THE FRUITS OF HAKAINDE’S GOVERNANCE

The Candidates’ Comment

Yesterday, Kabushi Constituency Member of Parliament, Bowman Lusambo was arrested and released on police bond by the Police in Luanshya the same day. We are sure that even Bowman himself did not anticipate that he would be released on bond few minutes after his arrest. This is because this kind of arrangement where the Police respect the fundamental human rights in this country was eroded by the successive regimes.

Not long ago, a myriad of United Party for National Development (UPND) and other opposition members were kept in Police detention weeks, on offenses that are bondable or bailable by law.

The leadership of the Patriotic Front (PF) did not care about those violations of human rights by the Police. In most instances, the PF leadership was very pleased to see those who opposed them spend longer days in detention than what the law states. This nonsense of violating people’s fundamental rights went on untamed by the PF. They encouraged it. They sponsored it and they sustained it.

Today, the PF are not being mistreated by Hakainde Hichilema. This is someone the PF treated unfairly. They treated Hakainde like animal that deserved no consideration. In fact, if the PF had it their way, they would have loved to see Hakainde die. This is the level at which PF’s hate for Hakainde had reached. By consequence, anyone who was perceived to be in agreement with Hakainde was considered an enemy whose fundamental human rights were stripped unashamedly.

We remember a young female journalist who was stripped naked in Lusaka for merely putting on a red scarf, on account that red signified that one was UPND. While this terror against the people was being perpetuated by PF cadres, their leadership was mute albeit knowing fully about this.

Today, they are on the opposite of the coin and the same person they treated badly is not mistreating them. It took just a word of Hakainde for the nonsense in the Police to end. There was no law that was passed for things to change. The laws are there that allow people to be treated properly with dignity.

These are lessons that our politicians must learn. Power – at any juncture- is not a birth right but rests in the people. It can be taken away from you at the blink of an eye. Therefore, no one must think that they shall forever be in power so as to abuse those that do not agree with them. We would like to take this opportunity to remind the ruling party that their leader Hakainde is doing so many things right but the very low rank cadres and other elements within the ruling party will spoil things for their President.

There are elements that have come to us to issue out open threats against The Candidates, for the works that we do. We wish to state that, The Candidates is not an underground establishment. We have never been underground since inception. Therefore, if there is anyone who is unhappy with our operations so much that they think we have contravened any laws of this country, they have a lot of avenues to seek redress. We do not exist to soothe elements on political lines. Our works find expression in the common good of the people.

The Candidates has no partners to please and we shall never betray our conviction for anything. We must state that, we know the risks associated with our works. At the same time, we believe noble causes are never compatible with comfort. If UPND elements think by telling us that the system is after us and think that terrifies us, they will be disappointed. We do not exist to fight Hakainde and his administration or the so-called system. The Office of the President does not exist to silence people or eliminate those with different views against the government of the day. That is broken-down and ancient thinking. If that were the case, we would never have seen change of government from one party to another because the OP would have been a compromised institution that serves the interest of an individual occupying the Presidency.

We exist because we believe the general public at large needs a vibrant Forth Estate for the common good of Zambia in whole. This includes the common good of the very people that serve in the OP. We believe – and we think we are not far from truth that – even Hakainde does not believe that those associated with The Candidates must be killed or must be harmed. If he believes that, we are sorry for him because even if everyone at The Candidates is taken out – there is no doubt that nature will always produce people who will still stand on the anti-hill and choose to do things that find expression in common good of the people. If their actions and decisions while in power find itself in conflict with that common good, we’re afraid they will have to kill, to take out many people in their lifetime. In the end, they will have to remain governing themselves. – The Candidates

FINANCE Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane says government has acquired a loan from the World Bank meant to build high schools in provinces which were previously neglected.

And Musokotwane says government currently owes Chinese creditors US$5.75 billion.

Meanwhile, Dr Musokotwane says government will not cancel the debtv restructuring contract with Lazard Freres because that can cost the country more money.

Responding to questions in parliament after presenting a ministerial statement yesterday, Dr Musokotwane the UPND government would also borrow.

“The UPND government will borrow money. As we stand now, we are negotiating for a loan and I think it is actually signed. This loan is to construct high schools. Madam Speaker, I say so with a very clear conscious in my mind because to borrow money so that high schools are constructed, actually this loan, the first part was incurred by the previous government. In that loan from the World Bank, three provinces were completely left out which were Western, North Western and Copperbelt Provinces,” said Dr Musokotwane.

“So the loan that we have signed, part of it is to say that our colleagues used to choose who to fund and who to reject. In this House, they would say without leaving anyone behind but when in reality they were leaving some people behind. This loan that we are acquiring now is to make sure that those that were left behind will also be uplifted. | have no shame or apologies to make about this because if it was a loan to buy handcuffs or teargas, | would say no.”

And in the Ministerial statement which was read on his behalf by Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, Dr Musokotwane said debt service for public external debt would remain restricted to multilateral creditors and a few priority projects mainly in the health sector.

“The total publicly guaranteed and non guaranteed external debt stock is $14.67 billion as at end of June 2021. Of this amount, $5.75 billion is owed to Chinese creditors. The breakdown of this is $4.27 billion owed by central government to Chinese creditors. $1.34 billion is owed by state owned enterprises including ZESCO on facilities guaranteed by central government while the balance of $139.60 million is owed by ZESCO on the Chinese facilities that were not guaranteed by central government. This debt position includes only amounts drawn and outstanding and principle arrears but will not include interest arrears which amounted to $195.47 million. At the end of the second quarter of 2021, the undisbursed stock of public external debt stood at $4.4 billion,” Dr Musokotwane said.

“Government will adhere to the debt service standstill until an amicable solution is found to our debt situation through good faith and collaborative engagement with our creditors. This means that debt service for public external debt will remain restricted to multilateral creditors and a few priority projects mainly in the health sector. In this regard, a total of $7.67 million was paid in debt service between the end of March and end of June 2021 to this group of creditors.”

Meanwhile, Dr Musokotwane said government would not cancel the debt restructuring contract with Lazard Freres because it would only cost the country more money.

“We just advise that where your colleagues left, you pick up from there. And indeed, just like they picked up from the MMD of external debt of less than $2 billion and took it now to almost $15 billion currently. So yes, we take over from where the last person left and you move forward either making progress or unfortunately, certain cases create problems.

In this particular issue that you have raised, the advisors are already there and money has been paid for those advisors,” Dr Musokotwane said.

“In those circumstances, what would be the point of breaking the contract and taking each other to court? There is no point. We take it up from where you left it, money was paid and we will not break the contract and we will move forward. The contract to hire the experts is already running and it was incurred. Even if we were not to decide that and cut the contract that will just cost the country more money so we move forward.” Dr Musokotwane said a law would be enacted in order to compel Parliament to approve loan contraction.

“Agreement with the IMF, maybe before the end of the year. In the new quarter next year, we will engage the creditors to negotiate on the kind of debt relief that is required for the IMF and all of us to Say if this relief is given, Zambia can now again run its affairs like a normal country. So the target debt for agreeing with the creditors is sometime next year but the condition for that is to get some agreement with the IMF. The creditors need assurance that if they give you that relief, you will be able to service their debt consistently. The IMF is like the referee who gives the stamp of approval that we believe that yes, if you assist them, they will be able to stand on their own,” Dr Musokotwane said.

“There was a legal safeguard but using the arrogance of numbers, those safeguards were overridden. So that commitment Madam Speaker, is very important because after all, the law that exists today for borrowing is the same law that existed before the last government came in office. The previous government, being committed to good governance, restrained themselves. So I can assure you Madam Speaker that this government will not just depend on laws but it is the conscious to restrain itself. That is the intention to follow what the constitution says which is to enact a law that will give this House power to say yes or no to proposals for loans. So that is part of the reform programme and it will be done.”

Dr Musokotwane said it was sad that the previous administration opted to invest in tools for tormenting people rather than key sectors.

“In every situation, there are some things that are acceptable and others which are not. If I take into example the issues of electricity, I do not think anyone of us in here would argue and say it was wrong to borrow money for electricity, it was correct. Of course we can question the amount of money that was spent on loans but certainly not with intention. There were areas where given a chance, I would have not agreed to spend money on such kind of things. If you go to the government area, you will see a number of office blocks, quite a lot of them, I would not have agreed that we go all the way to China to borrow money to put up an office block especially at a time when there were so many high schools all over the country that were left at 10, 20 or 30 percent incomplete. The future of the nation is in the children.I still maintain that is a wrong priority,” Dr Musokotwane.

“I would also question the new airport in Ndola, almost $400 million. Not that Ndola has no airport, the only problem with that airport is the terminal building. Surely, 10, 20 or 30 million Dollars would have been enough to upgrade that airport and the money would have gone into colleges, schools or hospitals. Now tell me, there in Ndola, what tourism are you going to attract? There is no game park or falls so what is purpose of that? There were many others which were highly undesirable including those items, Madam Speaker, which were purchased to come and torment, harass and intimidate the Zambians. We all recall a long convoy of very aggressive looking vehicles when at the same time police posts like those in Kalabo, the only motor vehicles they have is a Land Cruiser which is about 12 years [old].”

By Kapya Kaoma.
“Chimbwi with No Plan:” The Unfolding of President HH Self-Prophecy

Once upon a time, “Chimbwi with No Plan” ruled Zambia until the ballyvirus spread like wildfire–erasing memories of yesteryears. In the sacred annals of Lusaka Times, it is recorded thus, on June 14, 2012, a Prophet before Zambian authorities, courageously stood, with an ancestral apocalyptic tone bellowed, “I hear the ancestors screaming from their graves! At your falsehoods, their bones rattle day and night! Didn’t you promise more money in our pockets, Mr. Chimbwi? Didn’t you promise more jobs? A people driven Constitution you promised, but only yesterday! Chimbwi with no plan. Wait until I am elected. It will be a New Dawn!” At those words, all his followers chanted, “Chimbwi with no plan. A new dawn we await!” With pride, he walked away.

Then came the New Dawn that the very Prophet once announced at the sunset that dwarfed the sunrise. Sages in silence stood as the Prophet wondered in darkness untold, while masses shouted, “Wake up, Zambia! It is the New Dawn. Kwacha!” In chaotic darkness untold, as in those days when Israel had no King, “every man did what was right in his own eyes.” Sadly the sunrise remained buried in clouds of uncertainty. Enraged, the Prophet announced, “Worry not my people, “Chimbwi with no plan” stole the sunrise. The New Dawn will come once the chosen one enters Plot 1.”

Alas, in white gloves and masked face, the Prophet marched into Plot 1, only to realize that like Chimbwi, he had no plan. But his followers believed he had one. So they faithfully waited for answers to their prayers as the Prophet dined and danced. And like Plato’s parable of the cave, anyone who told them otherwise, they insulted or killed. Only members of the Prophet’s cult were allowed to live in perpetual darkness.

And so is our time. The cult of the President is behind the difficulties and corruption that have haunted our nation. Day in and day out, everything is about the president–he is the only one who speaks. Standing up to him is like insulting God in the heavens. It shouldn’t be. In fact, we should all be concerned about President HH’s rule by decree. We are not ancient Egyptians who believed in the divine reign of Kings and Queens, but a democracy–a rule by the people for the people.

Does the New Dawn mean officially turning the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) President Hichilema’s personal kantemba? The President may go around the world singing Anti-Corruption songs! But he has not allowed independent auditors to tell Zambians the sources of his billions. In fact, his businesses are just as mysterious as Donald Trump’s. Another reason he should release his financial records to avoid the conflicts of interests when he is cutting deals on behalf of the nation–which is the likely reason for his decision to control the ACC that ought to operate independently. Kwacha indeed!

President HH is becoming dictatorial and tyrannical in the name of fighting corruption. Maybe he believes is a King. Since he took office, he has made one declaration after another. He declared no cadres in the markets and stations. Zambians celebrated. No implementation plan was in place–so cadres are making their own rules! He said no roadblocks! Zambians celebrated. But some security, road-safety, public safety, and tax issues were not addressed. Even the relationship between registered taxis and unregistered ones was not considered at all. One can add black mountain mining, dissolving Boards, and firing of Military Officers! Who is an adult in the baby HH administration to tell him that not everything previous administrations put in place need replacement? The civil service and the Military must be apolitical institutions. So far, it seems we are back to “chimbwi with no plan.” Is the creation of chaos is the Bally way of fixing it?

As a nation, we have a choice–to dedicate ourselves in pursuit of the public good, or pursue our ideological, and ethnic interests. The public good demands dedication to the truth. Ideological and ethnic interests hate truth tellers. Many are the PF cadres who insulted me and threatened me and my sister for calling out the Lungu administration. Some still call me an UPND cadre. I am sure there are many PF cadres who now say, if only we listened to Kapya Kaoma. Political arrogance is deceptive; no politician is indispensable–as my good UPND friend Kennedy Kazeza may think about HH. What makes him think HH will be reelected in 2026?I

I believe President Hichilema loves Zambia just like I do. I am holding him accountable because it is a right thing to do. This is the democratic standard we should be holding as a nation–it is not a PF or an UPND issue. It is a democratic ideal we should fight for, and when necessary die for. Until we start holding politicians accountable to their promises, we will be taken for a ride. Democracy is not about making politicians rich; it is about making public officials drive people’s agendas. How many MPs have been voted into offices and yet we have nothing to show for it. Each election season, promises are made, and after we vote for them, they amass wealth at our expense and only return to lie again after five years. This culture we must stop–it must start from the top. And why should it be a crime to ask the President to account for what he said he would do?

Back to Chimbwi, my people say “Chimbwi afwile intang’anana” – – the hyena died by splitting itself into two parts at the crossroad. Like his time in opposition, President HH’s judgment remains erratic and those who surround him are increasingly incapable of taming his ego. Is this the unfolding of his own 2012 prophecy of Chimbwi with no plan?

Insult me, but for the sake of Mother Zambia, I’m here to stay.

ABOUT NEW ZRA CHIEF DINGANI BANDA

Worked at Grant Thornton early in his career

He has been leading the Zambia Revenue Authority’s newly created Modernisation and Corporate Strategy Division.

Obtaining a degree is not a guarantee of immediate employment in most developing countries, notes Dingani.

He spent about nine months job-hunting in Lusaka before landing a temporary position with a local start-up computer firm.

He stayed there for about six months before getting his first “real” job as an assistant consultant with the then international professional services firm, Coopers & Lybrand (now operating as Grant Thornton in Zambia).

He spent what he describes as four rigorous years at the firm serving clients from varied industries and working on complex team-oriented assignments. ‘The depth of experience attained from this exposure was priceless and provided a springboard for my early career exploits,’ he recalls.

‘When I decided to leave consultancy, among other job offers available, I decided to join a local water utility firm as a billing systems administrator and seven months was later promoted to head the IT department at the age of 28, which was unconventional then.

I was working on four-year “career spans” then and in 2004, I chose to pursue a career in tax administration with the Zambia Revenue Authority as an assistant commissioner responsible for data management and intelligence.’

Scholarship

This is the position he held at the time he was given the opportunity to pursue an MBA at RSM through a scholarship from the Netherlands Fellowship Programme. ‘This is provided through the courteous generosity of the people of Netherlands. I will forever be grateful for this rare opportunity,’ he says.

‘The courses were exciting and provided aspects that I could relate to in practical life. But what stands out is the team dynamics among students, which were great, and the desire for excellence in group work was phenomenal. The business case competitions and pitching before real-life captains of industry was an exceptional experience which effectively prepared me for the current application of principles in both my personal and professional life,’ he says.

Dingani credits his time spent studying at RSM as playing a crucial role in his career development since.

‘The practical approach of the RSM MBA, in which there is a high level simulation of a real-life work environment and its related dynamics, provided an easier transition from the academic to the pragmatic application of the knowledge,’ he says. ‘The opportunities and platforms I have accessed have been beyond my initial imagination.’

‘For me, the Personal Leadership Development had the most profound impact on my life. With my humble rural background, the RSM experience greatly raised my confidence and expectations of how I could contribute to better my family, community and nation.’

Speaking of family, Dingani is happily married to his university sweetheart, Helen, who is a corporate lawyer. They have three children, a boy and two girls: Khumbo (aged 16), Amana (😎 and Sopani (5).

During the RSM programme, Dingani spent three months researching and consulting at Rabo International Advisory Services, and was attached to an affiliate bank based in Zambia. As part of the project, he worked on the concept of mobile banking as a distribution channel for services. This resulted in the implementation of one of a number of successful and pioneer mobile banking products on the Zambian market.

Tax reforms

Upon graduation from RSM, he served as team leader responsible for business process re-engineering in the modernisation project for the Domestic Taxes Division. He held this position for about two years before being promoted to the position of deputy commissioner (director) in charge of operations for Customs Services. He was formally appointed to this position in March 2012. Five years later, in March 2017, he was re-assigned to lead the Zambia Revenue Authority’s newly created Modernisation and Corporate Strategy Division.

‘Overall, I am pleased to have been involved at a high leadership level in successfully executing cross-cutting transformational modernisation reforms in tax administration in Zambia in the past couple of years,’ he says, summarising the progress made on his watch.

Domestic revenue mobilisation

One of the fundamental expectations of his current role is to assist through strategic reforms to drive Zambia’s Revenue to Gross Domestic Product ratio from around 16 per cent to above 20 per cent over the next few years. Indeed, at the time of writing, the World Bank’s Doing Business 2018 Report ranks Zambia among the top ten reformers, and two of the key reforms relate to activities in the realms of tax administration.

Dingani led the implementation of a revised data capture model for Customs declarations, which has led to the generation of additional funds that are used to sustainably support some of the modernisation reforms. ‘Tax revenue is the “life blood” of any nation,’ he says. ‘Zambia depends highly on domestic revenue mobilisation for the execution of its national budget, and in the 2018 fiscal measures the expectation is to collect 68.5 per cent of the national budget from domestic sources.’

After all this positivity and in particular his enthusiasm for his time at RSM, is there perhaps, anything on the downside he would like to share? ‘Coming from the hot and sunny Sub-Saharan Africa, I would say winter in Rotterdam was not a pleasant experience for me,’ he laughs. ‘But I guess that was part of the experience

I’M RECEIVING THREATS ON MY LIFE FOR EXPOSING CORRUPTION, SAYS MUNIR ZULU

“Instead of suing me,they are threatening my life”

Independent Lumezi member of parliament Munir Zulu says he has received threats on his life, instead of answers on the many issues he raised against mostly those serving in President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.

Speaking in interview, Zulu said he had not received answers to the many questions he raised that most people were not fit to serve in President Hichilema’s government, which he said had premised itself on the fight against corruption.

“You see I have received more threats than the feedback that I deserved. A lot of threats are coming. But I mean that’s the path we have chosen. A lot of threats are coming that I can tell you, even two minutes ago I have received a phone call but I am not bothered,” Zulu said. “Look! legal I am not scared because there is nothing. What is there is life threatening. Legal no one wants to take a legal action, they are all yapping saying we will sue you. Let them sue me.”

Zulu explained why he would not report the threats to the police.

“ I won’t report to the police. Look some people that are issuing those threats are in a very privileged position at a very high level, even if I report to the police it won’t make sense. They are serving in the government. I mentioned names. I can’t mention names if I don’t have my facts right,” Zulu said. “I mentioned EIZ, I mentioned National Airports Corporation, but none of the media people is following it up. EIZ by now should have given a position. I brought them in the equation, why are they quiet? The issue now is EIZ to respond to say what I said was true or not. The MD for National Airports Corporation should respond, what I said is true or not.”

He said he expected Energy minister Peter Kapala to be defensive over the several allegations he raised against him.

“But ask EIZ, the President for EIZ himself, the disciplinary chair is Musa Mwenye ask them,” he said.

During his recent press briefing, Zulu said Kapala was not fit to serve in the new dawn government because of his past conduct, wondering whether he was in government for having allegedly offered consultancy services for the Community House in New Kasama.

He also said Kapala had shown that he was not ready to follow President Hichilema’s directive not to issue instructions verbally.

– Daily Revelation

By Ulande Nkomesha,

CONSTITUTIONAL Lawyer John Sangwa says it will be crazy and irresponsible for government to lead the constitution making process again.

And Sangwa has insisted that drafting a new constitution is a matter of priority which needs to be concluded within a year.

Commenting on America based Zambian Law Professor Muna Ndulo’s remarks that government should not be in the driving seat of the constitution making process, Sangwa agreed with that position, saying there was evidence to show that constitution making processes which were led by government did not have viable outcomes.

“He is very right and I totally agree with him. There is evidence to back up the statement that government should not be involved in the process because we have not had a viable constitution order since 1964. Now, why? It is very simple; we have had three constitutions and we have had two commissions and when you look at all those exercises, they were driven by government.

They were not driven by the people. If we start with the 1964 constitution, the people of Northern Rhodesia were not involved. The parties were the British government, the Northern Rhodesia Government and the political parties in Northern Rhodesia. So, it was again a government driven exercise,” Sangwa said.

“The 1973 Constitution, again, it was a government driven exercise. That is the constitution which introduced one party rule, which supported the one-party system. The decision to introduce a one-party system was not a decision for the people but in fact you can even go to the extent to say it was Kaunda’s decision.

Even though they had a commission which was chaired by the vice president Mainza Chona, that should form the basis of the constitution, the final texts of the constitution was based on the recommendations that were accepted by the government.”

He said politicians had a tendency of slipping political interests into the process.

“Clearly, the politicians in framing the constitution, and that is one of the reasons why they should not be involved because they have vested interest in the process, there is always temptation to try and guarantee or protect their interests in the making of the constitution. The next exercise we have was the 1991 Constitution, again it was driven by government, that is the UNIP government.

Again, that was another failure where government was responsible for the exercise. In 1993, president Chiluba appointed a Mwanakatwe Commission to revisit the Constitution of 1991, again this was a government driven exercise. That was a government driven process which resulted in the amendment of the constitution,” Sangwa said.

“When president Mwanawasa came to power in 2001, he initiated his own process, again that process was government driven. This was the Mung omba Constitution Commission, in the end they submitted a report and draft constitution but this draft constitution was still subject to approval by government. The recommendation was to submit the draft constitution to referendum and president Mwanawasa rejected the idea of a referendum and went for a constitution conference that turned out to be a huge waste of money.

When president Sata came into power, he also created his own although it was said to be driven, he took together a small committee [that] should have been a technical committee of experts but it moved and became something else.”

Sangwa said government should only provide the legal framework to drive the process but should be detached from it.

“It is necessary to revisit this issue and to try a different mechanism that is why we do not need government to drive this process. Government should simply provide the legal framework to drive this process but government should be detached from the process. It should be left in the hands of the experts which can be done.

In the last 56 years, the culprits in undermining the constitution exercise has always been government. So given the track record that we have, it would be crazy to insist that the constitutional exercise be driven by government, it would be totally irresponsible. It is important that this particular exercise is driven independently of government,” Sangwa said.

And Sangwa insisted that a new constitution should be a priority and that it needed to be concluded within a year.

“I would go further beyond what Prof Ndulo has said that this exercise, contrary to the statement given by President HH, the exercise must be given priority. My position is that the exercise can be completed within the first one year of the President’s term. What I would like to see is that 12th August 2022, we could have completed the exercise. All what you need is a small team of experts to be able to drive the process.

We do not need to have a commission and these experts don’t need to go in all the provinces to get people’s views, because when you look at all the reports, there has been no radical change in people’s views in terms of what they would like to see in the constitution,” Sangwa said.

“We already have a lot of background information which should form the basis of a viable constitution. So, we already have a lot of background information, all what we need to do is to choose a proper process. I fully agree with Professor Ndulo when he says that the process determines the content. If the process is sound, it will result in the content that will also inform the content of the constitution.

We have seen that whenever government has driven the process, the content has suffered because the content has tended to reflect the interests of the government and not the interests of the people. When you put a team of experts together, they have no political interest, their interest is to give the country a constitution which will be acceptable by all Zambians.”

Sangwa insisted that now was the best time to enact a new constitution while people’s interest in governance issues was still heightened.

“The second reason why I would like the constitution making exercise to be concluded before 2022, because the next election is in 2026, if we delay, hear my reason why we should do it immediately: first, there is the necessary political excitement in the people right now, which we must take advantage of.

The people are keenly following the activities of government. This is the time to put together a viable constitution because of the timing. The experts are likely to reflect on the mood of the people because the people would be engaged in the process,” he said.

“l would recommend that once the draft constitution is ready, it should be submitted to a referendum so that the people can give it the approval. That is important for the legitimacy of the constitution and it is the legitimacy of the constitution that determines its durability. Now once it has been approved through a referendum, it will be very difficult for subsequent governments to justify its amendments.

“The other point that people have talked

about is the issue of cost. If you put together a committee of experts, it is cheaper than to have a 20 or 30 man commission, each one of them being paid an allowance monthly.

The tendency with most commissions, they make It long so that they continue to get paid.

By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone

EDGAR Lungu come out of your hiding and apologise to the people of Zambia for bad governance and tolerating tribalism, Josephs Akafumba has challenged the former president.

And Akafumba, the National Democratic Congress interim president, says opposition leaders are making themselves irrelevant with unproductive criticism against President Hakainde Hichilema.

In an interview, Akafumba said Zambians needed to know who really encouraged hate speech and tribalism during the PF reign.

“Our people were chocked by corruption, theft and nepotism, worse tribalism. I am happy that so far tribalists have been silenced. They were defeated by Zambians who spoke one language of One Zambia One Nation,” he said. “A southerner is in State House today when someone in the name of Edgar Lungu once said ‘no Tonga will rule Zambia, not in this life time’. Shame on you! Please, come out of your hiding and appologise to Zambians for having tolerated tribalism and hate speech.”

He further urged former PF ministers and vice-president Inonge Wina to apologise to Zambians for having been part of a brutal, tribal and corrupt regime.

“Bo Inonge Wina even neglected her people in Western Province. Has she gone back to Nalolo? I doubt. She is here in Lusaka…” Akafumba said.

He added that Zambians were looking for and expecting constructive criticism from the opposition, the Church, civil society organisations and other activists.

“Zambians are watching you. As opposition leaders you need to be relevant to Zambians. Read the mood and check on what President Hakainde Hichilema promised. Is he backtracking? Is the UPND-Alliance government veering off its course? Stop yapping every morning you wake up,” he said. “The criticism of the recent past and over HH’s trip to the US does not hold water. We all know that the same tactics were used before August 12 and now they are being upscaled all because of the President’s pronouncements that people are free to express themselves. But please know that you are making yourselves irrelevant with unproductive criticism against HH.” Akafumba said people had suffered enough under the PF and would not want to return to that type of government.

He said so far the country was on top of world rankings in terms of governance in Africa.

Akafumba appealed to everyone to be patient with President Hichilema as he strived to deliver on his promises.

“He (President Hakainde Hichilema) needs our support more than before August 12,” said Akafumba.

By Ulande Nkomesha,

FINANCE and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane says government will be leaning heavily on police and other investigative agencies to ensure that they deal with revelations of wasteful expenditure in the Auditor General’s Report.

The Auditor General’s Report on Accounts of the Republic for the financial year ended December 31, 2020, revealed that wasteful expenditure among ministries increased from K3.7 million in 2019 to K1.4 billion in 2020.

In an interview, Dr Musokotwane said investigative wings should do their work without fail and ensure that those found misusing government resources were brought to book.

“The general principle is that when public resources are wasted, we hand over reports of that nature to the police for appropriate action. We will be leaning heavily on the police because we don’t want things to appear as if politicians are the ones in charge of hunting people down for political reasons.

The bodies designated for that are the investigative agencies. Our job is to make sure the investigative agencies do their job, if they don’t, we will be on them, we will be on them. So that is my answer, I am talking in general terms myself,” said Dr Musokotwane.

“So the police, we are going to be [leaning] heavily on them, whether it is someone harassing other people in the markets, whether it is someone misusing government property, whether it is someone stealing government money or property. The police must do their work if they don’t, then they are failing and that is where political leadership comes in.”

And Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) president Sampa Kalungu reiterated the need for the Auditor General to be given more power to prosecute or discipline public officials found misusing public resources.

“Most pleasing is what the President said. He said if the Auditor General needs more resources to do more work, to avail more of the misapplication, misappropriation, misallocation and the things that Ministries usually do, the President said the Office of the Auditor General can just say so and they will provide resources so that they can safeguard the resources of the nation.

For us, that is a positive thing. We hope that as we have been advocating, that the Auditor General can even be given or enhanced power or mandate to not only uncover but to go and institute other measures such as even prosecuting when possible and other measures that can constitute administrative discipline,” he said.

“So, we will even want to push that the President gives more biting power to the Auditor General’s office. When you find something has been misused and misapplied, if you are a public officer and you go against the mandate, you should be punished for that.

Therefore, the move by the President to say ‘this document would have to go to the Public Prosecutors Office’, that is a very applaudable move. I hope it can be done not only rhetoric, I hope this can be done and people can start seeing that particular officer abused, misapplied and he has been punished. When we start getting to those levels, then we will start getting towards enhanced resource management systems.”

He said it was saddening that huge amounts of money were not being used according to budget specifications.

“So, this is quite pleasing but of course it is sad that such big amounts of money are not being used according to the mandate that institutions have. Where they use money recklessly in the way that they want to disregard the rules, the guidelines that are there in expenditure and usage of money, that is not acceptable. That is a system that renders the whole financial process and the whole financial system to indiscipline, corruption and abuse of resources. So, we hope that the culprits that are involved in all these should find themselves being questioned and if possible punitive measures be taken on such officers,” said Kalungu.

NO GENUINE PERSON CAN BE PERSUADED TO RETAIN PF TO POWER, SAYS BEN PHIRI

Any genuine person can never be persuaded to think of bringing back the scandal ridden PF into leadership of our country, says Major Ben Phiri.

In a statement availed to the Daily Revelation, Major Phiri, who is former Luapula Province permanent secretary, emphasised that it is practically impossible for the Patriotic Front to retain power owing to its disastrous performance record.

“It’s shocking that [PF vice president Given] Lubinda keeps on messaging the obvious flawed hallucinational thought that the Paya Farmer will bounce back in 2026! What a joke?! Patriotic Front’s disastrous performance record, under the former President Mr Edgar Lungu, can never persuade any genuine person to think of bringing back the scandal ridden group [of PF] into the leadership of our country,” Maj Phiri stated. “That’s is practically impossible and can never happen. With the likes of Lubinda at the helm of the defeated Pillagers Front, the party has just conclusively authored its political obituary with the glaring epitaph of ‘Rest in Eternal Pieces,’ the economically ruthless Pillagers Front. PF is gone, gone and gone ad infinitum [gone in in infinity or eternally] with zero prospect of regaining power. In any case, regaining power to continue with incessant plunder of our country’s resources while the majority citizens wallowed in unprecedented levels of poverty and misery? No, no. Never!”

Maj Phiri further advised that it will not be easy for the UPND leadership to rebuild the country’s economy that was so much damaged by the Patriotic Front because “stealing was more of their ritual than an exception.”

“It can be suggested that, and highly so, that the Pillagers Front [Patriotic Front] with thieving traits embedded in their DNA swiftly swung into the pillaging mode once given an opportunity to govern as it happened from 2015 until decisive August 12th elections that ejected them from the pinnacle of power pyramid. Lubinda needs to get it clearly in his head that rebuilding the country by the UPND government after so much damage by the PF is not going to be easy as they found stealing the latter of which as more of a ritual in the PF than an exception,” stated Maj Phiri further.
http://dailyrevelationzambia.com/no-genuine-person-can-be-persuaded-to-retain-pf-to-power-says-ben-phiri/

By Nkonkomalimba Kapumpe

Milk from stones

Mwaliteta and William Banda’s concerns over the poor young people calling for immediate jobs should not be dismissed. The two old men have based their politics mainly in dealing with young people on the ground, so called cadres. They understand the problem, its the solution that eludes them. They are not agitating anyone, they are trying to get ahead of the political problem they have seen coming.

Unfortunately, even HH good speeches are not a solution. People will soon get tired of those speeches because motivation wears out. I dont think someone who was daring the PF to shot him will be that patient. These were people that were willing to die without a care for life. If we were that understanding and patient PF would have easily won the elections. But we did not understand guns or money, they did not understand when their friends were killed or locking us up. I hope HH understands the people he is presiding over.

Mwaliteta and William Banda understand that it’s a matter of time; the opposition are not being nice and waiting for UPND…they are waiting for the young people to turn against you, when their stomach hurts. Then, whatever the opposition will say they will again look heroes..oh Zambians change

The only thing stopping us now, is that we still feel PF is the enemy and the europhia of the victory, but even that is fading away. Very soon telling them to be patient will sound like an insult. The reality and pain of poverty will hammer them , that they can’t go to school and can’t eat. Poverty will push them to fight back, those speeches will become bitter in our mouths when we see our children or parents can’t have a simple descent meal.

The Goverment should immediately discuss this issue and find a national agenda very fast. Give us a plan and timeline, the bible says “for the joy that was set before him, he endured cross”. If we have to wait, give us the plan and when it will be done. Answering us ati “milk can’t come out of stone” sounds okay today, but wait… because some of these homes people are coming from it’s not fair to ask them to wait. The indignity of poverty will make them your enemy.

Today they will even attack me for saying employ them. Four to six months from now it will be a different issue. If there is thing young people have learnt under PF is that “if you understand you won’t get anything”. We will realize soon that our situations has not changed, we are still struggling. Find a solution to employment and empowerment fast.

Nkonkomalimba Kapumpe

Lusaka-5th October,2021

Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane this afternoon has made the clarification on the salary increment for the civil servants.In his remarks he narrated that it’s practically impossible to increase salaries when the government is under stress.

The budget for 2022 is already finalised and already it’s overstressed hence, Civil Servants must understand the situation the government is and take heart.

My only assurance is that salaries will be increased but not in two years time because the economy can not Support hence when can experience severe inflation as a Country.

Therefore, salary increment will definitely come towards the end of 2025 or early 2026 by then we would have worked on the economy.

If you have observed the PRESIDENT went to USA with lean delegation that’s one of the measures of balancing our economy.

“In case some of you would like to know the dangers of inflation”,hon Musokotwane stressed.

Below is what the Minister listed:

Income redistribution:

One risk of higher inflation is that it has a regressive effect on lower-income families and older vulnerable citizens who might be living on a fixed income. If prices are rising faster than wages, then there will be a steep decline in real incomes. Inflation tends to redistribute income and wealth towards groups who are better able to hedge against inflation by sheltering their assets in ways that earn a decent return.

Negative real interest rates:

If interest rates on savings accounts in banks are lower than the rate of inflation, then people who rely on interest from their savings will be poorer. Real interest rates for millions of savers in the UK and many other countries have been negative for at least four years. Hyperinflation destroys the value of savings and means that many families are exposed to high interest-rate debt

Increased cost of borrowing:

High inflation may also lead to higher borrowing costs for businesses and people needing loans and mortgages as financial markets seek to protect themselves against rising prices and increase the cost of borrowing on short and longer-term debt.

Government spending:

High inflation puts pressure on a government to increase the value of the state pension and unemployment benefits and other welfare payments as the cost of living climbs higher.

Inflation expectations and wage demands:

High inflation can lead to an increase in pay claims as people look to protect their real incomes. This can lead to a rise in unit labour costs and lower profits for businesses. However no all workers belong to strong trade unions who can use collective bargaining power to bid for higher pay. A rise in actual inflation can lead to an upward shift in inflation expectations (which can be modelled using Phillips Curve analysis) and once inflation is embedded into an economy, it can be difficult to eliminate.

Business competitiveness in domestic and international markets:

If one country has a much higher rate of inflation than others for a considerable period of time, this will make exports of goods and services less price competitive in global markets. Eventually this may show through in reduced export orders, lower operating profits and fewer jobs, and also in a worsening of a country’s trade balance. A fall in exports can trigger negative multiplier and accelerator effects on real national income and employment.

Business uncertainty and planned investment:

High and volatile inflation is not good for business confidence partly because firms cannot be sure of what their costs and prices are likely to be. This uncertainty might lead to a lower level of capital investment spending which might then damage a country’s productivity growth and long run productive potential.

Social costs of high and volatile inflation:

It puts severe pressure on democratic institutions and can lead to growing political protest and social unrest. Falling real living standards can prompt a brain drain of some a country’s most able and mobile people leaving the country with a diminished labour force. Higher inflation can bring an end to progress in reducing poverty.

Functions of money

Hyperinflation destroys the internal purchasing power of money and undermines its value as a medium of exchange and as a unit of account. Alternative currencies that at least hold some of their value may take the place of the domestic unit of exchange and shadow markets with products traded at unofficial prices often become the norm.

RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION,HH TOLD.

Lusaka… Wednesday, October 7, 2021

(Smart Eagles)

The Center for Constitutionalism and Legal Justice Director Isaac Mwanza has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to reconsider his decision to formally put the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) under his office, an act which has the potential to compromise the independence of the Commission.

“The new Administration of President Hichilema has, through Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021 formally put the ACC, the newly created Anti Financial and Economics Crimes Commission, and Office of the Public Protector, among other institutions, under his Office.

A brief history shows that the fight to liberate the Anti-Corruption Commission from being controlled or being seen to be controlled by the Presidency had been a long fight which involved the then vibrant civil society movement and the Law Association of Zambia,” he said.

“Between 1980 and 2012, the President was not only seen as having a strong hand in directing the fight against corruption as the law had allowed him to control the Commission and make regulations associated with the crusade. The Anti- Corruption (Disposable of Recovered Property) Regulations, 2004 is one example of a presidential hand in directing the fight,”.

In a statement, Mr Mwanza said”This controlling practice of the ACC by politicians continued into the 2010 ACC Act but it was not until 2012 when the then new Patriotic Front administration under President Sata showed political will by removing the President from making regulations and gave the Commission an autonomous status, which was later confirmed by the Constitutional Amendments in 2016.

Against this background,he said, Zambia achieved some milestones by giving the ACC the required autonomy against being controlled or being seen to be controlled by politicians. The current actions by the new administration is threatening the gains and may be seen as taking away that power by placing the Commission under the office of the President.

He said President Hichilema may be placing these important institutions under his control with a good intention but the end result can be disastrous.

The Director said usually, it is other people around the Presidency who begin to use these institutions to wage a war against perceived political enemies or they begin to use them to shield themselves from being investigated by the very institutions they have under their control.

Mr Mwanza said the fight against corruption will become questionable or compromised when institutions tasked to discharge such a crucial mandate are placed under political offices.

“The concern becomes even greater as the new dawn administration has indicated that it will setup fast trucks courts, which courts other people believe will be “kangaroo courts” meant to fast truck the fixing of perceived political opponents.

Finally, the Center is aware that all Commissions are now established by the Constitution. We believe establishing a Commission is not same as establishing a government ministry or department, which can be established at the will of the President. We therefore ask President Hichilema to refer to Parliament the establishment of the Anti-Financial and Economics Crimes Commission, which would require amending the Constitution, if the same will have to be constitutionally recognized,”he said.

IS OUR NATIONALASSEMBLY IN BREACH OF THE CONSTITUTION BY BANNING BIBLE QUOTES FROM MPS DURING PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES IN HOUSE?

At one time former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Namugala censured an MP who quoted the Bible in his/her debates arguing that it was not allowed in the Zambian Parliament.

Yet the Constitution of Zambia in its preamble opens with the following phrase; *WE, THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA ACKNOWLEDGE the supremacy of God Almighty; DECLARE the Republic a Christian Nation while upholding a person’s right to freedom of conscience, belief or religion*

However, the Standing Orders from Order 44 on the RULES OF DEBATE do not mention any ban on quoting the Bible in members debates.

Where does this ban come from and why is not in written if it is a practice for the Zambian Parliament or national Assembly not allow MPs to quote the Bible which is a Christian Holy Book yet standing Order 53(1) demands for *factual and verifiable information* .

Is it that the information in the Bible not factual and verifiable for the National Assembly not to accept the quotes from It?

So where can we verify the facts of this ban on bible quoting in the National Assembly by MPs?

Yet the Constitution guides in Art 1 (1) of the constitution guides thus

*This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of Zambia and any other written law, customary law and customary practice that is inconsistent with its provisions is void to the extent of the inconsistency*.
(2) An act or omission that contravenes this Constitution is illegal.
(3) This Constitution shall bind all persons in Zambia, State organs and State institutions.
(4) The validity or legality of this Constitution is not subject to challenge by or before a State organ or other forum.
(5) A matter relating to this Constitution shall be heard by the Constitutional Court.

Parliament is a state organ which is bound by the provisions of the Constitution and the constitution declares Zambia as a Christian Nation not a Godly Nation meaning Christ is our anchor and reigns supreme in our nation.

The Christian Holy Book is the Bible so why does our law making organ allergic to quoting It?

I challenge MPs to challenge this inconsistency with our constitution quickly

I submit

McDonald Chipenzi

HH WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES TO THOSE DISGREGARDING PROCUREMENT REFORMS

Presidential Spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya says President Hakainde Hichilema has embarked on the reformation of the public procurement of the country.

And Mr Bwalya stresses that the recent revelations by the Auditor General’s Report on the non-compliance to procurement procedures by the past regime has irked the Head of State.

Addressing the Press at State House this afternoon, Mr Bwalya stated that President Hichilema has guided that all Government procurement agencies adheres to the Circular Number 4 of 2021 issued by Cabinet office on the procurement of goods and services, warning of consequences to those who would disregard the guidelines.

“The President’s long standing view is that in order for us to expand and expedite the delivery of social and economic dividends for the Zambian people, we must eliminate the feud of public procurement feud. To this effect, the President has provided guidance and leadership on this matter and this leadership and guidance stands and follows: that all public procurement of goods and services and roads must be applied for and meet these three basic requirements: 1, the right price; 2, value for money and 3, quality and timely delivery of these public goods and services. To this effect, Cabinet office has since issued Circular Number of 2021 which compels all Government Procurement Agencies to comply with the above guidelines,” he said.

He stated that the President was worried that wasteful expenditure of public resources and the rise in the failure by Government procurement Agencies in the past 3 years was robbing the general citizenry of services such as clean drinking water, education facilities, health care and job opportunities.

“From the Auditor General’s Report for 31st December, 2020, two (2) issues stand out: number one, the failure to follow tender procedures-this has spiked from K524, 500 in 2019 to a figure of K234, 700, 094 on 2020. Number 2: Wasteful expenditure has risen from a figure of K3, 730, 964 in 2019 to K1, 407, 521, 520 by 2021. The country aims incidentally the Zambian people are losing money and opportunities for jobs; public health care; education and sanitation among several others,” he charged.

He warned that the President would not sit and watch while public servants continued to rob marginalised Zambians of a better future, charging that there would be consequences to those who would be found wanting.

“There will be consequences as far as abrogation of Circular Number 4 issued by Cabinet office. Further to that the ZPPA through the Auditor General has also been guided to expedite the completion of the price benchmarking of tender in line with Section 45 (2) of the Public Procurement Act. That they also must publish on a quarterly basis the price of tenders in line with Section 12 (2) and Subsection 3 of the Public Procurement Act. Now…let me emphasize that the President means business on the need to reform how public procurement works. Those who will disregard the President’s guidance on the need for reform of public procurement should work in this country…I must mention that there will be consequences as as been outlined in Circular Number 4 of 2021 issued by Cabinet Office,” he charged.

PUBLIC APOLOGY TO THE NATION OF ZAMBIA AND ITS CITIZENRY ON THE WRONGS I MAY HAVE COMMITTED

By Max Chongo

After deep reflection and self introspection, i have come to a conclusion that i owe the nation of Zambia and it’s Citizenry a sincere apology for all the wrongs i may have done in my life both knowingly and unknowingly.

I know many people will come on my page to insult me, call me names, express anger, disrespect me or demean me but i don’t blame anyone for any action because i called for it when i did all the wrong things in life myself.

Truthfully speaking President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated excellent leadership which is not vindictive or based on vengeance but promoting peace, love, forgiveness of sin, reconciliation and unity for a better Zambia of every citizen regardless of our political affiliation.

It’s from this background that i am convinced not to take advantage of his kindness and love but show remorse by apologizing for all the wrongs i may have done to this Nation and it’s citizenry.

Clearly today if President Hakainde Hichilema was vindictive and believed in vengeance most police cells and prisons would have been full to capacity with PF affiliated comrades.

I also want to apologize to all the Churches in our Nation with emphasis on the SDA Church for my actions that could have offended your church and it’s within my prayer, hope and faith that as you preach about forgiveness of sin find it within you area of jurisdiction to forgive me for my actions.

To the UPND Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema i wish to apologize unreservedly for all the wrongs i may have do to you or said whilst in opposition and it’s my prayer and hope that you will forgive me, above all help me contribute positively to the society.

To the people of Zambia that could have been offended with my personal actions or my association with the Patriotic Front Party i wish to apologize unreservedly for my wrongs and i pray and hope you will forgive me above all help me become a better person to contribute positively to the society moving forward.

Lastly and not the least i take full responsibility of all my wrongs i may have committed Knowingly or Unknowingly and tender in a sincere and unreservedly apology with prayer and hope that the nation of Zambia and it’s citizenry will forgive me and help me become a better citizen.

#2031-YOUNG-KING-COBRA
#YFF

By Ulande Nkomesha,

6th October 2021

AMERICA based Zambian Law Professor Muna Ndulo says government should not be in the driving seat of the constitution making process.

And University of Zambia lecturer in the School of Law Dr O’Brien Kaaba says when you have an incompetent Judiciary, or when you have a Judiciary that is not committed to the rule of law, it becomes a spoiler.

Meanwhile, Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) general secretary Fr Emmanuel Chikoya has called for transparency in the constitution making process.

Speaking during a webinar organised by SAIPAR on “Constitution Making in Zambia”, Prof Ndulo said Zambia did not need a commission in order to come up with a good constitution.

“Some countries have succeeded like Kenya. Zambia, Tanzania and others continue to struggle in terms of arriving at a doable constitution. One of the things we should realise is that it is not unique to Zambia. One point I would like to make is that in constitutional development, the process is as important as the substance. If you don’t get the process right, it doesn’t matter what is in the substance. I think that must be the guiding principle all the time. I think this should be a guiding principle all the time to remember that when you are dealing with this, you have to look at the perspective that this is a national project and not a party project,” he said.

“All the processes we have had have been so of commissionary. Government should not be in the driving seat when developing a constitution. If you look at Kenya for example, the driving seat was the experts’ group and not the government. So, it is very important that government should not be the ones in the driving seat, this is a process which should be seen as inclusive and independent. Going forward, in terms of whether we use commissions, we don’t need commissions anymore, I think Zambia has had so many commissions. There is so much material to actually make a good constitution. What we need now is to proceed using the background that we have and then of course develop the constitution.”

Prof Ndulo said there was need to a set up a constitution making committee led by experts.

“I think there has also been a lack of properly constituted technical committees. All the processes that I am familiar with have been supported by a parallel process of real constitution experts with specific committees drawn in terms of presence, elections and all that. It is not sufficient that you are a lawyer, lawyers come in different forms. A fact that you are a doctor doesn’t mean you are a surgeon,” he said.

“So, I think we have to realise that there is need for that kind of expert input in the process. It is a collective process of experts because you have to brainstorm on provisions. This cannot be done by one person sitting in an office and coming up with a draft. Another problem which I see in the processes is that they have not been guided by constitutional processes. If you look at the constitution as an instrument of power, then of course you will not achieve the consensus that you want to achieve.”

Prof Ndulo stressed the need for the Judiciary to be independent in order to uphold constitutionalism.

He also said a constitution needed to be summarised.

“The Constitution should deal with constitutional issues; it is not a place for detailed legislation. If you look at the 2016 Constitution, there are many provisions that should not be in the constitution. My favourite is the section regulating foreign investment, I mean how do you have that kind of provision in the constitution? All that you need in the constitution are provisions relating to the right to property and all that. That is why I think the emphasis that I placed earlier on drafting is critical. A constitution should not be too detailed to the extent that it begins to deal with matters that should be dealt with in legislation,” said Prof Ndulo.

And Dr Kaaba said the Judiciary had failed to play a meaningful role in helping the country push towards rule of law and constitutionalism.

“The risk is that when you have an incompetent Judiciary or when you have a Judiciary that is not committed to the rule of law, the Judiciary then becomes a spoiler in that case. So, when you look at the 2016 Constitutional Amendment, there are a few provisions that seem to be progressive, but when you look at how the constitutional court has interpreted those provisions, it is a total disaster. When you look at provisions to do with contraction of public debt, the role of the DPP, the issue of the third term, so basically the Constitutional Court has reversed the gains of even the little progressive staff we put in the 2016 Constitution Amendment,” said Dr Kaaba.

“So, from this perspective, considering that the courts have not played a meaningful role in helping the country push towards rule of law and constitutionalism, I think in my view the courts inevitably become an object of reform. There are many things that can be said about the Judiciary in Zambia and where I think there is need for reflection as a country. We hear allegations of corruption; those are things that shouldn’t be associated with the Judiciary. We have issues to do with low public confidence. Also I think that in the last few years we have seen the allocation of cases, especially sensitive political cases in the Judiciary allocated in a manner that suggests that there is some sought of a cartel.”

Meanwhile, Fr Chikoya called for transparency in the constitution-making process.

“So the big lesson learnt from the previous constitution-making process is that we need to allow the citizens to guide the content of the constitution. People should not come with that agenda with preconceived things they want in terms of content. I also affirm the fact that we need to be very clear in terms of what kind of Zambia we want. Depoliticize the process, ensure that there is consensus building instead of voting, because if you have civil servants in that technical constitutional making committee, they will always vote with their interests in terms of job security. So, we need to make sure that the process is transparent and accountable. In the past they have not been accountable, how can you have an interested party appointing the chair and everything is so controlled by the Executive,” said Fr Chikoya.

NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE, MINISTER OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT HON COLLINS NZOVU SAYS

…as Members of Parliament attends Orientation Workshop for climate change

LUSAKA…October 6, 2021 (SmartEagles)

GOVERNMENT has said it is committed to making Zambia a global beacon for environmental sustainability and a champion of the green economy.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon Collins Nzovu has said it was for that reason that the New Dawn government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema appreciated the need to build capacity for tackling climate change.

Hon Nzovu said capacity building for tackling climate change would have a particular focus on women, youths and marginalized communities.

The minister said this when he officiated at the Parliamentary Orientation Workshop on Climate Change by the Humanistisch Instituut voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (HIVOS) and World-wide Fund for Nature with participation from various Members of Parliament.

“Working with cooperating partners, the New Dawn government is championing stronger resilience building against climate vulnerabilities through various programs such as Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) and Strengthening climate resilience of agricultural livelihoods in agro-ecological regions in Zambia among others,” Hon Nzovu said.

He added that if not tackled with the urgency it deserves, climate change threatened to increase the frequency and severenity of natural disasters in Zambia.

Hon Nzovu said Zambia is currently witnessing more frequent severe weather events and predictable rainfall patterns and causing droughts and floods in various localities.

“Our governement recognised that an inconsistent burden from these events is being carried by the poorest and most vulnerable of our people, in communities which lack the means to adapt to what is happening,” he added.

The minister further stressed that adequate efforts and finances are needed for adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development overall.

“Tackling climate change presents our beautiful country with opportunities for green growth and jobs, new sources of exports, and stimulation of trade and innovation,” Hon Nzovu added.

Speaking earlier at the same event, Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) Country Engagement Manager for HIVOS William Chilufya said there was need for a new approach that connects diverse people where they are recognised to transform the climate agenda.

Mr Chilufya added that HIVOS wanted to work with the grassroots to come up with solutions to climate change that are fundable.

The Parliamentary Orientation Workshop was attended by various Members of Parliament also included presentations based on climate change situational analysis, policy and legal framework for Zambia and the role of MPs in addressing climate change as well as the 2021 budget expectations for climate change.

Mark Simuuwe writes

Now we can take on the Bank of Zambia , a named commercial bank and later on ZRA on why they have kept quiet from the time the money was discovered by police….

This is good investigative journalism by Diggers :

NEWS DIGGERS Investigation has revealed that former ZNBC broadcaster Faith Musonda’s company OCK Investment limited owns the house in which police found K65.3 million and US$57,000 last month.

The investigation has also revealed that the money which was found in the house can be traced to the Bank of Zambia, even though the circumstances under which the cash was dispatched to commercial banks and diverted remain unclear.

It has also been established that the police interrogation that lasted approximately 9 hours on September 23, 2021 did not yield any tangible results as Musonda refused to answer questions paused to her until police were called to stop the interrogation.

Meanwhile, the investigation has further shown that Musonda is a director and shareholder in nine different companies, two of which she jointly owns with Brian Mundubile and Yamfwa Mukanga.

About Faith Musonda
Born on 31 December 1985, Musonda goes by five different names. Her national registration card carries Margaret Chisela Musonda, but she also uses Faith Chitulangoma on some documents and transactions.

Musonda currently works as Head Of Corporate Communications at Export Trading Group, but she has also served as Communication and Public Relations Manager of ZDA between 2018 and 2020. Prior to that, Musonda also worked at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, where she earned her public image as a broadcaster.

The K65 million ‘treasure house’

According to records at the Ministry of Lands, the house where police found the money sits on a title deed under certificate number CT_79078 in New Kasama area. The records showed that the title holder for the property is a company called OCK Investments Limited.

The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) lists Maraget Chisela Musonda and Miyanda Mulambo as directors and shareholders, whereby Musonda owns 9,000 shares while her partner owns 1,000 shares.

The company was registered on September 16, 2016 and is situated at Number 5970 Flat number 4, Benakale Road in Northmead Lusaka.

A further check at the Lands registry found that before the house was built, land belonged to Kingstone Makungu, who is recorded as the assignor, while OCK Investment Limited appears as the Assignee and new title holder as at March 18, 2020.

The farm is listed under property number L/11279/M/B4 and the subdivision where OCK built the house is an area of 2,025 square meters.

Other records at Ministry of Lands showed that Musonda is linked to property number L/9367/M which was leased to a Denvor Mudenda by the President of Zambia in 2018, with a narration “State Lease”, as shown in the diagram. The Property was then offered to Musonda.

Musonda’s companies and links to PF

Records at PACRA show that Musonda is a director and shareholder in nine companies with the following names:

1.Covenant broadcasting

2.Ock investments limited

3.Rainbow Promise Academy

4.Vintage Service

5.Goldore company limited

6.Sela Property investment limited

7.Muntayalwa investment limited

8.Clear icon media consultants

9 Spick and Span Launromat services

The search revealed that Musonda jointly owns Muntayalwa investment limited with former government chief whip and North Western Minister in the PF administration Brian Mundubile with equal shares of 7,500 each. The company was registered December 20, 2018.

Musonda also jointly owns Spick and Span Launromat services with former Works and Supply minister Yamfwa Mukanga. The company was registered on March 13, 2009 and is located at Sheridan Court Chilubi Road Nipa area.

Last month, PF vice-president Given Lubinda said the fact that Musonda was aligned to the Patriotic Front did not mean the money found in her possession belonged to the former ruling party.

“I can’t imagine how many Zambians could be aligned to the PF, they are many. And if a person is aligned to the PF, do we therefore know their dealings? No, we wouldn’t. That is not a matter of concern to the Patriotic Front, it’s not. It is a matter to do with one individual citizen and why people are aligning her to us, I don’t know. I have no clue my friend. If somebody says that money is PF money or if she has said it’s PF money, then you can come to us. But simply to say ‘she is aligned to the PF’ so what, what should we do?” wondered Lubinda.

Source of the K65 million

News Diggers was not able to independently verify Musonda’s bank records, but reliable sources have told News Diggers that she does not have the turnover income that can support her possession of over K65 million.

The sources explained that the money that was found in Musonda’s possession had the Central Bank packaging with markings indicating that it has been dispatched to named commercial banks. The sources narrated that the money looked brand new and seemed unused since it was printed.

“Officials from the Central Bank who are helping with the investigation have confirmed that the money originated from the Central Bank. It seems it was dispatched to some commercial banks, but it is not clear whether it was then moved from the commercial banks or it was diverted before,” the sources narrated.

However, the Central Bank issued a statement on September 23, distancing itself from Musonda’s millions.

“The Bank of Zambia has noted with concern allegations circulating in some sections of the media suggesting that bank officials were ordered to withdraw huge amounts of cash from the bank to distribute to third parties. The Bank wishes to dispel these allegations in the strongest terms and state that they are false and unfounded. As reported by the Zambia Police, the money recovered in Lusaka was found packed in travelling bags and had to be transferred to the Bank of Zambia for safe keeping. This therefore necessitated the use of lockable and sealable trunks to safely transport the money from the point of seizure to the Bank,” read the statement.

The Police Interrogation

The investigation revealed that Musonda has not given police any progressive answers regarding the source of the money found in her possession.

Sources have told News Diggers that police spent hours posing questions to Musonda but she refused to answer.

“The interrogation took long because she was being asked about other transactions that are connected to her. So by the time that police now wanted to know the source of the money, that is when she complained that she was feeling sick,” sources said.

The sources said the interrogation ended without police recording a warn and question statement because they received orders not to proceed with the interrogation

GRATUITY vs PENSION – MATTER SETTLED

Finally, the Constitutional Court (Concourt), has settled the vexing confusion that hit the Labour market following the amendment of the Constitution in 2016 regarding gratuity and pension. Article 189 (2) of the Constitution provides that an employee who has retired should be kept on the payroll until his benefits have been paid in full. But does that include workers on fixed-contracts who get gratuity at the end? Or was this law for the permanent and pensionable employees? Human resource practitioners had difficulties navigating these legal conundrums.

Three former workers of Zambia Open University moved the Concourt on the grounds that their former employers had stopped paying them salaries before their full gratuity was be paid. They argued that they ought to have been on payroll as per constitutional requirements.

The three were on a fixed three-year contract with gratuity to be paid at the end of each contract. Article 189(2) reads;
“Where a pension benefit is not paid on a person’s last working day, that person shall stop work but the person’s name shall be retained on the payroll, until payment of the pension benefit based on the last salary received by that person while on the payroll”.

The literal interpretation of this law would certainly create an absurdity. Take for example a worker employed on a two-year contract and at the end of the term the company does not pay him his gratuity due of course to financial woes. Should then be on salary for the next five years or so without working?

You see, the confusion was further created by Article 266of the constitution, which defines “pension benefit” as inclusive of gratuity or similar allowances in respect of a pension’s service. The court had to deal with these issues in this case.

In nutshell, the Concourt adjudged that for gratuity to be captured as Article 189(2), it must be one that is covered under subsidiary legislation or law as a pension. It is not good enough to say your contract provided for gratuity and therefore you should remain on the payroll. Go a little bit further say showing that your gratuity was in fact covered under a pension scheme with a specific law and not merely inserted in the contract.

“Whether a gratuity payable in a specific case is a pension can only be determined in the context of the relevant pension law or otter law,” the judges said.

They threw out the case against the lecturers and one accountant on the basis that they failed to show that the gratuity they were entitled to amount to a pension and therefore should not be on the payroll.

In short, in your gratuity is not under any specific pension law or scheme, it is not pension per se!

See case of Anderson Mwale and Others v Zambia Open University – 2021/CCZ/001 which was determined last year by the Concourt.

© Dickson Jere

PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL WITH PARTY MEMBERS WHO FEEL MORE ENTITLED TO HIM AND THE PARTY THAN OTHER MEMBERS.

Elijah Temboh writes;

The biggest thing that destroyed PF and which still has potential to finish them completely is the notion of some party members feeling more entitled to the party than other members simply because they were founding members of the party. They never welcomed new minds that joined the party which were later given ministerial positions. The likes of Hon Kambwili and Hon Miles Sampa have always desired to be in the driving seats because they are founding members. Some members felt more entitled to the President and their followers became unruly cadres on the ground because their bosses had direct links to the president for example Innocent Kalimanshi.

I want you to fight this right now. When you delay, these people will form cartels that will be difficult for you to fight when we draw near to elections. PF couldn’t fight Kalimanshi 😁because he had become a heavy weight. There are people who feel more entitled to the party and there are others who feel more entitled to you. The likes of Obvious Mwaliteta feels more entitled to you to an extent that the vice-president and the party SG are nothing to him. President Lungu was so tolerant to such and surprisingly we began to hear Hon Kambwili calling the vice president AKAKUNKUBITI.

Innocent Kalimanshi became a principality because he was connected to someone who had direct link to the president. There are so many of such. So watch out for such in your Party and Cabinet and deal with them at this time before it is too late. Such people disregard anyone except the President. We saw how some appointments were resisted in the PF by true greens and even today they are still fighting over positions based on this notion. And those appointed on merit are fought for not being founders of the party. We heard how the appointment of Mr Anthony Bwalya was resisted from within the party.

I have observed with much concern how Mr Mwaliteta can issue a statement on your absence which got approved by Hon Jack Mwiimbu and Hon Garry Nkombo who are both ministers without the consent of the vice president. This shows some serious signs of anarchy within the party. In your absence the second in command is the vice president. And if cadres can’t regard her, you are not safe. I have also observed other cadres protesting some appointments like that for Kingsley Chanda. Cadres issue ultimatums to the police IG. Who does that please.

We saw this during President Lungu’s tenure. Cadres felt more entitled to him to an extent that ministerial appointments that were made on merit like that for Hon Dora Siliya was fought for simply not being a true green. Hon Dora Siliya did an excellent job as Information Minister and Chief government spokeperson but she couldn’t do a good job at party level as a spokeperson because she had opposition from within the party because she wasn’t a true green. There was no unity of purpose. This is what I see currently with Hon Chushi.

Mr President sir, without fear and favour, just like Hon Chishimba Kambwili felt more entitled to the party than any other members, I see honourables; Garry Nkombo, Jack Mwiimbu, Cornelius Mweetwa, Obvious Mwaliteta including others who are acting silently like Mr Banda William being more entitled to the party and to you than any other. Mr Mwaliteta and Mr Banda William may not be a founding members of the party but these feel more entitled to you. No wonder their commands are taken seriously by senior party members.

The Vice President and the Chief Government Spokesperson has been acting on ceremonial basis because the true reds who are more entitled to the party and the President have taken her role. This Mr President will do you harm at a later stage. The earlier people respect protocol, the better otherwise they will start calling your vice president AKAKUNKUBITI.

Just like the other true greens made it difficult for the likes of Chanda Amos except that he was a professional, these few people within your cabinet and outside that feel more entitled to the party than the rest, will cost you. Your presidential aide can’t freely excute his duties. The information Minister is very quite after the ‘majoritarian’ incident. The Vice President only answers questions in parliament. From parliament she becomes a follower not a second in command.

I have also observed that you have alot of information deseminaters; Party Spokesperson, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Presidential aide, Party SG, Alliance Party Spokesperson and the same Mr Obvious Mwaliteta. To bring professionalism and discipline, I am recommending that you reshuffle Hon Cornelius Mweetwa from Southern Province to Information and Broadcasting so that government position on key issues doesn’t conflict with Party position. Either you take away the baton from Hon Mweetwa and give it to Hon Chushi or whichever way so that party Spokesperson becomes chief government spokeperson.

Don’t hesitate to fire all misbehaving party members calling themselves founding members. These will always serve a certain interest parallel to yours. Take the approach of the late Levy Patrick Mwanawasa. Give powers to the vice president. Give powers to the information Minister. Give powers to presidential aide. Let them know that professionalism in these fields will pay you and cadreism will cost you drastically. Sooner or later we will begin to see the breakdown in the rule of law if this is left unchecked.

Thank you bally.

DR NEVER MUMBA SPEAKS- THERE IS NOTHING ILLEGAL HH IS DOING IN RECALLING DIPLOMATS, SAYS NEVERS…but it’s wise to put exercise on hold if it’s putting pressure on treasury

There is nothing sinister or illegal about the Republican President recalling ambassadors and diplomats, says MMD president Nevers Sekwila Mumba.

And Dr Mumba has called for the need to accord individuals that are recalled from the diplomatic mission respect and dignity.

Speaking with the Daily Revelation, Dr Mumba, who is former Zambia’s ambassador to Canada, explained that it is Constitutional provision and discretion of the Head of State to appoint individuals that are supposed to be deployed in the foreign service just like he has the power to recall ambassadors and diplomats that have been serving in the foreign service.

“The international tradition has been that when there’s change of governments, like in our case, when one political party loses [political] power another one comes in; diplomats that are deployed across the world are changed such that, in essence, all those serving in foreign missions are recalled. This is in order to ensure that policies of the political party, which has formed government are relayed in a manner that is in tandem with the new governing party. But I must mention that it’s a Constitutional mandate for the President to appoint and recall individuals serving in foreign missions,” explained Dr Mumba. “That is indisputable! It’s not strange.

There’s nothing wrong or illegal for the President or new President to recall or appoint new people to serve as diplomats. I have to make it very clear that it’s a Constitutional position and, the President has those powers to recall diplomats and also to appoint diplomats in different countries. And I think that it is important to establish certain brutal facts. It is a brutal fact that the President has a Constitutional right to recall ambassadors and diplomats and, replace them with those he deems will follow through the policies of the [political] party that has formed government. No dispute about that. And I think it is important that we settle that one, for once.

I served as High Commissioner in Canada and, as per tradition; when the Movement for Multi-party Democracy lost power and the Patriotic Front took over, I was recalled. Unfortunately, within seven days I had to come back to Zambia, which was regular and constitutional as the President has powers to do that. And I will come back to that a little bit later.”

The New Hope MMD leader further went on to state that the above scenario has been an international tradition, including in the United States of America.

He was also quick to point out that if the exercise of recalling diplomats was going to put pressure on the Treasury, it would be prudent to put the whole exercise on hold.

“But let me give you another example. In the US [United States] when there’s change of governments from Republican to Democrats or vice versa, there’s a shift in diplomats, especially Heads of Missions. Those who are in administration could still remain; but the Heads of Missions, it’s a foregone conclusion that they are going to be recalled. The challenge comes in where the President has to use his discretion whether he has been given information to the effect that the exercise [of recalling diplomats] is going to be costly to afford at this moment. At that point the President will again use his discretion and see which key station missions will receive first attention and be replaced. And if the resources are not available; the exercise might be delayed and can take much longer,” said Dr Mumba. “The advice, speaking as a person that served in foreign mission and Vice President; is that those diplomats that still have contracts should be allowed to finish their contracts so that the recall is normal and does not attract pressure on the Treasury, instead of doing all the recalls at the same time. However, there are certain station missions whose recalls cannot be delayed in order to ensure security and effective implementation of the new government’s foreign missions. I see these things happening in the US, Europe, South Africa and other countries where such interests are important; even in the United Nations. The concern for all of us is how many should we recall? And do we have the money to do that? If the answer is that the money is not available; then it is advisable that these recalls wait.”

He stressed that all diplomats serving in the foreign mission are representatives of the country and the Head of State.

“Having said that, I now want to deal with the actual process of recall. Like any government sector, there are certain guidelines that guide on how to proceed with a particular exercise, in this case, the recalling of ambassadors and diplomats. It is important to note that these people that are deployed to serve in foreign missions go to their to serve and represent the people of Zambia. And are in those countries in the name of the President. When I was High Commissioner under Rupiah Banda, I was representing the then President. And when President Michael Sata came in; I was representing him as President in Canada. The credentials that we present in foreign mission show that we are the foreign mission to represent the President or Head of State,” said Dr Mumba. “As we speak, all diplomats in foreign missions have their allegiance to President [Hakainde] Hichilema as the President of the Republic of Zambia and, they are there in his name. If they do an embarrassing thing, they are embarrassing the Head of State. It is just the way the democratic story is told.”

And Dr Mumba has called for the need to accord individuals that are recalled from the diplomatic mission respect and dignity.

“So, as MMD, we advise that those people did not send themselves there; but were sent there by the Republican of Zambia. They might have been having allegiance to the previous regime, but that does not make them less Zambian that all of us. So they need to be allowed to exist with dignity and respect by giving them three months that is necessary for them to conclude their mission of duty and ensure that they come back with dignity. For instance, when I was called; there was so much zeal from the Patriotic Front. But when I checked on the standing orders; I noticed that I was required to go to all the nine countries that I was representing and bid farewell. And when I was told to leave, Canada was very disturbed because, remember, I was also the President of Diplomatic Association for Ottawa. So, they could not understand why my government was treating me in the manner they did to me. And they started questioning why the sitting President was treating me that way,” Dr Mumba elaborated.

“And I think that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [and International Cooperation] must ensure that all diplomats that are being recalled are treated with dignity and respect, and not to shame them for representing Zambia because the next batch that will be deployed will be treated the same way. So we are all Zambians, and let’s treat each other with great respect. And that is what I would say. Further, I would propose that before those diplomats are recalled, their names should not be publicised in the media because, when they are recalled; they have already received their letters of recall. It’s only after that that you can splash or publish their names in the media. For now, let’s treat them with respect. Their recalls should not be announced to the nation. But when they receive their letters of recalls, that’s when you can go ahead and publicise that. It is very, very important to respect the people that have served in the diplomatic mission.”
… finish reading the story here
http://dailyrevelationzambia.com/there-is-nothing-illegal-hh-is-doing-in-recalling-diplomats-says-nevers-but-its-wise-to-put-exercise-on-hold-if-its-putting-pressure-on-treasury/

Chief Lundu of the Senga people in Chama District in Muchinga Province has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for what he described as eloquent, powerful and encompassing speech delivered at the 76th United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

And Chief Lundu has commended President Hichilema for the creation of Ministry of Green Economy saying this is central to increasing decent employment opportunities, enhanced resource and labour productivity by fostering poverty eradication and creating social inclusion in rural areas like Chama District.

Chief Lundu has told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in an exclusive interview at his palace today that President Hichilema speech at the 2021 UN General Assembly has not only changed Zambia’s trajectory at world level but also convinced world leaders that Zambia is in proper hands under the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government.

Chief Lundu says it is a wish of many Zambians that President Hichilema should have been allowed earlier govern the affairs of the country because he is so far proving to be a good leader committed to uplifting the welfare of every Zambian citizen.

“I must confess that we were so blind as Zambians for not having clearly seen the passion for the country’s development Mr. President Hakainde Hichilema and giving him a mandate to superintend over the affairs of our beloved country Zambia and by now our people could have been better off than they are today,” said Chief Lundu.

And Chief Lundu has commended President Hichilema for the creation of Ministry of Green Economy.

Chief Lundu says creation of the Minister of Green Economy is important for the country as this Ministry is central to increasing decent employment opportunities, enhanced resource and labour productivity by fostering poverty eradication and creating social inclusion in rural areas like Chama District.

The traditional leader charged that the new Ministry of Green Economy will greatly benefit the rural population because the depend so much on the environment and natural resources for their livelihoods such as agriculture, forestry, mining and tourism.

He said that it is without doubt that protecting the environment as championed by His Excellency President Hichilema and his UPND Government, is a step in the right direction for Zambia as our vulnerable women and children are more likely to be negatively affected by environmental degradation and climate change, the consequences.

Chief Lundu says environmental degradation and climate change are growing risks to rural livelihoods, declining productivity, poverty and insecurity conflicts over access to resources thereby promoting rural to urban migration resulting into underdeveloped rural communities.

He said the decision to create such a Ministry should be commended by all well-meaning Zambians beyond political affiliations as the President and his UPND Government have found it extremely important to develop strategic interventions aimed at preserving, restoring and enhancing the quality of the environment across rural areas like Chama District.

Chief Lundu says his subjects in the entire Chiefdom are ready to work with the UPND Government and embark on this progressive trajectory to design strategies for sustainable development, conduct specific capacity-building and raising awareness programmes to trigger consensus building and common ownership amongst social partners – the people of Chama.

Meanwhile, Chief Lundu says lack of access to modern sources of energy is widespread in rural communities like Chama District thereby hampering economic growth, decent jobs and dignified livelihoods amongst the people who entirely depend on the soil.

He adds that to show heartfelt gratitude for the new Ministry, a platform will be created in Chama District and extended to government where inclusive social dialogue with the locals will be promoted for the successful implementation of the policies of going green in the district particularly Lundu Chiefdom.

On the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Chief Lundu says this Ministry equally deserves yet another applause as an excellent decision to practically implement the saying which many politicians used to trample on the younger generation just to stay in power-” Youths are the leaders of tomorrow which never came”.

He said under the leadership President Hichilema and the UPND Government, the saying has come to pass saying the President is walking the talk and none amongst the past presidents can be compared to him.

Chief Lundu says the youths under the UPND government are the present and future leaders.

He adds that the Ministry of SMEs is vividly pivotal to rural economic development agenda as a country is well recognized when youths and women are involved in employment generation considering the immediate impact such important initiatives have on the nurture of entrepreneurship and its citizenry.

“Your Excellency, since small businesses employment people of the community, this prize- deserving initiative will help reduce risks of social vices in our communities especially doing away with cadrelism as youths will be preoccupied with improving their livelihoods through innovative businesses under the favorable policies of the UPND Government, ” he said.

Chief Lundu says people of Chama will be connected to markets by building up systematic productive capacities, creation of resilient economic systems through value-chain linkages.

Chief Lundu says this will surely provide meaningful livelihood opportunities through simple, value adding processing activities in the agriculturally based economy taking into account the rich and fertile soils of Chama District.

“My Chiefdom and indeed myself are very ready to offer land for research and development so that these ministries can effectively implement government policies and eradicate poverty through economic development,” he added.

ZANIS…..

WHY HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE FOR 4 HRS LIKE FIDEL CASTRO?

For immediate release

4th October, 2021

REACTION TO PRESIDENT HICHILEMA BY HON GIVEN LUBINDA; PF VICE PRESIDENT

October 2021

As a politician and a national leader, I have made lots of speeches in my political life.
Conversely, I have listened to lots of speeches.
Some speeches I have heard have been good but others have been simply insipid or dead, without inspiring any hope.
The other day, after hours of anticipation and waiting, I came across one of the most uninspiring speeches and sadly it came from President Hakainde Hichilema, aka President Bally from State House, whom I actually respect so much as an elected national leader.

In my humble view President Bally wanted to tell the nation that he had a “very successful trip” to the United States where he met Vice President Kamala Harris, the IMF and World Bank officials, including others such as USAID officials.

Without taking any fire away from the Bally as a responsible opposition party, we feel the 18 million dollars he got for Zambia from USAID was probably not worth the praise he gave it. It is good but its not a miracle given our over riding needs and his promises.

We also did not need such a convoluted monologue regarding the difference between a tea party and a White House party, we were looking for more substance.

Instead of once again giving timelines on how his US trip will result into “increased jobs” or “reduced foreign debt,” our President turned his first press briefing into a monologue that did not rise to his poll promises.

President Bally promised jobs but the US report had no good news on jobs for the youth that voted him into office.
My advice to Bally is walk the walk and talk the talk the way PF did. Stop bragging and behaving like an excited Teen who has just met the King of England on his first trip to the palace.

We need you to create jobs, we will support you
We need you to increase agro products, we will support you
We need you to sell the jet, we will support you.
We need you to grow the economy, we will support you.
Also Mr Bally yesterday looked and sounded scared that the PF are regrouping and rebranding, why are you scared? This is a democracy after all.
Also you don’t hold a press conference for four hours, as if you are Fidel Castro. What time will the reporters go back to the newsroom to write their stories?

Everything else he said regarding logging for locals, shareholding in the mines, increased citizenship ensuring is straight from the PF manifesto.
Everything he said is something we were already doing as the PF government so nothing new there.

We also found the constant retrogressive references onto President Edgar Lungu who wilfully agreed to a power transfer as counter productive to the growth of our democracy. LEAVE PRESIDENT LUNGU ALONE.

Act more, talk less next time.
Give us results not stories.
Show us, don’t tell us.
The youth are tired of promises.

I thank you.

FRA officers allegedly frustrating crop marketing exercise – UPND

Lundazi, October 4, 2021, ZANIS—

The United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership in Lundazi district are following up reports alleging that some Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depot officers are frustrating the ongoing crop marketing exercise.

It is alleged that some officers at specific FRA depots are allegedly selling empty grain bags to briefcase businessmen denying eligible farmers, who have been spending nights at the depots, chance to sell their grain to the agency.

The reports came to light when UPND Provincial Information and publicity Secretary Godfrey Mapili visited Muchelika and Kalaba buying depots in Lundazi District to check on how the maize buying exercise is going.

At Muchileka FRA depot, farmers complained that last week the depot received 750 empty grain bags but only 500 empty grain bags were given to farmers.

The farmers alleged that 250 bags were sold to a named businessman who is also selling maize to FRA at the same depot.

“Over 16,000 x 50 Kilogram of maize grain is stack outside this depot for over 2 weeks. We are now panicking because our maize might get soaked by rains which the district has already started experiencing,” the same farmers told Mr Mapili.

And Ireen Nyirenda another farmer has pleaded with government to quickly intervene by allowing farmers to sell the maize in their own bags to FRA as they wait for the empty bags to be sent.

Mrs Nyirenda who has been spending nights at the depot to guard her grain stated that many farmers are counting losses as their maize might get soaked.

This week Lundazi received 10,000 empty grain bags out of the 88,000 bags required for farmers to repack their maize before FRA can purchase it.

The UPND Information and Publicity Secretary, who has been going around depots to check on the maize buying exercise, expressed fears that over 78,000 x 50 kilogram bags of maize in excess might go to worst if additional empty grain bags are not dispatched to the district urgently.

Meanwhile, Mr Mapili has assured farmers that the UPND leadership will get to the bottom of the allegations concerning depot agents selling empty grain bags to briefcase maize dealers.

“We are investigating these reports and if it is true the officers found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

He also assured farmers that the UPND Government will ensure that all the maize that is stack at depots is bought before it goes to worst.

Press release

By

Misheck Kakonde
Historian and Cultural expert
Area Studies/ Comparative politics expert

04/10/2021

20 % TAX WAS IMPLEMENTED BY THE KANDOLO AND CASSAVA FORMER GOVERNMENT IN 2019

As Zambians we forget to fast, the Kandolo and cassava former government introduced In the 2019 budget 20% tax which has beared fruit recently.

The 2019 Budget Tax Changes Include among them EBITDA-Based Interest Restriction and Replacement of VAT with Sales Tax

To confirm this, I encourage a culture of reading among all of us and checking facts, truth be told the Zambia Revenue Authority has published an overview of the tax changes included as part of the 2019 Budget, which was delivered to the National Assembly on 28 September 2019. Some of the main tax changes include:

The introduction of a 30% of EBITDA interest deduction restriction, with an exception for businesses on the turnover tax system and those registered under the Banking and Financial Services Act, and the Insurance Act;

An increase in the withholding tax rate on dividends, interest, and branch profit remittance from 15% to 20% (harmonized with the current rate for commissions, management and consultancy fees, royalties, and contractors’ fees);

Mining tax regime changes, including:
An increase in the mineral royalty rates by 1.5% at all levels on the sliding scale and the introduction of a fourth tier at a rate of 10%; and
A change in the mineral royalty to a non-deductible final tax for income tax purposes;
The replacement of the 20% casino levy with a new tax regime on casino, lottery, betting, with rates as follows:

Casino live games – 20% of gross takings;
Casino machine games – 35% of gross takings;
Lottery winnings – 35% of net proceeds;
Betting – 10% of gross stakes; and
Gaming machines – ZMW 250 to 500 per machine per month;
The replacement of the current graduated turnover tax rate for small businesses with a flat 4% rate on turnover below ZMW 800,000 per year;
Transfer pricing compliance changes, including:
An extension of the statute of limitations for assessments resulting from a transfer pricing audit from six years to ten years;
An extension of the requirement to retain records from six years to ten years in respect of transfer pricing documentation; and

An increase in the penalty for non-compliance with the transfer pricing regulations from 10,000 penalty units (ZMW 3,000) to 80 million penalty units (ZMW 24,000,000); and
The replacement of the VAT regime with a sales tax regime.

The measures are to apply from 1 January 2019, except for the replacement of VAT with sales tax, which is expected from 1 April 2019.

Like I keep saying let us not judge the United party for National development based on mistakes of the former Kandolo and cassava party that is masquerading to regroup to loot at an industrial scale.

One other thing I would encourage some politicians playing to the gallery is to read the UPND manifesto and then speak from an informed position. Than speaking aimlessly like a headless chicken.

The PF left this 20% tax mess on we innocent Zambians. Remember they had an insatiable appetite to uproot in the field even if they did not plant, or let me say even if they did not have a storage house.

Pf was like a person from the village who comes to attend a funeral, all because the deceased left small children and a mother without an attorney they claim to get a television set even if he or she has no electricity, in their quest for property grabbing.

In short they where a group of demagogues to our democracy and we must laugh at them when they plan of regrouping, because they are the most comic party of the 21 C.
Currently the mess we are going through as Zambian’s is due to the kleptomaniac previous government. Let us not allow PF to lie through their propaganda and insatiable appetite for tribalism. They are History, Vinasila, as Pf the divorce with the Zambian population was nicely done through an amagedon.

Let us give Bally or his excellency president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA time to effect his Grand vision for Zambia it is the life of many Zambians that shall Change for good.

PRESS STATEMENT

4th OCTOBER 2021

BA PF YOU’RE STILL LIVING INA GLASS HOUSE; STOP THROWING STONES CARELESSLY

The entire PF has gone crazy with the freedoms that President Hichilema has brought. While they are also entitled to enjoy the rule of Law, freedom of speech and association which they denied Zambians during their rule of terror, we ask PF to be mature, sober and responsible. Do not provoke the UPND family by misusing the olive branch that President Hichilema has extended to you. You know as terrorists, crooks and thieves that you don’t deserve this treatment. You are living in denial and bitterness because Zambians rejected you. We also know that it’s very difficult to remove a pig from food when it’s eating, especially stolen food. You are still living in a glass house; stop throwing stones carelessly, behave yourselves.

There is something wrong with the so called PF leaders. You continue using tribalism as your campaign tool and yet in September tribalism produced disastrous results for you. You cannot continue using tribalism as your campaign message and expect different results unless if you are mentally challenged. Your rule was characterized with lawlessness and brutality. Look at the numerous scandals that you have left behind. A normal person can be ashamed of himself. Your utterances suggest that something is wrong with you. INSONI E BUNTU. Be remorseful.

Are you not ashamed that President Hichilema has managed to hold a press conference within a short space of time? Yet, your Mr. Lungu was dead scared to interact with the press during the Seven years he terrorized Zambians. President Hichilema demonstrated and continues to be transparent and accountable to the Zambian people. Your Mr. Lungu Could not hold a single press conference because he was afraid to be asked about the cost of fire tenders, ambulances and expired drugs, amongst the many scandals.

Further, your Mr. Lungu was afraid to be asked on who was responsible for burning of markets and gassing. Your Mr. Lungu was afraid to meet the Press because the blood of Mapenzi, Vespers, Lawrence Banda, Kaunda and Nsama Nsama was dripping from his hands. We expected you be remorseful for your conduct during the Seven years of terror that Zambians went through. MWIKALA PATALALA MWINE APATALALIKA. The onus is on you to live in peace.

Percy Chanda
UPND – NMC Member and Chairman for Mines

By Mwenya Mofya,

PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya says State House was astounded by the level of waste and plunder revealed in the Auditor General’s report, further stating that one cannot allow wasteful expenditure to spike from K3 million to over K1.4 billion over a period of 12 months.

And Bwalya says if there is a departure in the manner that UPND members present themselves on important issues, the party has the responsibility to remind them of what their initial commitment was.

The Auditor General’s Report on Accounts of the Republic for the financial year ended December 31, 2020 revealed that wasteful expenditure among ministries increased from K3.7 million in 2019 to K1.4 billion in 2020.

And speaking when he featured on Diamond TV, Saturday, Bwalya said State House was astounded at the level of waste and plunder being occasioned by Zambians against their own country.

“The President has no appetite to depart from the promises which he made to the Zambian people over the course of the campaign period. On the issue of education, the President has said that we should not be debating the idea of expanding educational opportunities for every citizen because that is the bare minimum. That also includes the provision of meal allowances to students, not just for UNZA and CBU but all other students. [That is] what the President has said, the question now should be how do we do it? Two days ago, the President and the State House administration team had a meeting with the Auditor and his team and they presented the Auditor General’s report. We were all astounded at the level of waste and plunder being occasioned by Zambians against their own country and their own brothers and sisters,” Bwalya said.

“We were thinking to ourselves, if only we can resolve these issues once and for all, even up to a mark of 50 percent, you will be amazed at the amount of incredible progress we would be able to make in the way of expanding learning opportunities for our people in the way of giving back meal allowances to our students. This is not an issue of ‘is there money’, we need to do the right thing. You cannot allow wasteful expenditure over a period of 12 months to spike from K3 million to over K1.4 billion. Those are actual learning opportunities that are being sacrificed by a small group of individuals.”

Bwalya said Zambians would be amazed at the amount of progress to be made in the way of expanding learning opportunities if the fight against corruption was won.

“I want to tell you colleagues and the Zambian people that when the President and his team looked at those results and we asked some fundamental questions and in our hearts and mind,s we were very clear that we will resolve those issues. Once we resolve those issues, we want to tell the Zambian people that there is absolutely no need why they would be going to hospitals and there are no medicines in there. There will be no need for them to be crying about expanded learning opportunities because capacity would have been created. This is also why the President continues to emphasise that we need to rebuild and grow the economy because nothing comes from nothing,” Bwalya said.

“We have to win the fight against corruption, we need to create an enabling environment that is going to allow the private sector and foreign enterprises to be able to pour money in the economy, create employment and create a base for government to collect tax and channel this revenue into productive sectors of the economy. The issues in the Auditor General’s report are centered on procurement. The President has been very clear that all public procurement to be done from now going forward will have to meet three basic conditions. Goods and services works by government will be done at the right price. We have to deliver quality goods and services and those works must be delivered on time.”

And Bwalya said there was no departure in the UPND’s commitment to reform public places.

He added that if there was a departure in the manner that UPND members present themselves on important issues, the party had the responsibility to remind them of what their initial commitment was.

“There is absolutely no departure in and around the UPND’s commitment in as far as reforming these public places function which is that they must function for the benefit of all of us, irrespective of our political party affiliation. That is the underlying tone of the party which we set and presented to the Zambian people and the Zambian people said that is absolutely the way to go. The President has continued to toe that line and the party must and will continue to toe that line,” Bwalya said.

“If there is a departure in the manner that a member of the party presents themselves on an issue as important as this, then we all have a responsibility to remind ourselves of what our initial commitment was and what our commitment should and must be going forward. This is what the President did over the course of that press conference, to remind all of us and not just those within the party but the Zambian people at large. We made a commitment over the course of the campaign period that we are going to follow through with that commitment.”

Bwalya reiterated that everyone must have a stake in the management of public places.

“We are going to make markets and bus stations safe for every Zambian. We always say that this President was not elected just by the UPND but by even people who were not affiliated to any political parties. Everyone must have a place and a stake in the management of those public places. There is absolutely no disconnect or departure and disagreement of any sort. It is interstate that he mentioned about the issue of flags flying, I mean that is just stupid. Why would you want to do that, I mean to what end? And again I want to say that people just want to go there and trade. No one is interested in that. We must now just go back to the culture of rebuilding this country. The time for politics is over,” said Bwalya.

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS ONE
MILES SAMPA GOES SOME EXTRA MILES DIP THINKING ON CADRES
HE WRITES ✍️✍️
IDLING YOUTHS OR CADRES

My worry is genuinely about the economically stranded youths linked to both the Opposition and the Ruling UPND. About 2M of them and in the prime of their lives averaging about 25 years old are financially stranded. Most are actually married and with at least 3 children.

De-Cadreism had to be stopped at some point in the Zambian political history but without them accesing their living ‘stipend’ at Markets and Bus stops, how can they be helped to live on?

I think absorbing them into a Compulsory National Service Skills Training Camp for 2 years would be a good option. They would go and learn crops growing, animal husbandry, poultry, aquaculture, plumbing, metal fabrication etc etc.

What they need more however is mindset re-correction that money is equal to Work and Work is equal to Mass times Distance (physical tangible activity that take time to produce money).

Keeping them for 2 years somwhere camped in place like Vubwi, Mushindano, Kaputa, Shangombo, Zimba and Kasempa.

Alot of money would indeed be needed in the Budget for this programme. The return on this national investment would ofcourse be many years later.

The easier zero cost option would be to let them be. “God for us all, each one for themselves” . They however still need to eat and your guess is as good as mine to what other options would be left at their disposal.

The current issue of idling youths or cadres in nearly all provinces should not be reduced to partisan affiliation but humanism view point. It’s a National conundrum that has been and here now is a chance to resolve it once and for all.

Thereon Parliament can also introduce stiffer penalties for market and bus station cadreism or those that will refuse or abscond the mandatory National Service Skills 2 years Camping.

Let’s be real. There are no companies and there will be non for a while to come to employ all the stranded youths.

Again, its actually not just PF youths that are currently jammed economically but the UPND youths aswell that if all things were equal and as having been the case in previous Governments, should have now been minting big at Markets and Bus stops.

So this is a non partisan but national historical problem that needs some urgent ‘out of the box’ national solution before it can erupt on the nation like a Volcano.

2 years mandatory bush training national service camp for all stranded youths is the realistic solution.

My personal thoughts herein.

MBS03.10.2021
(REPOSTED )My Majority Incoming Calls Today from those ‘Komandas’ Removed (PF) OR Anticipated to Take Over ( UPND) post 12th August at Bus Stations or Markets have been..

” Boss Help ya Rent please, Ya Unga.. Ya School fees…”😢

A historical problem we have had as a Nation.

Money to help them… I ‘HazNo’.

How should I answer them ai🤔