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Government advances K48 million to UNZA management to pay outstanding gratuities for Lecturers

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Government advances K48 million to UNZA management to pay outstanding gratuities for Lecturers

ACTING Minister of Education says the government has advanced K48 Million to the University of Zambia (UNZA) management towards the payment of outstanding gratuities for lecturers.

Speaking when he gave a ministerial statement on the recent protest at the institution, Mr. Elvis Nkandu said another sum of K50 Million will be disbursed resulting in a total K98 million.

Mr Nkandu said management has since been instructed to initiate payments of out standing gratuities immediately.

He added that UNZA Vice Chancellor Professor Luke Mumba has since assured government that the misunderstandings between students and unions have been resolved amicably.

“As government we will expedite the process of appointing substantive Councils at Unza and all other public universities in a quest to improve service delivery,” he said.

About three days ago, students from the university of Zambia staged a protest demanding for dismissal of thee-Chance Professor Luke Mumba, accusing him of failure to manage the school system.

By mentioning corruption president Biden was not encouraging Zambia to start persecuting corruption

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By mentioning corruption president Biden was not encouraging Zambia to start persecuting corruption

By Venus N Msyani

On his maiden speech to the 76th United Nations General Assembly last September, President Joe Biden said democracy remains the best tool the world can aspire for to attain full human potential.

The US president praised Zambian youth for turning out in record numbers to vote and denounce corruption and begin a new chapter for Zambia.

It was good news to every Zambian including president Hakainde Hichilema. He was among the first Zambians who reacted to Biden comment with gratitude.

However, HH seems to have misunderstood the US president. By mentioning corruption president Biden was not telling the new dawn administration to go and intimidate and harass corruption suspects.

The United States president was simply saying keep it up and continue protecting, defending, and strengthening your democracy.

Unfortunately, HH fight against corruption is about to erode the country achieved democracy. In a democratic society, corruption deserves prosecution, not persecution.

People who are protesting HH fight against corruption seem to have understood Biden’s message better. They are not defending corruption but the democracy Zambia has achieved.

Democracy and the law are inseparable. Per Zambian law, a person is innocent until proven guilty. Whether they stole or didn’t steal, former Zambian government officials remain, innocent citizens, until proven guilty.

Harassing and intimidating innocent citizens is persecution and the world strongly condemn it. If it doesn’t stop, president Hakainde Hichilema risks being greeted with negative statements at the next UN General Assembly.

There is a possibility that things will get worse. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has turned into an institution that arrests people for what they say.

Former president Edgar Lungu’s spokesman Amos Chanda was arrested by ACC for using insulting language.

President Hakainde has vowed that there will be no sacred cow in the fight against corruption. How many more people will be persecuted?

Unless the new dawn administration start zipping people mouth, corruption suspects will continue exchanging words with the ACC during the search. Meaning more unnecessary arrests or persecutions are expected.

The point is, together let us say no to the fight against corruption that leads to persecution. It is not defending corruption.

Chief Katuta dies

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Chief Katuta dies

Chief Katuta of the Mukulu people of Lupososhi District in the Northern Province has died.

Acting Lupososhi district commissioner Chad Kaonga and Lupososhi Town Council Secretary Moffatt Mwanza confirmed the death of the chief today.

Both the District Commissioner and the Council Secretary said that chief Katuta died yesterday after an illness.

Mr Kaonga said the burial of the late chief Katuta will held tomorrow the November 13, 2021.

The chief Katuta has left behind three wives and several children and grandchildren.

Chief Katuta had been on the throne for more than 20 years.

Government to amend Public Order Act

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Government to amend Public Order Act

President Hakainde Hichilema has said his Government will make amendments to the Public Order Act to enhance the country’s democracy.

President Hichilema said it is important that the Public Order Act addresses issues that made it easy for the Patriotic Front -PF- to abuse it while in power.

He wondered how the same Public Order Act that was used by previous regimes was interpreted differently by the PF.

The head of State also said the Government is determined to revisit the Political Party Bill to address issues of concern after the previous Government failed to conclude the matter.

President Hichilema said this when African Union Observer Mission to Zambia delegation Leader Ernest Bai Koroma paid a courtesy call on him at State House.

He said his Government will ensure all political party cadres abide by the rule of law because no one is above the law.

President Hichilema said he will create an environment that will enable the Police service to operate freely and professionally.

He said his administration has also allowed the media to self regulate and ensure they are Professional in their duty to disseminate balanced and accurate information.

The Head of State also said there is need for Electoral reforms so that the election process is not biased to any political party.

And President Hichilema said his Government will continue to engage with various stakeholders and use their goodwill to benefit the country.

He said considering Zambia’s external and domestic debt which stands at about $20 billion , his Government will ride on the goodwill of stakeholders to reconstruct the economy.

And Dr. Koroma said the AU observer mission will work with Zambia to ensure the country continues being a shining example of democracy.

He however said there is need for the Government to address many issues among them the Public Order Act and the low participation of women and youth in the Electoral Process.

AVAP challenges communities to take development personal

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AVAP challenges communities to take development personal

Mwense District Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) Coordinator Juliano Musunga has appealed to members of the public in Mwense to take keen interest in the formation of Ward Development Committees (WDC).

Mr Musunga told ZANIS that government has actualized the decentralization and that people in the community should realize their role and initiate developmental projects in their wards.

He advised that people with expert knowledge should be included to sit as committee members for the Constituency Development Funds so as to promote prudent utilization of resources.

Mr Musunga also called for transparency during the formation of the committees so that representatives are elected on merit and not on political affiliation.

UN Refugee Agency’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Mr. Valentin Tapsoba, arrives in Zambia

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UN Refugee Agency’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Mr. Valentin Tapsoba, arrives in Zambia

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Mr. Valentin Tapsoba, arrives in Zambia on Sunday 14 November 2021 for a ten-day official visit.

Mr. Tapsoba, who oversees UNHCR’s Southern Africa operations covering 16 countries, is scheduled to hold consultative meetings with senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN agencies and other key stakeholders.

Under discussion will be various cross-cutting issues related to policy, funding, and the implementation of the refugee programme in Zambia.

The Regional Director will also visit some of the settlements to engage with refugees and other persons of concern. He will also have discussions with the local authorities and UNHCR partners on the key achievements and to some extent, the challenges they encounter in providing protection, assistance and durable solutions.

The visit will also be an opportunity for the Regional Director to assess progress made towards the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees, a programme designed to involve refugees and hosting communities in social protection such as livelihood projects geared to equip them with skills and the means for greater self-reliance.

The Regional Director’s visit comes at a crucial time when the Government of Zambia and UNHCR are vigorously pursuing the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) as well as mobilising development actors and the private sector to bring lasting interventions to refugee hosting districts.

The programme is anchored on the premise that through productive partnerships and by engaging various stakeholders, protection and support to refugees is a shared responsibility.

UNHCR’s country Representative, Ms Pierrine Aylara, has described the Regional Director’s visit as a sign of UNHCR’s appreciation for Zambia’s long standing, commendable record in hosting refugees and helping them enjoy the most favourable and sustainable solutions including local integration and voluntary repatriation.

Zambia currently hosts some 103,000 refugees and other persons of concern in three designated settlements, Meheba, Mantapala and Mayukwayukwa, Lusaka and across several provinces.

The UNHCR Regional Bureau for Southern Africa covers the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Lusaka Dynamos’ Chabula Recovering From Injury

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Lusaka Dynamos striker Emmanuel Chabula is itching to return to action after a three-week injury layoff.

Chabula is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in training slightly over three weeks ago.

The ex-Kitwe United forward missed Elite’s matches against Zanaco, Nkwazi, Kafue Celtic.

“I was in severe pain but now I am recovering,” Chabula said on Thursday.

“I am beginning personal training. I hope to be available for selection before we play against Red Arrows,” he said.

Chabula’s last match was on October 17 when Dynamos lost 1-0 against Power Dynamos away at Arthur Davies Stadium.

He has scored one league goal for struggling Dynamos this season.

Meanwhile, Dynamos are preparing to face Red Arrows on November 17 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

World Bank commends Zambia on climate resilience project implementation

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World Bank commends Zambia on climate resilience project implementation

The World Bank has commended the Government’s implementation of climate resilience projects.

World Bank Task Team Leads Ms. Nathalie Weier Johnson and Ms. Ngao Mubanga expressed the Bank’s satisfaction during a virtual debrief with Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Ms. John Msimuko at the start the World Bank Implementation Support Mission this week.

Ms. Johnson and Ms. Mubanga expressed satisfaction with the manner the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR) being implemented in Western Province including Kazungula District of Southern Province. The World Bank expressed optimism to replicate the climate resilient project in other parts of the country and modelled on the successes of the PPCR. The Bank also commended the implementation of the new project – Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development in Zambia (TRALARD) which is being implemented in Luapula, Muchinga and Northern Provinces.

The Permanent Secretary welcomed the World Bank Implementation Support Mission and assured the team of the Zambia Government support.

Mr. Msimuko was impressed with the World Bank expression of satisfaction with the implementation of the PPCR funded project namely the Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Barotse Sub-basin (SCReBS), which is progressively winding down as it closes in December 2022.

“The project will close on a successful note as Government is assured that the Project Development Objective will be successfully met,” said Mr. Msimuko. “The SCReBS Project has 12 Indictors, of which 9 are successfully achieved, however the other indicators could not be attained as they were beyond the project scope.”

He said a total of 1,366 sub-projects have been completed out of 1,659 that were funded, representing an overall completion rate of 82 per cent, and that all remaining sub-projects will be fully implemented and closed out in the remaining time between 4th quarter 2021 and end of first quarter of 2022.

The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the progress that was being made under the TRALARD project in Muchinga, Luapula and Northern Provinces. He expressed optimism that the TRALARD Project will transform people’s lives and contribute to mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change.

Mr. Msimuko assured the World Bank that the New Government attaches great importance to addressing climate change challenges, environmental degradation and deforestation.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Collins Nzovu, in the company of Mr. Msimuko, had held a meeting with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Director General Dr. Frank Rijisberman and Director Strategic Partnership Dr. Mahamadou Tounkara on the sideline of the COP26 Conference in Glasgow in Scotland before return to Lusaka.

During the meeting, Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to become a member of the GGGI and to benefit from the treaty-based inter-governmental international development in the country’s efforts to combat climate change.

The two parties agreed to speed up the ratification of Zambia membership process, which is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2022. In the meantime, GGGI assured that it was ready to help Zambia with technical assistance that would kick start the process of developing a Green Growth Strategy, development engagement strategy for the Private Sector, Civil Society and Academia and most importantly the Financing Vehicle for Climate Change.

Zambia will, therefore, as a matter of urgency pursue GGGI’s offer of technical assistance to help commence the development of Green Growth Strategy.

At present there are two projects that GGGI and Zambia are working on together, namely the Readiness Proposal under the Green Climate Fund and the International Climate Initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

Use of Tribal Lens by PF MPs to deal with National Issues Disappointing-Mweetwa

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Use of Tribal Lens by PF MPs to deal with National Issues Disappointing-Mweetwa

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has said that it is disappointed with some Patriotic Front Members of Parliament who are using the tribal lens in dealing with national issues so that they are perceived as victims in the ongoing crusade against corruption.

Speaking at a press briefing in Choma, UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said that the ruling party feels tribal sentiments being orchestrated by some PF parliamentarians are not only divisive but also lack substance considering that the fight against the graft is not ethnically driven.

Mr. Mweetwa said that the PF parliamentarians cannot anchor their debates in parliament on tribal sentiments advising them to focus on national issues as the house is not a platform to champion ethnic inclinations.

Mr. Mweetwa that, even outbursts by politicians like SSeanTembo and Chishimba Kambwili, which border on mediocrity will not take the two politicians anywhere, as Zambians are determined to see the UPND government deliver on its election promises, key among them, economic recovery.

He has also distanced the UPND from some claims that the state plans to eliminate Mr. Sean Tembo, saying the ruling party has no time for such trivialities.

Farming cooperatives in North-Western Province defrauding the Farming Inputs Distribution Programmes

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Farming cooperatives in North-Western Province defrauding the Farming Inputs Distribution Programmes

United Party for National Development (UPND) Youth Chairperson in North-Western Province, Bruce Kanema has called on the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out an audit on farming cooperatives in the area to scrutinize cooperative members.

Speaking during a press briefing at his office in Solwezi this morning, Mr Kanema alleged that there is a lot of cheating going on in the distribution of the farming inputs.

He alleged that there are instances where one person has registered with more than one cooperative getting fertilizer from various districts across the province.

Mr Kanema said the audit must immediately be conducted so that it is known who belongs to these cooperatives.

“I am making a movement to see the Provincial Agricultural Coordinator… the audit on these cooperatives must immediately be conducted we want these cooperatives to be known as who belongs to this cooperatives who belongs to that cooperatives.

“There is no way the cooperatives are bearing the same name of cadres in Solwezi, Kasempa, Mushindamo up to Chavuma…same names of the people benefiting from the farming inputs…this has to come to a stop”, he said.

Mr Kanema said as party, they are going to monitor the distribution of the farming inputs and ensure that the inputs reach the intended people.

Mr Kanema said the UPND will not tolerate such mischief meant to tarnish the name of government.

He said he will stand as a youth leader of the province to ensure that what is right is followed in the distribution of farming inputs, adding that any officer who would be found wanting will be subjected to citizens’ arrest.

Pastor, choir members beat to death a church member over farmland dispute

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Pastor, choir members beat to death a church member over farmland dispute

A Pastor and some choir members of Christian Community Church in Mushindamo district have beaten one of their church members to death after a dispute arose over farmland.

North-Western Province Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fred Mulenga identified the deceased as Nelson Luyako aged 39 and the Pastor as Godwin Kutokwa from Christian Community church Mishingwa congregation.

Dr Mulenga said the murder was reported to police by the uncle of the deceased, Geoffrey Lohozhi who explained to police that his nephew was beaten by his pastor and some choir members.

“St Dorothy Police today received a report of murder from Geoffrey Lolozhi aged 44 a peasant farmer that his nephew Nelson Luyako aged 39 was beaten by Godwin Kutokwa a Pastor for Christian Community Church Mishingwa congregation, Mushindamo and his church choir members after picking up a dispute over a farm land”, he said.

Dr Mulenga said the murder happened yesterday around 16:00 hours at Kutokwa village.

He said upon inspection of the body, police noticed a swollen head and a bruise on the ribs.

“The Police has visited the scene and inspected the body. Upon inspecting the body, Police noticed a swollen forehead and a bruise on left side of the ribs”, he said.

Dr Mulenga said one arrest has been made and the body has been deposited at Solwezi General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

All Individuals and Entities that have Encroached on Forest Reserve Land must Vacate-Environment Minister

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All Individuals and Entities that have Encroached on Forest Reserve Land must Vacate-Environment Minister

The government has urged all individuals and entities that have encroached on forest reserve land to vacate and not wait for eviction notices.

Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu has said that everyone is required to abide by the law and follow laid down procedures that guide the protection of forest reserves.

Mr. Nzovu said that the ministry will collaborate with the ministry of defense and home affairs to ensure the law is adhered to, adding that the government has observed with concern high levels of illegalities towards the country’s forest resource including the mushrooming of settlements in protected areas which include watershed areas resulting in the loss of 33 percent of forest cover across the country.

Speaking when he issued a ministerial statement in the National Assembly, Mr. Nzovu said that the uncontrolled harvesting of timber species such as Mukula and increased illegal cutting down of trees for charcoal production are among issues also affecting forest reserves.

Mr. Nzovu said that as a result of these illegal activities, forest reserves and water catchment areas have been seriously affected and that government is putting in place measures to halt the activities by evicting people who have encroached forest reserve areas.

Mr. Nzovu said that the security of forest reserves is important for the benefit of future generations as well as the conservation of the ecosystem.

Fight Against Ccorruption – Victimhood, & Distortions

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Fight Against Ccorruption – Victimhood, & Distortions

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was so clever and convinced the trees that because its handle was wood, he was one of them.

This allegory so often repeated to illustrate deceit, surmises the former government’s ruinous path. For every corrupt act and corporate coffers raided, it crafted a deceitful narrative to justify its motives, however nefarious. Think of its reasoning for placing Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) into liquidation as an example, Zambians were conned into believing that the government was acting in their best interest.

This is why it’s disingenuous for the PF leadership and its rank and file to now projecting the fight against corruption as political persecution or a tribal witch-hunt. For the record, the tribal card and fear-mongering battled for traction in the build-up to the recent Presidential elections. It’s likely to fail as a defence once the state begins to ramp up its prosecution of alleged corrupt rogues. And the argument that PF is no longer in power is not a reason to indemnify or absorb its leadership from accountability from alleged wrongs.

This lame argument only lends credence to the bankruptcy of morality in our body politic. Who can forget this statement? Umulandu ta ubola. Is it not former President Edgar Lungu that issued this warning to Hakainde Hichilema (HH) on the eve of the elections – threatening to lock up the then opposition leader for corrupt acts allegedly committed when HH served as a transaction advisor to the Zambia Privatisation Agency during the early 90’s?

Hijacking the fight against corruption

Perhaps, let’s pause here for reflection and context. Why is there a repeated media emphasis and reminder of PF’s alleged corrupt reign? Simple, the clamor and stakeholder expectation for the state to move swiftly against alleged perpetrators of corruption is fueling anxiety.

It’s also not helping that the President has tacitly assumed the role of CEO of the Anti Corruption Commission. In fairness, he can’t be a player and a referee in a match in which he has declared a personal interest otherwise we risk creating a perception that his main objective is to fix political opponents using his office. If in doubt, look at how rogues have bn quick to expose this anomaly – a development that now threatens the credibility of what is meant to be a noble fight.

It’s enough that the President has pronounced on his commitment to fight graft precisely the reason that he and party apparatchiks like Cornelius Mweetwa should back-off and leave this matter in the hands of the relevant line cabinet minister. Mweetwa in his role as party spokesperson has no business providing communication updates on the fight against corruption. A case in point, it’s Mweetwa who a few weeks ago raised the political temperature promising the nation that arrests resulting from the fight against corruption were imminent – mpaka lelo, people are anxiously waiting.

And by the way, aren’t both Mweetwa and the Presidency encroaching in the responsibilities of the Justice Minister? Need they be reminded that the fight against corruption is not a UPND vs PF battle but a matter between the state against rogues. And Zambians not the UPND should be the biggest stakeholder in this battle. What the UPND government has on its sleeve and is not effectively utilising is the goodwill and support from well-meaning Zambians emanating from the emphatic mandate it received from the electorate on the 12th of August.

A glimpse into a den of corruption

Voters have not forgotten that during PF rule, state pension fund manager, the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) morphed to become a piggy bank for cadrepreneurs. How the state ended up buying a financially distressed Chinese ceramic manufacturing company for a hugely inflated price or the quarter billion Kwacha it splashed on a loss-making hotel chain boggles the mind. And the Gulf stream jet, did the Presidency really need this asset? The Maize gate, inflated road construction tenders and the 48 unclaimed houses are just the tip of an iceberg.

Forget the K760m spent on procuring 42 fire trucks, did we really need these trucks in the first place? Like an axe confessing its love for trees in the forest, former Local Government and Infrastructure Minister Vincent Mwale put up a spirited justification regarding the need for these trucks including the colossal spend. With a straight face, he told parliament that the K18.5m spent per vehicle was worth every penny given the sophistication and build of the trucks. Really sir?

These are just but a few of many scandals, questions, and concerns that the electorate want answered by role players. Surely, these can be answered in a court of law without undue interreference from both the Presidency and the governing party.

About the author: He is an avid reader of political history and philosophy. The only thing he supports is Kabwe Warriors and Liverpool. For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Mwepu Injured, Patson States Value of Formality Qatar Qualifiers

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Enock Mwepu becomes Chipolopolo’s second injury no-show while Patson Daka defends the decision to have a solid side for the last two formality dates against Mauritania and Tunisia.

The Brighton midfielder will miss his third and four successive 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifiers after pulling out of the dead-rubber dates due to an injury he sustained in Saturdays 1-1 home draw against Newcastle.

Mwepu also missed October’s Group B doubleheader against Equatorial Guinea due to a groin injury.

“Enock Mwepu has an injury in one of the adductor muscles in the hamstring so he is unable to join us,” Zambia team Doctor George Phiri said.

Mwepu joins fellow midfielder Edward Chilufya of Swedish club Djurgardens who also sustained in injury on Saturday in league action for his club.

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo are at strength with the rest of the 12 foreign-based call-ups including Chilufya’s replacement Kings Kangwa of Russian club Arsenal Tula joining camp on Wednesday.

Leicester City striker Patson Daka said they had an obligation to the Zambian shirt despite Chipolopolo’s FIFA world Cup dreams ending with two games to spare.

“But we just have to take these games seriously because it is the beginning of our next step forward so we have to make sure it gives us direction.” Patson said.

“We don’t have to take these games as though they are nothing. We know how important they are and it is also for the pride of the country we have to give it our very best.”

Chipolopolo host Mauritania on November 13 at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka and them visit Tunisia at Rades on November 16.

Zambia are 3rd in Group B on 4 points, Mauritania are bottom on 1 point , Equatorial Guinea have 7 points while Tunisia lead on 10 points.

UK High Commissioner to Zambia praises UPND 2022 National Budget

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UK High Commissioner to Zambia praises UPND 2022 National Budget

United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley has hailed the United Party for National Development (UPND) government for what he terms as satisfying 2022 National budget.

Mr Nickolas says the budget has clearly reflected the UPND manifesto as promised during the 2021 general election.

The High Commissioner was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Republican Vice President WK Mutale Nalumango at her office in Lusaka today.

And the Vice President expressed gratitude to the UK for several aid that has been rendered to Zambia in an ongoing bilateral cooperation between the two commonwealth countries, adding that the new administration is willing to strengthen the relationship even further for the benefit of the general citizenry.

And British Deputy High Commissioner to Zambia, Will Eckersley emphasized on the need by the Zambian government to prepare for a possible disastrous drought.

The duo further praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s maturity and personal charisma during their interactions in the just ended Cop26 summit in Glasgow.

Others who attended the courtesy call included Head of Economic growth and prosperity, Serah Bloom, Steven Bickers and Ben Powis, Second Secretary Political and Head of Governance and Political Development respectively.

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