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Luano District Agriculture Coordinating Officer (DACO), Roy Kalipenta has disclosed that the district has received fertilizer and seed inputs under the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) for 2021-2022 farming season.
Mr. Kalipenta told ZANIS that 22% of the D-compound fertilizer has arrived in the District, representing 449.95 metric tonnes of the 2001.1 metric tonnes total allocation.
He said that 1,000 metric tonnes of Urea fertilizer had also arrived representing 69.4% of the 1,441.1 metric tonnes.
Mr Kalipenta said that apart from the fertilizer, 20 metric tonnes of maize seed has arrived out of the 88.74 metric tonnes total allocation for maize seed.
He said the rest of the inputs are expected to arrive in the District soon, saying that farmers have already begun making deposits towards accessing these inputs.
He said that 8,874 small scale farmers have been earmarked to benefit from the Government subsidized program.
Meanwhile, Luano District Agriculture Committee (DAC) Chairperson Buster Chaponda commended the DACO office for the manner in which FISP inputs are being facilitated, saying that Farmers are generally happy with the way the program is being handled.
Mr. Chaponda however noted that there is need for improvements towards boosting the control of animal diseases by increasing the operational funding for the veterinary department.
He said that the District has been plagued by mainly Tick borne animal diseases such as anaplasmosis and Corridor disease over the past few years, saying that the veterinary department needs to be boosted.
Former Minister of Justice Given Lubinda says the late Chief Justice Irene Mambilima worked hard to interlink the justice sector institutions in the country.
Mr. Lubinda noted that Justice Mambilima was determined to ensure that the justice sector institutions operated in unity.
He cited the Police, the National Prosecution Authority, the courts, and Correctional Facilities as some of the institutions she ensured coordinated in executing justice in the country.
“Chief Justice Irene Mambillima worked hard at ensuring that when a person is arrested, the whole justice sector knew where that person had been arrested, and when a matter is sent to court, everybody in the justice sector knew to know the matter was flowing so that there is no backflow of information in the case management,” he said.
Mr. Lubinda further charged that because of her dedication and hard work to duty Justice Irene Mambilima worked to make the justice system paperless by digitizing court cases as well as information flow in the justice system.
Mr. Lubinda said in an interview in Lusaka that the legal fraternity in Zambia will remember Justice Mambilimba for the kind of wisdom she exhibited with the people she interacted with both at home and abroad.
Mr. Lubinda who is also a former Kabwata lawmaker added that late Chief Justice Irene Mambilima will also be remembered for having presided over a very difficult election with courage and a high level of integrity.
Meanwhile speaking in a separate interview, Solicitor Général Abraham Mwansa said late Chief Justice Mambilima was exemplary and a true daughter of Zambia.
He said her legacy of integrity, hard work, and dedication to duty is something to learn from and should be emulated.
“She contributed immensely to the development of a good justice system for the good of mother Zambia,” he said.
Mr. Mwansa described Justice Mambilima as a humble and selfless leader who gave guidance to both the young and the old at the bar.
Economist Yusuf Dodia has described price differentials as “very normal in a free market economy like Zambia” and that retailers and suppliers can set prices of their own choice.
Mr. Dodia who is also Private Sector Association Chairperson says consumers should instead of complaining about price discrimination but rather buy goods from retailers that are selling commodities at a cheaper price.
Mr. Dodia was reacting to concerns from consumers that government should intervene in the matter where retailers and different chain stores are selling same products/ commodities at different prices, that control of pricing in free market economy is illegal.
Some Ndola based consumers had numerous launched complaints that it was alarming the level at which retailers in the district are practicing price differentials so much to their dissatisfaction.
Danny Chibuye said it is unfair that consumers can be subjected purchasing same products but at different prices which he added means one ends up paying more than others.
Mr. Chiyesu called on the Zambia Consumer Association- ZACA to quickly look into the matter and control the situation which he said disadvantages consumers.
Mr. Chiyesu also called on producers of the various products such as margarine, sugar, cooking to ensure that retailers and chain stores are selling their products at the same price as not doing so will compel consumers become hostile towards their products.
“In as much as we appreciate that this a free market economy and every player has the right to set their own price, the differentials at which certain goods are being sold is just too wide. For example, at Shoprite a 2kg packet of sugar is selling at K39.99 while at Pick and Pay its going at K 45.
“Choppies is selling a 5 litre of Soyola cooking oil at K224.99 while Pick and Pay is selling at K 253.99, this should not be left unchecked,” Mr. Chibuye said.
But Mr. Dodia says that consumers like Mr. Chibuye should not panic but get commodities where they are being sold cheaply and that those selling at a higher price will be left with no choice but to lower the price.
“In a free market economy we don’t dictate what people should be pricing their products because each product has its own character. Price differential is based on quality, it depends on competitiveness and choices. In my view, anybody who tries to control price differentials is reversing the idea of free market economics something which is not this country stands for,” Mr. Dodia said.
He said to address the situation and protect public interest, there is need to more aggressively invite more competitors and investors in all the different sectors in order to ensure that the consumer gets the best quality and the best price.
The department of Community Development in Kabompo district, North-western province has begun receiving fertilizer under the 2021/2022 food security pack (FSP) programme.
Kabompo District Community Development Officer, Weston Mutengo said government has so far released 1,800 by 50 kilogram bags of Urea meant to benefit about 700 farmers.
Mr Mutengo said this in Kabompo today when he gave a summary report to the district commissioner as he inspected the consignment.
“We have started receiving fertilizer under the 2021/2022 FSP programme meant to benefit the vulnerable but viable farmers on the programme”, he said.
Mr Mutengo added that the department is expecting 30,000 mixed bags of D-Compound and Urea in the next coming week.
He said the early distribution of fertilizer will help farmers plan ahead for the farming season which will translate into good harvest.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same event Kabompo District Commissioner, Patrick Kasoka thanked government for the early distribution of the inputs, saying this will guarantee good yields.
Mr. Kasoka also upheld President Edgar Lungu for spearheading and opening up the marketing season early with good prices as this will motivate the farmer.
“We want to thank his Excellency the President, Edgar Lungu for the leadership in opening up the marketing season early and also for giving the farmers a good buying price for their commodity”, he said.
Mr Kasoka further said the increase in the number of beneficiaries from 300 to 700 on the food security pack programme will also ensure food security at household and national level as more viable farmers will now benefit from the programme.
Mr Kasoka appealed to farmers not to be swayed by briefcase buyers but should take advantage of the good price set by government and sell their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Ministry of Health for Technical Services Kennedy Malama says government has noted with regret the increasing tendency by people to self-prescribe and self-medicate using Zinc, Vitamins, Ivermectin and Azithromycin among other medications to treat COVID-19.
Dr Malama says the dangers of self-prescription cannot be over-emphasised as people place themselves at risk of severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions including incorrect self-diagnosis and treatment.
During the daily COVID-19 update in Lusaka today, the Permanent Secretary said the Ministry has also been getting reports of people administering oxygen by themselves at home.
“All these practices do not only delay appropriate treatment but lead to avoidable deaths,” he said.
Dr. Malama noted that oxygen is an essential drug which requires prescription and stringent monitoring and adjustment by a trained health care worker for optimal results.
“We would like to assure members of the public that the government has put in place a multi-pronged approach to ensure that the oxygen supply is stabilised countrywide,” he noted.
Dr. Malama added that the government has released K100 million for repair and maintenance of equipment in various health facilities countrywide to further ensure that various medical and non-medical equipment is working optimally in hospitals.
And the Permanent Secretary has assured all Zambians that the government is doing everything possible to bring the COVID- 19 situation under control.
He also urged members of the public to adhere to various prescribed public health and social measures.
“As a collective, when we implement these interventions fully we will see significant reduction in new cases, admissions to hospitals and deaths in the next three weeks. We urge all the enforcing wings to ensure that there is heighted adherence to prevent further loss of lives,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Dr. Malama stated that the administration of the second dose of the COVID- 19 AstraZeneca vaccine commenced yesterday in Lusaka and will commence in other provinces in the coming days depending on when the 1st doses were administered.
He said a total of 698 second dose vaccinations were administered in 15 facilities in Lusaka and that the exercise went on well.
The Permanent Secretary has since urged all those who received the first dose to ensure that they get the 2nd dose on the scheduled date for them to get maximum protection conferred by the vaccine.
“We reiterate that the government is on course to provide various vaccines to its people in the coming weeks and months,’ he stated.
The Permanent Secretary further assured health care workers in the country that the government through his Ministry puts their health and well-being at the center even as the country fights COVID- 19.
“We will ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), conducive working environment and tools are provided as you execute your work. Caring for our health care workers remains a key priority,’ he reiterated.
Dr. Malama also urged all health care workers to consider getting the vaccine on a voluntary basis when it is available, noting that being front line personnel, they carry a higher risk of contracting COVID- 19.
FORMER MINISTER of Finance Alexander Bwalya Chikwanda has noted that the fellowship and unity which Dr Kenneth Kaunda and other freedom fighters strongly stood for has become the treasured trademark of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
Hon Chikwanda, who is also member of the PF’s highest decision making body – the Central Committee, said Zambians have also observed the sense of fellowship and compassion that have stood the party President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu in good stead as a candidate in the August 12 General Elections hence his high approval rating in the party.
In an article posted on PF’s social media pages Mr Chikwanda said that that President Lungu has been to all parts of Zambia without a chip on his shoulder and with no pomposity or arrogance hence it was not wrong for the PF to request for space from other parties for its chosen candidate.
“All parties have unrestricted leeway to choose their presidential candidates. In accordance with the wishes of the party structures, the Patriotic Front assigned the honour of Presidential candidate to Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” Hon Chikwanda said.
He has advised other parties to brush up the images of their candidates as a barrage of obscenities and spates of vile campaigns anchored on malice and hatred without development roadmaps and scripts were only a waste of opportunity.
MCC Chikwanda stated that Zambians were facing incredible hardships resultant from inflationary spirals that are largely exchange rate induced and only the PF has a proven capacity to address that efficiently and effectively.
“Only a serious party like the PF with a proven track record of performance and successful fostering of national togetherness can ensure the much needed way forward for Zambia,” Hon Chikwanda added.
And MCC Chikwanda noted that Zambia has massive land resources to deepen and deliver development to uplift people from abominable poverty levels in the shortest time possible.
He pointed out that the diversification agenda from mineral dependency to the agro sector (and other sectors) currently being implemented by the PF government as having endless potential when fully exploited.
Meanwhile, Hon Chikwanda has called on politicians of all political parties to join hands to foster the freedom of the Zambian people which he said must be accompanied by a profound sense of duty and responsibility to the nation.
“We are in the midst of electioneering. It does not matter that some political parties have scanty opportunities; the many lofty ideas articulated by different candidates can be part of the enormous reservoir of ideas. What is needed is avoiding disturbing the peace and tranquillity that is a common property of Zambians and a useful legacy to posterity,” he said.
The remains of Zambia’s First President Kenneth Kaunda arrived in Mongu district, Western Province at 11:30 hours, ahead of the provincial funeral programme.
This follows the official wish of the late Dr Kaunda’s family for the body of Zambia’s founding father to be taken in all the 10 provinces of Zambia before he is put to rest on July 7th 2021.
On hand to receive the body of the late President was Vice President Inonge Wina, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe, Provincial Joint Operations Committee among other government officials and members of the clergy.
While in Mongu District, the funeral cottage carrying the body moved from Mongu City Airport to All Saints United Church of Zambia as residents station in designated points to have a glance.
A church service in honor of Dr. Kaunda is currently underway at All Saints UCZ church in Mongu district.
Yesterday, the body was taken to Choma district in Southern Province where a similar programme was undertaken, and tomorrow the body will be flown to Solwezi district in North-western Province.
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Presidential Deputy Campaign Manager for Lusaka Province Mrs. Mumbi Phiri has slammed United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Mr. Hakainde Hichilema for lying that he has no powers to stop his unruly supporters from perpetrating political violence ahead of this year’s General Election.
Unlike His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu who has repeatedly told PF supporters to refrain from violence, Mr. Hichilema has on several occasions encouraged his cadres to perpetuate the vice.
Speaking during a meeting with party structures in Luangwa yesterday, Mrs. Phiri narrated that the late President Michael Sata managed to stop his supporters from conducting violent activities in 2008 whilst in opposition.
“What HH is saying that he can’t do anything about political violence because he is in the opposition it’s not true because ba Sata proved that it’s possible. In 2008, the PF thought we won elections. When they said that Rupiah Banda won there was confusion on the Copperbelt and in Lusaka,” she said.
“Ba Sata was in the opposition, he went to ZNBC and gave a directive to the supporters that no life should be lost because he did not want to rule a country that is divided due to political violence when he becomes president. We listened to him whilst he was in the opposition. HH tells his people to defend themselves. If you love people, you should be able to tell them to refrain from violence the way President Edgar Lungu does. He tells his supporters that this is a Christian Nation.”
Mrs. Phiri further said “it could be that Mr. Hichilema doesn’t even want to partake in worship activities” hence his stance on violence.
“When we are holding national prayers in October he refuses to take part, maybe that is why they perpetuate violence. The youth Chairperson they (UPND cadres) beat up and damaged his vehicle, I have told all the youths that if we are being provoked let us just run away,” he said.
And Mrs. Phiri said the UPND are violent because they know that they have already lost elections.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ) has canceled three Parliamentary Elections and One ward elections for the August 12 Elections.
In a statement released to the media, the commission said that according to Article 52(6) of the Republican Constitution, if a candidate dies, resigns, or becomes disqualified in accordance with Article 70, 100 or 153 or a court disqualifies a candidate for corruption or malpractice, after the close of nominations and before the election date, the Electoral Commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations.
In line with the constitution, the commission said that the Commission will be conducting fresh nominations for Mandevu Constituency, Lusaka, necessitated by the death of Mrs Melody Musutu and the resignation of three candidates – Ms Charity Lumpa in Lusaka Central Constituency, Lusaka, Mr Gilbert Bwali Musonda in Mpulungu Constituency, Mpulungu and Mr Chewe Kateule in Kamakonde Ward, Bwacha Constituency, Kitwe.
Below is the full statement
The Commission has noted conflicting statements from some sections of the media including a misrepresentation on the position of the Commission on facts arising from the death of Zambians United for Sustainable Development (ZUSD) parliamentary candidate for Mandevu Constituency.
The Commission would like to clarify as follows:
Article 52(6) of the Republican Constitution offers guidance on the procedures to take following the death of a candidate after the close of nominations and before the polls.
The said Article provides as follows:
52(6) Where a candidate dies, resigns or becomes disqualified in accordance with Article 70, 100 or 153 or a court disqualifies a candidate for corruption or malpractice, after the close of nominations and before the election date, the Electoral Commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations.
From the foregoing, it is clear that in the event of the death of a candidate after the nomination process, the law requires the cancellation of elections and this calls for fresh nominations for eligible candidates.
As the law requires fresh nominations, it entails that all aspiring candidates including those that had originally filed in nominations will be required to pay the prescribed nomination fee.
This provision would also apply to candidates who resign or indeed get disqualified in accordance with Articles 70, 100 or 153 of the Constitution.
Given that this is a Constitutional provision, the Commission is bound to comply without any discretion to do otherwise.
The Commission also recognises that this process may inconvenience stakeholders especially political parties who will be required to do fresh nominations.
In this regard, the Commission will be conducting fresh nominations for Mandevu Constituency, Lusaka, necessitated by the death of Mrs Melody Musutu and the resignation of three candidates – Ms Charity Lumpa in Lusaka Central Constituency, Lusaka, Mr Gilbert Bwali Musonda in Mpulungu Constituency, Mpulungu and Mr Chewe Kateule in Kamakonde Ward, Bwacha Constituency, Kitwe.
The family of the late Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda has expressed gratitude to chiefs from Southern Province who came to offer support to the bereaved family on the passing on of the former president.
Speaking shortly after the arrival of the body of the late from Choma in Southern Province at City Airport in Lusaka yesterday, his son Panji Kaunda commended the people of Southern Province for turning out in huge numbers to offer their respects to the founding father of the nation.
He said many people turned out to offer support and consolation to the bereaved family.
“People showed up in huge numbers and observed the Ministry of Health Guidelines on the prevention of Covid-19 by masking and observing social distancing. The people were managed very well to avoid the spread of the virus,” he stated.
PROVINCIAL Fighters Coordinator Association Bernard Namula consoles former first republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s son Connell Panji Kanda at Independence stadium in Choma yesterday. Looking on is Southern Province Permanent Secretary Joyce Bwacha.
Lt Col Panji Kaunda said the people of Choma thanked government for taking the remains of the late president to them and appreciated the family for accepting to do that.
He added that the people of Southern Province expressed gratitude for being selected as the first province to be honoured to pay their respects to the late former president.
“We are looking forward to going to other provinces to see how it will be. It is important that this has been done to accord the people an opportunity to say goodbye to their gallant leader,’ he added.
THE casket of the late former first republican President Kenneth Kaunda leaving the Independence stadium after church prayer in Choma yesterday.
Government announced that the body of Dr. Kaunda will be taken around the country’s ten provinces for the citizens to pay their respect to former head of state.
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda died on the 17th of June 2021, and will be buried on Wednesday 7th July 2021 at the Presidential Burial Site in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Former Mufumbwe District Administrative Officer (DAO) Patson Mulaisho has described the late First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda as the best example of a selfless leader the African Continent, and Zambia in particular was blessed with.
Mr Mulaisho told ZANIS in an interview today that Dr Kaunda’s selflessness can be seen mainly through his fight against tribalism and the desire to give a better life to all Zambians as opposed to enriching himself and his colleagues.
The former Mufumbwe DAO explained that Kaunda’s heart to promote unity and love as opposed to tribalism and regional divisions was seen in the deployment of people in the civil service.
He said Dr Kaunda had a strategy of deploying people to work in regions where they did not originate from so as to promote the spirit of oneness among Zambians through the One Zambia, One Nation motto.
“For instance, that time we had governors in these districts, he would transfer a person from Eastern Province to come and serve in North-Western Province. He would get someone from North-Western Province and take them to Northern Province.
PALL Bearers carry the casket of the late former first republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda upon arrival at St Mawagali Trades grounds in Choma yesterday.
All this was done because he knew that this strategy would eventually result in things like inter-marriages and language sharing which would help destroy the tribalism mentality,” said Mr Mulaisho.
He stressed that Dr Kaunda’s commitment to the fight against tribalism was even seen in his disciplinary action against his cabinet members and those he appointed to serve the nation.
And Mr Mulaisho noted that Dr Kaunda’s selflessness can also be seen in the way he managed the Country’s resources for the good of the majority Zambians adding that he put the interest of others first as opposed to his.
The retired Mufumbwe DAO recalls a time when President Kaunda’s government nationalized industries including some mines and how people like him benefited through free education.
“Because these industries were in the hands of government, whatever profits were realized from these industries were used to bring goods into the country as well as providing quality social services such as health and education. Some of us received free education from grade one up to college, the government was paying for us as we came from humble backgrounds, because the government had enough resources to sponsor us,” he added.
He has since implored the current leaders and those to come to emulate President Kaunda’s selflessness as they aspire to lead the Zambian people.
Government has released K40 Million to support the availability of oxygen in all health facilities countrywide.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama said government has continued to make funds available to improve drugs and other supplies support to repair and maintain medical equipment in health facilities.
He indicated that the demand for oxygen continues to increase, and the ministry is exploring all available options to increase both the manufacturing and cylinder capacity so as to ensure that they meet the oxygen requirements of patients.
Dr Malama however, disclosed that the Bankers Association of Zambia has pledged to procure a further K750, 000 worth of oxygen through the Centre for Infectious Disease (CIDRZ).
‘’Our friends from the Association of Indian Community in Zambia have also pledged to provide 100 cylinders and other supplies. The oxygen cylinders will be prepositioned around the country to ensure that all facilities are adequately equipped with this essential commodity,’’ he said.
Dr Malama also expressed solidarity to the frontline workers who have continued to work tirelessly in the health centers to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘’Our thoughts today are with our Health workers who have continued putting in their best with some getting infected, sick with some losing their lives. We are fully behind you, our dedicated health workers,’’ he said.
Dr Malama further stressed that there is an increase in the number of admissions of patients with severe diseases and deaths daily in the country.
‘’As it is, even in the last 24 hours, our new admissions far exceeded the discharges, with 255 new admissions and 116 facility discharges,’’ he stressed.
Dr Malama announced that in the last 24 hours Zambia recorded 3,367 new confirmed COVID-19 cases out of 12,952 tests conducted bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 137,026.
‘’In the last 24 hours, we recorded 50 new deaths. The cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded to date now stands at 1,794. A total of 1,265 discharges were made, which brings the cumulative number of recoveries to 113,109,’’he said.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS today by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama.
Copperbelt Provincial Medical Officer Robert Zulu says Kitwe Teaching Hospital has run out of bed spaces for COVID-19 patients due to the steep rise in Covid-19 cases.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday Dr. Zulu said the province has continued recording an increase in the number of people testing positive for the disease.
“Currently we have a total number of 150 people admitted for COVID-19 in the province and Kitwe Teaching Hospital wards are full already because we are receiving a high number of people that are testing positive,” Dr. Zulu said.
He added that the consumption of oxygen is very high and the number of death cases are still high in the province, a situation he attributed to the non-adherence to the Covid-19 preventive measures by communities.
Dr. Zulu who could not give the state of the mortuaries said he was yet to check the mortuary in Ndola to see if there was still space as the death rate continues to rise.
He however stated that the province is also having quiet a good number of people being discharged from hospitals.
The medical official said the situation is already overwhelming and appealed to the people to observe the five golden rules of covid-19 prevention so that the cases can start going down.
Dr. Zulu noted that if people in communities do not adhere to the preventive rules, the cases will continue skyrocketing and the health facilities will be totally overwhelmed.
He noted that there are still some people that doubt the existence of covid-19 stating that these are the ones that are not adhering to the preventive measures prescribed by the Ministry of Health.
My studies were briefly interrupted in second year. Military duties were calling. Going to “war” was not something that I had anticipated. Thanks to student leaders’ enthusiasm for what I saw as an adventure. I was being “conscripted” into the “green army”.
Zimbabwe (Rhodesia then) was fighting for independence from settler regime led by Ian Smith. The Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) led by Joshua Nkomo was based in Zambia. One of their camps was in Chikumbi, 28 kilometres north of Lusaka, the Capital City.
On 19th October 1978, the Rhodesian military made a dazzling entry into Zambia in the afternoon. Witnesses talked about seeing four jets and three Chinook helicopters bombing the camp in Chikumbi. About 300 ZAPU men were killed and many wounded. The wounded were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
On 20th October 1978 Union leaders addressed students at the University of Zambia (UNZA). Student anger on the bombing was not only directed at Ian Smith and his regime in Rhodesia but also at the “imperialists” in the West. After the address we headed to the British and American Embassies where we protested. One student removed the Union Jack from the wall of the British Embassy. After protesting at the two embassies, overzealous students influenced the protesters to go to State House. We jammed traffic on Independence Avenue as we trotted and jumped to State House shouting:
“We want war. Give us guns.”
President Kenneth Kaunda did not only address us, he also granted our request for guns. We were to be mobilised immediately and join the fight to protect Zambia. We walked back to the University campus. Many students were not as excited as they had been earlier on. I heard some students complaining. Suddenly, it had downed on them that they had overstretched our purpose for the protest. They didn’t want the war and guns, after all.
On our way to the campus we met a Land Rover carrying officers from the Zambia Air Force. Some students decided to let it off on the officers. They harassed and mocked them:
“Where were you?” (when foreign planes entered Zambian airspace) They demanded answers.
Foreign military planes had entered the country and bombed Rhodesian freedom fighters. Not a single Zambian jet scrambled the airspace. Zambian planes sat like lame ducks on the ground. I can only imagine complex issues that could have surrounded offering refuge to the freedom fighters.
The night of 20th October 1978 saw many young men hoping from room to room in October Residence. They were saying good byes to their girl-friends. Only men would be mobilized to fight for Zambia’s protection from aggressors.
Military trucks rolled on campus in the morning of 21st October 1978. We were on our way to Chindwin Barracks in Kabwe. At about 13.00 hours, news broadcast from either Salisbury (Harare now) or Pretoria mentioned the convoy taking students to Kabwe. It went like: “The most intelligent Zambian army is on its way to Kabwe.” Was that sarcasm? I felt vulnerable and unprotected. There was possibility that the Ian Smith insurgents could fly into the country at will and do whatever they wanted to do with impunity. They could shower our convoy with bombs…
Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) Copperbelt Regional Coordinator, Poster Jumbe has accused some political leaders of allegedly funding the on – going pockets of political violence in the country.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday, Mr. Jumbe said AVAP is aware of political leaders sponsoring youths to engage in political violence.
He says political violence will not end until leaders begin to tame their cadres especially youths against engaging in violence.
“We are aware of political leaders funding youths to engage in political violence in the background, but it should be made clear there is no need for physical fights as that was only needed during the time freedom fighters were fighting for independence but now what is needed is the fight for ideas on how to develop the country,” he said.
F
Mr. Jumbe said political leaders should be held accountable for the violence caused by their cadres should the country be plunged into chaos.
He has called upon all political parties to ensure a violence cease fire as the country mourns its founding father.
The civic organisation has since called on political parties to reject violent cadres that move from one party to another.
He also called on the police to remain firm and fair as they ensure peace and order during, before and after the August 12 general elections.
Mr Jumbe also called on political cadres not to provoke the police as they perfume their duty to ensure law and order.
And the Dag Hammarskjold Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (DHIPS) says sanctions should be meted against political party leaders failing to control their members engaging in violence.
DHIPS Director John Bwalya said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that the leaders should be held accountable should their cadres plunge the nation into chaos.
Professor Bwalya observed that the reason why the country continues to record pockets of violence is because leaders are not usually held accountable for the actions of their members.
“We recommend much stronger sanctions for leaders who fail to control their members. There should be a strong price for them to pay for failing to control their members,” he said.
Prof Bwalya said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should also contemplate on disqualifying leaders failing to cage their unruly members.
Prof Bwalya said police officers alone cannot manage to control violence but with help from political parties.
Pockets of political violence have been recorded across the country forcing the Electoral Commission of Zambia to suspend campaigns in Mpulungu, Mbala, Bweengwa and Lusaka for two weeks.
The body of late Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima has arrived in Zambia. The ZAF military airplane carrying the body of the late Chief Justice touched down at Lusaka International Airport ZAF base at 22. 37 hours on Wednesday night.
On hand to receive the body was Acting Chief Justice, Michael Musonda, President Judge of the Concourt Hildah Chibwila, Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia Ahmed Mostafa , Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Emmanuel Chenda , Supreme and High court judges, family members and other senior government officials who paid their respect as the body was been lowered from the aeroplane on to the Ideal Funeral palour hearse by military personnel.
A convoy of military police vehicles from the defense forces escorted the hearse carrying the body which will lie in state at the Ideal funeral palaour until the day of burial to be preceded by a valedictory ceremony and funeral church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10:00 hours Saturday June 26th 2021.
And Acting Chief Justice Michael Musonda has described death of late Chief Justice Irene Mambilima as a loose not only to the nation but regional and beyond the African continent.
Mr. Justice Musonda said the late will not be easy to replace as she had accomplished a lot during her lifetime as lawyer.
Mr Justice Musonda said the legal fraternity has lost a dedicated professional who dedicated her public service beyond as she was an intelligent lawyer who was a bridge between old and young judges having been the longest serving on the bench in recent times.
Mr Justice Musonda said Ms Justice Mambilima, 69, was a pillar of justice, the rule of law as well as a champion of good governance and democracy.
“The chief justice was due to retire on 70th birthday next year in March and remained resourceful the government. she did a lot at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) which made win accolades and many other areas,” Justice Musonda said.
Mr. Justice Musonda said even her recent trip to Egypt, Cairo was part of the late’s efforts to see how the judiciary could improve in delivery of services systems to the country.
The acting Chief Justice disclosed that the late Chief Justice would be buried at the weekend and that government through cabinet office was coordinating the burial a programme.
And family representative, Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Emmanuel Chenda thanked President Edgar Lungu and the government for according the late Chief Justice a three-day national mourning.
“President Lungu has bestowed an honour whose words are not enough thank him a three-day national mourning. It shows and demonstrates that she was a valuable asset that will be missed by legal fraternity in the country,” Mr Chenda stated.
Mr Chenda said the gesture and support the government has offered to the family has lightened the burden of the lose of the late Chief Justice Mumbalima.
He said as a family it was heartbroken at the death of the late justice whom he described as having been a pillar, mother and comforter to all family members.
“her home was there for all and everyone ran to her. She took care of everyone and what professionally displayed in the work circles also applied to the way she ran the family,” Ambassador Chenda said.
The late Chief Justice passed away on Saturday 20th June in Cairo, Egypt while on official duty. The funeral gathering for the Chief Justice is being held at her residence at House Number 24, Tito Road, Rhodes Park in Lusaka.
