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Successful youth entrepreneur tips colleagues

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Successful youth entrepreneur tips colleagues

A 29-year-old youth of Chinsali district in Muchinga Province has called on his fellow youths in the area to apply for the youth empowerment funds which will help them alleviate poverty in their communities.

And Director of Youth from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Cade Chikobo is impressed that young people in the area are utilizing the empowerment funds properly.

Fig Youth Group Director, Innocent Mulenga, said his group was privileged to be part of the youth groups that benefited from the government’s youth empowerment programme.

Mr. Mulenga has told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) that the funds which his group received have so far helped in improving the living standards of the group members.

”When we received the funds last year, we started a chicken run and since then our living standards have improved and we have also empowered other youths by employing them,” he said.

He said the business is going on well and very profitable.

He has since thanked the government for recognizing the potential that the young people who are not in formal employment have.

And Yude Enterprise manager, Humphrey Moyo, thanked President Edgar Lungu for the many empowerment programmes taking place in the country.

Mr. Moyo, whose club is involved in carpentry and joinery, designing and tailoring as well as catering, said Yude Enterprise makes a profit of more than K15, 000 per month.

“My group received K40, 000 last year from the youth empowerment programme and so far it has multiplied and we get more than K15, 000 per month as our profit,” he said.

He has since encouraged other people to apply for the funds saying the Patriotic Front government is a listening administration that wants to change the young people’s mindset and livelihood.

“We have created employment for ourselves and our work is visible. It is through the same empowerment that we are now able to make our own money and support ourselves,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director of Youth from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Cade Chikobo said he is impressed to see young people in the area utilizing the empowerment funds properly.

Mr. Chikobo said the groups that have been monitored so far have made tremendous progress in their businesses.

He added that this was testimony of President Lungu’s commitment to improve the lives of the young people.

”I call upon Chinsali residents to support these youths by buying their products,” he said.

Mr. Chikobo has since called on the beneficiaries of the youth empowerment to pay back to government so that other young people can also benefit from the same funds.

He added that youth groups that pay back the funds to government have a chance to get more money once they apply because they can be trusted.

“Am encouraging you to pay back this money so that you can now acquire more funds that will help improve your business further,” he said.

The Director of Youth further appealed to the young people to apply for the funds saying the ministry was ready to respond in a positive manner.

He said President Lungu has assured young entrepreneurs that government will support them because his desire is to see more youths get empowered.

Over 300 youth groups in Muchinga Province benefited from the multi-sectoral youth empowerment programme fund, which was launched by President Lungu in Lusaka last year in August.

We note with concern that Fr. Chikoya is trying to tarnish the image of President Lungu over the peace deal-PF

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We note with concern that Fr. Chikoya is trying to tarnish the image of President Lungu over the peace deal-PF

The Patriotic Front (PF) is saddened by some stakeholders who are alleging that President Lungu and the party is not committed to the peace pledge that was recently signed at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

PF Media Director Antonio Mwanza says the party has noted with concern that Fr. Chikoya is trying to tarnish the image of President Lungu and present a distorted position that the PF is not committed to peace because the head of state was not physically present during the signing ceremony.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Mwanza explained that President Lungu had assigned the party Secretary General Hon. Davies Mwila who is the Chief Executive Officer of the party and had sufficient mandate to sign on behalf of the party.

“As everybody is aware that His Excellency is not only president of Patriotic Front but is the President of the Republic of Zambia and thus every day he has assignments that are sometimes beyond him in terms of being in two places at the same time,” Mr. Mwanza said.
“We know that the President during the same period that we were having the signing ceremony was swearing in Judges at State House, ” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwanza says the Patriotic Front is dismayed with the behavior of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema towards Mr. Paul Moonga who is a Member of the PF Central Committee.

Mr. Mwanza disclosed that Mr. Hichilema allegedly confronted Mr. Moonga for supporting PF when Hon Chishimba Kambwili was allegedly insulting Tonga’s.

The PF Media Director says it unfortunate that a leader who wants to rule Zambia can reduce political discourse to tribal differences.

“We don’t believe that Mr. Moonga should support PF based on his tribe or that Mr. Moonga should support UPND based on his tribe but we believe that according to Mr. Hakainde, his thinking is that every Tonga speaking person must belong to UPND,” Mr. Mwanza said.

The PF Media Director charged that it is regrettable that Mr. Hichilema is trying to force all Tonga speaking people to belong to UPND.
Mr. Mwanza stated that the PF believes that the people of Southern Province and any other Province in the country have the right to belong to a political party of their choice.

And Mr. Mwanza has reiterated that President Lungu has every right as head of state to visit each and every facility, constituency and district to get first hand information on how people are living.

Mr. Mwanza explained that President Lungu’s visits to markets are very clear as he want to check on the levels of compliance to the COVID-19 health guidelines.

He also added that President Lungu is also using these visits to encourage traders to adhere to the five COVID-19 golden rules and distribute free face masks and hand sanitizers.

“As Patriotic Front, we urge the President to visit all the markets, and we want the President to go to Comesa, we want the President to go to Soweto, we want the President to go to every market in this country so that he interacts with the people and the people would be given the opportunity to talk to him,” he said.

Mr. Mwanza stressed that President Lungu cannot be tied to State House saying his visits to markets are not for political purposes but purely for social and economic benefits of the Zambian people he has been meeting.

COBUSU takes over student umbrella body

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COBUSU takes over student umbrella body

Leaders of the Copperbelt University Students Union (COBUSU) have emerged victorious to take over the Zambia National Students’ Union at the close of the 2021 ZANASU General Congress.

Cartwright Siyumbwa of the CBU Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine assumes the top position of Congress Chairperson in the ZANASU National Congress while Steven Kanyakula has been elected new President of the student umbrella body after polling 78% against his rival Keegan Halusunga who polled 22 percent of the votes cast

COBUSU President Lawrence Kasonde becomes the new ZANASU Vice President after amassing 74.42% against his Bertha Musonda who got 25.58% of the valid votes polled.

Isaiah Mambwe of Eden University becomes the new Secretary General while COBUSU Vice President Mutale Mumba went unopposed for the position of Deputy Secretary General.

Others elected into office includes Kaoma Kaoma of Mulungushi University, Justin Zwao from Mukuba University, David Bokolo of CBU, Emmanuel Sakala and Chembo Steven are new leaders in the ZANASU NEC.

The 2021 ZANASU General Congress was graced by representatives of the Norwegian student body, SAIH and the Zambia National Congress.

Government commences Debt Swap for all CIVIL Servants, No deduction to be made in next three Months

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Government commences Debt Swap for all CIVIL Servants, No deduction to be made in next three Months

The government yesterday commenced the process of debt swap across the civil service.

This followed a signing ceremony of the addendum to the current collective agreement on the implementation of debt swap for the civil service between the Government and the Public Sector Unions.

Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga said therefore no deductions will be made from Salaries of all civil servants for the next three months effective immediately.

“All Civil Servants having Loans and advances will get their full salaries for the next three months starting from July,” he added.

Mr. Malupenga said the debt will be owed to their employers in this case government. He said third-party institutions will be directly be dealt with by their employers.

Union Members signing the Debt Swap deal

Mr. Malupenga explained that the Unions have been engaging government help in dismantling the debt burden amongst public Service employees who owe various financial institutions in form of loans for a long time now.

“The debt swap is not a condition of service but an attempt by the employer to mitigate the civil service debt,” he added.

Mr. Malupenga clarified that the debt swap will restructure the debt of the civil service so as to help raise the take-home pay.

And Speaking on behalf of the Unions present, Zambia Union of Teachers (ZANUT) General Secretary Newman Bubala has commended the government for the move.

Mr. Bubala has called on all stakeholders not to politicize the government’s good intentions but work towards providing workable solutions.

He has advised members who will benefit from the initiative to refrain from reckless borrowing in the future.

Mr. Bubala added that the Unions have committed themselves to spend resources to engage their members on financial literacy.

Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has said that his government had started working on a debt swap mechanism in early 2020, first beginning with public service employees, in order to reduce the burden on the working class, after noting that even those in employment would be affected negatively by Covid-19 as the cost of living increase due to reduced forex liquidity and disruptions in global trade.

Commenting on a number of other measures to deal with the economic hardships, President Lungu said that this mechanism will see government clear off all payroll taxes for all government employees against allowances such as settlement allowances, leave allowances, gratuities, among others.

“This debt swap will be voluntary. It is expected that households that are currently paying their various obligations will have more disposable income,” the Head of state said..

The president also said that his Government is also looking at mechanisms of introducing a debt swap for those working in the private sector as my government acknowledges that all citizens are equal.

Schools to remain closed till August 16th-Information PS

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Schools to remain closed till August 16th-Information PS

Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga has announced that Pre, Primary and Secondary schools will remain closed until August 16, 2021.

Mr. Malupenga said despite the progress made from the time the measures were initially announced, the country still finds itself in a situation where it needs to continue with heightened interventions to prevent and mitigate further spread of the disease.

He said measures are not meant to punish anyone but protect the lives of Zambians amidst the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic country.

“Government is cognisant of the fact that the interventions we have put in place to fight COVID-19 have negatively affected our people at various levels. Government in its decision making has had to delicately balance saving lives and allowing the wheels of our economy to continue to run.” he said.

He added that the COVID-19 response has been premised on curtailing the further spread of COVID-19 infection in the shortest possible time and steer the country to normalcy.

“Government does sympathize with our people who have been negatively affected by all these well-intended measures and it is our conviction that these measures have saved many lives.” He said.

And Mr Malupenga has also announced that only General Certificate of Education (GCE) and grade 9 external examinations would proceed as scheduled on Monday 19th July 2021.

He said the examinations have been allowed after a thorough consideration of taking into account that the numbers are not many and it is easier to apply the stipulated COVID-19 prevention measures as they are conducted.

Announcing the results of the detailed assessment concerning the measures announced last month on behalf of the President through the Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Malupenga also said bars and restaurants will continue operating on a takeaway basis while nightclubs and casinos would remain closed.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services Dr Kennedy Malama appealed to all Zambians to support the established measures saying this would help the country reduce the positivity rate to below five percent.

“If we did things well, in the coming weeks I can assure you, we will be moving towards bringing COVID-19 under control and science doesn’t hide, if your positivity is 20 percent, you cannot say you’ve won, we are targeting to reduce it to five percent.” He said.

Development in North-Western Province

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Development in North-Western Province

By Henry Kyambalesa

Our brother President Edgar C. Lungu was in North-Western Province (NWP) on July 12, 2021 for a two-day working visit. The message in this article is intended not only for him but for the Patriotic Front, my fellow citizens in NWP and for all my fellow Zambians who have the development interests of our beloved country at heart.

The alarming “poverty” and “inequality” situation in Zambia that Alexander Chikwanda is reported as having decried in a news story by Edwin Mbulo of the defunct The Post Newspaper of February 10, 2014 entitled “Poverty, Inequality Levels in Zambia Unacceptably High – Chikwanda” has continued to be as true and prevalent today as it was then. And our fellow citizens in North-Western Province are not spared from the crisis.

The Patriotic Front (PF) assumed the reins of power in 2011 and has ruled the country over the last 10 years, during which levels of poverty and inequality have continued to worsen for all Zambians in all the 10 provinces irrespective of their political affiliations. Asking citizens for 5 more years to fix problems they have failed to address over a period of 10 years is, therefore, laughable at best.

Education and Skills Training:

North-Western Province now needs leaders who will be devoted to building more primary and secondary schools, and to rehabilitate old ones, in order to make it possible for each and every child in the Province to have access to education near their homes in all the districts—that is, in Chavuma, Kabompo, Kalumbila, Kasempa, Manyinga, Mufumbwe, Mushindamo, Mwinilunga, Solwezi, and Zambezi districts.

Besides, there is a need for leaders who will ensure that higher education and vocational training in the Province are enhanced by rehabilitating existing facilities, and by building additional institutions of higher learning, as well as requiring such institutions to offer training programs that will be consistent with the needs of commerce and industry, including the processing of minerals, mangoes, pineapples, Kaimbwe salt, honey, leather, timber, cassava, coffee, bananas, beans, and sweet potatoes.

Further, there is a need for leaders who will address the problems facing educational and training institutions, including the lack of teachers, instructors, housing, educational supplies and equipment, inadequate salaries and allowances, and entertainment at all the educational and training institutions in the Province.

With respect to housing, my traditional cousin and PF Vice President Inonge Wina has just admitted during her visit to Mwandi District in Western Province that the government was aware that some civil servants in rural areas were living in ramshackle structures.

She said the situation will change in the next 5 years as the government will construct decent accommodation for teachers, and further revealed that the government will recruit more teachers that will be posted to schools, especially schools in rural areas.

So, 10 years of being in government was not enough to fix some of these crucial issues and problems, but 5 years will be enough? And Zambians are expected to believe and blindly embrace such political rhetoric?

Talk about poverty and inequality, talk about economic growth and employment, talk about externally secured loans, talk about corruption, talk about public housing, talk electricity and clean water, talk about education and training, talk about healthcare and sanitation, talk about civil servants’ wages and salaries, talk about retirement benefits, and talk about politically inspired violence.

The common people have continued to spend sleepless nights wondering if any of the socioeconomic ills and crises relating to these aspects and facets of their livelihoods will ever be addressed during their life time.

Like other provinces in Zambia, North-Western Province needs leaders who will be devoted to ensuring that salaries and allowances are timely disbursed to all the districts so that teachers and other civil servants will not have to trek to designated locations to pick up their money only to be told that their dues are not yet available.

And because of the importance of students’ physical and intellectual development in nurturing active and productive citizens, our country’s 10 provinces need leaders who will be devoted to the promotion of sport in schools, colleges and universities. In this endeavour, government officials will need to provide for sports facilities, athletics, soccer, boxing, basketball, badminton, and netball at all educational institutions.

Public Health and Sanitation:

There is a need for leaders who will be devoted to continue to provide for free life-saving healthcare for all Zambians, and rehabilitate existing urban and rural health centres in all the provinces, as well as build new ones.

And leaders who will be devoted to the improvement of conditions of service for healthcare personnel, employ more healthcare personnel, and ensure that healthcare facilities throughout the country have adequate stocks of medicines and medical supplies and equipment regardless of whether they are operated by missionaries, mining companies or the government.

With respect to the North-Western province, efforts in these endeavours will need to apply to all major healthcare facilities, which include the Chavuma, Kabompo, Loloma, Kalene Mission, Mwinilunga, Chitokoloki Mission, Zambezi, Mukinge, and Solwezi hospitals.

Besides, there will be a need to construct a nursing school in Mwinilunga, and upgrade the Solwezi School of Nursing so that it can offer Registered Nursing services.

Culture and Local Traditions:

Culture and both family and traditional values as essential and indispensable elements of Zambian society. Therefore, Zambia desperately needs leaders who will be devoted to make an earnest effort to promote cultural and traditional events in North-Western Province, including the following:

  1. The Chisemwa Cha Lunda ceremony of the Lunda people in Senior Chief Kanongesha’s area in Mwinilunga district held in August;
  2. The Nsomo ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Kasempa’s area in Kasempa district held in June;
  3. The Kupupa ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Kalilele’s area in Solwezi district held in July;
  4. The Lunda Lubanza ceremony of the Lunda people in Senior Chief Ishindi’s area in Zambezi district held in August;
  5. The Lukwakwa ceremony of the Mbunda people in Senior Chief Sikufele’s area in Kabompo district held in October;
  6. The Makundu ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Mushima’s area in Mufumbwe district held in August;
  7. The Chivweka ceremony of the Luchazi people in Chief Kalunga’s area in Kabompo district held in June;
  8. The Mbunda Liyoyelo ceremony of the Mbunda people in Chief Chiyengele’s area in Kabompo district held in October;
  9. The Kunyanta Ntanda ceremony of the Kaonde people in Chief Kapijimpanga’s area in Solwezi district held in July;
  10. The Ntongo ceremony of the Kaonde people in Chief Chizera’s area in Mufumbwe district held in September;
  11. The Kuvuluka Kishakulu ceremony of the Lamba people in Chief Matebo’s area in Solwezi district held in September;
  12. The Kufukwila ceremony of the Kaonde people in Chief Mukumbi’s area in Solwezi district held in May;
  13. The Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony of the Luvale people in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area in Zambezi district held in August;
  14. The Lubinda Ntongo ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Mumena’s area in Solwezi district held in August; and
  15. The Nyawunda ceremony of the Lunda people in Senior Chief Sailunga’s area in Mwinilunga district held in July.

Other Projects and Programs:

There are a lot of important projects and programs which the new government will need to pursue in the North-Western Province in order to improve the socio-economic well-being of residents. These projects and programs include the following:

  1. Construction of a bridge on the Zambezi river to connect the east bank to the west bank where discoveries of oil and gas deposits have been made in Chavuma and Zambezi districts in order to facilitate the exploitation of, and further exploration for, oil and gas and other minerals.
  2. Completion of the tarring and maintenance of major roads in the entire province, including the Mutanda-Chavuma (M8) road, Solwezi-Lumwana road, and the Solwezi-Kipushi road.
  3. Tarring and maintenance of local streets throughout the province. In Solwezi district, for example, there will be a need to upgrade Kimasala, Kyafukuma, Mbonge, Messengers, Kyalalankuba, and Kansanshi Mine streets in collaboration with the Kansanshi Foundation.
  4. Construction of the planned railway line from Chingola to Benguela in Angola through Solwezi and Mwinilunga districts, maintenance of the Mwinilunga-Jimbe road which links Zambia to Angola, and active participation in the construction of a dual carriage way from Chingola to Lumwana.
  5. Improvement of infrastructure at Solwezi airport, rehabilitation of all airstrips in the province, and expansion of Kifubwa, Solwezi, Mutanda, Mundanya, and other major bridges in the Province.
  6. Development and maintenance of roads leading to tourist centres—that is, the Kifubwa National Monument, Mutanda Falls in Solwezi, Nyambwezu National Monument, Zambezi Source National Monument, Zambezi Rapids in Mwinilunga East and West, Lunga National Parks in Mufumbwe and Kasempa, Chinyingi Foot Bridge, Chavuma Rapids, and the Zambezi beach.
  7. Improve accommodation standards in tourist centres by providing incentives for the construction of motels and 5-star hotels (similar to the new Royal Solwezi Hotel and Villas in Solwezi) throughout the province.
  8. Speed up the connection of areas of districts in the province that do not currently have electrical power to the national electricity grid, and provide incentives for private investment in revamping the Mwinilunga Cannery factory.
  9. Construct barracks in Chavuma, Mwinilunga and Solwezi for army officers at border towns, revive the Kafunfula Zambia National Service (ZNS) camp in Kasempa district, as well as construct houses for ZNS, police, military, and immigration officers in the province. An additional immigration border post will also be built in the province at Ndunga in Kabompo district on Zambia’s border with Angola to control illegal traffic and trade across the border.
  10. Improvement of the availability of safe and clean water throughout the province through boreholes, dams, water pipes, and protected shallow wells, and also provide for modern sewage facilities and both public and private rest rooms.
  11. Upgrading of resettlement schemes in the province by providing financial and material resources for constructing and/or rehabilitating boreholes, water wells, irrigation dams and canals, feeder roads, culverts, low-cost houses, clinics, basic schools, police posts, and other essential public services and facilities.

Such schemes include the Kafumfula Resettlement Scheme in Kasempa district, the Kazhiba Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi district, the Kikonge Resettlement Scheme in Mufumbwe district, the Litoya Resettlement Scheme in Kabompo district, the Luwe Resettlement Scheme in Kabompo district, the Chikenge Resettlement Scheme in Chief Kalunga’s area, the Kayombo Resettlement Scheme in Chief Chiyengele’s area, the Mikelenge / Luma farm block in Solwezi district, the Mumbeji Resettlement Scheme in Senior Chief Sikufele’s area, the Munwinji Resettlement Scheme in Mwinilunga district, the Solwezi Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi district, and the State Ranch Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi district.

Since HH and the UPND Alliance have shown the potential to unseat the patriotic Front next month, we need to support them, as well as entrust them with responsibility of correcting the catalogue of socioeconomic ills and crises which the Patriotic Front has failed to address over the last 10 years.

Linos Makwaza Reflects on Jumulo’s FAZ Division 1 Promotion

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Linos Makwaza is glowing with pride after guiding Jumulo FC to their debut FAZ National First Division promotion.

Jumulo successfully secured their Division One promotion berth after winning Group A with three wins and a draw scoring nine goals and conceding just two goals this week at the FAZ Provisional Play-off Promotion Tournament in Lusaka.

It is the first time the ex-Zamtel, Konkola Mine Police, Nkana and Napsa Stars coach has steered a team to promotion following his appointment at the Kitwe club at the halfway point in January when he replaced Ernest Kofi.

“The boys deserve this reward, they have worked so hard and we just have to maintain this team but reinforce in a few departments,” Makwaza said.

Makwaza added that it was an honour to collect his first league title win after lifting the Copperbelt League crown and subsequently securing Division 1 promotion as a coach after winning four league titles as a player at Power Dynamos.

“It feels good, especially being a coach. It is different from winning it as a player,” Makwaza said.

“It is a wonderful feeling.”

Makwaza said he is looking forward to the challenge of fighting for FAZ Super League promotion in the 2021/2022 season in the National First Division with teams like City of Lusaka, Mighty Mufulira Wanderers and Nchanga Rangers.

“It won’t be easy but the boys have shown character in this provincial league and going into the National League we will face tough opposition from teams like Mufulira Wanderers, City of Lusaka, Napsa Stars and Lumwama Radiants,” Makwaza said.

“So I think the boys deserve going into the National League.”  

The ten provincial champions placed in two group’s battle for top two finishes in their respective pools for the four FAZ National League slots.

Jumulo qualified from the five-team Group A on 10 points after four games played, three points ahead of North-Western League Provincial champions Quattro Kalumbila, Sinazongwe United finished third on 6 points while Real Nakonde and Young Raiders failed to qualify on 3 points each.

Group B comprising of Luena Buffaloes (6 points), ZNS Luamfumu and Young Green Buffaloes, who have 5 points each, Sinda United on 3 points and Malalo Police on 1 point will be concluded this weekend.

Zambia is Lucky to have a PEACE-loving and God-fearing leader like President Lungu-Sumaili

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Zambia is Lucky to have a PEACE-loving and God-fearing leader like President Lungu-Sumaili

Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Rev. Mrs. Godfridah Sumaili says Zambia is Lucky to have a PEACE-loving and God-fearing leader like President Lungu.

Speaking in Solwezi NORTHWESTERN Province at the Pastors’ fellowship, Rev. Sumaili delivered a message of goodwill from President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Lungu who she said was grateful for their continued prayers and guidance to the nation and the political leaders.

Hon. Sumaili said the Church had a huge role to provide wise counsel to the political players ahead of the elections in August.

She said the Church also had a responsibility to pray and guard against political violence in the nation ahead of the polls on August 12.

She said Zambia has enjoyed peace for the past 58 years and would continue to do so because it is a covenant-keeping nation whose President, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Lungu has continued to honour God.

She said the next 6 years of President Lungu and the PF would see the partnership between the Church and government reach even greater heights.

And the Chairperson of the Solwezi Pastors fellowship thanked President Lungu for his great regard for the Church and for declaring October 18 as a Day of Prayer, fasting repentance and reconciliation and for the Covid fund that the Government has provided for the Church stating that it would go a long way in helping the Church at this time when the effects of Covid 19 on the economy were quite harsh.

Rev. Sumaili is on a tour of duty, promoting peace and the preservation of the Christian heritage in the nation.

Mopani miners to be paid-President Lungu

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Mopani miners to be paid-President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu says a decision has been made to pay miners at Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) in the Copperbelt province their terminal benefits.

President Lungu said when he addressed miners at Mopani Copper Mine in Kitwe today that unions should quickly submit the total amount needed to pay workers so that funds can be released.

President Lungu said the miners will be paid for all the years they worked for Glencore Limited so that they start on a newer page, assuring them that the monies to pay them are already in place.

President Lungu said there is already a precedent that was used at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Chingola which should also be used at Mopani.

The Head of State said the miners at Mopani Copper Mines should be treated the same way as their counterparts at KCM.

“We are going to sit down with our colleagues the unions and management so that we source for money to pay you our people as soon as possible,” he said.

President Lungu has also assured the miners of the land which is on western side of the South Ore Body (SOB) that it will be given to them so that they can build houses.

The President said since the board had already made a decision to give land to employees, management and the local authorities should plan and allocate pieces of land to the employees.

President Lungu was responding to concerns by Mine Workers Union of Zambia president Joseph Chewe that miners at Mopani in Kitwe and Mufulira have waited for their money for too long and that President Lungu should intervene.

The other issue that the MUZ president raised was the outstanding loans with Stanbic bank which President Lungu said he will discuss with the Bank of Zambia.

Mr. Chewe also called for the abolishment of contracts in the mining sector so that employees can be engaged on a permanent basis.

He said President Lungu’s decision to allow Zambians to operate the mines will live on for many generations to come.

President Lungu calls for equity in the mining sector

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President Lungu calls for equity in the mining sector

President Edgar Lungu has said that he wants equity in the manner Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani workers are paid their dues.

And President Edgar Lungu says he is going to engage Mineworkers Unions and the Mopani mine management to quicken the process of ensuring all Mopani workers’ entitlements and dues are paid.

President Lungu was speaking in Kitwe when he addressed Mopani Mineworkers and MUZ members at Mopani mine today. He said following the government acquisition of shares in KCM, workers should be given all their dues so they can start afresh.

“I am therefore directing the local authorities, mine unions, and Mopani management to implement the decision to ensure all workers are given the reserved mine land where they should build their own residential houses,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Lungu said the government also wants intervention in the issue of contracts in the mining sector so that no crooked contractors are entertained.

“Some contractors have a tendency of not paying their workers their salaries even when the government has already paid them, hence tarnishing the name of those in authority.

And Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) president, Joseph Chewe has commended President Lungu for giving back the ownership and management of Mopani mine to the Zambians. Mr. Chewe further said workers will also be very happy to see the issues of contracts coming to an end as they want every mine worker to be on a permanent basis.

President Lungu was received to a thunderous welcome by mine union workers and management at the Mopani copper mine.

And President Edgar Lungu was this afternoon received to a thunderous welcome by Chimwemwe residents.

ZANIS reports that the Head of state first toured Nakadoli market to observe compliance to coronavirus (Covid-19) rules and regulations among traders and marketeers.

A multitude of people walked with him, among them Patriotic Front (PF) candidate for Chimwemwe constituency Allen Banda.

President Lungu, with his entourage, later proceeded to Chimwemwe market where walked in the streets to greet people that had lined up along the road.

He made a stop over to sensitize marketeers trading by the roadside at Kamunga on the need to adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the further spread of Covid-19.

President Lungu has meanwhile advised adopted candidates to also include Covid-19 sensitization messages as they go about campaigning in communities.

Zambia Receives the 228,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX Facility donated by the French government

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Zambia Receives the 228,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX Facility donated by the French government

The Ministry of Health has begun winding down on the administration of dose one of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine starting with Lusaka, in order to allow citizens that are due for the second dose to have access and achieve full immunity.

Zambia received the second consignment of 228,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX Facility donated by the French government on July 5, 2021.

And Dr. Malama has reiterated that Zambia within this quarter was expecting to receive more vaccines, 100,000 doses of Sinopharm from the People’s Republic of China, 4.4 million doses of Johnson and Johnson through the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), and an additional 165,600 doses of Johnson and Johnson, as part of dose sharing allocated to Zambia from the American Government through the COVAX mechanism.

Speaking when he visited the vaccination center at Pope Square in Lusaka today, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Malama assured that the country will be receiving more vaccines soon.

“Things going to plan, in the coming week or so, we will be giving the nation an update…. so far our engagements with our colleagues in Geneva indicate that very soon, we should be receiving these vaccines,” he said.

Dr. Malama called on Zambians not to panic saying that in the coming weeks or months, they would have a choice on which vaccine to opt for.

And Zambia in the last 24 hours has recorded the lowest positivity rate since June 2021.

Dr. Kennedy Malama said this is encouraging as there also has been a continued reduction in admissions to hospitals, particularly in Lusaka.

“Today we record the lowest positivity of 16% since 20th June 2021 and we will closely monitor the trend in coming weeks. We can only further improve on this with ramped up preventive interventions in the communities.” He said

“We recorded Thirty-One (31) new COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours; 26 of the deaths have been classified as COVID-19 deaths and 5 as COVID-19 associated deaths.” Dr
Malama added.

Zambia currently has 12,270 active cases, with 11,380 under community management and 890 admitted to COVID-19 isolation facilities.
“We had 146 new admissions in the last 24hours (compared to 141 the previous day). Among those currently admitted, 661 (74%) are on Oxygen therapy and 122 (14%) are in critical condition.” Dr. Malama said.

The re-election of President Edgar Lungu is a non debatable matter because he has kept Zambia afloat-Bizwell Mutale

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The re-election of President Edgar Lungu is a non debatable matter because he has kept Zambia afloat-Bizwell Mutale

Patriotic Front national mobilization commitee member Bizwell Mutale says the re-election of President Edgar Lungu is a non debatable matter because he has kept Zambia afloat despite various threats to the economy such the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Mutale says the country has seen massive development under President Lungu which should continue after the August 12 elections.

He says the country’s economy is set to strongly rebound because a lot of efforts amidst the pandemic which has crippled world economies are being implemented.

Speaking shortly after undertaking a COVID-19 sensitization and mask distribution exercise in Kamanga market under strict adherance to the pandemic guidelines,Mr Mutale appreciated the effort of the head of state in ensuring that the pandemic is well managed.

He however expressed disappointment that many people especially in markets are not masking up, hence his effort to reach out to distribute masks and do sensitization.
“You have seen the President distributing masks and telling people the importance of adhering to the guidelines because he cares for the people and wants to put under control this pandemic” Mr Mutale said.

Mr Mutale who also made a donation of hand sanitizers,encouraged marketeers and the general public to help President Lungu to fight the pandemic by following what the health and other authorities are saying.

“Elections have to go on because they cannot be postponed, but we need to ensure that the people are also safe even as the voting day gets closer” he emphasized.

Kenneth Kaunda – Lessons for our time and the future

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Kenneth Kaunda – Lessons for our time and the future

The multi-speaker event on the link below took place on 15 July 2021. It brought together some of Zambia’s finest thinkers, artists, legal minds, politicians, sports legends, spiritual leaders and his much loved family to celebrate the life of Dr Kenneth Kaunda and his towering influence on the Zambia we know and love. Among the speakers included Kalusha Bwalya, Musa Mwenye, Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, Chilufya Kapwepwe, Trevor Mwamba, Grieve Chelwa, Maureen Lilanda, Mundaula Kaunda and Sishuwa Sishuwa.

 

CSOs raise concerns over the new standard operating procedures for Monitoring the August 12 Elections

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CSOs raise concerns over the new standard operating procedures for Monitoring the August 12 Elections

The Civil Society Organisations represented by ActionAid Zambia, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) and GEARS Initiative Zambia have raised concerns on the new measures introduced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) outlining the way the monitoring of the August 12 Elections.

In a statement released to the media by ActionAid Zambia’s Country Director, Nalucha Ziba Nganga, on behalf of others, the CSOs said that the process of accrediting local monitors is cumbersome and costly as each monitor is required to submit a certified copy of national registration card (NRC) and three copies of the declaration of compliance as it inhibitive and must be discarded.

The CSOs called up ECZ to revise the accreditation process, reduce the red tapes and guidelines in order to help in upholding the integrity of the electoral process, promote transparency and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute effectively to the electoral process.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT ON NEW ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES FROM THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) recently issued an election monitor and observer accreditation notice and standard operating procedures limiting the number of observers and monitors to be accredited per organization in all constituencies due to the Covid-19 situation in the country. For instance, the ECZ has limited the number of local monitors to be allowed at any time per organization to access some facilities to one only.

Political parties and CSOs are expected to each have 2 accredited polling station-based monitors/agents of which the only one is expected to go in at any given time. The ECZ is also demanding that local observers and monitors need to provide proof of registration (certificate of registration/incorporation from Registrar of Societies) indicating that the organization has been in existence for the past three years and evidence of having worked in the Governance sector for the past three years.

We the undersigned Civil Society organizations are of the view that measures put in place have the potential to negatively influence the electoral process and the outcome of the election and ultimately compromise the credibility of an election. Even amidst Covid-19, the Electoral Commission of Zambia must seek to balance the potential health risk and the risk and impact of having an election with compromised credibility. Election observation is not the only key in improving the quality of elections but also in building public confidence in the honesty and credibility of electoral processes.

We observe that in the accreditation notice issued, ECZ is limiting the number of people to be accredited per organization in all constituencies. ECZ may wish to note that constituencies are not homogeneous as some are very vast. It will therefore be time-consuming and costly for political parties, CSOs/FBOs, Independent Candidates to deploy a limited number of monitors and observers to cover an entire constituency. As a result, it will affect the effectiveness of carrying out this important responsibility.

We, therefore, recommend that the ECZ leave it to organizations (Political parties/Independent Candidates, CSOs/FBOs and Media) to decide on the number of persons to be accredited in the Constituencies to be part of specific election activities based on their resources and election monitoring strategy. This is so, especially that only a specific number will be allowed to access the facility at a particular time in adherence to the Covid-19 SOPs. ECZ should also consider increasing the number of monitors expected to be at a particular polling station/tallying center from one to two per organization, especially that they are only expected to be at a particular facility (polling station/tallying/Counting center) for a limited period. Two people will improve the ability to observe any anomaly or issues as opposed to one.

We also note that the process of accrediting local monitors is cumbersome and costly as each monitor is required to submit a certified copy of national registration card (NRC) and three copies of declaration of compliance. The demand for certified copies of registration certificates for organization is inhibitive and must be discarded. ECZ can do vetting using its own system. In any case most of the NGOs monitoring elections are in their system or data base and this may have been directed to new entrants in the monitoring process This is a departure from the previous requirement where monitors were only required to submit uncertified copies of NRCs and one copy of declaration of compliance. We are of the view that the ECZ reverts to the previous requirements for accrediting local monitors and demand a fair engagement of the local stakeholders.

Furthermore, the three years existence of an organizations and working in the governance sector requirement may be a hindrance to the participation of most organizations especially CBOs, social movements and ind

STATEMENT ON NEW ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES FROM THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) recently issued an election monitor and observer accreditation notice and standard operating procedures limiting the number of observers and monitors to be accredited per organization in all constituencies due to the Covid-19 situation in the country. For instance, the ECZ has limited the number of local monitors to be allowed at any time per organization to access some facilities to one only.

Political parties and CSOs are expected to each have 2 accredited polling station-based monitors/agents of which the only one is expected to go in at any given time. The ECZ is also demanding that local observers and monitors need to provide proof of registration (certificate of registration/incorporation from Registrar of Societies) indicating that the organization has been in existence for the past three years and evidence of having worked in the Governance sector for the past three years.

We the undersigned Civil Society organizations are of the view that measures put in place have the potential to negatively influence the electoral process and the outcome of the election and ultimately compromise the credibility of an election. Even amidst Covid-19, the Electoral Commission of Zambia must seek to balance the potential health risk and the risk and impact of having an election with compromised credibility. Election observation is not the only key in improving the quality of elections but also in building public confidence in the honesty and credibility of electoral processes.

We observe that in the accreditation notice issued, ECZ is limiting the number of people to be accredited per organization in all constituencies. ECZ may wish to note that constituencies are not homogeneous as some are very vast. It will therefore be time-consuming and costly for political parties, CSOs/FBOs, Independent Candidates to deploy a limited number of monitors and observers to cover an entire constituency. As a result, it will affect the effectiveness of carrying out this important responsibility.

We, therefore, recommend that the ECZ leave it to organizations (Political parties/Independent Candidates, CSOs/FBOs and Media) to decide on the number of persons to be accredited in the Constituencies to be part of specific election activities based on their resources and election monitoring strategy. This is so, especially that only a specific number will be allowed to access the facility at a particular time in adherence to the Covid-19 SOPs. ECZ should also consider increasing the number of monitors expected to be at a particular polling station/tallying center from one to two per organization, especially that they are only expected to be at a particular facility (polling station/tallying/Counting center) for a limited period. Two people will improve the ability to observe any anomaly or issues as opposed to one.

We also note that the process of accrediting local monitors is cumbersome and costly as each monitor is required to submit a certified copy of national registration card (NRC) and three copies of declaration of compliance. The demand for certified copies of registration certificates for organization is inhibitive and must be discarded. ECZ can do vetting using its own system. In any case most of the NGOs monitoring elections are in their system or data base and this may have been directed to new entrants in the monitoring process This is a departure from the previous requirement where monitors were only required to submit uncertified copies of NRCs and one copy of declaration of compliance. We are of the view that the ECZ reverts to the previous requirements for accrediting local monitors and demand a fair engagement of the local stakeholders.

Furthermore, the three years existence of an organizations and working in the governance sector requirement may be a hindrance to the participation of most organizations especially CBOs, social movements and individual activists in the electoral accountability process. ECZ should reduce this to at least 12 months as well as providingfor social movements and individual activists, who are key stakeholders in the electoral process, to participate in the process.

It is our expectation that ECZ will revise the accreditation process, reduce the red tapes and guidelines and/or consult the relevant stakeholders, in view of the recommendations from the undersigned CSOs. We are of the view that the recommendations will help in upholding the integrity of the electoral process, promote transparency and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute effectively to the electoral process. This is in full cognizance of the Standard Operating Procedures put in place to undertake elections in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Issued by
Nalucha Ziba Nganga
Country Director – ActionAid Zambia
For and on Behalf of the undersigned CSOs.
ActionAid Zambia
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP)
GEARS Initiative Zambia

ividual activists in the electoral accountability process. ECZ should reduce this to at least 12 months as well as providingfor social movements and individual activists, who are key stakeholders in the electoral process, to participate in the process.

It is our expectation that ECZ will revise the accreditation process, reduce the red tapes and guidelines and/or consult the relevant stakeholders, in view of the recommendations from the undersigned CSOs. We are of the view that the recommendations will help in upholding the integrity of the electoral process, promote transparency and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute effectively to the electoral process. This is in full cognizance of the Standard Operating Procedures put in place to undertake elections in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Issued by
Nalucha Ziba Nganga
Country Director – ActionAid Zambia
For and on Behalf of the undersigned CSOs.
ActionAid Zambia
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP)
GEARS Initiative Zambia

Levy Mwanawasa University launches a five year strategic plan

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Levy Mwanawasa University launches a five year strategic plan

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Malama says Levy Mwanawasa Medical University(LMMU) should be a center of excellence in health care delivery, training and research following the launch of its five-year strategic plan.

Dr. Malama said the strategic plan is an important document which determines where the institution will be in the next five years as it is a means of attaining milestones.
Dr. Malama was speaking during the launch of a five year strategic plan for Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) in Lusaka today.

He stated that the strategic plan can only be meaningful if management consistently monitors and evaluates performances and deals with components that are not leading to satisfactory results.

Dr. Malama noted that the university is expected to be different from other universities based on the principles on which it was founded.

“The university council and management should therefore be accountable to government, students, sponsors and citizens to ensure a robust adherence to the monitoring and evaluation framework, which this document has articulated,” he said.

Dr Malama said the ministry will continue to support the university as government is committed to sustain the gains made in the past few years through expanding coverage and improving the quality of health care services by building a robust and resilient health system.

“The health system can be fully achieved with availability of skilled professionals who are appropriately distributed country wide,” he added.

Meanwhile, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University Council Chairperson, Alwyn Mwinga expressed confidence that the new strategic thinking and direction the university has taken, will deliver government’s vision of having sufficient numbers of highly trained and skilled workforce in the health sector.

Dr. Mwinga assured government that the council is competent to ensure close alignment of the strategic plan with the Seventh National Development plan’s focus of leaving no one behind.

She added that the strategic plan was designed with the aim of training highly skilled health professionals through the delivery of purpose, hands-on and competence based training.

“The theme of the strategic plan is driving excellence in health care education, service provision and research. This theme shows the vision of the University of being a globally recognized center of excellence, research and high education training for health professionals and delivery of health care services,” she said.

Dr. Mwinga also stated that the strategic plan also seeks to position the university as a world class player in the field of health training within the next five years.

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