MANY PF OFFICIALS ARE IN COURT FOR BEING IN POSSESSION OF PROPERTIES SUSPECTED TO BE PROCEEDS OF CRIME AND SOME FOR CORRUPTION ; THEY CANNOT TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT CORRUPTION TODAY .

By Mark Simuuwe

It is shocking to hear Emmanuel Mwamba and Patriotic Front ( PF ) members spearheading a crusade against corruption when many of them have forfeited properties and are still forfeiting to the state suspected to have been acquired corruptly .

Emmanuel Mwamba himself knows that most of friends in PF are appearing in court for allegedly being in possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime .

It is important for citizens to get the context that infact , the decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to dissolve the Ant-corruption Commission board is a clear demonstration of the UPND’s unwavering commitment to fight corruption . Such decisions never used to happen under Edgar Lungu’s corrupt government.

As my President Hakainde Hichilema once said when he addressed the National Assembly that ,” we shall fight corruption in the past , Present and in the future .” end of quote .

UPND New Dawn Administration will ensure all those found wanting meet the wrath of the law .

This is one feature which was lacking under the PF and Emmanuel MWAMBA’ and friends’ corrupt leadership .

During Emmanuel Mwamba and Edgar Lungu’s administration, they glorified corruption when Edgar Lungu was quoted by the media that , “ you can eat but tabalila kumo nembuto “, ( you can steal but you do not eat the seed itself ) . This statement basically glorifies corruption.

The other statement commonly used by the PF was ,” ubomba mwibala alya Mwibala “. All these quotes go to demonstrate how inherent and deep rooted corruption was in the PF and its administration .

We are coming from an administration under the PF in which the United Kingdom ( UK) had to demand that social cash transfer be refunded because the PF then lost the account where money was .

Another incident is when the European Union(EU) stopped financing Zambia’s budget due to Edgar Lungu ‘s corrupt government. But the EU have resumed financing Zambia’s budget and this is what the likes of Emmanuel Mwamba is jealous of .

We are coming from the PF administration in which they were paying 3000 ghost workers or non existent civil servants .

Coming to Dr O’Brien Kaaba’s statement which Emmanuel Mwamba referred to ; this statement is actually timely with the increase in freedom of expression in the country.

To the contrary , under the PF , they arrested whistleblowers . We can cite so many examples of whistleblowers who were arrested under the PF . Some had to flee the country .

One clear example is that of Pilato ; Pilato did a song in which he dramatized the high corruption under Emmanuel Mwamba and Edgar Lungu’s administration but what did we see ?

Pilato had to run for his life and went into exile .

It is also important to address the current revelations under the Financial Intelligence Report that unlike under the PF where Edgar Lungu publicly denounced FIC boss , Ms Mary Chirwa , and the entire PF called for her dismissal from the FIC after she published the stinky corruption under the PF, President allowed for the publication of the document and further took a role in ensuring necessary measures are taken to deal with perpetrators .

This is huge difference and sanity that President Hichilema has brought . Our President did not mind whether the report would affect even those appointed by him .

This is the promise he made to the country that he will ensure even those he appoints are probed and dealt with once found wanting .

Zambians may recall that our President once said “those who break the law are on their own .”

Additionally, Edgar Lungu and the PF themselves once told us how corrupt their ministers were and this was carried by the press .

We wish to again assure citizens that , as President Hichilema has indicated , law enforcement agencies must expeditiously deal with all those mentioned in the FIC report and we do not want to hear the PF cry of persecution because the FIC reports contains also the corruption which the PF hid in 2014, 2015, and 2016 up to the UPND administration.

The FIC also contains current leads which shall be followed up to the latter .

President Hichilema must be commended for his determination and consistency in ensuring that Zambia’s record on the fight against corruption remains a model .

We also want to thank President Hakainde for ensuring that the Economic and Financial Crimes court , which is a fast – track court is established ; this will help us quickly deal with the past, present and future financial crimes .

We thank all those in the UPND government who have worked so hard to make Zambia’s corruption perceptions index improve by 4 points in less than 2 years of being in leadership.

We have confidence that the next men and women who will constitute the new board will learn a lesson from the staunch decision that the President has taken on corruption.

We call upon Zambians to rally behind President Hichilema in his quest to protect public resources. We have so far recovered over 53.6 million from the corrupt PF administration and we know they are stil at pain . We want to assure citizens that more will be recovered from those Ukwa bags externalized .

Even those making the loudest r noise in PF are under probe and citizens will soon see for themselves.

STATE GOES FOR GADGETS USED IN INTERNATIONAL FRAUD

THE State has moved a motion to have items used by convicted Chinese nationals in international internet fraud to be forfeited.

Among the items that are to be confiscated are 135 computers, 1 laptop, 11 sim boxes, a Black Toyota Alphard Registration Number BAT8373, Money in the sum of K13, 143, $20, 17,000 Dinars found in a Safe, 37, 000 Sim cards both Local and International, 1 Ipad, 2 Pistols with 73 rounds of Ammunition and 23 cellphones.

For replicating in real life a trick played by ravenous phonies to wipe clean the accounts of wages earners in the movie ‘The Bee Keeper’ 21 Chinese nationals and a Cameroonian were jailed seven years with hard labor except the only female who was given simple imprisonment and fined K70, 000 each.

The master Li Xianlin Enxin Bai ploughed 11 years jail time and was fined more than K80, 000 for computer related misrepresentation,  identity related crimes and operating a network without a license.

Li Xianlin Enxin Bai, Gu Tianjiao, Jia Ye, Ding Wenyu, Shi Feng, Zhao Di, He Qiu, Yang Yingming, Zhou Lin, He Binhua, Yang Chuan, Sun Pan, Li Wenqiang, Tang Wei, Luo Zhiwen, Hu Dawei, Wang Jidong, Hou Jing, Dai Bing, Deng Hu and Emmanuel Tangi Fogwe were last month convicted by principal resident magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, for computer related misrepresentation and identity related crimes; contrary to section 51 (1) and 53 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No.2 of 2021.

According to Skeleton arguments in support of motion for forfeiture Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) investigations officer Francis Phiri said the gadgets used to illegally earn money and the money realized out of scamming people ought to be forfeited for being proceeds of crime.

The application was made pursuant to Section 4 and 10 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act.

“Your Worship, we submit that the record will show that this Honourable Court has found as a matter of fact that the computer systems were used in the commission of the offences they (22 convicts) have been convicted of,” Phiri said.

“The motor vehicle namely, Black Toyota Alphard Registration Number BAT8373 was bought by Li Xianlin who registered it in the names of Enxin Bai who informed the officers that it was used to run operations of the company making it an instrument in the commission of the offence.”

He prayed that the court orders that the 135 computers, 1 laptop, 11 sim boxes, Black Toyota Alphard Registration Number BAT8373, 37, 000 Sim cards both Local and International, 1 Ipad, 2 Pistols with 73 rounds of ammunition and 23 cellphones are tainted property and the same be forfeited to the State.

However the convicts intend to appeal their jailing to the High Court.

According to their notice of appeal the convicts said Magistrate Munyinya misdirected herself both in Law and in fact when she sentenced and fined them K70, 000 and imposing a custodial sentence of 7 and 11 years contrary to the evidence on record which shows that they readily admitted the charge.

In her ruling magistrate Munyinya said the issues will be dealt with by the High Court as the defense did not respond to the forfeiture application and did not file a notice of appeal and record.

“This being the case I will not deal with the application and I will leave it to the High Court,” said magistrate Munyinya

By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba

Former President Lungu Calls for Accountability in Light of Corruption Reports

Lusaka, July 2024

Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has called for President Hakainde Hichilema to uphold his promises of fighting corruption, following the recent exposure of widespread corruption within the government.

Reflecting on President Hichilema’s stance as an opposition leader, President Lungu shared a past Facebook post from January 10, 2021, in which President Hichilema criticized then-President Lungu for not taking sufficient action against corruption. Hichilema’s post read:

“The sacking of Dr. Chitalu Chilufya does not go far enough and comes too little, too late. Mr. Edgar Lungu knew all along about Dr. Chilufya’s corrupt activities at the Ministry of Health but didn’t relieve him of his duties because it benefited him and the entire Patriotic Front.

He didn’t have to wait for the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee to unearth something that was so obvious. We therefore demand that the ACC immediately move in on Dr. Chitalu Chilufya. Mr. Lungu should go further and fire Stephen Kampyongo and Kakoma Kanganja, who are equally culpable, like Dr. Chilufya, in the deaths of innocent citizens. We demand justice for the Zambian people now!”

In his address, President Lungu emphasized the importance of consistency and integrity in leadership, stating, “Fellow Citizens, this is July 2024. We have heard and seen reports of massive corruption, as evidenced in the Financial Intelligence Centre report, Whistleblowers, the Parliamentary Accounts Committee Report, involving his own ministers and other appointees, and we are anxiously waiting for the President to walk his own talk following these revelations. What was not good in his eyes then should not be good in the same eyes now.”

President Lungu’s call for action comes after a series of reports from various watchdog agencies and committees have revealed significant corruption within the current administration. The Financial Intelligence Centre and the Parliamentary Accounts Committee, along with whistleblowers, have provided substantial evidence of corruption involving several ministers and presidential appointees.

In his concluding remarks, Lungu urged for the restoration of the rule of law and accountability, saying, “May God bless Zambia and restore the rule of law sooner or later.”

The nation now watches closely, waiting to see if President Hichilema will address these serious allegations with the same resolve he once demanded of his predecessor. The call for justice and integrity in leadership remains a critical issue for Zambians, who hope for a government that truly serves the people and upholds the rule of law.

WHEN YOU HEAR THEM SAY “ALEBWELELAPO” REMEMBER:

1. They found the USDollar at K3 but they will boast that at least they multiplied it and left it at K20.

2. They found mealiemeal at K35 and they will boast that at least they multiplied the price to K155.

3. They found fuel at K5 and they will boast that at least they multiplied the price to about K19.

All this happened when we even had subsidies and there was no drought neither was there Ukraine-Russia War…. What more if they had tried to remove subsidies like the current have done? I’m sure by now Dollar would have been costing K46, Mealiemeal would cost K690 and Fuel would cost K55 per litre…..

kkkkkkkkkk thank God we are not fools because only fools will buy into their cheap critics kkkkkkkk…. We are very safe under the New Dawn Government.
We will never bring back those evil days NEVER, not even in our death.

IN THE MEANTIME ALMOST EVERY CITIZEN OF ZAMBIA BOTH IN URBAN AND RURAL ARE BENEFITING FROM UPND GOVERNMENT IN JUST 3 YEARS:

1. Free education
2. Student bursaries
3. Student meal allowances
4. CEEC loans
5. CDF projects (classrooms, Clinics, Houses, flushable toilets in compounds where sanitation was a nightmare, Boreholes, etc) country wide
6. CDF sponsored skills training to youths, women & children in tailoring, heavy duty driving, mechanics, power electrical, catering, bricklaying, carpentry & joinery, etc.

7. Employed over 38,000 teachers
8. Employed over 15,000 health personnel.
9. Employed over 30,000 men & women in uniforms.

10. Council workers salary arrears paid.
11. Council workers are now assured of monthly salaries.
12. TAZARA retirees paid.
13. Govt Retirees which PF neglected have been paid.

14. Social Cash Transfer is now obvious.
15. Increased Social Cash Transfer amounts from K100 for the elderly to K800 and from K200 for the disabled to K1200
16. Increased number of Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries.

17. Reduced Social Cash Transfer required age from 65 to 55.
18. Timely disbursement of equilisation funds
19. Govt claims done online e.g partial withdrawal 20% NAPSA

20. Local contractors are paid before embarking on tenders awarded
21. Employment through application not after paying ka something to HRs
22. Decentralised employment not you wake up only to find a neighbour employed from Lusaka or HQ who is later transfered back within 3 months.
23. Increased Fertilizer Input Support Program (FISP) from 3 to 6 bags
24. Increased institutional funding (schools..hospitals) though money is abused by some heads of Dept
25. Massively increased CDF funding to all constituencies without exception
26. Increased media freedoms (Print, TV & Online)

27. Defamation of the President law abolished
28. Increased political space & freedoms
29. Restored rule & law
30. Abolished undesignated roadblocks.
31. Ended caderism in markets, bus stations, bus stops & other public places
32. Increased & fully funded REA projects country wide

33. Balanced cabinet which has representation from all parts of Zambia unlike previously when ministers were only from certain regions
34. Reduced govt expenditure on purchasing e.g CDF monitoring vehicles
35. Building chiefs palaces countrywide including palaces for opposition leaders areas & those who opposed HH whilst in opposition

36. No DC/cadre storming radio stations to stop the programs
37. Private partnership with other companies to build solar plants to prepare for future electricity crisis.
38. Instructed the security wings not to arrest anyone without investigation.
39. Bail and Bond now available to bailable and bondable cases respectively.
40. Employed PF councillors in civil service.

41. Employed son & daughters of prominent opposition leaders in civil service without segregation e.g son to Green Party President Peter Sinkamba is now employed in Zambia Army
42. Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway which was supposed to be completed under PF tenure is under construction and at a very cheaper price but with good quality
43. Major economic roads are going through facelifts.

44. Police Officers and other Civil Servants have regained their status unlike when cadres were more powerful than them
45. Soldiers are now getting their full package when they come back from Peace Keeping Missions unlike under PF when they were only getting half of the money they worked for out there whilst PF pocketed the other half mmmmmmmm evil

46. Civil Servants are now getting reasonable salary increments yearly unlike previously when there was wage freeze and after 3 years they’re given 3% as increment (what an insult!!)
47. I can go on and on…….. In short its the New Dawn Government until 2096 or even beyond.

Thank God we will never go back to those evil days.

May God Almighty bless President HH and his team and may they live long.

BO ECL, ON BEHALF OF ARROGANT 2.8 MILLION ZAMBIANS WHO VOTED AGAINST YOU, I AM SORRY.

Prior to 2021 polls, you fearlessly told Zambians that they would REGRET voting you out of Office. Just a day out, regrets started such that abakote (old aged) were favored with jobs at the expense of fearless youths who aided UPND’s win. Bo ECL, what kind of a prophet are you?

Ba former kateka, on pretext that your government was very corrupt, UPND de-campaigned against you with Zambians accepting these lies from them. From the time UPND assumed office, there have been numerous FIRINGS based on corruption allegations of office bearers. Bo Lungu, I swear that you were not corrupt like these lions in sheep clothing.

Abasungu batila, ‘show me your friends and I will know who you are’. This must also apply to the current President Inasmuch as they applied it to you, ECL, then. I remember the ZAF commander being FIRED on corruption allegations and to pave way for investigations.

I am sure, Bo ECL, you haven’t forgotten the suitcase of calendars case by the then, Foreign Affairs minister and corruption allegations which led to him quitting. What surprises me is that with all these firings, there has been no conviction and arrests made from these. Why?

Bo Lungu, do you know that some buses today, are not operating from their designated areas because then, they seemed to have supported PF? I know ba kateka don’t allow you to move around anymore but I am telling you, UPND cadres are busy terrorizing marketeers daily in these public markets.

Bo Lungu, kalya akabunga mwashile pa ZMW160.00 apa kali AVIATOR pa ZMW320.00 and in trying to lower the initial price, they have introduced ZNS’s Eagle Meal which is only bought by a few aba kumayadi because there are no outlets mumashodoodo mwathu. Even buying it, one needs ma ama connections.

Bo ECL, dumpe (fuel) you left at ZMW17.62 is now AVIATING at ZMW31.62 per litre. With fuel being part of the economy engine, apa tulenya amensi as life is unbearable not just to the 1.8million who voted for you but also to the arrogant 2.8 million who voted against you.

Bo Chagwa, loadshedding you once managed properly then when we complained of 12hrs, today, in Chilanga, we only have power for 1:30 minutes a day. Mathematically, we are in 22:30 minutes without power a day and the current President see no wrong in that because there is always power kwake.

Bo Lungu, then, transport fare from town to Kafue used to cost ZMW20.00 but with these economists today, the same distance is costing ZMW50.00. With ZMW20.00, you can’t even reach Chilanga but if you do, then the bus conductor would have showered you with all forms of insults on the way.

Okay, back to corruption fight. Just a day after the resignation of the ACC Director General, HH dissolves the ACC board, why? Why then, did the ACC DG resign in the first place? I smell a rat somewhere in this resignation. If the suitcase man could resign, what is stopping the Solicitor General in doing the same?

Bo ECL, see this…Instead of HH firing the Solicitor General who is under investigation, he FIRES and DISSOLVES the ACC Board mandated to investigate the Solicitor General. Is the Solicitor General UNTOUCHABLE? I don’t properly see the mathematics here.

I am confused on this corruption fight.

Bo Lungu, I know that I was part of the 2.8 million who never wanted anything to do with you and your PF regime having lost my businesses due to political alignment. Then, I knew that the coming into office of the UPND would see my businesses resuscitated. Today, I am among those failing to buy a bag of ZNS mealie meal. Life is not just hard but also unbearable.

Yes, I de-campaigned against you but today I regret that day I stood on a podium with a microphone lying to the masses that ECL and PF are corrupt because I never knew how ba UPND would be. I regret even having used my little remaining resources then to campaign for ba UPND. I wish I knew they were marginal liars.

Bo ECL, kuma campaign then, we told the people that akabunga was expensive in your leadership and so was fuel but little did we know that the party we campaigned for would double and/or in some instances triple commodity prices.

Akabunga and fuel are DIAMONDS in this regime Sir.

Bo Lungu, I know that my campaigns against you made your soul weak and that today, you have nothing to do with me and other 2.8 million Zambians. But I am assured to publicly address you like a father for the father’s heart is embedded in you. I better declare publicly my apology to you whilst you are still alive.

Bo Chagwa, today, the 21st of July 2024, three years after having removed PF out of office and three years after dropping my first APOLOGY to you over what I foresaw the next day of ushering HH into office, I PUBLICLY, and on behalf of other arrogant 2.8 million Zambians, render my SINCERE APOLOGIES on VOTING AGAINST PF and YOU.

Sir, little did we know that by voting for UPND, we were voting for a form of CORRUPTION which WENT TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS. Publicly, they are saints but the level of corruption and theft that happens when we go to bed is beyond measures. We thought voting for UPND was voting against corruption but that isn’t the case today.

Please Bo Lungu, I come, today, with a sober mind and heart that is resolved to publicly render my apology on behalf of the arrogant camp and indeed on my behalf, knowing truly that we are your LOST SONS, please forgive us and speak for us always when you have the podium because these hardships are too much on us.

Just as we always pray for your safety and long life, Bo ECL, please put us all too in your daily prayers because the mistake we made seems to still be around us up until 2026. We are hopeless today because the purported HOPE AND HELP has turned into HOPELESS AND LONELINESS in this regime.

Bo father of the nation, if this little epistle has reached your attention, then I will live a happy man and even when I die, I will rest in peace knowing that you truly forgave me and the 2.8 million Zambians I have spoken on behalf. I know that you have a gentle and caring heart that you FORGIVE.

Thank you, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for having led Zambia into prosperity. Thank you for the precious life lived during your regime.

Thank you for having loved us, the poor, wholeheartedly.

Yours your lost son and on behalf of others,
ACTIVIST-HON MUNSANJE (CHILANGA)

MABETA FACES LEGAL ACTION FOR HIS DEFAMATORY STEMENT AGAINST MUSA MWENYE

Former Board Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Musa Mwenye SC has threatened to immediately take legal action against Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Hon Heartson Mabeta for alleging that he plotted to solicit for a $3million in the CEC Vs KCM Matter.

Mabeta also alleged that Mr. Mwenye threatened Judge Charles Kafunda who was handling the matter.

But Mr. Mwenye has demanded for immediate retraction and a suitable apology for the defamatory statement from Mabeta or he will face legal action.

Lawyers for Mr. Mwenye, Mwenye & Mwitwa Advocates, have written the demands to Hon. Mabeta.

“At no time has our client ever demanded a commission from the Copperbelt Energy Company Plc nor has he, in his man years of practice as a lawyer, ever intimidated any judge or adjudicator.”

“These allegations have been made maliciously and without evidence whatsoever,
especially considering that our client has practiced law successfully for the past 25 years without any blemish or ever being punished or sanctioned by the Law Association of Zambia.”

“Our client is a senior lawyer and State Counsel, having served as Law Association of Zambia President, Solicitor General, Attorney General and recently as ACC Board Chairperson.”

Below is the letter;

RE :Demand for a retraction and apology for DEFAMATORY STATEMENT AGAINST MUSA MWENYE, SC

We act for Mr. Musa Mwenye, SC kindly therefore note our interest.

In your Facebook post of the 21st of July, 2024, you published a social media post in which you alleged that our client attempted to irregularly get US$3 million commission from
Copperbelt Energy Company PIc, a Public Limited Company which is held to the highest
standards of ethical behaviour.

You also maliciously and falsely allege in your post that our client intimidated Mr. Justice Charles Kafunda.

At no time has our client ever demanded a commission from the Copperbelt Energy Company Plc nor has he, in his man years of practice as a lawyer, ever intimidate any judge or adjudicator. These allegations have been made maliciously and without evidence whatsoever, especially considering that our client has practiced law successfully for the past 25 years without any blemish or ever being punished or sanctioned by the Law Association of Zambia.

Our client is a senior lawyer and State Counsel, having served as Law Association of Zambia President, Solicitor General and Attorney-General and more recently as Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board of Directors.

Our client has been ratified three times by
Parliament without any reservations whatsoever and serves on reputable international corporate boards and has conducted international duties for the Commonwealth at various times.

Our client has therefore had an unblemished career and your accusations maliciously cast
aspersions upon our client.

In the premises, we demand an apology in text acceptable to our client, within the next following 24 hours, failure to which our clients will seek redress in the courts of law.
Yours faithfully
MWENYE & MWITWA- ADVOCATES

THE DANGERS OF  ECZ’S  PROPOSED PROLONGED PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS DECLARATION IN THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION.

Recently, Mwangala Zaloumis, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), revealed plans to implement reforms for the upcoming general election in 2026 potentially. One proposed change is to extend the deadline for releasing presidential election results by four days after the election. While ECZ argues that these reforms are necessary to address electoral law shortcomings, significant risks are tied to delaying the announcement of presidential election results in August 2026. I have outlined these potential risks to emphasize the importance of ensuring that ECZ, relevant authorities, and stakeholders fully comprehend the implications of the proposed changes.

It is crucial to acknowledge that prolonged delays in announcing the presidential election results could result in an electoral crisis. Uncertainty and disagreements among political parties and voters may breed mistrust in the electoral system, sparking potential social unrest and instability within the country. This may also fuel feelings of injustice and frustration among the electorate, possibly escalating to civil unrest, demonstrations, and protests, further jeopardizing the country’s political stability.

By postponing the declaration of presidential election outcomes, it opens the door to potential manipulation. Lack of immediate transparency and accountability during the voting process poses a threat of result tampering. This poses a danger to the fundamental democratic values of open and fair elections.

It is also important to understand that the proposed change has a higher potential to undermine the democratic values of transparency, accountability, and the right to vote. They erode public trust in the electoral process and compromise the legitimacy of the election outcome.

The proposed change will probably attract scrutiny and criticism from the global community. The country’s standing in the international arena and its relationships with other countries might suffer due to the lack of transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.

Finally, the prolonged delays in announcing presidential election results could result in legal challenges and lengthy court battles. This may deepen political divisions and delay the formation of a strong government, impeding progress and growth in the nation.

Undeniably, electoral reforms are crucial for upholding democratic standards and enhancing the electoral process. However, the ECZ must carefully assess the risks of prolonging the declaration of presidential election results. Any proposed changes should prioritize the national interest over allowing the ruling party to win at all cost. Failure to do so could lead the country down a destructive path. The ECZ must focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system and facilitate a seamless transition of power post-election.

Therefore, the recommended extended postponement of announcing the presidential election results in the upcoming 2026 general election presents considerable threats to the democratic process in Zambia. The ECZ should reassess its strategy and work towards introducing changes that foster equity, confidence, and reliability in the electoral framework. The ECZ must acknowledge the worries of all parties involved and prioritize the welfare of the Zambian populace to protect the longevity of democracy in the nation.

The Struggle Continues

Sensio Banda
Former  Member of Parliament
Kasenengwa Constitunency
Eastern Province

2021 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Here are the official Consolidated results for 155 constituencies as announced by ECZ for the first two candidates, Edgar Lungu then incumbent and Hakainde Hichilema main opposition:

UPND HH – 2,810,757
PF ECL – 1,814,201

His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema has been declared Zambia’s 7th Republican President..
ECZ 2021 General Election Results Update:

Ndola Central Constituency
Lungu – 18,486
Hichilema – 23,414

Munali Constituency
Lungu – 47,039
Hichilema – 54,002

Chifunabuli Constituency
Lungu – 20,087
Hichilema – 5,815

Chifubu Constituency
Lungu – 17,253
Hichilema – 19,932

Chimwemwe Constituency
Lungu – 16,866
Hichilema – 23,570

Kabwata Constituency
Lungu – 29,095
Hichilema – 45,363

Kafulafuta Constituency
Lungu – 4,957
Hichilema – 9,589

Mangango Constituency
Lungu – 1,969
Hichilema – 9,987

Kabwe Central Constituency
Lungu – 20,924
Hichilema – 23,463

Mitete Constituency
Lungu – 2,181
Hichilema – 8,700

Chilanga Constituency
Lungu – 1,791
Hichilema – 30,873

Shang’ombo Constituency
Lungu – 4,671
Hichilema – 11,874

Mongu Central Constituency
Lungu – 2,895
Hichilema – 35,089

Kantanshi Constituency
Lungu – 9,717
Hichilema – 12,364

Mfuwe Constituency
Lungu – 8,953
Hichilema – 2,669

Kalabo Central Constituency
Lungu – 3,117
Hichilema – 16,040

Roan Constituency
Lungu – 8,560
Hichilema – 15,106

Lwena Constituency
Lungu – 1,867
Hichilema – 15,653

Milanzi Constituency
Lungu – 10,929
Hichilema – 8,828

Nkana Constituency
Lungu – 15,321
Hichilema – 22,912

Bwana Mukubwa Constituency
Lungu – 18,536
Hichilema – 18,980

Mkushi South Constituency
Lungu – 7,569
Hichilema – 7,478

Sikongo Constituency
Lungu – 4,965
Hichilema – 9,075

Chipata Central Constituency
Lungu – 24,285
Hichilema – 24,017

Mansa Central Constituency
Lungu – 26,939
Hichilema – 16,493

Kalomo Constituency
Lungu – 1,401
Hichilema – 41,028

Chawama Constituency
Lungu – 31,967
Hichilema – 23,938

Lufwanyama Constituency
Lungu – 6,483
Hichilema – 17,718

Nalolo Constituency
Lungu – 2,305
Hichilema – 13,744

Luapula Constituency
Lungu – 8,631
Hichilema – 4,532

Kapiri Mposhi Constituency
Lungu – 23,883
Hichilema – 30,979

Bwacha Constituency
Lungu – 18,647
Hichilema – 16,360

Chiengi Constituency
Lungu – 15,075
Hichilema – 18,884

Petauke Constituency
Lungu – 31,232
Hichilema – 10,970

Mwinilinga Constituency
Lungu – 2,170
Hichilema – 36,240

Kanfinsa Constituency
Lungu – 14,866
Hichilema – 18,936

Matero Constituency
Lungu – 51,832
Hichilema – 40,612

Sioma Constituency
Lungu – 799
Hichilema – 14,009

Luanshya Constituency
Lungu – 14,915
Hichilema – 21,993

Mpika Constituency
Lungu – 29,237
Hichilema – 9,930

Chilubi Constituency
Lungu – 18,493
Hichilema – 13,855

Kanyama Constituency
Lungu – 39, 994
Hichilema – 61,892

Kanchibiya Constituency
Lungu – 18,650
Hichilema – 2,651

Wusakile Constituency
Lungu – 14,698
Hichilema – 17,684

Keembe Constituency
Lungu – 7,787
Hichilema – 25,064

Kasempa Constituency
Lungu – 2,060
Hichilema – 24,190

Chililabombwe Constituency
Lungu – 14,705
Hichilema – 24,913

Vubwi Constituency
Lungu – 10,421
Hichilema – 4,813

Chama South Constituency
Lungu – 10,059
Hichilema – 6,775

Mambilima Constituency
Lungu – 11,438
Hichilema – 3,915

Senanga Constituency
Lungu – 1,249
Hichilema – 22,191

Chongwe Constituency
Lungu – 23,374
Hichilema – 37,995

Mufulira Central Constituency
Lungu – 10,110
Hichilema – 12,594

Chama North Constituency
Lungu – 12,062
Hichilema – 8,968

Mwembeshi Constituency
Lungu – 2,918
Hichilema – 22,836

Mulobezi Constituency
Lungu – 1,448
Hichilema – 9,647

Sesheke Constituency
Lungu – 2,548
Hichilema – 15,642

Lunte Constituency
Lungu – 9,953
Hichilema – 7,455

Malole Constituency
Lungu – 35,042
Hichilema – 11,538

Lukulu East Constituency
Lungu – 2,537
Hichilema – 19,016

Mpulungu Constituency
Lungu – 16,252
Hichilema – 19,359

Luampa Constituency
Lungu – 2831
Hichilema – 11,857

Chinsali Constituency
Lungu – 26,620
Hichilema – 10,079

Katombora Constituency
Lungu – 1,358
Hichilema – 42,466

Monze Central
Lungu – 1,974
Hichilema – 47,427

Mpongwe Constituency
Lungu – 8,724
Hichilema – 20,509

Lundazi Constituency
Lungu – 24,323
Hichilema – 14,929

Bahati Constituency
Lungu – 18,377
Hichilema – 10,203

Solwezi Central Constituency
Lungu – 6,966
Hichilema – 47,946

Bweengwa Constituency
Lungu – 309
Hichilema – 21,497

Kasama Central Constituency
Lungu – 26,358
Hichilema – 17,649

Chipangali Constituency
Lungu – 22,732
Hichilema – 12,965

Livingstone Constituency
Lungu – 13,273
Hichilema – 45,368

Msanzala Constituency
Lungu – 15,688
Hichilema – 8,021

Nakonde Constituency
Lungu – 19,735
Hichilema – 18,086

Mwense Constituency
Lungu – 17,261
Hichilema – 4,174

Nyimba Constituency
Lungu – 21,288
Hichilema – 11,446

Choma Central Constituency
Lungu – 4,086
Hichilema – 53,973

Mwandi Constituency
Lungu – 1,759
Hichilema – 9,554

Chisamba Constituency
Lungu – 9,620
Hichilema – 18,011

Chadiza Constituency
Lungu – 10,754
Hichilema – 16,369

Gwembe Constituency
Lungu – 416
Hichilema – 23,147

Mafinga Constituency
Lungu – 15,408
Hichilema – 9,910

Kwacha Constituency
Lungu – 18,980
Hichilema – 24,391

Katuba Constituency
Lungu – 11,903
Hichilema – 24,119

Lumezi Constituency
Lungu – 20,072
Hichilema – 11,267

Kasenengwa Constituency
Lungu – 17,334
Hichilema – 12,711

Chitambo Constituency
Lungu – 12,089
Hichilema – 4,347

Milenge
HH 5163
Ecl 10018

Mbabala
HH – 26940
ECL- 363

Chipili
HH – 4,789
ECL – 10,047

Shiwangandu
HH – 5,513
ECL – 19,129

Itezhi tezhi
HH – 26,069
ECL – 2443

Mazabuka Central
HH – 39554
ECL- 5,468

Zambezi East
HH – 18,271
ECL – 1,393

Solwezi East
HH – 11,582
ECL – 1575

Sinazongwe
HH – 48,334
ECL – 1,683

Siavonga
HH – 20625
ECL –

Chikankata
HH – 29749
ECL – 966

SENGA HILL
HH – 13,017
ECL – 10,673

Serenje
HH – 7,085
ECL – 9,887

Kafue
HH – 33,647
ECL – 20,183

Chasefu
HH – 15,551
ECL – 18,222

Bangweulu
HH – 9,598
ECL – 25,475

Lukashya
HH – 10,238
ECL – 30,101

Mbala
HH – 15,477
ECL – 14,821

Namwala
HH – 34,992
ECL – 1,376

Kaoma
HH – 17,886
ECL – 2,725

Mkaika
HH – 13,004
ECL – 14,265

Kawambwa
HH – 6,529
ECL – 14,080

Chimbamilonga
HH – 7,861
ECL – 12,212

Nkeyema
HH – 15,834
ECL – 1,305

Lubansenshi
HH – 8,907
ECL – 17,182

Lusaka Central
HH – 38,835
ECL – 26,318

Masaiti
HH – 12,138
ECL – 9,499

Chavuma
HH – 13,758
ECL – 2,925

Kankoyo
HH – 8,104
ECL – 6,721

Solwezi West
HH – 33,301
ECL – 1,631

Mufumbwe
HH – 22,162
ECL – 2,279

Kaputa
HH – 13,207
ECL – 13,181

Kabushi
HH – 16,961
ECL – 19,176

Mapatizya
HH – 29,859
ECL – 620

Pemba
HH – 29,470
ECL – 320

Chembe
HH – 3,994
ECL – 6,014

Luangeni
HH – 10,817
ECL – 15,482

Sinda
HH – 10,856
ECL – 9,811

Pambashe
HH – 5,816
ECL – 10,139

Magoye
HH – 24,992
ECL – 830

Kalulushi
HH – 29,139
ECL – 18, 857

Chingola
HH – 30,451
ECL – 18,219

Isoka
HH – 12,000
ECL – 12,748

Nangoma
HH – 18,775
ECL – 1,424

Dundumwezi
HH – 27,883
ECL – 262

Kapoche
HH – 7,141
ECL – 17,607

Mporokoso
HH – 6,734
ECL – 11,334

Feira Constituency
ECL 6,537
HH 4,450

Mwansabombwe constituency
ECL. 13,274
HH 4,493

Moomba constituency
HH 14,320
ECL 194

Malambo Constituency
ECL 13,347
HH 16,169

Lufubu Constituency
ECL 2,475
HH 3,675

Zambezi West Constituency
HH 7,088
ECL 1,740

Kabompo Constituency
HH 17,411
ECL 1,490

Nchanga Constituency
HH 19,045
ECL 14,764

Lupososhi Constituency
ECL. 16,229
HH 6, 092

Ikelengi Constituency
HH. 13,958
ECL 1,301

Lets allow FIC to investigate and prosecute – Sunday Chanda

Kanchibiya, Zambia:

We are calling for an amendment to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) of 2010 Section 5 to include “investigative and prosecutorial powers.” This will move FIC from just playing the role of a whistleblower to a law enforcement agency that will investigate and prosecute. This we must do if we are to win the fight against corruption.

In giving these institutions like FIC enough teeth to bite, we are calling for the following specific interventions:

1. Independent funding of LEAs: We must ensure that institutions have a stable and independent source of funding to prevent political interference.

2. Clear mandates: We must define and redefine clear and specific mandates for these institutions to combat corruption, and ensure they have the necessary powers to investigate, prosecute, and sanction corrupt activities.

3. Qualified personnel: We must attract qualified and trained men and women of honour to these institutions. These must be immune to political pressure and have a strong track record of integrity.

4. LEAs must enjoy Autonomy in their work: Learning from the past into the now, we are calling for the granting to these institutions autonomy in word and deed in order for them to operate independently, free from political interference or influence.

5. Let us enact Effective laws: We are calling for the enacting and enforcement of effective laws that provide strong legal frameworks for combating corruption. We shall support as well as bring to parliament motions in this regard.

6. Strengthening of Oversight mechanisms: We are calling for the establishment of robust oversight mechanisms to ensure institutions are accountable and transparent in their operations.

7. The fight against corruption depends on Public support and involvement: In order to foster a culture of zero tolerance for corruption, and encourage public support and participation in the fight against corruption, Zambians must own the fight against corruption and not leave it to politicians alone.

We believe that by giving institutions the necessary “teeth to bite,” such as giving FIC powers to investigate and prosecute, we will be empowering these institutions to effectively combat corruption and promote a culture of accountability and transparency for the good of the nation.

Signed:

Hon Sunday Chanda
Member of Parliament
Kanchibiya

21.07.2024

Corruption Scandal Rocks Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission as Former Chairman Speaks Out

Former Chairman of Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Musa Mwenye, has lifted the lid on the alarming state of affairs within the country’s premier anti-graft agency.

Mwenye, who served as ACC Chairman for the past two years, has voluntarily declared his assets to the Chief Justice, setting a powerful example of transparency in public office. However, his revelations paint a troubling picture of the challenges faced by the ACC board under his leadership.

Mwenye disclosed that the board was “sidelined and denied access to any information on ongoing investigations and prosecutions for a full year,” despite their efforts to ensure the “right thing be done” by the Director General and his team.

The former Chairman further criticized the selective nature of the anti-corruption efforts, stating that the ACC has failed to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving past and present government officials. “Almost three years down the line, we should have seen some government officials arrested and dismissed,” Mwenye lamented.

This contention between the ACC board and the Director General’s office appears to have been a constant source of friction, with Mwenye accusing the management of being “user friendly” and unwilling to fulfill their duties.

Mwenye’s scathing remarks come on the heels of President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to dissolve the entire ACC board, citing the need for “necessary reforms to ensure the continued effective operations of the Commission.”

The President’s move has been viewed by many as a tacit acknowledgment of the deep-rooted problems plaguing the anti-corruption agency. The resignation of Director General Thom Trevor Shamakamba, amid allegations of shielding corrupt officials, has further compounded the crisis.

As the Hichilema administration grapples with these corruption woes, the public is left wondering whether the promised crusade against graft will ever materialize. Mwenye’s candid statement has not only shed light on the internal turmoil but has also served as a wake-up call for the government to address the systemic challenges that have undermined the ACC’s effectiveness.

The nation’s faith in the fight against corruption hangs in the balance, and the Hichilema administration must act swiftly and decisively to restore public trust and demonstrate its commitment to eradicating the scourge of graft that has long plagued Zambia.

#InfinityMediaHub #stayinformed

21st July, 2024

*Former ACC Chairman Musa Mwenye speaks out*

I am grateful to the people and the President of the Republic of Zambia for the opportunity to have served as Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

When I assumed my office as Chairperson of the ACC, two years ago, I declared my assets in accordance with the law. Although, the law does not require me to do so at the time of leaving my office, I have today decided to make a voluntary declaration of my assets to the Learned Chief Justice. All of us who serve in public office must be transparent in our financial dealings and must all be willing to declare our assets and explain how we acquired what we have. And I encourage all those in public office today, who have not done so to do that in the interest of transparency, integrity and accountability.

Let me mention that I was privileged and honored to have served with men and a woman of integrity on the ACC board under extremely difficult conditions. Despite having been sidelined and denied access to any information on ongoing investigations and prosecutions for a full year, the board continued to mount pressure internally for the right thing to be done by the Director General and his team.

Legally, the board of the ACC, has no powers to arrest anyone, that power lies with the Director General. Equally, the board has no legal powers to hire and fire the Director General – that power lies else where.

That said, I strongly believe that we cannot fight corruption unless we fight ALL corruption – past present and future. Those who committed corruption in the past regimes must be investigated and prosecuted. Even current government officials who have betrayed the trust of the people of Zambia must also be investigated and prosecuted. Almost three years down the line, we should have seen some government officials arrested and dismissed. This is a matter that was a constant source of friction between the board and those who refused to do their job in this regard. Instead, they elected to be selective in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

It is also worth noting that successive governments have manipulated the operations of the ACC by appointing a strong board to give a veneer of respectability but appointing management that is ‘user friendly’. But I am proud that the board I served refused to be intimidated, remained in position and demanded internally and publicly, both as a board and in our individual capacities, that the right thing be done. We made our position known and nobody can claim ignorance over these matters I have highlighted in this statement today.

And to the rank and file of the ACC, who continue to do their job under difficult conditions, I say thank you and encourage you to soldier on. To my fellow former board members, former Vice Chairperson Mrs. Irene Chongo – Lamba and former Commissioners Dr. O’brien Kaaba and Dr. Tommy Namitondo, who I served with in the past two years, I say thank you for your unity of purpose, integrity, strength of character and courage. It was an honour. Sadly, I did not have the pleasure of working with newly appointed board member Mr. Jack Kalala because the board was dissolved before we had any significant interactions. We all did our best and I have no doubt whatsoever, that posterity will judge us correctly.

I thank you!

THE ENERGY SITUATION IS A BIT DIRE AND WE MAY BE IN THE DARK FOR SOME TIME

By Hon. Binwell Mpundu, Nkana MP

We have just concluded our tour of the Itezhi Tezhi power generation plant which plant has an installed capacity of 120 Megga Watts but is only producing around 40 MW because of low water levels in the Itezhi Tezhi Dam.

We have also learnt from the presentations that the Kafue River Basin has three power stations (ITEZHI TEZHI POWER STATION ,KAFUE GORGE POWER STATION AND THE KAFUE GORGE LOWER POWER STATION)which in total have an installed capacity of 1850 MW and all feeds from the Itezhi Tezhi lake and Dam and sadly the three power stations are only producing a total of around 500 Mega watts out of the 1850 MW

We have also learn that the country’s Total installed power generation capacity is around 3600 and that Zambia’s power needs is around 2300 MW but that at the moment we are only producing a total of 1200 MW which leaves us with a power deficit of around 1100 MW.

There are however some inteventions that have been employed like the recall of about 160MW from exports,thre 105 MW ndola energy production and a few solar plants that are underway in construction.

What remains to be know is how far the water we have in these reservoir dams will go in as far as giving us more power is concerned because the water levels are futher dwindling.
What also remains to be know is how much in total are all these alternative sources of power that are being brought in board  and when are they coming onto the grid and further, it is yet to be established as to what is the true position of power exports because it looks like what Zesco is telling us is different from the stories we are getting about the quantities of our power exports.

Otherwise we have a dire situation in so far as the power situation is concerned and it looks like we may may in the dark for some time.

BINWELL MPUNDU
NKANA MP
UMWINA NKANA.

HEALTH MINISTER HON SYLVIA MASEBO IS A NATIONALIST & TRUE CORRUPTION FIGHTER

MBS20.07.2024

Today is Sunday and I would like to tell the truth that I know. Hon Sylvia Masebo is one politician whose strength and sometimes ends up being her weakness is that she is too straight and a “no nonsense” type of person . A typical Iron Lady like Margaret Thatcher. I actually don’t rule out that she could rule Zambia one day. Firstly, she is extremely loyal to whoever her master of the day is or whoever she chooses to support be it politically or otherwise. She does not double cross loyalty.

If one had to ask the late Levy Mwanawasa, late Michael Sata, President HH and to some minor extent Miles Sampa, Hon Masebo works extremely hard to make a King. Then when she does succeed , she will again work extremely hard to make the King shine.

That’s what is going on now. Hon Masebo worked tirelessly for 7 years just to ensure HH makes it to the State House “hoffice”. In the quest in between, she had to sacrifice and lose her own Chongwe seat in 2016 but regained it landslide in 2021 as she propelled HH in the soli and lenje land.

HH gave her Health Ministry to sort out but it has been a bedrock of successful grand corruption candles from one government to another. That’s where mafias of mafias operate to steal state resources. It’s worse of than the Ministry of Agriculture where everyone and all tenders are not under the Ministers or the President, but tender mafias. Step on one and you get sacrificed as Minister. They pay big into the ‘system’ to engineer a non cooperating Minister’s firing. If the President is not dancing to their tune, then they invest big in the long term to remove that President.

Well, my take is that Hon Masebo has taken the fight-in against the mafias that have been holding our Health Ministry hostage for years to stop corruption and loss or abuse of public resources. In the recent case, 62 containers of medicine were hijacked away from sick patients countrywide. Instead of us honoring Hon Masebo for bursting the rot, the mafias have financed a paradigm or narrative shift that she must be nailed to the cross.

I fight corruption and very clear not to fall into the sponsored arena of fighting Whistleblowers or those against corruption.

The Health Ministry has drained Minister Masebo both physically, emotionally and mentally. She is however doing the right thing and what she needs is support from all well meaning Zambians and not painting her black for the grade corruption scandal that she has uncovered. Zambia needs more of Sylvia Masebos if ever the fight against corruption has to be won at the two notorious ministries namely Health(ZAMMSA) and Agriculture (FISP).     

The choice Zambia has is between her and the tender or supply mafias’ capture of the Ministry of Health. Only she is brave enough so sort them out otherwise corruption will be at the Ministry to stay forever.

Miles B. Sampa
Patriotic Front President & APNAC Chairman
Sunday July 20th, 2024

MUNJI, THE ONCE POWERFUL FIGURE AT COMMUNITY HOUSE

Munji Habeenzu was not until the $62 million ZMSSA saga revelation a prominent figure at Community House, President Hakainde Hichilema’s residence.

Community House is now the official residence of the current Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema. He did not move into the State presidential residence called Nkwazi House which is located within State House.

President Hichilema is driven everyday to State House for work and sometimes operates from Community House.

So Habeezu operated the diary of the President Hichilema at Community House. He was in short the Principle Private Secretary based at Community House while Bradford Machila is the Principle Private Secretary at State House.

Habeenzu was a powerful figure at Community House just like Machila at State House because the two manages the President’s diary.

A number of people especially from the party who could not access President Hichilema opted to try and access him through Community House.

This was not as easy as they thought it would be. They thought since the main man Habeenzu is from the party, UPND unlike Machila who is from MMD and a business friend of Hichilema Community House would be an easy entry.

Habeenzu is a long time UPND member who at one time served as member of Parliament for Chikankata in Southern Province.

The complaints from a number of UPND members is that Habeenzu has not been helpful at all. “He doesn’t pick calls,” is the complaint from his fellow UPND Supporters. But he is not the only one who doesn’t pick calls, a number of them including those we as Zambian Eye interacted closely have become unavailable. This is typical of politicians.

The information we have is that Habeenzu has been fired from his position following the ZAMMSA saga revelation. His dismissal has not been made public because just like many other supporting staff at both State House and Community House, he was not sworn in.

Since early hours of Friday when the news filtered out, Social media is awash with celebrations. His dismissal has been received with celebrations.

Some UPND officials have publicly mocked Habeenzu saying he is now trying to call the people whose calls he never picked.

One top UPND Official at the party Headquarters who has been trying to meet President Hichilema since 2021, told us that Habeenzu blocked him despite him being her junior.

“You can’t believe that I have not been able to meet the President since we won elections. He (HH) doesn’t pick my calls. In my last attempt at Community House, I was blocked by Munji,” complained the UPND top official.

A number of UPND members appointed into government have detached themselves from their fellow members. There now seem to be two groups those appointed who interacts amongst themselves and those not appointed who are complaining day and night.

These complainants forced President Hichilema a few months ago to come out in the party blog to calm the situation.

So there are many “Munji Habeenzus” UPND members are not happy with because of the way they conduct themselves when given privilege positions.

Zambian Eye, 19th July 2024.

OUR FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION SHALL BE PROFESSIONALLY EXECUTED AND NOT ON MERE ALLEGATIONS – HH

July 19th, 2024

Kafue – President Hakainde Hichilema pledged to combat corruption during his address at the Zambia National Service (ZNS) graduation ceremony for 459 newly commissioned officers.

Hichilema highlighted the necessity of thorough investigations before taking legal action against corruption.

“We have vowed to fight corruption of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” Hichilema stated. “But we shall do it professionally, not on mere allegations.”

The mood at the pass-out parade was one of palpable excitement and pride. Families and friends of the graduates filled the air with enthusiastic cheers and applause, celebrating the significant milestone in the officers’ careers. The newly commissioned officers stood tall and proud in their uniforms, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and joy.

Hichilema urged the new officers to serve as role models in rejecting corruption and emphasized the importance of integrity.

“If you are found on the wrong side of corruption, you are on your own. This is as simple as that,” he warned.

He called for vigilance against corrupt practices, encouraging officers to gather concrete evidence before acting or sharing information publicly.

The parade ground was a sea of vibrant colors, with the national flag waving proudly against the clear sky.

The atmosphere was charged with a sense of patriotic duty, as the cadets marched in unison, showcasing their rigorous training and discipline.

The band played stirring military tunes, adding to the festive yet solemn ambiance of the ceremony.

Hichilema also highlighted the officers’ role in supporting food production amidst drought conditions, urging them to contribute to national needs.

The President expressed gratitude to the training staff and national service leadership, emphasizing teamwork in national development.

He praised the inclusion of over 160 women among the 462 cadets and shared personal anecdotes to highlight the value of discipline and resilience learned through military training.

ZNS Commander Maliti Solocci urged the newly commissioned officers to wear their uniforms with pride, seeing them as a badge of honor that symbolizes their commitment to sacrifice for Mother Zambia.

“As we deploy you, ensure that you provide leadership to your subordinates that inspires them to contribute more to the transformation of your respective units,” Solocci advised.

“You will find personnel who are more experienced than you. Be receptive to advice and quick to learn.”

He emphasized the importance of maintaining high levels of discipline and refraining from any involvement in active politics.

“Respect is a two-way street. If you don’t respect your juniors, they will not respect you,” Solocci warned.

“Always remember to support the government of the day, as loyalty is the hallmark of people in the military.”

He called on the newly graduated officers maintain high levels of discipline and a reaffirm commitment to integrity and accountability in public service.

(C) THE FALCON

VEDANTA WINS KUDOS

…..for depositing $245.75m to clear KCM debts and one-off bonus to employees

Lusaka… Saturday July 20, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

The Zambians for Unity Peace and Development (ZUPED) has praised Vedanta Resources for depositing $245.75 million to clear Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) debts and one-off bonus to employees.

Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited today confirmed that it has deposited US$245.75 million into an escrow account as designated by the High Court.

ZUPED President Ronnie Jere says this is the step in the right direction as it will help the contractors and suppliers who have been struggling financially.

Mr Jere says with this development, Vedanta will take full control of KCM and be able to appoint the board and management to run the mining firm.

He said this commitment coming from Vedanta is encouraging as they have fulfilled their earlier pledge to settle the arrears owed to contractors and suppliers by owed by KCM.

“We have no doubt that these funds released will have a positive impact on the local economy. We further believe that this is a transformation that the people of Zambia want. Not long ago, we heard of some workers from companies contracted by KCM of going for months without salaries, this we believe will help in paying those workers,” he said.

“With Vedanta taking over the operations of KCM, they will now appoint the board and management of KCM to overlook the operations of the mining firm for the benefits of the country.”

He said with the government setting a target of producing over 3 million metric tonnes of copper production over the next ten years, KCM will help in reaching that target.

The ZUPED President indicated that the funds released will also go a long way in providing a once off payment to the employees of KCM.

“Not long ago, we saw the signing of five collective agreements with between KCM and it’s workers unions. This shows that the investor values the workers at KCM and has their best interest,” he added.

Mr Jere indicated that these funds will further help and support local communities to undertake various community projects in areas such as education, health, agriculture and other important sectors.