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President Hichilema demands changes in the Public Procurement Process by the time he is back from New York

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President Hichilema demands changes in the Public Procurement Process by the time he is back from New York

President Hakainde Hichilema has cautioned his administration against stealing government resources using the procurement system at the expense of the Zambian people.

The President urged that the procurement process should be done at a right price, right quality and that delivery must be timely to benefit the people of Zambia and the country at large.

“As a new administration, we should come up with efficient procurement measures that will facilitate timely delivery of material procured, with good quality and at a right price.

The Head of State has since directed Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Secretary to Cabinet Simon Miti, and ministers to ensure that specific measures are established to avoid wastage of public resources in the procurement of goods and services.

“So immediately Madam, your Honour, the Secretary to Cabinet, Ministers as I come back from New York I would like to find specific track measures that you would have made to adjust the procurement processes to allow these three principles to occur. I think that’s fair, I don’t think I’m asking for too much,” he stated.

The President added. “Madam Vice President I’m talking about working not to wait for these ceremonies every week but to move in right away to effect prudent control measures because every day we don’t do it, the taxpayers are losing money and it’s interfering with our capability to create jobs for our youths,” he stated.

And President Hichilema said he is aware of officials in the previous government who were procuring materials such as fertilizer at exorbitant prices when they could be purchased at an affordable price, a situation which should be condoned in the new administration.

The Head of State said this in Lusaka yesterday when he appointed and sworn in cabinet and provincial ministers as well as senior government officials.

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday sworn in the Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu and the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Elias Mubanga.

The President has also sworn in newly appointed provincial ministers and senior government officials at State House.

The provincial ministers that have been appointed and sworn in are Central Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa and Robert Lihefu for North Western Province, while the senior government officials include Principal Private Secretary to the President at State House Bradford Machila, State House Permanent Secretary Oliver Kalabo and Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Special Affairs Jito Kayumba.

Others are Special Assistant to the President for Project implementation and Monitoring Lawrence Mwananyanda, COVID-19 Advisor to the President Dr. Roma Chiyengi as well as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment John Msimuko.

President Hichilema urged the sworn-in officials to embrace teamwork towards achieving a common agenda of serving the Zambian people.

The Head of State further directed the new team to get to work and serve the people and the country at large by improving their wellbeing.

“As a new government we ought to know that the people decided to see change and so we have to deliver change anchored on the growth of the economy, to provide food on the table and create jobs for the people,” he said.

And the Head of State observed that without bringing the COVID-19 under control, it will be difficult to realize the dream of economic growth.

He further stated that as he goes to attend the United Nation General Assembly, the issue of addressing COVID-19 will be on top of the agenda including other African Heads of States.

The President indicated that the COVID-19 Advisor to the President has since been appointed to play a critical role to drive the agenda of fighting the coronavirus.

“The COVID-19 Advisor to the President is a circumstantial appointment. We should not relent with adhering to the measures of mitigating coronavirus because if we do, the fourth wave will greatly affect us,” he said.

The President added.” The office of the Presidency will provide direct leadership to mitigate the coronavirus. We have a programme for markets where we sell food and public places, to protect lives,”

President Hichilema stated that members of the public will see a change as clusters of advisors will bring combined skills so that State House functions perform to the satisfaction of the people.

President Hichilema further advised State House officials to relate well with their counterparts in other ministries in order to effectively and efficiently serve the people of Zambia.

“State House is not a unit to make things happen. You should begin to work together and implement measures that will be of benefit for the people,” the President emphasised.

The Head of State also urged Ministers in newly created ministries to start working on a clear note especially also in terms of tender processes.

“And for you Ministers in the new ministries, start on a clear slate. Revise tender processes. The next time I come here I want to come and share with the people of Zambia measures taken to control tender procedures,” The President said.

President Hichilema also thanked Parliament for approving suggestions restructuring of ministries and creation of new ministries.

Meanwhile, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Elias Mubanga noted that with the policies and strategies for the new administration of growing the economy, the Ministry will start on a good note.

“I love the ways of the people of Zambia, their positive thinking to create a better Zambia. We will work together to make sure we rebuild the nation together,” he said.

And Minister for Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu said the green economy cuts across all ministries and therefore his ministry will work with other ministries to develop the economy.

“I’m very excited about the ministry because the whole world, Zambia inclusive has realised that we have to maintain the eco system and other necessary areas needed for national development.

In defence of Journalism

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In defence of Journalism


By Chimwemwe Mwanza

Lawyers subscribe to an ethical code of conduct to which those in breach are stripped of their practicing licence. Fact is, there are punitive consequences for breaching ethics of this profession.
Likewise, accountants, engineers, doctors, pilots including other profession’s conduct is regulated by a set of ethics structured by respective statutory bodies. While most of these trades require graduates to obtain accreditation or at least a practicing licence for career advancement and other opportunities, Journalists aren’t required to.
In this era of rapidly improving technology, opportunists are having a free reign on Twitter, Facebook, and other digital platforms. Anybody with the ability to stitch together a sentence or two can easily appropriate to themselves a fancy title and peddle information in the name of Journalism. Indeed, the profession has provided social media gun slingers a free ride to fame much to the chagrin of thoroughbreds.

Does this trend then debunk the notion that one does not require an academic qualification or accreditation to partake in national discourse? Respected American author, Frederick DeBoer is candid about this view. He argues that academic intelligence is absurdly overvalued – in essence discounting the notion that one’s academic leaning or field of interest shouldn’t be a pre-requisite to participating in political or social discourse. Simply put: Academic credentials are overrated.

Whether his view is correct or not is debatable but what is notable is that the advent of social media and an emerging plethora of communication platforms, has led to a moral erosion to some of the core tenets of Journalism. Some of the fiction, hearsay and inuendo peddled on various communication platforms barely pass the test of truth.

Disappointingly, the fact that information shared is often misleading or lacking in credibility is inconsequential to peddlers. All that matters to their falsities is their objective which many a times border on creating fame for themselves or impugning on the character of their target. This in part is the reason for the rise in fake news. It is troubling that this has also contributed to fomenting a much bigger crisis of credibility of information in general. Suffice to add that this situation is not only unique to Zambia but the world over.

Hence this discussion. Let us be clear from the outset. In no way is this meant to insinuate that social or political discourse, news reporting or critical thinking should be a preserve of trained Journalists or academics – far from it. To the contrary, this discussion acknowledges and in good measure the fact that some of Zambia’s far-most critical thinkers and persons of influence in social discourse are in fact non-practising Journalists.

In this aspect, a few but critical examples come to mind. Drawn from cross sections of society, it is their voices, tenacity, and scholarly writing that helped to galvanise a grassroot revolt against the late President Frederick Chiluba’s bid for a third term. And most recently it is this grouping acting in concert with other political formations that fought against the previous regime’s determination to adopt the infamous draft Bill 10.

To be precise, the likes of State Counsel (SC) John Sangwa, Linda Kasonde, Laura Miti, Dr Field Ruwe, Professors Muna Ndulo and Henry Kyambalesa and Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa among others are not trained Journalists per-se yet their thought-provoking writing has not only enriched Zambia’s intellectual depth but has helped to provide critical checks and balances to respective governments of the day.
While sometimes opinionated, theirs have been arguments anchored mainly on impartiality, research, and fact. And these attributes speak to credibility which is core to ethics of this profession. Further afield, some of the best cultural and social commentators such as David Graeber, Linda Yew, Daniel Miller, and Gillian Tett among others are not trained Journalists but are anthropologists. Yet their adherence to Journalism ethics is outstanding.

Ethics and code of conduct

A schedule for a Presidential Press briefing to announce a new cabinet is released to an anxious public. Hours later, the Presidency dismisses this as fake news. Then, a list of cabinet appointees is deliberately leaked to the public only for the ruling party to dismiss it as a product of wishful thinking. Later, an allegation lacking in substantiation is then made to the effect that nearly 50% of the newly appointed cabinet ministers have skeletons in their cabinet, yet there aren’t any punitive consequences to the author. Isn’t this a case of free speech or media freedom stretched too far?
But such is the lay of our Journalism landscape, it is deeply nauseating. Yet, any well-meaning Journalist should have little difficulty to adhering to ethics of the profession. The unwritten but important Journalism rule is you do not spread false information or cause unnecessary alarm. Anything unverifiable or lacking in credibility is not worthy of distribution. The underlying message here being, think again before sending that chain mail containing fake news.
Further to this, Journalists don’t drown dissenting views with slurs or epithets. In other ways, you don’t play the man but the ball. These among several unwritten ethics are breached on daily basis much to the detriment of the profession.

Rise in social media mobs

It is thus fair to suggest that the rise of a repressive regime that had been intolerant to opposing political views has contributed to the erosion of the quality of our discourse. Yes, it is acceptable for one to be a thorn in the flesh of a regime or becoming a concerned citizen on grave matters affecting the country, but it shouldn’t be easy for propagandists to rent well-funded social media mobs whose objective is to intimidate those with views divergent to their political formations.

It is shameful that one can keep re-inventing themselves under different pseudonyms merely to discouraging opposing views. No pun intended, but fact is fact that the transition from being a chief propagandist to becoming a back bencher certainly hurts but what we must all accept is that there had to be only one winner of the just ended elections. Off course, the lesson here – including to sympathisers of the current regime – being that an uncritical backing of the government of the day by a pedestrian society can be detrimental to democracy yet those tasked with the onus of providing checks and balances must do so responsibly.

As recently explained and meticulously so by SC John Sangwa, President Hichilema has already breached the constitution barely a month into office. Can somebody prove Sangwa wrong please?

The author is an avid scholar of political history and philosophy. He has since stopped eating game meat and become a vegetarian. The only thing he supports is Kabwe Warriors and Liverpool. For feedback, contact [email protected]

Small scale farmers owed K500 million by FRA – ZNFU

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Small scale farmers owed K500 million by FRA – ZNFU

Over K500 million is still being owed to farmers by the Food Reserve Agency(FRA) for maize supplied in the 2020-2021 crop marketing season.

This came to light in Choma today when Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) President Jervis Zimba addressed farmers during an annual general meeting for the Choma-Kalomo farmers association.

Mr Zimba said small scale farmers are usually the most affected by the situation as most earn their living from maize farming.

He noted that the next farming season is soon approaching, adding that the tendency to pay the farmers during the rainy season negatively affects their farming activities.

“FRA must have a heart for the farmers. As a union, we are giving them 14 days to pay. We will take them on. We know what their act says. We know what their invoice says,” Mr Zimba warned.

However, Provincial Agriculture Coordinator Marx Choombe, who represented Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa at the meeting, could not immediately respond to the ZNFU demand but stated that the new dawn government has embarked on revitalizing the ailing agriculture sector through implementation of new measures to enhance agricultural productivity and production.

Dr. Choombe has encouraged small scale farmers to take advantage of the new environment to diversify crop production away from the maize crop to high value crops such a Soybeans and Sunflower so as to earn more money and reduce dependency on maize.

He further assured the farmers of government’s commitment to supporting value addition to agricultural produce for the growth and stability of the sector.

“As already stated by the republican President during the official opening of Parliament, government will continue the promotion of crop diversification, value addition and improved livestock production. I therefore encourage farmers to go the way with crop diversification.” Dr. Choombe said.

1,3 million Zambians living with HIV – Masebo

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1,3 million Zambians living with HIV – Masebo

Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo has disclosed that 1,3 million Zambians are currently living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Speaking in Lusaka today during the event to commemorate HIV testing, counselling and treatment day, Ms. Masebo says 95. 7 percent of people living with the virus are aware of the status.

She said of the figure, an estimated number of 92.4 percent are accessing Anti-Retroviral Treatment.

The Minister said 80. 7 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

Ms. Masebo said government is determined to ensure that the necessary goals in HIV interventions are met.

“Our goal is to ensure that we achieve all of the set targets especially those in which we are still lagging behind such as viral load suppression for people living with HIV by focusing on treatment initiatives in an effort to reach epidemic control and push towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030,” she said

She made an earnest appeal to men need to be more involved in the fight against HIV.

Ms. Masebo bemoaned that men are missing in the HIV response.

“Key to all these efforts is finding men and making them part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Available evidence increasingly points to the fact that our men are missing in the response to HIV,” she lamented.

Speaking on the same occasion, PEPFAR Country Coordinator Daphyne Williams disclosed that the United States government has this year spent 401 million US dollars in Zambia’s HIV response.

Ms. Williams said since 2004, PEPFAR has contributed a total amount of 4 billion United States dollars for Zambia’s national response to HIV.

She said to put HIV under complete control, there is need to ensure that everyone infected should get on treatment.

“If you are positive get on treatment and stay on treatment, be an example to your community and encourage others to get screened for HIV. If they are positive, encourage them to get on treatment and stay on treatment,” Ms Williams said.

And UN Resident Coordinator Coumba Mar Gadio said HIV can only come to end if HIV testing is accelerated.

Kalulushi UPND Losing Parliamentary Candidate Welcomes Suspension Of Mining Activities At Dump Sites

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Kalulushi UPND Losing Parliamentary Candidate Welcomes Suspension Of Mining Activities At Dump Sites

United Party for National Development Kalulushi losing Parliamentary Candidate Chikabala Kaleta has commended the new Minister of Mines and Minerals Development for suspending mining activities at all Mining dump sites in the country.

Commenting on the statement by the Minister that mining activities have been suspended at dump sites Kaleta said the move was commendable because the country has not benefited from the dump sites.

He said the intended beneficiaries had been duped by named individuals who had connections to Statehouse and the mines ministry in the previous administration as almost all the mining activities were carried out by the said individuals at the exclusion of local communities.

He said it was disheartening to see local people suffering when they should be flourishing especially after the pronouncements which were made by the previous administration regarding the dump sites as belonging to the local cooperatives and youth organizations.

“We happy with the move by the new Minister for suspending any mining activities on these dump sites. This has been our cry for a long time so that we can clearly identify who has been operating on these sites and take corrective measures. For Example We know that Shamrock Mineral Resources the company which is owned by a British Investor Collin Bird in conjunction with some local business men who had serious connections at Statehouse have been undertaking Mining activities at the Bwana Mkubwa Dump site without any documentation from the Mining Cadaster.

“We are also aware that the Black Mountain is one individual who has taken up almost 75% of the mining activities using proxies belonging him and his partners. This something which should not be allowed in this government. We want people to benefit from these dump sites so that they can create jobs for themselves and create wealth within communities. So we happy with the move by government to suspended and carry out corrective actions at these dump sites,” he said.

Kaleta observed that many youth organizations and local cooperatives should benefit from the resources domesiled in their areas something he said will not only create employment for the youths but spar development at local level.

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe on Tuesday suspended mining activities at all dumpsites, popularly know as black mountains, until there is sanity in the operations.

Speaking to journalists at a Media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. KAbuswe said that government wants sanity and order to be restored in the operations while it promotes small-scale mining in the dumpsites.

The Minister said that there is a need to create a legal framework for youths to fairly participate in small-scale mining.

Government Halts All Development Projects taking Place at the Controversial Forest Reserve 27 in Lusaka

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Government Halts All Development Projects taking Place at the Controversial Forest Reserve 27 in Lusaka

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has halted with immediate effect all development projects taking place at forest reserve 27 in Lusaka in order for government to find out how plots were acquired within the reserve area.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Elijah Muchima has instructed the director of the commission of lands to take stock of all activities that have been happening at the forest reserve.

Mr Muchima expressed sadness over the amount of land that has been taken up for development in the forest 27 area, which is also called Chalimbana system recharge area.

Mr Muchima promised to bring sanity in the audition of land as was indicated in the campaigns. He was speaking today when he toured the forest reserve 27 in Lusaka today.

And Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gary Nkombo stated that following up the illegalities happening at the forests is important even to the next generations.

Mr Nkombo said government will make sure to salvage the recharge area in order to help people around the Chalimbana and Chongwe river areas.

He expressed sadness that despite being advised not to develop the forest by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), the pre-current government still exercised a large portion of the forest reserve 27 area.

Meanwhile, Head of Chalimbana Conservation Trust, Robert Chimambo and Princess Choolwe Nkomesha have expressed gratitude that government is living up to the promise of protecting the environment and the forest reserves.

In 2009, the forest reserve 27 had 1,759 hectares and after being exercised three times in the recent years, only 716 hectares is left.

Patson and Fashion Set For Thursday Europa Action

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Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala are in European action this Thursday evening for their respective clubs.

Both Chipolopolo strikers will be in UEFA Europa League action at home on September 16.

In England, Patson will make his UEFA debut with Leicester City after joining them on a four-year deal in June from Austrian champions RB Salzburg.

Leicester host Italian club Napoli in a Group C match.

Patson’s last continental encounter against Napoli was in the 2019/2020 UEFA Champions League Group E campaign while at Salzburg.

Salzburg drew 1-1 away in Italy but lost 3-2 in Austria in that Group E encounter.

And in Scotland, Glasgow Rangers are hoping for continued better fortunes in the competition after they were booted out of the UEFA Champions League in early August.

Rangers later qualified to the Europa League in late August with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Alashkert of Armenia.

Fashion is in Rangers side that will host seven-time French champions Olympique Lyon at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

Kaindu Looks Forward Zanaco’s CAF Champions League Last Leg Date

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Zanaco coach Kelvin Kaindu is upbeat ahead of this Saturday’s home CAF Champions League match against Akonangui of Equatorial Guinea.

The Bankers beat Akonangui 2-0 in the first leg match of this preliminary round played in Ebebiyin.

The two sides are clashing heads at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

“Preparations have been going on very well for our return leg match,” Kaindu has told the club media.

“Each and every player has been putting in their level best during training sessions,” he said.

Kaindu revealed that injured Eric Owusu is doubtful for the match.

“Eric (Owusu) has not resumed training yet and is still injured. Everyone else is okay and available for selection,” Kaindu said.

Red Arrows Arrive in Eswatini For CAF Confed Date

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Red Arrows have arrived in Eswatini for this Saturday’s away CAF Confederation Cup return match of the preliminary round against Young Buffaloes.

The Airmen landed in Eswatini on Thursday morning aboard the Air Forcé C27J Spartan Aircraft at King Mswati III International Airport.

“The boys are all in high spirit and are scheduled to hold their workout session later in the afternoon,” the club said in a statement.

Arrows have a 2-1 advantage from the first leg match played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Winner of the preliminary tie will host Premiero do Agosto of Angola in the second round, first leg match next month.

Anti-Corruption Commission Investigating Secret and illegal Account at used to Siphon Millions of Kwacha at Finance Ministry

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Anti-Corruption Commission Investigating Secret and illegal Account at used to Siphon Millions of Kwacha at Finance Ministry

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has received a total of 87 reports of suspected cases of corruption since the just ended general elections.

ACC Spokesperson Queen Chibwe says of the 87 cases, 55 relate to high public interest cases some of which involve politically exposed persons.

Speaking during a media briefing at the ACC offices in Lusaka today, Ms. Chibwe explained that the Commission is investigating a senior public official at a quasi-government institution in a matter involving the alleged purchase of 12 motor vehicles worth K33.6 million used during the last general election campaigns.

She said ACC is also investigating a matter involving an alleged secret and illegal account at the Ministry of Finance purportedly used to siphon millions of Kwacha.

Ms. Chibwe further said the Commission is also investigating former senior government officials at the Ministry of Health for allegedly awarding contracts for the purchase of COVID-19 protective equipment to businessmen without following procedure.

“This is a new case and is different from the Honey Bee case,” she said.

The ACC spokesperson stated that the Commission is investigating two former senior police officials into illegal trading of mukula trees that were transported to unknown destinations.

Ms. Chibwe said investigations are underway against officials at the Ministry of Local Government into alleged illegal awarding of contracts for roadworks worth over K10 million to two private companies which did not execute the works in Central Province.

She added that ACC is also investigating the alleged illegal purchase of six houses in one of Lusaka’s low density areas and owning property which include a fleet of motor vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime by a senior public official.

Ms. Chibwe explained that a former government official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is being investigated for allegedly acquiring seven houses and other property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in one of Lusaka’s low density areas.

She said an investigation against one of the senior managers at a development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) is underway for alleged abuse of company financial resources which were used to pay for school fees both locally and abroad worth over K1 million.

She further said a former ward councillor of Lusaka is being investigated for the suspicious purchase of a named bank together with all of the bank’s assets worth K300 million.

Ms. Chibwe disclosed that officials at DMMU are being investigated for allegedly buying an unknown number of Toyota Land Cruisers using COVID-19 funds and other resources meant for disaster relief for political activities in the last general elections.

She explained that the cases were reported to the Commission by members of the public after a change of government.

She has since appealed to the public to take advantage of government’s commitment to the fight against corruption by reporting suspected cases of corruption.

The Commission has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for his stance to allow the investigative wings to work without interference.

Ms. Chibwe noted that President Hichilema’s pronouncement on zero tolerance to corruption gives the Commission impetus and vigor to confront the scourge of corruption head on and continue developing and implementing enhanced strategies to stem out the vice in both public and private institutions.

Minister of Information and Media outlines her Ministry’s Agenda, Access to Information legislation to be prioritized

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Minister of Information and Media outlines her Ministry’s Agenda, Access to Information legislation to be prioritized

Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda says the realignment, renaming and change of the nomenclature of the former Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services reaffirms that her ministry is responsible for all forms of mass media and not just broadcasting.

Ms. Kasanda says this is because the ministry has always been responsible for all forms of mass media, that is, both print and electronic.

Speaking during a meeting with senior management of the Ministry of Information and Media in Lusaka today, Ms. Kasanda said the realignment and renaming of the Ministry has also resulted in a slight adjustment in the portfolio functions of the ministry.

“As you may be aware, this Ministry has been realigned and renamed. It was formerly called Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services. It is now called the Ministry of Information and Media. This has since been approved by the National Assembly, as required by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia,” she said.

She said under the new arrangement the Cinematography Policy and Theatre Policy which were previously held by the Ministry have now been transferred to other line ministries.

Ms. Kasanda named the Ministry’s revised core functions as Broadcasting and television services; Information and Media Policy; and Information Services.

She explained that under the three core functions, President Hakainde Hichilema has tasked the ministry to prioritise the enactment of the Access to Information legislation which she described as key to the promotion of transparency, good governance and full participation of citizens in the democratic process.

The Minister said this is also in line with international standards, taking into account the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Principles which were endorsed by Commonwealth Law Ministers and noted by Heads of Government in Durban in 1999.

“As this meeting progresses, I will be getting an update from the Permanent Secretary and the team, so that we make resolutions on the next steps. We will not be looking at why previous governments did not enact the legislation. The President has directed that Access to Information legislation must be enacted. We have to move in that direction and we will move with speed,” Ms. Kasanda said.

Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda
Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda

On Media self-regulation, Ms Kasanda said the United Party for National Development (UPND) believes that media organisations and journalists should set and supervise their professional standards and codes of practice.

She said Government also wants media owners to recognise that ownership entails a commitment to inform citizens about matters of public interest and not merely to advance partisan or personal interests.
Ms. Kasanda observed that it is part of the media’s responsibility to ensure that journalists are adequately trained and that their private interests do not distort their reporting of public issues.

“Journalistic ethics require that the media should report accurately and fairly, issue corrections, allow a fair opportunity to reply when appropriate and, subject to legitimate public interest, respect the right to privacy, particularly of minors,” Ms. Kasanda advised.

The Minister also advised the media and journalists’ organisations to establish credible complaints systems to adjudicate on alleged breaches of professional codes of practice and to provide members of the public with effective redress for unprofessional behavioural conduct.

“In view of the foregoing, I will be getting an updated from the Permanent Secretary and his team on how far the process of establishing a media self-regulation mechanism has gone. We need to conclude this process as soon as possible,” she added.

And Ms. Kasanda has said the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) is a media platform for all Zambians to exercise their freedom of expression.

Commenting on the Editorial Independence of ZNBC which she said will be one of her key priorities, Ms. Kasanda said freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and underpins good governance, public accountability and respect for all human rights.

She said the UPND-led government respects the right to freedom of expression and will promote the free flow of information and ideas by allowing ZNBC to operate as a public broadcaster so that whoever is not covered by the private media will find space on the ZNBC platform.

“We will enhance legislation so that ZNBC and other public media outlets serve as common platforms for all Zambians to exercise their freedom of expression. People’s expectations of this government are very high and the President has said that weshould exceed the people’s expectations. We will be addressing a lot of issues in the information and media sector,” Ms. Kasanda assured.

Yesterday, parliament approved the realignment, renaming and change of the nomenclature of the then Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services now called the Ministry of Information and Media.

Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda
Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda

Kabwe Warriors Confident of Qualifying to CAF Confed Cup 2nd Round

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Kabwe Warriors are certain of advancing to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup following an away goalless draw against CFFA in Madagascar in the first leg tie of the preliminary round played on Sunday.

Striker Jimmy Ndhlovu said Warriors played cautiously in the first leg because they didn’t know much about CFFA.

Ndhlovu said Warriors will perform better in the return leg on September 19 at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

“We had to take caution; we had to see how they play,” he said.

“We now know them and we are going to play at our best at home. We will definitely beat them. I am so confident we will definitely beat them,” Ndhlovu said.

Warriors must beat CFFA in the return match to advance.

“We are doing our best. We are working so hard,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema should realise that he is now the Head of State and should wake up from slumber

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President Hakainde Hichilema should realise that he is now the Head of State and should wake up from slumber

Patriotic Front party information and publicity chairman Hon. Raphael Mangani Nakacinda says President Hakainde Hichilema should realise that he is now the Head of State and should wake up from slumber.
Addressing the media in Lusaka, Hon. Nakachinda said President Hichilema should get down to work and start delivering on the campaign promises he made.

He said that now that the cabinet is complete and parliament opened, people’s expectations are very high.

And Hon. Nakachinda said President Hichilema’s did not have anything to tell the people of Zambia and the speech to parliament was a speech of wishes.

He said the Head of State should have used the day to bring to life the cocktail of promises he made prior to the August 12, general elections.

” Now that the Cabinet is complete and parliament is opened expectations are very high. I am shocked that the speech to parliament was full of repetition and difficult for stakeholders to follow. The speech never met expectations and will make it difficult for parliamentarians to debate,” Hon. Nakachinda said.

” The Head of State plagiarized former President Edgar Lungu’s speeches which he questioned that never carried directives but nothing has changed,” Hon. Nakachinda said.

” We expected the President to direct the minister of education to implement the free education as per promise,” he said.

And Hon. Nakachinda questioned the silence from the church following the abolition of Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance.

He said the church should defend the Christian values of the country.

” The silence from the church following the abolition of Ministry of Religious Affairs is worrying. Because of trying to seek for jobs and favor the clergy is quiet, the clergy need to defend the values of the country, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Hon. Nakachinda said the UPND will lose popularity at a supersonic speed because of lies and vengeance on perceived PF sympathizers.

He said the continued harassment of PF members by the UPND should come to an end.

” The UPND should stop harassing bus drivers sympathetic to the PF. UPND will lose popularity at a supersonic speed because of the lies and vengeance, ” Hon. Nakachinda said.

Media Briefing by Patriotic Front party information and publicity chairman Hon. Raphael Mangani Nakacinda
Media Briefing by Patriotic Front party information and publicity chairman Hon. Raphael Mangani Nakacinda

Creation of new Ministries meant to reward friends-Bowman

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Creation of new Ministries meant to reward friends-Bowman

Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo has charged that President Hakainde Hichilema created new Ministries to reward his friends with ministerial positions.

Debating in Parliament in support of a motion on the creation and merger of Ministries yesterday, Mr Lusambo said new Ministries were created to reward President Hichilema’s friends such as Felix Mutati.

He said President Hichilema was pressurized in creating new Ministries to accommodate his Alliance partners who contributed to his victory.

“Madam Speaker, this motion is non controversial and straight forward. The power to create or merge new Ministries lies with the President, so he is free to create ministries and appoint his friends the way His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema has done to appoint his friends like Hon. Felix Mutati. Even I when I become President, I will do the same,” Mr Lusambo said.

Mr Lusambo also charged that former President Edgar Lungu has left behind a strong legacy of development.

He left President Lungu has left a a solid foundation for development of Zambia.

Mr Lusambo charged that it would be embarrassing for President Hichilema to fail to deliver when he has inherited a good foundation to succeed.

Mr Lusambo said the road network in Lusaka is world class and can be compared to places like Chicago and Los Angelos.

“Madam Speaker, the administration of President Lungu managed to work on thousands of kilometers of roads, we extended Great East Road and when you step out of this building Mr Madam Speaker, you will be getting on a very good road which is world class. Today Lusaka looks like Chicago or Los Angelos.

Only 3% of Zambians are fully vaccinated against Covid-19

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Only 3% of Zambians are fully vaccinated against Covid-19

Ministry of Health, Public Health Research Director Andrew Silumensii has urged various stakeholders to re-strategize and update the COVID-19 deployment plan in the country.

Speaking when he officiated at the Intra-COVID-19 vaccine review at Bonanza Resort yesterday in Lusaka, Dr Silumesii disclosed that out of the targeted eligible population, only three per cent have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr Silumesi disclosed that as of September 11, 2021, records show that 308,147 Zambians have fully received either the double or single doses of available vaccines out of the targeted 8 million eligible Zambians.

He stated that more needs to be done to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance is improved in the country and more eligible individuals get the vaccine.

‘’We are still at a place where the COVID-19 vaccine uptake is less than what has been desired and we need to improve this scenario, ‘’ said Dr Silumesii.

He also disclosed that the government has made a decision to procure 4.4 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine with resources from the treasury and the various private cooperating partners.

‘’We believe that as we go along the way we will have more vaccines available to cater for all the eligible population in the country,’’ said Dr Silumesii.

And the World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged to support the Ministry of Health to diligently assess the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

WHO Country Representative Katepa Bwalya said the organisation has been working with the Ministry to ensure that the vaccines being administered in the country are safe.

‘’We will continue to work with the government of Zambia to ensure that the vaccines that are being produced are accessed and approved for use in the country to ensure the safety of the people,’’ she said.

And Center for Disease Control (CDC) Surveillance Advisor Jouss Hine said that CDC will continue to provide financial support for the COVID-19 programme in Zambia.

He expressed delight with the multi-sectoral approach to review and access the COVID-19 vaccine deployment in the country thus far, and come up with new plans and strategies that can enhance the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance by the eligible population in Zambia.

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo
Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo

Meanwhile, The Ministry of Health says it will continue prioritizing the promotion of good health and preventing disease while ensuring treatment for various ailments in spite the ravaging effects of the coronavirus.

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo has reminded the nation that the ministry has continued to offer essential health services in public health facilities as well as in the community.

The Minister said members of the public should continue utilizing the available health services such as child growth monitoring and promotion, HIV counselling, testing and Treatment and Family Planning among others.

Ms Masebo in a statement made available to ZANIS has since prodded the public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 public health guidelines.

She noted that the anticipated fourth wave poses a high risk to the health care workers, their families and the public in general.

‘’It is our fervent hope that the proposed vaccination campaign will increase the proportion of our people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19,’’ stated Ms Masebo.

She indicated that the COVDI-19 vaccination goes hand in hand with adherence to the five golden rules of masking up, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently with soap, avoiding crowded places and seeking medical attention early if symptomatic.

Ms Masebo announced that 89 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were recorded out of 6,296 tests conducted in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to date to now stand at 208,049.

She disclosed two COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded to now stand at 3,635.

626,280 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered cumulatively since the COVID-19 programme was launched.

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