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Getting Civil Servants out of the Debt Trap

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Getting Civil Servants out of the Debt Trap

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Government has announced an exciting initiative to get Civil Servants out of the debt trap that they have found themselves in.

BACKGROUND

In 2004, Government introduced financial sector reform strategy through the Financial Sector Development Plan (FSDP) as a mechanism.

The FSDP identified a range of areas for improvement in the financial sector including:

(i) levels of financial
intermediation;
(ii) credit culture in the market; (iii) the role of the Government in the financial sector;
(iv) the regulatory framework for Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs), insurance and pension funds;
(v) the development of the capital market;
(vi) long term development and housing finance; and
(vii) monetary policy instruments.

RISE IN PAYROLL CREDIT

Following the financial reforms, there emerged a rise in payroll based credit.

A payroll loan is a general purpose loan, widely referred to as a personal or a consumer loan in which the access to credit is provided.

This is provided by both banking and non-banking financial institutions.

The loans tend to be short-term loans repaid over 1-3 months.

The loan could also be long-term with some institutions offering loans with recoveries spread to 48 or 60 month, especially for relatively large amounts.

The security undertaking is assured by the future income of the borrower hence they are granted on the basis that the borrower can prove that they will be in employment and will remain so for the foreseeable future covering the duration of the loan, hence civil servants who have security of tenure for periods considered for the loans.

The loans are used for a variety of activities, from home/land purchase to home repair, to purchasing large moveable assets such as a car to meeting daily needs as well as life-cycle expenditures such as school fees and funeral costs.

These reforms brought about the rise in payroll-based lenders in the market targeting employees in the formal sector.

Current estimates indicate that the total number of formally employed persons in Zambia is approximately 900,000, of which 500,000 work in the private sector and 270,000 work for Central or Local Government.

An additional 60,000 work for parastatals, with the remaining 70,000 working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or other entities.

A plethora of micro-finance institutions emerged relying heavily on civil servants’ loans and the security of recoveries done centrally through the PMEC Payroll system.

The Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) is a payroll system established to monitor and control expenditures on personal emoluments in the Public Service.

Microfinance institutions lend at higher rates of around 50-60 per cent and has led to civil servants and other workers trapped in a vicious debt cycle.

GETTING CIVIL SERVANTS OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP

The processes being employed to help the civil servants out of a debt trap are several and include.

1. DEBT SWAP

Here, a Civil Servant owes government and the government owes the civil servant.

The two parties cancel each other’s debt. If one of the party owes more, then the one who owes more settles the difference.

2. DEBT DISMANTLING

Here, Government owes a civil servant a debt for example accruing from terms of employment such as Settling Allowance, Leave Pay, Long-service bonus etc.

In this regard, Government has already started to dismantle this debt by paying out actual cash to employees who are owed. In June 2021, Government released over K200 million for this particular purpose.

3. DEBT RESTRUCTURING

In this case, Government will pay off the debt which Civil Servants owe third-party financial institutions.

Government will transfer the loans to the newly created Public Service Micro-Finance Company.

This is a Government owned micro-finance company. In this case Government will restructure the loans by lengthening the repayment period and lowering the interest rates.

Government has since frozen any loan recoveries for a period of three months as the process is undertaken.

The sum total of these measures will result in improved take-home pay for the civil servants and a path out of debt.

CONCLUSION

Payroll lending especially predatory lending perpetuated by micro-finance institutions requires regulation which should limit debt repayments and debt deductions.

But overall, the solution lie in the recovery of the economy from recession that has been pummeled by the Covid-19 pandemic and by earlier factors such as disasters, floods, droughts, energy shortage, and local and foreign debt.

What is your view?

Shepolopolo Get Down to Business in Japan

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Shepolopolo are settling down in Tokyo after arriving there this week for the delayed Olympic Games.

The Zambian women on Friday held their first training session in Miyagi, Japan with Coach Bruce Mwape leading the squad.

Zambia will face Brazil, Netherlands and China in Group F of the Women Football Competition at the Olympic Games.

Shepolopolo begins the Olympics campaign with a game against the Netherlands on July 21 at Miyagi Stadium.

Zambia will then face China on July 24 before concluding Group F action with an encounter against Brazil three days later.

This is the first time Zambia is participating in the Women Football Competition of the Olympic Games.

Young GBFC and ZNS Luamfumu Promoted to Division 1

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Young Green Buffaloes and ZNS Luamfumu have won promotion to National Division 1 after finishing in the top two of Group B for the play-offs tournament staged in Lusaka.

Young Buffaloes won Group B on eight points after thumping Sinda United 4-0 in their last match on Saturday.

The Lusaka based Zambia Army side collected two wins and two draws on the road to winning promotion.

ZNS Luamfumu secured promotion after thrashing Malalo Police 3-0 in the other last Group B encounter on Saturday.

The Luapula side finished on eight points after posting two wins and two draws.

Meanwhile, Jumulo and Quattro Kalumbila won National Division promotion from Group A on Thursday.

Kambwili attacks HH on tribalism and regionalism, urges Zambians not to vote for the UPND leader

Chief Editor
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Kambwili attacks HH on tribalism and regionalism, urges Zambians not to vote for the UPND leader

Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Chishimba Kambwili has charged that the opposition United party for National Development(UPND) Hakainde Hichilima is the wrong person with a hidden agenda, who the people of Eastern province and Zambia as a whole should never entrust with power to govern.

Mr. Kambwili, who has teamed up with two former UPND Vice presidents; Mr. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Dr. Canisius Banda to mastermind and caution Zambians of what peace and security threat Mr. Hakainde Hichilima is, further said that Mr. Hichilema is aware of a report from the United Nations which has stated that draught and COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in prices of commodities across the globe but he has elected to put the blame on PF for political expediency.

Speaking on Saturday, when he featured on Breeze FM in Chipata, Mr. Kambwili gave an account of what led him to abandon HH and the UPND Alliance.

“I went into an alliance with the UPND. My experience with the UPND made me go back to PF. What they talk about is mostly not real. They want to form a government just for the sake of it. That opposition party is nothing but a party that has been created with the sole purpose of selling one individual who has ended up misleading the entire Southern Province that it is only right to vote for people who come from there. What should be realized is that when you want to be the president you must be a national president,” he said

Mr Kambwili continued: “I can safely tell you this gentleman does not know how the government ran. 90% of the things he talks about are lies. He has no plans to improve the economy. All he wants is to go into government to benefit himself and the people who support him. And this gentleman is a wrong leader because he is full of himself and thinks he knows it all. Governance is teamwork. and he doesn’t receive advice. he thinks only people from his tribe are important.”

Mr Kambwili further charged that Zambia risked going back to the 1970s when the country was fighting tribalism and regionalism if by error Mr. Hakainde was voted into power

“I tell you Zambians voting for this person you will take us back to dark days of the 1960s and 70s when this country was fighting tribalism. This gentleman is a terrible tribalist who believes in his tribe and in his region. And when you tell him the truth about his tribalism he becomes very upset. I don’t want Zambia to go the stone age, to have a president who rides on his tribe and start giving favor to his tribe and not look at all the 73 tribes in Zambia, ” he said

And Mr Kambwili said that the United Nations has given a reliable account of what has caused the price of commodities to go up in various parts of the world especially African nations which is contrary to the lies being peddled by Mr Hichilema.

“HH knows for sure what has caused the price of commodities to go up but he is lying that it’s the PF and only him can sort it out. People of Eastern Province would you believe that president Lungu will deliberately allow prices of things to go up and allow people to suffer?” he asked

“What has caused the prices of commodities to go up all over the world? I will be caught United Nations “UN measure of world food prices climb for 12th month in a role.” The article goes on to say ” A United Nation gauge of world food cost climbed for the twelfth straight month in May. it is the longest stretch in a decade. The draught and COVID-19 pandemic has caused this increase in prices of groceries and other commodities”

ECZ will always endeavor to perform to the satisfaction of stakeholders Zambia-Simwinga

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ECZ will always endeavor to perform to the satisfaction of stakeholders Zambia-Simwinga

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it fully understands its mandate and will always endeavor to perform to the satisfaction of stakeholders in the country.

The Commission says it views the holding of elections as an important event in any civilized country and Zambia is no exception.

Briefing the Media on the progress of printing of election ballot papers, which has entered day number 14, ECZ Commissioner, Ambassador Ali Simwinga said in Dubai today, that elections are self-evident which legitimize public authority with a mandate to govern, and are a critical means of holding leaders accountable.

ZANIS reports that Ambassador Simwinga said the Commission is happy with its performance ever since the ECZ was set up and has always satisfied stakeholders.

He stated that it was important that contenders use the elections process to share their vision through presentation of manifestos to the public.

Ambassador Simwinga also pointed out that the investment and emotions which are attached to the process are no easy challenges of which the commission is alive to, and will always use its mandate to collaborate with stakeholders and other players to achieve a credible election.

The Commissioner expressed happiness at the progress of the printing of ballot papers by Al Ghurair Publishing and Printing Company, the firm engaged to print the election papers.

And ECZ Senior Corporate Affairs Officer, Sylvia Bwalya giving an update said the overall printing progression of the remaining three types of elections now stands at 91 percent with the presidential ballot papers having been already completed.

Ms Bwalya said the presidential papers were now undergoing pre-packaging processes on day number 14 of the printing of election ballot papers.

Ms Bwalya said the printing of Mayoral and Council Chairpersons’ ballot papers are now at 97 percent whilst those of National Assembly papers is at 90 percent.

As for the printing of local government ballot papers under which councilors fall, Ms Bwalya said these were now at 76 percent.

She noted that ballot paper templates for the fresh nominations which took place on July 12, 2021 had reached the company in Dubai printing.

Ms Bwalya also disclosed that the process of verifying all ballot papers by stakeholders in Lusaka was now complete so that the process of printing can now be completed.

Zambia will this year on August 12, 2021, hold general and presidential elections.

PMRC commends the Government over Debt Swap for Civil Servants

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PMRC commends the Government over Debt Swap for Civil Servants

The Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has praised government for initiating a debt swap with civil servants as it will give relief to public service workers and increase lending to the private sector.

PMRC Executive Director Bernadette Deka-Zulu said the development will ease the burden civil servants face in making loan repayments to financial lending institutions.

Mrs Deka-Zulu said in a press statement issued to the media that the initiative will also provide liquidity to financial lending institutions to lend to the private sector for investment in other productive sectors of the economy.

She said various loans and debt owed to public service workers have a negative impact on the daily survival of civil servants and the operations of financial lending institutions.

“Government through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the 16th of July 2021 announced the debt swap between Government and civil servants as a way to ease the burden in loan repayments to financial lending institutions. It is well known that deductions from civil servants’ salaries are heavy and have adversely affected their productivity and service delivery,” said Mrs Deka-Zulu.

Mrs Deka-Zulu said the debt swap is timely and shows commitment on the part of government to address the plight of civil servants arising from the impact of loans and debts have on their survival and work performance.

“PMRC commends Government on this move as restructuring public service workers debt will ease financial burden during the pandemic by increasing disposable incomes through adjusting repayment periods with reduced interest rates in comparison to commercial rates charged by banks and other micro finance lending institutions. This measure is likely to boost the confidence of workers and consequently improve productivity and quality service provision in the civil service”, said Mrs Deka-Zulu.

She pointed out that the move by government to undertake a debt swap is legal as it is within the confines of laws that govern the employment code of civil servants right to bargain conditions of service through the Industrial and Labour Relations Act Cap. 269, part vii of the laws of Zambia.

Recently, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga announced that government had undertaken a debt swap with civil servants.

The debt will be taken over by the Public Service Micro-Finance Company which is a government institution that currently provides loans to civil servants at low interest rate which presently is at 5 per cent.

Mrs Deka-Zulu commended government for negotiating with financial lending institutions to freeze loan deductions on the pay slips of public service employees to allow for reconciliation of outstanding loans and debts.

Debts of public service workers that will remain owing to financial lending institutions after reconciliation will be transferred from financial lending institutions to the Public Service Micro-Finance Company.

Mr Deka-Zulu also praised government for releasing K200, 000,000.00 to settle various amounts owed to civil servants such as leave travel benefits, long service bonus, gratuities and other personal emoluments.

She observed that the debt swap has been formulated in line with policies and strategies that support government’s efforts of dismantling domestic arrears to ease liquidity in the economy.

Mrs Deka-Zulu said the debt swap will ease financial pressure of public service workers, and ultimately benefit the private sector by increasing the availability of financial resources to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

She said the debt swap is another measure by the state to cushion the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the public service workers, SMEs and the Zambian Economy.

“Since the breakout of the COVID-19, government has implemented such measures of easing liquidity in the economy, which includes among others, paying off retirees and provision of COVID-19 stimulus packages,” said Mrs Deka-Zulu.

The PMRC Director stressed that this debt swap is a step towards the realization of the aspirations of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP 2020-2023) where government intends to dismantle domestic areas and achieve macroeconomic stability.

Police arrest UPND cadres in Solwezi

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Police arrest UPND cadres in Solwezi

Six United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres have been arrested by police in Solwezi district for conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.

This was after Patriotic Front (PF) and UPND cadres clashed yesterday in the Solwezi central business district.

Northwestern province Commissioner of Police, Joel Njase has confirmed the incident in Solwezi today.

Mr Njase said the fights started as a result of UPND cadres being found in the wrong ward thereby, disturbing the peace.

“According to the ECZ campaign schedule, PF is supposed to be in Tumvwanganai and Kyawama wards whilst UPND is supposed to be in Kyafukuma and Kivuku wards,” he said.

Mr Njase said two vehicles belonging to the PF have had their windscreens damaged and three members injured by Namindi Silva, a former Tumvwanganai ward councillor and other unknown UPND cadres.

“Two cases of malicious damage and three cases of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm have been recorded.

PF land cruiser registration number BAD 3575 had its windscreen damaged on July 16, 2021 at 15:00 hours and a Toyota Allex registration number ATB 433 also had its screen damaged by a group of UPND cadres who were throwing stones against their opponents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Njase has warned UPND cadres that police will enforce the law firmly and ensure that those found wanting are taken to court.

“It is clear that the UPND action was meant to provoke PF. However, the PF action to withdraw from town was commendable, despite the fact that they were supposed to be in central business town in accordance with ECZ campaign schedule,” he added.

Ministry of Health says it is determined to flatten the COVID-19 curve

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Ministry of Health says it is determined to flatten the COVID-19 curve

Ministry of Health says it is determined to maintain the recent downward trend and flatten the third wave curve after it recently recorded a reduction in hospital admissions for the first time in days.

Government yesterday reiterated directives to curb COVID-19 in the country, building on the earlier pronouncements made on June 16, 2021.

Speaking in a statement to ZANIS, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama said in its effort to balance saving lives and saving the economy, government had provided clear guidance that previously announced measures would remain in effect pending the issuance of additional guidance.

Dr Malama noted with disappointment that some business houses decided to go ahead and resume operations with impunity.

Dr. Malama described the behavior as unpatriotic which should be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians.

He noted that such actions would set the country back from the progress it had made in curbing the third wave.

He has assured the nation that the multi-sectoral team of enforcers will not relent but continue with operations to bring these culprits to book.

He revealed that out of the 1,627 premises inspected in the last 24hours, 1,395 (86%) were compliant; 212 (13%) were served with notices and 87 (5%) were closed.

Dr Malama also noted that despite the country’s delay in starting the COVID-19 vaccination programme, government has noted progress on the vaccination program and that the response is overwhelming hence guaranteeing no vaccine wastage.

“We have come a long way from the initial vaccine hesitancy to now seeing a rush for vaccines, we commend members of the public for this positive response and we will not disappoint as we have ramped up our efforts to bring more vaccines into the country,” he said.

He disclosed that in addition to governments procured consignment of 4.4million doses of Johnson and Johnson expected under the African Vaccine Alliance Trust (AVAT), 100,000 doses of Sinopharm from the Chinese government.

He outlined that an undisclosed quantity of Sinopharm under the COVAX facility is expected while 580,320 doses of Pfizer, 165,000 and another 136,800 doses of Johnson and Johnson is expected from the US government and the COVAX facility.

He further disclosed that an additional dose of AstraZeneca is expected in the country by the first week of September.

He added that the development was an indication that government was committed and would endeavor to protect the people from severe disease and deaths presented by the current and future waves.

He disclosed that 10,547 of dose one and 3,824 of dose two AstraZeneca vaccinations were administered in the last 24hours bringing the cumulative vaccinations to 213,237 to date.

He further disclosed that 1,328 new COVID-19 cases out of 7,367 tests conducted in the last 24 hours were confirmed, giving an overall positivity of 18% and bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 184,672.

“The distribution of the new cases and within province positivity are as follows: Central 151 (21%), Copperbelt 70 (11%), Eastern 129 (31%), Luapula 103 (22%), Lusaka 311 (14%), Muchinga 60 (14%), Northern 103 (18%), North-western 141 (29%), Southern 161 (16%) and Western 99 (21%),” he outlined.

“Regrettably, we report (30) new COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, 29 of the deaths having been classified as COVID 19 deaths and one as a COVID-19 associated death. We note that this is the lowest death we have recorded in the past weeks and we will continue building on this progress,” he said.

Dr Malama said the breakdown of COVID-19 cases indicate Copperbelt 10; Lusaka 6; Southern 5; Eastern 3; Northern 2; Western 2; Central 1; and Muchinga 1 bringing the cumulative number of COVID 19 related deaths recorded to 3,052 while classified COVID-19 deaths as 2,267 and 785 COVID-19 associated deaths.

Dr Malalma said 1,268 patients from 105 isolation facilities and 1,163 from home management have been discharged bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 169,320.

The Permanent Secretary confirmed that there are 12,300 active cases, with 11,480 (93%) under community management and 820 (7%) admitted to COVID-19 isolation facilities.

Traders told to protect the informal sector by masking up-Lungu

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Traders told to protect the informal sector by masking up-Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has called for intensified compliance to COVID-19 safety measures to enable the country to open up normal operations in various sectors.

President Lungu was speaking to journalists this morning when he toured Mikomfwa, Main Mpatamato and Roan markets in Luanshya district with a call on traders to help in the fight against COVID -19.

President Lungu urged traders to follow the COVID-19 guidelines and secure the informal sector as it drives the economy of the country.

“We will do not want to close up markets so we are asking you as market leaders, as community leaders, to help us in the way you operate as the as government we want to do our best and secure the informal sector as much of the economy is comprised of the informal sector,” he said.

The President observed that the COVID-19 has ravaged the country, resulting in the closing down of schools, companies and many other activities.

“And from the look of things it’s not ending soon, therefore we are working through you market traders , the DMMU and the ministry of local government ensuring that we observe all the five golden rules such as washing hands, social distancing and so forth, ” he appealed.

And Mikomfwa Main Market Master Fredrick Mulenga appealed to President Lungu to consider upgrading the markets in order to allow more traders to sell from inside.

“ We want to thank you for visiting our district and you are excited by your humility and love you have shown us, however we would like to appeal to you to help us with rehabilitation and upgrading the markets as most of the traders are trading from outside due to inadequate space “ he said.

In his response, President Lungu promised to upgrade and expand the market to the standard befitting the community.

“The market really requires an upgrade of one way or another and that I can assure that using your local council and your leaders, we will do something and am sure your leaders have already seen this and are already working towards improving the market,” he promised

President Lungu further appealed to Zambians to make an informed decision and get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help fight the pandemic.

“ Of course Zambia has a basket full of a variety of vaccines and there is a lot of speculation surrounding the issue of vaccines but as a government we do not want to be seen to be imposing , let people make an informed decision as this is a voluntary decision,” The President said.

He also appealed to the people of Zambia to take advantage of the availability of vaccines that government had made available and get vaccinated.

President Lungu is in Luanshya in the Copperbelt province to check compliance of COVID-19 guidelines in markets.

Are Zambians ready for socialism?

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Are Zambians ready for socialism?

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

The other day, we were greeted to news of a record 8 aspiring councilor candidates on the Socialist Party ticket on the Copperbelt ditching the party to join UPPZ. Consequently, this simply means there have to be fresh nominations for the affected wards in the said province.

What a waste of resources! What a mockery of our so called democracy! Of course there are so many folks taking our democracy for granted; we won’t waste time discussing these individuals for now due to limited space, but we shall instead focus on M’membe’s pet project – the Socialist Party.

In one constituency in Lusaka, there was one particular individual who stood out as a staunch socialist. He was quick to feature on every radio station and appear on any available TV channel to spread the good news about socialism. He was aspiring to be MP in the area. Somehow along the way, he abandoned the party and joined another opposition political party. He has since gone for greener pastures in the ruling party…….typical of Zambian politicians; flip-floppers!

In the Copperbelt province, another gentleman who has since been adopted to stand as MP in a certain constituency had previously contemplated contesting the elections on the main opposition political party ticket UPND. However once he realized that he didn’t stand a better chance of being adopted due to stiff competition, he became socialist overnight! There are of course many others!

What do we make of this?

Many of those masquerading as socialists either don’t clearly understand the concept or are yet to be fully rooted in the ideology, hence the reason why it’s practically easy for them to quickly switch to other political parties.

Looking at the billboards the Socialist Party has splashed on our highways around the country or T/shirts and vitenges that have been handed-out to citizens including those in remotest villages, one would be mistaken to think the party is enjoying increasing support.

Yes, the party is on the billboards but not really on the ground…….to put it more succinctly, it’s a fantasy idea that only exist in M’membe’s head. The sooner he appreciates this reality check, the earlier he’s going to protect himself from suffering from potential heart attack!

Oil money can continue pouring in from Socialist states to lubricate the bearings of the Socialist Party to clothe every woman and man in the street in a chitenge or T/shirt and of course adorn every street with billboards, but one thing is for sure though……..It will take another century for our citizens to fully embrace the concept of socialism.

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

Matete Heading To The Tokyo Olympics As Coach

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Athletics great Samuel Matete is heading to the Tokyo Olympics as part of the Zambia track and field technical bench.

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) recommended that Matete be part of the athletics coaches preparing runners Sydney Siame and Rhoda Njobvu.

The 1996 Olympics Silver Medalist is scheduled to leave for Tokyo next week with other members of team Zambia.

At his peak, Matete represented Zambia at the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992 and 1996.

“I am grateful that NOCZ considered me; it is a step in the right direction. Our athletes need experience and exposure,” Matete said.

“I am excited. This is a morale booster for all of us including the athletes.”

“This is an opportunity that I have looked forward to helping develop athletes,” Matete said.

Matete has in the recent past served on the NOCZ Technical Commission.

He won a gold medal at the 1991 World Championships and was twice silver medalist at the same event.

Matete was a three-time World Cup winner and won gold at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

He later won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta in what is still Zambia’s last medal at the World biggest showpiece event.

Matete is currently running his athletics academy in Kitwe.

Nkana Reshuffle Executive Committee

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Nkana Football Club President Joseph Silwamba has bounced back into the newly constituted executive committee announced by principal sponsors Mopani Copper Mines on Friday.

Silwamba rose to the position of club president one year ago after the departure of Evaristo Kabila.

Silwamba presided over a turbulent 2020/21 season that saw Nkana survive relegation on the final day of the campaign.

Mopani has announced that in the new Nkana Executive Committee, Silwamba will be deputized by newly appointed club Vice President Christopher Nyungila, who is also Kitwe District Education Board Secretary (DEBS).

Nyungile replaces Charles Chikwelete – a long serving executive committee member.

Mopani Corporate Affairs Manager, Lorraine Tembo further announced that the mine has appointed its Tax Manager, Chikusi Banda, as the new Club Treasurer, taking over from Kunda Bowa.

Mopani has also appointed three new committee members: Mopani Security Operations Superintendent, Tilimboyi Singani, Mopani Senior Internal Auditor, Bwalya Peters, and Mopani Senior Legal Officer, Luyando Chuula.

Singani, Peters and Chuula have replaced Bupe Lubindo, Ticklay Mukosiku and long serving technical committee Chairman Davies Mwaba.

Mopani has since tasked the new executive committee to help Kalampa win the FAZ Super Division title.

“Mopani will do its part as the main sponsor and it’s incumbent upon all stakeholders to do their part and ensure that you win the league and other silverware,” Tembo said.

“This message also goes to the technical bench, players, secretariat and supporters as every stakeholder should do their part,” she said.

Micho Leaves Chipolopolo Job

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Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has parted company with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) as Chipolopolo coach.

Micho leaves the job following Chipolopolo’s shambolic 2021 COSAFA Cup outing when they failed to defend their regional title after they were knocked out in the group stage of the tournament that ends on July 18 in South Africa.

“FAZ can confirm that it has reached a mutual separation agreement with its senior Men’s National Team coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic. After a meeting between FAZ and the coach, it was agreed that in the interest of progress for both parties they had to separate,” said FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala in a statement.

Micho was appointed Chipolopolo coach on February 3, 2020 and has been in charge of 27 games out of which twelve were competitive matches of which he won four, drew four and lost four.

His friendly ratio saw him win seven, draw four and lose four.

But Micho failed to salvage Chipolopolo’s 2022 AFCON qualifying hopes after he took over a team that had lost its opening two group matches.

Under him in the AFCON qualifiers played in November 2020 and March 2021, Zambia collected two wins, a draw and one defeat.

But Chipolopolo were unconvincing in January 2021 in his first competitive tournament outing at 2021 CHAN in Cameroon where Zambia won one and drew two of their three Group D matches before collapsing 3-1 in the quarterfinals to defending champions Morocco.

“Meanwhile, FAZ will announce the succession roadmap in the next few days,” FAZ Spokesperson Sydney Mungala said.

Catholic Bishops call for peace ahead of the general elections

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Catholic Bishops call for peace ahead of the general elections

Zambian Catholic Bishops
Zambian Catholic Bishops

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has appealed to Zambians to uphold peace and unity and the uphold the One Zambia One Nation spirit championed by late Zambia’s first President Kenneth Kaunda, ahead of the August 12 general elections.

In a statement to the media, signed by 10 other clergy, ZCCB President, Archbishop of Kasama, Reverend Ignatius Chama said the forthcoming elections are not the first or last elections but a recurring event which should therefore not be marred with bloodshed.

Bishop Chama said Zambia is marked as a peace loving and beacon of peace in Africa whose inhabitants from different walks of life have for several years lived together in peace and unity.

He said the escalation of political violence the country is currently experiencing is a test to the record of peace held for many years.

He said for years the country has enjoyed peace and upheld the sanctity of life as sacred.

“Political contestation should not amount to mortal combat where life and property is lost for the sake of ascending to power, there is life before, during and after elections, therefore, let us be considerate and respectful of each other as all life is sacred and all life matters,” he said.

He reiterated that politics should be an issue based program of action for the people and appealed to political players to practice issue based politics and refrain from violence, hate speech, malice and bloodshed.

The Bishop said it was the hope of the church that the political parties who had signed the peace pledge will take full responsibility to ensure it translates into reality in order for a peaceful co-existence between different political affiliates and interests and peaceful elections to be achieved.

He said leadership comes through the ballot and appealed to the electorate not to be deceived but to choose leaders who are selfless, God fearing and passionate about Zambia and its people.

20 newly constructed houses unoccupied due to lack of water

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20 newly constructed houses unoccupied due to lack of water

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Chomba, has appealed to the Ministry of Infrastructure to urgently address the issue of water supply to the new council houses in Ngabwe district.

Speaking after the tour of the houses, Mr Chomba expressed sadness that the 20 houses that have since been completed have remained unoccupied due to the absence of water.

Mr Chomba called for a speedy solution to resolving the water challenges at the 20 houses so as to pave way for commissioning.

He said the lack of accommodation for public service workers in Ngabwe district is a hindrance to enhanced and effective service delivery.

He further stated that the provincial administration will engage authorities for a possible variation of some water boreholes earmarked for Serenje and Chitambo so that some could be given to Ngabwe to address the water challenge.

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