PS KAWANA CLARIFIES PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’S REMARKS REGARDING LACUNAS IN THE CONSTITUTION

Today, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana held a press briefing to address former president Edgar Lungu’s calculated attempt to mislead the public on the President’s remarks made yesterday regarding the constitutional lacunas.

Below are the highlights;

✅ President Hakainde Hichilema has observed lacunas in the Republican Constitution which could potentially cause problems for the nation.

✅ He noted that certain provisions of the constitution are problematic and need to be amended in a way that is both economical and effective.

✅ According to Mr. Kawana, President Hichilema had to make such a pronouncement in Parliament because it is the body that has the authority to make and change laws.

✅ The constitution of Zambia number 2 of 2016 Article 52 clause 6 says where a candidate dies or resigns or is disqualified in accordance with Article 70 or 100 or 153 or the court disqualifies a candidate for corruption or malpractice after the close of nominations, and before the election date, the Electoral Commission of Zambia shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations and elections shall be held within 30 days of the filing of fresh nominations.

✅ He noted that some clauses in the constitution create problems at different levels affecting different things such as elections.

✅ PS Kawana cited a number of elections that were previously affected by these constitutional lacunas such as the 2022 Kabwata by-election which was originally set for January 2022 but was rescheduled to take place four months later due to the UPP candidate’s withdrawal.

✅ Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) postponed ward-level elections in Mpulungu and Mandevu Constituency of Lusaka during the 2021 general elections due to the withdrawal of some candidates from those elections.

✅ In this regard, Mr. Kawana posed this question, “What will prevent the lacunas in the Constitution from causing a general election, if they can cause the by-elections mentioned above?”

✅ The Permanent Secretary said President Hichilema is not a bad President, that is why he wants certain provisions in the Constitution to be amended.

✅ President Hichilema made no indication whatsoever that he intends to extend his term of office or amend the Constitution to enable him to serve a term of seven years instead of five.

✅ President Hichilema has never claimed to be a lawyer. One wonders why the former president who claims to be an excellent lawyer signed the Constitution with such lacunas. This refutes the allegations made by former President Edgar Lungu that President Hakainde Hichilema lacks legal knowledge.

✅ The Permanent Secretary has appealed to the opposition political parties to confront government with facts rather than gazing in the mirror and seeing a reflection of their own desires and self-interest when they wish to criticise the Hichilema administration.

*´No Bread, Eat Cake´*

Amb Anthony Mukwita

*Friday the 13th*

As a keen student of history, international relations and politics, I was taken aback this week when President Hichilema told Zambians to stop crying about prolonged power shortages.

Don H bluntly said, ´no hydro power you have depended upon since independence, buy solar,´ which in my humble view was wrong on many levels.

It reminded me of Marie Antoinette the infamous wife of France´s King Louis XVI who told her husband when France was burning via a revolution in the 1700´s to stop complaining about the shortage of bread and eat cake.

Ironically, bread the staple food of the French then, like nshima to Zambians, was a more expensive alternative , she was perceived as heartless for that statement, without even mentioning her flamboyant lifestyle sustained by poor French folks.
Consequently, she earned herself a moniker  “Madame Deficit.”

Among historians and scholars like me, the anecdote has been cited as an example of Madame Deficit gross obliviousness to the poverty conditions of ordinary people.
She was out of touch with the reality of abject poverty on the ground, which led France to a revolution and ended the monarchy, birthing a republic it is today.
In my view, what Don H said on his return from the epic visit to China, long overdue, was like what the Austrian princess turned Queen if France said regarding bread and cake.

Don H showed insensitivity and scorn towards Zambians suffering from depressing endless unprotective days of no electricity in their homes, barbershops, salons, butcheries and bakeries etc.
I read a leader in the News Diggers newspaper advising Don H, not to scorn Zambians on power shortages but instead, thank them for not taking to the streets to protest, my view exactly as one of the persons that love the Don.

In my recent editorials I have repeatedly said we are lucky as Zambians because we don’t take to the streets, looting and burning like Kenyans, Nigerians and Ghanaians do in the face of a crisis.  
Our demeanour must be respected but never must it be taken for granted because in the game called life, everyone says enough is enough at some point. Nothing lasts forever, even the November rain.
I expect today when the president graces parliament to announce a few measures to end the misery of us mere mortals that are now getting 30 minutes of power per day or nothing:

• Scrap all manner of duty on the importation of solar and other energy alternatives

• Flood the market with cheaper alternatives to empower even the lowest in the income bracket and not just the aficionado fat cats

• Give money to ZESCO to build more dams and generate more power
• Let ZESCO roll out the solar solution for the whole country, they know where we all stay

• Scrap all power exports in the name of a ´crisis´ because we are in a crisis that is not going to disappear like a flu
Apart from Madame Deficit, let us all learn from 70´s British PM James Callaghan who fell on his own knife during the miserable Winter of Discontent by saying, ´Crisis no Crisis´ amid poverty-stricken Britain. 

The power issue in Zambian has the power to potentially steal power from the current government if not urgently addressed, that’s my two ngwee and it requires no rocket science.

It cuts across the great divide, it’s the elephant on the room, not a storm in a tea cup.

If Don H is not careful, Zambians will take advantage of the crisis like the saying goes ´never lose an opportunity as opposition to milk a good crisis.´

I shudder to think what the resting Cobra Michael Sata would have done if the current crisis was occurring on his watch as an opposition leader.

Butcheries, bakeries and super markets are shutting down, the huge informal sector is crumbling right in front of our eyes and if nothing done is done, we will have no Zambia to write home about by year end.

“Everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK, it’s not the end,” said Napoleon, I think.
A greater majority of Zambians are already grappling with high costs of mealie meal, petrol and diesel, the loss of energy just makes the living deplorable among people that are already burdened in my view. 

Do not ask me ´what do you want HH to do?´  he is the Don not me he must know what to do, we can only suggest.
I must stop writing and crying now because my laptop battery is running dry.
—

Contact: mukwitaone@gmail.com
Amb. Anthony Mukwita is a former Ambassador of Zambia to several European countries and a published author whose books are available in Bookworld, Grey Matter and Amazon.

*Daily Nation on Friday*

Following President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks that there are lacunas in the current constitution which would make the country not hold elections for eight years, former President Edgar Lungu has responded:
Fellow Citizens,

It is said that ignorance of the law is no defense and that little knowledge in a particular subject matter can be very dangerous.

While we can excuse Mr Hakainde Hichilema for his ignorance of the law, we are concerned and actually worried that his little knowledge or understanding of the Zambian Constitution can be very destructive and has the potential to set the country on fire.

As he officially opened Parliament today, he talked about lacunae in the Constitution that need to be addressed because some of them could lead the country to NOT having elections for 8 or 9 years.
Such a reckless statement should not be allowed to come from the mouth of a Head of State.

To start with, what is a lacuna in the context of the law? Simply speaking, a lacuna refers to a “deficiency” or “gap” in the legal system or a law. In common or lay language, when we hear people say the law is “silent” about a particular matter, they are basically talking about the “lacuna” in the law.

As far as Zambians are aware, the Republican Constitution, as amended in 2016, is very unequivocal about the subject of holding elections. This is the Constitution that has been credited with the unprecedented prescription of even the date for General Elections.

A lacuna in the Constitution implies that there is no specific provision or regulation that addresses a particular situation or issue.

So can Mr Hichilema disclose the actual gaps in the Constitution regarding the holding of elections which he referred to before he excites unnecessary debate about the extension of his stay in office knowing that his days are numbered?

There has been talk that the UPND government is contemplating to extend the Presidential term from the current 5 to 7 years. This type of reckless pronouncement from Mr Hichilema inevitably gives credence to such talks about extension of the Presidential term of Office which in the first place should not even be the subject of any kind of debate or discussion.

Zambians, Wake up and stop this apparent dictator from tampering with our Republican Constitution in order to extend his stay in power even when he has lamentably failed to improve the lives of the people.

He thought 2026 was very far. Well, Here it is; 2026 KUYA BEBELE!!

There is no lacuna to cling to.

Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Sixth President of Zambia
Patriotic Front PF President

DO NOT FEAR REALITY – ITS ALREADY HERE. The case of UPND and their view of things.

By: Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya

Once upon a time I feared that UPND and it’s leadership would have no plan to govern Zambia sensibly. My idea was based on what I considered as hollow debates that their leadership consistently depicted on various matters of national significance regarding their whats, hows and whys. This is no longer an idea any more, we are here now. We need not fear any longer – we need to find solutions as reality is upon us.

To the darkness of the majority parts of our country, we now know that neither the Chembe River Canal into Kafue River nor the Dubai model of powering a nation without rains can work even though the UPND leadership proclaimed these utopian views. These ideas were devoid of reason. There was no careful considerations granted to those views prior to committing them the public. What is our reality now – it’s darkness, it’s loss of business, its loss of jobs, it’s loss of income, it’s livelihoods; and for government it’s loss of tax revenue from lost business and lost jobs.

Should we then fear darkness? There is no point in that. We are already in the dark. What then do need to do? We need to consider drawing lessons from our reality and form our future decisions on a much more correct basis than the baseless Chembe River Canals and Dubai models as then proclaimed.

The next time someone pronounces that he or she has connections and that those connections will help end our sufferings, we should consider asking them further questions in terms of what form those connections take. Otherwise it will take three years and those connections will not avail and the situation will just become worse.

The next time someone promises to end corruption, ask them how? Otherwise the corruption fight will be weaken further by micro management and weakening of insititutional arrangements. In other words the fight against corruption might become more rhetorical than ever. All you might end up with could be hearing about unconnected issues surrounding religion, partisanship, tribal and other irrelevant factors in the fight against corruption. It won’t even be surprising anymore to observe that some government agents would claim corruption by other agents and those alleging would lose their agency to cover those accused to be corrupt.

Let me just say I listened to the president yesterday as he delivered his State Of the Nation Address on the occasion of the official opening of the fourth session of 13th National Assembly. A gentle journalist asked me to comment on what I heard, with an attempt to match her gentleness, I decline to immediately have my say and offered to comment later. I was fortunate to meet a colleague of mine afterwards who I asked for only one word for the SONA; he said it was a SCAM😊.

After reading the 34 paged speech, I am trying my best to be the kindest of them all. But sadly I see an unrestricted wide open gate to the darkest cave of our time. My internal responses to my desperate whats, hows and whys are shuttering.

Restoring EVERYTHING PATRIOTIC.
MK14.09.2024

GREED HAS SET IN TOO QUICKLY

No Lacuna for 8 years  –  For HH or ECL

It’s vey difficult to debate what the President said about a lacuna in the Constitution that allows one to serve an 8 year term instead of five years, because he did not specifically point out where that Lacuna is in the constitution.

The fact he even mentions 8 years makes it even more complicated. Really, I don’t know where the 8 years is coming from and that has left everyone guessing. Lets consider three possible scenario he might be  talking about.

Number One

I have seen the UPND pages trying to explain what he meant. That if a Presidential candidate resigns, dies or he’s disqualified after filling nominations but before Elections, Electoral commission must cancel all nominations and call for fresh elections within 30 days. Fresh nominations have to held every aftertime a candidate resigns, dies or he’s disqualified.

Meaning that if Presidental Candidates keep dying, resigning or disqualified then we may never have an election. Even this this scenario is extreme, because it can’t go on for three years to make it 8 years. Imagine a campaign period for three years and every after 30 days we are having fresh nomination because of resignation or death.

Even with that explanation it’s not possible,  ECZ have to hold the election within 90 days after dissolving Parliament. They can’t go beyond that because the constitution gives a speacfic date and month when the General elections should be held.

We had a simmilar case with the Malanji and Bowman cases. The ECZ went ahead to hold elections within the stipulated time of within 90 days. This was despite a an on going court and later even declared them fit to stand but it was too late the elections had past. So by precedence and the constitution it’s not possible.

Number 2

The second scenario is the Constitutional Court ruling, that the said 3 years is not a term in the case of ECL eligibility. Meaning a President can dissolve parliament just before three year and hold elections, if he wins he will be entitled to a fresh five years. Meaning he will be entitled to 8 years and it will considered a one term.

But if even that is wrong in the sense that there is another fact that determines a term; sworn in twice. Constitution defines a term by limiting a term to five years, with a maximum of 2 five terms and most importantly in this case sworn in twice. All the three items are what defines a term and should not be separated.

The best example is that you are allowed to marry for life but you can only get married twice in a life time. So even if you are allowed to marry for life but you can’t marry more than twice even in 3 or 8 years. The concourt simply said marrying for 3 years is not for life but did not mention the other part where you can’t be marey or sworn in more than twice.

The only reasons for calling for fresh nomination after a candidate resigns, dies or is disqualified is to allow the people or parties to have chance to field in another candidate they prefer. And I think it’s very intelligent and democratic; so that people are given an other choice.

Number 3

The third explanation might be that, the comment was meant for ECL. In the case court allows President Lungu to run in 2026 like in 2021 and this time he wins; He would have to served almost 12 years. The maximum limit has been 10 years from 1996. Elected twice 1996 and later changed 2016 to sworn in twice. He has been sworn in twice. Either cases the maximum is 10 years or sworn in twice. So I was shocked that ba Lungu was even quick to respond to him.

Whatever the case between the scenarios,  I think the constitution is okay on these issues but it’s being tested because of lack of human interigty and understanding blinded selfish personal needs. Like the bible says the law is meant for sinners.

The problem we usually have is that we have a compromised ConCourt and ECZ that are always trying to side with the party in power. The constitution is clear,  it’s sworn in twice with a MAXIMUM of 10 years split into two terms. No one should go beyond that, I was even shocked that concourt allowed ECL to stand in 2021.

No one is allowed to go beyond 5 years without an election, the constitution closed that loop by speacfically mentioning the date of elections. Beyond that it’s an illegal President.

The 2016 constitution also has closed the loophole that President can be calling for elections before three years and consider it not term by SWORN IN TWICe. So if calls for elections by dissolving Parliament before 3 years, he is shooting himself in the leg by cutting is term because of the sworn in twice.

I can write a book about this subject but no one is allowed to go beyond 5 years without an election whatever the case. And no one should be sworn in more than twice.

I submit

Nkonkomalimba Kapumpe

I was shocked to see houses registered in my name – Lusambo’s wife Nancy

WIFE of former Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo, Nancy has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that she was shocked when she learned that the houses which her husband owns in Silverest Gardens were registered in her names.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ZsKmrPyjBaaeXceS/?mibextid=oFDknk

In her defense, Nancy told Lusaka magistrate Faidess Hamaundu that it would be difficult to explain about her acquisition of the houses as she never paid for them nor did she engage with the sellers, Henan Gouji.

“It will be very difficult for me to comment on the houses in Silverest Gardens in the sense that I have never dealt with the owners and I don’t know them. I do not have any business to do with the Silverest Gardens,”Manase said.

“I have never gone there as Nancy Natasha Manase for any business agreements. In short, I don’t know anything to do with Silverest Gardens.”

When asked by her lawyer Likando Kalaluka if she paid for the properties, Manase said she never paid for the properties.

Asked why the properties were registered in her names Manase said ; “I am shocked! I am seeing these documents for the first time and I am not aware of the payment because I have never paid these kinds of monies.”

When asked to confirm if at all it was her names indicated on the properties, Manase responded in the affirmative.

“I am still shocked. The comment still stands that I did not pay the money. I can confirm it’s Nancy Natasha Manase,” she said.

Manase confirmed that she opted to remain silent when she was being quizzed by the Anti-Corruption Commission officers because she knew nothing about the properties.

During cross examination by Daniel Ngwira, the Bulldozeress said she was asked if the receipts were collected by ACC officers and she responded in the affirmative.

Asked if she personally saw ACC officers collect the receipts from their home, Manase confirmed.

When told to explain some features on the receipts, Manase said; “the ACC were just picking things everywhere. They never called me to see what they got but they got a lot of receipts and documents.”

“I did not see the receipts but I saw a lot of receipts. They (ACC officers) were alone when they were collecting. And I was alone. My husband was out.”

When asked if she alerted Lusambo about what happened, Manase said she told him that ACC collected everything.

She said she could not confirm that Lusambo acquired properties without informing her.

When asked how many properties Lusambo had acquired during the subsistence of their marriage, Manase said she cannot tell.

Earlier in re- examination, Lusambo said he had the right to register the properties in his wife’s name, as he shows regard for her as the mother of his children.

“I told Henan Gouji officers to put these properties in my wife’s name and the document before court is not a receipt. It’s a statement and if it was a receipt, it could have shown my name. I have the receipts in my house, under my name,” he said.

He said he paid $30,000 and a Jeep grand Cherokee for the properties.

Asked why he said that he does not know where his wife got the money to pay for the properties, Lusambo explained that; ”I responded that I don’t know because earlier I told this court that I paid this money and I gave a vehicle, a jeep, white in colour which was treated as cash to Silverest gardens and I said I was paying for the four houses in one basket.”

He said following their union, the couple became one in marriage hence whatever belongs to him also belongs to his wife.

“I told this court that I know my wife very well. I’ve been with her for more than 24 years. She is trustworthy and I know I am the one who paid and not her. And this money came from businesses and other sources. So it is money from me and so by virtue of that, it is our money. She is the mother of my kids and I respect her,” Lusambo explained further.

Lusambo said he did not threaten anyone at the Ndola City Council with a transfer as he was not a minister during the time he is alleged to have acquired land.

“A minister has no right over any human resource. And during the period under review, I was a PF candidate, I had no authority to hold a meeting,”Lusambo said.

When asked why he did not produce receipts for his properties, Lusambo said ; “Sometime in 2021 to 2022, ACC officers led by Christopher Siwakwi pounced on my house in Chamba Valley and got all the receipts and documents. They also got my wife’s phone and the unused phones. So I had no sight of the receipts because they are in the custody of the ACC.”

He further clarified that he was paid $350,000 by Mimbula Consortium Limited in by the Chief Executive Officer in cash.

Lusambo said his fancy Chamba valley house is not valued at K17,600,000

“I bought my plot at K75,000. And from the time I started building that house in about 2012, cement was about K5. So, the cost of the house could not reach this house. I also engaged an independent evaluator,” said Lusambo

Lusambo is facing 10 corruption-related charges among them; one count of corrupt acquisition of public property, five counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, three counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to defraud.

He is jointly charged with his wife Nancy Manase for possessing four houses in Silverest Gardens, Chongwe which were suspected to be procceds of crime.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba September 13, 2024.

PF UNDERSTOOD THE NEEDS OF MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM – HON KAMPYONGO

….as he urges the officers to remain professional & refrain from following political instructions

Kabwe… Friday September 13, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

Former Home Affairs Minister Hon Stephen Kampyongo says the Patriotic Front government understood the needs of the men and women in uniform and cared for them.

Hon Kampyongo says as can be seen, the PF government built descent housing units for the men and women in uniform which he said motivated them to do their duties diligently.

The PF Shiwang’andu Constituency Member of Parliament also noted that even the same Kalonga Milling Plant in Kabwe which is producing Kalonga mealie meal, was built by the previous government.

Hon Kampyongo was speaking yesterday when he featured on Cloud FM in Kabwe.

“When we were in office we thought of our men and women in uniforms. You saw the houses they were living in, including here in Kabwe. So, we built them descent houses and this made them proud. Even the Kalonga mealie meal that the people are lining up everyday to buy, it was built by the PF government. This was done because we have a heart for the people and our officers,” he said.

And Hon Kampyongo has urged officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties and not just follow political instructions.

He said even some of the cases that have been taken to court, some officers are failing to defend their actions in court because they just followed political instructions.

Hon Kampyongo further said political parties come and go hence the need for the officers to do their duties professionally.

He said it is sad that certain institutions that are there to look at the conduct and welfare of the officers such as the Police Complaints Authority and Police Service Commission are not proactive.

“So for me, it’s just to appeal to the officers to do the right thing. And I keep repeating this that, whilst you are supposed to grow the capacity of an institution like the Zambia Police Service with well educated officers who are right to take any position in terms of command structure. You can’t wake up someone who retired many years ago from the service to come back and provide a service. Because you don’t know this person could have been a carder all that time he was not working. We should have competent men and women to command the police service professionally. People should rise in ranks,” he stated.

#SmartEagles2024

POVERTY, HUNGER REACHES ALARMING LEVELS IN ZAMBIA

….the hunger situation in the country is not due to drought but deliberate inability to give priority to the welfare & livelihood of the people & create sustainable wealth for the hardworking citizens by govt, says Eng Katotobwe

Kabwe… Friday, September 13, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

Luapula Constituency PF Member of Parliament Eng Chanda Katotobwe has charged that the UPND administration has crippled the country’s economy due to poor economic policies and incompetence

The Luapula Constituency Lawmaker has charged that there is too much hunger in the country induced by the UPND government.

Eng Katotobwe says one issue that has contributed to the crippling of the economy is prolonged hours of load-shedding.

Speaking when he featured on KNC Radio in Kabwe yesterday, alongside Hon Given Lubinda the PF Vice President and Hon Mutotwe Kafwaya, Lunte lawmaker, Eng Katotobwe argued that this is not the first drought the country has witnessed for the UPND to continue blaming climate change.

He stated that due to advancement in science and technology, nations are able to predict the weather patterns for the coming season.

“Nowadays, because of advancement in science and technology, you are able to predict the weather patterns for the coming season and plan well. This drought is there within the region, but other countries have cushioned its impact. Our friends within the region are experiencing fewer hours of load-shedding because they prepared for this drought. Our colleagues in the region are having about three hours of load-shedding a day, and they are feeling the impact. What more are our people who have one to three hours of power per day?” He questioned.

“There is too much hunger in the country induced by the UPND government. In Kabwe here, we are reliably informed that you are only having one hour of electricity. How then can small businesses who can’t afford a generator and the cost of fuel survive? Our people are finding it difficult to do business in these markets because of the unavailability of power.” The cost of living and all basic essential commodities have increased in some cases, double or triple what was prevalent under PF regime, then what is even more tragic is lack of proportionate increase in salaries or earnings by the majority of our people. It’s the responsibility of Govt to ensure the welfare of our people is given utmost priority.”

Meanwhile, Eng Katotobwe has observed that Zambia is not poised for meaningful participation in the 4th Industrial Revolution due to poor planning, extremely poor governance and lack of respect for Science and Technology as there is no nation in this world which has successfully industrialised without investment in science and technology.

“There’s too much rhetoric with no positive yield in technological sovereignty,” he emphasized.

He said the sad part is that the country’s resources continue being looted in raw form with zero mineral beneficiation or value addition in this century.

He wondered how the nation can trigger industrialisation.

SmartEagles2024

MINISTER ELVIS NKANDU CHALLENGED TO DISCLOSE HOW MUCH HE BENEFITED FROM FUEL TANKERS MEANT FOR YOUTHS.

…….as KAPESIKA Director reportedly bolts with Millions of dollars which are proceeds from the Fuel Tankers.

Lusaka…….Thursday, 12 September, 2024 (Smart Eagles)

Mporokoko Member of Parliament Hon Brian Mundubile has challenged Minister Of Youth, Sports and Arts Elvis Nkandu to tell the nation how much he benefited from the Fuel Tankers meant for the Youths.

This follows the disappearance of the Director of Kapesika who is reported to have left the country with Millions of dollars, proceeds from the Tankers.

KAPESIKA is a company that was key to the running of the fuel Tankers.

Hon Mundubile said what remains unclear is that there has been no accountability for the money that these tankers have been making for the past four years.

He  said the President must therefore take interest in what is happening at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts.

Hon Mundubile said he is aware that at some point, the operations of these tankers were stopped as a scheme so that they confuse Audit trail.

He said the Anti-Corruption Commission must get involved and take interest in what has happened to the revenue and income generated by these tankers.

“There is a well researched programme we left, that youths could get involved in the energy sector as transporters. A number of fuel tankers were procured for our Youths to transport fuel.  When you came into power, they confiscated those tankers, and found out that later,  bought some more tankers to their youths and later gave these tankers that earlier benefited.

We are aware that one gentleman who was central to this operation left this country. There has been no mention.

The Minister of Youth must come clean and tell us how this person left the country. Let the Minister of Youth and Sports come clear and tell us how he benefited from the proceeds of these tankers. Why is it that an individual who left this country with Millions of dollars belonging to the youths, and the Ministry left his country quietly.

And Hon Mundubile said government must attach some seriousness to this matter.

“What does the Hon Minister know about the disappearance of this individual. There was a bounty of K2 million placed on JJ. There is a gentleman who runs away with a lot of money. We challenge the Minister of Youth to tell the nation how he benefited from the money that came from  the fuel tankers,” he said.

Hon Mundubile said the Anti-Corruption Commission must investigate and tell the country how the Officials from the Ministry of Youth benefited.

“By now. The youths that took those tankers are supposed to own those tankers in full. Why does Government still got interest, Hon Elvis Nkandun should tell the country what he knows about the disappearance of the Director of Kapesika, “ he said.

#SmartEagles2024

THE KABWE HIGH COURT RESERVES RULING

….on the bail pending appeal & review the arson conviction in the case involving Hon Chitotela, Hon Chilangwa & four others

Kabwe… Thursday September 12, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

The Kabwe High Court has reserved it’s ruling on two applications made by lawyers representing incarcerated Kawambwa Central PF Member of Parliament Hon Nickson Chilangwa and his Pambashe counterpart Hon Ronald Chitotela and four others.

The two applications are bail pending appeal and the review of the arson conviction.

Defense Lawyer Counsel Benjamin Mwelwa informed the PF sympathizers who had gathered at the Kabwe High Court grounds to offer solidarity to their leaders that the ruling for the bail pending appeal is coming up on the 20th September, 2024.

Counsel Mwelwa further informed the sympathizers that the review of the arson conviction will come up during the October criminal session.

“Today we came up for two applications… One is bail pending appeal and the second one is to review the arson conviction. So both applications came up today, and we argued both applications and the ruling has been reserved by the court. For the bail, its coming up next week on the 20th September, 2024. That is when we are going to know whether we will be granted bail or not,” he said.

“To review the conviction, the State did not file the opposition, but we argued our matter and they asked the court to allow them file the opposition which was done. And we have been given seven days within which they should file their opposition. And we have been seven days thereafter to file our reply.”

He said by next week, the nation will know whether they will be given the bail or not.

“So the Judge has said he is going deliver the ruling during the criminal session in October. So we are coming back here for the review of the conviction in October. Next week we will know how we are going to proceed with the bail,” he added.

“In October we are going to know whether the conviction will be sustained. If the conviction is sustained, then the court will proceed to sentence those people who are convicted for arson, if not, then we maybe lack that they are acquitted.”

Other people convicted include Kawambwa Council Chairperson Chifumbe Kalumba, Davy Kaniki, Chabu Chitotela and Kunda Chitotela.

And Patriotic Front Vice President Hon Given Lubinda led PF Members of Parliament, party officials and other sympathizers to offer solidarity to the incarcerated leaders.

Other PF leaders who were present included PF Secretary General Hon Raphael Nakachinda, Mporokoso PF MP Hon Brian Mundubile, former Home Affairs Minister (Shiwang’andu MP) Hon Stephen Kampyongo, former Transport and Communications Minister (Lunte MP) Hon Mutotwe Kamfwaya, former Mines Minister Hon Richard Musukwa and Luapula Constituency PF MP Eng Chanda Katotobwe.

The PF Central Provincial leadership was led by Provincial Chairperson Billy Sichamba and Kabwe Mayor Patrick Chishala.

#SmartEagles2024

ADDRESSING ZAMBIA’S ENERGY SECTOR: EXPECTATIONS FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH

*By: Engineer Bornface Zulu*
*Date:13- September 2024*

As an energy expert in Zambia, the anticipation surrounding the presidential speech during the opening of Parliament today is palpable. The energy sector, a cornerstone of our nation’s development, faces significant challenges, particularly with the persistent issue of load shedding. The President’s address is expected to outline strategic measures to tackle these challenges and set a clear path forward for improving our energy mix and attracting investment.

*Addressing Load Shedding*

Load shedding has been a persistent issue in Zambia, affecting both the economy and the daily lives of citizens. The President must acknowledge the severity of this problem and present a comprehensive plan to mitigate it. This plan should include:

1. *Diversification of Energy Sources*: Relying heavily on hydroelectric power has made Zambia vulnerable to climate change and droughts. Expanding our energy mix to include solar, wind, and biomass can provide more stability and reduce the risk of load shedding.

2. *Investment in Infrastructure*: Upgrading and expanding the existing energy infrastructure is crucial. This includes improving transmission and distribution networks to reduce losses and ensure efficient delivery of electricity. Especially the interconnection distribution lines coming from Mozambique to increase imports of power to mitigate the current  load shading situation since the capacity of the current interconnection line is limited major upgrades have to be done , The work on the Tanzania Zambia interconnection line has begun the government must ensure the rate of work should be done in fastest possible time.

3. *Energy Efficiency Programs*: Promoting energy efficiency in both residential and industrial sectors can help reduce overall demand and ease the burden on the grid.

*Cost-Reflective Electricity Tariffs*

One of the critical points the President should address is the implementation of cost-reflective electricity tariffs. This move is essential for several reasons:

1. *Attracting Investment*: Cost-reflective tariffs make the energy sector more attractive to both local and foreign investors. Investors need assurance that they will receive a fair return on their investments, which is only possible if tariffs reflect the true cost of production and distribution.

2. *Ensuring Sustainability*: Subsidized electricity prices are not sustainable in the long run. They strain government resources and discourage private sector participation. By adopting cost-reflective tariffs, the government can ensure the financial viability of the energy sector.

3. *Improving Service Delivery*: With adequate revenue from cost-reflective tariffs, energy providers can invest in better infrastructure, maintenance, and service delivery, ultimately benefiting consumers.

*The Path Forward*

To ensure the successful implementation of these measures, the President should highlight the following key points:

1. *Policy and Regulatory Reforms*: Establishing a clear and supportive regulatory framework is essential for attracting investment and ensuring the smooth operation of the energy sector.

2. *Public-Private Partnerships*: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector can accelerate the development of new energy projects and bring in the necessary expertise and capital.

3. *Community Engagement*: Involving local communities in energy projects can enhance acceptance and support for new initiatives. This includes educating the public about the benefits of cost-reflective tariffs and energy efficiency.

4. *Regional Cooperation*: Strengthening ties with neighboring countries for energy trade and interconnectivity can provide additional stability and opportunities for Zambia’s energy sector.

*Conclusion*

The President’s speech today is a pivotal moment for Zambia’s energy sector. By addressing the critical issues of load shedding and cost-reflective tariffs, and by outlining a clear and actionable plan, the government can pave the way for a more stable, efficient, and sustainable energy future. This bold step is not only necessary to end load shedding but also to position Zambia as a regional energy hub, attracting investment and fostering economic growth.

ANDD EXPECTS PRESIDENT HH TO ADDRESS ENERGY CRISIS CHALLENGES

….as the Head of State officially opens Parliament today

Lusaka… Friday September 13, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) says representatives of the majority of Zambians, will keenly be interested in understanding the Government’s practical solutions to address the ongoing energy crisis in the country.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says the energy crisis continues to directly impact the domestic economy and shrink economic activities.

Mr Banda says small businesses are closing daily, contributing significantly to the already high levels of unemployment and poverty levels in the country.

“Businesses such as butcheries, salons, welders, barber shops, bars, restaurants, and other energy dependent enterprises are collapsing every day. Mr. President, many Zambians cannot afford to purchase solar power equipment,” he said.

“Therefore, we are eager to learn about the short term and long term measures your Government is implementing to address the energy crisis. Additionally, the rising cost of living is negatively affecting the lives of Zambians. We want to put it on  record that the majority of Zambians voted for you to reduce the cost of living and improve their standards of living. As you address Parliament today, we, as Advocates for National Development and Democracy, urge you to update the nation on the policies your Government is enacting to reduce the cost of living and improve the living standards of Zambians.”

He stated that under the UPND administration, the cost of doing business has continued to rise, negatively impacting small enterprises.

“Many businesses are struggling to cope with the current economic environment, leading to company closures and reduced labor forces. This situation exacerbates the existing high levels of poverty and unemployment,” he added.

“The Zambian people are eager to know what measures, both long term and short term, your Government is implementing to create a sustainable business environment that will support the growth of the private sector, which is crucial for stabilizing and developing the economy.”

He further observed with concern that President Hichilema’s Government has labeled Zambians attempting to benefit from their minerals as illegal miners.

“While we recognize that mining is a cornerstone of our national economic development, we urge your office to expedite the issuance of mining licenses to Zambians to combat illegal mining effectively. Empowering Zambians with mining licenses will help them maximize the benefits from their natural resources,” he concluded.

“Lastly, Mr. President, during the official opening of Parliament, we urge you to focus on presenting sound economic policies that will address the critical economic challenges facing our country, rather than discussing opposition political parties. We implore you to spend adequate time providing policy direction that will address these pressing issues.”

#SmartEagles2024

We face an economic shut-down- President Hichilema

A Begging Bowl, an embarrassing gesture

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;

President Hakainde Hichilema has
urged the World Bank Group to take necessary decisions and steps to help Zambia avoid going into an economic shutdown.

President Hichilema said there was urgent  need for the World Bank Group to make a decision on the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO) so as to help Zambia avoid an economic shutdown.

The Cat DDO is a contingent credit line that provides immediate liquidity to International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) member countries in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Hichilema has also earlier requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase  the Extended Credit Facility bail-out from $1.3billion to $1.7billion.

But Hichilema has failed to take responsibility for his own failures and has refused to take action against the criminal negligence of his appointed officials at ZESCO and Ministry of Agriculture.

ZESCO’S NEGLIGENCE

Despite repeated expert warning of reduced water in Kariba, ZESCO kept on exporting large quantities of power and exhausted Water allocation for 2024 in  June 2024

The Zambezi River Authority announced that it had allocated 16 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water to be shared equally between ZESCO Limited (ZESCO) and Kariba Hydro Power Company (KHPC) for their power generation operations at Kariba for the year 2024.

The 2024 water allocation was informed by the 2023/2024 rainfall forecasts made by the Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum-27 (SARCOF-27), Famine Early Warning Network (FEWS-NET) and the corresponding downscaled projections by the National Metrological Agencies of Zambia and Zimbabwe, which showed reduced rainfall for catchment areas feeding Zambezi river and Lake Kariba.

This adverse outlook was highly influenced by the increasing occurrence of El Niño weather which would significantly impact negatively, the rainfall season in Southern Africa.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE NEGLIGENCE

Similarly, despite these warning of the impact of the El Nino weather effect, the Zambian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture kept on exporting maize to the region and depleted the national maize strategic reseves.

Now the country is forced to look for fresh resources to buy maize grain to meet the sharp market demand for both human and animal consumption and for mealie-meal which forms part of the nations staple food.

After these careless and dangerous decisions, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought as national dusaster and emergency and announced that the country was begging for $900 million as the drought had devastating consequences on many critical sectors such as agriculture, water availability and energy supply, risking national food security and livelihoods of millions of Zambians.

ABANDONING DOMESTIC RESOURCES CHOOSING TO BEG

President Hichilema’s government has granted tax concessions and incentives to the mines.

He has abandoned a process for ZCCM-IH to recover $2.5billion stolen from Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine.

He allowed externalisation of resources in illicit flows to tax havens and offshore accounts abroad as investiagted by the Financial Intelligence Centre.

He has abandoned the fight against corruption and allowed the Treasury to be pillaged.

He has increased efforts to beg for international grants and  loans.

ADDRESS ISSUES AFFECTING THE COUNTRY TOMORROW

…don’t just read what will be written for you, Brenda Nyirenda tell HH.

Lusaka – Thursday, 12 September, 2024 (Smart Eagles)

Lundazi Member of Parliament Brenda Nyirenda has advised President Hakainde Hichilema to address issues that are “really” affecting the nation as he comes to deliver the state of the nation address tomorrow.

Hon Nyirenda said the President should not just read what is written for him.

She highlighted a number of issues that she feels are going wrong in the country, among which is the selective issuance of NRCs.

“The only way you can win an election is by ensuring that every Zambian is benefiting from every policy that is pronounced on the floor of the house. I expect the President, as he comes to address us… to deal with this issue of selective issuing of NRCs,” she said.

“Because there is mobile issuance of NRCs in all these other ruling party constituencies and yet me, I am coming from Lundazi, the officers have even shifted, taken 60 days, paid allowances, and yet you are leaving someone who is 30 kilometers from you and you go and give someone who is 1,000 kilometers from you an NRC.”

She added that an NRC is a right for everyone.

Hon Nyirenda said she expects the President to come and deal with this matter saying that at the end of the day, Zambians are alert, they know what is happening.

“They can tell that what is happening is that they don’t want to issue us with NRCs because the people voted for the opposition. So, this one, has to be dealt with.”

Issues to do with agriculture is also among the pressing matters she raised.

The MP said delayed delivery of farm inputs births corruption.

“The issue of agriculture input. I have just come from Lundazi today. If you haven’t delivered farming inputs this time, is going to be a miracle if again we do not have enough stocks of food? How are they going to take the fertilizer if this time as we are talking they haven’t delivered? There is this FISP and CASP. Even the beneficiaries, they do not even know, people haven’t started depositing K400 distribution, the contribution which they make for them to obtain fertilizer. So, the farmer right now is confused,” she said.

“In any case, the delay of delivering inputs just brings up the issue of corruption because at the end of the day, cadres are going to be the ones who are going to be lining up for our people. if the President comes to address (us)… let him not come with a script that is written for him. Let him come and address the issues which are really affecting the nation today.”