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Public Workers in Southern Province Commended for not Stealing Public Resources for 4 years

Chief Editor
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Public Workers in Southern Province Commended for not Stealing Public Resources for 4 years

Government has commended civil servants in Southern province for exhibiting accountability and good governance in their work. The commendation follows a record of integrity exhibited since 2018 enabling public workers in the province not to appear before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee for four consecutive years.

Southern Province Assistant Director for Planning Unit in the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Michael Inambao disclosed that government officials in the province have not appeared before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) for four consecutive years.

Speaking in Gwembe when he addressed heads of quasi and government departments on the application of National values and Principles, Mr. Inambao attributed this to good governance and patriotism exhibited among the civil servants in the province.

He recalled that government officials in the province last appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Accounts in 2018.

“As Southern province, we’ve not appeared at PAC for misappropriation of public funds. This is commendable in the way we apply ourselves be in these national values and principles of exhibiting good governance and patriotism among us civil servants,” he said.

He also called for everyone to embrace the presidential directives on the Application of Nationals values and Principles for a better Zambia.

And Gwembe District Commissioner Timothy Siakaziba urged the Zambian citizens to be morally upright on order to contribute to building a moral fabric nation.

Mr Siakaziba said national values and principles provide a moral compass and a guide for the nation in the way decisions are made, policies formulated and laws enacted.

Article 86(1) of the Zambian Constitution requires that the President annually updates the nation through parliament on the application of national values and principles.

We Condemn the Destruction to Property and Assault on Innocent Citizens by UPND Alliance Supporters

Chief Editor
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We Condemn the Destruction to Property and Assault on Innocent Citizens by UPND Alliance Supporters

By Sean Tembo

1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) we wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the destruction to property and assault on innocent citizens that was caused by the UPND Alliance members and supporters as they conducted their roadshow in Mandevu Constituency yesterday afternoon.

2. It has now become evident to us that the UPND are not always the victims of political violence as they seek to portray themselves, but are often the aggressors. Yesterday’s assault of innocent citizens and destruction of property by the UPND in Mandevu Constituency follows hot on the heels of the alleged serious assault of three people in Ndola by the UPND presidential convoy that toured the Copperbelt over the weekend, of which one of the victims has since died.

3. As Patriots for Economic Progress we wish to challenge the UPND leadership, as we hereby do, to state clearly whether their current pattern of violence, destruction and murder is part of their wider election campaign strategy or whether it is merely due to the party’s failure to adequately police its supporters during political events.

4. If the current pattern of UPND violence, destruction, and murder is part of the party’s wider campaign strategy, then we wish to call upon the UPND leadership to reconsider. There is no question that the majority of Zambian citizens cherish their peace and security and they are definitely unwilling to sacrifice it for anything. Not even the unbridled political ambitions of a single citizen who wants to go to State House at any cost, even if that cost means death and destruction.

5. If on the other hand the current pattern of UPND violence, destruction, and murder is due to the party’s failure to adequately police its supporters during political events thereby resulting in some unsavory characters among the supporters, engaging in criminal activities that are not sanctioned by the party leadership, then the party leadership needs to up their game and ensure that they appoint an adequate number of marshals to police all their political events.

6. As a main opposition political party that is aspiring to lead this nation after 12th August, the UPND has a moral duty and obligation to lead by example. Otherwise, they risk being totally rejected by the Zambian people at the ballot. There is no question that the electorate would never desire to entrust the governance of this nation into the hands of a bunch of hooligans and barbarians who have no regard for human life or property. The onus is on the UPND leadership to prove to the people of Zambia that the unfortunate incidents of violence, destruction and murder that have characterized their political activities in the past few days do not define their political party.

Eligibility and Running Mate Cases: Lessons Learnt

Chief Editor
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Eligibility and Running Mate Cases: Lessons Learnt

By Peter Sinkamba President The Greens

I hope there are lessons that have been learnt from the eligibility and Running Mate cases that were determined by the Consitutional Court on thid much anticipated D-Day, today. It is important to draw lessons from the cases as the Nation matches towards 12 August elections, which potentially will be the axis of election petitions this century in Zambia.

In my view, three cardinal lessons have or ought to have been learnt. The first lesson is or ought be that in interpreting statutes, the judges’ freedom is restricted by the rules of precedent. The second lesson is or ought be that their freedom is restricted by the supremacy of Parliament. The third lesson is or ought be that their freedom is restricted to the rules of statutory interpretation.

The two cases have truly demonstrated that courts cannot unsurp the role of the legislature and make decisions or create laws. It has been demonstrated without any iota of doubt that judges confine themselves to their territories, and to guidelines given to them by the legislature, until the legislature steps in again to amend or indeed make another law.

It has been demonstrated that judges cannot venture into ‘judicial adventurism’ in pursuit of their own notions of justice, or indeed yield to public pressure, ignoring the limits of the law.

Therefore, as we match towards 12 August, lawyers need to take time to read carefully the full judgments, so that they do not mislead their clients that may hire them if need be for petitions coming before the Concourt.

Finally, it important to mention that the dissenting judgment by Justice Professor Munalula is proof that the Concourt is truly independent in its pursuit to give effect to constitutional policy.

Let’s all applaud, support and have confidence in this critical apex court.

Increased daily confirmed Covid-19 cases worrying, says Ministry of Health as

Chief Editor
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Increased daily confirmed Covid-19 cases worrying, says Ministry of Health as

The Ministry of Health has expressed worry at the daily increase of confirmed COVID 19 cases being recorded countrywide resulting in overburdening isolation and treatment facilities.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Malama says the ministry’s projections have come to pass barely three weeks into the third wave, which is proving to be more virulent compared to the previous two waves.

Dr Malama noted that if the situation continues at this rate unchecked bed spaces will be filled up swiftly.

“With a high case load, our health care workers are getting stretched and like in any other setting this tends to affect the quality of care. As such, it is critical that we address the root cause of the problem. If we do not close the taps of community transmission, the situation will continue to escalate,” the Permanent Secretary explained.

He also mentioned that the Ministry is aware and shares the concerns from parents and educators with regard to some school going pupils testing positive for the virus.

In a statement issued to ZANIS today in Lusaka, Dr Malama however, called on the parents and educators to consider the seven months of schooling that were lost last year which have not yet been recovered.

“Take into consideration that our children lost over 7 months of schooling last year, the time that they are yet to recover and we are closely monitoring the situation to inform decision making. Of course life is always supreme and we will make decisions based on evidence available,” he added.

Dr Malama revealed that 2,065 confirmed cases and 16 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 107,974 and 1,348 cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded.

“The breakdown of the new cases and positivity by province are as follows: Central 303 (22 percent), Copperbelt 274 (15 percent), Eastern 312 (20 percent), Luapula 45 (8 percent), Lusaka 709 (22 percent), Muchinga 31 (5 percent), Northern 24 (3 percent), North-western 25 (7 percent), Southern 219 (16 percent) and Western 123 (16 percent),” he explained.

“We had 126 new admissions in the last 24 hours. There are currently 10,952 active cases, of whom 10,496 (96 percent) are under community management and 456 (4 percent) are admitted to our COVID-19 isolation facilities. This situation is unprecedented in our country. Among those currently under admission, 334 (73 percent) are on Oxygen therapy and 45 (10 percent) are in critical condition,” Dr Malama added.

The Permanent Secretary has called on the community to adhere to the COVID 19 measures to stop the further spread of the virus adding that complicity and laxity are the biggest enemy at community level.

“The Public Health Act clearly stipulates that in a pandemic situation such as this, no public gatherings should be held without due certification by the local authorities. This applies to weddings, parties, funerals and other such gatherings. The public is therefore urged to adhere to this guidance,” he added.

“We are leaning on the comparative advantage of leaders of congregate settings including markets, bus stops and bus stations, schools, and churches. In addition our Political leaders are once again called upon to ensure that the political gatherings are avoided as they are fertile grounds for COVID 19 transmission,” Dr Malama noted.

He mentioned that more cases are coming from high density areas adding that some of the people who have succumbed to the virus are from these high density areas indicating that COVID 19 is not only for those from low density areas.

Is Lazarus Kambole Heading to Tanzania?

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Tanzanian club Young Africans are reportedly chasing forgotten Chipolopolo man Lazarus Kambole.

Kambole is two years into a three-year deal with Kaizer Chiefs whom he joined from Zesco United.

However, Kambole has so far failed to ignite with just one goal since arriving at the Johannesburg giants in August 2019.

“Plenty of the preliminary talks have already been done and it is now a matter of trying to seal the deal. What Kambole is on at Chiefs is not too far from what Yanga can afford, so it is all a matter of negotiations,” a source told Kickoff.com.

Tanzania is also home to Kambole’s compatriots in midfielders Larry Bwalya and Clatus Chama who are at Simba SC.

His ex-coach at Zesco George Lwandamina is boss at Azam FC.

Movie review: Army of the Dead

Entertainment Editor
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Movie review: Army of the Dead

Following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted.

PROS

  • Realistic looking Zombie’s gave the movie an authentic feel.
  • Excellent actions scenes
  • Great performance by Dave Bautista (Scott Ward) and Omari Hardwick (Vanderohe)

CONS

  • Lack of proper character development.
  • Some unnecessary plot lines that didn’t lead anywhere.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Scott Ward: “Think about it. Everything we did. All those people we saved. Look what it got us. But what if, just once, we did something for us?”

Vanderohe: “To quote the great Joseph Campbell, he said, “It is by going down into the abyss where we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.”

Lilly (The Coyote): “You all keep talking about the city like it’s their prison. It’s not. It’s their kingdom.”

CONCLUSSION

Army of the Dead is an exciting heist movie infused with a generous helping of zombies. It feels like the plot of the movie is merely a skeleton on which to hang the action scenes. The action scenes are excellent but the movie would have benefitted from a more intriguing storyline with better twists and turns.

Dave Bautista gave a great performance, he was a perfect fit for the role, a legitimate tough guy who you is believable as someone who would fearlessly go up against a horde of zombies. Unfortunately his character lacked depth, they tried to add an emotional element with his daughters but not enough was done with that. The rest of the relatively large cast suffered from poor character development. Very brief backgrounds were given, not enough to get invested in their characters. Their motivations for joining the extremely dangerous heist were flimsy. Would you risk a violent death for a slim chance at a few million dollar ?

‘Army of the Dead’ is jam-packed with Zombies , big guns,  blood, guts and lots of action. It is a video-game type horror-thriller that makes for a great Saturday night popcorn movie.

RATING

3 out of 5

 

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

Constitutional Court Declares Patriotic Front Presidential Candidate Edgar Lungu Eligible for August 12 polls

Chief Editor
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Constitutional Court Declares Patriotic Front Presidential Candidate Edgar Lungu Eligible for August 12 polls

The Constitutional Court has declared that President Edgar Lungu is eligible to contest the August 12 General Elections.

One of judges, however, has held a different view from the rest.

Delivering the abridged majority judgment, judge Anne Sitali declared that President Lungu was entitled to contest the elections as he has not twice held office.

She said Article 106 does not bar President Lungu from participating in the election this year.

“The first respondent’s nomination is valid and he is entitled to stand for election on August 12, 2021.

The petitions have no merit and each party to bear own costs,” Judge Sitali said.

However, one of the Constitutional Court judges, Professor Margaret Munalula, indicated that she had a dissenting judgment which she will deliver on June 30.

Legal Resources Foundation (LRF), Chapter One Foundation and University of Zambia (UNZA) researcher and lecturer Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, through their lawyers John Sangwa and Linda Kasonde, argued that President Lungu already held office as President twice and that he was therefore, not eligible to stand in the forthcoming elections.

President Lungu was represented by Bonaventure Mutale, Eric Silwamba, Joseph Jalasi, Sakwiba Sikota and Lubinda Linyama while Attorney General Likando Kalaluka appeared for the State.

The ConCourt judgment brings to a close a constitutional matter that prohibits a person who has twice held office to contest a third time and possibly hold office a third time.

President Lungu first held office in 2015 when he was elected to finish Michael Sata’s term and was then declared winner of the 2016 presidential election that was challenged by Hakainde Hichilema.

Government unearths a scam on Social Cash Transfer money by Pay Point Managers

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Government unearths a scam on Social Cash Transfer money by Pay Point Managers

The government has unearthed a scam in which some Pay Point Managers (PPMs) of Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program in Kapiri Mposhi district are deducting money from beneficiaries as transport refund.

Some PPMs, mostly teachers, engaged by government to pay SCT in the ongoing fund disbursement exercise in the rural parts of the district are demanding a sum of 20 Kwacha from each beneficiary to cover their transport costs.

This came to light when District Commissioner, Smart Mwila met over 100 village headmen and villagers of Nkole Chiefdom.

Speaking on behalf of the affected beneficiaries in the area, Goliath Kasempa, 74, complained that some PPMs were declining to pay beneficiaries their money for refusing to contribute a 20 kwacha to cover for their transport costs.

Mr Kasempa implored Mr Mwila to intervene in the matter and ensure that PPMs found wanting were brought to book.

“We don’t know if this is allowed but the people you have sent here to pay us Social Cash Transfer are stealing from us and we want you to help us,” Mr. Kasempa said.

But Mr Smart Mwila explained that PPMs were not supposed to demand for transport money from beneficiaries of SCT as they were always paid a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) of K 710 and transport allowance by the department of Social Welfare when being deployed to pay beneficiaries.

Mr Mwila noted that the PPMs action of deducting money from allocations for beneficiaries had potential to negatively affect government’s objective of providing sufficient social protection for the vulnerable through the SCT Programme in the district.

“This is indeed daylight robbery and I can assure you that anyone who will be found wanting will pay back and will be punished accordingly because you don’t steal from the poor,” Mr Mwila said.

Mr Mwila has since directed the department of Social Welfare in the district to identify all the PPMs involved in the scamming of the vulnerable out of their money for further action.

Recently, the government released over K 2, 2 million to pay 6,160 beneficiaries of the SCT programme.

This money is inclusive of people living with disabilities who are being paid K 600 and the aged, chronically ill and child and women headed households who are entitled to K 300 bi-monthly payments respectively.

ECZ strongly condemns campaign violence perpetrated by both PF and UPND

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ECZ strongly condemns campaign violence perpetrated by both PF and UPND

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has noted with serious concern the escalating campaign violence ahead of the August 12, general elections, especially in Lusaka and some selected parts of the country.

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Kryticous Nshindano says if the vice is left to escalate, it will undermine the credibility of the elections and also the stability and peace of the country.

Mr. Nshindano has noted that the perpetrators of violence are mainly the Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND).

In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga, Mr Nshindano has reminded the two political parties that the Code of Conduct which their leaders swore oath to, applies to this period of campaigns and must be adhered to without exception.

“The Commission would like to categorically state that it will not hesitate to invoke the Electoral Process Act and suspend indefinitely all manner of physical campaigns for the two political parties should these violent acts continue,” he cautioned.

He added, “The Commission further reminds all political players that violence undermines the credibility of an election and our call to the leadership is that they should prevail over their supporters.”

Mr Nshindano further called on the police to swiftly arrest and present for prosecution all those that will be found in breach of the Code of Conduct.

“We call upon the police to perform their duties in an impartial and professional manner. The Commission will not allow the country to degenerate into lawlessness during this period in the name of electoral activities and further calls on the electorate and political party supporters to desist from engaging in violence as it is not worth dying for any political leader,” he emphasised.

The Chief Electoral Officer further advised the two political parties that they are risking their respective parties against applicable sanctions in the law, including disqualification.

“From now henceforth, the Commission will be following the activities of both the PF and UPND with keen interest and should this continue, both parties risk being suspended,” he said.

Mr. Nshindano has since encouraged all political players to be tolerant and promote co-existence as they are some of the key ingredients of a maturing democracy and the conduct of peaceful elections.

President Edgar Lungu launches the $32.8 million Cashew nut plantation initiative project in Chasefu district

Chief Editor
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President Edgar Lungu launches the $32.8 million Cashew nut plantation initiative project in Chasefu district

President Edgar Lungu has launched the cashew nut plantation initiative which is under the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Project (ZIFLP) in Chasefu district in Eastern Province.

The 32.8 million United States dollar ZIFLP initiative is supported by the government in partnership with the World Bank.

The project aims to provide support to rural communities in the Eastern Province, as well as to allow them to better manage the resources of their landscapes.

The project further helps reduce deforestation and unsustainable agricultural expansion, and enhances the benefits received from forestry, agriculture, and wildlife, in the quest to combat climate change.

President Lungu says that once fully operational, the ZIFLP will transform the economic statuses of thousands of farmers in Eastern Province, just like cashew nut farming has already done in Western Zambia.

He said cashew nut is a high value crop which fetches more money than most of the crops grown in Zambia.

He disclosed that the cashew nut growing programme will be rolled out to all parts of the country in order to increase the number of beneficiaries.

The President explained that the project is also aimed at boosting crop diversification and changing the mindset of many local farmers, to grow different types of crops.

The Head of State said the government is committed to supporting the project, adding that the cashew nut is a wonder crop that can change the economic landscape of the country.

“We are willing to buy more seedlings. We feel that Zambia can regain its position in this crop by encouraging farmers to grow cashew nuts” he said.

President Lungu further said his government believes that agriculture can redirect the economic trajectory of Zambia especially when the sector is diversified.

Speaking at the same function, Ministry of Agricultural Permanent Secretary Songowayo Zyambo said 15,000 farmers are earmarked to benefit from the ZIFLP initiative.

Mr Zyambo said at least one million seedlings have already been planted under the project in Eastern Province.

He revealed that the project supports climate smart agriculture which greatly helps farmers improve their yields.

He has since thanked President Lungu for massively supporting the agricultural sector in Zambia.

Meanwhile, ZIFLP Project Coordinator, Tasila Banda noted that there is need to preserve forests to avert effects of climate change.

“We cannot conserve forests where there is no forest. So we are innovatively trying to build the forests on the farms,” she explained.

Dr Banda pointed out that ZIFLP is scoring achievements in agriculture and forestry.

She said if the project succeeds in Eastern Province, the country will get over 166 million United States dollars over a period of 10 years.

“This is a project that has inbuilt sustainability on its own because the farmers will continue practicing this and getting the yields even if the project closes,” she said.

And a beneficiary, on whose farm President Lungu signaled the planting of millions of cashew nut trees, said she was greatly humbled to be accorded an opportunity to grow the highly valued and priced tree on her land.

Beatrice Nyoni, who is a widow, said the project will create wealth for herself and the family for many years to come.

The cashew nut farmers are encouraged to leave a space of 12 meters from one plant to the other in order to allow farmers to grow other crops in the same field where there are cashew trees before they grow big.

In Western Province of Zambia where the cashew nut has been traditionally grown for many years, six million seedlings were planted recently to revamp the sector and manage it scientifically in order to reap desired benefits.

Foreign Truck driver dies in a road traffic accident

Chief Editor
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Foreign Truck driver dies in a road traffic accident

A 35 year old Tanzanian Truck driver has died in a road traffic accident (RTA) after a Scania truck he was driving hit into 2 on-coming motor vehicles and overturned while he tried to avoid hitting into a pothole along the Great North Road.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Lizzie Machina who confirmed the accident in an interview with Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Shiwang`andu today, has identified the deceased as Hezron Mgina 35, of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Ms Machina said the fatal accident occurred yesterday, Thursday 10 June, 2021 around 15:00 hours along the Great North Road in Chief Mukwikile`s area in Shiwang’andu district.

The Police Commissioner said involved in the road accident was a Scania truck with registration T940BKS/T473AYH property of Inara Company, which was loaded with unknown goods from the northern direction heading to the south, and was being driven by the deceased mentioned.

Also involved was an empty Scania tanker truck with registration T788DVH/T787DVH belonging to KVD Company which was being driven by Mateo Masele 38 of Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania and a Mitsubishi Canter with registration AQB 1278 loaded with 20 bags of cement and 40 iron sheets which was being driven by Alick Silengo 42 of Showgrounds area in Mpika district, Muchinga Province.

Ms Machina revealed that the accident happened when a Scania truck with registration T940BKS which was being driven by the now deceased Hezron Mgina overturned as he was trying to avoid hitting into a pothole while descending a hill.

“While trying to avoid hitting into a pothole, the Scania truck hit into an on-coming Mitsubishi Canter which eventually fell into a ditch and the same Scania truck again hit into another on-coming Scania Tanker truck which flipped and rested on the driver’s side while facing east”. said Ms. Machina.

Ms Machina narrated that the Scania tanker truck incurred a damaged right side of the tank, while the Mitsubishi canter incurred a damaged rear right side.

“The driver of the Scania truck with registration T940BKS Hezron Mgina died on the spot while the driver of the Mitsubishi Canter Alick Silengo and that of the Scania Tanker truck Mateo Seleman escaped unhurt,” said Ms Machina.

The Police Commissioner added that the body of the deceased has since been deposited in Mpika District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Ms Machina further said that, the Scania truck which was being driven by the deceased and a Mitsubishi Canter are still at the scene while the tanker truck has been impounded at Shiwang’andu Police Station

Zambia has potential to develop biofuel industry-Mwamba

Chief Editor
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Zambia has potential to develop biofuel industry-Mwamba

Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Alfredah Mwamba has stated that Zambia has potential to set up a biofuel Industry looking at the ground work done by policy makers and stakeholders to support the sector.

Dr Mwamba said this in Brasilia during a virtual Meeting held with the Ethanol Cluster Executive Director Flavio Castellari Apla, the Brazilian Investor who has been spearheading the plans to set up a Biofuel sector in Zambia.

Ambassador Mwamba is pleased that financial Institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), Standard Bank Brazil and others have been supporting African countries in similar projects and are ready to collaborate with Zambia.

“It is gratifying to note that the Zambian government has taken a proactive approach of involving key stakeholders on the country’s mission to establish a biofuel industry in Zambia,” she noted.

The Zambian Envoy said following the investment meetings held with Brazilian Investors in the Ethanol and Sugar Industry, there is good will from Brazil to facilitate the technology advancement and all the assistance required to set up the industry.

“The production of biofuels in African countries is now growing steadily as it offers greater energy security and reduced demand for petroleum which has proved to be costly for most developing countries,” observed Ambassador Mwamba.

She has further encouraged Zambian farmers to grow more sugarcane and cassava as well as soya beans as the three crops could be helpful for the implementation of the industry.

And Ethanol Cluster Executive Director Flavio Castellari Apla assured the Zambian Envoy that his Association has equally engaged a number of International Stakeholders whose responses have been positive over the plans of setting up a biofuel Industry in Zambia.

He added that Zambia Sugar Company, the major Sugar Producer in Zambia is performing well, but needs more local farmers to commence growing sugarcane on a larger scale in comparison with Brazil and other countries that are using biofuel.

“It is possible for Zambia to set up a Biofuel Industry in the shortest period of time, as he stresses the enormous economic gains that the country will attain,” Mr Apla noted.

He said his organization is at a stage of holding talks with Zambian technocrats and plans to undertake another tour to Zambia once the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambia Embassy in Brazil, Grace Makowane

UNIP ministers took part in digging the University of Zambia Library foundation 1967

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UNIP ministers took part in digging the University of Zambia Library foundation 1967

UPND suffers setback as Ndola High Court declares ECZ ban of Political Rallies as Legal

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UPND suffers setback as Ndola High Court declares ECZ ban of Political Rallies as Legal

The Ndola High Court has declared that the Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ)’s ban on campaign rallies is legal and that acted within its constitutional mandate.

This is in a case where United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary-general Batuke Imenda had applied for leave to seek the relief of the court to declare the decision by the ECZ to ban political party rallies ahead of the August 12th General elections illegal as well as compelling the commission to prescribe the amount of airtime given to all participating political parties and independents on public Electronic and Print Media.

Making her ruling yesterday, High Court judge Mary Mulanda said that article 229 of the Republican Constitution amendment number 2 of 2016 provides, under sub-article 2(e), that ECZ shall regulate the conduct of voters and candidates, adding that on paragraph 3(1)(f) of the Electoral Code of conduct which confers a duty on the ECZ to ensure that a campaign meeting or rally which is duly organized by a registered a political party is not disrupted or arbitrary prohibited.

Judge Mulanda said the decision by the commission to ban the rallies in view of the surge in Covid 19 cases in the country was not arbitrary as the country has been on Alert State since March 2020 describing the decision as having been made to safeguard the lives of people and was in the best interest of the country and its people.

Judge Mulanda added that campaigns have been allowed to go ahead with parties advised to use appropriate campaign strategies such as mobile public address system, distribution of flyers, and other political party materials with minimal or no contact with the crowds.

However, the Court has granted Mr. Imenda leave to apply for judicial review challenging the failure by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to prescribe the amount of airtime allocated to participating political parties on public television and radio media platforms.

Judge Mulanda said that the prescription of airtime to all participating political parties is highly necessary to enable parties including independents to have equal campaign opportunities in the run upto to the August General elections.

President Lungu in the ConCourt for “breaching the Constitution” after assenting to Correctional Service Bill

Chief Editor
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President Lungu in the ConCourt for “breaching the Constitution” after assenting to Correctional Service Bill

Chapter One Foundation Limited has petitioned President Edgar Lungu for assenting to the Correctional Service Bill no.35 of 2021 when his parliamentary mandate expired following the dissolution of Parliament.

The Bill seeks to give well behaved inmates a fortnight leave to visit their families. Prisoners will also be released on a special license apart from being pardoned.

Chapter One Foundation wants a conservatory order staying the operation of the Zambia Correctional Service Act no.35 of 2021 and restoring the Prisons Act Chapter 97 of the Zambian laws pending determination of the petition.

It wants a declaration that to the extent that the Zambia Correctional Service Bill no.35 of 2021 was assented to by the President after the dissolution of Parliament on May 13, 2021, the Zambia Correctional Service Act no.37 of 2021 was not law enacted by Parliament of Zambia therefore it is null and void.

The Foundation is further seeking an order of certiorari that the Zambia Correctional Service Act no.37 of 2021 be quashed.

In its petition, Chapter One Foundation said that following the dissolution Parliament on May 13, 2021, President Lungu ceased to be part of Parliament.

It said after the dissolution of Parliament until the period when the President-elect assumes office of President in accordance with Article 104 of the constitution, the Head of State can only continue to perform the executive functions of the Republic.

The NGO stated that the constitution vests the legislative authority of the Republic to be exercised by Parliament.

It said according to Article 92 of the constitution, the executive functions of the President, without limiting other provisions of the constitution, are: Appoint ambassadors, high commissioners, plenipotentiaries, diplomatic representatives, consuls and heads of international organisations, receive and accredit foreign ambassadors, high commissioners, plenipotentiaries diplomatic representatives and consuls, negotiate and sign international agreements and treaties and subject to the approval of the National Assembly, ratify or accede to international agreements and treaties.

COF said other duties are to establish, merge and dissolve government ministries, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, appoint people as required by the constitution or any law to be appointed by the President, initiate Bills for submission to and consideration by the National Assembly, among others.

The NGO stated that on April 14, 2021, the Zambia Correctional Service Bill no.35 of 2021 was published and the date when the said Bill was passed by the National Assembly is currently unknown.

“On May 19, 2021, six days after the dissolution of Parliament, the respondent ceased to be part of Parliament and purported to assent to the Zambia Correctional Service Bill no.35 of 2021,” COF said.

“After the dissolution of Parliament on May 13, 2021, President Lungu’s legislative authority conferred by Article 63(1) of the constitution to assent to Bills passed by the National Assembly expired.”

It argued that President Lungu breached Articles 81(8) and 92(2) of the constitution on May 19, 2021 when he purported to assent to the Zambia Correctional Service Bill no.35 of 2021.

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