FORMER LUANSHYA MAYOR WRITES:::

Make office of Mayor Executive instead of removing term remit and bringing back MPs to the Councils.

Looking at the proposed amendment to the constitution especially to do with local authorities l feel there is a need to for wider consultation.

For example bringing Member of Parliament to local authorities will defeat the sprite of decentralisation which separate the roles and responsibilities of MPs and Civic leaders.

The main reason why MPs wants to come to back council it is because of constituency Development Fund (CDF ) not any other reason

Member of Parliament must understand that are policy makers. They formulate laws while Civic leaders make bye laws and do the implementation through chief officers under the local authorities.

My view on Local Government issues which needs to be attended to as a matter of urgency is the harmonizetion of functions of the office of the Mayor/Council Chairperson to that of the Town Clerk and District Commissioner (DC) which brings alot of misunderstanding when it comes to performing functions.

Mayors and Council Chairpersons are Established under article 154(1) and (2 )of the amended 2016 Constitution of Zambia unlike in the past  were Mayors and Council Chairpersons where elected by fellow councillors in accordance with section 16(1) (A)and (B) of the Local Government Act cap  281 of the Laws of Zambia.

Therefore Mayors/Chairpersons must be Executive because there elected in accordance  to article 47(1) directly by electorate in every district ensuring that their allegiance is to the people not to councillors or specific ward

Mayors/ Council Chairpersons must have condition of services clearly spelt out like those of other constitution office holders.

Also looking at the devolved functions and
responsibilities that have been placed on shoulders of councils Mayors must have authority but up to now if you look at the terms and Reference of Mayors for lack of better term are ceremonial by nature.

Councillors condition of services and qualification must be looked at because not every educated leader has monopoly of wisdom. Knowledge and natural wisdom from God is Different. Councillors are community leaders who don’t only need knowledge but also wisdom. 

Last but not the least as a seasoned Civic leader who worked under both provisions of the old and amendment constitution as Mayor been elected into by both councillors and residents. l feel  Councils and ward development committees (WDC)must be capacited and supported financially in order to attract more human resource to provide effective and efficient service delivery. Local authorities been the engine of Service delivery  must protected to enjoy its autonomy.

I submit

Nathan Chanda Bwalya
Former Mayor of Luanshya.

BISHOP JOHN GENERAL FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST SIMON MWEWA FOR ALLEGEDLY  CALLING HIM ‘FAKE’

By: Sun FM TV Reporter

Miracle Impact Ministries International Leader John Nundwe, also known as Bishop John General has filed a formal complaint at the Matero Police Station against Vlogger  Simon Mwewa, accusing him of publicly labeling him and the people of Matero as “fake.”

In a Facebook post monitored by Sun FM TV News, Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa, revealed that Mr. Nundwe is seeking legal action against Mwewa, demanding that he provide evidence in court to substantiate his claims.

“PARTICIPATE IN THE CURRENT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PROCESS”

A Political Activist KINGSLEY CHIBAMBA has urged the public to actively participate in the current constitutional reform process as it is their democratic right .

Mr CHIBAMBA says it saddening that some of members of the opposition have continued to oppose the process despite it being done to enhance development and improve the lives of the citizenry .

He says following the start of the constitutional reform process , Government has ensured that the win public trust .

Mr CHIBAMBA says some of the proposals such as  Members of parliament return to councils is a progressive clause that will not only enhance service delivery in the constituencies but also development.

He said in an interview that the return of both opposition and ruling MPs to councils  will help bridge the gap in actualised programmes in the constituencies .

ZNBC

M’MEMBE ENCOURAGES PARENTS AS SCHOOLS REOPEN

Lusaka… Tuesday May 13, 2025 — As schools reopened across the country, Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe extended a message of solidarity and encouragement to parents and guardians, acknowledging the difficult economic circumstances many are facing.

In a public statement, Dr. M’membe recognised the significant sacrifices families are making to ensure their children remain in school, despite “unbearable burdens” caused by rising costs of food, transportation, and other basic necessities.

He commended the perseverance of Zambian households, attributing their determination to an “unbreakable spirit” and a steadfast commitment to building a better future for the next generation.

Dr. M’membe assured citizens that the Socialist Party stands with them, emphasizing the importance of continued organization, mobilization, and advocacy for a just and fair society.

He encouraged the nation to keep hope alive and to strive for a dignified life for all families.

INCREASED COPPER PRODUCTION SPURS KWACHA GAINS

….as ANDD applauds KCM for prioritizing local contractors and suppliers in doing business on the Copperbelt

Lusaka… Tuesday May 13, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)

The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) says the revamping of the mining sector has started impacting positively on the economy as seen with the appreciation of the kwacha against major convertible currencies.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says this means that even the cost of doing business in the country will reduce following this development.

Mr Banda was of the view that when the kwacha appreciates against major convertible currencies, even the prices of commodities will eventually reduce.

The ANDD Executive Director was speaking when he featured on Prime Television’s “On the Lunch Table” programme in Lusaka.

“The kwacha is trading around K26 against the major convertible currency US dollar due to increased copper production in the country. Previously, we advocated for revamping of the mining sector such as taking Vedanta Resources back to Konkola Copper Mines, which was done by the government. We are happy to see positive results at the mine as we see that they are also supporting local contractors and suppliers,” he said.

“You know that Zambia is an import driven country, when the kwacha appreciates it means the cost of doing business will reduce, and we are actually expecting that this will consequently have a cost effect on prices of goods and services.”

Mr Banda further said  the UPND administration promised to revamp two copper strategic mines in the name of KCM and Mopani Copper Mines.

“The UPND were voted into power because they promised to unlock the mining sector. They promised to revamp KCM and Mopani even Kansenseli Gold Mine in North Western Province. As we are talking today, ANDD is happy, the people of Zambia are happy, stakeholders are happy, SMEs (suppliers and contractors) are happy that Konkola Copper Mines is now operating well. And we are happy that the investor, Vedanta Resources managing KCM is implementing good mining policies at KCM. Just two months ago, Chingola Chambers of Commerce and Industry indicated that 50% of small businesses which had closed, are now running as they have been reopened. What that means is that KCM is directly and indirectly providing employment for Zambians. Those businesses are also contributing to our national treasury,” he added.

Mr Banda said his organisation is happy that KCM is prioritizing local contractors and suppliers which is helping small holder companies to survive in their businesses.

#SmartEagles2025

MERIT OVER LOYALTY

…Dr. M’membe Calls for Professionalism in Public Service

Lusaka… Tuesday May 13, 2025 — Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe has emphasized the critical role of professional conduct among civil servants in ensuring continuity and efficiency in government operations, regardless of political transitions.



In a statement, Dr. M’membe questioned why projects and se

rvice delivery often deteriorate or change drastically with every new administration, attributing this to a lack of professionalism within the civil service.

He argued that civil servants are the “delivery unit” of government policies, and without political neutrality and professional integrity, meaningful continuity cannot be sustained.

According to Dr. M’membe, successive governments have erred by using the civil service as a reward system for party loyalists and cadres, thereby compromising the impartiality and effectiveness of the public service.

He stated that such appointments result in civil servants whose loyalty lies with their political parties rather than the Zambian people, leading to politicized conduct and public campaigning by civil servants on behalf of ruling parties.

He warned that this practice forces incoming governments to overhaul civil service personnel following regime changes, leading to the loss of institutional memory and resetting progress to “ground zero.”

To address this issue, Dr. M’membe proposed that the next government, post-2026, must commit to merit-based appointments in senior civil service positions.

He suggested that only professionals with the appropriate qualifications and experience, including those promoted from within, should be considered.

Furthermore, he urged that civil servants should maintain political neutrality and execute their duties in a professional manner, arguing that such a culture would remove the need for sweeping dismissals when a new government takes office.

Dr. M’membe stressed that political leadership should prioritize delivering services to citizens over rewarding political affiliates.

While acknowledging the need to care for party members, he stated that civil service positions should not be used for patronage.

Instead, he said cadres with the right qualifications must apply like every other citizen and, once appointed, must serve all Zambians, not just a political party.

He concluded by reiterating the Socialist Party’s stance that while the party belongs to its members, the government belongs to all Zambians.

He added that the party has a responsibility to help its cadres gain the qualifications they need and to find alternative means of support outside of government positions.