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UPND Youth Opposes Minister of Sports’s Youth Empowerment Indaba, It’s Wastage of Resources

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UPND Youth Opposes Minister of Sports’s Youth Empowerment Indaba, It’s Wastage of Resources

United Party for National Development (UPND) National Management Committee (NMC) member and Deputy Youth Chairperson Cindy Kauka has opposed the plan by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts to hold a National Youth Indaba.

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts Elvis Chishala Nkandu late last year disclosed that his Ministry had embarked on plans to hold a National Youth Indaba.

Mr. Nkandu, the Kaputa Member of Parliament, said the National Youth Indaba will aim at coming up with a road map on how best to address challenges facing the youth across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ms. Kauka said the party youth leadership stands ready to support youth transformation programs by Government but warned the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts against repeating what she termed as the same failed ways that the previous PF regime used.

She revealed that the UPND youth leadership is aware that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts wants to invite 1500 youths for the indaba.

Ms. Kauka further questioned the criteria being used by the Ministry to select the 1500 youths.

She said the Ministry of Youths has turned itself into an implementation arm making the Youth Development Council irreverent.

“We have noted with concern the proposed policy direction from the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the empowerment of young people. We are advising the Ministry to engage key stakeholders such as the UPND youth leadership on how best to empower the youths,” Ms. Kauka said.

“We stand ready to support the transformation agenda of young people in the country but we shall not support the copy and paste of PF failed ways of doing things. We are aware that the Ministry of youths is planning to hold a youth indaba though we have not been engaged as stakeholders. We are strongly against the wastage of resources on meetings and workshops instead of channeling the resources to the actual empowerment programs of young people. We know the President is against this as well. So let the Minister engage us as youth leaders because if these empowerment plans fail it is the party that will be insulted” she said.

Ms. Kauka said UPND party youths have no intentions to interfere with Government operations but said that does not mean the party has no say in the Governance of the country.

“We are an interested party when it comes to youth empowerment programs because we have the largest following of young people, some who sacrificed their lives to have the change of government. We demand for transparency in the way things are being handled. So far we don’t know what criteria the Ministry is using to empower young people.”

She said funds to be used in hosting the National Youth Indaba should be channeled toward empowerment programmes.

“We don’t know what criteria were used to come up with 1500 youths that will attend the indaba. This is the New Dawn government and the ways of doing things must change. We have directors at the ministry of youths who openly campaigned for PF and are now trying to frustrate our youths and we demand for removal of such individuals” Ms. Kauka stated.

She concluded her media statement by pledging to support President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership.

Ms. Kauka further wished President Hichilema God’s blessings.

She said:“We have been receiving messages of gratitude across the country for the work that President Hichilema is doing to develop the country. Our people are happy with free education and increased Constituency Development Funds (CDF). The people are also happy with the efforts President Hichilema is making to market our country on a global scale and as youth leaders we are behind our President and we wish him God’s blessings.”

The Electoral commission of Zambia rebrands

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The Electoral commission of Zambia rebrands

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 helped at Raddison Blu in Lusaka on Friday morning.

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.

“Additionally, the current strategic plan, which has been in effect for the past five years expires this year, This distinguished guests presents the Commission with an opportunity to develop a new strategic plan that fits into the new brand direction.”

He said after the 12th August 2021 General Elections, the Commission conducted a thorough review of the previous electoral cycle adding that the review covered activities such as Delimitation, Registration of Voters, Nominations and the Polls.

He said some of recommendations from stakeholders will form part of the Commissions next strategic direction adding that the Commission is committed to reviewing all its processes and activities in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the electoral process.

UPND faces a dilemma of how to honour their election promise of cutting fuel prices

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UPND faces a dilemma of how to honour their election promise of cutting fuel prices

By Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party

The UPND government faces a dilemma of how to honour their election promise of cutting fuel prices today in the light of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditionality with the net effect of increasing fuel prices. On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) issued a press statement advising fuel consumers and stakeholders that following the pronouncement made at the last fuel price review on December 16, 2021, the ERB has migrated to the thirty-day pricing cycle for petrol, diesel and low sulphur gas oil. And in that regard, fuel prices would now be reviewed every month starting with January, 2022. It’s highly unlikely that fuel prices will be reduced at these reviews – they will instead be increased. And this may further stoke public outrage over the high living expenses.

In the light of their IMF commitments, we can’t see any sensible measures that they can take to help reduce fuel prices in an effort to honour their campaign promise of affordable fuel and defuse public anger. The price of fuel has a significant weighting in the basket of goods and services that are used to measure inflation in the country. Producers of services and goods are also expected to factor in the higher cost of fuel. This makes fuel prices a key determinant of the rate of inflation.

The economy also uses diesel for transportation, power generation and running of agricultural machinery such as tractors, with a direct impact on the cost of farm produce. At the individual level, higher fuel prices mean that each of us pays more at the filling station, leaving less to spend on other goods and services. But higher fuel prices affect more than just the cost to fill up at the filling station; higher fuel prices have an effect on the broader economy. Inversely, when fuel prices fall, it is cheaper to fill up the tank for both households and businesses, and really eases costs on transportation-focused industries like trucking and buses – but it also puts a damper on the domestic fuel industry.

In general, higher fuel prices are a drag on the economy. When fuel prices rise, it can be a drag on the economy – impacting everything from consumer spending to bus fares to hiring practices. Fuel is an important input for transportation, which directly impacts households as they drive, but also businesses that rely on logistics and transportation chains. If discretionary spending is hampered by higher fuel costs, it can have knock-on effects throughout the broader economy.

A side effect of high fuel prices is that the discretionary spending of consumers drops as they spend a relatively larger portion of their income on fuel. Higher fuel prices also mean that shoppers will tend to drive less – including to places like the mall or shopping centers.

All retailers are further squeezed as they are forced to pass on the higher expenses they also experience, which are associated with increased shipping costs to consumers. Anything that has to be transported could cost more as fuel prices rise. Likewise, many products that contain plastics or synthetic materials are based in part on petroleum. Higher fuel prices mean higher prices for these materials too.

Rising fuel prices will negatively impact efforts at economic recovery in terms of hiring practices. Rising fuel prices will force some businesses to re-evaluate their hiring plans, holding off because they are uncertain about the economy’s health. Less discretionary spending results in decreased sales, both of which can influence a company’s ability to hire.

Many job candidates have to weigh prospective positions against the costs associated with the commute. Some workers who have been offered new jobs have been forced to turn down the position simply because the costs to get to and from work would eat up such a large percentage of the salary.

There is an undeniable correlation between consumer confidence, spending habits, and fuel prices. Increases in fuel prices makes people feel more pessimistic about the economy.

January 28, 2022

Death toll in the Pemba road accident rises to Seventeen (17)

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Death toll in the Pemba road accident rises to Seventeen (17)

The death toll in the Pemba road accident which occurred on Thursday involving a bus belonging to the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) of Maamba in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province has risen to Seventeen (17).

This follows the death of three more victims at Monze Mission Hospital where they were admitted for treatment.

The UCZ owned bus carrying 35 passengers from Maamba was involved in a head-on collision with a front liner truck in Pemba on their way to Lusaka, claiming 14 lives including the bus driver on the spot.

The accident happened when the driver of a Rosa commuter bus belonging to the United Church of Zambia (UCZ), coming from Maamba to Lusaka, collided with a Frontliner cargo truck coming from the opposite direction.

Monze Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Eugene Kaunda has told Phoenix News on Friday that out of the 7 victims who were in critical condition, 3 have died.

Dr. Kaunda says five victims were discharged on Friday while 13 others are still admitted to Monze Mission Hospital and are in a stable condition.

The head-on collision involving a Rosa mini-bus and a heavy duty truck in Pemba occurred around 04:30 hours on a wet road following a downpour.

The mini-bus, which had 36 people on board, was coming from Maamba and enroute to Lusaka, and is a property of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ).

The Rosa minibus is extensively damaged whilst the freightliner has its front part badly smashed.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders have expressed sorrow over the death of 17 people in the Pemba road accident.

President Hakainde Hichilema has already sent a message of condolence to the families and friends of the deceased.

President Hichilema says his thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the deceased.

The Head of State has also sent his best wishes for quick recovery to the accident victims in hospital.

The Head of State has since emphasized the need to improve road safety on public roads by investing in quality road infrastructure.

According to President Hichilema’s Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya, the Head of State says the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) will continue to receive support to help fulfill its mandate of promoting responsible behaviour on the roads.

He has further urged motorists to exercise maximum responsible behaviour while on the roads to safeguard lives.

Meanwhile, the UPND has conveyed condolences to bereaved families and the people of Southern Province for the loss of their loved ones in Thursday’s road accident in Pemba.

UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, who has conveyed the condolences, said the party National Management Committee (NMC) and the general membership have received the sad news with shock.

Mr. Imenda said it is unfortunate as the road carnage happened at the time when the province is grappling with devastating floods.

And the UCZ through its synod administrative secretary Rodgers Ng’ambi expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the road carnage.

“The Church bus that operates between Maamba and Lusaka has been involved in a road accident at Pemba and we have lost 12 lives including the driver. Let us pray for the bereaved families and the presbytery,” said Ng’ambi.

Sinazongwe UPND Member of Parliament Gift Sialubalo said he was speechless at the loss of lives from his constituency.

“As MP for Sinazongwe, I mourn with the bereaved families. It’s sad that people had to lose their lives in this manner. As people of Sinazongwe, let us once again get united in mourning our departed brothers and sisters,” said Mr. Sialubalo.

Pemba District Commissioner, Obey Habeenzu and Monze District Commissioner, Mwanza Malambo, who visited the scene of the accident, described the mishap as unfortunate.

Zesco United Beat Indeni to Stay at Number Two

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Zesco United on Friday ensured they maintained second place for a second straight week following a 1-0 Ndola derby home win over Indeni at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The defending champions had to dig deep for the three points against Indeni to earn their third straight league win in 2022 after starting the year with a 1-0 away loss at leaders Red Arrows on January 8 in Lusaka.

John Chingandu scored the winner in the 70th minute when he headed-in the ball when Indeni goalkeeper Joshua Titima parried Simon Silwimba’s earlier header into his path.

Silwimba’s initial attempt came after he met the ball that had bounced off the beam from a Kelvin Kamapmba free-kick.

Zesco’s win sees them move within two points of league leaders Arrows on 37 and 39 points respectively.

However, Arrows can restore the gap in Saturdays Lusaka derby away date against Green Buffaloes at Woodlands Stadium.

Indeni stay put at number 12 after Zesco ended their six-match unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, in the second kickoff of the Levy doubleheader, Power Dynamos recorded their third straight scoreless draw in the game against Forest Rangers.
FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 21
27/01/2022
Nkana 1-Kabwe Warriors 0
28/01/2022
Zesco United 1-Indeni 0
Forest Rangers 0-Power Dynamos 0
29/01/2022
Kafue Celtic- Buildcon
Kansanshi Dynamos-Chambishi
Prison Leopards-Lusaka Dynamos
Konkola Blades-Zanaco
Green Buffaloes-Red Arrows
30/01/2022
Green Eagles-Nkwazi
WEEK 24
02/02/2022
Zanaco-Forest Rangers

HH is becoming a let down-Sishuwa

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HH is becoming a let down-Sishuwa

Respected Researcher and Historian Sishuwa Sishuwa has charged that President Hakainde Hichilema is slowly becoming a disappointment.

In a series of tweets, Dr Sishuwa said President Hichilema is exhibiting a lack of judgment and leadership on key national issues.

“Hichilema is slowly becoming a disappointment. His lack of judgement and leadership on key issues (corruption, leaked audio, SA trip) is alarming,” Dr Sishuwa stated.

He said President Hichilema held so much promise that he never imagined he would be saying this about him only five months in office.

“Hakainde Hichilema what’s going on?” He asked.

Dr Sishuwa cited the intimidation and arrest of Reporters from private media and arrest of critics of allegedly insulting the President as some of examples of President Hichilema’s lack of leadership.

“The narrative of a democratic resurgence in Zambia does not adhere to the reality: intimidation of independent media; arrest of critics for ‘insulting’ the president; use of state institutions to undermine the opposition; weakening of civil society; continued corruption in Govt!

He charged, “Zambia is not returning to democracy, as many believe. The legal architecture that enabled the authoritarian tendencies of Lungu and previous leaders remains unchanged.”

“We often forget that it’s not about the persona or goodness of the President; it’s about institutional reforms.”

Zambia is on course to attain single-digit inflation by the end of 2022-President Hichilema

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Zambia is on course to attain single-digit inflation by the end of 2022-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that Zambia is on course to attain single-digit inflation by the end of this year because the ongoing macro-economic stabilisation programme has started yielding positive results.

President Hichilema said that the reduced inflation rate to 15.1 per cent in January 2022 from 16.4 per cent recorded in December 2021 supported by the stability in the price of many goods, stable exchange rate, and the confidence stakeholders have in his government’s capabilities to manage the economy.

President Hichilema has said that a situation where people’s incomes or salaries every month are buying fewer goods and services each time the inflation rate increases will soon be over.

The President said that with a single-digit inflation rate, many benefits will accrue to citizens including stable and predictable prices of goods and services and increased purchasing power.

The President said that this will eventually lead to stable interest rates with dividends accruing to citizens as they can have access to cheaper financing to improve their businesses and welfare.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has expressed sadness on the death of the 16 accident victims in Pemba district, Southern Province yesterday.

President Hichilema has sent a message of condolence to the families and friends of the deceased and said that his thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the deceased.

President Hichilema has also sent his best wishes for a quick recovery to the accident victims in the hospital.

The Head of State has since emphasized the need to improve road safety on public roads by investing in quality road infrastructure.

President Hichilema said the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) will continue to receive all the support to help fulfil its mandate of promoting responsible behaviour on the roads.

He has further urged motorists to exercise maximum responsible behaviour while on the roads to safeguard lives.

The President said this today through his Spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya during a press briefing at State House.

State House defends President Hichilema’s International Trips

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State House defends President Hichilema’s International Trips

Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya has said that President Hakainde Hichilema’s international trips are aimed at promoting and enhancing trade and investment.

Mr. Bwalya said that the UPND administration is determined to rebuild the economy and expand social and economic dividends which will be done through accelerated trade and investment activities between Zambia and other countries.

Mr. Bwalya said that through building bilateral relations with other countries, President Hichilema is keen on ensuring that relations are enhanced.

Mr. Bwalya said that the process of appointing diplomats is underway so that the country can incur benefits and enhance development and investments.

Mr. Bwalya, however, said that since the President assumed office, the expenditure on international trips has reduced and led to Government saving monies which are channeled to needy areas.

Mr. Bwalya said this during a press briefing held at the statehouse today.

He also announced that President Hichilema will today meet Cabinet ministers to check on progress made on the guidelines for the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr. Bwalya has noted that once the process is done, the Government will carry out countrywide sensitization in the communities so that they understand how the CDF will be used.

And, Mr. Bwalya said the move by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to hold monthly fuel pricing reviews will enable the consumers to pay a cost-reflective pump price.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bwalya said the Government is cognizant of the role that the civil society organizations play in enhancing democracy and will ensure they continue to have their space to voice out on issues of national importance.

Government will not allow anyone to abuse an officer of the government-Jack Mwimbu

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Government will not allow anyone to abuse an officer of the government-Jack Mwimbu

Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu has said that the government will not allow anyone irrespective of their standing in society to abuse an officer of the government.

Mr. Mwiimbu said that the government has made a commitment to protect the decency of all officers who are diligent and professional in carrying out their duties.

Mr. Mwiimbu said that the government is aware that in the recent past, certain categories of people abused public service officers by instructing them to do wrong things in society.

Mr. Mwiimbu said that the wrong acts will never be repeated under the New Dawn government because it wants to restore the pride of the civil service.

The Minister was speaking in Livingstone when he met officers under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

And Livingstone District Commissioner, Eunice Nawa appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security to increase the number of police officers in townships following increased reports of house break-ins.

She was speaking when the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister paid a courtesy call at her office.

KBN T.V and The Leaked Audio: What Does The Law Say?

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KBN T.V and The Leaked Audio: What Does The Law Say?

By McDonald Chipenzi

Since the audio leakage in which it is purported that President Hakainde Hichilema’s political advisor, Levy Ngoma, and Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security permanent Secretary, Joseph Rikki Akafumba, discussed ECZ CEO and took sides in the internal squabbles of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), raised mixed comments from various stakeholders.

Worst still was the summoning of the KBN T.V. manager whose station aired the audio first which summons have also triggered sharp criticisms from some media bodies and human rights defenders against the Zambia Police Service and the Government.

The question is, is there any possible violation of the law by the KBN T.V. or not but mere media harassment by the new dawn government using the police?

President HH has promised the nation of respecting the rule of law and by nature, the rule of law means enforcement sections of the existing laws whether good or bad by the police or any LEA failure to which it would be lawlessness.

Zambia last year hastily enacted the Cyber security and crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 which sought to intercept, monitor, and interfere with cyber communication among other mandates by law enforcement agencies.

In this Act under section 32(2)(a) and (b), it is illegal for *a person to access, disclose or attempt to disclose to another person, the content of any intercepted communication or use or attempt to use, the contents of any intercepted communication.*
The penalty attached to this act by any person, on conviction, is 1m penalty units (ZMK300, 000) or 10 yrs in prison (subsec 3 of sec. 31).

In addition, only law enforcement agencies are mandated to intercept, attempt to or use, or procure another person to intercept and use any intercepted communication (sec 26) any other person who is not a LEA or spouse of the LEAs who does intercept or use intercepted communication commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the penalties cited above.

On summoning and searching suspected cyber offenders, the Act empowers the cyber inspector/LEAs under sec. 15 to summon any suspect to answer questions, produce physical or electronic record, document or copy of the article which is subject of or relevant to the investigation and also orally examine a person who appears to be acquainted with facts and circumstances relating to the alleged cyber offence/threat.

The LEAs also have been empowered under the Act to enter, access and search premises and seize any information, make copies of a book, document or records the suspect has in possession of, at any reasonable time and without prior notice (Sec11)
Section 12 criminalises obstruction from suspects of the LEAs from conducting a lawful search or seizure and Sec. 15 criminalizes *giving false or refusing to give information or refusing to cooperate with or hinders the LEAs from conducting lawful search or seize or refusing to produce any record, document or copy required by the LEAs

This is how bad the law is to the media and investigative journalism and it is why we opposed it and challenged it in court.
Action Aid ZAMBIA, at one time, organised a media sensitization seminar to enable media appreciate the new working environment journalists would be operating under with the Act, I was a facilitator but alas, only a few media heads came and the rest were intern reporters.

Therefore, with the above, *it will be unfair to condemn the police for enforcing the law which was left by the previous regime or condemn the Government

There are two possibilities in the case of KBN T.V. that is, the station broke the law knowingly to challenge it in court when arrested and called for its repeal or broke it ignorantly without any purpose for doing so.

I still stand on the position that the *Cyber security and crimes Act is a bad law in the fight against corruption and in the promotion of a transparent and accountable governance system in Zambia

Therefore, my considered comment and opinion on the KBN T.V. issue is to condemn the law and call for its immediate review to remove all these evil sections in it than attacking police and government.

Release the increased CDF Fund at once to meet the many needs of constituencies-Nkana MP

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Release the increased CDF Fund at once to meet the many needs of constituencies-Nkana MP

Kitwe’s Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu says he wanted the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to be released at once to meet the many needs of constituencies.

In the 2022 National Budget, the Government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K25.7 million per constituency.

Mr. Mpundu, an Independent Member of Parliament, said the revised guidelines stipulating that CDF will be released in piecemeal were not progressive.

“I am one of the people that jumped in parliament when the announcement of the increased allocation of CDF was announced because to me this meant decentralizing decision making in so far as development is concerned because now we can drive our own developmental agenda with these funds at our disposal. Note that from the budget announcement some of us have gone flat out to engage the communities announcing to them the good news and as we speak the communities are very expectant because we have told them of how much we will be able to move when these funds are made available,” Mr. Mpundu posted on his official Facebook page.

CDF is usually a need-based allocation released according to the needs of each constituency.

“Nowhere is where the problem comes in. First of all the technocrats came up with weird guidelines for the implementation of the CDF such that on the day of the announcement of these guidelines we were almost strangling them for being unreasonable in their proposed guidelines which eventually leaked to the public. The speaker saw the tension and immediately constituted a team of MP’s for which I was privileged to be part to remain at parliament after the adjournment of parliament to scrutinize these guidelines and come up with counter-proposals,” Mr. Mpundu said.

“We spent two weeks deliberating over this matter in a bid to ensure that the technocrats come up with guidelines that will be in the best interest of the people. Note that when it comes to issues of CDF the MP speaks one language and perhaps this is the only time the MP speaks one language and on this one they have spoken one language regardless of which political party one comes from. The confusion that has emerged is the insistence by the technocrats to stagger the disbursement of funds and according to them, they will release money God knows how much in bits and pieces and then you will be expected to utilize that money and do acquittals before the next disbursement is made to you,” Mr. Mpundu said.

“Now here is where the problem lies. I have 8 wards in my constituency, and each of those wards have unique challenges that needs urgent attention and so if am given say K4 million and I initiate projects in two wards while the other wards are put on hold, what if the execution of those projects takes long and we are already in February in the next 3 days, look at the frustrations that the other wards will be subjected to by the wait while they see activities happening in another ward.”

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has already released K198 million which is part of the 20% allocated towards the Secondary Boarding Schools and Skills Development Bursary Scheme from the 2022 Constituency Development Fund.

Mr. Mpundu added:”Already some funds have been released so we are told which funds we expect to hit our accounts soon, which funds are for educational support and according to the pronouncements these funds must benefit those going to boarding schools and those wanting to pursue skills development courses. But when you read the guidelines that were sent to us through the council secretaries, they are not clear on the part of skills development courses and so we are waiting.”

“Note that 20% of the CDF will go for educational support which translates to K5 million but I am told that what has been released is only a part of this amount only meant to cater for term one. Let me put it on record that I have every belief and I personally can see the desire of President HH in so far as ensuring resources move to the lower end is concerned but I see some officials destroying that good will by these unpopular decisions they are making regarding this CDF issue,” Mr. Mpundu said.

“Anyways I have put my thought because I am heavily affected by the insistence to have a piecemeal approach to the disbursement of the CDF. I have a cosmopolitan constituency with so many challenges and I will need all the monies given to us so that we can start addressing challenges in all our wards at once and so that we can beat the timeline of one year in which these funds must be utilized. I have stated my advice. Those with ears must pay attention,” he concluded.

Zambia National Women’s Lobby calls for Support of the Only Female Candidate in Kabwata Polls

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Zambia National Women’s Lobby calls for Support of the Only Female Candidate in Kabwata Polls

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) has hailed the courage shown by Ms Engiwe Mzyece – the only female candidate in the Kabwata Parliamentary by-election set for 3rd February, 2022.

ZNWL National Board Chairperson Daisy Nkhata Ng’ambi said the women’s movement is encouraged by UNIP candidate Ms. Mzyece’s consistency in her political career and desire to serve the people of Kabwata.

Ms. Ng’ambi has since called on voters in Kabwata Constituency to support Ms. Mzyece.

Ms. Mzyece is competing for the Kabwata Seat against UPND’s Andrew Tayengwa, PF’s Clement Tembo, Economic and Equity Party President Chilufya Tayali, Democratic Party’s Fred Mubanga and New Heritage Party’s Kennedy Muyoya.

The rest are PeP’s Henry Muleya, Socialist party’s Trevor Ng’andu and People’s Alliance for Change’s Sydney Zyambo.

Ms. Ng’ambi has also commended the United National Independence Party (UNIP) for adopting a woman in Kabwata.

“The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) would like to commend the United National Independence Party (UNIP) for adopting a woman, Ms. Engiwe Mzyece, to contest the 3February 2022 Kabwata parliamentary by-election, when the adoption of women as candidates in by-elections is becoming increasingly rare. ZNWL also commends Ms. Mzyece for her courage to contest in the parliamentary by- election being the only female candidate out of the 8 that are contesting. We are encouraged by Ms. Mzyece’s consistency in her political career and desire to serve the people of Kabwata, as she has continuously availed herself as a candidate in the past elections,” Ms. Ng’ambi stated.

She expressed ZNWL’s worry over the continued adoption of fewer women in elections.

“ZNWL is concerned that many qualified and committed women in political parties are being left out of adoptions in preference for male candidates. This has contributed to the reduction in the representation of women in leadership at local government and parliamentary level where statistics currently stand at 7.1% (local government and 13.4% parliamentary. This is way below the targets set by the SADC, African Union and United Nations which require 50% representation of women and men in decision making positions,” she said.

Ms. Ng’ambi said there is a need to reduce gender gaps regarding women in leadership.

“As an affiliate to these international bodies, Zambia should be seen making strides to reducing the gender gaps in decision making positions by promoting women’s participation in decision making positions, but unfortunately this has not been the case. ZNWL therefore implores all political parties to adopt affirmative measures that will make the adoption of women more attainable, and further ensure that women take-up leadership positions,” she observed.

“This will not only improve the political party’s performance but also help bridge the gender gap in leadership and decision-making positions. For the country to return on the path of increasing the number of women in leadership and ultimately reach the 50% gender representation in leadership target there must be demonstrated commitment from key stakeholders who include the Government and political parties,” Ms. Ng’ambi stated.

He added:”We urge the people of Kabwata Constituency to support the only female candidate that has availed herself during the by elections.”

Meanwhile, the Kabwata by-election was necessitated by the death of UPND’s Levy Mkandawire in November last year in a road accident.

According to the latest voters register, Kabwata Constituency has 108,729 voters of which 52,401 are males and 56,328 are females.

President Hakainde Hichilema is Treading on a Dangerous Path of Lies- Brebner Changala

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President Hakainde Hichilema is Treading on a Dangerous Path of Lies- Brebner Changala

Civil Rights Activist Brebner Changala has warned that President Hakainde Hichilema is treading on a dangerous path of lies which will make his downfall and that of his government disastrous.

Commenting on the revelation by the South Africa Broadcast Corporation (SABC), a public broadcaster in South Africa that President Hichilema was in that country for a private visit as a guest speaker at a private function, Changala said that confliction statements from the Presidency and the President himself are worrying and a source of concern among Zambians.

Mr. Changala said that President Hichilema is not handling the media and the public with the correct information as there is too much misinformation surrounding his international trips and the general conduct of the government.

“Firstly, and foremost, the President is not handling the media in a manner they are supposed to do in the spirit they showed when they were just sworn in. There is a lot of misinformation coming from the Presidency and the President himself. And mind you the position that President HH is holding is that of the pinnacle, it is one of the first among equals and everybody’s eyes are focused on him,” Changala said.

Mr. Changala said that the Head of State should at all times thrive at issuing statements that are encored on truth and clarity before the people of Zambia start questioning his integrity.

“So he must endeavor at all times to issue statements that are well encored on clarity and truth because simple things like what has just transpired turn to tarnish his integrity, it turn to delete public confidence and make people believe that our colleague is nothing but a bedrock of lies,” he said.

Mr. Changala said that there was nothing wrong with President Hichilema informing Zambians that he was going to South Africa for a private visit as it was within his rights.

Mr. Changala said it is sad that now the receiving country has denied having invited the President but instead has clarified that it was a private visit as a guest at some private function.

Mr. Changala has since warned President Hichilema and the UPND government that such a conflicting statement coming from the highest office has a cost attached to it.

“So if he went to South Africa on a private visit there was nothing wrong to state it like that, if he went to South Africa on an official working visit there was nothing wrong to state it like that again, but the receiving country has clarified that he went there on a private visit and yet at home, he told the nation that he went there on a working visit, these are conflicting statements, there is a cost when a President starts trading in lies, there is a cost. Public confidence will evaporate and that is the beginning of his downfall and the downfall of his administration,” Changala warned.

“Trading on lies has a cost, people of Zambia will lose trust in him, they will in a very disappointing way, he will have no leg to stand on, he will be isolated.”

There has been no demand by DEC for information relating to PF’s source of campaign funds-Attorney General

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There has been no demand by DEC for information relating to PF’s source of campaign funds-Attorney General

Attorney General Kabesha Mulilo has said that there has been no demand by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) for information relating to PF’s source of campaign funds for the 2021 August general elections,

Mr Mulilo in a defence filed in the Lusaka High Court explained that former PF Secretary General Mr Davis Mwila and ex media director Mr Antonio Mwanza were questioned over their alleged involvement in money laundering activities.

He said that Mr Mwanza had personally volunteered to go to DEC offices although at the end of the interrogation, he told the media that he was questioned about PF’s source of campaign funding.

He has thus urged the Lusaka High Court not to entertain the lawsuit by Mr Mwila and the party protesting investigations by security wings as it is a ploy to circumvent criminal investigation and possible prosecution through civil proceeding.

This is a matter in which Mr Mwila in his then capacity as SG sued Government on September 28, 2021, in the Lusaka High Court claiming that their members are being threatened by DEC with prosecution if they do not disclose the source of campaign funds for the August 12 general elections.

Mr Mwila demanded that Government pays damages for intimidation and harassment of the PF members.

The party is also seeking damages for misrepresentation and defamation of character following allegations by DEC that the PF’s source of fund was linked to money laundering.

But Mr Mulilo in his defence stated that both Mr Mwila and Mr Mwanza were not summoned in their positional party capacity but in their personal capacity.

He added that no pressure has been exerted on the junior PF members to disclose the source of funding for campaign activities.

“The defendant shall say at trial that Antonio Mwanza volunteered to go to the Commission offices in the presence of the media, and he informed the media that the commission was questioning him about the source of campaign funds used in the general elections, when in fact he was being questioned regarding alleged Money laundering,” Mr Mulilo stated.

“The Commission did not summon Mr Mwila in his capacity as SG of PF but in his personal capacity. The defendant shall also deny that Mr Teddy Mambepa was not called in for interrogation but merely for inquiry into the allegations of money laundering,” he stated.

Mr Mulilo stated that DEC is mandated under the Prohibition and Prevention of money laundering Act no. 14 of 2001 to probe into money laundering and related issues and may legally summon any person with relevant information on such a matter and PF members are not an exception.

“The plaintiff is merely attempting to derail on-going criminal investigations in which some PF members are implicated. That this matter is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court Process,” he contended.

UPND’s Free Education policy is a scandal and total disaster-Nakacinda

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UPND’s Free Education policy is a scandal and total disaster-Nakacinda

Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee in charge of information and publicity Raphael Nakacinda has said that the UPND’S free education policy is a scandal and total disaster.

Addressing journalists in Lusaka today, Mr. Nakachinda said President Hichilema and his team should be ashamed to say they are implementing a free education policy.

Mr. Nakacinda said teachers and school administrators have stressed because of the hot potato was thrown on their laps in the name of free education.

“Their lies have been exposed. Most parents diverted the money meant for school fees to other needy areas, especially with the disastrous agriculture season that has been mismanaged by the UPND in terms of FISP and other requirements,” Mr. Nakacinda said.

“Most parents are shocked that they are going to schools and finding that they need to pay a number of fees including the mandatory buying of uniforms from the respective schools because schools now have to find avenues of raising funds for operations. The government has not released enough funds and are now directing parents and teachers to the CDF as a mean through which to implement the free education policy.

And Mr. Nakacinda said instead of traveling to South Africa to launch a book written by his friend, President Hichilema should have stayed in the country to ensure that the free education policy is implemented successfully.

“The UPND’S free education policy is a disaster and a scandal. President Hichilema and all those responsible should be ashamed to say they are implementing the free education policy,” Mr. Nakacinda said.

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