Advertisement Banner
Friday, July 18, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 973

Commission to closely monitor how human rights are being applied by all political players during the campaign period

Chief Editor
-
5
Commission to closely monitor how human rights are being applied by all political players during the campaign period

The Human Rights Commission says the authority will closely monitor how human rights are being applied by all political players during the campaign period.

The Commission notes that political players should be wary of people’s human rights, in order not to infringe on them as they conduct their door to door campaigns.

National Human Rights legal Counsel, Kims Banda said the commission will also closely monitor how the campaigns will be conducted, to ensure that fair play is exhibited as parties involved bargain for support from the public ahead of the August 12, general elections.

Mr Banda said this during a two day district political dialogue meeting held in Chinsali Muchinga Province, to discuss adherence to the Public Order Act, during the campaign period amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Do not infringe on individual rights in the name of conducting door to door campaign least you will be sued,” he said.

And Mr Banda has appealed to all political players to adhere to the advice and health guidelines that have been heightened, as the country experiences the third wave of the COVID-19.

And political parties present also called on the police to be impartial when regulating campaigns, while ensuring peace and security to its citizens.

The political parties also resolved to form a committee that will look into human rights violations, during and after the campaign period.

The committee will include the Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), political parties, as well as a human rights activist in the district.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended political party rallies due to rising numbers of COVID-19.

Do not allow politics to divide country- political players told

Chief Editor
-
7
Do not allow politics to divide country- political players told

United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Muchinga Presbytery Bishop Festus Chulu has cautioned political players not to allow politics to divide the Zambian people.

Bishop Chulu has challenged the parties involved to instead promote unity in the country and continue promoting the One Zambia One nation motto.

Speaking in Chinsali yesterday during a church building promotion at the Chinsali UCZ main congregation, Bishop Chulu said there is need to maintain peace and unity in the country before, during and after the August 12 general elections.

Bishop Chulu reminded everyone to get involved in praying for peace in the country, adding that no one should be allowed to divide the country in the name of politics.

“We are all one in Christ and we should strive to uphold and promote the peace that the country is enjoying.” Said Bishop Chulu.

Bishop Chulu also called on Christians to uphold the values and principles that the country boasts of, in order to make Zambia a preferred destination for everyone.

Bishop Chulu further informed the congregation that wearing of political party regalia on the church grounds will not be permitted.

And Bishop Chulu has called on youths in the country not to be used as tools of violence, while sternly calling on all political party leaders not to use the young people, in order to advance their own political ambitions.

“Am appealing to the youths to say no to violence. They should not allow anyone to use them as tools of violence.” He added.

And speaking at the same event, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Davison Mulenga said government appreciates the significant role that the church plays in building morals in society.

Capt. Mulenga also commended and appreciated the contribution that the Church has made towards the socio-economic development of the country through various programmes.

Capt. Mulenga also appealed to the church to continue praying for politicians, adding that the church should continue to pray for peace before, during and after the August polls.

DIV ONE WRAP: Promoted Konkola Blades Stay Ahead in Top 4 Status Quo

sports
-
0

Konkola Blades and three other teams in the top four maintained their respective positions on the FAZ National Division 1 table after round 31 matches played over the weekend.

Leaders and already promoted Konkola on Sunday stretched their lead to seven points following a 1-0 win over Kashikishi Warriors away in Nchelenge.

Experienced defender Louis “Wawa” Musonda scored the only goal of the game in the first half.

This was Konkola’s fifth consecutive win that has seen them move to 65 points, seven above second placed Kansanshi Dynamos, after 31 matches.

Already demoted Kashikishi remain struck second from the bottom with 19 points from 31 matches.

Kafue Celtic are equally seven points away from Konkola after thumping Mpulungu Habour 3-0 at home to move to 58 points.

Goal difference separate Kansanshi from Celtic.

Fourth placed Chambishi consolidated their position when edging National Assembly 2-1 to end a four-match winless run.

Chambishi are on 53 points with three matches left in the 2020/21 campaign.


FAZ National Division 1 – Week 31 Results

06/06/2021

Kafue Celtics 3-0 Mpulungu Habour

Kashikishi Warriors 0-1 Konkola Blades

National Assembly 1-2 Chambishi FC

MUZA FC 2-0 Trident FC

05/06/2021

Kansanshi Dynamos 1-1 Nchanga Rangers

Kabwe Youth 0-0 Mufulira Wanderers

Livingstone Pirates 2-1 Gomes FC

Police College 2-0 Zesco Shockers

Zesco Malaiti Rangers 1-1 City of Lusaka

Aspiring Ndola MP Wants Wanderers Club Turned Into School of Sports Execellence

sports
-
0

Ndola based Environmental and Project Management specialist Chungu Kapema has proposed that Ndola Wanderers Club be turned into a school of sports excellence.

Kapema said making Ndola Wanderers Club a school of sports excellence could be a stepping stone in reviving sports and recreation facilities in Ndola.

Kapema is contesting for the Ndola Parliamentary Seat on the Democratic Party ticket during the August 12 General Elections.

“Sports and talent identification is very important for any nation. In Ndola Central all the sports amenities have been turned into bars and beer halls,’ he said.

“I want to come and ensure that these facilities are given a facelift; they are equipped with necessary equipment so that these children we are seeing roaming the streets could come to these clubs and have their talents identified.”

Kapema said:”I have an idea of trying to turn Ndola Wanderers Club into a school of sports excellence.”

“We are going to identify children with special sports talents and then they will come and learn from there so that we can harness that talent. It can be a source of income. As you can see sports is now highly commercialized in other countries,” he concluded.

Preparation for the Presidential Petition should have been reduced to just two days-Peter Sinkamba

Chief Editor
-
18
Preparation for the Presidential Petition should have been reduced to just two days-Peter Sinkamba

Green party President Peter Sinkamba has said that the preparation and serving of the petition should have been reduced to a maximum of two days.

In a statement to the media, reacting to the new rules for the Constitutional Court to govern petitions in the upcoming general elections slated for 12 August 2021, Mr. Sinkaba said that two days would have been enough considering that the petitioners have seven (7) days provided for in the Constitution within which to make up their mind.

“Allocating an additional five (5) days after the lapse of the said seven days gives the petitioners undue advantage in that they have a total of twelve (12) days in which to prepare their cases, while the respondents merely have four (4) days, ” he said.

Below is the full statement

MORE ISSUES NEEDED TO HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE NEW CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULES BEFORE THE AUGUST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

As the Green Party, we commend the Chief Justice for the promulgation of the new rules for the Constitutional Court to govern petitions in the upcoming general elections slated for 12 August 2021. By and large, the new rules have addressed the timeframes within which the petitioners must serve the petitions on the respondents; the timeframes within which the respondents have to answer; and the timeframes within which the petitioners have to answer to the respondents.

The rules imply that petitioners now have five (6) days in which to prepare and serve their petitions and answer the petitioners (four (4) days from the date of filing of the petition, plus one (1) extra one for substituted service in the event that the petitioners are unable to serve the petition on to the respondent after lapse of 4 days; and one (1) additional day to file an answer to respondents). The rules also imply that the respondents have four (4) days in which to file the answer and serve the petitioner. Effectively, this means that from the fourteen (14) days provided by the Constitution to hear and determine presidential petitions, ten (10) days have been reserved for paperwork i.e. filing of petitions, responding to documents, and service of documents. This leaves four (4) days only in which to hear preliminary applications, consolidation of petitions (if any); hear testimonies from witnesses; cross-examinations; re-examinations; closing submissions; filing of written submissions; and delivery of the abridged judgment.

My worry is that the last four days have been left open for judges and lawyers to allocate as they wish. This will be tricky if, for example, they will be several petitioners, say ten or even fifteen petitioners. I would have loved that all days were allocated by statute so that no one blames the judges if the time allocated by statute is not enough.

Otherwise, my preference would have been that the days for preparation and serving of the petition were reduced to a maximum of two (2) days (one day to file and serve, and the next day if service is substituted. The two days would have been enough considering that the petitioners have seven (7) days provided for in the Constitution within which to make up their mind. Allocating an additional five (5) days after the lapse of the said seven days gives the petitioners undue advantage in that they have a total of twelve (12) days in which to prepare their cases, while the respondents merely have four (4) days.

If, for example, there are twelve (12) petitioners, the implication of the new rules is that, collectively, the petitioners will have a total of 144 days in which to prepare their petitions and witnesses, whilst the respondent will have only four (4) days in which to respond to all the 12 petitions. The time allocated to the respondents is therefore unfairly little.

If per my suggestion, the petitioners’ time in the rules was reduced from five (5) days to two (2) days for filing of petitions and service, then the time served would have been better allocated for post-filing of petitions and responses. I say so because a lot needs to be done after filing petitions and receipt of responses. First, there is a need to hear and determine preliminary applications, such as consolidation of the petitions before a single judge. Then, there may be appeals of preliminary applications to the full bench. Then, there are testimonies from witnesses, cross-examinations, re-examinations; and closing submissions (oral and written). Clearly, this is where the bulk of time needed to have been allocated, say, six (6) days. Lastly, one (1) needs to be reserved for delivery of the abridged judgment. It should stand alone.

From the experience of the 2016 presidential petition, the confusion started from hearing of preliminary applications and appeals from the single judge to the full bench and going forward. This is where the rules should have been clear and strict in terms of time allocation. The rules should have been very strict on the length of the petitions and responses in terms of the permissible number of pages. In the Kenya petition of 2017, written submissions were restricted to ten pages only. Just imagine how much work the respondent would have to respond to if written submissions are one hundred (100) pages by twelve (12) petitions? This is almost three reams of paper that must be responded to in four (4) days? Plus volumes of witness statements and other evidence that must be carefully examined before responding?

I feel that the new rules should have addressed the issue of court attendance by the public. Due to Covid 19, court attendance by members of the public is restricted. However, due to the importance of the presidential petitions, it is important that the public is allowed to witness the trial fully. This entails that if members of the public cannot physically be present in court, then the rules must be changed to allow live broadcast on TV of the petition proceedings. Otherwise, party cadres may force their way into court premises, and they will be justified if there are no alternative means of transmitting the live coverage of the petitions.

Finally, avoiding electoral violence and ensuring legitimate election results is a key role of the judiciary in a democracy. But to achieve this, the judiciary should be fully prepared for electoral disputes. In addition, the public, including key stakeholders must be prepared for the electoral disputes. I am happy that on its part, the judiciary has done quite a lot to prepare by, among other things, review of the legal framework for the management of the presidential petitions. I think it is not too late yet for the Chief Justice to consider taking into consideration the issues that I have raised in this write-up.

May those with direct access to the Chief Justice convey my concerns. Due to the constitutional judicial independence provisions, I have no direct access to the Chief Justice.

Peter Sinkamba
President
The Greens
6 June 2021

Zambia breaches the 100,000 mark of confirmed cumulative Covid-19 cases

Chief Editor
-
9
Zambia breaches the 100,000 mark of confirmed cumulative Covid-19 cases

Zambia has breached the 100,000 mark of confirmed cumulative Covid-19 cases since the first case was recorded in March 2020.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Malama said Zambia has now recorded 100,278 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 pandemic following the detection of 738 new Covid-19 transmissions out of 6,987 tests conducted across the country in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Malama attributed the development to the advent of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which has not only increased the number of new transmissions but also increased the number of deaths being recorded as a result of the coronavirus.

The Permanent Secretary said government however is scaling up its response and has since deployed infectious disease experts across the country to help provinces deal with the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said government has learnt many lessons from previous Covid-19 waves and is working hard to ensure that the country’s health systems remain buoyant to continue providing quality, adequate health care services to Zambians.

He further said to ensure continuity of routine health care services, the Ministry of Health will conduct child health week in the last week of June throughout the country.

“To respond effectively, we are increasing our hospital capacity in order to meet the demand, and we are providing support and technical assistance to the provinces. In this regard, we have provided infectious disease specialists to support teams in the provinces as we prepare for increased critical care management needs,” said Dr. Malama.

And Dr. Malama disclosed that government has made progress in the recruitment of 766 health care workers who will be placed in Covid-19 facilities.

The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary said government is also strengthening the production and delivery of oxygen in hospitals and Covid-19 facilities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Malama said his ministry has finalized the resumption of the Covid-19 vaccination programme adding that the second dosage of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be rolled out later in June as part of enhanced response to pandemic, while the country grapples with the third wave.

He said the country’s positivity rate has gone up to 11 percent with Central province at 16 percent, Lusaka 15 percent, Western 14 percent, Eastern 9 percent, North western at 8 percent, Copperbelt 7 percent, Southern 4percent, Northern 3 percent, and Luapula and Muchinga at 2 percent each.

Dr. Malama said of the 738 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the last 24 hours, Lusaka posted 431 cases, followed by Eastern at 78, Copperbelt 72, Central 68, Western 40, North western 18, Southern 13, Luapula 9, Muchinga 5 and Northern 4.

He pointed out that the third wave has come with increased cases of deaths with five patients all from Lusaka dying in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Malama said of the five deaths, four were classified as Covid-19 related while one was classified as a Covid-19 death, bringing the cumulative deaths to 1,308 deaths since the pandemic broke out in Zambia last year.

He said 338 discharges were recorded from both the Covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 93,374.

Dr. Malama explained that there are currently 5, 596 active cases, of which 5,359 are under community management and 237 are admitted to Covid-19 isolation facilities, out of which 169 are on oxygen therapy and 25 in critical condition.

He has since urged the general public to refrain from holding super spreader events such as weddings, social, spiritual gatherings and workshops.

Dr. Malama further urged the general public to continue adhering to Covid-19 public health guidelines and measures of masking up, washing hands, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowding, staying home and seeking medical attention early.

The newly signed Law will strengthen environmental regulation and management in Zambia-ZEMA.

Chief Editor
-
6
The newly signed Law will strengthen environmental regulation and management in Zambia-ZEMA.

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) is hopeful that the newly signed Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) law will strengthen environmental regulation and management in the country.

ZEMA Director General John Msimuko said the SEA was signed into law by the former Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Raphael Nakachinda on May 11, 2021, before dissolution of parliament and published in the Government Gazette of May 14, 2021 as Statutory Instrument No. 48 of 2021.

Mr. Msimuko said in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka that the new law has broader perspectives compared to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in seeking protection and conservation of the environment.

He explained that over the years, ZEMA has been enforcing the EIA which focuses on assessing the potential positive and negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment.

But the SEA on the other hand seeks to assessing policies, plans and programmes and their potential effects on environmental and sustainable management and utilization of natural resources.

Mr. Msimuko said the implementation of the new regulations aims at enhancing the assessment of the extent to which a draft policy, plan or programme will take environmental considerations in decision-making, development and implementation of the said policy, plan or programme.

He said the SEA will help the country focus on resetting human relation with nature.

In relation to the World Environmental Day which fell on June 5 under the theme, “Ecosystem Restoration”, Mr. Msimuko said the SEA comes at a time when Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating this important day.

“We believe the theme fits well in the overall objective of the SEA regulations on the strategic approach to the protection and conservation of the environment,” he said.

He said the SEA adds to the many environmental monitoring tools that the country can rely on to enhance environmental protection efforts.

Mr. Msimuko has since commended the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR) under the Ministry of National Development Planning for financial support and the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection for technical guidance and other stakeholders in the development of the SEA regulations.

He said ZEMA will continue engaging stakeholders and the general public on the enforcement of the SEA regulations and their likely impacts on the overall environmental management regulatory framework in the country.

Zambia, Lithuania seek enhanced diplomatic cooperation

Chief Editor
-
4
Zambia, Lithuania seek enhanced diplomatic cooperation

The Republic of Lithuania has proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia to enhance economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

The proposal was made in Stockholm, Sweden recently when Lithuanian Ambassador to Sweden, Giedrius Cekuolis presented a draft copy of the MoU to Zambia’s Ambassador in that country, Rose Salukatula, who is also accredited to the Nordic and Baltic states.

The MoU is a culmination of discussions between Ambassador Salukatula and director for Latin America, Africa, Asia and Pacific Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Lithuania, Audrius Bruzga early in January this year.

Lithuania is one of the three Baltic countries located in north-eastern Europe with diplomatic relations with Zambia.

According to a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Counsellor at the Zambian Embassy in Sweden, Nicky Shabolyo, the proposed MoU seeks to strengthen friendly relations, establish an efficient and practical procedure for inter-ministerial political consultations and further encourage cooperation in various economic fields.

The proposal further seeks to see Zambia and Lithuania hold regular bilateral consultations to review all aspects of their relations, and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador Salukatula has since described the proposed MoU as a “big step” towards strengthening relations between Zambia and Lithuania since the establishment of diplomatic relations almost 20 years ago.

The Zambian envoy pointed out that in her earlier meeting with Mr. Bruzga, it was observed that not much economic and political cooperation had taken place between Zambia and Lithuania because of the absence of a framework for engagement.

“Your coming demonstrates that Lithuania is committed to strengthening relations with Zambia. Such meetings are important as they will eventually help establish strong relations at top government level and even generally between the peoples of the two countries. This is a very important document that will help us further develop our relations,” she said.

Lithuania has also made a separate submission of proposed areas of economic cooperation which included agriculture and food industry, information and communication technology (ICT), financial technology (Fintech) sector, life sciences, and talent-based entrepreneurial schemes for non-European Union businesses.

In the proposal, Lithuania seeks possibilities for cooperation in areas that create added value such as ICT, fintech and life sciences.

And Ambassador Salukatula and Ambassador Cekuolis have agreed to arrange a digital event through which Zambian and Lithuanian experts in the sectors mentioned in the proposal will meet and agree on advancing collaboration.

The Zambian envoy has since assured her Lithuanian counterpart that Zambia is a haven of peace and has favourable laws that safeguard and secure investments.

Ambassador Cekuolis was accompanied by Counsellor, Donatas Butkus and Commerce Attaché Aleksandras Laurinavicius.

Democracy: One Man’s Food is Another Man’s Poison

Chief Editor
-
33
Democracy: One Man’s Food is Another Man’s Poison

By Isaac Mwanza

In some small tiny Island near the Antarctica lives a tribe where the dead people are not buried if the same lived a good life. It is an abomination to bury such type of dead persons. Their bodies must be cooked and eaten among the kinsmen so that their spirit may live in them.

So if you went there and told them that we bury our beloved ones in Zambia, they would think you are unloving and uncaring. But what happens when us Zambians hear this story of the bodies of dead people who lived a good life being eaten? We think those guys are savages, monsters, etc.

This example demonstrates what democracy is about: choices!

In the 1990s, Zambia chose to revert to the multi party participatory democracy. We all have a duty to defend our democracy by showing tolerance to each other’s views..

One may support the Patriotic Front and Edgar Chagwa Lungu, as I do, but that does not mean the others are his enemies. The same should be borne in mind by supporters of Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND that those who hold views against them are not their enemies. Everyone is simply exercising democratic right to choice, which must be respected.

Students and the youth in particular, must learn that democracy is about tolerating one’s choice without making them your enemy. We all brothers and sisters but with a different democratic taste. Our duty is to convince those on the other side to vote with us and not to vilify them.

The reasons why some parties have not managed to form government over the many years is because they concentrate more on preaching to their own members, the already converted ones as opposed to trying to get the support of those who don’t like what they stand for. We treat those who don’t agree with us as enemies but forgetting or not Zambians.

Some diehards of some parties think that only those who agree with them are Zambians. So they see “Zambians” voting for them on 12 August, 2021. This is the first step towards failure. Zambians hold very divergent views. A good number of Zambians may stand with you and another good number of Zambians won’t stand with you. You can not say the ones that stand with you are Zambians and those who tell you that they are not ready to vote for your leader are not Zambians.

At a time we headed towards a make or break elections for both the PF and UPND, I long to see fellow young Zambians use the social media responsibly, not to spread hate during campaigns but convince those who don’t agree with you on why they must vote for your leader, but always remembering that democracy is a matter of choices.

Kanganja dismiss HH assassination attempt reports

Chief Editor
-
56
Kanganja dismiss HH assassination attempt reports

Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has dispelled social media reports that the Zambia Police attempted to shoot at opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr. Kanganja denied the reports that police fired live ammunition at the opposition UPND leader while he was on the Copperbelt on Saturday and described the rumours as cheap propaganda aimed at hoodwinking people and drawing sympathy from the general public for political mileage.

According to a press statement issued by Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo to the media in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Kanganja has since appealed to political parties to be truthful as the general public expects to hear nothing but the truth from them.

“At no point did the police fire live ammunition to disperse crowds during the time when the UPND leader was conducting the illegal activities as all the officers were only armed with tear smoke canisters,” Mr. Kanganja explained.

The Inspector General said he is disappointed with political parties especially the opposition UPND for failing to observe the provisions of the public order Act and opting to dare the police.

He said the UPND failed to notify the police of its activities on the Copperbelt province as required by law but instead took the law into their hands and held public rallies in Mushili compound in Ndola.

He explained that police only learnt that Mr. Hichilema, who was on the Copperbelt, was scheduled to attend a church service on Saturday but the activity later turned into a mass crowd after busloads of cadres invaded the area and the party had held a roadshow, forcing their way into markets to hold rallies.

Mr. Kanganja further said police received reports of the general public being beaten for being in other regalia of political parties than the UPND with some being wounded with screw drivers and iron bars while others were hacked with machetes.

He said police did not move into the area which is a compound for security reasons and patiently kept vigil and allowed the UPND to conclude their illegal activities after 18:00 hours.

Mr. Kanganja said the police sealed off routes leading into Ndola town and forced the UPND to use alternative routes.

The Inspector General also said as the UPND leader proceeded to Kitwe in a convoy of over 100 motor vehicles, police were prompted to stop the fleet for security reasons but the cadres budged through the security checkpoint and hit police officers with stones fired from catapults.

He said this prompted the police to discharge tear gas canisters to disperse the unruly cadres.

He disclosed that today on Sunday, Mr. Hichilema attempted to go to a local Catholic church in Chingola district and the police only allowed 10 motor vehicles to follow but several vehicles joined, turning the processing into an unlawful one.

Mr. Kanganja explained that at this point, police discharged tear gas to disperse the convoy and crowds adding that at no point did the officers use live ammunition.

He denied allegations that the police are preventing opposition parties from campaigning and pointed out that the UPND campaigned in Ndola from 13 hours to 19 hours.

Mr. Kanganja said police will intensify snap checks on all motor vehicles following reports that political cadres are moving with offensive weapons in motor vehicles such as stones and catapults.

He reiterated his warning to political parties taking part in the August 12 general elections and said police will not allow them to orchestrate and perpetuate lawlessness and illegalities aimed at disturbing public order.

Mr. Kanganja said all that the Zambia Police wants is for all political parties to conduct their campaigns and activities within the confines of the law.

The Inspector General of Police has since encouraged the police to continue being firm and ensure that law and order is maintained as the country goes to the polls.

It’s not wrong Chief Chitimukulu to commend President Lungu for picking Professor Luo as his running mate

Chief Editor
-
12
It’s not wrong Chief Chitimukulu to commend President Lungu for picking Professor Luo as his running mate

Chief Luchembe of the Bemba people in Kanchibiya district says it is not wrong for paramount chief Chitimukulu to commend President Edgar Lungu for appointing Professor Nkandu Luo as his running mate in the August 12 presidential election.

Chief Luchembe says there is nothing wrong for the mwine Lubemba to support the appointment of Prof. Luo as the running mate.

He says the position of the paramount chief Chitimukulu to support the appointment of Prof. Luo should not cause other people to start attacking the traditional leader.

Chief Luchembe said this at his palace yesterday when Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Davison Mulenga paid a courtesy call on him.

The traditional leader reiterated that the fact remains that President Lungu chose the right person as his running mate in the August 12 general election.

Chief Luchembe said even him supports the appointment of Prof. Luo and described her as an accomplished politician.

And the traditional leader said President Lungu should be commended for his continued support to women by appointing them to various positions in government.

“There is no need to start attacking paramount Chief Chitimukulu and calling him names for supporting the appointment of Professor Nkandu Luo as President Edgar Lungu’s running mate,” said chief Luchembe.

Meanwhile, chief Luchembe said he was not ashamed to endorse President Lungu and the Patriotic Front (PF) in the forthcoming general election because the head of state has performed well and deserves another term in office.

He said the PF party and President Lungu have fulfilled many promises made to the people of Zambia adding that the achievements are there for everyone to see.

And Muchinga Province Permanent Davison Mulenga reaffirmed government’s commitment to work with traditional leaders to foster development in their chiefdoms.

Captain Mulenga said government considers traditional leaders as partners in development.

He said he decided to visit traditional leaders to interact with them so as to know and understand the challenges they were facing together with their subjects.

“At the time I was being sworn in as Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, President Edgar Lungu directed me to visit all the traditional leaders in the province and this is what I am doing so that I can understand the challenges of each and every chiefdom in the province,” he said.

Government committed to harnessing aquaculture subsector opportunities-PS

Chief Editor
-
4
Government committed to harnessing aquaculture subsector opportunities-PS

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba has said the government is committed to harnessing the lucrative opportunities in the aquaculture sub-sector in the region.

Mr. Chakaba said the province provides numerous opportunities for aquaculture production because of abundant land and freshwater resources.

He said the government has also created an enabling environment for investment and growth of the aquaculture sector.

Mr. Chakaba said this during the familiarization tour of Kalungwishi Estate which has invested millions of Kwacha in aquaculture through its subsidiary company, Miracle Fisheries.

The Permanent Secretary is impressed with the investment which Kalungwishi Estate has made in the aquaculture sector.

He said the role of the private sector in economic growth is very important.

He disclosed that Kalungwishi Estate has invested US$1.2 million in the project and created numerous employment opportunities for the local people thereby improving the living standards of people in surrounding communities.

“Kalungwishi Estate through Miracles Fisher has created direct and indirect jobs for people in Kasama and as government we are very excited,” he said.

Mr. Chakaba further said the government of President Edgar Lungu is committed and dedicated to promoting the growth of the aquaculture sector in the country.

He emphasised that investment by Kalungwishi Estate in aquaculture is significant in improving the social economic status of the province and the country as a whole.

The Northern Province Permanent Secretary said government is ready to support such investment because it is eager to ensure that the country’s fish industry is boosted.

Mr. Chakaba also toured Kasama sugar, a company belonging to Kalungwishi Estate which he said is making an important contribution to the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Kalungwishi Estate General Manager Derick Siyanga said the Permanent Secretary’s visit to the company was an indication that government pays attention to the undertakings of the private sector.

Mr. Siyanga explained that such visits give the private sector an opportunity to present the challenges their companies are facing and how they can be mitigated.

He explained that the Kalungwishi Estate, through its company Miracle Fisheries, is producing 250 tonnes of fish per year.

He however pointed out that production could increase to over 500 tonnes of fish if the company could be allowed to acquire the exotic species found in the southern part of the country.

And Mr. Siyanga encouraged people to exploit the investment potential in the province and utilize the enabling environment the government has created for the growth of the aquaculture sector.

He also urged government to direct more investment to the area and boost the growth of industries in Northern Province.

President Lungu to continue working with the church-Mushanga

Chief Editor
-
10
President Lungu to continue working with the church-Mushanga

Former Central Province Minister, Sydney Mushanga, says President Lungu and the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) will continue working with different churches in the country.

Officiating at the induction church service for Reverend Oskin Siingwa at All Saints United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Congregation, Mr Mushanga said this is so because the church and political parties serve the same constituents.

He said the ruling PF will continue submitting to the church because it is the voice for the vulnerable and those who may have been forgotten.

The former minister, who is also re-contesting the Bwacha parliamentary seat on the ruling party, noted that the church plays a critical role to ensure peace and unity exist before, during and after an election.

And Mr Mushanga has called for issue based campaigns ahead of the August 12, 2021 presidential and general elections.

He said all political players from both the ruling and opposing parties should remain peaceful and tolerant of each other for peace to prevail during before, during and after the polls.

The former minister also advised Rev Oskin Siingwa to work closely with all the church members in order to realise his calling by GOD.

Meanwhile, Bishop Lastone Chisanga of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has urged Rev Siingwa to feed the congregants with the word of God so that the church grows spiritually.

Bishop Chisanga said many are times when the men of the collar have lost the flock because of paying too much attention to themselves at the expense of the congregants.

And Rev Oskin Siingwa said his vision is that the greatness of God will increase in him so that he could grow in service for the development of humanity.

PF will not break Covid-19 protocols to prove popularity – Lubinda

Chief Editor
-
12
PF will not break Covid-19 protocols to prove popularity – Lubinda

Patriotic Front (PF) Chairperson for the manifesto committee, Given Lubinda says the ruling party will not be tempted to hold rallies against Covid-19 protocols just to prove its popularity to the opposition.

Mr. Lubinda says it is highly irresponsible for any political party to insist on having public rallies and gatherings just to demonstrate their political clout while risking the lives of people.

He says political parties should not wait for mass fatalities before obeying the Covid – 19 golden rules as stipulated by the World Health Organization.

The former Justice Minister explained that the Covid-19 regulations are not created by the PF but health authorities at global levels, hence the need to take them seriously.

Mr. Lubinda who was flanked by PF Luapula Presidential Campaign Manager Katele Kalumba and other members of the manifesto committee was speaking during the manifesto sensitization workshop for the Luapula PF leadership and candidates at Mansa’s Sali Lodge.

He wondered why some opposition leaders are insisting on holding rallies against the health guidelines and Electoral Commission of Zambia guidelines.

He has since urged PF members to lead by example in avoiding mass gatherings while campaigning.

And Mr. Lubinda has implored PF candidates to fully acquaint themselves with the manifesto if they are to communicate effectively to the electorate.

Mr. Lubinda explained that the ruling party has invested heavily in developing its manifesto in order to equip its members with the right message and knowledge during campaigns.

He said PF candidates and campaigners should focus on issues as highlighted in the manifesto and not attack individuals.

A dark day in Zambia’s democracy as UPND President Hakainde Hichilema survives Police shooting on his way to church

editor
-
61
A dark day in Zambia’s democracy as UPND President Hakainde Hichilema survives Police shooting on his way to church

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has survived Police shootings in Chingola on his way to a local Church.

There was chaos this morning as heavily armed Police were seen cruising up and down Chingola’s main roads as they attempted to stop UPND President Hakainde Hichilema’s motorcade.

In a statement, Mr.Hichilema said,” This is barbaric and we won’t tolerate it anymore. On our way to Church, the Police under instructions blocked us and started firing gunshots, tear gas canisters and all manner of weapons at us.To the normal Police, we say stop fighting us on behalf of the corrupt few because we are actually fighting for you.
And to the PF we say your time is up and whatever you try and do won’t stop Zambians from taking you out of the picture. They don’t want us to worship, they don’t want us to do roadshows, they don’t us to fight poverty but we are resolved and we shall ensure a better and safe Zambia for all.Their attempt on our lives will be met with the equal measure from the giver of life, God Almighty.

We feel for these Police officers but our advice to them especially those ones willing and ready to kill us or any other citizen on behalf of PF is that we are doing this for you, your family because we live in the same communities impoverished by the corrupt few.This too shall pass and in two months time when in office, Zambia shall be back to a Democratic State.When the time is ripe, not even a gun can stop it and it’s time.

Meanwhile Senior Chief Mukuni said he will personally hold President Edgar Lungu responsible for any harm on Hakainde Hichilema.

In a statement released to the media Senior Chief Mukuni said this morning’s incident in Chingola where Hakainde Hichilema’s motorcade was ambushed by Police and shot at is a very dangerous event that could quickly escalate into something that would be difficult to control unless Mr Edgar Lungu takes national security as his priority.

Cabinet has been dissolved and the chain of command in which instructions are issued has been reduced. Shooting at an opposition leader who commands so much national attention 3 months before an election cannot be a decision of an Inspector General of Police, but that of the Commander in Chief himself. The President must not risk national unity and peace for his own political reasons. There is so much at stake in terms of peace.

For over half a century, Zambians have worked tirelessly to unite this country and we will not allow it to degenerate into bloodshed because of the recklessness caused by fear and personal insecurity of an individual.

“Should anything happen to Hakainde Hichilema, I am going to hold President Edgar Lungu as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and a political opponent of HH, personally responsible,”
Senior Chief Mukuni of the Leya people of Kazungula, Livingstone and Zimba Districts and all the Bene Mukuni said.

Opposition Movement for Democratic Change president Felix Mutati says the incident in which Chingola police fired live ammunition at UPND Alliance presidential candidate, Hichilema Hakainde’s motorcade on Sunday morning, is the darkest day in the country’s democracy. During an Alliance partners press briefing that was addressed by the chairperson Charles Milupi, who is Alliance for Democracy and Development president, at the MDC secretariat in Lusaka, Mutati said the shooting incident was as a result of growing desperation in the PF camp.

Speaking at the same event, Hichilema’s running mate Mutale Nalumango said the desperate PF were trying to kill Hichilema because it had dawned on them that their time to exit the corridors of power had come, courtesy of the Zambian people. Nalumango said the people will not allow Edgar Lungu to stage a coup on the Zambian Constitution.



 

1...972973974...5,645Page 973 of 5,645

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times