By Chimweta Luyando

WYNTER Kabimba says the unattainable promises made by the UPND will haunt them now that they are in government.

Kabimba, an ex-justice minister under Michael Sata’s government, is the Rainbow Party general secretary.

He also argues that an International Monetary Fund programme is equivalent to handing over an economy to foreigners.

“The first enemy that the new dawn administration has, created by themselves, are the campaign promises they made to the Zambian people. That is what is going to haunt them throughout the term of office of this administration,” Kabimba said in an interview. “The campaign promises will haunt them because they are not achievable, in practice. What the new dawn administration has as campaign promises, in my view, are nothing but a dream.”

He said what UPND officials were promising, while in the opposition is a figment of their imagination as to how Zambia should be in an ideal situation.

“They will not translate into something meaningful on the ground. The backlash they are going to face will come from the people in challenging them on their campaign promises,” he said. “The Minister of Finance (Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane) says that the IMF package is going to resolve the economic problems that were created by PF. [But] nowhere in Africa has an IMF package resolved economic problems of a nation?”

Kabimba added that if anything, an IMF problem hurts the ordinary people – the poor – whom it is supposed to save.

“That’s the record of the IMF. And it’s not as if the IMF is coming to Zambia for the first time. It was here during the MMD administration,” he noted. “In fact, MMD had more goodwill in 1991, than the goodwill that we are seeing during this era of the new dawn administration. MMD had more goodwill from donors, citizens, the international community.”

Kabimba recalled that Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s administration withdrew from the IMF in 1988 but that the MMD administration: “rushed back to the IMF.”

“What happened was the dismantling of the whole parastatal sector, which was a major employer of the ordinary people. Poverty levels escalated under the IMF programme in MMD. Unemployment figures went up under that programme,” Kabimba explained. “There was a team of IMF ‘experts’ who were based at the Ministry of Finance in Lusaka. They were referred to as the Harvard boys. They actually had offices at the Ministry of Finance to try the help the MMD government to navigate the economy to something that would lead to prosperity.”

He continued, saying: “that’s why Sean Tembo argues, and rightly so, that an IMF programme means you hand over the management of your economy to foreigners i.e. to the IMF.”

“You are no longer in charge of your economy, and that’s what will happen. There is no way that the IMF programme is going to create employment, to reduce poverty because the austerity measures that come with those conditionalities are not intended to alleviate the suffering of the poor of any country,” he noted. “So, they have created their own enemy, under the circumstances.”

Kabimba pointed out that when one listens to Dr Musokotwane, they will hear that: “he is talking about creating employment, which they have promised to the youths, by way of bringing in foreign investors that will come and set up factories.”

“And it is those factories that are going to employ people, and hence solve the youth unemployment. [But] Zambia has a very small market, in terms of population. That in itself militates against major foreign investments,” Kabimba said. “Why would somebody want to come and set-up a factory in Zambia to make $17 million if he sold his product to every Zambian at $1? Why would he want to set up that factory in Zambia, instead of setting it up in Tanzania which has 45 million people, South Africa which has 55 million, Kenya 48 to 50 million?”

He underscored that Zambia’s population, as a market, is not attractive to any investor who wants to make a profit.

“That’s why you see the Americans, even as they have differences with Chinese, they still can’t afford to do away with China with a population of 1.3 billion,” he said. “It’s a huge market! If you went and sold a pen to every Chinese at $1, you’ll make $1.3 billion and you walk away.”

About adding value to copper, as per Dr Musokotwane’s intimation on Sunday Interview, Kabimba said: “we have heard that song from MMD time.”

“It’s like the name Phiri in Eastern Province or Patel amongst the Indians, which you find across almost every family. We have that parlance from MMD – value addition. We have seen no technology that can translate into value addition in this country,” noted Kabimba. “There is nothing new that I have heard from President Hakainde that I have not heard before. So, I’m not moved by words. I want to be moved by action. I bet my last dollar that the new dawn administration has planted its own ilomba (charm).”

Sean Tembo
PeP STATEMENT No.69 ISSUED ON FRIDAY, 3rd SEPTEMBER 2021: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) we are extremely disappointed with the continued failure by President Hakainde Hichilema to declare his assets to the public upon ascending to the Presidency. This is despite the promises that Mr Hichilema made while in opposition that he will run a transparent and accountable Government whereby all senior public officials including himself will declare their assets upon being sworn into office. Despite being a moral obligation, declaration of assets is also a legal obligation.

2. Declaration of assets to the public by any President is critical because it unveils how much of his own money a President has entered State House with. This will help the nation to determine how much money the President accumulated while in State House, at the end of his tenure in 2026. We expected President Hakainde Hichilema to make a declaration of his assets on 24th August 2021 when he was sworn into office as Zambia’s 7th President, but we have seen that he is quiet so far. We wish to put it on record that all of Zambia’s former Republican Presidents declared their assets upon ascending to the Presidency and we are at pains to understand why President Hichilema is resisting to do so.

3. As Patriots for Economic Progress we are getting increasingly unsettled with the shadowy manner in which President Hichilema and his UPND Government are running the affairs of the nation so far. We are also concerned with the violent manner in which UPND supporters are responding to those who are providing checks and balances to the new Government. Our message to President Hichilema, his Government and their supporters is that if they do not want us to criticize them, then they should learn to do things properly without being reminded. For as long as they do wrong things, we shall not be shy to tell the Zambian people that what President Hichilema and his Government are doing is wrong.

4. As Patriots for Economic Progress we hereby give President Hakainde Hichilema a 14 day ultimatum for him to fulfill the constitutional requirement to declare his assets to the public. If upon expiration of 14 days the President continues to resist to declare his assets to the public, we will be left with no option but to approach the Constitutional Court and file a petition against his non-compliance with constitutional provisions. No one is above the law.

Thank You and May God Bless the Good Citizens of the Republic of Zambia and Our Hopeful Nation.

YOURS SINCERELY

SEAN E. TEMBO (SET)
PARTY PRESIDENT
PATRIOTS FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS (PeP)

Chibamba Kanyama
THE BOND MARKET VERSES IMF

Speaking on Radio Phoenix ‘Let the People Talk’, PEP President Sean Tembo encouraged the new Government to resist taking on an IMF Programme, emphasizing the benefits of the commercial (Eurobond) Market as a much more flexible source of funding to Government. He said several things that were not realistic such as Zambia’s financial position, saying there was no debt problem.

Just yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema revealed the level of debt was much higher than communicated. There could be some truth in the statement because Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane hinted on the prospect on ZNBC Sunday Interview. This communication led to panic among bondholders who repriced their assets.

The President was signaling the intention of the government to be much more transparent about the debt position than before as has been demanded by the bondholders five years now. The bondholders always suspected the debt position had all along been under-stated and their behaviour yesterday to react the way they did was expected. It was merely a matter of time. We have just been postponing the obvious by announcing figures that may not have been correct. I expect that when the actual figures are communicated (if they indeed exist), there is likely to be a further impact on bond prices as well as our own exchange rate except the movements will be moderated.

In my virtual presentation to offshore investors yesterday on Zambia’s political transition and policy outlook, a question was asked as to whether the revelation of the new debt would further stall IMF programme discussions or even lead to total call off. My response was that the opposite would likely happen; that the IMF would be much more forthcoming with the transparency that is now coming out of government. The suspected lack of transparency does in part explain why the programme has dragged seven years. With much more openness, the programme discussions for an Extended Credit Facility will be concluded sooner than later.

The point here is that there is always a higher price to pay accessing funding from the international commercial market than borrowing from multilateral creditors like the IMF. Though seemingly efficient and without obvious conditionalities, commercial creditors punish borrowers severely in more ways than one. Since we accessed Eurobonds, Zambia has been exposed to the global world, limiting its capacity to engineer practical actions to grow the local economy. Every statement by local authorities is watched and gets transmitted to the market, including exchange rates. Even my simple tweet on the recall of IMF Resident Representative Alfredo Baldini is said to have cost the country between US$9 and US$27 million.

The impact of Eurobonds to the local economy cannot compare to the effect of the IMF programme on the health of the economy. The latter is more than accessing money for balance of payments support; it unlocks opportunities that lead to long term economic stability, a condition necessary for economic growth and employment. Like Dr. Musokotwane stated, the IMF conditions will even be less tough than the conditions Zambia will set for itself.
Zambia will do well to speedily restructure the commercial debt and pay it off via the IMF programme (that sets the right conditions for either restructuring or refinancing).

We should, therefore, quickly ascertain the true level of the external debt. President Hichilema has also done well to communicate to investors via a tweet that the issue now is not so much about the magnitude of the debt but strategies to dismantle it. That is what matters now to arrest a potentially disastrous situation in terms of bond prices.

Chibamba Kanyama

Kasebamashila Kaseba
REMEMBERING FANWELL SIANDENGE BUT FORGETTING GREGORY CHIFIRE ETC

President HH 7 who partly ran his campaign on being arrested 15 times, one of which last for 127 days has re-appointed and promoted some officers based on restitution for his mistreatment or their mistreatment as opposed to merit or qualifications.

Firstly, both HH’s 15 arrests and 127 days treason detention are not even a record.

In fact, HH was but one of more than dozens political party presidents arrested and detained by PF EL regime.

It was not who was arrested and detained but who was not arrested and detained?

Others arrested with HH for 127 days or more than the 15 times are not recognised or mentioned.

For example, Obvious Mwaliteta even as former Home Affairs deputy Minister, who was with Fanwell Siandenge was arrested and detained for about 365 days or one year that is about three times more than HH’s 127 days.

Mwaliteta and his group are yet to be recognised or mentioned or compensated.

In one of an unrelated combination, the U.S, in 2019, and Cuban, in 2017, ambassadors were expelled by PF EL government without UPND HH solidarity.

There were Edward Roy Makayi and Sikaile Sikaile etc were arrested and detained many times and many days.

There are others like Brian Mwiinga himself or Clayson Hamasaka also arrested.

There was a UPND group of cadres arrested and detained in the round up after HH’s detention.

Kankomba Mumani II was brutalised by both PF and UPND cadres in turns depending on which side he was found.

Gilbert Liswaniso is fortunate to be alive.

There are those who even died or were killed.

There is the group of Bishop Mambo, Derrick Sinjela, Gregory Chifire.

In the media, beyond Prime TV, is The Post, Lowdown, Bulletin & Record.

Muvi TV on its last IBA warning towards license cancellation.

So when the president appoints officers for past personal favours without recognition of others who similarly suffered even worse loss and pain or sacrificed themselves, he is making his case difficult and not very different from EL personalisation of the State.

One difference between HH and EL is HH is making or repeating the mistakes at the beginning of his term with popular approval while EL made the mistakes at the end of the term with popular disapproval.

Now, forner fugitive Siandenge returned from hiding to be appointed or promoted on the basis of restitution or HH’s personal interest than on merit or public interest.

Let the president not continue to play victim but put others ahead and above of him especially, according to Mwaliteta, there are some prisoners who are 10 or 15 years unfairly imprisoned without trial because their files are lost or something. That is what called human rights.

In short, while we all have suffered PF EL brutalisation and humiliation, at different degrees, let’s recognise others who have suffered and are still suffering more than ourselves.

I have made it nothing of the fact of the Prime TV case of unforgiving servant that suffered and pardoned for its one year closure has continued to suffer me evil for three years.

BOZ Admits Serious Cash Shortages – Institutes Investigations

The Bank of Zambia (BOZ) says it is aware of reports of cash shortages and has instituted a thorough analysis and investigation at some of the banks and areas where there is a higher demand for cash in order to ascertain where the huge demand for cash is coming from.

In response to an enquiry, BOZ Deputy Governor-Operations Dr. Francis Chipimo said there has been a big increase in demand for cash from the financial sector since the beginning of the year, which increased further in August.

Speaking at the Monetary Policy Committee Announcement and Press Briefing, Dr. Chipimo said the central bank has been providing banks with more cash in order to deal with the issue and has always emphasized on the fact that banks need to manage cash better.

He said the Bank of Zambia does not impose limits on what banks can give to their clients but always tries to understand why large withdrawals of cash are made when the central bank has been trying to promote the use of all other means of digital financial services, transfers and mobile money.

He stated that the Bank of Zambia had received complaints that some banks have run out of cash.

In further response to the ZBT question, BOZ Governor Christopher Mvunga noted that the country is now going through the crop-purchasing season and some farmers are in areas where banking facilities are not available therefore, as cash is dispatched to farmers for purchases it takes longer to come back into the banking system.

Mvunga said the bank has not limited note circulation or implemented any limits and does not intend to do so adding that the temporal situation is being addressed and is confident that the issue would be sorted out by Friday.

On the question of why only lower denomination notes were available which has resulted in inefficiencies and higher ATM fees for customers?, BOZ Assistant Director in the Banking and Currency Department Raphael Phiri said the central bank has consistently tried to ensure that there is a balanced denominational mix within the economy.

He noted that there is no shortage of K50 or restrictive K100 bank notes but the bank tries to ensure that there is a denominational mixed balance in the economy.

He said the central bank works with all the banks to ensure that sometimes they are able to use the market itself to move money from banks sitting with excess balances to other banks as opposed to going to the central bank.

Phiri mentioned that the central bank supplies most banks with money on a daily basis in order to be able to meet the demand in the economy.

Sources in the banking sector however have said that the central bank is simply not meeting cash orders from financial services providers.

The Central bank need to come out clean as they know the real reason why we have a cash shortage, a source who is not authorized to speak publicly.

Opposition People’s Alliance for Change (APC) president Andyford Banda, has charged that President Hakainde Hichilema’s statement that his government has inherited an empty treasury is a lie.

Reacting to statements by the president that his government found the treasury empty, Mr Banda said that this was a mere excuse not to fulfil some of the United Party for National Development (UPND) campaign promises such as Free Education and Youth Employment.

The president told the BBC that he had inherited an “empty” treasury, while “horrifying” amounts of money had been stolen.

“I don’t want to pre-empt things but what we are picking [up] is horrifying,” the president said. “You’ll feel nobody can do a thing like that but it’s being done. People have done it. They are still trying to do things now.”

Yesterday Bank of Zambia (BoZ) data showed that Zambia’s international gross reserves increased to US $2.9 billion by the end of August, 2021, representing 5.4 months of import cover, from US $1.2 billion three months prior, the highest level since 2015.

The Kwacha appreciated by nearly 30 percent against major currency convertibles between July 1 and August 31, this year, mainly boosted by significant inflows from non-resident investors in government bonds and improved market sentiments.

Meanwhile, the Opposition leader of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) Sean Tembo has wondered why the president is unnecessarily alarming the world by making wild claims that he has not fully determined.

In a long post on his Facebook page, Mr Tembo said that yesterday he debunked the empty treasury claim by the President and according to his estimate, on the day of his inauguration on 24th August 2021, there was approximately US$3 billion in the coffers.

“And for sure, during their quarterly media briefing this week, the Bank of Zambia indicated that our gross foreign reserves were standing at US$2.9 billion, which is not too far from the US$3 billion that l had estimated earlier. Suffice to mention that the $2.9 billion reserves that we have at the moment is largely due to the SDR allocation that we received of US$1.3 billion. But this is the largest amount of reserves that this country has had in the past 13 years or so.

“Even in 2011 when the PF took over, the MMD Government only left about US$2.4 billion. So the question then becomes; if the US$2.9 billion reserves is the highest that we have had in 13 years, why is President Hichilema insisting and telling the world that he has inherited “empty coffers”, he asked.

Mr Tembo said that while it is too early to stand up and criticise the new Government, it was also too early for them to start messing up the country.

[Chief Pilgrim Dr Canisius Banda writes]

I REGRET NOTHING, I HARBOUR NO GRUDGES
———————————-

I did my part whilst on the field. I helped build Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND.

That I helped make Hakainde Hichilema Republican President is an indelible national historical record.

To me his becoming Republican President was merely fulfilment of my own prophesy I made to him on 25 December 2006.

How can I regret occasioning success in his life and the life of the UPND? I do no such thing. Instead, I have an enduring smile in my heart. I rejoice.

I am rejoicing for him.

I was tear-gassed for him. I suffered insults, shame and ridicule for him. I was called a Judas Iscariot for working with him. I sacrificed my all for him.

With Chakawa, his cousin and ADC then, as an act of extreme economy, I ate unbuttered local buns with him on aeroplanes.

In pursuit of a worthy life for others, seeking a better Zambia, at one time I nearly died with him as our helicopter began to smoke in the air, and had to make an emergency landing in a forest.

In the end, he/they rejected me.

I give thanks in all situations realizing that my having been hounded out of the UPND in 2016 was the will of God for me at the time.

It is well for me for all things happen for good for all those that love and trust God and are called according to His purpose. And I am one of these people.

I occasion good in the lives of others wherever I go. I build lives. I emit light. I am a pilgrim.

I wished Hakainde Hichilema well then, and I still do now.

To illustrate this, every year since I ceased to be his vice president, without missing a year, on the 4th of June, his birthday, I have written profound and heartfelt messages to him and his family, wishing him and his family well.

I was among the very first citizens to congratulate him both privately and publicly on his ascendance to the republican presidency.

I take no credit for anything. I am merely one of God’s vessels. The glory for all I do belongs to God.

For as long as I live, I will remain grateful to Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND for having afforded me a platform to serve my country.

I did all I did NOT for me but primarily for country and him.

For now, allow me to decrease, let them increase and govern Zambia and occasion good in the lives of God’s creation.

Much national work remains undone.

Every dog has its day. And indeed, time and chance happen to all.

Even if he tried, Hakainde Hichilema will never forget me. It is finished.

Dr Canisius BANDA
Development Activist
Pilgrim

30 August 2021

THE UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UPND) IS SET FOR WOMAN SPEAKER.

UPND chairperson for elections GARRY NKOMBO says the party is optimistic that the female candidate that it has nominated for the position of speaker in tomorrow’s elections will go unopposed.

The National Assembly will tomorrow hold elections for the position of speaker, first and second deputy speakers.

Nkombo who is also Mazabuka Central member of parliament, told Diamond TV shortly after he was sworn –in, that the candidate that had been picked but yet to be unveiled to the public was as good as unopposed.

“The issue of the speakers here is a foregone one now, because I can confirm to you, as at not so long ago. 10 minutes ago, the speaker who is our nominee is not opposed, so there is no counter nomination,” Nkombo said.

“She is as good as gone through, the second is the deputy speaker alike, because the closing day for the deputy speaker was today, we are yet to check if there is any other nominations, so far the indications are that we are going to have a plain selling tomorrow in terms of who is going to be presiding over the people’s house.”

And veteran politician VERNON MWAANGA has proposed an additional qualification for the position of speaker of a minimum of five years’ experience as Member of Parliament.

“Candidates for the position of speaker, first deputy speaker and second deputy speaker, file nomination papers with clerk of the National Assembly, who is the returning officer. If only one person files in any of the three positions after the close of nominations, that candidate will then be declared unopposed. In the last election involving the speaker was Dr Patrick Matibini and Richard Kapita, this current speaker who is outgoing speaker won by one vote.” Mwaanga said.

Whatever candidate they have, will have to be subjected to an election. They have to elect the speaker, the first deputy speaker and the second deputy speaker. The second deputy speaker is nominated among members of parliament, while the speaker and the first deputy speaker can come from outside parliament, he or she becomes member of parliament on appointment.

And Dr Mwaanga said under normal circumstances the ruling party should pave way for the opposition to float a candidate for the first deputy speaker.
“Under normal circumstances, the first deputy speaker is supposed to come from the opposition.” There is room for them to accommodate the opposition although in the last election five years ago, CATHERINE NAMUGALA had come from MMD.

“PF considered her as a user friendly person. They are the ones that nominated her instead.”

Meanwhile Mwaanga has observed that the UPND would enjoy a working majority in the house.

UPND have got 82 members, and PF will have 60, petitions will come later, you have independents and one member of parliament from PNUP. The ruling party are also privileged to have an opportunity for the President to nominate 8 (members of parliament) meaning that will be 90, but even amongst the independents, they are what is called ‘friendly forces’ so they have a very comfortable working majority,” he observed.

– Daily Nation

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’s INTERVIEW WITH THE BBC WAS WRONG

By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. When you are President of a country, it’s the same as when you’re a CEO of a company; your job is to paint a good picture about the country that you’re leading, in the eyes of your own people and the international community. That is because you need to build confidence. When you build confidence, local investors will bring back the money that they had stashed away and invest it locally because you as the President has painted a rosy picture about the country’s future outlook. Similarly, foreign investors will make the country to be their number one investment destination, because the future outlook is bright.

2. That is why l was shocked when l watched President Hakainde Hichilema’s interview yesterday with the BBC’s Lukwesa Burak. The President painted Zambia’s future economic outlook in the eyes of the world as black. Not grey or brown, but black. He did this in two ways; firstly by saying that Zambia’s debt burden is bigger than the PF government had disclosed. In other words, that there was hidden debt, but without revealing how much that hidden debt was. The journalist asked him how much is the hidden debt that we are talking about here, and the President said that his Government is yet to determine. So why go to the media to alarm the world if you have not yet determined the exact amount of the so-called hidden debt? How do you even know that the debt is hidden before you confirm it with the actual creditors? In auditing we don’t take any debt on face value until such a time that you meet the creditors and they confirm the details of the debt and they have provided its amortization schedule to-date. So far President Hichilema’s Government has not convened any creditors meeting that we know about. His alarmist statements are based on the small bits of exaggerated information that his “sources” are giving him in the system, in a desperate quest to save their jobs under the new Government.

3. The total effect of the President making such a wild statement about hidden debt, which is not quantified is that he is leaving up to the world to speculate about the quantum of the alleged hidden debt. The world is now thinking; could the alleged hidden debt be US$1 billion? Maybe US$5 billion? Or perhaps it is US$15 billion? Or maybe US$75 billion? Well, nobody knows for sure but one thing is certain; there is no investor from anywhere in the world who will want to come and invest in Zambia. No one. And for sure, immediately after the President’s alarmist statement, the yields on our Eurobond dropped by about 600 basis points which is a bigger fall than that which was caused by pre-election uncertainty. This means that we will now struggle to refinance our Eurobonds when they fall due in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

4. When l featured on Radio Phoenix “Let the People Talk” earlier this week, l made it clear that the international community had a lot of confidence in the new administration as witnessed by the gain in the yield of our Eurobonds the moment that Mr Hichilema was announced the winner of the general elections. I also made it clear that such investor confidence will make it easier for us to refinance our Eurobonds once they become due in the next couple of years, and that it will remain until such a time that the UPND Government messes it up themselves. Unbeknown to me that the President was actually planning to do just that; mess up the investor confidence through unsolicited wild statements that are not backed up by any actual figures!

5. Suffice to mention that the issue of hidden debt is not the only unsubstantiated wild allegation that the President has made. During the interview President Hichilema repeated his previous baseless claims that he was inheriting an “empty treasury”. During my interview on Radio Phoenix on Tuesday, l debunked that claim by the President and l estimated that on the day of his inauguration on 24th August 2021, there was approximately US$3 billion in the coffers. And for sure, during their quarterly media briefing this week, the Bank of Zambia indicated that our gross foreign reserves were standing at US$2.9 billion, which is not too far from the US$3 billion that l had estimated earlier. Suffice to mention that the $2.9 billion reserves that we have at the moment is largely due to the SDR allocation that we received of US$1.3 billion. But this is the largest amount of reserves that this country has had in the past 13 years or so. Even in 2011 when the PF took over, the MMD Government only left about US$2.4 billion. So the question then becomes; if the US$2.9 billion reserves is the highest that we have had in 13 years, why is President Hichilema insisting and telling the world that he has inherited “empty coffers”? Why unnecessarily alarm the world?

6. That is the question which the Zambian people should be asking themselves. Why is President Hichilema unnecessarily alarming the world? In my view, it is because of self-aggrandizement. President Hichilema wants to exaggerate the extent to which the economy was damaged by the PF so that he can use it to escape some of the grandiose promises that he made to Zambians before elections such as free education from nursery school to University. And to some extent, the BBC’s Lukwesa Burak was able to figure that out and decided to pin him with a question of whether he will still go ahead with his promise of free education in view of the extremely bad state of the economy, to which he started making it conditional that free education will be provided to bright students only. But why is President Hichilema playing politics with our economy so early in his tenure of office? Why is he putting his personal and partisan interests ahead of the national interest? Where is he going to take this country in the next 5 years if politicking is more important to him than genuinely turning around the economy and improving the lives of the Zambian people? And when we stand up and condemn such selfish actions, they say it is too early to criticize. Well, it is also too early for them to start messing up our country.

I am very worried about where we are going.

/// END

SET 02.09.2021

Vedanta Resources Limited has said that it is keen to open a dialogue with ZCCM-IH holding and has stressed the company’s commitment to invest $1.5 billion into the operations, communities, and local economies around KCM.

In a salesman pitch statement to the media, Vedanta Group CEO, Sunil Duggal said that as Zambia embarks on an exciting new chapter in its history under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema Vedanta is keen to open a dialogue with ZCCM-IH.

“As Zambia embarks on an exciting new chapter in its history under the leadership of His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, Vedanta is keen to open a dialogue with ZCCM as we today re-iterate our commitment to invest $1.5 billion into the operations, communities and local economies around KCM,” Sunil Duggal, Group CEO, Vedanta, said in a statement.

Mr Duggal said that Vedanta is looking forward to working with the community in the Copperbelt and collaborating with the new government in any way necessary to ensure that a stable and beneficial future is achieved for all stakeholders at KCM.

Mr. Duggal said that his company is committed to making KCM and Zambia world leaders in copper production once again hence the company remains committed to re-investing $1.5bn into KCM, supporting the community projects and local suppliers.

Mr. Duggal said that this investment will go into continuing to operate the integrated asset, leading to a significant improvement in business and stability in jobs for employees which will positively impact the lives of many Zambians.

“Vedanta is committed to making KCM and Zambia world leaders in copper production once again and we look forward to working with the community in the copper belt and collaborating with the new government in any way necessary to ensure that a stable and beneficial future is achieved for all stakeholders at KCM,” he added.

Mr. Duggal said that this will aid in rejuvenating the country’s economy and will place Zambia firmly on the map as one of the world’s leading suppliers of copper, a critical mineral for the green economy of the future of our planet.

Mr. Duggal clarified that the investment of $1.5bn in the operations at KCM will include $200m to pay the local suppliers of the mine in addition to the significant sums of $400m to bring in best in class ESG practices to improve health, safety and working conditions for employees as well as the allocation of $100m for community projects.

In May 2019 the Government of Zambia placed KCM under liquidation sparking a legal dispute with Vedanta. Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu in December announced a restructuring plan involving splitting KCM into two subsidiary companies.

Vedanta, the world’s sixth largest globally diversified natural resources company, has operated for over a decade in Zambia. Vedanta Resources holds 79.4 per cent stake in KCM, while the Zambian government through its state mining investment firm ZCCM-IH holds the remaining 20.6 per cent.

By Kalani Muchima

Appointment of my primary school junior Fanwell Siandenge as Deputy Inspector General of Police for Special Duties at State house.

So during the the 2016 general elections and it was day five (5) in the election, I received a call to duty from Mr. Kambuku, one of President HH’S trusted body guards.

It was a brief call, he said Mwanta its time to roll and gave me the condinates which pointed at ECZ headoffice. I rushed there and found obvious Mwaliteta and Siandenge among others.

They had already cast the nets in readiness for ambush. In such operations you don’t spend time greeting people or hovering around. Instinct told me to go in my car and wait for a signal for the next coarse of action.

Note that we had received intel that two ZAF choppers carrying pre-marked presidential ballot papers had left Ndola for Lusaka.

After minutes of waiting, boom, two choppers following each other were seen landing at the ZAF longacres base.

As the two choppers were landing, I then saw two landcruisers coming from inside ECZ head office driving into the ZAF base.

For the sake of some Kaondes and Tonga’s who have never been to Lusaka, ZAF head office and ECZ head office are just next to each other just surrounded by the Auditor general’s office and the Ministry of Health.

Then the mood at the scene started becoming tense. I could feel it although I was alone in tha car just observing what was going on.

The entrance to ZAF was highly guarded by assault riffle officers.

In the waiting game, I saw the very two landcrusisers which came from ECZ making their way out of ZAF.

As the cruisers made their way out and few meters from ZAF, I saw a Toyota Macky2 rushing towards the cruisers and blocked them from proceeding.

Then hell broke lose at that point but the situation just became something else.

The boys who in a bus quickly moved in to grab the contraband and boom it was pre-marked presidential ballot papers.

That incident lasted for very few minutes and it was game over. THE operation however went wrong when Mr. Siandenge failed to reverse his car to escape and ended up leaving it behind and if am not mistaken jumped on the bus.

Those pre‐marked ballot papers were part of the 2016 presidential petition.

After the operation, I thought it was wise to call colleagues from the media but at that stage most institutions were siding with the PF so I called colleagues from the Post Newspapers Zambia namely Justinah Kapambwe Mukuka Chambwa Moonga, Melony chisanga and can’t remember others who came.

As the situation unfolded, madam Mumbi phiri who was and still PF Deputy Secretary General was seen emerging from the ECZ offices accompanied by Eddie Gowa and other guys I couldn’t recognise. At this point I had gathered some courage to film.

I walked to Mrs. Phiri to find out what she was doing at the ECZ offices when all stakeholders where at Mulungushi International Conference centre, her response was that she went to the ECZ offices to collect her Identity card which got lost.

As I was having an interview with Mrs Phiri i saw two hard body landcruisers driving at very high speed with lights on.

It was Kaizar Zulu I have even tagged him so that he can neither confirm nor deny.

When KZ arrived, he was tensed up, he was in no mood of joking and ready to do anything. By this time the whole entire area was now painted green with police uniforms.

The place was officially a crime scene.

Kaizer asked where Mwaliteta was and he was told he had fleed the scene.

He kaizer ordered that mwaliteta be found and killed. Those were his exact words.

As the situation grew more tense, I and colleagues opted to go and sit in their bus. Then I saw Eddie Gowa approaching our bus, luckily the bus was not branded and the guys hid their ID’S mind you this was the time when the relationship between the post and PF had reached dangerous levels.

So Eddie or Commando from Intercity then, came looked at us with his pistol visibly showing. I remember asking my colleagues not to say anything though I could see Justinah shivering.

When Eddie saw me he relaxed and just “ahh kanshi naimwe mwalitwalukila “so even you, you are nolonger with us” my response was that we are still together.

He then left and went to jump into one of the cruisers which came with KZ.

The following day I met Mwaliteta at HH’s House and the next thing I heard he was arrested for Aggravated robbery a case i covered from day one till he was released.

By this time, my junior Siandenge had sort refuge at some village in the south and was also caught but survived by a whisker.

He then exited Zambia and only returned when HH was declared winner.

Reddies and Jentrimen a round of applause for a man who risked his life to liberate Zambia Fanwell Siandenge.

Congratulations on your appointment as DIG for special duties at state house..

[Chief Pilgrim Dr Canisius Banda writes]

I REGRET NOTHING, I HARBOUR NO GRUDGES
———————————-

I did my part whilst on the field. I helped build Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND.

That I helped make Hakainde Hichilema Republican President is an indelible national historical record.

To me his becoming Republican President was merely fulfilment of my own prophesy I made to him on 25 December 2006.

How can I regret occasioning success in his life and the life of the UPND? I do no such thing. Instead, I have an enduring smile in my heart. I rejoice.

I am rejoicing for him.

I was tear-gassed for him. I suffered insults, shame and ridicule for him. I was called a Judas Iscariot for working with him. I sacrificed my all for him.

With Chakawa, his cousin and ADC then, as an act of extreme economy, I ate unbuttered local buns with him on aeroplanes.

In pursuit of a worthy life for others, seeking a better Zambia, at one time I nearly died with him as our helicopter began to smoke in the air, and had to make an emergency landing in a forest.

In the end, he/they rejected me.

I give thanks in all situations realizing that my having been hounded out of the UPND in 2016 was the will of God for me at the time.

It is well for me for all things happen for good for all those that love and trust God and are called according to His purpose. And I am one of these people.

I occasion good in the lives of others wherever I go. I build lives. I emit light. I am a pilgrim.

I wished Hakainde Hichilema well then, and I still do now.

To illustrate this, every year since I ceased to be his vice president, without missing a year, on the 4th of June, his birthday, I have written profound and heartfelt messages to him and his family, wishing him and his family well.

I was among the very first citizens to congratulate him both privately and publicly on his ascendance to the republican presidency.

I take no credit for anything. I am merely one of God’s vessels. The glory for all I do belongs to God.

For as long as I live, I will remain grateful to Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND for having afforded me a platform to serve my country.

I did all I did NOT for me but primarily for country and him.

For now, allow me to decrease, let them increase and govern Zambia and occasion good in the lives of God’s creation.

Much national work remains undone.

Every dog has its day. And indeed, time and chance happen to all.

Even if he tried, Hakainde Hichilema will never forget me. It is finished.

Dr Canisius BANDA
Development Activist
Pilgrim

30 August 2021

By Mwenya Mofya,

FORMER Kabwe Central PF member of parliament Tutwa Ngulube says if he decides to join UPND, no one can stop him because Zambian politics are nomadic in nature.

And Ngulube says personally, he has never said anything bad about President Hakainde Hichilema.

Meanwhile, Ngulube says the August general election was a shocking one because there were no visible signs of a wind of change.

Speaking when he featured on Diamond TV’s The Zambian Vote programme, Monday, Ngulube said when the right time comes for him to join the UPND, he would make his decision known to the public.

He said for now, his focus would be to provide checks and balances to the government.

“Of course people are leaving. For instance today, we have heard one of our brothers saying I am going to concentrate on my business, we cannot stop him. I have been asked that question before. Trust me, if I wanted to join UPND today, no one would stop me. If I was invited to join UPND today, I would have to make a decision. But my question is if all of us left the PF and went to the UPND, who will remain in PF? Zambian politics is nomadic in nature, people cross. I can never say I cannot join or I can never join. When the right time comes for me to join the UPND, I will make a decision and I will make it public. For now, our focus would be to provide checks and balances to the government of the day. There is nothing wrong with people crossing from PF to UPND or vice versa. What is important for now is to let the people of Zambia have an opposition which will be able to hold the government to account,” Ngulube said.

And Ngulube said he had never in his personal capacity said anything bad about President Hichilema.

“I have never said bad things about Hakainde Hichilema. As a collective unit, we can say that the PF said bad things about President Hakainde Hichilema but I personally have never said anything bad about him. First of all, I will mention that President Hakainde Hichilema is a different President in the sense that the levels of resilience that he showed us every time he lost an election he kept pushing and moving on. Any other person would have given up. Today we want to also just urge our youths, let us give the President proposals and ideas of how we can improve our lives. Just because President Hakainde has taken over state house, then we should just go home and sleep and say where are our salaries? We want to see that University fees are reduced. We want boss HH to help us,” he said.

Ngulube said whoever would take over the PF presidency would be supported the same way Edgar Lungu was supported.

“The former president Lungu has clearly indicated that he is handing over power to another person. I know for a fact that Edgar Lungu has stated that much as people would like him to continue, he does not desire to continue. People have asked me if I would like to be president but I think I am too junior and too raw. Right now, I am enjoying myself and I would like to learn from those who came to PF earlier than us. Leading a political party is like leading a country so you must have a plan. That is why we have too many political parties without a following. Whoever is going to become party president will be supported the same way we supported Edgar Lungu. I know we have senior people like Inonge Wina and Edgar Lungu who have enough experience to guide whoever will take over. Looking at what has happened in the last three weeks, we have not seen the exodus that we were worried about. Normally after a government loses power, there is always a huge exodus where people switch from the opposition to the ruling,” he said.

And Ngulube said the UPND must be innovative and find ways of delivering their campaign promises despite some wrong things done by the PF.

“I will not make a comment on the coffers being empty because I am not privy to that information. I do not have enough knowledge to discuss the subject of coffers. I will tell you as a Zambian that the people of Zambia are waiting for them to deliver. The UPND now have a chance. Whatever the PF did, they can actually pick it up and correct it. If the UPND believes there are enough resources to do what they want to do, we have got lenders like the IMF or the World Bank. So the UPND has a chance to look at where the PF failed or where it didn’t do well. So we do not want to see a situation where the UPND says we would have done this but the PF did this,” he said.

“So our prayer is that Boss HH must succeed and the people of Zambia must give the UPND enough support the same way they supported the PF. The UPND must not fear that the PF left the coffers empty; they must come up with innovation. I know for a fact that if they do not perform well, the PF will bounce back in 2026 and if they do not perform well in the next five years, another government can take over in 2026. So the burden lies with the UPND government. But let us not expect too much, let us not put President Hakainde Hichilema under pressure to change some of these things overnight because he has a journey.”

Meanwhile, Ngulube said the August general election was a shocking one because there were no visible signs of a wind of change.

“The just ended general elections were unexpected and the results were a bit shocking because both the PF and the opposition UPND appeared not to have foreseen the outcome of the election. And in some instances, we appeared not to know whether there was opposition or not. But places where we thought it was automatic where the PF would win, we were shocked. Where the UPND did not believe they would win, I think they were also shocked with the results that came out. So it was a shocking election mainly due to the fact that there were no visible signs and nobody expected to see what came out but as it is a democracy, we accepted everything that happened. The difference between the 2011 elections and the 2021 election is that in the 2011 elections, the wind of change was visible and you could tell the government was going,” he said.

“This time around people were quiet and it was very difficult to see that the wind of change is coming, and I think that is why most of us disputed. So everyone must be careful now that the wind of change is no longer visible as we used to see in the past. If we had gone that route, I think there would have been a blood bath. There were some people who were not ready to accept the results and they would have killed each other. Even for me, much as I have all the evidence of the malpractice, violence and attacks on myself, I told myself that it is not worth fighting for. Going to parliament must not be the only thing that should preoccupy my mind. I told myself that I will not petition even when I knew that my life was in danger. I was the first one to urge the former president. There were a lot of factors surrounding the issues and some people were ready to continue fighting on the streets. That is why we said the people have spoken, let us leave it as that.”

Ngulube said there was no government since independence which had performed the way the Patriotic Front did.

“For us as Patriotic Front, the record speaks for itself. There is no government since independence that has actually performed the way the Patriotic Front has performed. There has never been a member of parliament, anywhere in this country that can actually match the amount of projects that I put up in Kabwe Central. That is why I am wishing my successor all the best. I am not disappointed. I think former president Edgar Lungu still remains one of the very popular candidates that Zambia has ever produced. As far as we are concerned as PF, no one knows how we lost so it would be difficult for me to speculate,” said Ngulube.

By Dennis Wei Mulenga

A rebuttal to President of PeP Mr Sean E. Tembo’s post of 31st Aug, 2021 point by point.

1. The IMF deal is necessary but could have been disastrous under a fiscally indisciplined PF so just as well they were moving in circles for the longest time. However, with a new government, it should be tabled and the ball set in motion.
2. Concessional loans vs commercial loans….. I will leave it to the public to determine which one is rational.
3. You will only have a problem with the IMF conditionalities if you are fiscally indisciplined like the previous government otherwise tell me what sovereignty was enjoyed under the PF if not just on paper? The conditions can be negotiated I believe.
4. The disbursements should be milestone based which is actually an excellent control is considering how too much at once would be tying cash to us which could otherwise be disbursed elsewhere. I mean if budget a certain portion of the package to be spent in one fiscal year, of what use will it be for us to tie the balance which could otherwise be used by other recipients during the same period? This practice happens everywhere even here in Zambia, I was attending an EU workshop for Challenge funds which work with milestones so for me really, draw-downs are just fine provided we negotiate to have us receive cash as per program budget for a fiscal year. Shall we then get into the milestones as highlighted by Mr President highlighted for purposes of not digressing far from his concerns;
a) ENFORCE A WAGE FREEZE FOR CIVIL SERVICE. What would better, negotiate for a flexible partial wage freeze or continue on this path the whole 5 years without employing on premises of lack of resources?

b) PRIVATIZE ZESCO & ZAMTEL. Well in my understanding, that should not come as an outright instruction neither but a call to re-organize the said companies to profitability status and should they fail, that’s when such recommendations as as SELL may arise. This is normal practice even in the private sector. If you can’t run your company, invite equity partners or just sell it because you would have failed to run it. I mean IMF would not want to fall for some Katondo stories of “I will pay you” and yet you have no means of generating cash.
c) FREEZE ALL NEW INFRUSTRUCTURE PROJECTS. Mr President, in the previous Infrastructure had been financed by loans. Mostly Chinese loans who we have been giving 80% in contracts to do these works as they collect their money or write us in their receivables as we remain indebted to them. All these toll gate initiatives where put in place but to date, I don’t know what this money is used for when it hits control 99 such that no revenue reports are even issued no more. May I remind you that only 9% of our Budget can be spent on social sector activities after paying debt and civil servants wage bill so why not suspend these projects in the interim until some recovery is recorded?

d) FREEZE ALL WELFARE PROGRAMS IE SCT & FISP. This comes back to re-organizing ourselves including curbing corruption and pilferage of cash and supplier inputs. This they can intervene by assisting in implementing controls on how this cash and farmer inputs are distributed and that they reach the intended user. Only plunderers will complain as this will not fulfil their insatiable appetite to line their pockets, a position I have not placed you in….well yet.
e.t.c
5. I agree, there is need to seal financial leakages as well as re-alignment of Domestic revenue and expenditure. This may include but not limited to revising policies so as to put us in a better earning position. This in the short to long run will see us enhance economic activity that will eventually subsidize the challenges in meeting debt obligations. On your comments on the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his choice of Minister in Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, again you are attacking personalities so please just move on already because HH is the President voted into office by north of 2.8m Zambians to assemble a team that will deliver to their aspirations.

6. Yes there is need to revisiting the Mining policy so as for us to maximize on Domestic Revenue collections from various taxes, however, that K8billion tax assessment on FQML you are making reference to Mr President was actually $8,040,000,000 ($8.04billion) or K76.5billion at the time. This tax assessment was made over a mine with a market value of $11billionn and translated into a liability equivalent to 107% of our National Budget in 2018 as presented by Former Finance Minister; Hon. Felix Mutati which sat at K71.6bn. Mr President, you should have done your homework before embarking on those simple multiplication models which would have aggregated a tax liability of $104bn or K998billion at a then fx rate of $1 to K9.5…..Very insane if you ask me. You are misleading the masses Sir and ZRA had to quit pursuing that matter as it did not make sense at all.
Further, your simplistic approach in multiplying K8billion by 13 companies is far-fetched because we cannot assume that these companies have the same input/output capacity. Once again on Republican President HH and Dr SM, again you are attacking personalities which is most unfortunate coming from a person like you that is seeking the people’s goodwill to become President of the Republic of Zambia. Kindly refrain Sir.

7. By “They left us with a broke economy”, yes it is true as can be evidenced by the current statistics where we have debt portfolios as follows; Domestic, $6.8billion, Domestic Arrears, $5billion as of today; and Foreign, $13billion before we even ascertain the true position when we get a clear picture of what is owed to china as well as taking into consideration the recent statement by the Minister of Finance that we had borrowed even during the election campaign period most likely domestic borrowing through bond auctions in the last few months/weeks(pensive). With this debt stock against our domestic revenue both tax and non tax, there will be no development to speak of as we will be moving at a snail’s pace with 9% of the budget on social sectors much to the disappointment of the electorate that voted for the UPND who will be quick to vote them out in 2026.

8. Lastly, I’m nobody’s baby sitter so I won’t comment on your lamentations about having been threatened and or beaten, however Mr President and my elder brother, I would just implore you to be sober when you offer checks and balances devoid of bad-mouthing the Government and the Republican President in particular whom you have attacked even when he was in opposition and continued to do so even now 1million+ votes away into power.
In conclusion Mr President, your concerns seem unfounded and I personally feel you have embarked on seeing this government fail by proposing that they put away the IMF deal so as to enhance your popularity in 2026 otherwise the IMF deal should go ahead except to be negotiated under less harsh conditions which I believe The Minister of Finance is in a competent position to do so.

Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions and they do not represent nobody but me and my limited understanding of street-analysis!

Twalumba

Dennis ‘Wei’ Mulenga

RAGING DEBATE ON APPOINTMENTS & OATHS: NOW MPs ARE BEING SWORN IN.

Last week, I triggered a heated debate on the issue of taking all oaths of allegiance as prescribed by elected MPs before being appointed as Ministers.

I cited the Constitution and Order 8 of the National Assembly that dictate that no member shall assume his/her public office or MPship duties unless before that assumption s/he takes an oath of allegiance as prescribed.

Various thoughts, arguments and or opinions emerged and advanced for and against my thoughts while others arguing that presidential Oath is superior than the parliamentary one.

Some argued that the parliamentary oath was just a mere formality for duly declared elected MPs yet the tenure of a MP, who is supposed to be appointed Minister, is tied to one being sworn in and ends when parliament is dissolved.

My argument has been that the President applies breaks and awaits the swearing in of these MPs before appointing them into Ministerial posts for them to first derive the much needed powers, functions and authority of being MPs before being sworn and assuming powers and performing functions and duties of ministers.

Today and now the elected MPs are being sworn in before a presiding Officer at Parliament in this case the Clerk of the National Assembly in the absence of the Speaker.

It is now ripe for the president to move in and appoint any MP so sworn in to any ministerial portifolio of his choice without fear of breaking the constitution.

The preceding debate before the swearing in of MPs was healthy and finally has led to institutions doing the right thing on the same matter at the right time.

The Constitution in various Articles such as Articles 81, 105 (1), 106(2) and 260 among other clauses demand for taking up all oath as prescribed of elected/nominated and appointed officers to public offices before discharging their duties and functions, section 9 of the Official Oath Act overrules that.

This Acticle 260 guides that…*a person assuming a public office ….and presidential appointee, SHALL take Oath of Office and SUCH OTHER OATH, as PRESCRIBED, *before carrying out the duties of office*

The above provisions among others do not use *and/ or* but uses the word *and* meaning both presidential Oath and *other Oath, as prescribed*, in this case parliamentary oath must be taken before one assumes and performs public office duties and functions.

Any appointment of any minister now after the swearing in ceremony under way at Parliament by the President would have fulfilled the demands of Art 260 (Oath of office and prescribed Oath) of the Constitution of Zambia

However, we need to serious relook at the remaining issues and jargons in the law so that it is harmonised and amended e.g section 9 (failure to take an Oath) of the Official Oath Act (1990) sounds inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the constitution cited above.

The section contends that, *Any act done by any person in the execution or purported execution of his official duties shall not be rendered invalid by reason only of the omission of that person to take or SUBSCRIBE an oath required by law to be taken or subscribed*

This section seems to suggest that a person can assume public office include that of president, MP, ministers, judge or any other public officer without necessarily need to take and oath and all his/her actions while in that position are valid.

This is recipe for a constitutional anarchy and breach if the country produces a very irresponsible leader.

However, the presidential patience in our is highly admirable and commendable amidst varying pieces of advice from all sorts of people to quickly appoint his cabinet among the unsworn MPs but he kept his cool and now Mr President you can move to appoint your ministers with the speed of an eagle so that they can hit the ground running.

I submit

McDonald Chipenzi

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA IS SETTING A BAR HIGH NOT ONLY FOR ZAMBIANS BUT FOR ALL POLITICAL PLAYERS WHO WOULD BE FUTURE PRESIDENTS

By Michael Mwanza
31st August, 2021.

The bar is getting tough and the reign of crooks law rule came to an end on 12th August, 2021. HH is setting expected standards for the nation and Presidency as evidenced by his appointments, pronouncements and time to systematically face the laws of Zambia. The next person to get power from him will have a positive tough time to settle due to clear standards. As for HH, he will have a tough time to clear the mess made by crooks in the last 7 year rule.

It won’t be easy for HH to dismantle the debt made through enriching the former President, his cartel, his crooks and his gangs but the next President from HH will inherit a better Zambia. Thinking of how lawless, tribal and racial divisions, intimidation, unlawful arrest PF was and seeing HH’S pronouncements and kind of appointments made, clearly shows the man in office mean business, mean to unite the nation, mean to end crooks and injustice in Zambia. Mean a better future and freedom for the citizens. *A New dawn*

1. *PRONOUNCEMENTS*
HH becomes the first President to publicly pronounce that: a) No political cadre or citizen should be allowed to wear any material related to or for the security wing. In this move, President HH has asked the commanders and IG to confiscate any of such material if found. b) HH becomes the first President to guide the police to follow the stipulated laws on arrests, bond and persecution of any offenders. Kindly investigate before you arrest. If arrested, offer bond where due or offer court appearance within 48hrs where due. Clearly HH being exposed 15 times or more of arrests, understand how as citizens have been arrested while innocent. Examples can be: Hon Mwaliteta, Hon Muchileka, Mubita Nawa, Anthony Bwalya, Airubi, etc who have been arrested and some kept in custody for a year without any clear cases The past government has been harsh, cruel and lethal on arrests. HH is then trying at all means to end that now.

2. *APPOINTMENTS*
In the immediate past government, we saw how cabinet, defense and security wings, government support sections were appointed. 90% of appointments came from the East and Bemba inclined sections ( Northern, Luapula etc). Half if not whole cabinet was such, service chiefs, ZRA, RTSA etc. But so far look at HH’s appointments, they are well balanced.

Look at how PF appointed BOZ, Minister of Finance, and other senior positions. They were all not on merit but based on social satisfaction and easy get. We saw the BOZ boss in the middle of beer spells, we saw some ministers showing up at a critical national meeting FDC drunk, we saw Ministers and running mate championing tribalism, we saw senior PF leadership in illicit behaviors. All that is gone in President HH government.

*CONFLICT OF INTEREST*

HH has clearly put it, do business with government without conflict.. In this case, those in senior or government positions should not do business with government. In the past government, it was heartening to see how rich ministers became, how lavishly their lives were just because of government contracts. I was at pain to swallow how the former VP mama Inonge Wina defended the Ministers and PF MPs as hard workers who are doing business with government. 😢🙊🙉. How dare can a minister get a contract with government?. PF ministers, secretariat, etc enjoyed mining, supply, road construction contracts with the government. For HH this is gone.

In this case, whoever will get the Presidency from HH will need to act overboard, aim to act more clear than HH. In other ways, HH is proving to be the delayed President.
*Freedom has now descended on Zambia, the A Team is fixing it*

Michael

ZESCO’S PHYSICAL EMPLOYEE VERIFICATION EXERCISE UNUSUAL

After looking at the memo shared by ZESCO’s Director – Human Resources to his Human Resource Managers. It leaves many questions in limbo. Also, for an internal memo to be shared out by your own internal management team, then there is something going on. I believe this memo is addressed to your own management team only.

Firstly, what sort of verification exercise requires respective divisions to manually follow employees in their respective stations to verify their physical presence/absence according to your records (Sounds like a register being called in a Grade 1 classroom). When would this exercise be completed considering ZESCO employs a huge number of people?

What sort of verification exercise requires employees to sign for their presence? How do you verify everyone in these designated divisions has signed?
And they say there is nothing unusual!
How often do you get employees to sign for this audit, and how long ago did they conduct one in this manner (If at all they have)?

This is the worst audit being done coming from a respective institution like ZESCO.

The memo states the URGENCY for this exercise is to ensure the integrity of their employee data in PHRIS and the databases in different divisions.

Now to get everyone on the same page. I will start by defining HRIS.

A HRIS (human resources information system) is an integrated system used to gather, store and analyze information about an organization’s human resources. A HRIS can be a powerful tool for workforce management; it can help companies streamline many business processes.

Now we know what that is.

When you conduct a HR audit one key area that should never be missed is compliance. Any human resource leadership team will want to know that they are compliant. A HR compliance audit focuses on how well your business is complying with current local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations. This is a risk-mitigation audit. The goal is to ensure you aren’t violating any laws or leaving yourself open to liability lawsuits.

Now coming back to their internal system used to manage their human resource. Do your HRIS records and finance team responsible for PAYROLL confirm compliance based on consolidated data. This exercise ZESCO is doing can be done at a higher level compared to having employees physically audited and have them confirm this with signatures.

Honestly, ZESCO’s PAYROLL and HRIS has all the information the Director needs. Can anyone work without being on Payroll?

The only reason for such an audit is when these records are not matching, and this mess can not be swept under the bus. The only solution left is trying to play it with integrity.

If anyone reading this has friends or family that work for ZESCO. Ask them if this exercise has ever been done before? If so, how long ago exactly? We need to understand the urgency this time around.

We recommend having an independent auditing firm come in and audit this company that is in a mess!

By: An ordinary citizen of Zambia

Speaking as a Journalist

THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. ANTHONY BWALYA AS STATE HOUSE SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS IS WELCOME

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

From the outset, let me state that the Appointment of Mr. Anthony Bwalya as State House Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations or as Official Spokesperson is welcome and will help foster sound debate from the presidency.

However, his appointment has brought three key issues.

1. Is Anthony qualified for the job?

2. Why did President Hakainde Hichilema overlook the journalism, media or communication fraternity to make this appointment?

3. Does the job of a Spokesperson require a journalist?

It has generally been agreed that since we read Anthony Bwalya’s analytical articles of current issues when he aspired for Kabushi Constituency, and since we heard him on Radio and watched him on television, we found him to be an effective communicator, a deep analyst possessing understanding of a wide-range of issues.

When President Hakainde Hichilema appointed him as Presidential Spokesperson in December 2020, we quickly found that Anthony was an eloquent speaker and was passionate and enthusiastic about his job.

At this stage no one wondered or requested his qualifications because he delivered in his role in a very excellent manner.

Anthony was credible, factual and his public arguments were mostly issue based.

The same may not be said about his peers in the fraternity who relied more heavily on propaganda than advancing sound and rational arguments for their parties.

SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Over the last 57 years, this role has traditionally been held by a journalist trained from Evelyn Hone College or the University of Zambia.

There have been rare cases where a non-journalist held this position.

Similarly, Vernon Johnson Mwaanga, a diplomat and former Director of Intelligence became Managing Director for the Times of Zambia, while engineers and a medical doctor have been at the helm of the public broadcaster, ZNBC.

IS JOURNALISM INADEQUATE FOR SUCH ROLES

To contrast this appointment, some commentators have expressed doubt about the competence of journalists.

Others have stated that to qualify for such a job, a journalist may need further training or another discipline.

This is unfortunate.

Let me hasten to say that the role of a journalist is not just to write stories. It’s far broader than that.

Therefore the ridicule about the profession is not necessary and is merely antagonistic.

If there are standard failures for journalists, the debate should be held outside this well deserved appointment.

Journalism is a complete, adequate and respected profession and may need no augmentation or supplement for a practioner to excel.

The training of a journalist involves a scope of elements from other disciplines such as law, psychology, economics, politics, business, advertising and marketing, and information technology.

The training further equips a journalist with all aspects of media, old and new, traditional and digital media.

Although a journalist is primarily a communicator, he/she is equipped with basic understanding of the complex environment and ecosystem around him or her.

Since the media is at the centre of national activities from industries, various sectors and policy-makers, journalists ought to be accomplished in their work to communicate effectively to the masses.

It is for this reason that in governance, the Media is held as the Fourth Estate after the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.

Therefore, a journalist is well suited to be hired for any communication, media, public relations, and advertising role.

May I reiterate that a journalist is competent and complete in his/her training.

However, like any other profession, any further education to his or her primary training, equips and gives such a journalist advantage for job opportunities against other peers.

Similarly many business, accounting and other professional courses recognise the roles that these graduates will play in their lifetime in the industry and therefore include English and Communication subjects (whether business, or other types of communication) in the courses.

So a person that has graduated with a business degree or diploma, is also a potential effective communicator and Spokesperson.

Anthony is a graduate from the Business School of the Copperbelt University.

To this end, besides the depth and understanding to communicate political, ethical and economical ideas of both the UPND and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, Anthony has demonstrated that he is well suited for this new role.

Besides the Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations has a Deputy, a Chief Analyst for Press and Public Relations, who is usually a journalist, to support the office.

Anthony has broken new ground and he requires our support from the fraternity to accomplish this important national task.

Congratulations to Anthony for this well-deserved appointment and we know from his past successes, that he will serve the Presidency well.

Kasebamashila Kaseba
HOW CHRISTOPHER MVUNGA BECAME BOZ GOVERNOR IS HOW ANTHONY BWALYA BECAME PRESIDENTIAL PRESS AIDE

— tribalism and nepotism are bad but cronyism and favouritism are good —

— EL’s right is wrong as HH’s wrong is right —

“Cronyism” is “the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications (and experience).”

Alexander Chikwanda was quoted by The Post as preferring the Clique’s EL as PF and Republican President to the Cartel’s Kabimba because EL was his clever alcohol drinking mate just as EL later fired VP Guy Scott because Scott was not his alcohol drinking mate as he later preferred FCCA Mvunga to Dr Denny Kalyalya as BOZ Governor because Mvunga was a drinking mate as EL granted musicians loans and contracts because of praises and flattery.

HH promoted Bwalya, in eight months, from 2020 Christmas appointment as UPND HH Presidential Spokesman to the 2021 birthday appointment as Special Assistants to the President for Press and Public Relations.

Cronyism by an old saying is, “It’s not what you know but who you know.”

Interesting rationalisation of both Mvunga and Bwalya by senior Simataa Simataa.

MacDonald Chipenzi rationalised Bwalya appointment.

Favouritism” is “the practice of unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.”

Article 23 of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights terms it discrimination.

In his acceptance of 2021 election victory press conference, HH referred to the closure and return of Prime TV that triggered panicking in IBA board emergency board meeting to regrant Prime TV its license through a letter to a six months outdated letter.

Muvi TV among others similarly suffered suspension in 2014 and at that very point of regranting of Prime TV license, Muvi TV was on its last warning pending cancellation of license.

The Post was similarly unfairly closed or liquidated in 2016.

The Post and Muvi TV have felt betrayed by UPND HH for favouritism of Prime TV over hundreds of stations.

PF and government had also shown favouritism of ZNBC over other public media like ZANIS and Times of Zambia.

“Nepotism” is “the practice among those with power and influence of favouring relatives or friends especially by giving them jobs.”

Bantu Botatwe Languages (BBLs) led by Tonga, Mukuni-Lenje, Ila and Mukuni-Leya etc are very sensitive of tribalism and nepotism against their kind but insensitive to cronyism and favouritism of the other kind.

UPND HH can strongly condemn tribalism and nepotism but smilingly commend cronyism and favouritism.

UPND HH wants to fight corruption by fast track courts as well as conduct lifestyle audits that could include manpower or performance audits.

By Larry Mweetwa
·
UPND MUST PAY SERIOUS ATTENTION TO YOUTHS AND PEOPLE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR VICTORY OR RISK TO BE A ONE TERM GOVERNMENT.

A number of youths braved the cold and thuggery intimidation from Lungu and his caders to cast their vote 🗳 in the morning and protected the votes in order for their better Zambia to be realised. This victory was not attained by UPND supporters alone but several youths who are non partisan but just felt PF must go.

President HH and the UPND must ensure that they deliver their promises or else the youths will kick them out like they did to Lungu.

Key issues Zambian wants UPND deliver is:

1. Youth employment

2. pharmacists, Doctors,Nurses, teachers etc who are not employed should be looked after. UPND should make sure they devise a system where internship is well formalised and also extended to private sectors that have been accredited to decongest the public service.

3. Citizens empowerment Fund should not be given to people close to party hierarchy and politically well connected like what we saw in PF where Bene Dr.Chitalu Chilufya getting ma K2million a minister who is already financially buoyant and a thief being supported by the government.

4. UPND should take full recognition of youths who stood by president HH and some risked their lives and profession and spoke on behalf of Zambians and defended the UPND VISION.

I know now a number of people may be overwhelming UPND secretariat jostling for positions and pretend they were there for the party, UPND will be judged by their actions.

UPND Members and more especially senior leadership should continue with their open door policy and not close by stopping answering calls from youths who voted for them.

Positions of leadership should be given on merit based on qualifications and loyalty to the party vision.

President HH should not be put under pressure, it took 10 years for president Edgar Lungu to destroy this country, don’t expect him to satisfy you in a few days or years. Let’s allow the brother time settle but we must hold the UPND accountable.

This is a brotherly and timely warning ⚠️ to UPND or else! the youths who voted for us will kick us out just like PF. The unfortunate thing is that there is no credible opposition now in 🇿🇲 Zambia and UPND is likely to rule for 50years and more.
Dr. Larry Mweetwa

There should be no reverse discrimination – Kalani Muchima writes:

TONGAS ARE ALSO ZAMBIAN EVEN UNDER UPND

By Kalani Muchima

One thing I know for sure troubling the president right now is the issue of tribal balancing. While its good every Zambian deserves an opportunity, I only hope the TONGA’S will not be victims of this.

Am saying this because normally when you have been given a responsibility to share something, (for me) I don’t know others, there is always that urge of wanting to see other get good shares while you starve yourself.

I know right now the president wouldn’t want to appoint Tonga’s so as not to be seen giving priority to his own.

But my appeal is that, let this move not disadvantage the TONGA’S. I spoke for them then, and I will speak for them now.

The Tonga’s suffered under the Edgar Lungu leadership and I don’t expect them to suffer under this government.

Let those who deserve appointments be given appointments. They can’t continue being second class citizens in their own country.

In my mind I have one example. At ZANIS News Mibs for instance, from the time Director Mr. Patrick Lungu was appointed PS in February this year, that position has remained unoccupied not even anyone to act.

The current assistant Director a Mr Victor Hachimbi has never been allowed near that office just because he is Tonga. Yes you heard me right just because he is tonga.

Why would such a senior government position be left vacant for close to 1 year not even someone to act in that capacity.

Mr. Hachimbi is qualified, he has been with ZANIS since the 90’s and it baffles me that the man is treated like a nobody.

The PF made it clear that, that position was only going to be filled up after the elections coz in their minds, they thought they were returning back in government.

Mr. Hachimbi was in line for that Job but was being mistreated based on his tribe which should not and should never be allowed ever again in this country.

Let those from the south also have their freedom in their land. Those thousands of votes we saw during the announcements of results were too clear to tell us that they needed to be liberated so give them their liberty.

Appoint them to positions they deserve noti ati people will talk No.

BOWMAN LUSAMBO SAYS ZAMBIANS SHOULD FORGET WHAT HE USED TO SAY ABOUT H.E PRESIDENT HH…***

By Stembridge Sikalundu

The values of respecting each person in this country can not be ignored because of politics or being in govt , if someone is older than you the reality is that he deserves to be respected .I find it very naive that BOWMAN LUSAMBO is saying he is going to respect his excellence president HH now because he is the boss .

There is no morality in this statement either way , the reality today is a teaching that politics is not about personal hatred and retribution ,it is based on the conditions that are proposed for better management of the country’s affairs , issue based politics promotes ideals that are proportionate with regard to aspects of good governance ,upholding of the values and improving lives of the people ,those who seek public office are not enemies of good will ,they are simply challenging to do better , this is a reminder to most people in the PF opposition party .

Am not saying H.E should not forgive BOWMAN LUSAMBO , but simply saying “OKO SULILE EKOPA NOKO” , repentance comes after seeking forgiveness , it is not so easy to just tell the journalists that forget what I used to say about president HH without seeking time to meet and apologise to H.E and the people of Zambia . We heard a lot of people giving away their body parts if president HH won the election , others promised to move naked , all this has not happened because they were just appeasing ECL while destroying their own personalities to the nation , they were saying there will be a lot of cows in state house , I have not seen any, only ceremonies of credible people being sworn in to occupy different rolls in govt without any tribal inclinations which the PF were demeriting a Tonga tribe for .

We should not be silenced in the name of reconciliation and healing of the country without these political pundits making public apologies ,not every Zambian did so ,and if it was done in public it means even our children are aware of this bad behavior which these bootlickers were doing .

The seed which these PF members planted in the nation will take a bit of time to change the mind set of many Zambians , the head of state must come up with a plan to use to realign the minds of Zambians that we are one , there is still some sporadic violent behavior across the country , this must not be left to the police alone , non governmental organisations ,the church the media and other stake holders should begin to preach love ,unity of purpose indeed vegency has no place in our country , we want to live in harmony but the wounds are still hurting because it is our fellow Zambians who were denying us the same dignity we all need to be called Zambians .

ZAMBIA FORWARD OUR COUNTRY S

By Chamuka Shalubala,

Civil rights activist Brebner Changala at the News Diggers!/OSISA Public Discussion Forum on Media Regulation at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka on March 28, 2019 – Picture by Tenson Mkhala
GOVERNANCE activist Brebner Changala says five years is sufficient for the UPND government to transform the country’s economy if they apply their training, efforts, patriotism and vision.

In an interview, Monday, Changala said for the new government to turn around the economy, there was need for political will and qualified people to hold government positions.

“Five years is sufficient time for UPND to turn around our economy, it is enough time. What we need is political will. Secondly, people who are confident to occupy positions that they are sufficiently qualified for. We need to minimise the wastage of the little resources that we have. The Minister of Finance Honourable [Dr Situmbeko] Musokotwane and the President who is a principled supervisor, are all economists, sufficiently well trained in management of economic nature, but most importantly to manage financial resources in a crisis like we are going through today,” he said.

“So I’m very clear in my mind that if they apply their efforts, patriotism, their training, and their vision, five years is more than enough. They might not achieve everything in this period of time, but they will set a platform for the economy to be heading in the right direction. It will take professionalism, dedication, patriotism, and moving with the people of Zambia, they must not leave the people behind, no! SMEs must come on board, the private sector must be included and other incentives must be given to the emerging small business enterprise.”

Changala said Zambians had a lot of hope in the Hakainde Hichilema-led government after the 10 years experienced under the previous regime.

“There is immense hope, this is Zambia’s last hope in hell. We have been with PF for the last 10 years, all they have done is corruption, running down our treasury and keeping resources for individual benefit. We have the great administration that is coming with Mr Hakainde Hichilema. These are seasoned managers except they are elevating themselves from the corporate world, they are now coming to manage a huge investment called the people of Zambia,” he said.

“I can tell you on their shoulders lies the people’s aspirations and the people’s desire to liberate themselves both financially, economically and liberalize their freedom in order to fit in the current dispensation. So we have a lot of hope and I think they will succeed with a little of Zambians participation and support.”

Changala noted that one of the biggest challenges the new government faced was dismantling the country’s debt.

“I’m telling you one of the biggest challenges they will have to tackle is the debt mountain. They have to navigate around this huge debt which the PF has left and the depleted coffers. They have to renegotiate some of these loans which are almost due, they have to renegotiate some of the Chinese infrastructure developments which were overpriced in order to accommodate the criminal benefits in the Patriotic Front regime. So this is what they are going to face. But there is no challenge that is big if people are pulling together in one direction,” said Changala.

“The second challenge is how to help the people of Zambia to put food on the table because the economy has literally collapsed. They need to tackle the interest rate, inflation rate and recreation. In other words, they need to give back incentives to companies in order for companies to start re-employing the people they laid off. How do they do it? They need to look at the tax regime and tax obligation for SMEs. The taxes in this sector are very high and yet the economy has collapsed.”

By Peter Sinkamba Greens Party President.

PRESIDENT HH HAS BREACHED THE CONSTITUTION ON HIS VERY FIRST PUBLIC ACT.

On my mind this morning is the appointment of Hon Dr. Musokotwane as Finance Minister.

To start with, let me congratulate His Excellency HH on the pick of Hon Musokotwane for Minister of Finance. I have no doubt in my mind that he can deliver on the economic and financial objectives set out by His Excellency in yesterday’s tweet.

.My main worry, though, is whether the President has not breached the Constitution on his very first public act of invoking the instruments of power that he received at Heroes Stadium a few days ago.

President HH was elected on the platform of constutionalism and rule of law. It would therefore be extremely regrettable and deplorable if he threw the tenets of constutionalism and rule of law under the bus on his very first public act of invocation of the instruments of powers.

Here is the basis for my worry:

Article 81(3) of the Constitution provides that Parliament shall stand dissolved ninety days before holding of the general election. In the case of Simbakulya and 63 others, the Constitutional Court held, in simpler terms, that no person shall hold office of minister while Parliament stands dissolved. Consequently Hon. Simbyakula and 63 others were ordered to pay back all monies paid to them as ministers while Parliament was dissolved.

Implicitly, all acts performed by a person masquerading as a minister while parliament stands dissolved are not only unconstitutional but illegal too, going by Article 2 of the Constituion.

In view of the foregoing, the key question that begs a candid answer is whether Parliament has officially commenced, following the holding of the general election on August 12.

If the Session of Parliament has officially commenced, then it is Constitutional and legal for President HH to have appointed Hon. Musokotwane as a minister. In that case, the President has complied not only with the Constitution but case law too (Simbakulya and others).

Now, for the session of Parliament to commence, we are guided by Article 81(1) of the Constitution. This Article provides that the term of Parliament shall be five years commencing from the date that the Members of Parliament are sworn into office after a general election and ending on the date that Parliament is dissolved.

The question is: following the general election held on 12 August, have ALL MPs been sworn into office? If the answer is “yes” then the Parliament has officially commenced, according to Article 81(1). And in that instance, there is no problem with the appointment by the President of Hon. Musokotwane as minister. And there is no problem with Hon Musokotwane subsequent assuming office of Minister of Finance.

But if it is only Hon Musokotwane who was sworn into office of Member of Parliament, can Parliament be said to have commenced in accordance with Article 81(1)? These questions beg candid answers that can only be authoritatively provided by the Concourt.

The other issue of concern is regard to procedures prescribed by the National Assembly Standing Orders of 2016 on the commencement of the Session of Parliament, and swearing into office of Members of Parliament followed. Have the Standing Orders been complied with to the letter? This is a rule of law concern.

The other issue of interest is on who rendered legal advice to the President on the issue of appointment of Hon Musokotwane. According to Articles 178 and 179 of the Constitution, there is no Attorney General and Solicitor General holding office in the Republic at the moment following the replacement of Former President ECL by His Excellency HH.If the AG and SG have not yet vacated their offices per Articles 178 and 179, and either of them rendered a legal opinion to President HH on the appointment of Hon Musokotwane, is such advise constitutional and lawful?

Additionally, if the AG and SG were not involved, but since President HH has not fired presidential aides at State House, and the legal advice was rendered to the President by Counsel Lukangaba, the special assistant on legal matters, can that advice be regarded as constitutional and lawful?

Or indeed, if it were party functionaries Hon Mwiimbu and Hon Mweetwa that rendered the legal advise on the appointment, can that advise be regarded to be constitutional and legal?

Finally, considering that President HH was elected on the platform of constutionalism and rule of law, and in view of constutional and other legal huddles that need to be sorted out before appointment of ministers; and considering further the urgency required to sort out the economic and the financial quagmire of the country, including budget issues, my view is that the President should have in the interim simply appointed himself as Minister of Finance, and appointed Hon Musokotwane as Task Team Leader for Economic Revival Team. In that manner, the President would have still achieved the objectives he set out in his tweet without breaching the Constitution and the other laws. And in fact, in this manner, he would achieved the results even better.

Perhaps, it is not too late yet for President HH to revoke the appointment of Hon Musokotwane and proceed as I have advised. For, it will be quite a blow to his presidency if the appointment of the minister is challenged in Concourt, and he is found wanting on his first act of invoking his instruments of power. He needs to remember that he was critical to the Former President on illegal stay of ministers in office. So he should avoid making the same mistakes. He should also remember always that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Just my thoughts on the instruments of power for pamupando!
By Peter Sinkamba

By Edward Roy Makayi.

DEAR MR WYNTER KABIMBA AND HON RAPHEAL NAKACHINDA PLEASE SURRENDER ANTONIO MWANZA WE CUT HIS MANHOOD AS PER HIS PROMISE THEN HH WILL DECLARE FREE EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY TO UNIVERSITY WITHIN MINUTES OTHERWISE SHUT UP -MAKAYI.

I know the language is not good but it’s exactly the PF games and some of us knows how it’s played we are equal to the task. I repeat surrender Antonio Mwanza we cut his manhood by 10:00 hrs as he promised that should HH wins the elections his manhood should be cut then by 14:00 hrs HH will declare free education from Primary to the University. It’s 50-50 right?.

Ubelima fides (Principles of insurance doesn’t allow a client to make profit out their misfortune).

If I am not making sense and my demands are absurd then so are your demands for HH to declare free education from Primary to university when you know very well that the cabinet is not yet in place.

You see some of us spent so many years with street language and went to jail for it and we are proud we expect matured people and opposition presidents like Mr Wynter Kabimba to have some common senses even little one’s. I won’t stress about Hon Nakachinda because he is as empty as Kaya it’s a share waste of time responding to him but same sentiments by Wynter Kabimba a man who should be a role model to the society then am worried the type of opposition leaders we have in Zambia.

Are those what you call checks and balances ?. If it’s politics then let’s play politics we know who won you didn’t even try to be on the ballot. You where a Secretary General of the rulling party that promised more money into people’s pockets and up to now you are PF let’s see your pockets Mr Wynter Kabimba because we have found treasury coffers empty yes you got the money into your pockets.

If educated and we’ll learned parents like yourselves can sink so low in primitive thinking then am very much worried about Zambians opposition future. Reading GEARS Executive Directors submission Mr Mcdonald Chipenzi on the analysis of opposition lineage in Zambia I am forced to agree with him with every bit of a sentence there in.

Mr Kabimba and Nakachinda combined please surrender Antonio Mwanza we cut his manhood then I will support your calls for free education from HH I will be the first one to represent your agenda. I have already bought the knife please bring Antonio Mwanza here let the game begin you have 48 hours to respond to my demands.

Issued by Edward Roy Makayi

UPND Media Committee Member

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