AN investigation has revealed that government, through the Ministry of Health, last year awarded a US$17 million contract for the supply of health centre kits to a company called Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, which did not exist.

Research at the Ministry of Health shows that Missionpharma, a Danish company with a subsidiary in Lusaka, had an active contract to supply and deliver drugs to Zambia for several years and was a key government partner for supplying health centre kits. However, owing to an US$11 million drug supply debt, the company stopped supplying in December 2018, demanding that the government first settles its debt, a move that forced the Ministry of Health to find a replacement.

According to Ministry of Health sources, tender number MoH/SP/032/19 was issued following a decision to procure 50,000 health centre kits through a limited bidding process.

Records at the ministry show that a solicitation document for the tender was issued on October 7, 2019 and the evaluation of bids was done on October 22, 2019, while the contract between Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited and Ministry of Health was signed on November 22, 2019.

But Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) records do not show any company that existed prior to 2019 registered as Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited.

Research showed that Honeybee Pharmacy had been a sole trading name for an individual named Imran Lunat, with records at PACRA indicating that it was registered as a business name on April 14, 2016.

On October 16, 2019, another company called Honeybee Pharmaceuticals Limited was incorporated, with shareholders namely Zakir Husen Motala, Abdurrauf Motala and Yousouf Jasat, but according to Ministry of Health records, this was not the name of the company that was awarded the US$17 million contract. The company that was awarded the contract is Honeybee Pharmacy Limited.

Further, a search at PACRA showed that another company now called Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, which corresponds with the company that was awarded the contract, was incorporated on April 1, 2020, with shareholders namely Imran Lunat, who was also registered as a sole trader for Honeybee Pharmacy, Zakir Husen Motala and Abdurrauf Abdurrahim Motala.

When contacted to explain how Honey Bee Pharmacy was awarded a US$17 million contract when it was not incorporated at PACRA, Lunat said that was for the ministry to explain, adding that the tender process was followed.

He confirmed that the contract was not awarded to Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, which ironically appears on the tender documents, but to the sole trader Honey Bee Pharmacy.

“The contract was not awarded to the Limited, it was awarded to Honey Bee pharmacy, not Limited. Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, from what I know, was registered later on. Honey Bee Pharmacy has been running since 2015. It is the same directors, there is a group of directors who have come together, so they have created another name but the contract was not awarded to the Limited,” Lunat explained.

Asked how he won the US$17 million contract if the limited company was not registered with PACRA at the time, Lunat said he was no longer a director for the company that won the contract, as he was now working for the new owners of the company and was not responsible for decisions.

“I don’t know, you can ask them. That is something you can speak with them. I think there is a tender process that went through. I am not sitting on the board of directors. I used to be a director but I am no longer a director. So I don’t make any decisions, I don’t deal with them, I am now a worker for them,” said Lunat.

Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) acting public relations manager Laura Hamusute said she was unable to provide a response to the press query as it needed the attention of the managing director who was unavailable at the time.

Ministry of Health officials declined to explain the circumstances under which a company that was not registered at PACRA was awarded the tender to supply and deliver health centre kits worth US$17 million.

When queried, Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya referred the matter to his Spokesperson Dr Abel Kabalo.

“Write a press query and my spokesperson will handle it. He will give you an informed position,” said Dr Chilufya.

When a press query was sent to him, Dr Kabalo could not respond, saying: “I am still pursuing the officers; immediately I get the information, I will definitely share it with you. It is not me, what you can do is that, give me time to just compile, get in touch with me next week, let’s say Tuesday… I will get back to you once I get to the technocrats,” he said in January.

When contacted a few weeks later, Dr Kabalo said: “I may need to verify. What I know is that Mission Pharma has been supplying us with health center kits. So I may just need to verify with the procurement people. Where did you get that information from?”

He later said he did not have access to the “restricted” information that this reporter was asking for.

“That is restricted information, I can’t access, I haven’t accessed it yet. I am just waiting on the people that deal with that to give it to me. It is not within my control so I am just waiting. They have not given me the information up to now but we have been receiving kits and drugs we have been receiving. The way government procurement is, they procure by getting goods, that is when they pay so there is no institution that supplies goods to government that is not owed. We don’t pay upfront cash, that is how government procurement systems are. That is why even the road contractors have to provide the product, that is when they are paid. So government owes people so it has to get the product first before it pays. And before anyone is paid, we have to verify that the product received is of good quality and all that,” Dr Kabalo said.

According to tender documents, the Ministry considered the matter a crisis when Missionpharma stopped supplying.

“In the circumstances, limited bidding was the appropriate method of procurement in accordance with Regulation 14(b) of the Public Procurement Regulations of 2011. To avoid the problems of non-delivery due to delayed advance payment, the solicitation document and subsequently the contract that was to result from the tender would have no provision for advance payments. Suppliers would be paid 100 percent of the contract sum after full delivery. The Ministry Procurement Committee noted that the request to use limited bidding as the method of procurement was approved during the 30th ministry procurement committee meeting which was held on 2nd August 2019. Further, at its 31st ministry procurement committee sitting held on 9th August, the Ministry Procurement Committee approved the addition of two companies to the shortlist of suppliers,” read the evaluation report.

Records showed that 10 companies were invited to take part in the limited bidding process; among them Shalina Pharmaceuticals, NRB Pharma Limited, Kingphar Limited, Yash Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Missionpharma (Z) Limited, International Drug Company Limited, Baxy Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company Limited, Pharmanova Zambia Limited, Artemis Pharmaceuticals Zambia Limited and Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited.

“At the time of tender closing, eight of the ten shortlisted companies submitted bids and they read as follows; (1). International Drug Company Limited Lot1. US$13,350,000. Lot 2. US$13,350,000. Lot 3. US$17,800,000. Delivery period 10-12 weeks. (2). Honey Bee Pharmacy Lot 1. US$7,600,000. Lot 3. US$10,133,333. Delivery period 6- 8 weeks (3). Baxy Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Company Limited US$45,800,000. Delivery period 12-16 weeks. (4). Yash Pharmaceuticals Limited. Lot 1 US$13,815,000. Lot 2 US$13,815,000 Delivery period 14 weeks. (5). Pharmanova (Z) Limited Lot 1. US$10,662,300.LOT 2. US$14,216,400. Delivery period 14 to 16 weeks. (6). Kingphar Company Zambia Limited Lot 2. ZMW 94,305,000, US$2,837,700. Delivery period 12 weeks. (7). Missionpharma Zambia Limited. Lot 2 US$7,066,809. Lot 3 US$9,422,412. Delivery period 22 weeks. (8). Artemis Pharmaceuticals Limited. Lot 1 and 2 US$26,197,985. 14-18 weeks,” the report read.

In a letter dated September 18, 2019, ZPPA wrote to the Ministry of Health expressing concern with the manner in which the ministry intended to meet its contractual obligations with Missionpharma.

The ZPPA also warned that the Ministry would incur and accrue more costs by engaging another supplier for the stop gap measure as opposed to relying on the existing contract with Missionpharma.

But on 23rd October 2019, the Procurement Committee approved the award of contracts recommended by the Evaluation Committee as follows; (a) Lots 1 and 3 to Artemis Pharmaceuticals Zambia Limited at the sum of US$14,139,450,00 with a delivery period of 6 to 10 weeks. (b) Lot 2 and 4 to Honeybee Pharmacy at the sum of US$17,958,150,00 with a delivery period of 8 to 12 weeks. (c) Lot 5 to Pharmanova Zambia Limited at the sum of US$3,554,100,00 with a delivery period of 14 to 16 weeks.

Further, ZPPA noted that some of the companies that were awarded the contract did not meet the conditions specified in the tender, including the fact that “companies needed to hold a license from Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) because kit packaging was part of manufacturing.

ZPPA noted that it was surprising that selected companies without such licenses were allowed to participate and eventually selected for award of contract.

There was a further contradiction of the statement in the bid document which required participating companies to have manufactured or marketed the product for a minimum of two years. The Authority observed that the Evaluation Committee did not fully consider the qualification requirement ITB 7.1 (a) of the SF when evaluating the bidders, which was contrary to Section 50 (2) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA).

Credit : news diggers

AN opposition leader has described as foolishness the planned protest by some youths against mismanagement of the country and other ills.

3RD Liberation Movement president Enock Tonga in a statement headlined ‘Foolish youths who are planning to protest must all be arrested now!” says anarchy should not be tolerated.

“It is very easy to destroy peace and tranquility, but much harder to create both. Stop it! In whose interest are you planning to protest? When you protest, then what?” Tonga asked. “Who does not know that all despair and anguish stems from corruption, which President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Mr Hakainde Hichilema together in parliament have embraced. Where was Mr Hakainde Hichilema, UPND in parliament and his so-called youths when President Edgar C. Lungu and his PF was busy borrowing Kaloba (usury/expensive loans) and have it misappropriated? For being part of governance system, did they benefit out of it?”

Tonga said the youths should “for once learn to use formal platforms – not noise!”

“You have all gone into hiding together with your President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Mr Hakainde Hichilema who have clearly demonstrated through their usual hypocritical tendencies of not willing – in Parliament, to stiffen law on corruption and enact a non-bailable law with it’s appropriate penalties of 50 years or more jail sentence, life imprisonment or death by hanging,” Tonga charged. “By hiding behind Facebook, should the loudest agitate for anarchy; you think that is being a brave young person. Nonsense! We are young and brave people fighting for a third liberation of Zambia and that of Africa. Ask the National Assembly of Zambia, in case you’re a doubting Thomas.”

He said Zambia, at all times, must be a nation of law and order not disorder to save criminals’ interests.

“That must be stopped at a supersonic speed. Fools! You keep quiet on the fight against corruption using a non-bailable law on corruption and see it fit to protest and cause confusion on an issue (gold deal) which is a by-product of corruption. You must be sick in your heads. [Stephen] Kampyongo, have them all locked up without mercy,” said Tonga. “Law enforcers, do not wait for tomorrow, it could be too late. Move in, go ahead now, and have those foolish youths planning to protest and disturb Zambia’s peace and tranquility… prevention is better than cure. Stop issuing out empty threats. Act now, for you know what they are doing and where they are. Save life and property before it’s too late.”

9 June 2020

ZNBC BUILDING A CASE AGAINIST HH USING PF PROPAGANDA

On 7 June 2020, the during the 19:00 hours main news on TV1 , ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION (ZNBC) carried a totally misleading story brewed by known Patriotic Front (PF) propagandists to achieve the hidden, but exposed agenda.

Even the newscaster (name withheld) presented the story as if she was sitting on a million drawing pins. ZBNC is pushing a PF propaganda by championing a falsehood that the leader of the biggest and strongest opposition party in Zambia is inciting people to rise against a failed PF government.

Traditionally, ZNBC is on record of carrying stories that always project UPND President, Hakainde Hichilema in a negative sense. And in this particular story, Mr Hichilema is again projected as the one inciting people to ‘raise against’ Edgar Lungu’s shrunken and finished empire.

Newscaster reads..,

“UPND President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema has urged Zambians to rise against the alleged injustice that is being perpetuated by government. The opposition leader also asked people to rise against the wrong doings by those in government. Mr Hichilema said this on Diamond TV today,” ends Newscaster.

Notice that in the above three sentences, the words RISE AGAINIST were deliberately used TWICE in very close proximity to paint Mr Hichilema black; as blackness can be! While the UPND president was asking questions in his address, ZNBC presented it as a treasonable matter to achieve the PF game plan.

HH video clip plays..,

“I ask the people of Zambia, how many more people will be brutalized by the Police through Mr Lungu, Lusambo, Kampyongo before we say no to that; within the law, within the constitution? How many more? How many more media houses will be attacked and destroyed before we stand up and say no? How many more. How many more people do you want arrested for notifying the police of an intended peaceful demonstration?” ends video clip.

It is concerning that ZNBC decided to twist Mr Hichilema’s message from mere sensible questions to something else as per PF government game plan. The nature of the news was a plot to find Mr Hichilema guilty of another unfounded seditious case brewed by PF.

We had enough of the fake treason charge of 2017 and we shall not allow the PF to repeat that stupidity months before the 2021 presidential elections. From 2015. Mr Lungu has placed his knee of the neck of Zambians, and every one of us is saying, “I can’t breathe!”

We, the people of Zambian need to breathe again in 2021, leave President Hichilema alone!

Mwango
09/06/2020
Checkmate

HOME Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo says people of Siavonga district should not wait for a person who has failed to attain power six times for them to see help.

And Kampyongo says there is no vacancy for President or Vice-President in PF.

Speaking when he addressed Siavonga district, constituency and ward PF officials, Sunday, Siavonga, Kampyongo, who is also PF national security chairperson said people in the area should work with President Edgar Lungu and produce a ruling party member of parliament.

“The President does not look at where people like him or they don’t like him, he is looking after the whole Zambia. You know where Western Province is and we have the Vice-President from there so don’t think that the President only thinks because here he only got few votes so he cannot work with the people, no. This is the reason why I have come here so that we work. So that people should know that government in power is working. So we want you people here to say that ‘yes, our government did this’. So don’t feel that we shall leave you behind because the President wants us to work together. We appreciate the votes that came here and so what we want now is to have more votes and have an MP and councilors and this can happen,” Kampyongo said.

“I want to encourage you that feel as any member of the PF. You are PF members just like PF members of Shiwang’andu. You are PF just like PF of Chawama. We don’t want to leave you. Yes, you may have an opposition MP but people should know that what do you benefit from him and in the way you vote? This is the message you are supposed to tell people. Help does not wait until that person becomes a President. What if he won’t be the President when he has been failing for six times? Even at school, the teacher may tell you that no, no, no how many times are we going to teach you. Now he is changing that that I am Bally. Do we know this Bally? So chair, we have taken note of the challenges and we shall address them.”

Kampyongo thanked party officials in that area for endorsing President Lungu as presidential candidate at the convention.

“I was with the President yesterday in Chirundu where the DC also came to welcome the President who came to see the projects in the newly created district and so he also permitted me that since he was unable to come here, he only dealt with Chirundu and Kafue, he permitted me to come and look at the works that are happening here. And so, I have very little time and I thought it was very important that I should come and meet you who are our party members because without you party members, I can’t be a Minister today. Without you party members, I can’t be an MP so we appreciate you and don’t set your mind very low but you can even get a PF MP here and councillors that is what you should be looking at because when you have got a person representing people working with the President, things becomes easy. It’s easier than when you don’t have someone to speak for the people because when you have someone speaks for the people, these projects would probably…he could have been pressurizing and making sure that these project should finish,” he said.

“I want to thank you for endorsing President Edgar Lungu as our candidate as we go to the convention. Those who want to stand, let them stand but we have the President already and the Vice-President so there is no vacancy at all. So all those who are saying they want to stand at the convention you should tell them that we already have the Presidential candidate.”

PRESS STATEMENT 9 TH JUNE 2020 THIS IS HOW PF COMMITTED SUICIDE.

PF has finally died painfully, after a long illness dating back in 201 5; the cause of death is suicide arising from Multiple Organ Failure. In 2015, PF was diagnosed with infection of the liver from the virus called stealing and corruption. Doctors advised PF that stealing and corruption are too sweet and very addictive but very harmful to the liver, known to be fatal even when taken in smaller quantities. In 2016, PF was again diagnosed with heart complications, caused by rigging elections. A team of Witch Doctors further complicated the condition by using un conversional methods and medicines. The disease became chronic.

In 2017, PF was further diagnosed with lung cancer caused by brutality and greediness. Both infections are transmitted by inhaling contaminated air from killings, maiming and jailing opposition opponents. Both are highly infectious and it’s believed a lot of people from various Government Institutions are also infected. The disease is very strange to Zambia. It was imported in the Country by PF from two tyrant dictators.

In 2018, PF was again diagnosed with renal (kidney) failure, caused by too much intake of foreign and local debt. Foreign and local specialists advised PF to desist from too much intake of debt. PF never listened and continued eating with both dirty hands. Credible institutions tried to save PF’s kidneys by prescribing a much user friendly debt, but PF chased them and said it was none of their business. After all it was their kidneys that will pack. In 2019, PF was yet again diagnosed with disorder of the Central Nervous System. The cause of this disorder is arrogance. Of late, PF has been having difficulties in performing National duties properly. PF was warned, but as usual ignored the advice.

Finally in 2020, PF suffered a rapture of the blood vessel in the head leading to severe stroke due pressure from Bill 10 and the Youths. Bill 10 and Youths caused PF’s blood pressure to shoot up. PF just collapsed. The normal Clergy has refused to hold a requiem mass for the late PF, saying they don’t entertain crooks who commit suicide. As usual, Men of Gold are coming in to benefit from the offerings during the mass. Burial is set for 2021. Our deepest condolences, but PF please don’t come back, not even in ghost

form.

Percy Chanda

UPND Chairman for Mines and Freedom Fighter

RENOWNED musician Brain Bwembya popularly known as B-Flow says some contributions to discussions on governance issues which he instigated have “high propensity to cause unnecessary confusion”.

In a statement released after a meeting with Presidential Press Aide Isaac Chipampe, Political Advisor Chris Zumani Zimba and Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo at State House, Monday, Bwembya charged that some people were taking advantage of the progressive debate to advance their agenda.

“I have noted some of the contributions to our discussions and I must state that a few have high propensity to cause unnecessary confusion. Obviously, there are some people with other agendas that may want to take advantage of our progressive debate thereby sidetracking us from our critical national development concerns such as ill treatment of Zambian workers by some foreign investors, youth unemployment, corruption, freedom of expression, gold mining etc. Therefore, we must not lose focus on the important issues we have raised and we should continue raising them using all platforms available to us,”Bwembya stated.

“I strongly believe that our efforts in trying to get the government leadership to listen and act on our concerns are not in vain. Today State House invited me for a meeting with the Presidential Press Aide Mr Isaac Chipampe and the Political Advisor Mr Chris Zumani Zimba in order for them to get a clear picture of the issues that youths like myself are raising. I clearly made my submissions without fear or favor and they were well noted. After we concluded our meeting, the President’s Political Advisor invited Lusaka Provincial Minister Hon Bowman Lusambo who was also at State House for another meeting in order for me to express my concerns to him regarding his recent remarks which were injurious to me. It was cordial and of mutual respect, a platform at which I was assured of government’s respect for our freedom of expression.”

He stated that discussions on national matters could stir the country into chaos if not properly managed.

“I’m greatly humbled and inspired by the support and counsel that I have received and continue to receive from my fellow youths during the recent and ongoing discussions on important national matters. I’m also grateful to the many senior citizens that have offered guidance and support towards the critical issues that we have been raising as youths. From time immemorial, youths have played a vital role in the development of Zambia including the attainment of Independence, contribution to the national GDP as key players in the formal and informal sector and more,” stated Bwembya.

“Our ongoing discussions on important national matters have created an atmosphere of openness and wider youth engagement in national development issues. If properly managed, this atmosphere can stir our country towards national prosperity. This goes to show the positive side of social media. In this regard, we must continue enjoying and exercising our freedom of expression. However, if not properly managed, this new atmosphere also has the potential to instigate chaos in our great nation.This is as it should be and we remain resolute to continue to monitor this positive window of commitment to the development process. In conclusion, I am delighted to know that I have contributed to the enhancement of youth engagement and participation in raising concerns and positive views on development issues. I will continue to use my platforms to speak for the voiceless in a respectful and non-partisan way and I hope that the government will also engage with us in a respectful manner.”

Bweembya had received massive support after he refused to apologise for criticising government on various governance issues, as ordered by Lusambo.

YOUTHS DON’T JOIN BATTLES YOU AREN’T SURE. GOOD BYE BROTHER BFLOW

In a nation of apologies and reconciliation with and for criminals, you must think twice before you make any move to do battle. Some of us have been in this for long to understand the temptations that come along with it.

I have just seen a press statement from my brother Bflow who is a musician. Following the recent drama after Bownman Lusambo insulted youths and Edgar Lungu, some of us have maintained that we shall stand up for Zambia even at gun point.

According to Bflow, this morning State House called him for a reconciliation and not for an apology. The question is how different is his move with that of Malembe Kings? Has he just betrayed the ghost youths he has been claiming to represent?

Secondly, I find Mr Bwembya’s statement so malicious where he claims some people want to dilute his meaningful call on the government to listen to youths. The question I’m posing to him is who funds him and PF leaders to go to the toilet? Because if this is the same situation here why should any sane youth be influenced or funded by any one to voice out their opinion on national matters?

My third point. If you only want to be useless in this country on how to handle national matters allow yourself to bow down to PF then you are doomed.

A practical example is Mr Zumani current political advisor to the president who once taught me political science at UNZA, the man was critical and could bring very educative and perfect issues for one to genuinely think about the well being of the country, where is he today? Isn’t he among the most incompetent people working with the corrupt PF government of Lungu?

To all the youths, some of us have been tried before , inticed with all sorts of benefits right there in State Gouse just to make sure that we tone down over the criminal activities Edgar Lungu has sanctioned together with his thieves, but we have said no, because we care about Zambia.

To this effect I want to greatly honour my brother Pilato. I think he has survived these cosmetic political surgery and choose to remain who he wants to be both in a poor and rich state.

Yesterday, I had State House briefing about why miraculously ZNBC aired the opposition HH, it is not something worthy of celebrating but part and parcel of what Bflow has fallen into.

In simple terms, I can confirm that Bflow has been captured by thieves and criminals, therefore, those ghost youths he has been claiming to representing should not expect anything meaningful from him.

Infiltration is taking place, don’t be quick to claim we are speaking for you not until the devil is delivered. Youths remember satan is so persistent.

Sikaile Sikaile
Good Governance and Human Rights Activist

My fellow disgruntled youths,

I’m greatly humbled and inspired by the support and counsel that I have received and continue to receive from my fellow youths during the recent and ongoing discussions on important national matters. I’m also grateful to the many senior citizens that have offered guidance and support towards the critical issues that we have been raising as youths.

From time immemorial, youths have played a vital role in the development of Zambia including the attainment of Independence, contribution to the national GDP as key players in the formal and informal sector and more.

Our ongoing discussions on important national matters have created an atmosphere of openness and wider youth engagement in national development issues. If properly managed, this atmosphere can stir our country towards national prosperity. This goes to show the positive side of social media. In this regard, we must continue enjoying and exercising our freedom of expression. However, if not properly managed, this new atmosphere also has the potential to instigate chaos in our great nation. I have noted some of the contributions to our discussions and I must state that a few have high propensity to cause unnecessary confusion. Obviously, there are some people with other agendas that may want to take advantage of our progressive debate thereby sidetracking us from our critical national development concerns such as treatment of Zambian workers by some foreign investors, youth unemployment, corruption, freedom of expression, gold mining etc. Therefore, we must not lose focus on the important issues we have raised and we should continue 

raising them using all platforms available to us.

I strongly believe that our efforts in trying to get the government leadership to listen and act on our concerns are not in vain.

Today State House invited me for a meeting with the Presidential Press Aide Mr Isaac Chipampe and the Political Advisor Mr Chris Zumani Zimba in order for them to get a clear picture of the issues that youths like myself are raising.

I clearly made my submissions without fear or favor and they were well noted. After we concluded our meeting, the President’s Political Advisor invited Lusaka Provincial Minister Hon Bowman Lusambo who was also at State House for another meeting in order for me to express my concerns to him regarding his recent remarks which were injurious to me. It was cordial and of mutual respect, a platform at which I was assured of government’s respect for our freedom of expression.

This is as it should be and we remain resolute to continue to monitor this positive window of commitment to the development process.

In conclusion, I am delighted to know that I have contributed to the enhancement of youth engagement and participation in raising concerns and positive views on development issues. I will continue to use my platforms to speak for the voiceless in a respectful and non-partisan way and I hope that the government will also engage with us in a respectful manner.

May the good Lord bless the disgruntled youths of mother Zambia.

Brian Bwembya A.K.A B’Flow

BRE, WEST MPS RESOLVE TO REJECT BILL NO. 10

“Mukela Manyando twist the resolutions”

By BWD Swaaala Swaaala/Mutemwa Sinonge

BRE and Western Province Members of Parliament on Saturday had a crucial meeting were they unanimously resolved to reject the constitution amendment bill number 10 of 2019 in its entirety on the foundation that it has been manufactured to further injure the people of Barotseland.

In the meeting there were two different school of thoughts with Nalikwanda MP Prof. Geoffrey Lungwangwa and Senanga MP Mukumbuta Mulowa backing Bill No. 10 of 2019 saying it is a progressive document that will give powers to the Litunga and BRE to install, recognize and remove Chiefs. While another School of thought arising from UPND MP of Parliament led by Provincial Chairperson Mbangweta saying they will never support Bill No. 10 because it is retrogressive, injurious and aims at throwing Zambians into abject poverty.

UPND members of Parliament vowed to defend the people of Western Province by rejecting the Bill adding that the Bill No. 2019 is aiming the people of Barotseland and her Nation.

Submitting further, UPND Members of Parliament argued that there are some clauses in the proposed constitution which will completely remove the unitary state Status.

MPs argued that Barotseland and Northern Rhodesia become one country after Barotseland agreement 1964 and removing Unitary clause that is saying Barotseland never existed.

But Prof. Lungwangwa and Mulowa agrued that all clauses BRE feels it is detrimental to the national status of Barotseland will be removed on the third reading in Parliament.

After a high level of tension and debate BRE lndunas gave their ruling and position on the matter.

BRE advised UPND Members to maintain their position and reject Bill No. 10.

BRE vehemently condemned Bill No. 10 saying it main aim is to bring further confusion and legal status of Barotseland.

They said Kaunda betrayed them and this time they will not accept such a thing to happen.

“Go to Parliament and reject this Bill for the good of the people of Barotseland. Remember this is a Nation; we are with Zambia because of BA 1964. Be united and represent us well. We have resolved here together that we shall never support this Bill. It is a collective decision.” Induna Mukulwakashiko said.

” We are not in support of Bill No. 10 as BRE. We have rejected it strongly. Zambia wants to put us in a dilemma.So hear from us, please don’t disappoint us by supporting this evil Bill. ” Induna lnyamawima added.

After four Indunas selected to talk on behalf of others , it was time for the Ngambeia to summarise everything on what BRE and MPs

After four Indunas selected to talk on behalf of others , it was time for the Ngambela to summarise everything on what BRE and MP3 agreed.

The Ngambela brought a 10minutes confusion in his concluding remarks when he woke up and changed the resolutions made by BRE and UPND MPs:

” I advise you to go and Support Bill No. 10 as you wish. Go please and do the needful. Support this Bill. Go there and Support this progressive document” Ngambela twisted the resolutions.

It was at this time when some Indunas rose in hot tempters and grilled the Ngambela why he was saying things the meeting never discussed. Induna Inyamawima was seen incensed and fumed at 190 BP level.

” Why are you changing the Resolutions why Ngambela, why do you want to betray the people of Barotseland. We never agreed such a thing here.” surprised Induna Inyamawima

And erupted and questioned Induna Namunda why the Ngambela summarised fake resolutions never discussed in the meeting.

” Are you in order the Ngambela to change our resolutions in a few minutes here. No! please can you withdraw the statement you have made” demanded Induna Namunda.

As some Indunas were busy blasting the Ngambela , other Indunas were heard saying ” uchile kapene maabani from Given Lubinda. Uchile, Uchile…kapene kaizi fa Mulala…” said Indunas while laughing.

Ngambela changed his statement ” please go and do what we discussed here …. I end here” All the people in the meeting were shocked.

BWD has been informed that the Ngambela was convinced by Justice Minister Given Lubinda to support Bill No 10 because all articles evilish in the face of BRE will be instantly removed when Parliament resumes.

After the meeting , lnduna Kuso , Ngambela and others remained at night discussing how they can twist the Resolutions. We are yet to get details.

IT’S AN INSULT TO THE INTELLIGENCE OF ZAMBIANS TO THINK THEY CAN ONLY REACT T0 BAD GOVERNANCE IF THEY ARE FUNDED

We have noted insinuations that the planned protests by Zambian youths have been funded by someone.

The Zambian youths are grown enough citizens who are suffering and know what they want hence able to make their own decisions.

These youths have eyes and ears to see and hear for themselves how the PF have messed up this country.

Which organization or politician can manage to bribe all of them to fight their battles such as need for jobs, freedom of expression and other civil liberties?

It is therefore mischievous, malicious and and an insult to the already depressed youths for the Inspector General of the Police Mr. Kakoma Kanganja to claim that he has received information of some civil society organizations and some opposition causes parties who he says have funded youths in the country to cause anarchy.

Honestly, if this man knew the people who have funded disgruntled youths, would he be there issuing empty threats that are only violating their rights to freedom of expression and speech and fueling the tension?

There’s unprecedented massive corruption, mismanagement of public funds and natural resources, the PF and foreigners are taking our gold away for their personal benefits and now we have the IG issuing threats against citizens.

The people who should have limits are those plundering public funds, mismanaging our minerals and promoting foreigners at the expense of Zambians.

This is the same PF regime that has to date failed to tell the nation who the gassers were and who was funding their operations.

This is the same man that has failed to tell the nation who the owners of 48 houses are.

They have failed to tell the nation who killed Mapenzi Chibulo, Lawrence Banda, Frank Mugala, Vespers Shimuzhila, and many other people.

They have failed to tell the citizens how the Mukulu trees were looted by foreigners without benefiting our citizens, particu|ar|y the youth.

Stephen Katuka UPND Secretary General

Press Statement

LUNGU’S FAILURE TO REALISE THAT HE IS THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA

08/06/2020

As National Democratic Congress, NDC, Lusaka Province, we are extremely worried with the failure by President Edgar Lungu to realise that he is the republican president of Zambia, although strangely sworn in by the Registrar of the High Court in 2016.

We have been compelled to raise this concern following recent lamentations by President Lungu over his inability to discipline some known delinquent ministers and key government officials.

During his address to PF officials in Kasempa recently, the president lamented that the PF government risked losing elections on similar grounds that MMD lost power. He echoed that if left unchecked, the bad elements in PF such as land grabbers would cost the party in 2021 elections.

Fellow citizens, we are shocked to note that President Lungu who lives just opposite Arakan Barracks does not comprehend that he has all the instruments of power vested under his authority. It is unfortunate that President Lungu does not understand that the Republican Constitution has fully equipped him to deal with all the delinquent ministers and government officials.

We wish to advise President Lungu to consult Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who effectively utilised these instruments of power to bring sanity in the country.

It is sad to note that national assets like gold are being stolen while the Head of State is just watching. It is also sad to note that ministers like Ronald Chitotela and Dr. Chitalu Chilufya continue serving while being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). It is further sad to note that incompetent officials like Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganga are still in office. KK did not tolerate such misdemeanors, he fired ministers for excessive abuse of alcohol.

We have singled out Kanganja, because he has failed to arrest the known criminals in the PF Government prompting the Head of State to lament. It is the job of the Inspector General, the ACC Director General and the Commissioner of the Drug Enforcement Commission to weed out these criminal elements from the PF Government so that President Lungu can sleep peacefully.

Our worry as NDC Lusaka Province is that President Lungu does not replace these non-performers with competent ones.

We are further disappointed with President Lungu for lamenting that voters will not vote for the PF in 2021 unless criminal elements are weeded out from his administration. Why is the President so obsessed with the PF winning the 2021 Elections when his administration has lamentably failed to effectively govern Zambia. Here, we do not want to be diplomatic, President Lungu since winning the presidency in 2016, your Government has proved to be the most incompetent as it is only interested in power. And, when the public advise you of your failures, the reaction is, we have built roads, schools, hospitals and so forth as if another leadership cannot do the same. Surely, is this the reason why you want to cling to power when you are failing to use it for the benefit of the entire country?

Sorry, President Lungu, please step aside at the end of your second term and let others take over the reigns of the Zambian presidency.

Zambians are fatigued with your inability to provide quality leadership. Mr president, bawishi Tasila, why don’t you act timely on bad elements that have been worsening your legacy systimaticaly. Mr President, recently, your party vice Secretary General justified the illeagal collections of revenue from bus stops by party thugs. This, and many other retrogresive pronouncements are being made under your watch.

Mr President, Zambians voted out MMD and you brought back the corrupt DNA of MMD.

Zambians, we have warned you. 2021 is just around the corner. Vote wisely.

Kennedy Siyanda
NDC LUSAKA PROVINCE CHAIRMAN

Police in Lusaka will today be on high alert to thwart any protests allegedly organised by some political parties and Civil Society Organisations over the alleged threats on freedom of speech, expression and assembly in Zambia.

According to President Edgar Lungu, there is a scheme in Zambia by some Civil Society Organisations and Political parties and Civil society Organisations who have put money aside to fund students to protest and cause confusion in the country.

Whilst addressing PF members over the weekend in Chirundu, President Lungu warned that any such action will be met with equal force from the Police.

President Lungu said the protests are being organised to attract attention from partners such as the USA that there is no democracy in Zambia as the government is cramping down on people with divergent views.

The President warned warned that anyone that will be found breaking the law will be dealt with by the police in accordance with the law.
And the Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has warned of stern action against individuals that are planning to conduct an illegal protest.

Mr Kanganja has also confirmed having information of some people who have been paid by political players to cause confusion in the country.

Talking to ZNBC, Mr Kanganja said the Police will not allow anyone to destabilize the peace that the country enjoys.

The PF Government has come under intense criticism from stakeholders particularly youths for threatening Freedom of expression.

This was after Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo gave youths Chellah Tukuta, B-Flow and Kings Malembe Malembe an ultimatum to apologise for speaking out on issues affecting the nation.

Mr Lusambo accused the trio of insulting the presidency for speaking out on unemployment, lack of empowerment, gold mining and issues at Konkola Copper mines among other issues.

Only Kings Malembe Malembe has since apologised.

Meanwhile, PF Media Director Sunday Chanda has said that the Opposition leaders together with bedfellows in civil society are seeking to incite Zambian youths into placing their own lives and careers in danger.

Mr. Chanda said that if these people cared so much, they would have been the one on the streets protesting as opposed to putting the lives of other people’s children at risk.

Mr. Chanda said that President Edgar Lungu is not against freedom of expression but this should be done within the confinement of the law, adding that Freedom of expression comes with responsibilities, and those who exercise it should not defame others.

Mr. Chanda has since challenged Opposition leaders and their friends in civil society to stop inciting innocent young people and instead take it upon themselves to protest on the streets.

By Agness Changala-Katongo

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has applied for leave in the Lusaka High Court to commence judicial review proceedings against Energy minister Mathew Nkhuwa’s decision to declare it’s transmission and distribution lines as common carriers.

The energy company stated that if leave was granted, a direction that such grant should operate as a stay of the decision of further proceedings to which this application relates until the determination of the case.

Last week, the government declared CEC transmission and distribution lines as common carrier after Nkhuwa signed SI No 57 of 2020.

CEC has since sought an order to quash the above decision and a further order to stop Nkhuwa from enforcing SI 57.

According to a notice of application for leave to apply for judicial review, filed in the principal registry, CEC is seeking to challenge Energy Regulation Board (ERB)’s decision of May 31, 2020 to direct it to charge wheeling tariff of US$5,84/kw/month.

The energy company has cited the Attorney General and ERB, seeking a declaration that the minister’s decision to declare its transmission and distribution lines as common carrier was unlawful.

The corporation is also seeking a declaration that Nkhuwa’s decision to provide a wheeling path for Zesco Limited to supply power to KCM or terms dictated by ERB was illegal and therefore, now and void.

It further wants the court to declare that Nkhuwa’s decision to issue Statutory Instrument No57 of 2020 was illegal.

Further, CEC wants the court to direct that the decision by ERB director general that it charges a wheeling tariff of US5, 84/kw/month was illegal and therefore null and void.

CEC stated that it had a contract with Zesco for the supply and purchase of power, the bulk supply agreement (BSA) entered into on November 21,1997 and expired on March 31,2020 following an extension of its original tenure of 15 to 20 years.

It stated that it had been the main supplier of power to the mines on the Copperbelt, consequently to which it had entered into various existing long term power supply agreements including that which KCM whose term expired on March 31, 2020 but was extended to May 31,2020 by consent of the parties.

It stated that on March 31 this year, Nkhuwa announced that he had decided to impose “unilateral” and non negotiable terms for an interim arrangement between CEC and Zesco, terms the CEC did not accept.

CEC stated that Zesco had non the less made attempts to enforce these unilateral terms and communicated its position in various correspondents.

The energy company stated that the power supply agreement issued between CEC and Zesco continued to be unsettled, and another matter arose following CEC’s attempts to recover a debt in excess of Us$144million owed to it by KCM.

The applicant stated that it had thus rooted in the power supply agreement between CEC and KCM, a private entity now under the control and direction of the government though its appointed liquidator.

CEC explained that the BSA expired on March 30 this year but it’s terms were extended to May 31, by a letter of intent dated
April 17, 2020.

It stated that KCM as a customer of CEC was under a duty to pay its electricity bills for power supply received from the applicant and the applicant was legally entitled to suspend supply of electricity to the mine whenever KCM defaults in its duty to settle the bills.

“As at 31 May, 2020, KCM owes the applicant US$144million cumulatively for a period of 12 months, the amount continues to increase,” CEC revealed.

And CEC stated that KCM did not dispute its indebtedness and consequently, entered into a Supplimental Agreement to the power supply agreement dated July 18, 2019 in which KCM undertook to liquidate its indebtedness to the applicant but has since defaulted.

CEC stated that on May 28, this year, Nkhuwa wrote to CEC asking them to give wheeling path to Zesco to supply power to KCM and it was at this point that the applicant realized the customer Zesco was referring to was in fact KCM.

CEC insisted that it would restrict power supply to KCM since power supply agreement with KCM had expired and because KCM was indebted to CEC and did not seem interested to settle its debt.

The corporation stated that Nkhuwa however, on May 29, 2020 declared its transmission and distribution lines ad common carrier, a declaration which was intended to facilitate transmission of power from Zesco to KCM using CEC infrastructure.

The applicant stated that following Nkhuwa’s directive, CEC had continued to supply KCM with power despite there being no power supply agreement and despite the mines indebtedness to CEC in excess of US$144million.

It stated that the minister’s decision to declare its transmission and distribution lines as a common carrier via SI no. 57 of 2020 was ultra vires section 15 of the Electricity Act .

NATIONAL Democratic Congress leader Chishimba Kambwili is aghast at the level of threats and intimidation on youths and artistes that speak against corruption in the country.

Reacting to Lusaka minister Bowman Lusambo’s ultimatum on social commentators and artistes to withdraw statements about the PF corruption, Kambwili vowed to stand with all the youths and artistes that are standing for Zambia.

“I saw a video where Bowman was threatening Kings Malembe, B-Flow and [Tukuta] Chellah, and it’s sad to see a minister make such threats against the youths that are exercising their democratic rights to air out grievances against corrupt practices,” Kambwili said.

Two days ago gospel singer Kings ‘Malembe Malembe’ Mumbi warned President Lungu about the government’s intention to give a gold mine in North-Western Province to Sudanese investor Karma or any other investors.

Mumbi said if President Lungu went ahead to disregard the cries of the people not to give away the gold mine and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to foreigners, he risked losing next year’s presidential elections.

And youths like musicians Pilato – real name Chama Fumba, Brian ‘B-Flow’ Bwembya and photographer Chellah Tukuta have been speaking against the PF’s plunder of resources and corruption.

Briefing the press at his office on Wednesday, Lusambo warned the trio and others not to condemn President Lungu and PF and gave them 24 hours to withdraw their statements.

But Kambwili said Patriotic Front founder Michael Sata loved youths and artistes and always engaged them in a respectful manner, unlike what is happening with the current regime.

“President Sata loved the artistes and youths in the country and it’s no wonder many artistes loved him and sang for him even without paying them any money. They had a father in him and he embraced them as his children,” he said.

Prior to the PF’s election to officie in 2011, Lusambo was a self-proclaimed MMD diehard supporter who frequently disparaged the late Sata and the then opposition party.

Lusambo only joined the ruling PF following Sata’s death in 2014, and was later appointed minister by President Edgar Lungu.

Kambwili said Zambia was for Zambians and everyone was free to talk about the governance of the country.

He said youths were the majority population and a great stakeholder in Zambian politics as they had their whole lives ahead of them.

“We stand with all the youths and artists that are being threatened and I would like to tell them that they should not fear Lusambo but know that we are behind them,” he said. “And anyone who needs legal aid should let us know because these people should be sued for stepping on people’s rights like this. Lusambo’s threats should not be taken lightly.”

Kambwili expressed shock that a minister could publicly threaten artistes in a country where free speech was a constitutional right.

He noted that the youths never insulted anyone but simply spoke about genuine governance and developmental issues affecting the country such as the giving away of gold mines to foreigners.

“Lusambo speaks on behalf of President Lungu, so everything he said has President Lungu’s support. I challenge President Lungu to denounce what Lusambo said if he does not support it,” he said.

Kambwili urged youths and artistes that are speaking out on bad governance issues to continue doing so.

He said governance was everyone’s business and should not just be left for politicians.

Kambwili said no one should apologise for speaking the truth but express themselves even more as the future of the country lies in the hands of the youths and the brave.

“I have sadly observed that Kings ‘Malembe Malembe’ has already apologised after being threatened to do so within 24 hours by Lusambo. There is nothing wrong that he did apart from call black, black and yellow, yellow. I wonder why they want to use the artistes’ voices when it’s election time and insult the same artistes’ intelligence when they voice out about issues that concerns them,” said Kambwili.

President Edgar Lungu says the road network in Rufunsa District has not been worked on because area Member of Parliament Sheal Mulyata has not presented the case to Government.

President Lungu said the UPND Law Maker has not approached the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development to request that the road network in the area be worked on.

The President has however said that it is important for opposition MPs to work closely with government in order to improve the welfare of the Zambian people.

Speaking when he visited St Luke’s College of Nursing and Midwifery in Rufunsa district, Lusaka Province where he interacted with village headmen and head women from Shikabeta, Bunda Bunda and Mphanshya Chiefdoms, the President directed Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale to quickly find ways of improving the road network.

He urged the people of Rufunsa to work closely with the District Commissioner and present their cases with her in order for the government to respond on time in time.

And President Lungu is disappointed that the UPND Rufunsa MP Sheal Mulyata has not approached the government on the construction of communication towers.

She said it is disappointing that the MP has been silent on many challenges facing the area hoping to see the PF failing and losing elections next year.

President Lungu said the MP will be shocked because the PF is retaining power next year.

Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has met artisanal gold mining cooperatives in Rufunsa who recently received exploration and artisanal processing equipment. The 3 cooperatives- Kamandu, Pokela, and Chomwetu demonstrated how the equipment is used to recover gold from alluvial soil.

The President expressed disappointment at the levels of misinformation and lies circulating on the management and participation of local Zambians in the gold sector, especially among the educated.

He implored ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Mr Eric Silwamba to continue sensitising the public on various initiatives and strategies that ZCCM-IH is implementing in carrying out its mandate of managing the programmes and activities in the gold sector.

The President was accompanied by Provincial Minister Hon. Bowman Lusambo and Provincial PS Mr. Elias Kamanga. The entourage was received by Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon. Richard Musukwa and his PS Mr Barnaby Mulenga, Minister of Commerce Hon. Christopher Yaluma, ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Mr. Eric Silwamba, IDC CEO Mr. Mateyo Kaluba, and ZCCM-IH CEO Mr. Mabvuto Chipata

Hon. Bowman Chilosha Lusambo Writes…

“RIGHT MESSAGE, WRONG AUDIENCE: THE CASE OF MUSICIANS AND SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM

The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 13:24 that “Whoever spares the rod hates his son. but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

The Holy Book is instructive to us parents who choose to care for and discipline our children that we truly love them and are following the Lord’s command.

| wish to stress my point that my address on Tuesday centred on Kings Malembe Malembe because I consider him as my young brother. I know Kings very well. The Kings some of you are seeing today can be considered as a finished article, I met Kings before he even got started. And given the unique relationship he enjoys with the First Family, I offered counsel and asked him to apologize for the manner in which he addressed himself because I believe the route he took was a wrong one. I am pleased that I heed my advice and almost immediately, he apologized.

The principle in communication is you can have the best message in the world, but if you deliver it to the wrong audience, it will fall on deaf ears and not resonate.

Have you ever wondered why the same joke you which was a big hit to a group of your friends was a flop when told to your parents or grandparents? The reason is simple, you didn’t change the tone of your voice, the words, the delivery. Classic case of mixing up audiences. Before creating any message, you must consider who the audience is and how they will take that message. What do you want the audience to do?

With that said, addressing the Head of State requires that one attaches the decorum and sedateness that comes with the highest office in the land. Like him or not, the President carries the collective aspirations of all the 17 million Zambians and therefore he deserves to be respected. You do not address his Office as if you are addressing your drink buddies in a Sunday Pub.

As for others, I was offering brotherly advice because I do not want to see them make mistakes in their young careers. l have been a politician for a very long time and most of that time, I spent it as a Youth Activist. I understand Youth Activism better than most of the young people speaking out today, my fear is that they are going about it the wrong way. I spoke out on key national issues when most of the youths choose to remain silent and records are there for all to see. There was a time l was also about to make similar mistakes but I listened to the counsel from elders like Dr Nevers Mumba, I am here today because I listened and young people should learn to listen. Let me also stress that I respect youth voices but I also believe that the mode of delivery and the audience ought to be correct.

Artists need to respect their fans. If they wish to do political activism, let them become politicians and we will address as such. There is a clear distinction between performing at political functions and raising political messages. When they perform at political events, that is a purely commercial undertaking and they are paid as stipulated in the agreed contracts. Instead of recording short videos disparaging the Head of State, they should be in the studios recording music that will put food on the table even when times are hard for everyone economically.”

LETTER TO PRESIDENT LUNGU AND HON. LUSAMBO ON ZAMBIAN YOUTHS AND GOLD PROJECTS.
———————————————————

Dear President Lungu and Hon. Lusambo,

Honourable Lusambo yesterday promised that leaders are willing to listen to youths if they can engage them in constructive dialogue and that includes the President. As a law abiding Zambian youth and writing on behalf of millions of like minded youths including those that have been openly expressing themselves, I present this proposal. I want to discuss this with Honourable Lusambo and President Lungu in person. The President is for all Zambians and parents should be happy that their children want to engage them in discussing the future of the country.

The Bank of Zambia will be buying processed gold, this means we don’t have to worry about navigating export procedures. Zambian youths want to have a stake in gold, Zambian commercial banks want to expand their loan portfolio by lending to viable gold projects. The Bank of Zambia has K10 billion to lend to Zambians through commercial banks. I don’t see any problem here, all I see are solutions.

The K10 b is good capital for gold mining and processing. All we need to do is bring Bank of Zambia, commercial banks, youth entrepreneurs, ministry of commerce, ministry of mines and ZCCM IH together to design viable gold mining and processing projects including hiring foreign experts where we don’t have local expertise to provide consultancy on these projects. The capital is the K10b made available by the Bank of Zambia. Commercial banks access it from BOZ and pass it on to youth led gold mining and processing projects in form of low interest loans. Mining, processing and business consultants are hired and paid to provide leadership and expertise on these projects. Using money from Bank of Zambia, the gold is mined and processed by youth led projects under the gold company and sold back to the Bank of Zambia. The Bank of Zambia pays the gold projects/ gold company through commercial banks that deduct loan repayments.

We don’t need any joint ventures with foreign firms. The youth led gold mining projects get 55% shares in the gold company and ZCCM IH gets 45%. Youth led gold processing projects get 65% shares in gold processing while the gold company gets 35%.

Moving forward no foreign firm should be given any license in mining projects so that as these local gold projects grow they venture into copper, emeralds, manganese and other minerals. That’s how we can gain control of our mineral resources, keep over $6b export earnings within the Zambian financial system and economy which can be used to support agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing and enable us build roads, schools and hospitals using local resources.

I have done my part as a Zambia youth, millions of Zambian youths await your repsonse to this proposal.

Thank you,

Alexander Nkosi.

(Development Economist: 0963190263, alexnkosi2006@yahoo.com)

LUSAKA Province Minister Bowman Lusambo says freedom of expression should not suddenly mean that one has to act to more intelligent than the President.

And Lusambo says as the parent of Lusaka Province, he knows what’s best.

Speaking on a Diamond TV Program, Wednesday, Lusambo said there was a thin line between freedom of expression and misbehaving, which leads to lawlessness.

“I am a law abiding citizen and believe in the Constitution. I am a Minister and the President of Zambia, he’s a custodian of the Constitution, so all of us respect the Constitution. There is a very thin line between freedom of expression and lawlessness, there is a very thin line between freedom of expression and misbehaving. You can advise anyone, even you can advise me and there have been a lot of shows and we discuss developmental issues and governance and you discuss those things in the normal way. The first important thing not for me as Lusaka Province but as a country Zambia we have to respect the office of the Presidency. Freedom of expression, freedom of movement beyond those freedoms, it’s lawlessness,” Lusambo said.

“The freedom of expression you are talking about, I am very worried actually. Are you telling me the President in State House doesn’t know that Zambia has to be the priority number one in his governance? Are you telling me that suddenly someone has to be more intelligent than the President? This is what I am telling you checks and balances we do accept. Do you even know the gold mines which Kings was talking about? How many gold sites do we have in Zambia? What I said is that the President is not a yoyo where anyone can just come and start pushing the President here, no! You have to have respect for that office! We are saying you can advise the President with respect.”

He said people should address the office of the Presidency with fear.

“The problem which we have with the 1990s, 2000s, youths of today, they don’t want to be told the truth. My job is to protect the Office of the President. Lusaka Province it’s a no go area for any person who wants to bring lawlessness. The President’s office is one respected office and the respect we’ll give to the office is equal to the person who is occupying that office. In fact, if you want to address that office, you have to address it with fear! That office is not an office where any jim and jack can just pop up and want to advise the President. We are not infringing on any one’s rights; we are not cutting any one off, what we are saying is that can you know your boundaries,” he said.

And Lusambo said he is the parent of Lusaka Province and he knows what is best for his “children”.

“I am a parent in this province and I know what is best for my children and I know what is best for my people in Lusaka and I know the best behaviour which we should exhibit as Lusaka Province and as a nation,” he said.

“There is no one who has said people can’t talk to the President. The President was elected by the people and he has the mandate to administer the affairs of the people. For me, I can assure you that there are a lot of platforms where you can advise the President. Social media is not a platform. The reason why we have directors, Permanent Secretaries, the reason why we have district commissioners is that for you to visit the DC on the issues you feel are not moving well and if that district commissioner can’t address that issue at that level, he will push that problem to another level. If that problem has landed to my office, definitely I will look on the gravity of that issue. If I feel that this is an issue that can go to the President, I will take it to the President. The issue to do with the mines, we have Ministry of Mines, the Minister himself, we have the Permanent Secretary and we have directors. The issue to do with the gold which has been talked about, we have other concessions which are under ZCCM-IH.”

Lusambo further warned that government would continue to monitor and advise people who were abusing their freedom of expression.

” Social media for us as a country, it’s even destroying our generation. Social media can be very harmful and also can be a good platform to communicate with other people. So, we should not abuse social media. The people we are trying to advise here are the people who are abusing the social media platform. For me in Lusaka Province, we want people who are using social media with the intention which is the right intention,” said Lusambo.

“Lawlessness needs advice and when they assault the Constitution, definitely, the law will take its course. There are other institutions who will deal with those people. For those people, we will continue monitoring them. Let me be honest, we do allow people to express themselves, that is their constitutional right but also, we will want to tell them that there is a thin line between the constitutional right and misbehaving. How can you advise the President on governance? What you can do is ‘Mr President, there is this issue, how can we go about this issue?’ Governance is not something you just see and say I will advise the President. Even the President does not work alone, that is why he has a Cabinet. The Kings issue was just a by the way, I can’t hold a press briefing for those chaps, why should I start having press briefings for those?”