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There is Critical Shortage of Drugs in Public Hospitals and Clinics, PS Kasonka is not telling the truth

Chief Editor
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There is Critical Shortage of Drugs in Public Hospitals and Clinics, PS Kasonka is not telling the truth

New Heritage Party Vice President Samuel Kasankha has challenged the views of Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Lackson Kasonka, that there are no shortages of medicine in public hospitals.

In a statement released to the media, Mr. Kasankha said that the greater majority of patients are still having to buy their own medicines, and wondered why there are still a lot of instances where patients are walking away with prescriptions and not getting drugs at the hospital pharmacies if the drugs are available at public hospitals and clinics.

Mr. Kasankha said that to suggest that those who say there are shortages of medicines are “peddling lies” is an insult to many members of the public who have been subjected to endless prescriptions.

Mr. Kasankha advised the Permanent Secretary to make some impromptu visits or send some people, incognito, to hospitals so that he comes back with the correct picture on the availability of medicines, adding that the greater majority of patients are still having to buy their own medicines.

Below is the full statement

PURPORTED AVAILABILITY OF DRUGS IN HEALTH FACILITIES

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Lackson Kasonka, is quoted in the media as categorically stating that there is no shortages of medicine in public hospitals. And as for those diagnosed with mild signs of COVID 19, he says they are not given medicine but are only advised to isolate and adhere to doctors’ instructions, adding that Zinc and Azithromycins which people are buying are a waste of time and money because they don’t treat coronavirus.

We wish to advise the permanent secretary to make some impromptu visits or send some people, incognito, to hospitals so that he comes back with the correct picture on the availability of medicines. The greater majority of patients are still having to buy their own medicines. If medicines are available his ministry must find out why there are still a lot of instances where patients are walking away with prescriptions and not getting drugs at the hospital pharmacies. To suggest that those who say there are shortages of medicines are “peddling lies” is an insult to many members of the public who have been subjected to endless prescriptions.

With respect to people with coronavirus who are not admitted to hospitals, people ARE BEING GIVEN PRESCRIPTIONS of the very Zinc, Azithromycin, Vitamin C and Brustan which Dr Kasonka claims are a waste of time and money. The ministry needs to put its house in order and stop its professional staff from prescribing drugs (or whatever else) which they well know do not work. What is the point behind these prescriptions which a lot of us who have one time or another tested positive are given if the permanent secretary, himself a professional, now says are ineffectual?

Even those who are self-prescribing these drugs have either had prescriptions before by doctors or clinicians, or have heard from others who were once prescribed the same.

To enjoy our inalienable right to health, we must, apart from receiving the best possible treatment when the need arises, also be made privy to all information that we need to have about diseases, illnesses, large scale outbreaks or pandemics etc., so that we, as communities, take the right remedial or preventative measures against the same. The Patients Rights Charter (which must be displayed at the Receptions of all health facilities) provides that patients MUST know whatever drugs are prescribed to them, alternatives if any, and how they work including their possible side effects. The Charter allows the patient to choose if there are options between many drugs or refuse medication altogether.

The Ministry of Health is proving unreliable by its own officials contradicting each other on how to deal with those found with mild symptoms of COVID 19.

We repeat that they synchronise their operations so that no one is prescribing irrelevant drugs which come at a financial cost and whose side effects we don’t know when taken needlessly.

The ministry must engage in massive awareness creation on the COVID 19 pandemic beyond the need for vaccination instead of the permsec lambasting victims of the ineptitude among the different categories of medical stuff.

We have prescriptions from government institutions for the same Zinc and Azithromycins which we can avail to the permsec to prove it’s him and his officers who are behind the purchases of medicines that don’t work.

We end by repeating the need to display the Patients Rights Charter at all hospitals and adhering to its dictates so that we discontinue getting medication that we don’t need.

Samuel Kasankha
Vice President
New Heritage Party

Lubinda Haabazoka calls on national Indaba to discuss the unbundling of ZESCO and INDENI

Chief Editor
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Lubinda Haabazoka calls on national Indaba to discuss the unbundling of ZESCO and INDENI

Economist and Researcher Lubinda Haabazoka has called for a national indaba to discuss the unbundling of ZESCO Limited and INDENI Petroleum if reports going round about their purported unbundling is true.

Dr. Haabazoka said that such moves need national consensus before they are taken because the country and its people need to be well informed about the possible benefits and repercussions.

In a statement obtained by Q-News, Dr Habazooka recalled that the unbundling and privatization of ZCCM some years back has seen Zambia lose grip over its mineral resources.

Dr Habazooka said that the unbundling of INDENI will give Oil Marketing Companies an upper hand in the importation of finished stock and the government will be held at ransom with no room to maneuver around.

Dr. Habazooka said that the unbundling of ZESCO will produce duplicate positions with different people performing the same roles, hence a recipe for confusion.

Meanwhile, a Business and political Analyst, Francis Chipili, has said that the unbundling of ZESCO is most likely to hurt ordinary people and will further slow down the nationwide electrification.

Mr. Chipili said that Zambia doesn’t have the infrastructure to separate the operations of ZESCO as some parts of the country are way far away from the national grid infrastructure, adding that ZESCO is a strategic national asset whose unbundling must never be done in a hurry just to appease the IMF and or other interested imperialists.

Mr. Chipili argued that the larger part of Zambia has no ZESCO and or other hydropower infrastructure connectivity, meaning that the majority of the private sector that would be interested in acquiring commercial rights from ZESCO business units will be centered on those which are actually commercially viable, thereby disadvantaging the rural and far away places.

Mr. Chipili said that the country needs a Zambia that is 100 percent connected to the national grid infrastructure and that one of the reasons the agricultural settlement concept has not worked is the lack of electricity and good roads network.


The IDC released the following statement regarding on ZESCO

IDC ANNOUNCEMENT ON ZESCO

The Industrial Development Corporation has announced plans to restructure state power utility ZESCO.

Through a tender published in the Daily Mail of Tuesday, January 4th 2022, the IDC wants to engage a Consultant who will undertake financial and operational restructuring of ZESCO.

The IDC says the Consulant should also assess the possibility of segregating ZESCO’s main divisions such as generation, transmission and distribution into separate units.

IDC stated that the splitting of ZESCO should not only provide financial relief by disposing off loss making assets but will also enhance control of ZESCO’s efficiencies.

IDC also wants the Consultancy to improve ZESCO’s credit worthiness through a review of the current and contingency debts with a view to restructuring the outstanding debts as well as formulate loans restructuring plans and strategies.

The Consultant is also expected to provide plans on financial turn around of ZESCO and return the company to profitability through the review of all income streams, operating costs and expenses and balance sheet.

Bids for the consultancy should be sent through to the IDC not later than 28th January 2022.

Government has finally agreed to host a multi-sector national dialogue on street kids

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Government has finally agreed to host a multi-sector national dialogue on street kids

The government has finally agreed to host a multi-sector national dialogue on street kids in the first quarter of 2022 and is currently developing a draft concept note on formulating collective efforts to address the street children program.

According to a letter, dated January 3rd, 2022 signed by the ministry of community development and social services permanent secretary Beatrice Darko and to beautiful gates foundation who requested a national indaba and for a marathon walk from Kitwe to Lusaka to raise awareness on street children, the national planning meeting for street kids will be held within the first 3 months of this year.

In the letter, the permanent secretary has guided the pro-street kids’ organization to liaise with the director – child development at her ministry to coordinate dates for the marathon walk from Kitwe to Lusaka and for the minister of community development and social services Doreen Mwamba to receive the petition.

And Beautiful Gates Foundation executive director Bill Kapinga, who has confirmed receiving the letter is gratified that the new dawn government has finally responded positively to requests of a national indaba on street kids after over 15 years of petitioning for the same without any success.

Several attempts by successive governments to remove street kids and place them in foster homes or skill’s training facilities such as the Zambia national service have evidently yielded little to no results as their number keep increasing with no tangible progress made to address the matter despite calls for a national indaba to formulate proper and workable structures.

Former government workers Protest at cabinet Office to demand their 1999 Severance Packages

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Former government workers Protest at cabinet Office to demand their 1999 Severance Packages

Former government workers who went on voluntary separation in 1999 have today protested at Cabinet Office demanding payment of their retirement packages.

The 3, 523 retirees who separated with the government under an International Monetary Fund Programme to downside the Civil Service claimed that they have up to now not been paid their money.

Speaking to the Hot FM News crew during the protest, the affected retirees demanded that they be paid immediately to ease their sufferings.

They have lamented the continued failure by successive governments to honour their promise to pay the retirement packages with many of their colleagues having died leaving the money behind.

But Acting Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has called for patience among the protesting retirees saying their matter is receiving adequate attention from government.

Chushi Kasanda responds to Given Lubinda on the saved Subsidy

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Chushi Kasanda responds to Given Lubinda on the saved Subsidy

Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda has said that the new dawn Government has been transparent about where the money being realized from fuel subsidies will be channeled to other sectors such as the employment of the 30 000 teachers and 11 200 health professionals which she says the PF failed to do.

Reacting to PF Vice President’s query on where UPND was taking the money saved on subsidies, Ms said that the monies will also go to provide free education, paying retirees who have been waiting for their long-term retirement benefits, and increased social cash transfer.

Ms. Kasanda also said that the government has gone further to ensure all arrears for the councils under the local authorities equalization fund are paid and increased the CDF from K1.6m to K25.7m.

Ms. Kasanda also advised Former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo not to drag the government into personal battles with the law.

Ms. Kasanda said that the fight against corruption is based on the need for thorough investigations into any suspected wrongdoing despite the political party.

She said investigative wings under the UPND government are operating independently without any instructions or interference from any quarter.

Ms. Kasanda also advised Mr. Lusambo to desist from unwarranted attacks against President Hakainde Hichilema.

She said claims that the Head of State hates Mr. Lusambo are baseless as President Hichilema is a President for all Zambians.

Expedite the restructuring process of Indeni, Unions ask Government

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Expedite the restructuring process of Indeni, Unions ask Government

The National Union of Transport and Allied Workers (NUTAW), a union that represents workers at Indeni Petroleum Refinery in Ndola is asking the Government to expedite the restructuring process of the oil firm.

Energy Minister Peter Kapala on Wednesday officially informed Indeni workers during a meeting held at the plant that the firm will be restructured in order to make it more viable.

Mr. Kapala, who was accompanied by Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Information Minister Chushi Kasanda and Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo, confirmed that workers at Indeni who include 327 permanent ones will be declared redundant and asked to reapply when the petroleum firm is restructured.

NUTAW President Kingsley Kachenjela said workers at Indeni want the transition process to be concluded quickly.

Mr. Kachenjela said NUTAW is happy that the Government has promised to pay all the workers their redundancy packages during the restructuring process.

“As a union all we are looking forward to is for this process to be expedited so that the anguish our members have gone through can be subdued. Firstly, we would want them (the Government) to expedite the process that our members are paid off at the most within 30 days from yesterday (Tuesday). Then also for them to quickly make it clear the model we are going into so that it is fully operational for the benefit of the nation,” Mr. Kachenjela said.

He said the union was pleased to see the Government publicly state its official position regarding the future of Indeni.

“We are happy that finally the Government came in and made clear to the workforce, our members that indeed with the change of mode of the Indeni Petroleum Refinery to another mode, our members will be paid off. It is also gratifying that the Government has committed that it is going to absorb the 327 workers once Indeni changes into a different mode. We are coming from a situation where it was not clear, the way forward was not very clear in as much as initially Government made pronouncements but when it came to our members it was not very clear which direction we were going,” Mr. Kachenjela said.

Indeni has not been operating fully since December 2020 owing to lack of feed among other issues.

He said his union was confident that the restructuring of Indeni by the Government will be successful.

Mr. Kachenjela further pledged the union’s commitment to supporting the Government’s plan regarding the future of Indeni.

“As a union we are very optimistic that the New Dawn Government means well and as a union we will fully support the New Dawn Government so that whatever plans they have for the nation it will trickle down to everyone and that everyone will benefit out of the programmes they are doing. As a union we strongly feel that this is the best option because we feel the Government has done their homework properly and it is from that background that we feel it was going to work for the benefit of the country,” he said.

According to Mr. Kapala, under the newly proposed structure Indeni will stop petroleum refinery business and start operating like an oil marketing company.

The Minister of Energy did not specify the period in which Indeni will be restructured after the Government placed it on care and maintenance late last year.

Mr. Kapala hinted that the transformation of Indeni will start with the appointment of a new board in the next two weeks.

The new board will later engage Indeni management to look at the proposed restructuring process from the Government.

Why the Release of K1.284 Billion To Farmers And Schools Is Not Good for President HH

Chief Editor
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Why the Release of K1.284 Billion To Farmers And Schools Is Not Good for President HH

By Kapya Kaoma

Did President Hichilema authorize Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa’s Press Release about K1.284 Billion for farmers and government schools? Most Zambians don’t go beyond the headlines, but for those who read, that memo undressed President HH’s administration “bad-time,” as Zimbabweans say.

Mr. Nkulukusa’s statement sought to boast about releasing the money. But the truth is, the money is long overdue. President HH should have paid farmers within 60 days in office and announced the amount each school would receive the moment his administration declared free education in the nation! Partial payments of farmers in January, when they are in the heart of a new farming season simply exposes President HH as incompetent and his administration as disorganized at worst. For the man who ran on prioritizing agriculture, the Opposition could exploit this scenario as another betrayal of the Zambian people.

Didn’t the President know that farmers needed the money to reinvest in farming? How does he expect farmers to reinvest in the 2021-2022 season when they’re not paid for the 2020/2021 season? To argue that he inherited Lungu’s budget is simply an illusion–farmers are essential to the economy and the life of the nation. Most of them depend on the returns of the previous season for the following farming season–thus it betrays all logic that the Secretary could badly claim that the administration still owes hard working farmers their money.

Similarly, the administration declared free education but not details of what it entails. Every Head teacher or teacher has a different version of what free education means, and how the system will operate going forward. Why? The administration has provided no guidance at all. Besides, does the President understand the implications of releasing grants to schools a week before schools are originally set to open? Does the Regime understand how the education system works? By this time, schools should have come up with budgets and timetables. Since most schools run APU classes which depend on tuition fees, releasing the money so late will disrupt the education system. In fact, some teachers may opt out of APU classes should there be no money to pay them from the released amount. Another reason one cannot expect a successful implementation of the new policy at the beginning of the new academic year without any preparations–it is an invitation for failure. Moreover, different schools have different budgets based on number of students, areas, special needs and costs, thus the one size fits all New Dark Regime funding system is impractical. The administration should have begun by consulting teachers, Principals, Parents and education experts, and then allow Schools to make budget submissions, and finally slowly rollout the logistics before implementing this new policy.

Bally won’t fix things alone. He needs the expertise of career Civil servants and not UPND cadres. We are in January, and farmers are deep in the 2021/2022 farming season. How could the HH administration justify owing farmers K1.63 billion for the 2020/2021 season until Jan 3rd, 2022?It defies logic that it still owes them about K700 million as of today! Is this something to celebrate? Farmers needed this money in October, so where is the priority in this administration? Is this how Bally is fixing it?

The same with education. K324 million per quarter is set for schools–implying that 1.3 billion will be spent per year. How was this number arrived at? What factors did the administration take into consideration and how much will each school receive? The depositing of funds into bank accounts won’t “ensure” the “proper ” running of the schools as the Secretary suggests. On the contrary, the amount of money each school will receive will impact its operations. That’s why the Press Release was insulting–it didn’t give us any figure per school for us to know whether the money is enough or not. It was just a political statement from an institution that ought to be apolitical. The simple question is, how much will each school receive? Will Kabulonga Girls receive the same amount as Matanda School in rural Luapula? Why didn’t the Secretary tell us? Is it because he was afraid or he doesn’t know yet? Or is it a state secret? If so, tell us.

This brings us to “bursaries for vulnerable” students in boarding schools. According to Mr. Nkulukusa’s statement, they are “to be allocated through the Constituency Development Fund.” Sadly, “the guidelines are not yet “completed.” This is highly threatening, but not surprising–it is the sad reality of the cult of the Big Man, whose “off-the-cuff remarks have the power of law.” Simply because the Big Man said it, everybody accepted it without thinking. But policy is not developed off-the-cuff–rather you think through it, plan and execute. Parliament exists for this very reason. It is to debate policy issues. Alas! In the HH administration, whatever the BIG MAN SAYS, it must be done even if it does not make sense. This is not how policy works! We are headed for grand abuse of public resources simply because we are implementing an ideological program of the President which was never debated, analyzed and evaluated by policy experts. But because it is the President’s idea, it will be overwhelmingly funded. With it will come grand corruption and misuse of public funds. We don’t learn. KK’s cooperatives, and Go Back to the Land, Chiluba’s Privatization, and Presidential Housing Initiative, Mwanawasa’s Anti-Corruption Campaign, and Winter Maize Project are examples! They failed!

I understand the pressure to impress people, but the statement from the treasury is embarrassingly damaging to the administration. There’s nothing to celebrate in that release aside from the inconceivable incompetence it announced to the world.

Arrows Stay Second After Draw with Indeni

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Red Arrows missed a chance to go top of the FAZ Super Division table after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by struggling side Indeni in a midweek rescheduled match.

Arrows would have toppled leaders Green Buffaloes had they beaten Indeni in this delayed Week 17 match played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

The Airmen stay second on the table via goal difference after joining Buffaloes on 30 points as at Week 17.

Arrows missed the services of experienced striker James Chamanga who was excused from camp following the death of his father on Monday in Luanshya.

Indeni remain fourth from the bottom of the table despite slightly increasing their tally to 19 points from 17 matches played.

Meanwhile, Kafue Celtic and Prison Leopards have settled for a 1-1 draw in another midweek fixture played in Lusaka.

Prison striker Junior Zulu’s 16th minute goal was cancelled out by Peter Chikola’s equaliser six minutes after the break.

Prison moved to 20 points just one ahead of Celtic.

The outstanding K640 million for payment to farmers will be soon be released soon Agric Minister

Chief Editor
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The outstanding K640 million for payment to farmers will be soon be released soon Agric Minister

Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has said that the outstanding K640m for payment to farmers who supplied maize to Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is available and will be soon be released.

Speaking during a press briefing at his office in Lusaka, Mr. Mtolo explained that the K960m that was released this week has been channeled to all the provinces.

Mr. Mtolo has urged all farmers to visit their local banks and begin to collect their money.

And Mr. Mtolo has announced that 26 out of 28 buyers of maize for exports from FRA have been given contracts, adding that 110,000 metric tonnes has been authorized for export at an estimated value of  K442m, and that government has given the buyers 10 days to pay, failure to which the contracts will be canceled.

And Mr. Mtolo said the distribution of D Compound fertilizer under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) is currently at 86 percent, against a contracted total of 214,000 while the distribution of Urea is at 81 percent against the contacted total of over 164,000 metric tonnes.

He said the distribution of maize, sorghum, and soya bean seed has been completed in all provinces, except groundnut seed, which is at 98 percent.

Earlier the National Union for Small-scale Farmers of Zambia (NUSFAZ) has advised farmers to put to good use the monies they will receive from the government following the release of K960 million by the treasury to pay farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency.

NUSFAZ president Dr. Frank Kayula who has welcomed the release of the money, was however, disappointed that the money only accounts for about 60 percent of what is owed to farmers who supplied maize to FRA.

Dr. Kayula is hopeful that government will soon release the remaining 40 percent as the farmers need it for their farming activities considering that not all farmers are on FISP nor does it provide for all the planting needs for the farmer.

He has since advised the farmers to cautiously use the money by either buying early maturing seeds or alternatively investing in vegetable production or small livestock rearing.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kayula says the new dawn government should set its priorities straight and right for the country by prioritizing the needs of the framers in the country.

Dr. Kayula notes that the new dawn government earlier released about 1.2 billion kwacha to local authorities while overlooking the framers who needed money urgently to prepare for the farming season.

UPND Government will find a competent investor to take over KCM- Mines Minister

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UPND Government will find a competent investor to take over KCM- Mines Minister

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe has said that the UPND Government will find a competent investor, to take over Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the Copperbelt once the liquidation process of the mine comes to an end.

Addressing KCM workers, who wrote a petition to President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Kabuswe said consultations are underway on which investor will take over the mining giant.

The Mines Minister said Government is aware of the operational challenges that resulted in ruining the welfare of thousands of workers and their families.

He added that the new Dawn government will not subject Zambians to suffer once a new investor takes over KCM.

Mr. KABUSWE assured KCM workers that Government will address their problems starting with the issue of salary increments.
Meanwhile, some KCM workers who took turns complaining to the Mines Minister about their problems appealed to Government to immediately conclude the liquidation process of KCM.

Jeremiah Konkola told the Minister that the liquidation process of KCM has taken too long to be completed.

Mr. Konkola said under the liquidation of KCM, workers have not had a pay rise adding that their salaries are not sufficient to meet their family needs.

Another employee, Sudden Chembe expressed confidence that the UPND Government will soon find an investor who will take over KCM.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kabuswe has urged mining companies to invest more in their operations and unlock the potential of their sites in the wake of favourable policies under the new dawn administration.

Mr. Kabuswe says mining companies in the country should step up mining activities and ramp up production.
The Minister says this is in tandem with the United Party for National Development -UPND’s aspirations to produce 3-million tonnes of copper in ten years.

Mr. Kabuswe who is also Chililabombwe Member of Parliament said this during a tour of Lubambe Copper Mines where he also met with management and staff of the mining firm.

He explained that ramping up production will help the country to earn more revenue which is critical to supporting the economy and communities.

Mr. Kabuswe has also urged mining companies to step up efforts to support the communities they operate in for residents to benefit from the mineral wealth.

He said government will continue supporting the mines for the benefit of Zambians.

Mr. Kabuswe urged management at Lubambe to help build housing units in Chililabombwe to stop the trend of ferrying workers to and from other nearby districts where they live.

The minister later held a meeting with workers who are concerned about short term contracts from some contractors, as well as disparities in salaries.

And in response, Mr. Kabuswe said government will resolve the issue of contracts with the contractors and urged management to harmonise salaries for Zambians and expatriates.

And Lubambe Mine Chief Executive Officer, Tim Duffy thanked Mr. Kabuswe for the advice and counsel.

Mr. Duffy said management is encouraged by the new dawn administration’s accessibility which he described as refreshing.

President Hichilema has reiterated his stance not to meddle with the actions and decisions of law enforcement agencies

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema has reiterated his stance not to meddle with the actions and decisions of law enforcement agencies

State House has said that it is disappointing that some members of the former ruling PF want to drag the name of President Hakainde Hichilema into their personal entanglements with law enforcement agencies.

Presidential Spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya said that it is shameful for some former government leaders to insinuate President Hichilema’s involvement in their battles with the law whenever they are scrutinized by investigative wings.

Mr. Bwalya says President Hichilema has reiterated his stance not to meddle with the actions and decisions of law enforcement agencies as they investigate allegations of corruption and transgressions of the law involving PF members.

He said that the resolve of government is to ensure anyone who participated in the looting of public resources is held accountable and that all proceeds of corruption and crime are recovered for the benefit of all Zambians.

Mr. Bwalya said that the culture of lawlessness and criminal wrongdoing is over and that all individuals who abused their authority to circumvent the law will account for their actions in courts of law.

Mr. Bwalya was reacting to assertions by former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo who accused the president of using the Anti-Corruption to harass opposition leaders.

Chamanga Loses His Father

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Red Arrows star striker James Chamanga is mourning his father who has died in Luanshya.

Chamanga’s father died on Monday after an illness.

Arrows have since excused 2012 Africa Cup winner Chamanga from camp ahead of Wednesday’s rescheduled match against Indeni at home in Lusaka.

“On behalf of Arrows Management, our Stakeholders, players and fans, we would like to convey our deep condolences to the Chamanga family for the untimely demise of their dear parent and as a Club we mourn with the bereaved family during this sad moment” said Arrows President Moses Kambimbi.

Chamanga last Friday inspired Arrows to a 2-1 win over Zanaco in a delayed league match.

The retired Chipolopolo forward grabbed a brace to push the Airmen into second place and just one point away from leaders Green Buffaloes.

Mbesuma Pleased With Progress at His Football Foundation

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Former Chipolopolo striker Collins Mbesuma is pleased with the hosting of the youth football tournament by his foundation in Luanshya.

Hosts Collins Mbesuma Academy won both the Under-17 and 15 competitions dubbed Youth Festivals Soccer Tournament that attracted several teams from within and outside the Copperbelt.

When closing the competition, Mbesuma pledged to stage a similar contest in June.

“From the bottom of my heart I really appreciate the players, coaches and all members of the teams,” he said.

“Hopefully, I will see you again in June because in June we are going to have a big one mukese namulya ubwali. We want the trophy to remain on the Copperbelt,” he said.

“I am very happy for the first time my team (Collins Mbesuma Academy) won.”

Mbesuma consoled the losing teams that included Ronald Kampamba’s Sate Sate Academy of Kitwe.

“This one is a developmental tournament, it is not about winning so don’t be sad for losing games,” Mbesuma said.

Six SDA Youths who drowned at Kariba Dam put to rest

Chief Editor
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Six SDA Youths who drowned at Kariba Dam put to rest

The six Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) youths who drowned in Lake Kariba in Siavonga district on New Year’s Day after jumping off a fishing rig have been put to rest at the Mutumbi cemetery in Lusaka.

Scores of Lusaka residents joined the SDA faithful at a packed Mulungushi International Conference Centre Hall to pay their last respects to Goodson Hamaila 22, Ronald Libuku 21, Zebron Shitambo 19, Niza Muchiliba 19, Allan Mwaanga 24, and Rodwell Chileshe 26.

Addressing mourners Lusaka province Minister Sheal Mulyata said it is imperative that youths notify superiors about their whereabouts at all times, in order for those tasked to take care of their well-being, to keep track of their activities.

The six youths had gone to Siavonga as part of a larger grouping for a five-day youth camp meeting.

Ms Mulyata described the tragedy as a horrific loss to the family and nation, noting that the deceased youths were still in their prime with potential to contribute to the development of the country.

And the Minister thanked the families for entrusting their children to be part of youth development programs such as the one the six youths attended in Siavonga.

In his sermon, SDA Pastor Munukayumbwa Situmbaeto said God has a purpose for everyone on earth and provides harmony for his children amidst conflict.

Pastor Situmbaeto urged the bereaved families to mourn in faith and place their hope and trust in God who brings joy in sorrowful times.

Meanwhile, Majele Simwinga one of the Adventist youths spoken to said that it was so unfortunate that his fellow youths had to die in such a manner.

Simwinga,however, states that the death of the six youth serves as a lesson to other youths within the Adventist church and beyond about the need to adhere to rules when they go to such events.

Jay Rox on course to attain 1 million streams of his latest album ‘Enigma’

Entertainment Editor
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Jay Rox on course to attain 1 million streams of his latest album ‘Enigma’

 

Jay Rox brought in the new year with a bang!!, Releasing his latest album “Enigma“ on 1st January 2022. The album has initially been released exclusively on the music streaming website BoomPlay. As of this writing, the album has obtained 800 000 streams in the first 5 days of its release. Enigma is on course to obtain 1 million streams before the end of its first week of release!!

Enigma is Jay Rox’s sixth album. It contains 21 tracks and features local artists such as Macky2, Slap Dee, Yo Maps, Zar The Supreme, and international African artists such as Tanzanian singer Rayvanny, Kenyan Genge artiste, Mejja, Tanzanian rapper Young Lunya, Zimbabwean singer, Gemma Griffiths.

Enigma features stand-out singles such as ‘Weekend‘ ft Reyvanny , Yanka ft Zar The Supreme , Calibre ft Macky 2 among others.

Steam the album on Boomplay

 

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