Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has donated hospital beds and Mattresses worth K233 thousand Kwacha Kitwe Teaching Hospital to cater for the increasing need for beds due to the rise in Covid-19 cases.

CEC Managing Director Owen Silavwe said the organisation remains committed to participating in the advancement of quality health care provision.

Mr. Silavwe said his organisation has seen the devastation the virus brings on the families as most people succumb to Covid-19 and in some cases leaving children and dependents behind.

“In response to the need for additional hospital beds, I am glad to state that CEC is today pleased to be handing over 20 hospital beds, I trust these beds will help cushion the pressure that has been placed on the Kitwe Teaching Hospital as the number of patients requiring hospitalization has escalated due to the COVID third wave,” He said.

And speaking when he received the items at Kitwe Teaching Hospital today, Kitwe District Commissioner Chileshe Bweupe commended CEC for demonstrating practical social investment and corporate citizenship by proving that responding to the present needs of communities is what people appreciate and remember.

Mr. Bweupe noted that the comfort of patients is of key importance in patients’ management.

“It will be amiss of me if I fail to commend not only the donation but also the speed of the response, in each of the waves that the country has experienced, CEC has been counted among the partners of the people right from the testing kits and reagents to personal protective equipment and sanitary products,” the District Commissioner stated.

He further stated that government’s desire is that every Zambian is catered for in the various prevention and disease response programmes.

Mr. Bweupe however, noted that government alone cannot meet all the health needs of the people hence the need for the participation of different stakeholders and partners.

He noted that covid-19 was an emergence because it is not only deadly but has also affected people suffering from other illnesses by drawing attention and resources from them in trying to combat it thus threatening public health at many levels.

The DC urged the media to continue sensitizing the community on Covid and appealing to the corporate world to support government with resources for fighting the pandemic.

And Kitwe Teaching Hospital Medical Superintendent, Abidan Chansa thanked CEC for the donation stating that the donated beds and mattresses will go a long way in improving the management of patients.

“The donated items will go a long way in enhancing the comfortability of the patients and provision of a better environment for patients,” he said.

He also thanked the Kitwe District Commissioner for mobilizing the business community towards supporting the hospital.

Kitwe Teaching Hospital has continued to record an increase in covid-19 cases.

The hospital wards are currents full due to COVID-19 admissions.

REPUBLICAN Vice-President Mrs Inonge Mutukwa Wina has noted that late First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda supported the independence struggles in the region. Mrs Wina said that Dr Kaunda believed that Zambia was not independent until the rest of the region was liberated.

The Vice-president said this during the funeral procession of Dr Kaunda at the Solwezi Independence Stadium today.

“It was in this regard that Dr Kaunda headed and coordinated the accommodation of refugees in the region by creating the Maheba Refugee Resettlements in Kalumbila District in 1971, which is the largest refugee resettlement in Zambia,” Mrs Wina said.

She said a number of freedom fighters suffered arbitrary arrests and incarceration but they never gave up because of the fight for independence.

“One time Dr Kaunda spent time in Kabombo District under restriction in 1959, during liberation struggles under house arrest and we call that house the Kabompo House which has since been declared a national monument,” Mrs Wina recalled.

And Mrs Wina has stated that the Zambian people and the world are saddened and heartbroken by the passing of the founding father of the nation.

“Indeed death is never an easy concept to grasp. Our great nation has truly lost an exemplary leader whose dedication to his country and people formed the very foundation of our beloved Mother Zambia,” she said.

She added that it was therefore very important that the people of North-Western Province and Zambia at large should honour the memorable works and sacrifices that he made for the nation especially in key sectors like education, infrastructure and industries and humanism promoted oneness, unity and peace.

And a representative for the bereaved family Lt. Col Panko Kaunda has urged politicians to desire from perpetrating violence and divisions among Zambians for their political gains.

He has also called on their Royal Highnesses the Chiefs in the area to rise up against tribalism and regionalism in their chiefdoms because they had the power to stop the vices.

“The motto of One Zambia One Nation has united all tribes and kept Zambia together but today we are trying to divide ourselves as tribes and this is being done us politicians in the name of their Royal Highnesses,” Lt. Col Kaunda said.

And speaking on behalf of the Chiefs in North-Western Province, His Royal Highness Chief Ishiwa the traditional leadership in the area were celebrating the life of Dr Kaunda whose immerse life was very difficult to describe.

“Dr Kaunda was everything good. As a philosopher, he coined the One Zambia One Nation motto. In the civil service during his era we were well-coached on his philosophy of humanism,” Chief Ishiwa said. “He was a teacher and preacher who was a good role model and he used to play music besides being a farmer who inspired most of our chiefdoms.”

And United Church of Zambia (UCZ) North-Western Presbytery Bishop Moses Gondwe said the church was thankful to God for giving them a person like Dr. Kaunda.

“He had a compassionate heart and spoke for all people and it could only be God. Through him we are one Zambia one Nation and we can settle anywhere without discrimination.

Meanwhile, a virtual body viewing session was held before Her Honour the Vice-president went to sign in the Book of Condolences for Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

The funeral church service was also attended by some members of the Kaunda family, North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Willies Manjimela, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe among few other government officials in adherence to the COVID-19 prescribed guidelines

The Body of the first republican president Dr. Kenneth David. Kaunda has arrived back in Lusaka after being flown to North Western Province in Solwezi earlier this morning for people to pay their last respect.

The Zambia Airforce Air craft carrying the body of Dr. Kaunda touched down at Lusaka city airport at exactly 15.30 hours accompanied by Vice President Inonge Wina who represented government at the funeral ceremony in Solwezi.

And receiving the body at the city airport was, family spokesperson retired colonel and firstborn to the late first republican president Panji Kaunda.

Others were grandson to Dr. Kaunda, Waza Kaunda junior, Lusaka Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga and Permanent Secretary at Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Chanda Kabwe.

The body will be flown to Kabwe tomorrow for people in Kabwe to pay their last respect to the late Dr. Kaunda.

Government recently announced that the remains of the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda will be flown to all the ten provinces of Zambia to enable citizens to pay their last respect to the late founding father of the nation.

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda died on the 17th of June 2021, and will be put to rest at the presidential memorial burial site on the 7th of July 2021.

Re-open Kalengwa mine – aspiring MP
Patriotic Front Aspiring Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe Constituency, Davies Mbalau has appealed to the government and court of law to quicken the process of handling the ownership wrangles of Kalengwa Mine so that operations can resume.

Mr Mbalau told journalists in Mufumbwe today that the ownership issue between the Kalengwa Processing Zone – KPZ and the Moxico Resources Zambia has dragged yet the people of Mufumbwe and youth in particular are languishing in poverty due to lack of employment.

The Aspiring PF Candidate noted that the reopening of the Kalengwa Mine will transform the economy of Mufumbwe as there shall be money readily available in circulation within the District.

Mr Mbalau added that farmers will easily be able to sell their produce while small businesses will also be supported due to availability of funds in circulation.

He bemoaned the hardships local young people go through hence the need for government and court of law to finalise the ownership case so that the Kalengwa Mine be re-opened.

And a local Youth Representative Kenneth Muhanga, has appealed to President Edgar Lungu and the court to dismiss the standing injunction which ordered the Kelangwa Processing Zone – KPZ from resuming operations thereby denying young people an opportunity for a better life.

Meanwhile, Kalengwa Processing Zone Chief Security Officer, Ernest Musonoyi says his Organisation is ready to resume works on site once the case is out of court.

Mr Musonoyi said Kalengwa Processing Zone has so far employed more than 50 youths while more youths will be employed once the operations are allowed to resume.

State House has continued receiving messages of condolences to President Edgar Lungu on the passing of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, the first president of the Republic of Zambia.

President Hage Geingob of Namibia has described the demise of Dr. Kaunda as a “dark moment for Africa, for a giant tree of the continent has fallen.”

He describes Dr. Kaunda as “an outstanding revolutionary, a tenacious freedom fighter, towering intellectual and a consummate Pan Africanist, who dedicated his life in pursuit of freedom, justice and equality for the peoples of Zambia, Southern Africa and Africa at large.”

“To the Namibian people, former President KK will be remembered for his immense and selfless contribution to the liberation of Namibia. For many years, Zambia was home to SWAPO cadres and many other Namibians, who went into exile to take up the fight against apartheid colonialism. There is no doubt that President KK’s legacy will remain immortalised in the hearts and minds of countless Namibian generations to come,” said President Geingob.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa says President Kaunda played a significant role in the fight against apartheid and contributed to unity, peace and stability in South Africa.

“We remember Dr. Kaunda, or affectionately known as “KK”. He was fondly remembered as a stalwart, true friend and comrade of the people of South Africa. As a country, we will always be eternally grateful to Dr. Kaunda for hosting South African Freedom fighters in Zambia. Many South Africans still regard Zambia as their home, during the liberation struggle, it was a place of safety, education, camaraderie and friendship,” says President Ramaphosa.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe says the passing on of Dr. Kaunda has robbed the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia, and indeed the rest of Africa, of an exemplary Father, an astute politician and leader, whose immense contribution to the liberation of Southern African countries from colonial rule is well documented and acknowledged by the international community.

And Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro of Lesotho says Dr. Kaunda’s contribution in hosting Basotho’s political stalwarts including, Dr. Ntsu Mokhehle, among others, in the liberation struggle for Basotho’s political and economic emancipation and true democracy in 1970, will forever be cherished.

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi says Dr. Kenneth Kaunda will be remembered for his relentless dedication and commitment to freedom for all, and service to his country during his tenure as Head of State from 1964 until 1991, as well as his devotion to the development of Zambia, particularly, the improvement of the socio-economic livelihoods of his people.

“More importantly Dr. Kenneth Kaunda envisioned regional integration that could only be explicated in Southern Africa, and the rest of Africa, based on profound political principles that not only sought to liberate the people of Southern Africa but reverberate in the ideal that was and is the African unity,” reads part of President Masisi’s message.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera said President Kaunda will be remembered as one of the brave sons of Africa who diligently fought for the sovereignty of the African countries in general, and Zambia in particular.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said Dr. Kaunda’s unique contribution and unwavering commitment to the African liberation movements shall remain forever with the people of the African continent and Rwanda will continue to celebrate his legacy as a Pan Africanist who devoted his life to the service of his country and our continent.

President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation says the Palestinian people will always remember Dr. Kaunda with gratitude for his support for their cause.

Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune says Dr. Kaunda was from the first generation of militants who devoted themselves to the liberation and independence of Zambia and was the symbol of a long fight for freedom and dignity for the whole of Africa.

“Algeria is proud to count the departed among its most important and valued friends, and has lost, with Zambia and Africa, one of the greatest leaders to whom we, together with you, bid farewell with pain and sorrow,” part of his message reads.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany says President Kaunda was a champion of freedom who not only secured independence for his own people, but also helped neighbouring Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe to tread this path.

“President Kaunda will be remembered as a great statesman who, also following his retirement from active political life made an outstanding contribution as a crisis mediator in the region and as an active voice in the fight against AIDS. With his passing, Africa and the world have lost a great politician and a distinguished figure. He was the last of the generation of statesmen who shaped the course of decolonisation in Africa,” said President Steinmeier.

President Sauli Niinistö of Finland says he was saddened to hear of the passing of Kenneth David Kaunda, First President of the Republic of Zambia, on 17th June 2021.

He added that his dedication to the independence of Zambia and to the liberation struggles in Southern Africa made him a globally prominent figure.

Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella writes that Italy is close to the friendly people of Zambia as it recalls a personality that led the country to independence and left a deep impression in the history of the African continent, as a key player in the fight against apartheid.

Meanwhile, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Executive Secretary Ambassador João Samuel Caholo says the African continent has lost one of its great sons, who will be remembered as a staunch Pan-Africanist who fought for the liberation of his country as well as provided a safe haven to refugees who had fled conflict in their own countries, in Southern Africa and the continent as a whole.

African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Head of Secretariat Mr. William Carew said ECOSOCC stood in solidarity with the Kaunda family, the people and the Government of the Republic of Zambia “as we mourn and honour the life of a freedom fighter, a great statesman, a learned scholar, visionary and liberation struggle icon.”

Dean of the Members of the Diplomatic Corp accredited to Zambia, and High Commissioner of the Republic of Malawi to Zambia, Mr. Warren Gunda says “In Africa, we say the ‘Sky has fallen’, when an icon like Dr. Kaunda passes on. This is not only a loss to the Zambian people, but the entire African continent and the world at large. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda will be remembered for his philosophy of “humanism” and his relentless fight for the freedom of humanity.”

And Smart Partnership Movement Joint Dialogue Convener Dr. Mihaela Smith describes Dr Kaunda as the most charismatic and inspiring among the last living leaders of Africa’s independence struggle.

“We would like to convey through Your Excellency our condolences and great sympathy to the Zambian nation regarding the passing of the former and founding President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda,” said Dr Smith.

This is according to a press statement issued to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe in Lusaka today.

A peace advocate has called on Zambians to honour the country’s founding father Dr. Kenneth Kaunda by conducting bloodshed free campaigns in the run up to the August 12 general elections.

Professor John Bwalya who is also director for the Dag Hammarskjold Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies said Dr. Kaunda was an advocate of peace in his entire life and as such it would be disheartening for the country to be plunged into chaotic bloodshed characterized campaigns before he is even buried.

“Zambians should honour Dr. Kaunda with peaceful campaigns and not bloodshed characterised campaigns even before he is buried, he always advocated for peace so it would be befitting to honour him by conducting campaigns that are free from any form of bloodshed or violence,” Professor Bwalya said.

He also urged politicians to emulate Dr. Kaunda who believed that in elections there is always a winner and loser and to avoid fighting each other when they realise that they are less popular.

“Dr. Kaunda left a country without bloodshed, a country of a peaceful nature which we are all proud to live in and it should be each person’s goal to promote this peace,” Professor Bwalya added.

He noted that if the country loses the peace which its people are enjoying now, it will be difficult to regain it.

Professor Bwalya has since called for stiffer penalties for perpetuators of political violence so as to curb the problem

Meanwhile, United Church of Zambia (UCZ) General Secretary Bishop Chipasha Musaba has described the rumour that circulated on social media yesterday purporting that former president Rupiah Banda had died as immoral and unchristian.

In an interview in Kitwe yesterday Bishop Musaba said it was irresponsible for someone to fabricate news of such serious magnitude when they knew it was actually not true.

“People should learn to use social media responsibly because if it is used irresponsibly, it has the potential to disturb people’s emotions or cause panic in the country so people should think twice before they post anything on social media,” Bishop Musaba charged.

And Kitwe Pastors Fellowship president Reverend Rady Lewila has called on the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Police to bring to book the person who posted the fake news about the former president.

Reverend Lewila said the church does not take lightly such irresponsible use of social media especially at a time when the country has lost its founding father Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and other important personalities such as the Chief Justice and former Ministers.

“ZICTA and the Police should bring the person who posted that information and let the law take its course,” Reverend Lewila demanded.

Yesterday, Zambians were taken into a panic mood after someone posted on social media that former Republican president Rupiah Banda had died, information that was later refuted by Mr. Banda himself in a story that was carried by the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) in the evening.