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PRO’S HIT LIST: Big wins for Kabaso and Rally Bwalya

sports
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It was a relatively good weekend for some of our selected overseas based stars at their respective clubs.

=TANZANIA
Midfielders Clatous Chama and Rally Bwalya both started for Simba SC in Sundays 6-0 home win over Dar City.
Chama and Bwalya were on target in the 18th minutes and 21st minute respectively.

=DR CONGO
Champions TP Mazembe were away to play a minor Lubumbashi derby on Sunday against Tshinkunku whom they beat 4-0.

Defenders Kabaso Chongo and Tandi Mwape were in the starting XI.

=SCOTLAND
Striker Fashion Sakala came on in the 66th minute of Rangers 3-3 away draw against third from bottom Ross County but was not on target for the league leaders and defending champions.

=ENGLAND
Leicester City and Brighton have been off since their 1-1 draw on January 23 and are back in action with FA Cup away ties against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham on February 6 and 5 respectively.

Holstar releases “Alright” off his ‘Dreams Never Die’ EP

Entertainment Editor
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Holstar releases “Alright” off his ‘Dreams Never Die’ EP

Holstar released the video for the song “Alright” that features Killa. The song is about putting yourself first and living your life to the fullest!

‘Dreams Never Die’ EP is available HERE

UPND denies attacking Socialist Party Members as Opposition Parties complain about Time table violations

Chief Editor
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UPND denies attacking Socialist Party Members as Opposition Parties complain about Time table violations

The ruling united party for national development has denied allegations that its party cadres attacked the socialist party campaign team and the Kabwata candidate in Lilayi’s Kamulanga area during the weekend.

According to reports, UPND cadres allegedly attacked the socialist party Kabwata parliamentary by-election candidate, Trevor Ngandwe, and also injured some members of his campaign team as they conducted campaigns in Lilayi’s Kamulanga ward.

But UPND presidential mobilization team member, Henry Haachombwa charges that the Socialist Party is only trying to remain relevant which is why it is coming up with all sorts of accusations and allegations against the ruling party.

Mr. Haachombwa stated that the Kabwata by-election campaigns are peaceful and the UPND has continued and will remain peaceful throughout the campaigns.

UPND allegedly attacked the Socialist Party Kabwata parliamentary by-election candidate, Trevor Ng’andwe, and also injured some members of his campaign team as they conducted campaigns in Liyalis Kamulanga ward.

Confirming the development, Party vice president Dr. Cosmas Musumali alleged that this is the second time that UPND cadres are attacking Socialist Party campaigners in Kabwata in broad daylight and in the presence of the media.

Dr. Musumali has charged that the UPND cadres are now targeting the Socialist party members for violence as similar incidences also happened in Kaumbwe, Mwansabombwe, and Milenge where party members were injured and their motor vehicles destroyed.

He explained that as per the ECZ timetable, the day they were attacked was officially the Socialist Party’s day to be in the area to the campaign.

Dr. Musumali has lamented that all the attacks were reported to the police but to date, no arrests have been made.

Government halts the eviction of Settlers from land bought by Investors

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Government halts the eviction of Settlers from land bought by Investors

The Government has halted the eviction of settlers in Luswishi farm block in Lufwanyama district on the Copperbelt province until investigations are concluded on how commercial farmers were given the pieces of land. Over 100 families that have lived and cultivated in the farming block for generations are being forced to move out of the area by the investors.

Addressing the settlers at Lumwana Primary school, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Elijah Muchima assured the settlers that the government will put their interest first and protect their rights.

Mr. Muchima directed his officers to form a verification committee which will have representation from the agriculture department, Local authority, and settlers.

He said the work of the committee will be to establish what transpired in the leasing of the farm block and if people were compensated.

The Lands Minister was in the company of Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo and Lufwanyama Member of Parliament Ken Siachisumo.

Minister Nzovu and Chinese Ambassador Li Jie virtual courtesy
Minister Nzovu and Chinese Ambassador Li Jie virtual courtesy

Meanwhile, Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justine Mwalikwa disclosed that the farm block started operating in 2008 and six commercial farmers have established themselves in the area.

Meanwhile, Government has said that it will enforce some demolition orders for structures that are illegally developed on water recharge and water resource areas across the country while evicting those who have encroached on forest areas.

Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu have told Phoenix News that he is currently receiving technical reports on water-sensitive areas and forests so that he presents them to the cabinet for government to take its position and that most of the cases will result in evictions and demolitions of illegal structures.

Mr. Nzovu said that government approves some demolition orders and will carry them out once all the necessary reports are compiled to restore forests areas, water recharge points, and subsequently, the environment especially at a time when climate change poses serious challenges to the wellbeing of the globe.

Mr. Nzovu added that what is true is that ordinary members of society took advantage of the illegality in land administration by politically exposed persons that have resulted in massive encroachment on almost all the country’s forests without any due scientific research on how this affects the environment.

Green Party doubts if the Government will 30,000 teachers this year

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Green Party doubts if the Government will 30,000 teachers this year

The Green Party has expressed doubt whether the new dawn government will actualize the recruitment of 30,000 teachers this year.

The Ministry of Education recently disclosed that it will only embark on the recruitment of 30,000 teachers after the completion of about 115 stalled school infrastructure projects in the country.

Speaking to a local radio station Hot FM, Party President Peter Sinkamba said that the contradicting statements from the government clearly show that the pronouncement to recruit teachers was merely political rhetoric.

Mr. Sinkamba said that government does not have adequate resources to recruit such a huge number of workers and this decision will demoralize the unemployed youths who were promised jobs this year.

And speaking on Radio Phoenix on Friday, Mr Sinkamba questioned the sincerity of the new dawn administration’s talk of prudent use of national resources when President Hakainde Hichilema continues to make several international trips.

Mr. Sinkamba said that president Hichilema’s recent trip to South Africa which got social media talking is an abuse of the presidency after he travelled to that country for a purported courtesy call when in fact he went to attend a book launch by his friend Greg Mills.

Mr. Sinkamba said that time will come when the president has to account for several trips other than the trip to the USA, the South African trip for the expo, the climate change summit in the UK and the recent trip to Dubai which are the only business trips made so far.

New Heritage Party leader Chishala Kateka
New Heritage Party leader Chishala Kateka

His sentiments were echoed by New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka who advised President Hakainde Hichilema to reduce international travel and work towards addressing the country’s challenges.

Ms. Kateka has observed that international travels are not doing Zambians any good amidst the high cost of living and that while it is important for the Head of State to travel to woo investors, he should also make efforts to enhance the business environment in Zambia.

UPND has managed to achieve more in five months than PF-President Hichilema

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UPND has managed to achieve more in five months than PF-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration has managed to achieve more in five months than what the previous administration failed to attain in the 10 years they held office.

President Hichilema said that his administration has paid some retirees who were not paid for the past 20 years, adding that within 5 months he has been in office, he has managed to implement the free education policy that he promised the people of Zambia.

President Hichilema was speaking when he toured some markets with UPND Kabwata constituency aspiring candidate Andrew Tayengwa in Lusaka’s Kamulanga area.

He urged the electorate in Kamulanga to consider voting for Mr. Tayengwa in the forthcoming Kabwata by-election slated for February 3.

The President said voters should vote for a UPND candidate to further development in the area.

Earlier, Speaking when he congregated at the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Liseli Congregation in Lusaka’s Kamulanga Township, President Hakainde Hichilema committed to working with the church in uniting the country and establishing a corrupt-free nation.

President Hichilema said that his administration will ensure it unites the country to foster peace and root out acts of violence and pledged to closely work with the church in his developmental agenda.

The Head of State also urged the church leadership to work together and bring development in the country hence his determination to deliver free education for all.

He said school and skills development is a cornerstone of development hence the UPND policy of free education for all.

And in her sermon, Liseli Congregation Minister in charge Hellen Chisanga called on congregants to be grateful for all that God has blessed them with while calling on the spirit of giving towards the completion of the current church projects.

Reverend Chisanga also called on the nation to pray for President Hichilema and his administration to lead the country according to God’s will.

She said Zambians need to thank God for allowing a peaceful election and transition last year which ushered President Hichilema a God given candidate.

The President was accompanied by various cabinet Ministers among them for Local Government Garry Nkombo, Agriculture Reuben Mtolo, Lusaka Province Sheal Mulyata, Justice Mulambo Haimbe and UPND Kabwata aspiring candidate Andrew Tayengwa among others.

Tropical Storm Ana Sinks Zambia as Heartless HH Proudly Takes a Book Tour in SA

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Tropical Storm Ana Sinks Zambia as Heartless HH Proudly Takes a Book Tour in SA

By Kapya Kaoma

If you’re a student of Zambia, this week, you would’ve been confused by two different scenarios. The first, of His Excellency, President Hichilema proudly seated in his Hotel in South Africa, taking pictures and smiling. Like his disgraced model, Donald Trump, you could have seen his tweet that he was looking forward to meeting embattled South African president Ramaphosa. Then a scene of untold desperation. Helpless Zambians on rooftops, fleeing their flooded homes, and wondering if this is their life end. Animals being swept away by fierce waters, a young boy holding tight to iron sheets; and women making calls to their relatives to alert them of their deadly situation. These were the victims of tropical storm Ana which hit Zambia. The heartless President cared not. His tour of Dubai was not good enough to pamper his child-like ego, so he left just hours before the storm for South Africa to launch his book as the nation awaited the worst of the deadly storm!

It is shameful and inhumane for President Hichilema to behave in a manner that robbed him of his humanity. How on Earth would a person do such a thing? Is it not embarrassing to watch his fellow citizens cringing to mother life on rooftops, while he is sleeping in South African Hotels? What did it say about him to the very people he met in South Africa? A heartless monster? Is it not painful enough to see animals being carried by the waters? So did he ask himself what happened to those who couldn’t climb the roofs?

I have pondered on these questions. I have thought about the elderly, children, the handicapped, and the property those families lost. Unlike in the West where people insure property, in Zambia, it is what it is–things are gone for good. But my worries were not theirs. Theirs were for how long they will be safe on those roofs as the waters continued to rise. I don’t know what happened to them; I can only pray those buildings withstood the fierce waters that ravaged their once spaces of refuge. But it shouldn’t be. It is heartless to put a book tour above the lives of citizens.

Just knowing the President is around provides psychological support to the victims. His absence only proved what he values most, his EGO and making money. As I have repeatedly noted, President HH’s narcissistic and egomaniac inferiority complex is behind his impaired moral judgment–like Donald Trump, he loves to see himself as the center of attention. His tweets are all about him and him alone. Until he is made aware of the fact that Zambia is bigger than HH, he will continue to put Zambian lives at risk while he sleeps in hotels at our costs.

Assuming it is Lungu who left Southern Province in floods to meet with Ramaposa–many UPND cadres would be singing tribalist lyrics. But what this disaster reveals is one truth–the lack of respect for human life by the HH regime. UPND cadres must stand up to HH and let him know that this immoral attitude costs human lives. Behind this immoral incompetence, however, is the President’s lack of on the ground knowledge. New Presidents rarely take foreign trips for a reason–they have to be trained in national governance. In fact, it is foreign Presidents who usually visit them. Unfortunately, in his wisdom, HH believes being President means flying from country to country. Governance has many aspects and President HH needs to understand that social elements are just as critical as economic ones. Our President is like a man who thinks the only thing a person needs to run a family is money. Great. Go ahead and make money–even millions. But you may end up without a family. This is exactly what HH is doing–his thinking is driven by money as opposed to ubuntu. How on Earth would a President come back from Dubai after a long absence and then leave for South Africa when the country is expecting a major storm? Only narcissistic pride is the answer! And who dies? The very people who shouted, “Bally will fix it,” the loudest!

Will President HH blame Lungu for throwing the people of Southern Province in the eye of Ana? Kaya!

LCC Chief Accountant and five others Suspended for alleged theft of public resources

Chief Editor
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LCC Chief Accountant and five others Suspended for alleged theft of public resources

Lusaka City Council (LCC) has with immediate effect suspended Chief accountant Cravious Haan’gombe and five others for alleged theft of public resources.

LCC Town Clerk Alex Mwansa said Samuel Chima, Thabitha Zulu, Chanda Machilika, Bandane Jere and Aaron Machaliwa have all been suspended after an internal audit report revealed that while working independently on dates known, they had been misappropriating money from the Local Authority by manipulating the system.

In one scenario the cashier receipted K48,000 which was not backed by a deposit slip.

Following a spot check, findings by the Internal Auditors to determine if amounts posted on the system at LCC were supported by deposit slips and bank statements, it was established that the revenue collector obtained cash from a client at civic center customer care and printed a receipt for her amounting to K48, 716.40.

According to the statement released to the media by LCC Public Relations Manager Mwaka Nakweti, this was further confirmed through an audit trail in the Finance Management and Billing System which revealed the login ID and name of the cashier who issued the receipt.

In another scenario, following an audit of the Revenue Management System, it was discovered that an unauthorized journal entry was passed in the system reducing a client’s balance on their property rates account from K21, 552 to K0.30.

The Town Clerks office has revealed that the officers were caught napping as they were not aware that the LCC Finance Management and Billing System has an audit trail that shows everyone who conducts transactions and any exceptional activities.

Following the implementation of the system over two years ago, LCC abolished cash handling in the revenue hall and customers were requested to pay through LCC affiliated banks and by digital means.

Churches should be paying Taxes, Hospitals which save lives do

Chief Editor
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Churches should be paying Taxes, Hospitals which save lives do

By Claire Mom

“When I retire from work, I would love to open a church’’, Uncle Michael (not real name) began. I was dumbfounded. On a good day Uncle Michael could not recite Psalm 23 to save his life so I wondered where the inspiration for his retirement plan came from. ‘’Why?’’ I asked. ‘’Why not? There’s a lot of money to be made besides I don’t have to worry about the government sinking my business in the name of taxes, it’s really a win-win’’, he shrugged.

Uncle Michael’s pension plan wouldn’t be the first nor the last of its kind. Marketplaces masquerading as churches have existed from the days of its founder. Sadly, if the Lord Jesus had known cleansing the temple of cattle rearers and money merchants was a futile step in a never ending game of hurdles and steeplechase, He would have stayed home that day.

Frankly, with global debt reaching a record-breaking $226 trillion, the urgency of establishing a fool proof, time tested and highly successful business model is understood. As such, establishing these high generating revenue non-profit organisations that require little capital and low maintenance costs is very understandable. Asides favourable cost structures, access to staggering weekly revenue inflow stemming from offerings, vow redemptions and other kingdom investments (depending on the lyrical prowess of the preacher) remains one of the stimulators for this venture.

However, the driving force behind the success of these religious cartels is its exemption from tax payments. Or for some people, divine favour from God. By definition, churches are non profit organisations and are not taxed by their net income for a rather obvious reason; they do not have net income. I find this rather ironic given that in 2016, the faith economy in the US had a net worth of a staggering $1.2tn, worth more than Apple and Google combined and more than the amount needed to solve world hunger.

In Africa where religion is opium to the masses, churches are homes to some of the wealthiest owners of schools, chains of businesses, fleets of cars and planes who double as pastors on Sundays. Now, I am not against ministers enjoying the fruit of their labour, afterall ‘’the blessing of the lord maketh rich and addeth no sorrow’’, what tugs at my imagination is the amount of profit raked in by a supposed non profit organisation.

While I admit the church has been instrumental to the saving of souls from eternal damnation, providing moral guidance and occasional grand gestures of philanthropy, the question of what other contributions this organisation makes to the society is begging to be answered.

When exemptions are created for some organisations because of the sacred nature of their duties despite their overwhelming ability to contribute to economic growth, it is puzzling. Hospitals save lives yet they pay taxes so why can’t churches? Surely there must be some other contribution to society other than providing a hot link to God.

Claire Mom is a Nigerian journalist who is passionate about social reforms in Africa. She is known for her strong unconventional opinions that cut across social development, health and faith.
Twitter: speakclairely_
Email: [email protected]

ECZ should address real issues and not just logo rebranding

Chief Editor
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ECZ should address real issues and not just logo rebranding

The opposition Leadership Movement (LM) says the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to change its logo and tagline will have no impact on the conduct of elections in the country.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has unveiled a new brand identity.

The new brand identity has seen the electoral management body change its logo and tagline.

The Commission unveiled its new brand identity at a function held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka on Friday morning.

But Leadership Movement spokesperson Tatila Tatila said there is need for ECZ to tackle serious issues that directly impact on the conducting of elections in Zambia.

Mr. Tatila said in the current state, the leadership of the ECZ remains politically controlled, which is a danger to the electoral process.

He said the ECZ should not hesitate to deal with key pending issues raised by stakeholders through ECZ 2021 review meetings and African Union Observation Mission to Zambia report for 2021 elections.

Mr. Tatila cited some issues the Leadership Movement want ECZ to address such as failure to follow the Electoral Code of Conduct by political parties, prison voting, campaigns rallies amidst COVID-19 pandemic which he said negatively affect participating political parties.

He said other issues include women and youth participation in elections, exorbitant nomination fees and the controversial cancellation of nominations when a candidate withdrawals from elections.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia has now joined the Patriotic Front in rebranding. ECZ should address real issues; stop blackmailing the Government using issues of changing the logo. Launch of the Electoral Commission of Zambia new brand logo will have no impact on the Elections in Zambia as long as the Board is not dissolved,” Mr. Tatila charged.

“In the current state, the Leadership of the ECZ remains politically controlled, which is a danger to the Electoral Process. Our advice to the ECZ is to deal with key pending issues raised by stakeholders through ECZ 2021 review meetings and African Union Observation Mission to Zambia report for 2021 elections,” he said.

“As Leadership Movement we expected ECZ to deal with the following: Electoral Code of Conduct – which most political players disobey. Cancellation of Prison Voting – which was rejected by all stakeholders. Campaigns rallies amidst COVID-19 pandemic – which affect participating political parties.”

“Women and youths participation in the Electoral Process. High nominations fees at all Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government. Candidate withdrawal or resignations which have become common. By doing so, the Electoral Commission of Zambia will be successful in the Elections Management,” Mr. Tatila suggested.

When unveiling the new logo, ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu in a speech read on his behalf by Commissioner Emily Sikazwe said the Commission is ushering itself into a new era to rebrand and reposition itself strategically into the future.

Justice Chulu said the Commission’s new brand will open a new chapter in its continued journey of transformation.

“You may wish to know that the last time the Commission undertook the process of rebranding was in 2007. The logo and brand promise at that time were reviewed from ‘free and fair’ to ‘Endorsing Your Choice’. Today we are proud to announce the launch of the new Electoral Commission of Zambia logo and brand promise, as part of the ongoing evolution of our work,” he said.

He added, “Election management has grown and evolved over the years, and we feel it is time for a review. We have refreshed our logo and colours to reflect our strategic direction for the coming years.”

Justice Chulu said after careful consideration, the Commission chose a logo that reflects a modern and futuristic approach that captures its mandate to deliver credible elections.

Church partnerships should not be anchored on money or projects-Bishop Benjamin Phiri

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Church partnerships should not be anchored on money or projects-Bishop Benjamin Phiri

Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Benjamin Phiri says Church partnerships should not be anchored on money or projects as the main aim of religious institutions is evangelisation.

Bishop Phiri has told members of the Catholic Committee facilitating the planned revival of the partnership between Zambia’s Ndola Diocese and Limburg Diocese of Germany that salvation of souls must be the aim of such partnerships.

The Ndola Diocese Bishop has just constituted a committee that will facilitate the revival of the partnership with Limburg Diocese which has been dormant for some years.

The committee contains Priests, a religious sister plus a representative from the women, men and youth ministries.

Bishop Phiri said the two dioceses will be signing a new Memorandum of Understanding that will guide their corporation.

“The group that I have just been meeting now is a group that I have just constituted to spearhead this partnership programme between the Diocese of Ndola and the Diocese of Limburg. It is not something that is starting now, it there before, for a long time from the time of Bishop De Jong but for some reasons in between it had kind of collapsed so the Bishop of Limburg wrote to me and said why can’t we resuscitate this programme,” he told the Ndola Diocese owned Radio Icengelo on the Copperbelt Province.

“The importance of this partnership is that it constitutes what we call a pastoral solidarity. So it is a pastoral solidarity between the Diocese of Limburg and the Diocese of Ndola in which two dioceses support each other in various areas. The pastoral life in the Church involves everything which is the life of the Church.”

Bishop Phiri said the Church need to sustain itself in order to carry out its mandate of evangelisation and salvation

“Some people might think that when there is a partnership then we are just talking about projects and so on. No, the only reason why projects are involved is because those are the only means which can help us become self-sustainable. So that from that self sustainability the local Church here can stand by itself because you cannot depend on handouts all the time. Time will come when it will not be possible to be able to run the Church from donations from people. We need to be able to find an investment, to be able to do those things which will generate funds for us in order to be able to run as a Church. So this Pastoral solidarity is going to help us to achieve that as it had done also in the past,” he said.

“So I was orienting the team so that they have a proper focus. To tell them that what we are re-establishing is not a question of so that we can find funds for hand to mouth kind of business. No, this is so that the two sister Churches can help each other. I have told them, for instance people might say, what kind of partnership is that between a poorer diocese and a richer diocese in terms of money but the Church is not about money. The Church is about human resources. You need pastoral agents and you also need people who are the flock,” Bishop Phiri said.

“So a time will come when Limburg will have no personnel in terms of Priests, perhaps even the religious to be able to do what they need to do and they will come and ask and because we are sister Churches we are going to provide them with that and we are going to support them. So that is the whole idea. So the team that I have selected is going to prepare a new MoU. When that MoU is looked at by our colleagues in the Limburg Diocese then we will come up with the final document that will be our guide for us to be able to work together as sister Churches,” the Bishop said.

Zambia is getting better and will be better-President Hichilema

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Zambia is getting better and will be better-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has said Zambia is getting better and will get better. In a post following an interaction with citizens after attending church service at Kamwala SDA church today, President Hichilema said Zambians should walk with him on the journey to economic recovery.

“Awesome interacting with fellow citizens along the ring road in Lusaka’s Kabwata area. This was after attending a church service at Kamwala Main SDA church. Their love is magnificent and their words that we should focus on delivering development is paramount to us,” President Hichilema stated.

“Their joy over free education, law, and order, decentralization program including Constituency Development Funds, coming jobs, and business opportunities could be seen. Our word was simply: We are your servants. We are working round the clock and we will walk this economic recovery journey together.

Zambia is getting better and will be better!”

Earlier, President Hakainde Hichilema called on the church to work with the Government in reuniting the country.

President Hichilema said that unity is critical for the government to deliver development across the country for all citizens and that the government will continue to look up to the church for guidance for enhanced development.

Speaking during the induction ceremony for the Kamwala Adventist Youth 2022 at Kamwala SDA Church, President Hichilema said the body of Christ is one despite worshiping on different days.

He urged them to ensure they continue to influence all Zambians to work and live within the teachings of Jesus.

The President said the government is determined to better the lives of all citizens and that this can be seen through various initiatives taken such as the increased allocation of the Constituency Development Fund which will be equally taken to all constituencies.

The Head of State also called on the church to continue praying for those in leadership.

And Southern Zambia Union Conference President Vanny Munyumbwe praised President Hichilema for his insistence on upholding of the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above the law.

Dr. Munyumbwe further called on President Hichilema to make politics as a noble career that hinges on ideas and not name-calling and insulting language.

He said Zambians are wise enough to tell which candidate has the interest of the people at heart.

And Dr. Munyumbwe praised the government for taking positive steps to improve the lives of Zambians through free education from grades 1 to 12 and for reuniting couples that were separated through transfers.

Dr. Munyumbwe also thanked the government for the steps taken to tackle unemployment and also harmonizing salaries for those that have upgraded their qualifications.

What Do Zambians Own, Peace? Chicken runs?

Chief Editor
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What Do Zambians Own, Peace? Chicken runs?

By Eng. Mabvuto Jay Mumba

We can change as many governments as we want but if we fail on the fundamentals then we are not going to achieve anything no matter The Saint at Plot One. The problem we have far extends beyond leadership. The good part is everyone knows the problem; sad part is no one wants to do anything about it.

Let me put it this way, every time you buy Baby Soft Tissue, or Huggies diapers or Kotex, you are literally enriching South Africans through Kimberly Clark, the manufacturer. Now let’s say Baby Soft toilet paper costs an average K150 per pack and is widely distributed in Zambia. Imagine the volumes, imagine the money we externalize.

To bring it to a broader perspective, baby soft is not the only product that is imported but just about every item in the aisles of Shoprite, Pick n Pay Game Stores [All foreign Hypermarkets].

That’s not even half the problem; the existing manufacturing base in Zambia is largely foreign owned and controlled. Parmalat [Lactalis] is owned by the Besnier family and based in Laval, Mayenne, France, Zambia Sugar owned by Illovo Sugar a subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc , ABF, Zambian Breweries Plc, owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, controlled by Belgian families and Brazilian investors, National Milling owned by Seaboards and Overseas Trading group, Lafarge Cement [Now Chilanga Cement] owned by Huaxin (Hainan) Investment Co. Limited, National Breweries owned by Delta Beverages of Zimbabwe.

Let’s not even talk about the mines or the banks, airlines.

What do Zambians own? Peace? Chicken runs?

While we fight for FISP, the biggest farms in Zambia and food processing industries are owned largely by Zambian ‘white farmers’. Talk of Francis Grogan and Carl Irwin or the Miller family.

The development of this country hinges on manufacturing. Manufacturing that is anchored on indigenous Zambians. We must rethink the so called empowerment funds. We need to internalize all the money.

My former Reactor Engineering, CE 520 Lecturer at Copperbelt University, CBU Professor Nkonde, God rest his soul, argued that it was utter pointless to construct the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and call it national development because for a country to be called a developed country, it was not the number of stadia or sky scrapers but the number of Manufacturing industries the country had.

The current Government heavily condemned the presence of cadres in markets and bus stations but today the same cadres have changed shirts from green to red and continued with the same heinous activities of collecting money from drivers and marketeers.

Truth is people do not have Jobs. Their jobs are in South Africa, their jobs are in China and tomorrow they will return to every street and every corner to collect those levies.

Why do we want to treat cancer based on symptoms and not based on actual root causes?

The cosmetic measures will haunt us one day.

If this government means well, which I believe it does, they should encourage manufacturing. This has to be done by indigenous Zambians who will not externalize the money. We must be able to produce our own foodstuff locally; we must produce our own Groceries, Detergents, etc.

If the previous governments did not provide a friendly environment for local entrepreneurs to venture into manufacturing, this New Dawn must strive to provide an enabling environment, in the end the scores of reducing unemployment will go to them.

10-man Red Arrows Thump GBFC to Stay Top

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Ten-man Red Arrows have edged Green Buffaloes 3-2 to regain their five point lead at the top of the FAZ Super Division.
Arrows came from behind to claim three points that moved them to 42 points as at Week 21.

Golden Mashata handed Buffaloes a 25th minute lead which was canceled just after five minutes when George Simbayambaya leveled matters.

Simbayambaya helped Arrows to take a 2-1 lead into the break after grabbing his second goal of the afternoon in the 43rd minute.

Arrows were then reduced to ten men on the hour-mark when defender Tresor Tshibwabwa was sent off for a second booking.

But despite the numerical disadvantage, Ricky Banda put the scores beyond the Soldiers reach when he poked in Arrows third goal before George Ngoma reduced the deficit to 3-2 seven minutes away from full-time.

Buffaloes remain stuck on 32 points after recording their fourth defeat in their last six matches.

Meanwhile, Green Eagles have beaten Nkwazi 2-1 to stay third on the table.

Eagles have 36 points, one behind second placed Zesco United, who beat Indeni 1-0 in Ndola on Friday.

A goal each by Hosea Silwimba and Ernest Mbewe propelled Eagles to victory as Christopher Zulu grabbed a consolation goal for Nkwazi in Choma.


FAZ Super Division – Week 21
29 /01/ 2022
Green Buffaloes 2-3 Red Arrows
Green Eagles 2-1 Nkwazi
Kafue Celtic 1-1 Buildcon
Kansanshi Dynamos 0-0 Chambishi
Konkola Blades 1-1 Zanaco
Prison Leopards 3-1 Lusaka Dynamos
28/01/ 2022
Zesco United 1-0 Indeni
Forest Rangers 0-0 Power Dynamos
27/01/2022
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President Hichilema is Lying about the Kwacha Appreciating for the First Time in 17 years

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President Hichilema is Lying about the Kwacha Appreciating for the First Time in 17 years

Former Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia and now politician aspiring for the top job in the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Emmanuel Mwamba has challenged the statement attributed to republican President Hakainde Hichilema that the Zambia Kwacha has appreciated for the first time in 17 years.

President Hichilema is quoted in an article published on Thursday 27th January 2022; “Zambia’s leader says turning around economy, despite empty coffers” published by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Rodger Bosch, quoting him saying his new government was on the fast track to restoring Zambia’s credibility and credit-worthiness after inheriting an economy strapped for cash and crippled by debt, and among other things; “Inflation is at 15.1 percent, according to official figures and is now the lowest in nearly two years, and the local kwacha currency has appreciated for the first time in 17 years”.

Posting on his Facebook page, Mr Mwamba said that in response to some market fundamentals, the Kwacha has frequently fluctuated to appreciating or depreciating, noting that, in fact, one of the subsidies to the fuel sector hedges against this factor of frequent exchange rate fluctuations.

Mr. Mwamba said that in early 2021, the Kwacha depreciation went to an all-time low and traded close to K23.00 per US dollar, and in May 2021, there was a sudden and rapid appreciation of the Kwacha, which resulted into an intense debate on what economic fundamentals could have changed to warrant such sudden appreciation.

Mr. Mwamba said that, in the May 2021 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Statement, Bank of Zambia explained the appreciation of the Kwacha, thus: “In addition, the significant improvement in copper prices and renewed interest in domestic Government securities by non-resident investors are supportive of the foreign exchange market and in turn
lower inflation going forward.”

“The strong recovery in copper prices to the current level of US$9,521 per metric tonne from a low of US$4,745 in March 2020 has contributed to sustained strong export earnings. This has resulted in improved foreign exchange flows from the mining sector through tax receipts remitted directly to the Bank of Zambia in US dollars.”

Mr. Mwamba said that the local currency has since May 2021 been bullish and has traded as low as K15.50 just before August 2021 and said that that to hear the President repeatedly state that this is the first time the Kwacha has appreciated in 17 years despite the open facts, is clearly concerning.

Mr. Mwamba concluded by saying that the Kwacha has continued to depreciate since the President was elected into office and now stands at around K18.

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