Advertisement Banner
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 831

Millions of dollars were channeled to non-existent creditors-President Hichilema

Chief Editor
-
40
Millions of dollars were channeled to non-existent creditors-President Hichilema

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 attends Sata’ memorial

Chief Editor
-
22
Former President Edgar Lungu attends Sata’ memorial

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.

My Government is committed to building strong partnerships with various Stakeholders in the Agriculture Sector-HH

Chief Editor
-
5
My Government is committed to building strong partnerships with various Stakeholders in the Agriculture Sector-HH

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.

Government urged to enforce SI compelling the movement of 30 percent of bulk and heavy cargo via railway transport

Chief Editor
-
5
Government urged to enforce SI compelling the movement of 30 percent of bulk and heavy cargo via railway transport

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 residents praise ZICTA for clamping on illegal courier and postal businesses

Chief Editor
-
7
Lusaka residents praise ZICTA for clamping on illegal courier and postal businesses

Members of the public in Lusaka have applauded the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) for the timely warning to businesses, bus operators and transporters illegally conducting postal and courier services.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, some members of the public explained that illegal courier and postal businesses were increasing in the city especially among bus operators.

Gift Chimfwembe explained that almost every bus operator especially at the intercity bus terminus in Lusaka is involved in the courier business.

Mr. Chimfwembe said the warning by ZICTA is timely as many people were losing their items owing to a lack of proper tracking systems of expected items.

He suggested that the warning by ZICTA should also be accompanied by regular inspection of the businesses.

Meanwhile, Ethel Banda said ZICTA should prosecute those found wanting to serve as an example to those conducting their businesses illegally.

She said the mushrooming of entities conducting courier and postal services seems to be growing and a close control is required to protect innocent citizens from exploitation and loss of their goods.

And, Benjamin Chanda painfully recounted how he was duped by dubious transporters and lost a bale of second-hand trousers that he depended on to start a business venture.

He stated that after sending his parcel he has not been able to trace it hence losing his hard earned money.

“We need to see the authority to take action if the illegality is to be curbed,” he said.

ZICTA has warned businesses, bus operators and transporters illegally conducting postal and courier services that they risk being fined and prosecuted if they continue operating without a licences.

Caritas Zambia Expects a National budget that Recognizes the importance of Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Chief Editor
-
0
Caritas Zambia Expects a National budget that Recognizes the importance of Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

By Edmond Kangamungazi Economic and Social Accountability Specialist

1.0. Preamble

The New Dawn government will be presenting its first 2022 National Budget on 29th October 2021. We look forward with hope and high expectation to see a national budget that recognizes the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and makes significant allocations to areas that directly have positive impact on the livelihoods of the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. One of the areas worth noting is social security. Social security is a human right. Article 22 of the UN Charter provides that “everyone has the right to social security and is entitled to progressive realization of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for their dignity and the free development of their personality”.

And article 25 states that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control”.

Social Protection is interconnected with SDGs especially numbers 1,3,5,8 and10. Infact we can say that any government that runs a good and effective soial protection programme is more likely to record positive acheivement in meeting the SDGs and vision 2030.

Caritas Zambia is looking forward to the National Budget that will respond to the socio-economic challenges that many Zambians have been facing, especially in the last ten years. Zambia’s poverty and socio-economic development statistics make sad reading. While economic growth is going down, poverty levels are going up. This situation has continued to challenge our past government as they tried to reduce poverty and economic inequality among its 18 million people. The extremely poor people account for about 42 percent of the total population while the moderately poor account for 18.2 percent. This shows that a large segment of the population in Zambia are failing to adequately meet their basic needs. According to the 2021 Global Hunger Index, Zambia has been ranked sixth among the countries categorized as serious. We need new hope and energies to tackle these social economic challenges.

2.0. Tackling Inequality

Caritas Zambia’s our work and presence across the country reveals evidence that strong progressive action by government in the areas of taxation, social spending and labour, have played a key role in reducing the gap between the rich and the poor and between men and women. While this is not the only thing governments can do to help reduce inequality in their countries, no country in history has managed to become significantly more equal without sustained government action in each of these three areas. Therefore, Caritas Zambia expects that measures are put in place in the 2022 Budget to tackle inequality. This should be seen in the way government will:

  1. Increase the proportion of total spending on public services and social protection to lift people out of poverty.
  2. Prioritize progressive taxation and ensure that tax policies recognize unequal gender roles and work to transform them, not entrench them. The government needs to ensure that the burden of value-added taxes on low-income Zambians is offset through tax credits, and that revenues generated are used for progressive purposes.
  3. Improve labour standards and legislation to provide workers with more power. This can be done for instance through, having a minimum wage pegged per hour, indexed to inflation.

3.0. Other Measures

3.1. Social sector

The fight against poverty cannot be won without meaningful investment in the social sectors (Health, Education, water and sanitation and social protection). Investment in the social sector should not be seen only in terms of increased allocations but also where the increased allocations are being targeted. The targets are as important as the allocations in ensuring quality of service delivery. If the increments are not targeted towards Poverty Reduction Programmes, then the increments would not yield positive results in the fight against poverty and equity.

3.1.2. The new government should support the creation of a signature program/funding envelope to invest and support culturally relevant quality education, that ensures the transmission of traditional languages and culture while preparing learners to fulfill their life plans for the betterment of themselves and their communities.

3.1.3 Zambia should champion a gender transformative approach to development and humanitarian work, and tackle the root causes that perpetuate gender inequality and unequal power relations. Through funding, policy development, technical support and demonstration of best practice, Zambia should be a leader in funding gender transformative programming.

3.1.4. Ensure climate investment prioritizes flows to local communities for climate adaption and resilience.

3.2. Economic sectors

The government should not be fixated on economic figures only. We acknowledge that growth figures are important however, GDP growth serves merely as an indication that a nation’s economic output is growing. It does not indicate whether the growth in output is ‘economic’ in the literal sense of increasing benefits faster than it increases costs. Only when the growth in output is ‘economic’, does sustainable well-being increase, suggesting, therefore, that the growth in a nation’s output can also be ‘uneconomic’ if it reduces a nation’s sustainable wellbeing. Caritas Zambia is concerned about the long term impact of economic growth with regards, to government overall objective; overall accrued impact on people’s livelihood and also on job creation. The real debate should be over what drives longer-term growth and government’s expectation from its growth projections.

We recommend that, in the context of the above and acknowledging that Zambia’s economy largely depends on foreign-operated industries and extractives, special attention must be paid to gross national income (GNI), rather than to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), since payments to foreign-owned businesses are likely to be substantial and do not contribute to national wealth. That is not to say that foreign investment and extractive activities cannot contribute to national wealth, indeed they can and are through adequately sharing revenues with the government and through the employment of national growth factors, mostly labour.

In addition, government should put young people at the heart of Zambia’s efforts to support inclusive economic growth, by supporting programmes that promote social and economic empowerment for girls and boys to successfully transition to decent livelihoods and work. This will help to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Some of the areas government can support include:

  • Promotion of integrated transferable skills (life-skills) training, including functional literacy and numeracy, financial literacy and savings, and resilience to natural shocks through formal and non-formal education.
  • Access to decent and practice-based productive education which equips young people with market-driven and technical skills for agroecology and industries that are responsive to the needs of the environment and ecosystems. This may include apprenticeships, internships, entrepreneurship initiatives, and vocational training in formal and non- formal education settings.

3.3. Agriculture

Caritas Zambia expects the National Budget to:

  • Meet the Maputo declaration of 10%.
  • Support the establishment of a system to monitor budget performance,
  • Reduction on the allocation to FISP and Increased budget allocation to Agroecological practices, extension services and research.
  • make meaningful allocation to sustainable Natural Resource use and management.
  •  Provide for a recovery mechanism, following COVID. This will serve as a resilience package and an alternative to FISP.
  • Provide for the improvement and boasting of food systems by supporting the entire value chain including value addition.
  • Provide support to local economies that depend on agriculture through small holder irrigation schemes.
  • Speaks to the green economy, the environment, youths and women.
  • Elevate the value of local solutions to drive the local economic recovery and enhance livelihoods.

3.4. The Challenge of Zambia’s Sovereign Debt

It is recognized that the government is under pressure to borrow for capital projects, finish up some of the infrastructure development and deliver its election promises. However, continued borrowing by the government from the country’s limited savings has an adverse impact on interest rates. The government is competing with the private sector in getting funds from banks, and as such is crowding out private sector investment while pulling interest rates upwards. This policy limits private sector employment creation, as such small business owners and citizen-entrepreneurs are denied access to local funds. This is largely because interest rate is too high for them to make any business sense from credits. We therefore recommend that government should reduce the domestic borrowing through building a trust based, simple, neutral, tax system with almost no exemptions and low rates designed to promote voluntary compliance. Today we are losing millions of Kwachas through tax avoidance and tax evasion that is amplified by tax holidays, tax incentives and corruption.

3.5. Employment

We expect the government to put employment target as a macroeconomic indicator. Empowering people with respectable jobs that ensure sustainable livelihood to individuals and their families is one of the best and effective ways of unblocking the resources and empowering the local people. Macroeconomics targets become meaningless if they do not translate into any tangible positive effect in people’s lives. We however, acknowledge that it is not enough to have indicators only – this should be accompanied by employment strategies that the government will need to use to generate decent jobs.
Apart from the employment indicator, we expect the government to also introduce health and education indicators. This will help us to know what government is aiming to achieve in its respective policies and financing to the said sectors.

In conclusion, Caritas Zambia expects government to fulfill its election promises by making sure that the needs of citizens drive the budget formulation and contents and that close collaboration, meaningful engagement and dialogue with citizens and stakeholders, including private and public sector, communities, and civil society organizations, becomes the feature of the implementation of the budget. We look forward to close engagement with the government in the 2022 National Budget, and also we urge government not to shy away from altering/changing allocations and areas of funding once parliament and other stakeholders suggest any reasonable changes to be made. It is pointless to have parliament debate figures they know will not change Given on the 28th of October, 2021

Ngonga Called Up For Qatar 2022 Dead-Rubber Dates

sports
-
2

Nkana striker Alex Ngonga has received his second Chipolopolo call-up under Beston Chambeshi as the team kicks off preparations for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup dead-rubber Group B qualifier matches against Mauritania and Tunisia.

Chipolopolo hosts Mauritania in their penultimate Group B match on November 13 and visit Tunisia on November 16.

Ngonga gets another chance to honour a call-up after failing to report for training camp in August ahead of Zambia’s opening Group B dates against Mauritania away on October 3 and Tunisia at home on October 7.

The Nkana striker has been in good form this season in which he has scored four goals after eight rounds of matches played.

Ngonga is one of 20 home-based players who head into camp this weekend in Lusaka who include his Nkana teammate and goalkeeper Kelvin Malunga plus Green Buffaloes defender Jack Ngulube.

There is also a recall for Nkwazi goalkeeper Charles Muntanga and Napsa Stars defender Luka Banda.

GOALKEEPERS: Kelvin Malunga (Nkana), Gregory Sanjase (Zesco United), Lameck Siame (Zanaco), Charles Muntanga (Nkwazi)

DEFENDERS: Jack Ngulube (Green Buffaloes), Prosper Chiluya, Benedict Chepeshi (both Red Arrows), Simon Silwimba, Solomon Sakala (both Zesco United), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Isaac Shamujompa (Zanaco)

MIDFIELDERS: Spencer Sautu, Dickson Chapa, Kelvin Kampamba (all Zesco United), Patrick Gondwe (Nkana), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco)

STRIKERS: Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars), Moses Phiri (Zanaco), Alex Ngonga (Nkana)

Red Arrows Win to Leave Bottom of FAZ Super League Table

sports
-
0

Red Arrows have left the bottom of the FAZ Super League table after a 1-0 away win over fellow early season strugglers Prison Leopards in a rescheduled Week 7 game played at Presidents Stadium in Kabwe.

The games lone goal came in the 15th minute through Alidor Kayembe to hand the visitors their second league win of the 2021/2022 campaign.

Arrows rise three places from bottom to number 15 on 7 points from six games played with another two matches in hand.

Prison drop a notch from 17th to replace Arrows at the bottom of the log after picking up just one point from their last five games.

Chambishi are 16th on 7 points while Power Dynamos are at number 17 on 5 points to complete that bottom four classification after the Prison- Arrows game.

Arrows have two more outstanding games against Forest Rangers at home on November 3 and a Week 1 away date against defending champions Zesco United at a date to be advised.

The backlog has come about due to Arrows ‘current CAF Confederation Cup commitments.

Maureen Mwanawasa Altered my Dad’s Will-Mirriam Mwanawasa

Chief Editor
-
25
Maureen Mwanawasa Altered my Dad’s Will-Mirriam Mwanawasa

Late Republican President Levy Mwanawasa’s daughter, Mirriam has accused her stepmother Maureen, of not sharing her father’s estate equally and altering her late father’s will.

Reacting to the court’s declaration that Mrs. Mwanawasa is bankrupt after she failed to settle over K6 million debt owed to Finance Bank Zambia from a loan obtained in 2013, Mirriam says she is worried about the remaining assets.

In her Facebook post, Mirriam claims that following her father’s death, his will was fraudulently altered to an extent properties were not properly shared.

She said the altered will was questionable thereby disadvantaging her other sister Lorna from benefiting.

“Following this information, I hope TEKA farm formerly owned and jointly owned by my late grandmother Miriam Mokola and my late father after the death of my grandma, my late father incorporated the farm and changed names from TEKA Farm to MIPACHIMA farms before he passed on and when he died, the will of my late father was fraudulently altertered to an extent where properties of my late father were not properly shared because the will itself was questionable thereby disadvantaging my other sister Lorna from benefiting any property,” she said.

Mirriam also accused her stepmother of not surrendering title deeds to her and other children.

She further allege that she only received K15,000 after the death of her father.

“She took advantage of being administrator to our late father’s estate and presided over everything. Out of my late father’s benefits, I only received k15,000 which was not enough to settle my issues. As we speak now government is building a house for the late President Mwanawasa and currently the care takers and people staying in the same said government funded house are her family members. Her brother and wife and her sister and husband,” Mirriam claimed.

She called on the court to preside over the matter and further remove her stepmother as administrator of her fathers assets.

“My question is, if the court allows our farm land to go just like that, where will I stay because Iam currently staying at my grandma’s farm and I will not accept to be displaced over my step mother’s debts, the money that never benefited me or my children,” she said.

“She currently drawls [sic] a salary from government and I fail to understand how she failed to settle her debts because whatever money that she gets only benefits her,” said Miriam.

“I’m forced to comment because I will not accept injustice to continue. And I pray for God’s intervention in this matter in Jesus Christ Name.”

And when contacted for a comment, Mrs Mwanawasa refused to comment.

Miriam Mwanawasa has alleged that her step mother Maureen altered late president Levy Mwanawasa’s will.

On Tuesday, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) announced the suspension of Maureen from practicing law.

LAZ also closed her late husband’s law firm, Levy Mwanawasa & Co, describing it as a one-man firm.

“Take notice that the above-named Legal Practitioner has been suspended from practicing law with immediate effect. By this notice, the said Practitioner is not to appear in any Court of Law/Tribunal and should not file any Court process of whatever nature until further notice from the undersigned,” read the LAZ letter dated October 22, 2021.

“Since the firm under the name and style of (Messrs Levy Mwanawasa & Co.) is a one-man firm, it is further ordered that the said firm be closed with immediate effect.”

The letter was also copied to, among others, acting Chief Justice Michael Musonda

Nkombo urges civic leaders to understand the legal framework that guides running of councils

Chief Editor
-
12
Nkombo urges civic leaders to understand the legal framework that guides running of councils

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo has asked councillors to understand the legal framework that guides the running of councils for them to operate with the law.

Mr. Nkombo has also implored councillors to understand the United Party for National Development (UPND) manifesto for them to work in tandem with the goals of the new dawn government.

Speaking in Kitwe yesterday when he officiated at the orientation workshop for councillors and chiefs in the local government manual and operations of the council, Mr. Nkombo said it is important for councillors to understand and appreciate what is expected of them in their course of duty.

“The expectations of the new dawn government is that all developments being undertaken will be in line with the UPND manifesto aimed at taking development closer to the people,” Mr. Nkombo said.

The Local Government Minister said the orientation workshop will enable civic leaders to understand their work environment, the local government system as well as their respective roles and responsibilities.

He explained that the new dawn government acknowledges that local authorities and their leaders are better placed to respond to the needs of people in communities.

Mr. Nkombo said that is why government decided to build capacities of councilors and enable them address challenges that they might encounter in their course of duty.

He further noted that addressing the challenges of the local communities will largely depend on the civic leaders’ ability to make and implement policies that will add value to the lives of people in respective local authorities.

And Mr. Nkombo has urged the councilors to work together despite their diverse political affiliation in order to serve their people effectively.

And Kitwe Mayor Mpansa Mwaya has appealed to government to improve the conditions of service for councilors.

“For us to walk and talk with you, we need to be motivated,” Ms. Mwaya said.

She thanked the Minister for organising the orientation workshop which she said has so far opened up the minds of the civic leaders regarding what is expected of them.

Earlier, Mr. Nkombo met four chiefs from North Western province who promised to work with government it its quest to develop the country.

Speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, chieftainess Nyakulenga wished President Hakainde Hichilema and his new dawn government success and God’s blessings as he governs the country.

During the meeting, Mr. Nkombo encouraged the chiefs to also understand the local government manual for them to work well with the council and avoid possible conflicts with local authorities.

He said government is in a hurry to develop the country hence it recognises chiefs as key partners in this quest.

The chiefs that met the minister are Chinyama of the Luvale people, Kakoma of the Lunda, Ingwe of the Kaonde people and chieftainess Nyakuleng’a of the Lunda people, all of Western Province.

ACC concludes another search on Amos Chanda’s residence just before midnight, seize some documents

Chief Editor
-
32
ACC concludes another search on Amos Chanda’s residence just before midnight, seize some documents

18 Officers from the Anti Corruption Commission last night concluded a search of the residence of former President Edgar Lungu’s Press Aide Amos Chanda.

Mr Chanda narrated that the search at his residence and that of his sister in law ended at 23:30 Hours.

“They seized the attached documents which include farmworkers payrolls, copies of my diplomatic passport and the old green passport; 2007 Stanbic bank deposit slips, letters of termination of employment for some farm workers, Lusaka City Council valuation certificate,” he said.

“And sadly one of the officers Chris Siwakwi assaulted my sister-in-law and threatened to pull a gun on me if I did not stop preventing him from throwing the medication box on the floor. We have file this assault complaint with their team leader.”

Earlier in the day, another search was conducted at Mr Chanda’s property in State Lodge where they seized a title deed and K95,000.

He described the conduct of the officers who did the search as pure harrassment and lawlessness.

He said the search was illegal because the listed property on the search warrant do not belong to him.

“This is pure harassment and lawlessness, they told me under the UPND they have political impetus to clean up, alleging indirectly that the President has told them to do that, why should the President have interest against me, an innocent person, ” he said.

He warned people using him as a scape goat to leave him alone as he earned his property through hard work.

Mr Chanda said he will be seeking legal advise against the conduct of the officers.

“I think it has become fashionable for corrupt elements within the law enforcement agencies to use innocent people like me as a scape goat in their doings.I know there is a so called Section 80, were a call to corrupt people is being made to surrender properties corruptly acquired,I am not available for section 80, I have not stolen any single cent, I am not available for criminal behavior happening within the law enforcement agencies were at night they bully you then in the morning they ask for kickbacks so that they drop the charges.I am not going to give any single cent to any officer because I am not corrupt,” he said.

He further disclosed that has become fashionable even in the previous administration to try to use him as a scape goat to hide corruption or incompetence.

” I will not tolerate that, I went to school and I earned a decent living, those with evidence should do it in a proper manner within established ways.If they have any credible case against me they must do it an open court.

Mr Chanda said ACC in its current form cannot prosecute any case because of its incompetence.

MIDWEEK PROS HIT LIST: Shonga Makes Forgettable Debut in Egypt

sports
-
0

Some of our notable Chipolopolo exports were in mid-week action for their respective clubs.

=EGYPT
Striker Justin Shonga made a forgettable debut for Ismaily on Wednesday in their 4-0 home loss to last season’s runners-up Al Ahly.
Shonga was substituted in the 46th minute.

=SOUTH AFRICA
Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata continues to enjoy first team action at his new club and fourth positioned Sekhukhune United and was between the posts in Wednesdays 2-0 home win over Amazulu who were fresh from their debut CAF Champions League group stage qualification after eliminating TP Mazembe over the weekend.
Amazulu midfielder Augustine Mulenga was substituted in the 46th minute.

=RUSSIA
Striker Evans Kangwa put Arsenal Tula ahead in the 32nd minute in their 1-1 away draw against Veles in a Russia Cup Group 3 match.
Kangwa was substituted in the 72nd minute while his brothers Kings came on in the 61st minute.

=SCOTLAND
Striker Fashion Sakala came on in the 77th minute of Rangers 2-2 home draw against Aberdeen but was not on target.


=ENGLAND
Midfielder Enock Mwepu scored his debut goal for Brighton on Wednesday night in their 4-2 post-match penalty loss away to Leicester City in an English League Cup 4th round tie.
Mwepu, who came on in the 56th minute with Brighton trailing 2-1, to equalize with a header in the 71st minute.
Patson Daka played the full 90 minutes but was not on target in regulation time.
Mwepu failed to convert Brighton’s fourth penalty after Patson had given Leicester a 3-1 lead in the shootouts.
Leicester will know their quarterfinals opponents when the last eight draws are made on October 30.

=DENMARK
On Tuesday, midfielder Lubambo Musonda’s Danish second division side Horsens were eliminated from the DBU Cup 3-1 on post-match penalties after their last 16 tie ended 1-1 at fulltime.
Lubambo was not on target and was substituted in the 77th minute.

Nchanga Rangers Fire Coach Israel Mwanza

sports
-
1

Nchanga Rangers have fired coach Israel Mwanza eight games into the 2021/22 FAZ National Division 1 season.

Club President Patson Nyirenda said Nchanga and Mwanza have seperated on mutual agreement.

Nchanga are tenth in the league with 10 points from eight matches played.

“In order to rescue our season Exco (Executive Committee) has decided to mutually seperate with the head coach Mr Israel Mwanza, Assistant Mr. Benson Chiwaya and the Physical Trainer Mr Charles Mwale,” Nyirenda said.

Nchanga have two wins, four draws and two losses.

Mwanza was re-hired by Nchanga last February after he resigned from Chambishi F.C.

The club has since announced the promotion of assistant coach Enos Silwimba to the role of interim head coach.

“The Second Assistant Mr. Enos Silwimba will take charge of the team in an interim capacity until ExCo appoints a permanent head coach. He will be assisted by youth coach Willie Chimpinde, while goalkeeper trainer Pascal Kasonde will continue until further notice,” Nyirenda said.

Meanwhile, Nchanga last played in the FAZ Super Division in 2018.

First Lady Mutinta won’t form her own NGO, will work with existing Organisations to promote women empowerment

Chief Editor
-
31
First Lady Mutinta won’t form her own NGO, will work with existing Organisations to promote women empowerment

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema has announced that she will not form her own Non-Governmental Organization but will support already existing organizations.

Mrs. Mutinta said her main focus will be the empowerment of women at all levels of society.

She also indicated that she will seek to bring attention to issues of youth empowerment and early childhood development.

“However we will not be limited to these three but accommodate other areas of need. My aim is to work with existing NGOs, community schools, and various cooperatives countrywide to support the tremendous work they are already doing,” she stated.

Mrs. Hichilema said this on Wednesday when she hosted the first meeting of the Ministerial Spouses Chapter at State House

“Empowering our women will lead to improved socio-economic gains for families in the vulnerable communities of our country,” she said.

During the meeting, Mrs. Hichilema urged the minister’s spouses to take an active role in rebuilding the lives of our people, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Our country has many challenges and the work of rebuilding the nation cannot be left to the official organs of government alone. We must all play a part as citizens and indeed as spouses to servants of the people,” she said.

She added, “I invite you all to join me in playing our part in rebuilding the lives of our people, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. There is indeed much to be done but I have chosen to focus on a number of areas which are close to my heart.”

“With regards to early childhood development, we aim to educate and develop our children to become confident citizens that will contribute positively to society. I believe this will also contribute to a drop in the rates of early pregnancy and various social ills. My fellow mothers, sisters, and friends, let us identify the vulnerable groups in our areas and offer appropriate support.”

The Minister's spouses met at State House in Lusaka.
The Minister’s spouses met at State House in Lusaka.
THE First Lady Mutinta Hichilema(r) to the Principal media officer , Marise Haefner when the Minister's spouses met the first Lady at State House in Lusaka.
THE First Lady Mutinta Hichilema(r) to the Principal media officer , Marise Haefner when the Minister’s spouses met the first Lady at State House in Lusaka.
THE First Lady Mutinta Hichilema(r) confers with Mate Musokotwane when the Minister's spouses met her at State House in Lusaka.
THE First Lady Mutinta Hichilema(r) confers with Mate Musokotwane when the Minister’s spouses met her at State House in Lusaka.
THE First Lady Mutinta Hichilema(left) is welcomed by Annie Kasuswe when the Minister's spouses met her at the State House in Lusaka.
THE First Lady Mutinta Hichilema(left) is welcomed by Annie Kasuswe when the Minister’s spouses met her at the State House in Lusaka.

Lack of Experience by HH will endanger Zambia’s National Security-Wynter Kabimba

Chief Editor
-
37
Lack of Experience by HH will endanger Zambia’s National Security-Wynter Kabimba

Former Justice Minister Wynter has said that he was disappointed to read on social media the State House press statement on the name and identity of the newly appointed Director-General and Deputy Director of State Intelligence.

Reacting to the statement released by State House that President Hakainde Hichilema had with immediate effect terminated the contracts of Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) Director-General, Hector Sikazwe, and his deputy Edith Mwenya, and replaced with Mr. Friday Nyambe as Director-General and Mr Francis Mwale as Deputy Director-General, Mr. Kabimba said that was unprecedented in the history of our country and the intelligence community in many countries.

Mr. KAbimba said that what President Hakainde has done was to expose the new DG to risk situations that may not be apparent now but could pose a national security breach for the country in the future.

Below is the full statement

Lack of Experience by HH will endanger Zambia’s National Security-Wynter Kabimba

Copy, cut and paste seems to be the hallmark of the so-called New Dawn government so far. I was flustered and overly disappointed as a citizen who has worked for several years both in the local government service and open civil service as minister of justice to read on social media the State House press statement on the name and identity of the newly appointed Director-General and Deputy Director of State Intelligence.

This is unprecedented in the history of our country and the intelligence community in many countries. However, the answer is simple.

The United States of America does it and it should therefore be the same here according to the so-called New Dawn government. But the American system is different from ours. In the US the appointment of the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) must be confirmed by the Senate at an open hearing after his/her appointment by the President. In the Zambian system, there is no ratification by the parliament of the person appointed as director of State Intelligence.

The reason for this non-ratification by parliament and hence non-exposure is to ensure that such an individual remains part of the state secret by nature of his responsibilities. It is also intended to guarantee his/her personal security against other foreign agencies and individuals.

What President Hakainde has done is to expose the new DG to risk situations that may not be apparent now but could pose a national security breach for the country in the future. But if you do not have the experience and you are not willing to learn because you knew it all, such is where we stand as a country today and I am certain more shock waves are still on the way

1...830831832...5,648Page 831 of 5,648

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times