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Patrick Mwanawasa, the son of the late President Levy Mwanawasa has said that he sees many similarities between his late father and the current President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu.
Speaking on the Round Table Talk hosted by PF last night, Mr. Mwanawasa said that both Presidents possessed great humility and desire to see a Zambia whose people are emancipated from poverty.
Mr. Mwanawasa further stated that both Presidents had given many opportunities to women to participate in the governance of the nation by appointing them to decision-making positions, reflecting that his late father’s cabinet had several women in it, while President Lungu took it a notch higher by appointing the first woman Vice President, Mrs. Inonge Wina and also by choosing a woman again to be his running mate, in Professor Nkandu Luo who he described as a formidable Human being.
Mr.Mwanawasa who served as Deputy Permanent Secretary in Eastern and Central Provinces said that his father went through a lot of challenges, which the current president equally went through.
“I think there are similarities between them. My father went through a lot of challenges such as droughts and armyworms which President Lungu has equally had to face. Remember they both overcame those challenges and today, this nation has a bumper harvest despite President Lungu battling armyworms, drought causing erratic power supply, floods, and now Covid,” he said.
And Mr. Mwanawasa has dismissed claims by the United Party for National Development(UPND) that there is a wind of change in the nation, as mare hallucinations. Mr Mwanawasa said he was 39 years old and that in this period he had witnessed 8 elections and uncountable by-elections. He said he knew exactly what wind of change looked like because he had seen it in 1991 and in 2011. He said even dogs and chickens felt the wind of change during those two historic moments. He stated that it was not the case this time as he had traversed the nation and could confidently say that the Patriotic Front and President Lungu were still very popular on the ground and loved by the Zambian people.
Mr Mwanawasa has since urged the people of Zambia to turn out in large numbers and vote for the PF and President Lungu for continuity, adding that the PF and President Lungu have laid a solid foundation for the prosperity of this nation and Zambians are eager to reap the benefits of this hard-working government
Zambia Airways has announced 30th September 2021 as the date for operationalization of the national airline.
In August 2018, the Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC) and Ethiopian Airlines Group entered into a joint venture establishing Zambia Airways limited to operate as a national airline in Zambia and in the joint venture, IDC owns 55% while Ethiopian Airlines has 45% of the shareholding.
In announcing the launch date, Zambia Airways Board Chairman Mr Bonaventure Mutale said management successfully achieved all milestones needed to operationalize the National Carrier and would therefore operationalize the airline on 30th September 2021.
Mr Mutale said the airline would commence operations with domestic routes to Livingstone, Ndola and Solwezi, with regional routes to Johannesburg and Harare.
He added that the airline would commence with the initial three aircrafts namely two Bombardier Q400s and one Boeing 737-800).
“Zambia Airways will take advantage of the new state of the art airport infrastructure at the new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola and Terminal 2, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to establish its base in Lusaka and contribute positively to the growth of civil aviation and tourism in Zambia,” he said.
Mr Mutale said the airline was anticipating the COVID-19 pandemic being experienced in the country and in the region would improve, thereby boosting demand for travel.
Zambia airways Board Chairperson Mr Bonaventure Mutale speaking at the news briefing
And IDC Group Chief Executive Officer Mateyo Kaluba says the operationalization of the national carrier will play a catalytic role in reviving the tourism industry which has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 global pandemic.
Mr Kaluba commended the Zambia Airways Board for announcing 30th September 2021 as the date for commercial operationalization of the National Carrier.
Mr. Kaluba further commended the Board, Management and staff of Zambia Airways on the attainment of the key milestone and for the professional manner in which they have managed the fulfillment of regulatory requirements that were a pre-requisite to the launch date of the National carrier.
Mr. Kaluba reiterated the Shareholders quest to ensure that the Airline operates as a commercial enterprise so as to achieve viability and return on investment.
“I strongly urge the Board and management to manage the airline in accordance with international best practice. They have the responsibility to make Zambia Airways an airline that will bring pride and jobs to the Zambian people,” he said.
Mr. Kaluba was confident Zambia Airways would soar to greater heights as it leverages on the newly commissioned Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Simon Mwansa Kapwepewe Airport in Ndola.
So far, Zambia Airways has trained 25 Zambian cabin crew at the Ethiopian Aviation Academy and has recruited five Zambian flying pilots, who will leaving today for Ethiopia to receive additional training.
The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) urges voters to cast their votes based on their own individual personal opinion poll and conviction. Voters should ignore the push opinion polls typically done by a group of individuals attempting to manipulate or change voters’ views. Push polls generally work in a country whose socio economic situation ranges from normal to above in order to persuade the undecided voters. In Zambia the socio economic reality is so stark that a pre-determined set of questions posed to a pre-determined sample size population cannot change the reality of an individual’s personal situation.
The upcoming elections are a core constitutional duty that not only reaffirms our multi-party democracy but also allows us, ‘the people,’ to decide who serve us as our leaders for the next five years at local and national levels. After we choose we cannot reverse therefore we must choose based on how life in Zambia has been for each one of us. If life has been good for you as an individual under the leadership of the current ruling party, then you know who to vote for.
Hunger: If life has been hard for you and you are unable to find a job, and you are unable to afford enough nutritious food for yourself and your family then you know where to place your priceless X on the ballot paper. If in your personal opinion it is normal and dignified for 35,000 people, men, women and children to leave their homes and stampede for food packs being donated by a church and for 8 people to die in the process as happened here in Lusaka the capital city of our nation at the Olympic Youth Development Centre in 2017 then you know where to place your worthy X on the ballot paper.
Personal Security: If it is fine with you for a police service whose mandate to provide security for us citizens, can have a junior police officer open fire and kill 2 innocent citizens. If it is standard practice for police to follow fleeing university students into their hostels wantonly firing teargas canisters resulting in the death of a student who was trapped, hiding and cowering in her room. If it is natural in a nation with functional institutions to have citizens mysteriously gas attacked in their households resulting in more than 43 deaths and still remain unsolved? You know where to place your cherished X on the ballot paper.
Corruption: Before casting your vote, pause and ask yourself if it is in order for a health minister to order expired medicines and defective condoms through a fictitious company and he not only goes scot free but is also adopted to stand as a Member of Parliament yet again! If you are at peace with the gross theft of public funds that the nation has been subjected to in this regime such as the now infamous USD1 million each fire tenders, the Michael Chilufya Sata toll gate, the USD288,000 each ambulances and the many grand thefts as reported by the Office of the Auditor’s General’s Reports year in and year out, you know where to place your constitutionally guaranteed X.
Lawlessness: If it is well with you to have cadres brazenly enter our government complex, the engine of government, manhandle and drag a civil servant whose purported ‘crime’ is being a supporter of the opposition, to the Permanent Secretary’s office who in turn sits immobilised cowering in his seat as a normal occurrence in a constitutional unitary multi-party Christian nation. If it is well with you for cadres to ransack a police station and beat up police officers and simply walk away, then you know where to place your treasured X.
Victimisation of Media Houses: If you have been at peace within yourself of the victimisations of the media houses that provided a platform to all that are critical of the current regime’s leadership such as the Post Newspaper and Prime TV instantly turning scores of young journalists destitute, you know where to place your expensive X.
Absurdity of Campaigns: If you noticed the absurdity of campaign adverts stating ‘no more load shedding’ when you are still experiencing load shedding. If you are puzzled by such absurdity as mealie meal down from K250 to K150 by the same people that took the price to K250 from K45 in 2011, then you know where to place your X on polling day. If you think that it is fine for a nation to over borrow, fail to disclose the full amount borrowed, fail to pay instalments on the debt and make every Zambian born or unborn indebted is sound economic foundation and ‘unprecedented’ development, then you know where to place your X.
If two people are speaking about the same issue but saying two different things, the balance of probability is that one of them is lying. Decide who is lying and vote based on that and not on the push polls, psychotic rants of flip flopper tribal demagogues and fear mongers. Voting is not only a duty but also your constitutional right, exercise it well.
Fresh off the release of his song ‘Zombies’ in which Chanda Mbao encourages independent thinking and reflection, he has now teamed up with Zambian star Rich Bizzy to bring another positive message to the fore: a call against tribalism.
Through a very relatable love story, the pair manage to relay an important message in these critical times. The story sees a Bemba man fall in love with a Tonga woman–unfortunately, both respective families are resistant to the union due to preconceived notions. Thankfully, the protagonist of the story and his love interest do not give up, despite the sorrow and challenges. They stay committed to their value of ‘One Zambia, One Nation.’
The song is a unique record which sees a fusion between Kalindula elements as well as modern Hip-Hop/Trap, lacing an interesting soundscape and keeping the listener engaged. With the unlikely pair coming together on this song, fans did not know what to expect but the warm reception on Chanda Mbao’s social media presence seems to indicate that this was a pleasant surprise. Produced by the hardworking and talented Shinko Beats, this record represents a unique moment in Zambian music where artists from different genres have decided to collaborate to create something meaningful for society and brought their respective genres together for the journey.
Asked about how the collaboration came about, Chanda Mbao said: “I’ve been a fan of Rich Bizzy’s work for some time and had been telling Shinko Beats I wanted to put together something with him. When we finally managed to link up in the studio earlier this year, I thought it was important we do something memorable and of meaning. We both agreed that speaking against tribalism was something worth doing and, just like that, ‘Luyando’ was born. Rich Bizzy is an amazing talent and it was a pleasure to work with him.”
The song has been released for Zambian music lovers on the Zambian platform Mvesesani and is available for purchase here: https://bit.ly/BuyZambian
The government has admitted that it may shut down the internet if Zambians fail to correctly use cyberspace during this year’s election. Lusaka Times last week exclusively revealed that the government has resolved to shut down the internet from Thursday, the voting day until Sunday, a day after vote-counting is are expected to be concluded
Government through Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga immediately issued a statement dismissing the report and described it as malicious.
But Mr. Malupenga has u-turned and admitted that an internet shutdown is an option. Mr Malupenga charged that government will not tolerate abuse of the cyberspace by Zambians. He added that if there is any mischief in the use of the internet and those found wanting might end up inconveniencing not only themselves but the rest of the country when government invokes the necessary laws.
Mr Malupenga said Government will not hesitate to invoke the relevant legal provisions if some people decide to abuse the internet to peddle falsehoods that could destabilise the country during this time of elections. He added that Government has a duty to ensure peace and stability are maintained and will not allow any breakdown of law and order.
“Government, therefore, expects citizens to use the internet responsibly. But if some people choose to abuse the internet to mislead and misinform, Government will not hesitate to invoke relevant legal provisions to forestall any breakdown of law and order as the country passes through the election period,” Mr. Malupenga said.
Mr. Malupenga was speaking when he handed over a video camera and a mobile phone to a Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) reporter based in Ikeleng’i District in North-Western Province, Victor Mwila, who was attacked by alleged UPND cadres in his course of duty in the area.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services bought the items as a replacement of the same that were stolen from Mr. Mwila during the attack.
On political violence, Mr. Malupenga observed that President Edgar Lungu’s decision to deploy the military personnel to support the Zambia Police in maintaining security is bearing fruit.
He said Government is happy that since the military were deployed, there have been no serious incidences of violence.
And Mr. Malupenga said the Ministry decided to replace the video camera and mobile phone that were stolen from Mr. Mwila in order to avoid disruption in his reportorial work especially this time when electoral activities are at their peak ahead of the August 12 General Elections.
“I wish to send a strong warning out there, however, that the law will not spare anyone that harasses the media in the course of their duties. The freedom and safety of the media to inform, educate and entertain the public is to be respected and upheld by all, as guaranteed in the laws of the land,” said Mr. Malupenga.
Mr. Mwila thanked Government and fellow media practitioners for the support during the traumatic ordeal he went through. On 23rd July, 2021, Mr. Mwila, while on duty, was attacked by alleged UPND cadres.
During the attack Mr. Mwila suffered serious physical injuries in which a video camera, a mobile phone and some money were also stolen from him. This is according to a statement issued by the Press and Public Relations Unit at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba says the government is pleased with the performance of various revenue initiatives in the first half of the implementation of the 2021 national budget.
Mr Yamba points out that the remarkable performance is a result of the increased stability of the economy.
“The Government is pleased with the performance of various revenue generation initiatives during the first half of implementation of the 2021 national budget.
“The remarkable trend of above-target performances of the majority of revenue streams manifests the increasing stability of the economy. The coast is clear and the future is bright, ” he said.
According to a statement issued to the media last evening, Mr Yamba indicated that the Treasury will continue to keep its doors open to elevated engagement with economic players as government implements the relevant economic stabilization reforms to enable the country to remain on the current positive growth trajectory.
“As Treasury, we will continue to keep our doors open to elevated engagement with economic players as we implement the relevant economic stabilization reforms to enable the country to remain on the current positive growth trajectory, without leaving anyone behind,” He said.
And the Secretary to the Treasury says the Treasury will continue to ensure that the remaining part of the 2021 national budget is effectively implemented especially in the area of revenue generation and social sector expenditure.
He emphasized that the economic recovery program will continue to receive our elevated attention in the quest to ensure that the country’s development outcomes bear sustained fruit for the people and businesses of Zambia.
Mr. Yamba states that the future of Zambia’s economic recovery is bright if the country continues on the same path of recovery, stabilization and growth.
“As we prepare for the 2022 national budget, we will also continue to ensure that the remaining part of the 2021 national budget is effectively implemented especially in the area of revenue generation and social sector expenditure.
“The economic recovery program will continue to receive our elevated attention in the quest to ensure that the country’s development outcomes bear sustained fruit for the people and businesses of Zambia.
“I take this opportunity to thank my fellow citizens and all our development partners; both bilateral and multi-lateral, for walking the economic stabilization journey with us. The future is bright for all Zambians if we continue on this path of recovery, stabilization, and growth, ” Mr. Yamba said.
ZRA SUPPORTS PRESIDENT LUNGU’S INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER CLEARING AGENTS OWNED BY ZAMBIANS
Total collections of revenues and grants for the period January to July of 2021 amounted to 64.4 billion kwacha and were 56 percent above the target of 41.2 billion kwacha.
While Tax Revenue accounted for 45.2 billion kwacha, Non-Tax 18.4 billion kwacha and 753 million kwacha was from grants.
The statement further showed that Income tax collected for the period under review amounted to 28 billion kwacha against the target of 17.5 billion kwacha and were above target by 60 percent.
Mr Yamba disclosed that the performances were driven by payment of tax arrears, upward amendments of provisional returns and payments by both mining and non-mining firms, and increased payment compliance.
On the Company tax, K 14.9 billion was collected against a forecasted projection of K 7 billion , representing a favorable collection of over 100 percent.
The performance was attributed to payment of tax arrears and upward amendments of provisional returns and payments by both mining and non-mining firms.
On Pay as you Earn ( PAYE) , K8.5 billion was collected against a forecasted projection of 7.4 billion kwacha representing an over-collection of 15 percent.
Mr Yamba attributed the performance to the government’s payment of third-party arrears during the period under review and receipts from some major mining companies such as Kalumbila Minerals, Lumbambe Copper Mine, Grizzly Mining Limited and Zambia Portland Cement.
Other Income Tax (withholding tax): Collection under this tax type amounted to 4.5 billion kwacha against a forecasted projection of 3 billion kwacha, this performance was attributed to advance payments made during the first half year by the Bank of Zambia, Copperbelt Energy Corporation, Lubambe Copper Mine, and arrears by some taxpayers such as Maamba Collieries.
Under Value Added Tax (VAT), Mr Yamba disclosed that 11.7 billion kwacha was collected against a target of K9.6 billion and were above target by 22 percent.
He indicated that the performance was driven by positive collections in import VAT due to increased importation volumes and taxable value of imports mainly in the mining sector.
And commenting on the expenditure performance, Mr Yamba revealed that government released 79.1 billion kwacha to finance public service delivery.
He further hinted that the total expenditure of 73.1 billion kwacha was financed from domestic resources while 5.9 billion kwacha was foreign financed.
Mr Yamba stated in the same statement that expenditures were 18.9 percent above projection for the period due to higher releases towards developmental programmes and dismantling of arrears.
On Personal emoluments, Mr Yamba disclosed that 17.8 billion kwacha was released by government for salaries for civil servants, third-party payments, gratuity for Members of Parliament and allowances of Zambia’s diplomats in missions abroad.
In a related development, Mr Yamba highlighted that government released 10.2 billion kwacha for general operations.
“ This outturn was above projection due to higher releases towards contingencies such as the 2021 general elections (1.1 billion kwacha), disaster preparedness and response (506.6 million kwacha), purchase of drugs & medical supplies (1.9 billion kwacha), and the national census (86 million kwacha), ” he said.
Meanwhile on Debt service, the press statement indicated that domestic debt service payments totaled 13 kwacha billion which included principal repayments of K 238.8 million on commercial bank facilities.
While on the other hand, external debt service amounted to 3.4 billion kwacha with principal repayments amounting to 1.7 billion kwacha.
“At K16.4 billion, debt service payments during the period under review accounted for 20.7 percent of total expenditure. This was 41.7 percent lower than projection due to the ongoing external Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).
“Total collection in Customs Duty amounted to K2.9 billion against a target of K2.4 billion, representing an over collection of 19 percent.
“ This performance is attributed to the increase in taxable value of imports and to increased import volumes, mainly in the mining sector,” he disclosed.
Mr Yamba further revealed that K 2.4 billion was collected under excise duty against the target of K 2.6 billion.
“The revenue target under this income stream was set at K2.6 billion. Actual collections amounted to K2.4 billion, representing an under performance of 8 percent, “ Secretary to the Treasury said.
“This is attributed to reduced contribution by excise manufacturers due to reduced production and consumption of excisable products.
“The minor underperformance is also attributed to the suspension of excise duty and fuel levy on fuel (petrol and diesel) by Statutory Instrument No. 5 of 2021, ” he explained.
For export duties, a total of 64.8 million kwacha was collected against a target of 123.9 million kwacha.
“ This was below target by 48 percent. This performance is mainly attributable to the waiver of export duty on precious metals and other tax concessions aimed at supporting export-oriented manufacturing, “ he said.
Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Commission Chairperson, Stanley Mhango, says the government is committed to the debt swap initiative for all public service workers in the country.
And Mr Mhango says the government is working on modalities to extend the debt swap to council employees across the country.
Mr Mhango says the government initiated and has started implementing debt swap to give relief to civil servants who are highly indebted.
ZANIS reports that speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Central Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Bernard Chomba this morning, Mr Mhango said the government is currently considering the commutation of leave days for public service workers who do not have running loans.
“As government we are in discussion with the cabinet office to see to it that we re-consider the issue of commutation of leave days to those civil servants that have no running loans with any lending institutions,” Mr Mhango said.
There have been one or two teething issues that have arisen following the implementation of the debt swap relief especially for civil servants who may not have running loans with any institution.
Mr Mhango stated that the issue is receiving active attention by the cabinet office and that in principle the government is going to consider the commutation of leave days.
“ The issue (commutation of leave days) is receiving active attention by the cabinet office and in principle I want to state that the government is going to consider commuting of leave days,” he stated.
He expressed happiness that civil servants in Central Province have welcomed the debt swap initiative by the government as a way of trying to create relief to public service workers.
And Central Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Bernard Chomba, has urged the government to come up with precautionary measures that will prevent civil servants from falling back into a debt trap.
Mr Chomba has also called for a deliberate policy direction that will help public service workers prepare for retirement.
And Kabwe Town Clerk (TC), Joel Shawa, has thanked the government for extending the debt swap to council employees across the country.
Mr Shawa observed that council workers are also highly indebted, adding that pay days are the most difficult days for the local authority employees because of the huge indebtedness.
Meanwhile, Mr Mhango says government is working on modalities to extend the debt swap to council employees across the country.
He disclosed that the Secretary to Cabinet has directed for the engagement of local authorities management and union representatives countrywide to appreciate the levels of indebtedness by council workers.
He added that the government is also interested to know how councils are managing payroll related debts owed by local authority workers.
He said the government is cognizant of the fact that local authorities are the engine of development because they are closer to social amenities.
The Teaching Commission Chairperson revealed during an interactive meeting with the council management and union representatives at Kabwe Municipal Council today.
The 2021/22 soccer season will kick off on August 21 with the Charity Shield final.
Super Division champions Zesco United will face Absa Cup winners Lusaka Dynamos in the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield final.
FAZ President Andrew Kamanga made the announcement in his presidential corner article shared on the association’s official website.
The venue for the Charity Shield final is yet to be confirmed.
“Back at home, the 2021/2022 league is almost upon us. The league will kick-off with the Charity Shield on August 21, 2021, with Super League winners Zesco United facing ABSA Cup champions Lusaka Dynamos,” Kamanga wrote.
“We expect that after the FIFA International Window in the first week of September, the league proper will commence.”
Kamanga further encouraged teams to consider taking vaccination to minimize the risk of Covid-19 infection.
“We will draw on the experiences of the 2020 season to handle the Covid-19 challenges. With the advent of the vaccine, we are encouraging teams to take up the option of vaccination to minimize the risk of Covid-19 infection,” he stated.
Kamanga added:”We extend the same plea to fans and administrators to consider taking the jab as it is one of the tools that advanced leagues have used to re-open the gates to the public.”
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has urged the electorate to turn up in numbers to vote for their preferred candidates in this week’s general elections set for Thursday 12th, August 2021.
LAZ president Abyudi Shonga says it is the right for every Zambian citizen who has attend the age of 18 to participate in the country’s electoral process. He explains that the constitution guarantees the right of every eligible citizen to freely vote.
The Law Association of Zambia president said this in a statement issued to the media yesterday.
Further referring to the Republican Constitution which guarantees the right of every eligible Zambian citizen to freely vote, Mr Shonga called for the observing of peace and unity throughout the electoral process. He stressed that the political atmosphere should be conducive for Zambians irrespective of their political inclinations.
“LAZ calls upon the people of Zambia to participate in the electoral process by turning up in large numbers to vote for their preferred candidates, LAZ makes a clarion call for peace to prevail throughout this electoral process.
“The environment must be conducive for all Zambians irrespective of their political inclinations,” He said.
Meanwhile LAZ has reminded the electorate to observe the COVID- 19 health guidelines during the election process.
Mr Shonga emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic is still prevalent hence the call to strictly observe the COVID five golden rules the national polls.
“LAZ reminds the people of Zambia that the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. It is imperative for all of us to scale up observance of the Ministry of Health guidelines especially as we queue up to cast our votes.
“ Masking up, sanitizing of hands and social distancing should be observed.”
Former Republican President Rupiah Banda has urged political party candidates in the coming General Elections to respect the electorate’s choice through the ballot box.
Mr Banda advises political party candidates to accept the outcome in this year’s election as every election has winners and losers.
Speaking during a live podcast on his Facebook page the fourth Republican President explained that every election has winners and losers adding that any attempt by any entity acting alone or in consent with others to impose a leadership outside the concept of one man, one vote will be an assault on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers.
He said this impairs the country’s sovereignty and independence and also jeopardizes the peace and unity of the current generation and those to come.
“Aggrieved parties must use the judiciary to challenge the electoral outcomes that they are displeased with,” he said.
Mr Banda , who himself conceded defeat to now late President Micheal Sata in 2011, further added that winners must remain humble, magnanimous and show respect to the losers.
He advised that losers on the other hand must be able to graciously accept defeat, congratulate the winners, reorganize themselves and try again in the next election.
“During my tenure as president I emphasized on the importance of contesting parties to respect the will of the people,” he said
Citizens should work together to ensure that peace and unity prevail before, during and after the elections and leaders in the various faith based organisations to pray earnestly to for peace and preservation of the great nation.
“Politicians must ensure that they do not destroy Zambia by desisting from resorting to retrogressive and divisive activities such as violence, hate speech including ethnic and racial profiling in their campaigns or during their campaigns,” he said.
He said citizens should have confidence in the governance institutions we have created for ourselves and therefore, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must be given space and necessary cooperation and support to fulfil its mandate in a satisfactory manner.
“Election Monitors and observers who have come from afar or near to observe this election should ensure transparency and integrity of the elections as it is a noble and widely accepted role and practice in modern democracies, ” he said.
This Thursday, 12 August , Zambia goes to the polls to elect the next government for the next five years.
President Lungu is among the 16 presidential candidates vying for the Presidential seat.
The Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association (ZUNFFA) has urged political parties participating in this week’s general elections set for Thursday, August 12 to restrain their cadres from engaging in political violence.
Referring to sporadic incidences of political violence especially between the ruling PF and the UPND ahead of the crucial elections this Thursday, ZUNFFA Co Patron Sikota Wina says it is saddening to hear of people being killed over elections.
He said this during a press briefing held at his residence ahead of this Thursday’s general elections dubbed for August 12, 2021.
Dr Wina pointed out that acts of violence being perpetuated by some political parties have the potential to dent the country’s image to the international community.
Stressing that Zambia is known to the outside world as a peaceful country , Dr Wina stated that there is need to safeguard the country’s image.
“ Why people should lose their lives over an election when our fathers lost their lives during the liberation struggle, “Dr Sikota wondered .
He stressed that the peace currently prevailing in the country should not be taken for granted as it costed lives of freedom fighters.
Ahead of this Thursday’s general elections , the country has witnessed a number of political violence incidences, the latest being the murder of two PF members allegedly at the hands of UPND.
The development attracted rising concerns of various political players and the church.
Meanwhile, Dr Sikota has appealed to political parties contesting in this week’s general elections to accept the outcome of the elections.
Dr Sikota stressed that the outcome of the general elections should be accepted and respected by the contenders as it will reflect the will of the Zambian people.
Speaking earlier, ZUNFFA National Chairperson George Chewe has thanked the government for initiating programmes aimed at empowering freedom fighters.
Mr Chewe observed that for a long time freedom fighters were neglected by successive governments reducing them to destitutes.
“ The PF administration has restored our dignity through the implementation of social protection programmes such as the social cash transfer and the presidential empowerment programme, “ he said.
And Mr Chewe says the political party that will emerge victorious in the August 12 general elections must ensure that the policy on freedom fighters gets enacted.
He said the enactment of the policy will help in safeguarding the welfare of the freedom fighters.
Mr Chewe thanked the government for having started the process of enacting the policy on freedom fighters.
Speaking at the same event ZUNFFA National Treasurer Mama Betty Chilunga urged the electorate to turn out in numbers and cast their vote.
Meanwhile, A senior citizen in Serenje appeals for peace ahead of polls.
Serenje 10 August, 2021, ZANIS —- A senior citizen in Serenje district in Central Province Flackson Soko has called on Zambians to remain peaceful during and after the August 12 elections.
Mr. Soko aged 80 says rather than resorting to violence , Zambians should instead fight for peace and development through the ballot to control the destiny of the country.
” There is no need for Zambians to fight physically during and after these elections. The fight should only be in the ballot,” Mr. Soko said.
Mr. Soko in an interview observed that Zambians are peace loving and called on government to help maintain peace during the election period.
Mr. Soko also called on police and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to be professional as it carries out its mandate to ensure free ,fair and peaceful the elections on Thursday.
” Police and ECZ should avoid being bias towards a certain political party as they do their work during the elections to prevent violence and deliver a free am fair elections that represent the people’s will,” Mr Soko urged.
The senior citizen further appealed to the would be losers in the race to accept the results or if aggrieved, take the matter to court to forestall violence.
Recently two ruling Patriotic Front cadres were murdered in cold blood after an attack by the rival United Party for National Development ( UPND) in Lusaka. This development has unsettled many political players and stakeholders who includes the church.
This Thursday, 12 August , Zambia goes to the polls to elect the next government for the next five years. President Lungu is among the 16 presidential candidates vying for the Presidential seat.
The Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) says it is confident that there will be no voter apathy in the August 12, 2021 elections following its many voter sensitisation initiatives in most parts of the country.
AVAP Executive Director Richwell Mulwani said in an interviews that the organisation has, with support from the UNDP, been carrying out a number of voter education programmes since May 2021.
Mr. Mulwani said this was done through various platforms and with a sole purpose of countering voter apathy.
He said AVAP has since seen a positive response from the electorate.
Mr. Mulwani said according to AVAP reports on the ground, voters are eager to cast their votes as opposed to false reports that they were likely to shun the elections due to fear of contracting Covid-19 and the violence witnessed in some parts of the country.
He said in addition to the already ongoing initiatives such as radio programmes, youth conferences, posters, and social media interactions, AVAP has introduced new innovations such as the mobile video unit show and quick vote platform.
He disclosed that the two initiatives are meant to provide sensitisation to the electorate on the importance of voting through drama performances, which depict the entire voting process to ensure that voters do not get confused when casting their votes.
“Today as I am speaking, we are flagging off the mobile video unit show starting in Monze and ending in Livingstone until voting day. We want to sensitise the voters to go out in numbers to vote and also provide them with all the necessary information that they should know to ensure that people are not lost in the electoral process,’’ he said.
Mr. Mulwani explained that owing to the huge number of rejected ballots totaling 85,000 in the 2016 general elections, AVAP has this year embarked on the quick vote platform initiative aimed at sensitising rural voters especially on the correct use of the ballot paper.
He reiterated that AVAP has a strong desire to succeed in its voter education agenda.
He said the project has since purchased bicycles and megaphones to help in the exercise as well as strategically engaging differently abled voter educators to engage the disabled people to ensure that no one is left behind.
Mr. Mulwani further said it is evident that the initiatives have borne good results as there has been feedback from voters who had lost their voters cards but were found and collected.
He has since appealed to the electorate to turn up in large numbers on Thursday, August 12, 2021and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
President Edgar Lungu says the government has invested US$1 billion in the aviation industry to enable the country to meet international aviation standards, thereby enhancing economic development.
President Lungu, who yesterday afternoon commissioned the newly constructed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) terminal two, said the expansion of the airport will facilitate an increase of passengers from two million to four million per annum.
The Head of State said the project, which was implemented with support from the Chinese government, will cement further the bilateral ties between the two countries.
President Lungu said the Chinese government has supported a number of infrastructure development projects that are in line with Zambia’s developmental agenda.
He also noted that the KKIA project demonstrates the legacy of the Patriotic Front (PF) government of transforming the country into a middle income status through infrastructure development.
“This airport will showcase our warm hospitality, therefore, we must be proud of the massive investment that has been made into the aviation infrastructure,” President Lungu stated.
President Lungu said the operationalisation of the new terminal building will position Zambia as an aviation hub in the Southern African region.
He further said the introduction of Qatar Airline in Zambia is as a result of improved investor confidence that has been propelled by government policies.
President Lungu explained that Zambia has proven to be stable and peaceful to the international community, hence improving investment in the aviation industry as well as the economy.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Li Jie, thanked government for the continued support towards the bilateral relations between Zambia and China.
Mr. Jie said the construction of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is one of the ways that cement the continued relations between the two countries.
He noted that China has been involved in Zambia’s infrastructure development since time immemorial.
“The traditional friendship between Zambia and China has been upgraded to new levels due to the fruitful results as evidenced by this development,” Mr. Jie said.
The Ambassador has meanwhile commended government for the development noting that it is a step towards achieving the vision 2030.
He added that the modernised aviation industry will not only make Zambia an aviation hub in the southern region but also improve the economic sector through trade across the globe.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Permanent Secretary Danny Mfune said the modern infrastructure is an indication that government is committed to improving the state of infrastructure in the country.
Mr. Mfune noted that this is in line with the country’s developmental agenda through the Vision 2030 of not leaving anyone behind.
“Government has demonstrated commitment to delivering infrastructure development to all corners of the country,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that about 40 local contractors benefited up to US$80 million through the project.
And Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga hailed President Lungu for the many developmental projects that have taken place in the province, including the newly constructed modern airport.
Mr. Kamanga said the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport will not only improve air transport services but also tourism and employment levels for Zambians.
The Kenneth Kaunda International Airport has been constructed at a total cost of US$360 million.
President Lungu’s despicable threat uttered when addressing the Mines Unions in Kitwe that he would arrest HH after he wins the August 12 election confirmed my long-term fears—authoritarianism. He rules by decree as opposed to by law; the courts and all law enforcement agencies exist for his bidding. In the real world, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Courts and law enforcement agencies should be up in arms opposing this unethical and Machiavellian rant from the president.
I am among those who question how the privatization exercise was carried out. Zambians need to know the truth about the whole exercise for the sake of accountability–currently very little is known. There is a need for a Commission of Inquiry into the matter so as to help ordinary people understand what really happened with the national assets. The academic explanation does not help. If President Lungu spoke about establishing an Independent Commission, and seeking answers from all those who were involved including HH, it would be a fair game. Should the Commission find out that HH committed crimes and refer those crimes to relevant authorities for prosecution after Lungu wins the elections, still that would be fair game. In short, as long as the president is not using the law to punish his political opponents, it is constitutionally fine.
What makes President Lungu’s Trump-like Machiavellian threat illegal is that it violates the Constitution of Zambia. The president has no power to arrest anybody under the Zambian Constitution for the crime of privatization of Mines. Besides, the president does not determine who should be prosecuted or let go–we are a Constitutional Democracy and not a dictatorship. Of course, those miners believed the lie, but even Lungu himself knew he was lying to them.
I have repeatedly called the justice system under President Lungu as rotten to the core and his unethical threat simply confirms it; courts don’t exist to punish political opponents but to ensure justice for all citizens. The president is not the law, or above the law; he is a citizen. But under the Lungu regime, he is the above the law. This is the reason why Kambwili and GBM were both cleared of their charges once they rejoined PF. No wonder PF cadres are allowed to beat up people, while police officers watch at will.
President Lungu should understand that winning the election is one thing, governing is another. We are living in the age of social media where political organizing is becoming more and more popular than ever. HH is President Lungu’s biggest obstacle to winning this election. As head of State, his choice of words would set the mood for how people would react to the results. His unmeasured and childlike threats may energize his base, but could easily lead to post election violence that would be too costly. HH may lose this election, but he has a following that could easily destabilize the nation. There is nothing President Lungu can do to stop HH’s supporters from ruining the nation–we don’t have enough prisons for all of them. For this reason, respect for your opponent is a Patriotic act. Unfortunately Lungu seems to think he could remote control all Zambians–the truth is bullets don’t always win the war.
Understandably President Lungu is strategically exploiting the historical pain of HH’s economic victims–the miners on the Copperbelt. But does he really need to mislead the nation? The issue of mining today is totally different from that of the 1990s. Lungu wants to assume that HH is responsible for what happened with Vedanta Resources during the the Lungu administration. There is no truth to it–the two are different and should not be linked.
Audaciously, President Lungu has the right to highlight HH’s role in the privatization of the Mines–it is a fair question. It is one question that HH’s strategists have found hard to counter. In fact he could have simply used M’membe’s line when he called HH “greedy” for his role in selling off Zambian assets, the claim even the HH team hardly failed to deflect. He could have spoken about the price of copper and how that would impact the economy and better the lives of miners. These attacks would have been just as effective–but to threaten to use the law on a political opponent is immoral, abhorrent, evil and simply uncalled for. We are a democracy and the separation of power exists for the reason. If President Lungu wants to arrest HH, let him become a police officer.
The United States (US) will impose economic and visa sanctions on Zambians that will promote violence and undermine the electoral process in the August 12, 2021 general elections.
US Charge d’ Affaires David Young said the US is prepared to apply financial sanctions, visa restrictions and travel bans on people who will violate human rights and democratic freedoms of Zambians in this year’s general elections.
Mr. Young said the US and the world will be keenly watching the actions and words of candidates, party leaders, cadres and other stakeholders and assess grounds for action after the elections.
“We will hold accountable any individuals who promote violence, undermine electoral processes, engage in fraudulent or corrupt behaviour or otherwise violate democratic rights and the foundations of free elections,” said Mr. Young.
The US envoy said the United States is a friend of democracy in Zambia and wants to see free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections on August 12, 2021.
“I want to make it clear that there should be no intimidation of voters by cadre groups from either party. The police and military should apply the law equally and humanely in defense of the safety and fundamental right of Zambian citizens to vote and participate in the democratic process,” he said.
Mr. Young said the August 12 elections are competitive and no one should be misled by polls and surveys to claim electoral victory.
He said Zambia has a commendable record of democratic elections and urged Zambians to shun violence and be patriotic by vote for their preferred candidates on August 12.
He further said his government will continue to provide technical assistance to strengthen the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s election administration.
“We will continue engaging with ECZ to support a transparent process that includes counting, observing, reporting, and publicly announcing results along the way, constituency by constituency so that we can continue building confidence in the electoral system and process,” said Mr. Young.
He urged Zambian politicians not to withdraw from the elections on account of alleged electoral violations but continue with the process to cement the country’s multiparty democratic dispensation.
And Mr. Young has confirmed that the US will participate in election observer missions and will deploy 12 teams across the country to monitor the August 12, 2021 general elections.
He dispelled assertions that the US and other election observer teams are biased and stated that his country will continue to remain neutral and not support any camp.
“Observer missions are not taking sides, we will not…but we will talk to everybody, that’s what diplomats do,” he explained.
The US envoy however insisted that the political landscape should be even for all candidates to campaign fairly and promote their visions and agenda for Zambia to the electorates as opposed to denying others an opportunity to talk to voters.
And Mr. Young said the US remains committed to supporting Zambia’s Covid-19 response and vaccination programme.
He said in addition to the over 300,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines given to Zambia last month, the US government will soon donate another consignment of Pfizer vaccines for use by Zambian citizens.
The US envoy has since paid glowing tribute to the leadership at the Ministry of Health for managing the health sector.
He said the Ministry of Health should be commended for overseeing huge amounts of money meant for supporting the health sector as well as combating the Covid-19 pandemic
