Zambian top notch music stars Slapdee, Macky 2, Chef 187, Pilato, Judy, Organized Family, Mampi, Chester and other Zambian music acts team up on this Independence Anthem sponsored by Kalandanya Music Promotions. The song is called “One Zambia, One Nation” and spearheads National Unity.
The Human Rights Commission has called on the new dawn government to abolish the death penalty as it violates the basic right to life.
Speaking during a consultative stakeholder meeting in Solwezi yesterday, Human Rights Commission Principle Information Officer, Simon Mulumbi described the death penalty as a degrading way of punishing people.
“Human rights commission is not saying those found guilty should go scot free but there should be given alternative punishments such as life sentences,” Mr Mulumbi said.
He questioned why the country is still holding on to the practice on paper when no President has authorized any execution for the past 24 years.
“The right to life is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of other rights therefore, stakeholders should move the government to take action against death penalty,” Mr Mulumbi said.
And Human rights commission investigations officer, Joel Mulemwa said the death penalty is not a deterrent as statistics show that there has not been an increase in the crime rate in countries where death penalty has been abolished.
Mr Mulemwa said the practice contradicts the rehabilitation aspect which government has moved to for offenders from punishment hence, the change of Zambia prisons service to Zambia correctional service.
Meanwhile different stakeholders including civil society organizations were in support of the abolishment with a minority who were against the abolishment.
The stakeholders against the abolishment said the difference is not seen because offenders are not being executed therefore, the President needs to start authorizing the executions in order for other potential offenders to avoid committing similar offenses.
The Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board has in 2021 recorded an increase in cases of accidents from the road sector compared to those coming from the mining industry.
Board Corporate Affairs and Customer Services Manager, Maybin Nkolomba attributed the increase in road traffic accidents to reckless behaviour by some motorists.
Mr. Nkolomba pointed out that the other contributing factor to increase road accidents is the poor engineering of some roads.
“We are ready to work with government in engaging our colleagues, the contractors in the mining sector on safety education. Our goal is to see accidents dropping further,” Mr. Nkolomba said
He told ZANIS in an interview that although it is pleasing to witness an overall reduction of work related accidents in the mining sector, the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board was greatly concerned that the road sector on the other hand, was recording a steady increase in mishaps.
He has since called on relevant authorities to intensify road sensitisation programmes on motorists and placement of relevant road signage to curb the increasing road accidents that have left a lot of people injured.
Mr. Nkolomba said despite the reduction in the number of accidents from the mining sector, the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board is pondering modalities to train mine contractors and those engaged in informal mining activities on safety matters.
He said it has come to the attention of the board that most contractors in the mining sector have not been investing in safety matters, the reason his office wants to enhance safety education among contractors to further reduce accidents in the sector.
But Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Public Relations Manager, Frederick Mubanga said in spite of the increased number of accidents recorded in in the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2021, the outlook remains bright where road accidents are concerned.
Mr. Mubanga said via a phone interview with ZANIS that RTSA, working with other road safety stakeholders, has put in place modalities that will ensure that the situation is arrested.
He said after investigations, it has been discovered that most erring drivers have been moving at excessive speeds ranging from 120 and 220 kilometres per hour against the prescribed speed of 100 kilometres per hour on high ways.
“We will ensure that road patrols are enhanced especially now that we are even approaching the festive season,” Mr. Mubanga said.
Asked to comment on concerns that the state of some roads were contributing to road accidents, Mr. Mubanga admitted that certain sections on some highways, such as the Great North, were not in good condition.
He has however said it is encouraging that government is already rolling out plans to expand the Great North road into a dual-carriage way.
He said this will help reduce road accidents being recorded on the road.
Mr. Mubanga has meanwhile warned erring motorists the RTSA will met out stiff punishment on them.
The Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is concerned with the number of medical personnel being exposed to hepatitis B virus in Kalulushi.
CIDRZ Coordinator Simuyandi Michelo has disclosed that out of 641 participants enrolled in the hepatitis B research programme, 66 percent had prior exposure to hepatitis B.
Mr. Michelo, who was speaking during a dissemination workshop on protecting health care workers against Hepatitis B infection in Kalulushi, said according to the research, 4.6 percent of those tested were currently infected.
“There is very little knowledge about hepatitis B prevention and vaccination among health care workers,” said Mr. Michelo.
And Copperbelt Province Acting Health Director Charles Sakulanda is impressed with CIDRZ for running a research programme to protect health workers against hepatitis B in Kalulushi.
Dr. Sakulanda said hepatitis B is the main cause for liver diseases.
“The main aim of this pilot programme is to see how the Ministry of Health can implement a vaccination programme to protect health care workers against hepatitis B,” he said.
The pilot research is running under the theme ‘a healthy workforce equals a healthy nation’.
THE Zambian Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) has noted that traffic police officers under the Zambia Police have no adequate transport and tools for them to successfully conduct every day road patrols.
This lack of transport and equipment makes it hard for them to respond to cases of emergency on the road or help with congestion during the course of the day.
The Highway Safety Group expects that traffic police officers that were used to setting up road blocks and standing in one place the whole day before road blocks were banned, would now be equipped with modern vehicles, motorbike and bicycles to undertake road patrols in all busy roads of the country.
This will ensure that the traveling public feel safe and that those in need of road safety assistance are helped on time. The presence of the police officers on our roads will also help document the challenges being faced by the travelling public as a result of bad road network, poor signage and lack of emergency services including tow services and ambulances.
The Highway Safety Group looks forward to motorised patrols and less disruption of moving traffic from the traffic police on our roads.
The Highway Safety Group expects that a vehicle be provided for four (04) officers going on patrol and a motorbike or bicycle for each traffic officer on duty.
The Highway Safety Group has always proposed that traffic police officers be trained in thorough road traffic accident investigations so the causes of accidents are known and recommend where possible action to be taken to prevent future road traffic accidents and loss of lives.
The Highway Safety Group further urges that these traffic officers be trained to collaborate with other road safety and maintenance agencies to identify accident-prone areas of the highways and uncongested areas where speeds limits need to be increased to allow for smooth and accident free flow of traffic.
The Highway Safety Group believes that traffic police officers can be champions of road safety if they are well equipped and trained to prioritise road safety awareness among motorists on the roads as compared to issuing fines and tickets all the time.
As Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane presents the 2022 national budget today, a cross section of stakeholders on the Copperbelt are highly expectant of a budget they say will boost their businesses.
The Small Scale Miners hope that the budget will include adequate funding to the newly created Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises so that it attends to the financial challenges of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the country.
ZANIS reports Chapamo Mineral Resources Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Tembo said , in an interview, that the operations of the Small Scale Miners have for a long time being hindered by limited financial resources and the lack of mining equipment.
“ We would want to see taxes reduced on importation of some mining equipment so that we can buy the needed machinery for us to boost our mining activities to a higher level,” he said.
He reasoned that once SME are empowered the country’s economic structures will further boost production.
And the Kitwe Chamber of Commerce and Trade ( KCCT), on its part expects government to provide financial support to its members to enable them boost their business in the post COVID-19 era.
Chamber president Anthony Kabaghe says the SMEs in the area are historically challenged with financial resources which limits their business opportunities with the mines.
“It is more on the capital side that our members are lacking, if we can capacitate them with financial capital and innovation because things are changing now there is a lot of technology in the industry so we need our members are up to date with this issue so that they can cater for the mines,” Mr Kabaghe said.
And Association of Suppliers and Contractors ( ASC ) expects Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane to state the way forward on Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) as these are the life line of the suppliers and contractors on the Copperbelt.
Association President Augustine Mubanga says he feels that there is need to unlock production and investments in the two mines for the earmarked increased production of 3million tonnes of copper per annum.
“We feel government should re-negotiate the agreement it entered into with Glencore at the Mining Giant’s exit, we feel the 1.5 million that government must pay to Glencore is too much, government should re-negotiate it to a fair level and there is also need for the Vedanta Resources issue on KCM to be resolved amicably, the mining giant should be re-called for it to renegotiate its exit so that we find a credible investor for KCM,” Mr Mubanga stated.
He noted that if the two mines are revived more jobs and business opportunities can be created on the Copperbelt.
Mr. Mubanga further suggests that the Mineral royalty tax should be retained to enable government realize some revenue from the mines.
He added that tax on importation of copper concentrates should be increased to promote local copper production while local firms can be allowed to import the concentrates at a zero rated condition.
And the Cross Borders Traders Association expects a budget that will underscore empowerment of cross border traders and elimination of smuggling of good into the country and corruption at border points.
Cross border Traders Association president Charles Kakoma said his members need financial support from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane is today expected to present the 2022 national budget which is expected to execute the New Dawn government’s campaign promises.
By Mark Townsend, Chief Executive Office, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia
Over the years, the digital landscape in Zambia has evolved continuously. As corporations adapt to more innovative technologies and ways of working, the scope of challenges and issues related to Cyber Security also increases.
Latest digital developments, coupled with the side-effects of the global pandemic and increased regulatory and legislative requirements, have pushed the need for Cyber Security to be prioritised not just by big corporations but also by small/micro businesses and individuals alike. In Zambia, the recent enactment of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021 is an advancement in the Cyber Security ecosystem of the Country.
Cyber Security protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information that can be critical to the survival of any business or even personal finances and welfare.
Businesses must clearly understand the threats, vulnerabilities, and information security risks to better protect their data and choose Cyber Security safeguards and measures according to their landscape and needs. Understanding the landscape and conditions will allow an organisation to anticipate attacks to a certain extent and deploy solutions and services to protect against these perils. These could range from compromise of critical organizational infrastructure and data breaches to phishing attacks on individuals.
While referring to cyber threats, some of the most common types are Malware, Phishing, Website Defacing, Man in the Middle (MiTM) attacks, Denial of Service attacks, to name a few. Cyber attackers can misuse an individual’s credentials or exploit vulnerabilities within a company’s IT environment to steal information or gain access to personal financial accounts, among other potentially damaging actions, which is why Cyber Security professionals are vital for keeping private data protected. We have seen an increase in Cyber Attacks related to phishing in Zambia, particularly in the mobile money markets where clients have lost millions of kwacha.
It is estimated that about 94% of malware is delivered via email. In contrast, phishing attacks account for more than 80% of reported security incidents and that a total of US $17,700 is lost every minute due to phishing attacks *.
A vulnerability could mean a particular disadvantage such as lack of adequate safeguards or weakness the organization have. Examples of this include unpatched software, which a hacker can potentially exploit. A house without any security devices such as cameras, alarms, or even security guards is at a higher risk of being broken into than those with even one of those physical security measures in place. Throw in a broken door or a window to the already vulnerable house, and chances of an attack increase manifold. Comparably, compromised or outdated Cyber Security software or weak passwords make organizations more vulnerable to hackers, thereby increasing the chances of getting hacked. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exploits (CVE) database lists more than 11,000 exploitable vulnerabilities in commonly used systems and software.
An information security risk is calculated by considering the relevant threats to an organisation, how vulnerable the organisation is given the current safeguards to mitigate against these threats, which offers a likelihood rating that the threat may materialize.
This likelihood rating must then be considered along with relevant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact ratings of information assets that may be affected should the threat occurs. These ratings combined (added or multiplied depending on the methodology used) gives an information security rating.
The highest-rated information security risks need to be managed by one of the following methods: mitigation (reduce); transfer, say, by way of taking out insurance; avoid or doing away with a system/service that is the risk, and lastly accept the risk because it falls within the organisations risk appetite. It is not as straightforward as it sounds, purely because multiple layers of complexities are associated with threats, vulnerabilities, and information security risks. For instance, a multi-layered approach is required to defend against malware attacks such as safeguards needed for email, Web, endpoints, servers, Groupware, removable media, etc. Different types of attacks must be covered, e.g., known malware can be addressed by essential malware signature protection, but variants thereof require behaviour-based protection.
In contrast, unknown or 0-day attacks require sandboxing or similar. In some cases, organisations don’t realize that their defences are compromised. In layman’s terms, a thief lying in wait for the perfect moment to strike to ensure maximum damage to the homeowner.
The most obvious signs to detect if a software/phone/laptop/device is infected is to look for any discrepancies, odd/unusual behaviour displayed by the device’s software. If compromised by ransomware, it is often easy to detect it as the hackers usually make their presence known to initiate negotiations.
Phishing emails, which look harmless on the surface, usually cost a hefty penalty when not addressed promptly. Some other examples of a system under attack are frequent crashes or pop-up windows. Unusually slow computers or frequent requests for password changes should be treated with caution since it could indicate malicious activities in the background.
Depending on the sophistication of the attacks, there is a possibility of employees never knowing that their devices were used to infiltrate their employer’s network. Hence, it is vital to ensure that businesses rely on Cyber Security professionals who are appropriately trained and have the right tools to detect any malicious activities on devices, networks, or the Cloud.
Due to cyber-attacks’ multi-faceted and complex nature, organizations should avoid approaching Cyber Security with broad-brush stroke solutions. Always take care of the basics and ensure that you have a defence-in-depth strategy with multiple layers of protection.
The elements included in the article are not new. However, with an increasing number of businesses adopting the hybrid work culture, the playground for cybercriminals just broadened overnight.
It is time to pay attention to the threats, vulnerabilities, and information security risks relevant to your organizational landscape. The reputation of businesses at stake and losing trust will always negatively impact the growth cycle of any organization.
References
Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) – 2019 (https://www.phishingbox.com/news/phishing-news/verizon-data-breach-investigations-report-dbir-2019)
El Mukuka teams up with Andre Rizo and Cephas Maseko as they deliver a 2021 Afro House revamp to the infamous Swahili love song ‘Malaika’, which is out across all digital platforms today.
Following the hit ‘Bosana’ which has already reached over 635,000+ streams on Spotify alone, El Mukuka – arguably Zambia’s top DJ and Producer – is back with a brand new single as he teams up with Andre Rizo and Cephas Maseko on the infamous Swahili love song, ‘Malaika’.
A legendary love song, ‘Malaika’ is possibly the most famous of all Swahili love songs in Tanzania, Kenya and the entire East Africa, as well as being one of the most widely known of all Swahili songs in the world. Malaika in the song’s context means “angel” in Swahili, and this word has always been used by the Swahili speakers to refer to a beautiful girl.
El Mukuka had the idea a few years ago to do a club version of ‘Malaika’. The goal was to take some of the magic from the original version and mix that with a completely new (club oriented) sonic environment. He also wanted Cephas Maseko to deliver the song in his own style, which is predominantly Afro-Jazz.
Speaking on working with Andre Rizo and bringing legendary Zambian musician Cephas Maseko in to sing on the track, Mukuka says “I loved working with Andre! He is such a talented producer and so down to earth, which is quite a rare find these days. I have been a fan of his work for many years and it’s really exciting to finally have a track out together. Doing a club rendition of one of Africa’s greatest songs came with a strong sense of responsibility. It was also a huge honor for me to have Cephas Maseko, a living Zambian legend, do the vocals and interpret the song.”
Andre Rizo has crafted a brilliant career as a DJ and Producer, so joining El Mukuka to work together on the track was a unique encounter for him. “Working with El Mukuka was a brand new experience for me because we brought together two different cultures and musical styles. It was an exciting process and I’m very satisfied with the result! The special thing for me about ‘Malaika’ is the vocal. The authenticity and warmth of the vocals combined with a deep, groovy club production is such a cool combination!” comments Andre, who is especially impressed with the inclusion of Cephas and his vocal delivery.
A great song is never forgotten and ‘Malaika’ continues to be celebrated as such with the release of this fantastic rendition by Andre Rizo, El Mukuka and Cephas Maseko.
Follow El Mukuka online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elmukuka
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elmukuka
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmukuka
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/elmukuka
Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/elmukuka
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrI6J_onQu0VlCQg6ZfmX1A
Follow Andre Rizo online:
Official Website: http://andrerizo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreRizoOffical
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrerizo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreRizo2
Members of the Central committee of the Patriotic Front, Provincial and District officials, Honourable Members of Parliament, The former First Lady, Madam Christine Kaseba, members of the Sata Family,
distinguished guests and fellow comrades.
We gather here like we have always done in the last six years to honour the memory and celebrate the life of His Excellency, President Michael Chilufya Sata, the gallant founding President of the Patriotic Front Party.
But we also come here not just to honour and celebrate the legacy of this great son of the soil, we also come to renew our hopes and commitment to the very virtues, principles and ideals that President Sata embodied. We therefore must use this occasion as a mirror to judge ourselves of how best we are doing our part, individually and collectively to ensure that the dream of our founding father, the dream of a United, Democratic and more Prosperous Zambia is kept alive.
President Sata was many things to different people: to some he was the tough disciplinarian fondly known as King Cobra; to others he was this gentle loving, jovial daddy, husband and granddaddy, however, regardless of the type of relation one shared with him, there is no debate that this is a man who was a true Patriot, an honest and straightforward man who was a passionate defender and steward of the poor and marginalised in society. He was a spokesperson for poor workers who had no one to bargain for their rights and conditions of service; he spoke and fought for that student who had grades but not the money to pursue his or her dream of pursuing university education; he fought for that poor mother selling groundnuts and tomatoes on the side walk of the road in the heat of a scorching sun and yes he spoke for that young man selling airtime on the streets. The values and principles of love , honesty, selflessness, community service and hard-work is what defined ba Sata and yes these are the same values and principles that form the cornerstone of our Party, the Patriotic Front.
Fellow comrades, distinguished ladies gentlemen, time May ease the pain and emptiness of losing President Sata but time will never erase the memories and lessons that this great man passed to all of us. No matter what calamity or difficult that may befall us, we shall hold on to the vision and spirit of bashi Chilufya.
Today, we find comfort in our broken hearts knowing that we as the Patriotic Front while in Government worked tirelessly to fulfil some of the key social and economical milestones that His Excellency President Micheal Chilufya Sata had embarked on: we built roads, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, colleges and universities across the breadth and width of our great country, leaving no one behind. We laid a firm foundation for social and economic prosperity for all by pushing a momentous and ambitious infrastructure development agenda. Today, with just a tap on the screen of a phone, a farmer is able to purchase his farming inputs because he has access to a robust communication network; today a grand mother in a tiny village of Mugubudu doesn’t have to worry about the absence of a bank because she can receive money for her food from her grand daughter in Mufulira at a nearby mobile booth. Today, many of the people are connected to the national electricity grid or they have at least got access to alternative sources of energy, which is the blood line of industrialisation, job creation and poverty reduction.
Yes, we have made mistakes in our line of duty, yes we have at times come short of our people’s expectations and yes we have at times broken their trust and for that we render our sincere APOLOGIES. In the same vein, we want to assure all our people that we have done an honest self introspection and we have reformed our hearts and minds and that we shall emerge stronger and better.
President Sata was a very unique and generous person. He taught us to love one another; to share the little we have. He taught us to be each other’s keeper and work and sacrifice not for ourselves but for those that look to us for help and guidance. We must always strive to hold on to these same virtues each day we live. We must put service to others above service to personal gratification. We should not use multi-party politics to divide ourselves in to regions and tribes, create a wedge between ourselves and those on the other side of the political divide because before we are PF, or FDD, or UNIP or UPND we are Zambians first. We should therefore learn that in a democracy we can’t all agree but we must not be disagreeable; even when you don’t agree with your opponent, you must recognise the fact that your opponent reserve an inalienable and constitutional right to freely express oneself and to without any prejudice or fear of retribution freely belong any political association of thier choice.
Through his trials and through his triumphs, President Sata taught us one valuable leadership lesson: we are not masters but servants of the people; it doesn’t matter how big and powerful the trappings of power might seem, the people and not the leaders are the masters. Therefore we must always serve the people with humility, dignity and honesty for they are the true masters of this country.
As I come to my conclusion, I want to say something directly to members and leaders of the mighty Patriotic Front; the Party of President Sata and the Party of choice for millions of Zambians: colleagues, there is no better way to honour the memory of this gallant son of the soil than pursuing and promoting the very values and principles that shaped his life; we must never ever let PF die. No matter the circumstances, PF must live and arise. PF is the mass movement for all Zambians and it is not for sell to the highest bidder. This not a time for small talk and petty squabbles; this is not a time for blame game and unending lamentations. This is a time for love, unity and fellowship. We must never let our momentary loss and disappointment to define our future, the future of this great party and indeed this hallowed nation. There are more lessons in defeat than in victory. We must use those lessons to build even a more dynamic, more resourceful and far reaching organisation.
The time has come for the leadership of the Patriotic Front to take stock of ourselves and ask ourselves the tough but honest questions. The time has come for some of us to accept the fact that we have done our part and it is time to give way to a new generation of leaders, leaders that will build on our collective glory and take this Party even to greater heights.
In the words of President Micheal Chilufya Sata, natutemwane.
May the soul of President Micheal Chilufya Sata continue to rest in eternal peace.
I thank you
Luapula Province Minister, Derrick Chilundia has urged contractors who have been engaged to establish an Aquaculture Service Centre in Samfya district to expedite their works.
Government through the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project (ZAEDP) has acquired a loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) to among others establish an aquaculture service center in Samfya.
Sunshare has been contracted to put up a fish hatchery, one green house, fish cage fabrication workshop and 24 fish ponds at a cost of $ 1,524,209.99 whereas Savenda projects will construct one administration block, 10 medium cost houses, one cold chain facility, one mini feed plant, access road and water reticulation system at a cost of K25,019,250.
Speaking when he toured the project site, Mr Chilundika said it was the desire of the new dawn administration to see to it that all projects embarked upon are executed on time.
The Minister has since directed those charged with the task of supervising projects to ensure that once contractors move on site, they carry out their works according to the contractual schedule.
Mr Chilundika added that his office will closely monitor the project as it was among those that will help turn around the economy of the province.
And Senior Fisheries Officer, Amon Foloweza explained that the establishment of an aquaculture service center will help address the shortage of fish fingerlings in the province.
He revealed that the fish hatchery will be able to produce about one million fingerlings per annum.
The ZAEDP project seeks to promote aquaculture as a viable and inclusive business opportunity through enhanced production to improve livelihoods of the beneficiaries along the value chain.
President Hakainde Hichilema has said that the two months he has spent in the office have revealed how millions of dollars were channeled to non-existent creditors.
Speaking yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony of Attorney General, Mr. Mulilo Dismus Kabesha, and Solicitor General, Marshall Mubambe Muchende, Mr. Felix Nkulukusa, Secretary to Treasury and Bank of Zambia Governor, Dr. Denny Kalyalya, after parliament completed their ratification, the President said that he is shocked to learn that some suppliers have been paid more than once for the goods supplied.
President Hichilema said that he was further saddened that some firms that supplied expired drugs to Government were paid millions of dollars at the expense of Zambians, adding that there is urgent need to address all illegal dealings for the country not to lose more monies.
The Head of State urged the Attorney General and Solicitor General to address certain lacunae in the constitution as they take up their offices. President Hichilema questioned how the constitution allowed him to be sworn in without the attorney general and solicitors general.
He also urged the duo to ensure that justice is expedited in Zambia’s judicial system adding that numerous cases have taken long to be concluded.
President Hichilema has also conferred Mr. Kabesha and Muchende with the status of state counsel.
President HICHILEMA also called upon Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya and Secretary to the treasury Felix Nkulukusa to address all financial loopholes.
The President tasked the duo to address the current depreciation of the Kwacha against major covetable currencies and also address financial illegalities, adding that the Ministry of Finance was broken and needed urgent repair.
Former President Edgar Lungu has described late President Micheal Sata as a patriotic defender and a steward for the poor and marginalized in society.
Mr Lungu said the late former President was a patriot defined by love, honesty, selflessness and hard work.
He said this during the memorial ceremony held at Embassy Park for late 5th Zambian President Micheal Sata who died on October 28, 2014.
Mr Lungu stated that the values that defined Mr Sata are the cornerstones for the Patriotic Party.
“Time may ease the pain of losing President Sata but it can never erase the lessons and memories that this great man passed on to all of us. No matter what calamities and difficulties may befall us, we will hold on to the vision and spirit of Mr Sata,” he said.
The former President stated that his administration worked tirelessly to complete projects that the late President had embarked on.
“Yes we may have made mistakes in our line of duty, yes we may have failed to meet people’s expectations and yes we may have broken people’s trust, and for that we can only render our sincere apologies,” he said.
He urged everyone to emulate the love that Mr Sata had for Zambia and should refrain from tribalism and other traits that can divide the country.
And Mulenga Sata, the son to the late President urged Patriotic Front (PF) party to continue upholding his father’s virtue of love and unity.
Mr Sata thanked everyone for the support rendered to the family in celebrating the life of his father.
Meanwhile, giving his homily, Godwin Mulenga from St Ignatius Parish said the late Sata will always be remembered as a man of action because he believed in hard work and sacrifice.
Fr. Mulenga said it is important as a nation to remember the former Heads of State as they have played a huge role in the maintenance of peace in the country.
He encouraged the Sata family to remain united and keep the memories of the late President fresh.
Others in attendance were former Vice Presidents Guy Scott and Inonge Wina, former Justice Minister Given Lubinda, Chishimba Kamwili, Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala among others.
President Hakainde Hichilema says the new dawn government is committed to building strong partnerships with various stakeholders in the agriculture sector in order to transform the sector’s full potential.
President Hichilema said it is government’s obligation to ensure that its population is food secure.
President Hichilema was speaking when he graced the 115th Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) Annual Congress in Lusaka today.
“As government we do not need any persuasion to work. It is inherent in us to ensure that we succeed as a government in different sectors,” the President said.
And President Hichilema noted that farming has great potential to create jobs for the Zambian people stating that it should also be used to alleviate poverty.
“Government places agriculture at the core of its transformation agenda and its intent to turn around the economy but this can be only achieved if we partner and work together. Over the years, agriculture did not realize its full potential due to lack of leadership to work with the sector and deal with issues that have been hanging on for years among them being animal and crop disease control,” he said.
President Hichilema said government and the Zambia National Farmers Union including other stakeholders in the sector have a shared understanding of reducing cost of production.
“Farming must be rewarding. We need to work together and make agriculture pay well to the farmers,” the President said.
President Hichilema appealed to farmers to increase productivity once they receive the support needed from government.
The President also noted the need for stable agriculture policies which he said can only be possible with stable consultations with farmers.
“We must make our policies attractive but only through consultations. We are available for those engagements and must be consistent,” he stressed.
And the Zambia National Farmers Union president, Jervis Zimba pledged to continue engaging with government to ensure that the agriculture sector continues to thrive.
Mr. Zimba said however that government should put in place policies that will ensure that farmers’ voices in the country are heard.
“We are blessed as a country because of the arable land and water. When the agriculture sector performs badly, effects are felt throughout the country,” he noted.
Mr. Zimba further appealed to government to work hard and ensure that agriculture products are depoliticised.
“My appeal to you Mr. President is that you consider FISP reforms. Government should be aware that in the absence of FISP, farmers have nowhere to go,” he said.
And CORTEVA Agriscience who are the main sponsor of the event, has pledged to continue supporting farmers including the emerging farmers.
CORTEVA Managing Director, Samson Nyendwa further called on government to provide an enabling environment for farmers to flourish.
“We will continue to collaborate with government and will remain a trusted partner in agriculture dispensation,” he said.
Central African Corridor Company (CACC), has called on government to enforce Statutory Instrument Number 7 compelling the movement of 30 percent of bulk and heavy cargo via railway transport.
The company is one of the cargo handlers for the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) at its New Kapiri Mposhi station.
CACC Director, Robert Conventry observed that the SI has never been operationalized since its introduction in 2018.
Mr Conventry explained that the non-enforcement of the SI has continued to negatively affect business for TAZARA and companies in the railway industry to low cargo inflow for import and export through the railway network.
Mr Conventry made the appeal when Ministry of Information and Media, Acting Permanent Secretary, Nalituba Mwale, toured TAZARA in Kapiri Mposhi to mark the 2021 SADC Day.
Mr Conventry stated that the dry port with capacity to handle over 30,000 tons of heavy and bulk cargo per month was being underutilized as it was currently handling less than 8000 tons.
” Despite Government bringing the SI into effect in 2018 it has never been implemented hence we are not getting any support from transporters moving heavy and bulk cargo on the roads, we hope that the new government will look into this issue as it is strategic to the survival of the rail industry,” Mr Conventry said.
He complained that none of the local mining companies are moving their cargo that include copper using the railway.
“All the copper that we are handling for TAZARA for now is coming from Congo, all local mining companies are not supporting us opting for the road,” he said.
And TAZARA Chief Executive Officer, Bruno Ching’andu says TAZARA has capacity to move the 30 percent from road to rail once the SI is actualized.
The 2021 SADC Day under the theme: TAZARA Operations Amid COVID-19 was commemorated in Kapiri Mposhi district to showcase the role of TAZARA in the economy and integration of the SADC region.
© Lusaka Times
