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Presidents Ramaphosa and Nyusi arrive for KK state funeral

The South African Head of State Cyril Ramaphosa and President of Mozambique who is also African Union(AU) Chairperson, Filipe Nyusi have arrived in the country for First President Kenneth Kaunda’s state funeral.

ZANIS reports that President Ramaphosa arrived earlier at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka via the South African Air Force at exactly 09:40 hours.

Meanwhile, the Presidential jet carrying President Nyusi touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 09:45 hours.

The duo were received by Deputy Secretary to Cabinet for Administration Patrick Kangwa, alongside Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation Chalwe Lombe among other government officials.

Both Heads of State were accorded a Presidential salute upon arrival.

The state funeral is being held at the Lusaka Show Grounds.

Dr. Kaunda died on June 17,2021 and is expected to be buried on July 7, 2021.

Foreign dignitaries in for KK state funeral

Foreign Heads of State and government have continued to land in the country to attend the state funeral of the late First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.

ZANIS reports that Malawian President Lazarus Chakwela, Zimbabwean Head of State, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi have already arrived in the country.

The plane carrying Dr. Chakwera, touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka at 07:45 hours, while the one carrying President Mnangagwa touched down at 08:27hours and that of President Masisi landed at 08:50hours.

Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration, Patrick Kangwa, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Chalwe Lombe among other government officials were at hand to receive the foreign dignitaries.

The country is expecting other Heads of State from Namibia, South-Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania to attend Dr. Kaunda’s state funeral.

President Edgar Lungu declared today Friday, July 17th, 2021 a non-working day to accord the country mourn the First President in harmony and dignity that he deserves as a statesman.

“In recognition of the indelible impact that Dr Kaunda made in the region and the world at large, we have received the confirmed presence of the highest level of Heads of State and government from the Republics of Kenya, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Zimbabwe South Africa, Botswana, Malawi and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” he said during a press conference yesterday..

President Lungu explained that the attendance of these dignitaries is an affirmation of the late Dr Kaunda’s role in the liberation struggle, global peace and security agendas as well as the common goal of sustainable development and regional integration.

Dr Kaunda died on June 17, 2021, at Mina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka and will be buried on July 7th, 2021 at the presidential burial site in Lusaka.

China-West Battleground In Africa: Debt Ridden Zambia

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By Kalima Nkonde

Zambian national, Mwansa Prospery Chalwe, has just published the above intriguing, thought provoking and well researched book on Amazon.com, in both paperback and e-book versions. The book demonstrates how China and the West are in a stealth “war” of influence on Zambian soil without most citizens and our politicians realizing it. The book should be an eye opener to ordinary Zambian citizens, policy makers in the US/West, China, Africa and Zambia. In this article, I will carry out a brief general review of the book.
The book has dissected and unravelled the causes of Zambia’s economic problems that have turned the country into a basket case within a space of 10 years. He has somehow, intelligently linked the country’s economic crisis to the geo-political and economic rivalry of the West and China which gives the book an international flavour, without necessarily, losing its local relevance.
The book is mainly anchored on Zambia’s debt crisis which has resulted in the country being the first Sub-Saharan African country to default on its Sovereign debt post COVID-19. It outlines how the country went on a borrowing binge from both the West and China from 2012. It then goes to document how the two main categories of creditors have since been fighting over the restructuring of the country’s foreign debt. He also outlines the role of the International Monetary Fund, and interestingly and perhaps surprisingly, the United States Senate which is unknown to most people in the debt restructuring process.

The Author first analyses the performance of the Zambian economy for the past 10 years. He then takes the reader on a journey on how Zambia borrowed its way into economic turmoil. One of the first decisions that new PF administration took in 2011, was to embark on the ambitious, massive infrastructure development. The Author, in a very simple and layman language, shows why the PF infrastructure programme which was debt funded, has not produced the economic growth and created jobs which such programmes normally produce all over the world. He has, in fact argued that the infrastructure programme, is one of the major causes of the economic problems that Zambia is facing today. He calls it the poisoned well of the economy.
The issue of corruption has been handled in two chapters. He has provided empirical evidence using econometric studies which show how corruption can ruin any country’s economy in the world with numerous examples, and how it has done the same to Zambia which should not be surprising to those knowledgeable.
The book does not take sides between the West and the Chinese and he criticizes both. The Author argues that both the West and China are in Zambia to pursue their own interests and it is up to Zambian leaders to negotiate deals that are in Zambian’s best interests. According to him, both the Washington consensus and the Beijing Consensus development models in their purest form, are not suitable to Zambia and Africa as African societies are complex and their environment are totally different.

He first criticizes the West and the IMF for its Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the 1980/90s, which was based on the Washington consensus of free markets. The model destroyed Zambia’s industrial base and has resulted in the country being over dependent on imports thus being responsible for some of the current economic problems.

In regard to the Chinese, the book shows that Zambia is among the closest African country to China, to the extent that some analysts argue that Zambia is China’s poster child in Africa. The close relationship is supported by economic, political, diplomatic ties that date back close to 60 years. And the closeness is shown by the large number of Chinese immigrants. In addition, the fact that Zambia is one of few countries with the Bank of China branches in Lusaka and Copperbelt is further evidence of the closeness between the two nations. The Zambian government’s failed attempt – due to public outcry- to recruit Chinese nationals in the Zambia Police Service is another factor that some people point to, as a demonstration of how entrenched Chinese influence is in Zambia.

The Author argues that the current economic relationship between China and Zambia benefits China much more than Zambia. The “win-win” situation claimed by China, is a mirage according to him. He demonstrates with supporting facts how the Chinese development financing model in its current form, has not benefited Zambia but China. He argues that the billions of Chinese dollars of debt finance have not resulted in much multiplier economic activities in Zambia to create jobs and reduce poverty. He suggests that Zambia and China need to recalibrate their relationship so that it is mutually beneficial with the bottom line being poverty reduction as the key metric.
In the regard to the United States of America’s role in its competition with China in Zambia, he shows that whereas China’s influence in Zambia is focused on lending and infrastructure, the US has invested heavily in “soft power” of AID with negligible commercial presence through its private sector. The book shows the billions that America has poured into Zambia which has saved millions of lives. The US contributes huge sums to Zambia’s health care budget. The US’s PEPFAR programme is one that millions of ordinary Zambians have benefited from. It has literally kept some people alive. He has also noted the Biden administration’s plan to reset its economic policy in Africa in response to Chinese influence and suggests how the US can economically compete with China on African soil.

There is an interesting chapter where he demonstrates that in Zambia’s 57 year history, there is a correlation between economic performance and democracy and human rights. Zambia’s economy has performed better in an open democratic environment where political and civil rights have been protected and safeguarded. In the past ten years, there is sufficient evidence that the country’s democratic credentials have been eroded thus contributing to the poor performance of the economy.

The book proposes a number of solutions for African development which he calls: “21st Century Afro Development Initiatives (ADIs)”. He controversially argues that infrastructure should not be one of the top priorities apart from as it relates to Agriculture and electrification especially for rural areas. He also argues the aggressive promotion of foreign direct investment on current terms as it is not beneficial and believes that it is better to keep the minerals in the soil for future generations.

The book’s conclusion is on the World’s current health and economic crisis- the COVID-19 Pandemic. The on-going rivalry and competition between the US and China with regard to vaccine diplomacy and the origins of the virus puts the title of the proper in proper context.

In a nutshell, as far as the Zambian economy is concerned, the book argues that although the debt crisis is the major cause of Zambia’s economic crisis, there are other factors. These include the lack of sufficient benefits from foreign direct investment, illicit financial flows, corruption, and deterioration in democracy, low copper prices and drought in some years, the current Covid-19 and above all the poor leadership on both sides of the aisle. These are issues that those vying for power and the Zambian people ought to address.
Chalwe has taken no prisoners in this intriguing and interesting book. It is a must read book for both the international and local audience in the light of the current rivalry between China and the West, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the forthcoming Forum of China and African Cooperation( FOCAC) conference in Dakar, Senegal in September this year and Zambia’s economic crisis.

Zambia to attend UN food systems summit

Zambia will join the rest of the world in preparing for the United Nations food systems summit scheduled for September 2021, organized by the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York, United States of America.

The Summit is expected to be an opportunity for global public mobilization and actionable commitment to investing in diverse ways to make food systems inclusive, climate smart and resilient and support sustainable peace and serve as a turning point in the world’s journey to achieving, holistically, all the seventeen UN sustainable development goals by 2030.

The summit will be preceded by a virtual and in-person pre-summit event in Rome, Italy from 26th to 28th July, 2021.

Vice President Inonge Wina who will represent Zambia said the summit seeks to raise global awareness, deepen understanding of the problems solved and set a new pathway to radically change the way food is produced, processed, and consumed.

Mrs Wina said the summit will require each member state involved to convene inclusive national dialogues to address the five action areas namely; ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all, creating pathway that lead to shifting to sustainable consumption patterns.

The summit will also discuss the boosting nature positive food production, advancing equitable livelihoods and building resilient to disasters and extreme weather conditions.

Mrs. Wina, also disclosed that Zambia’s preparations for the summit include the launch of the UN food systems dialogue roadmap which was held in Chanyanya community of Kafue District on 19th May, 2021 and supported by various partners stakeholders including the United Nations Systems in Zambia.

“ In order to ensure that dialogue outcomes from the grassroots to national level are captured around the five action areas, the Secretary to the Cabinet has appointed the Director for Policy, planning and Coordination in the office of the Vice President as national dialogue convener to be supported by other experts in the Ministries if Agriculture, Fisheries and livestock, and the national food and nutrition commission as secretariat as well as other line ministries and provinces to spearhead the National dialogues which will feed into the Pre-summit in July and the main Summit in September 2021. ” she said.

She has called on all stakeholders concerned to join the Government led dialogues in order to bring the best ideas and solutions by identifying key priority interventions based on the stated five action areas.

KK life, legacy exhibition opens at Lusaka Museum

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The Ministry of Tourism and Arts has opened the “Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition” in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.

The exhibition, details Kenneth Kaunda’s life from his exploits as an African liberation icon, international statesman, a diplomat of note, and a proponent of love, peace and social justice.

Officiating at the launch, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, Patrick Lungu extolled the late Dr. Kaunda, for creating institutions that have preserved the country’s history.

“His passion for art, culture and heritage led to the establishment of institutions that are mandated to preserve and conserve the nation’s memory and heritage,” Mr. Lungu said.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the exhibition was meant to honour the memory and legacy of Dr. Kaunda.

“The Kenneth Kaunda legacy exhibition that started yesterday is therefore, a fitting tribute to this giant of a man, a towering figure of the liberation movement the world over,” he said.

He has meanwhile implored members of the public to go and learn something about Dr. Kaunda’s legacy by viewing the exhibition.

And Acting Director General of the National Museums Board Bevine Sangulube said the exhibition was a recognition of the role Dr. Kaunda played in the preservation of the nation’s heritage through Museums.

“Dr. Kaunda recognised that heritage played an important role in national development and a catalyst for promoting peace and unity in diversity given Zambia’s diverse ethnic groups” Dr. Sangulube said.

The exhibition, which depicts Dr. Kaunda’s public and private life, also features some of his personnel artifacts that he willingly donated to the Lusaka Museum after his presidency.

The exhibition will run until the July 30, 2022

Pictures from the the "Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition" in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.
Pictures from the the “Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition” in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.
Pictures from the the "Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition" in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.
Pictures from the the “Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition” in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.
Pictures from the the "Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition" in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.
Pictures from the the “Kenneth Kaunda Life and Legacy Exhibition” in honour of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at the Lusaka Museum.

UK remembers Kaunda

The British government says late Kenneth Kaunda leaves an exemplary legacy as a unifier and mediator who worked hard to bring peace and unity in Zambia and Africa using his humanitarian approach.

British Minister for Africa James Duddridge says Dr. Kaunda’s humanitarian approach brought countries together which was evidenced by the formation of many organizations including the African Union and Commonwealth where he contributed greatly.

He said this when he visited the First Republican President’s funeral house at where he also signed the book of condolences.

“Using his humanitarian approach he was able to bring everyone together and form these organizations and his contribution was central in creating these organizations” he said.

He said Zambia and Britain can emulate Dr. Kaunda’s exemplary life and challenge themselves and do better in strengthening ties in taking the relationship between the two nations forward.

And British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley said Dr. Kaunda will be remembered as a mediator who helped countries put their differences aside and come up with resolutions.

Mr. Woolley cited the incident in which Dr. Kaunda negotiated for the release of British National Daphne Parish who was arrested in Iraq in 1989 in Iraq as an example of Dr. Kaunda’s life as a trusted partner and mediator.

Sweet Potatoes, Water melons sour PF campaign.

By Nkonkomalimba Kafunda

Zambia’s ruling Patriotic Front faces an uphill battle of herculean proportions as it attempts to convince a disenchanted populace, to give it a third five year mandate in Africa’s second largest copper producer, at elections scheduled for August 12, 2021.

The reasons for the massive countrywide disillusion are as varied as they are valid. For starters basic needs such as food, though widely available have become unaffordable. With inflation way above the targeted 6-8% and now at 24%, according to the governments own Statistics Agency , a currency that has lost over 150% of it’s value in the past ten years the PF has been in power, the people a convinced it is time to change the driver as the bus takes an uncertain route riddled with hunger, destitution and abject poverty.

The country has an external public debt of around US$12.7 billion dollars ostensibly borrowed for infrastructure projects but with no tangible benefits to show, leading t opposition front runner Hakainde Hichilema to quip that the money was either misused, misapplied or it shows on our national balance sheet but never came here at all.

The country in November last year became the first to default on its obligations in the Covid era in Africa. The debt is shrouded in mystery. Apart from the $3 billion Eurobond whose last payment is due in 2025, little is known about the massive Chinese debt which is estimated at about 45% of the total debt stock to an extent that when Eurobond holders asked to availed with information on the country’s total indebtedness, as a condition to restructure the bonds, they were asked to sign non disclosure agreements a request they wisely declined.

Allegations of high level graft are ubiquitous but arrests and prosecutions seldom. Two serving ministers have been acquitted in almost comical circumstances, in one case a chief prosecution witness, an investigating officer from the country’s largely compromised Anti Corruption Commission told the court that he did not know whey the erring minister was in court as the whole case lacked prosecutorial merit, in his opinion. As a result of such cases and other abuses the people have lost confidence in intuitions of governance, the judiciary top among them.

Unemployment is another problem. Official figures are hard to find but observers put it at about 70%. Most young people are now informal traders selling anything from mobile phone money transfers and talk time to secondhand clothes.

Furthermore, the pandemic has recently resurged killing countless citizen as the healthcare system has been overwhelmed at all levels. Oxygen, drugs and medical personnel are all in short supply.

The ruling party, however, seems to have a treasure trove. Money and donations ranging from buses for youth clubs to sewing machines for the women folk are liberally distributed. The people gladly receive the goodies in what has become known as the watermelon formula, in reference to the green colour of the ruling party and the red of the main opposition. The recipients are green on the outside but red deep down inside and will vote in that fashion. Additionally, The PF sometimes can be it’s own worst enemy. Remarks by the party Chairman that Zambians should eat sweet potatoes if they can’t afford bread have endeared the party to no one. Instead they have been taken as a marks of arrogance from a party in the lap of luxury, exuberance and extravagance mocking voters wallowing SAin poverty and pauperism.

Late PS Reverend Howard Sikwela Put to Rest

A solemn mood filled the atmosphere mourners at the sight of the funeral cortege carrying the remains of National Guidance and Religious affairs Permanent Secretary Reverend Howard Sikwela who died on June 25th arrived at Leopard’s hill memorial park for burial.

Defence and security choir sang solemn songs as Secretary to the cabinet Dr. Simon Miti led senior government officials to the cortege to receive the casket with clergymen serving as pallbearers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Miti said government and the entire country had received the news of Rev Dr Sikwela with shock describing him as a gallant soldier of the kingdom of God.

He said Dr Sikwela who had served government in different portfolios, possessed immense attributes and had contributed immensely to both government and the church at large.

Not only was late Dr. Rev Sikwela a seasoned administrator but a wise man who always thought through his work and was always available for any assignment given to him.

“As a leader, Dr. Sikwela had a great sense of humor which made it easy to work with him. I personally worked very closely with him so I can attest to that, ” Dr. Miti said.

“He was a humble man who worked meticulously and diligently and in addition to his unique leadership attributes, Reverend Dr. Sikwela was not just humble but selfless and a friend to many,” he said.

Late Dr. Sikwela during his tenure as Religious affairs Permanent Secretary had made a unique contribution towards the church and state by improving the relationship and ensuring proper dialogue between the two.

He added that Dr. Sikwela was a peaceful man who had led an exemplary life and always highlighted the importance of loving one another and living in peace as a nation.

And Former religious affairs minister Reverend Godfridah Sumaili described late Dr. Sikwela as a gallant soldier of christ who was committed to the extension of the kingdom of God and preservation of the Zambia’s Christian heritage.

She added that Dr. Sikwela was a seasoned civil servant who had served the country with integrity, passion and commitment.

Rev. Sumaili added that as Permanent secretary, he provided the type of leadership that promoted unity and teamwork for good results.

“Dr. Sikwela contributed significantly to the strengthening of the partnership between the church and the state and also contributed greatly to the foundation of the Ministry of religious affairs, ” she said.

Meanwhile, Council for Churches of Zambia (CCZ) secretary General Emmanuel Chikoya, he described Reverend Sikwela as a humble person who during his time as Principal of the college who had fought hard to introduce the offering of diplomas.

Rev Chikoya in a tribute read by Reverend Cannon James Phiri, added that despite Dr. Sikwela leaving his position as college principal in 2008, he continued to serve the college when he became the chairperson for the local chapter for CCZ in Zambia for Livingstone and also served in the college board.

” We as CCZ enjoyed the a cordial relationship with Reverend Sikwela and we will forever treasure and miss his selfless commitment to see the institution develop,” he said.

And Brethren in Christ resident minister Reverend Donald Munachoonga, said the church had lost a dedicated, faithful, dependable and committed member who could not be replaced.

And the widow Christine Sikwela said she has lost a friend, father, confidant who as head of the home made it easy to face any trials and tribulations of life.

In a tribute on read on her behalf by Cynthia Masamu, she described late Husband as a caring, gentle and selfless person whose commitment to his duty as a husband was unmatched.

And in tribute to her father, Sylvia Sikwela said Dr. Sikwela taught his children the importance of Prayer, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, determination, family and unity adding that because of the person he was, they were inspired to do more and want more from life.

“You always reminded us that upholding integrity is better than being liked by everyone and always pushed us to work hard and be better people,” she said.

Several Permanent secretaries from various ministries, church mother bodies representatives, clergymen and mourners from all walks of life witnessed the burial.

Late Dr. Sikwela is survived by a wife, five children and six grandchildren.

President Lungu’s Address to the Nation on the Eve Of The State Funeral of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda

 

Countrymen and women,

Good evening,

Tomorrow, Friday, 2nd July, 2021, is the official state funeral for his excellency, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, first president of the republic of Zambia who passed away on 17th June, 2021.

Countrymen and women,

It has been two weeks since I declared twenty-one days of national mourning. During this period, citizens in the various provincial capitals, have been accorded the opportunity to pay their last respects to our founding father notwithstanding the very difficult covid-19 circumstances that our nation is going through.

Fellow countrymen and women,

Today, I address you in order to provide further details for the remaining activities within the programme that has been laid out to put our dearly beloved first president to rest.

Countrymen and women,

I carry a deep sense of gratitude and humility for the immense blessings that our country gained through the wise leadership of president Kaunda. Our country also gained national unity, and peace because of Dr Kaunda’s wise leadership and patriotism to his country.

Since his passing on, nations around the world have mourned with us and expressed their solidarity during this trying period. We have received numerous messages of condolences from across the globe, all pointing to the fact that Dr Kenneth David Kaunda was undeniably one of Africa’s greatest leaders.

Fellow countrymen and women,

It is befitting, therefore, that we accord our founding father and international statesman the dignity, respect and honour that he deserves. In this regard, I wish to inform the nation, that a state funeral will be held for Dr. Kaunda tomorrow Friday 2nd July, 2021, at the Showgrounds main arena.

Countrymen and women,

Because of the covid-19 pandemic, the attendance at the state funeral will be by invitation while the rest of our citizens may follow the proceedings on national television, ZNBC and other media that will be available.

Countrymen and women,

In recognition of the indelible impact that our first president made on the region and world at large, we have received the confirmed presence at the highest level of the heads of state and government from the republics of Kenya, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Also present will be dignitaries from the united republic of Tanzania, Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom and Serbia as well as the highest representation from the African Union Commission, the Commonwealth Secretariat and COMESA Secretariat.

The attendance of these dignitaries can only be an affirmation of Dr Kaunda’s role in the liberation struggle, the global peace and security agenda as well as our common goal of sustainable development and regional integration.

Fellow countrymen and women,

Following the state funeral, the country will continue to mourn our founding father through the remaining provincial visits until Wednesday 7th July, 2021 when he will be put to rest at the presidential burial site.

The burial will be restricted to close family members and selected invited guests. As the country continues to battle with the covid-19 pandemic, all these programmes will be executed with the strictest adherence to the guidelines as prescribed by the ministry of health.

Countrymen and women,

In honour of president Kaunda, I now declare tomorrow, Friday, 2nd July, a non-working day so that citizens can pay their last respects to this great son of Africa.

I also declare Wednesday, 7th July 2021, the day president Kaunda will be put to rest, a non-working day.

Countrymen and women,

I wish to convey my profound gratitude to the Zambian people for the manner in which, you my dear compatriots, have continued to mourn our founding father with humility, honour and dignity.

May God bless us all and give us strength during this trying period.

Augustine Mulenga Confident of Successful COSAFA Cup Defence

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Chipolopolo and Amazulu forward Augustine Mulenga says they are looking forward to defending their COSAFA Cup title next week in South Africa.

Mulenga, who missed the June friendly tour of Senegal, Benin and Sudan, said together with all his teammates who missed last month’s assignments are looking forward to doing their bit at the COSAFA Cup that South Africa is hosting from July 6-18 at Nelson Mandela Bay.

“When you are a champion, you look forward to defending the trophy and when everyone is going to the tournament with a mindset of defending the trophy well and good and I am sure we are going to do well,” Mulenga said.

And Chipolopolo got a boost on Tuesday when Mulenga together with fellow South African-based midfielder Roderick Kabwe of demoted Black Leopards joined camp and trained for the second full day on Thursday.

The duos presence brings to six foreign-based call-ups in the team with only goalkeepers Kennedy Mweene and Mwenya Chibwe of Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City respectively expected to link-up with the team in South Africa.

So far in camp are SuperSport United striker Gamphani Lungu, Polokwane midfielder Salulani Phiri and Cape Town City forward Justin Shonga.

Goalkeeper Bradley Mweene of Portuguese fourth tier club AD Sanjoanense is the other oversea player in camp.

But of the overseas call-ups, only Salulani and Chibwe made the June tour.

Meanwhile, Zambia on Wednesday beat FAZ National Division 1 club City of Lusaka 3-1 in a training game that saw Kabwe Warriors midfielder Prince Mumba score a brace while Mulenga netted the other goal.

Chipolopolo are in Group B at the 2021 COSAFA Cup and will play Madagascar, Malawi and Comoros.

Zambia will kick-off its COSAFA Cup defence on July 7 against Comoros.

World Bank Financing for COVID-19 Vaccine rollout exceeds $4 Billion for 50 Countries

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The World Bank has announced that it is providing over $4 billion for the purchase and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines for 51 developing countries, half of which are in Africa.

According to the global Bank’s newsletter obtained by ZANIS this evening, more than half of the financing comes from the International Development Association (IDA), the Bank’s fund for the world’s poorest countries, and is on grant or highly concessional terms.

This financing is part of the Bank’s commitment to help low- and middle-income countries acquire and distribute vaccines and strengthen their health systems.

The World Bank reiterated its call to governments, pharmaceutical companies, and organizations involved in vaccine procurement and delivery to help increase transparency and build greater public information regarding vaccine contracts, options and agreements; vaccine financing and delivery agreements; and doses delivered and future delivery plans.

It asked those countries , such as Zambia, anticipating excess vaccine supplies in the coming months to release their surplus doses and options as soon as possible, in a transparent manner, to developing countries with adequate distribution plans in place.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank Group has approved more than $150 billion to fight the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic.

Since April 2020, the Bank has scaled up its financing by over 50 percent, helping more than 100 countries meet emergency health needs, strengthen pandemic preparedness, while also supporting countries as they protect the poor and jobs, and jump starting a climate-friendly recovery.

“The World Bank is helping developing countries in every region of the world with vaccine purchase and rollout,” said Axel van Trotsenburg,?World Bank Managing Director of Operations.

“Significant challenges still remain regarding vaccine deployment and hesitancy. We are taking action on all fronts to tackle these challenges, working in solidarity with international and regional partners to expedite doses to as many people as possible and to enhance disease surveillance, preparedness, and response,” he added.

The $4 billion is supporting COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC).

Others are Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, the Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Lebanon and Lesotho, respectively.

Madagascar, Malawi, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, São Tomé e Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine, Yemen, and Zambia are also among the identified countries to be supported.

The Bank’s vaccine finance package is designed to be flexible. It can be used by countries to acquire doses through COVAX, the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) or other sources.

It also finances vaccine deployment and health system strengthening, such as vaccine cold-chains, training health workers, data and information systems, and communications and outreach campaigns to key stakeholders which are crucial to ensure vaccination acceptance.

The Bank has aligned its eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines with the revised eligibility criteria of COVAX and other multilateral partners.

According to the newsletter, the World Bank is partnering with the African Union and the World Bank-supported Africa Center for Disease Control to support AVATT initiative with resources to allow countries to purchase and deploy vaccines for up to 400 million people across Africa.

The Bank is also convening a task force with the IMF, WHO, WTO, and other partners to track, coordinate, and advance delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries.

The Bank continues to work with governments and partners (UNICEF, the Global Fund, WHO, and GAVI) to assess the readiness of over 140 developing countries to deploy vaccines.

Girl, 5, drowns in a well

A five-year-old girl of Mushindamo district has died after drowning in a well.

North-western Province Police Commissioner, Joel Njase confirmed the development to ZANIS in Mushindamo today.

Mr. Njase said the incident happened in Kingovwa area and was reported by a cousin to the deceased.

“Be informed that St. Dorothy Police Station received a report of drowning that occurred between 30th June at around 18:00 hours and 1st July at around 05:00 hours at Kingovwa area,” he said.

He revealed that the police have since managed to retrieve the body from the well and advised the relatives to the deceased to bury the body as no foul play is suspected.

Zambia records 1,765 second dose AstraZeneca in the last 24 hours

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Zambia has in the last 24 hours administered a total number of 1,765 second dose AstraZeneca vaccinations across the country, bringing the cumulative vaccinations to 135,299 Dose 1 AstraZeneca and 8,244 Dose 2 AstraZeneca and 6,826 dose one Sinopharm and 6,215 dose two Sinopharm respectively.

And 72 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, were most patients continued presenting to the health facilities late and in very critical state amid reports of self-prescription and medications.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama in press briefing in Lusaka today further disclosed that his Ministry is expecting more vaccines in the coming days, stating that the arrival of the vaccines has been due to some administrative challenges.

He has advised the general public in Lusaka District who were due for the second dose from 23rd June up to 4th July 2021 to get the second dose from Olympic Youth Development Centre and Woodlands A Primary School with effect from Friday 2nd July 2021.

“This is temporal only for those who received the first dose from with Lusaka District. We will be issuing a statement on further guidance tomorrow Friday 2nd July 2021, ” he said.

Dr. Malama says he is happy that there is an increased demand for COVID – 19 vaccine in the country and has commended members of the Public for accepting vaccination as a key intervention in preventing the deadly disease.

He however disclosed that the rate of recovery from both the community and isolation facilities remains encouraging, with a total of 2,627 discharges recorded in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Malama said of the discharged, 153 are from health facilities and 2,474 from those under home management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 134,419 and representing an 85% positivity rate.

He has further disclosed that government is creating extra intensive care space to take care of the increasing numbers of the critically ill patients.

Dr. Malama said that in the last 24 hours, the country has recorded a total number of 2884 new confirmed COVID-19 cases out of 11,145 tests giving a 26% positivity rate and bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 157,832.

He regrettably announced that 72 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, stating that patients have continued presenting to the health facilities late and in very critical state amid reports of self-prescription and medications and has urged members of the public to refrain from this.

“The breakdown of the new deaths by Province is as follows: Lusaka 25; Copperbelt 19; Central 9; Eastern 4; Southern 4; Northern 3, Western 3, Muchinga 2, North-Western 2 and Luapula 1. The cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded to date now stands at 2,271, ” he disclosed.

Dr. Malama has further advised that the country currently has a total number of 21,142 active cases, with 19,835 (94%) under community management and 1,307 (6%) admitted to COVID-19 isolation facilities, of which 962 are on Oxygen therapy and 187 are in critical condition.

He has appealed to the public to continue adhering to the Public Health and Social measures as directed by health experts.

Senga Hill Council closes 3 bars

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The Senga Hill Town Council has closed down three bars in the area for not complying with COVID-19 health guidelines.

Town Council Secretary, Grayson Sakala has confirmed the closure of the bars at Nondo and Senga in a statement released to ZANIS today.

Mr Sakala has expressed sadness that people are not obeying the government measures meant to control the spread of COVID-19.

He explained that the council has since started conducting sensitization programmes in the district on COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Council Secretary says the local authority with help of the district health office has conducted COVID-19 tests on all its employees to enable them know their status and protect themselves from the disease.

Mr Sakala has revealed that out of the over 40 tests that were carried out among its employees only one was found to be positive.

“The routine testing in the long run is meant to ensure that the people working for the local authority are health and avoid outbreak at the institution,” said Mr Sakala.

He has further reiterated the council’s commitment to sensitizing the community on the measures government has put in place to control the further spread of the disease.

Farmers to access markets electronically

KRI-Zambia, an agronomic oriented institution, has developed a farmer electronic platform that helps farmers to access markets using online tools.

KRI-Zambia Project and Partnership Officer Noel Simukonda explained that the farmers’ electronic platform is intended to help farmers with not just selling their produce but also educating them on various agricultural matters.

Mr. Simukonda told ZANIS that the institution is already on the ground raising awareness on how to use the platform and acquainting the farmers on to use several tools and gadgets such as phones.

He said the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has disturbed the normal way of accessing markets hence the need to find alternative ways of continuing with finding markets for farm produce.

“The electronic platform is designed to lessen physical contact between a wider range of people,” he said

Mr. Simukonda said KRI-Zambia has partnered with a local television station for advertising purposes as well as televising programmes that are agriculture orientated for the farmers to have vast knowledge of how best they can adopt good farming methods.

“Through this television platform, farmers will be able to learn more about different ways of farming,” he said