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Ministry of Technology and Science targets to train at least 10 000 youths by end of 2022

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Ministry of Technology and Science targets to train at least 10 000 youths by end of 2022

The Ministry of Technology and Science has revealed that it targets to train at least 10,000 youths to equip them with skills as part of practical delivery by the end of the year 2022.

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said this yesterday at the launch of the National Youth Skills Empowerment Programme in Chongwe district, flanked by five (5) other cabinet ministers.

Those in attendance include; Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo who is Chongwe Member of Parliament, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Elias Mubanga and Sports, Youth and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu represented by his Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe.

Speaking at the event, Hon Mutati said the ministry targets to role out this program to all the constituencies across the country which would then have a multiplier effect of creating jobs for many other youths.

Hon Mutati said technology encompasses delivering the skills that are necessary while working with other ministries as one government system.

Hon Mutati assured that with skills acquisition, youths are guaranteed to be permanently employed and to also employ others.

The minister said the ministry intends to be practical particularly for the year 2022, with a philosophy that local jobs should be preserved for the local people so that the monies revolves around the communities.

He said the ministry’s formula for skills development will be government going to the people and not the other way round as President Hakainde Hichilema is delivering the skills which young people embrace.

Hon Mutati said after acquiring the skills, what will be important for the youths is to be ethical and deliver quality within appropriate standards.

Hon Mutati said with the increased allocation of the Constituency Development Fund to K25.7 million, there will be need to have a cadre of skilled youths that will assist in the construction sector and many other aspects that will require local sourcing of labour and skill.

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo who is Chongwe Member of Parliament, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Elias Mubanga and Sports, Youth and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu represented by his Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe.

Meanwhile, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Elias Mubanga said the New Dawn government wants to nature a cadre of entrepreneurs with the right skills and mindset to contribute effectively to national development.

Hon Mubanga said this would as a result reduce on government dependence for empowerment schemes amongst the youths.

And speaking at the same event, Minister of Youth and Sports Elvis Nkandu said government has realized that if trained in the right skills, youths can have the capacity to play a vital role to contribute towards the growth of the country by creating technologies that can solutions to socio-economic challenges the country faces.

In a speech read for him by Permanent Secretary in the ministry Kangwa Chileshe, Mr Nkandu said the launch of the national skills empowerment program will explore and facilitate for the provision of smooth training because President Hakainde Hichilema places emphasis on the importance of human and socio-development as an essential tool in having a skilled population.

And Agriculture Minister Hon Reuben Mtolo Phiri who was also speaking at the same event underscored that it is important to equip the youth with the necessary skills and tools and as such, the ministry seeks to encourage youths to look at agriculture as a business.

Hon Phiri said the ministry has since reserved 100,000 hectares of land in each province which will be used as farming blocks, calling on the youths to take advantage of this opportunity.

Speaking earlier, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon Paul Kabuswe said the country cannot afford to have degree holders only because those with requisite skills are key in the development of the country.

Hon Kabuswe said with the skills acquisition being promoted, government is already living up to its campaign promises, calling on the Technology and Science Minister to consider rolling out skills training centres to all the districts.

And Hon Sylvia Masebo, Member of Parliament for Chongwe Constituency and Health Minister urged the 50 beneficiary students of the training at the newly launched centre under the Lusaka Business and Technical College to use the skills to their full potential.

Any UPND member engaging in violence will have to face the law- Party SG

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Any UPND member engaging in violence will have to face the law- Party SG

United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary-General Batuke Imenda has said that any member of the ruling party that engages in violence will have to face the law. Mr. Imenda said that he regrets the violence that was reported in Lusaka’s Kabwata Constituency.

Speaking during a press briefing, Mr. Imenda has assured the Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ) that violence will not be tolerated in Kabwata.

Mr. Imenda said that the UPND party does not believe in violence but free and fair elections, adding that the party will go into the Kabwata by-election to tell the electorates the achievements that it has scored in the last four months it has been in government.

Mr. Imenda said that Zambians are peaceful people that is why the Patriotic Front Party was sent out of government because citizens detest violence.

Meanwhile, UPND National Chairperson Steven Katuka reiterated that the UPND did not condone violence when it was in the opposition and still does NOT now that they are in government.

Mr. Katuka directed that any member of the Party that engages in any violent activities be dealt with by relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa thanked the media for the role they played in the UPND victory in the 2021 General elections

Mr. Mweetwa said President Hichilema has not forgotten the promises he gave to the electorates and the benefits will soon start to be seen.

Rebuilding Zambia’s Economy will take some time, HH tells the nation in New Year Eve’s Message

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Rebuilding Zambia’s Economy will take some time, HH tells the nation in New Year Eve’s Message

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that the collective effort to rebuild the country and turn it into a multi-model of success for future generations will take some time.

In his New Year’s message to the nation, President Hichilema said that the government is working to root out corruption and bring about macroeconomic stability and an inclusive environment for all.

The President said that there is a need to maintain peace, stability, and the mantra of One Zambia One Nation because it is the foundation of the country’s democracy.

The Head of State has further called for hard work to be a way of life and a source of the country’s pride and future prosperity.

President Hichilema further said that government will ensure citizens get better public services and enhanced transparency and that the anticipated International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement will provide much-needed relief and boost confidence in the market and catalyze economic recovery.

The President added that the IMF agreement will benefit the citizens both socially and economically.

President Hichilema also called on citizens to continue adhering to public health guidelines on the prevention of Covid-19, get vaccinated, and get the booster doses that have been introduced.

Holster ends 2021 with new single ‘Hip Hop’

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Holster ends 2021 with new single ‘Hip Hop’

Holstar released his latest single called “Hip Hop” – It is a story about a young Africa kid who grew up into the culture of Hip Hop, paying homage to the greats and acknowledging how big an impact it made in my life.

The song was produced by Rocbeats, Mixed and Mastered by Paul Kruz.
Listen to the song HERE

Professor Nkandu Luo calls on Authorities to Return Grabbed FTJ property back to his Family

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Professor Nkandu Luo calls on Authorities to Return Grabbed FTJ property back to his Family

Professor Nkandu Luo, who served in both PF and MMD administration under the leadership of the late second Republican president Frederick Chiluba has come to the support of the late president after reports emerged that the state had grabbed all the property belonging to the late president.

Professor Luo that the treatment the Chiluba family is being subjected to is unfair and the properties that were seized need to be given to the family and that the state needs to honor him by returning his assets which were grabbed from him after his death, adding that a trend had been set in the country where any leader is deemed corrupt even if they were genuine in their dealings.

Prof Luo said the persecution of the leaders was too much and that it had been the case from the Kaunda days to date.

“Nowadays, professional people don’t want to get into politics because people are scared of being dented due to the mudslinging involved,” she said.

Prof Luo said President Chiluba had property he acquired which the children needed to benefit but unfortunately the government grabbed everything from the family and that a bad spirit had been sown and that it was not healthy for the nation.

Prof Luo said such persecutions were painting a bad image of the country in the eyes of foreign countries who would think every Zambian leader was corrupt and that there was a bad narrative that Zambians could not have money except foreigners.

Prof Luo urged the powers that be to consider giving the property to the Chiluba family because he did a lot for the nation.

FTJ Chiluba;s family at his burial site
FTJ Chiluba;s family at his burial site

Family members revealed that the state claimed that the properties were forfeited because Dr Chiluba did not claim the property. Dr Chiluba’s children Darlington and Kaindu who are part of the administrators, said the move by the state was wrong because the former head of State claimed the property. He claimed the property and a judge granted him but the state appealed long after he had died, Kaunda and Darlington Chiluba said.

They revealed that the ACC waited until Dr Chiluba died before commencing legal proceedings on account that he had not claimed the property in good time therefore creating an impression that they were property acquired through proceeds of crime.

The Chiluba family indicated that it was shocking that the investigative wings acted maliciously as they waited for the patriarch who was cleared of all charges to die for them to appeal to the Supreme Court which overturned the initial judgment.

Family representatives said the family would appeal using other means despite the ruling by the Supreme Court.

In 2017 the court forfeited properties valued at over K40 million belonging to Dr Chiluba, on grounds that he had not claimed his seized property on time.

At the time of the forfeiture, the rentals accrued amounted to over K14 million of which, over K4 million was in the Kwacha account while over $1.2 million was in the Dollar account.

In 2002, the ACC instituted investigations into suspected corruption in the manner Tedworth Properties Incorporation Limited, a company incorporated in Panama, acquired properties in Zambia.

The property acquired by Tedworth Properties which was linked to the former head of State were Plot No. 4828, Alberg Court, located along Addis Ababa Drive, Longacres, Lusaka which also comprises 21 residential flats.

Others were Plot No. F/488a/26/C, Horizon House, located along Leopards Hill Road, in Kabulonga, Plot No. F/488a/26/D, Chibote House, located along Leopards Hill Road, in Kabulonga in Lusaka.

But Dr Chiluba made a claim on those assets and won the matter in 2010. The judge was displeased that the TFC failed to account for rentals and transferred management of those assets to the Bank of Zambia under suspicious circumstances.

But the two administrators said the judgments found that no government funds were used in the purchase of those assets and it’s for this and other reasons the family would continue to pursue the matter.

The family indicated that the appeal was done in the most heinous way, while the family was grieving as they waited for him to die and took vengeance on an estate.

The administrators also stated that although the appeal was heard by a quorum of Chief Justice Irene Mambilima, Judges Royda Kaoma and Evans Hamaundu, Judge Jones Chinyama; who was part of the quorum when the judgment was delivered, was not among the judges that heard the appeal.

The launch of Zuze Air Force Base to add Economic value to the Copperbelt Province

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The launch of Zuze Air Force Base to add Economic value to the Copperbelt Province

Copperbelt Province has received another boost economically with the launch of the Zuze Air Force Base in Ndola.

Speaking at Cabinet office after the launch of Zuze Air Force Base, Hon Matambo, the Copperbet Minister said the Launch of Zuze Air force base has added value to the Province’s economic and security outlook.

The Minister said such facilities provide employment and the workers spend their incomes on local products which improve economic activities locally. Hon Matambo also added that with the new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport, the Copperbet Provice’s economic outlook has been boosted especially with Zambia Airways scheduled flights on the Copperbet.
Zambia Airforce (ZAF) on Thursday 30th December, 2021 officially launched the Zuze Airforce Base.

This follows the successful handover of the Ndola old airport facility to ZAF necessitated by the construction of a new ultra modern airport, the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport.

The colourful ceremony was graced by the Defense Minister Honourable Ambrose Lufuma, MP who was the Guest of Honour. The Defense Minister said the Zambian Gorverment under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to improving the infrastructure including the Working environment for the men and women in uniform.

Hon Lufuma also paid tribute to the first Zambian Airforce Commander, Lieutenant General Peter Zuze whom the new Airforce Base has been named after.

The Zambia Airforce Commander, Lieutenant General Collin Barry who spoke before the Guest of Honour thanked the Zambian Government for naming the new Airforce Base in honour of the first indigenous Zambian Airforce Commander, Lieutenant General Peter Zuze whose Contribution to the development of the Airforce is immense.

The Airforce Commander was delighted that Zuze Airforce Base being officially opened had the necessary infrastructure and will become the controlling centre for the Northern circuit enabling the Airforce to carryout it’s constitutional mandate of protecting the airspace.

The Airforce Commander revealed that Zuze Airforce Base becomes a second fully flagged Airforce Base after Mumbwa.

The ceremony was spiced by colourful display of different types of Airforce jet planes which flew around the skies of Zuze Airforce Base.

UPND Youth says his leadership is not going to allow any youth to be involved in violence

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UPND Youth says his leadership is not going to allow any youth to be involved in violence

UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso says his leadership is not going to allow any youth to be involved in violence in the Kabwata Constituency by-election as the ruling party is certain to retain the seat.

And Mr Liswaniso said violence cannot win an election for any political party, a long-held conviction under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Speaking during the Pan African Radio 96.1 FM Debate Programme, with the interview focused on the Kabwata by-election and violence, Mr. Liswaniso said his team is ready to campaign heavily and retain the Kabwata seat.

“I am in charge of the youths and l don’t want to see any violence. I have told my youths and they know how l operate. Zambians under the new dawn administration want to see political parties talking to each other in a peaceful manner… UPND talking to DP, PF, and shaking hands with each other. People voted for real change, peace, and restoration of the rule of law” he said.

Asked how his party has received information that the Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ) has with immediate effect suspended all campaign rallies and roadshows in the Kabwata parliamentary by-election due to increasing cases of COVID-19 in the country, Mr. Liswaniso said his party believes in 2246 underground mobilization which members have continued to do.

“In UPND, we believe in the door-to-door campaign and we use this strategy across the country. We will campaign this way” he said.

And Mr. Liswaniso said the UPND has embarked on the issue-based campaign in Kabwata Constituency, citing services and decent life so far produced by the new dawn administration.

He said the UPND Kabwata Constituency Candidate Andrew Tayengwa is a right Candidate and has understood the vision of the party and the challenges of the people of Kabwata.

“Mr. Tayengwa is a person for Kabwata and has been there to offer community services years back and a loyal member for UPND. He knows how to wait for the right opportunity to serve the Zambian people” Mr. Liswaniso stated.

Meanwhile, the UPND National Youth Chairman says the youths in the country are going through counseling. Mr Liswaniso said this follows the hostile environment created by the former ruling Patriotic Front.

Charles Milupi gives more details on the proposal from the Southern Africa Business Development Forum(SABDF)

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Charles Milupi gives more details on the proposal from the Southern Africa Business Development Forum(SABDF)

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Charles Milupi has provided more details regarding what he termed as the unsolicited proposal from the Southern Africa Business Development Forum (SABDF) for the establishment of the resettlement infrastructure investment and enterprise support (ARIISE) programme to promote infrastructure development.

In a media post on his Facebook page Mr Milupi said that even if this project was started by the former government, the New Dawn government decided to proceed with it because it has vast benefits, ranging from improved road infrastructure to providing connectivity, which is a catalyst for economic activity and trade, resulting in economic growth and reduced poverty.

Below is the full post

30% OF CIVIL WORKS ON THE NEW DAWN GOVT APPROVED WESTERN CORRIDOR TRADE FACILITATION ROUTES PPP PROJECT TO BE SUBCONTRACTED TO LOCAL COMPANIES

Good morning fellow Zambians, be informed that the New Dawn administration having reviewed the terms and conditions, as well as the associated benefits of the concession agreement for the development of the Western Corridor Trade Facilitation Routes, has given a ‘no objection’ to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project.

However, this ‘no objection’ is premised on a condition that the project is done at the correct price, completed within the agreed time and delivered at the right quality. Thus, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has been tasked to review the cost for each road link and ensure that cost reasonableness analysis is conducted to bring the estimated project costs to acceptable values.

Engineers from RDA and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development are, therefore, currently in the field carrying out assessments that will inform the expected cost of the project. Following the approval to proceed by the New Dawn administration, the RDA, by law, issued a legal notice which has since been published in the public media.

Admittedly, even if this project was started by the former government, the New Dawn government decided to proceed with it because it has vast benefits, ranging from improved road infrastructure to providing connectivity, which is a catalyst for economic activity and trade, resulting in economic growth and reduced poverty.

Other benefits include, providing off-take of the domestic produce to be sourced from all existing 93 and new resettlement schemes under the Office of the Vice-President, and exported to Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet other benefits include, job creation, empowerment of local contractors through subcontracting of 30 percent of the total value of civil works to citizen-owned firms, reduced travel time and reduced vehicle operating costs.

Finally, fellow citizens, the background to this is that, the former PF-led government through the Office of the Vice-President, received an unsolicited proposal from the Southern Africa Business Development Forum (SABDF) for the establishment of the resettlement infrastructure investment and enterprise support (ARIISE) programme to promote infrastructure development.

This was transmitted through their proposal letter dated December 5, 2018. The delegation of the SABDF was facilitated to engage the Zambian government by then High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba. The Office of the Vice – President sent an acknowledgment to the High Commission through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for facilitation.

Now, arising from a meeting held between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the investor, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on October 16, 2019 and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Council at its 21st Ordinary meeting held on May 7, 2021 considered and approved the unsolicited proposal on the ARIISE programme. To this end, the concessionaire, SABDF, incorporated a special purpose vehicle for the concession, Messrs. Nkhulu Zambia Limited.

Following the approval, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) under the PF, signed a concession agreement with the concessionaire on August 10, 2021. Under the concession agreement, total project cost means the lowest of the following:

A sum of United States (US) dollars three billion, two hundred and thirty million (ZMW3.230 billion), actual capital cost of the project upon completion of the project infrastructure as certified by the auditors, or total project cost as set forth in the financing documents. But the financing documents are yet to be concluded and when this is done, it shall constitute financial closure on this matter.

Note also that the concessionaire has proposed a concession period of 25 years, which will be firmed up once the final project has been determined. The scope of the project, once more, includes design, build and rehabilitation, operate and transfer of approximately 1,400 kilometres of roads to international bituminous standards, approximately 500 kilometers of resettlement roads to bituminous standards, one major bridge (Shangombo bridge spanning 8.5 kilometres), trade and border facilities at Sikongo and Shangombo borders with Angola as well as Katima Mulilo border with Namibia.

The specific road segments under consideration include:

Tapo-Kalabo-Sikongo-Angola border road (125 km), Sioma-Shangombo road (175km), Lufwanyama-Kankolokolo-Kasempa road (255km), Kasempa-Kaoma road-Luampa junction road (280km) and Luampa Junction-Machile-Simungoma road (340km).

Others are Kazungula-Katima Mulilo road ( 145 km), resettlement roads (approximately 500km, Shangombo bridge, Sikongo border post and trade hub, Shangombo border post and trade hub, Katima Mulilo border post and trade hub.

I submit to you fellow citizens.

Why Zambia’s currency jumped 27% against the dollar this year

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Why Zambia’s currency jumped 27% against the dollar this year

 

Zambia’s currency is on track for a world-beating year as investors bet on the new government’s chances of securing a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund and negotiating a debt restructuring.

The Kwacha has advanced 27% against the dollar this year, largely on the back of optimism over the August election victory of Hakainde Hichilema. That’s the currency’s best annual performance since 2005, and only the Seychelles rupee has fared better this year. Both were among the three worst performers in 2020.

Zambian President Hichilema’s government is trying to rework as much as $17 billion in external public debt. He needs the IMF’s endorsement to advance talks with creditors ranging from holders of $3 billion in Eurobonds to $5.8 billion owed to China. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane plans to conclude negotiations by the middle of 2022. The country became Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter last year, and hasn’t serviced most dollar debt since.

The currency of Africa’s second-biggest copper producer has also been buoyed by near-record prices for the metal, which makes up more than 70% of export earnings and helped boost the 2021 trade surplus to K73.4 billion ($4.4 billion) through November, compared with K41.8 billion a year earlier.

Source: News 24

The ruling UPND should take a lead in curbing the Violence ahead of Kabwata by-election-Kang’ombe

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The ruling UPND should take a lead in curbing the Violence ahead of Kabwata by-election-Kang’ombe

Kamfinsa Member of Parliament. Christopher Kang’ombe says the only way to honour Levy Mkandawire who was until his death a Member of Parliament for Kabwata Constituency is by having a peaceful by-election on 20th January next year.

Speaking when he featured on 5FM’s “The Burning Issues” Program today, Kang’ombe urged candidates in the forthcoming Kabwata by-elections to compete on ideas.

He said this following the violence that took place yesterday in the Constituency as UPND cadres failed to tolerate a political opponent who flashed a Socialist Party Symbol as they conducted their roadshow.

The Lawmaker said the ruling UPND should take a lead in curbing the vice ahead of the by-election.

“So violence in Kabwata should not be allowed. I actually want to see a situation where the ruling party is taking the lead, controls what happens, the cadres that went there because you see we don’t want to have bloodshed in Kabwata. Not in Kabwata, not anywhere in Zambia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Kang’ombe asked the people of Kabwata to give PF’s Clement Tembo a vote to among other reasons strengthen the voice of the opposition in Parliament.
He boasted that Kabwata got transformed in the past 10 years under the PF regime.

“To honour someone who did not finish his term of duty, one way of honouring Levy Mkandawire is by having a peaceful election, peaceful campaigns, and ideas competing…..,” he said.

“Let us conduct peaceful campaigns and allow ideas to compete. Honourable Lubinda was there for four terms, did his part, transformed Kabwata, opened it up with government, I think we have a strong message of why we are going into Kabwata and why we are asking the people of Kabwata to vote for us.”

Mr. Kang’ombe noted that most people in Kabwata depend on small businesses.

He said such people do not need increments in prices electricity tariffs and taxes among other things.

“In my interactions with people in Kabwata, am seeing a residential area where there are a lot of people….there are those in formal but the majority appear to those earning a living from home. If you are earning a living on your own, it becomes necessary that the cost of doing business is low. If you are running a salon, you don’t want a high cost on electricity. If you are running a shop, you don’t want the cost of you of going to get your alcohol from Chinika area in the Industrial area to be high. You don’t want to pay more for your tax,” he said.

“You basically don’t want your business to have high taxes. You want kalya ka business since you survive with your family at your own level…..you don’t want ubuteko ulelunda fyakulunda lunda. So we have a message in Kabwata that we were here for four terms, two terms under the PF…..the idea is that Kabwata was transformed over the past 10 years. We have a candidate who is going to build on what Lubinda left.”

Ballyvampires Ravage Kabwata As President Hakainde Sings Kumbaya!

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Ballyvampires Ravage Kabwata As President Hakainde Sings Kumbaya!

By Kapya Kaoma.

I am very afraid. We are under siege and losing it! Under President Hichilema, Zambia is becoming unmanageable! After watching UPND cadres ravage Kabwata, and hearing helpless citizens plead for President Hichilema to control his own panga-armed vampires, thugs and terrorists before they finish killing their brothers, I was petrified! Then I got annoyed. Honestly I am fed up. I am sorry. But I must say it. Will the President stop putting on diapers and become an adult? Why should citizens plead for him to perform the sole duty he vowed to do on inauguration day? Instead of protecting us, President Hichilema is busy singing kumbaya as our blood flood the streets!

Day in and day out, like prophets of Baal, ballyvampires are out to feed on innocent blood to awaken their god from slumber, but to no avail! No matter how much blood they drink, how many people they maim and properties they destroy, their god in shame hides–for who doesn’t know that President Hichilema’s falsehoods that delivered State House have forced him into hiding from Zambians?

Rather than confronting his self-created and fully armed and funded terrorists, like disgraced Donald Trump, he retreats to Twitter–always bragging about nothing, but his own self-promoting nothingness. And no embarrassment these cursed vampires and terrorists pour on President HH shames him at all, for as the Kabwata incident revealed, these acts of terrorism are done with his knowledge and blessings!

But we shouldn’t blame him alone. Behind his shameful and childish inactions are many respectable persons who refuse to tell him the hard truth. From academics to civil society to religious leaders, we have henchmen who foolishly deceive him into thinking that what his cadres do in his name has no bearing on him! We saw it at the High Court! We saw it at Chelstone Police Station! We saw it at Zambezi Portland Cement facilities in Ndola. Who else but the newly minted Dr. Elias Munshya responded to my article on HH’s cowardice when it comes to dealing with his own UPND terrorists following the Zambezi Portland attacks. He tweeted, “No single pictures of the so called terrorists? You have pictures of damaged property though.”

Like Bally worshipers, Dr. Munshya wants to dismiss the fact that UPND cadres are committing terrorist acts across Zambia and HH is doing nothing! I have reasons to worry–Dr. Munshya knows better! So what is he saying about recent attacks in Kabwata? Still no pictures? The area Councilor defended the attacks on the premise that one person raised a symbol of another political Party. Since when did raising another Party’s political symbol become a capital crime in Zambia? Can Dr. Munshya explain the crime that person committed?

I am afraid that our nation is becoming a Ballynation where criminals are becoming the law while the President is afraid to control the very criminals that got him elected! Hitler was made by good people becoming docile! I refuse to go down this route by allowing HH to turn Zambia into his own cartel! We are a nation of laws. Unless we stand up to his terrorists and vampires, we risk burning our democracy once and for all. Under no administration have we seen the basic principles of democracy eroded so fast than the HH dark regime–this should scare the hell out of us!

But even more threatening is to see how respectable persons easily get blinded from seeing the injustice by those in power. Dr. Munshya was very critical to Lungu’s human rights abuses, today he has become so passive to the HH dark regime. This is true with the chain of so many lawyers who made their names for standing up against Lungu! Today, one wonders if the COVID 19 has robbed them of sight and ears–for UPND cadres commit no human rights abuses. Does it mean the blood spilt during the Lungu days is much more sacred than the one being spilt under their watch by the HH dark regime? I find it hard to understand how we can ignore the facts simply because mistakes are committed by our political friends. This is unethical and the betrayal of justice.

Dr. Munshya knows HH lied to Zambia when he claimed the age of cadrism was over. We have seen cadres at the markets, stations, at state functions graced by HH, and recently at the filing of nomination papers that followed the violence in Kabwata. So why should respectable persons pretend HH is doing everything to tame these vampires? Unless HH acts as an adult by disbanding the terrorist network he founded, the devil won’t disappear on its own; Ballyvampires will continue to feed on innocent blood! And when they are done with us, they will come for the very people who surround HH today!

President HH, please do your work!

Inspector-General of Police Lemmy Kajoba Warns Political Cadres

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Inspector-General of Police Lemmy Kajoba Warns Political Cadres

Inspector-General of Police Lemmy Kajoba has warned that the service will not tolerate illegal activities such as political violence in the Kabwata constituency and local government by-elections.

In a statement, Kajoba stated that police have enough manpower on the ground in all the areas where by-elections will be held.

“In view of the forthcoming Parliamentary by-election in Kabwata Constituency and Local Government Ward By-elections in Liangati Ward of Senanga Town in Western Province and Sokontwe Ward of Milenge District in Luapula Province, slated for Thursday, 20th January, 2022, we wish to advise all Political players to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Process Act No.35 of 2016 and other related pieces of legislation,” Mr Kajoba stated.

He stated that it is the duty of every individual to ensure that peace prevails at all times.

“As Zambia Police Service, we have the mandate of maintaining law and order in the country. With regard to policing elections, our major task is to create a safe and secure environment for all participating electoral stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliation or organisations. To the citizenry, it is the duty and responsibility of every individual to see to it that peace prevails at all times. We would like to warn all those that would want to cause confusions that the Zambia Police Service will not tolerate illegal practices such as political violence and other electoral related offences,” Mr Kajoba stated.

He appealed to people in areas where elections will be held to go and exercise their democratic voice.

“We are appealing to the electorates in Kabwata Constituency, Liangati and Sokontwe wards to go and exercise their democratic rights of electing their preferred candidates without coercion. In this regard, we have deployed enough police officers on the ground. In addition, Kabwata Constituency has been divided into four police operational zones. This step is aimed at easing public access to the police and enhancing quick response to emergencies.

Further, the Zambia Police Service has observed with deep concern the continued reports of illegal land allocation, harassment of members of the public in some markets and bus stations by some criminal minded persons,” Mr Kajoba stated.

He stated that all Divisional Commanding Officers have been directed to execute the New Dawn Government directives of non-tolerance of illegal acts such as caderism and extortion of money in markets, at bus stations and illegal land allocation by criminal minded persons masquerading as cadres of a political party.

“Joint operations between the State and Council Police officers should be intensified in trading and residential areas so that maximum protection is provided to the citizens and property. The rule of law shall always be applied firmly and fairly, all culprits found wanting must be dealt with sternly,” Mr Kajoba stated.

Zambia Land Alliance expects UPND Government to prioritize and finance a comprehensive land audit process

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Zambia Land Alliance expects UPND Government to prioritize and finance a comprehensive land audit process

Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) says it is expecting the government to prioritise and finance a comprehensive land audit process to ascertain exactly how much land the country has under state and customary tenures.

ZLA Executive Director Patrick Musole said there is need to review how much land is taken and how much is available; how much land is for present use and how much should be reserved for future use.

Mr. Musole said without a comprehensive land audit the country will continue to make uninformed decisions on land which will be detrimental for land tenure security and sustainable land use.

Reviewing the year 2021, Mr. Musole said the New Dawn administration has a task to protect the rights of vulnerable Zambians, especially the poor, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

He also cited the adoption of the National Lands Policy in 2021 as a landmark achievement.

“Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) and its partners in land advocacy celebrate the year 2021 for the landmark achievement made in the protracted journey to Zambia’s adoption of a comprehensive National Lands Policy (NLP) framework. In May this year, the Government adopted Zambia’s first ever NLP after 19 long years of policy formulation process. The NLP is a very important framework which will guide land administration in our great nation,” Mr. Musole said.

“The people of Zambia have been consistently clear in their desire to see an end to the many illegalities, corruption, injustice, and inequalities in land administration which reached their climax under the previous regime. ZLA therefore welcomes the political will demonstrated by the New Dawn leadership to address the diverse anomalies that became part of a “new normal” in land administration, orchestrated mainly by agents of the state in the interest of a few politically exposed selfish individuals.”

Mr. Musole said Zambia Land Alliance wants to see sanity in land administration in the country.

“A case in point is that of the Forest 27 scandal, where high-ranking politicians and other government officials shared land from the degazetted forest without following the due process of the law or considering the impact of their activities on the environment. Further, reports of loss of records of suspected illegal land allocation at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources showed serious flaws in the security of the land management information system. Cases of illegal allocations of land continue to be reported across the country with some citizens losing their land while others have lost money in the quest to acquire land. Sections of the media have reported pending demolitions of illegal structures,” he said.

“The promotion of large-scale land-based investments and land markets has threatened the rights of land holders on customary land and increased land displacements. The New Dawn administration therefore has a mammoth task to protect the rights of vulnerable Zambians, especially the poor, women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and secure their access to and control over land and land[1]related resources through, among other means, investing in their economic capacity to secure, develop land and engage in sustainable livelihoods,” Mr. Musole stated.

He further advocated for the scaling up of the ongoing National Land Titling Programme.

“The National Land Titling Program has also gained momentum and has since been rolled out from Lusaka to the Copperbelt province. This is a very progressive program which will see many Zambians on undocumented state land acquiring title deeds for their land parcels. However, the coverage of the National Titling Program is very limited and will therefore not benefit the majority of Zambians.”

“ZLA expects the New Dawn government to prioritise legal, policy and administrative reforms around land governance to restore sanity in the land sector, protect people’s land rights, as well as ensuring sustainable land use and environmental protection. In addition, ZLA expects the government to prioritise and finance a comprehensive land audit process to ascertain exactly how much land the country has under state and customary tenures; how much land is taken and how much is available; how much land is for present use and how much should be reserved for future use, etc. Without a comprehensive land audit the country will continue to make uninformed decisions on land which will be detrimental for land tenure security and sustainable land use.” he said.

Mr. Musole further called on all Zambians to desist from illegal land acquisition.

“ZLA would therefore like to call upon all Zambians to desist from illegal land acquisition and follow the laid down procedures in acquiring land to avoid losing their hard-earned money through land repossession or demolishment of buildings,” he concluded.

Government should consider providing early maturing seed to farmers for replanting in areas affected by dry spells

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Government should consider providing early maturing seed to farmers for replanting in areas affected by dry spells

Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Kanchibiya Constituency Member of Parliament Sunday Chilufya Chanda says the Government should consider providing early maturing seed to farmers for replanting in areas affected by dry spells.

Some parts of the country are currently experiencing dry spells.

Crops planted between November and December have dried up due to inconsistent rainfall pattern in several parts of the country.

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture has shown that Eastern, Muchinga and parts of Central, Luapula and Northern Provinces are likely to experience a difficult farming season owing to erratic rains and high temperatures.

However, Western, Northwestern, parts of Southern, Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces have recorded average to above average rainfall since October 2021.

In a media statement, Mr. Chanda, a farmer himself, said the dry spells being experienced in some parts of the country will have a negative impact on crop yield for the 2021/2022 farming season.

He said there is need for the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to consider providing early maturity seed to farmers in affected areas to enable them replant their crop.

Mr. Chanda said replanting will help to improve yields and prevent hunger next year.

He also urged Minister of Agriculture Reuben Phiri to provide an update on the anticipated impact of the dry spell on next year’s agricultural production.

“Firstly I wish to thank the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mr Reuben Mtolo Phiri, for providing the nation with an update on the prevailing weather conditions across the country. The brief by the Minister has shown that Eastern, Muchinga and parts of Central, Luapula and Northern Provinces are likely to experience a difficult farming season owing to erratic rains and high temperatures. On the other hand, Western, Northwestern, parts of Southern,Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces have recorded average to above average rainfall since October 2021,” Mr. Chanda stated.

“Some farmers in most parts of the country, including Kanchibiya Constituency, have lost their crop due to high temperatures and increased evaporation. This will have a negative impact on crop yield next year.”

“While I appreciate the call on farmers to plant early maturing seeds in light of delayed rains, I wish to make an earnest plea on Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to seriously consider providing early maturity seed to farmers in affected areas to enable them replant their crop if we are to avert hunger next year,” Mr. Chanda said.

“I’m also calling on the Minister of Agriculture to provide a comprehensive update on the anticipated impact of the dry spell on next year’s agricultural production in his next ministerial brief. May I also reiterate my call on Government to suspend export of maize in order to remain food secure as a nation,” he said.

Mr. Chanda concluded:”Lastly, let me commend the Minister of Agriculture for highlighting some of the medium to long-term interventions required to ensure early warning mechanisms such as the involvement of local councils and schools across the country. This must be supported by Government and other Cooperating partners working in Zambia.”

Electoral Commission of Zambia suspends campaign rallies and road shows in Kabwata

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Electoral Commission of Zambia suspends campaign rallies and road shows in Kabwata

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced the suspension of campaign rallies and road shows ahead of the Kabwata Parliamentary by-election set for 20th January, 2022.

A stakeholders meeting involving ECZ and political parties made the resolution to suspend campaign rallies and roadshows in Kabwata Constituency in view of the escalating cases of COVID-19 in the country.

The Ministry of Health on Thursday revealed that it had recorded 5,555 new cases of Covid-19 out of 16,629 tests and four deaths.

ECZ acting Chief Electoral Officer Royd Katongo said political parties and other stakeholders are advised to use alternative campaign strategies such as mobile public address system, distribution of flyers and other political party materials with minimal or no contact with a crowd.

Mr. Katongo stated that the Commission has continued its collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the Technical Committee on Elections and COVID-19 to guide the conduct of stakeholders.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia today 30th December 2021, held the Political Parties Liaison Committee meeting with participating political parties in the Kabwata by-election. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the management of by-elections looking at the rights and obligations of various stakeholders. In addition the meeting discussed the management and conduct of electoral activities in the wake of the 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“The Commission has continued its collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the Technical Committee on Elections and COVID-19 to guide the conduct of electoral activities amidst the pandemic. Following today’s stakeholder engagement, the meeting resolved that no campaign rallies and road shows shall be held in view of the escalating cases of COVID-19 in the country and in line with the Standard Operating Procedures,” Mr. Katongo said.

“The suspension of campaign rallies and roadshows is with immediate effect. Important to note, it is the rallies and roadshows that have been suspended and not campaigns. Political parties and other stakeholders are advised to use alternative campaign strategies such as mobile public address system, distribution of flyers and other political party materials with minimal or no contact with a crowd,” Mr. Katongo said.

He said ECZ will sanction political parties that won’t follow the Electoral Code of Conduct during campaigns in Kabwata Constituency.

Mr. Katongo said the Commission has also reminded political parties against importation of cadres from different constituencies to where by-elections are taking place.

The ECZ acting Chief Electoral Officer further spoke against election related violence in Kabwata and in wards where elections will be taking place.

“Political parties have committed to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct without exception. The Commission reminded the political parties that non-adherence to the Code of Conduct will attract sanctions accordingly. The Commission would like to remind all political players to desist from engaging in violence, hate speech and ethnic reference. These vices undermine the credibility of an election and a call to political parties’ leadership is that they should prevail over their supporters,” Mr. Katongo said.

“Participating candidates are further reminded that non-adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct by their handlers or campaign strategists will attract direct sanctions on the said candidates which include disqualification. The Commission has also reminded political parties that importation of cadres from different constituencies to where by-elections are taking place will not be tolerated,” he warned.

“The Commission would like to encourage all political players to be tolerant and promote co-existence as these are some of the key ingredients to peaceful elections.”

Seven candidates successfully filed their nominations on Tuesday among them Chilufya Tayali of Economic and Equity Party, Sydney Zyambo of People’s Alliance for Change and Francis Libanda of the United Progressive Party.

Others are Clement Tembo of the Patriotic Front, Andrew Tayengwa of the United Party for National Development, Socialist Party’s and Tripher Ng’andu and Henry Muleya of PeP.

Meanwhile, ECZ could not allow the Democratic Party to contest the election because of internal wrangles that are currently before court as party President Harry Kalaba battles his vice Judith Kabemba.

The campaign period for the elections commenced on Tuesday 28th December 2021 after 15:00 hours and will end at 18:00 hours on Wednesday, 19th January 2022.

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