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Investigate suspicious recruitment of 3,000 teachers

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Investigate suspicious recruitment of 3,000 teachers

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has demanded that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Zambia Police should professionally investigate the suspicious recruitment of over 3,000 teachers by the Teaching Service Commission.

Executive Director, Aaron Chansa told the media that it is shocking that the Teaching Service Commission is expressing ignorance over the matter which he described as a pure scandal.

Mr. Chansa added that it is surprising that the Anti- Corruption Commission and the Police have remained mute over the widely reported unclear recruitment of teachers.

“We are demanding that ACC and Police help this country by professionally and swiftly investigating this matter as a lot of people have been affected,” he said.

He stressed that a thorough investigation must be conducted to ascertain the root of the suspicious process so that those found wanting should be prosecuted.

Mr. Chansa said there have been a number of corruption allegations in teacher recruitment, promotions, and retirements in national interest, and replacements which require serious attention.

He added that the issues have tarnished the image of the teaching profession thus affecting the morale of teachers in the country.

Mr. Chansa suggested that going forward NAQEZ would like to see transparent and accountable teacher recruitment in the Ministry of Education.

“There is a need for clear policies which will facilitate and promote a favourable environment for recruiting teachers,” he said.

Mr .Chansa further noted that if this is not done, scandals will continue in the Ministry of Education which is retrogressive to the growth of the teaching profession.

I will speak for the voiceless; unlike some traditional leaders, I’ll not be attracted by money.– Chieftainess Nkomeshya

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I will speak for the voiceless; unlike some traditional leaders, I’ll not be attracted by money.– Chieftainess Nkomeshya

Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo the second has said she will continue to speak for the voiceless even if it makes her unpopular among political leaders.

Chieftainess Nkomeshya says she will continue to stand for the truth about the developmental needs of the people of Lusaka as she did before though it cost her relationship with the then Patriotic Front (PF) led government.

The traditional leader said when Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata who was accompanied by Provincial Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga, Chongwe Town Clerk Mulowa Sishumba, several government heads of departments, and councillors from Chongwe paid a courtesy call on her yesterday that unlike some traditional leaders, she will not be attracted by money.

“I know some chiefs issue statements because of money but I will continue to stand for the people. I understand my role as a traditional leader and I will not be swayed by money,” She said.

Chieftainess Nkhomeshya stated that she will support the government of the day but will speak out when wrong things are done.

She also urged the new dawn administration to complete developmental projects that have stalled before initiating on new ones.

The traditional leader highlighted the poor road network and a modern hospital as some of the needs of the people in Chongwe district.

“You are aware that this is a transit district that records a number of accidents, the hospital we have does not have the capacity to attend to a high number of patients,” she said.

Chieftainess Nkomeshya also cautioned councillors in Chongwe not to amass wealth at the expense of the electorate.

“The new President has made it clear that he will not condone caderism, you should not allocate land illegally, you should consult people on the ground to understand their needs as you develop the town,” she said.

She noted that the results of the August 12 general elections delivered a message that leaders should not focus on self-service but should service the people on the ground.

“You cannot benefit from a bumper harvest when with poor state of roads. How does the harvest reach the market?” She wondered.

Chieftainess Nkomeshya said Chongwe only benefited from the tarring of the Great East road under the Link Zambia 8000 road project.

She stated that a number of roads in the province remain in dare need of a face lift citing the Rufunsa-Shikabeta road as one that becomes impassable during the rainy season.

And Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata called for unity from traditional leaders as government starts to implement its developmental agenda.

Ms Mulyata stated that it is only with unity and counsel from people on the ground that government can take stock of the developmental needs of the people.

“We need to work together with all traditional leaders and their subjects to quickly address their developmental needs,” She said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga told Chieftainess Nkomeshya that the government was not able to complete road construction projects such as the Leopards Hill owing to lack of finances.

Mr Kamanga stated that some of the road projects were included in the infrastructure development plan for the province and that the government remains committed to upgrading them.

Construction of US$3 million cassava milling plant in Chitambo district completed

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Construction of US$3 million cassava milling plant in Chitambo district completed

The first-ever cassava milling plant in Chitambo district, Central Province constructed at a cost of three million United States dollars has been completed and handed to government.

Chitambo District Agricultural Coordinator, Katumwa Mutandi says the cassava milling plant has immense potential to contribute to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Speaking to the media after the handover ceremony of the plant from the Contractor, Hue Sheng to the Government, Mr. Mutandi said the contractor has met their contractual obligations and have finished the works adding that what remains is the official commissioning of the Plant.

Mr. Mutandi said the availability of the milling plant in the district will provide farmers within and outside Chitambo district with ready market to sell their produce and ultimately contribute to crop diversification as people will stop concentrating on maize alone.

He said the milling plant will also be able to support other sectors such as Livestock because the plant will be producing feed for both chicken and fish farmers.

“The milling plant came as a result of lack of market for our cassava farmers. Most of their Cassava used to be burned or wasted due to lack of market. That is now a thing of the past,” he said.

Additionally, Mr Mutandi said the plant will create approximately 140 jobs for the local people as machines are many and will require about 36 staff for every eight hour working shift.

And speaking on behalf of Hua Sheng, General ManagerMin Zhou said the contractor is thankful for the cordial working relationship experienced during the time frame of constructing the Plant.

“We have been working as a team in this project, we handover the keys today and we say thank you for trusting us with the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Agriculture Principal Agricultural Economist, Vincent Malata urged farmers to double their efforts in terms of cassava production as it will not make business sense if a project of this magnitude runs for three months and shuts down because raw materials are not coming through.

He said the Ministry remains hopeful and confident that farmers will produce enough cassava to ensure that the plant runs from one harvest to the other.

And speaking on behalf of the Farmers, District Cooperative Union Chairperson Richard Chisenga said Chitambo farmers are extremely happy that the market for cassava produce is now at their doorstep.

He said it is a good indication to the farmers to strongly consider increasing their hectarage.

“Years back; we had nowhere to take our cassava. It used to get rotten in our fields or sheds. The coming of this plant is a huge relief to us as we are now certain beyond doubt that we will sell our cassava and raise more revenue for ourselves,” he said.

Mr. Chisenga called on the Ministry of Agriculture to help farmers with new cassava varieties so that it helps boost the morale of the farmers beyond their expectations.

The Cassava Milling Plant is an infrastructural project supported by government under the Agricultural Productivity and Market Enhancement Project (APMEP).

Chitambo District currently boasts of 6,000 hectares of cultivated cassava with 4,420 registered cassava farmers.

Here is why HH has been invited to the White house by Biden

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Here is why HH has been invited to the White house by Biden

By Mwansa P. Chalwe snr

President Hakainde Hichilema has been invited for a meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House while in the US attending the United Nations General Assembly. This is rather unprecedented for a newly elected African President, hardly a month in power.

During the same period, whilst in the United States, he will hold high level meetings with the International Monetary Fund Managing Director, Ms.Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank President Dr. David Malpass, World Bank President, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Mendez, and other high level meetings.

As Zambians, we should be proud of the White House invitation and the other high level meetings our President will hold because it shows the general recognition by the international community of the rare feat of the peaceful transfer power from an Incumbent to the Opposition that we have achieved for the third time in 30 years. However, care must be taken by not looking at these gestures from the superficial angle but rather recognize the underlying motivations. These are undoubtedly geopolitical and economic in overtones involved, and it is that context that the visit should be looked at also.

The United States of America has paid insufficient attention to the African continent at the highest levels of government in recent years. China has taken full advantage of this and emerged as an economic and political power house on the continent. In Africa, China’s growing economic influence is there for all to see. Beijing has mobilized its vast government financial resources and invested in infrastructure projects in exchange for natural resources. China has extracted multiple layers of benefits from these investments which include service contracts for Chinese firms, creation of jobs in China through raw material supplies for projects, creation of a market for Chinese finished goods, political favours from African governments on foreign policy issues at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, and a positive international image of China being a friend of Africa who provides aid with no strings attached. China’s approach to Africa has posed a challenge to U.S. interests in promoting democracy, good governance and sustainable development in Africa.

On taking over, the Biden administration recognized this increased Chinese influence in the World including Africa. And in response, they have enacted the Strategic Competition Act of 2021 and are resetting the US African Policy. The Strategic Competition law is designed to counter China’s growing influence around the world. It frames Beijing as a “political, diplomatic, economic, military and ideological power” and a strategic competitor to U.S. and its partners

The entire US government machinery has been uneasy about the Chinese influence in Africa and Zambia is no exception. President Biden outlined his concern about China’s influence in the World during his first press conference after being sworn in.

“I see stiff competition with China. China has an overall goal — and I don’t criticize them for the goal. But they have an overall goal to become the leading country, the wealthiest country in the world and the most powerful country in the world,” Biden said. “That’s not gonna happen on my watch,” he said.

He was supported by the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Robert Menendez, the Democrat of New Jersey, who described the Strategic Competition legislation as an unprecedented, bipartisan effort to mobilise all American strategic, economic, and diplomatic tools to enable the US government to compete effectively with China and the challenges it poses to its national and economic security for decades to come.

“China is strategic competition. China today is challenging the United States and international community across every dimension of power – political, diplomatic, economic, innovation, military, even cultural – and with an alternative and deeply disturbing model for global governance,” said Robert Menendez, and the committee’s chairman who is one of the people that President HH will have a meeting with.

In view of China’s success in Africa, there appears to be a growing realization in the U.S that Africa is more than conflict and poverty but it represents important opportunities in trade and investment.
The African American Congressman who has been concerned and very vocal about Chinese influence in Africa and wanted US to be more involved in the continent to counter China, is Congressman Gregory Meeks of the New York’s 5th District who is the Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“The United States sees strengthening US-Africa economic ties as a priority. America’s capital markets, pension and investment funds, and financial institutions are leaders among their global peers, and are uniquely positioned to play a key role in meeting Africa’s capital needs. In our absence, African nations will continue to seek capital, assistance, and technology from those who do not share our values and priorities for democracy, good governance, human rights, and environmental protection. America has every economic, strategic, and national security reason to prioritize our relationships with Africa,” he said.

The World has seen the erosion of democracy and human rights in the past five years as autocratic leaders have been emboldened by the former President Trump’s administration and China. Zambia has been one of the countries whose democracy was under threat before the August 12, 2021 elections.

According to Varieties of Democracy Project based at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Zambia had been one of the fastest eroding democracies in the world. The country registered a remarkably rapid decline in the quality of democracy since 2016 until the PF lost this year’s elections.

It is common knowledge that the US has made the promotion of democracy and human rights as the number one foreign policy objective as part of its competition with China which supports Authoritarianism. In July, 2021 the Secretary of State Antony Blinken was reported by Politico to have issued a cable to all embassies to make the promotion of human rights and democracy a priority, even in countries with abusive governments that happen to be U.S. allies.

Zambia happens to be one of the closest countries to China in Africa. The Chinese influence in Zambia went up a few notches in the past ten years. The level of Chinese investment and debt has increased. There are more than 600 Chinese companies operating in Zambia employing about 50,000 locals. The Chinese population in Zambia was estimated at 80,000 in 2019, according to the UN World Population study.
The Chinese influence was also demonstrated by the Zambian government attempt to recruit Chinese Nationals in the Police service in 2017.And more recently, in 2020, the enforced apology of former Lusaka Mayor, Mile Sampa to the Chinese community for trying to make them abide by Zambian laws was further evidence how China held sway in Zambian affairs. These events and other events did not go down well with Zambians. The local cynics even nick named Zambia as “Chambia”. There are also some international analysts who have called Zambia as China’s poster Child in Africa. Although the issue of China did come up on the campaign trail, it was clearly there under the radar and in voters’ mind. There is no doubt that one contributing factor to the PF’s loss was its perceived capture by the Chinese.

It against this background of the geopolitical ecosystem obtaining currently, that the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema should be seen. And in the light of Zambians’ successful removal of the Lungu dictatorship through democratic elections, and the peaceful transfer of power, the US saw this as part of its success in the promotion of democracy and human rights and its fight against authoritarianism. The US invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema to the White House, is therefore, in a nutshell, simply the implementation of the Strategic Competition Act of 2021 and the US Reset of African policy to counter Chinese influence.

President Hichilema has made good governance through the promotion of democracy and human rights, rule of law, fight against corruption and the freedom of the press as the centre piece of his administration. The President’s speeches since he was elected, have been well received in the democratic world and by the financial markets. Zambians are also feeling freer no longer in fear.
There is a word of caution, however, that the new dawn administration of HH should be aware of. It would be unwise to give the impression that Zambia is expressly taking sides between China and USA/West. Zambia should welcome the competition for influence between the United States of America and China as it can bring a lot of developmental benefits to the country. We should not choose one from the other as the two are complementary. Zambia ought to develop its own development model based on copying and adapting the good features from both models – Washington Consensus and the Beijing Consensus-to fit in its unique environment.

Although, it may appear as self-promotional, as a Patriot, I would be failing in duties to make certain timely recommendations to our President. I would edge President Hakainde Hichilema, Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo, Special Assistant to President Antony Bwalya and other Senior government officials in the foreign service to read a few selected and relevant Chapters in my book: China-West battleground in Africa: Debt ridden Zambia, before they go to the United States.

The book will provide them with fast track knowledge on how to handle Zambia’s relationship with the current economic super powers – China and the USA- based on very current information as demonstrated by this article’s attributions. The book has been accepted to be catalogued in the United States Library of Congress, the largest library in the World with 170million publications. The library does not just stock any publication unless it is adding value to the body of knowledge that it currently has. It follows that the book’s credibility cannot be doubted.

The writer is a Chartered Accountant and Author. He is a retired international MSMEs Consultant and an independent financial commentator. He is also an Op-Ed Contributor to the Hong Kong based, Alibaba owned, and South China Morning Post (SCMP) .Contact: [email protected]

Most of the contents of this article are abridged excerpts from my book whose link is below.
CHINA-WEST BATTLEGROUND IN AFRICA: DEBT RIDDEN ZAMBIA: Why U.S. May Lose Geo-Economic Competition to China https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097DVXBKH/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_glt_7PR5H7YBZZ14FCDNT54Y

We will deal with the Constitution but priority is job creation-HH

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We will deal with the Constitution but priority is job creation-HH

President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration will initiate Constitutional amendments to deal with issues that are not clear. President Hichilema however stated that the main priority for his administration is to create jobs and business opportunities for Zambia.

He said Constitutional review process will be consultative and will not be handled like the Bill 10 process.

President Hichilema was speaking in Lusaka on Thursday when he met a group of senior citizens under the umbrella of Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for all and led by Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu.

“On the Electoral processes raised by the senior citizens, just like during our address to Parliament, our being in State House is largely due to the Youths out there who we are now calling as a ‘New generation of the Liberation Struggle’ and pioneers of their future,” President Hichilema wrote on Facebook.

“We have put in place expeditious plans for jobs, business opportunities, education and quality health care services for all and in a matter of time, this will be actualised. Under this score, we also stated that whilst in office, we will ensure an independent Electoral Body,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema with a group of senior citizens under the umbrella of Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for all
President Hakainde Hichilema with a group of senior citizens under the umbrella of Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for all

Meanwhile on matters related to the Country’s constitution as raised by the senior citizens, President Hichilema emphatically stated that this will be looked at and that issues that are not clear and eventually leading to a sitting Head of State going for a third term, will be amended to make it clear and strict that a sitting Head of State should only run as per the Constitution requirement and that’s two terms only.

“We also stated that under this exercise, we will ask you, the citizens on what should be contained in the Constitution and that we will not in any way go the direction of the past Bill 10. This will be a consultative exercise,” he said.

“However, we did underscore that top on our agenda is now job creation, business opportunities, education and quality health care services for all and paramount to these also is the lowering of the cost of living.”

President Hichilema stated that the corruption crusade is actually in effect and that there shall be no sacred cows.

“We also stated that the process to recover all stolen government assets is in motion and that sooner than later if not already, those involved in the plunder of public resources are and will be already crying victim. In recovering the stolen assets, we will need every hand and support. And once all these resources are recovered, our People will rejoice and we will channel all this stolen wealth to developing the Country for the betterment of all our citizens,” he said.

“However, we will not use a political hand in this fight against corruption but will instead allow institutions mandated to do so to pursue these crimes independently. We therefore call on all Zambians to support them by any means necessary. We also reiterated that those who will be found wanting will be taken through the set rules and laws and that no one should be arrested before investigations are done, and that when they are arrested if the cases will be bondable or bailable, this should be made available,” he said

He added, “We further expressed our hope that the Judiciary must expeditiously be dealing with these matters because we are in a hurry to develop the Nation but we will be methodical and systematic in the way we shall run the affairs of our Country.”

“During the meeting, we also stated that we are resolved to ensuring that national resources are distributed fairly, equitably and across the Country and that during our budget, we will ensure that decentralisation of resources is done and this will be superintendent upon by constituencies and officers to handle this will not be drawn from the National headquarters as that would be another source of corruption among others.”

President Hichilema reiterated that his administration is firmly committed to delivering the much desired change for all and in a matter of time, this will begin to be felt and indeed seen.

“We remain grateful to all of you Zambians out there for this opportunity you gave us and all your concerns are being methodically and systematically receiving the much-needed attention and we are optimistic that the benefits will at least be pleasing to all.”

President Hakainde Hichilema confers with NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale (2nr) Board Chairperson Mary Mulenga (2nl) NGOCC Board Secretary Patricia Mukumbuta (l) and NGOCC Vice Chairperson Leatitia Pupe (r) when they called on the President at State House. Thursday, September 16, 2021. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE ZANIS
President Hakainde Hichilema confers with NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale (2nr) Board Chairperson Mary Mulenga (2nl) NGOCC Board Secretary Patricia Mukumbuta (l) and NGOCC Vice Chairperson Leatitia Pupe (r) when they called on the President at State House. Thursday, September 16, 2021. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE ZANIS

President Hichilema commended for supporting fishing farming industry

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President Hichilema commended for supporting fishing farming industry

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Mufumbwe District has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for his commitment to developing the fish farming industry in the country.

This follows remarks made during the President’s first official opening of the 13TH National Assembly where he indicated that his administration will focus on the promotion of fish farming across the country, fingerling production, and hatcheries throughout the country.

Mufumbwe District Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator, Bonna Zulu told the media in an interview today that his department is elated with the commitment because Mufumbwe is already endowed with a lot of advantages in fish farming.

Mr. Zulu explained that good soils for pond construction, availability of water resources, and the weather are some of the factors that support fish farming in the district.

The Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator stressed that his department has qualified staff to help provide expert guidance to farmers willing to venture into fish farming.

President Hichilema made his first speech in parliament during the first official opening of the 13th National Assembly out of which a number of development agendas for the country were presented.

Water shortage resolved next month

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Water shortage resolved next month

Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company (LWSC) has confirmed that the 150 million United States dollars Kafue bulk water project will be commissioned in the second week of October 2021.

LWSC Managing Director Jonathan Kampata disclosed to ZANIS that the project is at 98 percent and could have been finished if not for the delay in the delivery of some equipment.

Mr. Kampata stated that the interruption to complete the water project is due to the delayed delivery of four transformers from China and India that have been stuck at ports due to congestion.

Mr. Kampata explained that the four transformers are expected to arrive in the country next week in readiness for testing and connection.

“The Major equipment which we are waiting for is the four transformers which are already in transit and will be arriving in the country next week, once these components are connected to power, the plant will be in full operation,” he noted.

Mr. Kampata disclosed that once the remaining components are connected, the challenge of water in Lusaka will be resolved.

“The challenges of water and sanitation services will soon be the thing of the past in Lusaka Province. The US$150 million, Kafue bulk water project, will be operational in October 2021 and it will bring relief to consumers in accessing water service,” said.

Mr. Kampata observed that over 480 thousand people in Lusaka want running water from their taps and the Water Company is working towards commissioning the project.

He explained that the company will not relent in improving water and sanitation services in the Province despite the huge demand for the commodity.

“We are way aware of the need to complete this project quickly, the constraints have been beyond our control, in terms of the supply chain interruption, in terms of having the equipment on time is what delayed the project mainly,” he stated.

Mr. Kampata has also thanked the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) for working hard towards connecting the project to electricity.

The Kafue Water bulk project will bring relief to areas such as Matero, Mandevu, Chelstone and Kaunda square.

Other places include Kanyama, Kalingalinga, Chilenje, Chalala, and Chelstone, which have been hit with challenges of water.

Unknown people attempt to exhume Coffin

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Unknown people attempt to exhume Coffin

Unknown people have destroyed 25 tomb stones and attempted to exhume a body at Kawiko cemetery in Mwinilunga district of Northwestern Province.

The assailants have further attempted to exhume a coffin of a 103 year old man who was buried on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

Northwestern Province Deputy Commissioner of Police Fred Mulenga confirmed the matter in a statement to the media today, saying the incident is reportedly to have occurred on 15th September, 2021.

“The same unknown people tempered with one grave by way of trying to exhume the coffin,” he said.

Dr Mulenga said acting on a report received from a concerned resident, Police in the area rushed to the burial site where they found destroyed tomb stones and a half way dug grave in an attempt to exhume the body.

He said police informed family members who confirmed that the tempered grave belonged to their relative Shadrick Kangwala adding that they later requested them to fill the tempered grave with soil.

Dr Mulenga said the motive behind the destructive acts still remain unknown adding that an inquiry file has since been opened and investigations in the matter instituted.

Micro ,Small and Medium Enterprises Linked to Formal Sector

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Micro ,Small and Medium Enterprises Linked to Formal Sector

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has launched the Mainstreaming Productivity, Occupational Safety and Health and Social Security in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) in the Informal Economy through Digital Inclusion project.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba says the project is premised on the need to accelerate recovery and build resilience amongst informal economy entities as a response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Tambatamba said the project will run up to the end of November 2021 and is aimed at creating knowledge sharing opportunities for actors in the sector to find the most effective and sustainable ways of supporting the informal enterprises.

She said the project will also link the informal economy to the labour market information system.

The minister further stated that suitable digital applications for delivering services to the informal economy will also be developed.

Mrs Tambatamba emphasized the importance that government attaches to the productivity improvement and technology advancement.

She said government will ensure that the recently launched national productivity policy is fully implemented as it provides pillars for the development of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises as well as for transitioning of the informal to the formal economy.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Cosmas Mukuka said the project will address informality amongst MSMEs.

Mr Mukuka was hopeful that the project will deliver digital solutions to the informal MSMEs and link them to the Labour Market Information System.

Meanwhile ZCTU has appealed to government to ensure maximum collaboration with other ministries providing various services to enhance the welfare of operators in the informal economy.

And Zambia Federation of Employers Executive Director Harrington Chibanda said Micro-Enterprises have a vital role in the development of a nation by creating employment, encouraging entrepreneurship, balancing social income and educating the workforce.

Mr Chibanda stated that the project is a step in the right direction as it will transition the informal sector into full formalization through digitalization.

Government clears off accusations on gay rights

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Government clears off accusations on gay rights

Government has refuted allegations by former Water Development Minister Raphael Nakachinda that President Hakainde Hichilema is travelling to United States in order to introduce gay rights in Zambia.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda clarified that while the UPND respects human rights, it does not promote gay rights.

Ms. Kasanda who is also Chief Government Spokesperson says the UPND government is determined to uphold Zambia’s status as a Christian nation.

She says contrary to the wild allegations, President Hichilema is slated to attend the UN General Assembly on behalf of the entire Zambian population to advance the country’s position on international issues.

“President Hichilema is being accorded a rare honour to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States of America, undoubtedly the leader of the free world. This is in recognition of Zambia’s now enhanced democracy,” Ms. Kasanda said.

And Mrs Kasanda said Mr Nakachinda is showing signs of bitterness following the UPND’s victory in August 12, 2021 general elections.

“While we acknowledge and reaffirm that Mr Nakachinda has a right to exercise his freedom of expression, we find the comments he made about the Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema to be shrouded in bitterness and inappropriate for a former cabinet minister, who should be a role model to young people,” she said.

She described Mr Nakachinda’s criticism against the Presidency as disrespectful.

“Mr Nakachinda should have exercised personal judgment and realized that it is too early for the majority Zambians to entertain criticism that borders on disrespecting the people’s president, whose victory is still being celebrated.

Mr Nakachinda during a press briefing yesterday insinuated that President Hichilema’s meeting with the US President is meant to advance gay rights in Zambia.

Sylvia Masebo warns Ministry of Heath directors

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Sylvia Masebo warns Ministry of Heath directors

Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo has cautioned directors in the Ministry not to unnecessarily delay government programmes.

Speaking when she met directors in Lusaka yesterday, Ms. Masebo warned senior ministry official officials against delaying programmes that are in line with the UPND manifesto.

She said dragging of feet in implementing presidential directives will not be condoned.

Ms Masebo said there is need for the ministry of Health to be prompt in delivering to the expectation of the public.

“What I don’t want as a minister, is if there is a directive by the President arising from the party manifesto and the parliament which is a legislative body goes to approve and we here at the ministry who are supposed to approve that begin to drag their feet,” Ms. Masebo said.

And Ms Masebo further disclosed that some functions of the Ministry will be given to local authorities.

Ms. Masebo said this is in line with the government’s policy of decentralization.

“Part of our functions in the delivery of public health services shall be passed on to the council countrywide. Even as we decentralize some of the functions, let us be cautious that we are dealing with the health and lives of people,” she said.

Speaking earlier, Ministry of Health Director of Human Resource, Frederick Mwila appealed for the permanent employment of almost 2,000 temporal health staff who were recruited in the fight against COVID-19.

“The ministry is also engaging the Ministry of Finance to have these people absorbed in the government payroll,” he said.

Mr Mwila further disclosed that 25,000 health personnel have been recruited in the last five years out of the targeted 30,000.

Ministry of Health, Director for Quality Assurance, Rosemary Mwanza lamented that her directorate is dependent on donor funding.

Dr Mwanza said funding to the department has been inadequate, making it a challenge to implement key programmes.

Meanwhile, Zambia has recorded 112 new confirmed COVID-19 cases out of 6,296 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo disclosed that 208,161 confirmed cases have been recorded cumulatively and one new Covid-19 related was recorded in Lusaka in the last 24 hours.

She announced that the cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded to date now stands at 3,636 classified as 2,726 COVID-19 deaths and 910 COVID-19 associated deaths.

‘’We currently have 941 active cases with 60 currently admitted to COVID-19 Health facilities and 881 under community management.

‘’Patients in facilities of the admitted cases, 34 are on Oxygen therapy and 9 in critical condition, a slight increase from the figures recorded yesterday,’’ said Ms Masebo.

And she indicated that 10 new admissions and 9 discharges from the COVID-19 health facilities country wide were recorded in the last 24 hours.

‘’ Patients being managed from home, we had a further 30 patients discharged from home management, having met the WHO criteria for discharge,’’ Ms Masebo stated.

She announced that the cumulative number of recoveries recorded to date now stands at 203,584.

Meanwhile In the last 24 hours, 3,642 doses of Johnson and Johnson and 203 Dose 1 and 1,313 Dose 2 AstraZeneca and 28 Dose 1 Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines where administered in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of doses administered to date to now stand at 631,466.

Ms Masebo further appealed to mothers and families not to shun visiting health facilities to access various health services in the era of COVID-19 as measures have been in place to protect the citizenry.

President Hichilema calls for strengthened Zambia-US ties

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President Hichilema calls for strengthened Zambia-US ties

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for the need to nurture bilateral relationship between Zambia and the United States of America.

The Head of State was speaking when the United States of Embassy Charge d’Affaires David Young paid a courtesy call on him at State House yesterday.

President Hichilema emphasized on the need to nurture and preserve the cordial and longstanding relationship between the two nations for the mutual benefits of both countries and their respective peoples.

The President reiterated Zambia’s commitment to enhancing and upholding democratic principles, transparency and good governance, accelerating the provision of quality healthcare services for all and including ensuring continental peace and security.

President Hichilema further indicated his desire to use the upcoming 76th session of the United Nationals General Assembly in New York to showcase the new dawn administration’s commitment to global conversations on climate change, COVID-19, poverty and conflict related people migration as well as the need to end the growing trend of human trafficking.

And David Young said the US government is eagerly waiting to welcome President Hichilema and his delegation on their maiden official visit to the United States of America.

Mr Young informed the President that US government was ready to engage the Zambian government in broad-based bilateral talks on unlocking more development support for Zambia in areas of agriculture, health, promotion of democracy as well as support for COVID-19 response mechanisms.

This is according to a statement made available to the media by Special Assistant to the President and Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya

Small-scale miners welcome SME ministry

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Small-scale miners welcome SME ministry

Small-scale miners on the Copperbelt have welcomed the creation of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises saying it will enhance the growth of the Small and medium businesses.

Speaking in an interview with the media in Kitwe yesterday, Chapamo Mining Limited Eexecutive Officer, Kelvin Tembo said the creation of the Ministry gives the smallscale traders a place where they can present their challenges and get help from.

Mr. Tembo has since appealed to government through the new Ministry to help them access financial resources for them to expand their operations.

“We are hoping that government will provide some form of funds through the Ministry or help us access funds from financial institutions at an affordable rate as issues of financial access had been the biggest challenge to our growth,” Mr. Tembo said.

He explained that it had been difficult for the SMEs to operate because they did not have anywhere to run for capital.

Mr Tembo urged government to either source for funds for SMEs or investors that can go into joint ventures with small scale entrepreneurs.

And Alliance for Zambia Informal Economy Association (AZIA) General Secretary Lameck Kashiwa says the government should incorporate the traders under the mandate of the ministry.

Mr. Kashiwa said the traders’ plight should be taken care of by the new Ministry as for a long time, traders have been entangled between the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Local Government for its needs hence the failure for the two ministries to adequately addresses the plight of the traders.

“There is need to remove the notion that one needs to reach a certain level pf capital to qualify to be a Small Scale Entrepreneurs, traders should be incorporated under the small and medium entrepreneurs so that they can benefit from the incentives that will be provided under the new ministry,” He stated.

Last week, President Hakainde Hichilema created the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to look into the welfare of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs.

Muchinga depots run out of empty grain bags

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Muchinga depots run out of empty grain bags

Several Food Resave Agency (FRA) depots in Muchinga Province have run out of empty grain bags halting the buying and selling process in the ongoing 2021 crop marketing exercise.

Speaking on behalf of other farmers who took their Maize to various FRA depots, Winford Simukoko complained that they have suffered a lot as they are waiting for their maze to be purchased by FRA.

Mr Simukoko said that FRA has run out of empty grain bags for repacking the maize grain leaving several small-scale farmers stranded with the commodity.

He lamented that it has become an expensive and laborious exercise of selling their commodity to FRA.

Mr. Simukoko added that some of the maize grains have started getting bad while some sacks brought in by small scale farmers have been damaged.

And when contacted for a comment, Muchinga Permanent Secretary, Captain Davison Mulenga said he is aware of the

shortage of FRA empty grain bags saying FRA management is working round the clock to resolve the situation.

‘We are aware of the situation and FRA is making frantic efforts to resolve the issue of empty grain bags,” said Captain Mulenga.

He has however appealed to farmers to be a patient as government through FRA attends to the matter.

Buying of maize by FRA has halted for almost two weeks after FRA ran out of empty grain bags in some of districts in Muchinga province.

Last week, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has disclosed that the agency had started delivering empty grain bags of maize to farmers in various satellite deports in Eastern Province and other districts in the country.

FRA Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe said the agency has engaged suppliers to supply famers with 12 million additional empty grain bags to needy depots and have since started making deliveries on a daily basis after which the bags are dispatched.

“Suppliers have since started making deliveries on a daily basis after which the bags are dispatched to needy depots, with the continuous delivery of bags to the Agency by Suppliers,” he noted.

Mr Chipandwe assured the farmers that with the continuous delivery of bags to the agency by suppliers, the situation will normalize as soon as possible.

“The Agency has observed that the situation was as a result of the bumper harvest and the attractive price being offered by FRA implying that most farmers are opting to sale to the Agency which is a good thing as this will guarantee food security for the country,” he said.

Mr Chipandwe urged the farmers to clean their maize from their homes before going to any depot as this will shorten the time they spend at a depot and will also reduce congestion, prevent overcrowding and bursting of farmers’ bags at depots.

Four foreigners convicted for unlawful entry, work in Zambia

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Four foreigners convicted for unlawful entry, work in Zambia

The Department for Immigration has apprehended four males of different nationalities for unlawful entry and work in Zambia contrary to Act number 18 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.

Department for Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka identified one of the offenders as Laison Mbewe, a Malawian male aged 38 years old , who was arrested on September 2,2021 in Chibolya Compound in Katete District following a tip off from the concerned members of the public.

He indicated that this was after it was established that he had returned to Zambia after having been removed from the country on November 29, 2016 after serving a sentence for unlawful stay in Zambia.

‘’He appeared before the Magistrate court in Katete on September 13, 2021 and was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment without an option of a fine,’’ said Mr Nshinka.

In a similar incident the Kalomo Immigration office convicted a Zimbabwean plumber identified as Samson Nkonyane aged 41 years old, for unlawful entry into Zambia.

Mr Nshinka stated that he was arrested on September 13, 2021 at Tara Council Checkpoint in Kalomo aboard a Lusaka-bound public service bus.

‘’This was after he failed to produce documentation legalizing his entry into Zambia. He was sentenced to pay a fine of K 60,000 or in default 12 months simple imprisonment,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Ndola Regional Immigration Office has convicted two foreign nationals for failing to comply with terms and conditions of their Employment Permits.

Mr Nshinka identified one of the offenders as Yueming Yan, a 48 year old Chinese male, who was arrested after being found working at Eagles Eye Transformation Limited, when his Employment Permit was issued under Mineral Junction and Transport based in Kitwe.

‘’And another Chinese male Jianqing Guo, 47 years old was also arrested for a similar offence after he was also found working at Eagles Eye Transformation Limited despite his Employment Permit having been issued under ASTOR Investment, also based in Kitwe,’’ he explained.

Mr Nshinka stated that both offenders appeared before the Magistrate Court in Ndola on September 13, 2021.

‘’Yueming Yan was sentenced to pay a fine of K 40,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment while Jianqing Guo was sentenced to pay a fine of K 3,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment,’’ he said.

Mr Nshinka has however, encouraged members of the general public with information of an individual, business, or employer who may be aiding and abetting illegal immigrants to contact the Department of Immigration.

This is contained in a statement made available to the media yesterday by Department for Immigration Office Public Relations Officers Namati Nshinka.

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