinent social ills. In this vain, the speech did not elucidate more on solutions to tackle undesirable prevailing scenarios of suicides, mental health instability, gender based violence that are paramount to promoting human dignity and social justice beyond the scope of economic transformation,” Ms. Siamachoka said.

She said after analysing President Hichilema’s speech in the National Assembly, JCTR wants the state to expedite the constitutional reform process, amendment of the Public Order Act and combating corruption.

“Guided by the above reality JCTR urges the government to walk the talk thus recommending the following: Expedite the Constitutional reform process and review of subsidiary legislation including the. Amendment of the Public Order Act, Electoral Process Act among others; Enactment of access to information legislation must be prioritised, as this is the smoothest avenue. To promote accountability, transparency, responsibility and combating corruption; Harmonisation processes of the children’s rights and welfare legislations; Develop a strategic plan to harmonise human activity and environmental protection with a. Focus on alternative livelihoods. It remains key that all actors unite to find reasonable solutions to the problem of deforestation and climate change; Government must devise mechanisms to combat the incessant social ills of the high cost of living, unemployment among youths and strategically plan for empowerment funds without due politicisation and discrimination,” Ms. Siamachoka said.

She concluded:”JCTR equally extends this call to all other non-state actors to join hands and compliment government efforts, especially at the community level where the family plays the crucial role of being a basic and essential building block of society underpinning principles and beliefs for the common good.”

Chaos characterizes operations at the Black Mountain in Kitwe

Chief Editor
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Chaos characterizes operations at the Black Mountain in Kitwe

Chaos has characterized operations at the Black Mountain in Kitwe that officially resumed on Monday morning.

Scores of people were on Monday captured in a video operating at the Black Mountain in a disorderly manner.

Furthermore, some people picking chrome, the mineral found at the dump site, on Tuesday morning ran amok disrupting operations at the Black Mountain in Kitwe.

The scavengers, mostly youths, refused to leave the site following the elapse of the three hour scheduled picking time and started stoning vehicles.

An increased number of police officers have been deployed around the Black Mountain to keep vigil.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt University Don Dr. Brian Chirambo has advised the Government against disregarding environmental management as operations at the Black Mountain resume.

Dr. Chirambo, the Head of Department under Environmental Engineering in the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences at CBU, said a little has been said on environmental protection as cooperatives begin to operate at the slug dump.

Dr. Chirambo said just like safety issues, the environment like water bodies near the Black Mountain should be protected to safeguard the lives of people.

He has since called for serious engagement on the implementation of the environmental management plan at the Black Mountain.

Kitwe District Commissioner Lawrence Mwansa has told ZNBC News that chrome hand-pickers will no longer access the Black Mountain until further notice.

Mr Mwanza also disclosed that it was a serious error and breach of the Mines and Minerals Act for operators at the Black Mountain to allow chrome hand pickers at the site.

He also accused small scale miners popularly known as Jerabos and some foreign investors operating in Kitwe of sponsoring the chrome hand pickers who are causing confusion at the black mountain.

Meanwhile, UPND Copperbelt Youth Chairman Warren Hinyama has alleged that some individuals are sponsoring confusion and fake rumors about current operations at Kitwe’s Black Mountain.

The UPND Provincial Youth Chairman told journalists that there are few selfish and greedy individuals who worked on the black mountain previously and currently are trying by all means to sabotage the gains of the new dawn administration under the leadership.

Mr Hinyama said the UPND Youth Wing on the Copperbelt is warning individuals sponsoring confusion and fake rumors about current operations at Kitwe’s Black Mountain.

He said the UPND Government and President Hakainde Hichilema have given the slag to youths, community and women which is an inclusive empowerment for every citizen who desires to be involved.

Mr. Hinyama encouraged Zambians and other stakeholders to ignore people who are against current operations at the Black Mountain because the UPND Government is working hard every second to better the lives of all Zambians.

“We would like to warn individuals sponsoring youths to disturb the current economic empowerment of the Black Mountain in Kitwe.The Black Mountain has been given to the youths, women in mining and the community at large by his Excellency President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema as one of the many empowerment programmes that the UPND Government has line up for youths, women and all Zambians,” Mr. Hinyama said.

The Government last month officially handed over 30 % of the Kitwe Mineral Slag Dump commonly known as Black Mountain to cooperatives owned by the local youth and women.

The Black Mountain located between Wusakile and Nkana West is owned by Nkana Alloy, who are the major shareholders with the Government having a minor stake.

When handing over the 30% portion of the Black Mountain in February, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe told the cooperatives to begin operations with immediate effect.

No form of punishment will stop the party from defending the Constitution-PF

Chief Editor
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No form of punishment will stop the party from defending the Constitution-PF

THE PATRIOTIC Front (PF) has said that no form of punishment will stop the party from defending the Constitution and fighting for the interest of the Zambian people. This follows a 30-Day suspension of 30 PF Members of Parliament for alleged misconduct. The alleged misconduct in question relates to the point of order raised by Leader of Opposition Hon Brian Mundubile highlighting the quoting of a wrong Constitutional provision by the Finance Minister.

Speaking at Media Briefing yesterday, Hon Mundubile said that the party will not apologize for defending the rights of the Zambian people. Hon Mundubile said he has seen an emerging trend at Parliament were rulings are rendered at very critical times, adding that the debate on the Presidential speech begins – a situation that would have accorded the Zambian people a chance to get a view from the opposition on how the Head of State is implementing national values and principles.

Hon Mundubile said it therefore interesting that Parliament found it fit to suspend 30 PF Members of Parliament at such a critical time and that the party desires to see a Parliament that will function independently to the Executive Wing of Government

He has however stated that PF will not relent in ensuring that it defends what is right.

“We stand to be punished as many times as possible! We will not apologise for defending the rights of the Zambian people,” he said

Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Hon Stephen Kampyongo says the Patriotic Front is happy that the protest which has been labeled as misconduct yielded positive results because necessary amendments were done to correct the error which was highlighted by the Leader of Opposition.

Hon Kampyongo said the PF Members of Parliament were merely performing their duty to stand as a representative of the people when a breach has been noted during parliamentary proceedings. He said only non-well-meaning Zambians will see negativity in what was done.

He said the Zambian people should be worried about the Democracy they have chosen for themselves.

“Is this the way we are going to consolidate democracy, those are questions. We are not questioning the ruling because the Speaker has explained the reason for our suspension..”

Hon Kampyongo said Members of Parliament both in the opposition and ruling should have been debating the speech which was delivered by the President and to see whether what was been said and what is been done are tallying.

He wonders whether the decision taken will help the Zambian citizens in terms of the prices of commodities coming down.

“We need to address the cost of living which is affecting our people every day. People are committing suicide, because life has become unbearable. If we avoid real issues and start focusing on petty issues, it will be very unfortunate for the nation,” he said.

Government to scale up rural electrification

Chief Editor
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Government to scale up rural electrification

The government will prioritise scaling up the programme of rural electrification to enhance productivity and improve quality of lives in rural areas.

Minister of Energy, Peter Kapala indicated that the government’s intention is to scale-up the programme of Rural Electrification through the extension of the grid network and deployment of off-grid electrification solutions such as mini grid, solar home systems and provision of solar water pumping technologies.

Speaking yesterday when he officiated at the official opening of a three-day Symposium organised by Rural Electrification Authority(REA) for members of Parliament on the Rural Electrification programme.

Mr Kapala said the government has pledged to deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy through the implementation of the Rural Electrification Programme as well as an ambitious renewable energy investment plan.

He explained that the plan will improve the energy mix and reduce Zambia’s vulnerability to climate change by leveraging on the declining cost of technologies to harness the country’s vast energy resources such as solar, wind, bioenergy and geothermal energy.

Meanwhile, First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Malungo Chisangano said it is important that the country embraces other sources of energy in order to speed up the implementation of the rural electrification programme.

She noted that electrification is a costly venture, more so when it is targeted at rural areas, most of which are off or far away from the national grid and implementing other sources of energy will address this challenge.

Ms Chisangano also expressed gratitude to Rural Electrification Authority (REA) for organising a three -day Symposium to engage members of parliament on rural electrification matters.

National Symposium on children living on the streets taking place today

Chief Editor
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National Symposium on children living on the streets taking place today

The much-awaited National Symposium on children living on the streets will finally take place in Lusaka today, almost two decades after initial advocacy, with delegates drawn from various parts of the country to discuss pertinent issues.

According to invitation letters sent to about 18 organisations from the Copperbelt, Central and Lusaka provinces, government says it has observed with concern, the increase in the number of children living on the streets hence the need for the 3 days national symposium to be held between March 16 and 18, 2022.

The letters dated March 9, 2022 and signed by Ministry Of Community Development and Social Services Director, Department Of Child Development Bridget Moya, state that the national symposium is meant to engage in consultative discussions with stakeholders to evaluate the current strategies being used in addressing this matter of street children.

Government also says it is expectant that the outcome of the meeting will help inform the strengthening and scaling up the current practices through multisector and integrated efforts to address the current and emerging challenges, and to develop strategies that have proved more effective when used in similar environments.

Recently, Kitwe based beautiful gates organization embarked on a 2 weeks long, 365 kilometers walk from Kitwe to Lusaka to petition government to hold a national indaba on street children during which over 1000 signatures were gathered and over 5000 fliers distributed.

I remember President Rupiah Banda by his amazing short-lived economic performance

Chief Editor
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I remember President Rupiah Banda by his amazing short-lived economic performance

By Edward Chisanga

In order to explain the late President Banda’s economic performance, for which I remember him, I show below in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 economic growths under Presidents Kaunda for a limited period of time, and Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda, Sata and Lungu for all the years they presided over Zambia. I don’t have data for the whole period that President Kaunda ruled.

President Chiluba

When President Chiluba took over the Presidency in 1991, Zambia’s economic growth was down to minus 2.0% which was inherited from President Kaunda’s economic downturn from 1980 shown in the Figure 1 below. Despite hitting unprecedented growth of 6.8% in 1993, growth under President Chiluba came to tumble to its lowest peak of minus 8.6% under his rule the following year. Perhaps a carryover from President Kaunda.

Notwithstanding this one year-drawback, and save, 1998 when growth again shrank, the remaining years of Chiluba’s Presidency show a magnificent trend of GDP growth, stretching from 1999-2002. Chiluba’s economic performance is little or not even talked about, yet statistical evidence clearly shows that the economy he presided over then was growing luxuriantly and moving towards improvement.

After all, the most powerful trade unionist Zambia ever had was not as bad as some of his enemies would like us to believe. He was also not an economist yet he did so well.

President Mwanawasa

But the best performer of the Zambian economy, in terms of growth was the President who was equally not an economist but a lawyer. For that reason, I show in Figure 2 below only the period of Mwanawasa’s rule, 2002-2008 in order for the reader to see clearly what I’m talking about.

Using the period under review, GDP growth under President Mwanawasa reached a very high peak of almost 8.0%. Not only that. Consider annual average growths from 2002-2008. Between 2003 and 2008, growth had leapfrogged to an unprecedented annual average level of almost 7.0% shown in Figure 2 below.

We can make an assumption that if God had not taken our lawyer President away, and if the economic growth trajectory had continued as shown in the Figure below until he left office officially, perhaps the economy would have played a major role in improving lives of Zambians.

President Banda

I know turn to President Banda’s time, 2008 to 2011 and wish to ask readers to refer to Figure 3 below, showing GDP growth under his rule. For the three-year period shown, it is clear that Mr. Banda’s Presidency demonstrated robust economic growth reaching the highest peak during the period under review.
In addition, it also shows that Mr. Banda’s growth performance of 10% in 2010 was as high as President Kaunda’s in 1972. We can applaud the Banda Presidency for exhibiting strong economic growth which may not have been exposed to public media.

At the same time, we are cognizant that a black cloud hangs over Mr. Banda’s Presidency. Between 2010 and 2011, his miraculous economic performance of 10.3% in 2010 went crushing down to 5.6% in 2011 when he left office. The fortunate thing is that this is not negative. Therefore, to me, if Mr. Banda’s Presidency had continued, perhaps growth would have continued handsomely and contributed to prosperity. I don’t know what educational background the late President had, but his performance was outstanding.

PF leaders

The period 2011-2020 was Patriotic Front’s (PF) rule and here is why it makes President Banda’s rule superior. As Figure 4 below shows, PF took over when economic growth was outstandingly 5.6%, and the following year 7.6%. After 2013 growth degenerated to 5.1%. Since then, we see that GDP growth slumped massively to reach almost minus 3.0% in 2020. In terms of economic growth, these numbers show that PF was no match for Mr. Banda even though they beat him in elections.

Finally,

Oh my God, by the inconceivable power of your Mercy, let President Banda who died on Friday enter your kingdom even if he sinned like all of us. Friday is the memorial of your bitter agony on the Cross. Because your mercy is inconceivable, the angels will not be surprised at this.

Kasama council announces K635,000 for bursaries under CDF

Chief Editor
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Kasama council announces K635,000 for bursaries under CDF

The Kasama Municipal Council has received K635,000 for supporting pupils in boarding secondary schools as well as those in TEVET institutions with bursaries.

Council Assistant Public Relations Charity Chaiwila said the money is from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation for 2022.

She said the local authority has since sent communication to all wards in both Kasama and Lukashya Constituencies to enable deserving students to apply for the funds.

Ms. Chaiwila said the council wants every person to access the funds to support their education and skills training respectively.

She said people can access the forms from their respective wards and apply for funds adding that the council has set April 8, 2022 as the deadline for submission of applications.

Ms. Chaiwila further appealed to vulnerable people to use this opportunity and apply for bursaries.

Government allocates over K930 million for Recruiting Health Workers

Chief Editor
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Government allocates over K930 million for Recruiting Health Workers

The government has allocated over K930 million to equitably employ and deploy 11, 200 health workers countrywide this year.

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo has disclosed that this is in a bid to transform the health sector in real terms and achieve universal health coverage for all.

Ms. Masebo revealed that the current number of health workers in the health sector stands at 63, 838, against the approved establishment of 139, 590.

She explained that the situation leaves a human resource gap of 75, 752, which represents 56 percent of the approved establishment.

The minister said this in a ministerial statement in Parliament, noting that the dire situation has for a long time negatively affected the delivery of quality healthcare services to the Zambian people.

Ms. Masebo pointed out that the recruitment of the 11,200 health workers will improve staffing levels in the Ministry of Health.

She said the number of health workers will increase from the current 63,838 (46%) to 75,038 (54%) of the approved establishment.

“I wish to emphasise that the recruitment of these health workers does not only mean doctors and nurses. Health workers include among others, dental surgeons, midwives, clinical officers, laboratory personnel, pharmacists,” she said.

Ms. Masebo said all the mentioned workers are equally important in the delivery of quality health services in the country.

She explained that the Ministry of Health will utilise the recruitment process to normalise, through promotions and some of the longstanding challenges, for example, some eligible senior resident doctors that have been receiving salaries of junior resident doctors will have their plight resolved.

The minister also said some of the Registered Midwives that have been receiving salaries of mere Registered Nurses will have their appropriate salary issues resolved.

She said the specific numbers regarding each cadre per district shall be spelled out in the advert that shall run before the end of this month.

The Minister of Health added that government is very much alive to the challenges of health workers that have specialised in various disciplines but are still occupying lower positions on the payroll due to lack of vacant and funded promotional positions.

“I am happy to inform the House and the nation at large that this problem, however, will be addressed during the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF),” she said.

She said the Ministry of Health, through a consultative process with the Civil Service Commission, Public Service Management Division, Cabinet Office and Ministry of Finance, has finalised prioritisation of the 11,200 health workers to be recruited in 2022.

The minister explained that the priorities are based on the actual human resource needs that are affecting the sector.

These include having at least one qualified health worker at a facility where there is none and increasing the number of health workers.

She stated that the treasury authority for the recruitment process will be effective 1st April, 2022.

She said the modalities of issuing the treasury authority have advanced and are expected to be concluded before the end of March 2022.

Ms. Masebo further said that the new administration has embarked on a decentralisation programme whose implementation has so far reached an advanced stage.

She revealed that the government will, through the Civil Service Commission, decentralise the recruitment of health workers.

“It is envisioned that the Civil Service Commission should advertise the recruitment of the 11, 200 health workers within the month of March 2022,” the Minister said.

She said following the new government’s aspirations in supporting family values, the decentralised recruitment process will help in curbing separation of families.

Ms. Masebo said in order to enhance transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, government, through the Civil Service Commission, has established human resource committees at district and provincial levels.

These committees, with specific terms of reference, are multi-sectoral in nature and will spearhead the recruitment process.

She has since paid glowing tribute to the trained health workers in the country for their patience in the recruitment process.

She assured them that time has come for them to be employed.

Magasa Salutes Zambia Womens Side After Regional 7’s Rugby Win

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The Zambia Women’s National Rugby Team coach Willis Magasa has saluted his team for winning Rugby Africa Regional 7’s competition held in Bujumbura, Burundi at the weekend.

The regional tournament in Burundi was used as the pre-qualifier for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 World Cup to be hosted by South Africa.

Magasa’s side thumped hosts Burundi 48-0, thrashed neigbours DR Congo 42-0 and lastly butchered Cameroon 43-05 to win all their three games.

“It was a good victory. I am really pleased with the ladies performance, they really played well,” Magasa told Radio Icengelo by phone.

“They stuck to the game plan you know they played according to the system. So it was really good to watch them winning the games and the tournament overall,” said the charismatic coach.

Zambia has qualified for the final phases of the Rugby Africa Regional Sevens competition which will take place in April in Tunisia.

“The secret to success is work, that is my philosophy. If you want the results you have to work for them. We had a very tough two weeks in camp that also contributed to the victory,” Magasa said.

“I believe in hard work and that’s how we are going to move forward. We are going to work harder and harder at each stage.”

Magasa is cheered by the support his side has received after the Bujumbura victory.

“Thank you for all the support. It is overwhelming, it is encouraging and we just like to tell the fans that they should have faith in us. We will try and get results for them. We are working hard to bring some smiles on the Zambians’ faces,” he said.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held between July and August while the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens competition will be staged in South Africa in September.

Asanovic Relishing Chipolopolo’sIraq Friendly Test

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Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic is looking forward to his debut international friendly this Friday when they visit Iraq in Baghdad.

Asanovic and his 20-member home-based team depart for Baghdad on Tuesday night after spending two days at their Lusaka camp.

“We have enough players especially for the game against Iraq but I follow so many players and I am sure I will find the best players, not 11 but 20 players, for the CHAN and even the COSAFA which are also very important,” Asanovic said.

“I cannot wait to see the reaction from my players against Iraq. It is a great opportunity for the players because some of them will be part of our other two games in Europe.”

Some of the players who will impress in Baghdad will travel to Europe to join Asanovic’s overseas call-ups who have been summoned for the friendlies against Angola on March 25 in Portugal and Guinea on March 29 in Paris.

GOALKEEPERS: Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Kelvin Malunga, Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)

DEFENDERS: Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Prosper Chiluya (Red Arrows), Simon Silwimba, Solomon Sakala, Shemmy Mayembe (all Zesco United), Miguel Chaiwa (Shamuel Academy), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows)

MIDFIELDERS: Chanda Mukuka, Spencer Sautu, Donashano Malama, Kelvin Kampamba (all Zesco United), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos)

STRIKERS: Albert Kangwanda (Kafue Celtic), Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles), Patrick Gondwe, Alex Ng’onga (both Nkana)

30 PF MPs suspended from National Assembly

Chief Editor
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30 PF MPs suspended from National Assembly

Thirty Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended from the National Assembly for 30 days for breaching parliamentary privileges in accordance with section 22 of the powers and privileges Act.

In her ruling, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Attractor Chisangano, said this action has been taken in the wake of the behaviour the 30 MPs exhibited when they protested against the budget debate on head 101 in December last year, thereby disturbing parliamentary proceedings.

The suspension is effective today, 15th March 2022 and will go on until Wednesday 13th April 2022.

However, the suspension for Chawama (PF) Member of Parliament, Tasila Lungu, will run from Monday 21st March 2022 to 19th April 2020 as she is currently at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Committee in the United Kingdom with the Speaker of National Assembly, Nelly Mutti.

“In view of this, I wish to invoke the provisions of Section 28, part 2 of the National Assembly powers and privileges Act as follows; Number 28 part 2 states that where a member is found to have committed contempt of a serious nature and none of the other penalties are sufficient for the contempt committed by the member, the Speaker shall on the resolution of the Assembly, suspend the member from the Assembly for a period not exceeding 30 days,” she said.

In addressing the 30 suspended PF MPs, Ms. Chisangano said the House was extremely displeased by their gross misconduct of carrying out a protest in the chamber thereby disrupting the proceedings of parliament.

Ms. Chisangano stated that the dishonourable conduct diminishes the respect due to the members of the House as it is a House of Honour, decorum and dignity which commands exemplary conduct which is above reproach.

“I wish to make it clear that I will not tolerate gross indiscipline and misconduct from you or any member of the House. The honour, decorum and dignity of the House must be protected and preserved at all times,” she added.

The Deputy Speaker has since urged the suspended Members of Parliament to reflect seriously on their conduct and in future ensure that they behave in a manner befitting a Member of Parliament.

Ms. Chisangano also directed that the leader of the opposition, Brian Mundubile and Kamfinsa Member of Parliament Christopher Kangombe should cease to be members of the Privileges and Absences Committee with immediate effect following the protest in accordance with standing order number 190 number 6 of 2021.

“Honorable Members, according to Standing order 190 number 6 of 2021, any member of the committee found guilty of misconduct shall lose his or her membership to the committee with immediate effect”, she said.

She said the members to replace the two on the committee will be announced in due course.

Zanaco Back in League Action in The Midst of Continental Woes

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Zanaco will on Wednesday shift attention back to the FAZ Super Division when they face struggling Lusaka Dynamos away at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

The Bankers are returning to league action after losing their latest home CAF Confederation Cup Group A match against Libyan side Al Ahly Tripoli by 3-2 last Sunday.

Zanaco are already out of the CAF Confederation Cup with two games remaining in the group stage.

Coach Kelvin Kaindu’s boys are meeting a Dynamos side that is placed at the bottom of the table with eight matches officially remaining in the season.

In a post-match interview, Kaindu declared the Bankers ready for Lusaka Dynamos.

“We didn’t have so many injuries so everybody who played at the weekend (CAF match) is available for selection,” Kaindu said.

Last season’s runners up Zanaco are ninth on the table with 34 points from 25 matches played.

Dynamos have 24 points after playing 26 matches.

Namibian President Hage Geingob describes Rupiah Banda as a statesman

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Namibian President Hage Geingob describes Rupiah Banda as a statesman

Namibian President, Hage Geingob has described former late president, Rupiah Banda as a statesman who played a pivotal role in advancing independence for the Namibian people.

President Geingob said in 1974 President Banda in his capacity as Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations took on the special responsibility of President of the United Nations Council for Namibia.

He said in that difficult assignment, President Banda played a pivotal role in advancing the cause of Independence for the Namibian people.

“With his passing, Namibia has lost a dependable friend. But we are comforted by his indelible contributions to the liberation movements of our region and the development of its people”, he said.

He extended his sympathies to his wife, Thandiwe Banda, the children, and the fraternal people of Zambia.

This is according to the Namibian President’s Facebook page.

And Several people across Chinsali District in Muchinga Province who served in various political positions during the reign of late President Rupiah Bwezani Banda say the fourth head of state will be remembered as a visionary leader full of humility.

Speaking with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in separate interviews in Chinsali today, former Chinsali District Commissioner, Maximo Chitambi who served as DC for Chinsali from 2009 to 2011, said Mr Banda will be greatly missed for his immense developmental contributions in the country and particularly in Chinsali through infrastructure development.

Mr. Chitambi said some of the notable achievements scored by Mr Banda in the region was the construction of five schools in Chinsali.

He named the five schools constructed in Chinsali along a stretch of 105 kilometers between Chinsali and Safwa portoon as Lupene, Chitundu, Easu, Kabangwe and Nkomaki.

Mr. Chitambi said it was during the time when the late head of state led this country that the Mbesuma-Kasama road construction works were commissioned to connect the then now Northern Province which now connects Muchinga and Northern provinces.

He said Mr. Banda was a gallant man of the soil who accommodated everyone and ensured that peace reigned in all spheres as he epitomized leadership.

“Late Mr. Banda had a heart for all Zambians and respected everyone he worked with despite their rank,” Mr. Chitambi added.

And former Chinsali Mayor Thomas Mutale who was Provincial Youth Chairman for the then Northern Province under the fourth Republican President says, Mr. Banda will be remembered for his focus in ensuring that the welfare of the Zambian people was addressed.

He pointed out that it was for the same reason that the agriculture sector boomed during his tenure of office.

Mr. Mutale added that the former Head of State exercised an open door policy and in turn made party members enjoy his leadership.

“We used to frequently visit state house even at our lower positions, because Mr. Banda was welcoming and found time to interact with all party members from the grass root to the top leadership,” Mr. Mutale said.

He described Mr. Banda as a father who was easy to talk to and understanding as he was never emotional.

Meanwhile, a staunch Movement for Multiparty Democracy, Ernest Kapeya has eulogized Mr. Banda as a great leader and a unifier.

Mr. Kapeya who served as Chinsali District Chairperson has described the late fourth republican President as a man of discipline, peace and harmony.

“Mr. Banda never tolerated indiscipline among party members which is why there was no caderism during his time as head of state,” stated Mr. Kapeya.

Mr. Kapeya said Mr. Banda revamped the Mbesuma Ranch through the successful restocking exercise of animals as the ranch was at the verge of collapsing.

He said the later President Banda introduced the formation of women and youth clubs with the sole purpose of empowering them and changing their livelihood.

Mr. Kapeya has since urged MMD members to use the mourning period to reflect and rearrange the party by following the legacy that late President Banda has left behind.

The fourth republican died last week on Friday 11th March, 2022 at the age of 85.

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