Roberto released the video for his song ‘Loving‘ that features Ugandan dancehall artist Vinka. The song was produced by Roberto himself and was mastered by Paul Kruz and the colorful and creative video was directed by Aaron Air.
The Recipients of Cargo loaded with Ballot Boxes offer to Keep their Goods in storage till after elections
A little-known company called Lee Bridge Limited has come forward to claim the ownership of the mobile phones and accessories onboard an Emirates Cargo Flight that also delivered Election materials for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
In a statement not signed and released to the media by the company’s management, Lee Bridge Limited said that the company is an Agent for Infinix Mobility of Hong Kong, and as s distributors of Infinix Phones, ordered the consignment from Hong Kong and paid contracted Emirates to transport them to Lusaka Zambia.
The Company further said that they are ready to contribute to the enhancement of integrity in elections by keeping the phones and accessories at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport until after the elections.
Below is the full statement
Following unsubstantiated media reports regarding the arrival of mobile phones and accessories on board an Emirates Cargo Flight that also delivered Election materials for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Management of Lee Bridge would like to state the following.
That indeed the phones and accessories belong to Lee Bridge Limited a company based in Lusaka Zambia that is an Agent for Infinix Mobility of Hong Kong. Lee Bridge as distributors of Infinix Phones ordered the consignment from Hong Kong and paid contracted Emirates to transport them to Lusaka Zambia.
Our organisation had no advance knowledge that our consignment would be delivered on the same cargo plane carrying sensitive materials which are Election materials for the forthcoming General elections.
We were only made aware of the development when we received several inquiries from third parties.
Lee Bridge and Infinix Mobility have no role to play in Zambian Politics but business to help Zambia attain the middle income country status by investing in communication technology which is a prerequisite for economic development.
We take this opportunity to urge our friends from the Fourth Estate (The Media) to verify facts before publishing them in order to avoid alarming the public like in this case.
We are making every effort to have Emirates explain to the Zambian people how our consignment from Hong Kong found itself aboard a chartered plane by the ECZ.
On our part, we are ready to contribute to enhancement of integrity in elections by keeping the phones and accessories at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport until after elections.
Once again Lee Bridge is calling for balance reporting in order to avoid speculation.
UPND demand fair investigations in the Kanyama murder, as LAZ and UN condemns the killings
Following the murder case that occurred recently in Kanyama Constituency where 2 people were killed, United Party for National Development – Deputy National Youth Chairman Mr Trevor Mwiinde has challenged the police force and all interested as well as affected stakeholders to conduct a fair investigation.
Speaking when he featured on Muvi TV’s Lunch Time Show, Mr Mwiinde said that; unlike issuing statements meant at crucifying UPND without having a clear picture of the whole scenario that transpired, they must be professional and allow both parties involved to give their statements without taking sides with PF.
Mr Mwiinde said that one of the men in question who was killed – Danny Chingagu was a UPND member who denounced PF after they put him behind bars at City Market Police for 2 weeks, which only UPND Kanyama came to his aid. In the same vein, Mwiinde bemoaned the fact that one of the UPND youths who was part of Matero road show with the UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso on the day the murder took place was picked up from Matero and accused of being one of the killers in relation to Kanyama case.
Mr Mwiinde who further expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased urged political parties to stop using the youths to advance violence and settling scores – either personal, political or otherwise but rather strive for equality, love and respect for one another to be used as definition for what is right and benefits the masses.
Meanwhile, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has strongly condemned the killing of two Patriotic Front (PF) supporters in Kanyama compound in Lusaka.
LAZ President Abyudi Shonga says the loss of life in the contest for political power is most regrettable, and totally unacceptable in a democratic nation.
In a press statement issued to the media, Mr Shonga encouraged the police to work tirelessly and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
He said the continued incidents of violence are a blemish on the country’s reputation as a peaceful nation, and are undesirable.
“What exacerbates the tragedy is that the leaders of the major political parties have appended their signatures to multiple peace agreements”, he said.
Mr Shonga added that it is time for political parties to take responsibility for their membership, as well as to give effect to the pledge made to uphold peace.
He explained that LAZ expects all political parties to not only publicly speak out against political violence, but to continually ensure that the environment in the country is conducive for all eligible voters to vote for the preferred candidates on the 12th August 2021.
LAZ has since called for an end to political violence in the country.
And the United Nations (UN) in Zambia has said that it strongly condemns the recent killing of two political party supporters in Kanyama, Lusaka, as well as other incidents of political violence reported in the country in the run-up to general elections due on 12 August.
In a statement to the media, the UN said that the ongoing violence can pose a threat to the conduct of credible and peaceful elections and undermine core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia.
“There is no justification to indulge in violence, kill or harm another person or destroy property to settle political differences in a multiparty democracy. Let us not forget that a democracy is a system of Government providing a framework for organized and continuous dialogue to resolve differences”, said UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio.
“The UN calls on all Zambian political leaders to publicly condemn any form of violence and instruct their supporters to abide by the electoral code of conduct and refrain from any violent acts and to pursue constructive dialogue and existing legal mechanisms to settle their differences, peacefully and amicably,” added Dr. Gadio.
The UN will continue monitoring the situation and engaging with the Government and people of Zambia to maintain and sustain peace which is essential for attaining the country’s development priorities.
Uphold the rule of law, armed Forces urged
Members of the armed forces authorised by Republican President Edgar Lungu must uphold the rule of law and balance up enforcement of lawful measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with respect for human rights, Center for Constitutionalism and Legal Justice (CCONLEJ) has said.
Welcoming the decision by President Edgar Lungu to allow the armed Forces to partner with the police to curb political violence, Center Director Isaac Mwanza said the decision has been long overdue and meant to protect loss of lives.
“Zambia is currently confronted with two battles, one in which we must win against and stop the spread the COVID-19 and another where we must isolate these blood-thirsty cadres from our democratic process,” he said.
He said the Zambia Police on their own have proven inadequate to deal with the two battles and bemoaned the continued violation of the COVID-19 health regulations.
“So while the Constitution provides for freedom of movement and Assembly, Articles 21 and 22 of the Zambian Constitution allow the imposition of restrictions when they are reasonably required in the interests of public safety, public order, and public health,” said Mwanza.
He said reckless politicians who are promoting large gatherings against the COVID-19 regulations have no justified reasons to cry foul when their freedom of movement and Assembly is being restricted in the interest of public health and public safety.
“The framers of our Constitution had envisaged a situation where public health would be in danger and some human beings would abuse freedom of movement and assembly to endanger the safety measures, hence the Constitution allowing restrictions on these freedoms,” he said.
Mr Mwanza has called on the Armed Forces to fairly ensure lives of citizens are protected, large gatherings are prevented while allowing citizens to enjoy their rights within the confines of the existing laws and regulations.
Victory for PF in the August 12, General elections is guaranteed-President Edgar Lungu.
President Edagr Lungu has said that victory for PF in the August 12, General elections is guaranteed.
Speaking when he donated face masks and other Covid – 19 materials at Mwamfulilwa market in Samfya district, President Lungu said he will hit the ground running immediately after the swearing in ceremony in the quest to continue delivering development to the people of Zambia.
“This term we are starting on the 13th August, or after the swearing in ceremony, when we win on 12th August, on 13th August we will know the results and we will hit the ground running and continue on the development agenda we have embarked on.” President Lungu said.
And President Lungu says the people of Samfya will soon get a new modern market so that they also enjoy the facilities that Government is coming up with.
He has since tasked the market management to find alternative land where the new market will be built.
“I will work with your area member of parliament to construct a new modern market here. Find a proper place because if we try to be build a new market here people will say where are you taking us,” President Lungu said.
“The marketeers here don’t want to move because a day without selling they make losses and to avoid conflict with our partners who are the marketeers, you work with local authorities, the MP so that you find a place where you can put a modern market for Mwanfulilwa so that you also benefit from the facilities Government is setting up,” he said.
Are the Vultures back for the PF Carcass?
By Dr Parkie Mbozi
THREE Former Patriotic Front (PF) renegades and ‘heavy weights’ Winter Kabimba, Chishimba Kambwili and Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) are back in the party. Others may be ‘sitting on trees’ and watching (from the bird’s eye view’) and waiting for the right moment to land back and pounce.
The question is, what are these founder members and former internal rivals back for? 2021 election? Forget it. There should more to it. We can intelligently hypothesise or speculate that they are back for the take-over of whatever will remain of the PF after the August 2021 elections. It is wise to assert that it is the resumption of the succession battle for the stewardship of the PF. Therefore I use the analogy of the vulture to argue my point. Remember that these fellows were involved in factional and succession wrangles even before the PF founder Michael Sata (RIP) was still alive and well.
In the 1969 James Hadley Chase, a renowned novelists and one of my favourites, published a widely read novel titled, “The vulture is a patient bird”. Chase titled his book around the ulture-like behaviour of the key character in the story. Vultures are described as a scavengers, meaning ‘they eat dead animals’. One writer explained that, “The vulture is a patient bird because it can wait for days for an injured or sick animal to die. It would keep a safe distance but have a direct view of its prey and would only go to it when a swarm of flies signal the end of life for the animal. It’s willing to wait for five days for an animal to die”
The story of the vulture best characterizes what is a stake in the PF. There are four reasons and commonalities among the three gentlemen with regard to the political journeys and characters. These factors make it plausible to assert that their return marks the re-launch and resumption of the succession battle for the control of the PF. The reason are: Edgar Lungu’s end of tenure; ambition; failed self-ambitions; and, perceived leadership vacuum in PF.
To the first point, Lungu’s tenure at the helm of PF comes to end in five years, regardless of whether he wins the republican Presidency or not. In fact if he and PF lose this next month’s elections, calls for him to immediately step down and give chance to somebody else to steer the party and to try his/her luck in 2026 will be legitimate. Lungu is also unlikely to absorb the humiliation of being reduced to opposition leader after seven years as head of state.
Therefore, anyone with ambitions of taking over the PF, as all the three gentlemen have openly expressed before, will see this as an opportunity to be found on the scene. In any case, the PF even if PF loses next month’s election it is likely to have strong representation in parliament and at local government level. That makes it an attractive party for these gentlemen, even whilst in opposition.
The second factor, which is related to the first, is the potential leadership vacuum should Lungu lose this year’s election or at the end of his tenure as PF and republican president should he win this year’s election. Lungu has chosen Nkandu Luo as his running mate. However, that may not in itself mean she is the heir apparent. Looking at the reactions to her appointment, not all senior PF members see Luo as the possible leader of the PF. In any case, in a democracy every position is up for grabs in the event of abrupt departure of its leader, especially in the absence of succession planning. This was the case after the demise of Anderson Mazoka, the first leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Michael Sata, first leader of the PF.
About Luo appointment as running mate to Lungu, Mwamba said, “We should all support and respect the decision of the President. Prof Luo has what it takes to work tirelessly to take this country to the next level.” His half-heated reaction was evident and he was among the few voices for Luo’s public support among the party’s heavyweights. The negative public and media narratives about Luo did not help matters.
Political ambition, which characterizes all the three gentlemen, can be said to be the third factor for speculating that they are back for the PF ‘carcass’ For starters all three have been in politics for between 15 and 20 years, although where they launched their political careers is the difference. Kabimba has been on the political scene the longest. He started off his major political career in Ben Mwila’s Republican Party in the late 1990s. He abandoned his RP and joined Sata’s PF after the 2006 elections. In 2009, Kabimba became the third, if not second, most powerful person as Secretary General and as both SG and Minister of Justice after PF formed government in 2011.
Kabimba’s limelight in the PF ended abruptly in 2014 when he was ‘fired’ amid Sata’s illness. I write ‘fired’ (in inverted commas) because we understand it wasn’t Sata who actually fired Kabimba; but that is a discussion for another day. In December 2014 Kabimba formed his own party, Rainbow Party, and contested but miserably lost the 2016 general election. Kabimba, as party SG, is credited for giving the PF some semblance of internal democracy and political decency ahead of the 2016. In June 2021 he entered into a working partnership with PF and is currently actively campaigning for the party and Lungu. He may be counting on his reputation as mobiliser, organizer and disciplinarian as he ponders the next probable move in the PF. Unfortunately for him those believed to have drafted his dismissal letter and those who mocked that he couldn’t win an election even in his own ‘bedroom’ are still alive.
Kambwili has second longest career in politics, having first entered the political arena in 2006 as opposition party PF Member of Parliament for Roan constituency. He was re-elected in 2011 and immediately became a member of Sata’s cabinet at ministries of foreign affairs, labour and information and broadcasting. Kambwili was retained at MIBS after the 2016 election until he was fired after falling out with Lungu within two months of the 2016 elections aftermath. He was to become Lungu’s nightmarish critic after forming his party the National Democratic Congress in 2016 until his return to PF in May 2021 and abandonment of his party.
Kambwili first manifested his ambitions for the leadership of the PF by contesting the presidency of the party in December 2015, following Sata’s demise in August 2014. He lost the first PF presidential race, which was controversially won by Lungu. With Lungu’s eminent departure from the helm of the PF, Kambwili could be seeing a silver lining hence his decision to return to back Lungu in this year’s election.
GBM first launched his political career as a candidate for Kabwata central on the MMD ticket during the 2006 election. He lost the election to Given Lubinda of the PF. He crossed floors to the PF in-between the 2006 and 2011 elections and was later known as one of Sata’s financial backers during this period. He stood and won the Kasama Central seat on the PF ticket in 2011 and became the first Defence minister in the PF government. He resigned from his ministerial position after differences with Sata and Luo over their refusal to install Henry Sosala as the Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people. GBM first showed his ambitions to take over leadership of the PF through the fierce succession running battles with Kabimba, months before Sata’s death. He later contested but miserably lost the internal bye-election to replace Sata.
Just before the 2016 general election GBM crossed to the UPND in search of new political fortunes and was rewarded with the vice Presidency upon arrival and subsequently running mate in the 2016 election. It is widely believed that his departure from the UPND in 2020 is associated with his ambitions to take over the Presidency of the party. He was alleged to have been secretly forming parallel structures in what he called his ‘bedroom’ ahead of the anticipated elective congress of the party. It is that ambition that makes his return to the PF seen in the trajectory of the succession race.
All the three gentlemen have tried and failed to organize their political careers elsewhere, including in parties they launched in the case of Kabimba and Kambwili. The PF ‘carcass’ seems an easier prey. We will wait and see how the battle goes.
LAZ tells Zambia Police to Stop blocking HH from accessing the electorates
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has expressed concern over reports that the police restricted the United Party for National Development (UPND) president HAkainde Hichilema to hold campaigns in Chipata district in Eastern Province.
LAZ President Abyudi Shonga said the law allows all candidates that have successfully lodged their nominations to freely access the electorate.
In a press statement issued to the media, Mr Shonga stated that according to the Electoral Process Act of 2016, the campaign period is to be held three months prior to elections, and candidates are free to access the electorate in order to canvas for votes.
“It is common knowledge that the period was declared by the Electoral Commission of Zambia in line with the provisions of section 28(3) of the Electoral Process Act, 2016,” he added.
Mr Shonga has since urged the police to desist from hindering any political party to access the electorate, during this period to enable the people to choose their leader.
“LAZ encourages the police to carry out their functions professionally and bow only to the law,” he said.
He said the police must allow free campaigns subject to adherence to the COVID-19 health guidelines.
Below is the full statement
ECZ Suspends UPND Campaigns in Kanyama as the opposition party claims one of the victims was their member
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has with immediate effect suspended the UPND campaigns in Lusaka’s Kanyama constituency. This follows the killing of two PF cadres in the area last Friday, in a rival political group clash.
ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager, Patricia Luhanga has confirmed the indefinite suspension in a statement, issued in Lusaka today. Ms. Luhanga has said the commission had instituted investigations into the murder of Davies Kabunda, aged 37, and Danny Kasongo, aged 30.
She has explained that the commission’s decision is in pursuant to Article 229 of the Republican Constitution. To this effect, Ms. Luhanga said that the UPND will not be allowed to conduct any form of the campaign in Kanyama and police have been informed to enforce the ban.
And in another twist, UPND has claimed that murdered Danny Chingangu, of Lusaka’s Kanyama compound, is their member contrary to information shared by the Zambia police service and the Patriotic Front, suggesting the deceased was a PF member.
This is according to UPND alliance chair for elections, Garry Nkombo, who addressed the media in Lusaka today.
Mr. Nkombo has further accused the Zambia Police service and the electoral commission of Zambia of applying double standards and dramatizing the death of the two youths.
Meanwhile, the Commission has extended the accreditation exercise for the second time by two more days and will end on Wednesday, August 4th, 2021.
Ms. Luhanga said the extension of accreditation is meant to clear institutions that have already applied and received approval letters from the Commission.
She said that the Commission will not receive fresh applications as the deadline for submission and approvals of applications was July 30th, 2021.
Below is the full statement from ECZ
The Electoral Commission of Zambia on 31st July 2021 issued a statement over the incident in Kanyama Constituency in Lusaka in which lives of two Patriotic Front supporters were lost under gruesome circumstances.
The Commission also indicated that it had instituted investigations in the matter and appropriate action would be taken.
The Commission has pursuant to Article 229, Sub-article 2 (e) of the Republican Constitution and Subparagraphs 4 (1) (c) (d) (i) and 11 (d) of the Electoral Code of Conduct suspended indefinitely, subject to review with immediate effect all manner of political campaigns for the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Kanyama Constituency, Lusaka District.
In this regard, the concerned political party will not be allowed to conduct any form of campaigns in the said jurisdiction.
In the same vein, the Zambia Police should not allow any political activities by the affected party.
Patricia Luhanga
Corporate Affairs Manager
For/The Chief Electoral Officer
ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA
UPND will soon be obliterated in the Western and North-Western Regions, former finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda
The Patriotic Front (PF) has become much more popular and stronger, penetrating Western and North-Western Provinces and sooner than later, the United Party for National Development (UPND) will be obliterated in the regions, former finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has said.
Mr Chikwanda has said Zambians, particularly those from Western and North-Western Provinces were appreciating the monumental social and infrastructure development in their regions which the PF had so far delivered.
Mr Chikwanda who is not a political propagandist and a candid believer in truth and facts said the opposition political parties had run out of sensible criticism against the PF and had resorted to propaganda, insults, nihilistic malice and propaganda to sell their dry political messages.
He said Zambia was improving in all sectors such as education, health, agriculture and manufacturing because of the PF’s policies under President Edgar Lungu who has been pursuing his vision of delivering development to all parts of the country without leaving on one behind.
Speaking when he appeared on the ZNBC Sunday Interview hosted by Gravazio Zulu, Mr Chikwanda explained that there has been a sustainable upward thrust in the country’s economy which has been boosted by the high metal prices.
Mr Chikwanda who is PF member of central committee stated that the appreciation of the Kwacha against major convertible currencies was not an accident but as a result of meticulous implementation of progressive policies.
He explained that there were no gimmicks in the running of the economy and that Government was not manipulating the strength of the Kwacha, cautioning that employing ploys to strengthen the performance of the local currency could easily backfire in the face of leadership.
Mr Chikwanda stated that it was the expectation of the PF that the appreciation of the Kwacha would be sustainable because of the improving metal prices and the increase in the foreign reserves.
“Zambians have seen levels of development never seen before and are appreciating the efforts of the PF. The PF has become very strong in some areas. It has penetrated regions such as Western and North-Western Provinces and soon the opposition will be obliterated.
And the PF has not played any gimmicks in the appreciation of the Kwacha and gimmicks backfire. So the appreciation of the Kwacha is not partisan and I am a political propagandist. The fundamentals for the performance of the Kwacha are there,” Mr Chikwanda said.
And Mr Chikwanda said Zambia should move away from the dependence on Copper as the major export earner and start investing in agriculture.
He stated that Zambia was exporting high quantities of maize and it was economically advisable that the country should expand the agriculture sector because it has proved to be a sustainable means of earning foreign exchange.
“For this marketing season, maize will account for 3.6 million metric tonnes part of which will be exported,” Mr Chikwanda said.
Fashion Sakala Set for UEFA Champions League Debut With Rangers
Fashion Sakala is set for his UEFA Champions League debut at Glasgow Rangers on Tuesday in an away date against Swedish champions Malmo.
Rangers are chasing their first UEFA Champions League group stage appearance since the 2010/2011 season.
The Chipolopolo striker is in Rangers coach Steven Gerrards team that is in Sweden ahead of Tuesday evenings UEFA Champions League third round, first leg qualifier.
This will be Fashion’s second successive competitive game for the Scottish champions after making a very quiet league debut in Saturdays 3-0 home win at home over Livingston.
The Chipolopolo striker was substituted in the 71st minute after failing to find the target.
Meanwhile, Rangers will host Malmo in the final leg on August 10.
Winner over both legs will face Greek champions Olympiakos or Bulgarian side Ludogoret in the pre-group stage round to be played over two legs on August 17/18 and August 24/25.
Grades 7, 10, 11, and 12 resume contact classes on August 5th, Government announces
Government has announced that all examination classes and some critical classes will reopen on August 5th , 2021, to create more time for lessons and recover the lost time.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga stated that these include grades 7, 10, 11 and 12.
Mr Malupenga clarified that secondary schools to reopen for boarding school include grades 10, 11 and 12, while those to reopen for day school are 11 and 12, while the Primary school learning will only be subjected to those in grade 7 classes.
Mr Malupenga said the reopening of examination classes will enable pupils and teachers to adequately prepare for the examinations.
The Permanent Secretary justified that the current COVID-19 situation in the country, coupled with assessment and certification of schools, has led to the reopening of certain grades, adding that extending closure may make it difficult for pupils to catch up on lessons.
Mr Malupenga noted that the reopening of the remaining classes will be based on the inspection and certification by the Ministries of General Education and Health in conjunction with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) as well as the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
“All school Head teachers are, therefore, directed to provide leadership, so that the situation in schools will help the government to make a decision on the remaining grades,” he added.
Mr Malupenga also stated that universities, colleges and other higher learning institutions, will continue with online classes for the next 21 days.
He commended the institutions for embracing technology and ensuring continuity in their learning this far.
He said this during a joint press briefing with Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama, Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba and Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Office of the Vice President Stephen Mwansa.
Speaking at the same event, Mr Kalumba appealed to all schools both private and public, to adhere to this announcement.
The General Education Permanent Secretary said the government’s desire is to ensure pupils catch up on lessons, adding that the ministry will ensure that the voting arrangements are made for schools that are polling stations despite schools being open.
“We have seen this in the past, schools were still open during elections,” he added.
Mr Kalumba also called on parents to support the government’s decision, by giving support to the learners and the teachers, to improve education.
“Parents should and guardians should talk to their children about masking up, frequently washing their hands and observing social distancing,” he added.
Mr Kalumba mentioned that the school calendar will be communicated to the public tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Mr Mwansa disclosed that all schools reopening on Thursday, August 5th, will be supplemented with food supplies, adding that they will also be assisted with facemasks and hand sanitizers to ensure safety in schools.
“All schools will also be fumigated and the fumigation materials will be left in schools so that they may be able to utilize them anytime,” he added.
He called on parents to take comfort as the government is doing its best to ensure the safety of all scholars.
And Dr Malama expressed happiness that the county has in the last two weeks recorded a reduction of COVID-19 infections, number of COVID-19 new admissions, as well as COVID-19 related deaths.
Dr Malama said this current status should encourage residents to enhance adherence to COVID-19 regulations in order to bring the situation under control, as spikes in the numbers remain possible.
The Health Permanent Secretary revealed that the country recorded the lowest cases of COVID-19 related deaths since June 9th, with 6 deaths occurring in the last 24 hours.
“In the last 24 hours 197 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases were reported out of the 3, 314 testes. We discharged 844 patients from 23 facilities” he added.
Dr Malama appealed to residents not to put the guard against Covid-19 down even when the cases are refusing, but must instead heighten them in order to reduce the cases even further.
Government to cover funeral cost in Nakonde accident tragedy
Government says the authority will cover funeral expenses for all the people who died in an accident involving a Nakonde bound bus and a Tanzanian registered Scania Truck yesterday.
Six people died on the spot while forty others including a bus driver escaped with serious injuries, in a road traffic accident that happened at Kanakashi village about 45 kilometers north of Shiwang’andu district along Great North Road.
Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe announced that the government will provide coffins and other logistical support, to the affected families, in order to ease their burden.
Mr Kabwe has since directed Muchinga Province DMMU Regional Coordinator and Shiwang’andu District Commissioner Evelyn Kangwa who is also the District Disaster Management Committee Chairperson, to collaborate and quickly submit the budget to his office, indicating all the funeral expenses.
The National Coordinator has further directed the Regional Coordinator and Chinsali District Commissioner Mary Chifuna to work with the District Health Director to ensure that survivors of the accident who may require evacuation are helped.
He said the regional office should also provide food to Chinsali General Hospital, to help cater for all the relatives of the survivors who are looking after them at the hospital.
And Mr Kabwe has sympathized with the deceased families over the loss of lives and wished them God’s comfort during this difficult time.
He said the government is concerned with the increased number of road traffic accidents that have continued to claim the lives of people.
The DMMU National Coordinator explained that the government through his unit has taken up the funeral expenses for the Nakonde bound bus accident as it falls in the category of what could be considered as a disaster.
“To all the bereaved families, please accept my government’s deepest condolences for the untimely death of your beloved ones. As a government, we sympathize with you and we will ensure that all the funeral expenses are taken care of,” Mr Kabwe stated.
Mr Kabwe has since cautioned motorists, especially public transport drivers and truck drivers to be vigilant on the road, in order to avoid causing accidents that have continued to claim precious lives of people.
He said the government has continued to do its part to reduce road traffic accidents by upgrading and expanding roads across the country.
This is according to a press statement issued to ZANIS by DMMU Senior Communications Officer Mathews Musukwa in Lusaka today.
President Lungu won the 2016 Elections by 13 000 Votes and Not 100 000 votes
By Venus N Msyani, Concerned citizen
As the August 12 election approaches help Zambia leave no stone unturned. It has come to light that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has not done enough job on educating people on 50%+1 vote clause.
Some Zambians still don’t understand why others say Hakainde Hichilema lost to president Edgar Lungu by 13 000 votes in the 2016 general election and ignoring them is a threat to post August 12 election peace.
To make the matter worse, even the president himself seem not to believe that he won by that number.
Various comments on the article Simple math favors opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, which also appeared under the headline The real battle is between the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) on Lusaka Times lead to this conclusion. And also, a post on Zambian Eye news.
“I stopped reading at “In the 2016 general election Hakainde lost again but managed to cut the margin to half. He lost by only about 13 000 votes.” This is clearly Under 5 thinking at it’s why Under 5 supporters will cry. Over 100, 000 is now 13 000? Anyway, let me just end here.” Someone with a pseudonym Kawasaki commented.
Another comment by another pseudonym Wondering: I thought HH lost by a margin of about 100,000 votes in 2016? I stand to be corrected? Where has the 13,000 come from?
“I won by 100 000 in 2016 and this time around I will win by 500 000 votes.” Zambian Eye News quotes president Edgar Lungu.
Talking about it. 6,698,372 registered to vote in 2016 and 3, 695,710 cast their votes. The Patriotic Front (PF) received 1,860,877 votes while United Party for National Development (UPND) received 1,760,347 and the rest went to miscellaneous parties.
Under the 50%+1 clause, one needs to cross the line, which is 50% of the votes in order to win the Zambian presidency. Hence, what matters under the 50%+1vote clause is the percentage above the line.
It is true the vote difference in 2016 was a little bit above a hundred thousand but what made Lungu a winner was +0.35%. Otherwise, the election was headed for a rerun.
Edgar Lungu won by about 13 000 votes, which is a total vote cast (3,695,7100) times 0.35/100. In short, 13000 votes are votes that helped Lungu meet the 50%+1 clause.
Sounds simple but not to be taken for granted. Anyone with a better understanding or explanation should not hesitate to share. No stone should be left unturned to avoid post-election confusion.
PF holds fifth virtual rally
The Patriotic Front (PF) has held its fifth virtual rally ahead of the August 12, 2021 general elections.
Speaking during the virtual rally, PF aspiring candidate for Kankoyo Constituency in Mufulira, Edward Chomba has appealed to the electorate to turn in large numbers and vote for President Edgar Lungu.
Bishop Chomba said President Lungu has demonstrated sound leadership from the time he was ushered into office.
He stressed that President Lungu has managed to hold the country together amid disasters such as floods, army warm attacks, energy crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.
Bishop Chomba commended the Head of State for providing steady leadership to ensure that the country’s economy does not collapse.
Meanwhile, he has condemned politics of violence which should be entertained as it has the potential to divide the country.
Speaking at the same event, Former Minister of National Development Planning, Alexander Chiteme says the effect of COVID-19 has negatively affected the country’s economy.
Mr Chiteme stated that the high prices of goods and services should not be blamed on President Lungu but the advent of COVID-19.
And Former United Party for National Development (UPND) Mbabala Member of Parliament, Ephraim Belemu has implored Zambians to rally behind President Lungu and the PF party.
Mr Belemu said Zambia needs tested leadership that President Lungu has been providing in stirring the country’s economy.
The former Mbabala law maker commended President Lungu for constructing the first ever secondary school in the area, since Zambia gained independence in 1964.
Mr Belemu served as UPND Member of Parliament for two terms from 2011 to 2021 when he resigned to join PF.
The PF Prof. Luo, HH, Homosexuality, and the Christian Nation Mantra
By Kapya Kaoma
Prof. Nkandu Luo’s execrable claim that Hakainde Hichilema is paid by the African Liberal Network to allow same-sex marriage, and revoke the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation once in power made me wonder if being PF turns public intellectuals into Political Fools. Prof. Luo’s claims are ridiculously insane except for the outlandish harm it may cause to the already demonized gay community.
The homosexualization of HH was expected, but coming from Prof. Luo is simply jaw-dropping. In Trumpian style, and with her mouth covered in a mask, she openly buried her reputation in Kasempa among pastors–ignoring the ninth commandment–“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). The Zambian Constitution does not allow same-sex marriage, and the declaration is enshrined in the Constitution. HH couldn’t allow same-sex marriage or remove the declaration without amending the Constitution. Only a fool can be duped by such a fib
Prof. Luo’s goal is to use the public disgust attached to homosexuality to enchant Christian fundamentalists into voting for the PF. History is not starved of the truth– gays have not stolen from us, her party has; gays haven’t killed or terrorized innocent Zambians for supporting the opposition, PF cadres have; gays haven’t watched our children die from curable illnesses while their own are flown to South Africa and Europe to be treated by gay doctors, Luo’s cadres have been the beneficiaries. So why sacrifice gays for corruption brought about by the Lungu administration?
Prof. Luo is highly concerned about homosexuals. Yet Zambians care more about the quality of their life than a gay person, a drunk, or sex worker roaming the streets. They want a president who fires and prosecute corrupt ministers more than the one who sniffs for “sinful” homosexuals in every hotel or guest room on taxpayers funds. Zambians want a president who treats them as human beings, who promises to protect their human rights, create jobs, and ensure that every Zambian has access to safe drinking water, sanitation and of course basic living standards. This is the Lungu she should be selling to voters!
Prof. Luo wholly knows. Hakainde Hichilema is just as homophobic as Lungu and his association with the African Liberal Network doesn’t change it. Even if he supported gay rights, he wouldn’t be alone. Many Zambians have links to gay affirming organizations–FIFA, English Premier League, World Vision, World Health Organization, Bread for the World, the World Council of Churches, the World Bank, the IMF, the European Union, the UK, the U. S., the United Nations, and African Union Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights Commission–the list is endless. Like HH, both Lungu and herself have personal dealings with some of these organizations.
On June 30, 2016, the United Nation Human Rights Council adopted the resolution to decriminalize homosexuality and protect gay persons. Two years earlier, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights called for the decriminalization of homosexuality and the protection of gay persons in Africa. Since then, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana have decriminalized homosexuality, and Namibia is to follow. South Africa is the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Is Prof. Luo suggesting that Zambians should vote out the PF for associating with all these institutions and nations?
The Trumpian bigotry expressed by Luo betrays the very title ‘professor’–she is an embarrassment to the academy! The HH team should be cognizant of her game–it is time to empty the kitchen sink. The PF loves the gay whoopla and it works–it ignites Zambians into blaming their misery on homosexuals as opposed to those in power. But life is not short on factuality; homosexuality does not put food on our table–it is a private matter. Even if gays are headed to hell, like drunkards, it is none of Luo’s or her pastors’ business.
What mournful dirge should I sing for the once respectable Prof. Luo has stooped to the level of Mwila, Kambwili and GBM? Poor young women in shame now dwell, for once a political model, her integrity and dignity in Kasempa lost! She goes down in history as a liar in a mask!
Notably despicable is also for men and women of the cloth to continue shouting the “Christian nation” mantra in exchange for brown envelopes filled with blood money–the funds that would have saved many lives had it been spent on health care. Pastors must be prophetic enough to speak truth to power. But who can when pastors compete for the President’s wallet shouting, “give me a brown envelope, and I will give you a prophecy?
Thus says the Lord. Homosexuals are behind Zambia’s economic, political and ethnic woes. Alebwelelapo! Amen!”