HICHILEMA STANDS NO CHANCE OF RETAINING POWER IN 2026 – MSONI
…an electoral tsunami coming, will hit Hichilema, UPND badly

By Fox Reporter
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema stands no chance of retaining power in the forthcoming General election in 2026, opposition All Peoples Congress leader Nason Msoni has charged.

Commenting on former vice president Enoch Kavindele’s statement suggesting that President Hichilema is doing well, Msoni said Kavindele was misleading the Head of State.

“We sincerely hope that the former Vice president of the Republic Mr. Enock kavindele will use his immense political experience to immediately offer counselling on site to President Hakainde Hichilema immediately after losing the 2026 elections.

We are surprised that Mr Kavindele a seasoned political operator hasn’t picked up the vibrations and the movements on the ground in favour of regime change,” he said.

Msoni said what was more shocking is the level and extent of deception people like Kavindele were drawing in helping President Hichilema lose the 2026 election.

“Truth be told Mr Hichilema stands no chance in a million years of being re-elected back into office for a second term as the majority voters and citizens view him as a political disaster. He has miserably failed in all key area of leadership. So for Mr Kavindele to be insisting that Hichilema is not losing the 2026 polls, in a way this amounts to living in denial from the political reality that is obtaining on the ground. It is undeniable fact that the majority of our citizens are frustrated and angry against the failure of this government to deliver deliverables as promised,” he said.

A former UPND – Alliance partner in the 2021 elections, Msoni has urged Kavindele to prepare himself to consor and mourn with President Hichilema as the situation on the ground speaks the exit of the UPND – Alliance.

“We do hope that Mr Kavindele will make himself available to offer the much needed counselling to Mr Hichilema soon after losing the 2026 polls. Undoubtedly a good number of Mr Hichilema’s supporters will definitely have disappeared at that point in time. No sitting President in modern times with such negative showings and narratives has gone on to win a second term of office. It is fair and proper to prepare the man for a possible loss of the 2026 elections than to feed him with false hope of winning the elections. Clearly that will never happen,” he said.

He has warned of an electoral Tsunami coming which will hit the UPND badly.

“Certainly there is an electoral tsunami on the way coming ahead of the 2026 elections. The man has literally fought everybody including the church. “So how do you win elections “. His treacherous behaviour and betrayal of those who previously campaigned for him will certainly come back to haunt him. In a nutshell it will help Mr Hichilema to stand down and serve himself from a very embarrassing and humiliating defeat as the electoral tide is certainly against him. This environment is highly hostile and charged and cannot sustain a stolen election,” Msoni warns.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Fellow Citizens,

This morning, I along with a few of my colleagues went into our Lusaka Central Business District (CBD) just to have a feel of how our traders are fairing with this apparent high cost of doing business. While we toured the CBD, we came across a woman trader selling tomatoes and onions by the roadside and stopped to buy some for our homes, I was personally amazed by how high the prices of commodities have become under the current regime.

When I asked the woman why one tomato was costing not less than k5, she replied, ” Daddy vintu vonse vadula, ma order nayo Ku Soweto uku mitengo bana lunda (Sir, prices of everything have gone up).” Please find time to go through the town centre and Soweto Market, and you will be shocked.”

Taking up her challenge, I decided to pass through Soweto Market and Lusaka’s Central Business District (CBD) to see for myself. True to her words, prices of commodities are indeed very high for ordinary Zambians and something drastic has to be done by those in authority to ensure that our people’s lives are made much more bearable than the apparent situation.

However, my word of encouragement to all entrepreneurs, whether small, medium, or large, is this: don’t lose hope; continue working hard fikabalansa, fikapanga sense.

As I reflect on my visit to the CBD today I urge all fellow citizens to continue to support all local businesses, no matter how small or big they may be, because that’s how we will impact our country’s economic growth by empowering each other.

God Bless!

(I Write What I Like)

09.05.2024

By Daimone Siulapwa

In the wild arena of politics, the adage “strategy is key” echoes with unforgiving clarity.

Politics is a territory where the stakes are high, and the consequences of missteps can be dire.

The rise and fall of the original United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) serve as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of political warfare.

From its idea’s inception, UKA captured the imagination of the masses with its promise of a united front against the status quo.

Coupled with the high cost of living and the growing recentiment against the UPND government, its vision resonated deeply with the many disillusioned citizens.

Yet, despite the fervent support it garnered, UKA faltered where it mattered most – in the area of political strategy.

In politics, timing is everything. UKA’s fatal flaw lay in its over excitement and the premature unveiling to the public, neglecting the crucial armor of legal status or registration.

The enthusiasm it generated among the populace proved to be its own undoing, as it emboldened the powers that be to swiftly snuff out its nascent flame and correctly so, this is politics and no child play.

UPND will not easily give up power after spending more than 20 years in opposition, it would be catastrophic for the party and its members. So the sooner the opposition are clear on this, the better for them and thier strategy.

The failure to secure legal status before basking in the limelight was a strategic blunder of catastrophic proportions for UKA and it is surprising that, such legal minds of Sakwiba Sikota and team could make such a grave error.

It handed ammunition to adversaries who wasted no time in exploiting UKA’s vulnerability.

In the ruthless game of politics, such oversights are akin to laying one’s neck on the chopping block and daring fate to intervene and it has indeed.

The demise of the original UKA serves as a cautionary tale for political aspirants and seasoned veterans alike.

It underscores the importance of meticulous planning and foresight in navigating the treacherous waters of political maneuvering.

In the words of Sun Tzu, “Know thyself, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”

The current rumors of a rebranded fake entity masquerading under the familiar guise of UKA (Unfied Knowledge for Africa) serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of folly.

While some may view this as political persecution, others see it for what it truly is – a cleaver maneuvering by UPND and a strategy failure by UKA.

Has UKA planned and excuted its strategy well, the public would have been spared the nonsense and drama we found ourselves in.

But let us not be deceived by smoke and mirrors. The old adage rings true – “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me, so it’s back again to the drawing board for the original UKA team and it’s not too late.

The lessons of UKA’s downfall are writ large for all who dare to challenge the status quo – keep your cards close to your chest, bide your time, and strike when the iron is hot and have unquestionable legal standing.

So, farewell to the old UKA, a casualty of its own impetuosity.

Daimone Siulapwa is a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity, and Citizen Economic Empowerment.

For all comments and inquiries regarding content creation, research, speeches, proposals, book writing, creative marketing, investigations, and more, please feel free to contact us at dsiulapwa@gmail.com

Grateful for the visits by chairman of UKA, Hon Sakwiba Sikota SC and Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube, KBF, President ZMP and my attorney.

Below is a message from my family to who this may concern.

As family of Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, we are now concerned with the treatment that he is receiving from state organs with regards his health. We believe that this is so, because of orders from the executive and a few individuals holding absolute authority and are directing officers from other branches of government to carry out their desires and overlook his human rights to receive medical care, whether outside the country or within by showing callousness to his condition.

Despite the ACC denying him exit to a pre-arranged appointment and for medical treatment in South Africa,at KKIA, they now seek and have issued a bench warrant to have him incarcerated just when he is being attended to with a grave condition in a local health facility.

This lack of empathy from all involved in this scheme is scandalous and stinks of not providing justice but to have him suffer for more than the allegation laid on him in the court and unfortunately its ‘ he who pays the piper calls the tune’ and they seem to ignore that soon and very soon, things a bound to change and matters that were done out of appeasement will come and haunt them.

GBM, is an established citizen and not a flight risk and has always been a patriotic member of our country with visible investments in this very country and not forgetting that he did popularize certain personalities and organizations using his hard earned resources and his popularity too, even in no go areas that were evidently pronounced.

We as family, will no longer sit back and keep quiet at the whims of those playing the pipe continue to be inhumane and those dancing to the tune to throw away logic and constitutionalism. Enough is indeed enough.

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

President Hichilema and Tax Havens

..we have said the sophistication involved in plundering national resources by President Hichilema’s team is unprecedented…

It is not a secret.

President Hakainde Hichilema has stashed most of his wealth in tax havens as reported by various international oversight institutions and investigative journalists such as the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists(ICIJ).

Now Zambia is seeking Diplomatic Relations with tax haven countries Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Republic of Panama and the Saint Vincent and Grenadines.

This is according to a decision made by President Hichilema’s 8th cabinet meeting held on Monday, 6th May 2024 at State House.

This will likely be followed by tax treaties. A DTA (double tax agreement) may require tax to be levied by the country of residence, and be exempt in the country in which it arises.

Despite making money in Zambia, if an investor can prove residence in these tax havens, they may not be required to pay taxes in Zambia as this will amount to double taxation.

In 2017, President Hichilema was identified as one of the 120 politicians across the world that have used tax havens for tax dodging purposes.

The Paradise Papers, numbering 13.4-million leaked documents from Appleby’s offices in Mauritius, have revealed how the rich evaded millions of dollars in tax and kept questionable business decisions under wraps.

Mr Hichilema is said to have become a Director of a Bermuda company known as AfNat Resources Ltd.

Bermuda is a UK island in the North Atlantic Ocean and is widely known as the World’s worst corporate tax heaven with zero personal income tax and corporate tax until 2016.

In March 2006, Mr Hichilema who is listed in the leaked documents as a Zambian corporate executive with interests in mining, finance and other industries resigned in August 2016, according to Appleby’s records.

Appleby is a law firm that claims to be one of the largest providers of offshore legal services.

Mr Hichilema’s AfNat Resources was incorporated in 2005 and explored for nickel and other metals in Zambia and other African countries.

It was listed on London’s alternative investment market until 2010 when it was purchased by Canadian mining company Axmin for about $14 million.

As on April, 14, 2010 AfNat Resources Limited was acquired by Axmin Inc.

LOADSHEDDING: GOVT AND ZESCO ARE NOT BEING HONEST

It is clear that Zesco and Mr Hichilema’s government are not being truthful on loadshedding and the manner they’re managing or taking away the generated units from the national grid.

On this matter, both Zesco and the government have plainly been exposed. They have been uncovered as liars, deceptive and fraudulent people. No wonder there is a yawning credibility gap at the moment between their public announcements and what is actually obtaining on the ground.

It is evident that the people are frustrated, agitated and have lost respect, trust and believability for them on account of how they’re dealing with the loadshedding situation. There are a lot of lies, unprofessionalism, and under-reporting of the situation. To expose them even further, we demand answers to the following questions:

(1) Why is Zesco not following the loadshedding schedule?

(2) Why do we have so many high levels of unplanned outages and claims of breakdown or maintenance from Zesco? Isn’t this a subtle way of extending loadshedding hours?

(3) Why are they refuting that the loadshedding period is now beyond the announced 8 hours and has risen to between 10 – 12 hours a day? Why can’t they admit that the loadshedding stages or hours have significantly changed?

(4) In April 2024, Zesco signed a power deal with EDM – Mozambique’s state-owned power utility – to enable them to import 90 megawatts of power. So why has loadshedding hours increased if there is an addition of 90 megawatts of power to the national grid as claimed?

(5) Zesco also claimed that the announced 8 hours loadshedding period was worked out based on the water allocation at Kariba, which is supposed to be rationalized up to December. But if this is the case, why the increase in loadshedding hours and power importation, if according to their estimates our water levels or allocation at Kariba were supposed to run us through to December? Does this mean we are generating more units for export and in the process reducing our allocation beyond the estimates done?

(6) If we follow Zesco’s estimates, more loadshedding period means less water being drained or utilized at Kariba, so where are they taking the units they’re generating? Can they release the figures of how much generated units they’re taking out of the national grid and who the beneficiaries are?

(7) It is common knowledge that during winter, the national grid is strained due to excess demand. And we are heading into winter. When will Zesco and this government come out in the open and admit that the electricity crisis will actually get worse? Why can’t they tell people the truth?

While in opposition, Mr Hichilema blamed loadshedding on poor leadership, castigating the then administration not to hide under climate change or unpredictable weather patterns. But under his watch, Zambia is witnessing the worst loadshedding in history, and they don’t seem to have a solution.

People are hopeless and helpless as they see their businesses and lives being destroyed every single day. Let Mr Hichilema and his government stop lying or deceiving the people about loadshedding because they have lamentably failed to manage this crisis. Let them tell the people the truth.

Fred M’membe

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NEW ELECTRICITY TARIFFS
By Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda, energy expert
…………………………..

The recent increase in electricity tariffs has created a lot of panic among members of the public. Here is the truth:
1) In 2023, ERB reduced the tariff for consumers who use below 100 units by 7 ngwee per unit. In 2024, ERB has increased the tariff for this category by 4 ngwee per unit, meaning that this category is still saving by 3 ngwee per unit. It is wrong to say this category consisting of the most vulnerable has been made worse off. The tariff is still below where it was before last year’s revision.

2) In 2023, ERB reduced electricity for consumers who use 300 to 500 units by 40 ngwee per unit. In 2024, ERB has increased the tariff for this category by 15 ngwee per unit, meaning consumers in this category are saving 25 ngwee per unit. It is wrong to say that this category has been made worse by the recent adjustment as the tariff is still below where it was before last year’s revision.

3) In 2023, ERB reduced the tariff for small businesses who use less than 100 units by 40 ngwee per unit. In 2024, ERB has increased by 11 ngwee per unit, meaning that the small businesses in this category are saving 29 ngwee per unit. It is wrong to say the small businesses have been made worse. Their tariff is still below where it was before last years price revision.
4) In 2023, ERB reduced the tariff for medium businesses who use 100 to 300 units by 60 ngwee per unit. In 2024, ERB has increased tariff for these businesses by 20 ngwee per unit, meaning that this category is saving 40 ngwee per unit. It is wrong to say these businesses have been made worse as the tariff is still below where they were before last year’s revision.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

It means that electricity tariffs for many customer categories who are the most vulnerable are still in a reduced position when you net off last year’s reductions and this year’s upward adjustments.

HAS GOVERNMENT DELIVERED ON ITS PROMISE TO REDUCE THE TARIFFS?

1) Yes, for several customer categories, the net effect of the reductions received last year and this year’s upward adjustment show that the tariffs have been reduced.
2) The burden of new electricity tariffs has been shifted to consumers who use a lot of electricity above 500 units. Both last year and this year, the trend is the same for this category. There is also one category that uses 100 units to 300 units, which has a slight upward movement.

In conclusion, some of the customers who are calling and expressing their desperation have not been made worse at all compared with where they were before change of government. The overall position for many of the customers’ categories is that they are still paying less than what they were paying before last year’s tariff adjustment. There have been far big tariff adjustments before, like the 113% hike and the 75% hike of 2019- the last hike. The reason this is happening is to improve the viability of the Zambian Electricity Industry in order to attract more investors. We desperately and urgently need investors in the sector.

PF DEALT HUGE POLITICAL BROW AS CHARLES MUTUTWA REJOINS UPND

The PF and its allied members in the UKA has suffered yet another political blow as one of its strong man, former PF Western Province, Charles Mututwa has rejoined the ruling UPND.

In his remarks, Mr MUTUTWA, who defected to the PF in prior to the 2021 general elections, cited the numerous economic strides that the UPND government has made in its first 2 years, 7 months in the office as the major reason for rejoining the party.

He further said the strong love and grassroots support that the UPND was experiencing, let alone President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to provide the much needed economic emancipation to the country’s masses was another reason for him to join the ruling party.

He also said he would endeavor all he could to make sure that the party grows and remains rooted.

Speaking when she welcomed Mututwa back to the party at the UPND Secretariate this afternoon, Ms Imenda stressed said the UPND was a party that ran an open door policy that allowed every Zambia to be part of the movement.

She also encouraged UPND members to welcome the new member with open hands, adding that there was no new member in the ruling party.

She also rubbished assertions that the former PF was on its way of coming back to form Government, stressing that the UKA establishment was non-entity that has no political stamina.

During the same event, Alex Mulenga Chewe, also from the former ruling party, PF, also rejoined the ruling party.

Mr Chewe was prior to his defection to then ruling PF a member of the Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba aka GBM-led faction.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM

ZESCO refutes Mapani’s impending dismissal

The board of state-owned power utility Company ZESCO has reportedly resolved to fire the Utility Managing Director Victor Mapani for his alleged inability to come up with innovative short to medium term solutions to the ongoing electricity crisis in Zambia.

A source at ZESCO who asked for their names to be withheld revealed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the board at ZESCO has passed a vote of no confidence in the CEO Mapani and that he will be fired unless outside interference saves him.

The move follows mounting pressure on government over continued energy crisis in both fuel and electricity in the country. Fuel prices continue to rise while electricity deficit deepens with more increments expected.

This twin energy crisis has already claimed two victims with the removal of the ERB board chairperson Raynolds Bowa and placement on forced leave of the regulators Director General Yohane Mulabe after reportedly approving double upward adjustments of fuel pump prices and the about 10% increase in electricity tariffs without consultations with top government bosses.

Both ERB, ZESCO, and the parent Ministry of Energy have been heavily criticized by industry players, experts and concerned citizens alike, who accuse them of being out of touch with the realities on the ground and insisting on policies that continue to hurt both businesses and households.

According to an impeccable sources close to the matter, the ZESCO board of directors decided to part ways with Mapani due to his failure to deliver on his mandate as the head of the state-owned power utility company.

But ZESCO has refused to confirm the reports, leaving many to speculate. Speaking when contacted by ZBT, ZESCO spokesperson Matongo Maumbi said, the matter is a big rumor which he was not aware of. “That is a very big rumor which I can’t comment on and I
don’t know about that.”

When told that their are impeacable sources who have indicated that Mapani has indeed been sacked by the board, Maubi stated that “I don’t deal with rumors and there is no such a thing, if it is there I don’t know but there is no such a thing.”

Members of the public and some energy experts have accused Mapani and his management team of being out of touch with the realities on the ground and failing to come up with innovative and practical solutions to the energy crisis.

The energy crisis has further been exacerbated by a decline in water levels at the country’s main hydroelectric power stations, resulting in reduced electricity generation. Zambia over depends on hydro power which accounts for about 80% of the total power generated in the country.

Big Solar solutions and deals signed which had been publicized are were expected to provide the fall back seem to have all been derailed with no definite dates for commencement of construction communicated to the public.

Moreover, Mapani had most recently come under fire on accusations of nepotism over the employment and promotions of relatives at a time when the utility is under heavy public scrutiny. More details to follow… – ZBT

DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 8TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 6TH MAY, 2024.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, called for the 8th Cabinet Meeting in the Year 2024, on Monday, 6th May, 2024, at State House, to deliberate on policy and legislative matters with the view to enhancing national development in the country for the good of the people.

Cabinet made the following decisions:

1. Suspension of Import duty on the importation of maize.

In order to respond to the adverse effects of the devastating drought the country has experienced, Cabinet approved the drought response plan at its 7th Meeting which was held on 8th April, 2024. This was after His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, declared the country’s drought as a national disaster and emergency on Thursday, 29th February, 2024. Following the declaration, on 16th April, 2024, the President made an appeal to the international community, partners within the country, the private sector, the church and civil society organisations to support the drought response plan financially and materially in mitigating the devastating effects of the drought.

To ensure that the Zambian people have adequate food, Cabinet at its 8th Meeting held on Monday, 6th May, 2024, approved the suspension of applicable import duty of 15 percent and surtax of 5 percent on the importation of maize to zero.

This measure taken by Cabinet, is also meant to incentivise the private sector to participate in the importation of the staple food, maize, so as to ensure that there is adequate food in the country.

2. Establishment of Formal Diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the Republic of Panama and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cabinet approved that Zambia should establish formal diplomatic relations (using normal administrative resources) and not to open embassies nor send officers to the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Republic of Panama and the Saint Vincent and Grenadines.

Cabinet has indicated that there is need to formalise relations with these countries in order to boost Zambia’s international interests, especially that Zambia has been exchanging goodwill messages with these countries without having formally established diplomatic relations. The decision by Cabinet is also premised on the fact that State to State relations among nations provide an essential framework for the conduct of foreign relations, as well as for Zambia to achieve greater Foreign Policy and national interest goals.

3. Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Strategy 2024 – 2027.

Cabinet approved the Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Strategy 2024 – 2027 for implementation.
Government is committed to openness in public sector governance, transparency in fiscal operations and reforms for better service delivery to the citizens and communities. An Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Strategy has, therefore, been prepared which contains proposed strategies to achieve overall fiscal discipline, efficient collections of the revenues, allocation of resources to priority needs, and prudent utilisation of public funds for efficient and effective delivery of public services.

The implementation of the Strategy is expected to result in having a well-functioning integrated Public Financial Management that ensures efficient, effective, and sustainable service delivery which meets developmental aspirations of the citizenry and is poised to transform the country into a middle-income country by 2030.

4. Membership to the Africa50 Fund Infrastructure Development.

Cabinet also approved Zambia’s membership to the Africa50 Fund. The Africa50 Fund is an African Organisation established institution through the African Governments and the African Development Bank.

The Africa50 Fund was ratified by African Finance Ministers in May, 2013 and the headquarter is based in Morocco. The general objective of the Africa50 Fund is to help bridge Africa’s infrastructure funding gap by facilitating projects development, mobilising public and private sector finance, as well as investing in bankable infrastructure projects that have significant development impact and have a risk adjusted return to investors. The Africa50 Fund also helps develop existing pipeline projects for investment with strategic partners, as well as mobilising public and private sector funding from within and outside Africa.

5. Statutory Instruments:

(a) The Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Construction Materials) (Public Private Partnership) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024.

Cabinet approved the Statutory Instrument intended to amend the Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Construction Materials) (Public Private Partnership) Regulations, 2023.

The 2023 National Budget introduced tax incentives aimed at encouraging investment in Public Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects. The tax incentives include reduced income tax rate from 30 percent to 15 percent, value added tax and customs duty exemption on plant, machinery and equipment. Therefore, the draft Statutory Instrument, 2024, approved by Cabinet, aims to extend the list of critical materials to be imported for PPP Projects, in order to address the current infrastructure deficit in the country.

The implementation of the 2024 Statutory Instrument will result in a significant reduction in the cost of procurement of materials, reduce overall project costs, enhance project competitiveness and relieve pressure on the Treasury to meet the infrastructure deficit going forward.

(b) The Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Export Duty) (Treated Wooden Poles) Regulations, 2024.

Another Statutory Instrument approved by Cabinet during the Meeting, is the Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Export Duty) (Treated Wooden Poles) Regulations, 2024, which is intended to suspend export duty on treated wooden poles.

The 2016 National Budget introduced a 40 percent export duty on unprocessed wood to encourage local value addition and enable the country to benefit from local natural resource endowments. The local forestry companies responded to the measure by investing into expansion of pole treatment plants to enhance local value addition, with intention to meet local demand.

However, the local forestry industry has over the years, produced poles in excess of local demand and the surplus of the commodity going to waste due to lack of orders in the domestic market. As such, local pole processing companies have sought opportunity in the export market. However, the 40 percent export duty renders local poles uncompetitive as the final price is hiked when exported. This hinders the country’s access to a significant and available export market, which presents potential earnings of the much-needed foreign exchange, that would not only support efforts to stabilise our currency, but also contribute to the overall growth of the economy.

The issuance of the Statutory Instrument will, therefore, suspend export duty on treated wooden poles when exported by a forestry company issued with an export permit by the Ministry responsible for lands and natural resources.

6. Signing and Ratification of the Beira Development Corridor Agreement.

Cabinet approved that Zambia should sign and ratify the Beira Development Corridor Agreement (BDCA) amongst the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Zambia.

It is in the interest of Cabinet for Zambia to sign and ratify the BDCA in order for the Agreement to enter into force and facilitate the creation of coordination mechanisms and address the challenges that require to be resolved by the five Contracting States. This will promote and facilitate infrastructure development, transit-transport cooperation and cross border trade among the five Contracting States and ensure that they benefit from the various initiatives and development projects to be undertaken by the various stakeholders and Cooperating Partners within the Corridor.

The Beira Development Corridor is critical to enhancing regional and international trade competitiveness particularly for the landlocked countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Democratic Republic of Congo.

7. The Teaching Profession (Repeal), Bill, 2024.

Cabinet approved in principle, to repeal the Teaching Profession Act No. 5 of 2013 in order to among others, introduce licensure examinations for teachers; change the composition and number of the Council members; and regulate the professional conduct of teachers.

The Teaching Profession Act No. 5 of 2013 was enacted in order to regulate the teaching profession. The law provides for registration of teachers in a teacher’s register and issuance of practicing certificates which gives the teachers authority to teach in any given school whether private or public.

Cabinet has agreed to introduce licensure examinations for teachers in order to enhance quality assurance and professionalism of teachers. Further, the Act has two parallel structures for disciplining erring teachers. Teachers in the Private sector are disciplined by the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council of Zambia, while those in Public Service are disciplined by the Teaching Service Commission. This has made it difficult to enforce teacher professionalism comprehensively.

The proposed Bill, once enacted, will enforce discipline in both the private and public sectors; align the law to Government policy direction on the number of Council members; and mandate the Council to register qualified teachers, monitor, enforce and promote professionalism in the education system through licensure examinations.

8. Zambia’s Hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum.

In winding up debate for the day, Cabinet approved Zambia’s hosting of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum which is scheduled to take place from 20th to 22nd June, 2024, under the theme “Creating Opportunities in the AfCFTA Digital Trade Market: Accelerating Intra-Africa Trade.”

Hosting of the AfCFTA Digital Forum is premised on the need to bring together key stakeholders from the 54 Member States of the AfCFTA, to dialogue on key opportunities that exist within the AfCFTA market, following the adoption of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.

The decision by Cabinet to host the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum aligns with some existing policies such as the AU Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2023), and the Protocol to the Agreement establishing the AfCFTA on Digital Trade.

Given the conclusion of the protocol on digital trade, it is an opportune time to convene the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum. This forum will bring together industry players, policymakers, and opinion leaders to engage in dialogue regarding the opportunities under the AfCFTA.

Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa , MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

8th May, 2024

AM READY TO TESTIFY FOR ZUMANI – LUNGU

Muhabi Lungu writes….

This is very interesting. I don’t know Dr. Zumani personally; however, someone can tell him that I would be prepared to be called and testify for him and provide a character witness for Dr. Mumba.

Although I have not asked him about this particular matter, I am pretty sure that even R. Nakachinda would be prepared to give a character evaluation of Dr. Mumba. Although I don’t regard myself as perfect or a saint, I do believe that everyone of us in the political arena offering ourselves for leadership should be ready to be evaluated by the public and not get mad if they can see through our hypocrisy.

For example, why should Bashi Mutende be attacked if he holds an opinion about the socialist party leader? He must have his reasons for holding that opinion. If you have a different opinion, and if you want to be fair, just ask him why he holds this opinion about Fred M’membe.

I too have an opinion about Fred, about HH, and about ECL, just like many of you have an opinion about them and about me. If I express my opinion about, say, Boman Lusambo, just ask me to justify my opinion. Don’t attack or quickly dismiss my opinion because it may be helpful to you.

It is common and useful in true democracies to evaluate the past behaviour of people. Because people don’t suddenly change their characters when they get into office. In fact, the bad side of their characters is accentuated by power.

So, let us honestly be allowed to dig into the past history of our leaders and evaluate them so that we don’t put dangerous people in the office. So that we don’t start complaining later that nobody told us.

There are far too many fake and dishonest people in our politics who go around pretending that they are holy and good when, in fact, they are not. I for one, the day I tell people that I want to lead you, please dig out all the nasty things I have ever done so that people can discover who I truly am.

As for Dr. Mumba, in the spirit of informing the public, I am willing to be put on the stand and share my personal experience with him, and I know a lot. Somebody call me to court, and under oath, I will testify. See less

UPND DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF TENSION WITH CATHOLIC CHURCH AMIDST PF PROPAGANDA

The United Party for National Development (UPND) refutes claims of tension with the catholic church, dismissing them as mere propanganda by the embattled former ruling party PF.

UPND Consultant Mark Simuuwe addressing media at the Anderson Kambela house in Lusaka this morning, described the ongoing narrative suggesting tension between the church and the ruling party ‘UPND’ as an agenda the embattled PF are setting to dent the image of the ruling party and its President who has exposed their weaknesses in governing and managing the country’s resources.

“ Our Party has always maintained a respectful and cooperative relationship with the catholic church and we value the important role they play in our society.” said Mr Simuuwe.

Adding that it is crucial to not fall for false narratives and instead focus, on the facts and truth of the matter.

Mr Simuuwe said that, It is a known fact that the Patiotic Front during their time in government completely failed, to acknowledge and recognise the role played by the Catholic Church in the social and economic system of the governance.

“It is so shocking that those who previously disregarded the Catholic Church, marginalized the church’s voice and gave preference to alternative groups like “Christians for Lungu.” are now leading a propaganda claiming that there is tension between with the ruling party,”said Mr Simuuwe.

He noted that the opposition are spearheading the propaganda when, there has been no formal complaint from the Catholic Church or the ruling party regarding any conflicts between them.

“Yet, the PF persist in creating a false narrative of tension, which not only lacks sincerity but also disrespects the Catholic Church and undermines efforts to foster unity.” said Mr Simuuwe.

He said the ruling party has maintained a positive and constructive relationship with the Catholic Church since their time in opposition.

Mr Simuuwe said the UPND will not fall prey to divisive propaganda, but will continue to uphold the values, transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all public discussions.

And condemned PF’s attempts to fabricate a conflict between the Catholic Church and the ruling party.

“As Zambians, we must remain vigilant against such divisive tactics and prioritize unity and cooperation for the betterment of our nation.”said Mr Simuuwe.

Adding that it is important to scrutinise the motives behind these accusations and acknowkedge, President Hichilema’s dedication and efforts to fostering a harmonious bond between the church, government and the people of Zambia in general.

Mr Simuuwe said the current situation of PF’s efforts to manufacture discord calls for alertness from the people of Zambia who need a peaceful environment.

“We echo President Hakainde’s call that unity and collaboration over divisive strategies is key to the advancement and prosperity of every nation.

UPND MT

HH IS NOT LOSING 2026…he is doing a fantastic job – Kavindele

By Ernest Chanda

I AM supporting HH because he is doing a fantastic job, says former vice-president Enoch Kavindele.

In an interview, Kavindele said President Hakainde Hichilema has spent a lot of time correcting Lungu’s mistakes

“With hindsight I should have supported HH in 2016 to win the elections and Zambia today would have been paradise. HH is not losing the 2026 elections because his policy of taking development to all parts of Zambia is highly appreciated by all, especially those areas that were ignored by the previous administration. It is true that I went round the country flying with Edgar in order to assist him win the elections,” he told The Mast. “To me at the time I didn’t know much about the man. However, in 2021 I couldn’t assist him or join his election campaign because I had now learnt the type of person he was through the writings of his political advisor Mr Zumani Zimba. He said this man was corrupt, he was a playboy and was wasting a lot of public resources. That came from his own political advisor. In order to assist Lungu I had been approached by the late RB – Rupiah Banda to assist this man in campaigns. And also president Lungu himself sent some very senior military man from the North Western Province to come and ask me to please assist. And this is based on the experience I have in the elections. I campaigned for president KK in 1968 when I was 18 [years old]. I campaigned for Chiluba, Mwanawasa, RB. All those I campaigned for them. So my reputation as a communicator is very well known. When Lungu won I did not even get the courtesy of an acknowledgment, thanking me for the 90 days that I had to sleep in some places where mosquitoes were feasting on me.”

Kavindele concluded that Lungu failed in the last elections because of having raw advisors such as Zimba.

He regretted that he supported Lungu in 2016 instead of President Hichilema.

“Now with revelations coming from the AG (Auditor General) I can see that this man performed poorly because of having raw – inexperienced political advisors. Mr Kaizar Zulu and this chap Zimba. So for those they just thought that politics was about enjoying, getting benefits, whatever. But I never got any benefits from government. Zimba and others benefitted from my sweat because I have contributed a lot to the politics of this country. He is therefore a wrong chap to start insulting me because there is nothing he has done for this country,” said Kavindele. “In those days there was no CDF but I contributed my personal resources to building schools in Chingola. And all those projects are there and some of the people who saw this are still there in Chingola. I do have a lot of respect for the presidency, yes, but after Zumani revealed Lungu’s activities I realised that I made a mistake by campaigning for Lungu. On the other hand I am supporting HH because he is doing a fantastic job. And were it not for the drought, I think Zambia would have had a bumper crop. But HH could not stop the drought because that is now somebody else’s responsibility – our Creator. HH has spent a lot of time correcting Lungu’s mistakes. When a country borrows money and you fail to pay you’re sending a terribly wrong signal. And that’s what the PF did.”

PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA TO UNDERTAKE OFFICIAL VISIT TO KENYA

Press Statement:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the nation that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia will embark on an Official Visit to Kenya at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, to attend the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit, which is scheduled for 9th May 2024.

President Hichilema will engage with other African Heads of State and Government, along with high-ranking Government officials, senior policymakers and development partners at this important meeting. The Summit serves as a platform to assess soil health across Africa and deliberate on innovative policies, financing mechanisms, and investments geared toward boosting agricultural productivity. The Summit will aim to highlight the crucial role of fertilizer and soil health in stimulating sustainable pro-poor productivity growth in African agriculture, and to forge consensus on an African Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan.

The Summit will be preceded by an Experts Session and a Joint Ministerial Session for Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Agriculture on 7th and 8th May 2024, respectively. These sessions will offer an opportunity for experts and policymakers to delve into key topics and prepare recommendations for discussion during the main Summit.

The decision to convene the Summit was endorsed by the 40th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2022.

The convening of the Summit is timely and aligns seamlessly with Zambia’s ambitious Economic Transformation Agenda. President Hichilema’s participation in this meeting is therefore crucial in order to shore up the Government’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships in the Agriculture sector, which serves as a primary source of livelihood for the majority of Zambian citizens.

Additionally, the Government remains committed to attracting investments in climate-smart agriculture in order to bolster food security, enhance livelihood resilience, and mitigate the detrimental impacts of climate change.

On the margins of the Summit, the President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders and heads of key international organisations, leveraging the opportunity to discuss pressing regional and global issues.

The President is expected to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements.

Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P
ACTING MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

7th May, 2024

Excerpts from my book, One Zambia One Nation; how Presidents have navigated around the issue

If KK thought he had enough problems on his plate to deal with especially with the rise of the Frederick Chiluba led MMD which was already breathing heavily on his neck, then he was in for rude awakening. Mid-1980s, a reformist leader, Mikhail Gorbachev had taken over in the Soviet Union. He introduced sweeping reforms which entailed openness (glasnost) – allowing for enhanced freedom of speech and press while at the same time embarking on decentralising economic decision-making (perestroika) to move the country from its stagnation.

Perhaps buoyed up by events panning out in the birth place of UNIPs ideologies, some youthful members of the party’s central committee approached their peer, Enock Kavindele, and asked him to consider challenging KK for the party’s leadership position at the next convention. Kavindele was a renowned wealthy businessman, having started his business career in the 1970s when he established Woodgate Holdings Ltd; a company with a vast portfolio of services that included agriculture, real estate, tourism, mining and transportation. However, before he could come to any conclusion, he sought to have audience with the President.

“The way I see things your Excellency, UNIP does not stand any chance of winning the elections,” he calmly said to him, not sure whether the man would immediately explode and show him the door.

Prior to that, a fatigued KK had hinted to his close colleagues he was retiring from active politics. As a person who introduced one party politics, he wasn’t keen on being at helm as the country reverted back to multiparty politics. However, some old-timers in the central committee, who weren’t quite certain about the future, prevailed on him to rescind his decision. They were literally in tears as they pleaded with him not to throw-in the towel considering that the new government might withhold their retirement packages.

During this period of uncertainty when KK didn’t know who to trust, central committee meetings had to be held outside the Cabinet room in the garden just in case it was bugged to avoid any unauthorised information leaking out to the public. Unknown to them, one of the ministers who was also a member of the central committee was a Judas Iscariot. He would pass-on whatever was discussed during meetings to the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). Clement Mwananshiku would actually be rewarded with an appointment as Ambassador to Germany after the change of government.

Kavindele wasn’t bothered to square it off with KK after all, he didn’t have any running contract with government, his books were equally clean while he was upto date with his taxes. But wait a minute? Who in their right frame of mind would take on mighty Kaunda? To his hardcore supporters, Kaunda was a demigod. One would actually often hear the chants of, “Kumulu ni Lesa, panshi ni Kaunda (roughly translated, in heaven it’s Kaunda, on earth it’s Kaunda). Kavindele had dared stray into the Lion’s den fully aware he risked being mauled. He was yet to pay the price.

During the party convention held at the Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe in 1991, he had to endure all sorts of insults and threats from fellow delegates. Although he was provided with state security, some elderly women somehow managed to find their way to his challet half-naked and burst into songs punctuated with graphic language. It was a tense atmosphere; the notorious vigilantes were baying for his blood. Before the day of reckoning though, Kavindele chickened-out of the race and left for Lusaka!

He would resign from UNIP and form his own political party – the United Democratic Party which he bankrolled single-handedly. In the ensuing elections, the party would win a good number of local government seats. Nevertheless, he would later disband his party and join ruling MMD.

“I would rather be near the King than being the King himself,” he would say.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst