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Kenya’s levies on cereals spark protests

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Traders have protested Kenya’s move to impose new levies on the sale of cereals, legumes, herbs, and tubes, saying the move violates regional trade agreements.

The traders cited various East African Community (EAC) protocols and provisions of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) bloc.

Shippers and clearing and forwarding agents in the country have urged the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to reconsider the imposition of a 2 percent levy on the customs value of grain imports and a 0.3 percent levy on exports.

In the new policy, the Authority has imposed a similar levy on legumes, while roots and tubers will be subject to a 1 percent import levy on customs value and a 0.3 percent export levy.

The notification follows regulation 37 of The Crops (Food Crops) Regulations of 2019. The Authority says it was due to impose the levy from July 1, but delayed it until August 12.

According to the AFA, the levy will be paid directly to the Authority’s agents at the point of entry or exit of the country, as the levies imposed will enable small food growers to compete favourably with imported produce.

Traders who fail to pay the levy will be charged 25 percent interest on the outstanding amount for the first month of default.

Agayo Ogambi, CEO of the Shippers Council of East Africa, said the levies will hamper business and are an additional burden on farmers.

Mr Ogambi said there was a need for further stakeholder engagement as the levies would definitely increase consumer prices of imported grain and introducing an export levy now would stifle the nascent recovery and undermine efforts by Kenyan farmers and exporters to regain lost ground.

“The levies and more taxes on exports will make our products uncompetitive in East Africa and in Comesa as already Uganda and Tanzania are up in arms against the imposition of the levies,” said Mr Ogambi.

“While AFA needs to raise revenues for the services provided, considerations must be made not to hurt consumers and also not to outprice our exports in the international markets.”

The CEO said Kenya must take a decision to support its exports and reduce levies and charges as they are negatively affecting the import to export ratio, which has remained at 5 containers of imports to 1 container of exports.

Roy Mwanthi, the chairman of the Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association (KIFWA), said rice importation has stopped since AFA imposed the levies on August 12 this year and it will affect households as the cost of rice is expected to increase.

“We anticipate serious shortage of rice and wheat due to the levies and those who import will have to pass the cost to consumers. Currently, rice from East African countries that would ordinarily be free are subject to high levies and is stuck in different border pints,” said Mr Mwanthi.

Mr Mwanthi said the recent imposition of levies on imports and exports of all food crop products from Kenya is counterproductive and a huge non-tariff barrier to international trade in food crops.

The chairman said the imposition of higher taxes and levies on top of those already levied on basic food crops will lead to a reduction in the importation, resulting in high cost of such basic commodities.

This week, Tanzanian traders protested Kenya’s move to impose a 2 percent levy on the customs value of cereals and pulses, which would have seen them paying an additional $153.923 (Ksh20,000) for a truckload of maize and $384.806 (Ksh50,000) for a truckload of rice on top of the fees they already pay to various government agencies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) and Kenya Bureau of Standards.

The fees include a $23,088 (Sh3,000) AFA permit to import grains and pulses, a $4,617 (Sh600) import permit fee and $57,721 (Sh7500) inspection fee to Kephis, $8.46 (Sh1,100) port health fee, $8.46 (Sh1,100) biosafety fee and $55.41 (Sh7,200) to Kebs for moisture and aflatoxin testing.

AFA Director-General Bruno Linyiru said the protest had forced the government to freeze levies on EAC traders for a month to allow the regulator to address concerns raised by those opposed to them.

Since 2022, the government has rolled back taxes on food imports to reduce the cost of essential commodities such as flour and rice. At the beginning of this year, Kenya imported food products such as wheat, rice, maize, and sugar worth $172.393 million from Uganda, South Africa, European countries, India and the United States, according to AFA.

Kenya ex-PM Raila Odinga’s AU ambitions halt his local moves

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Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga’s over three-decade long political stint in Kenya could come to a halt, for now, as he turns his focus to his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship quest – a move certain to unsettle majority of his close allies who have over the years hang on his coat-tails to secure their elective position.

Mr Odinga who has made five unsuccessful bids for presidency announced this week that he was moving from national to continental politics.

But the former premier is yet to relinquish his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership or Azimio la Umoja One Kenya party coalition position, on whose ticket he unsuccessfully contested the August 9, 2022 Kenya’s presidential election.

He has, however, said that he will not be very active in Kenyan politics as he focuses his attention on the continental campaign.

This move could however, rattle majority of his close allies who have over the years hang on his coat-tails to secure their elective position.

Mr Odinga spoke while formally launching his campaigns after formal submission of his candidacy.

“At the moment I’m involved in the campaign but that does not mean Kenya ceases to exist,” Mr Odinga said.

President William Ruto is expected to formally unveil the former premier as the country’s candidate for the chairmanship of the AUC on Tuesday August 27 in Nairobi, marking the official launch of his campaigns across the continent.

That may be their quid pro quo. Mr Odinga, who wields a sizeable support across the country, helped Dr Ruto to salvage his administration which was on the brink of collapse due to massive anti-government protests orchestrated by majority young protesters of the Gen Z.

President Ruto had to move swiftly to form a ‘broad-based government’ to bring in Mr Odinga’s key allies into his Cabinet to stabilise the country and help him salvage his administration.

He spoke at joint-press briefing with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who said Mr Odinga’s quest for the top regional post is a “national mission.”

Some of Mr Odinga’s strategists are former Kenya’s ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, former Executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) Mahboub Maalim, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Prof Makau Mutua and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr Caroline Karugu.

Asked about the budget allocations for the campaigns, Mr Mudavadi said he would not give the figures but confirmed financial obligations for the operations.

In Kenya’s previous failed bid to capture the AUC chairmanship by fronting then Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed’s bid for the post in the year to June 2017, it spent Ksh437.7 million ($xxxxx) in the campaign that was led by then Deputy President William Ruto.

Ms Mohamed lost her bid to be the continent’s top diplomat to her Chad counterpart, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in the vote.

Mr Odinga’s team has said a campaign secretariat has already been established in Kilimani, Nairobi, and president Ruto is expected to unveil the campaign team next week.

“At the moment I’m involved in the campaign but that does not mean Kenya ceases to exist,” Mr Odinga said.

South Africa opposition in turmoil as Malema’s deputy jumps ship

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A major player on South Africa’s political landscape for more than a decade, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has been shaken to the core following the defection of its deputy leader Floyd Shivambu to former President Jacob Zuma’s fledgling party – uMhkonto weSizwe (MK), or Spear of the Nation.

Mr Shivambu was seen as the EFF’s ideological guru, while party leader Julius Malema assumed the mantle of commander-in-chief – or “screamer-in-chief”, as his critics dubbed him – with his fiery rhetoric demanding the nationalisation of white-owned land and mines, and the “decolonisation” of education.

The duo seemed to be a winning team, with the EFF gaining the support of South Africa’s burgeoning youth population frustrated with the slow pace of political and economic reforms since the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994.

But the EFF suffered a major setback in the May general election when, instead of achieving its goal of rising from the country’s third biggest party to second, it dropped to fourth.

MK proved to be its political nemesis – just as it was for the governing African National Congress (ANC) – by gaining votes from both parties to snatch third place in the first election it contested.

“MK cannibalised the ANC and took votes from the EFF. It changed the course of South African politics, making the ANC lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994,” William Gumede, an academic with Wits University’s School of Governance in Johannesburg, told the BBC.

Mr Shivambu read the political tea leaves and defected to the MK last week, causing the biggest rupture in the EFF since its launch 11 years ago.

For Mr Malema, it was a personal blow because the two, as young men oozing with political energy, had jointly launched the EFF after the ANC – ironically then led by Mr Zuma – expelled them.

They had challenged the authority of a president who was steeped in traditional values of respect for elders, and were kicked out after accusations of being divisive and bringing the party into disrepute.

“The EFF took with it almost the entire youth wing of the ANC, and also came to dominate student politics at campuses across South Africa, such was the party’s appeal amongst young people,” said Paddy Harper, a journalist with South Africa’s Mail & Guardian newspaper.

“Malema had the charisma to get support, and Shivambu the brains to give it ideological direction,” he told the BBC.

“With their break-up, the EFF will enter a period of turmoil. This will be felt across South Africa, from campuses to parliament as the EFF tries to prevent losing more support to MK.”

However, political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki said the break-up would actually “strengthen” Mr Malema’s position in the EFF as he no longer faced a “potential threat” to his power.

“The EFF is considered as more of a cult, run by Malema. In such a system, the leader is the leader. Full stop. Anyone who appears to be close to the leader eventually becomes a casualty,” he told the BBC.

The first public sign of the relationship running into trouble came last year, when Mr Malema paid a glowing tribute to Mr Shivambu, describing him as a thinker, before warning him not to plot against him.

“I’m ruthless against people who do such things to me, so never try that with me,” Mr Malema was quoted as saying at a gala dinner.

With Mr Malema set to run for re-election as party leader at the EFF’s conference in October, Mr Shivambu, 41, appeared to have decided that it was time to move on.

MK has made him its national organiser – a demotion from his role in the EFF but still a senior post with the responsibility of growing the party.

But, Mr Harper said, it was unclear how he would get along with Mr Zuma, given their previous fall-out and the fact that the former president was also a cult-like figure in MK who repeatedly appoints and sacks officials. In less than a year the party has had three secretary generals.

“But there is also the view that the party is still finding its feet, and will stabilise with its core leadership including Zuma, John Hlophe, the impeached judge who has been made his deputy, and Shivambu,” Mr Harper said.

Another reason which could have pushed Mr Shivambu to defect is that he and Mr Malema – despite their public personae of being socialists and African nationalists – were at the centre of a major corruption scandal, he added.

They have been accused of receiving about 16m rand ($9m; £7m) in “gratification” – bribes, in simple language – from the boss of a now-liquidated bank after meeting him at a penthouse in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg in 2017.

The allegation was made in a recently leaked witness statement by the bank’s disgraced boss, Tshifhiwa Matodzi, after he pleaded guilty to 33 counts of corruption, theft, fraud, money laundering and racketeering for being involved in what investigators described as a “bank heist”.

Both Mr Shivambu and Mr Malema have denied any wrongdoing, but with a police investigation under way – and their political rivals likely to keep up the pressure – the scandal will not go away anytime soon.

“It is the biggest corruption scandal to hit the EFF, and if the party had to turn anyone into a sacrificial lamb it would have been Shivambu – certainly not Malema,” Mr Harper said.

“So, his move to MK makes sense as it offers him more protection. It is a bigger party full of people accused of corruption – including Mr Zuma himself.” The former president has denied any wrongdoing.

MK was also a natural political home for Mr Shivambu as its economic policy is similar to the EFF’s – both advocating the expropriation of white-owned land and the state ownership of mines and banks – policies that were adopted by many

African states after their independence but which were abandoned around the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union more than 20 years ago.

“MK and EFF represent the old nationalist politics of Africa. They are totally out of touch,” Mr Mbeki said.

“State-owned companies in South Africa are huge, but they are collapsing because of mismanagement. For the working class, it means a loss of jobs,” he added.

Expressing a similar view, Prof Gumede said the EFF had failed to gain a foothold in South Africa’s trade union movement despite being in existence for more than 10 years.

“Whether working class or middle class, older voters see the EFF as standing for chaos and confrontation. They want parties to co-operate to solve South Africa’s problems because we have an electricity and water crisis, and high unemployment and crime,” Prof Gumede said.

This was the clear message from the election, he added, but both the EFF and MK had made a “strategic mistake” by failing to join the government of national unity that President Cyril Ramaphosa formed after the election.

Mr Harper said that since the general election, MK had done badly in by-elections held in Mr Zuma’s political backyard of KwaZulu-Natal.

“It is not in government, and all it has been doing is oppose the coalition government in the province. That is not what voters want. They want delivery of basic services,” he said.

“As for the EFF, the ANC is currently in the process of dumping it as its coalition partner in cities such as Johannesburg. So it, too, is out in the cold.

“Logically, the EFF and MP should be strengthening relations to offer voters a viable alternative, rather than competing against each other for members and voters,” Mr Harper added.

Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader Floyd Shivambu

I spent my jail term at the male correctional center and I loved it- Bobrisky

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Crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, has kicked against being addressed as an ‘ex-convict’.

In an interview with influencer, Isbae, Bobrisky who regained his freedom from prison on August 5, said he was not sent to prison but to a correctional center.

‘’I am not an ex-convict because I can’t be convicted for spraying my money. I am not an ex-convict. I wouldn’t accept that.”

Bobrisky who was in April this year sentenced to six months in jail for Naira abuse, said he would go back to spraying money at events but would concentrate solely on dollars.

Bobrisky says he sees his time in prison as a ‘’vacation.”

‘’It was a time to go and rest. I have been working so hard and I think their decision was okay for me. Their decision was to break me but sadly nothing happened to mummy of Lagos. I am still fine and still good and will continue to be fine and good. ‘

This people really wanted to break me. I have never seen anywhere they sentence someone for spraying their own money. Everything happened like a movie. ’I sprayed my own hard earned money and I was sentenced to where we have a lot of criminals. It is a whole lot.”

Bobrisky jokingly said his prison time really ‘fits him’’ and would not mind going back but for a short term.

He dismissed claims that he spent his jail term in a VIP corner and not in the prison where other criminals are held.

When asked if he spent his time in the male or female section of the prison, Bobrisky said;

‘’I spent it at the male correctional center and I loved it. If they had allowed me to stay in the female correctional center, I wouldn’t have had fun. I wouldn’t have enjoyed myself. While I was at the male correctional center, I was the only different person there and so people were nice to me, showing me care, giving me stuffs. If I had stayed in the female ward, who would have shown me care?”’

He mentioned that during his time with the EFCC, he was however held in the female cell.

Catholic Priest used $650K donations to fund lavish lifestyle while lying to donors he was helping sick people in Lebanon

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A Catholic Reverend father has been ousted by Police authorities for lying to donors after he raised at least $650,000 for overseas medical clinics he claimed to operate, but in reality used the donations to fuel an extravagant lifestyle that included ‘heavenly’ meals, trips to the Hamptons and plastic surgery.

Pawel Bielecki, known as “Father Paul,” claimed he ran medical clinics in war-torn Lebanon, meanwhile he was 5,600 miles away in Manhattan, New York..

“Bielecki exploited his position as a friar to gain the trust of victims across the country and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them,” said Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, which collared the clergyman on Aug. 17 on charges of wire and mail fraud.

For eight years, the priest allegedly preyed on the compassionate members of his flock, soliciting donations on local radio shows and crowdfunding websites for non-existent Lebanese hospitals and ambulances, authorities said.

The cleric allegedly exploited the horrific August 4, 2020 chemical explosion in Beirut, which killed 218 people to fill his wallet, claiming he was hurt in the attack.

But prosecutors said he wasn’t even there and “made several purchases at coffee shops, restaurants and other businesses” in Manhattan on the day of the disaster.

Investigators say he did not leave the US between December 2019 and April 2022.

Friar Buck would direct his marks in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia and Florida to send checks to his friary with “Fr. Paul Bielecki’s Mission” in the memo line, the feds said.

“Bielecki (above) exploited his position as a friar to gain the trust of victims
across the country and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them,” said a US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

He would also sweet-talk victims into sending donations by mail to “St. Francis in Beirut Inc.”— a non-profit Bielecki established at the Manhattan friary where he resided.

Between December 2017 and February 2024, the friar withdrew almost $50,000 in cash from his bank accounts; transferred more than $600,000 to two credit card companies to pay for personal expenses, including $334 per month for a luxe gym membership; forays to the Hamptons and “numerous meals at high-end restaurants,” the complaint says.

He allegedly also used at least $15,000 on liposuction surgery, authorities said.

At different times he claimed to be a surgeon or a United Nations researcher, and the 48-year-old cleric used multiple aliases, including “Dr. Phaakon Sonderburg-Glucksburg.”

In September he legally changed his name to “Paul HRH Saxe-Coburg-Gotha” — with “HRH” standing for “His Royal Highness,” authorities said.

In 2018, he told the Salaam Club of New York and the Rotary Club of Verrazano: “Doctors are being taken along the Syrian border. I was supposed to have had four physicians with me but they are in jail now,” according to a story in the Brooklyn Reporter.

A Pennsylvania woman and her husband transferred $84,000 to Bielecki’s bank account between June 2020 and October 2023, the feds said.

The woman emailed Bielecki on Christmas Eve 2021, wishing him and “the people of Lebanon . . . many blessings of consolation and peace during this Holy Season.”

Reverend father used $650K donations to fund lavish lifestyle while lying to donors he was helping sick people in Lebanon

Two weeks later, Bielecki replied that he was “buying a new ambulance” that would “allow [him] to visit villages far north and provide medical help.”

The woman emailed back expressing her happiness that “the many prayers for an ambulance were answered” — and wired Bielecki another $10,000.

The cleric followed up with her the day after Valentine’s Day, writing, “God is great. The ambulance is OK to go . . . I already did a few villages with medical help. People were crying . . . God bless you both every day . . . every minute — Love Fr. Paul.”

In reality, Bielecki had just visited an NYC liposuction clinic, where he scheduled his $15,000 plastic surgery on March 8, police say.

John Abi-Habib, a member of the Salaam Club of New York and an honorary consul of Lebanon, also got scammed. “No way, oh wow!” he said, shocked after hearing of the arrest of the cleric.

“That’s scary man, that’s not right. Anyone that tries to use good people and hardworking people. . . and then not use [the donations properly]? It hurts. It hurts a lot.”

The Polish-born Bielecki entered the order of Capuchin Franciscans in Krakow in 1994 — ironically taking a vow of poverty, which required him to renounce material things and to not hold any property or bank accounts.

He was ordained a priest in 2001, church officials said.

Harare mayor Slammed For Attending ZANU PF Ideological Training

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Harare mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, has been criticised for attending a ZANU PF indoctrination programme at the party’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.

Mafume is among a group of mayors, chairpersons, councillors, and staff from 92 local authorities across the country who attended the two-day training session at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The training was conducted by Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology and ZANU PF’s National Political Commissar, on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

However, the mayors of Bulawayo, David Coltart, and his deputy, Edwin Ndlovu, did not attend the training. Instead, the city’s Town Clerk and Finance Director attended in their place.

Former CCC MP Job Sikhala, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that the opposition councillors attending the training may be motivated by greed. He wrote:

There are more important things in life than money and power. No amount of silver and gold should persuade you to sacrifice your values and principles to be dragged to the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, to be brainwashed with some redundant ideology.

The ideology that is anti-people, promotion of the persecution of those in disagreement with that moribund ideology and intolerance of opponents of the establishment!

Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent government critic, was more blunt in his assessment of Mafume’s attendance at the ZANU PF ideological training.

Chin’ono accused Mafume of “treachery” saying he is now serving his own interests and those of the ruling ZANU PF party. Said Chin’ono:

Harareans rejected ZANU PF in toto, but here you are, Mayor, using taxpayers’ money to attend an ideological indoctrination workshop at a ZANU PF indoctrination school!

I wouldn’t blame anyone who argues that you are no longer serving the interests of the residents of Harare, you are now serving your own interests and those of ZANU PF!

I can’t imagine that you would leave your office for the whole day to go to a ZANU PF indoctrination school when your residents have no clean drinking water!

It is just irresponsible for any opposition-elected mayor to do such a reckless thing! You have insulted the residents of Harare.

They are powerless because everything in Zimbabwe is captured, but at this point, it is fair to say you don’t represent them anymore!

ADVERTISEMENT. SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING.

… History will never forgive you for this treachery Jacob, you have betrayed the residents of Harare.

Our country is broken both politically and economically because of ZANU PF, yet you see it fit to not only go to a ZANU PF indoctrination school but to also use our money as Harareans attending this rubbish!

If Harareans had a way to remove you they would, but of course, ZANUPF courts will protect you, I am disappointed in not only your irresponsible actions, but in you too!

You have undermined the democratic process by participating in a ZANUPF indoctrination workshop while serving as an opposition mayor, you have “legitimised” the ruling party’s authoritarian tactics.

Mafume is a member of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and was re-elected as the mayor of Harare following the 2023 general elections.

His re-election came after Sengezo Tshabangu controversially recalled his two predecessors, Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu.

Tshabangu, known for unilaterally recalling scores of CCC MPs and Councillors, defended the mandatory two-day ideological training, describing it as a positive initiative aimed at building the capacity of councillors and aligning local governance with national policies.

The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is named after Herbert Chitepo, a prominent nationalist and former chairperson of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU).

The school focuses on topics such as patriotism, national security, and the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

UN committee slams UK over racism, incitement affecting minorities

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The United Nations committee responsible for combatting racism has slammed the United Kingdom over continuing hate crimes, hate speech, and xenophobic incidents, following riots fuelled by hate and misinformation that gripped the country this summer.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) said on Friday it was concerned by the presence of racist speech on various platforms, particularly where perpetuated by politicians and public figures.

The committee also issued its findings on Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Venezuela, after reviewing them in its latest session.

CERD said in a statement that it was “particularly concerned about recurring racist acts and violence against ethnic and ethno-religious minorities, migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers by extremist far-right and white supremacist individuals and groups”, including the violence that took place in July and August.

Riots and unrest fuelled by xenophobia and misinformation surrounding the tragic killing of three girls in a stabbing incident swept across the country in more than a week of violence that saw about 600 people arrested.

Protests by far-right groups escalated into clashes with police in multiple towns, which saw hotels housing asylum seekers torched and mosques and businesses run by ethnic and religious minorities attacked.

The three young girls were stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop at a community centre in Southport, England, by a 17-year-old suspect, Axel Rudakubana. He was born in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, reportedly to Christian Rwandan parents. But false information on social media claimed the suspect was a Muslim immigrant.

High-profile anti-immigration and anti-Muslim activists such as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, have promoted the protests online and have been accused by politicians and the media of peddling misinformation to inflame tensions.

Nigel Farage, the anti-immigration leader of the populist movement Reform UK who is now a sitting MP, is among the politicians blamed for their incendiary rhetoric.

“What you’ve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, London or Southport is nothing compared to what could happen over the course of the next few weeks,” Farage said.

In May, Farage said that Muslims do not share British values.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he “utterly” condemned “far-right thuggery” as government ministers promised harsh punishments for those taking part in the violence, which also prompted large-scale counter-demonstrations across the country.

Institutional racism

CERD also pointed to the existence of “institutional racism within policing and the criminal justice system”, calling on Britain to establish an independent complaint mechanism to investigate allegations of racial profiling, stop-and-search practices, strip searches, and the excessive use of force by police.

It called on the authorities to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished, stressing the need for victims and their families to access “effective remedies”.

Police have warned that arrests related to the riots will likely continue for months.

Some sentencings have been televised, a rarity in the UK, while police have churned out names and photos of those convicted, in a bid to make the criminal justice system’s response highly visible.

Argentina’s Milei to veto pension reform to push through austerity measures

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Argentina’s President Javier Milei is set to veto a pension reform passed by the Senate in a move that is likely to widen the rift between the libertarian leader and the opposition-controlled Congress.

The Senate defied Milei to push through an increase to pension spending in line with the country’s triple-digit inflation, dealing a blow to his tough austerity programme.

The bill, which swept through the lower house in June, was passed by a 61-8 vote in the Senate on Thursday. All but one of the lawmakers who voted against the measure were from Milei’s party, a sign that the president’s allies had failed to negotiate with centrist parties.

Lawmakers could override his veto by passing the law with a two-thirds majority again.

“[The bill’s] only objective was to destroy the government’s economic programme,” Milei’s office said in a statement on X, as it would have required spending an extra 1.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

“The president promised Argentines that he would maintain a fiscal surplus at all costs, and he will,” his office said.

Milei took office in December with strict austerity measures as part of a bid to tackle rampant inflation in the face of rising poverty now hitting half of the population.

He has promised to strike down legislation that undermines his “zero deficit” plan.

“Anything that goes against public accounts will be vetoed,” presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni said on Thursday.

The bruising defeat for the president once again highlighted his weakness in Congress, where leftist and centrist lawmakers hold sway.

Because Milei’s party controls less than 15 percent of Congress – and just seven of the Senate’s 72 seats – he has largely relied on sweeping executive decrees to slash public spending and deregulate the economy.

Last week, Congress struck down a presidential decree that would have multiplied the intelligence budget, arguing those funds could be used for more urgent social needs.

Protests against Milei’s agenda

After six months in office, Milei managed to secure his first legislative victory in June, when his economic reform bill narrowly passed the Senate as thousands of protesters clashed with police.

But the pension law, which sets more than an 8 percent increase in retirement benefits this year, threatened to revive investors’ fears about the ability of the self-described “anarcho-capitalist” to implement his radical agenda.

In the first six months of the year, Milei has managed to achieve an extremely rare fiscal surplus by slashing state spending, halting public works projects, and cutting revenue transfers to provinces.

“The pension reform passed today is particularly sensitive because it partially impacts the core of Milei’s fiscal programme,” said Marcelo J Garcia, director for the Americas at Horizon Engage, a New York-based political risk consulting firm.

“What most concerns investors is that this negative streak is the result of the hardline, more confrontational side of Milei’s inner circle taking the lead.”

Executive measures imposed so far have deepened a recession, increased poverty to 55 percent and sent annual inflation surging to 260 percent.

ZAMBIANS CAN’T CONTINUE SUFFERING LIKE THIS – LUNGU

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ZAMBIANS CAN’T CONTINUE SUFFERING LIKE THIS – ECL

… as Citizens First party President Harry Kalaba says there will be a change of government in 2026.

SAMFYA, SATURDAY, AUGUST, 24,
2024 (SMART EAGLES)

Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu says it is heartbreaking to see Zambians continue suffering under the UPND Government.

And Citizens First President Harry Kalaba says Zambians should make the right decision and change government in 2026.

Speaking at the Citizens First rally in Samfya this afternoon former President Lungu said Zambians cannot continue suffering like this.

He said when a government fails to deliver, the people have the right to vote them out.

Former President Lungu said the opposition political parties will unite to ensure that they unseat the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema in 2026.
” When government fails we change, we are working with all parties in the alliance. Don’t be cheated that PF want to shallow CF or CF shallowing PF,  the goal is to unseat HH, we shall unite to remove UPND from power in 2026,” former President Lungu said.

” CDF is not reaching the people,free education is not benefiting learners. How can a teacher look after 120 learners in a class. I know that there are the Intelligence officers here, please go and tell His excellency President Hakainde Hichilema that people are suffering and when people rise don’t blame me or Harry Kalaba. We can’t continue suffering like this,” He said.

And former President Lungu bemoaned the spirit of lying by the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema adding that most projects being commissioned by President Hichilema were started by the PF.

Meanwhile, Citizens First party President Harry Kalaba who also received 300 UPND members who joined his party, said it is worrying that Samfya has continued to lag behind interms of development.

He said the people of Samfya continue to experience the worst loadsheding ever adding that government must stop exporting power and preserve it for Zambians.

“This government has denied you fertilizer and you are experiencing the worst loadsheding, power goes at 02hrs and comes back at 02hrs the following day. This government has neglected you. They should stop selling power and give it to you so that you can run your businesses smoothly. In 2026 make the right decision when voting, when a government fails change it,” Mr. Kalaba said

And Mr. Kalaba said when voted into power Citizens First will ensure they build industries to create value addition to locally produced good.

#smarteagles2024

ZAMBIA IS DIVIDED – SILAVWE

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ZAMBIA IS DIVIDED – SILAVWE

…and the people that has to unite it are not talking to each other.

LUSAKA, SATURDAY, AUGUST 24,2024 [SMART EAGLES]

GOLDEN Party of Zambia President Jackson Silavwe says it regrettable that people that are supposed to unite the country are not talking to each other.

Speaking during the leaders and members Manifesto and constitution workshop in Lusaka, Mr. Silavwe said Zambia is too divided and concerted efforts are needed to unite the country.

And Mr. Silavwe said Zambia needs leaders that that are well informed and can make decisions that benefits the people.

” We need to make informed leaders. When Zambia gets the right political leaders, we have almost sorted half of our problems we face as a country,” Mr. Silavwe said.

“The answer to our Country’s governance, economic, cultural and religious problems have one common answer and that is leadership. It is my belief that the answer to political violence and politics of name calling lies in having well informed leaders,” the GPZ leader said.

And Mr. Silavwe said the Golden Party of Zambia, has to get its leadership right if it is to position itself and transform the Nation beyond small politics it the country has been accustomed to.

“It is for this reason that we as the GPZ party have started a series of these leadership workshop with an intention to roll them out to provinces and districts as resources allow,” Mr. Silavwe said.

“In this workshop let us discuss why the Golden Party exists in the first place. In other words,  why are we here? As we investigate this, we must inevitably come to the conclusion that a group of people get together and exist as an institution that we call a political party so they are able to accomplish something collectively that they could not accomplish separately,” he said

“We can look around in politics and see people who are interested in fame, money and nothing else, but for GPZ leaders the underlying factor must come largely from a desire to do something else, to have a clear and strong vision, to give a service and to our people generally to do something that will last for generations to come,” Mr. Silavwe said.

#SmartEagles2024.

RESPONSIBLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MUST BEGIN WITH THE ROGUE STATE HOUSE MEDIA TEAM- Fred M’membe

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RESPONSIBLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MUST BEGIN WITH THE ROGUE STATE HOUSE MEDIA TEAM

Mr Hakainde Hichilema is a very interesting character. So, with a straight face, he thinks he can deceive the world into believing that he is an advocate and champion of responsible use of social media.

Given his history, what moral authority does Mr Hichilema have to preach about responsible use of social media when his own media team at State House is in the forefront using guerrilla media channels like Koswe and Zambian Watchdog to abuse, malign and insult private citizens and leaders of this country? What moral authority does Mr Hichilema have to gag citizens for exercising their constitutional right by openly criticizing him through social media?

So, for Mr Hichilema, the only use of social media that he regards as responsible is one done by his Koswe and Zambian Watchdog rogue outfits? And for that, he is determined to lock up every critic and opposition politician whilst he freely continues insulting, abusing and maligning private citizens and leaders of this country using his boys at Koswe and Zambian Watchdog?

These two highly seditious guerrilla media outfits openly incite hatred and violence against Mr Hichilema’s critics without restraint. And it is clear that they operate with the blessings of State House.

Strangely, Mr Hichilema thinks this sort of behavior and hypocrisy from him is acceptable, no! They can fool themselves into thinking they are being clever by using their own media team at State House to divide and destroy the country’s political system and moral fabric via Koswe and Zambian Watchdog. But the day is coming when all those behind these rogue media outlets operating under State House will be made to account for their actions, especially that they’re known individuals, and there are many citizens who once worked with them, and are willing to testify.

The zeal and excitement is theirs for now but its just a matter of time before this impunity and lawlessness being perpetrated by State House is nipped in the bud.

But for now, any call to responsible use of social media must start with Mr Hichilema himself and State House, where this country’s most divisive, inciting and uncouth rogue media outfits (Koswe and Zambian Watchdog) are housed and operated.

Let Mr Hichilema preach responsible reporting to his Koswe and Zambian Watchdog. They need it more than anyone else.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Rwanda Wins Praise Across Africa for Taxing Tithes and Shutting Down Churches

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Rwanda Wins Praise Across Africa for Taxing Tithes and Shutting Down Churches

Several Africans have praised Rwanda for considering taxing church offerings and tithes as a measure to curb exploitation by self-proclaimed pastors and prophets.

As of this report, the Rwandan government had already closed down 8,000 churches for failing to meet infrastructure standards and legal requirements.

Rwanda to Conduct Nationwide Church Inspections

According to a statement from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), inspections will be conducted at churches across the country. These inspections are intended to ensure that pastors and prophets possess the necessary academic qualifications and that churches are properly registered. Non-compliant churches will be closed.

Here is the full statement from the RGB:

The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), in collaboration with other relevant government agencies, is conducting an inspection to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations.

The inspection focuses on verifying that denominations and prayer houses have registration documents issued by RGB, letters of collaboration with the district when a branch is opened, and that prayer houses meet legal requirements (building codes) for their location. It also checks if the leaders hold the required academic degrees and certificates in Theology at both the organizational and parish/branch levels.

Where this inspection finds that certain FBOs are not complying with the legal requirements and regulations governing faith-based organizations, they will be closed.

Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations and ensuring that prayer houses/buildings meet legal standards.

Rwanda Wins Praise Across Africa for Taxing Tithes and Shutting Down Churches

After the statement was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @AfricaFactsZon, Africans applauded the Rwandan government for seeking to protect its citizens against hustler prophets. This move has been praised by many Africans, who have observed how some pastors and prophets have amassed great wealth at the expense of vulnerable believers. Here are some of the reactions:

@kwachiffu:

This churches should be taxed . Just look around and see in Kenya ,Nigeria ,south Africa and Uganda apart from business men and politicians the richest people are the men of the cloth. Now religion is being used to swindle cash from believers in Africa which is wrong

@ministerTP__:

I like that, they should also deal with fake Nigerian Fake Pastors 

@JackM_Theegreat:

A good move, churches have been used by politicians to squander proceeds of corruption in the name of donations.

I lost my son eight years ago but I can’t forget him, cries Angela Nyirenda

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I lost my son eight years ago but I can’t forget him, cries Angela Nyirenda

Melodious songstress, known for her unique traditional rhythm, Angela Nyirenda has reminisced on how her first born son Khuzwayo died.

Khuzwayo, who was in Grade 10 at Kasamu School in Lusaka West at the time of his demise, died at New Chingwere Hospital in Lusaka where he had been admitted for observation after a case of pneumonia.

In a video posted on her Facebook page, Nyirenda revealed that despite losing her son for eight years now, she still fails to forget about him.

“Talking of Khuzwayo, when I released my first album, he was three years old, this year he would have turned 23, he was my first born, the day that we lost Khuzwayo, the previous day he was complaining kalaso kalaso (pneumonia). We couldn’t wait to take him to the hospital, we gave him an injection to ease the pain but he said mummy there’s no enough air in this room, maybe switch on the aircon,  so I switched on the aircon, he was like the air is too much, switch it off, he was like no I can’t feel my legs, I said where, he said the toes all the way up to the knees.”

“That’s when I started massaging him and he was like I can’t even see you massaging here, I can see that you are doing something but I can’t feel anything, I said what’s that, when I looked at him he was so peaceful, I started shaking, calling him JJ,  no response then I told the nurse that he looks like he can’t breathe, he got an injection to resuscitate him, no response, she went out, she couldn’t just tell me the news that he’s already gone, it’s eight years ago when I lost him but I just can’t forget about him,” she sobbed.

In honour of her late son, the song bird promised her fans that she would for the first time, perform the song Khuzwayo at her 20 years of music concert happening today.

“Most of you have asked me about my son Khuzwayo and the song I dedicated him. For the first time, I will be performing this song at my upcoming 20 years of my music celebration,” she revealed.

Nyirenda announced that her celebration will also be backed by performances from the queen of Kalindula music of the Amayenge Band, Alice Chali as well as Jeska and Gina Hidie.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, August 24, 2024

CABINET APPROVES THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CYBER SECURITY BILL

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CABINET APPROVES THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CYBER SECURITY BILL

Cabinet has approved in principle, the introduction of the Cyber Security Bill, 2024 and the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024.

This is to repeal the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act Number two of 2021 and separate the Cyber Security and Cyber-Crimes Act of 2021 into two separate Bills.

Acting Chief Government Spokesperson, ELVIS NKANDU says the objectives of the Cyber Security Bill, 2024 are to establish the Zambia Cyber Security Agency, provide for the protection of critical information and critical information infrastructure among others.

Mr NKANDU says in the case of the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024, the objectives of the Bill are to make provision for criminalising of illegal acts related to computer systems and information communication technologies, provide for the protection of persons against cyber-crimes and provide for child online protection.

He says Cabinet has realised that the current legal framework, the Cyber Security and Cyber-Crimes Act of 2021, is inadequate in providing comprehensive security in the cyber space, as a result of lack of dedicated institutions to administer the issues relating to cyber security contrary to international best practices.

Mr NKANDU says the decision was made during the 16th Cabinet Meeting held at State House.

Meanwhile, Mr NKANDU said  in order to enhance economic growth in the country, Cabinet has approved the declaration of the area along the Kafue Flats extending from Kafue to Itezhi Tezhi districts as a Beef Special Economic Zone.

He said this is in order to commercialise livestock production thereby raising productivity among livestock farmers in the area.

Mr NKANDU said cattle rearing along the Kafue flats have been practiced since time immemorial using traditional animal husbandry practices as opposed to modern business-like management practices.

He said that Cabinet is convinced that the proposed Beef Special Economic Zone will results in increased beef production, and attract investment in the areas, which will assist in accelerating industrialisation and contribute to economic growth, job creation
increased export receipts and generation of tax revenues.

And Mr NKANDU said Cabinet also approved the declaration of the proposed pieces of land as Agro Special Economic Zones (SEZs), in the areas that will be identified in Ngabwe,Mpongwe, Lufwanyama, Masaiti and Kafulafuta Districts in Central and Copperbelt Provinces.

The Agro-Special Economic Zones are expected to promote the economic fortunes of the Central and Copperbelt Provinces, by boosting dormant areas.

The Minister said the areas are anticipated to attract investments in crop production,
manufacturing and processing and hence become a hub for agricultural activities.

Mr NKANDU said that the initiative is also expected to contribute to overall food security, enhance tax revenue, expansion of the country’s export base and overall economic growth.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also agreed that the Government utilises the hybrid modality using both the electronic voucher system in 74 districts and the Direct Input supply in 42 District.

Mr. NKANDU said migration of the farmers to the e-voucher system started during the 2023-2024 farming season.

He said that the Cabinet has agreed that in the 2024-2025 farming season , the Government will migrate a further 57 districts and bring a total to 74 district onto the e-voucher platform.

GOVERNMENT DEMYSTIFIES EAGLES MEALIE MEAL CONTAMINATION RUMORS

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GOVERNMENT DEMYSTIFIES EAGLES MEALIE MEAL CONTAMINATION RUMORS

Government has challenged individuals making claims of aflatoxin contamination in Zambia National Service (ZNS) Eagles Mealie Meal to prove their claims.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr Norman Chipakupaku said ZNS is eager and prepared to conduct thorough tests to confirm the safety and non-toxicity of its mealie meal for human consumption and that independent tests were welcome to verify the product’s safety.

Speaking during a fact-finding visit at ZNS Chongwe Milling Plant yesterday, accompanied by Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr Thabo Kawana, the Defence Permanent Secretary cautioned against politicising the country’s staple food, stressing the need to protect its integrity.

Mr Chipakupaku vowed to take strong action against individuals who spread unsubstantiated lies about Eagle’s mealie meal, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking before sharing information.

“Let’s not play politics with our staple food. If anyone has concerns about the safety of ZNS Eagle’s mealie meal, we invite them to submit their claims,” Mr Chipakupaku said.

He noted that Eagles Mealie Meal is a vital source of nutrition for millions of Zambians, and any disruptions to its supply could have far-reaching consequences.

The Defence PS reassured the public of the safety of ZNS mealie meal, disclosing that he is a regular consumer of the product, which he purchases for his household.

Mr Chipakupaku said Government and ZNS in particular, is working tirelessly to ensure a steady supply of affordable mealie meal on the Zambian market and cautioned some individuals to refrain from malicious and unfounded criticism.

And Mr Kawana appealed for responsible use of social media to promote development and progress, rather than causing unnecessary alarm and panic among the nation.

He emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is dedicated to transparency and accountability, with no intention of hiding information from the citizens.

Mr Kawana said Government led by the Republican President and Commander- in- Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema is committed to transparency and accountability and has nothing to conceal from the Zambian people.

“We can confirm that ZNS purchases high-quality maize with the recommended moisture content from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), ensuring the production of nutritious and safe mealie meal for consumption,” he said.

Mr Kawana said Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and enforce regulatory measures to protect the health and safety of citizens and animals in order to ensure smooth facilitation of trade.

ZNS Chief of Public Relations and Liaison, Brigadier General Mable Mulenga-Nyone said ZNS will not be swayed by malicious allegations and will continue to support Government’s efforts to make the commodity accessible to all.

“Eagles mealie meal is not amongst the brands found to be contaminated. Our mealie meal is safe for human consumption and it is malicious for people to start alleging that our mealie meal is contaminated with aflatoxin even before anything is proven. This will not distract us as the Institution will continue serving the Zambian people and supporting the Government in its food security efforts,” Brig Gen Nyone said.

And Chief of ZNS Chongwe Milling Plant Colonel Simambwe Simambwe assured that the maize used for mealie meal production is sourced from FRA and meets all required standards which includes the recommended moisture content.

Adding that the same high-quality maize is also supplied to all allied millers, ensuring consistency and quality in mealie meal production.

TWO QUACK UTH DOCTORS DENY MASQUARADING AS MEDICS

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TWO QUACK UTH DOCTORS DENY MASQUARADING AS MEDICS

THE admiration of the white coat and shouting tubili kuseni, tutatu muzuba has landed a duo of quack doctors in court for the wrong prescription of medication to patients at the University Teaching Hospital and for fraudulently registering them under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The two identified as Blessed Robert Tsabasvi a Zimbabwean national aged 25, medical student and a female Zambian Chibwe Kansumba 28 an Environmental Health Officer are facing several counts of personating a public officer, forgery and uttering of false documents.

For masquerading as doctors, the two were slapped with 16 counts by the police out of which Tsabasvi is charged with seven while Kansumba is charged with nine.

In the first count it is alleged that Tsabasvi
but between January 1, 2019 and July 16, 2024 unlawfully and falsely represented himself as a medical doctor from UTH to patients.

In the second count, it is alleged that Tsabasvi with intent to defraud or deceive deceive forged a prescription form from UTH serial no. 2207857 purported to have been genuinely signed by the Registrar when infact not.

In the third count, Tsabasvi between January 1, 2019 t and July 16, 2024 with intent to defraud or deceive uttered a forged prescription form from UTH serial no. 2207857 to Ben.

Allegations in the fourth count are that; Tsabasvion the same dates with intent to defraud or deceive forged a prescription form from UTH file no. 2199068 purported to have been genuinely signed by the Registrar when infact not.

In count five, Tsabasvi with intent to defraud or deceive allegedly uttered a forged prescription form from UTH file no. 2199068 to his co accused Kansumba.

Tsabasvi is in the sixth count with intent to defraud alleged to have forged a NHIMA pre-Authorization form dated July 15, 2024 purported to have been genuinely signed by the Registrar when infact not.

In the seventh count; Tsabasvi with intent to defraud or deceive uttered a forged NHIMA pre-authorization form dated 15th July 15, 2024 to Chimuma Kayombo.

In the eighth count Kansamba is alleged to have posed as a medical doctor to patients at UTH between January 1, 2019 and July 16, 2024 .

Kansamba is in the ninth, eleventh and thirteenth count with intent to deceive or defraud alleged to have forged prescription forms from UTH serial no. 19022206, 19022205 and 2207766 purporting to have been genuinely signed by the SRMD when infact not.

Allegations in count 10, 12 and 14 are that Kansamba with intent to defraud or deceive uttered forged prescriptions form from UTH file no. 19022206 to Theresa Musonda Mpumpa, file no. 19022205 to  Rebecca Lungu and file no. 2207766 to Wendy Shaputa.

In count 15, it is alleged that Kansamba with intent to defraud or deceive forged a NHIMA pre-authorization form dated July 15, 2024  purported to have been genuinely signed by the Senior Registrar when infact not.

And in count 16 Kansamba is alleged to have uttered the said form to Rebecca Lungu.

Appearing before magistrate Idah Phiri the duo denied the charges.

Trial commences on October 21.

By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CALLS UPON GOVERNMENT TO AVERT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AMIDST AFLATOXINS PRESENCE IN MAIZE PRODUCTS

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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CALLS UPON GOVERNMENT TO AVERT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AMIDST AFLATOXINS PRESENCE IN MAIZE PRODUCTS

The Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) is calling upon the Government to take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent human rights violations amidst the potential human and environmental health risks, of the reported presence of aflatoxins in maize grain, animal feed and mealie meal distributed on the Zambian market.

The Government’s confirmation of the presence of aflatoxins in maize-related products and animal feed is a matter of serious public concern. It is a stark reminder of the need for businesses in the food production sector to comply with safety and human rights standards in the supply chain. The United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights mandate business entities to respect human rights and address adverse human rights impacts in all aspects of their businesses, from the sourcing of raw materials right through to the eventual distribution and consumption of their products. The Government also has the direct responsibility of ensuring that businesses comply with the UN Guiding Principles in order to protect citizens from adverse impacts bordering on human rights violations.

The Commission commends the Government for taking prompt action to address aflatoxins contamination in the identified maize-related products. However, there is urgent need to ensure that all the business enterprises in the food production sector, and particularly those whose products have been found to contain elevated levels of aflatoxins, operate in conformity with the set safety standards, all applicable public health and safety laws and respect for human rights.

In the meantime, the Commission is urging Government to act swiftly and put in place urgent measures to prevent the consumption of any of the contaminated maize products.  In order to avert a public health emergency, Government must immediately consider a full range of preventative and remedial measures, such as halting further distribution and instant removal from the market, of the affected maize products.

The Commission further calls upon the Government to ensure a constant supply of unadulterated maize and maize-related products to avoid a shortage of the staple food and ensure its availability, accessibility and affordability on the market . This will ensure that the general citizenry is guaranteed their rights to food and dignity. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage the Government and other relevant stakeholders towards ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights for all.

Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo

CHAIRPERSON
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

STATEMENT BY, DR. MICHAEL M. CHILALA, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ON THE MARKING OF THE 2024 JUNIOR SECONDARY EXTERNAL (GRADE 9) AND GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (GCE) EXAMINATIONS SCRIPTS

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STATEMENT BY, DR. MICHAEL M. CHILALA, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ON THE MARKING OF THE 2024 JUNIOR SECONDARY EXTERNAL (GRADE 9) AND GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (GCE) EXAMINATIONS SCRIPTS

The Examinations Council of Zambia wishes to update stakeholders and the nation on the marking of the 2024 Junior Secondary External (JSE) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations. 

1. Conduct of Examinations
The 2024 JSE and GCE examinations where written from Thursday, 25th July 2024 to Friday, 9th August 2024. We wish to inform stakeholders that the examinations were successfully conducted in line with the Guidelines for the Administration and Management of Examinations in Zambia.

2. Invitation of Examiners for Marking
The examiners for the 2024 Junior Secondary External examination were invited through the Provincial Education Officers, since the marking at this level is decentralised and organized at provincial level. The examiners for the 2024 GCE examination were invited using the newly developed and deployed Examiner Management System (EMS), which provides for the examiners to register and confirm their availability for marking, online. The system is integrated to the Online Marks Entry System (OMES), which provides for apportionment of scripts, online claims for the scripts marked and the accounting system for payment of examiners. 

3. Marking Arrangements

a. Junior Secondary (Grade 9) External (JSE) Examination
The marking of the 2024 JSE examination scripts took place as was scheduled from Monday, 12th August 2024 and was successfully completed on Saturday, 17th August 2024. ECZ has since received the marks and processing is underway.

b. General Certificate of Education (GCE)
The marking of the 2024 GCE examination scripts commenced on Monday, 19th August 2024 and is expected to end on Saturday, 31st August 2024. The examiner turnout ranges from 75% to 100%. All the examiners are being accommodated in the marking centres and provided with meals by the marking centres, based on the ECZ standard menu. We wish to thank all the examiners who have continued to participate in this exercise over the years.

c. Payment of Markers
ECZ paid transport and lunch allowances to all markers of the 2024 Junior Secondary External (JSE) examination scripts through the Provinces while the marking was still ongoing, while their script marking fees will be paid by Monday, 26th August 2024.

The examiners who are currently marking the 2024 GCE examination scripts are being paid their transport allowances before they leave the marking centres in order not to inconvenience them. Further, measures have been put in place for their script marking fees to be paid within 10 days (by 10th September, 2024) after the end of the marking exercise.

Stakeholders may wish to know that through a consultative process with stakeholders who included chief examiners among others, the ECZ effected a new examiner payment scheme which tied all fees to the scripts marked and increased the fees from K2.20 per script to K7.0 per script for smaller scripts, and from K3.85 to K8.0 per script for bulky papers. 

4. Conclusion
On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the ECZ, I wish to thank the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Education, our esteemed examiners and all other stakeholders that have stood with the Council throughout our journey, as we move to deliver quality assessments and education services to the people of Zambia. We remain committed to our Vision to be An Educational Assessment Body of Excellence.

Issued by: (Original Signed)
Dr Michael M. Chilala
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA

PARAMOUNT CHIEF KALONGA GAWA PLEDGES TO PROMOTE EDUCATION

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PARAMOUNT CHIEF KALONGA GAWA PLEDGES TO PROMOTE EDUCATION

Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa, has pledged to promote education to foster national development.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Ketete District, the Paramount Chief’s Nduna, Lucas Phiri, says the traditional leader has directed his chiefs to ensure that they proritise education for both the girl and boy child.

Mr Phiri also revealed that the Paramount Chief, who presides over the Chewa people of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, is advocating for Chewas to unite with other tribes.

“He has challenged his chiefs to contribute to development by ensuring that children are educated. He also wants Chewas to live well with other tribes. He doesn’t want us to remain as an island,” Mr Phiri said.

Meanwhile, Katete District Commissioner (DC) Raphael Phiri has urged young people to take a keen interest in Zambia’s rich historic heritage as a way of preserving the country’s culture for future generations.

Mr Phiri, who is also a member of the organising committee for the Kulamba ceremony, disclosed that a small museum has been set up to showcase Chewa artifacts and history during this year’s ceremony.

He emphasised that traditional ceremonies allow people both locally and abroad to appreciate cultural diversity.

“This ceremony also demonstrates to the people of this region, of the three countries that the boundaries among them are just artificial, as we are one people. We speak one language, same culture in the three countries. So, we are one people,” he said.

Mr Phiri also noted the seamless trade among the three countries, highlighting the close interactions and unity among the people.

“In terms of trade, you will be amazed to realise the trade among the three countries has no boundaries, as we trade as one people, and the daily interactions demonstrate our unity,” he said.

Kulamba ceremony, involving Chewa Chiefs from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, serves as a platform for presenting various issues affecting their chiefdoms to Paramount Chief Gawa Undi after a year of interactions.

Approximately 140 Chewa Chiefs from Malawi, about 42 from Mozambique, and 41 from Zambia are expected to attend the event, as well as chiefs from other parts of the country

Zimbabwean Pilot Missing After His Plane Crashed Into Lake Malawi

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A Zimbabwean pilot is missing in Malawi after his plane crashed into Lake Malawi on Tuesday, 20 August.

Fifty-year-old Captain Fungai Majakwara is yet to be located, together with Frisco Westheim, 29, while another, a 24-year-old Dutch woman named Charlotte Lemstra, survived the crash with minor injuries. She is currently receiving treatment in the hospital after being rescued by local fishermen.

Zimbabwean Pilot Missing After Crashing Into Lake Malawi
Nyasa Express, a Malawian company, owns the Cessna C210 aircraft with registration number 7Q-PFU. The plane, typically capable of carrying six people, was travelling from Nkhotakota to Liwonde, approximately 235 kilometres south of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. It went down in the Nkhotakota District, about 200 kilometres northeast of Lilongwe.

Malawi’s Minister of Information & Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, confirmed to Nyasa Times:

“The aircraft departed Nkhotakota Tongole at 14h00 and was supposed to land at Makhanga at 15h15. The aircraft is reported to have crashed in the northeast of Benga, and it ditched into Lake Malawi, which is close to the shores. Meanwhile, the aircraft has been sighted under the water surface, and rescue efforts are underway to pull the aircraft ashore.”

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.

The Dutch survivor alleged that the pilot may have lost consciousness mid-flight. The plane plunged into the lake approximately 45 minutes before it was due to touch down.

Rescue Operation For The Aircraft Ongoing
Nyasa Express reported that a rescue operation is underway to locate the missing Zimbabwean pilot and the passenger:

“This location is the current focus of intensive search and rescue operations. The Civil Aviation authorities are actively coordinating the search and rescue operations with the assistance of Nyasa Express and other relevant agencies. Every effort is being made to locate the aircraft and those still missing as quickly as possible.”

Captain Majakwara was the managing director of Nyasa Express and an experienced pilot with a long history in the aviation industry, specialising in airline, corporate, and charter flying. His wife and three children stay in Lilongwe.

Berhane Abrehe: Ex-minister dies in Eritrean jail after six years without charge

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Berhane Abrehe – a former Eritrean finance minister and fierce critic of the country’s president – has died in prison, his family say.

The 79-year-old was Eritrea’s longest serving minister of finance, but he was removed from his role in 2012 following clashes with President Isaias Afwerki.

Six years later, he was jailed after releasing a book where he described the president as a “dictator” who needed to resign.

His family told the BBC that the authorities, who rarely confirm the deaths of senior officials in custody, had notified them of Mr Berhane’s death.

The government also rarely shares where the bodies are buried but Mr Berhane’s family have heard there is a plan to bury him in Asmara Patriots Cemetery. Only veterans of the Eritrean independence war, like Mr Berhane, or members of the national service can be buried there.

His body has not yet been released, his family said, and it is not clear when and exactly how Mr Berhane died.

He was never brought before a court of law.

President Isaias has ruled the East African country, without holding national elections, since winning the independence war against Ethiopia in 1991.

Political parties, civic organisation and independent media are all banned.

The UN and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, including torture, forced disappearance and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.

Mr Berhane’s fall-out with President Isaias began during the former’s 12-year tenure as finance minister, in which he urged Mr Isaias for transparency on the country’s budget. The budget is still inaccessible to the public today.

In 2012, Mr Berhane was removed from his post and sidelined from politics.

Three years later he secretly wrote a two-volume book named My Country, and sent it abroad to be published.

Alongside calling his old boss a dictator and demanding he resign, Mr Berhane used the book to challenge Mr Isaias to a debate on national television.

He also called for the reinstatement of the national assembly – Eritrea’s parliament – which had been dissolved by the president in 2002. To this day, there is still no legislative body to hold the government accountable.

In 2018, after Mr Berhane had published My Country, he was detained and imprisoned in an unknown location.

By this time his wife was already in prison, although no reason was given. She was released in 2019.

One of Mr Berhane’s sons, who was also detained during the same period as his mother, previously described his family’s ordeal to the BBC.

“I am living with a dim glimmer of hope that my father who has health issues [will be out of prison one day],” Efrem Berhane said in 2020.

The 31-year-old, who lives in the US after fleeing Eritrea, asked: “How can people be kidnapped by a government and disappear for years? Why do people show such cruelty on a fellow human like this?”

But some people have been imprisoned for even longer.

In September 2001, 11 senior ministers and generals who were part of a group known as the “G-15” were arrested after they criticised the president. The collective – which included three former foreign ministers, an education minister and a former armed forces chief of staff – have not been seen since.

In Eritrea, political prisoners are often prohibited from contact with the outside world.

In February, Ilze Brands-Kehris, United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights said “impunity persists” for human rights violations in Eritrea.

“Our office continues to receive credible reports of torture; arbitrary detention; inhumane conditions of detention; enforced disappearances; restrictions of the rights to freedoms of expression, of association, and of peaceful assembly,” she said.

Born in Eritrea in 1945, Mr Berhane earned an MA degree in economics from a US university before joining the struggle for independence from Ethiopia.

He is the father of four children. BBC News

Tyrese Gibson calls out his ex-wife and her lawyers for trying to make him pay $40k per month in child support 

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Tyrese Gibson said that following his emotional interview on The Breakfast Club, his ex-wife Samantha Lee responded to it by requesting an increase to the monthly child support payments she receives.

During the interview, he spoke about the toll his divorce from Samantha took on him.

In a recent stream on Instagram Live, the actor and musician said that he’s had a lot of people reach out to him after the interview, but the mother of his daughter has yet to take “accountability” for the “trauma” she caused.

He added that Samantha is now asking for $40K per month on child support.

He claimed she originally asked for $20k, but after seeing his latest movies and shows’ success, she increased the amount.

“I just got another letter from her lawyers, requesting that I send over all of my tax returns and all of my bank statements because she’s trying to get $20,000,” he said. “I think they’re trying to take it up to, like, $40,000. They’ve been looking at all of my movies and all of the concerts I’ve been doing, and they’re over there like blood-sucking lawyers rubbing their hands. And Samantha’s doing the same thing, rubbing her hands. They going, ‘For the last year and a half, he looks like he’s been doing really well.'”

He said that his ex-wife, who divorced him four years ago, makes close to $150,000 a year from social media. But her attorney claimed they only got $5,000 for representing her for the last four years because they’re “banking on a pot of gold” from him because of his celebrity status.

“I’m out here stressed the fuck out,” he continued. “She divorced me and they’re rubbing their hands over there hoping I do more concerts, shows, movies… They’re trying to get to the bottom of what actual money is in my bank account so they can put it in their law firm’s pockets. This is a dirty fucking game out here, ain’t it? Welp, y’all keep waiting.”

He also accused the judge in his divorce case of making “illegal” judgments, hence why he’s appealing the outcome of the divorce.

Jennifer Lopez is asking a judge to restore her maiden name amid her divorce from Ben Affleck

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Jennifer Lopez is asking a judge to restore her maiden name amid her divorce from Ben Affleck.

The actress and singer, 55, filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, 52, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, after two years of marriage.

In court documents, Lopez requested that her former name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, be restored.

Also in her filing, Lopez cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, and indicated that she did not want her nor Affleck to be awarded spousal support.

She checked to separate their property (assets and debts), adding, “The exact nature and extent of separate property assets and obligations are unknown to Petitioner at this time. Petitioner reserves the right to amend this Petition when same is ascertained.”

When it came to community and quasi-community property, Lopez noted in the filing that she hopes to verify rights to assets and debts, however, she added that “the exact nature and extent” of those factors are not currently known and “will be determined.”

They reportedly didn’t have a prenup, which may lead to a battle over assets, including their $68 million Beverly Hills mansion that they put up for sale.

In other words, she and Affleck still need to figure out who is getting what in the divorce.

Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in Las Vegas on July 17, 2022. That August, they hosted a lavish ceremony in Savannah, Ga., to celebrate their union.

The Unstoppable actress said in a December 2022 cover interview with Vogue that she was “proud” to be Mrs. Affleck and opened up about her decision to legally change her last name.

“We’re husband and wife. I’m proud of that. I don’t think that’s a problem,” she said at the time.

The This Is Me…Now singer pointed out that “people are still going to call me Jennifer Lopez,” however, her “legal name” would be “Mrs. Affleck because we’re joined together.”

She said that although people will have their opinions about her changing her last name, she thought it was a “romantic” move.

“It still carries tradition and romance to me, and maybe I’m just that kind of girl.”

YouTube star Jake Paul has vehemently defended his decision to fight Mike Tyson despite the age gap between the pair

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YouTube star, Jake Paul has vehemently defended his decision to fight Mike Tyson despite the age gap between the pair.

Earlier this year, Jake Paul sent shockwaves through the sports world when he announced his next opponent would be the 58-year-old former heavyweight world champion.

The 27-year-old faced even more backlash when their fight was postponed because Tyson suffered a mid-air medical emergency that delayed the fight until November 15.

Paul’s long-time rival, KSI, has been one of the fight’s most vocal critics.

The YouTuber turned fighter appeared on Friday’s episode of talkSPORT Breakfast and gave his brutally honest verdict on Paul vs Tyson.

“I think it’s stupid,” KSI said. “He’s trying to fight an OAP.”

“He has no business to be fighting a man that can barely walk.

“He hasn’t fought in years. It just makes no sense, but it’s Jake Paul.

“For him, it’s all about trying to take advantage of people who don’t have an advantage, and it’s boring. I wish Netflix didn’t entertain it, but it is what it is.

“Yeah, I just think it’s ridiculous.”

Paul was asked about the backlash to his fight with Mike Tyson during an interview with talkSPORT MMA’s Gareth A. Davies at a PFL press conference in Washington for Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira on Friday.

“I think it’s disrespectful to Mike, first and foremost,” he said.
“And then I would say to them ‘Get in the ring with him’. If Mike wants to fight, then Mike wants to fight. If he wants to make it a pro fight then, ‘Okay!’

“I wanna fight Mike Tyson, that’s legendary. It’s an honour to be in the ring with him, and if he wants the fight to be a pro fight then, ‘Okay, let’s do it’.”

Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since being knocked out by Kevin McBride in 2005 but his comeback opponent thinks he still looks like the menacing fighter he once was.

Paul added: “You look at his training videos, look at him on the mitts, you look at him in person – he has a 30lb weight advantage and is giant strong.
“So, people can say what they want about it, but they are still going to watch.”

“I get the old guard and old people wanna see me lose,” he concluded.

“At the end of the day, that’s what makes this fight interesting, the two generations coming together.

“I think 30 years and older want Mike Tyson [to win], 25 and younger want me to win. That’s what makes it very interesting.

Diplomatic Showdown As Czech Embassy Writes To Zimbabwe Government Over The Arrest Of Tourist Lucas Slavik

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A diplomatic showdown could erupt after the Czech Embassy in Harare wrote to the Zimbabwe Government over the arrest of tourist Lucas Slavik.

Details Of The Case
Slavik was arrested in Masvingo on 2 August for recording a video that exposed the critical shortages of electricity and water in the region. The State alleges the video had false statements with the potential to incite public unrest. The Czech national is charged under Section 31 (a) (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Following his arrest, Slavik was remanded in custody for three weeks. Masvingo Provincial Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi had earlier denied Slavik bail, saying he might flee the country. Slavik’s defence argues that the law under which he is charged is outdated and that he never made any false statements.

ALSO READ: Two Tourists Arrested For Trespassing At Victoria Falls During Lockdown

On 21 August 2024, a High Court Judge in Masvingo, Justice Sunsley Zisengwe, granted Slavik bail. The conditions included a U$500 deposit with the Clerk of Court, residing at the Consulate of the Czech Republic in Harare, and reporting to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Highlands every Friday between 6 AM and 6 PM. Additionally, Slavik was required to surrender his passport and refrain from contacting state witnesses.

Czech Republic Deputy Ambassador Michael Novak paid the bail.

Czech Embassy Writes To Zimbabwe Government Over The Arrest Of Tourist Lucas Slavik

After Slavik’s release on bail, the Czech Republic Embassy in Harare wrote to the Zimbabwe Government regarding the case.

The Embassy wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade per the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Article 36 of the Vienna Convention states:

“The competent authorities of the receiving State shall, without delay, inform the consular post of the sending State if, within its consular district, a national of that State is arrested or committed to prison or to custody pending trial or is detained in any other manner.”

The Embassy sought a detailed list of the charges against Slavik and the laws and legal provisions under which they were filed. Additionally, the Embassy requested information on Slavik’s current legal status, including any ongoing proceedings or hearings.

Manchester City’s Gundogan is back!

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Manchester City have secured the return of their former captain Ilkay Gundogan, signing him from Barcelona on an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.

“WHAT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…

WELCOME BACK TO CITY, @ILKAYGUENDOGAN 🩵 PIC.TWITTER.COM/8VUTEKQNRU

— MANCHESTER CITY (@MANCITY) AUGUST 23, 2024″

Ilkay Gundogan, the German midfielder who became Pep Guardiola’s inaugural signing at Manchester City in 2016, enjoyed a remarkable seven-year stint at the club before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.

During his time at City, the 33-year-old played a pivotal role in the team’s success, amassing 14 major trophies. Gundogan’s contribution on the field was significant, with 304 appearances and 60 goals to his name, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in City’s golden era.

“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” said Gundogan.

“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.

“Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”

Barcelona has opted to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan despite his strong first season in Spain, driven by the club’s ongoing financial challenges.

The decision comes as Barcelona struggles to manage its wage bill and meet La Liga’s stringent spending regulations, which have also hindered their ability to register new signing Dani Olmo.

Gundogan, who was one of Barcelona’s highest-paid players, is leaving the club on a free transfer. This move is seen as a necessary step to bring the club’s finances in line with league requirements, allowing them to avoid potential penalties and clear the way for new signings.

On the international stage, Gundogan, who earned 82 caps for Germany, announced his retirement following Germany’s quarter-final exit to Spain in Euro 2024.

His departure from both club and international football marks the end of an era for the veteran midfielder, who has had a storied career across Europe’s top leagues.

Jude Bellingham sidelined for a month over injury – Source

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Real Madrid has confirmed that midfielder Jude Bellingham sustained a muscle injury in his right leg during Friday’s training session.

According to an ESPN source, Bellingham is likely to be sidelined until mid-September, missing action until after the international break.

Madrid will host Real Valladolid at the Bernabéu on Sunday for their first home game of the season, following a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their opening away match last weekend.

The game will see Kylian Mbappé make his home debut, after joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

“After tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical services on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with an injury in the plantaris muscle in his right leg,” the club said in a statement.

“[Bellingham] got a knock,” coach Carlo Ancelotti said in a news conference, earlier on Friday. “We’re evaluating it.”

England midfielder Jude Bellingham had an outstanding season for Real Madrid last year, netting 19 goals in the league.

He also played a pivotal role in their first trophy victory of the current campaign, earning man-of-the-match honors in their UEFA Super Cup triumph over Atalanta last week.

With the addition of Kylian Mbappé to a squad that already captured both LaLiga and the Champions League, expectations are soaring for Madrid in the 2024-25 season.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side faced criticism after a disappointing draw against Mallorca, causing them to drop crucial points early in the campaign.

“It was quite clear in terms of the evaluation,” Ancelotti said. “We lacked balance at times and we have to work on that. It isn’t too complicated. When the problem is clear, there’s a clear solution.”

Ancelotti denied that there was an issue with fitting forward Rodrygo into the team, alongside Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham.

“[Rodrygo] told me he’s very happy here,” Ancelotti said. “He’s working hard, he’s been one of the best in these games, so there’s no problem with him.”

Manchester City’s Gundogan is back!

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Manchester City have secured the return of their former captain Ilkay Gundogan, signing him from Barcelona on an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.

“WHAT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…

WELCOME BACK TO CITY, @ILKAYGUENDOGAN 🩵 PIC.TWITTER.COM/8VUTEKQNRU

— MANCHESTER CITY (@MANCITY) AUGUST 23, 2024″

Ilkay Gundogan, the German midfielder who became Pep Guardiola’s inaugural signing at Manchester City in 2016, enjoyed a remarkable seven-year stint at the club before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.

During his time at City, the 33-year-old played a pivotal role in the team’s success, amassing 14 major trophies. Gundogan’s contribution on the field was significant, with 304 appearances and 60 goals to his name, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in City’s golden era.

“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” said Gundogan.

“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.

“Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”

Barcelona has opted to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan despite his strong first season in Spain, driven by the club’s ongoing financial challenges.

The decision comes as Barcelona struggles to manage its wage bill and meet La Liga’s stringent spending regulations, which have also hindered their ability to register new signing Dani Olmo.

Gundogan, who was one of Barcelona’s highest-paid players, is leaving the club on a free transfer. This move is seen as a necessary step to bring the club’s finances in line with league requirements, allowing them to avoid potential penalties and clear the way for new signings.

On the international stage, Gundogan, who earned 82 caps for Germany, announced his retirement following Germany’s quarter-final exit to Spain in Euro 2024.

His departure from both club and international football marks the end of an era for the veteran midfielder, who has had a storied career across Europe’s top leagues.

Arteta plans to negotiate a new contract with Arsenal after the summer

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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in negotiating a new contract with Arsenal after the transfer window shuts, reaffirming his commitment to the club.

In a July interview with ESPN, the Spanish manager mentioned he didn’t foresee any problems in securing an extension.

However, the Premier League season has kicked off without any renewal of his current contract, which is set to expire next summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to completing their third signing of the window, as Mikel Merino nears a £32 million ($42m) move from Real Sociedad. This follows the recent acquisitions of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford.

Asked if the attention would shift to his own future once the window closed on Aug. 30, Arteta said: “Yes. The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss.

“We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment. I am very grateful first of all for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day because it’s really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in the vision.

“It’s something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It’s very exciting and I am very excited about it.”

Pushed on whether he saw emulating the nine-year tenures of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool as a target, Arteta said: “I see today and tomorrow. That is the reality as managers and we have to live with that urgency.

“Looking two, three years down the line, you have to plan because what happens to the club afterwards depends on how good the results we get are – that’s it. That’s the reality.

In the meantime, do your best and enjoy it if you can.”

Arsenal are actively exploring attacking prospects, with Nico Williams of Athletic Club being a top target.

When questioned about potential transfers as the window closes—especially with Eddie Nketiah nearing a £30 million transfer to Nottingham Forest—Mikel Arteta acknowledged the need for preparedness.

He stated, “We must stay vigilant as anything can occur, and it’s crucial to be ready, particularly in the final week of the window.”

“You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons and we are prepared.”

Arteta did however distance Arsenal from any potential move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA ON THE DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 16TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2024.

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PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA ON THE DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 16TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2024.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, called for the 16th Cabinet Meeting at State House on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024, to deliberate on policy and legislative matters aimed at improving the general living standards of the people.

Cabinet made the following policy decisions:

  1. Legislative Matters:

(a) The Cyber Security Bill, 2024 and The Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024.

Cabinet approved in principle, the introduction of the Cyber Security Bill, 2024 and The Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024, to repeal the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 and separate the Cyber Security and Cyber-Crimes Act of 2021, into two separate Bills namely, the Cyber Security Bill, 2024 and the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024.

The objectives of the Cyber Security Bill, 2024 are to establish the Zambia Cyber Security Agency; provide for the protection of critical information and critical information infrastructure; provide for cyber security in the Republic; continue the existence of the Central Monitoring and Co-ordination Centre; and provide for the regulation of cyber security providers.

In the case of The Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024, the objectives of the Bill are to make provision for criminalising of illegal acts related to computer systems and information communication technologies; provide for the protection of persons against cyber-crimes; and provide for child online protection.

Cabinet has realised that the current legal framework, the Cyber Security and Cyber-Crimes Act of 2021, is inadequate in providing comprehensive security in the cyber space as a result of lack of dedicated institutions to administer the issues relating to cyber security contrary to international best practices. Further, the current legal framework is inadequate in providing comprehensive criminalisation of illegal acts relating to computer systems and information communication technologies and the protection of persons and children against cyber-crimes.

(b) The Insurance and Pensions Institute of Zambia Bill, 2024.

Cabinet approved in principle to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to provide for the legal framework on the establishment of the Insurance and Pensions Institute of Zambia.

Currently, the Insurance and Pensions Institute of Zambia is registered under the 2005 Societies Act, Chapter 119 of the Laws of Zambia. The new legislation will, therefore, establish the Insurance and Pensions Institute of Zambia as a Statutory body, that will effectively regulate, supervise and enforce professional conduct, ethics, and continuous professional development.

Once enacted into an Act of Parliament, the Act will provide a legal framework to accredit its professional qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework, which will lead to creation of a pool of financial sector professionals and ensure adherence to the industry’s ethics and code of conduct. Further, this will contribute to the integrity and stability of the Pensions and Insurance industry.

(c) The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Cabinet also approved in principle to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal the Factories Act Cap. 441 of the Laws of Zambia, 1967, so as to bring the legislation in line with international best practices, to account for the changes that have taken place in occupational safety and health practices over time, as well as to take into consideration new and emerging threats in workplaces such as climate change and ratified International Labour Organization’s Conventions No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health and No. 187 on Promotional Framework on Occupational Safety and Health.

Cabinet has realised that the enforcement of occupational safety and health legislation in Zambia has faced several challenges as the legislation is outdated and not in line with the changes that have occurred in workplaces and factories.

(d) The Industrial and Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Cabinet also approved in principle to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, Chapter 269 of 2008 of the Laws of Zambia, in order to provide clarity on legal provisions that have posed practical challenges in the implementation of the Act and align it with the practical needs of the labour market and current industrial relations trends in the country.

The objectives of the Bill include among others, to revise the criteria for registration of trade unions; revise the criteria for registration of federations of trade unions and federations of employers’ organisations; revise the criteria for the registration of employers of eligible employees; and revise the composition and quorum of the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council.

Cabinet has indicated that, given that productive labour is an engine for sustainable economic growth, it is necessary for the Act to be amended to enhance decent jobs, overall job creation and sustainable enterprise development and further provide a clearer industrial and labour relations legal framework for employer-employee rights and obligations at the workplace.

(e) The Occupational Health and Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Cabinet also approved in principle to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS ) Act No. 36 of 2010, so as to align it to Article 199 of the Constitution of Zambia.

The amendment, once enacted, will result in a reduction in occupational accidents and diseases in the country, create a safe work environment and healthy workforce, thereby positively impacting productivity. Further, the amendment of the OHS Act will not only provide benefits to the relevant recipients of the occupational health services, but will holistically benefit the individual, the environment in which the individual operates, the society in which the individual lives and thus the Republic as a whole.

(f) Ratification of The Protocol Relating to An Amendment to The Convention on International Civil Aviation Article 3bis.

Cabinet approved the ratification of the Protocol relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation Article 3bis, in order to comply with the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SRPs).
Since the adoption of the Protocol, about 161 – ICAO Member States, have ratified Article 3bis including Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and South Africa.

Ratifying the Protocol and domesticating it through the amendment of the Civil Aviation Act No. 7 of 2012, will demonstrate Zambia’s commitment to upholding ICAO – SPRs on aviation safety and security and improve its effective implementation of SPRs (which is a measure of a State’s safety oversight capability).

(g) The Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Serious Aircraft Incidents Investigations) Regulations, 2024.

Cabinet also approved the issuance of the Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Serious Aircraft Incidents Investigations) Regulations, 2024.

Currently, there are no regulations outlining the conduct of aircraft accident investigations. The Statutory Instrument, therefore, seeks to expand on the general provisions in the Civil Aviation Act, 2016, to enable Zambia to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS), particularly ICAO Annex 13.

Issuance of the Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Serious Aircraft Incidents Investigations) Regulation, 2024 will, enhance the operations of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board; ensure Zambia is in compliance with International Standards and Recommended Practices; and advance civil aviation safety.

Zambia domesticated Articles 26 and 37 by the enactment of the Civil Aviation Act, 2016. Following the enactment of the Civil Aviation Act, 2016, significant progress has been made in the full establishment of the AAIB. However, the lack of Regulations to guide the operations of the Institution has necessitated the issuance of these Regulations.

(h) Statutory Instrument No. 129 of 2011 (Amendment) (The Immigration and Deportation Act (General) Regulations).

Cabinet approved amendment of Statutory Instrument No. 129 of 2011 (The Immigration and Deportation Act (General) Regulations) in order to, among others, improve internal security in the country, harmonise transit permit fees with other neighbouring countries and enhance trade as well as regional and international cooperation by including Chongwe, Chililabombwe, Kalumbila, and Maamba as internal immigration office controls as well as Lonshi and Lumi Border Controls as Ports of Entry; revising downwards transit permit fees for international truck drivers; and waiving visa requirements for some countries.

(i) The Tobacco (General) Regulations, 2024.

Cabinet approved the issuance of The Tobacco (General) Regulations, 2024 in order to fully operationalise the Tobacco Act No. 10 of 2022.

The Tobacco Act No. 10 of 2022, was enacted to strengthen the legal framework for the regulation of the Tobacco industry in the country. The Act repealed and replaced the Tobacco Act Cap 266 of 1966. Following the enactment of Tobacco Act No. 10 of 2022, it was deemed necessary that new Tobacco Regulations be developed to provide further guidance to the various players in the tobacco value chain.

The regulations provide guidance on a number of issues such as the procedure and manner for registration of tobacco growers, licensing of various players such as buyers, graders, sales floors and sales floor managers. The regulations further provide for the returns to be filed by grower’s procedures for the sale of salable tobacco on sales floors, storage and packaging of saleable tobacco among others.

  1. Declaration of Kafue Flats as a Beef Special Economic Zone.

Cabinet, in order to enhance economic growth in the country, approved the declaration of the area along the Kafue Flats extending from Kafue to Itezhi Tezhi districts as a Beef Special Economic Zone, in order to commercialise livestock production thereby raising productivity among livestock farmers in the area.

Cattle rearing along the Kafue flats has been practiced since time immemorial using traditional animal husbandry practices as opposed to modern business-like management practices. As a result, productivity and production has been much lower than the potential. The practice is susceptible to poor animal nutrition for much of the year except during the rainy season when pastures are green and readily available. In addition, cattle disease incidences are high because of not strictly adhering to animal dipping and regular administration of the required vaccines for the animals.

Cabinet is convinced that the proposed Beef Special Economic Zone will result in increased beef production, attract investment in the areas, such as meat processing, milk processing, fodder/stock feed production and tanneries which will assist in accelerating industrialisation and contribute to economic growth, job creation, increased export receipts and generation of tax revenues.

  1. Declaration of Agro-Special Economic Zones.

Cabinet also approved the declaration of the proposed pieces of land as Agro-Special Economic Zones (SEZs), in the areas that will be identified in Ngabwe, Mpongwe, Lufwanyama, Masaiti and Kafulafuta Districts in Central and Copperbelt Provinces.

The Agro-Special Economic Zones, are therefore, expected to promote the economic fortunes of the Central and Copperbelt Provinces, by boosting dormant areas. The areas are anticipated to attract investments in crop production, manufacturing and processing and hence become a hub for agricultural activities. The initiative is also expected to contribute to overall food security, enhance tax revenue, expansion of the country’s export base and overall economic growth.

  1. Open Government Partnership.

Cabinet also approved the invitation for Zambia to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), before the onset of the 2024 Africa/Middle East Regional Meeting scheduled to take place on 26th to 29th August, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, at which the country is expected to be welcomed to the Partnership.

The Open Government Partnership is a global partnership championing the fight against corruption and promotion of transparency and accountability for good govrenance. Zambia was invited to join following the country’s qualification and invitation to join the Partnership upon enacting the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023, a pre-requisite for joining the Forum.

The Open Government Partnership was founded in 2011 by eight Heads of States, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States of America. The 14 – Member Countries from Africa including Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tunisia with the Kenyan Government currently, serving as the Partnership’s Lead-Chair.

  1. Combined Twentieth, Twenty-First and Twenty-Second State Report on the Implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Cabinet also approved the combined Twentieth, Twenty-First and Twenty-Second State Report on the Implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in line with Zambia’s obligations under Article 9 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Every United Nations Member-State that has ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is required to prepare and submit a National Report on the implementation of the Convention to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination setting out legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures adopted and which give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Zambia ratified the Convention on 21st June, 1985, and, therefore, is among the group of States required to prepare and present its National Report on the implementation of the rights contained in the Convention.

  1. Appointment of Board Members of the National Remote Sensing Centre Board.

During the Meeting, Cabinet also approved the appointment of a six (6) member Board for the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) Board.

The institution has for some time now been operating without a Board since expiry of tenure of the previous Board. The approval of the Board Members of the NRSC will enhance decision making in the conduct and promotion of scientific, technological and industrial research in various fields, therefore, enhancing socio-economic development in the country.

  1. Appointment of Board Members of the National Science and Technology Council.

Cabinet also approved the appointment of the National Science and Technology Council Board, in accordance with the provisions of the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997, part II, Section 5 (1) and (2).

The approval of the Board will enhance decision making in the conduct and promotion of scientific, technological and industrial research in various fields, therefore, enhancing socio-economic development in the country.

  1. Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) Implementation Modalities for the 2024/2025 Farming Season.

Cabinet, in winding up debate for the day, deliberated on the 2024/2025 Farmer Input Support Programme. It was agreed that Government will utilise the hybrid modality using both the Electronic Voucher System (e-Voucher) in 74 districts and Direct Input Supply (DIS) in 42 districts.

Migration of the farmers to the e-voucher system started during the 2023/2024 farming season. The programme was implemented in 17 districts in Lusaka and Central provinces. Cabinet agreed that in 2024/2025 farming season, Government will migrate a further 57 districts and bring a total to 74 districts onto the e-voucher platform.

Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

23rd August, 2024

As of today, a total number of 11 milling companies have been tested and the following are the results

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GOVT HAS DESTROYED 3288 BAGS OF MEALIE MEAL AND 10 METRIC TONNES OF DOG FEED CONTAMINATED BY AFLATOXINS

Today, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana led the media to witness the incineration of quarantined contaminated mealie meal products containing aflatoxins.

Below are the highlights;

A total number of 3288 by 25kg bags of mealie meal and 10 metric tonnes of dog food has been incinerated at Chilanga Cement plant.

✅ Access to witness the incineration of the mealie meal products was given in order to assure citizens that the contaminated products have been safely destroyed.

✅ The contaminated products were seized, placed under quarantine, and are currently being destroyed.

✅ Mr. Kawana went on to say that the New Dawn Administration is transparent and has nothing to conceal from its citizens.

✅ The Permanent Secretary categorically stated that not all products of the named brands are affected but only some batches of the mealie meal are affected.

✅ He urged the public to keep supporting the mentioned brands by making purchases from them as not all the batches are affected.

✅ The Permanent Secretary assured the public that the remainder of the products on the market are there because they are safe.

✅ Mr. Kawana re-emphasized that the testing of the mealie meal is an ongoing exercise and Government will continue updating the public on the matter.

✅ In this regard, the authorities are still testing the mealie meal on the market and any product of such kinds will be tested and if found with the above acceptable levels of aflatoxins, such products will be seized, put under quarantined and later on destroyed.

✅ He however, stated that only qualified personnel are allowed to do the testing of mealie meal in line with the testing laboratory requirements and rules.

✅ As of today, a total number of 11 milling companies have been tested and the following are the results:

1.National Milling for both breakfast and roller meal tested positive to Aflatoxins
2. Gold Star Milling tested negative to Aflatoxins

3. Eagles Milling Ndola sample tested negative to Aflatoxins
4. Bwino Milling tested negative to Aflatoxins

5. H.M Milling Ltd roller mealie meal tested positive to Aflatoxins while breakfast tested negative.
6. Mpongwe milling tested negative to Aflatoxins

7. Jambo milling tested negative to Aflatoxins
8. Rhino Milling tested negative to Aflatoxins

9. Choma Milling, Choma sample tested negative to Aflatoxins
10. Sunshine Millers tested negative to aflatoxins

11. Habib Milling tested negative to aflatoxins

✅ Government is seriously concerned about the safety of its citizens and will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the matter.

ERB rejects Zesco’s application to hike electricity tariffs

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Despite Zesco’s tariff hike proposal, there was no reduction in load shedding – ERB

ZAMBIANS have let out a deep sigh of relief
as the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) stepped in to save them from experiencing increased electricity tariffs.

ERB rejected Zesco’s application for an emergency tariff increase aimed at addressing the power deficit expected in September 2024.

The state-owned utility sought approval from the Board to raise tariffs for residential, commercial, and maximum demand customers to generate $14 million monthly.

According to their application the resources that were to be generated was intended to fund the importation of 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity during scheduled maintenance at Maamba Energy and the shutdown of the Kariba North Bank Power Station.

Zesco’s proposal included restructuring residential tariffs, reducing rates for small commercial consumers using less than 100 units, and increasing tariffs for commercial customers consuming more than 500 units.

The utility also proposed a 30 percent tariff increase for the monthly electricity consumed by maximum demand customers.

These measures were expected to encourage energy efficiency and promote the use of alternative energy sources like solar and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

However, after careful consideration following a public consultation meeting on Wednesday, the ERB concluded that the proposed emergency tariffs would have significant unintended consequences.

“It is noted, however, that despite the proposed increase in tariffs, the Utility does not intend to reduce the hours of load shedding. This is of particular concern as the lack of stable and reliable electricity has been detrimental to business operations,” ERB Board Chairperson James Banda said.

“The Board has resolved to reject ZESCO’s application for emergency tariffs on account of its unintended consequences.”

The ERB noted that ZESCO was unlikely to raise the required $14 million monthly due to suppressed demand, even with the proposed tariff increases.

“ZESCO will still require extra interventions beyond the proposed emergency tariff measures,” Banda  stated.

Banda shared that the proposed tariff hikes would likely lead to higher operational costs for businesses, resulting in potential job losses, reduced economic activity and subsequent increases in the price of goods and services.

Banda also noted with concern that the increase in electricity tariffs would bring about low adoption of alternative energy.

“The uptake of alternative sources of energy is slow, and therefore most low-income households will likely not be able to switch to these sources in the short term,” Banda stated.

The ERB also raised doubts about the reliability of power imports from the region, citing potential constraints in availability and transmission capacity.

In response to these concerns, the ERB committed to working with the government and Zesco to explore alternative measures to address the power crisis.

The board also directed the utility to implement austerity measures and provide regular updates on its power importation plans and investments in alternative energy sources.

Additionally, Zesco has been instructed to intensify public sensitisation on energy conservation to encourage the adoption of alternative energy sources.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba August 23, 2024

SOCIALIST  PARTY DISCIPLINE, UNITY, CRITICISM AND SELF CRITICISM

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PARTY DISCIPLINE, UNITY, CRITICISM AND SELF CRITICISM

Ours is a socialist party. Within our Socialist Party ranks, democracy is correlative with centralism and freedom with discipline. They are the two opposites of a single entity, contradictory as well as united, and we can not one-sidedly emphasize one to the denial of the other. Within the ranks of our party, we cannot do without freedom, nor can we do without discipline; we cannot do without democracy, nor can we do without centralism. This unity of democracy and centralism, of freedom and discipline, constitutes our democratic centralism. Under this system, the party members enjoy extensive democracy and freedom, but at the same time they have to keep within the bounds of socialist discipline. We must affirm anew the discipline of the party, namely:


(1) the individual is subordinate to the party;
(2) the minority is subordinate to the majority;
(3) the lower level is subordinate to the higher level; and
(4) the entire membership is subordinate to the Central Committee and its Politburo.

Whoever violates these lines of discipline disrupts party unity.

One requirement of party discipline is that the minority should submit to the majority. If the view of the minority has been rejected, it must support the decision passed by the majority. If necessary, it can bring up the matter for reconsideration at the next meeting, but apart from that it must not act against the decision in any way.

All members of our party must heighten their sense of discipline and resolutely carry out orders, carry out our policy, and carry out our rules of discipline.

As we socialists, who base all our actions on the highest interests of the broadest masses of the Zambian people and who are fully convinced of the justice of our cause, never balk at any personal sacrifice and are ready at all times to give our lives for the cause, can we be reluctant to discard any idea, viewpoint, opinion or method which is not suited to the needs of the people? Can we be willing to allow political dust and germs to dirty our clean faces or eat into our healthy organisms? Countless numbers of our ancestors have laid down their lives in the interests of our homeland, and our hearts are filled with pain as we the living think of them – can there be any personal interest, then, that we would not sacrifice or any error that we would not discard?

We must not become complacent over any success. We should check our complacency and constantly criticize our shortcomings, just as we should wash our faces or sweep the floor every day to remove the dirt and keep them clean.

As for criticism, do it in good time; don’t get into the habit of criticizing only after the event.

Taught by mistakes and setbacks, we have become wiser and handle our affairs better. It is hard for any political party or person to avoid mistakes, but we should make as few as possible. Once a mistake is made, we should correct it, and the more quickly and thoroughly the better.

We shall solidly unite all the members of our party on democratic centralist principles of organization and discipline. We shall unite with any comrade if he abides by the party’s programme, Constitution and decisions.

This democratic method of resolving contradictions among us is anchored on  “unity, criticism, unity”. To elaborate, it means starting from the desire for unity, resolving contradictions through criticism or struggle and arriving at a new unity on a new basis. In our experience, this is the correct method of resolving contradictions among ourselves. It is imperative to overcome anything that impairs this unity.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Lusambo falls ill on judgement day

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Lusambo falls ill on judgement day

THE Lusaka magistrates court could not deliver judgement in a matter where Bowman Lusambo is accused of interfering with witnesses because the former minister was reported ill by his surety.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/sUrs5LBHfoXyQ3GF/?mibextid=oFDknk

When the case was called before magistrate Trevor Kasanda, Lusambo’s surety Christopher Shakafuswa who is Mandevu Constitiency member of parliament informed the Court that the accused was unwell and produced a sick note to the Court.

Magistrate Kasanda gave Lusambo a benefit of doubt and adjourned the case to September 19.

Lusambo is facing three counts of attempting to interfere with witnesses who were scheduled to testify before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu in a matter where he is accused of posessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, engaging in tax evasion among other charges.

Allegations in the three counts are that Lusambo between February 1, April 1 and April 30, 2022 in order to obstruct the due course of justice endeavored to disuade or prevent Cosmas Chalusa, Enerst Sumani and Mundia Mataa to give evidence as witnesses before court.

In his defence Lusambo said he poked fun at   Sumani and Chalusa as the they are his buddies.

He explained that he was not a fortune teller to guess that his friends were scheduled to testify against him.

In another matter where the former Kabushi member of parliament is facing two counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, Lusaka chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili ordered that Lusambo will explain the source of his wealth on August 29, without any witness to aid his defense.

Lusambo’s lawyers did not file witness statements in line with the rules of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.

Magistrate Chibwili directed that he will hear Lusambo at the next sitting regarding the acquisition of the properties in question or he can choose to remain silent.

Lusambo was last month found with a case to answer by magistrate Chibwili for illegally possessing his fancy Chamba valley house and six flats valued at K22.8 million which is disproportionate to his legitimate income of K8.5 million.

It is alleged that Between May 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021 Lusambo possessed property no. F/609/E/44/B/9 which is a single storey four-bedroomed house and a guest wing and an in incomplete block of six flats in Silverest area which are suspected to be tainted.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba August 23, 2024.

HICHILEMA IS LYING; ABENA LUAPULA ARE NOT TRIBALISTS- Fred M’membe

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HICHILEMA IS LYING; ABENA LUAPULA ARE NOT TRIBALISTS

Mr Hakainde Hichilema was last Saturday in the Chiengi district of Luapula Province attending the Builile traditional ceremony. Whilst there, Mr Hichilema is quoted to have said that Luapula Province has been lagging behind because the people of that region had from time immemorial been promoting their tribesmen to be presidents of the country, and that political fights and tribalism had negated the economic progression in the region.

This interpretation of our country’s political history is factually incorrect and twisted. It is a well-known fact that out of the seven presidents that have ruled Zambia, only Mr Fredrick Chiluba originated from Luapula. Therefore, how can Mr Hichilema allege that people from Luapula only promote their tribesmen to be presidents? And how can Mr Hichilema accuse people from Luapula of tribalism when an assessment of the presidential elections results for Luapula and Southern provinces between 2006 and 2021 indicate a contradictory outlook.

For example, in 2006 presidential elections, Southern Province gave Mr Hichilema (UPND) who hails from there 279,329 votes against 8,234 votes from Luapula Province, Mr Levy Mwanawasa (MMD) who came from Copperbelt and Central provinces polled 70,901 votes from Southern Province and 64,936 votes in Luapula Province, Mr Michael Sata (PF) who hailed from Northern Province then polled 13,559 votes from Southern Province against 118,901 votes in Luapula Province). And in the 2008 presidential elections, following the death of Mr Mwanawasa, Southern Province gave Mr Hichilema (UPND) 266,754 votes against 1,758 votes from Luapula Province, Mr Rupiah Banda (MMD) who hailed from Eastern Province polled 71,519 votes from Southern Province and 47,289 votes in Luapula Province, and Mr Sata (PF) got 24,609 from Southern Province and 151,822 votes from Luapula Province.

Further, in the 2011 presidential elections, Mr Hichilema polled 181,094 votes in Southern Province against 1,588 votes in Luapula Province, Mr Banda got 51,550 votes from Southern Province and 32,552 votes from Luapula Province, and Mr Sata polled 11,779 votes from Southern Province and 100,301 votes in Luapula Province. In the 2015 presidential elections following the death of Mr Sata, Mr Hichilema polled 272,182 votes in Southern Province against 10,493 votes in Luapula Province, Mr Edgar Lungu, who hails from Eastern Province had 20,937 votes from Southern Province and 81,289 votes from Luapula Province. Mr Daniel Pule, who hails from Luapula Province, got 137 votes in Southern Province and 493 votes in Luapula Province. While in the 2016 presidential elections, Mr Hichilema got 527,893 votes in Southern Province and 35,929 votes in Luapula Province against Mr Lungu’s 42,907 votes in Southern Province and 205,770 votes in Luapula Province. Then, in the 2021 presidential elections, Mr Hichilema polled 601,998 in Southern Province and 119,550 votes in Luapula Province against Mr Lungu’s 36,255 votes in Southern Province and 233,129 votes in Luapula Province.

With this evidence, is it fair for Mr Hichilema to accuse the people of Luapula of practising tribal politics? why is it so hard for Mr Hichilema to admit that the Southern Province has been voting on tribal lines since 2001? Why does he live in denial? Why is Mr Hichilema so deceptive?

It just doesn’t end here. What tribalism can Mr Hichilema blame on the people of Luapula when they have accepted and respected culture by totally submitting to certain traditional authorities in the province whose ethnic descent are from regions outside Luapula, the Southern Province to be specific. These people have magnanimously embraced these traditional authorities with the highest form of customary recognition and respect and are today living peacefully and happily together as one people. Are these the people Mr Hichilema can boldly accuse of tribalism? This is not fair. Mr Hichilema has gone too far with his divisiveness.

And why does Mr Hichilema see tribe in all he does? Why is tribe so important for him? Why is he swift to spot tribalism in others when he is the high priest or apostle of tribalism? For Mr Hichilema, it seems that practising tribalism in the manner he does is not wrong, but pointing it out is a crime of hate speech or inciting tribal war. And so far, it seems only people from one side of the country are tribal, no wonder they are being arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned for tribal hate speech or inciting tribal war. Why?

We have said it before, when it comes to discussing tribalism and national unity, Mr Hichilema is not the right candidate to lecture the country. And certainly, his lying lips are not the finest to make such declarations about tribalism and national unity. Mr Hichilema is a hardcore tribalist and should be the last person to insinuate that he cares for this country and its tribes, and therefore, would want to maintain the peace and unity we have enjoyed for almost 60 years now, because his deeds, which seem deliberate by the way, point in the opposite direction. We want to place it on record that there is nothing peaceful and unifying about the method Mr Hichilema is governing this country today. 

Indeed, tribalism and national unity must be addressed, but not in a one-sided manner. It must be addressed both in speech and deeds.

We also advise Mr Hichilema to humble himself and respect all traditional leadership in this country. We say so because he has ignited too many fires with several traditional authorities countrywide. So many palaces have a story or two to tell over his uncultured demeanour, arrogance, and pomposity. Mr Hichilema must remember that presidents come and go, but the institution of traditional leadership is permanent.

Let Mr Hichilema respect all the chiefs of this country and fix all broken relationships. He knows those he has offended.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Using the Poisoned Maize Crisis to fight Perceived Political Enemies- a Cheap and Low Blow- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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Using the Posioned Maize Crisis to fight Perceived Political Enemies- a Cheap and Low Blow

…and who is going to be held accountable for allowing poisons to be fed to consumers? Who will be fired for risking lives of Zambians and its animals? Who is responsible for  the deaths that have occurred now? Who will pay the price of this criminal negligence?…

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima was very clear. Of the mealie-meal brands on the market, 10 were found with aflatoxins, levels that were dangerous to human health capable of causing immediate liver and kidney sickness, and future cancers and death.

Diamond television had been on this case demonstrating that Government was aware that 400 dogs had already died and contaminated maize products and mealie-meal had been on the market since June 2024.

But Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana released a list of only eight companies as culpable for the contaminated mealie-meal.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Norman Chipakupaku proceeded to comically affirm that the ZNS Brand, Eagle, was safe for human consumption, by making a video of him having lunch with alleged mealie-meal from ZNS.

For the last one year, ZNS has been producing mealie-meal with maize from unkown place. Further ZNS was embroiled and involved in the importation of both genetically modified (GMO) maize and mealie-meal from South Africa and when caught, claimed it was imports, in transit to the DRC.

Further when the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) opened the maize grain marketing season in April 2024, we warned that the reasons the season is historically opened in July and August, was to allow maize with safe levels of mositure content to be bought and stored to avoid moulds and aflatoxins.

Government claimed there was no maize in the country and needed the maize even in that state for emergency response to the food insecurity.

Government is importing 650,000 metric tonnes of maize from Tanzania whose storage facilities and its two rainfall seasons in a year, make it highly susceptible to maize infected with aflatoxins as shown by Kenya returning imports from Tanzania because it contained high aflatoxins.

If there is any brand therefore we should therefore doubt, it’s that coming from ZNS and DMMU that have been beneficiaries of maize from FRA, South Africa and Tanzania.

Now we have been informed that open trucks that carry copper will be transporting maize to Zambia!

Further ZNS has also been hiring various private milling plants to produce and attempt to meet the demand for their mealie-meal brand.

Therefore, ZNS is more susceptible to have contamined mealie-meal than any other producer on the market.

Koswe, a rogue media run by State House proceeded to weave a conspiracy and scandalise the millers they perceive are associated with the former ruling Party, a dirty and low blow.
Its important that laboratory tests for all brands including Zambia National Service Eagles brand, for both “breakfast” and “roller” mealie-meal are done in a transparent and obejective manner and the results are made public.

And who is going to be held accountable for allowing poisons to be fed to consumers? Who will be fired for risking lives of Zambians and its animals? Who is responsible for  the deaths that have occurred now? Who will pay the price of this criminal negligence?

After 10 years, mukashininkisha, brags Hichilema

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After 10 years, mukashininkisha, brags Hichilema

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says after 10 years, Zambians will believe that the UPND Government has delivered on its promises.

Speaking after commissioning Chamboli Level One Hospital in Kitwe yesterday, President Hichilema stated that Zambia had been let down for too long but was now headed to development.

The President wondered how some people wanted him to work when it’s obvious that he had been delivering on his promises since he took office.

“Ifintu filechitika mu Kopala muno, Bally wapa Kopala (things are happening, Bally from the Copperbelt). When we said to people, we will do things in an organised way, methodical, some were making noise and ridiculing us and laughing at us, this is it, what you are seeing.”

“KCM, Mopani, ,28 Shaft, Ming’omba, Mimbula, what you are seeing here, yesterday you saw in Chililabombwe, today Kitwe, then Lufwanyama, it’s one story, one has to understand it a bit but we understand and we know exactly where we are going and where this country would have been. Leadership is crucial, that’s why you see things happening in this way, three years,  after ten years mukashininkisha (you will believe).”

“Those asking if I’m working, how do you want me to work, don’t your ears work? Those saying Bally is not working, you can’t see?” President Hichilema questioned in Bemba.

He urged Zambians to have the spirit of hard work instead of waiting on Government to provide solutions.

Meanwhile, the Head of State also shared that Government was working on clamping down criminality around social media for those who abuse it by spreading misinformation among other vices.

“We have changed the paradigm. We are working very hard, from parte after parte to working hard after working hard. That is the new slogan, we don’t want laziness in this country. You can’t sit and live a good life, you have to work hard not Tik Tok, midnight, social media writing false statements. We want to admire what the British Government is doing, to clamp down on criminality around social media.”

“You can’t hide behind social media and say no it’s democratic space. These two are different, political space, rights, human rights liberties, the two are different. Criminality is criminality, if you send lies on social media kuti waonaula icalo (you can destroy the nation). People will go on the streets based on a false story,” explained President Hichilema.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, August 23, 2024

Edgar Lungu created a vacancy for PF presidency and I occupied it – Miles Sampa

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Lungu created a vacancy for PF presidency and I occupied it – Miles

MATERO member of parliament Miles Sampa says former President Edgar Lungu relinquished his position as PF president and left a vacancy which he later occupied after he was elected during the party’s convention last year.


Sampa said he never caused damage to party property and he holds himself as president and secretary general because he was duly elected.

In this matter, Mporokoso member of parliament Brian Mundubile and eight others are challenging his presidency seeking an order for the restoration of the register of the party’s leadership at the Registrar of Societies to its status quo prior to his election on October 24, 2023.

In his defense, Sampa says the convention was held in line with the party’s procedure and the
manner by which an extra ordinary general conference is held is different from that of a general conference.

“Former president Edgar Lungu did not give written “notice of intention” to resign as party president, but in fact tendered his written resignation as party president pursuant to Article 53 of the party’s constitution, and thereby relinquished all functions and responsibilities associated with the said position , leaving a vacancy for the position of the party president,” Sampa said.

“Lungu continued to hold the position of party president following his resignation from the same position. Following the resignation of former President as party president,a vacancy in the office of the party president subsisted until the defendant was elected as his successor at the party’s extraordinary general conference held on October 24.”

He said it is standard procedure that before the change of office bearers in a political party, registered under the societies Act, it is a requirement that all the office bearers be granted police clearance.

“The Registrar of Societies is a public office which acts independently of the defendant’s influence or direction,” Sampa said.

Sampa said as the duly elected substantive president of the Patriotic Front, he is entitled to enforce disciplinary measures against members of the party.

He said the courts have already guided that the issues raised in the matter ought to be resolved within the party, and not in court.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba August 23, 2024

LUSAMBO’S JUDGEMENT DAY PUSHED TO SEPTEMBER 19

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LUSAMBO’S JUDGEMENT DAY PUSHED TO SEPTEMBER 19

By Correspondent
FORMER Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo will have to count few more days before his fate is known.

This is despite being ready, Lusaka Resident Magistrate Trevor Kasanda has postponed to September 19, 2024, judgement in a matter, where Lusambo is charged with 3 counts of interfering with witnesses.

This is in a matter where Lusambo a former Kabushi lawmarker is charged with possession of property deemed to be proceeds of crime cases.

The judgement was earlier scheduled for delivery yesterday,  but has been put forward on grounds that Lusambo is unwell.

In this matter, Lusambo has been charged with 3 counts of attempting to interfere with a witness, contrary to the Penal Code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

In count one, it is alleged that Lusambo, between February 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022, with intent to obstruct the due course of justice, prevented  Cosmas Chalusa  to adduce evidence.

In count two and three, Lusambo is between April 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022, with intent to obstruct the course of justice, accused of preventing Ernest Sumani and Mundia Mataa to adduce  evidence as witnesses.

Meanwhile, Lusambo is, on August 19, 2024, scheduled to commence defence in a matter where he charged with possession of properties deemed to be proceeds of crime.

Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate, Davis Chibwili has scheduled defence in the matter after counter submissions from the Anti-Corruption Commission and defence lawyers, following the delays to open defence in the matter.

Magistrate Chibwili made the schedule despite Lusambo’s absence on account of being sick.

Lusambo who is popularly known as Bulldozer, on July 31, 2024, was found with a case to answer in a matter where he is charged with possession of properties deemed to be proceeds of crime.

It is alleged that between May 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021,  jointly with other persons unknown, Lusambo possessed property number F/609/E/44/B/9 comprising of a single story four-bedroom house and a guest wing.

The property reasonably deemed to be proceed of crime is located in Lusaka’s Chamba Valley area.

WATER LEVELS DRASTICALLY DROP… ZAMBIA COULD GO DARK

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WATER LEVELS DRASTICALLY DROP… ZAMBIA COULD GO DARK

The 17 hours of almost a day without power in Zambia could be worse in the coming weeks.

The water levels are drastically dropping with the onset of rains still three months away.

The Southern African country last season faced one of the worst droughts according to it’s president Hakainde Hichilema.

Zambian Eye Correspondent in Lusaka reports that the authority mandate to monitor the water levels are equally concerned.

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has released its latest hydrology report, revealing a decrease in usable live water storage for power generation.

As of August 21st, 2024, the usable live storage has dropped to 9.26 percent from the 9.36 percent recorded just a day prior. This decline marks a significant change from the same period in 2023, when the usable live storage was at a substantially higher 27.75 percent.

The ZRA attributes the decreasing water levels to increased outflows compared to inflows in the Kariba Lake. This decline in storage has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on local communities and industries that rely on the Zambezi River for their water supply and power generation.

The Significance of the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa, stretching 2,574 kilometers through six countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe. The river plays a vital role in the economy and wellbeing of the region, serving as a primary water source and powering hydropower plants along its course. Notably, the Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River, is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in Africa, providing electricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Implications of Reduced Water Storage

The decline in usable live water storage highlights the pressing need for proactive water management strategies and investment in infrastructure to ensure long-term water security. Reduced water storage could impact the following sectors:

1. **Energy Production**: The Kariba Dam’s reduced water storage directly affects its ability to generate hydroelectric power. Lower water levels mean lower energy output, which may lead to increased power outages and higher electricity costs for Zambian and Zimbabwean consumers.
2. **Agriculture**: Both small-scale farmers and commercial agricultural operations depend on the Zambezi River for irrigation. A reduction in available water resources could lead to lower crop yields, threatening food security and economic growth.
3. **Tourism**: Water-based tourism activities, such as river cruises and fishing expeditions, attract thousands of visitors to the region each year. A decrease in water levels may negatively impact the local tourism industry and the livelihoods of those who rely on it.
4. **Water Supply**: Communities along the river depend on the Zambezi for their daily water supply. Reduced water storage could lead to water shortages, affecting health, sanitation, and the overall quality of life for local residents.

#### Moving Forward

The declining water storage reported by the Zambezi River Authority should serve as a wake-up call for the region, prompting immediate action to address water management challenges. Potential solutions include:

– Implementing efficient water usage practices and technologies in agriculture and industry.
– Exploring alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power.
– Encouraging rainwater harvesting and groundwater replenishment initiatives.
– Enhancing regional cooperation on water resource management and conservation efforts.

The Zambezi River’s reduced usable live storage for power generation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive, sustainable management of shared water resources. With concerted efforts from stakeholders across the region, there is still time to secure a water-resilient future for the communities and ecosystems that rely on the mighty Zambezi River.

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